Blood Moon

Chapter Eleven

Having just woken from a long—and much needed—nap, Ben and I barely have time to slide into our clothing before Fiona bursts through the door.

“Something terrible has happened. Ye must come quickly!” she shouts.

Ben and I exchange a worried look, but we listen to her nonetheless. On the way to town, she hastily explains that Alaric accused Lavenia of witchcraft, and the Captain of the Watch gathered his men and raided her cottage, finding a spell book—incriminating evidence during this era. Briefly, I think back to the time I visited Night Sky Books, where witches convened on a regular basis. If they practiced magic during this time period, they’d be executed.

Which is why I’m fearful for Lavenia’s fate, even if she is crazy.

“They dragged her to the prison, where she shall be kept until the morning,” says Fiona.

I swallow the lump in my throat. “And then she’ll be killed?”

“Aye,” Fiona confirms.

Just as we pass by the crowd gathered around the jailhouse, Ben asks, “Where’s Alaric now?”

Fiona shakes her head. “I cannot rightfully say, though I am sure he fled home.”

“Then that’s where we’re going,” Ben says, glancing at me. Nodding my head once, I silently confirm that’s our next plan.

Fiona stops walking and stands near the large group of people. “I shall remain here, in case any news awaits. Go on, then.” She shoos us off before turning around and disappearing within the horde.

“Do you know where they live?” Ben asks me.

“Well,” I begin, “they can’t be far from Daciana’s, since Ulric visits there, but my guess is they live on the outskirts. Remember when Ulric said there was a cottage nearby? Hopefully, it won’t be too hard to find. We just need to locate cottages close to each other.”

“Yeah, except that might be a problem. Most of the cottages here are spread out, because it seems like nearly everyone owns a piece of land.”

Eventually, Ben and I follow the road where we encountered the wolf, reach the end where the path veers off toward Daciana’s residence, and are uncertain which way to go next. I highly doubt Alaric’s there, but we still need to check on our ancestors regarding their new condition. We might as well pay them a visit.

Although it’s been awhile since we spoke with Ulric and Daciana, they politely allow us to enter the Lowell home without any issues.

“Much has happened since we last conversed,” Daciana says, as we sit in the parlor.

Ben and I give each other a sidelong glance, since we already know what’s transpired. Of course, Ulric and Daciana don’t know that we’re very much aware of what goes on around here. But just in case Daciana feels like spilling her guts, I resign to keeping mute about the werewolf topic.

“Oh?” I pretend to inquire.

She nods, blowing a sharp sigh through her teeth. “I am afraid for the safety of others in this town.”

“Why’s that?” Ben asks.

Daciana fidgets in her chair, toying with her fingers, and pursing and unpursing her lips. “I cannot speak too much, for fear of the repercussions. What I can tell thee is not to trust the herb witch or her friends.”

“Lavenia,” I mumble, then roll my eyes.

“I gather ye have crossed paths,” Daciana states.

Ben responds blankly, “That would be an understatement.”

“She’s going to be executed tomorrow,” I add.

Daciana seems bewildered at first, but then her face falls into sadness. “Oh, my. Such a tragedy.”

Obviously, Daciana isn’t going to be forthcoming about her and Ulric’s mishap, even when she knows Lavenia’s death will be tomorrow, so I press onward with Alaric’s whereabouts.

“Look, we can’t stay too long,” I say, “but we wondered if you might have an idea of where Alaric is staying. He and Ulric live nearby, correct?”

Nodding her head, Daciana replies, “Aye, they live just beyond the fork in the road. He should be there, and if he is not, check Murdock’s Inn. If there is one thing in this world Alaric loves, ’tis his ale.”

“Thank you,” I say, standing up. “We’ll check both.”

Daciana escorts us to the front door. On our way out, she says, “I hope to see more of ye soon.”

“With a bit of luck, you will,” I respond. “More than you’d like.” She smiles at my statement, even though she can’t possibly fathom the significance behind it.

Ben and I rush to the nearest cottages, where we knock on each door, searching for Alaric. We finally locate the Conway residence, but some grumpy old man answers and demands that we leave him alone. With a little more persuasion, he caves, supplying us with information that both Alaric and Ulric are more than likely at Murdock’s.

