Quest for Destiny Chapter Three
Quest for Destiny Chapter ThreeChapter 3
Waking in the strange place again, it took several seconds for Sarita to recognize where she was and longer for some of the previous evening to filter into her mind. She held Yvette, who still felt cool to the touch. Sarita had longed for a time when she could be more than a friend with casual satisfactions. The reality of why she was there came slowly – very slowly and hazy.
Laying her head on Yvette’s modest chest, the fuller woman listened to the breathing. It sounded steady and strong. Thumps of the heart were less so. Yvette’s neck had a red scar. The nightmarish gash had sealed. Sarita dared not touch it, though wondered why it wasn’t bandaged.
“Yvette,” the young student whispered. Not receiving a response, she repeated softly, “Yvette? Please wake up.” Still nothing.
Watching for quite a while, Sarita realized she could see the cool room clearly. Bright light beamed around heavy drapes. That meant the sun was well over the horizon.
“Damn.”
Looking around, wondering what she should do, the femella got up, ignoring the slippers. Going to the door, she slowly opened it and stepped out. The crowd from the night before was gone. There was one man leaning against the curved marble rail. He saw her oval face and smiled.
“Sir?” she addressed. “Where’s Katy?” Her voice was timid.
Nudging off the rail, the man responded, “I’ll get her.”
Before he disappeared, Sarita asked, “Sir? Where’s the bathroom?”
Pointing to where she had showered, “The tub is in that room.”
“I didn’t see a toilet.”
Indicating a door next to where she showered, closer to the west balcony stairs, “That’s the closest water closet.” He then went to find Katy.
Reluctant to be away from Yvette, Sarita quickly scooted to the smaller room adjacent to the grand foyer. It was still a spacious chamber, especially considering its sole purpose. She hastily finished what she had to do and returned to Yvette, waiting near the bed. She slipped her small feet into the slippers.
It didn’t take long for the door to open. Sarita had mixed feelings about that. The strange woman entered a couple of steps. She wore a Mayan-blue formal gown having a gray, laced bodice. Sarita needed her there, but didn’t want her nearby.
“How do you feel?” the thin femella asked.
“Not good. I want my clothes. We have to leave. Yvette still won’t wake up.”
“She should be awake tomorrow sometime. I’ll have someone clean your friend – and we’ll feed her.”
“She can’t eat. She won’t wake up. She’s still chilled.”
“Her coolness is normal for her now and we have a broth to give her with a sponge. It will help her recover faster.”
Remembering Myer’s statement from the night before, “Will it really help?”
“It will. As for you; you could eat here or in the dining room.” There was no response. “You are hungry, aren’t you?” A slow nod came. “Good. I’ll have it brought here.” Glancing to the one in the bed, “Don’t worry about her. She’s healthy. This takes time, no matter what you may have heard.”
Sarita couldn’t respond. Distrusting eyes watched the thin one leave and pull the door shut. The student began pacing the cool room. By the time it reopened, Sarita was in the chair closest to the bed, having ensured her friend was as comfortable as could be.
Katy entered, followed by three slender women who wore gowns of dark colors. The first two carried towels, a steamy bowl and pot. The third rolled a serving cart with a variety of silver covers. The more familiar woman took the other seat, as the cart was rolled in front of Sarita.
“Ma’am,” the taller, bright-auburn woman beside the cart addressed the student. “We didn’t know what you like.” Opening lids momentarily, revealing plates and bowls of fine china, she detailed the contents. “We have some fruits; strawberries, sliced pineapple and chopped cantaloupe. There are waffles, bacon and scrambled eggs, with a breakfast steak cooked to medium rare. We could cook it more, if you like, or serve another less so.”
“This is fine,” Sarita stated, amazed.
“I’m glad.” Opening the last briefly, “This is oatmeal. Under the cloth below, you will find butter, sugar, salt, pepper and a variety of syrups.” Gesturing at two glasses and a cup on top, the woman told her, “There’s pineapple and orange juice. Some of us like to mix them. There is also the coffee. We could bring tea, should you prefer. There’s a variety of creams underneath.”
“Why?”
“Why what, ma’am?”
Katy chuckled and told the redhead, “This is great. Thank you. You can go.”
“Yes, ma’am.” To Sarita, “I hope this meets to your approval.”
“I… It’s… It’s a lot.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the other woman replied. With that, she departed.
While that was going on, the other pair at the far side of the bed busied themselves. They started by pulling back the covers and hem of the nightgown, revealing a cloth around Yvette’s narrow hips as a diaper. One removed it, exposing a less dramatic patch which the woman wiped with a warm cloth from the pot, parting the legs enough to clean underneath. Once done, a fresh cloth was gently placed and the hem lowered with the covers returned.
That woman left, taking the soiled items. Sarita had noticed the scent in the air from their activities was pleasant. A mix of floral and herbal scent neutralized what was expected.
