The Unfortunates

Part 37

The celebration was in full swing in the underground lair, drinks and food were passed around, handshakes were exchanged, music and laughter rang through the halls. Mayabelle was directly in the center along with Ember, Idril and Captain Dharnon. Even Ceaser was getting excited attention. People threw him pieces of well deserved steak and chicken, which he quickly and gratefully gulped. She could see the stress and anxiety melting away from their faces, no more worries of the climb to the top of the mountain or the fight with the Giant. Tonight was a night of celebration, a night of no troubles. 

Idril struck up a lively song, and soon tieflings, who previously had scowled, were dancing and clapping merrily to the strum of the guitar strings. Soon, the music had died down, and all were seated around the three friends who told the story of their adventure thus far. All who listened did so with rapture, eyes fixed on the storytellers. 

Captain Dharnon made a welcome speech for them, inviting them back after they had defeated the giant. He presented Ember with his chiefly emblem, to offer them strength and luck on their travels. Then, all the tieflings who possessed magic came one by one and blessed each of them, wishing swiftness and agility, luck and swift thinking, honor and glory. 

The last tiefling in line approached, his reddish orange eyes fixed on Mayabelle and her friends. His robes were of deep crimson, his tunic and pants of charcoal black. His mouth was set in an unpleasant sneer, an expression that sent chills down Mayabelle's spine. Instinctively, she drew closer to Idril and Ember. 

The tiefling raised his grey clawed hand, saying in a cruel and rasping voice, "May your bones fall unsatisfied, may your spirits haunt the mountainside, may all your struggles be in vain, may you get nothing for toil and strain."

Mayabelle let out a small whimper as the tiefling strode away into the shadows. She hoped and prayed with all her heart that his curse might be canceled by a blessing they had received. Perhaps he was simply a false prophet of doom, not really bringing these tidings of disaster. 

She looked up at Ember and Idril, whose faces were set with stony expressions. 

"Should we tell the Captain?" asked Idril, putting her hand on Mayabelle's head protectively. 

"Yes," Ember said shortly. They marched up to the Captain, recounting the curse and its bearer. Captain Dharnon shook his head disappointedly. 

"That man never causes anything good," he grumbled, clenching his fist. "Unfortunately, he's the son of one of my most trusted officials who begged for him to stay. Don't know why he hasn't been kicked out already." 

"Is his prophecy real?" asked Mayabelle, her eyes wide with worry. 

"It's not a prophecy, thank the gods, but a curse. Sadly, we can't do anything about it, but with the amount of support for you three I doubt that the curse will take hold. Now, don't worry. I am confident in your success."

That night, Mayabelle laid in the bed provided for her. Her green eyes roved about the room where a dragon and two strong quest bound women lay snoring. Over and over she repeated to herself, "The curse is not real, be the guiding light, the curse is not real..."