Dark Travelers Ch. 06

A sly movement in the corner of her eye caught Anya's attention. She jerked her head to the side and tensed, glancing around sharply. The beach was serene and quiet. Everything seemed to be in order. She was just about to relax when the sand in front of her undulated smoothly, then evened out once more.

Anya drew in a sharp breath and grabbed Andi's arm, pulling her back a few steps, scanning the ground with wide eyes. The younger sister stumbled a bit in surprise and shot her an annoyed glare.

"What's your-" she began, when Anya saw the sand behind her began to ripple and surge.

She squealed and clasped a hand against her mouth, yanking Andi forward sharply again. The girl faltered forward this time, barely catching herself from falling.

"Are you crazy?! What's wrong with you?!" Andi snapped, before seeing the ground shift for herself.

The sand was suddenly alive with rolling waves, and there was a muffled, excited chittering coming from all directions beneath them. Andi paled and it was her turn to seize Anya by the arm, dragging her onto the porch.

The males reacted instantly. Kael's features were alight with eager anticipation and he was the first to draw his weapons, holding them at the ready. Their posture tensed and they moved into battle position, standing back to back.

The elder brother was not as pleased with the situation. He glanced around at the sand, already knowing whatever they were, there were a great deal of them. The question was; a great deal of what? Kirik's eyes flared in surprised anger as a tentacle burst through the sand at his feet and curled around his leg. He reached down and took hold of it where it was protruding from the ground, jerking his arm up sharply.

There was an unspeakable ripping sound, and a harsh squeal of pain from beneath the sand as the tentacle was torn free from its moorings. The thing writhed and thrashed blindly in his hand, its grip slowly loosening and finally falling away from his leg. He dropped the amputated limb with a look of disgust when another animal burst from the sand and launched itself at him.

In one smooth movement, he unsheathed his blade and slashed it in a precise sideways arc. It passed cleanly through the animal, not disturbing its flight forward. Kirik swung his weapon up before the first two halves tore asunder, slicing through it again. The creature fell apart into four pieces. As the chunks of its body landed on the sand, its comrades swarmed over the pieces and pulled them under.

Kael plunged a sword into the sand as another beast raced towards him, the ground rolling violently with its charge. There was another awful, muffled shrieking sound as the blade found its target. He lifted the weapon and the women saw a thick-looking, vaguely cylinder-shaped creature impaled upon it.

"Oh Gods, Anya! What ARE they?!" Andi shrieked, cringing back against the wall.

Anya found herself mimicking Andi's actions, trying to bury herself into the side of the lighthouse in an attempt to get as far away from the sand as possible. She was unable to answer, too intent on trying to figure out for herself what she was seeing.

The creature was strikingly red; its body about three feet across and one foot wide. Two large eyes stared blindly on either side. Three triangular flaps protruded from the very top of its tube-like body. Its hide was leathery and tough-looking, and as she watched Kael twist the blade, it began to flash from red to shock-white and back to red, rapidly.

There were rudimentary tentacles running along either side of its thick, muscular trunk, working in frantic tandem. Anya was reminded of the centipedes she'd occasionally find in the woodpile at home momentarily, and watched as four longer tentacles in front lashed and whipped out at the juvenile. The clawed tips caught him along the side of his face and immediately sought to entwine and cling.

Kael let out a pained grunt and brought his sword down quickly, crushing the flailing creature under his boot and dislodging it at the same time. There was a horrible, watery sound as the thing's sides bulged, then burst open. A viscous, dark ichor dribbled from it and the arms slowly loosened their grip from the young male's head.

As she watched, it slowly stop moving. It heaved one time then relaxed, letting out a gush of sea-water. Anya felt nauseous for a moment, it reminded her of a squid-centipede. It was horrible to look at, and there were more of them. She could see the ground around the two males undulating violently now.

Squidapedes, she thought crazily, banging on the door again.

Andi screamed suddenly and turned to clutch at her ankle. Another of the monstrosities had apparently sensed the two women on the porch and was attempting to drag the younger girl back onto the sand where she would undoubtedly be swarmed. It was pulling back brutally, and Andi could see a sharp-looking beak snapping open and shut eagerly at the very base of its arms.

