Chapter 7: Towards the Coast
Karigan's world comes into focus as she awoke from the dim lantern. Confusion spread through her mind as she realized what had just happened. She placed her hands on her abdomen, remembering all too well the feeling of it being ripped open. Letting out a moan of frustration she turned and walked out of the hut, only to bump into a pacing Maria.
"Maria! Oh thank the gods you're alright! What happened?"
Maria's face curled into a frown, "I didn't see much, but I did see who it was that attacked you. However as soon as I turned the corner he disappeared. The coward."
"Do you know who it was?"
"Brador." Maria growled, her eyes blazing with hatred and disgust, "A man with no honor, only murder and blood to his name. He's a old church assassin who endlessly preys on those who wish to uncover the Nightmare's secrets. I believe he is the one who killed your friend, Simon."
Karigan nodded her head slowly, "I see, so will he be after us the entire time?"
"Most likely, he is relentless, but not only that, he enjoys toying with his victims. Even when you kill him he'll come back, I'm not even entirely sure if he can be permanently killed."
"Well we still have to push forward, so when the time comes we will deal with him." Karigan exclaimed as she propped her blade up on her shoulder and began to move forward.
Maria smiled and began following her, "Ever the bold one I see."
After making their way across creaking rooftops that bent and dripped under their feet, the duo came upon the bridge where Karigan had met her sudden end.
Karigan spoke while looking ahead, "Do you think he'll come back right here?"
"He doesn't want you to progress any further through the hamlet so probably, yes."
As if on cue, a low bell-ringing began slicing through the air. Its sound dripping with malice echoed off the walls of Karigan's mind. "Can you hear that?"
Maria grimaced and unsheathed her twin blade, "I haven't heard that sound in a very long time, but yes, I can hear it." Her words implied that she had had previous encounters with the assassin. The two cautious hunters made their way slowly, side-by-side, their blades brandished before them, across the bridge to the other side. Every small sound made Karigan twitch; the howl of the wind whistling through the shacks, the constant dripping of water pooling on the soggy ground, the creaking of rotten wooden planks that swayed under every hesitant footstep.
The ground in front of them began to boil. The surrounding area became washed in a sinister red glow.
Karigan grit her teeth, "Here he comes."
A man clad in what looked like a beast hide rose before them; a vicious weapon clenched in his bloodstained hands.
"Hahahaha, we meet again my sweet hunter." Brador bent his body into a bow, a mockery of respect, "Did you enjoy our last meeting?"
Karigan frowned, she tried to look imposing on the outside, however fear coursed through her veins and the desire to run away screamed in her bones.
He tilted his head and frowned, "Not a talker eh? Oh well, it makes no difference to me." His head swiveled towards Maria, only noticing her presence now. His arms swung open and he took a step forward. "Maria! Haha fancy meeting you here! I must say, I thought you would never leave that old Clocktower." He sneered.
Karigan glanced at Maria, whose face was stony, void of any emotions.
Brador looked between the two, "Ahhh, so she hasn't told you about our history yet?" His harsh chuckle broke the air. "You see, Maria and I go way back. Don't we, Maria?"
Maria frowned, "You mean the time and time again you failed to kill me?"
"Hah! Such spark! Yes I admit you were a pain to kill, however something occurred to me after ending up on the wrong side of your blade."
"And what would that be? You obviously didn't leave me alone from the kindness of your heart."
A wicked grin spread across his weathered face. "Killing you would've been a mercy. Besides isn't that what you originally wanted?" The smile evaporated of his face, his voice getting louder, dripping with venom. "By leaving you alone to wallow in your own guilt, turned out to be a much worse fate than putting an end to your suffering. Rather pathetic, really."
"You bastard!" Maria lunged forward, her blades ready to split the laughing man in two. He leaped to side, laughing maniacally. Maria twirled, lashing out viciously with her sword, her face blazing with rage. Karigan hadn't seen Maria like this before. When she fought, it was quick, graceful and fluid. What Karigan saw before her was a ballet of raw animosity.
"I'm not after you my dear, stop getting in my way!" Brador bellowed as he dodged another swipe. He ducked behind Maria, giving her a swift kick to the back of her knees, sending her crashing to the ground. He whipped his head around, his eyes alight with malice, and pointed to Karigan, "I'm after you."
