STORIES
11 - His Story
2004
It began with the Crew enjoying a pleasant afternoon …
Daprima and Fin were reading.
Grace watched her cartoons.
Cammeo practiced her violin.
Mez was on the computer.
And Noli looked for her bunny, with Vanni's help.
NOLI:
Bunny in here?
VANNI:
I don't see it. Maybe it's under this.
VANNI:
Woa - it's a head, a head without a body!
NOLI:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
FIN:
Did you hear that?
DAPRIMA:
It sounded like Noli. What could possibly
make her scream like that?
FIN:
Karanthir!
GRACE:
Well that was loud, yes it was. Nearly scared Hello Kitty
to death. I better go see what’s happening
before I miss something important.
MEZ:
That sounded like Noli …
CAMMEO:
Poor little luv, come here and let me give you a great big hug.
You mustn't be afraid of Karanthir. He can't harm you.
NOLI:
Him scary. Don’t wanna see him no more.
VANNI:
May I ask why there's a head in there?
GRACE:
A-m put it there so Noli wouldn't have to look at it.
Guess that wasn’t such a great hiding place. You know, that head
keeps popping up - which is pretty amazing since it has no feet.
DAPRIMA:
Oh Grace stop being so dramatic. Remember,
you’re talking about Fin’s brother.
VANNI:
What happened to the rest of him?
DAPRIMA:
It's a long story ...
VANNI:
Perhaps it would help if we heard it.
FIN:
Do you think I should?
DAPRIMA:
I know you don't like to talk about it,
but they should know what happened.
I wanted to take a closer look but Karanthir said it wasn’t a
good idea, and wouldn't budge. So, I walked on alone and found an
unlocked door. My curiosity got the better of me and I went inside.
FIN:
OK, I'll tell you. Long before we came to live here,
Karanthir and I were exploring the woods in our homeland.
We found a huge castle hidden in the trees.
It was dark. I tripped and must've yelled out because before I knew
it, Karanthir was there, helping me up. Then, the door slammed
shut and a spectral of a woman appeared.
‘How sweet, two little Elves come to visit me. You must think
yourselves clever, entering my home so easily. But you sprung my
spell trap - and there's a price to pay for trespassing. You’ll
discover it soon enough!’ Then she vanished.
We ran off as fast as we could. When we got to the door,
we heard the spidery words of magic in the air…
‘Those who entered by twos - now must choose
And the price to pay - is one must stay.’
I told Karanthir to go - but he pushed me through the door.
As soon as I was outside, the door burst into flames.
I can still hear his scream. I tried to get back inside, but
the flames were too high. I looked for another way in
- but all the other doors and windows had vanished.
Days, maybe weeks went by and I kept trying to get to Karanthir.
Eventually, a woman approached me. I found myself telling her everything. It was all my fault. I should have been the one trapped inside. I was the curious one. I’m the older brother, I'm supposed to look after him.
When I finished my story she said:
I am Ilse, returning from afar. It is unfortunate that you
encountered my sister, Strega. We were close once, just like you
and your brother, until she discovered black magic. I'm sorry for
your loss and offer help because you are so devoted. I shall return
him to you, but he will be changed. My sister would have made him
immortal to prolong her sport. All that was Karanthir will return,
in time. But there will be consequences too. Remember this.
Then, there was a puff of smoke, she was gone and in my hands, I found Karanthir's head. It was only later that I noticed his
vampire teeth and metallic eyes.
FIN:
… I've kept him safe from the sun and am waiting
for him to heal, like she said he would.
NOLI:
'Ranthir gonna get better?
FIN:
It's what I waiting for.
Later ...
FIN:
Do you think Karanthir will be OK with Noli?
DAPRIMA:
I don't think he could have a better
guardian watching over him.
