On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

Lady Agatha and Lord Ian strolled through the large crowd, toward a bare and unlit bonfire stacked with logs of wood and a post in the center. Turning to the coven behind them, they gestured their hands downward, instructing everyone to kneel on mats everyone had brought, then the chanting, in a low eerie tone, began. It was no more than a few phrases that were repeated in a Latin tongue with the Priest and Priestess standing in front of the mass, dramatically holding out their arms.

Lady D looked around, then stood close to her daughter; they looked around, watching and listening as the men and women ceased their chanting, while green and red threads of magic began swirling through the air, coming from the Shayds that were present, adding their arcane touch to the ritual process. The threads hovered in thick streams like Ireland’s version of the Aurora Borealis, as Lord Ian and Lady Agatha stood by the large pile of wood stacked high against one another. The magic swirled through the crowd that took in the energy that was being offered, but for Lady D and her daughter, this was dark magic and had a negative intent behind it; the moment is, or was, an unpleasant experience they fought off because it was too intoxicating, especially for Yzavela who closed her eyes, feeling the effects that tickled up and down her spine.

“I don’t like this.” Lady D complained telepathically.

“I don’t either.” I groaned, clenching my fists.

Lady Agatha and Lord Ian raised their hands simultaneously, summoning some of the large warlocks and Shayds forward. Looking to their left, they watched as the men dragged from the castle, two people, a young man and woman shackled in a set of silver chains around their wrists and ankles. They were barefoot, dressed in torn-ragged clothing with dirt smudged on their faces, hands, feet and arms. As the men continued to drag them through the crowd, it parted, making a clear path to the unlit bonfire.

From their place among the thick mass, Lady D and Yzavela could see they were young, maybe 17 or 18 years of age with red hair and green eyes, tying together their sibling bond. As the chains crafted in silver, glistening from nearby torches, it caused great discomfort making contact against their skin.

“Silver chains.” I muttered to my mom, holding onto her arm, “They’re Lycynians.” I looked at her solemnly.

“Are you sure?” Lady D whispered.

Reaching out my demonic senses in a way that Shung-Lee had taught me, I could feel the paranormal DNA pulsing in their veins.

“Yes.” I groaned affirmatively, “Young ones too that haven’t been though their first shift yet.” I finished telepathically.

Lord Ian and Lady Agatha stepped aside, allowing the Shayds and warlocks to shackle their chains to the tall wooden post to a ring above their heads, locking them in place, then added magic to the metal rings and bracelets, strengthening a hold they had upon the young Lycynians that were too weak to put up a fight, giving into their unknown fate.

From the looks of them from my point-of-view, their heads hung low from doses of some sort of tranquilizer and I took guess, thinking it must have been Wolfsbane.

Once the Lycynians were secured, Lord Ian and Lady Agatha watched as the Shayds and warlocks joined the fellow men and women of the crowd, then turned, beginning the ritual as the full moon shone high above, and down upon the helpless, young Lycynians that held their heads up, slowly blinking open their eyes turning yellow. Whimpering and crying out, fangs protruded from their gums and claws extracted from their fingernails, only to retract from the sensitivity of both the silver chains and shackles. Their bodies attempted going through their first shift, breaking their bones but the heavy doses of the Wolfsbane apparently blocked the full change, but nothing could mask the sound of their howls of pain and torment that were heartbreaking.

Looking around, both Lady D and Yzavela watched as all of the witches, warlocks and Shayds, grew pleased expressions, or displayed eager smiles. Scanning the crowd, the mother and daughter caught glimpses of Mary and Billy standing in the rear of the crowd with solemn expressions and fear in their eyes. They knew they had no part in this sadistic ritual, and were just as surprised and unaware as they were.

“Come everyone…it is time for the deliverance!” Lady Agatha proclaimed loudly, “Feel the goddess’ power!” she held out her arms, facing the bonfire that quickly lit along the thick logs piled at the base.

“Prepare yourselves!” Lord Ian announced, “It’s beginning!” he too turned, then glanced at several Shayds nearby, “Add more fuel, we need it strong if they’re to be fed tonight to the goddess!”

The men and women nodded, pulling flames from a cluster of torches nearby, manipulating them before releasing the blasts onto the logs that quickly ignited, crawling up the wood.

A petite dark-haired woman, walked around the High Priest and Priestess, examining the sacrifices that were prepared for her. This woman was Lilith, the first Demon ever recorded in mortal history. Her bare feet left melted, steaming footprints in the snow, and she felt no cold, as her demonic Aura kept her body temperature high. The shredded hem of her black, figure hugging dress, trailed behind her as she mocked in an inaudible voice, while standing between the man and woman, invisible to their natural sight.

“Are you kidding me, you f*cking mortals?” she mocked with a smug grin, “You call yourselves witches and warlocks?! Ha, you’re nothing but Necromancers, and Shayds that are here playing with things you don’t understand, you know nothing about dark magic! Pathetic…” she spat at the ground, “and do you honestly think that this…” she gestured her small hands at the Lycynians, “is what I, the original Demon goddess and Queen of Hell wants for my power?!” she let out a long, hardy mocking laugh, “F*ck that, there is only ONE that deserves, and possesses my power!” she turned, setting her eyes upon a young woman in the crowd, her doppelganger, “Oh yes.” she hissed like a snake, then smiling, she waved her hands toward the fires behind her, causing the bonfire to erupt in height and brightness.

“Look…” Lady Agatha shouted with a pleased grin, “it’s the fire goddess, she is pleased and is here with us!”

