Chapter 20 ~ Enryx
Enryx and his group had went back to the caravan after an unsuccessful search for the Copenhaver Castle. They followed the directions carefully, asking locals and even some tourists, questioning them about the castle only to find out there was never a castle there.
"I don't understand, this information was updated only weeks ago. It should be still there," Katerina insisted.
"Sorry, Ma'am," The police officer said, "There's no such thing. Have a nice day."
"And if there was a castle there, we would know about it," Agreed another police officer.
"And if it was being torn down, we would know about it as well," Katerina retorted.
Enryx growled in annoyance, opening his map once more and spreading the sheets of information onto the picnic table.
"Maybe we should just return back to the caravan," Rosamynd suggested. The other two agreed and packed up their things and started to make their way back to the cabin.
They trudged sullenly back to their caravan, where the rest were waiting for them. Lysandra gave him a questioning look, but Enryx just shook his head.
"No luck?" Elektra said, who was tending to Trudy's ankle. Enryx nodded, staying silent. He flopped down onto his bunk and covered his face with his pillow. Where is Phobos? Enryx sat up again and got up to get something to drink.
"I'll try getting more information about this so-called castle right now," Katerina announced, flipping open her laptop and started keying in commands.
"How about you guys? Any leads?" Enryx asked, cracking open a Coke bottle.
"No, just some pesky monsters," Vytoni scowled, turning her back at the rest of them to grab a book off her bunk - the very book that mentioned the Copenhaver castle. Enryx thought he saw a black snake peeking out of her pocket, but when he blinked, it was gone. Great. I'm seeing things.
"No leads and no Phobos. We're doing so well, " Enryx said sarcastically. He sighed and went upstairs to the den then sank into a bean bag. He switch on the television and flipped through channels, hoping to find something interesting to watch, until the same blonde lady with her own talk show came on. Lysandra came over to sit next to him, ignoring his indignant protest as she closed the television.
"Hey! I was watching that! She was just about to mention a new movie coming out - knowing her it would probably be a good one." Enryx growled at Lysandra.
"I'm sorry," She huffed, "So, what happened? I mean, it's obvious you haven't found Phobos yet, but did you find anything out about his whereabouts?"
Rosamynd, Adrian and Nethrys walked over to hear the story. Enryx cleared his throat and began- "Well, after your group left, we went to go seek the Copenhaver Castle, so naturally we went to the correct coordinates, we followed the right directions until we finally found the castle location."
"But there was nothing there," Rosamynd continued, "Just some old and rusty kids park with swing sets and everything. We walked around the block, finding nothing - no castle, no secret hideout."
Enryx began from where Rosamynd left off. "We scouted around the area a little more, hoping that we had just got the wrong address but still, there was nothing. We asked some locals then we even went to a tour guide agency and asked some police but no such luck. According to them, no such place exists."
Enryx saw Adrian grimace at the words 'tour guide', then sink into another bean bag next to him.
"I take it that your trip didn't so well, either?"
"We were attacked by a demented tour guide who was actually a crazy Gorgon called Euryale."
"Oh. Sorry, dude."
Enryx turned to Nethrys, "How was yours?"
"We were assaulted by a legion of rats the size of - well, they're really big. Oh, and Trudy almost fell off a cliff," Nethrys mumbled.
"WHAT?" Adrian jumped up from his beanbag and immediately ran down the stairs to where Trudy and Elektra were ."Trudy, babe, are you ok?"
Enryx rolled his eyes exasperatedly when he heard Adrian being comforted by his sister and Trudy. Huh. Shouldn't it be the other way around?
"ENRYX!" A voice screamed. Katerina. What does she want? Enryx groaned and crumpled his finished coke can in his hand and tossed it in the bin.
"What is it, Katerina?" Enryx replied walking towards her.
"Read this."
Rumour reports that the Castle located on 5050 E. Red Rock Road has only been witnessed during the hours after sunset. Sightings have been reported that a large structure, obscured in a mysterious mist at night. However, when they move for a closer look, they were repelled by a certain force."This is great!" Katerina smiled brightly, "We're back on track!"
"They're only rumors," Enryx pointed out. Kat frowned with a hurt expression on her face, "I just don't want to go back out there without any confirmation."
