Sighing, Alana slides off the strong man's back." I wish you the best, Alana," he says. "The same goes for you," she replies honestly. Sudden nausea overtakes her. "I hope we will see each other again. In a different way... A better way. May the goddess be with you," he says and leaves. Alana looks at the centaur and nods. She would probably never see him again. Dizzy she turns. She looked curiously at the small village built against the bank of the river.
She walks over the boulders and looks at the green grass that rests between the neat stones.
A spacious oak tree gently sways into the night, drawing stark shadows on the white building that graces its right side. A long corridor connects the building with a bright white tower that adorns its left side. Precisely finished windows adorn the long corridor that leads above the stone path.
Alana walks into the neat village and looks at the beautifully finished houses. They all have the same height and size and they all look like they were recently built.
A sudden queasy feeling takes over her body as she falls down abruptly.
Blowing, Katinka looks again at Wolfgang. What has she done? And above all why? Why does she feel so... so warm when she looks at him? Despite the fact that he captured her, she just wants him to touch her. He's the one who dragged her into the stable. She remembers how much she hated him at that moment. How badly she wanted to hit him. And now? All she wants to do now is kiss him. And why? Sighing, she stumbles on next to Heinrich. Heinrich sniffs amusingly and rubs a hair from her eyes. "Don't worry, I'm still here" he whispers teasingly. Rolling her eyes, she wriggles into his grasp again.
"Alana" whispers a deep voice. "Alana... wake up". Alana moans softly and puts her hand on her throbbing forehead.
"What happened?" she mumbles weakly. "You're not dead," says the deep voice. "Not yet," he continues.
Alana slowly opens her eyes. "Where am I?" she asks in a whisper. "Some filthy farm where you think you can hide," he laughs. Alana carefully turns her head and stares into Hate's dark eyes. "No," she whispers and sits up. Hate laughs foully and grips her collar tightly. "Stay here," he orders angrily. Tears sparkle in Alana's eyes as she sees the man responsible for her pain. Her grief, her loss.
"I beg you. Hate let go of me," she squeaks. " Don't beg baby girl, I cannot hold myself if you do" he says. His voice is dangerously low. "Please let go" she whimpers. Hate laughs and sits down on the narrow bed. "Why would I do that?" he whispers and gently strokes her jaw. Alana shivers under his touch and slides uncomfortably away from him. Hate smiles and bends over her. "No" she whispers and turns her head. "I want to do so much with you", he whispers dangerously in her ear and kisses her neck. Alana squeaks angrily and tries desperately to push him away. "You really need to eat more before you can do that," he whispers teasingly, resting his head on her shoulder. "What have you done with Jaspar?" she asks suspiciously. Hate chuckles. "Take a guess" he whispers, and raises his head again. Tears rolled from Alana's eyes as she bites her lip.
Hate grins and sits up again. "Come on Alana, I just want to hear you scream my name," he whispers teasingly and grabs her wrists. Alana stared bravely at his inky pupils. That's it. Her pain is his pleasure. She has to defend herself against him. He's poison she needs to get out of her veins. But how can she get away from him? How can she escape a man so powerful? Worse, her own father?
"No," Alana yells as he sinks his teeth back into her skin.
"Alana! Wake up Alana" a soft voice calls out.
Alana wakes up shocked and stretches her upper body. A young boy sits next to the small bed she lays on. His soft green bulbous eyes stared worriedly at her. His long shoulder-length white blonde hair accentuates his ivory skin. His light-downward-turned lips were clenched on each other. His pointy ears stick out of his thin hair. He whispered softly. He places his strong hand on her shoulder. His light rounded eyebrows rise when she looks at him and sighs. Alana takes a deep breath.
Alana looks around the small attic room. "Where ... where am I", she whispers suspiciously and looks at the slim boy again. "Hàla" he replies, and places his hands on his knees again.
She made it!
