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.”

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 32

 

32.

 

The dean studied the arrangement of the stones and artifacts set at the base of the menhirs. He had spent over eight years collecting the items. It was on the instruction of the warlock, who claimed that he held the ancient scrolls written by the druids to call on the pinnacle of power.

Ancient Druids practiced the oral tradition and did not leave behind any known written holy texts, scriptures, or records. There were some second-hand accounts by Greek and Roman contemporaries, as well as later medieval Irish literature like the External Classical Sources (Roman/Greek), which provide the earliest, albeit biased, descriptions of Druidic worship, and Julius Caesar, who took an interest in druids and his commentary in ‘Commentarii de Bello Gallico.’ Others were Tacitus, who mentions the destruction of Druid groves on Mona (Anglesey).

Some scrolls, written in Ogham, an early medieval alphabet (4th-6th century CE), were found, but Ogham was also used to inscribe stones and wood, believed to reflect older, pre-Christian traditions. The Celtic literature has its forms in triads: three-part wisdom.

But the ones that were widely spoken of were the oral hymns.

The Dean had recovered many of these texts in the library, but none could meet the Warlock on his own findings.

“Mine are the true texts from the ancients. Its findings came from the works of divination of the elders.” The Warlock had reinforced his beliefs in the scroll. “It spoke of the incantations to yield the pinnacle of power.”

“For it to work, the circle must be formed with huge stones to collect the focus of the energy and the items to filter it so that I can channel it into me.” The Warlock had declared. “Once I hold the pinnacle of power, the supreme power will be mine.”

“Why his particular lunar event?” Carly, the mortician, asked. He is a witch of the coven, and with his official position, he was their source for bodily parts.

“Carly, you wished to mock me.” The warlock smites at the other. “I have been looking for the source. The lunar event, in which the ever-powerful sun could be shielded by the meek moon, was displaced as the alignment of the planets. I searched beyond that.”

“The ancients often interpreted the changing face of the moon, particularly during eclipses or full moons, as signs of cosmic, divine, or malevolent activity. The Mesopotamians viewed it as a direct assault on the king. The monarch was protected with a "substitute king," while the real king went into hiding until the danger passed. The Inca viewed it quite the same: the jaguar attacking and devouring the moon. For that, they feared the jaguar would then fall to Earth, so they made loud noises, shook spears, and beat their dogs to make them howl and scare the beast away. Many others had taken it as an omen of destruction.”

“What I was to learn, the coming event is not an omen but the channel of power. The learned covens had waited for this event. It also falls on the fifth day of the week and on the thirteenth Georgian date, at precisely the thirteenth hour. Truly the matching of the signs signifies its greatness.”

“It was not only the alignment but also the tools in which to focus the power.” The Warlock told the Dean. “You must not fail me. Get me the needed items for that event.”

The dean had spent his time sourcing the items via auctions, private sponsors, or theft when it was needed. The menhirs were the same; they were shipped in from the continent and assembled there. The Uni was proud to tell the peers that this was an alternative to Stonehenge, but many had refuted the claim of its mystic nature. The menhirs were paraded in the circular structure, but the smaller items were stored in the Uni’s storage till that day.

“Put that stone there.” The dean told the aide. He then looked at the shadow of the sunlight as it lay on the east side. There was little time left.

“Dean, are we ready?” Gertrude stepped up to the man.

“We will be. I have no reference to the …….”

“Trust the Warlock. He knew what was needed.” Gertrude smiled. “He gave you a list and……”

“It was done.” The dean nodded.

“Have you checked the alignment of the menhirs?” Gertrude asked.

“Do not tell me of my tasks, bitch. I know my tasks.” The dean was insulted to be questioned. “I do not intrude on whom you may suck of their vitality.”

“Obviously, I have my needs.” Gertrude smiled. “And yours is pathetic.”

Gertrude stepped away and walked to the exit of the faculty. She saw standing there was her next target. He was godlike standing there.

The Adonis for her desire.

It was not the desire then of Victor to pursue his task. He felt the tap on his shoulder.

“Move slowly, Frankenstein. I got you covered.” Victor heard the voice and with his side glance saw the rifle barrel aimed at Mary, still crouched there at the grave.