"It's confirmed," Vytoni said behind him, "It says here. Oh - I should have read a little further. This isn't an ordinary guide book," She added when Enryx opened his mouth to argue, "It has information on all the magical attractions, hidden by the mist, out of sight from mortals - you know, apart from those who can see through the mist. In fact, they were probably the ones who had reported those sightings"
"It's worth a try anyway, we should go back and check it out after sunset," Elektra suggested, "Do you think you can go, Trudy?"
"Yeah," She examined her ankle, which had a red and purple welt when Enryx, Katerina and Rosamynd came in, but was now two bite marks on her foot. Elektra bandaged it, and Trudy set off with Adrian, probably going to the roof.
"I think the group that went should go again, instead of all of us attracting attention. If the castle is legitimate, then one of you should iris-message us and we'll come over," Vyt suggested.
"Good idea," Kat agreed, "We have about... four, maybe three and a half hours of downtime," She told Enryx. He nodded in acknowledgement, and Katerina went upstairs, telling Rosamynd the same thing. Vytoni went with her, probably going to the training room. Elektra and Enryx decided to watch the Incredibles, one of their favorite pastimes.
Soon enough, it was sunset. Enryx looked out the caravan window to be greeted with shades of yellow and orange lights. The sky was replacing its yellow blots into dark shades of ink. A warm amber and orange glow painted the darkening sky. The last traces of gleaming daylight dipped over the city.
"Ready to go?" Katerina asked, she was changed out of her usual attire of camouflage shirt and shorts into a casual mint green dress paired with her normal hunting boots. She seemed to notice that Enryx realized her change of outfit. "The place seemed formal, so I dressed up."
Enryx looked around and saw that, Rosamynd had also changed out of her customary T-shirt that said "Tree Hugger" and mid length denim jeans into a pretty halter-top sundress.
"Um, should I change too or...?" Enryx asked, trailing off. The other two shrugged and nodded. Frowning, he made a "go away" motion to them, then pulled on a gray button-up shirt and a black formal jacket but kept his washed out jeans.
"Lets go."
Enryx and his group trudged back along the city pavements to the Copenhaver Castle. The town street lights shone bright giving them an easy view of the road ahead. They went back to where they left off, and sure enough, the castle was looming into view. Enryx felt a rush of excitement and started to move towards the castle but Rosamynd caught his arm.
"Wait," She warned, "Shouldn't we tell the others first?"
"We need to watch out for the magical enchantments those people mentioned," Katerina said at the same time.
"Its fine," Enryx said, drawing himself up, "I'm pretty sure they were driven away by the Mist."
"There it is," Rosamynd pointed up at the grand castle lounging on the hilltop.
They climbed up the hill, which wasn't very steep, and walked through the garden planted with many flowers, many of which were violets. Enryx felt the Mist at work, tugging at them, whispering to go back. They resisted, boldly continuing forwards.
The strided up to the old front door and stared at the brass knocker for a moment, before Katerina finally reached out and knocked it, its dull metal thud seeming to echo everywhere.
"Hullo?" A bold voice said and Enryx wondered where the voice was coming from.
"Down here, boy." Enryx looked down and saw a tiny girl with choppy black hair.
"Um, hi! We're looking for Phobos?" Katerina asked her.
"Phobos not here," Came the short reply.
"Well, do you know where he is?" Rosamynd asked.
"This not Phobos's mansion, you come to wrong place, girl," She replied, raising a short, stubby finger at Rosamynd. "Now leave."
Enryx crouched down so he was level with the girl. "Excuse me, little girl, whose mansion is this?"
"I'm not little girl," The girl smacked Enryx on the top of his head with the newspaper she was holding in one hand.
"My apologies, ma'am," Enryx apologized quickly and returning his place, his cheeks growing red.
"Anyway," The lady glared at Enryx. "This is Nyx's palace. I am her assistant, Edna," Edna said, raising her arm to chest level, proudly grinning at her own name and profession.
"Er, so can we see Nyx please?," Rosamynd asked, ignoring Enryx's "Wait- what?"
Rosamynd spun around so she was face to face to both Enryx and Katerina, and said, "Remember Hades said that him, Phobos, Deimos and Nyx had lunch together."
