Left with Skulls (Julius X Death!OC)

PART V - THE CHILD

The rain died down, leaving puddles consuming paths and fields. Sun was bidding its goodbyes as it ran away from the black moon. Taking a chance, Capitan left the pub and walked in the direction to the inn. The chilly wind picked up, swaying shops' wooden signs, squeaking with every move. Julius noticed children that didn't seem to mind the weather, as they played and laughed. He smiled at them and stopped when he heard them singing. They played with jumping rope and clapped their hands. His smile fell when he understood their words.

"One for a sorrow 
Two for joy 
Three for a girl 
Four for a boy 
Five for silver 
Six for gold 
Seven for a secret never to be told 
Eight for a wish 
Ten a surprise you should be careful not to miss 
Eleven for health 
Twelve for wealth 
Thirteen beware it's the devil himself" 

Children giggle echoed through the town. Julius tensed seeing small shadow next to his. He turned around and saw a child with black hair and very pale skin staring at him. 'How come I haven't noticed the kid before?' The child lifted their arm pointing his fragile finger behind Julius. Capitan turned following the direction and saw the sinister castle again. Even more luring than before. He frowned, he could swear he just saw a shadow in the window. When he turned back, the child was gone. Mothers' voices called their children to come home. They all ran away from the playground. He watched their backs but none of them looked like this child. The road that held so much life became dull and empty. Julius carried on, noticing how people peeped through their windows at him. When inn came into view, he heard a flutter of wings. Looking up he saw a raven landing on inn's sign.

The room was small. Basic bed and desk with a chair were the only things that fit in that space. Julius sighed deeply and moved his hands to remove his robe. All clothes being left behind to dry as he went to get a hot shower. His muscles lessened a bit but not enough for him to relax. He sat at the desk and looked through the case file. His head spun when he tried to add up all confusing leads. 'The first report described mysterious deaths which link to the legend told by the barman. Although, it's just a legend but in every legend, there is a seed of truth.' Julius thought. He sighed and propped head on his hand. 'How this theory applies if the bodies of fallen knights are missing, not heads, does that mean they had to be in the cave? But why send heads back? To warn the magic emperor? But then, it's like starting a war which doesn't seem to be the point.' He furrowed his eyebrows. Faint light casting a shadow at his face flickered. 'Maybe it was to alert the kingdom? An S.O.S. signal? But who would do that? No one from the villagers, they didn't even seem to knew about magic knights in their town in the first place. So if it wasn't them, then who? Who found the heads and managed to get them to the capital unnoticed?' Chair cracked when he leaned back. He stared at the wall holding his chin. 'Better question, do they saw the attack? Are they still alive? Why do they care about this town if they don't live here? Are they somewhere near? Do they know where is the one behind this all? Do they know I'm here?'
Julius closed his eyes and thrown his head back. 'Way too many questions and little to no answers.' He sat there a bit longer trying to connect the dots but how can you do that if you have to guess when the dot is. He got up stretching his backs and turned off the lamp. The bed sunk down under his weight. He looked through the window at the night sky. Heavy clouds still were there, separating bright stars from the people below.
His eyelids got heavier with every breath he took and he fell asleep.
An old clock ticked with difficulty, each time getting slower and slower. Finally stopping at 00:03 and then he felt it. The cold and dark presence in the room with him. A shiver ran down his spine and all hairs stood up. He opened his eyes and he saw it. Just like in the tale from his childhood, a dark tall figure in the corner of the room, standing still and staring at him. He couldn't see its eyes but he was sure they were watching him. He couldn't move, his body was paralyzed. His eyes widen, such fear wasn't familiar to him. Was he ever scared? Yes, for the lives of others or his own on the battlefield but now. Now he was afraid like a child. Child alone in their room at night with no light on. Defenseless child in their bed with no teddy bears. Child unable to scream to alert their parents. He just stared at the towering figure with abnormally long arms. It got cold, moisture freezed on the window and his breath took a form of grey steam. His guest hovered towards him, Julius' breath hitched. The figure wore black destroyed robe hiding its face. Material flooded in the air with slow movements exposing rooted skin. Creature exceeded a boney hand and touched his cheek. Its head inching closer. A smell of sulfur hit him in the face as the creature breathed heavily next to his ear. He looked down at his hand, his one finger lifting. When he looked back the creature was gone. It was gone. Julius inhaled harshly and sat up being able to control his body again. He touched his cheek, still freezing cold. He put the light on and scanned the room. Everything seemed to be normal. He got up and washed his face with cold water. His eyes met with the reflection in the mirror and right then he was sure of one thing.
'They do know I'm here.'