This is one of those chapters which sets up for more of the action to come - a prelude to the climax. Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-Three
Alex couldn’t sleep. It was something that she couldn’t quite fit into words, but she knew it involved lady Judy. She got up from her bed, and crept down the hall to Judy’s room, and quietly entered. She went over to Judy’s bed and saw something that would have frightened any other six-year-old.
On the bed was Judy, but nothing like Alex had ever seen. She was in some sort of rigid state and breathing in a manner unlike any that Alex had experienced. Her hands clutched at the bedsheets and she seemed to be in some kind of terrible pain. Judy’s agony continued for some minutes, then began to ease. She finally sighed, and opened her eyes, recognizing the little intruder.
“Oh, Alex,” she said, and reached out her hand. “I guess I’m in labor now. I tried not to wake you. The pains started rather suddenly, and I just couldn’t rouse Diane. Now, I didn’t mean to frighten you…”
“Ye didna’ frighten me. I jus’ knew there was somethin’ wrong wi’ ye. Shall I fetch Diane fer ye?”
“Could you? That would be sweet. Just tell her that I’ve gone into labor. She’ll know what to do.”
“Oh, aye, lady Judy. That I shall.”
Alex quietly slipped out of Judy’s room, and found Diane’s room. She walked in and found Diane sleeping soundly. She came up to her, and gently shook her awake. Diane woke with a start.
“What… what is it, child?” Her heart was racing.
“It’s lady Judy... she be in labor.”
“In labor?”
“Aye, that she be…”
“Then I must get up and go to her,” Diane said as she was getting out of bed and reaching for her robe at the foot of the bed. “Come, child and I shall tell you what we be needin’.”
As they went down the hall, Diane gave her specific instructions to go to the kitchen, and while there, to fetch a large bowl with water, and to bring the finest soap they had, and to bring with her plenty of towels and rags. “Are ye able to remember all that?”
“Course, I can ‘member all o’ that.”
Alex went off to get the list of necessary items for Diane and Judy, headed for the kitchen, where she found no one awake. And so, she made do with what she could get her hands on. And looking around for something or someone to help her carry her stuff back to Judy’s bedroom, she saw a serving cart with wheels that she thought looked perfect. She then piled her large water basin, her stack of towels, and large bar of soap onto the cart, and worked her way into the hall. The wheels on the cart kept dragging her off to the left, and try as she might to keep quiet, her banging did rouse Chauncey, who was a light sleeper. He poked his head out into the hallway and saw the sight of the young girl, struggling with the large cart.
“Ah, Lass, what is it you be doin’?”
“Oh, Chauncey, this be fer Lady Judy. She be in labor, and I was sent to get these things by Diane.”
“Well, let me help ye. I can certainly push that cart fer ye. But ye tell me which room is Judy’s, and then I shall follow with the cart to the door. Then ye may go in and tell Diane.”
“Thank ye, Chauncey. The cart is difficult fer me to handle.”
She led Chauncey and the cart down to Judy’s room and then entered. Inside, she found Judy was again having her severe pain. Next to her stood Diane who was holding Judy’s hand, or rather, Judy was clutching Diane’s hand with such ferocity that Diane was wincing in agony herself. Eventually, the pain eased up, so that Judy could relax her grip, and Diane could talk with Alex.
“Did ye get the things I asked fer?”
“Oh, aye, I did. They be outside the door. Chauncey helped me bring them. He’s also outside the door.”
“Well, that is good, Lass. Now, what I’ll have ye do is to stay with Lady Judy, while I go get some herbs from me collection.”
Diane went out into the hallway, and had Chauncey bring in the cart. She looked over what Alex had brought and satisfied that the girl had brought everything she had asked for, she quickly washed her hands, then handed the towel to Alex, and told her to do the same. After the girl had washed her hands, she told Alex to just stay where she was, and to get Judy anything she needed. She then picked out a small rag, and handed it to Judy, and said, “the next time ye have yer labor pain, just bite on this wee rag. And Alex’ll be right here if ye need anythin’. Now I’m goin’ to me own supply and bring ye back some herbs to bring yer pain under some control. Now it be not possible to completely control the pain such as ye’ve got, but it’ll be better after I get some herbs into ye.”
