Mere thoughts here.....

I will be honest. I've got three tales unfinished... and with my life schedules now, I am bogged down with work, and with an eye on the third quarter of the year, I wonder whether I shall need to resume my daily excursions on legs or, by golly, be seated on the porch watching my neighbor prune the weeds to find the flowers. (Yes, my dears. Gardens need to be pruned weekly, or behold, the new Amazon spread will appear.)

Or, I may bloody well add my goggles before Mrs. You-do-want-to-name-her, sprayed me with the fertilizers she stored in the night pot and spat at me for ogling (supposedly) at her. "Mrs. You-do-want-to-name, you need to watch your diet. You've got too much potassium in you. Your flower beds told me too."

My wife will comment that I admired my neighbor too much. I will reply that I am doing Newton's Law studies; the pull of gravity can affect the droop...pardon me, the drop. Whoever needs the internet to view this ought to spend time at the garden watching others ... droop over ... it's live view.

"She ought to wear a brassiere." I looked at my wife and smiled; "That is not a cinematic view." 

"You used to watch 8mm at the dark corner. Is that not...?"

"Mine was scrutiny then," I said. "Call it a medical advancement study on Grey's Anatomy."

"Knew that I should not paid for your cataract surgery." My wife replied. 

"Well, you did, for I can see better of you," I said. "I even saw myself in the mirror."

"Was it the beast or the belly you saw there?" She asked.

"No, I leaned over to see if I still do exist? TGIF ....."

"You meant THANKFULLY GOODNESS IT's FUC....." My wife sneered. "Try DIY. And use tissues. I am not wiping the floor after you." 

By then, I had forgotten my desire to argue and focus on the laws of gravity. Mine rose to the occasion...okay, it was half-mast.

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 37

 

37.

 

“Mother, I hate you.” Mary Annabelle's voice screamed out. “I hate you.”

Elizabeth looked at the young lady standing there. A part of her wanted to reach out to the daughter, but another part of her denied it. She felt a tug at her emotions, but when she looked at William Katt, she felt more anger.

“Mary Annabelle…” Elizabeth’s voice was broken.

“Elizabeth, I am not a monster. I do love you.” Victor looked at the lady who gave him a daughter. “Mary Annabelle is our daughter of love.”

“No……. I……,” Elizabeth stuttered in her words.

“Why did you bring her?” Elizabeth looked at Dolores. “Could you not just do your task?”

Dolores did not say anything.

“Mary Annabelle, come to me please.” Victor looked at his daughter. “I will … love you. I always do.”

“No, Father. You are as mean as her. I do not want …… either of you.” Mary Annabelle looked at the father. She turned to Dolores. “Please let me leave here now.”

Dolores led the young lady away. She heard the growls from the pack but chose to ignore them.

“Who else is here?” The Warlock looked at the ones who appeared there. “A portal? I am not surprised.”

“The hour draws near. We are almost there, and the victor must be established.” The warlock looked from the sky and then at the Wiccan.

“Do not be arrogant, Warlock. We are …….” Carmilla stepped towards the warlock.

‘The Sisters of the Moon. Charming ……. sisters sworn by oath to protect their coven. We battled, and I lost… once before. Today, I am more powerful. I am a warlock now.” The Warlock turned towards Lauren. “The new one? I was told that there was a new one… one that will hold the power of three.”

“Your name, young lady?” The warlock asked.

“Lauren Spielsdorf. My mother is Lissa, and I am of the coven now.” Lauren stepped up.

“And Doctor Helsing, I presume. You seem to… hop into the most precarious moments.”

“Oui, I am inexcusable for being at the wrong places at the wrong time.” The doctor smiled. “It is a part of my French ancestry in me. Maternal side.”

“And Sven. What made you venture beyond the creek? Oh, I forgot. Your young master is here. And I see ….” The Warlock was stunned. “The creature…… Is that here?”

“She is Mary.” Victor cut in. “Her name is Mary.”

“Nauseous.” The Warlock said. “Do not waste my time. Attack now!”

The shot rang out in the yard. The bullet pierced the warlock on the right hand. The shot came from the building facing the yard, from the upper second level. It was Sven who fired the shot at five hundred yards from the Beldan rifle.

“I aimed at his head but hit the hand.” Sven cursed.

The second shot rang out. It impacted the alpha wolf on the muzzle and split it open. The Alpha sat down on its haunches there.

“I knew I had not lost my skill,” Rudolf roared. “Darn it, my shoulder hurts.”

It was the unexpected that happened. The Alpha was attacked by two other wolves. It was Alistair, the wolf with the scar on the muzzle, leading the charge. It sank its fangs into the Alpha's neck, while the second wolf snapped at the rear hind of the Alpha. It was a tactical attack move by wolves. The pack stood their ground, watching the attack.

The Alpha was not giving up that easily and pulled away with its neck bleeding. It was huge compared to Alistair and the other wolf. It then charged at Alistair, using its mass weight to push the other wolf off its hinds. Both wolves landed on the ground, and the Alpha sank its fangs into Alistair’s front right limb and drew blood from there. Alistair fought back and rolled off from the Alpha and limped to the side.

The other attacking wolf took the opportunity to leap at the Alpha, but the latter was ready for the attack. It turned its body and met the leaping wolf in the flight. It used its mass weight to impact on the other wolf, and both fell to the ground. The Alpha was to give away the opportunity and bite at the wolf on the left ribs at the spine. The force of the bite tore into the flesh and bones, and with a twist of the head, the Alpha exerted a major wound on the wolf. The wolf retreated with the chest bloodied and slunk away.