Lilith rolled her eyes, then vanished in a burst of red fire that yet again, caused the fires to erupt once more spitting violent embers.

Everyone knelt on mats in the snow, chanting in Latin, and as they raised their hoods, swaying in a vigorous side-to-side motion, they absorbed the magic that they idiotically thought they performed and received. All of the men and women, except for Billy, Mary, Lady D and Yzavela took action in this ritual, remaining on their feet, baffled by the sadistic and brutal, but somewhat hopeful practice.

Looking around, my mom and I were stuck right in the middle of it all.

Whispering cautiously under my breath, I looked at my mom.

“We have to do something, we can’t let them kill them.”

“Like what?” Lady D barked, looking at her daughter, “There are too many powerful witches, warlocks and Shayds, we will not stand a chance against them. I’m mortal, remember? And I don’t think you, despite your training and control of all of your powers, can go against everyone here.” she admitted in a truthful, but fearful tone.

I frowned, then realized she was right, but feeling the sheath of the sword hard against my back beneath my cloak, I now understood why I was meant to bring it.

“They don’t know about Abraxas, and I’m sure these f*ckers have never seen a dragon, aside from those that are from the Isle.” I groaned, “Besides…” I turned, “maybe my demonic nature will come in handy, they want a fire goddess, I’ll give them one they’ll never forget!”

“Wh-what do you mean?” Lady D worried.

“I’ve learned a lot from Shung-Lee.” I finished.

“Meaning what?” Lady D questioned arguably.

“Mommy, we don’t have time for this!” I argued bluntly.

Lady D sighed deeply, looking around her quickly.

“All right fine, but be careful.” she pleaded, “I’ll leave it up to you…Keeper.” she grinned.

I smiled, then focused my attention ahead, shouting loudly.

“Stop! You can’t do this, this is wrong!’ I pushed my way through, falling a few times from the heavy, thickly packed snow. Managing my footing the rest of the way, I listened as my mom followed close behind, and as I glanced at the castle to our right, I telepathically called out for Abraxas, needing his assistance for a grand show of power.

Abraxas laid on the bed, flicking his tail watching Zanzabarr toss around his chew bone when he raised his head, looking around the room, hearing his mother’s voice summon him. As he stood, crawling along the bed, he paused, stretching out his wings then pushed himself into the air, flapping around the room moments before crashing through the window with shards falling to the stone ground. Releasing loud shrieks, he soared high into the air.

Zanzabarr rushed over, staring at the window, avoiding all of the shards then held his head high, releasing a loud howl. He turned, running to the door, studying the obstacle in his path, then began scratching at the bottom with his massive paws. However, that failed, so backing away, he stood beginning to pound against the wood forcefully and after several attempts, the hinges loosened, weakening the doors’ stability and mind you, these were heavy wooden doors with iron and steel bolts and hinges. Seeing that he accomplished the task, the large wolf continued until the door hung at an angle, then squeezing through the frame, he ran down the long halls, howling as he made his way through the castle, until making it outside.

Lady Agatha and Lord Ian turned at the sound of the young woman’s voice interrupting their ritual. Taking steps forward, Lady Agatha hollered, staring in her direction.

“How dare you, girl?! This is none of your business, nor is it any of your concern, get back in line!” she pointed at the mass, “You’re disturbing the ritual and breaking the connection!” she looked past her small shoulder toward Lady D standing in support, “You, woman…is she your child?!” she pointed toward Yzavela.

“Yes, she is and I have a name, Lady Agatha!” Lady D, in a loud voice, proclaimed proudly, “It is Lady D and I support my daughter’s protest, this sacrifice is wrong! My god, look at them, they’re just children, no older than my daughter or any of yours!” she turned to the men and women behind her, “What is wrong with you?! This isn’t true magic, this is dark Necromancy!” she gestured around.

“You foolish woman!” Lord Ian shouted loudly over her, “You dare interrupt our sacrifice with your foolish rantings! Well, I hate to be the one to tell you, but your words are pointless and if you do not comply, I swear we will add you to the fires!” he snapped his fingers of his right hand in a feminine gesture, “Get them out of here!” he watched as two burly warlocks stepped forward, beginning to drag the two women away by gripping their arms, “We will deal with them later!”

“Noooo!” I hollered out, being dragged away, “No, you can’t do this…let us go!” I tried breaking free, but the men had too strong a hold, even with all my persistent struggling to pull away.

“These mother f*ckers are going to learn the hard way, so it seems!” Lady D grunted telepathically, quickly glancing at her daughter.

Lord Ian and Lady Agatha turned their backs, shaking off the disruption, ready to continue when roars boomed from the sky above, followed by distant aggressive howls.

Knowing it was Zanzabarr and Abraxas, I smiled watching as the witches, warlocks and Shayds listened in panic. The men holding onto both my mom and I stood frozen and baffled, and in that moment, their bewilderment allowed my mom and I the perfect opportunity to break free from their grasp.

Lady D stepped on the foot of the man that held onto her, and as he backed away, loosening his grip, she turned to him and gave a hard swing of her clenched fists, punching him against his glass jaw, followed by a fierce, stumbling kick to his groin. Once he fell to his knees, moaning in discomfort, she quickly withdrew her athame from her belt then lunged forward; she was surprised to find herself, taking the man’s life with her own hands, plunging the blade of her dagger, deeply into his neck, causing blood to gush from the gaping wound onto the sleeve of her dress and pouring down his neck. She stood frozen for a moment, watching as the man fell backwards into the snow, coughing on his own blood, feeling dumbfounded. Dropping the athame, she feared what it meant for her, for it ran through her mind, wondering if the man had a family but as she blinked, trying to gather he composure, she heard her daughter’s words run through her mind, from one of many lessons that she had learned from Shung-Lee, that sometimes a kill is justified, especially if it puts your own life in danger, or that of your loved ones and in this case, that held truth.

