Clan

By K.D. Smith

The book centers on a warrior (Trugard) who is protecting his village from vampires only to be cursed to be a vampire himself by a witch. He is shown a vision, but wants to recapture his humanity. He ends up battling one of his long time friends (Jiinstardt) who now has a blood lust for power and control. Trugard ends up falling in love for the first time with a girl (Sarah) who does not know her life will be changed forever with the disappearance of her best friend and the death of a classmate. This book challenges the mind and is mysterious, gory, and action oriented. Readers will enjoy how fast the story moves along and how colorful and animated the characters are. Be ready for a joyride from the past to the present in this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469195575

K.D. Smith

My name is Ken Smith. I am originally from Alton Illinois, south of St. Louis, Missouri. I grew up in a 6 family household with one brother and four sisters. I moved from my residence when I was seventeen because the Department of Transportation built a street on one side of my cul-de-sac. A little more about me, I love stories about fictional characters and I am an avid fan of science fiction movies, action, and dramatic genre’s. I live alone in a small apartment in St. Louis now and I spent an entire month writing this novel, from hour to hour during Unemployment. My favorite book is Piers Anthony; of course a sci-fi book, but I love all types of books. This book was written based on my experiences with my family, friends and research on myths as I grew up. I wanted it to seem as real as possible.

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Copyright © 2012 by K.D. Smith.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2012906248

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4691-9556-8

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4691-9555-1

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4691-9557-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Contents

Chapter 1   THE JOURNEY

Chapter 2   YOZAZZEL

Chapter 3   SARAH’S DREAMS

Chapter 4   THE DETECTIVE

Chapter 5   MEETING TRUGARD

Chapter 6   THE SEARCH FOR ELLEN

Chapter 7   JIINSTARDT’S PLAN

Chapter 8   TRUGARD V.S. JIINSTARDT

Chapter 9   SMALLS GETS KIDNAPPED

Chapter 10   THE JOURNEY HOME

Chapter 1

THE JOURNEY

The dark of the night can sometimes play mind tricks on the human mind and can cause the imagination to dream up night creatures. A girl Sarah will soon find out what haunts her dreams will become reality sooner than she thinks and she will discover a love that will change her life forever. A detective who is an unbeliever will find out the reality of creatures of the night.

In the early 8th century, Western Europe was plagued with creatures of the night that destroyed livestock and fed on the elderly as well as the young. Most inhabitants of the land would not let their children tend the sheep or the fields for rice and wheat. The clans of vampires weren’t like any other human being and could not easily be recognized by the average person or any tribal leader.

Tribal leaders wanted the clan to leave their lands, so they could live normal lives instead of having to post warriors out to watch sheep and other livestock that were slaughtered by these beasts. One thing tribal leaders did know was the creatures could not come out in the daylight, so they had to hunt at night, which is where all of the problems began. Trugard, one tribal leader from the Yovarian tribe was disgusted with the creatures and sought to destroy them all, but he did not know how. The elders of the tribe were very concerned for Trugard and knew that if he ventured out alone he would be disemboweled by the creatures. The tribal leaders decided to plan out what their next move would be to destroy the vampires and the knowledge of destroying them would sweep the land to other tribes, so they would know what to do.

The plan of the Yovarian tribe was a bold and brave move and they decided to hunt as many vampires as they could find and slaughter them with their axes, stakes and swords. The battle was very bloody and took many lives of the tribe, more than Trugard had expected and he came to the realization that just slaughtering the creatures would not work, because the tribe only had to hunt at night. He had heard of a witch called Yozazzel that lived high in the mountains of Rutgard. Trugard figured that he could convince the witch to put a spell on the vampires making them easier to hunt. Trugard heard of the witch and knew the journey would be dangerous, because of the treacherous slopes, cold winds and the creatures that hunted at night, but he had a plan. Trugard would take some of his warriors with him on the journey and kill as many as he could, knowing that he would make the journey worthwhile.

