Chapter 14: The Calm Before The Storm
Trevor glanced at Gabriel, seeing the determination clear as day in his facial features. He turned his back towards him and placed his hands in his pocket. “I’m sorry I can’t give you the information that you are seeking. I’m only told my targets locations.”
Gabriel frowned, feeling anger bubble up inside him. “You can’t say that!” He shouted, clenching his fist in the process. “You have to know more than that!’
“I’m sorry kid, I don’t ask questions.”
“Why the hell not!” Gabriel shouted as he took a step forward. “Are you that heartless that you just kill people because you are told to? Have you ever just once stopped and thought why these people had to die?”
Trevor shook his head, “I am that heartless.” He said softly as he turned to face Gabriel. “I do what I’m told. In my line of work you don’t ask questions because sometimes people get attached to those that have to die. You don’t think that anyone couldn’t beg for their lives and throw out any sob story in hopes that their blood wouldn’t be on your hands?” He asked calmly as his eyes were void of any emotion.
Gabriel charged Trevor in anger, though he easily sidestepped, even with his wounds. “You told me that I wouldn’t like your answer!”
“You don’t.” Trevor pointed out as he continued to move out of the way as Gabriel was charging him like a bull seeing red.
“Then instead of toying with me you should have just said I don’t know.” Gabriel growled out as Trevor stopped his rampage with a palm to his forehead.
“Look I know you are upset. If you want to know who hired me then that I can tell you.” Trevor said with a smile on his face.
“Fine, tell us what you know.” He shot back sourly.
“Well of course the prince hired me. However I would say that there is something more to the situation.” Trevor said as he rested his chin in his palm.
“Yes I’m sure it was obvious that the prince hired you.” Vincent said sarcastically as Sophia was knitting the skin in his leg back together. “Don’t you have any other information? Why would the prince be paranoid as you mention earlier?”
“That’s what I’m still trying to figure out myself.” Trevor said softly. “There must be another party involved that we don’t know about. Someone that terrifies Oswald even more so than I do.” He smirked at the last part as his mind wandered to the commotion he had started after mending Elizabeth’s shoulder.
“Who would be stronger than you?” Sophia asked in shock at the sudden turn the conversation had taken.
“I’m not sure.” Trevor mumbled more to himself than to the others.
“Michael knows of someone and he thinks he maybe involved, but he never said who it was. He just warned me to be careful.” Vincent shifted his leg so Sophia could wrap it up.
“Obviously the stronger person would see you and I as a threat. It’s no wonder that we would be considered an enemy on his list. Though I don’t remember pissing anyone off directly do you?” He chuckled, knowing that he really didn’t have to do much to make a person angry. His bad reputation that followed him was enough for people to want him dead.
Vincent sighed, “Neither did I.”
Trevor’s eyes widen at first as a sudden thought came to mind, but he didn’t want to share the information he had acknowledged finally. It was all starting to make sense to him, but he wanted the others to find out on their own. “Just watch your back little bro.” Trevor turned as his mind was swimming with ideas.
“You as well Trevor, if by some chance I can’t handle this person, then they will be after you next.”
“I’m well aware of that, however I am rather good at escaping.” He winked at his brother as his body faded into the shroud of darkness.
Before anyone could say anything, the over pass ahead screeched loudly and then collapsed to the floor where Trevor was standing just a moment ago. A cloud of dust mixed with wood chips filled the air and quickly settled amongst the floor. “Well that was good timing.” Sophia said as she stood to her feet and grabbed her medical bag.
“Yeah if he hadn’t moved the debris would have crushed him.” Vincent said as he stood to his feet, applying more pressure onto his good leg.
Gabriel let out a soft sigh, “Still no answers.”
“You will have your answers soon enough.” Vincent muttered as he picked up his swords. “Besides at least we know for sure that your mom is safe. Now we can knock out two birds with one stone.”
“Yes, you’re right.” Gabriel said with a soft smile gracing his lips. “Let’s go rescue them both.”
Vincent nodded as he walked normally, ignoring the pain in his leg. They quietly followed Vincent through the dark corridors that seemed to never end until Vincent stopped at a door that had a throwing knife imbedded into the dark cherry wood. “Looks like this is Elizabeth’s room.” Sophia sneered, glancing at the throwing knife.