"Oh. Right," Enryx grinned sheepishly, "I forgot."
"Fine, come in," Edna agreed, opening the huge brass double doors for them.
They walked through the large, double french door that were navy in colour. Edna guided the through the maze of corridors and passageways. Enryx attempted to remember their way back to the front entrance but gave up after about a dozen turns. They were lead up a staircase which spiraled up to the second floor. The railing of the staircase was exquisitely engraved with flowers and vines. The ceilings were highly- arched and the floors were marble tiled.
They walked through a grand brass door that led into a huge throne room. In the far end of the room was a lady sitting on a throne-like chair.
"Edna, who are these people?" She asked Edna, sitting up straighter as Enryx and the others came into her view. Her voice was soft yet bold.
"They wanted to come see you, milady, they wanted to ask you an important question," Edna replied.
"Okay then," The goddess turned her head towards us and smiled, "Would you like something to eat, kids?"
"Um, no thank-" Rosamynd started saying politely.
"Edna, get these lovely kids some jam doughnuts and some wine," Nyx interrupted. Edna nodded then bowed and scurried out the room before the godlings could object.
Nyx stood up and beckoned the Godlings to follow them. They did as she asked, following her through the back of the room to what seemed like an usual office but much more grand. The goddess had pale alabaster skin, and her waterfall of black, silky hair was cascading down her shoulders and her back. She was wearing a long, midnight blue evening gown that covered her feet and long and black gloves that came up to her forearms. She's very pretty, Enryx decided. She had a silver diadem perched on the crown of her head.
Nyx gestured to the couch that was placed opposite a desk in the middle of the room. Enryx sat down at the end, Katerina in the middle and Rosamynd sat on the other end.
"So what did you have to ask me?" Nyx asked, sitting down at the chair opposite her crowded desk.
"Um... do you remember that lunch you had with Hades, Deimos and Phobos?" Kat asked, fidgeting uncomfortably in her seat.
"Hmm... the lunch? With Hades, Deimos and Phobos?" She asked, while the others nodding, Pretty- but forgetful, Enryx corrected himself. "Yes, I do, actually- those boys are quite fussy, you know. I remember what I ate- a chicken salad. Oh, that salad was unquestionably the best salad I have ever had. "
"So, do you know where Phobos is now?" Enryx questioned, sitting up straight. Nyx didn't respond. She was staring at a picture frame on her desk, frowning.
"Miss? Miss Nyx?" Rosamynd whispered.
"You're godlings, right?" Nyx asked, looking up from the picture. Her grey eyes suddenly were filled with unshed tears.
"Uh, yes we are, Nyx," Katerina clarified.
"Do you know of this young man? His name is William," Nyx said getting off subject, turning the picture around so it was facing the godlings. The picture was of a little boy, around the age of three or four, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He was playing with a toy car and smashing it into a block tower.
"Do you have a recent picture of him, miss?" Enryx asked, wondering who he was.
"I'm afraid I don't, sorry," Nyx said softly, shaking his head.
"Who is he? If you don't mind me asking," Katerina asked.
"He's my son, William. Phobos was his father, but he took my dear William away - away from me. Phobos thought William had a brighter future with him instead of me," Nyx explained, looking down.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Nyx," Rosamynd said sympathetically.
"No, no- it's quite alright, dear," She replied, sitting straighter- well, as straighter as you could get sitting on a chair that was as soft as a bean-bag. "Anyway, what were you asking?" Nyx went back on topic.
Just then Edna ran in, carrying a tray of jam doughnuts and three glasses of purplish liquid. She put the tray on the table before bowing once more then exiting.
Enryx took a chance and sipped his glass. Grape juice, thank the gods. Edna knows us well. Enryx continued to sip at his pretend wine. "Well, have you seen Phobos lately?"
"No, the last I saw him was about thirteen years ago, when he took William away," Nyx responded frowning.
"Where did you see him last?" Katerina asked, sipping on her grape juice.
"Florida- yes, he was there in Florida. But, he might not be there now."
"Thank you, it's worth a try," Enryx sighed, slumping down onto his chair and rubbing his forehead - suddenly, he felt very tired.
"And if we find your son, we'll be sure to tell you," Rosamynd added, brightly- which worked, for Nyx's face brightened up instantly, breaking into a smile.