“Your friend is recovering well,” Katy told Sarita, as the other carefully propped Yvette on the pillows, then fed her from the bowl. Indicating the cart, “Please eat. If you don’t mind, I’ll have some of that pineapple.”
“Oh. Sure. Of course.” Sarita took off the lid and set it aside, letting the woman take a round slice of the yellow fruit. “Katy,” the plump woman addressed, watching her tear it in two, munching on half, then the other. “I don’t want to leave her, but we have class today. I should go and get the assignments.”
“I’m sure they will understand if you don’t attend class today.”
“I guess.”
“You don’t look ready to sit in class. You’ve been through an ordeal.”
“I should go, though.”
“We’ll pass a message to the faculty. Myer has friends there.”
“He seems to have friends everywhere.”
“He’s been around.” Gesturing the spread, “Please eat.”
Sarita did. At first, she nibbled a piece of pineapple, imitating Katy politely, who had another. The student progressed to a strawberry, then had a slice of bacon. With those appetizers, her stomach woke and she picked up the pace, sampling everything. By the time nearly an hour had passed, the woman on the bed with Yvette had eased much of the broth into the sleeping femella, using a small natural sponge. She then settled Yvette down, still propped on two pillows, covering her well.
“How was it?” Katy asked Sarita of the meal.
“Fabulous. Why be this kind?”
“Your friend has a special place with us and you’re her friend.”
“You all keep saying that. We’re not special.”
“We believe you are. You may not know it yet, but you’re unique.”
Sarita watched her friend sleep, then responded, “I don’t feel it.”
“That shows modesty. That’s a good quality.” Seeing the concerned expression in the young woman, Katy added, “She really will recover. You may remain here all day, if you wish; but you should take a walk some time. You could go anywhere on the grounds.”
“Can we leave?”
“You can, but Myer made it clear to everyone that Yvette has to stay. At least until her mother gets here.”
“Raana’s coming?”
“Tomorrow is what I’ve heard.”
“Why so long?”
“She’s driving.”
“Why not fly? She’ll be here faster.”
“As I understand, Mistress Fontaine doesn’t fly. You’ll have to ask her why yourself.” After a bit of silence, “We have an extensive library, if you wish to read. We have horses, should you like to ride.”
“I’m okay. Where’s our cars? My pack is in mine. I should study.”
“They’re in the carriage house – garage. I’ll have your pack retrieved for you.”
“And my purse. Tell me where the garage is and I’ll get them. I’ll need my keys.”
“I’ll show you to your car. But for now, if you’re thinking of calling someone with your phone, I’ll have to say no.”
“So I am a prisoner.”
“Circumstances are delicate. Until you understand what’s going on, we have to control the situation. If you wish to go, we’ll make arrangements to return you to the campus with your car.”
“I’m not going without her.” Not seeing other options, “I’ll just have my pack.”
“All right. I was told you like science fiction. We have many.”
“Hmmm.” The sound was more a tone of dissatisfaction with her predicament. “Maybe later.”
Shortly, Sarita was alone. The day crept on. The woman paced a while, then peeked out the window overlooking a square garden on the south side of the wing. It was enclosed by two stone walls on the south and west, and a wing of the mansion towards her left aligned on the main entry. After more pacing, she laid with her friend, paced again, sat in the chair, paced more, sat in the other chair, did some studying and resumed pacing.
When Katy brought lunch and ate with her, she told Sarita, “The school had been told. They gave their sympathies, assuring us that you and Yvette could make up classes next semester and that the fees will be transferred. You don’t have to worry about the cost for classes or other expenses with the University. Myer also covered the fees for Yvette’s dorm room and your sorority for the next three years.”
“Huh? Why?”
“It’s a small thing. You two got caught up in a mess. You shouldn’t suffer for it.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“When you feel you mean it, thank him. Not now. We all know you still don’t trust us. None of us blame you. Your friend almost died. We still have trouble heading our way. We don’t know how her mother will react.”
“She’ll be thankful. She has to be. You all saved her life.”
“Yesss,” Katy toned slowly. “But, for that to happen, we had to do something she may not take well.”
“What? She’s alive. Her breathing is strong and the heart is beating much better.”
“We’re all pleased to hear that. Well, I’m going to go rest for a while. I’ve been up most of two days.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” the thin femella responded, setting a comforting hand on Sarita’s. “It’s my pleasure.” Rising, Katy added, “If you need me – or anything – just ask anyone you find. They’ll all help you.”
“Uh. Okay.”
Kissing the left cheek, Katy departed. The pacing resumed, then sitting, laying with her friend, a quick trip to the water closet, then more pacing. A couple of hours passed when the room began closing in on her.
Warily, Sarita stepped from the chamber, confident her friend was stable and she could do nothing by being there. Going to the balcony, she looked at the grand foyer. The few people in the area asked if they could be of service and were declined. The home had an elegance she was not used to and barely remembered from the night before.
