CHAPTER 7- Shake Of Despair

Light one small candle,

than to curse the darkness.

~ Unknown

***

 'Let me pass that information.' Medusa spoke through his mind, sending chills down his spine. Those words were so dark and promising, that his brain shut for a moment.

 Xavier's eyes widened in shock and for the first time, his heart races faster than ever. He retreated, abruptly pushing himself to his stance. She looked at him in a terrifying manner, even when he realized her eyes changing its color. It was powerful enough to turn a seasoned woodsman blind in terror.

 He froze stiff, watching her eyes constantly flicker from black to blue, blue to black. He was struck and paralyzed, like the ground beneath his feet sunk his legs to it. But he couldn't look away. It was as if those eyes were some kind of prison that trapped him.

 His entire world shook with great force that he could hardly speak. His breaths came out ragged and shallow. His body was trembling like he was under a spell.

 Medusa was having a fight with her master. It was as a result of it that trapped the soldier in the paralysis state he was in. She could hear the whispers surrounding her, but she didn't want to listen. She was in her own world fighting to keep her master in check with no one to stop her. She fought in the company of her mind, and her inner demons that has assailed her as midnight was always their time.

 Thick dusts began to circulate at the middle where she stood with Xavier. They were both in the middle of a furious battle. Eventually, the dusts thickened to form a vortex between the two. The wind had become harsh and the rain had increased again.

 'Let me out!' The push was strong and furious but Medusa didn't budge.

 'I know what you plan to do, and I wouldn't let it happen,' Medusa hissed, battling with the power of her mind.

 'You protect this people, you become one of them! Those who sin embraces death to come, and the rest gets affected like plagues. Eliminate the ones at hand first, then to the ones at distance.'

 'As long as you are in my mission, you get to stick with my plans.'

 The tree branches thrashed with the pressure of the wind getting stronger each passing seconds. Lighting circling around the vortex like a pair of elastic string wrapping a body. The sight was jaw dropping.

 "Medusa…!" her name managed to get her attention. But it was very faint. She refused to hear more. She was lost in her own battle. "-to stop!"

 Esther groaned in frustration. This wasn't good at all. "Medusa, listen to me! You have to stop! You will kill him. You are trapping everyone!" She yelled, although she knew it was impossible for Medusa to acknowledge her words in this utter chaos.

 With much effort, Esther reached out to grab the hem of Medusa's garment. Light emitted from her touch, creating a huge ray of refulgence to the dimmed world. The gleam was blinding, causing everyone to block their view with their hands.

 This did not only shock the captives, but surprisingly shocked Medusa. No one could tell what just happened. Their thoughts were messed.

 That light did not only end the mystery, it hit her inner soul that shut her completely. It compelled the people around them, their thoughts empty with the scene that occurred. But Medusa was an exception.

 Slowly, Medusa turned to face her.

 She was black skinned. Her hair was dark and had coils on them. She had a comely figure that filed to perfection. Those black eyes which sparkled with expressive demure and timorous personality gave off her fragile looks. If there was something Medusa hated about her looks were those eyes. They were pure and innocent.

 Esther.

 Medusa was certain who this power belonged too. The only person responsible for this ability was long gone. How then does it correlates to the past? A dead cannot possibly rise again. Who is she?

 "What in Christ's name happened here?!" Ariel exclaimed with his mouth hung open. So did Rheon and Devin, with Xavier who just stumbled back in confusion. The whole place resembled more of a battle field than a forest.

 Esther was left drawing long breaths. The amount of power she used was exhausting and exhilarating her. And for the fact that she touched the hem of Medusa's gown, all she could foresee was this darkness that threatened her entire being. It was so powerful and daring.

 Even if she stopped her, her power wasn't strong enough without the help of Medusa. One thing she concluded was that Medusa wasn't just an ordinary witch. There's something more to that body than the soul of darkness.

 "We don't have much time. We must leave now."

***

 The stench of blood and that ominous aura surrounded them after they had successfully crossed the border and emerged from the portal. Gone was night as the day was crisp and clear.

 It took them another few hours before they halted. There were few men who stood at far end of the forest as though waiting for their arrival. Medusa noted their uniform was different from the soldiers and she could guess those people were their buyers. The guards of Dragsholm.

 Rheon was the first to drop from his horse and approached them before the others followed suit. There was another man who was as bulky as Rheon was, wearing a different uniform from the other guards, speaking to him. They exchanged few words and from their gesture, the trade moved smoothly.

 Then another guard stepped forward with a bag of coins, handing it to Rheon. Ariel stepped forward, collecting the bag with a small smile.

 "Although, I'm not pleased with the amount of captives brought this time. Our agreement doesn't match with the estimated amount. You do know the consequence of this bargain, don't you?" His voice sounded rough and displeased as he glanced at both of them.

 "My apologies, Sire, but things didn't move as expected. Those creatures took the lives of few of our captives. You should have warned us beforehand." Ariel was the one who addressed it.

 Two men with different uniform at the other side unsheathed their sword and pointed it at both Rheon and the rest. They were taken by surprise.

 "You know how much I hate surprises, Rheon. I thought you were wiser than this."

 "You know me too well, Sire Conrad. I would never cheat you. This was unexpected and there was nothing I could do. We managed to cross the-"

 "So, what? I should spare your lives because you broke the deal for your safety. Ridiculous."

 "Look, we didn't know what to do. We promise to give an extra in our next trade. Just give the chance to do so. In fact, we have something would interest you to know. It would even cover our expenses."

 The man motioned for his fellows to lower their guard.

 "There's a girl and she's a witch. Trust me, I have seen-"

 "Do you think I'm that stupid to believe such nonsense?"

 "I am saying the truth. Here, look," Devin showed him his burnt arm. "Do you see this? Tell me, which human does this in a blink of an eye? I can't even move my arm!"

 The man walked closer with steps as intimidating as his look towards Devin. Inches apart from each other, "Prove it." was all he said.

 Devin was surprised. He didn't know what to say. He exchanged looks between Ariel and Xavier, before facing him. With a cold tone, he muttered, "Fine."

 Devin walked away to approach Medusa with quick steps in a triumphant manner. On reaching her, he jerked her hair brashly, taking his pocket knife in a threatening manner.

 "Now witch, time to perform those witchcraft of yours, don't you think?" He bickered solemnly. Devin inflicted a small cut on her collar, thinking it could lure the girl out of her shell but it didn't work.

 Instead, she remained as still as statue, watching him display without a flinch. Time passed without anything unusual occurring. It became frustrating not just to the spectators but to Devin as well.

 Sire Conrad sighed in disappointment, signaling his men to capture Devin.

 "She's a witch! This girl is a bloody witch! No let go of me!" He kept on ranting, as the guards on blue uniform dragged him away from the girl. Xavier and Ariel could only look with pity. They also couldn't comprehend what was happening. What is wrong with Devin?

 "You didn't only fail to keep our deal, but you attempted to ruin the goods of Dragsholm. What shall I do with you?"

 "She's a witch! She's deceiving you all. Xavier! Ariel! Come on, don't stay mute, and tell them what you saw!" But unknown to him that they had been compelled, leaving him alone with his story. Including Ariel.

 "Noisy one. Kill him." He ordered.

 "NO! NO!" But it was already too late.

 Sir Conrad turned to face Rheon. "I give you two days to either return half of the payment or provide another set of captives. Don't let me come knocking at your door. It wouldn't be a pleasant visit." He warned, giving a chill look at them.

 "Take the captives and start moving!"