Karigan had just enough time to bring her blade up to deflect the blow aimed at her head. The clang of metal clashing against metal so close to her face made her ears ring. The crazed man set on killing her continuously attacked, the only thing Karigan could do was bring her sword up to block the blows.
She back-stepped away to put some distance between them, "You know that even if you kill me I'll just come back! This is futile, just stop!"
"Then I'll kill you over and over till you no longer have the will to continue!" He snarled, "You'll end up like another broken husk, aimlessly wandering this Nightmare to no end."
Out of the corner of her eye she could see Maria getting back up to her feet, shaking her head. The two made eye contact and they nodded. In his made haze, Brador had yet to see Maria stalking up behind him.
"Now!" Screamed Karigan. Maria plunged her swords through Brador's back, skewering him in place. He snarled and thrashed like a mad beast, not intending to give up easily.
"Finish him!" Maria yelled, as she held on to her blades, slick with Brador's blood. Karigan dashed forward and with one strong stroke; cleaved his head from his body. A geyser of blood splashed on the two of them, however Maria's face was spared as she had her head ducked down to avoid Karigan's killing strike.
The headless Brador slumped off Maria's blades and disintegrated before their eyes; much like the way Karigan's body did when she was killed.
Karigan's gaze met with Maria's, a smile threatening to engulf her face. The two began to share a small laugh together, feelings of adrenaline making them feel alive.
"Phew, now that went a lot better than I expected." Karigan said as she sheathed her blade.
Maria walked up and put a hand on Karigan's shoulder, "It seems we work well together my good hunter. Maybe Brador will think twice before so brazenly attacking us." She gave Karigan a wink as she turned around, her hands on her hips, "Now come on, we're getting close. Very close."
The pair delved deeper and deeper into the hamlet, encountering a enraged Brador two more times. Brador's unpredictable nature and raw hatred made his blows devastating if they connected, causing Karigan to use multiple bloodvials per strike. However that was also his weakness and downfall. He paid little attention to Maria, only pushing her back when she got in his way. The two used this to their advantage, exploiting his blind anger when dealing with him. Karigan would draw his attention and just like the time before, Maria would inflict a disabling wound, allowing Karigan to finish the job.
Their third encounter left the two hunters exhausted, resting with their hands on their knees, struggling to even out their breathing.
Karigan let out a groan and sat down, "We can't keep this up forever Maria. How are we supposed to get to the end with him attacking us around every corner. Sooner or later he's going to put his attention on you, and if you die. . .well we both know the outcome and I may never reach the coast."
Maria sat down beside Karigan, water dripping off her feathered cap and sliding down her face. "Then what do you suppose we do?"
"Kill him at his source. Where he stays when he's not out tormenting us. I think I know where it is." Karigan replied.
"You do, do you? And how would you know that?"
"After I killed that monster Ludwig, I came across a cell block. Most of the cells were locked, containing either dead hunters or hunters left without their sanity. I met a man in a cell father below than the others, though I had no idea who he was at the time."
Maria raised a arched eyebrow.
Karigan continued, "He asked me if I could 'hear the toll of the bell'. I couldn't back then so I told him no. He didn't speak much after that, just warned me to stay away from the Nightmare-"
"Which you obviously did not heed." Maria smirked.
"Ah, no. You could say curiosity got the better of me. It's as you said when we met, the secrets beckon so sweetly." Karigan laughed.
"Well I'm glad they did. And I'm glad that you got through my stubbornness, otherwise the Nightmare would have continued."
Karigan outstretched her arms, a wide grin engulfing her face, "And you wouldn't have met my glorious presence!" She joked.
"Ah hah I suppose I wouldn't have." Maria laughed, "You are a true friend Karigan. I thank you for that."
Karigan smiled and felt a small blush creeping into her cheeks. It felt so good to laugh and be in the company of someone she could call 'friend'. To face the hardships alongside someone, someone to look out for you. It made the whole Nightmare situation a little better.
Karigan shook the warm feelings from her face, "Alright back to the task at hand. I want you to stay here while I take out Brador in the cell block.
The smile fell from Maria's face, her eyes narrowed and hardened, "Absolutely not. I'm going with you. You cannot expect me to sit idly by while you face that beast."
Karigan turned and put her hands on Maria's shoulders, "Maria listen to me. I can teleport from the lantern right to the cell block, without all the needless back track. Not only that, but if I perish I'll just reawaken."
"But-"
"No. Face it Maria, if you die, you die for good. You won't be able to see this Nightmare come to an end." Karigan hated being harsh but it was for her own good.