She realized it was trying to EAT her, and the girl felt a sudden surge of adrenaline. She pulled her leg back and pistoned it back out, slamming her boot into its maw. She did it again, and then a third time. The thing let out a buzzing squeak, and lashed an arm across the girls face, momentarily stunning her.

"No!" Anya cried, and threw herself on top of it.

She began to pummel the animal, gouging at its bulbous eyes and ripping into it with her nails. The thing flung a tentacle back and she felt it wind around her throat. Seeming to know it had her, the creature's arm instantly clamped tight, restricting her breathing. Her assault on it ceased as she clawed at her neck, trying to free herself. Dimly, she could hear it chittering and clicking excitedly, sensing victory.

Andi had regained her senses and resumed her kicking, seeing Anya's peril. She battered both feet against the animal's head now, desperation giving her added strength. The creature squealed in frustration as it was again attacked from the other end. Finding this prey to be more difficult than previously anticipated, the squid-thing released the sisters simultaneously, sliding back into the sand and disappearing.

Anya scrambled back against the wall, gasping for air. There were red, raw-looking sucker imprints decorating her throat now. These burned painfully, but seemed to be superficial. Andi's pant-leg had been shredded to the knee and Anya saw the same sucker-marks on the girl's ankle and calf.

The brothers had killed several more of them by this time. The ground churned in a frenzy as the squids devoured their fallen. Kirik shoved Kael towards the deck, realizing that there were too many of them. The brothers joined the sisters on solid ground, trying to look in all directions at once.

The door swung open silently. The sand grew still, suddenly, all at once. The muffled chittering and shrill clicking shrieks quieted then faded away entirely.

"I suppose the least I can do is invite you in, since you didn't have the decent courtesy to die and leave me in peace," a reproachful voice said.

17.

The group turned towards the door and saw an elderly, dapper-looking gentleman standing there. His grey hair was short and carefully groomed as was his beard. The simple, blue robe he wore had elegant embroidery around the collar and sleeves and was accented by a bright, golden monocle attached to his pocket. The chain winked and sparkled as it caught the fading light of the sun. He was observing each of them in turn through this monocle, with a look of distaste coloring his features.

"Well, don't just stand there," he said dryly. "Come in before I change my mind."

He stood aside and swept his arms inward, inviting them to walk past.

The women were shakily getting to their feet. Andi tentatively put some weight on her injured leg, testing it. Anya absently rubbed at the wounds on her throat, eyeing the old man with some apprehension. His words of welcome hadn't been exactly comforting.

Kirik scowled down at the human. This didn't look like a grand sorcerer; this man resembled the feeble old farmer he'd questioned.

The elderly gentleman noticed and shot Kirik a glare of his own, "I never imagined I'd see another of your ilk again, Feylak. Were your kind not banished from the living realms all those centuries ago?"

Kirik's glare intensified, "clever old man, are you? We shall see just how learned you actually are."

The man bristled visibly, "last chance before I rescind my invitation. Will you come in and palaver, or shall we stand here all night and trade various insults?"

"Please sir, we've come a long way. Don't fight, I beg you. My sister and I are weary and frightened enough as it is," Anya said quietly.

The man glanced at Anya curiously, holding his monocle up to examine her once more. Some strange expression gleamed in his eyes before disappearing again. He turned his gaze onto Andi, who was leaning tiredly against her sister.

"You two young ladies keep very tawdry company, you know. However did this unlikely fellowship come to be? I must admit I'm curious."

"Enough of this swill," Kirik hissed, pushing his way past the old man and into the lighthouse.

Kael had watched each person speak with a musing expression. This new human was old, just like the farmer had been. He seemed to be even more frail than the females were, if that was possible. However, the old man's grey eyes were piercing, direct and unafraid; a distinct difference. Kael also found it a bit strange that every single creature vanished just as the old man had made his appearance.

When Kirik stalked into the structure, he followed suit, but kept a watchful eye on the old human as he passed. After a few steps though, he glanced back and saw the women still standing on the porch. Frowning, he started back and grabbed the blonde girl, pulling her along after him by an arm.

Andi sighed heavily but didn't resist. Anya blanched at the rough treatment and gnawed her lower lip, entering as well. The elderly man observed all of this with bright interest before retreating inside as well, closing the door behind him.

"So tell me, young lady," he began, nodding at Anya. "What is your name?"

