Olivia and Emelia head to Transylvania in search of team members who can use the enchanted materials, Olivia found Magical tools will include a Sword with armor, a bow and arrow, a flute, and a trident.
"The book says these tools need to be attached to users who can activate them," said Emelia.
" We should ride our way to Transylvania in one of the villages, will start first with the archer," said Emelia.
They climbed the horse saddle and ride their way to Transylvania. Meanwhile, Zeke appeared at the top hill of the Bucegi mountain viewing the counties of Brasov and Arges not too far from Bran castle.
" that's must be the castle of the mighty Dracula, so the legends were true all along, I have to get in there soon and reincarnate Dracula," He said.
Meanwhile, e, Mark and his clan allied with the Omega pack leader Ralph to clear out the woods and create a trap for the vampires crossing their territory. Ralph ordered werewolves to forge machetes and axes through steel and iron ore. Ralph and his wolves created tools and weapons strong enough to Peirce through a vampire's flash.
" I heard vampires are vulnerable to garlic so make sure you always have garlic with you when you get the chance to feed those undead creatures it will hold them for a while, or if they consume so much it can kill them," said Ralph raising his hands for attention.
Ralph knew that one day he will get his revenge on the vampires who killed his family he was lucky enough to escape the demolition leading to a cave where abandoned werewolves hid, restoring their faith with some words of encouragement lifting the broken spirits enhancing the Werewolves to embrace their existence. Mark and Ralph lead the pack to hunt down and kill every human being inhabiting there. Arriving at their destination by sunset the perfect chance for the ambush, the pack scattered all over the open lands monitoring and studying every movement of the humans who lived there.
" now that the sun has set it's time to attack we can't miss out on this preys "his hooting signaled his pack for the approach, they surrounded the huts waiting patiently for the opportunity.
" what's that noise?" asked Malissa the archer.
Malissa was inspecting the wolf's movement over the village watching how brutal people were killed, flash tore and terrifying voices pleading and begging for mercy, there is nothing she could do but just stay on the trees and head to Transylvania which was a few miles away from her.
She had only two ways to escape undetected by the gruesome werewolves.
" It's either I reach the Acacia tree and hide there till next morning or find a river where I could swim to Transylvania, it will surely be a long one, I'm confident I'll get help there " she whispers under her breath.
Ralph and Mark together with the package returned to their hideout to continue hatching their cheeky plan to seize Zeke and his followers. Malissa leaped climbing and jumping each tree till she got to the Acacia tree resting there till dawn. She walked through the woods till she heard a flowing river she got closer to it till she got there a river with flowing waters. She washes her face and sees that it's impossible to swim from her location to Transylvania.
Malissa collects a pile of wood and opes, assembling them to create a boat. She flattens the end of the pair of woods to create paddles.
" This should get me close enough to Transylvania then I'll seek help from the locals at a nearby village."
She climbs the boat and paddled her way through the woods passing by the quiet forest stacked with grooves of trees.
By noon she could she the peak of Bucegi mountain, "there must be a village nearby "she said.
She boards the boat tieing it around a wooden hook. She walks her way into the village a few villagers stared at her suspecting that she might be one of the vampires disguised in human form. They fed her garlic to see if it affects her, she chewed it indicating that she wasn't a vampire.
" she's not a vampire she's one of us I think you must have escaped the Attack of the Werewolves on those poor people at the mid woods those poor souls. "said one of the villagers.
The villagers were told that the village head was making his way to meet Malissa.
He arrived sooner than expected, he was a six-foot-tall, well-built body. He was well known as Shankar he was accompanied by his Daughter Jasmine stared at Malissa greeting her with a smile on her face.
" Welcome to Bucegi village I'll show you around, said Jasmine.
"Sure I'd like to become part of you guys," said Malissa.
Jasmine showed Malissa places in the village and told her to stay at the hut and told her "please don't be shy I'm here for you ." said Jasmine.
Malissa wondered if it was the right time to ask Jasmine a question on how they survived the werewolf's attack, she decides to let it go.
