tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63703864238359809652024-03-12T18:45:51.874-07:00The Book of DrachmaThis is a medical/fantasy novel that takes place in two times and places, one near, the other far away. This then is how they come together.The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-72494613375552589792023-03-12T13:50:00.000-07:002023-03-12T13:50:10.093-07:00Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1feQDuaJsj8GsmW7TX-8q41Za4Pi5ZsR7sqswhx7cDi_sqwWthfzCc3TrkYmLvWcEPLO-fSxXjFkcUspLoSseNjOG33PSRK_a84_6Pv6MROg7Rpps_dVUztIsehXYxbDMiiu7fPZIji7JIVHjFujpGUoYxs49MmNKtNcBy_G0wq8B1XsTbN5Sh7emvA/s3953/P1012074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2581" data-original-width="3953" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1feQDuaJsj8GsmW7TX-8q41Za4Pi5ZsR7sqswhx7cDi_sqwWthfzCc3TrkYmLvWcEPLO-fSxXjFkcUspLoSseNjOG33PSRK_a84_6Pv6MROg7Rpps_dVUztIsehXYxbDMiiu7fPZIji7JIVHjFujpGUoYxs49MmNKtNcBy_G0wq8B1XsTbN5Sh7emvA/s320/P1012074.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.33333396911621px;">Well, here it is - the start of a new book in the series (for real). After trying to decide where to end Book Two and to start Book Three.</span></span></p></blockquote></blockquote><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Shepperton’s Sacrifice</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Heir of Drachma<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Book Three<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Chapter One<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">All was now quiet in Drachma’s abode. He sat in his chair in the study, with his glass of wine at his side. A gentle breeze blew in from the open window, carrying with it the scent of newly turned earth. This caused him to stop and pay attention. He had seen to it that Tom was dispatched along with a contingent of his best fighting men earlier in the day. There seemed no one else, however, he could sense the presence of another person in the room. He was so sure of it that he spoke aloud.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Whoever is in here, I ask that you identify yourself, for I do know you are here with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">A voice came in on the breeze, a gentle, soothing voice. “Of course, you know me, my good friend. I am here to talk to you for the last time.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Falma!? Ah, if I could but see you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“That is not to be this time, my friend, but I too am anxious to see you. And you know I shall, but soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“How soon? When?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“You know I cannot say, especially as my own sense of time is now different from yours. But let me talk to you about what is happening in my beloved Shepperton - happening now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Do tell, my friend. You obviously can see more than Tom or I and it is with some trepidation that I ask – are we doing right this night?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Alas, I am unable to say, as there are persons whose actions and intentions I am unable to see. However, knowing what I do, I can safely say that your persons are indeed doing what they perceive to be right. And further, that Tom shall soon be your true successor.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“What do you need, then, to tell me, so I may write it down for young Tom?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“You may tell him that Master Charlie shall be the one whose decision will this time be the deciding note, and that the future of several persons will depend upon his deciding. The persons so affected will include the lady Marilyn, but also the fates of Master Robert, the lady Judy, and her newborn. But it shall also decide the futures of persons in his own time and shall include the earl of Shepperton (who is yet alive), Christine Lewinsky and Alonza Chavez. And that, further, it shall determine (though I am unable to tell you just now) a descendant of Antoine LeGace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Is that so? I suspected as much. And I do assume that you have taken that into consideration, have you not?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Of course, my friend. And both Christine Lewinsky and Alonza Chavez have now become aware of his presence, and I do feel certain of their ability to take on that challenge.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“So, Tom was right to include them both.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Indeed, he was. And so, we must leave it in the hands of those chosen for now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And I am then able to sleep as one who has done what he may, with what he has been given.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, my dear friend. Grace be with thee.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Then, as the breeze blew through his room, taking Falma with it, Drachma took out of his drawer, a sheet of paper and a pen from its inkwell, he began writing his last letter to Tom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> <i>To my dearest grandson, Drachma of the Island,<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> I have just been visited by the spirit of Falma, and he brings his greetings<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> to you, who must now take over my duties to Shepperton. Now, Falma told<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> me of things which I now confer to you, as well as confirmation of things<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> which I suspected.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Falma did tell of Master Charlie, who is to make the decision of staying or going.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> And I know you shall be there to determine when he makes his decision, as my <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">protégé, this I do know. I remain uncertain as to whether to tell him of the power of the broach which I know he has. That shall be for you and him to decide.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Only this time his decision shall affect a number of others, including Master Robert, Marilyn, the Lady Judy, their own newborn, as well as persons in both times. He also told of a new threat – that of a descendant of Master LeGace, and that he has seen to it that Christine and Alonza from Master Robert’s time have been alerted<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">to his presence, but he did not tell me more of this. I assume that you have confidence in these two women, and that is good. But beware of the evil one!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Also, you now know where the deed is kept<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I know, my grandson, that you shall possess that power which you need.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Your everlasting friend and grandfather,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Drachma<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tom and his select forest guards turned the corner and headed toward Shepperton. He knew where he had to go, and what he had to do. His only concern for the moment was what LeGace was planning. He was disinclined to believe what that evil one had written and felt with some certainty that he might be riding into a trap. As they approached the castle, up the hill on the right, he turned and said to his men, “me good men, this shall be your moment in time. What this agent of the evil one has decided I am not able to say, but I know this – that he has written a lie, but whatever the truth is, I am on the side of truth. Let us meet with Kerlin and Cayman, before proceeding to our destination.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">With that, he turned sharply to the right, and led his men up to the castle gate. There he saw Kerlin, along with Cayman, Derrymoor and Gregorio, along with their own riders, just within the gate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, my young man,” said Kerlin. “We had news that you were coming from the keepers of the watch. It is good to see you again! I know that my own measure of anxiety is assuaged by your presence. My, how things have changed with you since our first meeting, eh?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“As you say, Kerlin. To this day I do remember our first meeting. How could I not? There you were, all dressed as a forest guard, looking like you could but handle anything that was thrown in your direction. But it seems that Falma, Drachma and the forces of good and evil had designs that were too much to even think of for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And here we are today, under similar circumstances, but in such different roles, or so it seems, no?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Indeed! Now, tell me of the plans again, so that we might all be prepared. I do think that, with Master Gregorio and his men as with Derrymoor and his fighters, we should be able to avoid any unnecessary entanglements.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tom got down off his horse, as did Kerlin, and the two of them conferred, along with Derrymoor and Gregorio. Their meeting was brief, but obviously intense. For those observing, it only underscored the importance of this meeting. After conferring, Tom addressed the gathered forces, and said, “My dear comrades, we are here to deal with the purest evil. This one man has decided that he alone is the one to rule our island. It is no secret that I, as well as Drachma and the former earl of Shepperton have thrown our allegiance to Master Craycroft. And I assume that you, too, have chosen this path as well. And further I know that you have seen the letter, or at least have heard of the letter written to Master Craycroft. And further, that you have heard of the terrible thing he did to Master Tingley. For all this we seek revenge! Now, you all know where you are to be, and what you must all do under the circumstances you find yourselves in. Do any have questions of their role?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tom waited and looked out at his comrades. Their eyes burned with certainty of purpose, but none spoke. Tom nodded, then he said, “very well, my fellows, and so we go out with all our hearts and minds as one. This shall be for Kerlin, our lord Craycroft, our earl, and also for Drachma!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, aye!” Came the voices of the men. It was then that Kerlin left, going out the main gate, and heading toward Reordan Manor. He was followed by Gregorio’s men, who scattered about, seemingly without order, but eventually heading toward the manor as well. The others left by the other gate, in the back of the castle, splitting up into three groups, before heading toward the manor house as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">All was quiet as Kerlin approached Reordan Manor. It was evening, and the darkening sky was moonless. A breeze from the ocean carried the scent of the fisheries and seaweed. Before going up the path, Kerlin looked about him quickly, and to his satisfaction, saw that Gregorio’s men had, in fact, taken up their positions. He trusted that Tom’s and Derrymoor’s men were also in place. He stopped at the gate, where an armed guard, who looked familiar bade him halt. The man was dressed in a dark uniform, and Kerlin stood relaxed, but at attention. Then it came to Kerlin, that this was, indeed, Michel. <i>Now, what</i> <i>has he done, and who did he let know that he had changed his allegiance? That is something I must look into if I am able.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Michel certainly recognized Kerlin, his former commander, yet said nothing to give any inkling of what had transpired in the past four years. He simply said, “Now ye are here per the request o’ Master LeGace. D’ye have any weapons upon yer person?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Nay, of course not.” And with that Kerlin allowed a search of his person for any hidden weapons, all the while keeping an expert eye on Michel, but then he saw the eyes of another in the guard house but could not tell to whom they belonged. All told they were the eyes of youth, but also the eyes of ancient wisdom. He looked away, and then back, and they were gone. But what remained was the smell of the ancient forest coming in from the open window. Then Kerlin smiled, as this was truly a sign.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Come this way,” said Michel, “but be not a fool to think that ye can get away with anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Michel led Kerlin to the manor house, up the stairs, and into the huge foyer. Kerlin had never seen the inside of Reordan Manor before, and his first impression was that of foolish misplaced elegance. He was led into one of the rooms at the back of the grand foyer. There, behind the desk sat Leonardo, who looked at Kerlin with utter derision.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“So, you have come, Kerlin. I do not have to tell you that your presence has been duly noted, and did you bring the two articles that my master requested?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, I have them here. But I would request that you deliver them in my presence to your Master LeGace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“That will not be necessary, as he is not here.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Indeed? I do feel it shall be necessary.” Kerlin replied calmly, “this is too big an issue for you alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, then I insist that you come with me, as I shall take you to him. I do assume that you are unarmed, and that I shall have no trouble with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Indeed, I am. But my wits remain with me, even though I have no sword.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Quite suddenly there was a crowd in the room, with several large men surrounding Kerlin. However, he remained icily calm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Let me warn you all, that should any harm come to me, you shall not even get to see your Master LeGace again.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, and how will that be? Do you have special powers?” Leonardo seemed amused.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye,” Kerlin replied, “that I do have, and you do not want to know or see what I am able to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“So ye say, but ye shall indeed meet yer match this day. Come me mates, let us take this gentleman to meet Master LeGace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Gregorio was staring intently at the manor, when he saw the door open, and he also saw the man, Kerlin, being led out of the side door. He was surrounded by guards and a lean, taller man who seemed to be in charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Watch closely,” he whispered in Italian, “for it is Kerlin, and he will signal us as he leaves.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The two men with him nodded and stared intently ahead. Even though it was dark, they could see Kerlin within the group. His stern and steely manner was obvious, even at this distance. They saw his movement suddenly cease, as he bent forward to adjust his boot. They noticed that it was his left boot that he attended to. Ever so brief, that was the signal and Gregorio noticed. As the group headed toward the harbor, Gregorio told his men to tell Tom and the others what he signaled, and two of his runners went off to do just that, as he himself, along with most of his men silently slipped off to follow the group of men heading toward the waiting boat in the harbor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As the cluster of men reached the boat, Gregorio was watching closely as they got into the little boat, and then rowed out toward the ships in the distance, outside of the purview of the harbor control. Gregorio could not be certain at first, but as he stared after the leaving boat in the harbor, he became sure of what he saw. There it was, at the stern of the boat a faint yet distinct blue light. He asked the aide at his side if he saw the unusual light, but no he hadn’t seen it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I must tell Tom about this light. Perhaps he will know its significance. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p><p><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i> </p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-84532770307155453222023-01-19T16:22:00.002-08:002023-01-19T16:22:34.043-08:00Either Chapter 9 of Shepperton's Sacrifice or Chapter Thirty-Seven of Center Game<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxszRo303EV5pOe_CFNsEIrmBHWkuGT8ezhgswsYKJt1XdrIt8nAboYze-do4kqH0g9FmvBtEKJ41AigUdv4dKO5A6SOjOZYEm98LK7tKxeqpikfqOZw7d_lJwDektMSM7M8whX3hUZhMIShMh_GP_7NJKP8GhomohW3ooAoi-QLP85PyDc5vLxbYOAA/s3264/P1108130.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxszRo303EV5pOe_CFNsEIrmBHWkuGT8ezhgswsYKJt1XdrIt8nAboYze-do4kqH0g9FmvBtEKJ41AigUdv4dKO5A6SOjOZYEm98LK7tKxeqpikfqOZw7d_lJwDektMSM7M8whX3hUZhMIShMh_GP_7NJKP8GhomohW3ooAoi-QLP85PyDc5vLxbYOAA/s320/P1108130.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Well, this is the last chance for you, my few and faithful readers, to decide - either this chapter is the final chapter of Book Two or the Ninth chapter of Book Three. My own preference is that this is the end of Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two. Either way, it is one stimulating chapter, revealing only a little, but hidden within its framework is something that will blossom into another book of intrigue, magic, suspense and the battle of Good vs Evil in the world of Shepperton and within us. Enjoy!<br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chapter Nine of Shepperton's Sacrifice or Chapter Thirty-Seven of Center Game</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Are you certain you have everything you need?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, aye, that I am, m’liege,” answered Kerlin, “and are you also certain of your reinforcements. ‘Twould seem to me that it is you who have more to lose than do I.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Craycroft shifted in his seat, then he got up, and went over toward the window, and looked down at the castle sprawled below. He could see, in the distance, the shape of what was originally Reordan Manor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Do you remember, Kerlin, our first encounter?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Most certainly, sire, but to be honest, it was the second encounter which I remember most vividly, and which shall always bring me the most rue.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, well, then let me explain them to you, both encounters, actually. The reason that I wish to remind you of the first encounter is because of whom I was with. It was he who has meant so very much to our castle, and its history.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I do remember very well. It was Drachma, indeed. I was reporting to him about my encounter with Antoine LeGace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“You are correct. And it was what he told me after you left which set the stage for all that you have become. He said to me that you would be given the opportunity to prove yourself, and that I should be considering you for advancement. All this he was telling me, a simple healer at the time, as if speaking like a prophet.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Not the first time I have heard that, m’liege. And might I say that, should providence be amenable, we could use his influence right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, but Kerlin, we do have his influence, in the form of his grandson.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. And you do believe that he shall be ready?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“As ready as you or I. And let me tell you of the second encounter we had, for at that encounter everything had changed.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Indeed, it had, for I came to you a broken man, having lost both the persons I was entrusted to protect along their way.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“But, as you must recall, you had followed precisely the instructions given you by Drachma himself.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Kerlin nodded and swallowed as his response.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And so,” Craycroft went on, “you had done what your instructions were, despite the apparent brokenness of all around you. Is that not so?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, it was so, despite my having serious misgivings at the time.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, then my good and faithful protector, you had earned your position, not with works of battlefield valor, but with obedience even in the face of apparent failure, no?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Kerlin simply nodded. And Craycroft came toward him, and the two men shook hands. But then, Craycroft hugged Kerlin, and without further words, Kerlin left, the heavy oak door closing with a thud behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Craycroft sat down heavily in the chair and reached for his wine. He sipped it cautiously, as he sat and pondered what was about to occur. He had conferred with Cayman, with Proust and Kerlin, with Derrymoor, and also with Tom, and together they had completed their plan of action. Now the only thing remaining was the waiting for all the pieces to fall together. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Rather abruptly, he thought again of Marilyn, and he rang for his page. He asked the page to bring Marilyn, along with her guardian, Fausto, and Jeanne to his rooms. There was just something that she had said which bothered him, and he needed clarification. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Marilyn was startled by the page’s knock, as well as his appearance with Fausto at her door. And the look on the youngster’s face said that this was something important.