I paid no attention to where my mother was at the moment; I took the heels of my boots, stomping hard on both feet of the man that held his arms wrapped around me from behind me. I grunted, feeling him loosen his grip and given the freedom to move my arms, I squirmed free, turning to him. Grasping one of his arms, I flipped his tall bulk to the ground, and once he fell, landing in the snow, I removed the sword from its sheath, plunging the blade deeply through his chest, turning the snow beneath him red. As he laid gasping, I groaned, sinking the blade deeper until it struck the snow, then taking a deep breath, I looked around for my mom who stood nearby, looking like a deer in head lights after she too, had taken a man’s life. Removing the sword with an awkward yank upward, I turned, flipping the cloak off my shoulders as I ran toward my mom, who shrieked from my touch.

“Mommy, it’s all right…it’s me.” I pleaded softly. Looking at the man laying nearby with her dagger in the snow near his body, I frowned knowing this wasn’t easy for her, “Mommy?” I gently shook her.

“I…” Lady D stuttered, “I’m all right, just shaken up a bit.”

I nodded then turned, listening as the crowd shouted loudly, begging for forgiveness as they continued listening to the set of loud roars and howls, thinking Hell was opening its gates, coming to claim those that ruined the ritualistic sacrifice.

“Mommy, come on…” I gripped her hand, making our back through the crowd, “stay with me!” I glanced at her over my shoulder.

The Isle’s Winter was unlike any other, bringing to life the flow of seasonal vendors and shopkeepers from across the sea. Ravenstone Manor itself, was magnificent with snow capping the battlement rooftop, offering a picturesque appearance that would make a wonderful Christmas card. The fountain that graced the front courtyard, and that in RP&V froze over but the groundskeepers and elemental Demons, broke the ice on the surface, providing oxygen for the fish and frogs.

While the moon shone high above, and the Lycynians shifted, the village had been sealed off from the Boar-wolves, quickly tying up the end of sales and purchases, including from two of the Isle’s Demons, Erik and Jonathan and mortal girlfriend, Sarah Brye. Strolling through RP&V viewing all of the items and trinkets displayed on tables, Sarah and Jonathan simply skimmed through, for they weren’t as financially fortunate as Erik, your typical rich boy with money to spend, thinking he could buy anything and everything for a good price. Wanting to get their minds off everything that occurred involving the alpha Lycynian Leonus, the three friends wanted something to focus on, however, the lingering doubts and worries could not be easily erased, for they hoped their friend and the newly assigned heir or Keeper Yzavela, would return to set things right under her leadership, not Leonus’ who had attempted to push his weight around.

Skimming through racks of beautiful clothing for women and men, Erik paid no attention to the eerie sounds from the large, menacing creatures, the Boar-wolves that were persistently pounding against the barriers that the Guardian Demons had put in place. Glancing at Jonathan and Sarah, his gray eyes watched as the young man and woman rummaged through a bin of printed scarves, hats and gloves.

“Bloody hell, look at this, isn’t it beautiful?” Sarah joked; her breath fogged in the Winter air. Wrapping a pink and yellow scarf around her head, she turned to Erik and Jonathan, “Hey, what do you think? Is it me?” she teasingly blinked her eyes as she posed.

Both Erik and Jonathan laughed, shaking their heads quickly.

“Nah babe, pink and yellow just aren’t your colors.” Jonathan reached out, gently pulling it off her head, “You look like an Easter marshmallow peep.” he teased affectionately, leaning in, placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

Sarah frowned, slapping the young man’s arm, then snatched the scarf from his hands, tossing it back into the bin.

“He’s right Sarah, and to be truthfully honest?” Erik added, “It looks like someone puked all over it.” he chuckled then glanced at the shopkeeper, hearing the man clear his throat, “Sorry mate, but it’s true.” he shrugged then turned to a rack cluttered with jackets and coats, all in various women sizes.

“I’m sure if Yza were here, you wouldn’t say so.” Sarah said in a complaining whisper, “You would think she looked fabulous and all that.”

“Well, that’s Yza.” Jonathan muttered softly, “She could wear one of those potato sacks and still look good in it.”

Sarah groaned, huffing in jealousy before turning away.

“Yes she will, but what do you think of this?” Erik announced, removing a jacket from its place, turning to his friends for a better view, “Hmm, what do you think?”

Both Sarah and Jonathan turned, observing their friend who held a beautiful black and red faux leather jacket that zipped across the left side with studs along the collar and hem, while chains draped down the arms and buckles across the chest.

“Um…it’s nice mate, but don’t you think it’s a bit too small for you?” Jonathan teased, folding his arms.

“Ha-ha.” Erik squinted, “Funny.” he moaned then turned to the shopkeeper, “Excuse me, how much for this jacket?”

The shopkeeper, an older gentleman, eyed the young man, taking notice he wore the Calvin Klein clothing brand from head-to-foot. Knowing that he could possess a full wallet, he answered the young man in a raspy accent.

“It’s pricey kid, I don’t think you can afford it.”

“Why not?” Erik argued.

“It’s your money, are you sure?”

“Yes.” Erik nodded, laying the jacket on the table.

