Chapter 28- Sacred marking

Beauty and the devil,

are the same thing.

~ Robert Mapplethorphe.

***

 It was like a great shadow in the middle of which was a dark form of dragon shape, yet greater and a power with terror seemed to be in it to go before it. Two headed snake spew out from the dragon's back stuck into a three pronged trident. As the dark creature streaming with fire, the flames roared up to greet it, and wreathed about it, and a black fog swirled at the top around her back. Its streaming man-kindled and blazed behind in its right wing that was spread, was a blade-like stabbing tongue of fire. In its left, held a whip of many thongs.

 There in its surface seemed to die, but the darkness grew. Its frame was as though the fire around it was burning too fast and then slows. Like it wasn't enough, the marking turned orange in flame like a bituminous coal burnt due to the incandescent of fire, before dying down in a flash. But just one person was quick to catch sight of it. A sacred marking, it resembled carved so painful and brutal but ugly for a sight. Dark and evil, yet vivid. It was unholy.

 The girls started murmuring as they kept staring; gasp of shock filled the atmosphere. Some of it questioning how she got it too soon, when it hadn't been up to a month they have been enslaved. Medusa had been locked up in the dungeon which meant hostage and that fueled their curiosity. How was the marking originated? Had she escaped the dungeon even before her punishment was commenced? Or did she perhaps make use part of her witchcrafts to her own bidding? How then could one explain the marking, so vivid and clear like it was newly created?

 And they chose the latter. They knew who she was. The witch with blue eyes. Dark magic was the conclusion.

 Medusa heard their open thoughts and she couldn't blame them. Humans. How she despised those creatures with every fiber of her being. They were nothing compared to empty vessels in her eyes. Making up stories and false tales were one trait inherited by all.

 The loud murmuring escalated from the bathing area, and a guard that had been stationed nearby to ensure the slaves acts accordingly, barged in with a frown. "Quiet!"

 He looked like he was in his late twenties with a brawny and fat appearance, a thin mustache at the top of his mouth and a pot belly that protruded in his uniform.

 The girls gasped out loud with wide eyes at his unannounced appearance, covering their exposed part in haste with their hands. Of course, their reaction earned a lustful gaze from the guard but was quick to vanish with little lingering around the corner of his eyes.

 "Move out. Everyone. Now." He ordered, watching them pick up their garment and putting it on, before scrambling out. 

 Medusa didn't spare a glance even as she sensed the onlookers staring at her, sending both petty pity and disgust when she put on her garment and stepped out like nothing happened.

 The faint daylight broke through the heavy gray clouds lacking the sun, fair enough to bask the crops. It had gone off as usual. Their works assigned had been carried out as part of their daily routine.

 The frequent rain pour that fell on the land of Dragsholm, of which was a familiar weather, was enough sign for the villagers and folks to be aware of the harsh season. Apart from the rain, there was winter, but never had the land come across summer season. Not enough sunlight reached the fields but the rain pour help aid the plantation, renewing the life root of the plants beneath.

 Another week was again quick to pass since that night when in grief and confusion she had tried communicating to her master. But the result was the same; futile. Her presence was absent. It appeared she had indeed disappeared without a trace. But how? She had been a slave in the land, and up until this very moment.

 Medusa closed her eyes. Using her shoulder to support her head while listening to the quietness of the night, her eyes snapped open when she heard the metal bar rattle, as someone unlocked her cell. She had the urge to say, 'Of course, who else would it be.'

 The weather was fine and the breeze sang the melody of a peaceful night. She heard her soft footsteps approach her but she made no effort to turn. Seconds turned to a minute when silence was all that reigned, but Medusa knew she was the one.

 Inhaling soft breaths, she shut her eyes in an attempt to doze away. She realized she needed the rest to preserve her mental health. She wasn't planning to work it for no one.

 After what seemed almost like forever, "I know where the stone is."

 ***

 "I know where the stone is." Medusa's eyes shot open. This time, something burning revealed itself around those irises, before disappearing and slowly, she rose to face her.

 Centuries ago, claims of the stones were asserted against invader or squatters. It was created by the last guardian of the dragon's realm. The purpose of its existence was for both protection and power against creatures of the dark. These creatures were called the undead sorcerers.

 A battle born of rank greed for a particular portion of the earth; these creatures would harbor stones that are powerful from the eastern side of Greenland where the three stones lies in the dragon's crystal crevasse. The first stone was created mainly for a purpose to keep the world abet. It was an experiment the guardian created for death and rebirth. It was called the White Stone. This stone fell into the hands of the pure and dark witches. Sometimes used for good, and another time, for evil, erasing the existence of both creatures of the night and creatures of daylight. Generally erasing themselves.