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“M’lady,” began the page, “I ha’ been asked by m’lord, Craycroft t’ tell ye that ye an’ yer man are needed at once. So, if ye would, I’d be happy t’ accompany ye t’ ‘is premises.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Marilyn looked again at the small page, and then Fausto, to see if he knew anything. Fausto, sensing her hesitancy, shrugged his huge shoulders, then said, “I know not, m’lady, what this is about. But I shall be accompanying ye.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The trio set off for the keep, and for Craycroft’s quarters. On the way, Marilyn asked Fausto again if he knew anything more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">After a shake of his head, he answered, “Nay, m’lady, I know not anythin’ of this. But I do agree that it does seem to me to be a wee bit off – ye bein’ summoned and’ all.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“That’s right, Fausto. It’s not like we can do much of anything. And for him to be asking for you and me both, it seems that it may be important. And here we go again with the issue of importance. Ah, well… why, thank you page.” She said as the youngster held open the door to the keep.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The page led the two of them up the stone staircase, and then into the hallway, which was becoming familiar to Marilyn. She took another look around her, noticing the tapestries and the busts of austere figures whom she did not recognize. One of the busts caught her eye, and she turned toward Fausto and asked, “Fausto, do you know this man?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, aye, that be Cartho. He was a great man, and truly, he was a marvel – he was lord Craycroft’s mentor. The lord must have just moved it up here. Fer it was not here before.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“You’ve been here before, then?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, m’lady, it was during the rule o’ the old earl of Shepperton.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“You’ll have to tell me more…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Their reverie was interrupted by none other than Craycroft himself. “Ah, my friends, do come in. I noted that you did take notice of the bust of Cartho. I did just have that one moved up here yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“It is truly a striking bust, of an obviously powerful man,” Marilyn said, as they followed Craycroft into his sitting room.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. ‘tis true.” He paused, then turning to the page, said, “Now, Herman, if ye would, I shall have ye bring up some refreshment for m’lady and her man.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, I shall bring some anon,” he said before turning abruptly and heading on down the hallway.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As they turned and went in to Craycroft’s sitting room, Marilyn noticed that Jeanne was already here, and gave her a comforting smile, but she appeared otherwise hyperalert, sitting on the edge of her chair.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Jeanne, I’m so glad you’re here. This whole business is beginning to give me bad vibes. Also, I’m beginning to think that it would be a bad idea to go in search of my husband…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Bad vibes? What is that?” Jeanne asked with perplexity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, it’s an expression from our time. Actually, it’s from a song, written by one in a group called the Beach Boys, named Brian Wilson. When asked, he noted that his dog could tell if people were good or threatening, by their “vibrations.” And that begat his song, called Good Vibrations, and the nation caught on to the understated message, that there were good and bad vibrations, or vibes, given off everywhere.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“That is most interesting, m’lady” said Craycroft. “For it is of such that we speak this evening. And before I tell you what we shall be doing, let me but ask of you a favor.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“A favor? What is it that you want of me? For it does seem to me that I am here, not of my own accord, but rather at the whim of forces beyond my own understanding.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, true, m’lady. For such it would seem for many of us as well. But let me tell you of the favor I ask. You had said that young Lisa had been brought to you by one who calls herself Maggie. Is that correct?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Yes. That’s right. And that is something I’ll never forget, neither that moment, nor the girl. They simply appeared out of the woodland, with Maggie leading this young thing, and turned her over to my care, as if that was the most natural thing to do. Mind you, it’s not as if I had any will to resist, but I tell you, there was something about her, an aura, with a bluish glow coming from her face, which was beautiful, and surrounded by a shroud of red hair. Oh, my, it still makes me tingle thinking about her. And you know what? I can still remember everything she said to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, and what did she say?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“She called me Lady Marilyn (and that caught me off guard), and she said</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I am called Maggie, and I come with greetings from Falma. This is Lisa. And I bring her to you for discovery and for safekeeping.””<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Most interesting, indeed, Lady Marilyn,” Craycroft mused, “for it fits with what I have heard of you. You may not yet know it, but your voice and your knowledge are what we need here in Shepperton.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Mister Craycroft, I really am nothing special, and I have no special skills, nor do I have any special knowledge. If, in fact, you need someone special like that, you are looking at the wrong person. I just came along because Falma told me that Bob was in need of my help. I’m sure you remember Falma, and just how persuasive he can be.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Craycroft smiled at her. “Indeed, I do remember Falma well, m’lady. And you are so right that he could be a most persuasive individual. But that he would consider you to be the appropriate one, as has Maggie herself, who is beholden to no one here and now, would strike me as a true sign from Heaven itself that you are to be with us in our hour of need.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Heaven?” Marilyn looked perplexed. “Do you really mean Heaven? As in the realm of angels, and where we would all like to go when we die – that Heaven? Is that the place you are talking about?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, aye, m’lady. And it would seem that you, among us mortals, are in touch with that place even as you do walk within our midst. To wit, the angelic being that visited you, and even Master Falma, would bear witness to that truth.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Truth. Is that what you want from me?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Indeed, it is, m’lady. For you see, it is either truth or power which reigns over us. Mere power corrupts those who use it, and the lies which they use to bolster their clinging minions offer nothing but empty promises. Truth, on the other hand, is grounded in eternity, and whether or not those who hold to power see it for what it is, it must prick at their consciences. So, you see, we do need your words of truth, and it was for this reason you are now among us.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">A heavy silence enveloped the room. Eventually, Marilyn broached the silence and said, “So that is what you want from me? Am I an oracle, then, or some sort of prophet?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“If I may, m’lady,” Fausto spoke up, unexpectedly, “’twould seem to me that what lord Craycroft is saying be the thing that I also have seen. I know not what to call ye, but I do recall that ye’re everything that I was told by young Tom. For I was told to expect a great lady from the time o’ Robert Gilsen, whom I would know by her action to be one we could expect to do great things…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Great things? Here?” Marilyn’s tone was both exasperated and resigned. Turning again to Craycroft, “Well, then, what have you to tell me. For I know that you have done something that will have serious consequences for us all. Am I right about that?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">For answer, Craycroft pulled from his cloak the letter from LeGace. As Marilyn read the letter, her face darkened. She said nothing for several seconds, then stood up, and went over to the window, looking down at the scene below.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Come here,” she said to Craycroft, “and tell me where this will be taking place. You do know what I mean, don’t you?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Craycroft got up, went over to the window, and pointed, “There, you can see for yourself the place to which I have dispatched Kerlin.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And what precautions have you taken, for it seems that this Antoine LeGace would himself be wary of you, especially at this time…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">There was a knock at the door, and then the page reappeared, carrying a large tray.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Thank you, page,” said Craycroft. “Please set your tray here and wait outside. I am quite certain that I’ll have need of ye ere this evening is done.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Craycroft then took two chairs, one each for Fausto and Marilyn. Next, he asked Jeanne to come and join them as they sat about the table. What the page brought up was indeed a small feast, with meats, cheeses, yeast rolls and tumblers for the ale, which he already knew, Craycroft kept in his rooms.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Now, my friends, let us eat and drink, and then I shall tell you of my plans for tonight, as well as for the foreseeable future.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The small gathering all sat and ate, looking at each other, but none speaking. After eating, they drank their ale, and finally, Craycroft began to speak. “Here is what I have planned for this encounter with the evil Master LeGace.” He told them of his plan to involve Gregorio, Derrymoor, Tom’s men, Cayman and Proust. Marilyn’s head was reeling as he explained further, and she was amazed at Craycroft’s plan and his knowledge of his own people. As he continued, her respect for this physician turned ruler took on new depth, yet she could not shake the worry that her own Bob, as well as Jeanne’s Melchior were under the sway of this most evil man. Though she had never met him, she could feel his venom infiltrating the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Mister Craycroft,” she began, “it is quite clear to me that your plan certainly has merit, and appears to be quite brilliant, but I can definitely feel that this Mr. LeGace’s evil has already gotten Bob and Melchior in his clutches, and I do not know how he plans to use them. And, yes, I understand that Bob is being held in some barracks, and Melchior is on the ship, from which Lisa was rescued by this waif of a person called Maggie…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And do you not know,” interjected Jeanne, “that Maggie indicated to Lisa that Melchior was safe, and that Maggie knew of plans for his purposes?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“No, I didn’t know of such… It would seem that Maggie had special messages for us all, and each couched in her own undecipherable terms.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Indeed!” answered Craycroft. “And to each person, only that which he could carry for the time given.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Then Marilyn found herself quoting, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Craycroft and Jeanne were stunned by her words, which seemed to carry the weight of certitude, and seemed to echo across the great chasm of time. Marilyn, however, knew she was quoting from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, and realized then that the bible which was known at this time had not been translated from the Latin, and would remain so for their lives. She swallowed at this realization, and caught some of what Craycroft was saying earlier, and found it humbling.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“My pardon, m’lady, but your words carry the ring of truth, as I have indicated. It is precisely what we need of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As they headed back their rooms, Marilyn again noticed the bust of Cartho, but this time she felt its aura. It was as if Craycroft could also feel it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Much later, after she had been brought back to her room, escorted by her huge friend, Fausto, who, on the way back, was uncharacteristically reticent to speak. At her door, however, he said quite simply, “M’lady, I didna’ have any knowledge of what ye spoke at m’lord’s place; but be comforted tha’ I shall remain close t’yer door, an’ I’ll be at yer side, whatever becomes o’ this. On that ye have me word.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Thank you sincerely, Fausto,” Marilyn answered, “That means the world to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">He then took her hand in his huge hands, and very gently kissed her small, pale fingers, before leaving to go back to his room next to hers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As Marilyn entered her room, she was startled to see that someone had lit a fire, and on her table were some fine bread, fruit and cheeses, as well as a tankard of Barncuddy’s finest. She sat down, and sampled some cheese and fruit, and began drinking some ale. Looking over the lid, she suddenly saw some movement across the room. And there she was again, looking as if she belonged in the room. Her red hair framed her beautiful face, from which emanated a faint blue light.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Lady Marilyn, be at ease! I have come to tell you of your circumstances, as well as of the choice that Master Charlie shall have to make, which will affect you, Lady Judy, her daughter, Angelica, and Robert.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Marilyn swallowed her mouthful of ale, then spoke up. “Maggie, you do surprise me again. But please, go ahead and tell me what this is all about, for I’ve been given some of the story of why I’m here, and I’ve also been told that you are in touch with the truth of the matter.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now you know in part, but then you shall know just as I also am known.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Marilyn looked agape at the vision in front of her, at this young girl, radiantly beautiful, quoting back to her the scripture she had quoted to Craycroft and the others (with the subtlest changes).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“All right, you have my attention,” she said at last. “Tell me what I must know. This whole thing has got me so torn apart that I can’t think straight.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Listen, and you shall hear what you need to know. You are here as an advisor to Craycroft, and you shall be, along with Jeanne, those that he may trust to keep him on the path of truth. There will come difficulties, but you shall have the power of truth on your side. As for Master Charlie, he shall also have difficulties, but you may not interfere with his decisions. He must choose to go back himself, or to send you back. Both of you may not go. That is the way of this curtain of time. But for now then, you may speak with and interact with Robert as you see fit.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And what about this Antoine LeGace? What can I do about him if anything?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“You shall avoid him. He is here as sent by his master, the evil one. There is nothing you are able to do to him. Now, Marilyn, be at peace, for that is what I am able to give you.” And with that she handed Marilyn a small loaf of warm, fragrant bread. As Marilyn took a bite of her bread, Maggie vanished from her sight, leaving behind the scent of the forest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span> </p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-22889618887389488722022-11-27T09:49:00.001-08:002022-11-27T09:49:58.110-08:00Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three, Chapter Eight<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiawaV35w3yz2UnA9nYLGPVVse3LnO4vsG_zoQi8fgyltfO1qTIjgavPHLX020K_Whg5CU89UDncc059jn58IHzOVdhGvHbMS64F7RTEQ1eQlx7smUk9CrKjixgsgZdNoDi0nER_DPUhaPae-A_JJ2hBvqFpTPOHAY-XNwCXOBtFZ5aTaDDYUL9u-jg/s3976/P6240361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2982" data-original-width="3976" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiawaV35w3yz2UnA9nYLGPVVse3LnO4vsG_zoQi8fgyltfO1qTIjgavPHLX020K_Whg5CU89UDncc059jn58IHzOVdhGvHbMS64F7RTEQ1eQlx7smUk9CrKjixgsgZdNoDi0nER_DPUhaPae-A_JJ2hBvqFpTPOHAY-XNwCXOBtFZ5aTaDDYUL9u-jg/s320/P6240361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is the penultimate chapter in what I am trying to decide - either Chapter 1 - 9 of Book Three, or the end of Book Two - Center Game. I favor the latter, but I'll let you all decide! This is a short, but intense chapter which lays the groundwork for what is to come.<p></p><p><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Eight<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonnie was sitting with Carol and the earl, and, after a few minutes Chris joined them at Amanda’s funeral. Lonnie was finding it difficult to follow, but she did try. And then, when it came time for her to speak, she got up nervously and went up the aisle to the front. After getting herself set behind the lectern, she looked down at her small card, but as she got to speaking, she neglected her card, as the words just flowed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Amanda was, to my way of thinking,” she began, “one of the truly rare finds in my life. She was, she was… Well, let me tell you of how she transcended everything and everyone around her. Even though I was older than her by a long shot, I always regarded her as so much wiser than myself. You see, when confronting an illness like she had, she seemed to regard it as just another pebble along her path. And she could see around the bend of your path too, that path which you walked brought her light and entertainment, which made her light up with an energy you could also sense. She was inquisitive, not in a nosy way, but the way of friends seeing each other again after a long absence – she wanted to share what you had discovered and add it to her own experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And that was why she became the confidant of her sisters at the home. And by that I mean, not just the Sisters of the Poor, but also her fellow orphans. She knew, deep down inside herself, that she was in touch with something eternal. And so it was that she spoke of Francine Swinney, and she told me that Francine, another of her little sisters at the orphanage, was in danger. And then later she knew that she had died, and she even knew how, but never told anyone else. Now, what you might ask does this have anything to do with the here and now? Well, I’ll tell you. Just this morning in the paper there was a little blurb, and believe it or not, I know that Amanda’s spirit moved me to look at the paper, and to turn to this little story on page three. It told of someone who had just escaped from prison, named Albert LeGace, who was Francine’s stepfather, and was the one who had killed her.” She paused and swallowed back a tear, then resumed. “And I know she died horribly, as did Amanda, with that knowledge.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">A slight murmuring spread through the church.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Now you might ask,” continued Lonnie, “how do you connect these things, and what do they mean? I know that the death of these two youngsters in and of themselves should not bear any significance, but I know they do, in ways that it may be difficult to explain. But I feel quite certain that God has touched me, and that His ways and His angels, including Amanda, have much to say to us here and now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And I want to close with this. If you should happen to think of Amanda, just remember that she is not done doing what she has always done – that is, getting under your skin, and going straight for your vulnerable heart.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As Lonnie stepped down from the lectern, and began to walk back to her seat, she looked at the back of the church, and there she saw him. Sitting alone, and with the same look of disdain and smugness. He mouthed the words, “Later, Alonza.” Her heart skipped a beat as she sat down, pale and shaken, next to Chris.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“What is it, Lonnie?” Whispered Chris, “you look as if you’ve seen a ghost…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“It’s him! He’s here, in the back of the church,” she answered in a tense whisper.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">But as Chris and Lonnie both turned and looked back, he was not there. Yet there, it seemed to Lonnie, was still his essence, his pervasive and evil essence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">It was in a back booth at Guido’s Café that the two women sat and looked at each other for a long while, each sipping on their cappuccinos. Eventually, Christine spoke up and asked Lonnie to explain just what she had seen, and what had shaken her to the core.