A chill preceded a woman’s soft voice addressing her. “Sarita, dear?”
Turning, the plump woman saw three persons. Myer, she knew. With him was a large, dark femella of extreme form wearing a gown of browns and violets presenting more cleft than Sarita could ever exhibit, having more under the crossover neckline.
The other femella caused Sarita to stare and freeze. She was not large. In many ways, the woman was petite, seeming to come from the same region as Myer. Her voice was unlike his. Sarita knew it was this woman—in a simple black gown befitting the home—who had addressed her and now took her in her arms, saying, “I’m so sorry about all that happened to you.”
“I….” was all that came out.
Releasing Sarita with an affectionate squeeze, “That’s all right, dear. You’ve been through a trauma – both you and your friend. We’re here to help.” As the larger, soft woman hugged Sarita in the same manner, the one who gave her chills introduced, “This is Marcella. May we see your friend?”
Being released, all Sarita could do was stare and nod.
“Thank you.”
Taking her hand, the elegant woman guided Sarita to the room she spent much of the last twenty hours in. The other two followed a couple steps behind. Sarita did nothing while the oddly mannered woman examined the sleeping friend, even sniffing around close.
With a light kiss to Yvette’s forehead, the woman told the femella laying under covers, “Sleep well. Your mother will be here soon.” Erecting, she stepped to Sarita. “I’m Lavina. I know you have many questions. I’m sure Myer and Katy tried answering some, though they don’t know what I may.”
Sarita glanced to the man who didn’t seem offended for his ignorance of whatever this odd woman knew. “They’ve been kind.”
“They’re very kind to friends. Let’s you and I go talk. There’s nothing that can be done here for now and I would like to learn more about you and your friend before her mother arrives tomorrow.”
“I don’t know what I can tell you. We were attacked. A man tried to rape Yvette. Myer seems to know more about what happened.”
“We won’t speak of the attack for now, unless you need to. I want to know about you and Yvette. Would you mind walking with me?”
Sarita looked to the man and very shapely woman for reassurance, then realized the only one on the property she could trust was not able to reassure anyone at the time. “I guess so.”
“I’m glad.”
Taking Sarita’s hand gently with a peculiar comfort, the thinner woman casually guided the younger out the door, then to the back of the mansion. She was not rushed. Lavina sensed a reeling mind that needed to run before she would have a chance of pulling in the emotions. If done too soon, the mind would recoil.
The younger knew she was being given the time and that was slowly evolving towards the first question forming in her thoughts while they went outside. Sarita released the hand to exit through the French doors. Orange-purple glow of early dusk stretched across the sky. The sun had dipped below the horizon beyond the trees at the far end of the manicured lawn.
Strolling across the half circle stone patio, Sarita finally asked, “Why is everyone here so helpful? They say Yvette and I are special and what they’re doing is to make up for the attack. I don’t even know who did it. He didn’t rape her. I don’t think he intended to. I thought he was, but he just cut her throat. That’s what it looked like.”
Sarita was still in shock and her words were more like reporting current events in some pop-speech assignment. Lavina listened while they descended the west stairs adjoining the rounded wall of the first floor. The steps landed at ground tiles level to the lawn.
Both strolled on the soft turf, with Lavina telling her, “That’s all true. Very regrettable. We’re working to prevent escalation. There are still many unknowns.”
“Katy said trouble is coming.”
“Yvette’s mother is someone to fear, especially for those who she finds harmful to the way things should be.”
“Raana owns a ranch. She’s not the police or FBI.”
“We have no fear of those officials. Raana is different. We all have utmost respect for her. She can be a delight, unless crossed. She protects her family and is very capable of it.”
“I don’t understand. Yvette doesn’t talk about her much, but she didn’t tell me any of that.”
“There’s no reason she would. Raana would not harm you.”
“Yvette and I are friends, but we just met last year. I don’t know why any of this happened – or what exactly happened. What I do know, is Yvette is alive. Raana will be grateful.”
“It’s not that simple. We’re different and she knows it.”
“Different how?”
“Let’s discuss you and Yvette. Raana will be here tomorrow and I’m hoping to have something to calm her with.”
“You really are worried.”
“Not for Myer or myself. I have concerns for the others who are here. Not you. She’ll not harm you. You said you have been friends since last year?”
“We were in algebra together.”
“Algebra?”
“Yvette was going to be an accountant. She’s good at math.”
“And you?”
“I’m not good at math. She’s much better.”
“What is your major in?”
“Aerospace engineering.”
“Really?” Lavina toned, given the girl a more scrutinizing look. “Why did you decide on that major?”
“We both are now. Yvette changed hers.”
“But you came here to do that.”
“I want to work at NASA.”
“Intriguing.”
“Huh?”
“Just thinking. You met Yvette in algebra and became friends.”
“We did. Why was she attacked?”
“Remnants of a family wish to start a war.”
“War? Myer said feud last night – this morning – I think. What family?”