" Malissa, would you like to show me your archery skills if you don't mind, " she said.
Malissa took an arrow and inserted it into the bow shooting at the branch of a tree, " I could do more than just that if you don't mind if only I had a chance to go hunting " said Malissa.
" I'll speak to father about this I'll try my best to convince him regarding your hunting skills" insisted Jasmine.
Jasmine went to the main hut and spoke to her father, asking him to give Malissa a chance to hunt.
The village chief agreed to send Malissa on a hunting trip along with Jasmine. Jasmine ran to Malissa with a broad smile on her face indicating to her that a green light has been given to go hunting a few books in an open field. They went to the fields quietly as they couldn't risk scaring the boks away.
" stand behind and watch what I can do," said Malissa.
"you not that only one hunting remember" replied Jasmine.
Malissa inserted an arrow on the bow aiming it at the forehead of the bok, she released the string letting the arrow ricochet itself through the head of the bok as it slowly collapsed to the ground.
"well done Malissa you've passed the first test, exclaimed Jasmine Malissa placed two arrows on her bow shooting it at the belly of the bok behind Jasmine, it's got blood spilling out of its belly.
they both dragged the books to the village, " you're an excellent archer, if you don't mind please tell the story of your life. " said Jasmine.
Malissa stopped for a moment and gazed into Jasmine's eyes.
She started to walk again.
" Sometimes I couldn't understand the thing called the circle of life," she said.
Jasmine thought about what Malissa stated the circle of the.
" I was born and raised at the southwestern part of the woods called Aithus, lived there with my mom and dad with small groups of people, dad always taught me the only way to live in this world was to survive, he taught me archery and I learned how to climb a tree, we lived happily together enjoying our everyday lives, until the day the werewolves attacked Aithus, I was the last survivor of the Aarhus attack as my father hid me inside the trunk of the Boabab tree, I witnessed horror aftermath of the attack, only live to survive that's the way of my life," said Malissa as droplets of tears streamed down her cheeks.
Jasmine gave her a warm hug as they walked home dragging the books with them. Olivia and Emelia rode there and stopped at Bucegi village to search for a good Archer.
" This is it the village of Bucegi, we'll have to speak with the village head before scouting, said Emelia.
Olivia asks one of the villagers to lead her to the village head, the villager agreed to show generosity by leading and presenting her straight to the village head.
" This must be the hut, Emelia stays here while I talk to the village head" Emelia nodded in agreement.
Olivia stepped inside the hut taking a bow saluting the head.
" Greetings and salutations chief, I'm seeking your permission to scout a brave warrior would is willing to join forces with me and end the plague and stop the Vampire and werewolves from going to war, said Olivia.
" before I grant you permission what makes it special ending this war, you do know that we're just humans we only fall victims to these creatures "he ferociously echoed his voice aloud at Olivia making her frightened.
" I am the one who will stop this, look here is the booklet my father left behind for her entrusted me with a huge duty to restore peace for humanity, it's my destiny, I'm the only ray of hope the human race has left" replied Olivia.
" if you insist that you can save us all and restore peace for the human race, then you have my permission to scout. "
The village head ordered his guards to announce that scouting will take place on a three-day course, Malissa heard the news about the scouting and shares it with Jasmine.
" did you hear about the scouting taking place from tomorrow, they said they are looking for an Archer, d Malissa.
"This must be a good opportunity for you to showcase to the rest of the villagers how skillful you are at archery," replied Jasmine.
"I think we have to rest we have a huge day tomorrow. "Malissa yawns.
Emelia and Olivia were offered a hut and some protection for the three days by e village head himself.
"you both have to settle here for a few days," he said.
"that's very generous of you, we appreciate your hospitality," said Emelia.
"These people are way too generous but it will be interesting to see who impresses starting tomorrow," said Olivia.
" I'm quite certain will get someone good in archery, they should be a natural hunter," replied Emelia.
The scouting had begun by dawn, every Archer assembled at open fields ready to shoot their arrows at any decoy.