Alistair was not out of the fight and had leapt at the Alpha from the side, sinking its fangs once more into the neck. That time, its bite was deep and severed the jugular veins there. The Alpha tried to break free, but Alistair held onto its bite.

Alistair did not see the attack from the left when the fourth wolf charged at it. The newly arrived wolf bit into Alistair in the rear left hind and caused Alistair to withdraw. It faced the new wolf and growled. The new wolf was not unknown to Alistair, but he was surprised by the attack. It caught the familiar female scent of the wolf.

Alistair knew the scent.

The female wolf charged at Alistair; though smaller in frame, it used the momentum of its charge to slam against Alistair. Its front paws impacted on Alistair’s head and exposed the neck where the female wolf sank its fangs into the thyroid cartilage located beneath the hyoid bone, protecting the vocal cords.

Alistair pushed free of the bite and slinked to the side while the female wolf stood guard by the Alpha, who was wounded. Alistair and the other wounded wolf then retreated to the woods.

It was deemed over. The pack of wolves howled at the female wolf, respecting her as the new alpha. The female wolf looked from the pack to the witches.

“You will die now, Warlock.” The Wiccan broke the silent moment when everyone else stood to look at the spectacle of the wolves. The Wiccan called on the spell to destroy the warlock.

“Go povikuvam ognot na Hefest. Zapali go suštestvoto pred mene.” (I call on the fire of Hephaestus. Burn the creature before me.” The Wiccan spoke of the familiar spell for the yellow fire, and the flame appeared in a narrow circle, and then the flames flared out as streaks of flame that lashed out like a fiery whip at the Warlock.

The Warlock called on the shield to protect himself, but with his wounded right hand, he could only manage a weaker shield. He was thrown back by the fire whip and landed by the Menhir. He looked to the sky and noted the eclipse of the sun was just seconds away. The sun was seen to be covered by the crescent of the moon. The shadow of the crescent formed in the Menhir circle; it was expanding.

The warlock tried to move, but it was wounded by the whip.

“Warlock, we can still ……” The dean, who was unprotected by the shield, succumbed to his wounds.

“Perish, Warlock.” The Wiccan gathered power on the shield and struck at the shield. It cracked on the more intense whip and then impacted on the Warlock.

“The eclipse is here. I will garner the pinnacle of power.” The Wiccan stepped forth, but she was stopped by Brown. He grabbed the older lady by the shoulder and tossed her to the side.

“How dare you?” The Wiccan shouted. “I will burn you alive.”

The Wiccan called on the fire spell, but Brown was prepared for it. He had learned on his own the other spells not taught to him. He called on the shield to block the spell.

“Where did you learn that?” The Wiccan, weakened by the blow, spoke.

“There are many we learned without your teaching,” Brown said. He was flanked by Marcos and Stefan. “The change of leadership is now.”

“How dare all of you?” The Wiccan hissed at them. “I was the one who……”

“Rescue us to be your slaves.” Brown smiled. “I was the mute one, but I was not mute in my thoughts.”

“Punish them, Sisters!” The Wiccan called out to Carmilla. “They are ……”

“Sisters, stay out. This is our fight. Do not get involved.” Brown turned to look at Carmilla. “We hold no battle with you.”

Carmilla hesitated with her focus on the shadow of the moon over the sun. It had reached the halfway mark.

“Carmilla, it is not our battle. We are here for the power of pinnacle.” Annabelle told the other. “We must get Lauren ready.” 

“No!” Brown shouted. “The pinnacle is mine.”

The strong man of the coven rushed forth towards the middle of the menhirs. He stood there with his arms raised high.

“Give me the power!” Brown called out.

Nothing happened, but the shadow grew wider and was three-quarters over the sun. Brown stared at the darkening sun and then screamed.

“It hurts!” Brown fell onto his knees and clutched his head with his hands. “Stop the pain!”

“You fool!” The Wiccan called out. “You are not ready for it.”

The Wiccan pushed herself up and staggered towards the shadow. She did not see the Warlock, wounded but determined to stop the Wiccan. He dragged himself up and lunged at the older lady.

“Never!’ The Warlock called out and then crashed into the older lady. They both fell outside the shadow area. Two shots rang out then. The Wiccan rolled over to the side after pushing the Warlock off her body. The latter was dead, having been shot then by two bullets into the back. She turned to look at the shadow of the sun. It was almost complete.

“It is mine.” The Wiccan called out. She felt herself lifted by her legs, but it was from the shadow. She was dragged away and turned to look to see it was Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth! Why?” The Wiccan called out.

“Your reign is over, Grandma,” Elizabeth said. “I am done.”

“You are mad! I am to cure you.” The Wiccan looked at Elizabeth. “You fool!”

It was then Brown, who was in pain at the head, rushed at Elizabeth. He was raging mad inside of him from the pain. He fell the lady and then looked at the Wiccan.

“It is time to die, old lady.” Brown crouched to grab the lady when Mary charged at him. The creation attacked the strong witch man, and they fell into the shadow circle. They wrestled on the ground there. They are matched for strength, and their blows impacted with force with their fists.

Mary had tossed Brown to the middle of the shadow, and she lunged in to grab the witch-man.

“Get off me, monster.” Brown called out when Mary followed through with a fist at her face.

“I am Mary.” The creation took a second stab at the witch-man. “You will not hurt anybody else.”

