Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 24

Zyra woke in a panic. Her eyes snapped open and she jerked up to find herself inside of a circle of candles. The grey witches chanted around her in low murmurs, the sound pulling at invisible strings in her arm. She looked down at her tattoo and found it glowing eerily. Before she could scream, before she could fight, it was over.

When Zyra blinked she found herself in her room. She was in bed, where she had been last.

"A nightmare..."

Zyra wasn't sure. It had felt so real. Her mind told her that she was simply stressed and this was the result. No, she was smarter than this. Instinct had kept her alive all of these years. Zyra knew something was wrong.

She tossed the covers off and threw her boots on. She ran out of her room, past the Marble Basin, to the only entrance and exit of the Marble Tree. She could see the plush green grass outside and the sky was dark. She ran...and fell back.

Zyra's eyes widened as she stretched her hands out to touch an invisible wall. She couldn't get out. Something was keeping her in.

"Your intuition is as impeccable as usual."

Caligula and Etaceh stood behind her, each wearing a different emotion. Caligula looked stern and prideful, Etaceh seemed nervous.

Zyra snarled at them. "So...you've made a wall?"

"It's not a wall keeping you in," Caligula said, stepping forward. "It's a charm imbedded into your tattoo. You do know you can absorb the abilities and magic of creatures yes? Well we gave you something to absorb."

"The grey witches...the dream—"

"It was no dream."

Zyra stared at Etaceh who was pointedly avoiding her eyes. The feeling of being trapped nearly overwhelmed her. No, not again. She refused.

"Why?"

Caligula raised an eyebrow. "Why what?"

"Why are you doing this?" Zyra shook her head in

disbelief. "I have done everything you've asked. I came when you called me. I have trained under you. I have suffered under you. I have obeyed your every command. Why are you treating me like a prisoner?"

"We commanded you away from the lizard," Caligula snapped. "You disobeyed us. You are naïve. We do this only for your protection."

"I know what you want," Zyra retorted. She looked at Caligula with honest eyes, assessing the dark truth she had tried to shield herself from. She could see it now, in this moonlight, the heavy swirls of gold lust and purple jealous. "I am not naïve. You are not doing this for me."

Caligula's smugness evaporated as rage began to stain his features.

Etaceh stepped forward, her eyes saddened. "Zyra please. You won't give us a chance. You've...you've given us no choice."

"You could trust me! You could choose to trust me! Have I not earned it?"

She looked between the witches. "Haven't I?"

"Zyra..."

"Tell me!"

"You have done things without our say so,"

Caligula stated. "We know about the nymph. We know about Scallen, who ruined Etaceh's lesson with his meddling. Had you continued to work with that dead seed, you might have progressed on schedule with my lessons. You do not trust us Zyra, and as a result, we do not trust you."

"How can I?"

"I have had enough of this."

"Don't walk away from me!"

"Zyra sweetie..."

Caligula turned his head from her. "Medean."

A second later Medean strode forth, his face emotionless. "Yes, sir?"

"Please escort Zyra back to her quarters."

Medean looked at her and strode forward. "Yes sir."

Zyra silently followed him as he led her by the arm to her room. Once inside she turned to him, hoping, praying he would say no. She put a hand on his shoulder, her eyes pleading with him.

"Medean, please tell me you didn't tell them about the nymph in my room."

Medean stared down at the floor and he clasped his hands.

"Medean."

"I am sorry Miss Zyra."

She took a step back from him and looked at him in confusion.

"Why?"

"Why what Miss?"

"Why did you tell them about the nymph?"

"They knew about him, long before I told them."

"Then why did you have to tell them?"

"It was necessary Miss."

His words left her cold. "So, I guess witches can't be trusted." Zyra numbly pointed to the door. "I believe your duty has been fulfilled. You may leave."

Medean unclasped his hand, his expression pained.

"Miss..."

"Leave."

Zyra jumped in bed and pulled her covers around herself. The spell the grey witches cast had taken all day. She could feel it. The magic inside her was braided like a rope, chaining her down to this miserable place. Now, even Scallen was out of her reach. She lay in bed waiting for sleep to take her, but it refused. Finally she decided to take a swim. She needed to refocus. She would not let them win. Not now, not ever. Grabbing her towel, she began to head towards the hot spring.

