Bloodlines Parts 1-36


By Night Mistress, Mystique, and Dark Lady

 

 

Part 1 by Night Mistress

Lilliana had an eccentric uncle. His name was Paul. Paul was a kooky ol’ guy with a sinister laugh and a wicked sense of humor. He used to be a mortician, but just as a hobby, for he was an exceedingly wealthy man. Lilliana adored him. And he adored her, for he wouldn’t let just anyone have the run of one of his castles for the summer. He would be far away on business and he didn’t visit that castle much anyway. He said the caretakers would come by every week or two and they wouldn’t be a bother. He said the place was stocked with food and that she and her friends should feel at home – his place was their place.

On the afternoon of their first day at the castle, Lilliana and Myrriana arrived together. Myrriana was aghast at the enormous size of the place and its ominous presence. She knew she would feel right at home.

They met Paul briefly and he handed his niece the keys. “Now there are three important keys here, honey. This key is for the iron gate. This key is for the front and rear doors. And this skeleton key opens all other doors. Well—except for one,” he mumbled. “Oh well, you won’t need to get in there anyway.” He chuckled.

Myrriana raised a brow when he said that. Lilliana just smiled. “Thank you, Uncle Paul.”

“You’re welcome, honey. Now you girls feel right at home,” he insisted.

Lilliana kissed her uncle on the cheek and said good bye.

He climbed into the back of a Bentley limousine and waved as he rode away. “See you when I see you,” he shouted joyfully.   

Just then, Daina and Jenevieve drove up. They climbed out of the car and stared at the castle. “Damn,” said Daina. “This looks like the castle in The Haunting. I’m startin’ to think twice about this.”

Jenevieve grabbed a back pack and slung it over her shoulder. “Come on, don’t be a scaredy-cat.”

“All right,” said Daina, “but I’m gonna need a lot to drink if I’m gonna be sleeping in there.”

Lilliana and Myrriana laughed and helped them with their bags.

 

Part 2 by Mystique

(loud noise upstairs)

The four friends went upstairs and picked out rooms. They all decided to stay in the same wing and floor. Because the rooms were like huge suites, it seems they were far apart from each other. Lilliana and Myrriana were right next door to one another. Jenevieve and Daina stayed in one with two Queen-size beds. Daina had already made it clear she would not be staying by herself in this dreary place. They all laughed, but she may prove to be the smartest of the four.

After settling in they all met up downstairs and headed to the kitchen to see what they could find to eat and drink. The drink part suited Daina just fine. She needed something to calm her nerves; this place was giving her the creeps. She couldn’t understand why the others couldn’t feel the eeriness in the air.

“Good! Just what the doctor ordered.” Daina announced as she pulled a bottle of wine from a small cabinet filled with wine. Jenevieve was just taking some plates from the cupboard and grabbed four wine glasses too. She set the dishes on the island and handed the glasses to Daina to pour the beverage. Myrriana was in the fridge grabbing whatever she could see, while Lilliana was in the pantry and turned towards the others with full arms. Everything was laid out as the four prepared to eat, drink and be merry. Well that was the plan.

“Do any of you not feel the foreboding of this house? Myrriana the mystical one...not you? Or you Lilliana, who deals with the crafts. Jenevieve I can understand...she only deals with the abstract. But you two I don’t get it.” Daina shook her head and took a sip of wine. Jenevieve looked at her clueless, wondering what she was talking about.

“Daina my dear friend. I don’t find this place foreboding as you put it. What I feel from it is something romantic. I’ve always found a kindred spirit in places like this and what possibilities could happen.” As she finished saying this, Myrriana seemed to drift off to another time and place. Leaving the others far behind.

“Well you know me.” Lilliana began. “I’ve always leaned more towards the dark side of things. So this place is right up my alley.” She finished with a hearty laugh.

“Daina, lighten up! It’s just a castle. And it’s different, unlike the places we are use to staying. Just think of it as an adventure. It’s good to be able to do something unusual sometimes. Take a few more sips of wine and you’ll stop being so jittery” Jenevieve looked over to her sister, who was doing just as she suggested.

At that moment, they were all startled as a loud noise sounded from upstairs.

 

 

 

Part 3 by NM

“What the Hell was that noise?” Daina blurted. Her eyes were wide, and she was not even thinking about blinking.

All the women stood and looked up at the enormous ceiling.

“Oh, um… it was probably just pipes,” said Lilliana. “The castle hasn’t had plumbing that long.”

“Pipes!” Daina exclaimed. “Must be some big damned pipes! It sounded like a crash!”

The friends now looked at each other for some sort of explanation. Lilliana looked hard at Myrriana as if for an answer, and Myrriana just sat back down in her chair with a look of contentment, never breaking her friends gaze. She began to casually sip her wine.

Lilliana looked away and tapped her chin. “You know old places like this, the house is probably settling,” she suggested.

Daina’s mouth was agape. “Um, excuse me? This is a castle, it probably settled a few hundred years ago. Something’s up there.”

Jenevieve was a tad nervous. She grabbed hold of Daina’s arm and eyeballed the entire room. “Maybe someone should go inspect. Lilliana, we’ll be right here when you get back.”

“What? Why me?” Lilliana asked halfheartedly.

“You’re the scariest,” replied Jenevieve.

“What?” Lilliana chortled with a raised brown.

“I mean… you the< I>least scared</I>,” Jenevieve retracted.

“Mm-hm.” Lilliana just smiled and shook her head. “Why don’t we all go have a look?”

Jenevieve was hesitant at first, but finally agreed. “Okay,” she said. “But we’re taking weapons! I’ve got a steak knife.”

“I’ll take this silver serving tray,” said Daina.

“What are you going to do with that?” asked Jenevieve. “Whack’em over the head?”

“No,” said Daina. “I’m not gonna get close enough for that, but if I see’em coming I’ll Frisbee their ass from down the hall.”

Lilliana and Myrriana laughed hard at that thought.

After a moment, Myrriana just sat calmly with a smile and shook her head somewhat knowingly. No one noticed but Lilliana who smiled to herself.

“I’ll wait here,” said Myrriana.

“What, Myrriana? Are you crazy?” Jenevieve asked.

“No, no, I’ll be fine. You girls go on. I’ll stay down here and keep guard,” Myrriana insisted with a smile.

Lilliana showed a sly grin. She led her friends toward the doorway. “Come on, ladies. Let’s go find out what goes bump in the night.”

Daina smirked. “Woman, if anything bumps in the night when I’m up there, you’d better get outta my way, and fast.”

The women ascended the colossal staircase and eased down a cool corridor.

“Aren’t there any lights up here?” asked Jenevieve. “It’s pitch black!”

 

Part 4 by Mystique

The trio stood at the entrance of the hallway, a single funnel of light extended from the flashlight held by Lilliana illuminating just a few feet ahead of them. Jenevieve and Daina flanked her flicking on the minute beams from their cellphone to comfort them from the outcome of the search of that led them there. Lilliana kept this semi-grin on her face and contemplated would this be a good time or not to play a joke. But then elected not to go through with it as she could see her friends were far from receiving such a gesture in this time or place. She would save it for a lighter situation.

“Oh!” Lilliana called out a she discovered something. Jenevieve and Daina let out two small screeches as she had startled them.

“What is it?” Jenevieve asked, peering down the hallway as far as she could see. Daina instantly grabbed one of Lilliana’ arms and commenced squeezing the life out of it.

“Daina! Will you please let my arm go? You’re killing it!” She yelled, snatching her arm to safety. Not doing the joke became even clearer to her at that moment.

“Well, what is it?” Daina repeated the question asked by her sister. Lilliana pointed the light in a direction.

“There! That’s what caused the large crash.” Lilliana told them. Jenevieve and Daina looked over to the fallen statue.

“Hmmmm!” Lilliana was curious to what had caused such a heavy object to fall over. She moved closer to it and began to inspect the area.

“Wow! What was strong enough to topple a huge bust?” Daina confirming Lilliana’ thoughts.

“I don’t know.” Lilliana answered.

“Maybe the wind.” Jenevieve shined her light down the corridor.

“I don’t think so.” Daina looked at her knowing it wasn’t windy outside. Nor were there any opened windows. At this moment...Jenevieve had passed the discussion of the statue. Something further down had caught her eyes. She took a few steps to see if she was seeing things or was there something there.

“OMG!” She proclaimed and slowly began to move backwards.

“What Jenevieve?” Daina looked at her then in the direction her eyes were staring. She jumped a little as she saw what her sister was seeing. Two small beams of light were floating in midair and coming towards them slowly.

“OMG! What the hell is that?” Daina screamed out. By that time as she turned towards Jenevieve she could see she was no longer in that spot, but was quickly moving back towards the entrance way. Daina didn’t wait to see what it was coming towards them, figuring this was what had knocked over the statue and now coming after them.

Jenevieve had made it to the top of the enormous staircase. She looked to the bottom and saw a familiar face. One she found comfort in. Myrriana! Jenevieve descended the stairs with ease and felt her sister breeze pass her and came to rest next to Myrriana.

“You Ladies alright?” Myrriana’s soothing voice seemed to calm them. That’s when they realized Lilliana wasn’t with them.

“Oh no! We left Lilliana!” Daina called out. Then turned her eyes towards the top of the stairwell.

“We got to go back to get her!” Jenevieve started to go back for their friend.

“Calm down Ladies! She’s fine.” Myrriana assured them.

“How do you know? Something was coming after us up there.” Jenevieve turned to Myrriana, explaining what caused their flight.

“Yeah and whatever it was, it caused this heavy statue to fall over.” Daina finished.

“Hey you guys! Why you leave so quickly?” Lilliana came from above them. They turned to see her coming down from upstairs. And she was holding something in her arms. A Black Cat!

“Lilliana!” Jenevieve called to her happy to see her friend was okay.

“This is the culprit!” Lilliana introduced them to what had caused all the commotion. The cat immediately jumped from Lilliana’ arm and ran to Myrriana. She bent down and took him in her arms. She began to rub and talk to him.

“A Cat?!” Daina exclaimed. Not believing for an instant a cat of this size could knock over a near 100 pound statue.

“He seems to like you Myrriana! It is a he?” Jenevieve laughed glad the mystery of the loud noise was over. Daina wasn’t so easily convinced.

“Well my friends! Let’s get back to what we were doing before the interruption.” Lilliana headed for the kitchen with an eager Jenevieve close behind. Daina walked slowly to the base of the stairs and stared up them. She could hear Myrriana speaking to the cat. Something was bothering her about this whole thing. What caused the statue to fall over was still in this castle. And it wasn’t the cat.

“Interesting.” Myrriana’s voice flowed through her instead of at her. Daina turned to see her walking away.

“What?” Daina asked after her, wanting to make sure that she indeed had said something to her. Myrriana turned back to her and smile. Then something happened that would set the course of events to come.

‘You’re changing!’ Myrriana’s voice once again flowed through her and not at her. Then she turned and walked away leaving her standing confused at what she saw. Myrriana spoke but her mouth never moved.

 

Part 5 by NM

(Daina becoming intuitive)

Daina was indeed changing. She was becoming more perceptive, more intuitive, but even more, she was suddenly telepathic. She could hear Myrriana’s thoughts. She hadn’t sought what was in Myrriana’s mind, but she did hear what Myrriana was telling her telepathically. She’d always had an open mind, but this seemed to hit her all at once.

She stood in the hallway now alone and felt winded. She forgot all the other events of the day and stood there, her mouth agape, trying desperately to understand what had just happened. All of a sudden, a wisp of wind brushed her ear. She placed her hand there and looked about. No one was there. Then it passed the other ear, it was cool and quick. She turned around and faced the large staircase. “What is it? Who is doing this?” she asked as she looked around. Suddenly, she was caught in a heavy gush of wind. As it flowed through her, it carried several feminine voices. They said softly, “They’re coming… they’re coming…” The voices were followed by giddy laughter.

Then, just as suddenly as it started, the wind and the voices stopped. Daina ran to the others.

“Guys, guys, guys!” she hollered as she tore into the great room.

Her friends were gathered in front of a roaring fireplace. It was large enough to walk into. Myrriana sat with the cat on her lap and petted it calmly as it purred. Jenevieve and Lilliana sat on the floor. Lilliana and Jenevieve were sipping brandy. “Would you like some of what we’re having, Daina?” Lilliana asked.

“A drink? Hell no!” Daina shouted.

Now they <I>knew</I> something was wrong. Jenevieve was particularly stunned.

Daina was gasping for air because she’d run so fast. “How can you drink at a time like this? Something is happening to me!”

“Calm down,” said Jenevieve. “Tell us what’s wrong.”

“First of all… wait let me catch my breath… Okay, first of all, I heard Myrriana speaking to me with her mind!” she screamed.

Lilliana and Jenevieve stared at Myrriana who just sat looking down at the cat with a smile and kept petting her.

Daina continued. “Then I heard other voices…” her voice trailed off a bit. She started to realize how crazy that sounded when she said it out loud. As Lilliana and Jenevieve stared at her without blinking, she started to rethink her story.

But Lilliana surprised her. “What did the voices say?” she asked.

Jenevieve took the opportunity to guess aloud. She put her hands on either side of her mouth and whispered loudly, “GET OOOOUT!” she laughed.

“Very funny! That is not what they said!” Daina stated firmly as she watched Jenevieve and Lilliana fall into a tearful fit of laughter.

Daina stood with her hands on her hips and pursed her lips. Then Myrriana chimed in. “Tell us, Daina. Really, what did they say?”

“The voices just kept saying ‘they’re coming, they’re coming’, and then everything went silent.”

Lilliana’s back straightened and she looked at Myrriana as if she’d known all along what was going on.

“What could that mean?” Daina asked.

“It means they’re coming,” said Myrriana. “It’s why the statue was knocked over, and we heard rumbling in the walls. It’s all because the spirits are not at rest in the house tonight; too much excitement. They know they are coming. And they’ll be here anytime.”

Lilliana just grinned.

 

Part 6 by DL

“What do you mean not at rest?” Jenevieve asked. “We’ve done nothing to alarm them have we?” She shuffled her feet nervously glancing around.

“Jenevieve my dear, you misunderstand.” Myrriana stood with the cat still in her arms. Turning towards the large portrait that hung ominously over the fireplace she continued, “Their excitement is not about us. Oh they know we’re here. Indeed they do, however this is what has caused them to come to life.” As she raised her head towards the painting, a large gust of wind through the windows open, and amidst the billowing curtains they all saw the same thing. Small orbs of bright light danced and settled around the portrait.

“I never even noticed the painting there.” Daina murmured quietly. She was overwhelmed by a feeling of great sadness that she didn’t understand. The man in the painting showed no sadness in his eyes. His emerald eyes showed perhaps grim determination, but not sadness. The portrait was obviously painted outside in the garden during a beautiful autumn afternoon. His cloak closed around his massive chest, seated in a throne of sorts. At his feet laid a black cat.

“You have to understand girls.” Lilliana tried to console them. “There is so much we earthbound individuals don’t know and can’t understand.”

“That...that can’t be the same cat can it?” Daina stammered backing away from Myrriana and the cat who was purring contently.

“Who are we to say?” Lilliana answered quietly. “Don’t fear girls, just be aware.”

Myrriana nodded knowingly.

“Am I the only one to notice these balls of light?” Jenevieve’s voice took on a sense of urgency.

“Not light Jenevieve. Orbs, right? Energy?” Daina looked towards Myrriana and Lilliana questioningly.

“Correct.” Myrriana sat back down.

“How can we not fear? I can’t control my emotions. My heart is breaking and I don’t even know why?!” Daina ran from the room, not wanting to hear anymore.

“I’ll go after her. She’s really freaked out.” Jenevieve ran after her sister not noticing that several energy forms were following close behind her.

“You’ve known all along haven’t you Myrriana?” Lilliana looked right into her friend’s eyes.

“I knew even before we arrived here, however I also knew that you were aware but were not able to let us know.”

“Well....I....” For once Lilliana was speechless.

“It is of no consequence my friend.” Myrriana set a reassuring hand on her friends shoulder. “We all have our crosses to bear, ours is now shared. Soon our friends will be sharing with us. Daina is already feeling it and soon Jenevieve will as well.”

“But can they handle it?” Lilliana questioned.

“They will have to. We have been chosen. It is not for us to decide. The decision has already been made.”

“I’m freaking out Jenevieve. I don’t know what to do.” Daina told her sister back in their room. “I know I’m telepathic, but I don’t want to know what other people think. Half the time I don’t want to know what I think!” Daina complained bitterly.

“I know. I’m a little freaked out too. How do Lilliana and Myrriana know all this stuff? Are they witches?” Jenevieve was starting to feel light headed. Colors swirled in her vision. Wrapping themselves around each other they showed Jenevieve a desolate and dark picture. The beech tree in the front yard on a stormy day, with a series of nooses hanging from them, was swaying in the storm.

“Death, I see death everywhere.” Jenevieve whispered.

Lilliana’s senses suddenly perked up and she looked over to Myrriana who told her, “Jenevieve’s transformation is now starting.”

“Already? Daina’s isn’t even complete?” Lilliana answered.

“It’s not for us to know I guess.” Myrriana replied.

“Death? Sadness? Witches?” I don’t want to be here anymore. Come on sis let’s go home.” Daina begged her sister.

“Not witches in a negative sense Daina. I just think that they have heightened abilities, heightened sensibilities and for whatever reason be known to them or not, it’s being shared with us.” Jenevieve didn’t go into details of what her vision was showing her. She just didn’t think her sister was ready.....Yet.....

Part 7 by Mystique

After a few moments, Jenevieve and Daina decided to join their friends. Myrriana sat in a high back chair, stroking the cat. Lilliana stood beneath the picture of the emerald eyed man who stood so defiantly, deep in her thoughts. Daina seemed a lot calmer than before. But this time it was Jenevieve who displayed an edge after the enlightenment. For unlike Daina, she wasn’t spared the reality of one night over 100 years past.

As Daina went to pour herself a glass of Brandy and take a seat before the enormous fireplace, Jenevieve eyes met those of Myrriana and Lilliana, who had turned to face her. The sadness each revealed to the other was undeniable. Myrriana lowered her eyes and went back to rubbing the cat that sat comfortably in her lap. Lilliana let out this low chuckle and turned back towards the picture.