"I guess we'll be heading out now," Katerina said as she stood up.
"Yeah, thanks for your hospitality, Nyx, but we should get going-" Rosamynd started to thank.
"Going? But you only just arrived." Nyx said, a little too warmly.
"We have an important quest to complete," Enryx said sternly, frowning in confusion. He was alert again, narrowing his eyes at the Goddess of the Night.
"We wish you the best of luck finding William, and we'll keep an eye out for him."
"We promise, Nyx- but we have to be heading out now," Katerina smiled at the night goddess and walked towards the door, leaving the pale hostess behind, a strange expression on her face.
"She seems... interesting," Katerina said as they swiftly walked back to the caravan.
"Yeah, shame about her son though," Enryx agreed. The three of them arrived at the door and went inside the caravan. Trudy and Adrian were asleep in each other's arms, Vytoni and Lysandra were talking in hushed voices in a corner, Nethrys was probably at the driver's seat, waiting to start driving at a moment's notice. Elektra was pacing back and forth, nectar and ambrosia ready in hand. When she caught sight of them, her face broke into an relieved grin.
"Enryx, you're ok!" His older sister exclaimed, wrapping her arms around in a tight embrace.
"All in one piece, Elektra!" He returned the gesture, patting her in the back. She went to fetch Nethrys, who was apparently asleep on the driver's wheel and woke Trudy and Adrian up. Enryx, Katerina and Rosamynd recounted their visit to the castle, and about the missing boy. Elektra decided to take the wheel, and the Godlings settled down to rest. He felt Trudy and Adrian drift back off to sleep again, and he saw Katerina and Rosamynd get ready for bed, obviously tired from their day's work. I should try and get some rest, too. But somehow, Enryx doubted he could sleep. He got up, thinking of watching some TV when the rainbow coming from the bathroom caught his eye. The door was wide open, and the shower was on, emitting a fine spray that created a rainbow. Enryx immediately fumbled around for a Drachma, and when he finally found one, he tossed it towards the rainbow, muttering, O Iris, goddess of the Rainbow, accept my offering. Chiron's face swam into view.
"Kids, the Oracle just recited another part of the the prophecy, I thought you would like to hear it," The centaur announced.
"No, we don't want to hear it Chiron," Enryx said sarcastically.
"Oh, good luck on your quest then!" Chiron replied indifferently.
"No, Chiron, we want to hear it!" Enryx rolled his eyes. Sarcasm is clearly lost on him.
"Very well," Chiron looked slightly confused, and as he opened his mouth Enryx interrupted him again.
"Hold on, let me get the others," Enryx rushed out of the room.
Enryx walked inside and tossed a pillow at the back of Adrian's head and he sat up startled. "Important message from Chiron, get up."
Adrian stirred and mumbled something and shook Trudy gently. They got up groggily and stretched, practically sleepwalking to the bathroom. Vytoni and Lysandra were already awake, and they followed the couple to where Chiron was waiting. Enryx shook Nethrys, Katerina and Rosamynd awake, and they all went to hear Chiron's third part of the prophecy.
"Is everyone awake?" Chiron asked, trying to peer closer through the mist at the eight Godlings huddled around him.
"I guess so. What's the third part?" Rosamynd asked.
"Wait, there's a third one?" Adrian whined, "How long is this prophecy?"
"I don't know yet, Adrian, but should I get on to reciting it now?" Chiron surveyed the blonde boy with a bemused look and Adrian quieted.
"Go ahead," Katerina said, leaning against the sink. Chiron took a deep breath, and started reciting:
"From now on you must journey east
Mind the dragon where you expect it least
Your trust will fall to the bleak shadows
One mistake and you'll give into the sorrows"
Nobody spoke much after that, and Enryx felt himself feeling a little irritated. He cleared his throat, and they started from their thoughts.
"Well," Chiron said breaking the silence, "I think I should leave now. I believe there is a foolish camper who thought setting fire to the Demeter cabin was a delightful joke is suffering dearly. Again, good luck, Godlings."
He disappeared into a cloud of mist, leaving them quite confused. "Well..uh..I guess we do what the prophecy says. We head south," Nethrys clarified.
~~~END OF CHAPTER 20~~~