“Yes thank you for stating the obvious.” Vincent glared back at her as he picked the lock open. Sophia closed her mouth and looked down at the floor shamefully.
“Oh wow!” Gabriel gasped as they walked into Elizabeth’s room, closing the door behind them. “She could take on an army alone with all this weaponry.”
Vincent smiled, walking over to the tall dresser that matched the same wood of her room and door. “Yes well she enjoys collecting as well.”
Gabriel scanned the walls that were covered with many swords hanging by the strap on their sheath. Some were more like daggers, other like claymores. Anything that could be used as a weapon, she had in her room. “You would think she had an army of her own.” Sophia whispered as her eyes followed Gabriel’s.
“Yes.” Vincent agreed as he went through her clothes, looking for the blue prints of the castle. His face lit up when he opened her underwear drawer. “Please don’t kill me for this Elizabeth.” He prayed softly as he pushed aside all of her clothing. He heard a shuffling sound and dug under everything to find the blue prints. “Of course.” He sighed, knowing it was the safest place to keep the information. He quickly grasped the paper, only to be pricked by a blade. He felt his eyebrow twitch with annoyance as the bottom portion of her drawer was filled with throwing knives. “No wonder she never runs out.” Vincent said as he slammed the drawer shut and plopped down on her crimson comforter that felt like a giant marshmallow.
“You found it!” Gabriel smiled as he took a seat on the bed as well.
“Yes.” Vincent nodded as he laid the blue print over the comforter. The castle had many floors and rooms, meaning there was a high probability of getting lost. “We will have to stick together on this, no complaining or arguments.” Vincent warned as he gazed over the hundred of rooms that was in the castle.
“Why would anyone own something this big?” Gabriel asked curiously.
“Shows wealth.” Sophia answered.
“Ok, if we want to get through unnoticed, there’s a secret passage in the Garden.” He pointed to the wall of the building. “There is a door that has a well hidden button on it. If you find that, then the door lifts and leads down these stairs.” Vincent said as he traced the pathway with his index finger.
“How do we know what room Elizabeth will be in though I mean, we could be at this for days.” Gabriel said in disbelief.
“Very true.” Vincent agreed, rethinking his plan. “The wedding is tomorrow…” he began as he scanned the castle for an area big enough to be able to hold a wedding. “Here!” He pointed at a large area. “This is most likely where they will have the wedding.”
“Why don’t we just walk in with all the other guests?” Sophia asked as if it were an obvious solution.
“Good idea, if Oswald wasn’t paranoid. However, since this is reality, then there will of course be invitations, which will be checked at the door. He maybe a stupid man, but he does get credit for being cautious.”
“So then how did you plan on getting through the secret passage without being detected then?” Sophia sighed.
“Well of course we would do it in the veil of darkness when we wouldn’t be seen. I’m no fool Sophia.”
Sophia turned away from Vincent’s harsh gaze. She felt sadden that she allowed jealousy consume her and now she was just acting like a child, taking her anger out in such ways. “Sorry Vincent.” Sophia said softly, knowing she had to let her jealousy go. Vincent only had eyes for Elizabeth and would never have eyes for her.
“So then what now?” Gabriel questioned curiously.
Vincent stood to his feet and walked over to Elizabeth’s closet. “Now that we know what path we will be taking, we stock up.” He stepped aside to show the many swords and daggers that were neatly placed inside the closet. “She trains with these, so she won’t mind if we use them to help rescue her.”
Gabriel’s jaw dropped, “How many weapons does she have?”
Vincent smiled, “I lost count after the 100th one. She was never one for dolls and dresses. She has always had a fascination for weapons and other dangerous things.” He picked up a long thin sword and secured it on his back. “Her swords are the best craftsmanship you will ever see as well. She is Michael’s best customer, if that’s not obvious enough.”
“Apparently, though I would say her ‘fascination’ is more of an obsession.” Sophia said amazed.
Vincent grabbed a belt like wrap that he wrapped around his waist, which held many throwing knives. “What doesn’t Elizabeth have?” Gabriel questioned as he stared at Vincent.
