The Exchange

 OSWC

Tainted, Silent, Fog, Apparition, Forgotten, Cauldron, Fangs, Errie, Lurking, Masquerade, Wicked, Prank, Grimoire, Specter, Trap, Carved, Superstition, Midnight, Undead, Banish, Lure, Empty, Wraith, Trick, Spell, Dread, Crypt, Disguise, Pit, Howl, Haunted

The Exchange

The darkness surrounded the hooded female  figure. It was thick with dread and crackling with magick. The flickering candle flame she carried cast eerie shadows as she walked the forest path. It gave the slender trees the look of a wraith twisting in the wind. It was nearing midnight and she needed to hurry. 

A second hooded figure joined her on the path. "I do not know why you insist on wearing a disguise. Surely this masquerade is not necessary. I feel wicked wearing this garb." 

"It is tradition. Be silent! We are not alone in these woods. There is something lurking just beyond our sight." The first figure answered. "These woods are known to be haunted."

"I believe this is nothing more than a prank. Is this some kind of a trap? Why have you really lured me here?"

"Follow me. I swear to you this is not a trick. Stay close. The fog thickens in the valley." The first figure led the way to a stone crypt at the bottom of the valley.

"Wait, you're not taking me in there to be a meal for the undead, are you?" The second figure was fearful. 

"There is nothing to fear. This place has been long forgotten by others of our kind." 

The first figure took a key out of her pocket. She felt for the lock amongst the carved sigils on the door. "The ones who do remember this place believe it is tainted. Their superstition and fear has gotten the better of them." She found the lock and inserted the key. 

The scraping of the lock gave them both chills. The first figure pushed open the door. It creaked and slowly opened. 

Instead of being empty the cave like structure was filled with objects of magick. A stand in the corner held an ancient grimoire.  A cauldron sat cold and rusting next to it. 

The most surprising thing there was a deep pit in the center of the space. A howl rose up from its depths. Something was inside the pit!

"What is down there?" The second figure peeked over the edge. She was met with a growl and a glimpse of fangs. "What manner of creature is that? Please tell me that I am seeing an apparition and nothing more."

"The creature is no spector. I brought you here to help me with the spell to cure its affliction." The first figure went to the book and found the incantation. "We must banish the evil within it. Come closer while I speak this rhyme." The first figure beckoned.

"I think this is foolish." The second figure came closer to the book.

The first figure spoke with intent and purpose. A scream filled the air then there was nothing. 

A naked man appeared on the floor as if from thin air. An empty cloak lay on the floor where the second figure had once been. 

"I told you that I would free you." The first figure pushed back her hood. She shook out her long red hair. 

He sat up. "You did as you promised." He looked over at his former prison. "What of her?"

"No one will miss her. I chose her for just that reason." She picked up the cloak at her feet and handed it to him. "I will throw the key in the lake and no one will know what I have done." 

The man donned the cloak. "Tomorrow. Tonight we will take time for ourselves." 

"Yes my beloved." She allowed him to lead her out by the hand. 

The door closed and the lock scraped closed.

All alone in the darkness, the second figure smiled. She knew a secret that her friend did not. She knew how to free herself. She raised her arms and called on all of her magick. In a flash of light, she disappeared into the night. 

The next morning lovers were found dead by the lake. Ancient sigils were drawn in a circle around them. She had taken her revenge as they lay together in the moonlight. 

(679)

Dear Diary

 Nano Writing prompt 2: 

Write a journal entry from the perspective of one of your main characters where they reflect on everything that has happened." — Dallas Woodburn, Camp Counselor

Dear Diary

I've just come back from speaking to the Ancient. There are no other seers in Ogham-Duir that I could go to. I'm related to all the others. He showed me my future in the pool. I was surprised and a bit disappointed.

The child I carry is a son. I even saw my son's face. He looks like my father. I suppose I am a little pleased at that. 

I will have to keep my heart open for him. Its not his fault he is a boy and my first born. I wanted a daughter but I shall have to bear the disappointment and not let it be visited on his head. 

Seeing the difficulty Aura is having to conceive, I feel guilty. I conceived so easily.  Aura and Dragas have been trying to conceive since they married. Even Victra conceived without much trouble. I think the delay with Victra and Klaus was due to shyness more than anything else. 

Fawnard doesnt even know about it yet but Im sure he will be pleased. His own little warrior to train up. I should tell him soon. I will have to step back my training and he will want to know why. 