It was an intense fight. It was then the eclipse was complete and the sun totally blocked out.

Darkness appeared over the yard.

Lauren, who was holding the runes in her right hand, felt the urge then to walk towards the menhirs. She walked on and reached the edge of the dark shadow and looked at the two figures still on the ground. They seem to be unmoving there. She turned to look at the others behind her and saw they were also unmoving.

It seems that time had stopped then.

“Time is the continuous progression of existence. Life exists in concurrence with time.” Lauren was told by Carmilla. “We have events that occur apparently from the past, through the present, and into the future, irreversible by us.”

“Can we halt time?” Lauren asked.

“Not that we know of, but it may be probable if we are powerful enough to do it. I doubt even as witches that we can do it.” Carmilla smiled. “If I could, I would unravel the past to make the future better.”

“You forgot the present,” Lauren said.

“The present, for me, is the turning point to determine the past and future. If you are ever given the opportunity to do that, give it enough thought before you decide. Your past and future are the balance.”

“Come forth, child.” The voice reached out to Lauren. The young lady looked to the silhouette of a humanlike figure there floating above the ground.  There was not much to make out of the figure, for it was glowing with radiance of light. “I am the spirit of Blood Moon.”

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 36

 

36.

 

Carmilla looked at those gathered there at the cottage. She needed to explain the situation to them.

“It was no coincidence that we, the sisters, are here. I was the free, rebellious one. When Annabelle took a fancy to the man who was to destroy us, and Lissa followed suit with the other officer, I was already with one other, another soul with a desire for blood.”

“Count Dracula was my lover, not by force, but by choice. We met, or rather he met me, in an unusual incident. He was fleeing from the High Council then, and being weakened from lack of blood, I met him weak and vulnerable in the woods. He pleaded with me to give him blood, the very essence of his survivor.”

“I refused, but I let him drink my blood from the bowl. It kept him alive, and then we parted ways. It was much later when we got together, and never had he taken any of my blood. By then Lissa and Annabelle had their own lives. We had agreed to place on hold our ways. I had my days and nights with Dracula, as you identified with, but to me he was Vlad.”

“Our path took on a dangerous foe: the High Council. They set upon us hunters, for to them the cohabitation between witches and vampires was prohibited.” Carmilla smiled. “We parted ways, and for myself, I was set on my werewolves.”

“Ironic for such an alliance, but the High Council befriended the enemies of our enemies.” Carmilla laughed. “I was ambushed and barely escaped with my soul. Wolf bites are deadly to us too. I sought shelter with Annabelle, and you know the rest.”

“The High Council was tasked to eradicate… witches, among others,” Doctor Abraham cut in. “Their……”

“Their …… accomplishments are …… meritorious at best, but their methods of deployment are questionable.”

“Witches should not exist.” Doctor Abraham was firm on his belief that the High Council was right in their tasks.

“How long… or rather, when have witches existed? And why?” Carmilla looked at the doctor. “Early mentions of witches exist in the Bible, such as the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel and Exodus 22:18….”

“Which mandates, "You shall not allow a witch to live".” Doctor Abraham expanded her words.

“And so were the Nephilim.” Carmilla argued. “Did they exist then, metaphorically speaking? Or they did. And their extinction was the task of whom? The passing judgment of the living then.”

“I have no evidence to suggest that.” Doctor Abraham said.

“Passing judgement of the living—even the book we all read was the dictation of the living then.” Carmilla looked at the gathered. “Do you know that witches originated from ancient, pre-Christian traditions as healers, seers, and keepers of local, agrarian, and herbal knowledge? It was the later generations that demonized us. The authorities called it mistreatment of humanity and linked us to the practices of the devil and malevolent magic.”

“Yet, the fictional depiction of the witches, as I said earlier, was of healers, seers, and keepers of local, agrarian, and herbal knowledge. They did no harm but provided relief in terms of cure and guidance to the people. What was feared… of them was their influence on society, which was formed within social circles.”

“As societies became more affluent, mark my word …. The ways of the pagan, nature-based, and magical practices were reinterpreted as heresy or devil worship.” Carmilla looked at the doctor. “Metaphysics in learning: who created the devil?”

“How the devil do I know?” Doctor Abraham snapped at the other. “I was……”

“Why did you ……. Meet with Mary?” Victor moved to change the subject.

“I did not…… I was keen on your experiments. When I was not with Lauren, I was in your lab. I was fascinated by your determination to create life. We, as witches, have resurrected dead ones, but they must be recent. Have not done it for a decayed one, but we breathe life into them for a momentary period. When I saw your creation, I was …… I crossed the line here. I gave the creation a part of myself.”

“And was that how Mary came alive?” Sven in turn asked.

“I believe so.” Carmilla smiled.

“You are a witch. You caused all the pain to my son Henry, and he died with it.” Sven burst out. “I should kill you.”

“I did not… know. I saw the …… Henry was infatuated with Mary, but I was not …….” Carmilla defended herself. “Why are you blaming me? Your son ……. saw companionship with Mary.”

‘I did too.” Mary appeared at the doorway.

“Mary… I am ……” Sven could not find the words to say.

“It is okay, Sven. I am a creation and should not deserve any ……. Affection from
others, but we did. Or rather I did.” Mary sighed. “Master, I was wrong.”

“No, Mary.” Victor found himself calling the creation by the name. “Our ……. Affections are, at most times, beyond our control. You can say it was impulse.”