Jenevieve made her way over to the fireplace and sat down on a huge pillow; staring into the flames as they danced before her, hypnotizing her. Taking her away, to a place and time long ago.

Jenevieve’s Vision

“Oh, I’m so happy! My Geoff will be home today.” Daina danced about in the room humming a melody. Jenevieve stood before the mirror brushing her hair.

“Your Geoff? My beloved Hunter will be here also. I can’t wait to see him.” She turned and looked at her sister.

“Yes! They will finally be home after so many months.” Daina moved towards the window and stared out, her thoughts leaving the room.

“Well, we made the decisions to marry seamen, long absences comes along with the territory.” Jenevieve reminded her sister. Daina continued to look out the window.

“I know! But it doesn’t mean I have to like it.” She turned to Jenevieve, who nodded her head then moved pass her sister heading out the door.

“Myrriana and Lilliana will be waiting down stairs. I’m sure they’re just as eager to see their husbands also.” Jenevieve said over her shoulder as she disappeared from sight. Daina took in a deep breath and followed her Jenevieve.

“Finally this day has arrived. Seeing Andreius again will thrill my soul. I have longed for him so much.” Lilliana was peering up at a picture of Andreius; it was painted outside in the garden during a beautiful autumn afternoon. His cloak closed around his massive chest. At his feet laid a black cat, Midnight.

“Did Jacob say when they would be here?” Lilliana turned to Myrriana, who was sitting in a high-backed chair knitting.

“No he didn’t give an exact time, just that it would be today.” Myrriana looked up from her task. I just hope it’s soon. I have this weird feeling that has been tormenting me since I woke this morning.” She seemed to drift off. Lilliana turned from the picture and walked over to her friend. Myrriana looked into her eyes and could sense she was feeling the same.

“What do you think it means?” Lilliana asked, as Myrriana walked over to the huge fireplace. The fire warmed the room just right.

“I’m not sure. I just wished the men would get here soon.” She appeared to be anxious. And Myrriana doesn’t do anxiety well. Now Lilliana was stressing.

Myrriana was the oldest and wisest of the four, she was like a mother. They would look to her to set the tone. If she’s alarmed then something big was brewing.

“What’s going on?” Jenevieve asked as she entered the room, Daina flanking her. The other two slightly jumped unnoticeable, startled out of the moment. Jenevieve headed over to see what the servants had put out for breakfast.

“Nothing! We were just saying how good it would be when our husbands get here. I surely miss my Jacob.” Myrriana didn’t want to alert them on what Lilliana and herself were discussing as of yet. Not until she was certain, it was no need to spoil the other two of such a joyous occasion.

“Jenevieve and I were saying the same thing. When will they actually be here?” Daina had made her way over to the buffet, where Jenevieve had filled her plate and walking over to the fireplace.

“Not sure!” Lilliana’s eyes left Myrriana and fell on Daina. Myrriana was making her nervous. She could tell Myrriana knew exactly what was coming. And she wasn’t sure she wanted know.

“Well, when my Geoff gets here. I’m going to love him to death.” Daina giggled, taking a seat next to her sister. Jenevieve laughed.

“And Hunter may not want to go back to see when I show him how much he was missed.” She put a morsel of food in her mouth and grinned slyly. Lilliana was barely hearing the two; her eyes were fixed on Myrriana. Suddenly Myrriana felt a chill run through her. She instantly wrapped her arms about her tightly.

She closed her eyes and allowed her mind to wander out. Lilliana slowly made her way over to her, but refrained from touching, lest she break the spell and harm her friend. That’s when she saw the tears streaming down her face. Lilliana couldn’t help it...she grabbed Myrriana’s shoulders to bring her out of the trance.

“Myrriana!!” She screamed. Myrriana immediately began to slump to the floor. Jenevieve and Daina jumped to their feet and rushed over to aid her.

“What is it?” Daina asked as she cradled Myrriana’s head in her lap. At that moment, Myrriana’s eyes slowly opened and stared up towards the ceiling.

“Get ready! A storm is coming! But not for the best! We must prepare. Our very lives depend on it!” she warned them. Daina felt a surge of energy flow through her.

“OMG!” Daina screamed out, knowingly. Jenevieve was confused and looked from her sister to Lilliana.

“Lilliana?” She whispered. Lilliana looked away, not wanting to reveal what she felt in her heart. Jenevieve looked into her sister’s eyes and what was there.

She slowly backed away, until she was halted by the wall. It was undeniable. It was right there in the room. In Myrriana’s words. In the way Lilliana looked up at the picture on the wall with such sadness. The answer to her question was what she saw in her own sister’s eyes.

Their Deaths!!

 

Part 8 by Night Mistress

(The room without a key)

That night, Daina and Jenevieve decided to sleep in Myrriana’s room. The evenings’ events had been a bit overwhelming and really no one wanted to be alone–except Lilliana. As a storm began to roll in and thunder began to rumble the castle walls, she slipped through the dark castle until she came to her uncle’s parlor. It was at the end of a very long and dark corridor. This was the room without a key. The room he said she wouldn’t need to enter. Although dark as pitch, she knew she’d come before the great cathedral-style doors. She inhaled deeply and looked intently toward it. She then uttered the magic words, “Patefacio mihi simul” (open for me at once).

 

She could hear the locks turn and unlatch, and the heavy doors began to part. Once she was inside the enormous chamber, the torches on the walls became lit with flames and the doors closed behind her. She was now in the only room where she felt sure she was alone. She collapsed to her knees and began to weep into her hands.

 

As the thunder clashed and the wind roared, someone neared–someone who had heard her utter the magic words, someone who had heard her cries. The double doors to outside opened inward and their shear curtains flowed wildly in the wind. “Do not cry my child,” he uttered sweetly.

 

Lilliana looked up and ran to her uncle’s embrace. “Oh, Uncle Paul! I thought I could do it but I cannot,” she cried into his shoulder.

 

“There, there,” said Paul. “Do not worry my dear, everything will be fine.”

 

Lilliana broke from his grasp. “No,” she said defiantly as she stood and slipped away from him. “I cannot do this again. Every hundred years we go through this. And every time we think it will be different…”

 

Paul took his niece by the arm and guided her out to the balcony. The rain had begun to pass into the east. Only dark, cloud-filled skies remained. Lightning struck violently in the distance. “My dear, this time it <I>will</I> be different.”

 

“How can you say that?” she asked. “All those centuries ago it was perfect. I loved him and he loved me. My sisters knew they were my sisters and they were deeply in love with Jacob, Geoff, and Hunter. We had different mothers, but you were there, my mother’s brother, there to watch over us all. We were happy in this castle, and all our powers were stronger than ever.” She turned and laid her hands on the stone rail and looked out over the grass to the cliffs. Below was the sea. The waves could be heard crashing against the sharp rocks below. “Ever since that cursed night, everything has changed,” she muttered barely above a whisper. “And it was entirely my fault.” In her mind, Lilliana drifted back to that fateful night:

 

<I>It was midnight, centuries ago. Lilliana and her sisters, Myrriana, Jenevieve, and Daina were in the great hall and had just received word that their husbands, the dark lord and his brothers, had not returned from sea. During battle, each of their ships had been destroyed. Myrriana could not believe it. She would have felt the loss, but didn’t! She felt something was wrong, but her heart wouldn’t believe it was this! Jenevieve and Daina were wrought with anguish and their tormented screams were such that would be heard on the wind forever more. They clutched each other and collapsed to the floor as they wailed and screamed.

 

Lilliana could not blink or breathe. She backed up slowly and with purpose. She ripped the cloak from around her gown and threw it to the ground. Myrriana turned to her through tear-filled eyes and reached for her. “Lilliana!”

 

“No!” Lilliana cried. “Noooooo!” She turned and ran through the castle at lightning speed. She could not see or fathom any thoughts but the loss of her Andreius. “No!” she continued to scream as she ran through the kitchen and out into the raging storm. She ran across the land toward the cliffs over the sea.

 

A distraught Myrriana ran after her and saw Lilliana run to the edge of the cliffs; her dress flowed viciously in the wind. Myrriana’s yells were unheard for the force of the roaring wind and thunder. Then she watched in horror as Lilliana went eagerly to join her husband in the depths of the sea.</I>

 

Uncle Paul placed his hand on his niece’s. “But it was all a lie.”

 

“Yes. Our husbands had lived. It was all a lie concocted by HER. And if I hadn’t leapt to my death, Andreius would not have done what he did, and we would not be under this curse. A curse that makes us return every hundred years to relive the torment, it makes my sisters forget who they are until we return to this castle, a curse that lets us come close to reuniting with our true loves, but takes us away before we get the chance to break the spell.”

 

“But there is hope, my dear,” said Paul. “This time, there is hope.”

 

Uncle Paul then faded before her eyes and disappeared into the shadows of night.

 

 

Part 9 by DL

 

“What does he mean there is hope this time?” Lilliana knitted her brow in deep thought. She didn’t notice Myrriana had slipped into the room with her.

“How can it be different indeed.” Myrriana answered quietly.

Lilliana whirled around. “How did you get in here and how long have you been standing there?” She asked accusingly.

“Our powers, our visions are one in the same. You know that, you just choose not to remember. I’ve been here long enough to know that Uncle Paul is the same as he ever was. He gives us riddles wrapped within vague directions. How are we ever going to figure this out?” Myrriana turned and left, leaving Lilliana to ponder everything she and Uncle Paul had said.

The whistle on the tea kettle startled Jenevieve. With shaky hands she poured 4 mugs full. Maybe this would calm everyone’s nerves.

“Has anyone seen Lilliana?” She asked handing out the warm beverage. “I made her some tea.”

“She is starting her meditation, she needs answers.”

Myrriana took a sip of the hot tea and relaxed just a bit. This time she needed Lilliana to figure these mysteries out for herself. 100 years ago Myrriana had been in the same conundrum and through self-awareness, mental agility and a little luck, she had been forced to figure it out. This time it was different though. What did Paul mean when he said this time there was hope? Now the hope dwelled within Lilliana and it was her duty to figure it out for all. “I just hope she understands what she sees.” She murmured, closing her eyes.

Jenevieve and Daina looked at each other nervously. This was all so new to them. Lilliana and Myrriana always had all the answers; they just hope that this time the answers were complete.

Sitting on the cold wooden floor in her room Lilliana lost herself in her thoughts, hoping beyond hope that something would appear to her. “Why did you leave me Andreius? Were you such a coward that you couldn’t bring yourself to face me?” Her tears streaked her white skin and she started to shake. “Coward!” She screamed over and over again. “Coward!”

“She doesn’t understand Paul; she doesn’t know what I did for her and her sisters.” Andreius face was a mask of pain. “She thinks I was unfaithful, she thinks I didn’t love her, but I loved her so much I doomed myself to this dismal purgatory, all for her.”

“She will understand Andreius. Give her time, she will understand.” Paul tried to comfort him, but until she could figure it out, until she could release him Andreius’ fate along with the fate of his three friends, it was sealed.

Lilliana was physically, mentally and emotionally worn out. It took every amount of energy she had to crawl up into her bed.

As soon as her head hit the pillow the disturbing dreams came again. They never went away, really. But this time they were different.

Lilliana stood overlooking the cliff where she had ended her miserable life without Andreius. This time however, she didn’t see herself going over. She saw Andreius. He stood with his long dark hair blowing behind him as he walked to the edge.

“For eternity my love, for eternity.” He murmured as he took the last long step.

Lilliana’ dream took her to the beech tree where the four nooses hung ominously. As she heard her love splash into the cold rocky waters below the each and every noose faded away.

She sat up in bed with a start. He hadn’t done this to her. He had done this for her. Not just for her, but for her and her sisters.

She needed to find Myrriana and fast, her power was strong, but with Myrrianas power coupled with hers just maybe they could figure out how to change the agony that happened so many years ago.

She rushed to the door. The large wooden doors were always hard to open but now the door seemed to be stuck. It was as if someone was holding it from the other side. Lilliana opened her mouth to scream but no sound came out. The only sound heard was the screeching laugh of another woman. It was overwhelming and it pierced her ears. She dropped to her knees and covered her ears, rocking back and forth.

 

 

Part 10 by Mystique

(the men are alive)

Myrriana sipped her tea deep in thought, as Jenevieve and Daina sat before the fireplace. Their memories were pouring into them like a flood. It was beginning.

Suddenly they all jumped to their feet simultaneously. They could actually feel the agony of their sister. They glanced at each other, then without words spoken between them bounded up the stairs to her aide. They knew exactly what and who was causing her this anguish.

Lilliana’ face was evidence of the excruciating pain. She covered her ears with her hands to block out the sound. But it penetrated to her brain like sharpen knives. She collapsed to the floor in a heap. Then abruptly the screeching laugh turned to that of screaming as it faded away down the corridor. Her bedroom door swung open. She braced herself. But it soon turned to relief as her two sisters, Jenevieve and Daina rushed into the room, to her side. They lifted her to her feet and assisted her into her bed. Then each lay on either side of her, comforting her.

“What happened?” She whisper exalted.

“We’re remembering things Lilliana.” Jenevieve informed her. She looked into her eyes and saw it.

“Yes our sister.” Daina smiled and wrapped her arm about her neck, giving her a gentle hug.

“We were downstairs drinking the herbal tea when we felt what you felt. And knew who was behind it.” Jenevieve began as Lilliana turned to her. It felt so good to be free to let her mind go and not hide anything from the two.

“Yes my sister. It does feel good to be able to communicate as we use to.” Daina injected.

“So you two attacked her? Wow! Bad-asses!” Lilliana read in their minds, how they had come upon the witch taunting her. Instinctively, they both sent mind jolts to her before she could react. She fled confused and hurt, not expecting that from the two. Then a realization hit them all at the same time.

“Where’s Myrriana?” Jenevieve sat up and combed the room. But their oldest sister was absent. And they couldn’t sense. She had cut them off.

“Sorry sisters! I can’t allow one of you to remember a part of that day, as I do.” She had followed the screaming banshee, to assure she had left the castle. She watched as she turned to her and then flew out the window. That old familiar face took her back, as she slowly came up to the window and looked down at the cliff below. She could see herself stretched out on the ground crying for her lost sister.

“Myrriana!” The voice was behind her but further away.

“Myrriana!” It was closer and she knew it, but dare not believe it. She could feel the ground vibrating under her from the heavy footsteps coming in her direction. Before she could react, she felt the strong arms lift her up and turn her into the masculine chest. The rhythm of the heartbeat was undeniable. She raised her head to look into the hazel eyes of her beloved Jacob. Was she dead too? Did she follow her sister over the edge as well?

“Jacob?!!” She pressed her hands against his cheek to make sure he was real.

“Yes my darling. It is I!” He confirmed.

She began to wail.

“Where is Lilliana??” A deep low voice broke the moment. Myrriana raised her head to look at Andreius.

 

Myrriana looked at him, confused. “We thought you were dead,” she began, then looked over Jacob’s shoulder seeing Hunter and Geoff, standing with Jenevieve and Daina. Then her eyes went back to Jacob, as she lowered herself to the ground.

“We thought you all were dead!” She shook her head. How could this be?” Her sister had been informed that they were dead. Then a realization came over her. Anger replaced the pain and confusion. She walked over to Andreius.

“My sister was informed that all of you were dead. She couldn’t take life without you. So she flung herself off this cliff to be with you.” She paused to gather herself and allow what she just said to sink in. He made a step back as his chest heaved in and out. His eyes became wild.

“What?” He yelled then looked over the cliff to see if he could see any signs of her.

“Don’t bother! I’ve already searched for her. She is indeed gone. And it’s your entire fault!” She spat out. Jacob gently grabbed her arm.

“This is not the time, Myrriana!” She snatched her arm away and went over to Andreius, grasping his arm in her small hand. She swung him around to face her, with a strength even she didn’t know she had.

“You brought that whore of yours into her life. Did you really think she had accepted the fact you had moved on with my sister and that you all could be friends?” Myrriana questioned his ignorance to the fact of a woman scorned theory.

“But she said she wanted the best for me and had become a close friend to Lilliana.” He shook his head. He had been duped. Or had he? As he looked back, this day had been in the works. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. His face turned to stone! He moved passed Myrriana, his long strides had determination.

“You were a little harsh.” Jacob admonished his wife. She stood defiant. Her sister was gone due to misinformation fed to her by his ex. He should have known better. Jacob turned and followed his brother.

“Jacob! Where are you going?” She called after him.

“To make sure my brother doesn’t get himself in trouble. Then I will be back for you.” He said as he continued on his way. She watched as Hunter and Geoff followed suit.

“They have to do what they have to do. And so do I.” Myrriana came up to her sisters. They looked at her and could see what she was thinking.

“No! She’s gone Myrriana! If she was alive we would have sensed her.” Daina nearly in tears. This had been a hell of a night. And she felt it wasn’t going to get any better.

“I know Daina. But she’s our sister. I don’t want her to be alone. I want her home.” She turned back to the cliff.

“The storm is building. The waves will be enormous.” Jenevieve reminded her.

“I know. But I must do this or I will never have peace. You two don’t have to. I’m not requesting that. I’m just letting you know.” She hugged each of them and headed down to the bay to their small vessel. As she got in, she felt her two younger sisters right behind her.

“You two go back. Live your lives and be happy.” She blocked them from boarding. They looked at each other, then to her.

“She was our sister too Myrriana.” Daina said sadly.

“As you are. We can’t allow you to do this alone.” Jenevieve didn’t wait for permission as she stepped into the boat. Daina followed. Myrriana turned and steered the boat from shore. She knew it was pointless to argue with them. They were just as headstrong as her. Well after all. They were sisters!

“Two groups headed off in different directions that day. But each had a profound ending that would seal them together forever. Cursed by HER!!”

 

Myrriana took one last look out the window and headed down to Lilliana’ room, to join her sisters. Preparing for the outcome of the night.

 

 

 

Part 11 by Night Mistress

(the men raid Shena’s village)

Centuries ago, on that fateful night, Myrriana, Daina, and Jenevieve set out on a dangerous voyage onto the sea. The waves crashed hard against the vessel, the torrents of drizzly wind were unrelenting. But the powerful women pressed on….