Alana stares at the sunset through the small round window. "How long have I been here?" "About five days," the boy replies, tucking his long blond locks behind his pointy Elven ear. "How do you know my name? Who are you?" "I am Venlian. I am Gmork's son. I believe Jaspar told you to come here?" Alana nods thoughtfully. "I'm sorry," she stammers ashamed. Venlian raises his hands. "I understand".
"It's just been crazy with ghosts and fawns and centaurs and then" ... Alana stops talking and looks at Venlian. "I'm sorry," she whispers, embarrassed. Venlian laughs. "It's okay. More so. I want you to tell me everything. I'm super curious. But not now. Take your time."
"Are you hungry?" Alana nodded. Her stomach had been rumbling for a long time, as if there was a pack of wolves next to her bed.
Venlian stands up and takes a light blue dress from the narrow wooden wardrobe. "Here, this one is for you," he smiles and leaves the room. Alana took a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment.
She hasn't had time to let it all sink in, let alone process it. What is the purpose now? That she stays here? That she will hide here? And what about Katinka? And Rodehanthe? She hopes so much that he's alive, but Hate's hint told her something else... And Katinka. Maybe she can still catch up with the robbers. But what if she really was here for five days? It's hopeless...
Alana sighs as her stomach growls again. Moaning, she stands up and lifts the dress from the bed. A cold draft rubs her naked body. A sudden stream of tears rolled from her eyes. Father, Mother, Jaspar, Katinka, Rodehanthe... They are all lost. Thanks to her... Sobbing, she wipes the tears from her face and takes a deep breath. Come on Alana, pull yourself together, she thinks. You can still mourn.. When I'm sure I'm safe. She takes a deep breath with a sniff.
The baby blue fabric glides gently over her skin as she places the spaghetti straps on her shoulders.
A deep V-shaped collar is set with diamonds while gold straps adorn her chest. The long belt that rests around her slender belly is worked off with precious stones. This dress looks expensive, she thinks, as she slips the fitting cape over her shoulders. Hastily, she hides the amulet in her collar.
How does she know that Gmork can be trusted? Jaspar had also lied to her the whole time. And why does his son know her name? Does everyone here know who she is? "Come on Alana, let's eat first", she whispers to herself, and opens the creaky door. She slowly descends the wide wooden staircase that leads her to a spacious, warm dining room. The stone walls are decorated with paintings and green, colorful plants.
The wooden floor creaks below her as she walks slowly to the heavy wooden table. She looks at the red carpet on the floor.
"Alana" greets Venlian again and gestures to one of the wide wooden chairs.
Alana sits in silence and looks at the round wooden candlestick that adorns the ceiling. "Father is almost ready", Venlian says and sits down next to her. He silently rolls up the sleeves of his white loose blouse and reveals the leather wrist guards. Alana swallows when she thinks of Wolfgang's wrist guards again. They look so alike. Is it a coincidence? She finally says; "beautiful house" and looks at the pyramid-shaped opening in the stone wall next to the stairs. Venlian chuckles amused. "It's his life's work," he replies. Alana looks curiously at the roaring fireplace that adorns the living room.
With a smile, an older man walks in and greets Alana.
"Despite the circumstances, I'm glad to finally see you," he smiles and kissed her upper hand. Alana smiles and looks at the well-groomed older man. His white hair is neatly pushed behind his pointy ears. His skinny, light body is covered in silk clothes and leather shoes. His shaven face betrays he is elder. But he looks so much like his son. The same eyes observe her.
"Gmork?" "Indeed," he replies, with a smile curling his pale lips.
"I have so much to say, but let's eat first," he began, taking a well-stocked plate from the counter. Alana looks gratefully into the man's soft blue eyes and waits politely for everyone to have their plates. Gmork strokes his gracefully longer locks behind his pointy ears and nods before starting to eat.
"So Alana" begins Gmork and bites the tomato. Alana looks intently at his elegant brown blouse and waits patiently for him to continue. "I guess Hate told you who he really is. I mean, you know he's your father." Alana nods disappointed. "So you know what this means? I mean, you know ancient history?" Alana swallows. Here it comes. Alana swallows the chicken slowly and nods.
