Why Lorie? Part II

Chapter 36: Drogo and the Witch

Drogo knocked insistently on the front door. He knew the old woman was home — he had followed her back there from the woods. For the past few days, Drogo's aim was to study and learn Zara Osborne's every move. At eighty years of age, she was pretty much settled in her ways and had an established daily routine. Drogo waited for Sabrina to leave for work before confronting her grandmother. He was beginning to get frustrated with her lack of cooperation, when the door finally creaked open. Zara partially stuck her head out from behind it.

"What do you want?" Drogo realized the crone knew exactly who he was.

"Let me in. We need to talk," he replied without any preamble.

"Why would I ever want to invite a creature like you into my home?" Zara asked.

"Because I am here to offer you a... solution," Drogo gave her a meaningful glance.

"You were sent here by your father, weren't you?" The old woman didn't budge.

Drogo rolled his eyes in frustration. "No. Actually, I came here of my own free will. Believe it or now, I want to... help you."

Zara considered his words for a time, while scrutinizing his face. She then nodded and opened the door all the way. "Very well. Come in."

Drogo stepped into the house. He looked around and was surprised by how commonplace everything was.

"Did you expect to see a bunch of cauldrons and potions all over the place?" Zara cackled, noticing his expression. "Perhaps some brooms hanging in the corner?"

"As a matter of fact, I did," Drogo admitted. "Where do you keep all that stuff?"

"I don't think I am going to share that information with you. I hope you understand," Zara said sarcastically. "Now... tell me why you are here."

"May I sit down? This might take a while," Drogo asked, pointing toward the sitting area further inside the house.

"Be my guest," Zara led him to a chair in the living room. Drogo sat and she followed his example. "I don't suppose you'd care for a cup of tea," she chuckled.

"Funny," Drogo said mirthlessly.

"In that case, I hope you don't expect a different kind of beverage... from me," she said more seriously.

Drogo shook his head. "No. I am not here to kill you. Not today."

"That is certainly a relief," Zara gave out a deep sigh. "So... why are you here?"

"As I am sure you already know... my father would like to see your family wiped off the face of the earth," Drogo said casually.

"Straight to the point, I see... that is good. I don't like beating around the bush either," Zara remarked.

"He has entrusted me with carrying out this particular task," Drogo continued, unperturbed.

Zara raised both of her eyebrows. "Yet you just said you are not here to kill me..."

"That is correct. I am here to give you a choice," Drogo continued.

"Yes?" Zara's curiosity was piqued. "Go on," she encouraged him.

"I am willing to spare your granddaughters' lives... in exchange for yours," Drogo proposed. "And as long as they move as far away from Mystery Spell as possible and never come back. They must also swear not to take any future revenge against any member of the Bartholy family."

"Hmm... not much of a deal as far as I'm concerned, is it?" Zara murmured.

"I'm afraid I can't let all of you live," Drogo continued. "Surely you understand that." He paused for a bit and then added: "Given that you've already had a long life... and that you are Father's primary target... your death makes the most sense, don't you think?"

"Yes, of course," Zara replied. "Viktor has already made me aware of his plans for me. He could never get over the fact that I escaped him once before." She sighed, looking resigned, but then met Drogo's gaze head on. "But why let my kin live? What's in it for you? Why be so generous with my family?"

"I'm doing this for my brother, not for your family," Drogo replied.

"I see... because Sarah works for him," Zara said. "When Sarah told me he was a nice man, I scoffed at first... but... perhaps, I was wrong."

Drogo nodded.

"But what about Sabrina? Why spare her too?" Zara inquired.

Drogo shrugged. "I have my reasons for letting her live... I'd rather not share them with you. I hope you understand."

Zara laughed out loud. "You have a good sense of humor, I see... especially for a vampire!"

"Yes. I can be a real barrel of laughs," Drogo's reply was dead-pan. "So... what is your answer?"

"May I think about it for a few days?" Zara asked. "It is a rather important decision..."

"Of course. Take your time. I am in no hurry," Drogo said. "But don't get any ideas and try to escape. I would find you... and the deal would be off."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Zara reassured him with a crooked grin. "I'm sure your tracking skills are exceptional." She took her time to scrutinize him. "How old are you, anyway?"

Drogo's amber eyes remained cold. "That is none of your business. And has nothing to do with our... transaction."

"Come, now... it's not like I could do anything to you based solely on your age... and who would I tell, besides my granddaughters?" She tried to appease him.

"I am not very old... but old enough to kill your whole family in just a few minutes," Drogo replied.

"Fair enough. You don't want to share.... Pity... I sort of like you," Zara cackled. "Good looking and with a sense of humor... a rare combination these days."

"Don't imagine that your death would involve anything of a... sexual nature," Drogo grinned. "No offense."

"None taken," Zara put up her hands defensively. "I'm sure a young, handsome whippersnapper like you would not be interested in an old hag like me," she chuckled. "Plus... at my age, my arthritic hips wouldn't permit much 'action' anyway."

Drogo pulled a face. "Good to know." He stood up. "I won't waste any more of your time... since you don't have much left. I suggest you use it wisely."

"How long do I have to think about your proposal?" Zara asked.

"I hope three days is enough," Drogo replied.

"It should be... Once I decide something, I rarely change my mind," the old woman muttered.

"What will you tell your granddaughters?" Drogo inquired.

"That will be the hard part," Zara mused. "But I'm sure I'll come up with something... believable."

"Very well then. I shall return in three days," Drogo said as he headed toward the door.

"I wish I could say I'm looking forward to it," Zara remarked. "But... under the circumstances..."

"Of course. I understand your reserves," Drogo replied. He kind of liked the old woman and regretted having to end her life.

"Thank you... young Drogo," Zara said unexpectedly. "Yours is an act of kindness that is unusual for... your kind."

Drogo nodded, but didn't speak. He had done his bit. Now, the rest was up to the old witch.