"I'm Anya and that is my younger sister, Andi." Anya pointed at the girl, who was rubbing her arm and giving the juvenile Feylak a sullen stare.

"Yes, yes. Good, good. I'm called Horace, presently," he gestured to a worn-looking sofa.

Just as the women collapsed onto it, the cold fireplace burst into flame before them. They both jumped, automatically clinging to one another. The elderly gentleman tilted his head thoughtfully at this behavior, then turned his bright grey stare toward the brothers.

"You've terrorized them thoroughly, I see."

Kirik's eyes never left him, "your feeble looks are deceiving, old man. You set those beasts upon us, didn't you?"

The old man nodded, appearing almost pleased, "pity they didn't get to enjoy their meal a bit more. I do enjoy watching voracious pack behavior. But alas, I fear you were killing too many of the poor bastards. I released them before more could be lost."

"You made those things attack us?!" Andi cried from her seat. "Why?!"

"Guests are bothersome. Especially guests of these sort," he gestured towards the males.

Anya's mouth hung open slightly, "Squidapedes that attack on command seem a bit extreme. Perhaps a 'no soliciting' sign?"

"Squidapedes?" He chuckled appreciatively, "clever. Actually, they're simply called Sand Squids; but I do believe I prefer your term. And I wonder, do you think a 'no soliciting' sign would have worked with these two?"

Anya nodded, smiling wanly. "Point taken."

Andi wasn't amused in the least, "they were trying to eat us!"

He nodded, "they tend to do that, yes. Hungry little buggers, aren't they?"

The girl stared, astonished at his lack of empathy. "You're as bad as they are," she whispered sullenly.

"Tsk, no need for rudeness. You should respect your elders," he said, peering at Anya through his eye-piece again.

"Enough babbling," Kirik snapped.

Horace shifted his gaze to the elder brother, features politely inquiring.

The elder male produced the scroll from is armour again and unrolled it, "the woman said that you may have the knowledge to translate this script. Can you or not?"

Horace examined it with bright curiosity. When he brought the monocle up to peer through it, his expression took on a sharp, watchful quality, "where did you get something that?"

Kirik smiled, "so you do know what it is. Excellent. Now what does it say?"

"Aye, I do; but it's enchanted. As it is now, it is impossible to read. Observe," he dug into a pocket of his robe and took out a thin, golden rod.

Touching the tip of it to the parchment, a faint reddish glow surrounded the wording before fading. As the three watched, several of the letters slid around to different locations on the page. Even more of them turned upside-down and backwards. Kirik was both astonished and dismayed. Kael merely arched a brow and rolled his eyes, shaking his head in exasperation.

Figures.

The women shot doubtful looks at one another. Anya wondered if they shouldn't try to sneak out and make a run for it. Andi was also glancing at the door, frowning.

"This is a strong ward, Feylak. Whoever wove this spell did not want this to be read. Your efforts are wasted besides, this is only one piece to the puzzle that you're trying to put together."

Kirik smiled grimly, "you think we've been idle these past centuries, wizard? We're closer than you realize. Now, can this spell be broken or are you of no use to me, as well?"

Horace glowered, "aye, it can. You know it can. Why else would you bring the witch with you?"

"I've brought no witch with me, old man."

Horace issued a harsh, barking laugh, "you're joking. You must be. What are the odds of this being accidental?"

The sisters clung to each other, frozen. Who was he talking about? Kirik frowned over at them, causing the wizard to laugh bitterly again.

"You're not kidding. Gods save me; I may have said too much already."

Horace strode over and bent at the waist slightly, squinting at Anya again. She shrunk back into the couch, eyes unsure as she returned his frank gaze. Andi tightened her arms protectively around her sister. After a moment of close scrutiny, the sorcerer drew back and clicked his tongue against his teeth.

"You're unaware as well," he said with some wonder. "What are you, nineteen? twenty?"

Anya swallowed painfully before answering. "Twenty."

"Do you recall your mother, or your grandmother, or an aunt, cousin..." he trailed off, shaking his head and muttering incredulously to himself.

After a moment he started again, "was there some female relation in your family that practiced witchcraft? Can you remember anything of the sort when you were a child? Perhaps someone tried to begin your schooling and was stopped?"

Anya's surprise couldn't be any more apparent.