The problem was that Trugard didn’t know if the stories were true about the witch. He knew those stories that had been passed down from generation to generation, but he didn’t want his senses to cloud his judgment and create concern in his mind. Trugard could not let his worries stop him from reaching his goal, otherwise more livestock would be killed and more people of his tribe would be murdered if he didn’t put a stop to the war. Trugard made up his mind and decided to continue his plan to meet the witch. The witch Yozazzel was rumored to be an old woman in a cave near the mountains of Rutgard and Trugard knew this would not be an easy task to take to reach the summit of the mountain. He knew that Yozazzel was rumored to love flesh, but he didn’t know if she was human or not, either way he would continue his journey to find a way to destroy the vampires once and for all. The journey would be long and arduous and many warriors would fall to the weather or other means. Trugard was aware of all of the plagues and didn’t fear anything, but would his warriors take such a journey. Trugard decided that it was time for a meeting with the elders to discuss his journey, because only the elders could approve it and protect the land while Trugard was away. The journey would be a task never taken before by the Yovarian tribe and hopefully would not be the last. Trugard spoke to one of the elders about the pending journey. We need to move on the creatures as soon as possible before all of our cattle and sheep are diminished. The elder looked at Trugard puzzled saying, Why do you wish to leave our people behind and take this journey? Perhaps the witch Yozazzel does not exist? Trugard threw his spear to the ground and shook his fist. This is the only way we can finally rid ourselves of these creatures, it is the only way! The second elder looked at the eldest one and all five whispered among each other and finally the toothless one spoke, You are a tribal warrior and leader of our people and this journey will not end well, as he took some bones and threw them across the ground so they spread out in a small pattern. The journey will cost lives and you will find that your life will no longer be your own. Trugard looked at the elder with disgust and was puzzled by the statement, he wondered what the elder meant by that remark. The women of the village wanted Trugard because he was strongly built, but Trugard would not take any woman from the village, because he was too concerned about the welfare of the people. Trugard was a warrior and most warriors lived for the kill and did not make time for women, this was the way things were. Trugard was the strongest and finest hunter out of the Yovarian tribe and would kill most of the game to feed the tribe; no other would challenge his might and live to tell about it. A few warriors tried to compete with Trugard but would only find themselves beheaded or slaughtered like sheep during the rites of the warrior’s way.

Trugard looked back at the elder and spoke sharply, that is just the chance I will have to take. Trugard knew this may be his last journey, but he would make the best of it and not let his people down. The elder looked slightly out of one eye and coughed. You are one of our finest warriors Trugard and you have the blessing of the elders, he sighed, take good care for your journey. Trugard was pleased to know he had the blessings of the elders, so he could prepare for his trip.

Trugard was a skilled warrior in every way and knew from the time he was raised he would prepare himself for a journey to hone his skills and be the protector of the village, not for notoriety, but to make sure his people would live on to tell their sons and daughters as well as the next generations sons and daughters of their defeats. The warrior is a man without thinking or feeling and must take things as they are and never suffer hardship of his fellow man; this was known throughout the land and most if not all warriors were aware of their civic duties to themselves as well as their families and others throughout the tribe. The code of conduct was measured mostly by the warriors hardening their hearts and not feeling the strike as a kill was made. A warrior who would lose sight of this would be mauled by the creatures of the night as well as any beast while hunting. The tribe hunted many animals, such as deer, bears, wolves, not just for sport but to protect their livestock, these animals would trespass on the Yovarian land and borders needed to be set up.

Bears and wolves would attack at night, making it hard for the warriors to keep an eye out for their children and wives. A black or brown bear could strike fast in the dark of the night and could not be seen until it was too late. A bear had strong claws and one slash would take a man’s arm completely off, this was feared by the warriors because the vampires also knew this and would strike unexpectedly, taking some of the children or the warriors wives to feed on.

Vampires would climb in the trees and would wait patiently for the attack, when the warriors were distracted they would steal the children away to their dens. No one knew where the dens were so the warriors had to keep posts all night long throughout the village. The war had begun but the warriors knew the vampires outnumbered them and were selective of the people they took from the tribe. Warriors had to be alert and cautious at all times because wolves also prowled the night and fed on the sheep of the village. The warriors did not use guns, so they had to rely on their spears and axes. The Yovarian tribe was one of many tribes in the land and would never call on other tribes to help, because it was know that each tribe had their own set of rules for warriors and would not intermingle with other tribes because it was forbidden.

Tribes in the early 8th century were very self sufficient and very independent of all other tribes, especially the Yovarian tribe. The men would never favor the women because it was the man’s duty to protect the village and the woman’s job to feed the children and prepare dinner caught by the warriors for the feast of the elders and hang meat out to eat for another time.