 

Meanwhile, the lords of the castle were on a terrible pursuit. Andreius stormed through the forest on his horse determined to complete a murderous errand. His brothers Jacob, Geoff, and Hunter rode hard and fast behind him, trying to catch him before it was too late. They wore no armor, just loosely tucked tunics with swords at the ready.

 

The men followed their brother to a familiar village, one they’d had no mind to frequent in many years. This was where they’d met Shena; the woman whom Andreius had come to know intimately only once; the woman he thought was a friend to he and his wife, even though his wife knew everything about their brief and undeveloped past. This was the woman responsible for Lilliana’s death.

 

Shena was a mystic and had everyone in the small town under her control. To the unqualified eye, it would seem like loyalty, but to those who knew her well… it was servitude by those under some spell. The brothers caught up with Andreius, and as they rode slowly through town, it seemed every eye was upon them. It was almost as if they’d been expected.

 

Jacob became nervous. “Andreius,” he said lowly. “I get the feeling this is a trap.

 

Andreius stared intently forward ever focused on his path. “It is,” he replied with a growl. “But before they get me, I< I>will</I> kill her first.”

 

Jacob, Geoff, and Hunter sat straighter on their horses. They knew what this meant, and they were ready for the onslaught. As they neared the small bastion at the end of the town, the men gripped the hilts of their swords.

 

It wasn’t long before they were ambushed. Swordsman from seemingly every corner attacked. The brothers leapt from their horses and began to fight back.

 

Andreius slashed his way to the witch’s front doors and kicked them open. She was surrounded by guards, but Andreius didn’t care. He marched straight for her, sword in hand. She held her guards at bay and laughed maniacally. “You’re so bold, Andreius! You’ve forgotten who you’re dealing with!” Suddenly she thrust a ball of energy at him to force him backward.

 

It did nothing.

 

He smiled wickedly as he neared her and her face was wrought with fear. “No!” he roared. “You’ve forgotten who YOU were dealing with!” He then sliced her through to the hilt of his sword, then slid the blade back out again.

 

Immediately, the guards tackled him and tried to drag him outdoors. The evil Shena fell dead onto the floor. Andreius stopped struggling as he saw her lifeless body collapse. He felt satiated, but this would not bring his Lilliana back. He dropped his sword and went willingly to the gallows.

 

Jacob, Geoff, and Hunter fought valiantly, but they killed many of the attackers. As such, and being charged with aiding in their brother’s deadly mission, they were sentenced to share his fate.

 

 

Part 12 by DL

 

Myrriana suddenly felt the hair on her neck stand on end.

“Something has happened, something is different. I can feel it. It feels, lighter somehow.” As she spoke the waves settled down and the sun shone. The storm ceased as though on command. The small boat slid up onto land and stopped on the small but lush island.

“Is this where we should be?” Jenevieve asked Myrriana. “Are you feeling that this is the right place?”

“I’m...I’m not sure.” Myrriana answered, somewhat confused. “I felt it earlier, but something has changed. I was channeling Lilliana before, she was guiding me, but now I’ve lost her spirit.”

“Oh no.” Daina sunk to the ground. “We’re never going to find her now. What happened that made her disappear again?”

“Get up now sister. Our work is just starting.” Myrriana gently scolded the sitting girl. “It will just be a little harder. Lilliana sent us here for a reason; she just can’t help us further. It’s all us now.” Determined, Myrriana marched forward unsure where she was heading, but she knew she had to get there and save her sister.

Lilliana too noticed the change. Her change however was not for the better. The spiritual prison that encased her seemed smaller, hotter and far more dismal. While her sisters were rewarded with light and fair weather, she was encased in darkness.

“He has betrayed you a second time.” She heard Shena’s voice cut through the darkness. “He is a fool. He is guided by his emotions and we both know how grievous an error that is......sister.”

Lilliana snapped her head up and peered into the darkness. “Sister? You are no sister of mine.” She spat back. “My sisters love and adore me. They will do anything to protect and save me.” She finished, her eyes flashing the hate that surged through her heart.

“Though the thought sickens you, it also intrigues you, does it now?” Shena’s voice mocked her through the dim. “You will know that I speak the truth before too long.” A brilliant spark of red appeared before Lilliana’ eyes and then was gone. She was alone again.

“Andreius, she is dead and the spell should be broken. Why are these people still heralding her as their hero? Why are they not treating us as heroes?” Hunter asked.

“Even though she is gone, for some reason the spell remains unbroken.” Andreius didn’t understand. It should have been so easy.

The rotund guard swaggered up to the cells where the men were being held, his keys making a faint jingle as he walked.

“You will swing first thing in the morrow.” He proclaimed loudly, his back to the prisoners.

“Then you will be putting innocent men to death.” Andreius’ voice rose above the din. “She was a witch; she has you all in her spell. You have 24 hours to figure out your error.”

“Now, now, how could we be under a spell if the witch is dead?” The jailor would not turn to face the men.

“Look Myrriana!” Jenevieve called out excitedly to her sister. “These stones in this pattern, this is acting as a guide to her.” Brushing the moss off of the covered rocks she continued, “Here is the daytime sun; just to the west we see the stream right there. We need to follow east to see what this big cluster is.” Standing back Jenevieve double-checked her directions as the rocks had guided her.

“You’re right Jenevieve.” Myrriana answered. We will head to the east.” The women trudged east, following the daylight while they could. They had about 14 hours of daylight before the sun would set in the west, catching up with them, making their journey much harder.

Lilliana was overcome with emotion. What had Andreius done now? He had betrayed her again? What did that mean? Somehow her powers had trickled off. She was unable to connect with anyone. Would this really be her ultimate demise? Were her sisters safe? As she thought of her sisters she wondered what that horrid woman had meant when she called her a sister. She felt herself getting weaker. The heat was paralyzing. She fought against the sheer exhaustion that threatened to overtake her. She needed to keep trying to guide her sisters toward her.

As the girls made their way east, they never even noticed the eyes that watched every move they made. Her strength was doubled in death. She never would have known had Andreius not ended her life with his mighty sword.

“They will see, they will all see.” Her evil chuckle echoed throughout the island.

Daina stopped suddenly. “What was that? I can’t have been the only person to hear that.”

Suddenly Myrriana was paralyzed with fear. “It is her, Shena. Andreius has ended her earthbound life. She is here and her power has grown even stronger in death.”

Snapping out of her fear she grew even more determined. “Our sister’s spirit is in grave danger! We need to find her now!” The girls looked at each other nervously.

Jenevieve felt it. The fury. “Her hatred for Lilliana has grown even greater.” The girls started running; the soul of their sister was at stake. This was going to be a bitter battle.

 

Part 13 by Mystique

 

Myrriana moved silently to the entrance of Lilliana’ room. She peered in to see her three sisters asleep and resting. The night’s transformation had taking its toll on them. She leaned back into the door frame, feeling the exhaustion herself. But rest she couldn’t. For there was more that needed to be done to assure this night would transpire differently.

“They’re coming! They’re coming!” The Spirits of the house flew past her and through the castle.

“Yes! I know!” She responded. The men of their lives were on the way. Sadly, they don’t know in real they are their husbands. Once they enter this place, their transformation will begin and all will be revealed. And it will start all over again, that dreadful night when they waited for their return. Only to be saddled with the news they were lost at sea. A lie concocted by a very deranged person.

“So now we’re waiting once more.” Myrriana whispered to herself. Then a thought formed in her head.

“Hmmm!” She turned away from her sisters and moved swiftly through the corridors, coming to the top of the immense staircase. She glided down them with ease. If she was right, what she planned may well be the beginning of the hope her Uncle Paul had stated to Lilliana.

She stopped in her tracts as she hit the last step. Her eyes roamed the room. The change had started. The house was regenerating itself back to that day.

“I must make haste! And hope this is the right thing to do.” She reached for a cloaked cape, staring at it. This is from her past. She swung it about her shoulders and turned to proceed towards the entrance. But was abruptly stopped as she came face to face with someone.

“Daina!” She hadn’t sense her near, so she was definitely startled.

“Thought you were the only one who could block out.” Daina reminded her of earlier. Myrriana stared blankly. She didn’t have time for this.

“I have to leave! I’ll be back.” She told her and went to leave. Daina grabbed her cloak, causing Myrriana to look at her confused.

“Yes my dear sister. Jenevieve and Lilliana may have been sleep and can’t read your thoughts. I wasn’t! I know what you’re planning. You’re not going alone!” Daina crossed her arms over her chest. Myrriana knew not to fight her. Time was of the essence.

“Fine! Let’s go!” She conceded and continued on her task. Daina smiled with her victory.

The roaring thunder was mimicked by the sounds emanating from the four motorcycles speeding down the road. The men coming to visit their lady-loves. They had been invited to join them at the castle. They felt it would be fun, since as far as they knew, they had never been in one. In the distance they could see the huge silhouette against the sky, with each lightening flash. The majestic edifice sat on a singular cliff. Something was very familiar about this place, ran through their minds.

They were moving with great paced towards their destination. When up ahead they spotted a sole figure standing in the road. It was a woman from what they could see. They thought maybe one of the Ladies had decided to come and escort them. They halted their bikes as one alone dismounted, securing his and moved toward the woman. He could see she was a stranger.

“Hello Ma’am!” He greeted her, looking around for her vehicle.

“Hello! I’m so glad you came along! My car got stuck on the road to the village.” She sounded frantic. He continued to search the area, not seeing any signs of a car.

“It’s about a mile off the road. You know how these little small away places where all roads lead into the villages.” She said as if reading his mind.

“We were heading to meet out girlfriends. Maybe we could take you there and you can call for a tow truck,” he started.

“No!” she yelled abruptly. He looked at her strangely, she realized seeing him again had caused her emotions to overrule.

“Please forgive me! I’m just frantic. I had an appointment and will definitely miss it if I don’t get there.” She began to cry. He felt for her. Stranded out there in this secluded place.

“I can ride you into the village, there you can catch your appointment, then call a tow truck.” He suggested. She slightly smiled and looked up into his eyes. He felt something very familiar about her, but didn’t know what it could have been.

“Let me tell my friends. They can go on and let my girlfriend know where I am.” He turned and walk back to the other three, informing them of what he was going to do. They revved up their engines to leave as he headed back to her. Then out of nowhere a bright light lit up the area. The woman’s figure became transparent. The huge man stepped back at the scene before him. The woman went screaming into the night.

“What the HELL!” The man yelled. His friends looked at each other dumbfounded. Then two small figures started towards them. Two of the men secured their bikes and ran to meet them. It was no doubt these were known.

“Myrriana!” One said, catching her up into his arms. She looked into the eyes of her Jacob.

“Jacob! My Jacob!” She covered his mouth with her own and kissed him deeply. Relieved they were in time.

“Daina!” The other took her in his arms.

“Geoff! Oh Geoff!” She clung to him for dear life. A second later....she didn’t want to think about it. The man, who was being so helpful, came over to Myrriana and Jacob.

“What was that?” He asked. He wasn’t sure what he thought he had saw.

“Let’s get all of you to the castle. There everything will be plainer!” She looked at all of them and they could tell on her face, she was just as spooked as they were. Now Myrriana realized even more. Waiting for them would have been a dire mistake. Proof of what her Uncle had said. Maybe this time would be different. Her decision may have set the tone.

Shena stalked in her cave. Once again, that one had interfered in her revenge. Their battle in the pass had proven Myrriana was superior. But then she did have help from the Dark Lord, Andreius. Why didn’t she see, in his death would be the edge Myrriana would need to fend her off.

“But I was still able to curse all of you!” She let out a shrilled laugh. “And it will stand. That I will see to.” She moved deeper into the cavern.

 

 

 

Part 14 by Night Mistress

(escaping the nooses)

Lilliana and Jenevieve slept, but were restless. A strange feeling however washed over both of them, a sense of familiarity. Lilliana chose to ignore it. It was too painful. She closed her eyes tighter. Her heart was breaking again as it had so many times before. The feeling that Andreius was near was unbearable. She wanted to be with him but knew it would not happen. She tried to fight it. She would not give into it again. 

 

Jenevieve, however, rose immediately. Lilliana had her guard up as she had so many times before, but Jenevieve knew this time was different. “Do you feel that, Lilliana?”

 

“No,” Lilliana lied. “I feel nothing but despair.”

 

Jenevieve stood. “No! Something is different this time.” Jenevieve was beginning to breathe faster. She could feel a shift in the air. She could feel her Hunter. She could feel his heartbeat.

 

Suddenly, the spirits began to shout excitedly throughout the castle, “Tenebris dominus adventum! Tenebris dominus adventum!”

 

Lilliana turned around slowly toward Jenevieve’s wide eyes and they stared at each other. They wanted to believe it was true, but how could it be… the spirits were calling out that the dark lord is coming!

 

Both women were frozen still. Their eyes remained fixed on each other. “This isn’t real,” Lilliana whispered.

 

The suddenly, as if on cue the bong of the bell in the tower began to sound for the first time in hundreds of years. Lilliana’s heart stopped. Jenevieve sprinted from the room and down the staircase.

 

Myrriana and Daina had led the men into the home they didn’t remember. As they crossed the threshold it was as if they walked through a veil of energy. The men’s clothes began to transform into their old medieval style. They now wore wrist bands and tunics, riding pants, boots. Their memories began to seep into the foreground.

 

As Jenevieve ran down the stairs her modern clothes changed into a medieval gown. Her hair that hung down was now swept up regally. She felt lighter as if on air. All at once she saw her Hunter and in a flash was in his arms. The scent of him filled her being. The feel of his embrace erased all the torturous memories of the pain they had endured. He took her head in his hands quickly and kissed her.

 

Andreius stood in the middle of the large foyer and studied the room. As his memories began to return, he recalled feelings of anguish, and desolation. His anger returned as well. He became enraged when he remembered the loss of his bride. These thoughts were fresh now in his mind, as if the events had just transpired. Myrriana saw what was happening to him and rushed to his side. She put her hand on his arm quickly, but gently and looked up into his eyes. “Calm down, Andreius. She is alive. She is alive!”

 

<I>In the past… the sisters reached a cove on the island. “There,” said Myrriana. “Under the waterfall. It is a portal, a veil between the worlds. There we will find Lilliana. But we must hurry! We haven’t much time!”

 

The brothers stood at the gallows as the crowd watched eagerly. The nooses were loosely around their necks. Dark clouds began to roll in covering the sky and the rumble of thunder shook the earth. Just as the executioner was tightening the final rope, a black cat came running down the road and through the crowd. It was the cat of the castle, Midnight. Midnight ran to the hangmen and before the eyes of the crowd and the condemned men, the cat transformed into a beautiful young lady dressed in battle attire. As a human, her name was Lysandra. The crowd gasped with fear and backed off in a hurry.

 

Andreius sighed with relief. “I thought you’d never get here.”

 

She grinned wickedly, and then at lightning speed, she jumped up onto the platform with her dagger, sliced the ropes, and kicked the executioner off the stairs sending him rolling down the hill. She then whistled purposefully into the wind and the men’s horses came running. The men made their quick escape. Lysandra then changed into a hawk and flew to meet the sisters at the island.</I>

 

 

Part 15 by DL

With the excitement of the escape dying down, the crowd that had been promised multiple executions became enraged. Their entertainment for the day had escaped. A mob began to form and with pitchforks and torches started on their way to follow the four men. Andreius looked back nervously. Sure, they could get away now, but angry mobs tended to be narrow minded in their rage. They would follow forever. Suddenly the rotund jailor, keys still in place stood before the crown on the platform where the men were supposed to swing. Andreius stopped his steed and held up a hand to stop his friends as well, he had to see what the man was going to say. That voice seemed so familiar yesterday in the jail cell, why would this man never show his face.

“My good townsfolk, you have been duped. There is nothing to see here. There never was. You have no memory of these days and you are simply pleased to celebrate the Anniversary of His Lord Andreius and Lady Lilliana. The celebration will begin at nightfall and you must hurry to prepare the celebration for them.” Andreius didn’t know what to think, who was this man? He didn’t need to wonder long. The dark haired jailor turned slowly, he knew exactly where Andreius was watching from. A broad smile crept upon Andreius face as he recognized his love’s uncle, Paul. He had been there the entire time, ensuring Lysandra’s arrival and protecting the men. “Go to her Andreius, you must go to the cove. The girls need all of your help.” With a quick nod Andreius turned his horse and headed somewhere he never wanted to go again. With his friends in tow, he headed for the cove, leaving the townsfolk to prepare for the grand celebration he hoped would occur.

Myrriana almost wept with joy when she felt her presence. Lysandra was here. Surely with her help they could defeat Lilliana’ tormentor.

“My daughter, show yourself please.” Myrriana called out. Nightfall would be coming soon, it was imperative that they act fast. As her daughter materialized Myrriana grabbed her and held her tightly. “We need your help desperately. None of us have the powers you possess. Thank you for coming to help.” Myrrianas heart surged when she heard her daughter answer “I will do whatever it takes to save my Aunt. No one will defeat us.”

Gesturing for her Mother and aunts to sit in a circle near the entrance of the cove Lysandra drew a deep breath. They needed a few answers before they could possibly defeat this beast.

“Lysandra, Myrriana has been getting random, scattered messages from Lilliana. One of them has to do with this beast being somehow a sister to us. How can this be?” Jenevieve asked.

Lysandra closed her eyes and listened to the wind and the water. It would speak to her. It would tell her of the mysteries of the cove.

Tell her they did. They spoke of Lilliana’s birth, right in the cove. Her beautiful Mother had given birth to twin girls. The girls were quite different however. Lilliana could have been a twin to her gentle, spiritual Mother. There was nothing more important in her life than keeping spiritual harmony with humankind, nature, spirits and the like and her little daughter soaked up the information and tutelage of her mother like a sponge. With wide dark eyes Lilliana would watch her mother whom she adored. She wanted to be just like her in every way. The second daughter however was not so like-minded. Evil, pain and suffering for those all around her was all her warped mind reflected on day after day. No amount of patience and love from her mother and sister could change her. Mother thought briefly of contacting her first daughter Myrriana for help, but Myrriana was in a distant land and she was busy raising her own daughter. There was no need to subject her to this. As time went on, Mother started to wear herself out tracking her evil daughter and reversing the atrocities she perpetrated on the world around her. As Lilliana grew older so too did her mother. Mother’s hair greyed and her face grew full of lines but she was determined to be well enough to protect the world from the hate of her daughter. As the girls grew, mother knew they must be kept apart. It was obvious that the jealousy and hatred that her sister felt for Lilliana would end up harming her. She had no choice but to send Lilliana to go live with her Uncle Paul. It was the only way to assure that she would be kept safe. It broke her heart to hand her beautiful little girl over to her brother. He was sweet and kind though and would give her every opportunity to thrive and help mankind.

