Ithika: Into The Forest

Chapter 18

Esthony awoke in a wavering state of consciousness to Miss Agitha, Joel, and a stranger hovering over her. They were whispering to each other when the handsome stranger leaned over her and whispered evilly. "We have Laza."

Unable to speak, a single tear dropped from her cheek. "If you want to save her and your mother, you will let Annastella come forth."

Esthony weakly shook her head. "No, please... she's dangerous...I don't know what I will become."

Luthius smiled. "You will become our leader." He briefly paused. "To save your mother and Laza, you must."

Tears streamed down Esthony's cheeks as she realized she would never see her mother again. "Okay," she whispered.

Agitha withdrew a dagger and quickly chanted an unknown language. She poured incense, fresh herbs, and blood onto the dagger. Without warning, she sent its pointed blade into Esthony's heart. A loud whale of pain escaped her. She slumped over.

Silence crept into the room. They all stood around her body. Joel frantically looked to Luthius. "You told me she wouldn't be harmed."

Luthius waved his hand in the air. "Hush, Hush..." the phase is beginning." Sparks of bright green light shot out of her chest vibrantly. The wound began to heal and her skin pinkened. Esthony's eyes shot wide open. She gasped. Her eyes were no longer brown, but bright green.

"Where am I," she demanded.

Luthius ran to her side, "You are in Spirdth Castle, my queen."

"Ah yes, I can smell the odor of death now." Her face smoothed to a mature look as she gazed around the room. "Agitha darling, I see you are doing well." Her eyes caught Joel. "Well, well... who do we have here?"

"He is a gift for you my queen." Lugthius grinned.

"A gift! Oh, how I enjoy presents." She rose from the ground with a blood drenched dress. Her pale, soft skin illuminated with beauty. With a few twists of her wrist, she transformed her apparel into a long flowing bright green, elaborately woven dress, fit for only a queen. Her hair curled and cascaded down her back. On her heaping head of curls lay a bright red tiara with shimmering rubies. Everyone in the room smiled with delight.

"We must depart to my home land. I have many plans and little time before Ithika's council becomes aware of my presence. We will need to build an army stronger than before to defeat them. But once we do... You and I," her hand grazed Joel's cheek as she glanced at him alluringly, "can rule this world together as King and Queen."

"Ithika is mine."

Spenser arrived at the camp, but it was already too late. He stood amidst the wreckage, his heart heavy with grief and anger. Tears streamed down his face as he clenched his fists in frustration. Determination burned in his eyes as he made a solemn promise to himself, "I will find you. Or I will die trying."

The future seemed uncertain, but Spenser's resolve to rescue his loved ones remained unwavering. With every fiber of his being, he vowed to track down those responsible and bring them to justice. The path ahead would be treacherous, but Spenser was prepared to face any obstacle in his quest for vengeance and to save those he held dear.