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, my! You should have seen him. Just sitting back there in the church, looking as if we were just a bunch of pawns, and he then mouthed the words, “Later, Alonza.” I almost froze, but I did make it back to the pew. Oh, Chris, I can still see him, all smug and evil, and I can feel his presence! What do you suggest I do?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chris hesitated, then answered carefully, “For now, nothing. But be assured, we will provide some police back-up. I can arrange for that, as you are vital for our ongoing investigation. But to tell you the truth, Lonnie, this is more of that awful stuff which gets thrown in my direction. You know, even my boss thinks that this whole business with Shepperton has taken a toll on me. He even talked to me today, to see if there was any way that someone else could step in to help. I told him I didn’t think so, not at the moment, anyhow. I didn’t tell him about your helping me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonnie took another sip of her cappuccino before saying, “At least, for the moment, while he is still on the loose… Oh, Chris, I feel there is an otherworldly spirit or something like that afoot. And I have no idea what I am supposed to do, how I am supposed to help.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I hate to say it, Lonnie, but your help to me is not measurable in any way. Yet it is as necessary as it was for you to go to the funeral.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“You think so?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Uh huh. I most certainly so.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, then, you tell me how I can help – maybe it will keep down the feelings of inadequacy.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, Lonnie, for now I would just say to go about your business as normally as possible. You let me worry about security. And, after your little encounter, it would definitely seem to me that our Albert LeGace has plans to meet up with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Gee, thanks a lot!” Lonnie answered with all the sarcasm she could muster.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">For the next half hour, the two women sat and commiserated. Finally, Lonnie stood up, and said, “Well, I guess I’d better be going. And thanks so much for the coffee.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chris got up as well, and the two women hugged, as if in some way this could be a final goodbye.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonnie then walked out of the café, got into her car, and drove back toward her house. She did not notice the black Oldsmobile which followed her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-69698911894080566332022-10-10T07:14:00.003-07:002022-10-10T07:14:52.695-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETBrKaRAD-r4OI5mCkBF-mtK7ofY5QlHjipM2exp1TOsIzSUEFzPU0HBK8VvAFWiuS6zd4xT8wQnfWmRYePYiEMxZLBrJSplUswum0ahPXpqH00IzjVFP81drNuhrgLEoRioU-38t2usFjnvyzdB_vYq9xOxAw6T4yUcq86_wLfMGUqNH0InsO5dzgQ/s1843/P9067214-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1843" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETBrKaRAD-r4OI5mCkBF-mtK7ofY5QlHjipM2exp1TOsIzSUEFzPU0HBK8VvAFWiuS6zd4xT8wQnfWmRYePYiEMxZLBrJSplUswum0ahPXpqH00IzjVFP81drNuhrgLEoRioU-38t2usFjnvyzdB_vYq9xOxAw6T4yUcq86_wLfMGUqNH0InsO5dzgQ/s320/P9067214-EFFECTS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now in Chapter Seven, we are setting up for more adventures to come.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Seven</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Bob now just sat and stared at nothing in particular. He was again feeling overwhelmed, as he tried to take the pulse of his current situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“M’lord,” said Hermes, his companion and fellow prisoner, “’twould seem t’ me that ye’re just now thinkin’ about our situation, an’ how it be that ye’re not where ye ought t’ be, nor doin’ what ye should be doin’.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, Hermes, that’s true indeed. It seems to me that, ever since we were packed up and sent on this mission into the interior, forces of which I have no knowledge or control have been at work to keep me from doing and being what I am. I mean, if you consider just a week ago, we were in the castle, going about our business of healing, teaching and doing research. And my wife was pregnant with our unexpected child. And then what happened? After being taken prisoner by the Italian count, Eustace suddenly has a seizure, and, in search of proper water, you, Kevin and I get whisked off to Killiburn, as prisoners again. And on the way, we see Maggie, who appears in the hut in Clannach, and her presence is some kind of warning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Then we got rescued, and as we’re headed toward Castle Kearney, where Judy is, along with the others, who do I see, but Marilyn? I was just figuring all this out, when we get ambushed again, and this time Kevin is murdered, and we are taken prisoner again. Anyway, here we are, wherever here is. I’m just sitting down wondering what’s next on this journey, across time and across space, and I’m about out of patience, and I’m just about ready to take matters into my own hands.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">A tingle of excitement went through Hermes, as he was a bit startled to hear to hear Bob talk this way. “Master Robert,” he said breathlessly, as he checked for his short sword, then quickly realized it had been taken from him, “whate’er ye decide t’ do, ye know I shall be there fer ye. Fer I’m sworn t’ be yer protector.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I know, and I thank you for that, Hermes. You know what I’ve been thinking about? The water that the count had been drinking – he and his men; it had come from the creek of the dead, and you know what that could mean?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“It could mean that he an’ his men might be facin’ illness, eh?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Exactly! And I have no way of either contacting them or diagnosing them.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Now, is that somethin’ ye’d do fer yer enemies?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Yeah, it’s something I’d do for anyone, friend or enemy. You see, Hermes, when you become a physician, your allegiance goes beyond any labels people might put on others. Your true allegiance is to the human race, and to individual human beings.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I had no idea… D’ye mean even Master LeGace an’ his men?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Yes, even Antoine LeGace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“E’en though ye might be able to diagnose ‘em, as ye say, there’s nothin’ that ye could really do for ‘em, is there?”s<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, Hermes, you’ve touched on a most interesting irony there. For you see, back home at the castle, Melchior has come up with a substance, derived from our common red seaweed, which kills bacteria. Do you realize just what a magnificent thing that could be? And here I am, a prisoner, stuck in this spot, unable to communicate with Melchior, when we could be making some real history back in our institute. The idea of making the first working antibiotic years before bacteria were even described – that would really be something!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Kerlin had called a meeting of those he considered vital to the quest. Together with him in the barracks of the castle were Cayman, Gregorio, Derrymoor and Proust. Kerlin was nervous, though only Cayman could tell. It was just a subtle gruffness in his voice, that along with a bit of moisture around his upper lip that gave him away. Though none could tell, he kept them all entranced with his careful explanation of what was to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“My friends,” he said, after carefully reexplaining the plan that he and Craycroft had made. “Tom is on his way to his destination. He should be there by early evening. And I do believe that Master LeGace would most likely want to keep Master Robert and Hermes alive, for if dead, then what would his bargaining position be?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“But on the other hand, if I were to be killed, that would merely enhance his own position, especially since he does have older issues with me. So, what I am saying is your position and your own knowledge are even more important to Craycroft. Do you have any questions thus far?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Gregorio spoke up, saying, “are you saying, Master Kerlin, that you are willing to become the bait for Lord Craycroft?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, aye, that I am, though you must realize that I have taken other risks, perhaps even greater. You see, Craycoft and you all are aware of the risks I take with this endeavor.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I do understand, Master Kerlin, but it would seem to me that both you and Lord Craycroft are taking unnecessary risks, no?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And do you propose any other way to handle our adversary?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">In answer, Gregorio said, “since I am not known to this man, LeGace, and neither are my men, then we could be of particular assistance in your defense, rather than merely onlookers.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“An excellent point, sir. And so, what is your proposal?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">He then took advantage of the table they were sitting about, as well as some of the foodstuff scattered around, expertly moving the pieces about the table, and explained to the others just how he could place himself and his men, around the Reordan house, and just how to signal his men as to the happenings within.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Very well, I shall present your plan to lord Craycroft after we leave this place. Now, does anyone else have questions?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-20063951441765991032022-08-16T13:10:00.001-07:002022-08-16T13:10:46.887-07:00Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three, Chapter Six<p> This is a bit unusual, but Chapter Six is probably unfinished, and the later editing may yield some new stuff to be put in it, but for now, here it is:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFH7091Lvm0uwYxBxxMvVGJzTVH0ELsWMey9HFpGbAtMT6woKewKxDP4fV-w79NE095tMtq6oja2OCyglfxJwqxHwg4jPQXeGQGpP1wjfoeJ0SA8UKnLDkk8iMGXJFYMZGjjdNXh0aqbbdNondneCKlWW0ClvbS9CXNEMKVImpWLSrN0aVybI3JeCWQ/s3264/P1072180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFH7091Lvm0uwYxBxxMvVGJzTVH0ELsWMey9HFpGbAtMT6woKewKxDP4fV-w79NE095tMtq6oja2OCyglfxJwqxHwg4jPQXeGQGpP1wjfoeJ0SA8UKnLDkk8iMGXJFYMZGjjdNXh0aqbbdNondneCKlWW0ClvbS9CXNEMKVImpWLSrN0aVybI3JeCWQ/s320/P1072180.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Six<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I am Diego Monteverde, prince of Catalpa,” he said without difficulty or significant slurring. “And you, my most precious little child, are Alexandra. That is a name that in my land shall become… as a saint!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Alexandra smiled at her man, radiant as a sunbeam.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Come, my prince, let me take ye to the others. Show ‘em that ye’re doin’ better.” Then Alex took his arm and walked with Diego, still limping slightly, out into the waiting area outside her room. She turned down the hall and headed toward the dining area. She could hear voices, and she entered, leading her man by the arm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Look who I’ve got wi’ me. You tell ‘em, me prince.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">With a slight bow of the head, he said, as plainly as could be, “I am Diego Monteverde, prince of Catalpa. And this young angel has been so kind as to have brought me through this – I hate to say it – this ordeal.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The gasps that came from the other residents of the room were palpable. But no one said a word until Chauncey spoke, “M’lord, did ye but say that ye came from Catalpa, me wife’s family’s home? And if so, did ye come all this way on a mission of vengeance?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, that is the truth. And ye be Chauncey, a man of great knowledge, and of great secrets as well, eh?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye,” Chauncey answered. “But it would appear, me good prince, that yer own story must be one that we should hear. Fer me own can wait, and I would guess that yer own is one that may mean the difference fer all of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Why do you say that?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Truly simple, fer ye were saved from disaster fer some purpose by forces beyond yer ken, no? And it was none other than Maggie, with her blue light which saved ye from the shipwreck, and then by the hand o’ this young lass,” he gestured toward Alex, “ye were allowed to heal. And may I say, that we are truly grateful fer that.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“As am I, friend. Then, I should, as it would seem right, to tell of my tale. As you indicated, it is, indeed a tale of vengeance.” Saying this, he sat down, and began his story.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“It did begin some two years ago, when one of my knights, a man of integrity, who was a widower and owned some land in the southern part of my country, came to me with what I thought was a most strange story, indeed. He said that he had been approached by a man, who knew of his ownership of the land, who told him that he had a deed to the property, and that my knight, whose name was Anselm, had three months to get his things off the property, and that he would be back in three months to claim it as his own. When Anselm asked to see the deed, the man told him that it was not his to see, and that if he did not comply with his request, that he would be certain to kill each and every member of Anselm’s family, beginning with his youngest son, then his two daughters, then his eldest son and heir.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Then Anselm asked him his name, and was told by the man, that it was LeGace. And when Anselm took out his sword in rebuke, LeGace told him to sheath his sword, as they had his youngest son out back, and would certainly kill him if any harm or perceived threat came to LeGace. Then he turned on his heels and walked out of his house, with his word of warning being, “three months is all!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, time passed, and Anselm’s youngest was in LeGace’s custody, and then three months to the day came, and there on his front step was the body of his youngest child, with a knife in his chest, and a vicious note, which was pinned to his chest by the knife, and said that he and all his possessions must by now be off his land, and that he was now familiar with the consequences.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">A gasp rose from the others in the room. After a brief pause, Alex went over to Diego, gently took his arm in hers, and then asked him if this boy’s name was Tristan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Why, aye, his name was indeed, Tristan! How would you know such a thing?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Me dreams. Tristan was in them, an’ he tol’ me that you would be comin’, an’ that I was to take good care of ye. He said that ye’d be acomin’ fer to avenge his father.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Goodness, child, you are so right! I did promise his father that I’d be seeking revenge. You see, Anselm got his family together and came to my castle to ask if I had any place for his children to be staying. I said, most certainly, that the three remaining children could stay in my servant’s quarters. He then thanked me and said that he must now seek out this man, LeGace, and his doings. I did not hear from Anselm until four months ago. He had sent a messenger, as he was severely injured, and was dying in one of our port cities. He said that he found out that LeGace was now in Shepperton, and planning to take it by force, and to make it his new center of <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">operations, and further, he had developed an alliance with the king of England to guarantee that he would be able to do so safely. Just what that alliance entailed amounted to was that he, the king, would get a continuous supply of Shepperton pottery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Now, I was not aware until coming here that the pots of Shepperton were anything special, but evidently they are, indeed. I did try to send aid to the port of Weston where Anselm was, but alas, too late. It took the next few months to assure that my own affairs, as well as the welfare of Anselm’s children were in order, before I could set out with a small army toward Shepperton. And you have certainly heard of what happened to my ship and my army.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">At this, he began to choke and had to pause in his narration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“It does seem to me,” Chauncey broke in, “that yer loss of men was a significant blow, as ye must have had some good friends among the others on board.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Diego nodded, and when he could recount his story again, said in a hoarse voice, “Aye. That I did. I have tried not to think on this. For it seems that my whole ship was lost, save me. And that was not of my doing, but as you noted, it was through means unknown to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">At the mention of his ship and his crew, the others in the room closed ranks, and listened with even more attention, including Charlie Stephens, who had noticed that Maggie was a part of this story too. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“She was there, after my main mast had broken,” Diego continued, “and we were there in the sea, drifting on those great waves. She was just there in the darkness as calm as she could be, with her blue luminescence coming from deep inside her, as if she were some kind of otherworldly torch. Then when she spoke, I could not resist, and I went toward her and together we went over the railing and into the ocean. Then I remembered nothing until awakening in the arms o’ my Alexandra, singing to me on the shore.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">He paused, long enough to notice Alex’s reaction, which was one of extraordinary tenderness for her man.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I remember what Maggie said to me. She said that it was to be the last voyage for my men and my ship, but it was not to be my last one. The implications of her words have filled me with both determination and grim hope. For ‘twould seem that my next voyage would be in saving the integrity of this isle. But for that to be true, ‘twould seem that I must find a way back to yer port, and yer castle. For I must talk to the lord of the castle and see of his needs and what ships he has at his direction.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Gilbert, who had been listening intently, then broke in. “Good sir, the only ships that come to our harbor are already owned by the merchants who do the tradin’ fer the goods o’ Shepperton. We have no ships o’ war.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“But you see that is good.” Answered Diego. “For you see, it would be much more effective of the enemy did not know that he is being attacked until it is too late to do anything about it. So, if it would be possible to use vessels that seem like the ordinary fleet that serves to simply carry goods to and from your port, it would make sense to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“That does seem to be true,” Gilbert acknowledged, “but we shall have to get ye to Lord Craycroft so that ye can plan strategies with ‘im. I know not if the pigeons would work t’ send a message t’ Shepperton Castle.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“The pigeons?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, aye! We have carrier pigeons so we can send messages back an’ forth upon this isle.” Gilbert said proudly. “If ye’d like, we might send a message t’ Lord Craycroft, and it shall arrive in Shepperton Castle afore we do.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Within the hour, Diego was sitting with Chauncey, Gilbert, Charley Stephens, and with Alex and one of the pages around a rough table high up in the castle. Charley had provided the paper from his notebook, as well as a pencil to write with. The persons all around gathered to see the spectacle of twentieth century paper and pencil being utilized for the important message to be sent. Diego had tried to write, but his right hand was still too clumsy, so the task of writing fell to Charley, who took dictation, as he put Diego’s idea on paper.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The people in the room were all amazed at the paper, which could be easily folded and then rolled up, placed into a tiny cylinder. This, in turn was latched to a metal ring which was on the left leg of one of the birds. The bird was then sent on its way, as it circled a couple of times, then headed south, toward Shepperton Castle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-89795418846605851122022-07-02T18:41:00.004-07:002022-07-02T18:41:54.657-07:00Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three, Chapter Five<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next chapter takes us back to Shepperton, and particularly to Barncuddy's Ale House - a place where wondrous things are discussed, and major decisions are made. So here it is:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPrWfN6nDqQ0Z-v5Ius24Mk4lEkga8W0PpPL887m-fXCn4EeQyRIjNNm13J0XlY_XATTip3Yb6mEJGc4wpvaQQnqC2mgZrDMdCAjpr-BSRZIGpHk8-WyZyG5W-l5EIcgv_paqqogHLEKlYzwBps5itpy0NOQWmr9xi4MshDhE_sdHtoQ7phFP0SlUBA/s2048/P1112654-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPrWfN6nDqQ0Z-v5Ius24Mk4lEkga8W0PpPL887m-fXCn4EeQyRIjNNm13J0XlY_XATTip3Yb6mEJGc4wpvaQQnqC2mgZrDMdCAjpr-BSRZIGpHk8-WyZyG5W-l5EIcgv_paqqogHLEKlYzwBps5itpy0NOQWmr9xi4MshDhE_sdHtoQ7phFP0SlUBA/s320/P1112654-EFFECTS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Five</span></b><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Away from the bustle of the rest of Barncuddy’s Ale House, Craycroft, Kerlin, Cayman, Derrymoor, Marilyn and Jeanne met with the two Scotsmen, Clifton and Enoch, whose appetites appeared to have recovered, with a pint of Barncuddy’s ale most happily downed after their recent encounter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“It was my understanding that you had been invited to join Master LeGace for dinner,” said Craycroft, “yet your behavior suggests it may not have been quite to your liking.