Author's Note: I haven't written anything in a while and I just hope that this story will be enjoyable for some people at the least; whether they are a fan of Disney, Elvira or both.
Chapter 1
BANG! BANG! BANG! The knocking on the castle doors rang throughout the stone halls like cannon fire, jolting Yensid from his sleep. Thin hands waved quickly to magically ignite every torch in his home. As fast as his aging body could move the gray-haired man tied a blue robe around his body and rushed to the front doors. His thick brows were furrowed in anger until he opened the wooden door and saw who was on the other side.
"Morgana," he gasped. "Please, come in. Whatever is the matter?"
The cloaked woman walked inside with Yensid's help while dabbing at her tears with a green handkerchief. At her side was a large Rottweiler that limped its way inside. Her head hung in sorrow as she fought to look in her friend's gray eyes. Tenderly she pulled her black hood down, freeing the mess of red and gray hair. "Oh, Yensid… its Divonna. She was murdered tonight," said Morgana.
Yensid's mouth fell slightly as he felt his entire body grow cold. He could not believe nor did he want to believe what he just heard. Not only was Divonna his friend and respected ally she was someone he looked after like a daughter. He turned to stare into the burning fireplace as he continued to listen.
"I was at home when I suddenly felt Algonquin, my familiar in great pain," she said while easing into a chair. Her dog placed its large head on her lap, whimpering softly as she gently pet him. "I found him injured in the woods lying beside something. After I got close enough my fear was confirmed," said Morgana. Her green eyes closed to fight back more tears. The image of seeing her niece with fresh blood and burns all over her pale skin would haunt her for the rest of her life.
"Was it Vincent?" asked Yensid.
"I have no doubt about it. Algonquin was the only one with her when I found them, but I am sure my brother did this. With Divonna gone Vincent probably thinks he can take her position now," she said just before coughing into her handkerchief.
Both Morgana and Yensid knew that Vincent had wanted to be Master of the Dark for a long time. It was a position of great power over the darker magics and even demons. If he were to claim this position he would spread terror and misery across the kingdoms just for his own amusement.
"If I could I would take up the mantle again. But my health isn't what it used to be," said Morgana.
"We may not have a choice. Only a blood relative can become the next master since Divonna and I never chose a successor for her. That leaves only you and Vincent," replied Yensid.
"Well…there is one other…"
Yensid turned to face her, his brows raised in shock before falling back down into sadness. "I had hoped she would never be brought into this, not after the losses we have suffered. Do you even know where Divonna's daughter is?"
"Yes, I still watch over her through my crystal ball. Last I saw of her she was in some seedy inn at the base of the mountains. I plan on leaving tomorrow with Malinda to find Elvira," said Morgana just before coughing into her handkerchief once more.
"I suggest you only send Malinda, you shouldn't do a lot of traveling in your condition," said Yensid. On the table beside Morgana was an empty clay cup. In a single motion Yensid grabbed the cup in one hand and waved the other over the cup, summoning water to fill it before he offered it to the woman.
"Thank you," she said before taking a drink. "All the more reason for me to go. I'm not sure how much longer I have and I want to see my grandniece one last time before I die. Last time I saw her Divonna and I took her to orphanage when Elvira was just a baby. I'll be safe with Algonquin and Malinda with me."
"Speaking of Malinda why isn't she with you? Or does she even know about Divonna?" asked Yensid.
"I came to you right after I found Divonna. I don't think my heart could take telling Malinda. The poor dear looked up to Divonna like her mother."
"I'll send my apprentice for Malinda in the morning. I have your usual room ready, why don't you get some rest. Tomorrow we will have the proper ceremony for Divonna and then we can send Malinda."
"Thank you, Yensid," she said softly nod of her head. As she began to the walk towards the stairs her familiar slowly rose to his paws and followed obediently with a limp.
After Morgana was gone Yensid went to his study. Waiting for him on his desk was a blue pointed had embroidered with a silver crescent moon and stars. He placed the hat on his balding head and lit a candle that was also on the oak desk. His hands waved over the flame, weaving his long fingers through the smoke as it changed colors. The smoke took an oval shape and started to show an image. Yensid saw a young woman with tall and long raven hair sitting at window in what must have been her bedroom. Her skin was as pale as the moonlight and her lips painted a dark red. She looked as though she was in deep thought while her hand played with the skirt to her black night gown.
With a heavy sigh Yensid shook his hands through the smoky image until it was gone.