“Mm, all right then. My kind of buyer.” the man grinned.

“And what kind would that be?” Erik grew arrogant, then glanced back at Jonathan and Sarah who stood nearby, silent for he knew, that it would take all of their savings to afford a piece of clothing like the jacket in question.

“Are you going to buy the jacket or not?” the man barked.

“Yes, just a moment.” Erik snapped at him arrogantly.

“Is everything all right here?” Thomas’ voice interrupted.

“They’re arguing over that bloody jacket, and that Erik can afford to pay for it full price.” Sarah placed her hands inside her pockets for warmth, “It’s bloody ridiculous, really.” she rolled her eyes, “I mean, just buy it and get it over with.”

“Erik…” Thomas stepped closer, “what’s the issue here?”

“There isn’t one.” Erik barked, turning to the Italian, “I just want to buy this jacket but this bloke here is talking about my clothes and having money to spend.” he frowned, laying his hands on the jacket, “When it’s none of his business.”

“Honestly, Thomas…there is no issue.” the man muttered, clasping his hands before him, “I just want to know if he is going to purchase it, or stand around all day wasting my time, and causing me to lose other customers. Get it now kid, that’s all I’m saying, before someone else does.” he shrugged.

“I already told you that I am!” Erik barked at the man.

Thomas firmly placed his left hand on Erik’s shoulder.

“Well, since you’re at it, why don’t Sarah and Jonathan pick out something for themselves and for Yzavela as well, think of it as a good gesture that you can certainly afford, and add to your bill, no?” he looked deeply into the young man’s gray eyes that widened, “I’m not telling you how to spend any of your money, but since you are willing to spend the cash on a single item, wouldn’t it be fair to offer your friends the chance to do the same as well?” he put the young man in his place.

“Um…yeah, sure.” Erik groaned reluctantly.

“We’re fine, Thomas. Really, it’s okay.” Jonathan intervened, not wanting to become part of the issue.

“No, Thomas is right.” Erik turned to his friend, “Go ahead.”

“That’s a good, generous boy.” Thomas squeezed the young man’s shoulder, “Your father would be proud.” he nodded at the shopkeeper then turned, walking away, feeling he had, in a respectful manner, handled the situation. Walking through RP&V hearing voices calling out his name, he thought, “I HATE SPOILED RICH BOYS, THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK FOR THE MONEY THAT FILLS THEIR FANCY POCKETS.” he scoffed in a heavy huff, “THEY HAVE IT TOO EASY.” he quickly shook his head, then turned, hearing another shopkeeper calling out for his assistance, needing help with the setup of their canopy.

Sarah found a pair of black leather feminine boots with a heel, riveted straps and buckles, size 6, that matched the jacket in an unlikely perfect set. Searching through the bins for a little something for herself, she found a wide leather, studded belt with chains that fancied her taste. Smiling as she wrapped it around her waist, making sure it fit, she then laid it with the gloves on the table.

Jonathan, however, skimmed through the racks of vests and jackets of various steampunk fashions. Favoring two, it was a tough choice but he made the final decision, laying a brown and silver paisley printed vest with silver buttons he knew he could wear with just about everything he wore. Also, finding a pair of black and red leather gloves as his gift for Yzavela, he laid them atop the vest.

Erik stood to the side with arrogance all over his face; a deep frown and scrunch of his mouth ruined his handsome features. He watched his friends with thoughts running his mind, and they weren’t pleasant ones. Glancing toward another vendor in the space nearby, there were antique picture frames all set in a display according to their smaller-to-larger sizes or style. Stepping away momentarily, examining them, he landed upon a beautiful silver frame with black onyx and ruby stones set in elegant patterns in the corners. Once it was paid for, he returned to the shopkeeper where the man stood behind the table, impatient that waiting customers in line had wandered off, bypassing his products on display for sale. He remained silent, calculating the total of the items sprawled out in front of him and once it was all added up, the currency of American dollars wasn’t much of a surprise, but he would make sure he rubbed it in the young man’s face.

“All right young man, that’ll be eight-hundred dollars, plus a fifteen percent tax.” he announced bluntly, leaning on ledge of the table.

“There are no taxes in England.” Erik frowned.

“I’m not from England, kid.” the man argued, “Now…do you want the items or not?!”

“Yes I do, but I’m not paying the taxes.” Erik stood straight, “It’s eight-hundred dollars, nothing more and nothing less.”

“Fine.” the man huffed, removing the items off the table.

“Erik, come on mate… forget it.” Jonathan argued.

“There are others waiting.” Sarah observed the crowd that gathered nearby, waiting to skim through the trinkets and all of the clothing put on display for sale.

“Come on, Erik…” a young woman shouted, “are you buying or what, we’re all waiting here so buy it or piss off, mate!” she waved her hands, then looked around, hearing the support of her words.

Erik turned to the crowd, keeping words to himself.

“Fine.” he removed his wallet, paying the amount that transferred to the American total of nine hundred-twenty dollars. He watched as the man grew a smug grin, reaching for the cash, “Are we done?”

“Not until it’s counted.” the man scoffed, beginning to count it slowly and once it was all there, he reached under the table, then began neatly folding the clothing into boxes and bags; he finally laid the bags in front of the impatient young man, “Thank you for your purchase.” he mocked sarcastically, “Do have a good rest of your night.” he then glanced at the next person in line, “Next?!”

Erik snatched the bags from the table then turned, walking in fast strides before pausing, dropping the bags as he turned to Sarah and Jonathan.

