Chapter 4: Dragon Tooth

The first impression I had, after waking up, was the headache which almost seemed to split my skull. That, and the sensation on lying bound and naked on a hard cold surface. It took several minutes until I was able to remember what had happened before. Abruptly I tried to open my eyes, but to no avail, someone had also blindfolded me.

“Why did Deirdre do this to me? What is it she needs me for?” it was hard to supress my fear and remain calm “I need to get out of this place first, then I can search for the reasons, whatever they are!”

First I tried to slip out of the restraints, then to break them, but failed miserably. The only success I had, was that the ropes cut even deeper than before, and the only option left to me was to wait for my captor.

I don't know how long I waited in the darkness, but I finally heard someone opening a door. Footsteps came closer and closer and finally stopped at my side, as a hand felt for my pulse, I instinctively shrank back a bit.

“You're awake, very good, I almost feared I overdid the dose,” Deirdre said, “Too bad that there's not much time left, so we have to hurry everything a bit.”

“What's going on, and why are you doing this to me?” I asked angrily “You know that Allan will tear down London if I suddenly vanish.”

“Allan? Ahh, you mean Mr. Cordwyn. You really don't know who he is, do you?” she calmly replied, “But thats not really important now. Mr. Cordwyn will have too much to do... I really doubt that there will be enough time left for anyone to search for you. The gates are almost open, and they are coming very soon. Some of them are already here.”

I already feared that I wouldn't like the answer to my next question, but there was no other way, I had to know, “Who are 'they'? What do 'they' want?”

“We've talked so much in the past, and still you don't see... You should really learn to listen,” this time Deirdre sounded almost angry, “The demons are coming soon, and they intend to invade our world. Those already here are either preparing the gates or seeking to destroy the ones that are dangerous to them.”

I was taken aback, she couldn't be serious about all that, but I could hear in her voice that she meant every single word she had said.

“Every human being has a small bit of magic within, some more, some less. But the belief in science and logic leaves no space for something else, magic is illogical, so it can not exist at all,” this time her voice shook with anger, “They just don't want to see the signs!”

She pressed a cup to my lips and ordered me to drink. I hadn't noticed how thirsty I was until she did so, but the cool coppery tasting liquid was a real wellspring.

“But we have to start now,” this time her calm voice almost seemed apologetic, “I'm really sorry that I have to force this on you, but there is no more time left.”

At first there was only something cool at my left forearm, then the pain started. This time it was me welcoming the darkness which soon engulfed me...

Two hours later Deirdre, the last living witch in London, finished the symbols protecting the cellar. No demon would be able to enter or even sense the sleeping form under the blanket there.

“This woman has the heart of a warrior, and at the same time the capacity to become one of the greatest cabalists. I almost feel sorry for those who try to control her,” she chuckled at this thought, “The demonblood she drank will awaken her powers and proöong her life.”

Still lost in thought, she went back to the library.

The dragon tooth had been sown...

Waiting for its time to awaken...