Vincent smiled as he reached for a pouch and attached it to the belt that had just enough space open for it to be attached. “She had this special made so she could carry more throwing knives. She has more than you can imagine.” He smiled as he grabbed some throwing stars she had and placed them into the pouch, along with some metal wire. “Here, take this.” Vincent handed Gabriel a short sword that was more his size. “Leave that one here, we can come back for it later.”
“Right.” Gabriel nodded.
Vincent grabbed two more swords; leaving the ones Michael lent him in the room and attached them in the slots that were open for where Elizabeth usually kept her daggers, at her side. Once they were all situated, they quickly left the house taking the blue prints with them and hiding their stuff that they left behind. They hid in the shadows that the darkness had provided them and set off to rescue their loved ones.
~With Elizabeth~
She glared at the white silky dress that she was being forced to wear for tomorrow’s events. “I’m not wearing this!” She shouted, hoping that the prince would over hear her and come to face her. Her arm had completely healed as if nothing had ever happened. She was all too eager to return the favor that the medicine had put her through. Thoughts of peeling off his flesh slowly and detaching his body parts filled her mind.
Anilla bowed apologetically, “Sorry my lady but the prince has requested you to wear this.”
Elizabeth picked up the white cloth and placed it to her as she looked into the mirror. “I hate the pattern of this lace and it’s too fluffy.” Her eyes trailed to the long sleeves and then back to the lace that revealed the tops of her shoulders and a good portion of her chest. “It’s hideous!” She hissed out, tossing the fabric angrily on the bed.
Anilla chuckled, “It really is.”
“See how am I suppose to go out in front of a large crowd like this?”
Anilla smiled, “We just make you more beautiful than the dress.”
Elizabeth glared at the fabric, hoping that if she glared hard enough that it would catch on fire. Her eyes softened as a sudden thought came to mind. “Actually this could work out well.”
“I’m sorry I don’t understand what you mean my lady.” Anilla said in an obvious confused tone.
“The bulkiness of the fabric allows for things to be hidden better. He has no idea how much he’s helping me.” Elizabeth smiled as her eyes darkened and a sinister smirk was plastered onto her face. She lifted her pant leg, showing off her pale, smooth, legs. “He took my last throwing knife, however I always have one hidden else where.” She said as she pulled the cloth from her thigh revealing a tiny holster that had two throwing knives secured safely around the inner and outer part of her leg.
Anilla’s jaw dropped, “You had those hiding there the whole time?”
“I always have some hidden on me.” Elizabeth shrugged as if it were nothing as she detached the holster. “I’d feel naked if I didn’t have one.” She smiled softly to Anilla. “May I ask you something?” Elizabeth asked curiously.
Anilla nodded, “Anything.”
“Did you ever take part in those rituals?” She asked curiously as she tossed the holster on the bed.
Anilla’s face paled and her eyes clouded over with shame as she cast her eyes to the carpet. “Once, when I was pregnant with Gabriel.” She muttered. “I was forced into it or else they would have killed us both.”
Elizabeth clenched her fist as anger radiated off her. “How sick! Why would they do that?”
“They were hoping that by partaking the ‘blessed’ blood that it would make the unborn child inside me stronger.”
Elizabeth fought back the bile that rose to her throat. “That’s just sick.” She said as her face cringed into one of disgust. “Did it work?” She asked curiously.
“Well nobody has seen much of a difference, so he was trained in hopes of revealing the effects that the ritual could have created.”
Elizabeth shivered, “I would never drink a person’s blood for ‘strength’ that’s just gross!”
“Yes but if the person isn’t first offered to the um god of this ritual then it won’t work.” She said nervously as she rubbed her arm. “There are important steps to this ritual that one has to take but most importantly, the sacrifice must die on the alter, not before.” She shivered as the dark memories plagued her mind. “There’s only one person I know that has practiced this ritual and made it part of who he was. However, he is no longer living.” She shrugged it off.
“Who?” Elizabeth asked curiously.
“My brother.” Anilla whispered softly as her facial features dropped into the shameful ones it held when discussing the matter.