Maria sighed, defeat cast over her face, "You are right. I will stay here."
"Thank you Maria. Now we can travel back to the lighthouse lantern. You stay there, keep comfortable and please, please, stay out of trouble."
A small grin curled the edges of her mouth, "Yes, yes. You're acting like a worry stricken mother." She scoffed.
Karigan let out a chuckle and rose to her feet; her boots squelching with water. "Argh I hate this blasted water! How does it not seem to phase you?"
"Trust me, I've gotten used to it. Besides your intolerance to it is quite amusing."
Karigan lightly punched Maria's shoulder, "You mean you enjoy watching me suffer."
"Ah, you know me so well."
The two soaking hunters arrived back at the lighthouse lantern. Karigan strode over to the lantern while Maria found a relatively dry spot to sit down.
Karigan turned to face Maria before departing, "Wish me luck."
"You won't need it, but. . .good luck."
Karigan nodded, "See you in a bit." With that she activated the lamp and returned to the Hunters Dream.
She trotted along the stone path through the Hunters Dream. White lilies reached up towards the blue sky, their petals trying to escape their roots. Countless tombstones of unnamed hunters lined the path; proof of generations of hunters partaking in the hunt. Karigan strode up to the workshop to repair her sword and replenish her supplies. The soft candlelight cast the room in a warm glow. It was her favorite spot in the dream. Her memories before the hunt were very hazy, shrouded in a thick fog, yet the workshop brought ghosts of her memories of her faraway home to mind. The way she used to read indoors, surrounded by an endless pile of books, a sea of knowledge. The rich colored walls, bathed in the soft rays from the oil lamps.
Once content with her swords repairs she made her way down to the Doll. The Doll looked at her, her face lifeless and placid. It really was quite unnerving just how much she resembled Maria. In spite of this their disposition was very different. Where Maria was bold and headstrong, the Doll was quiet and compliant; most likely due to her being made as a servant for the hunters. That did not stop Karigan from pondering over if the Doll actually had real feelings and a hidden personality that wasn't fixed to servitude.
"Have you ever heard of someone named the Lady Maria?" Karigan asked the Doll.
The Doll shook her head; such a dainty gesture, "I do not know who you speak of. I am sorry hunter."
Karigan searched the Dolls features for a sign of recognition, surprise, or any kind of emotion, but as usual the Doll's face was as empty as Karigan's stomach. "No worries, alright I'm heading out."
"Safe journey, hunter."
Karigan approached the grave linking her to the Nightmare and set her destination.
Karigan arrived in the underground sewer where she had fought the once noble Ludwig. Shriveled corpses littered the ground, their moans echoing off the high walls.
"Just great, I finally get out of the rain only to step in a lake of blood." She groaned, lifting the bottom of her heel to look at the sticky blood that clung relentlessly, "Ew." It was rather ironic that she,
a hunter, was so unnerved by stepping in the tacky blood but didn't think twice when fountains of it seemed to rain down upon her during the beast hunt. Must be the sloshy noise it made when she stepped in it.
Adrenaline and fear buzzed through her body, her hands slightly quivering as she approached the underground cell. She steeled herself and stepped through the creaking cell door.
Brador sat in the center of the large room. "Well, well, look who's hear. Welcome to my quarters. I've never entertained a guest before." He lifted his head, covered by the hairs and horns of the beast helm he wore. "Are you here to try and kill me? After all you've done, kill me, as to right your wrongs?"
"After what I've done! I have done nothing. I am here to put an end to this dreadful curse!" Karigan explained while keeping a tight grip on her weapon.
"You hunters don't deserve to have the curse lifted. Not after what the old hunters did. Not after what that so called 'Lady Maria' and her blood-thirsty compatriots did!" Brador sneered as he stood up. "I do not understand why you travel with that woman. Besides she's the one who cursed you and your brethren."
"That may be so, but she's trying to bring an end to it all. Just like I am. That should be enough. You will not stop us." Karigan defended.
"Hah! Let's see how well you do in a fight without your lady friend to cover your back!" With that Brador screeched and lunged with his ghastly weapon. Karigan dodged just in time, feeling the wind from the weapon tussle her hair. She countered with a horizontal swipe to his back, but Brador was already spinning to deflect it. Her weapon bounced of off his with such force that it almost flew from her tight grasp. Brador saw the opening and took it. He swung with his spiked weapon, putting as much force into it as he could; but Karigan saw it coming. She moved to the side and slashed with her blade, drawing a thin line of blood across Brador's cheek.