Trugard focused on what the elders had said, but he knew no other choice but to visit the witch to save his village. Trugard clutched his ax, made with hard steel melted down and sharpened with pure accuracy, with a wolf skin handle bonded with leather tassels. The ax had dried blood from the last kill he had made saving a woman from a bear that roamed into the village. Trugard also carried a long knife made with the same steel and engraved with the name of the village and all of his warriors that were killed in the toughest battles. The sword was 3x18 inches long and was strong enough to slice completely through the roughest bears bones, this was accompanied by all warriors and the blacksmith who forged them was proud to make weapons that could kill any endangering foes.

Ruugstardt, the blacksmith, forged many weapons for the warriors, including their spears to hunt the black and brown bears. The spears were very sharp and the tip measured 6 inches from the wooden staff it was fastened on. Ruugstardt took pride in his work and knew his weapons could help any warrior out when the time was needed. The women of the village also helped out by mending nets of the strongest leather to help trap fish and capture wildlife that invaded the land, but they weren’t warriors. Women would mend nets as a traditional way to accompany the men for their protection. Ruugstardt was a little worried about Trugard as he walked away from meeting with the elders. He squinted his eyes as though flecks of steel were burning his eyelashes and he needed a lot of water to quench his eyes. He knew that Trugard had only visited the elders because something big was going down, he didn’t know what it was but in his gut he could feel it. He continued to hammer away at the steel bending it and forming it into a fashion only he could see fit as the sparks from his hammer flickered and sparked with each heavy hand stroke.

Ruugstardt did not want to be out in the field with the rest of the warriors, but instead held back and figured his duty was to supply each warrior with something to protect the village, now Ruugstardt trained on each weapon because he would use them to test his perfection. He knew how the vampires attacked and how fast they were and how they could be hidden in the trees from a villager, who would not see them until it was too late, so he practiced with each sword and each ax every day to prepare for the worst.

The vampires had not attacked the village in weeks, but that was not to say the village would not suffer another attack. Ruugstardt knew it was just a matter of time when they would attack massively unless someone stopped them, so he prepared himself. He would practice many sizable attacks from above, below and at every possible angle he could think of, for he knew that vampires would feel nothing for any villager they took, they did not feel for anything. He knew when it came down to the wire he would kill as many of the night creatures as possible before any of the warriors could help him, that was the way it was. The creature looked like any other man but had dark, pitch black eyes with a deep frown of hate and disgust. The fangs of the creatures were three inches and could sever the veins as they drank their victims dry. The creatures also had the strength of ten men and could easily rip out the throat of any villager with one swing.

Ruugstardt had remembered how he killed one once and how much power it took for him to behead the creature. He could not believe how much they looked like they could have already been in the village posing as imposters, but the only thing that distinguished them from the villagers of the Yovarian tribe was a distinct must they gave off. The villagers would bathe by the lake and some of the warriors who would never bathe did not have that aroma. The smell was very intense and would fill his nose as he would walk and discuss battles with some of the warriors, almost like an instant alarm a person hears when they are tired from partying all night, knowing they have to wake up the next morning for work.

Ruugstardt finished hammering the ax he was making and walked up to Trugard. What did they say to you? asked Ruugstardt. Trugard looked at him and smiled, they gave me the OK. Ruugstardt was confused about what Trugard had just stated and continued to question him. OK for what? questioned Ruugstardt? Trugard looked at his blacksmith friend and put his arm on his shoulder gently tapping him. I and a couple of the warriors are going to see the witch. Ruugstardt was taken aback and jumped back with fear and disillusion. He could not believe that Trugard the fiercest warrior of the Yovarian people was going to visit the witch. Ruugstardt was afraid of the witch and her powers and beckoned his friend not to go. I heard the witch is really powerful and she could cast a spell over you and the warriors and you may never return back to protect the village, said Ruugstardt. Trugard looked at him and laughed and explained that he was going to find a way to kill the vampires from the village and only the witch knew how. Trugard shook his head and said, don’t be a woman, we will return as heroes and the village will never come under attack again by these creatures. Ruugstardt could only remember the stories he was told as a young lad about warnings to never venture out toward the mountains because he would never return.

Don’t worry, said Trugard, we will be fine. I do need some of your finest steel just in case we do encounter any of those creatures. The blacksmith shrugged his shoulders and gave a nod as not to worry because Trugard was a fierce opponent and would not easily be defeated.