“Do not shoot, Doctor.” Victor whispered back. “She is not a threat.”

“Oh, doame” (Oh my God in Romanian.) Doctor Abraham uttered when he was asked for prayer. His religious master was a Romanian and taught him some good verses to say when in fright. “I thought I had seen all forms of monster.”

“Shoot the rifle, and I will make you a cripple.” Doctor Abraham felt the threat of the barrel at his spine. It was Sven who was standing behind him.

“Mary, leave now.” Sven called out. “They will harm you.”

“No, I will not. I want to be with Henry,” Mary said. “All of you leave, or I will……”

“Do not do that.” It was the voice of Carmilla. “Remember me. I was with you that night.”

“You……” Mary turned to look at Carmilla. The lady was with her sister, Annabelle, and flanked by Lauren and Abel with Rudolf. At the side to the right was Kane holding his frame against the cottage wall.

“Mother of God, what is that abomination?” Kane shouted. “Father, shoot it.”

“Silence, Kane,” Doctor Abraham shouted back. “Get back inside.”

“Let us not be ……. Hasty.” Victor straightened up. He looked at the creation; at that moment it was his creation once more, and not Mary's.

“That is my creation. My version of a living person, assembled from the body anatomies given to me. I had brought it to live, and ………. But how I am unsure.” Victor sighed. “God’s miracle perhaps.”

“Master, I am alive.” Mary stood up. “I am Mary.”

“Calm down, Mary.” Carmilla stepped towards the creation. “You are ……. Alive. I gave you my essence to reanimate you.”

“Do not come near me.” Mary held out her arms at Carmilla. “I ……. I am Mary. I want Henry too.”

“Run, Mary! Do it!” Sven called out. “Please……”

Mary gave one look at Sven and then turned to leave. She dashed off into the woods. Victor wanted to chase after her but was stopped by the doctor.

“Let her be, Frankenstein.” The doctor looked at the departing creation. “We got other tasks.”

The doctor led Victor to the lab. Carmilla looked to the skies and motioned to Annabelle.

“It is time for us to go inside too. The sunlight is upon us.” The witches retreated to the cottage. Rudolf followed suit, leaving Lauren with the lads.

“Abel, let us go back in.” Lauren assisted Abel, who was still limping. They were watched by Kane then. He was in disbelief at the turn of events. He looked at the departing duo and sighed. It was not his usual self to lose out to Abel on anything. Ever since he was young, Kane had been the elder one, calling the shots for his brother. He was unsure who was first at birth, but Kane was always deemed the eldest. They did not have any other siblings and grew up together, holding all others off from them with their fists. Kane was the brazen one with the flaring temper, while Abel was more the support. Where the fights were, Abel picked his opponents and delivered good blows, while Kane was the bull in the ring. Despite all that, Abel regarded his brother highly and followed him in all the quests.

“He is ……. sympathetic,” Kane muttered to himself. He had envied the younger brother, smaller in frame compared to himself, but held his own in the fights.

Kane then looked to the grave.  The hand that was protruded there had withdrawn back. He asked himself what the abomination was there. He had not seen any corpse climb out of the grave, although there were rumors of it; his father had dismissed them as tales. He stepped over and looked at the spot where the hand had appeared. He found some soil that was moved, but no hand was seen there. He looked towards the glass vase and saw a dead man’s face. He had seen his share of dead persons and even exhumed graves, but nothing was to prepare him for the sight. The figure in there was staring at him.

Kane stepped back in fright.

“His name is Henry. He is my… or was my son.” Sven spoke from the side. “Who are you?”

“Huh… Kane Helsing. I am here with my father and brother.” Kane, still in shock, looked at Sven. “How long were you there?”

“Long enough. I did not join them if that was your question. I am to be with my son.” Sven stepped up to the grave. He smoothens the soil at the spot where the hand was seen.

“I may suggest that you rejoin then.” Sven looked at Kane.

“Who? My brother or my father?” Kane asked while he glanced at the cottage. “I……”

“Whichever makes you comfortable.” Sven smiled.

“No, I want to go back to the town.” Kane turned to walk towards the town. Sven proceeded to the lab and saw the doctor was busy at work, watched by Victor. He approached Victor and asked to speak to him outside.

 

 

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 31

 31.