We bump into Ulric as he’s leaving, telling him we spoke with Daciana in an effort to find Alaric.

“He is angry, I must admit, but he is also saddened,” Ulric explains. “He did not believe the Captain, or his men, would find anything of importance. Now, my brother must live with blood on his hands.”

But what will happen if Ben and I save Lavenia? Can we reach a truce and reverse the werewolf curse? “Maybe not. Maybe there’s a way to stop this madness.” I brush past Ulric and enter Murdock’s, my eyes scanning the crowd of drunken men. In the far corner of the room, Ulric sits alone, running a finger around the rim of his tankard. Plopping down on the seat across from him, I greet him cheerfully.

His eyes gradually rise to meet mine, but then return to staring at his mug of ale. Sitting this close, I realize he hasn’t aged a bit from now until our lifetime. I guess immortality will do that to a person.

“We could rescue her, you know,” I inform him. “Give the guards a sleeping potion and get her out of there before they wake up . . .”

Alaric snorts at my terrible scheme. “What is the use? She is truly a witch. Should we attempt to set her free, she shall see to my death.” He shakes his head. “No more.”

“And if she doesn’t want to kill you?” Glancing up, I see hope in his eyes. “What then?”

“’Tis not a possibility.”

Shrugging, I say, “Okay. Your loss, then.” I stand up and begin to walk toward the door, when he runs up behind me, grabbing my arm and directing me to our spot.

Keeping his voice lowered, Alaric hisses, “Ye cannot guarantee my safety, or the safety of others in this town. If ye only knew the undertakings, the tragic deaths which occur—” He stops himself and sits back. Our eyes meet, and we share a lengthy stare. I let him make the first move, especially if he’s willing to disclose. “Leave this town while ye still can. ’Tis in thy best interest.”

Well, that wasn’t the communication I had hoped for.

Rising to my feet, I state, “We’re going to end this, once and for all. You’ll see.”

As I exit Murdock’s, I notice Ulric and Ben are still chatting. They quickly end their conversation once I reappear.

“Have any luck?” Ben asks.

I shake my head. “None. He said we need to leave town, because we have no idea what goes on here.”

Ulric pales. “Apologies, but I must be on my way.” He tips his head and scurries off before we can object.

“This place just keep getting weirder and weirder,” Ben mumbles.

Physically and mentally, I’m exhausted. I feel like we’ve gone around in circles since the day we crash-landed in the alleyway nearby. We know who our ancestors are. We know two out of the three are werewolves already. We know Lavenia and the other witches are planning something. What we don’t know is what, exactly, the witches’ ultimate plan is, when they intend to carry out that plan, or when Alaric will banish Ulric and Daciana to the Otherworld. I have a gut feeling that if we can get rid of the witches, Alaric won’t stand a chance at placing the spell on Ulric and Daciana.

“We’re back to our other plan now, I guess,” I say to Ben.

“Find the source of the blue light?” he inquires.

I nod in response. We have the remainder of the day to find the hideaway in the forest once again. But first, I want to pay a visit to Lavenia.

“Follow me!” I exclaim. “I have an idea.”

“I don’t know if I like the sound of that,” Ben retorts playfully. I smack his arm, and he grins.

It’s not too difficult to locate the jailhouse where Lavenia is being held until her execution tomorrow. Getting past the guards is a different story. This might prove to be a challenge.

“I wish to see my cousin before she is murdered,” I declare, loud enough to make my presence known.

“What is the meaning of this?” an older gentleman asks, as he stands from behind his desk.

“Just as I already stated. I wish to see Lavenia.”

The older man and the guards begin to laugh. One of them speaks up. “She is not allowed visitors.”

I do my best to portray someone who is about to lose a loved one, even with my features—downturned lips, teary eyes. Hopefully, this will work.

“Captain . . .” one of the guards begins, speaking to the man with graying hair.

The Captain glares at me, frowns, and then puffs out an irritated sigh between his lips. “Make it quick.” He leads me to a back room—they tell Ben to stay behind—where Lavenia is being kept in a cage. Iron bars, straw flooring . . . she’s being treated like an animal. “I shall be back shortly,” he says, giving me a piercing glower.