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I tell ye,” answered Clifton, “between their so-called ale, their food, and the interrogation at the hands of LeGace and his cronies, even if I’d had any appetite at the start o’ the meal, I’d definitely had none when we was done.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“An’ here’s an aye t’ that!” Enoch chimed in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Before we deal with your most difficult circumstance,” Craycroft noted, “some good news to announce. It is with immense pleasure that I announce the birth of a beautiful daughter to Lady Judy, and to note that all are doing well, and with Diane and Master Charlie contributing with their own skills and medicinals. And the child’s name is Angelica.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“To Angelica!” said Cayman, “and to those caring for her.” With a clinking of their flagons, and a hearty, “Here, Here!” those at the table took gulps of their ale. All except Marilyn, whose gaze suddenly turned inward, and her clouded features were noticed by Jeanne, who turned and whispered to Craycroft. He nodded, then Jeanne took Marilyn’s hand, and the two women quietly moved to another table.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“So, now,” Craycroft began after Cayman’s toast, “my pages, or should I say, my spies, have informed me that you wanted to meet with me, and that you did not wish to wait. And I took that to mean that circumstances were potentially dire. And so, I summoned these persons to come with me. I hope that is all right with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh aye, of course, m’lord,” indicated Clifton, “speakin’ fer both of us, may I say that it be yer island t’ govern an’ we be yer guests. And we absolutely mean ye no harm.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And I, for one, am most certainly happy to hear that from you, as is Lord Derrymoor, and the others at this table are, as well. So, let as get to the heart of the matter. What did happen at this dinner invitation from LeGace?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well,” began Enoch, “we arrived and were seated at the back o’ this inn close to Champour. At first there were the four of us, Master LeGace, Master Leonardo and us two. An’ Leonardo got to askin’ us questions ‘bout what we were doin’ so far from Edinburgh.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And may I ask what you told them?” Derrymoor asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“What we told them,” Enoch continued, “was that we were both alchemists in Edinburgh, and we also taught at the university there.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As the folks at the main table heard the saga of what happened at the inn of Champour, in the back corner table the scene was quite different. There Marilyn was openly weeping into her hands, as Jeanne pulled a kerchief out of her bodice, handed it to Marilyn. This caused mixed emotions for Jeanne. On the one hand, the news of the birth of a daughter to her very close friend was a joyous relief. On the other hand, the effect of this same news to Master Robert’s former wife was like a stab in the heart. What Jeanne did was to sit by, and let her new-found friend cry her heart out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, Jeanne, I thought I was prepared for this! It was, after all, what I had suspected, but now…” Marilyn gulped down a tear. “Why did I even come? And Falma, what good am I now? Here, so far from home, in both time and place. With no one that I have known, and with Bob…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Would that Tom were here, fer he’d know.” Jeanne said. After a pause, she continued, “but I shall tell ye this much. Yer Master Robert has been taken prisoner, and is now in Clear Bay, and this is a fact known to both Tom and to Craycroft…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Now, wait just a minute!” Marilyn’s face was red and mottled with mixed rage and sorrow. “Who was going to tell me this bit of news, and when? Do you have any idea how all this is tearing me up inside?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, Lady Marilyn, that I do know, fer mine own husband is also a prisoner, and it has now been about two weeks. It is the same man, this Antoine LeGace, has taken him. And believe me when I tell ye it eats at me daily. He was taken from our house in the middle of the night…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Do you mean Melchior? I didn’t know he was your husband!” Marilyn was suddenly taken aback. “Lisa told me all about him, and what a kind and courageous man he was. All this time, as I was accompanying young Lisa here – and it’s now I meet the wife of the poor man who was prisoner with her! Oh, I am so sorry!” Marilyn felt the weight of her own decisions, and those of others press down on her shoulders. “Look, Jeanne, this whole business of my being transported here has gotten my life turned inside out. And now, as I have been brought here with the aim of helping my husband. And now I did catch glimpses of him both as a prisoner, then later as a freed man, but mind you just glimpses. But now, here, I find out that he has had a baby with another woman. Also, I just found that he has been taken prisoner yet again, and I would presume that he hasn’t even gotten a chance to see his baby.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Now, too, Charlie Stephens is here on this island. Charlie, whom I’ve gotten to know as a special friend since Bob’s disappearance. Charlie, who helped me through the rough years of Bob’s absence, as well as helping immensely with the earl’s rehabilitation.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“It all does seem such a cumbersome burden to bear. Why do we not seek counsel with Craycroft yet this eve?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Craycroft? I don’t yet know the man. How about if we get Fausto to meet with us? He is someone I’ve come to trust – and how about Lisa, too? Her information might be extremely useful toward finding and freeing your husband.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, the hour is late for Lisa, but I am quite certain that Craycroft would have no problem welcoming Fausto. Wait right here, and I shall go ask him.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Jeanne got up and went to Craycroft’s side and whispered to him. The look on his face abruptly altered, and he turned toward Barncuddy, who came to his side and bent his head toward Craycroft. A moment later, he nodded his head, and then hurried toward the entrance. Then Jeanne came back to Marilyn’s table. After a few moments Craycroft stood up, and with a few words to his companions, came over, along with Jeanne, to Marilyn’s table and sat down next to Marilyn.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Firstly, m’lady, let me apologize for my announcement earlier. I offer no excuse, nothing that will suffice. But I shall try to offer you something of an explanation – for you are truly one important person.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">This caught Marilyn totally off guard. “Just a minute, sir. You say I’m important?” She stifled a sob. “I’d say that ever since Falma dropped me off in your forest, I’ve been treated as if I were important, but no one has explained to whom and for what. Falma did say that Bob was in some trouble, and now I find out that’s true. But it doesn’t seem like I’ve got anything I can offer him at the present. And now, too, I’ve found that Charlie Stephens is somewhere on your island, though that is something I suspected. I tell you it’s getting to the point where I do think I could really use some kind of explanation, something to make sense of all this.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, m’lady,” began Craycroft, “t’would seem that you are, indeed, owed a telling explanation of why you have been summoned…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Summoned… if that’s what you call it. Go ahead. You explain – I’ll listen.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Somewhat chastised by her words and attitude, Craycroft took another swig of his ale, then began. “A bit over four years ago, here in Shepperton, we had a mysterious plague which was killing off some of our esteemed painters and potters. And then, it seems, that the plague struck closer, with our master of the guild and his daughter both stricken with the plague, and who both died. And then, as our own beloved earl also became deathly ill with the plague, your Master Robert and the lady Judy Morrison were summoned by Drachma and Falma. Master Robert was summoned due to his deep knowledge of the medical arts, and lady Judy was brought due to her known magical healing touch. And both of them played a significant role, as the earl was transported to your time and place, a fact that you, I understand, know well.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">A new realization began to dawn on Marilyn. A sense of being swallowed up by something bigger than she could ever imagine began to form in her consciousness. She began to imagine herself as Jonah, in the belly of the whale. Shaking her head clear of the image, she said, “do go on, sir Craycroft. This whole thing is getting to be more complicated than I had even imagined.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">A subtle smile appeared on Craycroft’s face, and then vanished. “I must also point out that Master Robert did elucidate the fact that there were two separate plagues affecting us, and both of them were man-made, one was a poisoning attributed to a certain Carlo Vincente…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Carlo Vincente! I met him in our time – that was before he disappeared or died, or something. He told me about Shepperton and its history. It was a fascinating account of how he was involved with your history, and its pots, and Drachma’s doings, Count Gregorio, Lady Felicia (who became his adopted daughter), and eventually how the two of them, that is Drachma and Carlo Vincente conspired to get Bob. He didn’t mention Falma’s involvement at the time, but I’ve come to realize that Falma was involved in an awful lot of stuff here. He then gave me a small box with a drachma inside, as a token of Bob’s health. And yes, Falma was aware of the coin and its significance.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, indeed. And as it turned out, it was not so much Carlo Vincente, but rather another Master Guarneri who was the culprit in the poisonings of our painters and potters. That was something that Master Robert discovered. But his real accomplishment initially was discovering that Felicia and the earl were poisoned in such a way that it did appear to be a plague which was killing them, and it was caused by two persons, one a Councilor Reordan, and the other the nefarious Antoine LeGace. Then it was LeGace himself who killed Reordan, and then escaped. But he is now back and is our major enemy right now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“But I should tell you,” Craycroft continued, “it was Master Robert who was able to prove what Reordan and LeGace had done, and how they did their worst. ‘Twas to us an astonishing display of cunning, as well as meticulous attention to medical detail not heretofore known nor seen. Also, it was he who tried to save the life of Councilor Reordan – he and the lady Judy, but alas in that they were not successful, as his wounds were too severe.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Marilyn found herself caught up in Craycroft’s story and did not interrupt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“There is much more to the tale, but I should tell of Master Roberts’ involvement with the earl in his last moments here, which might aid in your understanding, as well as your tasks here.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Then, as Craycroft began telling of the earl, in extremis, and how Bob, with the aid of Falma, sent him off to the future, in walks Fausto. Fausto did try to come in quietly, but due to his bulk and the fact that he and Barncuddy were lifelong friends, meant that his entrance was as quiet and unnoticed as a marching band in a convent. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, me good friend, Fausto,” Barncuddy exclaimed, and rushed over to give the giant a mighty hug. “It is so good t’ see ye! Come on in and I shall make certain ye get me best.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Greetings t’ ye, me favorite barkeep! Just bring some o’ yer fine ale – I do see m’lady over at yon table. Bring it t’ me there.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Comin’ right up!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As Fausto was coming back to the table, Marilyn rose and also gave him an intense hug. “Oh, Fausto! Do come and sit down with us. I want you to tell Mister Craycroft about all I’ve put you through. And I want you to be there as he tells me where I’m going next.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Fausto then sat his tremendous bulk down, and looked over at Craycroft, recently joined by Cayman, Derrymoor and Kerlin. The look on Marilyn’s face was unreadable, as she also sat back down, now in the midst of her mostly male coterie. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And now,” said Fausto, “m’lady has clearly been upset, and that means a lot t’me. Now, come an’ tell just what ye’ve done t’make her upset, an’ then I shall tell ye what we’ve been through.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">With all looking on, Craycroft told of his faux pas, and then Jeanne followed with her own telling of Robert’s being taken prisoner again. Fausto absorbed it all, saying nothing aloud, but muttering as he drank his ale.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">All eyes turned to Marilyn, and she, with a look that was both stricken and resolute said, “all right, now I should probably tell you about how this affected me and my own life, but I’d rather Fausto tell you what we’ve been through, and that may add a bit of perspective to what I’ve got to say. And after that, I’d like to know what you all have set me to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Very well, m’lady. I shall try, e’en though I am not one t’ say much. ‘Twas not but weeks ago, that me half-brother, Tom, did tell me t’ expect a lady o’ regal bearin’ t’ come by me place (that be Castle Kearney), an’ that I was t’ be her guardian all the while she was here, that I was t’ stay with ‘er, an’ t’ be sure nothin’ happened t’ her. As it turned out, I was t’ bring ’er here t’ yer castle, but along the way, we got caught up in a skirmish involvin’ Count Gregorio an’ his men. And ye know the outcome o’ that encounter. But Master Robert was at that time in the guard o’ the Count. We then took off after them, and then we ran into a former employee o’ Master Guarneri, who helped us find ‘im, an’ then we freed master Robert, along with Hermes an’ Kevin.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Fausto went on, after a large swig of ale, to describe how Robert, along with Kevin and Hermes went toward Castle Kearney, and how they themselves went in a different direction, along with their prisoners, which included Count Gregorio. And he explained how they had acquired Lisa en route to Shepperton Castle, and how Marilyn had bonded with young Lisa. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“An’ that about it, me friends. All the rest ye know from the lady ‘erself, fer I am only here t’ be her guardian. Explainin’ things is naugh what I do.” Then he took another long swig of his ale, thumped his tumbler on the table, where a comely young server refilled it. “Thank ye, m’lass. An’ would ye be so kind as t’ see if ye have any o’ yer yeast rolls left?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“But o’ course, m’lords,” she said with a wink, “an’ I shall bring ye a basket o’ them. Mind ye’, though, e’er since Diane’s been gone the rolls hadn’t been quite so tasty!” Then she disappeared into the kitchen, as Fausto looked on appreciatively.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Did you like what you saw, or was that just the ale talking?” Marilyn asked, surprising everyone, including herself at her boldness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, nah, m’lady,” Fausto muttered hoarsely, “it must ‘a been Barncuddy’s ale.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">In response, Marilyn smiled knowingly at Fausto, and mouthed the word “later.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“All right, folks,” began Marilyn, “now it’s time you heard my own story. Well, it goes back a ways – to a time before Bob was even a doctor.” And to her rapt audience she told of working, putting Bob through medical school, residency, fellowship and then how she was able to finally quit her job, which she hated, as Bob’s practice flourished. She even told them of the struggles of trying to get pregnant, and how it was determined to be Bob’s problem, and was related to a case of mumps he had as a child. And then things finally settled down into some sort of routine. That was, until Bob suddenly disappeared without any warning, which left her with an unsolvable mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">She then explained how her mystery deepened as she met Carlo Vincente, and Janie and Earl, the parents of one of Bob’s patients, who had died after a horrific illness. Then she described how her circumstances got even more confusing and off balance as she met and interacted with the local police, with Charlie Stephens and with their own earl of Shepperton. But again, things seemed to calm down a bit over the years. That was until Falma walked into her life and again things turned topsy turvy. For four years, Charlie Stephens had been in her life, and he seemed to be something of an anchor for her. He seemed to be more interested in a romantic relationship, but now, with Falma indicating that her husband needed her, confirmed by the missing drachma from her bedside, there seemed to be no way to keep her home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">But now, with all these revelations, all playing with her heart, and Falma nowhere around, and Bob taken prisoner again – it was all a bit too much to take in. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And so, Master Craycroft, I wanted to ask you – what do you want me to do now? I have no real skills, no magic, and I don’t even know my way around your island. My husband has been taken prisoner and is somewhere on this island. Jeanne’s husband is also a prisoner, apparently on some boat. You have a man of extreme evil running about, threatening your peace. You have a new baby girl on the island, apparently my husband’s, with Charlie Stephens at her side…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“You are right, my good lady. The island is threatened, and our peace both for now and the future, is in most precariously threatened. Nevertheless, you may not know of any magic you possess, but I tell you – you have deep magic within you. Falma would have noted it, and communicated both with Tom and with Drachma, his grandfather. What I would like is for you to stay here with us for the moment. I shall make certain that we release Master Robert from his imprisonment shortly and safely. Just stay in communication with Jeanne, and she shall guide your steps. And lastly, I do express my deepest apologies for my very insensitive remarks earlier, and I hope that, in time, you shall see fit to pardon me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Marilyn said nothing for a while and took a drink of her ale. She closed her eyes as the flavor hit her mouth and performed its own magic.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“This drink,” she said at last, “is so extraordinary! If I believed in magic, I would say that here is proof!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“To magic!” Exclaimed Cayman. “Barncuddy’s magic indeed!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Here, here,” came the chorus as flagons were raised.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Later that evening, as Fausto led Marilyn back to her rooms, a sudden cool breeze swept through the castle corridors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Did you feel that, Fausto? That breeze seemed to carry a malicious omen. I so hope I’m wrong, but here, in your world, it seems that these things carry more weight.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Nay, m’lady, I felt no such an omen as you say. I’m just an ord’nary man. I just do as I’m told, an’ leave the omens an’ spells to them what can manage ‘em.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As they came to her rooms, Marilyn turned to her companion and said, “Fausto, promise me something.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, m’lady?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Promise me that you’ll stay with me… keep me from falling into the clutches of that man…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“What man, LeGace?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Yes him. He’s the one whose omen was on the wind.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, m’lady, Craycroft was right about ye – ye’ve got the deep magic. But of course, I shall stay wi’ ye. It’s what I promised Tom. I’ve got nothin’ more important t’ do.