 

The break of dawn was welcomed by Elizabeth, who had then prepared breakfast for her daughter. Mary Annabelle had slept on the armchair in the living area, watched by the mother. Lilith had taken to the outside to keep an eye out for any wolves. Dolores, the maid of hers, arrived with the surprised expression that her mistress was there early.  The maid was in her working attire with the apron over the chest.

“I was away ……. At work,” Dolores replied.

“I could tell. Was it unexpected?” Elizabeth asked. “What did they take, Dolores?”

“Unexpected? No, it was as you said. They took the stones.” The maid replied. “I was surprised by the arrival of …… Victor Frankenstein and one other. They also took some items from there.”

“Items? I am surprised. I was expecting the …… Dean, but do keep watch. Have you advised the Alpha on this?” Elizabeth looked up from the tea she made. “My daughter will be waking up. I will serve her.”

“I will ……” The maid offered to assist.

“No, you will stay here and watch Lilith. I do not trust her.” Elizabeth looked at the maid. “You will not act unless … needed.”

“Understood, Mistress.” Dolores proceeded to do her task as the maid. She was not just a maid but the protectorate of the mistress of the pack. She was assigned by the Alpha when Elizabeth felt she was threatened.

Elizabeth took the seat she was on, watching Mary Annabelle; she smiled. She took the pain of leaving her daughter. She had no regret about leaving Victor; he was a means to an end. She took her role to return there, on the advice of her grandmother; your vengeance lies at home.

“For your mother, William Katt must die, but not too soon. Wait for the right moment.” Elizabeth heeded, but the turn of events was that William Katt sought her out. She played her part well, feigning alliance and holding back on her affection. What was unforeseen was the meeting with Howard or his namesake, Alpha of the Creek pack.

“Ms. Muriel, I thank you for harbouring me and tending to my wounds.” The alpha was wounded in a fight for the leadership; he won but was seriously wounded. He had reached Muriel’s house before collapsing. Next, he knew his wounds were tended to and had his recovery there tended by the maid, Dolores. She had dragged him in, and was later discovered by the mistress. She pleaded for his condition and requested silence on the mistress.

“He cannot be told to the authorities. They will …… kill him.” Dolores explained. For some reason, Elizabeth agreed. She was not to know of the werewolf connection until Beezer told her.

“He is a werewolf; an alpha one.” Beezer said. She was disbelieving until the night the moon set, when she saw the transformation of Howard and Dolores. She was fearful initially, but the wolves made no attempt to harm her. Later, when they had transformed back, Elizabeth was told.

“I owe you my life, Ms. Muriel. I will not harm you. I knew of your connection to William Katt. We avoided each other as it was arranged years ago. However, if you ever need my assistance, I will come. You will need a friend against William Katt… a powerful friend.”

That was how they remained as friends.

“Ms. Muriel. Do I serve your guest downstairs?’” Dolores asked. Elizabeth looked at the maid. It was obvious that she knew of the going-on at the basement, but she didn't say anything.

“Leave him be,” Elizabeth replied. In the basement, Beezer dragged its form across the flooring towards Jeeves. The other looked at the demon and then cursed at it.

“Hold your tongue, witch.” Beezer, still in pain, looked at the chained witch. “I could tear out your tongue.”

“Do it, demon. I do not fear you.” Jeeves laughed. “For me, death is ever welcomed. Who disfigured you?”

“Stop talking.” Beezer felt the humiliation in its injuries. It dragged itself upright and snarled. It never saw the blow that landed on the back of its head. The one item that demons feared was the iron bar that caused them great pain. Beezer went down on its knees and received a second blow on the head. Repeated blows terminated the demon of its soul.

“Who are you?” Jeeves asked.

“Your saviour.” The voice belonged to Lilith. The lady approached the other witch and swung the iron bar on the face. “I am here to end your existence.”

Lilith followed through with several blows and then walked away.

“You are messy in your kill.” Lilith heard the voice and looked towards it. “I could not have done such savagery.”

“Stay out of my way, Brown.” Lilith did not turn to the voice. “I have to cull the numbers.”

“Yea, Lilith. I am just here to tell……” Brown stepped out of the shadows.

“Go back to the Wiccan; she will look for you.” Lilith told the other. “We must be ready to take over the coven.”