Lavenia, who was facing the back wall, rolls over. As soon as she sees me, her eyes expand and a cunning smirk plays across her lips. “Come to gloat, have ye?”

I step forward, twisting my fingers around the metal bars. “No, but I would like to get you out of here. Alaric doesn’t believe it’ll work, so this is between you and me.”

“Alaric.” She spits, then stares off toward the other cells. “’Tis wise for him to avoid me.”

She must not realize her execution will kill him, too. “He didn’t know you actually had a spell book lying around. He only wanted to get back at you for turning his brother and Daciana into werewolves.”

Lavenia jerks her head toward me, and her eyes narrow. “How do ye know of such things?”

“I know a lot more than you think I do. Now, convince me to get you out of here. Tell me what your ultimate plan is for Colchester, and why you turned Ulric and Daciana but not Alaric.”

She laughs, though it’s not sincere. “I shall tell ye naught. Ye are a fool.”

“Maybe, but I’m not the one who’s about to die.”

Losing her mischievousness, she leans forward and says, “Ye are all going to die.”

“So, that’s your ultimate plan? Kill everyone?”

Her malicious smile returns.

I frown. “I don’t understand why you want to hurt people, why killing innocent men in the forest means so little to you.”

She ignores my observations and says, “If ye truly wish to set me free, there is only one way.”

The men outside laugh at something, and I’m reminded I don’t have long to figure this out. Talking to Lavenia might be a last resort, even if it’s pointless. But maybe if I participate in whatever game she’s playing, Ben and I can be five steps ahead of the witches. Eventually, we might be able to end their power over Colchester.

“What is it? What do I have to do?”

The Captain makes his presence known by clearing his throat. “Visitation is over.”

My eyes frantically leave his face and return to Lavenia’s, searching for an answer, a clue.

She whispers so only I can hear, “Find the blue crystal and bring it to me.”

“Are ye deaf?” the Captain shouts. “I said—”

“I heard you,” I retort. “Goodbye, Lavenia.” After a quick wink at her, I fake sniffling, even go so far as to cover my face with one hand and slowly walk away.

The Captain guarantees Ben and I are outside before he informs us of the time of Lavenia’s execution tomorrow. He doesn’t seem like he’s boasting about her death, but he doesn’t seem discouraged by it, either. He returns to the jailhouse, closing the door behind him.

Immediately, Ben asks, “Did she tell you anything useful?”

“Yep. We have to go back to the forest, to the source of that light below the statue. She told me to find a blue crystal, and that’s the only piece of information that makes sense right now. That has to be it.”

“What are we waiting for? Let’s go.”

It’s almost midday before Ben and I stumble upon the hidden paradise in the woods. Our stomachs growl, and we’re both tired from walking for two hours. Now, we have to solve the mystery of the flying poisonous arrows. We can’t have another mishap—not when we’re so close to unlocking the witches’ secrets and ultimate plan. If this blue crystal is what unravels them and assures we’re one step closer to returning home, then it’s well worth the risk.

“Okay, all I know is that one of the cobblestones pops up, if you press it,” I tell Ben. Carefully watching my steps, I make my way over to the spot where he collapsed previously.

“Before you do anything stupid and get us both killed, how about we find something useful to stop the arrows?”

Leave it to Ben to be both sarcastic and thoughtful at the same time . . .

The only items we have close by are twigs and dead leaves, and those obviously won’t help. We probably need a metal shield to stop the lethal darts. Let’s not forget the fact that we’re running out of time, as crazy as that sounds. We don’t know what the consequences of taking the blue crystal will be, what powers it may hold, or why Lavenia needs it. None of this is good.

“Ah, screw it,” says Ben. His eyes glow yellow as he extends his claws, slashing at a piece of bark. Except, he underestimates his power and claws straight through the tree trunk, causing it to topple over—directly onto the cobblestones. Ben sideswipes me in a blur, before the miniature arrows have a chance to harm us, and then shields me. The barely-audible plink-plink-plinks alert us that the arrows hit the tree trunk, where we were just standing.

“Well, that was close,” I say, panting.

Ben resumes his human form and glances over his shoulder. “The statue has moved, and that glow is definitely blue.”

Fatigued, I mumble, “I really hate this place.”