“F*cking a**hole!” he muttered, then kicked the bags toward Jonathan and Sarah, “Those are yours.” he grunted bluntly.

“What’s your bloody problem?” Sarah picked up her bag.

“My problem?” Erik raised his eyebrows, muttering in a low tone, “My problem? Let’s see, EVERYTHING IN THIS…” he waved his arms around, “F*CKING PLACE IS MY DAMN PROBLEM!” he clenched his fists.

“Good to know that, mate.” Jonathan retrieved his bag, “You know what, I changed my mind.” he tossed the bag at Erik’s feet, “Get your money back, that is if the shopkeeper will give you a refund. I don’t want your pity buys.” he turned, walking away with Sarah, leaving his friend in an awkward moment of loneliness.

“I don’t know what Yza sees in him.” Sarah whispered as she held onto Jonathan, carrying her bag that she eagerly kept to herself, “He’s nothing but an arrogant bloke, and that goes for you too, how can you stand being friends with him?” she looked up at Jonathan.

“Believe me, I’m getting to the point where I’m just done.” he groaned, feeling angry, “And as far as Yza and what she sees in him, she’s not missing much. She made the right choice by getting together with Anthony, at least he treats her right.”

Erik stood feeling angry. Turning, he kicked the snow piled and shoveled off the streets nearby. Realizing his arrogance, and the mistakes he made because of it, he fetched his bag and Jonathan’s, then turned and opened a portal, taking him to his room. Once in the seclusion, he meditated, practicing his father’s methods. Afterwards, a calmness flowed through him. Wrapping the gifts he purchased and that of which Jonathan had chosen for himself and Yzavela, he fed his turtles before taking a long, hot shower. Afterwards, feeling refreshed, he searched for Sarah and Jonathan, locating them in the lounge of Ravenstone Manor. Standing in the doorway, he watched as Sarah glanced over Jonathan’s shoulder, catching sight of him.

“Hey.” he slowly approached them.

“What do you want?” Jonathan leered over his shoulder.

“I didn’t come to fight.” Erik surrendered the argument, “I want to talk about what happened, please?” he sat across from his friends.

“Why?” Jonathan shrugged.

“Because I don’t want to leave things like that, Jon you’re my best friend.” Erik sighed, “And when I’m apologizing, I think you know that I know, I f*cked up.”

Jonathan stared at his friend, seeing the apology was sincere.

“You’ve always been arrogant, and I just can’t see how a little thing like playing for clothes at full price, bothered you? And like that too, but…” he leaned forward, “apology accepted.” he looked at Sarah, “And we too, are sorry if maybe we had a hand in it.”

“What?!” Sarah’s voice squeaked,”Don’t bring me into this!”

“No, you’re fine. It wasn’t you, I take full blame.” Erik raised his hands in surrender, “Although, Thomas should not have put his Italian nose in things that weren’t his business, plus the shopkeeper too, didn’t help any, by being such a pushy bloke about the sale.”

“Whoa, you’re finally taking blame for something? Mind trip.” Sarah mocked bluntly, adjusting the new belt that she wore.

“Right.” Erik moaned, then handed Jonathan a bag, “I think that’s yours. Regardless of what happened, keep it.” he smiled.

Jonathan reluctantly accepted the bag, but after hearing soft pleas from Erik’s own lips, he gently took the bag, laying it in his lap before removing the vest, putting it on over his shirt.

Erik leaned back, seeing the look of happiness on Jonathan’s face, and deep down, he kicked himself in the a** for allowing his arrogance to take over.

“You realize though, that if Yza were here, she wouldn’t be afraid to speak to her mind and wouldn’t be so lenient with you.” Jonathan buttoned his vest.

“Bloody hell…” Sarah commented, “you’d be, well? F*cked.”

“Don’t I know it.” Erik chuckled, “I miss her.”

“Me too.” Jonathan replied.

“Me three.” Sarah muttered, “I wonder what she’s doing now?”

“Probably mouthing off to someone who deserves it.” Erik joked, reminiscing about the things they’ve all been through, and done together, “I can hear her now.” he grinned, feeling a loneliness, “And there she goes.” he chuckles.

“Yeah, tell them Yza and give them Hell.” Jonathan joked.

The three of them shared a moment of laughter when Erik’s ceased as he slowly stood, adjusting his leather coat, letting out a deep sigh of regret.

“Well, I think I’ll go see what Leonus has been up to and I’m pretty sure it’s not good, you know?” he complained softly, looking at Sarah and Jonathan and before he could finish, he listened as an older woman rushed down the stairs, talking loudly on her phone, complaining to her son about Leonus’ lack of knowledge on the situation that she needed taken care of. Rushing across the lounge, he reached for her arms, “Hi.” he offered her a smile, “Are you all right?”

“No, young man…I am not!” the woman barked, pulling her arm away, then stormed across the foyer through the grand, front doors.

“Guess that answers your question.” Erik turned to Jonathan, then approached the staircase, beginning the ascend upward with Sarah and Jonathan quickly following after him and just as they reached the top step, Erik and his friends peeked into the study that was left open, taking notice that there had been papers strewn all over the desk, chair and floor, “Bloody hell, what did that mother f*cker do up here?!” he huffed.

“I think you mean, what didn’t he do.” Jonathan mocked as he entered, making his way toward the desk to gather up all of the papers and folders, while Sarah and Erik entered behind him, “Should we organize these?”

“No, we’ll let Keeps handle that. She knows where everything goes.” Erik frowned, “But ugh, what’s that smell?” he pinched his nose.