As mother went about her life, her daughter became uncontrollable. After Jenevieve and Daina were born she simply lost touch with her evil daughter. One night she simply left her mother and sisters. No explanation, no warning of her departure, she was just gone.

Mother knew her life had run its course. Someone needed to help with her two little ones. Daina and Jenevieve were fairly normal little girls. They just wanted to play and have fun, never really opening themselves up to the spiritual side of their heritage. It was time that they too went to meet their sister and go live with Uncle Paul who simply adored them.

“Paul, make sure they know how much I loved them, please help them all grow into the young ladies they should be. They need to be loyal to one another and they need to know that nothing is more important than family....Nothing.” When she passed away her girls, led by Lilliana sought out their sister Myrriana. Myrriana was able to sit down Daina and Jenevieve and explain how important their heritage was and how they needed now to embrace their spiritual side, for their mothers sake.

Lysandra opened her eyes and looked at her mother and aunts. “It is true; she is a sister to all of you.”

“But mother said family is more important than anything. She is family. How do we move forward?” Jenevieve interjected looking from Myrriana to Lysandra.

Wrapping a reassuring arm around her sister’s shoulders Myrriana replied “I just don’t know.”

 

 

 

Part 16 by Mystique

 

Nothing is random. Everything is planned out to a “T”. But when something happens to disrupt this plan, things never come out as they should. Or do they? In the past an occurrence caused four couples to relive a horrific night. But one small gesture broke a chain, changing the past, present and future forever. No matter what life throws at you, there is always a way out.

Shena sat on her makeshift throne, sulking about how her plan was foiled. Myrriana, her oldest sister had once again messed up her plans. She wondered would this little change make a difference. She stood to her feet and walked over to a stream, watching the vapors rise to the top of the cove.

“The night this all started, you tricked me. But I had the upper-hand until the Dark Lord came to your aid!” She walked around trying to figure out what to do next. She knew by now the men had reached the castle and they too would know everything.

“It matters not! As it didn’t those many years ago. Her mind wondered back to that night, when her three sisters came looking for Lilliana.

She watched as the three moved through the cove, then stopped. Little did she know, Myrriana sensed her presence. She blocked her from her mind, something else she wasn’t aware. She secretly told Daina and Jenevieve to wait for her while she drew Shena away. She knew if Shena was there, Lilliana had to be close.

Myrriana headed off in Shena’s direction, passing her as if she hadn’t felt her there. And true to form, Shena’s arrogance got the best of her. If she could take out this one, the others would be no problem. Myrriana led her further away from the other two. Once out of sight, Daina and Jenevieve went the other way. And as close as they got, they could feel their sister’s spirit. It was fading!

“Show yourself! I know you’re around Shena!” Myrriana stopped abruptly and called her out. Shena’s laughed filled the area, as she formed right before Myrriana.

“Hello my sister!” Shena greeted her. Myrriana’s head titled to the side, confused.

“You’re no sister of mine!” She informed her. Shena laughed again, and then her eyes went cold.

“Of course none of you would remember me. You were a way with your life and Lilliana was sent away to Uncle Paul at an early age. By the time Daina and Jenevieve were old enough to know anything, they too were sent away. So it was just Mother and me for a while, until she passed. Well, actually I decided to go out on my own. She was really a drag!” Shena could see on Myrriana’s face she understood what she was saying. Lilliana’ twin.

“Yes! I can see it now. You have some features of Mother, but the years of evil living have made you hard.” Myrriana didn’t have any love loss for this one. She had been a thorn in the flesh from the time she could walk.

“So how is Old Uncle Paul? He didn’t ever want to deal with me.” She faked hurt feelings. Myrriana shook her head.

“I had heard you were a cold bitch! But seeing you for who you are now, it was an understatement.” Myrriana continued to stall her, hoping the others could save Lilliana.

Daina and Jenevieve moved in the direction they could sense their sister. Her essence was very strong when they came upon a very hot area. It was overwhelming. They moved further into it and saw the trapped spirit of their sister and rushed to her aid.

“What?” Shena yelled, sensing something. “You three think you’re slick! I got something for you!” She yelled, but before she could do anything. Myrriana sent a jolt which sent her flying backwards.

“Something you should know that the others never knew. The power Mother had was an inheritance. The firstborn would possess it when she passed on. So guess what lil’ sis! That power that Mother used to curtail your antics. I now have and it’s time for your whooping!” Myrriana sent another jolt, sending her excruciating pain.

“Lilliana!” Jenevieve called, as they came upon her and together broke the bonds that held her.

“You’re fading away! What can we do to help make this easy?” Daina wondered.

“Something I discovered when I plunged into the sea. We don’t die as others! We just wonder the earth, disembodied. A form of death. It was foolish to think we could die so easily.” She shook her head.

“Oh Lilliana! It was so reckless of you!” Daina surmised.

“Never mind that! What can we do to undo this? Or can we?” Jenevieve jumped in, hoping they could fix it. Lilliana turned to her.

“Yes, there is a way! I must return to the sea before sunrise and reclaim my body.” She informed them.

“Alright then! That is what we must do!” Daina’s voice had a hint of relief.

““Wait a minute! If we can’t die, what about Mother?” Jenevieve’s revelation made the three rethink their Mother’s death!

At the same time this was revealed, the Dark Lord with brothers was led to the gallows to be hung! Shena had sent out an urgent mind wave to the jailor to kill them now. She was going to one up on her sister’s trickery! The nooses were placed about their necks and with one sting of the whip on the horses butts, it was over. At that very moment, all three women felt their husbands lives come to an abrupt halt.

And Myrriana?

“Jacob!” She called out in pain and fell to the ground in a heap wailing. Shena laughed out loud triumphantly. Her revenge complete. He was gone! Him who scorned her and flaunted his wife, her sister in her face.

“Now for you!” She rushed towards Myrriana to finish her while she was distracted, but a sharp sensation flowed through her body, causing her to scream out, stopping in her tracks. She struggled to get to her feet. The power was undeniable.

“Andreius?” Shena stood up, looking at his essence floating before her.

“I told you! You didn’t know who you were dealing with!” His eyes were slit, staring a hole through her. Even now, the pain of his rejection cut through her like a knife.

“Andreius! Get to Lilliana and the others. Leave her to me!” Myrriana came up to him and stared him in his eyes. He smiled at her. They had a special friendship. He swiftly turned away and went to Lilliana.

“You will never win this battle, Sister!” Shena stalked towards her. Myrriana wasted no time. She let out a chant her Mother had given her. Shena watched as a portal formed and she felt herself being drawn into it. As much as she tried to fight the suction, she was taken in more. Myrriana watched with mixed feelings. She was family, but her action had almost destroyed hers.

Then!

“I curse you this night! For every hundred years, I shall come to back and you will relive this night! Over and over! You will walk the earth, not knowing who you are and that you’re sisters. And Andreius will not know he is the Dark Lord or his brothers. This is my legacy to you sister and the others.” She disappeared into the portal laughing like a hyena.

Shena felt elated her revenged had been intact. Suddenly she froze! Something didn’t feel the same as before. There was a shift somewhere. Did Myrriana’s interference cause a change? No, she thought! After the transformation they will be thrown back in time and relive that night. But yes, she could feel something wrong.

She moved over to a small pond that reflected time. The Dark Lord had indeed killed her, but they didn’t die! Her niece Lysandra had come to their aid with the assist of her Uncle Paul! And now the Dark Lord was on his way with his brothers. To help their wives. And in the turn of these events, they know that she is their sister.

“Noooooo! This can’t be happening!” Now the future was uncertain as the past and present has been altered.

“What to do? What to do?” She moved around in circles. Before she could predict the outcome, because it was hers to do so. But now, she was just as much part of where this will lead. As the others. The past, present and future was no longer hers to command.

 

 

Part 17 by Night Mistress

(the dark lord returns)

As the bong of the bell tower sounded, Lilliana could hear the many spirits of the castle murmuring joyfully. Two of the ghosts came down from the ceiling as a mist of white and transformed into two smiling, jubilant handmaidens whom Lilliana remembered. It was as if they’d come back to life. They wore beautiful dresses and rushed to Lilliana’s side. She was still somewhat in a daze of disbelief.

 

The two ladies took her by the arms and assisted her urgently out of the bedroom. “He’s here! He’s here!” They cried happily. As the three made way through the door, Lilliana looked down at her arms and saw royal blue satin poet sleeves with layers of lace trim that draped her wrists. This was her anniversary gown—things had changed! Her heart began to race. Could it be?

 

The women pulled her hurriedly down the hallway. She was hesitant to believe any of this. As she stood at the top of the staircase the final bong of the bell rang out and the house became silent.

 

Lilliana looked down the stairs and to her utter astonishment saw Jacob, Geoff, and Hunter. Tears stung her eyes. She remained frozen. She could not believe this, she would not believe this. This was a cruel trick of the imagination. Her heart wanted it to be true, but was afraid to be let down as she had been so many times before.

 

“Lilliana, come to us,” said Hunter warmly.

 

“No,” she breathed. She couldn’t allow herself to believe this was happening.

 

But suddenly, someone else came in to view. Myrriana had been telling the truth. Lilliana was alive. He turned quickly and saw her at the top of the stairs. “But will you come to me?” he pleaded.

 

Lilliana was overwhelmed! It was her Andreius! All thoughts of fear, and loss, and reasoning fleeted her. She no longer cared what was real and what wasn’t, what would and would not happen. She simply flew down the stairs and ran to him. He grabbed her at once and refused to let go.

 

As he held her, he breathed in the sweet smell of her hair and kissed her face sweetly. She held onto him tightly and cried into his chest. “If this is a dream, do not wake me! Please do not wake me!”

 

“This is no dream, my love.” He looked into her eyes and they were wet with emotion, as were his own.

 

The lords of the castle had reunited with their true loves, the castle returned to the state it was in before, and the servants, who had been trapped in the castle in spirit form, had returned to their human states. Lysandra had transformed herself back into a cat and lay peacefully in front of the roaring fireplace.

 

Suddenly, a howling wind began to swirl around the castle. A familiar and evil cackle could be heard on the wind. Someone wasn’t as happy about the family reunion….

 

 

Part 18 by DL

(anniversary party)

The adoration the townsfolk had for their Lord Andreius and Lady Lilliana was evident by the detail and love they added to the celebration.

Only the best wine and ale would flow and only the best minstrels were hired to serenade the crowd. Fresh flowers covered every inch of the village, the aromatics mingling with the copious amounts of food cooking on the spit.

The ladies of the town had been in overdrive for the past 16 hours prepping meat to roast, baking dense loaves of crusty bread, decorating and all the things that they knew would lead to the perfect celebration.

Myrriana let the jovial mood flow over her as she smiled at her sister. “Are you pleased?” She asked.

Lilliana, sitting at her husband’s side raised her goblet of wine. “There are no words for how happy I am right now.” She smiled and leaned in closer to her sister. “Thank you.” She said simply.

“My sister, my life....” Myrriana responded. “Truly.”

As the music played Paul smiled at Lilliana. Her happiness was like a shining light leading him to her.

“Dance with me my dear.” He extended a hand to his beloved niece and together, on the stone road, he swirled her and smiled into her laughing eyes. It was so good to see her whole and happy again, for the first time in a long time.

Andreius watched his love with a smile. His smile faded a bit as he watched Paul wince and raise a hand to his head.

“Lilliana my dear, you have danced an old man half to death.” Paul joked to his niece. “You must let me rest.” Easing into a chair he smiled warmly at her. “Go to him, you’ve waited so long.”

With a kiss to his cheek Lilliana whispered, “I love you, thank you. I thank you and Andreius thanks you.” As she made her way back to her husband she didn’t notice Paul sitting with his head in his hands, massaging his temples.

With a contended sigh Lilliana leaned back into Andreius’ massive chest. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head. Suddenly she felt him tense up. Looking up, confused she saw him looking at her Uncle Paul. Paul staggered to his feet, clutching at his head. He collapsed, right in the road, hitting his head on a rock in the process.

“This man needs aid immediately!” Andreius barked. “I will return my love.” He guided Lilliana back into her seat and rushed to Paul’s side. Bending down he looked into Paul’s eyes and asked him one question.

“She’s in your head isn’t she?”

A cold wind blew over the celebration; a dark cloud loomed in the distance.




 

 

Part 19 by Mystique

 

Time! It waits for no one. A curse performed caused the lives of a few to be caught in times eternal cycle. But a single act of a leap of faith corrected what never should have been. Once again, the past and present are adjoined. As for the future, it’s as it should be. Uncertain!

Everyone watched as the Dark Lord leaned over Uncle Paul. He didn’t want to alert the others, they had suffered enough.

“Let’s get him to his room.” Andreius commanded the servants. “Everyone continue with the festivities. Paul’s just had a little more excitement for one day.” He explained.

“Stay here with your sisters and help oversee things.” He went over to a concerned Lilliana.

“What is wrong with him?” She wasn’t buying the too much excitement He took her hands in his and stared in her eyes.

“Can you trust me?” He asked. She searched his eyes and saw something there. But he had asked something of her. No matter what she was feeling, he had to know that her love for him was stronger than ever.

“Yes Andreius! I trust you.” He cupped her chin in his hand and rubbed his thumb over it. He nodded his head then turned and walked away.

Uncle Paul was taken to his room and helped into bed just as Andreius entered the room.

“Dark Lord, you needing leave your celebration!” Uncle Paul adjusted himself in bed. Andreius continued into the room and up to the bed. His eyes were menacing.

“I asked you this before. I’ll ask only this time! Is she in your head?” Andreius looked into his eyes. Uncle Paul made some strange faces, and then nodded his head.

“She was but I was able to eject her. I also got a feel of her thoughts. She’s plotting something new!” Uncle Paul informed him.

This didn’t sit well with Andreius. They just narrowly escaped her last revenge attempt. He moved over to the window peering out into the courtyard. Everyone was having a good time. Lilliana instinctively looked up. He smiled and nodded, reassuring her things were alright. Neither had noticed the absence of one.

“Oh my!” Uncle Paul moaned. Andreius looked back at him.

“What’s wrong?” He was wondering if Shena was making another attempt to control his mind. Paul shook his head.

“When I first saw her after she came to town. I was concerned. But she assured me she meant no harm. She wanted to get to know her sisters.” He buried his face in his hands. Andreius moved away from the window, stalking towards Paul.

“You recognized her from the beginning?” Andreius felt his body began to quiver. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Even after you knew she had come looking for me. You never said a word! Why, Paul?” Andreius turned away fearful of what he might do.

“Andreius! Go join the others. Most of all, Lilliana!” He looked up to see Myrriana walking through the door. She came to him, placing a gentle hand over his. Her touch was calming. Something he needed at the moment. He smiled and without a backwards look, left the room with the feeling of betrayal. Myrriana watched as Andreius disappeared through the door and waited until he was well away, before letting in on her Uncle.

Andreius moved down the huge stairs with ease, pausing at the bottom. Something in Myrriana’s touch and eyes alarmed him. He turned and looked up to where Myrriana was with her Uncle Paul. Then he cast his eyes downward, a concern showed on his face.

“She’s not as strong as she thinks! I must speak with Jacob!” He left to seek out his brother.

“I can’t believe what I just overhead, Uncle Paul! You knew it was Shena and didn’t tell us! All she put our Mother through! Your sister!” Myrriana was beside herself.

“I know my dear niece! But when I saw her and she knew I recognized her, she begged me not to tell any of you. She said she wanted to make amends and get to know all of you. And then when she became friends with Lilliana, I thought all was well. She told me she was going to tell all of you when the men came home. I’m just an old fool thinking I could bring all my sister’s children together and be one big happy family.” He began to cry. Myrriana rolled her eyes to the ceiling, shaking her head. She loved her Uncle and he was so kindhearted. Shena had taken advantage of his love. Another thing she will pay for. Myrriana went over to his bed and sat on it, then took her Uncle in her arms to console him.

“You’re no old fool Uncle! Just a big-hearted one!” She joked! It worked! He let out a laugh, looking at her and thinking how much she reminded him of his sister. She leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Then left to go find Jacob. She was halfway down the stairs, when her head began to swim. She held onto the banister and made it to the bottom, before everything went dark!

 

 

 

Part 20 by Night Mistress

(wolf blood)

Andreius was on his was to Jacob, but went to Lilliana first. Dusk was on its way and the couple thanked all of their guests and sent them home without raising suspicions. Andreius then took Lilliana aside and tried to explain about what he’d discovered from Paul. She was overwhelmed with query. “Why?” she cried to Andreius. “Why would he keep this from us?”

 

Andreius didn’t have the answers, but he was determined to find out.

 

Meanwhile, Jacob was in chambers looking out at the courtyard and the field and trees beyond. He had a terrible feeling that something dark was looming. Something in the air was amiss. His senses were very high, his blood was warming.

 

He had a feeling wash over him that he had not felt since before the malevolent Shena wreaked her havoc, before time changed, and they were separated from their women. Something was in his blood, and his brothers shared the affliction. It had been so long, he’d nearly forgotten, yet now he was beginning to feel it return.

 

As the sun began to set and the full moon to rise, his senses of hearing, sight, and smell grew stronger. Simultaneously it began to happen to his brothers Geoff and Hunter who were outside. The three men suddenly knew someone was nearby… and where she was. They shot like lightning to find her.

 

At that moment, Myrriana’s mind fell dark and she fell down the remaining stairs. She felt she was in a dark room alone, until Shena appeared.

 

“Hello, Sister,” Shena said as she slinked into view. She looked around at what appeared to be nothingness. “It is so calm and peaceful in your mind. Makes me sick,” she blathered. 

 

“Feel free to leave,” said Myrriana. “While you still can of your own free will,” she warned.

 

“Oh, dear. What’s got you in such a tither?” Shena smarmed.

 

“Are you really asking?” Myrriana smirked.