Ruugstardt handed Trugard a handful of the knives and ax’s he had made in a large wolf skin bag. The warrior took the bag, smiled and walked out of the blacksmith’s den. Trugard looked at the knives and axes and shook his head as though admiring the craftsmanship of each weapon, knowing they would do the job they were designed to do.

Trugard walked toward the middle of the village and blew a rams horn for attention. He knew this would get the attention of each warrior and he would discuss his plan for going to see the witch with them. The horn made a muffled, rumble sound that sounded like a cross between an elephant and bear growling, this would definitely get their attention.

The warriors walked out of the woods, some out of their huts, half naked to hear the words of Trugard, their leader. Trugard threw the axes and knives down on the hard ground as the flame burned brightly and flicked, and the wood started to get wet from the dew in the air. All of the warriors walked out one at a time and wondered in amazement why Trugard would blow the horn of urgency. Trugard stood in the middle of the village near the flame waiting for each warrior to come out and listen to what he had to say. He started to speak to them. I call all of my finest warriors out on this wolf moon night because of a journey we must undertake, explained Trugard. The warriors look around puzzled and at each other in curiosity of what the journey was they were about to embark on.

Trugard started to explain to them about his idea of visiting the witch to seek out magic to dispose of the vampires once and for all. He knew the journey would be arduous and they may not come back alive. Trugard explained to them how he discussed the plan with the elders and they were alright with the plan. No one questioned Trugard because they knew that if he talked to the elders everything would be fine, so they started yelling in excitement and started chanting their ritualistic vows with their leader. All warriors would chant the vows and slash their hands with each fellow warrior to make a pact of having each other’s back in any sign of trouble.

The warriors used a small dagger to slice the palm of their hand until small droplets of blood started to drip under their clinched hand. A wolf could be heard howling in the moonlight as each warrior looked at each other and gave a strong grimace that they felt some pain from the small knife but totally ignored it.

Trugard was happy the warriors decided to take the journey and told them to get themselves ready to be the men of their words and have pride in themselves. Pride was the only thing to keep them going at the time because deep in their hearts they knew that visiting the witch would be their last trip they would ever make.

The sun rose just as fast as the moon went down. The night ended very suddenly and the flame that had brightened the night was smoldering as the sun’s rays beamed on the village. The dawn marked the day of the journey and each warrior painted his face and body for the trip. The face paint was very colorful as each warrior used both blood and paste from crushed leaves and berry’s as most warriors did. Trugard explained to them the power of the warrior and to never be afraid of anything as he prepared for the long trek through the woods, past the long Snake River and small streams. We will hunt as we go along for our food as warriors should, he yelled as he started walking towards the dense brush.

The woods were thick and the warriors had to use their long swords to cut through to get their footing. Trugard was dressed in traditional warrior garment with strong leather sandals laced up past his ankles, bear skin cloth with a knife and ax on his back, in leather casing. The other warriors were dressed the same as Trugard, each with a different skin and some had wolf skin fashioned into a shirt.

The woods were always thought of as mystical with creatures hiding inside them screaming in the wind as though they were ready to pounce at any moment. The warriors did not let these silly superstitions faze them as they continued cutting their way to a small fresh water stream. Hold, exclaimed Trugard, we’ll rest here.

The journey was long and tiring and the warriors were drenched with sweat from the forest and the long walk, but they never complained. Each warrior was trained to endure the toughest and hardest moment of their lives as though they were made of stone. Trugard knew this and did not want to spend too much time pondering about the woods, to keep his warriors always on edge and ready for anything. The woods had many dangers, such as wolves, poisonous vipers, and other small creatures one would find in the deep woods. Trugard was not afraid of any predators and would use his ax to chop them into food to eat as they walked along. The day was long and they would catch small fish by the streams as they rested, but only for a short time. Snakes hissed and rattled underneath their feet and an owl could be heard calling out as though he was on a desperate mission. The trees seemed to come alive and grab at them as the day started to get darker and darker, but Trugard and his warriors never swayed, they kept steady with their journey until they saw a clearing out of the woods into the plains. Trugard knew that he wasn’t too far off from the mountains. On one stop near a small creek, one of the warriors was bitten by a snake and started gasping for air. Trugard said, Leave him, he will only slow us down. The warriors watched their brother gasp his last breath and die before their eyes; they never shed a tear or made any prayers. The animals will just have their feast tonight, we must go on, said Trugard as he hacked his way through the dense and tough brush.