---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***

"Caligula, we will never win her this way." Etaceh let out an exasperated sigh. "What do you possibly hope to accomplish by making her despise us even more?"

"She is too strong willed," he snapped. He was rarely questioned, especially by Etaceh. "She will be no use to us if we cannot control her."

"But we do," Etaceh said. "We hold her life, her tribe, her family and friends, all in the palm of our hand. What more do you want from her?"

"Everything!"

Caligula's shout made Etaceh recoil. She stared into the madness that tainted his normally cool visage. She could see it in his eyes, in that strand of possessiveness. His desire to control Zyra was personal.

"Caligula," Etaceh said gently. "Remember why we need her. Remember why we are here. She has a purpose. A set purpose."

"I am more than aware of that, "he hissed, his eyes narrowing. "Are you implying I have other plans?"

"Do you?"

"And if I do?"

Etaceh's lips thinned. "It matters not what plans you have concocted, so long as they do not interfere with the bigger picture. Your rage blinds you Caligula. You are not acting like yourself. Continue, and we will lose everything."

Caligula's anger started to abate as he listened to Etaceh's council. Somewhere inside of his arrogance, he knew she was right.

"What do you suggest?" he finally asked.

Etaceh's face lit up and she grabbed his hands.

"Let us endear her to us. Let us befriend her. If she comes to care for us, her loyalty will know no bounds. Surely her love would be more favorable than her hatred."

"You do not remember the humans Etaceh. They have no love for us."

"You forget the past my dear," she said. "We used

to be them."

Caligula shook his head. He could not remember a time before being what he was. "How shall we do this then? She is difficult. More human than a witch, and more animalistic than a human."

"She can be soft," Etaceh said. "She softened for the ogre did she not? We must indulge her. Allow her to explore and feel freedom in her new home—"

"Let her run wild?"

Etaceh released his hands and clasped her own.

"Yes. If that is what must be done."

Caligula's eyes pierced her as he searched for her motivations. He could find no answers. Etaceh was well protected, even from him. Well, at least if he wasn't trying.

"Fine." He turned, heading towards his chamber.

Someone would be waiting for him there.

---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***

Cursing under the water felt nice. It wasn't effective because all that could be heard were the gurgles and popping bubbles that jumped to the surface, but it didn't matter to Zyra. She knew what she was saying, and she didn't have anyone around to reprimand her. There was not a single Rovian to ask her who she thought she was speaking to and threaten to fight her. Not a single person who could understand. Zyra had never considered herself to be foreign, until she ended up in this foreign land. Never before had she been so acutely aware of her differences, her culture. Never before had she craved this much for home.

She lifted her head up when she heard a splash. Gritting her teeth, Zyra began to swim to the farthest edge of the pool as possible. Only the witches would find it appropriate for men and women to bathe at the same time. Did witches even have mates? Or Celebration for those mature enough for the rites? Did they even have children?

For a people that believed themselves to be better than the humans, they were barbaric in their own ways.

"Is anyone there?"

Zyra gritted her teeth. It was Medean. Of course, who else could it be?

He rounded the corner, in time to meet her angry gaze. "Miss! Wait! You shouldn't—"

Zyra dove under the water and began to swim faster. Not this time. He would not force her out of this water. She could faintly hear some kind of speech above her but she paid it no mind. What could he possibly...

Her heart jumped into her mouth when she was suddenly yanked by the back of her head. She grabbed the hair, her face zipping towards the surface as something pulled her. When it stopped she was against the wall of the pool. She tried to pull away, but found whatever held her hair to be too strong. Panic seized her and she yanked. The pain from the strands ripping out her skull made her scream.

"Miss!"

Looking out through teary eyes, she saw Medean swimming towards her. The water barely covered the tops of her breasts, and the wall kept her trapped. She couldn't help but imagine what Caligula would do in this situation and she fought to get free.

"Get away!" Zyra held her hair and struggled.

"Stay back!"

She had done nothing but abuse and be unnecessarily cruel to him. She refused to be at his mercy.

"Miss, please calm down..." Medean was moving slowly forward, his dark eyes filled with worry.

"I said get back!" He was getting closer. Too close. Close enough to reach out.

"Miss Zyra, I'm not going to hurt you."

"No!"

"....Zyra! Look at me!"

For the first time, Medean yelled at her. The feeling of helplessness washed over her anew and she struggled to keep her tears at bay. Her vision blurred, and when she blinked she knew she had failed.

