Odder The Demon Hunter - The Blood Curse
Chapter 25: OPHELIA’S PHANTOMS

Karzan created another circle in the air and zoomed in on the smoke. The homes, buildings, and structures lay waste under smoldering dark ash. The entire seaport destroyed.

“Was it a goblin attack?” Odder asked.

Karzan searched the area. “I see no goblins or foes.”

“I can fly in with Veselus to make sure,” Drugan said.

“Then do so,” said Karzan.

Serra took the helm as Veselus morphed. Drugan mounted the raven and proceeded to the port. The group watched through Karzan’s window.

“What’s going on?” asked Finkle bouncing up and down. “I can’t see.”

Odder picked him up and lifted him over his head. “Nothing. Drugan’s flying around the village.”

“I think he’s heading back,” Aimma said.

The group anxiously waited for Drugan’s return.

Odder put Finkle back on the ground. “The town’s destroyed and most likely the horses and cart with it. How will we get to Rigan and then to Skyger in time?”

“With only three days left, every moment counts.” Karzan closed the window. “We will have to visit the city to see what we can salvage.”

Drugan and Veselus flew in and boarded the ship. After returning to his elven form, Veselus took Serra’s place on the quarterdeck.

“What did you find, Drugan?” Odder asked.

“Desolation.” He expressed a muddled look, “My guess is the attack happened yesterday.”

“Then is it safe to enter the port?” questioned Karzan.

Drugan nodded.

Karzan waved toward Baku Prei. “Veselus, steady forward and hover near the shore.”

As the ship approached, Odder and the others caught sight of the smoking ruins that was once a thriving port village. Not even the pier survived the attack.

Odder observed the destruction and tried to peek around each smoldering heap. “Where are the corpses?”

“Probably eaten by goblins,” answered Finkle. Aimma wrinkled her nose and turned away.

“More likely evacuated before the attack, as with Anglest,” said Karzan. “The goblins know our destination. It makes sense they would attack villages along the way.”

“Maybe we should fly the wind ship to Rigan,” Odder suggested.

“Not possible,” said Drugan. “The ship’s magic is powered by the sea. Even flying a hundred yards inland would cause the ship to spill.”

“Then what?” questioned Serra.

Karzan pulled at his beard. “I made arrangements for horses and a cart. Perhaps they are hidden. We need to search the city.”

Veselus steadied the ship into the water, coming as close to the shore as possible. The crackling and popping of burnt ambers opposed the eerie silence of the dead village. The group jumped into the cold waters and walked up onto a sandy beach.

“Some of the sand has turned to glass.” Odder overheard Drugan tell Karzan.

“Very few creatures can create that much heat,” Karzan whispered back.

Odder spoke up. “Is it the dragon?”

“Dragon, where?” Finkle searched the skies. “We don’t have a chance.”

Serra crouched in an attacked position while Aimma ducked.

“Stay calm gnome,” Drugan interjected. “We don’t know what torched this place.”

“Whatever was here is gone now,” said Karzan. “Kellas will set soon, and the longer we stay, the greater the risk, so let’s start searching. It’s better if we split up. Corbin, you and Veselus stay at the ship in case we need a quick escape. The rest of us will meet back here in thirty minutes.”

The gears in Corbin’s chest turned, and he whistled in response.

Everyone else split in different directions, searching in and around whatever structures remained.

Finkle caught up to Odder. “There’s nothing here.” He kicked over a stack of half-charred firewood. “We’re wasting our time.”

“Hmm.” Odder looked around. “I think you’re right. Let’s head back. We’re almost out of time.”

Odder and Finkle met up with Aimma on their way back to the ship. The lack of conversation was evidence enough of everyone’s failure to find the horses.

Odder contemplated different scenarios on what he should do. I can fly with Veselus to Rigan, or find a way to teleport, or run lightning fast, or may skip it altogether and just go to Skyger. He frowned. None of these seemed like good options.

The group walked up to Karzan and Drugan talking between themselves.

