~*~
Months had passed since Alaric fled Colchester. Since then, he had visited many towns and villages, ate the finest fare in all the world, and met a beautiful young woman, whom he had deep feelings for. Unfortunately, because of Lavenia, her curse forbade him from ever finding true love again. His darling lover, the woman he gave his heart to, died in a mishap after he confessed his feelings. He blamed himself every day he woke, because had he not aided in Lavenia’s death, the lovely woman of his dreams would still be alive. She would watch the days pass by with him, watch the sun rise and set with him. Now she was just a memory.
Assuming Lavenia’s apprentices remained at her cottage, he planned on confronting them about another plan, one that involved his dearest brother and his new wife. Aye, he knew of their wedding, even watched it from afar. He was also aware of the growing child in Daciana’s belly. She was due to have the infant any day within the coming month. His plans would benefit them all, would save humanity from Lavenia’s wretched darkness. All he needed was a spell, one which would salvage his final hope.
As Alaric watched from the forest near Lavenia’s cottage, the golden-haired girl left, carrying a basket. He smiled. ’Twas good, learning they still resided in the homestead. He would see to it they could not leave until he found what he needed—and something told him they had it. So he waited until the fair-haired maiden returned from her herb hunt before he threatened them.
“So good to see the two of ye,” Alaric said, as he let himself into their home.
The girls’ legs refused to budge, and the blonde-haired lass let the basket brimming with fresh herbs drop to the floor.
“What do ye want?” asked the other, willful apprentice.
“What I want,” Alaric began, “is a cure for this bloody curse Lavenia cast upon my family and me. I want to be rid of it, once and for all, and I know ye are just the help I need.” He paced around the dining table near the entryway, creating a direct path to the two young women. “Tell me, have either of ye figured out in months gone by where Lavenia kept the cure hidden? I know it must be here, somewhere.”
The girls shook their heads, and the fair-haired one stepped forward to respond, “Nay, we have searched and cannot find what ye speak of.”
Alaric grinned. “I was hoping ye would say that. See, in all the days I have spent away from Colchester, I accomplished much thinking. And since the two of ye do not have a cure, I am going to make another proposal. Should ye decline this one, I will rip thy throats out.” He paused for an added effect, but mostly to wallow in the wide-eyed expressions on their faces. “I need a curse more powerful than the one Lavenia cast upon my family and me. I need something which will banish us to another world, so we can live in peace and not fret over harming normal humans. Can either of ye do that? Remember, choose thy words wisely.”
“I am sure we could conjure some kind of potion,” said the blonde. She glanced toward the other girl, who was glaring daggers at Alaric.
He smirked. “Then, may I suggest ye work quickly? Ye have until sunset.”
“But that is not enough time!”
The more obstinate of the two girls, the one who looked as if she could kill Alaric, stepped forward. “I know just the spell ye are looking for, but be warned: it only gives a short window of opportunity, one which ye must use wisely. If ye do not recite the spell exactly as it says, the hex may fail, or cause disastrous consequences. ’Tis not for the faint of heart.”
Extending a hand, Alaric said, “Give it to me.”
She stood firm as they faced off. “What do ye want it for, anyway?”
“That is none of thy concern. Now hand it over.”
The stubborn apprentice narrowed her eyes, but then swiveled on her heel and disappeared into the back room. She reappeared moments later, with a small parchment between her fingers. As she gazed at the writing, Alaric noticed her features twisted into sadness, as if she was physically attached to that scroll.
“Take it. Do exactly as it says. Naught more, naught less. Do ye understand?” she asked him.
Alaric nodded. “I understand.” Before he reached the door, he turned around and inquired, “By the way, do either of ye know how to deliver a child?”
Chapter Fourteen