"I'm not going to hurt you Zyra," he whispered.

His eyes were pained, as though it hurt him to know she distrusted him to that extent. "I am sworn to protect you. From anything..."

He was in front of her now. They were inches apart.

"...and anyone."

His eyes were earnest. She wanted to believe him. To be honest, she didn't have a choice.

"Please let me help you."

With a shaky sigh, she released her hands from her and covered her breasts.

"Thank you," he said.

Medean drew in closer. Her eyes widened when his body pressed against her hands. The feel of his skin against her made her flush. Medean didn't notice. As he reached behind her she was unsure what he was doing, but the pressure on her head began to abate. When he suddenly pulled her forward into his arms, she yelped.

"Stay still," he said. "Just wait a moment."

Medean held her back and gently carried her through the water, allowing her lower half to remain in the murky depths. When they were back at the pool's entrance, he released her.

"Wait here."

She stood numbly, as he strode up the steps and out of the water. The back of her head felt oddly light, something that made her number each minute. Behind her she could hear rustling.

Medean suddenly draped the towel over her and pulled her out of the water, onto the ledge. Stunned that he had been so forward, she said nothing as he re-tucked it beneath her arms and knotted it at the front. Zyra wasn't sure what to say. Words failed her.

It was this failure that allowed Medean to carry her without protest to her room, to slip a robe onto her, forced her to drink some terrible concoction, and sat her in front of the big mirror Etaceh had placed inside the room.

"Goodness," He sighed. He was dressed from head to toe, no doubt with the assistance of magic. "I told you that you shouldn't go near the drain pools. It's dangerous, even for witches."

"Is that what took my hair? A drain pool?"

Medean gently stroked back her wet choppy locks, relieved that she had spoken to him.

"I'm sorry. Severing it was the only way to free you. The drain has done some damage, but don't worry. You'll be fine very soon."

She nodded, closing her eyes. Her scalp began to tingle and she reached up to scratch it, but Medean placed a hand on hers.

"Please bear it Miss."

After about five minutes of wanting to tear her scalp apart, the tingling stopped.

"Now," Medean gently pulled the hair that he had slicked back towards the front of her, draping it across her shoulders. Zyra's hair was longer than she had ever had it before. It hung in wavy chocolate brown waves, almost as long as Kyzu's.

"How would you like it cut?"

Zyra stared at her reflection. There were so many things she had always wanted to try. She had always wanted to have the luxury.

"Cut it the same."

Unfortunately Zyra could not take two gifts from Medean in one night. It was not about pride, it was about atonement.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

In this way she would punish herself for the way

she had treated him. She knew better than to abuse someone who was caring for her, even if he was a witch.

Medean's reaction seemed informed, almost as though he knew her thoughts. Despite this, he picked up the scissors and comb, and began to cut.

Zyra closed her eyes, her mind drifting off to the last pair of fingers that had so caringly threaded through her hair. Kail, she wondered what he was doing now. She couldn't get him out of her mind, even if he was a murderer. There had to be a reason right? Zyra wanted to believe that, but did she really know Kail? What did she know about him other than the obvious? Could you love someone you didn't know? Does that mean that her love wasn't real?

"Done."

"Thank you..."

"...would you like to see it?" That Kail and her, everything they shared...

"I'm sure it's fine thank you. You can go."

Was a lie?

Zyra didn't hear any response. She waited for what felt like forever, and when she opened her eyes, the tears fell down her cheeks. Medean was standing by the wall, his arms crossed. He didn't look happy, though she was unsure what she had expected. She crossed her arms and laid her head down.

"Miss."

"My hair is perfect Medean. Please enjoy your night. You can go."

Again he was silent. He was beginning to get infuriating. "I said you can go Medean. I mean it."

Silent.

She pulled up, her eyes puffy and red with emotion and now rage. "Medean! I said..."

"Zyra."

Medean's ability to move around silently was beginning to unnerve her. He was kneeling beside her. She had almost turned into his face, into his lips.

"You can confide in me. I won't betray you."

"Why?" she demanded. "Because I'm the keromedio?"

"Yes."

"So any keromedio would have..."

"Not any person is chosen to become the keromedio. Only a special breed, a heart that is pure and just enough to look at a world unlike their own without prejudice can be a keromedio."