To be continued... Sorry for the long update been really busy lately. I’ve already started Chapter 15 so hopefully it won’t take nearly as long as this update did. Thank you everyone who reads this! ^_^
Trevor glanced at Gabriel, seeing the determination clear as day in his facial features. He turned his back towards him and placed his hands in his pocket. “I’m sorry I can’t give you the information that you are seeking. I’m only told my targets locations.”
Gabriel frowned, feeling anger bubble up inside him. “You can’t say that!” He shouted, clenching his fist in the process. “You have to know more than that!’
“I’m sorry kid, I don’t ask questions.”
“Why the hell not!” Gabriel shouted as he took a step forward. “Are you that heartless that you just kill people because you are told to? Have you ever just once stopped and thought why these people had to die?”
Trevor shook his head, “I am that heartless.” He said softly as he turned to face Gabriel. “I do what I’m told. In my line of work you don’t ask questions because sometimes people get attached to those that have to die. You don’t think that anyone couldn’t beg for their lives and throw out any sob story in hopes that their blood wouldn’t be on your hands?” He asked calmly as his eyes were void of any emotion.
Gabriel charged Trevor in anger, though he easily sidestepped, even with his wounds. “You told me that I wouldn’t like your answer!”
“You don’t.” Trevor pointed out as he continued to move out of the way as Gabriel was charging him like a bull seeing red.
“Then instead of toying with me you should have just said I don’t know.” Gabriel growled out as Trevor stopped his rampage with a palm to his forehead.
“Look I know you are upset. If you want to know who hired me then that I can tell you.” Trevor said with a smile on his face.
“Fine, tell us what you know.” He shot back sourly.
“Well of course the prince hired me. However I would say that there is something more to the situation.” Trevor said as he rested his chin in his palm.
“Yes I’m sure it was obvious that the prince hired you.” Vincent said sarcastically as Sophia was knitting the skin in his leg back together. “Don’t you have any other information? Why would the prince be paranoid as you mention earlier?”
“That’s what I’m still trying to figure out myself.” Trevor said softly. “There must be another party involved that we don’t know about. Someone that terrifies Oswald even more so than I do.” He smirked at the last part as his mind wandered to the commotion he had started after mending Elizabeth’s shoulder.
“Who would be stronger than you?” Sophia asked in shock at the sudden turn the conversation had taken.
“I’m not sure.” Trevor mumbled more to himself than to the others.
“Michael knows of someone and he thinks he maybe involved, but he never said who it was. He just warned me to be careful.” Vincent shifted his leg so Sophia could wrap it up.
“Obviously the stronger person would see you and I as a threat. It’s no wonder that we would be considered an enemy on his list. Though I don’t remember pissing anyone off directly do you?” He chuckled, knowing that he really didn’t have to do much to make a person angry. His bad reputation that followed him was enough for people to want him dead.
Vincent sighed, “Neither did I.”
Trevor’s eyes widen at first as a sudden thought came to mind, but he didn’t want to share the information he had acknowledged finally. It was all starting to make sense to him, but he wanted the others to find out on their own. “Just watch your back little bro.” Trevor turned as his mind was swimming with ideas.
“You as well Trevor, if by some chance I can’t handle this person, then they will be after you next.”
“I’m well aware of that, however I am rather good at escaping.” He winked at his brother as his body faded into the shroud of darkness.
Before anyone could say anything, the over pass ahead screeched loudly and then collapsed to the floor where Trevor was standing just a moment ago. A cloud of dust mixed with wood chips filled the air and quickly settled amongst the floor. “Well that was good timing.” Sophia said as she stood to her feet and grabbed her medical bag.
“Yeah if he hadn’t moved the debris would have crushed him.” Vincent said as he stood to his feet, applying more pressure onto his good leg.
Gabriel let out a soft sigh, “Still no answers.”
“You will have your answers soon enough.” Vincent muttered as he picked up his swords. “Besides at least we know for sure that your mom is safe. Now we can knock out two birds with one stone.”
“Yes, you’re right.” Gabriel said with a soft smile gracing his lips. “Let’s go rescue them both.”
Vincent nodded as he walked normally, ignoring the pain in his leg. They quietly followed Vincent through the dark corridors that seemed to never end until Vincent stopped at a door that had a throwing knife imbedded into the dark cherry wood. “Looks like this is Elizabeth’s room.” Sophia sneered, glancing at the throwing knife.