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, come here, my big man,” she said as she reached up and took his head in her hands, and kissed him on the cheek. “Let it be sealed with a kiss.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As she stepped into her room, Fausto looked about and made certain that everything was secure, and there were no prying eyes or ears. As he went down the hall to his own room, he could feel the slight burning where her kiss landed. It was fortunate that no one could see the tear that escaped his eye.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-45162223393889986792022-05-17T14:34:00.001-07:002022-05-17T14:34:50.816-07:00Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three, Chapter Four<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitacpPh9IFx-j0SwC5_-Bqz7-EZdP-yv_brLS-9NdvRo5t-IgKbLuSHuHEx6-vYg7pY-5ocIq7tZua9Q9rixtofI_7prY2lcNcNC6ov7puHw_84iG_MdDLfpY5zXfUCIgn_-7H1anHrt7iZeZ-NX8SPaCHTxVSrYmpPOpEit2jehv6xr2Niq9VkpfbIA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2806" data-original-width="2171" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitacpPh9IFx-j0SwC5_-Bqz7-EZdP-yv_brLS-9NdvRo5t-IgKbLuSHuHEx6-vYg7pY-5ocIq7tZua9Q9rixtofI_7prY2lcNcNC6ov7puHw_84iG_MdDLfpY5zXfUCIgn_-7H1anHrt7iZeZ-NX8SPaCHTxVSrYmpPOpEit2jehv6xr2Niq9VkpfbIA" width="186" /></a></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Four<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Alonza Chaves couldn’t sleep. All through the night, she kept fighting with her pillows, and never finding any position that allowed more than an hour of sleep. She looked at her bedside clock and it said 4:52. Even though this was Saturday, she realized that it was going to be a tough one, and she might as well face the day. <i>Oh, why did I agreed to speak at the funeral mass for Amanda? Surely there were others more gifted with language who could say what needed to be said, and I could just be there. </i>But she couldn’t say no to Sister Justine.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">So, she got up, went out to the kitchen, put on a pot of coffee, then went out to her stoop and picked up the paper. While she was out, she noticed the soft breeze and immediately noted the subtle, unmistakable aroma of the forest. <i>Oh, no! What now? Who is it this time? </i>With a slight shiver, she closed the door and took the paper in and opened it. There was nothing on the front page of any note. Then the paper stuck slightly as she opened it, and there on the third page was a small item, which she would have typically glossed over, but today it struck her as particularly noteworthy. The item was under police doings, and the headline read:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Accused child killer escapes, at large<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">But what really caught her attention was below the headline:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Formerly having served time for child abuse and endangerment, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Albert LeGace, who was awaiting his trial for killing his stepdaughter,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Francine Swinney, escaped from the county jail yesterday, and is<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> felt to be armed and dangerous. More details were not available<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> at this time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Below the brief statement was his mug shot, which to Lonnie looked quite remarkable for the look of total lack of any expression other than contempt. She shivered again, then closed the paper. What stuck in her mind, though, was the name, Albert LeGace.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I’ll have to call Chris Lewinsky, see if she knows anything about this. But why does this bother me? Was it something Chris said, or Charlie? </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Then it hit her – Amanda had mentioned the name Francine!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">She got up and poured herself some coffee, in her favorite mug, the blue one with her name on it, spelled Lonni, given to her by her niece last year. Her niece’s name was Sadie, and she had been with Lonnie at the arts and crafts festival at the river. Sadie knew she was going to be going to moving away at the end of summer, going with her parents to Oklahoma, and she wanted to get something for her favorite aunt. She had been given ten dollars by her parents, to spend on anything she wanted, and this was what she wanted. And Lonnie had treasured the gift, as her sister’s family moved, seemingly a long way away, and it brought her comfort. She thought about Sadie, six years old at the time. Abruptly, thoughts of Francine, Albert LeGace, Amanda and Chris Lewinsky entered her mind, and would not let go. She looked at the time, noting it was only 5:20, but decided she had to call Chris anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">She found her purse and rifled through it, finding an old card which Chris had given her. She looked at the card, and saw, written in ink, the note: <i>Call me anytime – Chris. </i>She looked the card over and found Chris’s home phone number and called it. After three rings, a rather sleepy voice answered.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, Chris, it’s Lonnie Chaves. I’m so sorry to wake you… Well, it’s just that… Do you get the morning paper? Well there’s a small blurb on there on page three... Why sure, why don’t you do that and call me right back. My phone number is 687-4599.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonnie felt quite foolish for waking Chris up. She waited for Chris to get the paper and get back on the line. All the time chiding herself for making the phone call. The phone rang and she answered right away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Hello… You do know something of the case? Did you know about his escaping? … Well I’m not worried exactly, but there are fingers pointing to Shepperton… Yes, that would be good. You do know, don’t you, that Amanda’s funeral is at 10 o’clock…I think you’re right… Well, Okay, I’ll see you at 7:30 at your office. Bye, now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonnie had never set foot in the Fourth Precinct Station before, and she tried to think of the last time she actually had business in any police station. It was years before and walking into this Police Station definitely gave her the heebie-jeebies. There was something about the concrete construction, the cold tile floors and the all business and no-fun feel of the place, which put her immediately on the defensive. She walked up to what she assumed to be the reception desk and asked the woman behind the bullet-proof glass partition if she could see detective Christine Lewinsky – she had an appointment with her at 7:30. The woman stared at her for a second, which made her turmoil worse, and then said that she would check to see if the detective was in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The lady behind the glass disappeared for the better part of three minutes. Then, as Lonnie was thinking about going on her way, Chris appeared in the door to her right, smiled, and waved Lonnie in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonnie let out a relieved sigh, and said to Christine, “Oh, thank heavens. I was about to bolt. Your office and the bulldog at the reception desk really gave me the willies. I wasn’t sure where to sign to get a lighter sentence, or at least time off for good behavior.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, Lonnie, you got Gloria on one of her good days! Believe me, if it weren’t for her seniority, she’d be down in the dungeon, filing papers from 9 to 5. Just come on back with me. Would you like some coffee? I can’t say whether it’s any good, but it’s what we live on here.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Let me think about that for a while, Okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chris smiled knowingly, and said, “sure.” Then she led Lonnie back to her office, which was small and cluttered, but at least not as overtly depressing as the rest of the place. Chris stepped behind her desk, and Lonnie took one of the chairs facing the desk.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, Lonnie, let me say a couple of things to begin. Firstly, I do appreciate you calling me. I know the hour was early, and your phone call did wake me, but I really did mean it when I said to call me anytime. And secondly, I was definitely planning on being at Amanda’s funeral (I assume it’s at Saint Gregory’s). Also, if it’s Okay with you, I’d like to record this – it’s so much better than me just taking notes.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Yeah, I have no problem with that, other than the fact that being recorded might contribute to my nervousness. I’ll just try to forget that it’s on. And you’re right, the funeral’s at Saint Gregory’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chris took out a tape and put it in her recorder, and she stated the date and time of the recording, and identified the person being recorded as well as herself. Chris then reached over to the right side of the desk, and took up the paper in her hands, and opened it. Showing it to Lonnie, Chris went on to say, “Now this is the paper we’re talking about and the article, right? It’s this morning’s paper.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonnie took one look, felt the same revulsion, and said, “Yeah, that’s the same paper I got, and that’s the little article and picture all right.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Next, Chris went on, “Well, then tell me what you know of this case and this particular man.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonnie closed her eyes, took in a deep breath, then sighed. “Well, let’s see. It all goes back three years or so. It was back then, with Amanda, whom I would see in the course of her chemotherapy treatments – she would mention the name Francine occasionally, and then one day, about a year ago, she said that Francine was gone. She had asked the sisters, but they did not tell her what had happened. This upset Amanda – so much so that she was in tears, and was thoroughly convinced that Francine had died, and probably in a horrible way. It upset me, too, but I didn’t see anything in the paper, and I watched for any news. Over the next month or so, I saw nothing, and told her. She remained her usual self, just not as cheerful. And one day, several weeks after that, she said that she knew who did it, and how. She didn’t say how she knew, only that she knew, and it was Francine’s stepfather who did it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I told her that I really didn’t want to know any more, but she could talk to the police if she really felt she knew. But she said it wouldn’t do any good – the police would find out anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Did she mention the name of Francine’s stepfather?” Chris asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Yes. She said it was Albert LeGace. And I didn’t think much about that until all this Shepperton stuff started happening. Then that name came roaring back. I believe it was the earl who first mentioned him, but he described someone named Antoine LeGace, and said that he was a man most evil in his time and place. Now, I know that this seems like quite a stretch, but there are just too many coincidences for me to swallow. First there’s the name – LeGace. It’s a very unusual name, and to be associated with so much evil. And then there’s Amanda, and her connection with Shepperton, and knowledge of it, and the people she touched – from Francine to Janie to Charlie and me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And lastly, there’s that note that we got at dinner from Antoine LeGace. Now I didn’t touch it, but you did. And by your own description, could there be anything more vile than that little note? If there’s one thing I’m certain of it’s that note represents pure evil. Evil of such depth that it makes my skin crawl, and it was not even addressed to me. The earl has it in his possession, but put away, and hard to get to.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Yes, I would grant you that.” Chris answered carefully, “It was evil, indeed, even before he read to us what was on the letter, I could tell. And you’re right, it could become important to us later on. I think I’ll pay the earl a visit and see if he would part with the letter. See what fingerprint analysis might reveal at the very least.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Boy, that seems like a long shot!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Yeah, but you never know. I’m going to proceed like the fifteenth century doesn’t even play into any of this. After all, it’s all I’ve got. I know nothing of the fifteenth century, but I do know the twentieth century, and how to be a twentieth century detective. And that brings me back to today. Have you heard anything at all from your missing friend, Charlie?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, no – nothing. Not a peep from him. Nor would I expect to. I mean he’s just vanished, and since people in the twentieth century don’t just disappear, I guess you’ve still got a missing person to deal with. But that’s now four persons who have disappeared on your watch, huh?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“That’s right. Four persons who have died, and four who are still missing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonnie thought about it, and then said, “I would add two more to your dead column – Josh, who seemed to begin this whole scheme, along with the mysterious Carlo Vincente, who provided the drachma, as well as the mystery.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I suppose you’re right.” Chris nodded. “It only makes sense if you include those two.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Plus, you’ve got to add the earl. For his arrival was as inexplicable as the disappearance of the others.” Lonnie was silent for a moment, then added, “If you add in the “transients” things get even thicker – with Maggie, Tom, Falma, Drachma and Antoine LeGace. But I don’t know what you’re going to have to put in your reports.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“You want to write them for me?” Chris asked rhetorically.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“No, but since the earl, Carol and I are presently the only other people here who have the whole picture, I would offer my assistance, as limited as it is.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“That would be great, Lonnie. And I guess I’ll see you at the funeral…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Yeah, I’ll be sitting up front with Carol and the earl.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chris turned off the tape recorder. And then she said, “Off the record, do you think that Albert LeGace is involved in all this?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, yes, I do! How could he not be?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I suppose you’re right, but I’m not ready to put that into a report – at least not yet.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-78081397973238669512022-04-14T18:30:00.002-07:002022-04-14T18:31:00.143-07:00Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three, Chapter Three<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlauqLUGor0dJI9Qk0s3FXkYsxw_XcuRYerYxsjpSY7DODRL57sq5Js81J5g4hiM-G91gdwKl_vN24aNCUwEvyE9KbOgvv3h-MTm50rR-oPgtE89-lMUS8cV42FLvnC9-2YpCPx7dzGgDoHbuLfvcqeQCjdc4x-9ehakOOF4wx4nt1EAD7QFyaPgT4Q/s2048/P9095411-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlauqLUGor0dJI9Qk0s3FXkYsxw_XcuRYerYxsjpSY7DODRL57sq5Js81J5g4hiM-G91gdwKl_vN24aNCUwEvyE9KbOgvv3h-MTm50rR-oPgtE89-lMUS8cV42FLvnC9-2YpCPx7dzGgDoHbuLfvcqeQCjdc4x-9ehakOOF4wx4nt1EAD7QFyaPgT4Q/s320/P9095411-EFFECTS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Here is Chapter Three of my newest novel in the Drachma series. In this chapter we see some of the evil machinations of our thoroughly bad Antoine LeGace. </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Three<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Mortimer and Tingley followed the two Scotsmen at a distance and watched as they stepped into the small inn at the outskirts of Champour. They knew that the two had been invited to dinner with LeGace and Leonardo. But then they were surprised to see two others enter the inn. They recognized Guarneri but couldn’t be certain of the other. Perhaps it was Patronis – it made sense. If only they could listen in to the talk at the dinner table. But they figured this was better than nothing, and they could at least get the Scotsmen’s version of the dinner talk, later.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As the two settled down behind a house from which they could watch the inn, they began discussing recent events, and their talk naturally turned toward the two newest strangers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Now, it do seem a bit odd t’me that the lady Marilyn has come to us and seems to know all the people who did previously come from the ewe ass. An’ that includes Master Charlie. And she bein’ Master Robert’s wife an’ all.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tingley responded, “aye, it be strange indeed. An’ what d’ye suppose’ll happen when Lady Marilyn an’ Lady Judy meet?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“That could be more of surprise than anythin’ we’ve seen yet! An’ I don’t know if I’d even like t’be there when that happens. Whooeee!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Have ye heard whether Lady Judy had her baby? Last I’d heard she was goin’ t’deliver really soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Nah – I’ve heard nothin’. But then we’re usually the last t’hear anythin’ interestin’.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“But sometimes,” Tingley noted, “we get t’be the first to find out somethin’.” He gestured towards the inn.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye… and here we may have somethin’ to tell our lords.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye that!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Enoch and Clifton walked into the inn, which sat just north of Champour, separated from the village by a small creek. Inside it was dark and filled with the aromas of onions and grease. It was also exceedingly quiet. The atmosphere was so unlike Barncuddy’s as to make the pair on edge and a bit nauseated. On a back table sat a pair of men, one of whom they recognized, the other not. The one called Leonardo waved to them as they came in. They had to step down as they entered the dining area, and the floorboards creaked as they made their way to the back.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leonardo rose and shook hands with the two Scotsmen, introducing the two to Antoine LeGace, who acknowledged them with a perfunctory nod of his head. This made the two of them even more ill-at-ease, as they sat down.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leonardo hailed the waitress, a large, matronly woman named Charlene who came over to their table.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I see two more o’ ye here. Will there be others?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leonardo answered in the affirmative. “Aye there shall be two more. But for now, if ye could -these gentlemen would like some of yer ale. Then, after the others be here, we shall be ready to eat as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Very well, gen’lemen. I’ll be right back wi’ yer drinks.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">After she had gone back into the kitchen, Leonardo opened the conversation blandly with, “so, ye’re from Scotland, is that right?” The two men nodded their assent. “Well, if ye can tell us why ye have come all the way over t’ Shepperton. For it would seem to offer little for the two of ye.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Clifton looked over at Enoch, who looked back. Clifton began cautiously, “we are both of us alchemists, from Edinburgh. And we had heard that Shepperton has developed an institute for higher learnin’.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">At that moment, Charlene returned with two flagons of ale and set them down with a thunk. And as she straitened up, she noted the arrival of two more coming in. “Be they the other two fer yer table? An’ shall I get two more drinks fer yer guests?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, do that.” Leonardo said, “and when ye come back, we shall be ready t’eat.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Very well, sires.” She headed back to the kitchen, and along the way directed Guarneri and Patronis toward the table in the back.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As the two men walked back, Leonardo again got up, and made introductions. LeGace again only nodded his recognition, staying seated and basically mum.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leonardo continued with introductions and said, “these two are Scotsmen, alchemists by trade, who came to Shepperton because of its renown as a place of learning. They have come from Edinburgh, and, I believe, were going to tell us of their reasons for coming all that way down.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Clifton and Enoch looked somewhat nervously at one another. Then Clifton resumed, “aye, it be as ye say. While still in Edinburgh, we had heard of Shepperton, and its academy. And thusly we decided to come down fer ourselves an’ got permission from the headmaster of our school to come.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Enoch sipped his ale rather timidly, then, as the taste hit him, he made a face as though someone had just burnt the hops. Clifton noticed, and said softly, “that bad, eh?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Enoch nodded, and added, “I shall have to have one o’ Barncuddy’s when we return.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Charlene then returned with the drinks for the other two, and asked, “what’ll it be tonight? We have a mutton stew, and also some fried mackerel. And ye get rolls with either one.