"Then I'm not a keromedio." Zyra's voice broke as she spoke. "Haven't I treated you with prejudice? Haven't I abused you?"

"You have also been abused," Medean said gently.

"Something I will remedy if it continues to affect you in such a manner. You needed an outlet. I didn't mind. I still don't mind."

Medean reached up and with his thumbs wiped away the tears from her eye.

"You have so much potential to be unlocked. You've been very brave. Bravery does not always come with a sword Zyra. It's alright to cry."

"You're a soft idiot if you think that's sound advice."

He chuckled, putting a hand on her shoulder as she wiped her eyes. When she had stopped crying, he turned her head towards himself.

"You want something," Medean said. "Please ask it."

Zyra swallowed. All she wanted right now was...

"...Hold me."

Medean put his arms around her. "Like this, Miss?"

"Tighter."

Zyra leaned onto his warm chest. If she closed her eyes it could be Kail, or Rell, Ginger, Kyzu, anyone.

She closed her eyes, and for the first time since she arrived, fell into a heavy sleep.

Medean lifted her up out of the chair. He undid her robe and slid her nightdress over her towel.

Then he pulled her towel off. Sighing, he tucked her in the bed, performed a protection spell on her, and left the room.

He wasn't shocked to find Caligula waiting for him.

"It's a bit late to be roaming the halls, even for a dark witch."

Medean smiled. "I wasn't roaming as you well know. Forgive me but I've had a difficult day, and I require rest. If you have something you wish to say to me, I suggest you say it now."

"Know your place," Caligula spat. "I am a witch of the high council. A lowly witch like yourself is barely fit to serve the keromedio, let alone get in my way." His voice dropped to a low hiss as he walked up to Medean until they were nose to nose. "Tampering in my affairs will cost you child. I could end you with a single word. Stay out of my way. Is that understood?"

Medean's smile remained perfectly in place.

"Perfectly."

Caligula smiled back "Good."

"But understand this..." Medean clasped his hands in front of himself firmly, a quiet strength in his presence that annoyed Caligula to no end.

"I was sent by my Master, your Master, the Head Witch of the Witch Council, to serve the keromedio. My loyalty is to her. No one else." Medean's easy smile didn't touch his eyes. They were hard and dangerous, threatening.

"Is that so?" Caligula chuckled darkly. Without a thought he lobed a torrent of pain giving magic.

Medean didn't move an inch to protect himself. Caligula saw the spell hit, but the boy didn't move.

"It is," he said calmly. "You know where my loyalties lie. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Medean brushed past him.

---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***

Zyra brushed at her hair. It was silkier now, for some reason. It was so odd how easily the comb went through. She was fascinated with it. She couldn't stop brushing it.

"Your hair looks fine Miss."

Zyra glanced up. For a moment she had forgotten Medean was there. Etaceh and Caligula had opted to pretend that the night incident had never occurred. Now they had their lessons and Zyra ate her meals in her room, refusing all invitations for inclusive dining. Medean often stood by her side for long periods of time while she ate. Sometimes he reminded her of Rair, well, minus the bad attitude.

"That's not the point," Zyra said, attempting an even and unforced tone. "I'm not trying to look nice."

"Then you enjoy the sensation?" He stepped forward. "Shall I bru—"

"Stand back."

Medean went back into his previous position.

Zyra sighed. "You know you can go right? I'm fine."

"On the contrary Miss," he said politely. "Pardon my forwardness, but I do feel my services are still required."

"For what?"

When he didn't answer, Zyra put down the brush.

"What?"

Medean's dark expressive eyes urged her toward action.

"What?" she asked softer. What need did he foresee that she didn't?

"Ask and it shall be yours."

"Ask for what?"

"Anything."

"I don't want anything."

Well that was a clear lie, though she hadn't intended it. She picked up the brush again.

"Well, I don't want anything you can give me."

"Would you like me to leave, Miss?"

No, she pretty much wanted anything other than that. She hadn't seen Scallen since the confrontation with Caligula. That had been a week ago. Not to mention the other people that haunted her.

"Miss?"

Zyra turned, staring hard into Medean's eyes. What did he want from her? What was there to gain? Even lovers wanted something from one another. Would he be heralded as a hero after she did whatever keromedio's did? Were there perks to keeping your keromedio in tip-top shape?