" head to the open fields it's time to show us your skills, how good are you?" asked Olivia.
All the archers arrived for the course, Malissa was among them. The first task was to hunt down a bear by striking it at the forehead, each Archer had to take down a bear on their own.
They had to do it with nothing but a bow and arrow. The scouting began as soon as Olivia and Emelia watched close by. Malissa was up against a 7-foot bear, it's roared before her, charging itself against her. Malissa shot a couple of arrows to it, one poking its eye and the other catching the foot slowing down its pace. Malissa finished it off with a series of flying arrows on the bear's head.
" my job here is done I have to help the others "she whispers under her breath.
Malissa runs to assist other Archers, " oh shit his injured, his wounded. "Malissa tears a piece of cloth from her dress and wraps it around the arm of the injured man.
Malissa suddenly hears a roar behind her, she carries the man and places him under a tree away from the bear.
" I have to take down this monster, that way I'll be able to return to Bucegi with that man," said Malissa.
She shoots directly at the forehead of the bear watching it collapse as she carried the wounded man on her pack heading back to the village.
"Olivia do you think any of them will pass the test," said Emelia with a worried face.
" buy them some time they will be back here in Bucegi in a few moments "replied Olivia.
A voice of those returning could be heard miles away, " only a few are standing including that girl who's carrying a wounded man on her back ." said Emelia.
Malissa ran with the man on her back despite the circumstances she still made it to the traditional healer's hut to treat him with some indigenous plants.
The man's wound was able to heal as indigenous plants were rubbed on his arm " thank you for saving me Malissa ." he said.
" next time you should watch your back more carefully " she replies.
"Now I have to return to the Scouters, get well soon," said Malissa.
She leaves the hut and goes to the Scouters, "mighty Archers I would like to thank you all for dedicating your time, for the final day which is tomorrow you'll be tested on your endurance, as you are required to swim back and forth on the river, whoever makes it will join me and stop the war between the werewolves and vampires. "said Olivia with her voice sharp enough.
Malissa arrives at the scenario and Raises her hand to be recognized by Olivia.
" Mrs.. Patterman I'll swim back and forth on the river and return to you even if I have to crawl back, aid Malissa.
"Now that's the spirit you a brave girl, I will be waiting for you!"
replied Olivia.
Everyone went to their huts exhausted from the bear hunting, some hoping they would have the strength to swim back and forth at the river. The Rooster cocks as aloud waking everyone up for the final day of the course it was d-day for Malissa to showcase her resilience at the river performing that before the Bucegi people and the Scouters. Jasmine prepared some soup to give to Malissa who had just awakened from her sleep.
Malissa could smell the tasty soup cooking outside the hut, "Malissa wake up you sleepy head, you don't have all day " Said Jasmine.
" I'm coming, just give me a minute I'll join you soon " replied Malissa as she rolled her mat and packed her bow and arrow.
" There you are Malissa you are just in time for some warm soup, take a bowl, and don't drink too fast it's hot," said Jasmine.
Malissa grabs two bowls for her and Jasmine to drink the soup.
" I've brought two for you and me" Malissa smiled.
"So This is the last time we see each other, all I can do is offer you this warm soup so that you can remember me," said Jasmine.
Malissa glanced at Jasmine with tears in her eyes.
"Jasmine I'm grateful for all you have done for me I wish I could repay you for all you have done for me, she said with an emotional tone.
" I wish I could come with you but I can't, let's drink this soup and remember each other as we go our separate ways," said Jasmine as she exchanges the bowl of soup with Malissa, they both gulp the soup slowly till the bowls were empty.
The village head rang the bell issuing to all villagers to gather at the side of the river.
Malissa was the only one who showed up ready to swim her way through the river and back to the people gathered.
" This started with six Archers now we are left with only one girl, I like her attitude and spirit it's so determined she will make a good teammate won't she Olivia," said Emelia.
" if she can pass this test then there's no doubt about that," replied Olivia.