The autumn air did not bother Trugard at all. He would endure even the harshest winter until he reached his goal; he was determined not to fail his warrior brothers as well as himself. The plains were just ahead as they finally exited the woods and the ground was a deep yellowish orange with small stones as they started to cross.

The yelping of distant goats could be heard as they trekked under the glaring sun. Trugard was not worried about the sun beating down on them, as a matter of fact, he welcomed it as it stretched his skin like the leathery sandals he was wearing.

In the present, twenty first century, Sarah had just waked up as the teacher yelled, Sarah! Are you sleeping again! she woke up with the laughter of all of her peers pointing and snickering. She had her head buried in her History book and knew that Mrs. Appleton’s class was probably one of the most boring classes she had ever taken.

Mrs. Appleton was a history teacher tenured of twenty five years at Columbus High School and could not tolerate anyone sleeping in her class. Sarah, this is the third time I’ve told you about sleeping in my class, you really need to pay more attention, said Mrs. Appleton. Sarah stood straight up and brushed her fingers through her hair and said, I’m sorry Mrs. Appleton, I was just so tired from last night. Mrs. Appleton shook her head and said, you really need to get more sleep at night instead of my classroom. Do you want me to call your mom? No! exclaimed Sarah in excitement. I’m good. Mrs. Appleton walked back to her desk and the bell rang. The kids bustled with each other to get out of the classroom and as Sarah was walking out she was called back into the classroom by Mrs. Appleton, wait a second Sarah, I need to talk to you." Sarah sighed and walked with her books in her backpack towards Mrs. Appleton’s desk.

Sarah was a very intelligent girl and she knew that falling asleep in Mrs. Appleton’s class would be grounds for a detention or having her mother come up to the school for a good scolding, this was something Sarah really wanted to avoid. Sarah knew her mother could talk and would never let her hear the end of the conversation, since her dad walked out on them.

Sarah’s mother did not want anything to do with her husband and considered him to be a drunkard and not fit to help raise their daughter. If only Sarah could stay with her father, she could get away with almost anything, now her father was pretty stern at times, other times he didn’t really care much because he was always out at the local bar building up a tab with the bartender. Whiskey, rum and beer were his best buddies and they got him caught up in some major trouble. Sarah remembered as a little girl when her dad came home with some guys from the bar, stating he had way too many drinks and they were afraid he would kill someone on his way home, so they took his keys and drove him. His wife was disgusted and angry and yelled at him all night. The two bickered like two crows deciding whether they should get some corn from a scarecrow. Sarah knew this was the beginning and end of the relationship her mother had with her father, because he did the same thing over and over again, until the divorce. Sarah was not pleased that her mother and father were no longer together and begged her mother to plead with him and try to get him help. I’ve tried to help him as much as I can Sarah, but he is a drunk and I’m just tired, just tired, exclaimed her mom. Sarah was very upset about the matter and blamed herself.

Mrs. Appleton looked at Sarah and spoke, Sarah, you are one of my brightest students and I don’t for the life of me understand why you keep falling asleep in my class. Sarah grimaced her face with a partial smile and said, I don’t know why I do that, I guess staying up late on the computer. Sarah didn’t want Mrs. Appleton to tell her mother she was up all night on the computer, because she knew her mother would not tolerate it. Mrs. Appleton shook her head and smiled at Sarah. Sarah, I was once your age and I know how entertaining a subject can get, especially when you’re really involved, but I cannot have you sleeping in my class day after day. Mrs. Appleton gave Sarah a slip and it read DETENTION-3:30PM IN LIBRARY Sarah grimaced her face in disgust and took the slip and said, ok. She was glad Mrs. Appleton didn’t call her mother; she could do a detention for an hour and just tell her mom she was at one of her girlfriend’s house watching a movie, her mother would believe that. Sarah took the paper and put it in her front pocket and walked out of Mrs. Appleton’s classroom. Sarah mumbled as she left the room, that bitch don’t know what I can do." Sarah walked into the library and put her head down again dreaming of when the day would end. As she started to doze off, she started thinking of a man’s image in the grassy plains; she could only get a fuzzy image of him and did not know why she kept having this same dream day after day. Sarah wondered who this person was and why he was in her dreams, what was the significance of him and what did it have to do with her. She never dreamed of her father, but instead tried to forget him at times, other times she wishes he could be there with her mother and they could have a normal family. Who was this man Sarah was thinking about, this shadowy figure in grassy land. She could not make out his face, but knew that in some way he was important and he played a key role in her life.