“Impulse is time and force… a physics term.” Doctor Abraham muttered. He saw the others looking at him. “I was also talking metaphysics here.”

“Master, I must go away.” Mary looked at Victor. “I caused too much pain.”

“No, Mary.” It was Sven who spoke. “I want you to stay… by my side. We will go away to a safer place.”

“No, Mary. I can … also protect you.” Victor said. “We can build a safe place. The lab is there.”

“No one is going anywhere.” Carmilla cuts in. “We have an important task to do. An hour from now, the lunar event will take place. If we are not there, we will not survive the night.”

“The lunar event is sought after by many covens and others. It was claimed that it offered the power of a pinnacle. We learned of it only recently; partly due to our isolation, we had forgotten about it.”

“We were focused on Lauren to get her power.” Annabelle cut in. “If we can get that, we can fully complement Lauren as the powerful witch and rescue Lissa.”

“Leave Lauren out.” Rudolf stepped out to stare at Carmilla. “Have you not created enough trouble for……”

“No, Father.” Lauren held out her right hand to her father. “I must be complete. And to rescue Mother.”

“I will shoot anyone who takes my daughter.” Rudolf had grabbed the rifle leaning against the wall and leveled it at Carmilla. “I had enough.”

“You will not.” It was Lauren who waved her right hand at her father and pushed him to the wall. “I will be … complete.”

“Lauren…” Abel spoke out weakly. “You……”

“I will be fine, Abel. You rest here. I will be back for you.” Lauren smiled. “Now, my dear sisters. We got a power to garner. How can we get there in time?”

“I can open a portal through which we can get there.” Annabelle told Lauren. “Who is …?”

“I can come.” Mary said. “Sven, please take care of Henry.”

“No, I will come with you.” Sven looked at Carmilla. “Can you shield my son? From demons and… other witches.”

“I can, but we need to move ……. Him inside here. I can build a shield over the cottage,” Annabelle said. “Abel is here and needed protection. The others too…”

“Madness prevails here, but… my impulse; time with distance… Whatever it may be, say I am coming along. I got to stop them before they can come here.” Doctor Abraham cut in. “Abel, where is your crossbow?”

“I have it, Father.” Kane appeared at the doorway holding two sets of crossbows. ‘You need me there too.”

“I am staying,” Victor said. “I got to fix the generator. There must be other ways for me to safeguard this place.”

It was agreed then, and the men went to dig up Henry. He was not buried deep nor with a coffin, but a shroud wrap was all he had. He was carried to the cottage and laid there. Mary crouched down and swept the dirt off the face.

“Henry… it is me, Mary.” The creation bowed its head. It was then Lauren saw the necklace on Henry’s chest. It was the runes that she was looking for.

“The runes…the stones that were my mother’s. Henry has it.” Lauren stooped to pick it up, but Mary slapped her hand away.

“It is Henry’s. Do not touch it.” Mary looked up at Lauren.

“Mary, can Lauren borrow it? She may need it to fight the others.” Carmilla asked. “It will be returned to you after that.”

“The body is well preserved.” Victor interjected with his scientific observation. The doctor leaned forward to look.

“Well-preserved corpses, or mummies, are not a new discovery. Some bodies were preserved by extreme cold, acidic bogs, or intentional, like the Egyptian mummies, sophisticated, and… yet-to-be-discovered embalming methods.” Doctor Abraham's mind flirted with his academic learnings.

“The area here can be… considered as bog lands. I had examined my shoes and the soil there.” The doctor looked around and saw the glares on him. “I was just saying from… my research.”

“Frankenstein, back me here.” The doctor looked at the associate professor.

“I ……. Never mind, Doctor Helsing. We got other tasks to focus on.” Victor shifted the subject matter.

“Lauren…” Rudolf, recovering from the mental push against the wall, looked to his daughter. “You may need this.”

It was his service revolver: the Colt Navy Revolver with the iron cartridges.

“Shoot them in the head.” Rudolf smiled weakly.  “That is the way to stop the madness.”

“Shall we go now?” Carmilla looked to the gathered.

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 35

 

35.

 

The Warlock approached the Dean at the Uni yard. He looked at the menhirs and smiled. The hours were drawing closer, and all was ready.

“Warlock, what has happened?” The Dean saw the injury at the left leg.

“Werewolves.” The Warlock replied.

“I did not know that there were any.” The Dean said. “If there were ……”

“Round up the members to protect the site. I do want any more surprises.” The Warlock then sae the arrival of members of the Theology Society led by the Lady Alice Burnett and legal adviser Lydia Poem. He approached the two ladies.

“How may I ……” The Warlock was cut off by Lady Burnett.

“We are here to stop this …… worshipping act.” Lady Burnett stared at the Inspector. “We will not be intimidated.”

Without a word, the Inspector grabbed the lady by the neck and pulled her upwards. She struggled in the grip but the Inspector was holding on. The lady gasped for breath and then went still. The Inspector tossed her to the side, and faced the legal representative.

“Leave now!’

“He killed her!” The legal representative screamed out. “The Inspector killed the Lady Burnett.”

From the side of the buildings there, more ladies appeared and walked towards the Inspector.

“You are warned!” The Inspector called out while the ladies gathered behind the legal representative. “I will have all of you arrested.”

“Murderer!” The ladies chanted. “Murderer!”

It was then the Dean saw another group approaching the Menhirs. It was a group of ten men and eight women led by Howard the tavern keeper.