 

Shena smacked her lips. “Well, it matters naught. I came here to show you that I came be anywhere, anytime I wish. Including in your own head! Now I can see everything your mind can see, and you are powerless to stop me!”

 

The sisters came nose to nose.

 

Myrriana’s mouth curved into a wicked grin. “You can see everything, can you? Oh, I don’t think that’s true. You see, while you are here pervading in my mind, you leave your body unattended. You have so much to learn. Never let your guard down.”

 

“Huh?” Shena was dumbstruck. “What do you—” Suddenly Shena’s astral body flew back to her physical one and she thrust her eyes open. “Jacob! Geoff! Hunter!”

 

The three men stood around her and had her cornered. Their now golden, hungry eyes were upon her. She couldn’t move an inch. The men grinned wickedly, they were about to have their feast and end this filth once and for all.

 

She was petrified and closed her eyes and instantly wisped into a purple mist and vanished. She very narrowly made her escape.

 

Geoff was riled. “Now what will we eat?” he spat.

 

 

Back in the courtyard, Andreius and Lilliana still sat on a stone bench. He’d been trying to console her because of the news. She lifted her head which lay on his chest and looked into his eyes. She noticed something different. Her hands were on his chest and she could feel his breaths become deeper, more forceful. His chest was getting tighter, his skin warmer. “Andreius,” she breathed. “It is happening isn’t it?” she said softly.

 

He took one very deep breath. “Yes, and it’s been so long… I don’t know if it will be the same…”

 

“Don’t be afraid, my love,” said Lilliana. “Whatever happens,< I>happens</I>. Do what you need to do.”

 

He stood and pulled her close. His eyes were turning a piercing gold. “I love you.” His voice was a soft growl, but his breathing began to quicken and a groan began to emanate from within his chest.

 

“I love you,” she replied. She then slid her hand around his neck and began to kiss him.

 

He lifted her up and backed her against the stone wall of the castle. His kiss was vehement, powerful. She loved him like this, but at the brink of losing control, he shot away from her and into the night. She sighed sadly and momentarily forgot about the other troubles in her world. “Hurry back, my tender beast,” she whispered.

 

She then turned to the door. “Now to have words with Uncle Paul!” she blasted.

 

 

 

Part 21 by DL

 

Lilliana needed answers from Uncle Paul. He was the only one who had observed this every hundred years.

She heard him talking to someone as she approached his cottage. He was speaking and she heard a light voice reply to him. She recognized the voice and was suddenly overcome with emotion. Rushing in without knocking her eyes welled with tears as she saw her. Mother was here.

“Mother!” Lilliana rushed towards her, embracing her tightly.

“My little one.” Her mother murmured. “You are not so little anymore. You are all grown up.”

“Mother, I’ve missed you so. Why have you not been able to contact me? Death is only for the body, not the soul. I need you, I...I need help.”

Paul looked uncomfortably from mother to daughter. There was a lot Lilliana needed to know, and much of it she was not going to like.

“I’ve wanted so many times to come to you and ease your worries and pains, but as with your sisters, if I solve the issues you’ll never know how to do it for yourselves.”

“Mother, I know. I know that Shena is my sister but I also must defeat her. This is in direct conflict with what I know from your teachings. How can one defeat an enemy without harm?”

“Shena must be defeated, you are correct. However, she must not be destroyed. You have been very fortunate Lilliana. With all of the things you and your sisters have done to her the changes to the past have been a parallel. So far you have not changed the balance of the past. If you do, those changes could cause a ripple in time that you can never take back. This battle is much more involved than any of you know. Because she is your flesh and blood, changes for her will impact you and your sisters as well. I must go, Lilliana. I will be with you always.”

Her mother was suddenly gone; the moonlight illuminated the chair she had been sitting in.

Glancing over to her Uncle Paul, Lilliana had more questions than answers now. “Now WE need to talk Uncle.”

Uncle Paul gulped. This wasn’t going to be easy.





“I feel awful Daina.” Jenevieve complained. “It’s freezing in here and I just feel like I want to sleep.” She sunk down onto her bed. Daina felt her forehead and Jenevieve was burning up. “Just lay down Jenevieve, I’ll get Myrriana and we’ll figure out what ails you.” Daina ran from the room in search of Myrriana.

Shena felt victorious. Why hadn’t she thought of this earlier? Why had she been worrying with the stronger of the sisters? Lilliana and Myrriana knew every trick in the book, but the younger ones, well they had no real hold on their powers, nor did they care. This might almost be too easy.

“Myrriana, help me!” Daina called out in desperation. “Jenevieve is sick!!”

Myrriana looked to Jacobs face in horror. “Not the younger girls. They can’t fight back.”

“That is why they have big sisters, right?” He gently covered her hand with his. “You and Lilliana can protect them.”

“But we can’t! They have enough strength to subliminally block us out; they won’t even know they’re doing it. It is a survival technique that works well when you know how to harness it but for them now, it will just weaken what we can do for them.”

“If that’s the case won’t it weaken what Shena can do to them?”

“No, Shena plays dirty and her grasp of the black arts utilizes things that we cannot harness out of morality. We have pledged to not use techniques she uses. I need Lilliana here.”

Myrriana ran to find Daina kneeling by Jenevieve’s bedside, cooling her forehead with a cold compress. Jenevieve was deadly pale and her breathing was uneven. Hunter was seated near the bed, holding Jenevieve’s hand. His eyes were pained and he looked to Myrriana for comfort. “She’ll be ok, right?”

Lilliana could feel something was wrong at home. She could hear Myrriana beckoning her to return.

Andreius paced back and forth. All the pain and suffering his love was dealing with was his fault. Had he not been around to act as Shena’s pawn it was possible that these sisters would have worked something out amicably.

Was he doing his love any good by remaining in her life?” He knew Jacob would tell him the truth. He just needed to go and talk to him.

Shena grinned wickedly. Perhaps her plan had gone awry somewhere but this was working out just fine. Myrriana and Lilliana couldn’t take much more pain. They would eventually grow weary and their powers would decline. The pain of seeing their sisters suffer would go much farther than causing them their own pain.

This was the perfect plan.

 

 

 

Part 22 by Mystique

 

Uncle Paul waited for the tongue lashing he would receive from Lilliana! But she was distracted for some reason. She stood with her back to him, stiff as a board. He wondered if Shena had moved into her. But then she turned to him and he could see something beyond him was troubling her.

“I have to get back to the Castle! Myrriana is calling to me.” She didn’t look at him; she was very angry and wanted to confront him on his betrayal to them. It will have to wait!

“What is wrong?” He asked, then cowered before her as she shot him a fierce look.

“Until we have our conversation, you will stay away from us. What you did is beyond unforgivable.” She told him. He turned away sadden by this statement. He had loved the girls as if they were his own. Lilliana felt his regret and started to go console him, but elected to let him stew for a while.

“I love you Uncle Paul! But you have to get your priorities straight!” She turned away and rushed out the door to the castle. Uncle Paul walked over to ta chair and took a seat. He had made the biggest mistake in his life. And when Lilliana tell the others that their Mother was here, it will be even worst! At that moment, there was a knock at the door. Paul gathered himself and hurried to it, thinking it was Lilliana coming back. He swung it open to greet her, then froze on the spot.

“You!” He said, as the figure moved pass him and entered the cottage. Paul slowly closed the door. It would have been better to have to deal with the girls, than this one.

“I’m afraid Shena has done something that we can’t mend.” Myrriana shook her head as she placed a wet cloth on Jenevieve’s forehead. Daina laid by her side, stroking her arm. Lilliana paced the floor trying to figure out what spell can they use to counter act.

“Daina! Stay with Jenevieve and call us if any drastic changes occur.” Lilliana grabbed Myrriana’s arm and pulled her away from the bedside. Myrriana looked at her confused, as they left the room. Hunter sat in the chair near Jenevieve. Becoming alarm and wondering if his love would make it through the night or not!

“What is wrong with you? We can’t leave her like this!” She scolded. Lilliana shook her head.

“I need to speak with you!” She told her. Myrriana could see she was beaming over with some news. They walked down the corridor away from the others and slipped into an empty room.

“I saw Mother at Uncle Paul’s cottage!” She blurted out. Myrriana’s mouth flew open.

“Is she there now? I must see her to tell her what’s going on!” Myrriana started out the room, but Lilliana grabbed her arm once again to stop her. Myrriana gave her a look which caused her sister to release her arm.

“You’re getting aggressive lately! I don’t remember you being that way before.” Myrriana acknowledging a change in Lilliana.

“I have no choice Myrriana! I love you all and it’s my twin who’s doing all of this!” Lilliana turned from her and walked over to the window, staring out. Myrriana walked over to her and placed her arms about her sister.

“But she’s all of ours sister! And we stand together! We will get through this! I sense something coming that will help us deal with Shena! You’ll see.” Myrriana and Lilliana looked into the night. The storm was passing over.

“Jacob! My brother, I need to speak with you!” Andreius entered the room Jacob shared with Myrriana. He was sitting out on the balcony, taking in the night air.

“What’s troubling you, Brother?” Jacob looked up at him as he joined him.

“Two things are troubling me! Myrriana is one of them.” He started, which caused Jacob to shift in his seat.

“What is this about Myrriana?” He knew his brother had the mystical powers. His was more a brute strength.

“She has taken on too much and I fear it will be her undoing!” He told him. Jacob stood to his feet. The thought of losing her again made him almost shift.

“She won’t stop until they have dealt with Shena! So I’m lost to what to do.” He shook his head. Andreius came to his side.

“I know! She feels she has to take her Mother’s place. She can’t survive another altercation with Shena!” Andreius warned his brother. Jacob looked over at him.

“Then I will have to stay at her side always, to assure she’s never alone with that she-demon.” He growled. Andreius placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder, to calm him.

“What is the other thing that troubles you?” Jacob wanted to move pass anything that would cause Myrriana harm. Andreius took a couple of steps towards the balcony’s entrance, pausing. He took in a deep breath, held it and allowed it to flow through his body. Then he exhaled.

“I’m thinking about leaving! I know you will be truthful with me!” He began. Jacob walked up to him and stared him in his eyes.

“Why?!!” Is all he asked. Andreius knew what the answer would be when he said it, just by his brother’s reaction.

“If I hadn’t got involved with Shena and led her here. Maybe all of this wouldn’t have happened.” He could see by his brother’s expression that he sounded foolish. A relief came over him. He was over reacting. But it would be good to hear someone tell him this.

“Andreius! You know this was a staged plan by Shena from the beginning. She has been troubled since childhood. No one is the blame for her actions but her! She doesn’t want to make amends with her sisters. You were just a means to get what she wanted. Revenge and for what, that’s what I’d like to know.”

“You’re right! Enough with this pity party!” He said as their wives walked into room.





“I think I better go find my sisters! She doesn’t look good! Hunter, I know you will guard her with your life.” Daina left Jenevieve’s side and started towards the door with Geoff.

“And I will guard you with mine!” He placed his arm about her as they made two steps and stopped. Daina watched as the hooded being flowed into the room.

Hunter was on his feet with one gesture and at Geoff’s side, who had pushed Daina behind him. The two shifted to defend their wives. But with one wave of the hand, they both were thrown backwards into the wall. Daina went to send a mind jolt but felt a sensation flow through her that calmed her. It was something familiar about it. At that moment the person glided towards Jenevieve and began to remove their hood. Daina gasped, when she saw who stood by the bed.

At that same time, Myrriana and Lilliana were in their husbands arms. Suddenly, both stiffen. Andreius sensed it too. The four took off to the room where their brothers and sisters were–fearing the worst. As they arrived, they were ready to fight. They stopped in their tracks as they looked upon the scene before them.

A man was sitting in a chair with Jenevieve in his lap. She was resting like a baby. All signs of illness had dissipated. Daina was standing by him smiling. Hunter and Geoff stood near, looking up with the four arrived.

“Father!” The two cried out!

 

 

Part 23 by Night Mistress

(enter Apollyon)

Jenevieve awoke from the startled cries of her sisters and sat up quickly. Lilliana and Myrriana went swiftly to their father and embraced him as he stood.

He was feared by many, but adored by his daughters. He was a master of all of the dark arts, many he had devised–but he was also an unparalleled healer. Because of his nature, he was a loner, one who walked the night alone traveling many roads and tending to the various situations which demanded his presence. And although he did not raise his children alongside their mother, he’d remained a constant in their lives. He kept a watchful eye whenever possible; he made sure he knew their husbands–well. He had a way of knowing many things, things that no one else could know; some things, no one else would want to know. His name was Apollyon.

 

“Father!” cried Lilliana. “When did you arrive?”

 

“Earlier than you think, dear.” he replied. His voice was deep and calming, but authoritative. “When I arrived I saw something that pleased me very much.” His eyes lay upon Jacob, Geoff, and Hunter. “Your young men were just about to handle Shena themselves. And you Myrriana,” he said with a smile. “She should have known not to tangle with you in that manner.”

 

“Yes, father. She was careless. But she is also strong. I only wish I knew why she is so determined to harm us!” Myrriana searched his eyes hoping for an answer.

 

Lilliana and Daina sat with Jenevieve. Neither could believe her recovery. Their father’s powers were truly great.

 

Apollyon turned his eyes from Myrriana and looked at his other daughters. He could hear their jubilant thoughts. “I felt her pain and came straight away,” he stated.

 

Lilliana stood and grabbed his arm. “Then why haven’t you come to help us before this?”

 

His look was stern. “I cannot interfere in matters which still have hope.”

 

The sisters were bowled over with realization. Those words meant that Jenevieve was nearly lost to them. It meant they wouldn’t have known how to help her. He had to come and save her. And it also meant there has always been hope with all the trouble with Shena. They just had to figure out how to stop her themselves. He could not interfere with that.

 

Andreius approached Apollyon. “Will you stay for a meal?” he asked.

 

“I will,” said Apollyon.

 

“Then let us talk in the dining hall, and discuss what we may.”

 

“Splendid. We do have much to discuss.” 

 

The five men left the room and before the women would follow they shared looks of query. They were suspicious of what this discussion would entail.

 

“Something is stirring in father’s mind,” said Jenevieve.

 

“Yes,” said Myrriana. “And I think our husbands suspect it too.”

 

 

They all met in the large dining hall and gathered round the large poplar table. It was shaped as a decagon so that all four lords of the castle could sit equally as heads of the table. The wives would sit next to each of their mates, and Apollyon sat directly across from Andreius. The servants brought breads of rye and pandemain and stone mugs of ale and wine to hold them while the food was prepared.

 

Lilliana began to feel pangs of guilt. She’d been harsh on Uncle Paul and hadn’t even heard his side of things. “I think I should see if Uncle Paul will join us,” she suggested.

 

Her father’s eyes quickly rose to meet hers. “Paul?” he questioned. “He isn’t here. I’ve sent him on an errand.”

 

“And errand?” she gasped. “But he isn’t well.”

 

Apollyon spoke plainly. “He has mended.”

 

Andreius knew something was amiss, and slid his hand over Lilliana’s to quiet her.

 

Jacob and Hunter realized this as well. Geoff hadn’t noticed as he was eating as huge hunk of bread and downing his ale. It seemed his meals were always getting interrupted, so he thought he would eat while he had the chance.

 

“So, Apollyon, shall we get to the business you spoke of?” Hunter asked, blatantly changing the subject away from Uncle Paul.

 

“Yes, we shall. It’s about your mother—”

 

“Stop!” A powerful voice called out. “Don’t say another word,” the woman commanded.

 

It was the sisters’ mother. Everyone stood. Jenevieve and Daina wanted to go to her, but were stopped by Mystique’s stare that told them not to. Their mother’s eyes were fixed on Apollyon.

 

“Well, Gaia, how wonderful to see you,” he grinned and bowed before her.

 

“Cut the small talk, Apollyon. I need to see you outside—NOW.”

 

As Apollyon followed the woman outside, Geoff dropped his bread and looked to his brothers; his face was wrought with worry. “Do you think this is going to interrupt the meal?”

 

 

Part 24 by DL

 

“Why would Father want to see me?” For the first time ever Uncle Paul saw his evil niece uneasy and perturbed at the idea of explaining herself to someone.

“He did not offer details; he merely requested you be there at midnight. I think it’s a request you can’t refuse.” As he left he almost felt sad for his niece, she was definitely shaken up and she had good reason to worry. Her father was not someone to disappoint.

Shena nervously dragged a blood red fingernail over the arm of the settee she was perched upon. She felt her hairline dampen with nervous moisture. She was now at war with her entire family, her Father being the most powerful of all. She narrowed her brow in deep thought. Again, everyone came to the rescue of her twin, even Father. She steeled her resolve. Lilliana would not win this. Not this time.

“How dare you come here?” Mother spat. “You of all people know that the girls must do this on their own. It is the only way to break the curse.”

“We would have lost Jenevieve.” Father stated simply. “Her life was essentially over. The little ones know not of this life. It isn’t fair that they are even involved. They don’t stand a chance. Lilliana and Myrriana can’t be held responsible for their safety. It is too great a chore. Surely you know that.”

Mother had no retort. Of course he was correct. For all of her girls Mother only wanted a happy and fulfilling life. ALL her girls.

“You are thinking of Shena?” Father questioned. “Why?”

“She was never happy, even as a small baby. Can’t we unburden her somehow? Why can’t she reunite with her sisters? I know my girls. They would welcome her with open arms if they sensed she was genuine in remorse.”

Father’s eyebrows lifted as his mouth curled into a smile. “You truly believe that our Lilliana would forgive? The little ones of course, they hardly know her. Myrriana, perhaps in time. Her heart will always lead her to forgive, but not our second born. Lilliana’ loyalty to herself, her sisters, Andreius and the rest of the family will always occupy her brain. She is a warrior. Do not fool yourself into thinking that Shena will have any part of reconciliation. She is our daughter’s twin, she too is a warrior.” He finished.

Myrriana and Lilliana sat with Andreius and Jacob watching over their younger sisters who were chatting away with Hunter and Geoff at the dinner table. Jenevieve was still weak but they were able to convince her that it was in her best interest to try eating and drinking and her color was starting to come back to normal.

“Jenevieve can’t take anymore.” Myrriana remarked to the others. “We must make certain that she is untouchable to Shena now.”