“No need to say anything,” Karzan said. “I can tell by the looks on your faces.”

“It’s all rubble,” said Finkle.

“Speak for yourself gnome.” Serra walked up from behind the group pulling a wagon.

“Nice work, Serra,” said Karzan.

“Not bad,” Aimma added,” but we still need horses to pull the wagon.”

Karzan looked up and pulled on his beard. “We have one option. It’s a dangerous one, but will get us to Rigan by morning.”

Odder leaned in, ready to accept any solution.

Drugan cleared his throat. “There are creatures that only come out during Ophelia’s pale light. One of which are the Phantom Mares.”

“Ghost horses?” questioned Odder. “Then how do we ride them?”

“Not actual phantoms,” answered Serra. “It’s just what we call them.”

“Their movements are so rapid that one can only see their form for a short period before disappearing without a trace,” Drugan explained.

“And where and how do we capture these creatures?” Finkle asked.

“They roam vast open prairies, and there happens to be one east of the village.” Drugan formed a map on the ground. “This will take a team effort and with success, we will trap at least three mares. Serra, Karzan informed me that you have mastered a haste and cloak spell simultaneously. You, Odder, and the gnome will hide on this side of the field. Once they show, you will startle them back toward us. Serra, with your speed, you may have to redirect any stray mares. Aimma, Karzan, and I will lay the trap. Veselus, you watch from above.”

“And me?” asked Corbin.

“Yes the gentle giant,” Drugan tapped his lips. “You are much too slow for these creatures, but we can use your size and presence in the southern area to keep them moving west. Any questions?”

“Yes,” Odder spoke up. “What’s so dangerous? It sounds safe.”

Karzan answered. “The phantom mares use their speed for defense, but there are other predatory creatures. We need to be vigilant and have our defenses ready in case we face such an encounter.”

“What if they don’t show?” questioned Finkle.

Drugan gave Finkle a stern glare. “There are no guarantees but have faith.” He stood and looked at the setting sun. “Any other questions?” They remained silent. “Very well, I estimate only another thirty minutes of light, let’s hurry.

The group hustled past the village, through a shallow forest, and to the edge of a prairie where Drugan directed them on where to take their places. “Listen for my mind whispering as a signal to take action.”

Odder pushed the tall grass away from his knees. He felt uneasy knowing that anything could hide in the rough. Lurking predators could easily attack him or someone in the group.

“Serra,” Odder whispered.

“Shh,” she answered back.

He crept through the grass and crouched next to her. “Teach me your haste cloaking spell.”

“Right now, are you crazy? Go back to your area. You might scare away the mares.”

“I’m serious. If there’re beasts in the field wanting to have us as a meal, having two of us with your spell would help.”

“Get out of here,” Serra said, in a short, harsh tone. “There’s not enough time to teach you a spell.”

Odder paused. “You know I can learn it quickly.”

“I don’t doubt it, but the answer is still, NO.”

“Then just the haste spell,” he asked, meekly.

Serra grabbed him by the collar and pulled him in close. She glared into his eyes. “Vestida asagb.” Then pushed him away. “Now get back to your position and don’t think about using it. You don’t have any experience and will do something dumb like run into a tree.”

Was Serra making a joke? Odder thought. No matter. He chuckled under his breath as he made his way back.

Soon Kellas’s amber light disappeared leaving the blue haze of Ophelia’s glow. Odder’s senses sharpened. The prairie became alive like an ensemble of peculiar sounds and lights. He turned his head at every whistling, rustling, crackling, and whizzing. Lights, in shades of blue, green, and white made intricate zig zag and flashing patterns in the fields and trees. High in the sky soared flying creatures with giant wings that drifting as if riding the ocean current. Even the smell of the field changed from dried grass to a cool peppermint. On many occasions, Odder looked into the night but never witnessed this harmonic beauty. Perhaps the wild creatures stayed away from the townships, or could it be his new awareness to magic.