“Stop there!” The Dean shouted, but the group kept on approaching. He then snapped out the spell to stop them.

“Go povikuvam ognot na Hefest. Zapali go suštestvoto pred mene.” (I call on the fire of Hephaestus. Burn the creature before me.” The Dean himself a witch spoke of the spell of yellow fire, and the flame appeared in a narrow circle, and then the flames flared out as streaks of flame that lashed out like a fiery whip at the group.

“He reveals himself!” Howard called out. “We shall do the same.”

The newly arrived group roared out in unison, and then their appearance changed. They shed their humanity look to that of the werewolves. With their new identity, the group of werewolves rushed forth on their four limbs, with the fangs revealed.

“Oh, God! They are …….” One of the witch apprentices was brought down by a werewolf before the other could react. The apprentice was set on by two others, while the others charged at the other Warlock’s group. Carly the Mortician

“I do not fear you.” The Warlock turned to face the attacking werewolves.

“How did they change ……” The Dean and Carly the mortician stood by the Warlock side.

“This pack knew of the spell that allowed them to change by will, and not by moonlight alone. They are not as strong, without the moonlight but still deadly.” The Warlock said. “Strike at them.”

The Warlock called on the shield to protect him and the Dean.

“Do not leave me out!” Carly called out and the werewolf dragged him down. He seen dragged to the rear and set on by two other werewolves.

“Run!” The others were apprentices or junior witches stood no chance on the werewolves.

“Run, ladies. They are animals.” Lydia Poem the legal representative called out. She had then pulled out a revolver from her handbag, and fired at the werewolves. The shot impacted on the werewolf at the head, and it went down onto the ground.

That shot directed the other werewolves to attack the ladies.

“Argh……” A lady screamed in pain when the werewolf bit into the left thigh. Suddenly the roar of the wolf’s leader was called, and the werewolves withdrew to surround the Menhirs.

Eighteen werewolves faced the Warlock and the Dean. One was dead from bullet wound in the head. The leader of the pack, the Alpha stepped to the fore. The wolf was huge and its fangs seen, stood there.

“You cannot speak like yourself now, Howard.” The Warlock looked at the wolf. “But I know of your needs. And whom you are now. I knew of your scent for a long time, it was faint and I was unsure. I thought you may have an appetite for wolf meat ……. Or dogs. I never ate your pies. I kept my distance from your true self; it was always Howard the tavern keeper I spoke to.”

“Owoo ……  I am surprised that you grew a pack here, and drew yourself to be here today.” The Warlock smiled. “I wondered how Martha must have felt.”

The Alpha growled at the Warlock.

“The lunar event could not be missed by you.” The Warlock smiled. “Are you game for a battle with me? I do not think you could win. Yes, you hold the numbers but I have the spells to terminate all of you.”

“Not necessary.” The Wiccan approached form the rear of the wolves. She was with her coven, Brown, Stefan, and Marcos.

“I could aid them to remove you.” The Wiccan smiled while she stood to the rear of the wolves. The pack of wolf’s parted the passage for her to face the Warlock.

“The Alpha does not know me, and nor do I need to know him. We are all here to get the power of pinnacle. Only the fittest will survive.” The Wiccan smiled/ “And in this battle, we will be the fittest to remove all others till we stand alone.”

“I am impressed, Wiccan. You have ……” The Warlock looked to the high noon sun. The clouds were seen parting there on the sky. “An hour or less perhaps……. More than enough time to remove you.”

“You are short of the quorum of five, Warlock.” The Wiccan smiled. “I, however have the number.”

“Four is my count, Wiccan.” The Warlock smiled.

“You forgot your daughter, William.” The Wiccan smiled. It was then Elizabeth arrived with Lilith.  Dolores was also there with Mary Annabelle. “She is my …… No, she is not the fifth. Lilith will stand for the fifth.”

“Why did you bring Elizabeth?” The Warlock was surprised. “She is not a witch.”

“Never will be, but she can view your death today.” The Wiccan looked at Elizabeth who was holding onto the amulet at her chest. “Today, you will be cured of the pain in you. You will not have the oppressive behaviour that inside of you. Once I acquired the power of pinnacle, I will cure you. But before that cure, you will need to cleanse your mind of William Katt.”

“For your mother’s soul to rest forever.” The Wiccan sighed.

“I ……” Elizabeth was stunned to said anything. “I am ……”

“Your tendency to anger, and the desire to kill, and inflict sufferings are not of yours, but of your mother’s soul inside you. She died with her good side of the soul, but her bad soul lingered inside of you. That is why till today, you wake up and your first thoughts were of her. She remained a curse in you because of your father. He knew it too, and all this time, he wanted to help you but like me, we are powerless to do so, till we can hold the power of pinnacle.”

“Consider it like an exorcism towards you.” The Wiccan turned to look at Elizabeth. “Your aunt through the works of hers at the Theology Society will work for you, but it was not the approach. You needed a witch remedy to remove the curse.”

“Stop it, Agathe. You caused it all. You cast the spell upon her to spite me and Katheleen. You did not want us to be together but your curse was to be on our daughter.” The Warlock shouted. “Katheleen told me, and she was no witch. She died trying to protect our child. I took on the care when I knew Katheleen had died. I could not do much to help then; I was powerless and for her sake. I kept my distance while watching her grow to adulthood. It pained me to see how she covered her inner self, but I had to bide my time to cure her. She left town soon after, and in my pain, I had to stay on. The coming lunar event is a rare one form the others.”