Jacob wrapped an arm around her shoulder and drew her into his chest. “None of you can take much more.” Stroking her hair he glanced over to Andreius. “Isn’t there a way we can finish this ourselves? The girls have fought a long battle, they need to rest.”

“No!” Lilliana’s eyes flashed. “This is about us. We will overcome the obstacle that is Shena and this will then end. We do not need anyone saving us, right Myrriana?”

As comfortable as she was Myrriana had to sit forward and agree. “This is our fight. We shall prevail.”

Andreius kissed Lilliana lightly on the cheek and stood. “I need to speak with Apollyon. I will return.”

With long purposeful strides Andreius made his way to the garden.

“Do I aid her or do I stay away?” Andreius asked a seated Apollyon. “I see her, in my mind’s eye, in pain and scared, calling for me.”

“If that comes to fruition, then aid her. Andreius, this is my daughter. She has many of my qualities, probably more so than any of the other girls. You will know when she needs you and you won’t have to ask yourself is it so.”

Andreius nodded silently and turned back to the castle entrance.

Uncle Paul entered the garden just as the door closed behind Andreius.

“Shena is aware of your invitation. I told her she must be here at midnight.”

“Thank you Paul, perhaps there is hope.”

“If that is true then there is nothing you can do to help.” Uncle Paul stated nervously.

“That would be the best way Paul.” He answered.

The cool nighttime wind blew wildly. Myrriana stood looking out the window and remarked, “It is a full moon tonight.”

Lilliana met her gaze and replied “We need to be ready for anything.”

Apollyon and Mother entered the room.

“We must speak with everyone.” Mother sat at the table and gestured for everyone to sit with her.

Father sat at her side and observed all the faces staring back at him.

“It is 11:59. At midnight I have invited Shena here. This must end.”

“Invited her here?” Lilliana was angered beyond belief. “Shall we just tie Jenevieve to the bed so she will have an easier time doing what she started? Should we just throw Daina out to her as a sacrifice? How could you do this Father?” She stood so quickly and violently that her chair toppled over.

A hush fell over the room as the clock tolled midnight. As the last bong of the clock bellowed a bright flash of red light appeared and suddenly there stood their sister.

Shena had arrived.

 

 

Part 25 by Mystique

 

Shena stood in the midst of the hall, full of herself as usual. Andreius felt Lilliana flinch and touched her hand gently to still her. Jacob held his arm about Myrriana to keep her close to him. His mind went back to earlier and his conversation with his brother. Jenevieve and Daina moved in closer to their husbands, the fear of Shena was evident. Gaia sat at Apollyon’s side. Uncle Paul shook his head, knowing this night will not have a happy outcome. Apollyon made the first gesture, standing to his feet.

“Everyone stand down and remain in your places. This is not a confrontation, but an offer of reconciliation.” He ordered, walking towards his daughter.

Though she feared her father, knowing of his power. She stood steadfast, not wanting him to sense her apprehension. He reached out and stroked her face, admiring the beauty she had come. The twins were paternal and not identical. Lilliana truly had her mother’s looks as Shena has his. But both had that fire he possessed.

“Hello my daughter! I’m glad you accepted my invitation.” He smiled at her. She stared him in the eye and allowed a smirk to cross her face.

“Really Father? Now did I have a choice?” She came back on him. He allowed a chuckle to escape. Gaia sighed. Shena has no fear and that’s what’s worrying her the most. Andreius tensed. This isn’t going well and he has no idea, how long Jacob or him will keep Lilliana and Myrriana at bay.

“You are truly my child! But there is one thing you are missing. No, make that a couple of things.” His admiration for her disposition was wearing. He had hoped his presence would make her tone down. But clearly her pomposity caused her to take leave of her common sense.

“And what would that be Father? Pray tell!” She taunted him. Lilliana had had enough of her disrespect and rose quickly to her feet. Shena turned to her ready to defend. But as quick as Lilliana was, Andreius was even quicker, and more powerful. He was able to easily restrain her.

“Don’t even think about it?” Jacob whispered in Myrriana’s ear, feeling her movement in his arms. She let out a breath. She knew to get from his arms, would mean to use her powers. And that’s something she wasn’t prepared to do.

“Shena! Stop this madness now!” Gaia started towards the two, hoping she could curtail the anger she knew was festering in Apollyon.

“Well, well! What do we have here? Our long dead Mother has risen. What a family reunion!” She looked from her father and now at her mother.

“Stop this madness now, before you regret it!” Gaia came face to face with Shena who stared her mother down, then looked over to her father as if dismissing her mother. This made Apollyon angry for her treatment of Gaia.

“I should have taken you a long time ago, even after your mother’s protest! Then maybe you wouldn’t have turned out so insolent.” Apollyon growled more than spoke. Shena took a couple steps backwards, seeing her father’s eyes changing. She knew she didn’t stand a chance against him. But she was also counting on the fact that no matter what she was still his child.

“You have no idea how much your arrogance, will be your undoing. And family and loyalty is the most important thing to have.” He stalked towards her. She was ran back into ta wall, with nowhere to go. All watched to see what the outcome would be from this altercation.

“You and Mother are the biggest hypocrites. And Uncle Paul along with you!” She screamed out as her father approached. He stopped his advance, not sure of what she was speaking.

“What are you talking about?” He asked, then realized the answer when he asked. It was right there on her tongue.

“Jenevieve and Daina!” She screamed. Lilliana was afraid she was going to send a spell at them. Myrriana struggled to get free.

“Silence!” Apollyon yelled. Gaia felt her heart pounding. Did she know the truth about her younger sisters? In answer Apollyon looked to her and in his eyes she could see.

“You talk about family and loyalty. But you never told us the truth. Did you Father and Mother?” She looked from one to the other. Lilliana looked over towards Myrriana, thinking maybe she knew what of what Shena spoke. She returned the gaze, shaking her head in answer to what was in her sister’s eyes.

“Shena please!!” Gaia came up to her separating Apollyon from his daughter.

“Please? You have got on me for years because the choices I had made. Yeah maybe they were bad! But at least I was true to my nature. I didn’t lie about who and what I am. Unlike you and Father!” Her stare was like ice to Gaia’s heart! This one will not be saved. And she had no power to end it. Only Apollyon could do what was needed to assure the safety of what Shena wanted to unleash tonight.

Gaia closed her eyes to give her strength for what she must request and know what will be done. She slowly turned away and opened her eyes, looking into those of Apollyon. He nodded his head, knowing what she wanted. She walked pass him and in her comfort sought out her other daughters. Apollyon crept towards Shena with regret in his heart. Shena knew what he propose to do and in an instant, did something that may save her yet.

Myrriana moaned as the mind wave course through her head. Jacob looked over at her, concerned Shena had done one last thing to avenge what was going to happen to her. He was Right!

“Father Stop!!” Myrriana shot to her feet! Jacob stood to hold her down, curious to why she was protesting. Lilliana looked over to her sister and saw what she was seeing. She gasped in horror! Everything Shena knew and wanted revealed was right there in her sister’s head. Apollyon and Gaia looked to their daughter and could see what more treachery Shena had done. With this distraction, Shena fled the hall in a poof!

“Yeah my parents! Fix that!” Her laughter faded away into the night. Myrriana had left Jacob’s side and was coming towards her parents. Her confusion evident on her face. Lilliana was right behind her. Andreius stiffened as he sensed what was troubling the two.

“Is it true?” Myrriana asked, staring at them without emotion. Lilliana stood at her side. Jenevieve and Daina couldn’t get through their sisters, they were blocking them out. Jacob looked to Andreius and saw the answer. He rose to his feet, fearing the truth would be more than Myrriana could bear.

“Yes!” Gaia answered, walking towards her. Myrriana felt her head swimming. With lighting speed, Jacob had come to her and gathered her up into his arms, carting her out of the hall.

Jenevieve and Daina stood at the table and ran behind Jacob, fearing for Myrriana. They had never seen her so fragile. Geoff and Hunter stayed steadfast. They wanted to hear what it was about Jenevieve and Daina, Shena wanted them to know. Lilliana watched as her three sisters left, then turned to her parents.

“So it’s true! If so. Who was Jenevieve and Daina’s real mother?” She didn’t beat around the bush. The time for secrets and lies were over!

 

 

 

 

 

Part 26 by Night Mistress

(secret of Daina and Jenevieve’s mother revealed)

 

“Lilliana, you’re so brazen,” said Apollyon.

 

She sighed forcefully. “There is no other way to be in times such as these. Tell me the story, right now.” Lilliana stood steadfast and faced her mother and father. She was not moving until she had answers, and they both knew it.

 

Andreius sat in the chair next to where she stood; he leaned on the table, his chin resting on his fist. As he and his remaining brothers looked on, Apollyon looked into the piercing eyes of his second most ruthless daughter and knew they could not delay the inevitable.

 

“You under-estimate me father,” said Lilliana. She hadn’t heard his thoughts of her being only the second most ruthless daughter, but she knew what he was thinking nonetheless.

 

Under his hood, he showed a satisfied grin. Uncle Paul shifted nervously in his seat.

 

Gaia stepped forward to face her daughter. “These words must never be uttered outside the walls of this castle.” Suddenly, Gaia raised her hands and shaped a translucent ball of light around the group to shield their voices from any eaves droppers. “The woman’s name was Helene. She was beautiful, and meek. She was an innocent soul… and she was also a mortal.”

 

The brothers stood suddenly. Lilliana’s eyes were wide, she was staggered. She could not respond.

 

“Apollyon!” Hunter exclaimed. “What is the meaning of this?” His voice was thunderous. Andreius forced his hand into his brother’s chest to calm him, but he too wanted answers.

 

Apollyon turned to the men and attempted to explain. “I loved her.”

 

Lilliana watched him in disbelief.

 

He gripped the back of one solid wood chair and looked down. “My charges in this life are many. I must take on numerous tasks to see to the natural order of things. Most of them are dark. But none of those bonds include falling in love… least of all with a mortal. It is forbidden. I know this better than any of you. But it happened nonetheless. And my time with her was brief, but long enough to bear two children. I would visit her when my travels would take me near, but otherwise would stay away so my routine would appear to be the same. Once, when I returned to her, she had just passed. And to my immeasurable regret, I was too late to heal her. I sneaked the girls away into the night and brought them to Gaia. The rest, you know.”

 

Gaia placed her hand on Apollyon’s back. “We all know what it could mean if word of this were to be circulated.”

 

Lilliana went to Apollyon’s side and made him face her. “Father,” she said gently. She then embraced him. She knew how profound this was, and what a burden it had been for him all of these long years.

 

All of a sudden, the brothers, Hunter, Andreius, and Geoff felt Jacob’s heartbeat racing. Jacob came running into the room and Gaia dispensed of the magical ball of light. With her mind, she told the young men and Lilliana to fill Jacob in only with their minds and to never speak of it aloud. And so it would be done.

 

When Jacob burst into the room, he boomed, “Lilliana, see to your sisters immediately! Brothers, I hope you’re feeling rowdy, ‘cause trouble just crossed onto our lands.” His eyes flashed gold as he was about to transform.

 

His brothers were more than ready, especially Hunter. “Let’s do this,” he growled.

 

 

Part 27 by DL

 

The men positioned themselves outside the castle walls, waiting for the battle to begin.

“This is no ordinary confrontation.” Andreius remarked to the other men, feeling the hair on his arms stand on end.

“No, you are quite right.” Apollyon turned to look at the men. “Shena has gone to the elders. They now know of my indiscretion with Jenevieve and Daina’s mother.”

Geoff was confused. “Why does it matter who you loved?”

“Because she was a mortal.” Andreius whispered, suddenly understanding, his horror growing with every realization. “It is unacceptable for someone in Apollyon’s position to do that. It is thought to do so is to betray all he is.” Glancing up sharply Andreius saw a different Apollyon. He looked older, somehow defeated.

Turning to Geoff and Hunter, Andreius ordered “Go to the villagers. Knock on every door and make certain they stay in their cottages. Any mortal that is seen could be in grave danger and our attention has to be on Apollyon.”

As Geoff and Hunter rode away towards the village, Apollyon drew in a deep breath. He could hear the sounds of hooves hitting the ground. Soon those hooves would be much greater in number.

Soon they would be here.

Myrriana felt a sharp pain in her head. Grabbing Lilliana’ arm she dragged her sister out of the room, away from her other sisters.

“She has done it. Shena has turned Father into the panel of elders. She directly sent me this message. She didn’t try to hide it and I didn’t probe for it. She will take her revenge wherever she can get it.”

The rage that spread through Lilliana was white hot. She couldn’t save Father from the panel of elders, but she could damn well make sure that Shena never hurt her family again, by any means.

Low thumping turned into a higher pitched clackety-clack as the team of horses made their way out of the forest to the main entrance of the castle.

Apollyon, Andreius and Jacob were waiting. One by one the mighty steeds halted allowing for their riders to dismount.

“The panel requires a meeting with you, Apollyon, alone.”

Andreius and Jacob stepped forward. “With all due respect, Jacob and I request to be included. He is our family.”

The panel minister nodded slightly. “Request granted. Understand, we will brook no denial. This meeting is to decide punishment for crimes committed. It is the panel’s considered opinion that it could be more pleasant for you elsewhere.”

“We understand but will accept inclusion and all that it brings.” Andreius gestured for the elders to step onto the courtyard. The torches crackled along the path lighting the stone benches and table.

“Please gentleman, have a seat.” Andreius seated himself at the end of the table between Apollyon and Jacob. “Now how can we make this go away?”




Part 28 by Mystique

 

The council with the Elders began to decide Apollyon’s fate. So much had already transpired: Uncle Paul’s possession by Shena, parents long lost and presumed dead reappearing. Shena was invited to a family gathering in hopes of reconciliation, but all she brought was a long buried secret—the secret which caused the situation at hand. But the most pressing thing, Myrrianas’ failing condition. So it’s understandable with all the commotion, one’s presence went unnoticed. Midnight, aka Lysandra!

She stole away into the night! Changing from cat to hawk, soaring above the land and came to rest on a mountain top high above the world. She stood with wind blowing her hair and cape, watching the Elders as they advance on her family’s castle. Fearful for their well-being. Especially Myrriana’s, who was not strong enough to aid her family.

“An interesting development! Don’t you think?” The soft voice came from behind her. Lysandra turned to face the owner.

“Thank you for coming!” She said, coming closer to them. The dark cape wonder leaped from the boulder she had sat and came up to Lysandra.

“Why wouldn’t I, sister?!” She took her into her arms and held her dearly. Their love has always been a strong one.

“Our family is in great danger, Narkissa!” Lysandra turned to look down at the castle.

“Their inside now. I know Grandfather tried to keep his indiscretion a secret, but that Auntie of ours has a deep rooted darkness that will not go away.” Narkissa came to stand next to her sister.

“What can we do?” She turned to her. Narkissa had the mystical powers of her mother, with something a little extra. She walked a distance away and slowly pivoted to face Lysandra.

“I know you love them dearly. So do I! But right now, if this meeting doesn’t go well, there is going to be a battle. And Mom can’t survive it in her state! Not against the twelve Elders and their armies they have hidden away beyond the hills.” Narkissa informed her. Lysandra looked to the hills to see if she could locate their whereabouts.

“I know what you’re thinking my sister. And it’s a brilliant idea. They’ll never see it coming. Ahahaha!” She began to laugh and jumped to the boulder she had descended. She looked to her sister one last time.

“You go do what you have to do! And I will what I have to!” With that Narkissa vanished before her sister’s eyes. Lysandra smiled.

“Always with the grand exits!” She leaped into the air, transforming into a hawk with ease. She had a mission and hoped it would be enough to save her family.

Myrriana laid down in her bed, straining to block out her younger sisters from the knowledge of their partial paternity. It wasn’t anyone’s place but her parents to reveal this. But with the Elders in the castle, she knew it would come out in a very harsh manner. Lilliana along with Jenevieve and Daina, where listening from the door. But the group had retired to the great hall and closed the door.

“What do you think would bring the Elders here?” Jenevieve walked away from the door and towards Myrriana. Myrriana stared blankly into her sister’s eyes. Jenevieve’s eyes narrowed. She knew she was keeping something from her.

“Come sit next to me, Jenevieve!” She patted the space at her side. Jenevieve honored the request.

“You listen to me! Both of you!” Myrriana’s eyes lifted to meet those of Daina’s. Lilliana walked to the end of her bed, cautious of what her sister may reveal. Myrriana shot her a glance, assuring her she wasn’t going to tell them anything.

“I’m not going to lie to you, but there are some things that I think you should hear from our parents. But know this, nothing changes the love I have for you two.” Myrriana’s eyes began to fill with tears. She felt her heart breaking. Jenevieve leaned in and took her into her arms.

“It’s okay Myrriana! You sit back and rest!” Jenevieve released her and looked into her eyes. Myrriana’s strength was fading. Daina and Lilliana saw this too. Whatever information was being withheld from them was of no importance now. Their sister was littering dying. Lilliana and Daina came to the other side of the bed. All three looked at each other.

“We need to go get father!” Daina suggested.

“No we can’t! It would insult the Elders. We can’t risk making matters any worse than they are.” Lilliana shook her head. They all looked to each other with one question. What to do? Suddenly a rushing wind flowed into the room and a dark cloaked figured appeared before them. They all came to face the intruder.

“I’ve come for my Mother! I hope there will be no objection!” Narkissa stood before them fully formed, eyes fixed on her Aunts.

“Narkissa! It’s been so long!” Lilliana ran to embrace her niece. Jenevieve and Daina followed, forming a group hug! Myrriana looked at her daughter engulfed by her Aunts. Their eyes met instantly! And in that time, Narkissa revealed why she was there.

“As much as I’m enjoying this mini family reunion. I must take my Mother!” She moved away from her Aunts and started towards her mother. Myrriana’s outstretched hands were all she needed to fall into her mother’s arms.

“Oh Mom! I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner!” She began to cry. She could feel her mother slipping away.

“Do you know what’s wrong with her, Narkissa?” Daina asked. She lifted herself from her mother, wiping her tear stained face and nodded her head.

“You do?” Jenevieve felt a sense of hope. Who would know her better than them, but her daughters. At that moment a realization came over Jenevieve.

“Can you help her?” Lilliana came to her and rested her hand on her shoulder. She couldn’t read her, she was a strange one.