 The second stone called the Red Stone mainly to test immortality which fell into the hands of the Liches. These are creatures who seek to defy death by magical means. Sometimes, they appear as shadows or ghosts that wander about souls, raising them to form a powerful ally. Similar to dark liches and dark witches; as the trade suppose, these dark liches power increases due to the dark witch's soul and the dark witches strength immerses as the dark liches soul lives in them, molding them to a powerful yet dangerous creatures. All these were the amount of cravings for a taste and fill for power. Everyone wanted power. None ever wanted their kind to be tagged weak. Both the pure and tainted, all craved for power. Even the Angels seek power.

 All these creatures existence ended in the past and wiped for eternity. It's still unknown as to how that stone ended in the possession of the Demon Lord. Never said, never told.

 And there was the last stone. Rumors had it that it was created. Although no being found what power it possessed neither been wielded before, it was also said that this stone disappeared into a seed. The seed of salvation. The realization struck Medusa. Did her master know where this seed was? Does that mean… yes, it was highly possible. Her master was in possession of the stone. But why? Why keep all those stones? For power? Medusa contemplated deeply on her thoughts. But she could care less. All that mattered was killing the Lord and getting this stone so she could get her freedom and renew her life count.

 As part of greed, all creatures including the Angels harbored for this last stone. They attacked the crevasse in hope the last stone was hidden beneath. But it was still never found. The background was non-existent. They opted for the next step. To find this seed. But it was the same result. Good as dead.

 Before another wave of thoughts could rush her mid, Esther spoke again. "I know where to find it. That's why you are here. To seek the stone."

 Medusa remained silent. But Esther knew what that silent meant. And so she continued. "That stone is indeed hidden with the demon Lord but I'm afraid it's nearly impossible to reach it. Knowing who and what he is, the power he carries within himself is far greater than the Devil's. That creature you plan to face is not only a demon, but a fallen Angel. You know what that means. He's partially a Devil too," she paused, and allowed the information sink into Medusa.

 "I don't know how, but I see visions. Premonitions you could say. You must be wondering what kind of creature I am, and I'm not a witch. Like you. I'm the last guardian keeper of this stones. It is my duty to find them and return it to where they belong." She revealed. "I know it may seem hard to believe, but you, Medusa, you are not just a witch, but possess another soul who is the wife to the Devil; the same creature that Demon loath to his very bone. I know you are aware he already sensed your presence. Not just are you in danger in his hands, you are in a real danger. Something not you or even your twin can prevent."

 This time, Medusa stood. She walked predatory steps until she was just few inches away from her. Their gazes began their fierce battle; one with determination and one with intent to kill. 'What do you want?'

 Medusa knew from the start that this being were hellbent. Not knowing why, now she confirmed it. No sane person walks into death, but this one, she did not only walk into it, she dared it. Such irony.

 Esther stood unfazed. "To help you-"

 'Why?'

 "Because you're in danger."

 Medusa took a small step closer and tilted her head, gauging her expression solemnly like someone being possessed. 'Do you know who is in danger here? It's you.'

 The first time Medusa caught fear in those eyes. Good. Just a little more. "I may look small to you, Medusa," Medusa noted the seriousness when she called her name and she frowned. "But you being an immortal soul don't mean you don't have a mortal body and just a soul. Which is you. And it is she who keeps you alive. The stone you seek for, I shall help you search for it. That's what you want, isn't it?"

 Medusa's expression remained unchanged. However her eyes darkened. 'Why?' she asked again.

 "Let's just say, I have my own mission and my own gain in all of this," As expected, Medusa thought. "And it links with yours."

 Medusa didn't pry on the matter anymore. Not beating around the bush, she questioned, 'How do I get the stone?'

 "Not so fast," Esther quipped with a sheepish smile. "What happened to the 'I don't need your help' Medusa, or the 'Stay away from me'…" Esther noticed the killer look in Medusa's eyes and she sighed. "Alright, alright, I will tell you now, okay?" then she shook her head slightly. "I have my conditions."

 Medusa frowned, the lines in her forehead becoming more visible at her impatience.

 "Are you interested or not?"

 For a moment, Medusa sighed. One moment, she was serious and the next; she became this annoying pest she hated. 'What are they?'

 Esther smiled when she relented. "First, we are in this 'together'." She made sure to stress the last word so Medusa could understand. Esther was aware she didn't take the together thing seriously when she replied with 'Fine.' And she sighed.

 "And the last is we are now friends." She stressed the last word again in a firm tone and applied a grin on her face which made Medusa frown hard.

 'No.'

 "What?"

 'No.'

 "What do you mean by 'no'?"

 'No means no.'

 "Fine, good night." Esther attempted to leave when she heard the voice.

 'Wait.' And she stopped.

 "Is that a yes?" her lips curled up to a smile.

 'No.'

 "Hmm?" Esther was confused.

 'Fine.'

 "So it is a yes?"

 'Fine, not yes.'

 "'Fine' and 'yes' are still the same." She muttered to herself and sighed. "Do we have a deal?"

***