Worst Curse: A Ghostwalkers Journey, Book II

Chapter 2

     With blood on their hands, the two lovers left the city eight years ago. Their intent had been to walk away, and to forget all about the trouble they left behind. Even though they did their best to forget, others would never let the thought of them slip their mind. Pilo had taken a lot from many people before he left. After eight years, those people still kept him fresh in their thoughts. Knowing Pilo and Demini were still out there, some could never achieve peace. The lovers were a threat, and with them in existence, the ascension of some would always have opposition.

     On horseback, the lovers rode to the first town the main road led into. Pilo wanted to stop there so could keep an eye on the traffic coming and going from the city. If evil started to overflow from the city, this town would be their first stop. As long as everything remained quiet in this town, he knew forces in the city had evil contained. When it reached his doorstep, he knew a time for action had come. Those eight years were a blessing for them.

     A tavern, on the outside of the town, greeted them when they exited the forest, after their escape. Needing time to regroup, they stopped there, and found a corner to sit in, to gather their thoughts. The tavern welcomed the trouble makers, and fugitives. No one of importance paid attention to what happened inside its walls. There weren't any laws as long as the trouble didn't spill over into town. The lovers agreed it would be a perfect place for them.

     They waited until close, on the first night, and Demini persuaded the owner to relinquish all his rights to the property. Both of them tended the bar. Demini ran hospitality, and Pilo maintained security. They allowed the unwanted to act out of control, but after they took over management, respect became a more common occurrence. Only under Pilo's permission did violence ever break out. If someone did act out of line, against Pilo and Demini's wishes, they usually were never seen again. A small staff had been employed to help keep an eye out during the day, and to help out with nightly duties. For those eight years everything ran smoothly; until it didn't.

     The end of the night had arrived, and the sun would be rising soon. Most customers knew to leave, but the lovers knew this night would be different. When the group entered, management could sense something different about the group of travelers. In secret, Pilo watched them from the spirit realm, and knew they were looking for trouble. He waited until all of his customers left before he moved to get answers. Like normal, Pilo locked the front door, but this time he still had customers left inside. Demini sent the staff away, and locked the back door.

     Two men sat at the bar, away from each other, wearing long brown coats, and large hats over their long greasy hair. A group of two men and women still sat at a table in the back of the room. The men also wore long brown coats, and the women wore black dresses. Their clothing and hair were used to hide their pale skin, and the brims of their hats hid the darkness in their eyes. Without saying a word, Pilo returned to the bar, and stopped in front of the one exuding the most confidence. Pilo could smell his ignorant arrogance. Taking a bottle of whiskey from the shelf, Pilo filled up his shot glass once more.

     "Sun'll be coming up soon," Pilo informed the man.

     "We've made arrangements," the man said before taking the shot of whiskey. "How 'bout 'nother," he asked, finally making eye contact.

     "I think you've had enough."

     The man sucked his teeth in disgust, showing off one of his fangs. "We're just gettin' started."

     "What are you doing here? Are you from the Capitol?"

     "Now, Pilo, I am a man of mystery. If I told you all that, I'd lose all that I hold dear."