“Lycynian a** mate…” Jonathan grunted, opening the patio doors, allowing the icy air into the room, clearing it of a musk and cologne that screamed Leonus Lancaster, “ I swear…that bloke bathes in the stuff.” he shook his head.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Sarah blurted, “I kind of like it.”

“Tell me you’re joking?” Erik turned to her, watching as she began picking up books from the floor, placing them back in the empty spaces on the shelves. He shook his head, then shuffled to the desk, stacking more of the papers. After dusting off the seat, he quickly sat, beginning to examine some of the large maps and architectural layouts of the island and dwellings, as well as red Xs marked on the maps of hidden secrets tunnels and passageways that were scattered around the island. As he bit his lip he wondered, “What are you up to, Leonus? I’m…” he paused, raising his gaze, hearing the Lycynians howling in the distance, as well as the Boar-wolves outside the wall.

After a while, the two Demons and mortal left the study, but made sure the door was locked and secure. Erik ran his hands over the surface, listening as the locks and bolts slid in place. Turning to Sarah and Jonathan he muttered sarcastically.

“I’d like to see him get in there now.” he shrugged.

“He’ll probably just kick it down.” Sarah answered bluntly.

“Probably.” Jonathan chuckled as he and Erik followed, “But I don’t think my father and Leonard would like it too much, the latches and hinges are difficult to craft and meld.” he fretted.

“You’ll figure it out, you always do.” Erik praised softly, as he placed a friendly hand on Jonathan’s shoulder.

“What was that?!” Lady Agatha cried, gazing at the night sky.

“It’s the goddess, she’s angry with us because the harvest has been interrupted!” Lord Ian worried loudly, “She’s unleashed her Demons and fury upon us all!”

“You idiots!” Lady D shouted over the loud shrieks and cries, “That is not your goddess, and you call yourselves magical practitioners?!” she mocked, “You don’t even know the signs from your own deities that you worship so highly! F*cking a**holes!”

“You!” Lady Agatha pointed toward the woman, “You and…” she stumbled forward, “your daughter brought this upon us, you brought this misfortune upon us all! Shayds…” she held out her left hand, snapping her bony fingers, “get them out of here and make sure their hands are bound!” she spotted the two men lying lifeless nearby in the snow.

“Yeah!” one of the warlocks from the island, shouted loudly, “When she came to the Isle, she’s brought nothing but trouble with her! Her bloody mum too!” he waved his arms around.

Leering at the man, I squinted, then pointed a finger toward him.

“I’ll deal with you when we get back to the island!” I warned.

Two muscular Shayds lept behind Lady D and Yzavela; their strong hands dragged the two women away from the scene, and ignored the loud roars and howls but getting distracted, watching the skies, they saw nothing, only hearing Abraxas’ powerful, ear-piercing roars that echoed in the stillness of the isolated grounds.

All, except Yzavela and Lady D, shielded their ears, seeing a figure hovering above, blending in with the background of the black, star filled sky and moon shining upon his scales.

“Demons…Harpies…run, RUN!” Lord Ian shouted fearfully.

In sheer panic the witches, warlocks and Shayds, all scattered.

Watching as Abraxas hovered, clawing at eyes and faces with his sharp talons and stabbing with his arrowhead shaped tail, I grinned then felt the Shayd that dragged me away, roughly jerk forward as something pounced on him from behind. As I glanced up at his bulk, a large wolf’s head and jaw appeared over his shoulder, with teeth embedding deeply into his thick, broad shoulder before pulling him to the ground. As I took a few shuffling steps forward, I turned, watching as the wolf pinned the Shayd to the ground, ripping out his throat before he could defend himself with his dark arcane magic. The man thrashed along the ground, before seeming to explode into a bright burst of magic, so it was true, a wolf’s bite was lethal to Demons and Shayds, completely exterminating their being, even their soul.

“Good boy!” I praised then ran toward my mom that had a bit more a difficult time breaking of the man that dragged her off the ground. With my sword in hand I lunged forward, slicing the blade clean across the back of the man’s legs, cutting the arteries with one swipe, “Mommy, run!” I ordered her as her feet landed on the ground, and veering around the man, with a swift turn, I decapitated the Shayd without thought, or even a sense of regret. Blood splattered onto the snow from a swift flick of the blade; splotches of red splattered upon the white, neon snow. Breathing deeply, I turned to my mom who stood aside, shocked.

Lady D stared at her daughter who stood in steam, with her wolf by her side. She couldn’t believe that killing was so easy for her daughter, and effortless without a second thought. As she glanced down, blood splattered on the lower part of her dress and cloak.

“Mommy?” I whispered, stepping toward her, placing a hand on her shivering shoulder once more.

“I’m fine.” she rasped, nodding quickly, “My God…that’s what you have learned?!”

“Mommy, I want you hide somewhere, all right? Now’s not the time for Q&As.” I nodded then urged her away from the area. Once she scampered out of sight, I then turned to Abraxas, watching all of the Shayds released blasts of magic toward the small dragon, or even bladed weapons but their strikes had no effect, “Abraxas, you need to grow larger!” I commanded telepathically.

“What form shall I take, Mother?” the dragon replied, quickly flying through the air, landing on Yzavela’s shoulder and just as her hand touched his snout, sharing an image of him larger, the size of Axeon, he roared softly,“I can do it.” he reassured.

“Then do it, show these bastards what you are!” I demanded, then pushed him into the air, watching as his small form had flown higher into the clouds.

