Worst Curse: A Ghostwalkers Journey, Book II

Chapter 14

     Electric tension built up as the approaching horde made their way toward the mansion. A wave of clarity broke through the confusion within Yasmina's mind, and she noticed Austesh's absence. Feeling responsible for his wellbeing, she broke from the group, and ran into the dark hall leading to the room he occupied. Pilo could have held her in place, but a part of him wrestled with the thought of being better off with her in harm's way. Still settling from the morphing with his spirit realm wolf, Therion turned to see Yasmina run out of the room. When Therion made a move to follow her, the High Priestess grabbed his attention.

     "Stop," she demanded. "She's made her decision. Your loyalty lies here."

     The large wolf beast looked at her as she spoke before turning back to look at the doorway. A few seconds passed before the wolf looked back at her. With a growl, he knelt down on all fours and chased after Yasmina.

     "Damnit," she said.

     "Are you serious," said Pilo. "Is it just going to be the two of us? What kind of threat are we looking at?"

     "Nothing we can't handle. They'll most likely split up. We'll fight them, limitedly, until we draw the rest of the group in. Then, I'll do what I'm good at."

     "Destroying things?"

     "Exactly."

     Silent footsteps brought the attackers outside the mansion walls. Every window was open, exposing the contents of darkness, being shown in between the flowing curtains. The leader took one step closer and raised his hand. In anticipation they waited for his signal. When his limb dropped with gravity, the first wave tested the danger of their opponent. One third of the group began climbing into the windows to hunt down their prey.

     "Pilo," said the High Priestess, "You got this first group. It shouldn't be a problem...I guess since you are fighting for my safety, I should let you use this." With a wave of her hand, she produced a dark cloud, and pulled out a bladed staff from within it.

     "Well isn't that convenient. Let me guess, this is your secret weapon for when I attack?"

     "Yes," she said as she handed over to him. "There's a blade on one end. The other is equipped with stakes that can be used as projectiles. Just twist the fixture at the base of the stakes to release the next one. There's only five to use."

     "Damn, this is some weapon. Good thing I was introduced to it this way, and not for its intended purpose."

     Several figures ran through the doorway and straight at them. Pilo twist the staff in the air and swung it in the direction of the attackers. The stake flew off the end of the staff, and turned the first attacker into dust. The rest of the group were now too close for throwing stakes, and Pilo swung the blade end around, making contact, and taking the victim off their feet. A kick knocked the next one off balance, giving Pilo the opportunity drive the stake end into the torso of the last one in line. Ash fell to the floor as Pilo took his attention back to the remaining opponent. Slamming the blade into the floor, Pilo approached unarmed. Easily, Pilo defended off the attacks. Grabbing the man by the throat, Pilo made it clear he was in control. Throwing the man straight up into the air, Pilo moved under him, and grabbed his ankles. Taking a firm grasp on the man's limbs, Pilo snapped the man down on the end of the stake, turning his victim into ash. Wiping off his hands, Pilo walked over to the staff and jerked it from the floor before turning back toward the High Priestess.

     Yasmina's steps echoed off the walls as she ran down the dark hallway toward Austesh's location. Heavy steps and claws scraping across the floor began to follow her. Unaware of what threats were approaching the mansion, the sounds following her were scary, and made her run faster. She burst into Austesh's room and found him with Therion's concubines. His shirt was off, and the women had him pinned up against the wall. Yasmina's entrance startled everyone, and the women took a step back from Austesh.