Cedric looked out to the woods. “We should probably deal with
that. Kyle, you and I will go after that creature. The gnomes will
attend to another task I’ve been meaning to address. Marissa,
can I entrust you to look after the templar and keep your car
running in case of trouble?”
She nodded.
The group set off into the woods.
Marissa wondered how she’d gotten herself into this mess,
wondered why she so unquestioningly wanted to help Kyle.
Something about a curse and making people do what you want?
What the hell was that old man talking about?
She decided to ask him. She walked over, yanked the rag from
his mouth. He nodded in appreciation.
“You seemed like you had some idea what was going on. I really
need to know.”
He nodded. “We’re all in enormous danger, girl. Those two…
Kyle’s a spoiled brat with a toy and Cedric’s playing around with
ancient magicks like he has a first clue what he’s dealing with.
They’re both children, no matter how hard Cedric tries to pretend
otherwise. Untie me, please.”
“First I need to know some things, old man! Have I been
cursed?” She demanded.
“It’s possible. Did Kyle present you with a choice between
obedience and change at any time?”
“Yes. He said…”
“Don’t say it!” he yelled, then quickly reverted to a whisper. “You’ll
invoke it. To answer your question, yes, you have been cursed by
him. I haven’t noticed anything odd about you, so I’m guessing
you were affected by the obedience aspect of it.”
“That son of a bitch…” she thought back to the moment. But he’d
seemed so scared, desperate. She couldn’t bring herself to hate
him so quickly.
“Be very careful. The curse takes liberties with the intent of the
invoker. What can seem harmless at the time may lead to
terrible consequences later on,” he warned.
“Like what?”
“Well, for starters you’ve now become involved in this mess.
Perhaps that’s where the curse wants you.”
“Shit…”
“Untie me and perhaps we can put an end to this madness.
Come.” His gray-blue eyes pleaded with her.