As Diane stepped back out, she talked with Chauncey. “Now I shall go get some herbs, and if I could ask ye to go to the kitchen, and boil some water, to make a tea wi’ some o’ the herbs I give ye, then bring it back here to me.”
“Of course, I’ll go now and start the water a’boilin’ fer the Lady. Be there anythin’ else I could do?”
“Nay, not at the present.” And with that she hurried off to her room, and Chauncey hustled toward the kitchen.
Inside Judy’s room Alex and Judy were quiet and not speaking as Judy seemed to drift off towards sleep. Alex came close to Judy’s side, and very gently took her hand, which was warm and sweaty.
She spoke very quietly to Judy, saying, “’twill be aw’right. Ye’ll be havin’ a girl, an’ all will be well, Charlie Stephens is on his way here.”
“Now, tell me, Alexandra, how do know this Charlie Stephens?”
“I just know he’s from your time. He be a friend to Amanda, and also Marilyn…”
“Marilyn – that’s Bob’s wife from our old time, but Amanda…”
“Amanda, aye, ye’ll have to ask Charlie about her.”
“If you say so.” Then she took the small rag, put it in her mouth, clamping down, for this one hit her hard, so hard that it took her breath. Alex just stood by, for she could do nothing. She just waited for Diane to return.
Jeanne’s thoughts were a jumble as she and her companions made their way from Craycroft’s quarters toward Sick Bay. She had met with that strange fellow named Charles Stephens, though just barely, before he left with Tom and a couple of guardsmen. He had to go off in search of Judy, with something from his own time for her birth - medicinals of some type. The fellow had seemed as though he had been through quite an ordeal already, yet he had already been accepted by Craycroft, Tom and Derrymoor. How she would have liked to sit down with him to discuss his own background. She didn’t even find out if he had a wife back in his time. And he had told them that he was a “reporter” back “home,” whatever that was.
She turned to Craycroft, who was accompanying her, with Derrymoor, Cayman, Mortimer and Tingley a few steps behind. “M’lord, do ye suppose that I could still meet with this Charles Stephens when he returns? There is much that it would appear I need to find out about him, and now he has been whisked away.”
“But, of course. There is much that I also would like to discuss with Master Stephens as well.”
“He said that he was a “reporter” back in his own time – I would like to find out more about that.”
Craycroft chuckled. “I am quite certain that you would. He described his profession to us as one in which he stands before an instrument which sends his image, as if by magic, to persons elsewhere, who also have instruments on which he appears, and they can hear what he has to say, and also see him talking – it must be quite an important thing that he does.”
Jeanne stopped. Then she said, “wait, d’you mean to tell me that he just stands in front of this instrument, and talks, and that his image and voice can be seen and heard by persons elsewhere? That does sound like magic, indeed! Is it that he has special powers?”
“That I know not. We shall definitely have to ask him when he returns.”
“Did not Master Robert nor Judy mention anything like this?”
“It seems that Master Robert did mention something like instruments in his day, in which happenings on the other side of world even could be known about almost instantaneously, but what he missed mostly was the music…”
“The music?”
“Aye, he missed being able to turn something on his small box (I believe he called the thing a radio) and fill the air with music.”
“Without anyone to play the music?”
“Aye! He called it “recorded” music, or something to that effect. And did not Judy mention anything like this?”
“Nay, but she did say somethin’ about missing something she called NPR, which she said provided her with some guidance through the day, but she didn’t say just what the instrument was which gave her the guidance.”
“Most likely it is the same thing that brought Robert his music and brought Judy her “NPR,” and it might even be related to their coming here. We should be sure to ask them the next time we see them.”
“Agreed! Whenever that should be. Now, would you like to be there when I go see this woman, Gracie at Barncuddy’s today?”
“Nay, I believe you would be better off going by yourself. And besides, Cayman has agreed to bring Master Tierney over for a few words, right, Cayman?”
“Aye, m’lord,” answered Cayman, who had been caught up in the discussion about magical devices of the future. “But d’ye think that this Master Charles could tell us more about these devices which he used in his time – it seems t’me that the ability to communicate over time and space, if that be true, could have great consequence fer security here. D’ye think it possible that he could build such a thing?”
Craycroft chuckled and answered, “You shall have to ask Master Charles, but be ready for an answer that will not satisfy you!”