"Dad, maybe it's not wise to talk about that right away," Venlian mumbles. Gmork chuckles." No problem Alana, I just want to know how far your knowledge goes". Alana sighs. "Nothing thanks to Jaspar", she finally grumgoes,bles. Gmork laughs uncomfortably and picks apart a berry. "He's ..Jaspar" Gmork stammers. Alana nods. "Hate. Well. You know. What Hate does" stutters Alana. Tears escaped from her eyes again. Venlian takes her hand encouragingly. "Papa I'm sorry", Venlian whispers and takes his father's hand. Alana swallows. Gmork clearly cared more for Jaspar than he first showed. Gmork nods. "So Jaspar didn't tell you anything?" Alana shakes her head and places her cutlery on the empty plate. "No problem, I'll tell you everything you need to know. But that's for tomorrow. You need to rest a little," he orders, standing up.
Silently, he removes the dishes and nods to Venlian.
"Do you remember the way?" Venlian asks teasingly. Alana smiles amusingly, "thank you", she whispers and continues her way upstairs. Sighing, she lets herself fall onto the bed.
Gmork and Venlian seem sincere.
Maybe it isn't so bad that she stays with them. But what if this also puts them in danger? What if they are not safe like her family? Maybe it's better she slips away. But then she would be alone again. But she doesn't want them to die either... because of her. But she doesn't want to be alone either. It's pointless, she sighs. She will never reach Katinka in time. Most of all, she has no idea where they have gone."Katinka, I'm sorry' she whispers, and looks at the stars. It feels like 100 days have passed since she saw Katinka. She doesn't think that she can look at her the same in the end. But all the miles that separate them can't destroy their bond. That is for sure. Would Katinka know that Alana thinks about her? Dreams about her? The miles keep rolling between them. She cannot even remember the last words they spoke. She can only hope that she sees her again and that this journey gets better than now. It feels like a race against the clock. A race against her death. But no matter where she goes... Whatever is said or done. She will not give up on Katinka. We will see each other again, Katinka.. I promise she thinks.
Wolfgang silently stares at Katinka's narrow braids that adorn the sides of her head. They go closely behind her pointy ears and converge on the back of her head. The loose long red hairs that adorn under and beside the braids sway slowly in the wind. Red streaks from the ropes adorn her face and lead to her pink, full lips. Wolfgang stares at the green dress that hugs her slim body.
The tight lace corset is covered in sand while the billowy skirt has some cuts and tears.
A soft smile appeared on his lips as her narrow finger slid into his hand.
He carefully closes his eyes again and pushes the forbidden thoughts away.
"Alana" whispers Venlian softly and shakes the sleeping girl. Alana yawns opened her eyes and looks softly at Venlian. "Is it morning already?" Venlian smiles softly. "Yes, unfortunately. Gmork wants to discuss something with you." Alana nods and straightens herself. "I'll be downstairs in a minute". Venlian nods and walks out of the room. Despite the fact that she fell asleep quickly, it felt like she had only slept for a few hours. But she had slept through. She had... slept through... He hadn't bothered her again in her dream. Did he give up? That seems too easy, doesn't it?
Her cramped muscles protest burning when she stands up. Her broken body seemed to be slowly healing, but she was still as colorful as a painting. Her skin was covered in yellow spots and her painter was no one else than her very own father.
"Good morning" Gmork cheerfully greets as Alana walks slowly down the stairs. Alana smiles forcibly and takes a seat at the table. She looks in silence at the steaming plate that is placed in front of her. "I hope you got some sleep." "Yes" Alana answers gratefully and cut the eggs in half. "You look tired" Gmork says concerned. Alana smiles gently.
"I know it can't be easy" begins Gmork and continues: "I want you to know that we are here for you". "And I'm grateful for that" Alana replies.