“Yes! But I will have to take her away from this place.” She informed them, looking at her mother. Myrriana brushed her daughter’s arm. She was so proud of the woman she had become.

“Take her? Where are you taking her?” Gaia’s voice gushed into the room, causing all to jump. Then all eyes came to rest on her. She advanced on the group.

“I’m taking my Mom home! She can better heal there, surrounded by her things.” Narkissa explained to her grandmother.

“No! She will stay here with her family. Soon Apollyon will be finished with the council and he will know what to do!” Gaia walked upon her, Narkissa stood to face her. Myrriana reached for her daughter, she could sense what no other was able. None knew how different her daughters were from all of them.

“I wasn’t asking for permission Grandmother!” Narkissa formed this smirk on her face. She loved her family, but her love for her mother was greater than anything. And she wasn’t going to lose her no matter what.

“What did you just say to me?” Gaia stepped back a little, observing this little being in front of her and her defiant ways.

“With all due respect Grandmother. My Mom is going with me to her home. And none will prevent me!” Narkissa’s eyes began to turn a gold yellow.

“Narkissa!” Myrriana sat up and touched her daughter’s hand. Slowly her eyes dimmed to their natural color, brown.

“Well! It seems another Shena is in our midst!” Gaia looked around to her daughters, to make sure they were witnessing Narkissa’s actions.

“Never compare me to your abomination. That’s your doings not mine. As is what is happening to my mother.” Narkissa spouted. Gaia froze, feeling a coldness coming over her. Lilliana moved to Narkissa’s side and stared at her mother.

“What do you mean, it’s my mother’s fault Myrriana’s health is failing?” She looked over to her niece, who returned the gaze. Eyes soften.

“I’m not Shena! I love you all very much and wouldn’t do anything to hurt any of you. But right now my only concern is my Mom! She needs what I can give her. No one else can!” She turned from Lilliana to her grandmother.

“Well we’ll just see about that! Where is Lysandra?” She searched the room for her other granddaughter.

“That’s what I was wondering. She hadn’t been seen since......” Jenevieve stopped. She didn’t remember when the last time she had been seen was.

“Yeah! I don’t remember seeing her since when either!” Daina confirming Jenevieve’s pause. Lilliana looked over to Myrriana and knew everything was well with her niece.

“I’m sure wherever she is, she’s alright!” Myrriana hummed in. She sat on the edge of the bed.

“Mother I love you dearly. But some things you have done recently haven’t been as they should. Now Narkissa is right! I need to go and gather my strength. And that will be where I’m most familiar. My Home!” She peered into her mother’s eyes. At that moment, something unspoken went between them. Gaia swung around and left the room as quickly as she had come.

“I will be back! Until then my love rest with you all and I pray for your safety!” With that being said, Narkissa surrounded her mother with her cloak. And just like that, they turned to a black vapor and drifted out, disappearing into the night. The three sisters followed them and stood on the balcony, eyes searching the night. Neither uttered a word, only thoughts flowed from one to the other.

What is it their mother did, to harm their sister?

Elsewhere! Lysandra arrived at her destination, transforming as she touched down on the ground. Never making a sound. Now to move forward with her plan.

 

 

Part 29 by Night Mistress

(Apollyon guilty by the elders, Lilliana runs into wall of muscle)

Myrriana left with Narkissa to return to her old home deep in the far away woods. Jacob was sitting with Andreius and the elders when suddenly he became aware of Myrriana’s absence. He stood up hard and fast. He was immediately struck with unease. Andreius stood directly and stared hard at his brother. He’d felt Lilliana’s emotion and now heard Jacob’s thoughts which confirmed that something was wrong.

 

“What is it, Lord Jacob?” asked one of the cloaked elders.

 

Jacob chose not to answer. He didn’t want to say too much in case uninvited ears were listening. He stood firm and clenched his jaw angrily. He couldn’t believe she’d left without speaking to him, and furthermore, without his protection. He was angry at her carelessness, and wanted to go after her. But he knew he would not be permitted to leave the elders during a discussion. Andreius knew his brother however, and was not surprised when he immediately tore out of the courtyard to find Myrriana.

 

The Elders began to murmur and one of them stood to face Andreius. “What is the meaning of this?” his voice boomed.

 

“My brother has urgent business to take care of,” Andreius replied.

 

The Elders were all standing now. And none were amused. “It is clear that your command over this domain has diminished if not vanquished all together.”

 

Andreius stood straighter. His chin lowered and his eyes narrowed. His chest tightened and his breath began to sear. “You are either extraordinarily fearless or remarkably uninformed if you think you can speak to me in such a manner,” he warned. 

 

The Elder continued in a low growl, “Even you have to follow the rules, Dark Lord. Even you have someone to answer to.”

 

Andreius fixed his gaze on the dark bottomless eyes of the elder which gave no reflection of the burning torches that were set about. A fierce energy coursed between the two men, and no words were needed. Andreius knew they had not come here for a discussion. They had come here to tell them their days were numbered.

 

The elders turned to Apollyon. “We have seen all there is to see; and all of our suspicions have been confirmed. There is nothing more to discuss. Indeed we came to deliver a message. Apollyon, keeper of the dark abyss, you, have been found guilty of acts against the natural order. And Lord Andreius, whose once dominant power has waned, are no longer considered worthy of your authority. Your land will be overrun by the set of the next moon.”

 

Andreius’s rage would be contained no longer. As his blood began to boil, the ground began to rumble. The stone circle became dismantled beneath the table and the ground became a wave under the feet of the Elders destroying everything in its path. The Elders quickly disappeared into a puff of black smoke and reappeared on their black horses. They assembled on the other side of the stone archway between the courtyard and the front of the castle.

 

One Elder turned and gave Andreius and Apollyon one last caveat. “The set of the very next moon!” he reminded. Then they rode off to the shadows from whence they came.

 

 

Meanwhile, the women felt the terrible rumble of the ground. Lilliana instinctively knew that Andreius was enraged. She also knew it best to stay away during such times until he sent for her. But alas, she didn’t often do what was thought to be best for her.

 

She left the room and the other women followed. She hurried down to the foyer and passed Apollyon who went immediately to Gaia, Daina and Jenevieve. “We must tell them now, Gaia,” he insisted. “We haven’t much time.”

 

Gaia nodded in agreement and they took the young women into the dining hall to talk.

 

Lilliana went out into the dark night looking for her Andreius. She made way from the front of the castle through the stone archway into the courtyard. She saw the carnage and shook her head knowingly. When she turned around, she ran right into a wall of muscle. It was two of her sisters’ husbands. “Going somewhere, Lilliana?” asked Hunter.

 

“Yes, I’m looking for my husband,” she replied.

 

“We know,” said Geoff. “And you know better than that. When he is enraged, you know to stay away.” Geoff took her arm gently but firmly in an attempt to assist her into the castle.

 

She was incensed. “Unhand me, boy!” She snatched her arm away and turned to face both men. “Let me tell you both something – I will come and go as I please, and no man tells me what I can and cannot do!”

 

Suddenly out of nowhere Andreius came from behind her and with a huff swiftly picked her up and took her inside. She was kicking and screaming the entire way. Hunter and Geoff just shook their heads and laughed.

 

Andreius hauled his wife all the way to their chambers. He let her down and locked the door.

 

“Ooo!” she spat. “How dare you man-handle me, Andreius? I just wanted to see you!” She brushed off her gown, a scowl on her face.

 

He stepped closer to her and raised a brow. “Woman,” he breathed heavily. “When I tell you to do something…”

 

She groaned. “Don’t start that again.”

 

He sighed with defeat then took her head in his hands. “It’s for your own good.” He stared deeply into her eyes and she suddenly knew something was not right.

 

“Andreius—what is it?” She was beside herself. She saw the severity in his face and his mind was in such chaos she could not clearly understand his thoughts. “Oh, Andreius, something is terribly wrong! What is it, my love? Tell me!”

 

He looked away, his head swimming with emotion. He slumped into a chair and looked up into her eyes once more. She now knew everything and ran to him. She knelt between his knees and took him into her arms. No words were needed.

 

 

Daina and Jenevieve were stunned by the news. They stood speechless for a time and their parents worried what was going through their minds. Gaia and Apollyon explained why they were never to know the truth. It had been for their own safety even more than Apollyon’s. No one was to know they were half mortal. The sisters surprised them however, and understood their reasons. The young women turned to face their parents. Daina spoke on both of their behalves. “Thank you for loving us enough to take care of us, and to protect us all of these long years. You could have left us anywhere, but you didn’t. We don’t love you any less than we did yesterday. In fact–” she stated. “I think we love you more.”

 

Their parents took them into their arms. Their love could truly withstand any obstacle and unfortunately it would have to again. As the next moon would set, a battle of terrific proportions would be at hand. Surviving it would be their primary concern.

 

Just then, Hunter and Geoff entered the room. They had gone to warn the villagers and upon returning they picked up on Andreius’s thoughts. They knew what was going on and upon looking for their wives they’d run into Lilliana. She was now safe with Andreius and they’d come in search of Daina and Jenevieve.

 

Upon seeing their husbands, the women broke from their embrace and ran to them. Each of the couples departed to private chambers to discuss the abysmal events that had taken place and what was yet to come.

 

Geoff and Daina sat on their bed. They shared looks of despair. “I know this is yet another difficult time, my love,” said Geoff, as he gently stroked the golden strands of hair away from her face. “But we have been though dreadful times before. We will surmount this somehow.”

 

“Geoff, promise me that,” she pleaded.

 

“I promise,” he replied. He then guided her gently to him and captured her lips in a fervent kiss.

 

Her tongue danced with his. The enticing taste of him aroused her senses. Her fears for the battle ahead combined with the profound news of her past, and the tribulations they have been through together all came to a head. Her emotions were whirling. Tears streamed down her cheeks as they kissed. Their love was true and would endure for all time.

 

Far away, Lysandra crept up to the small cabin. The person inside didn’t think anyone would ever find it. But Lysandra knew things. She stood with her back to the wall and with a sinister smile pulled a dagger from her boot…

 

 

 

Part 30 by DL

(Jacob flies through the cabin door)

Pounding on the heavy wooden door in front of him Jacob called out to his love. “Myrriana, let me in!” His tone was urgent and strained.

 

Stepping back to give himself room to run, he led with his shoulder, intending to open that door one way or another. By the time Narkissa threw the door open Jacob couldn’t stop his forward motion and with arms flailing he came into direct contact with the soft leather ottoman next to the bed.

 

His legs tangled and he ended up falling with a loud thud, his head sliding under the bed. He rushed to sit up when he heard Myrrianas soft chuckle only to be rewarded by smacking the back of his head on the bottom of the wooden bed frame.

 

“Damn it!” He roared and extracted himself from the situation under the bed.

 

Finally he saw her and it scared him.

 

His love was so pale, lying in the bed. She didn’t have the strength to raise her head off of the pillow but he could still see that small sparkle in her eyes. This illness hadn’t taken it all from her.

 

“What must we do for her?” He demanded of Narkissa.

 

Narkissa was about to retort exactly what she thought he should do when she saw her Mother’s face light up at the site of her beloved.

 

“Jacob, sit beside me.” Myrriana requested of him softly.

 

“What can I do Myrriana, tell me what can I do for you?” Tears stung his eyes. How long before that small sparkle too was lost forever.

 

“Save my family Jacob. Please save them.” Myrriana had been awake too long. “I’m so tired.” She murmured, her eyes fluttering shut.

 

“No! Myrriana, don’t leave me!” Jacob shook her shoulders until he felt a small hand on his back.

 

“She’s exhausted Jacob. She’s not dead.” Narkissa gently informed him. “She is making progress, she and I have been working on healing for hours. She has earned a rest.”

 

She set the ottoman back upright and gestured that he sit. “You men have to fix this. I am doing my part, Mother is doing her part. Now everyone else needs to correct the outside influences that are stealing her breath, her life.”

 

“Is it Shena? What has she done?” His anger boiled.

 

“No Jacob, it is not Shena this time. She has tried her best to defeat my Mother, but her powers alone are not enough. This runs much deeper than that. You must take a journey and find Lysandra. Her powers are great, but she will need assistance.”

 

Lysandra clenched the dagger tightly in her hand. She was here to fight for her family, for their honor, for their lives. She was startled when she heard the voice from above.

 

“You have made a grave mistake. You don’t belong here.”

 

“What do we do now?” Lilliana asked her love.

 

“We go about our lives. We fight this battle and we think not of the elders. We have time to correct this. To make them see the error of their ways.” He replied.

 

Lilliana’s senses tingled. She could hear and feel what Myrriana was thinking. She was calling out for her Mother.

 

Andreius felt the same thing. Looking at her quizzically he asked “Why is she calling for Mother?”

 

“Because Mother has all the answers.” Suddenly Lilliana understood. Hoping that her father would be able to make this all right was all wrong. Mother was the key.

 

Turning to Andreius she kissed him deeply and said “I have to speak to Mother alone. I will return soon.”

 

She found Mother sitting quietly near the fire, warming herself with a cup of tea.

 

“Mother?” Tears started to form, she couldn’t believe she had to even ask this question. “Why are you making Myrriana sick?”

 

“I will not insult you, my daughter by telling you that you will not understand. All of you girls, but especially Myrriana and yourself, I have had to tame your powers. There are certain things that I cannot allow you to do or allow you to find knowledge of. Myrriana was getting too close to finding out things you girls have no reason to be aware of. I’ve had to watch you girls for years, intervening when you discovered too much. In order to keep your father safe after his relationship with a mortal the powers that be demanded this of me. Myrriana will be fine and there will be no damage. This just has to pass first.” Mother sat quite still, her hands in her lap.

 

“The cat is out of the bag now. Everyone knows, doesn’t that make this blackmail a non-issue?” Lilliana protested.

 

“Don’t fool yourself my daughter. The elders are not the top of our order. They must answer to someone just as we do.”

 

Andreius entered swiftly. “Really? The elders are held accountable for their actions as are we?” Andreius rubbed the back of his neck. “That is very interesting news that I must share with Jacob. He and I may need to take a journey.”

 

 

Part 31 by Mystique

 

Andreius entered swiftly. “Really? The elders are held accountable for their actions as are we?” Andreius rubbed the back of his neck. “That is very interesting news that I must share with Jacob. He and I may need to take a journey.”

“What news it is that you must share with me Brother?” Jacob entered the room from the balcony. No one noticed the small figure hidden behind him. Andreius turned to his brother.

“We must make a journey! There is someone we need to see. Our family’s lives depend on it!” Andreius told Jacob.

“I can’t go with you! I need to seek out Lysandra, she may need my assistance.” Jacob informed his brother. Andreius’s eyebrows rose.

“Does this have to do with Myrriana? How is she anyways?” Andreius asked, then his eyes fail on the person behind him. He knew her.

“Narkissa! It’s a pleasure to see you once again. It’s been a long time. You shouldn’t stay away from your family at such length.” Andreius moved passed his brother to her. She bowed before him.

“Dark Lord! I’m sorry my presence come in such peril times. But as you know, I do love my family and as my father. I tend to keep my distance. But definitely will be there whenever needed. Andreius took in her words, they were cryptic. He as others, couldn’t read her.

“Well we’re happy to have you. We’re in for a battle of our lives.” He turned back to Jacob. “You will need to journey with me. Hunter and Geoff with tend to things here and I hope what we do, will change the tides in our favor. Lysandra will need to do whatever she is doing alone.” He looked over at Narkissa, who at that time allowed him into her mind. She needed him to know where her sister had gone and the importance of someone being there to help her.

“Narkissa! Trust me when I say, your sister will not be harmed. I would bet my life on it!” He assured her. She felt an ease move over her, as he took her back to a place and time long ago. She and her sister were children. Tears began to fill her eyes.

“Thank you Dark Lord! I was so young and those memories were lost to me.” A smile graced her face. She had thought wrong, and sent this information to Lysandra.

“You have made a grave mistake. You don’t belong here.” The voice boomed from behind her. Lysandra swirled around to defend herself. This was the darkest part of the forest and the Beast as he is known abide here. But nothing will interfere with her task.

“Maybe so on both counts, but my family is meeting with the elders to plead for my Grandfather.” She could see the outline of the figure as it hid in the shadows.

“Your family is no longer in conference with the Elders! They never intended to hear a case against Apollyon. They had decided his fate before they got there. And your family as well.” She could see him shift positions. She remained poised.

“So the army wasn’t for protection. My family is under siege!” Lysandra began to pace back and forth. Maybe he was right, she didn’t belong there. She needed to get back to her family. She hoped Narkissa could help their mother.

“What? What is this about Myrriana?” He moved closer to her revealing the beast he was. Human, but mostly beast in form. Lysandra jumped backwards alarmed. Then her sister’s message flowed through her brain. Her eyes met with his and he could see what she was thinking.

“Father?” She called out to him. His head lowered, as he had wanted them to never know the monster he had become.

“How is my sister?” Lilliana came up to Narkissa after they watch Andreius and Jacob leave the room.

“She will be better when your mother gives her back what she took!” Narkissa looked over to Gaia. She gave her a stern look.

“You need to be still child. I am your grandmother and deserve respect.” Her voice had a warning in it. Narkissa was never one to back down. Especially in dire times. And her mother’s health was being threatened.

“Mother clued me in on what was going on with Myrriana. She’ll be healed soon.” Lilliana rested a hand on her niece’s shoulder. Narkissa turned to her and peered into her eyes, taking from her mind the story told. Then she chuckled.

“How dare you lie like that to my Aunt! Auntie, tell me something. Are you feeling weaken at all or do you feel more vital?” Lilliana thought about what Narkissa had asked.

“No, I don’t feel weak at all. I feel find. Why? What lie did my Mother tell me?” She was confused at where this was going.

“Grandmother gave this story about how she had to tame all of you from using your powers. Some craziness about discovering too much. Bullshit!!” Narkissa looked back to her Aunt. Lilliana stared blankly, bewildered.

“I’m warning you!” Gaia stood to her feet. She would have to teach this child a lesson of respect. Narkissa stance was that of readiness to whatever her grandmother was planning.

“What is going on? Mother what are you doing? This is your granddaughter!” She came to stand between them, shielding Narkissa.