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">They ordered, and Charlene went back to the kitchen. Then the questioning started in earnest. “Tell us, if ye will, what did ye do back in Scotland, and what happened that ye decided to make the journey hence?” asked Leonardo rather pointedly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As if to take Clifton off the hook, Enoch answered, “well, ah… we were working as alchemists, and teaching in our school, and one day one of our students told our class of an amazing place on the island of Shepperton. It was a place, he said of real magic, and had two persons from another time and place. And further there was now an institute where amazing things were taught, and amazing things were done. When we researched it, all we could find was tantalizing tales told by persons who had traveled to Shepperton and came away with similar reports. And interestingly only recent travelers reported these things.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Might I ask,” broke in Guarneri, “what is the name of your school back in Edinburgh? For I know some persons in Edinburgh, and they would be interested, of that I am sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Without thinking, Clifton answered, “Prince Rupert’s School for Young men. ‘Tis attached t’ the University as a preparatory Academy.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I see, very interesting,” answered Guarneri.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Enoch looked at his comrade, who realized quite suddenly what he had done.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“So, let me see if I have it straight,” Patronis now got into the conversation, as he had been reading more of what had been written by Master Robert, “Master Robert’s influence has reached all the way to Edinburgh? And ye have arrived, in what capacity – as students?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, that is correct,” said Enoch, hoping that his comrade’s faux pas would be quickly forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, well,” Antoine LeGace finally made his presence felt, “it would seem that the Third Prefect does carry some influence in the affairs of Edinburgh, and I know for a fact, that your headmaster, Montaugh has felt its influence keenly. So, I would suggest that you both listen carefully to what I have to say. I do intend to take over this island and make it a Duchy of the Third Prefect of the Court of Byzantium. And for the present I do think it fine that you two are placed within the Court of Shepperton, and your role as students would be fitting for my purposes. But let me tell you that I do not tolerate any deviation from my instructions. You shall report to Leonardo on a weekly basis, and you shall find out what you are able of Master Craycroft’s plans. Now I do know that Master Robert is in the interior of the island (though I do not know his precise location).”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">At this, Patronis and Guarneri looked at each other slyly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“If, in fact, I find that you have deviated in any way from my instructions, which may be adjusted at my discretion, your institution shall suffer grave consequences. Is that clear?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye that is understood,” answered Enoch.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye,” said Clifton as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">LeGace simply nodded, with finality. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As Charlene returned with their meal, all seemed to enjoy what they had ordered, save Clifton and Enoch, who merely picked at their dinners, and neither one could stomach their ale. No one said anything as the meal wound down. Eventually, Leonardo said, “since ye do not seem t’ be enjoying yer meals, I would simply say that ye may be excused, but I shall meet with ye on Friday, the time and place shall be made clear t’ ye before then.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Sheepishly, the two Scotsmen got up, and made their way out. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Back at the table, the others continued to “enjoy” their food, though not with any gusto. Guarneri and Patronis has just witnessed an example of LeGace’s style, and it shook them to their core, for they could sense his otherworldly malevolence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As they were getting ready to go themselves, LeGace turned to them, and with a look unlike any they had experienced, but one which pierced them deeply, said,” now, before you go. I’ll have you tell me something. Do tell me where you have taken your prisoner, Master Robert. And believe me I have ways of finding out. It would be better for all concerned if we could work this out, playing on the same team.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Guarneri and Patronis looked at each other, and then again at LeGace. Finally, Guarneri said, “we do have them held as prisoners, Master Robert and his companion, Hermes, at the barracks in Clear Bay.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, let me make this clear. Be certain no harm comes to either of them. I have plans for Master Robert, which shall be made clear soon enough. And I shall not have you or anyone else (and that includes the king and his men) fouling up those plans. Is that understood clearly?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. Ye have made that quite clear, sire,” answered Guarneri. And then the two of them made their way out, quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And now, Leonardo, we shall have to go as well, for there is much to arrange in the next few days, eh?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, now, Enoch, did ye ever think that we’d be gettin’ into anything like this?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Nay – headmaster Montaugh never let on that there was this evil. That is how I feel, all dripping with his evil secretions.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And did ye notice – how, when LeGace mentioned Master Robert, that the other two looked at each other, like they knew somethin’?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, I did. D’ye suppose…?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Mortimer and Tingley had no trouble catching up with the two Scotsmen. They were walking as though coming from a funeral.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, me friends, Mortimer and Tingley! Did ye see anythin’ or anyone suspicious?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Nay Clifton,” Mortimer answered, “just that ye left mighty early from yer “feast”. Was it no’ t’yer likin”?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Nay, Barncuddy offers a fare piece better dinner, and besides that – the ale! And in addition, me appetite had been knocked out from under me by the meetin’ wi’ Master LeGace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. I hear he does that t’ one’s appetite.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Listen, is there any way we could meet wi’ Craycroft this evenin’?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, I’m quite certain he’d be ready to hear what ye have t’say,” said Mortimer. “And may I tell him what this’ll be about?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Just that we met with Master LeGace, and we have some serious misgivings. It was as if we walked into a snare.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, that is just what I feel, too,” added Enoch.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, let us get ye back t’ Barncuddy’s, me friends. An’ then me an’ Tingley’ll see if we can get Master Craycroft t’ come down.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p> </p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-4685054623709573812022-03-07T18:08:00.001-08:002022-03-07T18:08:56.733-08:00Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three<p>Here is the second chapter of my three part novel (book three). If you would like, I can print a list of characters in the Heir of Drachma series - if you think it might help. Anyway, we go back to Tom and Drachma at home in Drachma's place, and it sets the stage for things to happen in this newest book. Enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFjXyj4AzpY_VXoVezmUK4J0fESaDwS5jy4tXLIJqdoUcjU0YjI-CcwnvX9na4MWQj52PEy4sfwEqS6_j19T03JolxKBhBK-PRykgnJH7XSgw8vgfOAP_jqaJTJOIjT-19QqFnwMGwAQXOJ6_iJBJ2WgAAgooKsb_z71B7deD-b00AprYveavfNDnfpw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFjXyj4AzpY_VXoVezmUK4J0fESaDwS5jy4tXLIJqdoUcjU0YjI-CcwnvX9na4MWQj52PEy4sfwEqS6_j19T03JolxKBhBK-PRykgnJH7XSgw8vgfOAP_jqaJTJOIjT-19QqFnwMGwAQXOJ6_iJBJ2WgAAgooKsb_z71B7deD-b00AprYveavfNDnfpw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Two</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Drachma looked across the room at his grandson, Tom, and knew he had made the right decisions. In place of the gangly, somewhat awkward youth he had known, strode a confident, slender, dark-haired young man who gave off the aura of assurance bought by grueling private trials. His hair was damp, as was his overcoat, as he stepped into the hallway.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, Drachma of the Island, it is so good to see you! Tell me, do you bring any news of Master Robert? Also, what of their daughter? Is she everything her mother could have wanted?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“So, Grandfather, even before I have the chance to take off my cloak and get settled, you have begun the interrogation,” he said with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, just toss your cloak over the chair, and come, give me a hug, then, young man.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tom did just that, with gusto. Then he poured himself some of Drachma’s wine and settled into a soft leather chair, next to his grandfather.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I shall begin, then with good news. Aye, Judy did deliver a most beautiful daughter, and they have named her Angelica.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Angelica, eh?” Drachma paused, then restarted with difficulty. “So… it would seem… that she, too, is marked for greatness.” He could imagine his old caregiver smiling down at him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, it was to be either Maggie or Angelica. I am quite certain that either name would have pleased you. It seems they didn’t even consider boys’ names.” Tom looked over at Drachma, who remained speechless. “It was Alexandra, Cartho’s great granddaughter, who did name her.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Indeed,” said Drachma, when he could find his voice. “I did know that she was one of those sent. What can you tell me about her?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I was going to ask you the same question, grandfather, for it seems that this one was marked four years ago, by you and Falma, for your special brand of greatness. Is that not right?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. And let me tell you about that. She became quite ill as a very young girl and was brought to Falma. She was very pale, had a fever, had bruises upon her body, but not from injuries. It seems that no one else in her family had any similar illness. As was usual, when he had something this troublesome which he could not understand, he called me to see if I had any insights. I understood that this young child was the great granddaughter of Cartho and had an illness for which I also had no explanation. I took one look at the two-year old, and then asked him if he thought it worth doing what we had done for you in infancy, and that the window of time was now open.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And so, with her mother’s permission, we took the child to the alchemist’s place, and proceeded to find an orphan girl of about the same age at the other end of the window of time and carried out the exchange, with the imparting of knowledge that the two young girls would receive before their own time. And now, I found out that Amanda’s illness was incompletely understood by physicians of her time, and that it came back again, and this time it was incurable. But I also understand now that she was in touch somehow with Alexandra, and upon dying, she sent a gift to Alexandra, the nature of which I have yet to learn.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. She did. And, interestingly, Craycroft also did notice the mark of greatness on this young child, and I believe that he would like to take on responsibility for Alexandra’s education. He told me of her when I saw him. But it would seem that there were parallels with my own experience, Grandfather.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I knew there were.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, but in my time, it was Janie, Joshua’s mother, who granted me the powers.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“She, who was Joshua’s voice…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, but the parallels are otherwise striking. For if you consider that Joshua’s treatment was only partially successful in his brief lifetime, and that Janie, as his caregiver and recipient of the Derrymoor estate broach, did but yield that power and that symbol at the time of her own death.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And do you think that she was aware of its power? And do tell me that you have seen this broach with your own eyes, in the hands of its present owner.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. That I have. It is presently with Master Charlie Stephens, and I believe that neither he nor Janie had any true knowledge of its power. And neither do I feel that the earl of Derrymoor has any notion of its potency.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And the drachma – it is also safe, and out of the hands of Master LeGace?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I believe you know the answer to that question. I do understand the drachma is now in the hands of Alonza Chavez, who presently serves the purpose Judy Morrison served years ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. She is our link to their time, with Charlie Stephens now holding place here.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“That is true, though he has no knowledge of his true purpose here. He does know that he has a major decision to make, yet he does not understand all its consequences. Amanda, by way of Alexandra has told him that much.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And we may not interfere in that process – that I do know you understand.” Drachma leaned forward, and in a voice hushed but forceful said, “as Master Robert did not understand that his decision would have consequences which would reverberate through the corridors of time.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And that does bring me to the matter of Master Robert. It seems he has been taken, apparently by forces of Guarneri and Patronis. I understand that he is being held prisoner for much the same reason as Melchior.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Do we know where he is being held?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. He and Hermes are in Clear Bay…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“At the barracks, no doubt.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. Certainly, a foolish place to hold anyone prisoner. And Stefano will make certain that no harm comes to either of the prisoners. But I did think it wise to see just what Guarneri has in mind, before springing them loose.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Agreed. But watch Guarneri closely. I have known him a long time and have never found him to be in any way trustworthy. He will say one thing and do the opposite, without any thought of consequences. If you will remember his disappearance four years ago. And then, it was only Craycroft’s sense of justice and mercy which saved the man upon his return. Yet, I can perceive Craycroft’s reasoning. For he does provide us an avenue to study LeGace’s plans and moves.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Let me ask you, Grandfather, what do you know of the king’s plans in all of this? It would seem to me to be a matter too trivial for the king to bother with, yet his presence in our affairs could certainly make things thorny. I do not have direct knowledge, yet I do hear that the king might be sending an emissary up our way.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I too have no definite knowledge, but there are certainly rumors of Henry’s involvement. At least to make certain that his flow of Shepperton pots is not interrupted. Yet, Guarneri and Patronis might have the means of bending his ear toward Shepperton, and that would be a complication we do not need at this time.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tom sat back, sipped his wine, and looked up at the ceiling for a time. “Oh, how I miss Falma. His advice was of such forceful eloquence.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Forceful eloquence, </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">the words stung Drachma. This was not the musing of youth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Let me tell you, my Drachma of the Island, I, too, miss Falma, though I do believe I shall be joining him again soon. And that does give me peace – that, and my finding in you someone who has now grown into the role superbly. But Falma and I have grown together through the years, as it was not without mighty trials that both of us endured. I am able, with some certainty, to say that he also saw in you that magnificent promise being fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And I do know,” Drachma continued, “that you and Falma did work together to get Lady Marilyn across the chasm. What are you able to tell me about her? And do you know what she brings to us that makes her unique?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, Marilyn. She is truly a treasure. But presently under wraps, I would say. Tell me, what do you remember of her?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“As you know, I was with her only briefly, as she was the one who lost her husband – it was mainly in that setting that I had opportunity to see her, and to indirectly present her with the drachma, and with words of encouragement, to indicate that it was her Robert that was well and in our world.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And thus it was, until our more recent foray into their world, in which Marilyn’s drachma was lost, then she came to our world, only to find her Robert was in some peril. And the drachma was now left in the hands of someone else.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">At this, Drachma smiled slightly, took a sip of his wine and, looking up at the ceiling, said softly, “I can see Falma’s hand in all of this.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye. I also feel his presence in this affair, as I also feel certain that he knew what he was doing in picking out Marilyn, as he knew she had that certain level of greatness required, if you will, for what he had in mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And what would that be, oh Drachma of the Island?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Simply put, she is to be our unknown and unconquerable force, in our battle yet to come with Master LeGace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Said with much prescience, my grandson.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">For a while, they both sat in silence. Then Drachma said, “Now, Tom, give me your hand, and come with me. There is something I must show you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tom came over to Drachma and helped him to get up. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Thank you. Now come with me.” Drachma took Tom down a little used hallway, toward the back of the manor house, and into a small room to the right. Inside the room, which was filled with numerous books, charts and maps, toward the back wall was an even smaller door. Drachma took the torch from the wall and opened the small door. “My hideaway – in here.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">What was on the other side of the door was an enclave with two chairs, a desk with quills, ink and some scattered papers. Drachma put the torch on the hanger on the near wall. He then went over to the desk, took the candle, which was in its holder, and after lighting the candle went back to the desk. He sat down in one of the chairs, as he bade Tom to sit in the other. He then rifled through the papers, pulled out one and handed it to Tom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tom studied the paper, then with widening eyes said to Drachma, “Is this what I perceive it to be?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, it is. And you shall have to speak with Chauncey about the other half.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Grandfather, this has the power to turn all of our fortunes…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Why do you suppose I have kept it packed away here all this time?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-19447561290698734462022-02-11T13:11:00.001-08:002022-02-11T13:11:35.950-08:00The start of something new!<p> Here it is, my fellow readers - the beginning of the next book in the second Drachma trilogy - Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three. In this we find a strange collage of folks, thrown together across centuries and many miles having to deal with new threats that are common to them all. Enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoNRyJPdWlst5cXH8MmEf65qc6sw5v7WIDtYn5BkjBKcaFWb3iE4JktqRelZrxImCyJWocU366RJWd_vM2zXSsuL5GJXi3AFRKf0J3yPbjx6E5U_XPj49fSRZv_2tSNjM2dsjpw9nKoO3D5M9hgEAVM-nYYNAEoD8XBk3heqlBUoY3d3wvX-TYw_DN9A=s2369" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="2369" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoNRyJPdWlst5cXH8MmEf65qc6sw5v7WIDtYn5BkjBKcaFWb3iE4JktqRelZrxImCyJWocU366RJWd_vM2zXSsuL5GJXi3AFRKf0J3yPbjx6E5U_XPj49fSRZv_2tSNjM2dsjpw9nKoO3D5M9hgEAVM-nYYNAEoD8XBk3heqlBUoY3d3wvX-TYw_DN9A=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Heir of Drachma<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Book Three<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Shepperton’s Sacrifice<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Chapter One <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The interior room was now quiet, young Angelica having finished nursing. Diane was simply exhausted and was taking a few moments to lie down in the extra bed. All of the well-wishers had left the people inside to take care of things. Alexandra crept quietly out of the room and found Charlie Stephens sitting down in the dining room, sipping something that smelled of cloves and lemon grass. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“What be ye drinkin’, Charlie?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“This? It’s something soothing the cook concocted. She said it’s a tea, made from some of the herbs around here, with some spices thrown in. Want some?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, aw’right,” she said as she sidled up to the chair next to Charlie.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ophelia, could you make up another cup of this magic juice for this young princess?” he said toward the kitchen. “Thanks so much.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">In a few minutes, Ophelia brought another tumbler of tea like Charlie’s, and set it down next to Charlie. Alex sipped some, and declared, “this be wonderful, thank ye Ophelia!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">They sat, side by side, drinking their herb tea, and not saying much. Then Alex reached across to Charlie’s arm and held it as if she was connecting with his very soul. “Tell me, Charlie, about yer special report about children who’d been hurt. Can ye tell me about the children in that time o’ yours? Were there special ones… ones that ye can remember t’ this day? Was there one who turned yer heart about?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Charlie at first just stared at this six-year-old beside him. <i>Who is she, really, and how does she even know this? How can Alex even understand? </i>But as he thought back, he could see another six-year-old. There again, she was at his side, holding his arm in the same way. This young one had been so abused, and even carried deformities from some of her abuse. And yet, this one had trusted him implicitly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, to tell you the honest truth,” Charlie began, “there was one so special, so intense that I couldn’t sleep thinking about her. She was about your age when I knew her. She had been taken away from her parents after years of physical abuse so severe that she had deformities of her limbs from prior broken bones which had never been set. Anyway, her mother and stepfather were now in prison, and the girl was put in the same home that Amanda came from – the Sisters of the Poor. I do remember her to this day, and how she came up me, and she held me, as you are doing, and then she said, “Mister Charlie, you gonna adopt me?” “Well, I never thought about it,” I said. Then she reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper, and she handed it to me. I unfolded the paper and noticed on it a picture of a heart. Then she turned, but as she walked away, she said that the drawing was so I would remember her, and to keep it. Well, I went ahead and did my report, and told that story. I later found out that she had died sometime after her mother had gotten out of jail. I didn’t find out why she died, but the circumstances were certainly suspicious.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“What was her name? D’ye remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“It was Francine. And it’s a name that has stayed with me, and she stayed with me in my dreams, for the longest time. I just could not get her out of my mind. Eventually, I developed a thick, hard callus around my temperament, and lived within that shell. That was until I began investigating the disappearance of Judy Morrison, and Marilyn insinuated herself into my life. She found how to crack that shell, and gradually I became more human again. And you know what? I hadn’t thought about Francine until just now… And you just touched that part of my heart which I had buried.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, Master Charlie, I want you to come wi’ me. I’ve got somethin’ fer ye.” She took his hand, and together they walked back to Alex’s room. Inside, she went to her bedside, and took out a small packet. “Now, I must ask ye, d’ye remember what ye did with that pi’ture of a heart that she gave ye years ago?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“To be honest, I really don’t what happened to that.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Now, I’ll tell ye. Amanda gave me this the other night. She said t’ give it t’ye when the time be right.” Alex pulled out a small folded piece of paper, which she handed to a startled Charlie.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Charlie opened up the piece of paper, and found a picture of a heart, which was instantly and achingly familiar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Amanda said it was from Francine, an’ ye should know that ‘er whole name is Francine Swinney. An’ her stepfather was named LeGace. An’ that ye’d know when the time would be right.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Charlie was stunned into silence. In his hands was the drawing of a heart that Francine had given him years ago, with the purpose of always remembering her. But ironically, it seemed that he had to hide the drawing away, and to seek shelter from the knowledge of what happened to Francine. But now with his emotional self, tenderized by Marilyn and by Falma, he was now stabbed in the very heart by this young girl from another time and place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Tell me,” he was able to finally say, “is this going to part of my decision that I must make?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I canna’ say. Fer that be yer decision t’make, and I’m not able search yer heart. But what I am able t’ tell ye is that Francine was able, an’ from the first, she was able t’ see ye’d be the one.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“The one?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Aye, the one to make the right decision.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And just how does my decision even involve a six-year-old, from centuries in the future, who died a horrible death, and had been abused beyond belief?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Alonza Chaves an’ Christine Lewinsky,” was what she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Lonnie? And Chris Lewinsky? How could you even know of them? And I have no way of getting in touch with them. They’re many thousands of miles and five hundred years in the future!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, Charlie, tha’ sounds like the Charlie you lef’ behind – not the one I know here an’ now. What I can tell ye is to talk to Tom. I do know if anyone can he’p ye, it’s ‘im.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Charlie looked down, closed his eyes and eventually said, “I suppose you’re right.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Alex looked up at Charlie and said, “if it he’ps, I do know ye’ll make the right decision, ‘cause this heart’s the right one. It’s the one ye brought t’ this castle wi’ ye.” She reached up and took his hand again. “Now, come back wi’ me an’ talk wi’ Lady Judy. Fer she has somethin’ impo’tant t’ talk t’ ye about.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Important, eh? It seems that everything here is important.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Only if it affects ye – eh?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“No. It seems whatever I do, it’s important to someone else – not me. At least that’s the way it feels to me. Just think about it. Before I came here, it seemed important that I was given the medicine, the picture, and the broach – though I have no idea who for. And since I got here, I’ve helped Wheezer, back at Shepperton. And now Judy Morrison here. Though I’m simply the one carrying out the task, and it could be anyone. And now you’ve given me this heart – and it’s related to something I’ve done in my past, and something I’ve got to decide, in the future…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“’At’s right. Ye have t’ decide, but this time it be yer decision.” She said this with a tighter squeeze of his hand and a radiant smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">They arrived back at Judy’s room, and quietly went in. Judy smiled at the two of them as they came in. Diane was asleep in the other bed as was Angelica in her crib.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And so, you’ve found my hero, eh? Well, come on over here. You can sit at the edge of the bed. By now you know I don’t bite.” Judy patted the edge of her bed, and Charlie came over, timidly, and sat down. This was as close as he ever came to saving anyone’s life, now twice, and he knew that he really didn’t have any input, but was simply following his instincts and directions, but it seems that he was being regarded as a hero, which made him quite uncomfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Look, Judy, I’m really no hero. I just happened to follow the directions given me, and previously I was just following my gut instincts. And now I’m suddenly the “hero.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Have you met Falma?” Judy asked, knowing full well that he had, and that Falma had had a significant impact on his being here. “Now, there was your real hero. And he was a truly humble man who also felt that he was just following his instructions. Let me tell you the story of Falma and my ride across this island.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Charlie knew that he was about to get the story of Judy’s adventure of four years ago, with every word and person being precious. So, he pulled out his little notebook and settled in. Judy told him of how, following Josh’s funeral, after getting in that snowstorm and car wreck four years ago and wandering on foot in the snow in the mountainous wilds of Shepperton, she was found by an older man, “riding as if a knight alone” who introduced himself as Falma. And together they set off on a journey across Shepperton Island, punctuated by her meeting Drachma, who turned out to be a mysterious fountain of information. She went on about her capture by thugs, who were working for Councilor Reordan, the killing and injuring of her guards (but not Falma, who seemed protected somehow, and fearlessly continued to protect Judy).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Then it was Drachma and his men who came in the night to save Judy, Falma and their injured guard, Cairn. And next, how they were sent on their way to Shepperton Castle in a cold, muddy and rainy entourage, which seemed to sap any of the energy she had left. That is, until she got off her horse, and saw none other than Bob Gilsen, who welcomed her with open arms and a warm embrace. “And that,” she said, “was how I got from our time and place to Shepperton.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I have to admit,” said Charlie, “that is quite a story. Now just a couple of things I want to get straight.” He flipped through his pages and found a spot where he needed the correct spelling, another where he needed clarification, and a couple more where he had her expand her story, filling in details. “Well, that should be it for now, and I thank you, m’lady, he said with a wink.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Now, I do think that’s enough about me, Charlie. And as I’ve got you here, I need something from you – the truth.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“The truth? You’re asking me, a reporter, and therefore a known liar, for the truth!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Judy nodded, and then she said, “in all sincerity, I need to know about you, and also about Marilyn…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Marilyn…” the word caught in his throat. “Well, if I’m going to be telling the truth, then I’m going to have to go back a ways.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“You go ahead, I’ve got time, and I know you do, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Okay, Judy, you do have the right to know.” He put his notebook away in his jacket pocket and shifted his weight a little. “Well, let me take you back a bit. Dr. Gilsen had disappeared, and you had also gone, and here it was, my responsibility as the ace reported for WIOX to bring the news that mattered most. So, I sought out Marilyn Gilsen, seeking to uncover a case of missing persons, lust, deception and the like, and worthy of the National Enquirer or late-night TV. But Marilyn turned out to be a nut that wouldn’t crack, despite the fact that she already had hospital security, the local police and me after her. And I found myself quietly falling down her rabbit hole and dragging the police down with me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And so, as I was trying to sort this all out, I get multiple visits from Carlo Vincente, formerly of Shepperton, who also speaks with Marilyn, in a startling, inexplicable way, which was recorded by the police, of all people, so there is now a permanent record of a conversation between a twentieth century woman, and the ghost of a man from the fifteenth century. Then, as I’m still sorting things out, it gets weirder. This guy, Mr. Vincente, shows up in my house in the middle of the night, and my house was locked, and he tells me that his lord, the earl of Shepperton, is now a patient in the ICU of Memorial Hospital, and it’s somehow important that I go see him there in ICU. I should have known right there that anything from Shepperton is deemed inexplicably important.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Anyway, we do go the ICU, and he takes me up there, knowing some sort of back way up there. Well, here he is, the earl of Shepperton, lying in ICU with the ventilator whooshing, and the IVs beeping. And you know what Carlo tells the earl? He kneels down getting close to his ear and tells him that he’s got someone who’ll take care of him, along with Marilyn Gilsen, as he recovers. Then he just walks out of the ICU, where a young girl takes his hand and leaves with him, leaving behind the scent of the forest in springtime.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“It sounds almost like you were in someone’s dream,” said Judy, smiling at him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Yeah, except that the experience was shared with Marilyn, whom I went to see the next morning. She was waiting for me, and over coffee, we began what developed into an extraordinary and powerful friendship. I told her what I saw, and she, in turn, told me of Carlo Vincente, his doings, and how her husband’s disappearance played into the happenings in Shepperton, and then he sealed the deal by giving her a small box…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“With the drachma inside, on a deep blue velvet cloth.” Judy finished the sentence for him. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Wait! So, you know about the silver coin?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, yes. I was the first one in our time to have it. And it went from me to Bob, and then to Janie…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And then to Carlo Vincente, and lastly to Marilyn, where it stayed for four years,” added Charlie. “Marilyn said that it was a memento, indicating that Bob was still alive, and doing well. There’s more to the tale of the drachma, though, and I’ll get to that.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Hmm, it seems as if this little coin had a mind of its own. But that its significance for a single person had not been made clear until Marilyn got it.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“That’s right, Judy. Anyway, I took some kind of a notion to put all this stuff on TV, and I did an hour special. And let me tell you the buzz from the crowd watching was amazing. It seemed that I really piqued their interest with this special. But all that did provide me an avenue to do my job, as assigned by Carlo Vincente. You see, Earl Crabtree took a personal interest, and actually took on the financial responsibility to provide for the earl, as he recovered from his severe pulmonary infection. That way I could keep the information vultures at bay, and Marilyn could take care of the earl’s other needs, such as food and clothing. And I think it was actually Marilyn who was principally responsible for the earl falling in love with one of his nurses, Carol, and their eventual marriage.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Did you say Carol – an ICU nurse, from Scotland? She actually met her man, then. Oh, that’s so good to hear, and now she’s married to the earl! I tell you, he could never find a better companion. And Earl Crabtree too, I would assume he wanted to keep things very hush-hush, and not advertise any of his contributions.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Oh, I would have to agree with you there, on both counts. And Earl did, in fact keep things very quiet, indeed. He somehow felt obligated, though specifically how and to whom, he wouldn’t say. He didn’t even let Janie know.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Wow, that kind of a secret would be hard to keep. What an extraordinary man he is!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“He is, indeed. So, let me fill you in on what did happen, five hundred years in the future. Wow, if that doesn’t seem a strange thing to say. And why am I telling you all this?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Judy chuckled, and just shook her head.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Alex, who had been listening to it all, answered Charlie’s rhetorical question. “It’s ‘cause ye have a decision t’ make, an’ ye know Lady Judy shall know if ye speak the truth.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Charlie looked about him, swallowed and closed his eyes before resuming.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, let me begin with Marilyn and me. Now, I fell in love with her, and I’m not ashamed to say it. She, however, still had her drachma, and it kept her married to Bob. So, our “love affair” remained thoroughly Platonic, despite the fact that we got to know each other in the same way I suppose that a married couple does. Here I am, never having been married, spouting off about it. And my friendship with the earl of Shepperton did grow, and he became a person I could just stop by to bounce things off, with or without Marilyn. Now Carol could see things from Marilyn’s perspective, yet she could not understand how I was able to stand it. And to be perfectly honest about it, I never did get the gumption to ask Marilyn for her hand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Now, as all this had been slowly percolating, suddenly we get your Mr. Falma in the picture. After Marilyn met Falma and listened to what he had to say she found that she had the box, but not her drachma. This shook Marilyn to the core, and she saw it as a sign that things with Bob weren’t right. Falma confirmed that Dr. Bob may well be in trouble but did not indicate what sort of trouble. And he further invited Marilyn to come across this fold in time, and that he’d be there to accompany her. And one day, driving toward the city, I noticed that Marilyn’s mood seemed extremely distant, and I pulled over to one of the city parks, and we talked, she cried, and then she got out of the car, and went toward an old white-haired man sitting on a bench. Then he got up and they walked into the woods. All this time, I couldn’t get my seatbelt unfastened, and they disappeared into the woods. When I finally got my seatbelt unfastened, I tried to reach them, but to no avail. What I found was my hanky with the drachma in it, on a branch, just where they disappeared into the woods.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">By now Charlie had a very attentive little gathering, including Diane, Alexandra and Judy, who hung on his words. Charlie went on, and told them of Janie’s dreadful illness, Chris’s attentiveness, the role of the earl and Carol, but also told them of Amanda, as well as Lonnie. He told them honestly of how Lonnie and Amanda had seemed to tag-team him into his new role as ambassador, to be sent into this new/old world, equipped with the drawing of Shepperton Castle, the medicines for Judy, and finally the mysterious broach.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">He also described how, what started off as an innocent dinner date with Lonnie, rapidly escalated into something indescribable, with some pints of Carlisle’s Brew, some fortune cookies, obviously affected by Drachma’s magic, and the effects of Amanda’s illness. And then the finality of it all, with the death of Janie, and her final kiss. Outside, Falma was waiting for him, as he turned his car keys over to Lonnie and strode off with Falma toward Shepperton and the fifteenth century.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“An’ ye canna’ tell me, now, Charlie that ye don’ love Lonnie,” said Alex. “Fer I heard it from Amanda, an’ I can see it in yer eyes.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Well, the last thing Carol said to me, in a whisper, as I was leaving their house for the last time, was that I had to beware, because three women loved me, and one little girl. I wasn’t sure it was true, but now I guess it sort of makes sense, each in her own way.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“And now you’re going to add a fourth,” said Judy, smiling in a way that cut straight through to his folded heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“But what truly gets to me is the love of little Amanda, but also Francine. There seems to be nothing I can do for them all.