“Join the celebration, Iolanthe!” Marie grinned. “Today, all is forgiven. You and I can put our past quarrels behind us and be united on this glorious day!”
“Yes, Marie,” Iolanthe nodded slowly.
“Boy!” Marie hollered. “Bring Zombi! He shall sit with our friend Iolanthe.”
“No need.” Iolanthe shook her head as she watched a young man come toward them with the snake that Marie called Zombi.
“Oh, yes,” Marie said. “You must. You must sit with him.”
“Very well,” Iolanthe nodded, talking the enormous snake who flicked its tongue toward Iolanthe’s face.
“Isn’t he beautiful?” Marie sighed happily. “Isn’t this a perfect night?”
“Certainly, Marie.” Iolanthe answered.
“Iolanthe,” Marie continued. “I want you to help me with the child. Without you, this life would not exist.” She placed her hands over her abdomen.
“Is that so?” Iolanthe asked.
“Yes. Your girl, Nellie—she is part of this. Without her offering, I’d not have been able to conceive.”
“Oh?” Iolanthe nodded.
“Of course.” Marie grinned. “Her passion will live forever now. And, so will my late husband’s. His brother—his blood—it is now inside me—nourishing this child.”
“And, the other man—Arthur?”
“He is the most important part.” Marie laughed. “For it is his contempt, his hatred, cunning and wickedness which will cause the child to grow large and fierce!”
“How?” Iolanthe asked. “How is this possible?”
“You doubt my power, Iolanthe?” Marie frowned. “I thought we were reunited.”
“No.” Iolanthe shook her head. “I don’t doubt you. I simply want to know how this is possible. How did you come to be with child?”
“Never you mind about that.” Marie laughed. “I shan’t divulge all of my secrets to you—not yet. Those are rewards you must earn.”
“And, how shall I earn them?”
“My child will soon be hungry and will need sustenance!” Marie laughed.
“What does he want?” Iolanthe wondered, straining to hear Marie over the noise of the energetic crowd.
“More offerings. That’s why you must help us. You are, after all, his Godmother.”
“Godmother?” Iolanthe repeated trying not to laugh at the idea.
“Yes.” Marie said with great seriousness.
“I’m honored.” Iolanthe replied, biting her cheeks. “What do you require of me?”
“In order to feed on our enemies, the child will need a taste of the blood which will sustain him forever.”
“I see.” Iolanthe said. “And, how do you propose I obtain that?”
“It’s simple, Woman.” Marie guffawed. “Bring me the blood of those who have wronged us!”
Did you miss Chapters 1-321? If so, you can read them here.
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