Dionne already knows. She puzzled it out before I did. She's more worldly and has been by my side since childhood. She knows more about my habits and working than I do! 

I hear someone coming and by the sound of things its Fawnard in hie armor. I think I will tell him now. No time like the present…..

(262)

Found

Character Someone in witness protection

Situation Hosts a dinner party for the first time

Prop Mardi Gras beads

Found

Eugene looked over the dining table. It was perfect! His guests would be impressed. He had worked hard on it all day.

He decided to have a little party for his new friends. It had been ages since he had a party. All he wanted was to have a little fun. He never had any fun nowadays. 

Eugene had moved two times in the last six months. There was no way Kenny the Kibosh was going to find him in this little burg. This wasn't a place anyone whoever expect him to live. Hell, he didn't even believe he lived here.

The worst thing he had ever done was agree to testify against a known mob boss. He believed it was his civic duty to tell the truth. Boy, was he wrong. 

If Eugene had known he was going to have to hide in the middle of nowhere for months, he would have never agreed to speak up. The trial was still months away and he was dying out here in the burgs. 

The doorbell rang and Eugene went to the door. He smiled and opened the door. He went pale as soon as he saw who was at the door. 

"How ya doin Gene?" Kenny pushed past Eugene and walked into the house. "Havin a do I see. My invite must have gotten lost in the mail." 

"Hey Kenny. What are you doing out of jail?" Eugene asked as he shut the door. 

"I'm on bail." Kenny grinned. He picked up a strand of Mardi Gras beads. "You like it here in the middle of nowhere?"

"Well I did." Eugene looked at Kenny's hand holding the beads. "Wanna stay for dinner? Since you're here and all." 

"Naw just stopped by to say hi and if you rat on me …." Kenny stretched the beads between his hands. "I'll kill you." 

"Okay." Eugene swallowed. 

Kenny patted Eugene on the cheek. "Good man." He looped the beads over Eugene's head. "If I were you I'd find another place to live where noone can find you. Not even me."

"I'll look into it." Eugene looked at the beads around his neck. "Right away."

"Looks like you're going away party is going to be a blast." Kenny grinned. "No offense but I hope to never see you again, Gene." 

"Uh huh." Eugene watched as Kenny walked to the door. He picked up a bottle of champagne. He gave it a swing and hit Kenny on the head. Kenny went down and out. 

Eugene grinned. He pulled his emergency phone out of the drawer and called his handlers. 

"Hey Frank. Kenny found me and he's out cold on my floor…… I know he's out on bail now. You need to come and get him. Now! I have a party about to start in an hour….. Should I tie him up? … Fine but you need to hurry. I don't know how long he'll be out."

Ten minutes later, Eugene held the back door open as Frank led Kenny out in handcuffs. 

"Thanks Eugene. He won't get out again." Frank promised. 

"Oh one more thing." Eugene looped the Mardi Gras beads over Kennys head. "I'm gonna have a great party now." He kissed Kenny on the cheek. "Thanks Kenny." 

(544)

Expert Advice

 Expert Advice

Shelly walked to the edge of the roof and looked down. The body in the alley below looked like a ragdoll. "Why am I here, Jax?" 

"I just wondered if you knew the guy. He was a PI from Vegas." Jax stepped back from the edge. "Not a way I would want to go. Why come all this way to off yourself?"

"He didn't. He was pushed." Shelly met the detective's questioning look. "He landed on his back on the far side of the alley. Don't they teach you basic physics in detective school? My dad taught me that if the land on their back, away from the side of the bulding, it's usually murder."

"You don't need to be such a smart ass about it." Jax sighed and looked around. "No signs of a struggle here." 

"The roof is asphalt. There won't be scuff marks." Shelly looked at the edge of the roof itself. "No marks of any kind. He could have been dead and they just tossed him over for good measure." She stepped away from the edge of the roof and headed for the door. "You won't be needing me for this." 

"Hastings…" Jax grabbed by the arm. "I need you to look at his case notes and see if that was the reason he was murdered." She handed Shelly a notebook in an unsealed evidence bag. "Just between us." 

"Bryce said you were a good detective. Why are you giving me evidence that should have already been logged in and sent for processing?"

"Please just take a look at it." Jax looked around. "Its obvious your the woman for the job. Only another PI would understand a PIs notes." 

"Fine. I'll call you as soon as I have something." Shelly tucked the notebook in her bag. 

(300)