“I was glad when she did return, and I offered her my aids. She knew who I was but was convinced to let me be there……. As a protector.”

“Sentiments, William. I must admit your relationship with Katheleen was …… not sanctioned by me. She rebels on being a witch but got herself onto one. I was furious and ……. Cursed her. I regretted it but it was too late. I sought out Elizabeth and tried to cure her. Eventually, I got her back here, for this event today.”

“Hey, William …… Agathe…… do not speak as if I am your …… object to roll around.” Elizabeth heard it all/ “I know I am ……. Cursed. Cursed from leading a normal life. I am the daughter of witches…… I never felt at ease since young.” Elizabeth stepped up towards the Wiccan. “I was …… given the opportunity to be good. My aunt gave me anchor to God. I was never to be anchored. I confess my sins to William, and like me, he was a free spirit. He did not want to be in his father’s shadow, and wanted to be free.”

“We were in some ways, but the ……. Our relationship…… we were to elope, but the curse took its path for me. He was killed by the monster, and I was left alone. Do you know my loneliness led to my nightmares? God could be help me. I had to seek my own salvation.” Elizabeth looked at William. “When the opportunity to leave town, be it so to be together the only other surviving Frankenstein, I took the ……. Path.”

“Mary, my daughter was never meant to be. I left her with the father, and returned here. Not for only myself but to be near William. I had been to his grave some days, but not anymore.” Elizabeth tears rolled down her cheeks. “I took my anger……. My pains on others. I am imprisoned the man to torture; I befriended a demon to carry out my anger. I am a monster myself.”

“No, you are not.” The voice was from Victor Frankenstein.

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 34

 

34.

 

Lauren’s spell was intense that it alerted the others including the Warlock and Wiccan. At that moment, the Warlock was rushing to help Getrude. He had rushed in and saw the witch laying there bloodied and dying. He crouched by her, and studied the wounds.

“Werewolves….” The Warlock muttered. It was then he got the alert of another coven in the town area.

“Another coven……” The Warlock was taken aback. The town was getting crowded by the numbers. He touched his right fingers at the wound, and from it the images constructed in his mind. He saw the werewolf, and the man before it. The savage acts that were on his witch. The Warlock was not envious of Getrude with her amorous needs; he sanctioned it for she was a good witch, and from her action, he learned a lot of the town’s folks.

“Evan…… I know your name now.” The Warlock muttered. “You will die soon.”

“I am here.” The Warlock heard the words and then rolled to the side before. He crouched up and looked at the attacker. It was the werewolf that killed Getrude. The beast was covered with the victim’s blood.

“You should never attack without your clothes.” The Warlock smiled. “You looked ……. Awful.”

“Go povikuvam ognot na Hefest. Zapali go suštestvoto pred mene.” (I call on the fire of Hephaestus. Burn the creature before me.” Carmilla spoke of the spell of yellow fire, and the flame appeared in a narrow circle, and then the flames flared out as streaks of flame that lashed out like a fiery whip. The fire spell snapped at the werewolf, who retreated in pain.

“Now you will die….” The Warlock stood up. He was focussed on Evan, that he did not see the other werewolf that attacked him from the side. The right upper limbs of the werewolf slashed at the Warlock, who defended with his left leg kicking out. The slash injured the Warlock at the leg but he called on the spell of fire to impact on the werewolf. The latter retreated and snarl at the Warlock.

Evan had recovered; burnt on the frame lunged forward, but then the Warlock was ready. He called on the other spell to deal with Evan.

“Силата на Артемида, направи ја мојата цел вистина. (The strength of Artemis, do make my aim true.),” The Warlock called on the ancient spell from the books. The form of an arrow was seen, and it was hurled then at the demon. The magic arrow pierced the werewolf at the muzzle chest and exited from the rear of the neck.

The surviving werewolf skunked away, and then leapt out of the doorway. The Warlock was still stunned from the attack; these werewolves have evaded him with their scent was not picked up by him. He heard of the potion that was there, deployed by the werewolves, but never had he seen it. The attack left him with some injuries, but it will heal. He moved towards the doorway to leave. His main task needed priority.

Priority was on the mind of the Wiccan. She had gathered the members of the coven. The Wiccan also heard the alert; it was a general call for help by the witches. Anyone who was a witch will know of its call. She knew that it was not from her coven, but it told her that some others were in trouble.

“We leave for the Uni now. “Bring Marcos and Stefan.” The Wiccan had to secure the location for the event. She knew the Warlock may had done the same there. It was needed for them to battle for it.  

“What about Lilith?” Brown had asked.

“She is needed to guard Elizabeth. There are others who may harm my granddaughter and Mary Annabelle.” The Wiccan replied while she focussed on the battle ahead. “We have only a narrow time frame now. Deal with the witches there.”

Lilith heard the alert then, but she was wary of leaving there. She needed Elizabeth to defeat the Wiccan. It was uncommon for coven members to revolt but it does happen. A coven leader may be ill or died, then the members may break into factions to elect a new leader. Or disgruntled members may leave, and return to take vengeance. Lilith was no different. She wanted to be the next Wiccan, and her passage to it was to hold Elizabeth as the hostage. She had recruited Brown and Marcos to her side. The death of Jae was regretful but he was with the Wiccan.

All it needed then was the opportunity to take the pinnacle of power, and the coven.

“Mistress, the witch at the basement is dead.” Dolores whispered to Elizabeth at her personal chamber. “Your friend, Lilith killed him. She cannot be trusted.”