“But Master Robert, he did build some interesting things for use in the clinic, did he not?”
“Aye, that he did. Ah… here we are. After you, m’lady,” Craycroft held the door for the people to enter Sick Bay. Old habits were hard for Craycroft to break. Cayman nodded to the guards keeping watch.
The group came in and made their way directly toward Wheezer’s bed. He was being attended by Pamela, who had taken an immediate and intense liking to her little charge. She had been at his side for hours that day. As Craycroft drew closer, she backed away deferentially, but Craycroft stayed her.
“Come, m’lass, and do tell us of his day so far. Hold nothing back.”
“M’lord, what d’ye be wantin’ to know?”
“Tell us, dear, of his needs, his wants, and anything he has said from the time you came in and began caring for him.”
“He has not said much, m’lord, but he did indicate that he knew he was in Sick Bay, and that he was grateful t’ be here. He did wish to speak wi’ someone, but I could na’ make out who it was, an’ he then went back to sleep, as ye see ‘im now.”
“And has he been awake much today, or has he been sleeping?”
“Oh, I’ve been lettin’ ‘im sleep. He was barely awake about an hour ago.”
“But while he was awake, he wanted to talk with someone?”
“Aye, he did. He said somethin’ that sounded like Chaw-lee.”
“Aye, that would be Charlie Stephens, the man who brought him here.”
“An’ then he needed to tell ‘im somethin’.”
“Any indication of what he needed to tell Master Stephens?”
“Nay, m’lord. Only that it was important.”
Craycroft then arose but signaled to Pamela to stay seated. He then went up to Wheezer and gently laid his hand on his arm. Wheezer stirred slightly, as Craycroft spoke to him in a subdued voice. “Wheezer, it is Craycroft, and I just want to tell you that you are safe here and now.”
With an effort, Wheezer spoke, in a voice barely above a whisper. “Is Charlie here?”
“Nay, but he was here earlier. He remains very concerned about you. Is there something you want to tell him? You may tell me, and I shall be sure to get the message to him.”
“M’lord, it has to do with … his women. And Maggie said to tell only him.”
Craycroft’s look was one of puzzlement, mixed with concern. “What I can tell you is that Master Charlie is now on a quest, seeking out one of “his women” and that when he returns, I shall send him your way.”
“Very well, m’lord.” And with that Wheezer turned slightly and fell back to sleep.
Craycroft turned to the others and said, “It would seem that our young charge has had a visit from Maggie, and you do know the significance of that. It means that we are definitely obligated to keep young Wheezer alive at the very least until the return of Master Charles. So then,” he said, turning back to Pamela, “it shall be up to you to call for any needed help for your young charge.”
“Aye, m’lord,” she answered.
Goodness, how things have gotten complicated, thought Jeanne. Just as I was introduced to our new arrival, he is sent off, and there is certainly more to this story which I shall need to examine.
The group went on to the others in Sick Bay, where they attended to the needs of Allen, Clarice, Julius and the others, and made certain that all knew of their own importance to Craycroft, the ones attending to them, and to the whole of Shepperton.
As they regrouped at the end of the session, Craycroft said, “Now each of you knows where you are to go. And be certain that you report to me what you find. Cayman, the earl and I shall be awaiting Tierney. And you, Jeanne, are to act as my spy, to gather information from both our Scottish friends, and from the lady at Barncuddy’s. Is everyone clear?”
“Aye,” said Cayman.
Jeanne nodded her assent, as she, Mortimer and Tingley headed out toward Barncuddy’s. Craycroft stepped back, and before leaving, turned again toward Pamela and said something to her too quietly for the others to hear.
Charlie had not been on the back of a horse since he was a young teen in summer camp in the wilds near his home of Athens, Ohio. That had been so long ago that he did not remember how to protect his bottom end from all the pounding it was receiving. He noticed that his bottom had gone from stiff and sore to numb as they climbed the mountainside and came to the forest. The way had so far been marked by extraordinary views of the fields, farms and small villages, up to the grassy higher lands with its views of the sea below. The views were what he had concentrated on as he made his way with Tom and the two guardsmen, who seemed oblivious to the beauty surrounding them, but did not seem to mind the pounding. Finally, as the group found their trail into the woods, Charlie spoke up, telling Tom that he was so ready for a rest. Tom indicated that a short way ahead there was a place they could rest without risk of being seen on the road.