“We’ll handle that. I would like to know more about you and Yvette. I know Raana very well, but we don’t talk of her children.”
“Yvette has two brothers. She doesn’t talk about them much, either. I know she loves her family, but we talk about everything else. We have our studies and that fills a lot of time.”
“What do you talk about, besides studies?”
“Just stuff. We end up talking about class work, since we’re taking the same courses now – mostly. I’m adding some history.”
“Knowing what happened in the past is good, but I sense you knew that.”
“You know more about me than you should. We never met.”
“Not really.”
The walk was long and the discussion went into countless tangents as they meandered throughout the property, skimming close to a few out-buildings and a couple garden areas. Sarita saw that the south wing of the home with the centered raised patio was not the full length of the front. The rest had the garden her room overlooked. Small wrought-iron gates were framed within a stone arch centered on both walls of that garden. She discovered the guest wing extended west in front from the entry foyer, having the rest of the mansion wrapping an enclosed square courtyard.
By the time they returned to the mansion, entering through French doors, the sky was dark with a multitude of stars backdropping the moon coming up in the east. The student was quite hungry.
“I’ll arrange a meal,” Lavina told her, sensing the need.
“I was away from Yvette too long. I need to get back to the room.”
“She’s stronger. But yes, you should go. I’ll be there shortly. I’ll have the meal brought to your room.”
The younger looked the hall up-and-down from the entry area. “Where do I go?”
“To the left. You’ll remember.”
Lavina watched the plump woman swish away, still in the robe.
“She’s pretty,” Marcella stated softly coming from the other hall, close to where their room was. She saw the student turn right, progressing into the west wing that led to the foyer. The fuller, darker woman slipped along her beloved’s side, taking a hand.
“Yes, she is,” Lavina agreed.
“I feel there’s something beyond the obvious.”
“Indeed, there is. She’s majoring in aerospace engineering.”
“That could be useful.”
“It can.”
“You think she could get some information?”
“It all depends on Raana.”
“There is that.”
Turning to the larger woman, kissing her full lips. “Let’s get something to eat.” Heading towards the closer stairs leading them towards the kitchen, “We’re dining with Sarita in her room.”
“Of course we are.”
“Jealous?”
“I learned not to be envious long ago.”
“It’s sweet that you have been.”
“I’ve grown since those days. I’m fine now.”
“This won’t disturb what we have together.”
“I know it won’t. I’m familiar with your varied yearnings and comfortable with our future.”
* * * *
Raanana turned the dark-gray, extra-long, Chevrolet, crew cab truck into the deceptively humble driveway of the estate – a meek, cobblestoned bend off the paved road. It led to a property like nothing she was used to or felt comfortable on, even if those people weren’t there. She examined the broad, two-part, wrought-iron gate that would be no match for the full push-grill mounted on the front of her truck. The six tires and considerable horse power was suitable to pull or shove what she needed.
Setting the emergency brake, leaving the gear in neutral, the femella reached over to a well-worn, leather, shoulder bag laying on the passenger side. It passed as a purse. She retrieved a glass vial from a compartment. Unscrewing the metallic stopper, Raanana dabbed some on her neck and behind her ears as perfume. Doing so twice more, she partially blocked the mouth of the vial with her thumb and sprinkled it around the front area, then over her shoulder to the back seat. Recapping the vial, returning it to the bag, she slipped her phone from a vest pocket.
The woman observed the driveway that continued beyond the gate, a path well-lit by the diffused early afternoon sunlight filtering through trees. Besides tall trees and bushes bordering the cobble drive bending towards the right, little was viewable.
Pressing Lavina’s entry, there came a ring, then a familiar feminine voice answered. “Hello, Raana.”
“Hello, dear. I’m at the gate.”
“You should’ve called when you got in the area. I would have met you.”
“That’s all right. I had to calm down first.”
“I know this is difficult for you. Yvette is well, though she’s still sleeping. We’re on our way.”
“Just release the gate. I’ll drive up.”
“It’s not automatic. Few things here are.”
“That figures.”
“It won’t take long.”
“Take your time. Bye for now.”
“Bye-bye.”
Ending the call, Raanana waited. Several minutes passed before three people—now all in white or cream colored outfits for the bright day—rounded the shady drive. All were known: Jeremy, Myer and Lavina. The shorter two held back as the white-haired man unlocked the gate, pulling the side in front of the truck wide.
Releasing the brake and setting the gear, she pulled in slowly until even with Myer and Lavina on her side. Lowering the window, she greeted the smaller woman who wore a broad-brim sun hat. “Hello, Lavina. I would offer a ride, but I doubt any of you would be comfortable.”
“I understand. Go ahead. We’ll be up shortly.”
With a nod, Raanana advanced. Jeremy joined the pair after relocking the gate.
Myer commented to Lavina while strolling towards the house, “She’s as hard to read as ever.”
Lavina responded, “She’s upset, of course. I don’t need to go deeper to know that. She’s working hard not to slaughter everyone here.”