Lady D crouched behind the tall nearby hedges, watching as her daughter and dragon communicated in a way that she had never witnessed. Occasionally, ducking her head down, blasts of colored magic swirled through the air like fireworks on the 4th of July, leaving behind their crackling and snapping pop. However, just as she thought the dangers passed, she let out a loud cry as strong hands pulled her away from the safety of the hedges, being dragged around the side and out into the open. Again.

“You!” one of the men shouted loudly, “Girl!” he leered at the young woman who turned to him, gripping her sword tightly, “Ah-ah, make a move and she dies!” he placed a dagger to her mother’s throat.

Leering at the man, how would I do this, how would I save my mom from the man that literally held her life in his hands. I looked around the man for something that I could use but it was all pointless, just hedges and snow. I’m not elemental. Suddenly, I had just a moment thinking about Shung-Lee’s teachings, using what’s around me as a weapon.

“Mommy, do you trust me?” I reached out to her mind.

“What?!” Lady D argued telepathically, but whimpered softly in a verbal shriek.

“Do you trust me?!” I looked at her, gripping my sword.

“Yes, of course.” she cried.

“Close your eyes.” I pleaded, then reaching out my left hand, gripping Zanzabarr’s leather collar, giving a brief tug, letting him know he was about to be given a command, I leered at the man that stood behind my mom, holding the dagger at her throat, “Let her go.” I warned.

“Drop your sword, and get on the ground!” the man barked, pressing the blade closer, “Or I swear to God I’ll kill her!” he threatened truthfully.

“All right, all right!” I cried, seeing the wincing expression on my mom’s face, “Fine.” I looked at Zanzabarr, “Down boy…” I knelt, laying the sword next to me.

Lady D wasn’t a warrior that’s true, but she knew there were times where her limits were reached and having the man holding a dagger to her throat, she knew this wasn’t one of those times to be strong or brave, especially when the tip began to prick her skin, drawing a drop of blood. Gripping tightly on the man’s thick forearms in fear, she watched as her daughter and wolf knelt on the ground in what looked like submission.

Keeping my eyes locked with the man’s squinting green eyes, I began stabbing at his mind with my Telepathy like razors; I watched as he shut his eyes, grunting deeply shaking his head vigorously, and as his grip loosened from my mom’s frame as he took a stumbling step back, I jumped to my feet, releasing a blast of my fiery Aura outward like a blowtorch, setting the man on fire; Zanzabarr then lept through it as if didn’t phase his sleek fur, pouncing the man to the ground, ripping out his throat. Grabbing my sword with a handful of snow, I rushed toward my mom who had fallen to the ground, covering her ears blocking out the sound of the man’s agonizing screams. Sitting her up gazing into her tear-filled eyes, I quickly hugged her then helped her to her feet.

“Are you all right?” I worried, checking her over AGAIN.

“Yes, I’m fine. Just shaken up.” she mumbled.

“Can you walk?” I shuffled alongside her.

“I’m shaken up, I’m not an invalid.” she barked.

“That’s not what I meant.” I huffed.

“I know, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it, get inside and I mean inside!” I urged her toward the castle firmly, “Go…” I pointed the sword toward the tall structure behind her, “and don’t even think about sticking around to watch, I might not be there to help you this time!”

Saying nothing, Lady D adhered to her daughter’s warnings. As she turned, carefully making her way through the snow, absent the aid of her cane, she paused for a moment to turn then grew startled as her daughter stood there, pointing the sword at her.

“Don’t even think about it.” her daughter’s voice clouded her mind.

Gulping softly, hearing the tone in her voice, Lady D then rushed forward, finally making it to the doors but as she turned once more, watching her daughter and her wolf, they disappeared into the thick, scattering crowd.

“Zanzabarr…” I looked down at the wolf, “kill anyone who attacks or comes near, understand?” I ordered, receiving one of his deep, aggressive growls in reply, “Good boy.” I grinned, rushing through the crowd, then engaged in brief encounters with warlocks and Shayds, who attempted blocking my path with daggers in hand or with the use of their arcane magics that were stronger than my own but I managed to stand my ground.

Feeling my rage rush to the surface, releasing blasts of my Aura setting them ablaze, pushing them backwards, or blowing large gaping holes through their chests, I’ll admit it felt good engaging in my first magical skirmish, although it was difficult for the warlocks and Shayds were purebloods, showing their age, ranks and strengths. Standing behind a barrier that I created between myself and the warriors, I glanced at Zanzabarr who pounced at men that attempted lunging toward me, then raised my gaze at the sky where Abraxas hovered, flapping his massive black wings, blowing men and women back to the ground but then I focused on the warlocks and Shayds in front me, continuing to bombard me with their magics that began shattering my barrier that cracked like glass, creating sparks as each of their blasts weakened it before there was hardly anything left. I grunted then let out a Banshee-like scream, releasing a force of energy mixed with my fiery Aura that powerfully pushed the men backwards. I wasn’t afraid to kill these men, but there was something in me, new and different, being released; I could feel the power pulsing through my veins and it was intoxicating but natural. I was finally able to express myself without limits.

The men groaned, waving away the fire and embers then as their eyes gazed forward, they watched as the young woman lept through the lingering flames, swinging her sword with a fierceness they had never seen from someone so small before; their bodies fell to the ground with their heads rolling from their shoulders, turning the snow red.