Thomas was Sarah’s friend and he sat right next to her. Everyone called him Eddie because his demeanor was like a figure from an old television series Sarah used to watch with her mother, so she started calling him Eddie. Thomas once asked her why she kept calling him Eddie and she exclaimed, You remind me so much of Eddie Haskell from Leave it to Beaver," and laughed.

Thomas looked at her puzzled and said, Ok, sure, although he did not have a clue who Eddie Haskell was and had never heard of the show. Thomas looked at her and smiled. He was about to snicker and asked Sarah, so what did you do to get here in the dungeon. Sarah smiled back and said, I fell asleep in Mrs. Appleton’s class. Again! laughed Thomas. Wow I thought I was the only one who fell asleep in that boring class. Sarah stood up mad and exclaimed, the class is not boring! I was just tired, that’s all. Sarah knew that Thomas would not understand her logic and would try to rally her against Mrs. Appleton, but Sarah liked her, she just didn’t understand what her dreams meant. Sarah figured the only way she could find out who the shady character of her dreams was to ponder on him from time to time, that way if she could see an image she could get a better understanding of who he was and how he was connected to her.

Thomas looked at Sarah with amazement and shushed her, not so loud, do you want to get us both in trouble. Thomas was a nice person but not as intelligent as Sarah. He didn’t really care about anything at all, just getting out of high school and working in his father’s liquor store. He told Sarah, One day I’m going to own that store and I’ll be the boss. Sarah really didn’t care because her own father was an alcoholic and was the main culprit of her mother’s divorce. Thomas was a loaner and did not have many friends because everyone thought he was weird. Thomas wasn’t much of a trouble maker but he would always be in the wrong place at the wrong time, whenever trouble was around the corner, Thomas was not too far away.

Sarah sat back down and grimaced again with a frown, when will this hell be over with, I really need to get home, she said. Thomas chuckled and said, thirty minutes. Sarah put her head back down and began to dream.

In the meantime, back in the 8th century, Trugard was telling his warriors to be prepared to meet the witch with everything they had. Trugard did not want to let his guard down and was prepared to do whatever it took, even if it meant killing the witch if she attacked his warriors.

The warriors reached a small spring and decided to rest. The mountain is not that far now, my brothers, exclaimed Trugard with enthusiasm. The warriors finished their fish and corn meal and headed toward the summit of the mountain. They had bundled up because the wind was fierce and the temperature dropped to freezing.

Trugard looked in each direction for any signs of danger and did not see any creatures in sight. He thought an ice monster, what he called a polar bear, would attack them on their way to the witch’s coven, but there was nothing. Trugard was amazed that along their journey there was only one death and his courage became unmatched as he continued up the mountainside.

The snow was blinding him and Trugard squinted, barely able to see what was in front of him. He pulled out his ax to try to shield the oncoming winds, but it didn’t seem to work. One warrior fell in the deep snow and died of hypothermia as they were entering the passage to the cave.

Trugard squinted and saw a cave and figured that was the witch’s lair. He told his warriors to keep their guard up and to be prepared for anything, especially a witch that had supernatural powers. He had heard the witch could make his men into beasts and he was ready to kill her if such a curse was put on him, but the problem was he didn’t know what she looked like, could she disguise herself as one of his warriors or could she appear as a shining light. Trugard did not want to take any chances and was prepared to meet her head on.

Once Trugard arrived in the cave he looked around and didn’t see anything. His eyes twitched back in forth waiting for someone or something to pounce on him like a tiger hunting its small prey. A woman’s voice spoke out of the darkness saying Trugard, I know why you have come. Trugard yelled back, Tell me old witch. A shadowy figure stepped out from the darkness and Trugard could not believe his eyes as he gazed at her. The witch was stunningly beautiful and Trugard was captivated by her beauty as his ax dropped from his hand.

Chapter 2

YOZAZZEL

The witch approached Trugard and before she could touch him he jumped back saying, away you witch. The witch looked at him puzzled and stepped back. I am not here to harm you or your warriors, she said. Then how do you know why we have come, explained Trugard angrily in a harsh tone. The witch turned her head and waved for Trugard and his warriors to follow her. Trugard was a strong warrior but was very cautious and whispered to his warriors to be prepared for battle. Trugard and his warriors followed the witch into the dark cave and with two claps from her hands sparks flew from the dry dead wood and a flame sparked up. Trugard knew that if the witch