“It would have been better if Yvette was awake.”
The rest of the walk along the S-shape drive was in silence. Coming in view of the home, the three saw Raanana finishing a walk around her truck, lightly sprinkling a whitish powder from a leather pouch she held in her left hand – more on the truck than soil. Her right hand clutched a thick, intricately engraved walking stick.
“That wasn’t necessary,” Myer stated when he got into earshot. He stopped some three strides from the newcomer.
“Don’t worry. A good rain will wash it away.”
Standing beyond the small territory she claimed with the powder, having tossed the pouch in the bed of the truck, alongside a tarp covering a mound of supplies, Raanana examined the others. The rancher was around Lavina’s height, though fuller, wearing weathered jeans, indigo vest, pale-purple flannel blouse and a dark-brown, wide brim, felt Akubra hat. Braided frizzy brown hair hung down her back from under the hat.
Lavina—in a white flowing gown—approached. Holding a deep breath, she hugged the woman before backing to arm’s-length. “Good to see you.”
“Likewise,” Raanana responded. “As for those living here; not so much.”
“I understand.” Wrinkling her nose, scratching it. “It’s strong.”
Glancing to the other two, knowing she was being observed from the home’s windows, “I had to.”
Nodding, the more formally dressed woman told the rancher, “I’ll take you to Yvette.”
“Please.”
The pair were joined by the men, each giving respectable distance. The taller advanced to the door, opening the right side, allowing the others to enter.
Within the grand foyer, a slender man and woman stood in curiosity near the east stairs. Another man looked down from the balcony. Raanana’s left fingers casually opened that side of the vest exposing a side holster with a Glock tucked behind and under the curvature of her ample bosom.
“You’re safe here,” Myer insisted to the guest. “No one will molest you in my home.” To the trio, “Please, find somewhere else to be.”
The two on their floor slipped through the passage under the balcony. The one above backed from sight.
Jeremy climbed the stairs to his left while Myer led the women up the other. At the top, going down the right hall for the guest wing, the three entered the large bedroom set aside for the recovery of the young woman. Jeremy remained in the hall.
Raanana nodded a greeting to Sarita, who sat on the bed with her daughter – the only other in the chamber. She went to the sleeping femella on the far side while Lavina and Myer held back. The rancher lightly brushed her daughter’s cheek, then fingered strands of hair from the face. Faint moans came from Yvette. Her brows tightened and she shifted her face away.
Still watched intently by Sarita, the older woman pulled the blankets and top of the fresh, fuchsia nightgown robe back to present the neck and collarbones fully. The wound was the color of the gown, now fully healed over. There was another moan from the sleeping one.
“So,” Raanana scowled, turning to Myer, “you had to do it.”
“I wish there was another way.”
“So do I.” Turning to the other younger woman who sat close by on the bed, still protecting her friend, “How are you doing?”
“Fine – I guess. I’m confused.”
“I don’t doubt that. Come give me a hug.”
First checking her friend, returning the gown flaps and covers, Sarita rose. She circled around, taking hold of the mother, a femella nearly as full everywhere except in height – the younger being an inch shorter.
Sarita whispered, “I don’t know what’s going on.”
Petting black hair hanging loose to the waist, “I’ll tell you what I can later. For now, stay with Yvette. I have to see the man who did this.” Kissing the cheek, “Be strong. I believe you’re safe here.” The student nodded and was released. To the patriarch, “Take me to Eblin.”
“He’s at the far side of the estate.”
“I don’t care where. Please take me to him.”
“Of course.”
Raanana told Sarita, “This may take some time. We’ll talk later.”
Receiving a nod, the older woman left the room with the other two. Lavina and the rancher were followed by Myer who was joined again out in the hall by Jeremy.
Trailing the women, offset with Jeremy to his outside, Myer addressed the more recent guest, “Mistress Fontaine. We have a room made up for you next to Yvette.” Other residents kept their distance, scooting from sight.
“Thank you,” she told the man, letting her friend guide the way, “but I won’t be needing it. I’ll be taking my daughter back to Colorado and care for her there.”
“She would be safer here. We’ll take—.”
“Thanks, but enough happened around here. I’m taking her home. When she recovers, I’ll set her up with a school there.”
“Ma’am,” Lavina addressed, more formal than she usually did with her friend. Knowing the woman was avoiding a growing contradiction related to what her daughter was becoming, she told her, “The school here is one of the best for what she wishes to do.”
“I know she changed her degree, but that was because of Sarita. There are good schools around Denver. Or, I’ll set her up in California.”
“We’re far from there.”
“That’s the point.”
“We have less control out there.”
“I’m aware of that.”
Myer’s manservant told the newcomer, “You can’t clear us from every state.”
“Can’t I?” Raanana’s tone was menacing.
“Be respectful, Jeremy,” Myer scolded the masle.
“Yes, sire.”