Malissa jumps in the moving river as she glides through the river she reached the first point now it's was time for her to swim back, as the room began to blow strong causing waves. Malissa knew it was a now or never for her to swim she dumps herself into the river clinching on rocks beneath.
The wave continued impacting her ability to move through the water. Holding her breath, Malissa dives in a whirling position till arising her head, she swam in atrstrokesition till she could reach the land. She pulled herself out of the river by crawling towards the people of Bucegi. Jasmine arrives with craved animal skin to dry her up, "you've done it, Malissa, you'll join the Scouters soon you'll help save the world, I'm proud of you„ she whispered into Malissa's ear.
"Behold your might warrior Malissa Van Niekerk! "said the village chief.
Malissa gets a new bow and arrow, "this is a warning it's no ordinary bow every arrow is perfectly designed to hurt a werewolf now please come with us we still have to assemble the rest of the team" said Olivia.
Emelia summons a horse for Malissa as she climbs on the saddle waving goodbye to the people of Bucegi.
" we're heading to Transylvania we have to get there by sunset before the vampires do," said Emelia.
They rode their horses leaving Bucegi behind, Malissa was the first member Olivia and Emelia scouted.
" We still need to scout three more people, very soon will rebel against these creatures and restore peace for humanity," said Malissa.
There's only one way to gather the rest of the members easily was to use the map of wisdom.
" We need to use the map of wisdom to follow its paths leading us straight to a nearby town then all we do is pursue them to Join us and explain everything else along the way," explained Emelia.
She calls out the rhythmic spell summoning the map of knowledge, a scroll appears in front of her wand, Olivia held the scroll up high studying the locations marked in red.
"Those must be the locations of the people we are looking for, let's head downtown and find them," said Malissa.
The trio reached the busy town of Zurete they followed the map and it led them to a bar known as Charley's place which wasn't too far from where they stood. Olivia busted the door open and they walked through the bar reaching the bartender.
" can I get 3 cocktails, please," said Olivia as she places 3 silver coins on the desk.
" your order's coming your way" Charley gets the cocktails ready as the trio takes their seats.
" what brings you three ladies here?" said Charley.
" We are looking for a guy called Victor Mérzkry, we heard he only speaks if you got a reward for him," replied Olivia.
Charlie pointed to the right corner of the bar where Victor sat with a lantern on the table, pulling his cigarette puffing up the smoke in midair.
" That's the man you looking for, he's over there just offer him a cigarette he'll help you out, "said Charley.
Malissa bought a few bundles of cigarettes and gave them to Emelia places them in her pocket. Emelia went to the right corner of the bar dragging the chair from its position takes a seat, she puts the bundle of cigarettes on the and introduced herself to the man aside from her.
Victor took off his hat as his long brownish hair popped out the hat,
" I'm Victor Mérzkry, if I may ask lash, what brings you here," he said with his Irish accent.
Emelia recognizes him as soon as he took off hat they used to be dance partners at the Irish pub back in Dublin.
" That's kind of you fella at least you know how to treat a lady with dignity, do you remember me Victor the last time we met was at the tap dance showdown back in Dublin," said Emelia.
" It's been four years since I last danced by your side, I just knew will surely cross paths again, and here we are," replied Victor as he lights up the cigarette watching it release the smoke.
"Well let's say Kumar brought us back again and I'm gonna take this chance to ask you for a solid, c'mon mate we could dance together again side by side with each other," replied Emelia.
Victor inhales the cigarette releasing the smoke out in mid-air.
" we'll if it's about having you by my side again then I can risk letting this chance slip over my fingers," replied Victor.
" Well in that case I would like you to follow me and my girls around town, I'll explain everything on the way," said Emelia.
Emelia introduced Victor to Olivia and Malissa, later on after the introduction she explains the ongoing war from the underworld creatures, Olivia hands Victor a flute. This flute was different from others, once blown it blindfolds the listeners by placing them in a dark illusion where they meet their end depending on the duration of the blower.
They mounted on the horses and ride quickly to the town Southern part of Azhar in search of two more members.