“Your mother is a liar! What is going on with my Mom, has nothing to do with what she has told you. She was dying and needed energy! She made my Mom think she was giving her powers to her, as she was the oldest and it was her right to inherit said powers. But instead of your mother passing on, she took some of my Mom’s life force. She then laid low for a while and came back as you see her. No one would suspect what she had done!” Narkissa revealed it all. Not even Myrriana knew the truth. But Narkissa has the power to transport through time and space. She went back to see what was causing her mother’s dilemma, and that’s where she saw it all.

“YOU DID WHAT??!!!” Apollyon entered the room. His eyes were wide as saucers but anger filled them. Even Narkissa stepped back as she watched her grandfather advance on her grandmother. Lilliana covered her mouth in horror! Now she can see where Shena got her ways.

“We mustn’t waste any more time! I and my army will come to your coven’s aid. After all, they’re my family also.” Kronos pulled his daughter back from the embrace he had given her. He had missed them so much. He let out a loud howl and within a minute, a thunderous sound penetrated the quiet forest. The earth began to shake beneath Lysandra’s feet. With one leap she went airborne transforming into the hawk!

 

 

Part 34 by Night Mistress

Lilliana was sickened by the revelation of her mother’s deceit. She became enraged and rushed toward her. Apollyon forced Lilliana back with a thrust of his hand.  He would deal with Gaia himself. He took Gaia by the throat and forced her against the wall. He wasn’t hurting her, but she dared not move. She just stared nervously, yet defiantly into his eyes.

 

“You are not the woman I know,” he drawled. His face neared hers and he peered deeply into her eyes, searching for some reason. He spoke slowly and with purpose. “Leave here and never come back.”

 

Apollyon’s words pierced through to her soul. Lilliana grabbed hold of Narkissa and held her close as they looked on.

 

Gaia suddenly faded without a word until she was no longer there. Apollyon looked over his shoulder toward his daughter and granddaughter. His eyes did not meet theirs. He simply warned. “This is only the beginning.”  He then turned without another word and left the castle. There was something he had to do before it was too late.

 

 

The next day, every member of the numinous family was diligently planning for the inexorable events to come. As the moon began to rise opposite the afternoon sun, the eldest brother in charge, Lord Hunter, left into the Forbidden Forest. This part of their land was dark even in the day, murky, damp, and chillingly cool. He rode his dark horse beyond the threshold of the forest and continued until he came to a quiet and familiar hollow. He dismounted and advanced to the mightiest tree in the forest, a giant sequoia. Here, Hunter spoke kindly to the spirit of the tree. “Greetings, my friend. I require entry into the pit which you protect for us.”

 

The giant tree’s roots began to part on one side; the space began to transform into an open entryway. Hunter entered and descended stairs of underground roots until he reached the bottom. The entry then sealed behind him for protection.

 

He walked through the halls of the underground fortress, passing many rooms until he came to the one he needed. He unlocked it with a magical phrase and entered. The room was large and lined with gold and jewels, but these were meaningless to he and his brothers. What he came for lay right before him on a magnificent wooden altar. It was a pure silver athame. The dagger was more of a short sword; its blade was double edged and sharpened by diamonds, its tip had been dipped in the blood of the reaper of souls and capped in bronze. This was the only weapon known that could kill an immortal. It was forbidden to consider such an act, but his family had already been found guilty of treason, and they’d been backed into a corner.

 

It had come to this. And there was no other way. This dagger was made for one absolute purpose. It was meant to kill one specific entity, one who could not die by any other means. This athame was the game changer. Using this on the one it was meant for would alter life as everyone knew it. But it had to be wielded by the victim’s own kin. Hunter would keep the weapon at hand. And, if nothing beforehand could stop these unbearable events from occurring—at the set of the moon, he would have no choice but to see the evil task done.

 

 

Andreius and Jacob arrived at their destination. They approached the iron gates which opened readily for them, as if they’d been expected. They look at each other with utter knowing. They walked the large path of stones and crossed the threshold of giant wooden doors which also opened for them. They never slowed down. They stormed the black castle’s floors until they went straight to their endpoint–the throne room. There, surrounded by sultry women he sat. One leg was draped over the arm of his stone chair; his leather jerkin was sleeveless around his muscular arms and hung very long. The front of it draped between his legs as he sat smugly. His red skin was moist in the aura of towering flames which burned in the corners behind him. He watched his guests arrive as he was fed blood-red grapes and he chuckled. His large black horns pointed defiantly toward the sky. “Well, well, well,” he chimed in a humored but rumbling tone. “What brings my sons to see me after all these years?”

 

Andreius and Jacob were seething with fury.

 

 

 

Part 33 by DL

 

“You know exactly why we are here.” Jacob stood tall in front of his father. Long ago he and Andreius had made a decision that they could not fear their father. There was only one who could defeat their father and that someone was certainly not earthly bound. What their father wanted to do, he would do. There was never a middle ground, until the day when their father would face his ultimate battle. That day had yet to occur so there was no sense worrying about what you couldn’t control. Until now.

With a long suffering sigh Father leaned forward in his seat.

“My sons, I have certainly observed your little “situation” with the slightest amount of amusement, I won’t lie. However I assure you, this is not of my doing and until you can prove so I would suggest you are simply stopping to see me on a nice social visit. Would you like a nice snack cake, perhaps some tea?” Curving his thin cracked lips somewhere between a grin and a scowl he finished “I can make that happen.”

“Even if you did not have a direct hand in this you certainly knew it was to occur.” Andreius spat. “The elders do nothing without your approval. The ultimate puppet master pulls the strings on all fronts, always.”

“Mother nature is a fickle beast. The blowing of the wind can turn a sane man maniacal. When she brings darkness, the world is uneasy. It is so hard to say why people in this world do the things they do.” Father’s voice turned more sinister when he finalized his speech with “you won’t get an apology or even an admission of guilt out of me. Go away little boys. Go back to your minions and be pleased that, for now, you still have your comfy little families. You just never know when a disaster could occur to make your lives even more uncomfortable.”

“No, you will deal with this now.” Jacob took a step forward aggressively. “You have two sons. Your blood runs through our veins.”

Andreius nodded slightly. “When the time comes for your ultimate battle, will you not need a legion? If you think you will defeat your enemy by yourself, you are foolhardy.”

Amused, father replied, “Am I to understand that you are offering your services when my combat begins? If I make your world in balance now, then down the road I have your support? I never imagined my boys as the type that would be eager to sell their souls.”

 

 

 

 

 

Part 34 by Mystique

 


Amused, father replied, “Am I to understand that you are offering your services when my combat begins? If I make your world in balance now, then down the road I have your support? I never imagined my boys as the type that would be eager to sell their souls.”

“I don’t remember saying anything about selling my soul. Do you Andreius?” Jacob looked over at Andreius who formed a semi grin on his face. Jacob had this sort of sense of humor. If anyone was similar to his father, it would be him.

“No my brother, I don’t remember that conversation either. I do remember saying and I quote: ‘When the time comes for your ultimate battle, will you not need a legion? If you think you will defeat your enemy by yourself, you are foolhardy.’ Now that’s what I remember saying.” Andreius looked from Jacob to his father, who by now was getting angry.

“You two have forgotten how powerful I am. And you have forgotten what I’m capable of doing. Family or not!” He stood to his feet and glared at his two sons for their insolence. Both men stood side by side, letting him know. If it’s a fight he wants, then it’s a fight he shall get. Suddenly without warning, he back down.

“Boys! Boys! We’re family and we need to stick together! Now and forever.” He took two steps down from his throne and came nearer to his sons.

“You’re right! I will need your allegiance when that time comes. I won’t be able to do it alone. So if I help you. You will help me.” His eyes were dark as coal as he locked in on one son, then the other. Andreius wasn’t trusting him one bit! Jacob never had. This quick turnabout wasn’t something they were feeling.

“You know Andreius! We are his sons. We were foolish to think we could reason with him. It’s always a price to ask anything of him. I’m done!” Jacob turned and started to leave.

“Oh Jacob! How’s that lovely wife of yours? Myrriana?! She is one I would love to have next to me. She has a lot to offer and you know what? The way things are going, I may have her sooner than later. Ahahaha!!” He said and turned back to his throne. With one fluid movement, Jacob swirled around, transforming and was upon his father before he could react. His fangs near his face. Andreius ran to restrain him.

“If you ever try to harm her, you won’t be around for that day. This I promise you!” Jacob allowed his brother to remove him from off his father. The father stood to his feet and began to laugh.

“My son! I always knew you were not that much different from me. You would actually kill your father. Priceless!” He began to laugh again.

“So father! All bullshit aside! Will you help or not?! Our family’s lives are at stake here!” Andreius walked up to him, staring him in the eyes.

Myrriana was between worlds. Her life slowly leaving this realm and moving into the other of no return. The life force stolen had taken its toll on her. She could fight no longer. She saw the bright light coming towards her and heard a voice calling her name. She didn’t want to answer. She wanted to live in this realm and not any other. She felt herself being lifted up and felt the strong arms about her. She felt a soothing sensation wash over her. Then everything went dark.

“Pooh!” Narkissa fell to her feet, clutching her chest. Lilliana ran to her side. She was feeling it too. Jenevieve and Daina ran into the room. They looked to their sister for answers. Was this true? Something had changed. Lysandra shrilled as she soared in the air. Her father looked up and felt what she was feeling. A great loss had occurred.

“I must go to my Mom! Narkissa said.” She turned to leave.

“Wait! Can you transport us all? You shouldn’t be alone, if what we think happened. Happened!” Lilliana had this plea in her eyes.

“Yes Auntie! I will take us all.” She did what she does best. They reformed inside the cottage Myrriana had been recuperating. Narkissa ran to her bed. It was empty.

“Where is she?” Jenevieve asked searching the cottage. Daina went outside hoping to see if she had somehow got loss out there. Lilliana was realistic. They all know what they felt, but was too afraid to admit it.

“She’s gone!” Lilliana’s voice broke. “She’s really gone!” She began to cry. Jenevieve and Daina looked at each other and that’s when it sunk in. They walked over to their older sister and they all embrace, crying for their sister lost.

Narkissa sat on the bed, wishing Lysandra was there with her. She knows she’s on her way with their father, but she needed her now. She laid back on the bed rubbing the spot she had left her mother with her hand, hoping to feel some essence of her.

“Come Narkissa! There’s nothing more you can do here!” Lilliana pulled her niece off the bed and into her arms, consoling her the best she could. Jenevieve and Daina came over and stroke their niece. She will always have them. Instantly, they were transported back to the castle and Myrriana’s room. They would await the outcome of the return of Andreius and Jacob. Then the setting of the full moon. They didn’t have strength to deal with this Lillianacy brought on by both their mother and sister.

“Why so solemn?” The voice flowed into the room, from the balcony. They recognized it, but wasn’t sure if they were hearing right. But they all turned together, to see if it really was who they thought. There she stood. Myrriana! They ran to her to embrace her with so much love.

“Myrriana!” Lilliana looked at her making sure it was her. She just smiled at them.

“Mom! I felt you leave this realm!” Narkissa wasn’t ready to give into this joyous occasion so quickly. Myrriana raised her hand and touched her daughter’s face gently.

“You have always been the more skeptical one. This time you’re right! I did leave the realm, but was brought back.” She explained.

“What? How did that happened?” Daina asked, she knew they were immortal, but realm crossing was forbidden.

“Father!” She said, then turned away with great sadness.

“Oooh! It was Grandfather!” Narkissa deducted. Myrriana turned back to them and for the first time they noticed the change in her.

“Myrriana! No!” Lilliana saw what Narkissa already knew.

“So which are you? Father or Myrriana?” Lilliana asked. Jenevieve and Daina looked from her to Myrriana. Together they too realized what had occurred.

“We’re both!” She answered. The room was full of gasping. Narkissa stood steadfast. She understood why her Grandfather sacrifice his life and what it will mean to their survival.

“My Brother!” Jacob looked at Andreius.

“I know!” Andreius took in a deep breath, staring at his father who had taken his seat back on his throne. He looked at the two suspiciously. They were always able to block him out at will. A little gift their mother gave them for their protection. Like they needed to be protected from him. After all he was their father!

 

 

Part 35 by Night Mistress

(Shena will answer to Lilliana/ Lilliana escapes Geoff)

“SHENA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Lilliana screamed angrily into the night sky. She stood on her balcony looking up at the moon. It was high in the sky and would set in merely a few hours. Lilliana was enraged at everything that had happened, the unforgivable lie that led to her suicide, the centuries-long torture of reliving that fateful night, she and her sisters being kept from their loves, and in recent hours the traitorous acts that led to Apollyon’s secret being let out. And now… it had come to this. The death of Apollyon’s physical body, Myrriana’s transformation, her youngest sisters’ lives now at risk… and Andreius and his brothers’ domain about to be ripped from them. A delightful wickedness washed over Lilliana as she stared outward into the darkness. “Oh Shena, you will answer for these despicable acts. And you will answer to me.”

 

With a flick of her wrist, Lilliana’s long dark tresses were wrapped tightly into a roll at the back of her head, her clothing changed to a black leather suit, her pisnet shoes to boots.

 

Lord Geoff, keeper of the castle while his brothers were away, knocked at her door. She ignored it and stuffed a dagger in each boot. He knocked again, but she ignored it still and wrapped a studded sword belt around her waist. When he called out and received no response, he knew what had to be done. His instincts told him something was wrong and he was in charge of securing his family’s safety. With one barbaric fist he plowed the door down.

 

Lilliana had one foot up on the railing of the balcony and turned quickly to see him.

 

“Where do you think you are going?” he bellowed. “And in battle-ready attire I might add.” His eyes were wide and flashing golden. She could see the beast in him rising to the surface.

 

She scoffed. “I would like to remind you…” she stopped briefly and looked behind her this time for Andreius, never minding that she was up on the ledge. Truly he could be anywhere. “As I was saying, I would like to remind you that I answer to no one.”

 

Geoff stormed toward her. “It is too dangerous out there.” He knew his wife’s sister and was sure of her intentions. “As lord of the castle, I will not have you leave these grounds.” He spoke in his most demanding voice.

 

“You are so much like your brother, Andreius. Especially when you knocked the door down. And now, so commanding–it’s really sweet.” She grinned. “But I have business to attend to.” Her face turned to a scowl.

 

“Lilliana— I am only going to tell you one last time. Then I will be forced to—”

 

He was abruptly cut off when she leapt off the balcony to the waiting horse below.

 

He rushed to the ledge and stared after her. He couldn’t follow her and leave the others. “Andreius is not going to like this,” he moaned. “He’s not going to like this at all.”

 

 

Lilliana rode hard but before she got very far someone rode up beside her. It was Daina. Lilliana was stunned to see her like this. Daina’s golden hair flowed in the wind as she rode. She had a fire in her eyes that no one had seen in a long while. She turned to Lilliana as they rode. “If you think you’re going without me, you’re sadly mistaken!”

 

“What about Geoff?” Lilliana reminded.

 

“I answer to no man,” Daina said facetiously, mimicking her sister. She then smiled wickedly.

 

Lilliana’s lips curved into a satisfied grin and they tore into the darkness.

 

 

 

Part 36 by DL

 

Pacing the stone floors of the castle Geoff was bemoaning his fate to himself. “Damn women. They always get me in trouble. Andreius is going to kill me, then after Jacob will have a turn. This is not going to bode well.”

Shena materialized behind him, her red smoke lingering in the air.

“I can help you with Andreius. I can be your savior.” She slithered her body painfully close to his, virtually paralyzing him. “Now be a good boy and tell me what I need to know and I can make all this go away. Now tell me where is my saintly twin Lilliana?” After whispering softly in his ear she traced her tongue along his neck and jaw. “Be a good boy and don’t make me hurt you.”

Geoff moaned slightly. What was wrong with him? He was outraged and horrified with this woman near him but his mind was filled with a haze and his body would not move.

“What have you done to me?” His knees buckled and he dropped to the floor at Shena’s feet.

“I’m just helping you. You know your place is really with me and not this family. Let me into that beautiful mind of yours. Let me see what you know, even the things you don’t realize you know.”

Before he knew it everything started to go dark for Geoff.

Lilliana halted quickly. Looking towards Daina she appeared confused. “She isn’t here. We’ve come all this way, how could she know we were coming here, she is completely blocked from us?”

Standing over Geoff’s prone body, Shena smiled. She wasn’t sure if he would make it, but she got what she needed. How could she have been such a fool not looking for the weakest link? In case he did somehow survive, she made certain to place a spell that would wipe his memory clean. He could be valuable in the future provided he lived. No need to burn that potential bridge.

Myrriana was slipping away. Jacob could feel it and he needed to be with her. Entering her cabin he saw Narkissa sobbing quietly on a stool next to the bed, her hand gripping her mother’s.

“May I?” Jacob asked quietly.

Narkissa nodded and stared at the floor.

“It shall not end this way.” He promised her, lifting her chin so she looked at him. She nodded and her tear stained eyes showed some hope. She left her mother’s bedside and started to warm the kettle for tea. She watched as Jacob gently touched her mother’s cheek and picked up her hand. He kissed it and held it in both hands.

“Feel my warmth my love. You will be back in my arms, warm and healthy soon.”

Finally arriving back at the castle Lilliana stiffened.

“She’s here!! She’s been there the entire time!” She rushed the door. Flinging it open she saw her. Shena stood over Geoff’s body.

Daina screamed “Geoff, no Geoff!!!” and rushed to him.

“What have you done to him? She sobbed. “Haven’t you brought enough pain and torture to this family? When will it be enough?”

“When I have finished my mission.” Turning towards Lilliana she raised an eyebrow. “He was most helpful in telling me where you were going and what your motives were.”

“Liar!” Daina jumped up and rushed Shena. “Geoff would never give up that information. You take that back.” As she dove to grab Shena she was hit with a bolt of negative energy through her system. Dropping her instantly.

Shena chuckled. “You can do nothing to me. Don’t even try.”

Lilliana’ voice was dangerously low when she stated “I will send your miserable soul to the depths of hell.”

“Oh I think you shall not sister. I have connections there.” Shena smirked.

A booming voice behind them declared “No Shena, not anymore. You have no more allies in hell. That connection has been severed as of today. He shall be of no more assistance to you.” Andreius stepped out of the dark hallway and glared at his loves twin.

Jacob smiled gently as he felt Myrriana move a finger. A small amount of warmth was starting to flow through her body. It had started.