Myer told the rancher, “I apologize for his behavior.”
“He can speak his mind.”
“Not while he’s in my home. I’ll not have my guest disrespected.”
“I prefer honesty. As for California; the region is disordered. It may need cleansing.”
“Raana, dear,” Lavina addressed. “Please don’t act rashly. If they get out of control, let us handle it.”
“They’re out of control now.”
“It’s just a few skirmishes over turf. You know California.”
“All too well.” Taking a deep breath, “Fine. Their bickering hasn’t produced many casualties beyond their nests. You may warn them, though.”
“They know your displeasure,” Lavina stated while the group passed through the southern French doors.
“They better.”
“You know I respect you greatly,” Lavina warned, “but remember; you are just one person. With your children not following your path, you’re alone.”
“I’m not alone. There may not be many of us, but I have friends.” Seeing Jeremy’s expression, she told him, “I know how you feel. I often pray to God about you people and ask him why he placed you here.”
“We don’t accept your God.”
Before Myer could object to the man’s snippet remark, Raanana told the host, “As a guest, I would like him to speak freely.” Seeing the resignation to the request, she told Jeremy, “I’m aware of your views.”
“You’re a contradiction of your God. You’re breaking your own Commandments.”
“Some of us have to. I may be m’khashaphah – but as long as there are people like you, I have to be what I am.” Raising a warning hand and one eyebrow. In response to the slight shifting in the man’s stance, she told the taller, “Don’t try it.”
Jeremy slowed a moment to add a step more distance.
Seeing the masle wasn’t going to express more of his thoughts, Lavina told her friend, “Many things are changing. Yvette was not taking the apprenticeship, otherwise she wouldn’t be here. Your sons are limiting themselves to the ranch.”
“I’m not discussing my family.” Out on the lawn, noting the direction gestured by Myer, Raanana angled to the distant red brick out-building. After a few steps, she asked Myer, “What else is known from Eblin?”
“We found where he was with Caroline last. She wasn’t there.”
“Of course not.”
“We’re still hunting her.”
“Bring her to me when she’s located.”
“If she’s alive.”
“Try to keep her that way. After all this, I want to handle her myself.”
“We’ll try. You are aware she’s mostly innocent of what occurred in Tennessee.”
“She was part of what her family was doing. I won’t let her live.”
“Jeremy was hoping you would.”
Raanana told the white-haired masle, “I know she’s pretty, but I won’t let her live. I may have before, but not now.”
“That’s a shame,” Jeremy replied.
“If you think so.” Examining the one who was more openly defiant, she commented, “There are plenty of pretty women here. Why bother with her?”
“I don’t think she’s at fault.”
Seeing Myer about to respond to the manservant, Raanana told the patriarch, “Please. Let him finish.”
“All right.”
The woman asked Jeremy, “Why don’t you think she’s guilty of plotting to kill my daughter? I’m sure you’re aware of what her and her family was doing to my grandniece.”
“Caroline is weak willed. She’ll do what others tell her. She would do anything her parents told her to. With them mur… gone, she turned to Eblin. He controls Caroline. It’s not her fault.”
“She did follow Eblin and he tried to kill Yvette.”
“I am quite aware of what Eblin did. I don’t think Caroline was with Eblin because he knew she wouldn’t go through with it. I trust her and now she’s alone out there.”
“She can’t hide forever.”
Myer told the woman, “She may be heading south. When they were here last, I told them to go to Mexico – or farther.”
“They should have.”
Nothing more was said as they closed the distance to the brick building. Reaching the structure, the soldier leaning in the shade eyed the newcomer, then opened the door. To the patriarch, “No change, sire.”
“None expected,” Myer stated, entering first.
Inside, Raanana sniffed the air, looking around. “A slaughterhouse. How fitting.”
One of the two soldiers inside was laying on the cot in the corner. Coming awake and seeing his liege and company, he stood, patting his clothes in place. The one on the counter, having seen Lavina and newcomer, slid off and stood as well. Recognizing Raanana, that one snatched a sheath from the counter, gripping the hilt of his hand-and-a-half sword while backing a step. He stood half turned in ready stance.
Raanana’s pistol was in her right hand, the muzzle pointing at the tiles just in front of the second masle who wore heavier white attire. The walking stick was now in her left grip.
“Relax,” Myer told the soldiers. “You knew she was coming. Mistress Fontaine is our guest.”
The newcomer forced a smile to the man near the cot, seeing that his open palm was nearly a foot from the hilt of his weapon resting at the corner.
“That’s quaint,” the newcomer muttered, as she returned her pistol to the holster, having hooked the vest on that side with her walking stick to give her access. She then told the one who had slid off the counter, “You do know I’d have you shot before the blade cleared, then your friend there would be next without a chance to get to his.”
With a gesture from Myer, the one soldier returned the still sheathed weapon to the counter and the other held his hands together in front of him. Both retained their wary stance.