“Yes thank you for stating the obvious.” Vincent glared back at her as he picked the lock open. Sophia closed her mouth and looked down at the floor shamefully.
“Oh wow!” Gabriel gasped as they walked into Elizabeth’s room, closing the door behind them. “She could take on an army alone with all this weaponry.”
Vincent smiled, walking over to the tall dresser that matched the same wood of her room and door. “Yes well she enjoys collecting as well.”
Gabriel scanned the walls that were covered with many swords hanging by the strap on their sheath. Some were more like daggers, other like claymores. Anything that could be used as a weapon, she had in her room. “You would think she had an army of her own.” Sophia whispered as her eyes followed Gabriel’s.
“Yes.” Vincent agreed as he went through her clothes, looking for the blue prints of the castle. His face lit up when he opened her underwear drawer. “Please don’t kill me for this Elizabeth.” He prayed softly as he pushed aside all of her clothing. He heard a shuffling sound and dug under everything to find the blue prints. “Of course.” He sighed, knowing it was the safest place to keep the information. He quickly grasped the paper, only to be pricked by a blade. He felt his eyebrow twitch with annoyance as the bottom portion of her drawer was filled with throwing knives. “No wonder she never runs out.” Vincent said as he slammed the drawer shut and plopped down on her crimson comforter that felt like a giant marshmallow.
“You found it!” Gabriel smiled as he took a seat on the bed as well.
“Yes.” Vincent nodded as he laid the blue print over the comforter. The castle had many floors and rooms, meaning there was a high probability of getting lost. “We will have to stick together on this, no complaining or arguments.” Vincent warned as he gazed over the hundred of rooms that was in the castle.
“Why would anyone own something this big?” Gabriel asked curiously.
“Shows wealth.” Sophia answered.
“Ok, if we want to get through unnoticed, there’s a secret passage in the Garden.” He pointed to the wall of the building. “There is a door that has a well hidden button on it. If you find that, then the door lifts and leads down these stairs.” Vincent said as he traced the pathway with his index finger.
“How do we know what room Elizabeth will be in though I mean, we could be at this for days.” Gabriel said in disbelief.
“Very true.” Vincent agreed, rethinking his plan. “The wedding is tomorrow…” he began as he scanned the castle for an area big enough to be able to hold a wedding. “Here!” He pointed at a large area. “This is most likely where they will have the wedding.”
“Why don’t we just walk in with all the other guests?” Sophia asked as if it were an obvious solution.
“Good idea, if Oswald wasn’t paranoid. However, since this is reality, then there will of course be invitations, which will be checked at the door. He maybe a stupid man, but he does get credit for being cautious.”
“So then how did you plan on getting through the secret passage without being detected then?” Sophia sighed.
“Well of course we would do it in the veil of darkness when we wouldn’t be seen. I’m no fool Sophia.”
Sophia turned away from Vincent’s harsh gaze. She felt sadden that she allowed jealousy consume her and now she was just acting like a child, taking her anger out in such ways. “Sorry Vincent.” Sophia said softly, knowing she had to let her jealousy go. Vincent only had eyes for Elizabeth and would never have eyes for her.
“So then what now?” Gabriel questioned curiously.
Vincent stood to his feet and walked over to Elizabeth’s closet. “Now that we know what path we will be taking, we stock up.” He stepped aside to show the many swords and daggers that were neatly placed inside the closet. “She trains with these, so she won’t mind if we use them to help rescue her.”
Gabriel’s jaw dropped, “How many weapons does she have?”
Vincent smiled, “I lost count after the 100th one. She was never one for dolls and dresses. She has always had a fascination for weapons and other dangerous things.” He picked up a long thin sword and secured it on his back. “Her swords are the best craftsmanship you will ever see as well. She is Michael’s best customer, if that’s not obvious enough.”
“Apparently, though I would say her ‘fascination’ is more of an obsession.” Sophia said amazed.
Vincent grabbed a belt like wrap that he wrapped around his waist, which held many throwing knives. “What doesn’t Elizabeth have?” Gabriel questioned as he stared at Vincent.