The road then took them to the right and into the forest, which rapidly became a dense blanket surrounding them. Charlie could see the trees turn from scrub to tall pines and deciduous maples and oak and noticed the abrupt silence around him. He also noticed the smell coming from everywhere. He recognized it as the same aroma he associated with anyone visiting him from this world/this time, and most especially with Falma. As they traveled into the depths of the forest, Charlie let the smell of the great woods envelop his senses and he closed his eyes. As he did so, he heard whispering from off to his right which seemed to say, Charlie Stephens, you are soon going to be making your choice. One for the people of this age, but also for the ages to come.
Charlie then shook his head. He could not see where the voice had come from but did notice the lingering aroma.
“Nay, Master Charles, you did not imagine it.” Tom said, a slight smile appearing on his face. “These woods do communicate. We know not how, but they do.”
“Well, something was whispering to me, telling me that I was soon going to make a decision that had implications both for people of this age, as well as later ages.”
“Oh, aye? But what decision would that be?”
“I don’t know… But what I do know is that your place of rest better be coming up pretty soon. My tailbone can’t take much more of this.”
“Aye, it be up ahead… just there to the left, by the stream.”
They came to a slight clearing in the otherwise impenetrable forest. Charlie found that he needed some help getting down from his mount, which Tom gladly offered. After he found his footing on solid ground, Charlie gratefully turned toward the forest stream. He relieved his full bladder, and then he put his hands into the swiftly running water and took a drink before standing back up. As he stood there, he heard more whispering. At first, he could not make out any words, but then he closed his eyes and concentrated. And the whispering started back. It is fitting, Master Charlie, that you attend to what we have to say. You have in your possession some medicine from your time for Lady Judy. After she receives this medicine, you will be faced with a choice. And the choice you must make at that time shall be presented to you by a lass, who goes by the name of Alexandra. And remember that what you decide shall have repercussions felt across the curtain of time. So, weigh your decision with care!
The whispering abruptly stopped, as Charlie rather unsteadily walked back to his horse. His head was swimming, and in place of the whispering there was an absolute and overwhelming silence. When he got to his mount, he laid his hand on the horse’s hindquarter.
“Were there more whisperings?” Asked Tom. His voice breaking through the silence.
“There were, indeed. What can you tell me about a girl named Alexandra?”
“Alexandra, eh?” Tom paused. “Somehow I am not surprised that it would be she. Now, she is the youngest daughter of one of one of the captains of our forces here upon this isle, goes by the name of Simeon. She is also the great granddaughter of one named Cartho, and I do believe that you shall have to ask Craycroft about him, and what he means to the people of the isle. As it happened, she is now in the company of Lady Judy. While Lady Diane and others are attending to her physical needs, it appears that young Alex also provides care of a more spiritual kind. What I can tell you of her is she is gifted with abilities of discernment far beyond the mortals about her. And I can also tell you that if she does tell you anything, it is the truth.”
“Interesting. She reminds me of one I met back “home.” Her name was Amanda. And, I tell you, this young girl was the very embodiment of truth. Now, this is twice that I have been told to pay particular attention to this young girl,” Charlie said, remembering his dream.
“As it was with Joshua and myself, then, so shall it be with Amanda and Alexandra.”
“Just let me think on that a minute,” Charlie muttered, as Tom helped him back into the saddle. “I’ve only recently been accepting all these things of a more spiritual or ethereal nature. You see, for most of my life I have been an incredibly skeptical person, especially when dealing with the actions of people in charge. It’s only now that I’ve been dealing more with people not in charge – the small, lowly ones that my thinking has turned.”
“And what do you make of me?” asked Tom. “Am I one who is important, or, as you put it, in charge?”
“Let me ask you. If you are in charge now, were you always so? Or did you start off as a small, young person at the mercy of the people in charge? And Craycroft? Was he always the person in charge, or did he also start off, like you, as a person of no consequence?”
“As you say, your thinking has turned. And I feel that your profession, as a “reporter” has both hardened your thinking, and yet made you much more observant, Master Charles.”
“It seems that my decision to be made must rely on my whether I answer as the reporter I have been or as the person I am becoming.”
“Oh, aye, Master Charles – I believe you speak the truth.”
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