“Odder,” he heard Serra’s voice in his head. “Don’t be alarmed. The lights, they’re just insects or rodents. The predators won’t give any warning.”

“Nice to know,” He replied.

A group of larger blue lights moved in the distance. Odder ducted further but kept his eyes just above the grass.

He could see the lights and creatures in clearer detail as they approached. The blue lights were flames that formed around the hooves, tails, and manes giving the mares a phantom glow.

Ah, now the name makes sense. He sat still, listening for Drugan’s signal. He felt suffocated by the waiting. What’s taking so long? Doesn’t he know they’re here?

A movement in the grass south of the mares caught Odder’s eye. He focused. More movement. “Serra,” he mind whispered. “I see movement to the south.”

“I don’t see anything,” she replied, “but I’ll inform Drugan.” After a pause, she responded, “He said stay in your position. We can’t afford to mess this up. We need all three mares.”

Odder watched the grass divide. “They’re predators. I know it. If we don’t stop them, then we won’t have any living mares. I’m going in.”

“Odder don’t!” Serra mind whispered.

“Vestida asagb,” Odder chanted. The outdoor sounds muffled as if he stuck his head into a bucket of water. The grass that blew in the wind became motionless, and the flying creatures in the sky looked like an artist captured them in a painting. The world had stopped, or so it appeared.

Odder moved toward the phantom mares. He seemed to be moving at regular speed but met a force of resistance like swimming uphill through a stream. The mares looked up and around. They must be moving fast.

One lifted on its hind legs and moved its front legs in a swiping motion. Blue fire shot out from its nostrils. The other two bucked then ran west.

Odder came within fifty feet and could see the predators. Four of them jumped out of the grass. They were giant gray hare-like monsters that stood upright, around six feet, and ran on their thin back legs. Their long ears pointed down over their oval heads. Their mouths opened wide, exposing sharp jagged teeth which yearned for prey. Menacing claws, several feet long, protruded from their hands.

A flash of magic light raced past Odder and hit one of the monsters. It fell to the ground. Odder turned, Serra ran up next to him.

“I, told, you, no.” Her words were slow and low pitched. “Follow, the other, mares. I’ll, protect, this, one.”

Odder veered west but kept an eye on Serra. The engagement seemed to be moving in slow motion. She jumped about fifteen feet in the air and stabbed one of the monsters in the head. The other two jumped on the mare and gouged their claws into its neck over and over. Serra pulled one off, and in midair, used her dagger to decapitate it. The last one leaped at her and drove its claws into her upper arm. She cried out then dug the dagger into its large eye.

Odder turned back toward the running mares. We lost one, but the other two are heading right to Drugan, Karzan, and Aimma.

He took a deep breath and for a moment enjoyed the experience of the haste spell. This is why Serra does this spell so often. He looked around, the scenery still frozen in time but he could feel the life and magic in everything. He looked forward again. The phantom mares, running strong, were nearing the trap.

Odder quickened his pace when a sharp pain pierced his thigh. His legs gave way, and he flew through the air, over the grass. He looked down and saw two large monster eyes staring back at him. The creature embedded it’s claws into Odder’s legs, breaking the haste spell, and causing them both to tumble in the field. The pain in his head pounded like a drum. Blood ran into his eyes. He quickly cleared his sight and searched for the monster. He turned to his right – nothing, then left. There it was, its body contorted and convulsing. Odder struggled to move his injured legs and scoot away. The monster jolted its head up, it’s mouth opened, and eyes bulged.

It reached and pulled itself closer to Odder using only its arms. Odder’s heart pounded. He shuffled back faster, but the monster gained. It gripped his foot then pulled itself over Odder’s body. He struck its head with his fist, but the monster grabbed his arm and forced it to the ground. Then did the same to the other arm. Odder laid helpless under the control of the predator. He looked into its large black and orange eyes. Its teeth were narrow, long and sharp, and drool fell from its mouth landing on Odder’s forehead. It inched in, and Odder squeezed his eyelids shut.