Vincent smiled as he reached for a pouch and attached it to the belt that had just enough space open for it to be attached. “She had this special made so she could carry more throwing knives. She has more than you can imagine.” He smiled as he grabbed some throwing stars she had and placed them into the pouch, along with some metal wire. “Here, take this.” Vincent handed Gabriel a short sword that was more his size. “Leave that one here, we can come back for it later.”
“Right.” Gabriel nodded.
Vincent grabbed two more swords; leaving the ones Michael lent him in the room and attached them in the slots that were open for where Elizabeth usually kept her daggers, at her side. Once they were all situated, they quickly left the house taking the blue prints with them and hiding their stuff that they left behind. They hid in the shadows that the darkness had provided them and set off to rescue their loved ones.
~With Elizabeth~
She glared at the white silky dress that she was being forced to wear for tomorrow’s events. “I’m not wearing this!” She shouted, hoping that the prince would over hear her and come to face her. Her arm had completely healed as if nothing had ever happened. She was all too eager to return the favor that the medicine had put her through. Thoughts of peeling off his flesh slowly and detaching his body parts filled her mind.
Anilla bowed apologetically, “Sorry my lady but the prince has requested you to wear this.”
Elizabeth picked up the white cloth and placed it to her as she looked into the mirror. “I hate the pattern of this lace and it’s too fluffy.” Her eyes trailed to the long sleeves and then back to the lace that revealed the tops of her shoulders and a good portion of her chest. “It’s hideous!” She hissed out, tossing the fabric angrily on the bed.
Anilla chuckled, “It really is.”
“See how am I suppose to go out in front of a large crowd like this?”
Anilla smiled, “We just make you more beautiful than the dress.”
Elizabeth glared at the fabric, hoping that if she glared hard enough that it would catch on fire. Her eyes softened as a sudden thought came to mind. “Actually this could work out well.”
“I’m sorry I don’t understand what you mean my lady.” Anilla said in an obvious confused tone.
“The bulkiness of the fabric allows for things to be hidden better. He has no idea how much he’s helping me.” Elizabeth smiled as her eyes darkened and a sinister smirk was plastered onto her face. She lifted her pant leg, showing off her pale, smooth, legs. “He took my last throwing knife, however I always have one hidden else where.” She said as she pulled the cloth from her thigh revealing a tiny holster that had two throwing knives secured safely around the inner and outer part of her leg.
Anilla’s jaw dropped, “You had those hiding there the whole time?”
“I always have some hidden on me.” Elizabeth shrugged as if it were nothing as she detached the holster. “I’d feel naked if I didn’t have one.” She smiled softly to Anilla. “May I ask you something?” Elizabeth asked curiously.
Anilla nodded, “Anything.”
“Did you ever take part in those rituals?” She asked curiously as she tossed the holster on the bed.
Anilla’s face paled and her eyes clouded over with shame as she cast her eyes to the carpet. “Once, when I was pregnant with Gabriel.” She muttered. “I was forced into it or else they would have killed us both.”
Elizabeth clenched her fist as anger radiated off her. “How sick! Why would they do that?”
“They were hoping that by partaking the ‘blessed’ blood that it would make the unborn child inside me stronger.”
Elizabeth fought back the bile that rose to her throat. “That’s just sick.” She said as her face cringed into one of disgust. “Did it work?” She asked curiously.
“Well nobody has seen much of a difference, so he was trained in hopes of revealing the effects that the ritual could have created.”
Elizabeth shivered, “I would never drink a person’s blood for ‘strength’ that’s just gross!”
“Yes but if the person isn’t first offered to the um god of this ritual then it won’t work.” She said nervously as she rubbed her arm. “There are important steps to this ritual that one has to take but most importantly, the sacrifice must die on the alter, not before.” She shivered as the dark memories plagued her mind. “There’s only one person I know that has practiced this ritual and made it part of who he was. However, he is no longer living.” She shrugged it off.
“Who?” Elizabeth asked curiously.
“My brother.” Anilla whispered softly as her facial features dropped into the shameful ones it held when discussing the matter.
To be continued... Sorry for the long update been really busy lately. I’ve already started Chapter 15 so hopefully it won’t take nearly as long as this update did. Thank you everyone who reads this! ^_^
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