“We will be, but not the others. I was told that Willian Katt is also massing his coven there.” Lilith stepped to the stairs leading up. “It will be a bloodbath. A worthy sacrifice to the master then.”

“Oh, there is another in town. I was told the sisters are here. They came to rescue their apprentice, the Spielsdorf lady.” The voice said. “Unforeseen, but we are ready.”

“Do be ready, Brown. I will be there soon after I contain the lady upstairs.” Lilith took her leave of the basement.

“Lilith, you are a brave witch, but I am more superior.” Brown looked at the departing witch. “When the Wiccan dies, I will be the new……Warlock.”

Meanwhile at the cottage, another standoff was taking place. Doctor Abraham walked into the cottage and saw his sons there. Kane was nursing a sore shoulder when he slammed into the tree; his brother was supported up by Lauren. Rudolf, the father, was brooding at the corner, and there was Sven looking solemn. It was a solemn day.

“Who are you?’ Doctor Abraham looked at the figures there. “Or what are you?”

“Witches, Doctor Abraham.” Carmilla smiled. “We are dead witches physically, but we exist in the spirit form. It is our power to do so for a time… far too long while we trained up the new coven leader.”

“You are dead. I have heard of the power that was with a few covens, and this is my first time ……. Seeing it.” Doctor Abraham smiled. “In all my years of serving the High Council, this is a rare moment.”

“Your efforts are well noted, but we are surprised that you are here. Rather out of your home continent, and ……”

“I go where I am to do my tasks. During my stay here, I am well occupied. Your aisles are beaming with ……. The ……”

“Livestock, Doctor Abraham. For your culling, if I may be crude.” The other witch spoke out. “I am Annabelle … Frankenstein. I was with the Общий.”

“Hallo, Fraulein.” Doctor Abraham bowed to the lady. Annabelle was born into a German family.

“I am no more German, Doctor Abraham.” Annabelle smiled. “I am a witch of the sister’s.”

“Your tasks were recorded by the High Council, and from the last entry, you have…retired.” Doctor Abraham smiled.

“Yes, soon after I was with the Общий. As it was with my sister, Lissa,” Annabelle said. “We are dead… technically, but the sisters will resurface with a new witch… a more powerful one.”

“Yes, the sisters were powerful. So, you are to get the pinnacle of power as it will be in some hours from now.” Doctor Abraham smiled. “I am tasked here to monitor the event too.”

“And cull… destroy will be the definition.” Annabelle said. “We are not here for the power. We are here to assist Lauren, for she is besieged by demons. Do yours, Doctor. We will do ours.”

“Why was that?” Doctor Abraham asked.

“Her mother, Lissa, is held captive by the demons. They also want her.” Carmilla replied. “We will stop them.”

“Your mother is a witch?” Abel looked at the lady. Lauren nodded.

“It gets more complex as the day unfolds.” Doctor Abraham smiled. “And what of the man outside at the grave?”

Victor Frankenstein was forgotten then. The man had returned and saw the grave was disturbed. A figure was crouched there.

“Mary……. Is that you?” Victor approached the grave. The creation nodded without turning.

“Hello, Master. Henry moved just now.” Victor saw that Mary was holding onto what was a hand that protruded from the grave.

“Henry……. How could it be?” Victor shook his head and stepped back. “He is… was dead.”

“No, Master. He is…… alive. I can feel his …… I am touching his hand.” Mary sighed. “I am holding him.”

Mary sighed because of all the time she had spent with Henry; she loved him, but she felt nothing of him inside of her.

“Master, can you bring him back to me?” Mary looked to her creator. “I loved him. I need him.”

“I ……. I am not sure.” Victor stood there. “I can …… try. I am trying… No, I will try.”

“Why, Master? Why bring me alive and not him too?” Mary asked. “Is it because he is… dead?”

“No, Mary.” Victor found himself relating to his creation by the name. “I am unsure of how it was done…….”

“Please do, Master,” Mary pleaded. Victor went down on his knees. Hours ago, he was keen to resume the work, the creation of a life, but watching Mary at the grave, he was lost. His last ten years of effort had yielded no results but failures.

“God!” Victor looked to the skies. “Why do you torment me? I am not you, and ……. Cannot be you.”