Ben eyes me curiously, then places a gentle kiss on my forehead. “We get it and get the hell out. Look at the bright side: hopefully, this is the last time we’ll ever see this location.”

Squeezing my eyes shut, I mutely wish for no remaining traps. Opening them again, I notice Ben staring at me. “I’m okay.”

He reaches out to me with one hand, and I place mine in his. As we near the statue, the light from below ground-level becomes even more radiant. A spiral, stone staircase winds downward around the edges. I peer over the rim of the hole, noticing the blue crystal at the very bottom, encased on a small platform.

“I’ll go,” I say. “In case something happens, you’d be more adept to getting me out of there than I would with you.”

Ben nods in agreement. “Be careful.” As I descend the staircase, he says, “Candra?” I look up at him. “I love you.”

Smiling, I reply, “Love you, too.”

I use my hand against the wall to guide my descent, as there isn’t a railing. Reaching the last step, I notice the small room before me has nothing in it except the crystal. Why do I feel like Indiana Jones when he snatched a stone, only to trigger a trap? I really hope that’s not the case here.

“I’m going for it!” I call up to Ben.

“And I’ll be standing right here when you come up those stairs,” he reassures, though my stomach is in too many knots to accept his encouragement.

Stretching my arm out, I hesitate, my fingers within mere inches. The blue-coloring inside the crystal swirls, forming ancient text and patterns. I’m completely transfixed by its beauty.

“What’s wrong, babe?” Ben shouts.

My mind absorbs his words, but doesn’t actually process a response; it’s busy at the moment. Why does Lavenia want this crystal? What power does it hold? What if this is just another trap corresponding with the witches’ master plan?

“Talk to me, Candra,” Ben says, raising his voice.

I snap out it and grab the crystal before I second-guess my actions. A second passes and nothing significant occurs, so I hold it up, allowing Ben to see. We both laugh, relieved . . . until white smoke seeps through small holes in the wall and the entire chamber rattles.

Oh, no.

“Candra!” Ben yells, but the trembling walls and shattering stones cause his voice to become almost impossible to hear.

I bolt for the steps, taking two—sometimes three—at a time. Halfway up, a portion of the stone wall collapses, falls on top of the staircase, and sends it to the room below. My heart races faster than ever. I’ll have to leap if I’m going to make it. Backing up a few steps, ready to jump, the stone beneath my feet begins to crumble. I nearly lose my footing.

“Candra!” Ben’s upper body leans over the side of the chamber’s mouth, in preparation of hauling me over the edge should I make it that far. “Use your powers, damn it!”

I rapidly close my eyes and think back to the moment before I seized the crystal, but something strange happens: the air surrounding me arcs, then returns to normal. Great. An invisible force field is preventing me from using my powers.

It won’t work, Ben. Magic can’t be used here.

Then, f*cking jump! Those stairs aren’t going to last another fifteen seconds. C’mon, baby.

He extends his hand, urging me to press on. In a final attempt, I soar over the open space and latch on to what’s left of the staircase. My palms burn where the skin has ripped open, the gravel texture scraping me like sandpaper. I manage to use all of my upper body strength to pull myself onto the steps. Without hesitation, I kick my legs into action, sprinting as fast as I can. On the last loop, Ben snatches me and tugs both of us backward. We collapse on the cobblestones just as the remainder of the entryway to the chamber caves in on itself, puffs of gray ash exploding from below and lingering in the air.

Ben throws himself on top of me, one arm circling around the back of my neck, the other gliding up and down my side. His lips are firm against mine, unrelenting, and that’s when I realize how petrified he was. Using his free arm, he stops rubbing my side and, instead, slides it behind my back, pulling my body closer to his.

He ceases kissing me so he can say, “Don’t scare me like that again. My heart can’t take much more.”

I embrace him in a warm hug, and his head rests against my neck. “It’ll all be over soon, then we can be free,” I murmur.

“We need to get back. By the time we clear the forest and return to Fiona’s, she’ll be closing up shop. I think she worries too much, and we don’t need to give her another reason to be suspicious.” He rises up on one elbow, staring down at me. “And then tomorrow . . .”

“We’ll use this stupid crystal somehow to save ourselves and Lavenia.”