"No!" she cried, tone shocked.

Andi shook her head emphatically, "no way! We're not witches!"

Horace shook his head at her, "no, you're not. Your sister, however, is."

"What?!" Anya gasped.

The wizard held up his monocle, "this is a nifty, little trinket. Hidden essences of magic that would otherwise go unseen shine brightly when I look through it. And right now, I am watching small particles of light dance upon your sister's fingertips. There are faint traces of magic embedded in her skin. The only way this could happen is if she was born with it."

He took hold of Anya's hand and peered at her closely fingers, nodding after a moment. "Yes. This is definitely an innate ability. But it is so weak, it might as well not be there at all. You've barely enough essence to cast even the weakest spell. Think deeply. You're certain no one tried to teach you when you were younger?"

A faint memory bubbled up suddenly; timidly making itself aware. It'd happened long ago, she couldn't have been more than four or five at most. Anya recalled being with her mother at a small pond. It was hazy, but she remembered she had been laughing with the woman, having such a good time making small rocks skip and bounce and glow over the water's surface. In fact, it was almost like magic.

Anya frowned, thinking she was remembering incorrectly, then shook her head. No. She was not mistaken. Again the memory surfaced, a bit clearer now. This time, her mother was placing a small pebble in her hand and telling her to hold onto it tight, tight, tight! Anya did, beginning to giggle in delight when she felt the little rock start to warm up and jiggle in her small, closed fist. Her eyes flew open.

"Ahh, so you do remember something." Horace smiled knowingly. "You should have started proper training with the onset of your menses. What happened?"

Anya couldn't find her voice for a moment.

Andi was staring at Anya with a concerned expression, "what Anya? What is it?"

Finally, barely audible, "mother died when I turned thirteen."

Horace smiled sympathetically. "You poor girl. Circumstances have not gone in your favor, have they?"

He straightened up fully and appeared to consider something. "I really shouldn't do what I'm thinking of doing," he mumbled quietly. "Really, I shouldn't."

Kirik watched the woman closely, dubious. She didn't act like any witch he'd ever been in contact with. And if she was; did she hold some key to deciphering that code? The wizard had mentioned in passing that a witch would be needed for some reason.

"Wizard," he began. "You said I must know the spell could be broken because I'd brought a witch with me. Why is she necessary?"

The old man's eyes were alight with interest, "I must say that this is the most fascinating evening I've had in decades."

"You speak in volumes yet you say nothing!" He spat, frustrated.

"So testy! Calm yourself, Feylak. I will tell you. It goes against my better judgment, but I am just too curious as to how this will play out."

Horace approached Kirik again and pointed to the scroll again with his wand, "this isn't paper, you know. It's human skin."

Andi wrinkled her nose and Anya's complexion went a shade whiter. An ominous feeling was beginning to settle over her.

Kirik tilted his head and nodded, "so it is. Very good. What of it?"

The wizard sighed, "the what of it is as follows. For dark magic such as this, the spell-caster constructed this particular enchantment to be physically binding. Whatever unfortunate witch had this message scored into her flesh was then sacrificed. Upon death, the message scrambled itself, leaving it unreadable. And, as you've seen for yourself, the letters are still restless; even after so long."

"Outstanding. So how do we counteract it?" Kirik asked.

"We need to transfer it to living, human skin. But not just anyone. We need someone with some sort of magical ability, or the spell will not respond. A witch's skin. Hers." Horace inclined his head at Anya.

She blanched and went even whiter. "What do you mean? What are you going to do to me?"

The old man's expression was tinged grudging admiration, "I'm rather impressed, Feylak. You found that scroll first off, I imagine it must have been hidden quite well to begin with. Then you travel all this way, just to happen upon a witch who'd lead you to me. The one man in this entire realm who's even heard of a spell like this."

Kirik stood silently, excitement building in his chest. So close.

Horace turned back to Anya and clicked his tongue again, "rotten luck, isn't it?"

"Why are you helping them?" She asked, sharp edges glinting in her tone.

"I've told you already; this is extremely interesting and I find myself unable to resist. I've enjoyed years of solitude, but this has broken up the monotony quite nicely. Come now, don't look at me so accusingly. I'll need to do a bit of research but from what I can remember, the process is swift and almost painless."