Elizabeth was seated at the window, a distance looked at Mary Annabelle seated on the bedding reading her book. She stood up and looked at Dolores.

“Where is the …… Alpha?”

“He is leading the pack to the Uni. They are going to battle the other witches there.” Dolores told her. “The lunar event is upon us. It will be soon after midday. They want to garner the power of the pinnacle.”

“Who will be there?” Elizabeth asked.

“The Eastwick and the Creek Circle.” Dolores replied. “So will the pack.”

“Victor?” Elizabeth asked.

“I have no idea. He is as to what I was told, at the mansion.” Dolores said. “There is the other coven there. The sisters are there with the young lady named Lauren.”

At the cottage then, Rudolf held Lauren in front of him with the sword levelled at the throat. Abel stepped towards the lady, but was stopped by the father.

“Do not be a fool, young man. You may be kind to help her, but you could end up killing her.” Rudolf cautioned the man. “Stay with your brother. He looks like he needed help there.”

Kane was crouched on the flooring looked at Abel. He sensed his brother was more concerned on the lady than himself. His right hand reached the fallen pitchfork on the floor and gripped it.

“Nobody moves. I am taking Lauren with me.” Rudolf inched his way towards the rear doorway. “I am leaving …… Carmilla, I will kill you soon.”

The grip on Rudolf’s neck caused him to scream out and then he dropped the sword. He was raised up from the rear and then tossed to the side. Lauren freed looked to the attacker.

“Mary! Why did you harm my father?” Lauren shouted.

“He was to hurt Carmilla. I will protect Carmilla.” Mary stood there. It was then Kane had rushed at Mary with the pitchfork. He stabbed the pitchfork at Mary’s torso.

“Die, monster.” Kane shouted out. Abel who saw the attack rushed at his own brother.

“Stop it, Kane!” Abel pushed his brother off Mary. He grabbed the pitchfork by the handle and pulled it out. No blood spurted out but Mary was angry. She reached out at Abel and grabbed the pitchfork. She pulled it away from Abel’s hands to toss it away.

“Mary, I am sorry. Kane is ……” Abel stood there and looked at the raging creation. “He does not …….”

Kane had recovered and grabbed the fallen sword. He charged at Mary once more, and thrust the sword into Abel who turned to protect Mary.

“Abel!’ Kane called out. It was then the father arrived on hearing the shouts. He was followed by Victor and Sven. He saw his elder son stabbed Abel in the torso.

“Kane! What did you do?” Doctor Abraham was in shock and rushed to his dying younger son. He cradled his son in his arms.

“Abel, please hold on.” Doctor Abraham looked to Rudolf. “You are a military man. What can I do with the wound?”

Rudolf was stunned but having recovered from the attack by Mary. He looked at the doctor and shook his head.

“Help my son please.” Doctor Abraham looked to the witches. “You may know a cure……. Please.”

Annabelle rushed forth, and looked at the wound. She called on a spell to stop the bleeding but then also shook her head.

“We cannot do much. He is …….” Carmilla offered to assist upon seeing Annabelle’s reaction.

“Kane, what madness did you ……. He is your brother.” Doctor Abraham looked at his other son. “You were ……”

“I was to kill the monster.” Kane said. “It was a mistake. I did not mean to ……”

“Get out of my sight, Kane!” Doctor Abraham shouted.

“I think …… I love you, Lauren.”: Abel said. Lauren heard him and did not look at him. She was unsure how to reply.

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 33

 33.

 

Inspector Watson was all guard then with the loss of his constables and kept his vigil on the Wiccan. The latter had taken to the tavern and remained there. He had seen the Wiccan was accompanied by her entourage, Brown and Stefan. The lady named Lilith was not with them. He had messed up who was in his coven: ten of them besides the Dean, the Mortician, and the lady named Gertrude.

“All is ready, Warlock.” The Dean appeared next to the Warlock. “We have another three hours to reach the event time.”

“Get the place guarded. I do not want surprises.” The inspector told the dean. “I will be in town looking for the Wiccan. Find Gertrude. She is needed here.”

Meanwhile Gertrude had just risen from the soft bedding at her home. She stretched her body, pulling at her arms before she looked towards her latest catch. The figure lay there sound asleep with her upper body exposed to her stare.

“Not a bad catch.” Gertrude praised herself. The figure was a man in his prime and told her he was new in town. He was looking to get enrolled in the Uni there. She had convinced the man that she knew how to get him into the Uni and took him home. It did not take much convincing, and a later morning romp was called.

Gertrude had done her usual mind probe and learned that much from the man was what he told her. She smiled to herself that her thoughts were too far-reaching to assume a stranger to the town was a witch or enemy of some sort.

“Silly me…” Gertrude muttered and reached for the dressing gown, a gift she had bought from the city to indulge in. She stood up and slipped it on. She felt the wet hands around her waist and the familiar scent on the back of her neck.

“Ah…… I thought you were asleep.” Gertrude whispered out while the hands moved onto the front of her chest.

“I was up.” The point was proven to the lady by the man when he pushed himself against her. “Are you?”

“I am up for anything.” Gertrude reached back for the man on the head. She had loved his wild long hair that reached below his shoulder. She envied that, for her hair was kept short by the direction of the Warlock. Her hands rubbed into the thick hair and arched her back. She felt her gown pulled apart from her shoulders and resting on her arms. The gown slipped to her elbows, exposing her chest. She let the lips of the man nuzzle her shoulder.