"Alana, you know what I'm going to ask". Alana swallows the sausage slowly and looks up at Gmork . "Are you ready?" Alana shakes her head. "I know everyone expects it, but no, I can't kill a man." "In fact, he's not a man," Gmork replies. Alana laughs nervously. "No, but I can't". "Not yet or not," Gmork asks. Alana shrugs. "I'm sorry I can't answer that." Gmork nods.
"You have a pure heart, Alana". Alana shudders as Hate's words flash through her mind again. "You are too pure, too innocent".
"I want to teach you what you need and what you want. What you decide is your choice". "I appreciate that" Alana replies to which Gmork nods. "I guess you're full of questions?" "Yes, indeed" she begins and continues. Now is her chance! "There are seven of them, right"? "That's correct" replies Gmork. "Hate, Vengeance, greed, jealousy, fear, sadness, and anger. Vengeance is his right hand while Jealousy is his left." Alana nods. "Vengeance was there". Gmork mumbles inaudibly.
"He's almost always by his side." "And Jealousy" Alana asks. "Jealousy" begins Gmork with a sigh and continues, "is practically still a child. He's young but not brash. There's a reason Hate made him his left hand."
"So, you have the seven demons and the robbers"? Gmork nods. "But unfortunately, there are still beings who have sworn allegiance to him."
The Witch Queen is the best example of this. Isobelle thought Alana bitterly.
"Her daughter is very loyal to him. She does practically everything he asks." "And what do they gain out of it?" Gmork shrugs. "No doubt there will be some henchmen we don't know yet," Gmork begins and continues, "but we're doing everything we can to make sure they can't come to you," he winks. Alana fakes a smile.
"The robbers took Katinka," Alana says sadly. "She was my sister. And to be fair.. I'm so tired of being without her. The pain of knowing that.. that she.. That's something I cannot erase. She was always there for me. When I cried, she wiped away the tears, when I screamed, she fought off the fears. She always held my hand." Tears bubbled in her eyes. "Her voice.. Oh what would I do to hear her voice. She always knew what to do or what to say. She always, but really always was there with me... I love her so much. And I miss her so much. I try so hard to tell myself that it's okay. That she is gone forever. But somehow, she is still with me... And I just cannot shake it off. I want to find her. I need to find her. I just wish.." Her voice shakes and gets stuck in her throat.
Gmork lowers his eyes. "On the one hand, it's good that they take her," murmurs Gmork. "Why?" "If they take her, she's a prisoner and that means Hate needs her alive." "But why?" Alana asks in shock. "I don't know. Is it to get information or is it for other reasons? She will have something that interests him." Alana swallows. Should that reassure her?
"Where Does Hate come From?" "Hate is a pirate. Originally. His parents were pirates," says Gmork. "It is rumored that he was rejected as a child for being too honest. He was then rescued by a group of knights who later became his teachers and collaborators. "So that's how he was knighted?" "You become a knight for your actions," Gmork winks. "He would have saved the life of some king.
Alana, what exactly did he say to you?" "Nothing," Alana whispered. "At least not much. Just that he's, my father." Gmork nods silently. A little about Katinka. I'm sorry you lost her." Alana swallows. In the end she knows he is right. She did lose her. But she knows. That she would find her again. No matter what. She has to hold on that hope.
"Look honey, I want to help you, train you. I'll show you how to use a sword, but first you've got to get stronger." Alana looks up at Gmork." Do you know what kind of powers he has"?
"Well, he can control dreams, as you've no doubt already seen. It's kind of his sandbox. But be warned. If he kills you in the dream, you will effectively be dead.
He is strong and he can go from one place to another. It's kind of magical transport." Alana swallows. That explains why he was so fast.
"He drinks blood as you saw. It is his elixir. Gives him strength. Athela's plant weakens him but one drop of blood and he rises again.
He can control your mind and body however he wishes." "Wait what?" "With his bite mark, he can control you," Gmork says. He can make you tired or drunk. Let them hate or let them fall in love. Whatever he wants."