Brador stopped and brought his hand up to wipe the blood from his cheek. His mouth spread into a malevolent grin. "Very good, very good indeed. Now, how about we spice this up a little bit." With that Brador took the spiked end of his weapon and thrust it through his chest with a grunt.
Nausea brewed in her throat as he pulled the monstrosity of a weapon from his chest with a explosion of blood.
"Do you like it? I call her the 'Bloodletter.'" Brador taunted with a sneer.
It became very apparent that no, no she did not like it. His attacks became more aggressive and much harder to dodge. He was utilizing the way the weapon fed off his own life force to deal devastating blows. Karigan could barely get in any attacks, she was only on the defensive.
He came charging at her with such ferocity that Karigan quickly stepped back, and tripped on a broken piece of wood. That's it, I'm going to lose this fight because I was too clumsy to keep my footing she thought as she stumbled downward. Instead it was her mistake that kept her alive. Brador's attack missed her vitals, just managing to trail down her shoulder as she hit the hard ground. Karigan let out a cry and her hand flew up to her torn shoulder. Luckily it wasn't her sword arm that had been maimed.
"You're going to die little girl!" Brador roared as he prepared to bring his beastly weapon upon her head.
"No I'm not!" Karigan yelled, as she rolled on the ground just in time. The spot where she once had lain exploded into pulverized stone as the head of his weapon made impact. Instead of rising to her feet, she continued to roll until she was directly behind his knees. Brador's weapon had lodged itself into the stone and was struggling to pull it free. In those few precious moments of opportunity, Karigan thrust her blade as hard as she could through the back of his knee.
Brador collapsed to his one good knee with a horrific shriek, clutching his destroyed leg. Karigan jumped to her feet and clasped her sword in her hand.
"It's over Brador."
Brador turned his head just in time to meet the business end of her sword. She swung with all her remaining strength and her blade sliced right through his neck. A look of pure shock engulfed his face. His eyes bulged and his hands clasped pointlessly at his open neck as his life force spilled on to the cold ground. With a gurgle he crashed to the ground and was still.
Karigan's exhaustion caught up to her as she dropped her sword with a clatter and collapsed as well. Her shoulder was bleeding heavily and she was getting light headed because of it. With a grunt she stabbed three bloodvials into her leg and waited for them to take effect.
She glanced at Brador's motionless body, "Stay dead you bastard."
She sat on the ground for a little longer until she felt strong enough to stand. She wanted to return to the hamlet and Maria as soon as possible. She was sure that Maria would be growing anxious and she didn't want her to do anything brash.
With a groan Karigan rose to her feet, double checked Brador's very dead body for a pulse and made her way to the lantern.
Back in the Hunters Dream she used the echoes she had acquired from Brador to increase her overall strength and stamina. She bid the Doll farewell and returned to the Hamlet.
Maria stood anxiously against a wall, her arms crossed over her chest when Karigan arrived. Her face lit up as she saw her. "Are you alright? Is it done?" She questioned as she strode closer to Karigan.
"Yes, at least I hope so. I checked his body and I don't think he'll be troubling us again anytime soon." She replied.
Maria smiled, "Well that's a relief. Though I did not doubt that you could do it."
Karigan lifted her head and turned to face the murky ocean once they stepped outside. "Now that he is gone, shall we continue?"
"We shall."
"Er, Maria you haven't exactly told me what we are actually heading for, other than the coast. I have no idea what to expect."
"That's right. I suppose I haven't."Maria acknowledged, "We're heading towards the coast because that is where the Orphan of Kos resides."
"Wait, wait, wait. The Orphan? You mean to tell me that we have to re-kill a infant Great One to put an end to the curse. . .when killing him was what created it?"
Maria nodded, "I know it sounds strange and impossible, but it is his cries that feed this Nightmare. If we end them, he will be put to rest, along with all the tortured fishermen."
"Uh-huh. Well I guess it does make sense when you think about it." Karigan raised her head towards the diseased sky, watching as the heavens cried down upon them. All things were about to come to an end, she just hoped events would play out in her favor.
-Authors Note: A bit longer of a chapter but there's only one more left. It might be a few days until I get around to posting the ending, as I am going to be very busy in the coming days. As always I hope you are enjoying this story!