“You have a huge head, my love.” Gertrude moaned while her fingers ruffled the hair there.

“Not as huge as what I hold there.” The man whispered, his voice hoarse yet muffled at her ears. He pulled apart the gown at the bottom; the sound of the tear was loud.

“Not my gown, please.” Gertrude protested weakly. “I like that ……”

Gertrude had never felt being forced before and was pushed to bend at her waist. She felt the hardness that was there and braced herself for the impalement.

“Yes…” Gertrude felt it all inside of her. At the thrust of it, she moaned out in pleasure, and then he spoke.

“This is how we do it with the others.” The voice came across not as a gesture of the act but as a caution to the tone. Gertrude’s thought was then taken over by the jarring pain at her neck when the fangs bit into her flesh.

“Argh…” Gertrude called out, but it was too late. She felt the spine at the back of her head was pulled back and then snapped. She fell forward onto the flooring and rolled into a foetal position. She looked up at the man who had injured her.

It was not a man but a werewolf. The muzzle and the thick fur.

“You ……” Gertrude mumbled weakly.

“I am Evan the Beast.  You are to die, witch.” The man-turned-werewolf snarled. “I am called that by the other she-wolves, for I am wild within me.”

“And we are not done yet.” The werewolf astride Gertrude was in her position. “I loved fresh kills.”

Gertrude, injured, was unable to fight back. Her learned spells were blank to her then but one. She sent out the message towards the Warlock.

Just as Sven conveyed his to Victor. He pleaded with Victor to restore Henry.

“He is all she could care for.” Sven looked to Victor. “I am getting older, and how many more days have I left? Please assist, young Master.”

“Sven, I am trying…….” Victor looked to the lab that he had built. “I am trying to restore the generator. It may be the …… item to bring back Henry, but I am unsure.”

“Unsure, Master Frankenstein?” Sven looked baffled. “You gave life to …… Mary. Why not, Henry?”

“Sven, I am unsure what was done. Maybe the ……. Electricity worked, or maybe not.” Victor sighed. “I am unsure why I am here. Was it for ……. This? Or for Elizabeth? Or Mary Annabelle?”

“God! I am so confused.” Victor looked at the lab again. “When I was back. I saw the place, and all I wanted to do was to relive my tasks.”

“Madness! Truly madness! I am a creation of God, and could I do what God does?” Victor sighed. “I am just a……”

“God created man… and woman…. To create life. That may be your call here too.” Sven looked at the young master. “Deny not that yourself. You created Mary Annabelle.”

“That was ordained by God, but what I did here was not. Please do not deceive yourself, Sven. I am not …… God.”

‘Deceived? I am not. One day, our mankind will create life from …… ourselves, not with another but in a lab. I believed in that. You did it once, and you could do it again.”

“Sven, you are forcing yourself to think I am the ……. No…… The witch said it so. She gave Mary the …… essence.” Victor said. “She is the one to do it.”

“The witch did say that, but you may have done it with her.” Sven looked at the other.

“Why, Sven? Why do you press on me?” Victor stepped back. It was then he heard the hum of the generator.

“It is working.” Victor's face lighted up. It was like he was given a new hope then. Doctor Abraham then appeared there at the doorway.

“Do you have any more diesel here?” The doctor looked at Sven. “The tank is low.”

The hum of the generator took the attention of the others in the cottage. Carmilla was seated then and looked at Annabelle.

“The generator is working.”

“Perhaps it augurs well for us.” Annabelle said. “Victor can resume his tasks.”

“Annabelle, it was not Victor’s achievement that triggered the creation but mine.” Carmilla reminded the other.

“Help Mary then,” Lauren interrupted them.

“Do not get involved, Lauren,” Rudolf cut in. “It is not our concern.”

“Carmilla, I can sense Mary’s needs. Please help her.” Lauren ignored the father. It was then Kane stormed in, holding the shovel he found at the mansion. He charged at Carmilla. She did not foresee the attack and felt the shovel swipe at her form. She in turn swiped her right hand at Kane, who was thrown back against the wall.

“He hurt me…” Carmilla called out. “The shovel contains iron.”

Annabelle rushed towards her sister and looked at the area swiped by the shovel. There was some damage done to the left shoulder. Even though the form was corporeal, the iron material could hurt them.

“You fool!” Carmilla in turn attacks Kane. She called on the spell, which will burn at his soul.

““Go povikuvam ognot na Hefest. Zapali go suštestvoto pred mene.” (I call on the fire of Hephaestus. Burn the creature before me.” Carmilla spoke of the spell of yellow fire, and the flame appeared in a narrow circle, and then the flames flared out as streaks of flame that lashed out like a fiery whip.

“No!” Lauren called on her own spell of the shield to protect Kane. The shield covered the injured Kane and repelled the fire spell.

“Why did you do that?” Carmilla was upset at Lauren.

“He is not the enemy. He is ……. Abel’s brother.” Lauren defended her action. “Please do not harm him.”

“Carmilla, I can feel it. The lunar event is taking place soon. We need to get there too.” Annabelle said. “Maybe without Lissa, we can garner the pinnacle of power to make Lauren complete.”

Carmilla looked at the young apprentice. Annabelle could be right. They are stretched in their spirit form, and training Lauten has sapped their powers. The pinnacle of power was their last option.

“No, you cannot take her.” Rudolf held the sword he was given at Lauten. “I’d rather see her die than be a witch.”