Alana sighs. "Fantastic". Gmork chuckles.
"Why don't you help Venlian while I prepare dinner"? Alana laughs. "Of course, where is he?" "At the river dock. He's reeling in the fish." Alana nods. It can calm your mind."
"Oh Gmork?" "Yes?" "I met some centaurs, they said this 'fishing village' was dangerous. Why is that?" Gmork sighs. "We used to have a ruthless headmaster. He raised taxes so high that people became poor and had nothing to eat. The fish caught had to be sold, otherwise, they couldn't pay taxes and they would lose their homes. So, they tried to get more fish." They built bigger docks and made bigger nets. When the nets got full, people couldn't get them out of the water. They were too heavy. Because they couldn't afford horses, they captured centaurs and made them work, they became slaves. When we realized it was wrong, we killed the headmaster and set the centaurs free, but they continue to accuse us, even after all these years." Alana swallows. That is sad. But I do understand them." "Me too" whispers Gmork. Alana walks out in silence.
She looks surprised at the busy market. Young and old people walk along the market stalls with interest, staring at what the hawkers are trying to sell. Jewelry, food, pottery... While soft music from a small band echoes over the busy market, sellers shout loudly to buyers.
"This almost feels like home", she smiles and walks to the strong wooden dock where Venlian pulls up a gray fishing net.
Venlian looks up and smiles. "Hello Alana", he laughs and throws the fish into a wooden crate. "Are you okay? Yeah, I thought you might need a hand," she laughs as he nearly trips over the wet net. Venlian laughs. "Maybe" he laughs. Alana chuckles and helps him off of the slippery ropes.
"So, I think Dad told you about Hate?" Alana nods. "And I'm still in awe of it all. Whenever I heard that story, I never thought you know." Venlian nods. "It must be a shock to realize it was about you." Alana nods with a smile.
"Venlian, how did your father know Jaspar?" "I'm not sure. They became friends after my mother died." "How did she die"? "My father was a general in the royal army". Hate was so angry when my father killed one of his best men. So, he took revenge. He came to our house. I was maybe three years old. Possibly two. He bit my mother so that she would fall in love with Hate." "What?" "Yeah, he brainwashed her. My father had to watch Hate have sex with her and then kill her." "I'm so sorry" Alana whispers. Venlian smiles. "I understand he wants revenge". "Me too" Alana whispers and looks at the black raven sitting next to her boot. Venlian looks at the animal and smiles "You and animals"." What?" "Something my father once said" he laughs.
"What did he say?" she asks, rubbing the bird's soft feathers. "You were four years old and were walking in the woods with Jaspar and my father. Suddenly, a big black bear appeared. While they panicked at the thought that it would kill you, the bear just walked up to you. You laughed and petted it". ""I petted a bear" Alana laughs. "You did" Venlian laughs and pulls the fishnet back into the water. Alana laughs, shocked. "Wow" she chuckles. The black bird jumps up and flies away hastily. "You know, my father trained me a bit. Show me, what you do when Hate stands in front of you." Alana bites her lip. "I.. I don't know. I mostly just get so scared. I duck and hope that he's fast gone." Venlian smiles comforting. "Put your fist up." Slowly Alana puts her fist up. Venlian smiles and takes a step closer. He pushes her fist a bit lower. "Put your thumb inside your hands. That hits better." He walks behind her and places his hands on her hips. "Put this foot in front." Alana her heart rages in her chest when he touches her. His soft smell teases her nose. "Now whatever you do, don't forget he is a knight. He is fast. And he is also a demon. His armor is weak on his neck, under his arm, and on his legs. Try to kick his cross. And then when he sinks, hit your elbow on his neck. If you cannot kick his cross, try to hit the mid of his throat." Alana swallows. "I have faith in you Alana" he says. Alana smiles soft;" Thank you."
"Come on, dinner will be ready" he grins Alana smiles and follows him in silence.