Crack. The predator’s body went limp. Odder opened his eyes. Aimma stood over him with a large branch.

“Looked like you needed some help.” She healed his thigh then helped Odder to his feet. “Drugan and Karzan captured the phantom mares. They’re waiting for us.”

Finkle and Serra caught up to Odder and Aimma as they walked back.

Serra marched with her posture stiff and her fist’s clenched.

“That was a close one, laddy.” Finkle leaned in and whispered, “I’m pretty sure Serra’s upset with you.”

Odder nervously pulled at his chin, knowing that he messed up again. “Serra, um,” he bit his lip. “I’m sorry.”

She stopped and turned toward him. “Sorry, is that it?” She held her finger in his face. “Just because you know a spell doesn’t mean you have to use it. The greater the power, the greater the responsibility.”

The rest of the group stopped.

“You could have been killed and instead of three mares, we only have two.” Serra turned away and continued walking.

“She’s right Odder,” Aimma said, shaking her head. “You’re like a child with dangerous powers. You don’t have the luxury of experience and wisdom, so you need to balance that with restraint.” She ran and caught up to Serra.

“Well, laddy.” Finkle winked. “Lesson learned.”

“I seem to have many lessons to learn still,” Odder said, nodding.

The phantom mares blew blue fire from their nostrils and kicked at the wooden bars confining them as the group stood around.

“How did you capture them?” Odder asked.

“A simple illusion,” Karzan said. “As the mares ran close, they saw a small break from the woods into another prairie. They ran into the cage without hesitation.”

“Wonderful, so now what?” Serra muttered. “We only have two mares.”

Drugan took Karzan aside and whispered into his ear. They walked into the woods. Odder tried to hear the conversation but only saw Drugan’s hand motions and Karzan pointing. With a final nod from Drugan, they returned.

“The two mares can take five of us plus Corbin to Rigan,” Karzan said.

“So who’s left behind?” Finkle asked.

“Drugan and Veselus,” replied Karzan.

“We have another mission. We need allies from the other Houses.” Drugan motioned for Veselus to join him. “I’ll fly Veselus back to the Elestus war room and try to communicate with the other kingdoms to bring reinforcements and meet you at Skyger.” Veselus morphed into a raven. “The goblin army will be waiting for you at the portal, and we’ll need all the help we can get.”

“It’s too dangerous,” said Aimma. “The township is in ruins, overrun by goblins, and what about the dragon?”

“It’s a chance I have to take,” Drugan replied.

Aimma pulled at Odder’s arm to draw him close. “I’m still concerned where his loyalty lies.”

“Do we have a choice?” Odder whispered back. “Eight against an army is suicide. We can’t do it on our own.”

“Corbin will sit in the wagon with Odder, Finkle, and Aimma while Serra and myself will ride the mares. We need saddles and harnesses.” Karzan lifted his spectacles and eyed Finkle. “Is this something you can fashion?” Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Finkle pulled on a twisted whipbush, tugged at a knotty tree limb, and squeezed a patch of creeping moss. “No problem.”

As Finkle gathered the materials and the others prepared for the travel, Odder took the opportunity to approach Serra.

“What is it,” Serra said, her voice frigid.

“I wanted to say sorry again.”

She stood silent like an icy shard ready to break free from its immense glacier.

Odder bowed his head and walked away.

“Wait.” She held her head up, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. “What you did was irresponsible and could have gotten you killed. Think before you react.”

“I know that now.”

“Good but there is another lesson to be learned.”

Odder perked up.

“Your fighting is atrocious. If you’re going to take on an army, then you better know how to battle. I’ll teach you some basic Xenduri fighting moves.” Serra crouched with one leg ahead of the other. She tightened her fists and placed them in a cross pattern in front of her chest. “Hopefully, you can pick up on the technique as fast as you pick up on spells.”

Odder stood across from her and mimicked her position.