Shaking her head, Raanana turned her attention to the naked man lying on the tile floor, muttering, “Templars are so old fashioned.” She drew closer to the nude one who scurried back until the length of chain halted his progress. Four scars on the left cheek were faint and barely noticeable. Leaning on her walking stick, Raanana told Eblin, “I’m glad you remember me.”
“Now what?”
“I examine you. Not long after that, I’ll relieve this world of the miserable existence you call a life.”
Eblin glanced to the soldiers, saying, “Why let any of us live? Murder them all like you murdered my family.”
“Some stay where they can live in peace. Most don’t want a fight. For some reason, you couldn’t be like them.”
“You murdered my family.”
“Shall we discuss my grandniece?”
“We didn’t know who Beth was.”
“It’s more like you didn’t care. We’ll find your sister, then I’ll end her existence, as well.”
The naked man’s anger flared and he lunged at her, taking the woman’s throat in a tight grip, chains dangling down her front. The others moved closer, then realized Raanana wasn’t struggling. The femella’s head was cocked slightly with her brows raised, waiting.
The man repelled from the older looking woman, coughing while rubbing his hands.
“Now, now,” Raanana toned, taking a deep breath, “we’ll have no more of that foolishness. You’re too weak for such an outburst, not that I would allow it for long. You know what this is about. You stay put until I’m done. Then we deal with the remains.”
“There’s nothing I’ll tell you. Just kill me.” Glancing to the others in the room, “Murder us all, like you did my family.”
“I’ll kill you once I’m done. As for the rest, you failed. I don’t plan to kill them. I’ve been friends with Lavina a long time. You were too high from tapping kennel addicts to think straight. I believe some of you call what you suck from addicts cocaine nectar? Cocaine seems to be your personal preference.”
“It’s better than other elixirs.”
Raanana shook her head, “None of you considered the ramification of your activities. Your parents lacked restraint and your entire family progressed unwisely. Now, we have to mop up after them.”
“Is that what you call murdering my kin?”
“I call it extermination of a pestilence. I’ll deal with you now, then locate your sister and handle her. I was planning to just kill the vermin for what your family had done to Bethany, but I’ve been thinking about what Jeremy said. Maybe giving her to him will be better. They can have children and make up for what was done by your family.”
Obviously not caring for that prospect, Eblin expressed with a bite in his tone, “You wouldn’t. You hate us. You wouldn’t want us to breed more. Those are your words. We breed like animals, you say. We’re animals, aren’t we?”
“We all are. I don’t know where you’re from, but God didn’t place you here. You’re not natural on this world.” There was a long silence while the woman’s brown eyes looked deep into the masle.
“I feel you,” the man eventually expressed softly, his venomous tone breaking the silence. “There’s nothing to know.”
“I’m sure you feel me. I’m not being subtle. You’re weak. They fed you more than I would, but I wouldn’t have fed you at all. I should thank them for what little they gave you. It will make this more satisfying.”
The man’s eyes widened when the short woman pulled the top handle of her walking stick from the lower stock, letting the tube drop with a clamor echoing off hard surfaces. The effect was calculated and the response was as she hoped. Straining away, Eblin’s eyes were held by the woman’s captive gaze. He couldn’t clearly see the leather wrapped hilt of the stiletto-like misericorde with the dark, nearly ten inch, star-diamond blade, tapered evenly to a point.
“You witch. This isn’t over.”
“It is for you.”
“I know more,” the masle stated as the woman moved in, taking his mangy hair, pulling the head and body back. His shackled wrists strained the chain taut.
“Not enough to keep your miserable life going any longer.”
The man choked, as he coughed from her scent. His legs fought to grip cold tile – failing to do so. Raanana brought the tip of the blade to the base of his neck, just above the collar bone. She plunged the blade deep and fast, driving the hilt to flesh. The broad rim of the guard, matching the pommel, pressed the wound. Fizzing blood seeped around the edge and down the front of the man. Burbling squeals echoed throughout the chamber.
None beyond one of the soldiers moved, as the captive thrashed and choked. That soldier shifted to a window, opening it. He then opened the door to let in fresh air.
With the left hand still clutching his hair, Raanana released the hilt, leaving the blade where it was buried. The rancher then reached under the right side of the vest with her free hand, unsnapping one of the pouches on her holster strap, removing a glass vial.
Telling the man still thrashing, “Goodbye, Eblin,” she shoved the vial into his mouth.
The woman then slammed his jaw up, closing the mouth hard. There was a distinct crunch, as the vial broke under the man’s teeth. The Jewish witch held tight as the victim convulsed, legs thrashing. Foam snorted out the nose, as more seethed from his lips like a rabid animal.
Others in the room backed away, the scent of the perfume growing stronger.
Seconds later, Eblin went limp.
Taking the hilt back in her right hand, she stood fully, pulling his head up and forward in a smooth synchronized motion while drawing the blade out, shoving the body away from her. It crumpled to the tile. Blood flowed onto the floor from the higher internal pressure.