Standing there, breathing heavily, engulfed in my Aura with my sword in hand, I turned, shaking the blood from the sleek blade in a downward motion. Glancing around me, watching as Zanzabarr and Abraxas continued making their presences known, I ran toward the bonfire where the flames burned the lower parts of the pole around the feet of the young man and woman. I paused, listening as they cried and howled, feeling the intensity from the heat that began burning against their skin. As I made eye contact with them both, I could see fear in their green eyes, thinking I might have the goddess of fire that was summoned, coming to claim them. Glancing down at myself, I realized that’s how it must have looked.

“Hey, shh…it’s all right, I’m not going to hurt you.” I slowly lowered the sword, holding out my hands, “It’s all right, shh.” I kicked the logs aside, making a way through the fire and as I stood behind them examining the chains keeping them both bound in place, I raised the sword high over my shoulder, and with a strong strike at the pole and chains, they broke with a loud metallic clank, “Here, hold on…” I reached for both their hands, helping them remove the shackles that I unlocked with my Telekinesis, “there you go.” I offered the siblings a brief grin then glanced around us once more, watching as the warlocks and Shayds turned their attention away from both Zanzabarr and Abraxas, beginning to rush toward the pyre, “Go…” I urged them off the ledge, “into the forest, go!”

Realizing the young woman before them saved their lives, the brother and sister offered her a nod then turned, rushing into the trees but just before they completely vanished, the young girl glanced back once more, before following her brother.

Smiling, I knew I saved their lives but then that smile faded as three men, two warlocks and an injured Shayd with one of his arms hanging by his side, charged toward me with their weapons in hand, yelling out in rage. Engaging in another brief sword fight, my skills were advanced and pushing back the Shayd toward Zanzabarr, I focused on the warlocks, fighting fiercely, and in between strikes of my sword, I released my Aura, burning the men the rest of the way either on the outside, or from within. I panted, then ran through the crowd toward the castle but in a shuffle step, I glanced at the sky, watching as Abraxas flew in the air, blending in with the blackness, before turning around, diving nose first with his wings closed in a larger form that I had instructed; he was magnificent, but moments before the Zyphyn reached the ground, he stretched his wings open, and hovered above our heads, releasing loud deafening roars that shook the ground.

“The fire goddess is angry, she’s come for us all!” Lord Ian, in a loud worried tone, called from the doorway of the castle, as he pointed toward the sky watching as the massive dragon flew, “There!” his eyes glanced toward the young woman standing in her Aura, “There she is, everyone run!” he turned, and retreated inside with Lady Agatha then found himself falling forward, tripping over someone’s foot. As he turned, looking back, there stood Lady D with her arms folded and a scowl on her face before she turned away.

“Lord, Lady…” men and women shouted, helping their Priest and Priestess from the ground.

“You…” Lady Agatha stomped toward Lady D, “this is your fault, you and your daughter have brought this misfortune on us all!” she shouted.

“B*tch please, you did this to yourself!” Lady D argued, then turned, rushing up the stairs to her room, knowing that once the chaos had settled, everyone would be evacuating the area, so she needed and wanted, to make sure her belongings and that of her daughter’s, were packed.

“What should I do Mother?” Abraxas questioned, soaring in a circular motion above, releasing verbal roars.

“Burn it…burn it all!” I ordered.

“As you wish.” the Zyphyn answered as he turned, hovering in the air above, he flapped his massive wings keeping him in place, then holding his head back, gathering a bellowing fire deep within his chest and throat, he pushed his head forward, releasing a powerful, endless stream of fire that burned just about everything nearby.

Standing close to the hedges, feeling the intense heat of the dragon’s fire, I watched with admiration of Abraxas’ power. I breathed deeply, holding onto Zanzabarr’s collar, feeling the strong breeze brush against my face and hair then turned, as I made my way toward the castle and as I stood within the doorway, I glanced back once more, watching as Abraxas set ablaze scampering warlocks and Shayds that attempted to use their magic against him.

“Abraxas!” I cried out worriedly then winced, watching as he turned, whipping his long tail, slamming it downward; the men that once stood, were nothing more than squashed flesh and blood buried in the snow. Taking steps forward standing by the door, I watched as the large dragon landed, swerving his head around, before turning to me in an eerie manner. As I approached him closer, reaching out my hands laying them on his larger, but still soft snout, I grinned, “That’s my boy.” I praised, “Now let’s get out of here.” I backed away, running back to the castle and as I glanced over my shoulder once more, I watched as Abraxas pushed himself into the air, glowing yet again, returning to his original smaller form that immediately flew after me, landing in my arms.

Following after Zanzabarr up the stairs and down the hall to my room, I was relieved seeing my mom standing outside the door with bags laying at her feet. Saying nothing, I stood by the door studying the broken barricade then glanced down at Zanzabarr, knowing this was his doing because I could see a set of large paw prints that were singed on the interior side. I squeezed through, scampering around throwing my clothes and belongings into my bags, not caring if they wrinkled.

“Let’s go.” I urged my mom, following her down the hall; the sound of Freya’s loud meows were no distraction for the poor feline was being bounced around during the chaos.

As Lady D and her daughter rushed toward the bus, climbing the steps, she glanced through the windows watching as the others that arrived, had the same idea, retreating to their cars or buses that they drove in on.

Just then, however, I remembered something.

“I’ll be right, I forgot something.” I stated, handing my bags to my mom, “Zanzabarr, you come with me. Abraxas, I want you to stay here and protect the bus.”

“Be careful!” Lady D hollered, watching as she ran across the estate that burned, disappearing into the woods behind the castle, “Hurry.” she whispered softly.