“From the time Xenduri can walk and talk, we are taught about the relationship between magic and our bodies.” She moved her arms to her left. “Every movement has a purpose.” She moved her arms to her right and stepped closer to Odder. “In battle, efficiency over showmanship.” She swiftly swapped her arm’s positions, now leading with her left. “Can you see?”

Odder’s expression contorted. “See what?”

“Look carefully.” She opened her fist.

He focused. He saw a slight sparkle around her movements. “Yes, yes I think I do. You’re moving magic.”

She smiled then struck him in the chest, knocking him to the ground. “Very good. Not many can see magic let alone become one with its movements. This is why we Xenduri are fierce fighters.”

Serra reached to help Odder up. He gripped her hand, smirked, and then flung her over his body. She flew through the air like a feral animal and landed on her feet.

She drew in her eyebrows and sneered.

Drugan laughed catching her attention.

Her sneer raised at the corners, and she joined him in laughter. “Ah, nice one Oddy.”

Odder stood and brushed the dirt from his clothing. He radiated on the inside but kept a calm expression. “What’s next?”

“Focusing on the magic aura can give away your opponent’s movements.” She stood and charged, moving her arms in various attacking positions.

Odder saw the magic move slightly before her swings. She came up to him and slapped him. His head reeled and moved to the side. “Hey!”

“Pay attention.” She slapped him again and then attempted another, but this time, Odder ducked.

Words leaped into his thoughts. Magic, movement, timing.

She pursed her lips, squinted, and tightened her hands into fists. She swung toward his nose. Odder blocked her swing and hit her in her chest with his other palm, knocking her to the ground.

“Oh!” said Finkle, his eyes as wide as gold ducats.

Odder, no longer able to contain his glee, exploded in laughter.

Serra gasped, held her chest, and slowly climbed to her feet. “I… I can’t breathe.”

Odder’s laughing halted, and he ran to her. “Serra, I’m sorry. I’m-“

She flung him to his back and straddled his waist, her fists clenched on his collar. She leaned in and bared her teeth. She glimpsed into his eyes. Her scornful expression turned awkward, and she sat up.

“Ahem,” Karzan coughed. “Finkle’s done, and we’re ready to go.”

Serra’s cheeks flushed, and she jumped up.

Odder stood, blushing, and pressing his lips tight.

“Serra, this is your mare,” said Karzan. “I’ll ride the other. They mounted the mares while the others sat in the wagon.

Aimma elbowed Finkle in the side. “What was that about?”

Finkle grit his teeth and shrugged.

Drugan approached Odder. “May the Celestines bless your travel.”

“Thank you, but I think you’ll need far more blessings.”

“The consequences of my failure pale in comparison to yours.” Drugan gripped Odder’s shoulder. “You must succeed.” He mounted the giant raven. “South of Skyger, at the base of the Seth-Gath mountain ridge, you will find a steeple with a spire made from onyx, I will meet you there.” He waved to the group as it circled above, and flew west.

The phantom mares exceeded Odder’s expectation on their travel time. With Karzan’s and Serra’s guidance, they flew down the pass, whizzed around corners, hurled over hills, and buzzed through the forests. By the time they stopped at Rigan, Odder had to peel his pasty white hands from the wagon’s side boards.

“We’ll stop here just outside the village to rest before Kellas rises,” said Karzan.

Odder and Aimma stumbled out the back like drunken gnomes after a harvest festival. Finkle took a misstep and flipped to the ground, landing on his back. Corbin appeared unaffected from the erratic journey and stepped out with ease. Karzan and Serra dismounted and unhitched the mares. Blue fire swirled around them, and they darted into the woods.

Karzan conjured a cloaking and protection spell around the camp as the group prepared for rest.

Odder fixed his gaze at the radiant mountains of Rigan. “The glowing ambers are spellbinding.”

“Indeed, laddy,” said Finkle. “Like a distant blazing forest.”

“It’s hypnotizing,” added Aimma. “Is the township on fire?”

“Not exactly,” Serra said. “The township is in the fire. What you see are Rigan’s twin volcanos and somewhere in there, the source of silq.”

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