Going to a sink she had noted before, Raanana held the blade under the faucet and pumped the lever. It took several strokes to draw up water. When it did, she cleaned the blade and her hands.
Lavina came closer, though remained at arms distance. “We could have helped with him.”
“I needed to do it myself. He almost killed my daughter.”
“I would never deny the kill. We could’ve held him for you.”
“He wasn’t as strong as my calves. This was satisfying.”
“I’m sure it was.”
“Besides, would you want to be that close to me right now?”
“Not with that stuff on you.”
“I didn’t think so. Now I have to find Caroline.”
“We will,” Lavina told her, watching the woman dry her hands and blade with a clean cloth. As the friend retrieved the base of the walking stick, inserting the misericorde with a quarter turn to lock it in place, “Did you get anything from him?”
“Not much.” To Myer, “Please release Eblin, then have your knights gather wood outside.”
The short man motioned to the two soldiers, who set about fulfilling the request. Raanana waited for shackles to be carefully released, then stepped to the crumpled man. She held the walking stick in her left grip as a cane. Clutching the hair, close to the scalp, she pulled the body around. Taking care not to step in the oily ooze, the determined femella dragged the deceased outside, using the stick for additional leverage. Blood streaked the floor.
Myer and Lavina followed the soldiers in front of the rancher. Outside, Raanana dragged the body some fifty feet into the meadow, releasing him. The knights had set about gathering wood from the back of a nearby building, placing loads on the body.
As that continued, Raanana strolled along the tree line where the corral containing sheep met the woods, gathering twigs. Lavina went with her.
Well out of earshot from the others, the witch asked the matriarch privately in low tones, “Are you planning to say goodbye before leaving?”
“I’m not going anywhere for a while. There are still things to do around here.”
“I’m not referring to this property. Eblin heard about your plans. Where are you going?”
“I’m not sure what you mean. I have the Vineyard.”
“Eblin seemed to think you’re going somewhere beyond the reach of us.”
“You know how I feel about the way things are progressing in the nations.”
“I know. We’ve known each other a long time. You knew Wendy all her life. You’ve been around a long time and we’re just a small part, but I’ve grown to like you.”
“I like you, too.”
“I know you’ve seen many people come and go, but I would like you to remember that I’m still here. In your plans to leave, include saying goodbye to me. I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too,” Lavina echoed. “I’ve been working on that project a long time. Until more recently, I thought it would take much longer. We still have too many questions.”
“What questions? I feel something has changed? I hope it doesn’t have to do with him,” indicating the corpse.
“He didn’t change our plans, though he seemed to have involved himself. I’m still working it out.”
Picking more dried grass, “I did some readings last night while I rested at a stop. This man and you are linked. It goes back to when you and Marcella helped me. I hate to say this, but my grandniece was used. There are spirits guiding them.”
“I feel it,” Lavina stated.
“So you felt something with Sarita, as well.”
“And Yvette, but more so with Sarita.”
“Please keep my daughter out of it. This will not go well. I have to keep her safe.”
“We’re all trying to do that. What did you find out?”
“I don’t think Caroline is running. The readings and his thoughts have her remaining close to here. Keep looking. We have to find her. If we don’t, she’ll become more entangled with my daughter.”
“You changed your view since Memphis. You’re not sure of killing her.”
“God knows I want to.” Seeing a flicker in Lavina’s eyes, she explained, “I know. It’s a habit. It’s the way I was raised. I’m aware of what Yahweh is. This helps for the others.”
“I wasn’t going to say anything. Hell – I still go to church.”
“You’re still messing with that Reverend Paul guy?”
“I haven’t done anything to him.”
“Good. He’s dangerous.”
“To himself.”
“To you, as well. The cards show struggles between you and him.”
“It’s been building for years.”
“Be careful – please.”
“I will.” Indicating the pile of wood, Lavina asked, “Is that enough?”
“Sure. We can add more, if it’s needed.”
“We burn faster than your kind.”
“You know I’m aware of your biology. This one I want to incinerate thoroughly.”
“I don’t blame you.”
Raanana stepped close to the wood pile. Pulling dry grass from the area, she bent and laid it at the edge under overlapping chopped firewood with the rest of her collection. She then took out a folding knife from a vest pocket and began slicing shavings from a dry piece of wood, placing them on the dead grass. She broke up the gathered twigs, laying several on top, then set flame to it from a lighter she pulled from the same pocket. Returning the knife and lighter, she added more twigs until the flames grew higher, taking hold of more material.
After some time, the pile evolved into a bonfire. When it did, Raanana backed up, muttering, “Farewell, Eblin.”
Lavina stood upwind next to her friend who attempted to get a feel for what was hidden. “Please don’t do that,” Lavina warned her. “You know I can’t let you in and I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t probing.”
“Close enough. When I’m ready, I’ll tell you.”
“I hope so.”
* * * *