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Ah, but Charlie there shall be,” Alex’s pronouncement hit its mark with the force of an arrow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-21511510570669335562022-02-03T07:51:00.000-08:002022-02-03T07:51:19.092-08:00Some information on upcoming posts<p> Dear readers,</p><p>Let me take you back a ways - to the start of my writing/publishing venture. Back to 1988, when it all got started. It was then that I attended a medical conference, and over lunch with my colleagues, we griped about how disgusted we were with medical dramas of the time. It was a combination of how they never got the details right, but even more, how none showed truly how it felt to be a physician, the incredible hours and the incredible fatigue that we all came to regard as part of our chosen profession. And then we also talked about what it was that made us physicians - how it was more than the technology and the medical wonders which we came to take for granted. There was something else, something even more basic - it was our relationship with our patients which defined our profession. Little did I know that, years later, the patient-physician relationship would be systematically eroded, and the practice of medicine might never recover.</p><p>In any event, on the way back home, I envisioned a story of medicine, across the ages, in which a physician of our age, would be transported to an age in which he had his training and skills intact, but he had none of the technological back-up (no blood tests, no X-rays, no cardiac monitors, etc), and he was expected to act as a physician.</p><p>When I got back home, I began writing this story, and The Book of Drachma began to take shape. After completing book one (Laminar Flow), I tried to interest publishers of the time in my book, but I never heard from them (little did I know that one needed an agent if one expected to get published). After writing a few more chapters, I put the story aside, and it was filed among my papers in my office, where it stayed for the next twenty years.</p><p>Then, in about 2010, I casually mentioned that I had written a novel. One of the office staff said that she would be happy to transcribe it into a Word-compatible format, and so I resurrected the old Amiga-generated paperwork, and Michelle began working on my novel, which I then posted, one chapter per week on my blog. It took some time, but it did raise a following, and I quickly finished my novel (a trilogy, rather than a single entity, per my publisher). </p><p>My publisher was Tate Publishing, in Oklahoma. They did publish my first trilogy, titled The Book of Drachma as a three book set (Laminar Flow, Coaptation, Turbulence and Restoration). I did get some traction, particularly in the Oklahoma City area, and I entered into an agreement with my publisher to put together another trilogy, and the new novel </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgws1qykLxcD4YjPOcKuyLfTm-wggyCJVrftpI-Gkydr-oU30oWcs4N5D2ienXnlQofZglq1I47EDOy4pqCKupczPghyVxY68nkML8R77hLxwlFfX026cK9OXXR5vOdEcno6hLgQ9s_Sj1HOix9OP2_Jig8gVCNX1pWDy3Ao-l9KLkfU3-xto6vly11Fw=s3425" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2311" data-original-width="3425" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgws1qykLxcD4YjPOcKuyLfTm-wggyCJVrftpI-Gkydr-oU30oWcs4N5D2ienXnlQofZglq1I47EDOy4pqCKupczPghyVxY68nkML8R77hLxwlFfX026cK9OXXR5vOdEcno6hLgQ9s_Sj1HOix9OP2_Jig8gVCNX1pWDy3Ao-l9KLkfU3-xto6vly11Fw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />was started. They did publish the first book in the second trilogy (Heir of Drachma, The Healer's Defense). But then, my publisher got himself and his father arrested and charged with extortion, fraud and the like, and my publishing venture fell flat.<p></p><p>I, however, was not done with the story, and I went ahead and self-published my first trilogy, and, having fallen in love with a number of the characters, continued writing. My first trilogy is available as either paperback or ebook format on Amazon and some other sources. My second trilogy I have not yet published, but I have continued writing, as is evident from my blog. And I have proposal for you - If you want, I will be happy to send you a copy of The Healer's Defense, if you read my first trilogy (my email address is: drachmabook@gmail.com). Also, you have a copy of my second book in the trilogy (Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two) available on my blog, in an unedited, raw version. And now I have written some (eleven) chapters of Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three, and I plan to again put one chapter monthly on my blog. So, watch for them!</p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-65767961968985721722021-12-04T12:44:00.002-08:002021-12-04T12:44:43.826-08:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two - Chapter Twenty-Eight<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Here is the final chapter in Book Two of Heir of Drachma, and as you can see, there is so much more to tell. Book Three is still being written, and I will be posting some chapters after a while.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DFeCc4bclH7HT5uTjJWsARGY8vuOTpKZqqDTgBrNLWP4Jz_tNOVDjNlapZyopbQaed-7hE2OSaZJwYx1cjYWgTvQc6UkXOdRd1GKeYTUNu0u48h9CJ4s0N4weOZhKawUxbNT-djzlM44/s2048/IMG_0183.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1605" data-original-width="2048" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DFeCc4bclH7HT5uTjJWsARGY8vuOTpKZqqDTgBrNLWP4Jz_tNOVDjNlapZyopbQaed-7hE2OSaZJwYx1cjYWgTvQc6UkXOdRd1GKeYTUNu0u48h9CJ4s0N4weOZhKawUxbNT-djzlM44/s320/IMG_0183.jpeg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Twenty-Eight<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The dinner with Craycroft had been a major event in the life of Lisa and Sylvie. To be treated like royalty and to be given such a meal was more than they could imagine. After the meal, though, Lisa was getting very tired, so Sylvie timidly asked to be excused, so she could get Lisa some rest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But of course, you may be excused.” Craycroft looked at Lisa and added. “And to Lisa I would extend my arm of friendship, and to say that she is welcome to come up at any time, for I would love that.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft had invited Kerlin and Cayman to join Marilyn, Jeanne, Fausto, Derrymoor, Gregorio, Sylvie and Lisa for dinner. As expected, he had ulterior motives for doing so. As soon as Sylvie had taken Lisa out, he made things quite clear.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“So much has happened in the past few days,” began Craycroft, “that I thought that I would take advantage of the fact that we are all together to discuss how to implement our resources. But first, I would like to formally introduce the Lady Marilyn. As you know, she is the wife of Master Robert from his former life, and she has graciously accepted our hospitality.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Marilyn felt as awkward as she ever had but tried not to show it. She simply smiled and looked down at her plate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I would also like to introduce our newest ally, Count Gregorio.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Gregorio nodded, as Kerlin and Cayman nodded as well, but somewhat less than enthusiastically.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What Count Gregorio represents is the addition of forty-one more men for our armamentarium. Now, to be honest, these men were initially foes, who did capture our men and women whom I had sent into the interior. This group was routed by our Forest Guard and returned to us as our own prisoners. The remainder of our persons have been moved on to Castle Kearney, with the exception of Master Robert, about whom I shall speak in a minute. Nevertheless, these are well-trained fighting men. They do not all speak English, yet enough of them do, that they can be arranged to be of good use to you. For further reassurance, we do have a signed treaty, ensuring the full support of Count Gregorio, in our efforts against LeGace and his minions.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Derrymoor then produced a paper, which he passed on to Kerlin and Cayman.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft continued. “At the mention of our foe, the Count was actually quite enthusiastic in his support, having dealt with Master LeGace in the past. Is this not so, Count?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Yes, it is. And in honor of your fair dealings with me, I do pledge my full support. And against such a man – paahh.” This was accompanied by a gesture indicating what he thought of LeGace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft waited until the snickering died down. “And so, I leave it to you, Kerlin and Cayman, in conjunction with Lord Derrymoor to work with the Count to assign duties and to divide up the persons in whatever way you see fit. I have been assured by Captain Proust that there are weapons enough to go around.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And that brings me to my associate, Jeanne. I believe, Jeanne, that you have a couple of things to report.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed, I do. Firstly, I would like to warmly welcome Lady Marilyn, who I know, does feel rather awkward in her circumstance. If there is anything that ye need, please feel free to contact me.” Jeanne smiled graciously at Marilyn, who felt marginally better.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“The next thing is that I have done a bit of subterfuge, if you will. I was able to secure the aid of a woman, whom I shall not name, who is intimately involved with Leonardo, who does work as assistant to Master LeGace, and from whom I could extract some useful information. I plan to meet with her regularly, and I shall report anything I hear to Lord Craycroft.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And the next bit of information is that two of our pages, Mortimer and Tingley have been speaking with, and are friendly with our two Scotsmen, Enoch and Clifton. They have found out that Master LeGace plans to meet with them for dinner. So far, they have not shown any tendency toward evil, but the pages will keep after the Scotsmen to make certain of that.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That is very good, especially in light of our enemy’s most recent behavior. And that brings me to my next bit of business – that would be the further investigation of that most horrid of murders, committed upon our blacksmith. Now, Cayman, have you any further information on that occurrence?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, that I do. After discussing it with potential witnesses, it appears that a couple of the street urchins noted a man, who by their description fits the appearance of this man, Leonardo, was seen entering the blacksmith shop, and leaving some time later, with blood all over him.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I assume there were no adult witnesses?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, sire, none.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, we might just have enough to hold him on suspicion, depending on Jeanne’s sources. But for now, be on the lookout for him.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, m’lord.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And that brings me to my last issue to discuss with you, and that is that I got a note from Tom, indicating three things. The first is that our Lady Judy did, in fact, have a baby girl, named Angelica. The second thing was that Charlie Stephens did make it there in time to administer medication, which saved her life, and Judy and the babe are doing well at present.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And the third thing is that Master Robert was on his way to Castle Kearney, along with Hermes and Kevin, and they were attacked, Kevin was killed, and Master Robert and Hermes were evidently taken prisoner. We do not know who did this, but I have my suspicions. Now, Tom is going to be going in search for Master Robert and Hermes.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Master Craycroft,” Marilyn spoke up suddenly, and looking a bit pale, “if it would not be too much trouble, I’d like to go with Fausto, in search of Bob. You see, I am expected by someone, who I believe to be Drachma, to be there for him, as it appears he needs me, in some way.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, I do understand. For there are definitely forces at work that I do not comprehend. And I do believe that you would be right to search for Master Robert. So, Fausto, I assume that you have no objections to what Marilyn is proposing, and that you are free to take with you any of the Forest Guard you may need.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, m’lord, I have no objections. And I do believe we should leave on the morrow. And I do know whom I should take wi’ me.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, then,” Craycroft concluded, “we know who our enemy is, and we have the men to fight him. What I do not know is what Drachma and Tom have planned, but I do know that they shall be involved mightily. Now, go with God’s blessing.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they were leaving, Gregorio came up to Marilyn, and said, “as also an outsider, it is with astonishment that I see Master Craycroft, beginning as the master healer, now turned into the master of men.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“As you say, I am also an outsider – but I have always been that.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they descended the stairway, they could hear music coming from somewhere, it was harp playing as they never heard before. Marilyn and Gregorio stood transfixed as the music wafted over them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span> </p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-33125592891283267232021-11-04T15:56:00.001-07:002021-11-04T15:56:38.046-07:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Twenty-seven<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMZatLwj8FbTQeAZCbnSrdmAdzJe_-dRor2cZ0L47LxbAPWjMU-tzDmWdzabyWPn8d5OkbIU2uZLFSf1pn5o2tUOLnV_U5EKOaTUhBKQT3BBxf2A9Qn6Xqb66E5GkyfzO7h-YY6P5ywJV/s2048/IMG_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="2048" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMZatLwj8FbTQeAZCbnSrdmAdzJe_-dRor2cZ0L47LxbAPWjMU-tzDmWdzabyWPn8d5OkbIU2uZLFSf1pn5o2tUOLnV_U5EKOaTUhBKQT3BBxf2A9Qn6Xqb66E5GkyfzO7h-YY6P5ywJV/s320/IMG_0164.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">This is the chapter which puts the fifteenth century on a collision course with the twentieth century. Hang on tight!</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Twenty-Seven<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Judy had been through what she considered hell. This labor thing was definitely not for sissies. As the contractions had become more frequent, they had seemed to take her energy out of her. She was lying like a wet rag in the middle of the bed just trying to relax, when her labor changed, and she could now feel that her contractions now had some real effect, and she could feel the baby moving down. Along with that she felt a growing sense of purpose, and almost elation. Yes, the pains were still severe, but she seemed to have reached beyond the pains, to a sense that she just wanted to get things done. There was definitely a target to reach!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“You may begin pushing now, Judy,” said Diane, as she also noted the change in contractions. “Ye’ll be havin’ a baby quite soon.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Diane had seen many a child born but could not suppress her emotions when it came to this stage of labor. There was a thrill in the air. Alex also caught the thrill and couldn’t keep still. She had never been involved with a delivery, so with this being Judy, and it being her first time, keeping her own excitement down was impossible, and she was in constant motion about the bedroom.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Diane told Meara to let the people waiting outside know that Judy was close to delivery and that so far things looked good. They were mostly clustered in one of the dining rooms, with a fairly steady supply of foods being brought out from the kitchen. The atmosphere was one of anticipation and excitement that was tinged with a bit of worry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Inside Judy was concentrating mostly on pushing with each contraction, just trying to get the baby out.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I can see the head,” Diane said. “It shouldn’t be long now, Judy.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Between contractions, Judy just caught her breath, waiting for the next one to come. And come they did, intense, but now tolerable, as the baby was moving down the canal. With one big push, she delivered the head, then a couple of big pushes later, the baby was delivered. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As the baby began to wail, Diane said, with some excitement in her voice, “Oh, Judy it’s a girl, a perfect little girl.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Next, Diane expertly clipped and cut the umbilical cord, wiped off the baby and brought her up to Judy, who looked with astonishment at the girl just handed to her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“May I see?” Alex couldn’t stand it anymore, and Judy showed her to Alex. “Oh, she looks like an angel!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What are ye goin’ to name her?” asked Diane.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I do believe Alex has named her. We’ll call her Angelica.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Meara, if ye’d tell the others the good news. And also tell them that I’ll bring her out fer them to see her after a while. Now, Judy, see if ye can nurse the child. And while ye’re doin’ that, I’ll see about yer afterbirth.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As Judy was busy trying to get Angelica to latch on, she noticed that her contractions had all but ceased. She hoped that nursing the baby would be enough to stimulate the release of hormones such that her contractions would start up again, and she could pass the placenta.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Angelica, as it turned out, had no problem with latching on or nursing, but still nothing in the way of cramping.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Judy, I shall try to stimulate your womb directly. Just let me know if it hurts too much.” As Diane said this, she began massaging Judy’s lower abdomen. It hurt, but it stimulated no contractions. In the meantime, Judy began to bleed, rather profusely.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Alex, if ye would, could ye ask Chauncey t’ boil more water fer some tea. And then, if ye’ll look in me bag, and find some winterroot berries – they’re small, brown, dried berries. And I shall tell ye how to proceed. For the present time I’ll try more of the massage.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Alex hurried off and went out the door to find Chauncey. She came back within just a few minutes. “He said he’d be delighted to do that, but he also asked if everythin’ was all right, and was there anythin’ else he could do.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Just t’ have one o’ the men go up to the watchtower and to look out fer Master Charlie Stephens, an’ if they see ‘im t’ bring him here anon.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">It was now becoming clear both to Diane and also to Alex that things were not quite right with this delivery after all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie and Tom were now moving quite quickly toward Castle Kearney. Tom’s face was one of grim determination after finding that Kevin had been killed, and Master Robert and Hermes apparently taken captive. He knew, in that deep place within him, that this was an urgent trip. He didn’t understand it, yet he knew that whatever medicine Charlie carried, was somehow critical for Judy. There was something else, though, but he couldn’t quite bring it to consciousness. It was something from this other realm, and it involved Charlie and his decision to be made.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie was doing better, just trying to keep going, and trying not to think too hard. The horse’s gait was now a canter, which was actually easier on his bottom. Their way took them through the massive and aromatic forest, and after going downhill briefly, now was a steady incline.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Eventually their progress got easier, but their pace remained the same until they crossed a small stream. Here they let their horses get a drink. While all was still, Charlie thought he heard whispering. Even though he could not make out any words, the message was clear – hurry, you are needed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Tom asked if he had any more whispered messages.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, yes, but I couldn’t understand any words, but it did carry the message to hurry, that I was needed.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That is enough for me, then. Let us hurry.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">With little less than an hour to go, both could feel the tug of fate. So, their mounts were now galloping along the path, widened by use, toward Castle Kearney. Both riders could feel the wind at their backs, and neither one knew anything about what awaited them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they rounded the huge stone, and made their turn, Tom said, “there it is – Castle Kearney, up ahead.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The sentinel in the watchtower blew his bugle, indicating the impending arrival of the two riders. As they approached, the massive doors swung open, and the two men entered the courtyard. They came to a stop, where they were met by two men. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ho, Master Tom! And Master Charlie – ye be needed inside. Meara can show ye the way. I shall take care of yer mounts.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Tom leaped off his horse, and then assisted Charlie off his mount. But Charlie’s feet were like jello. Tom helped him up on his legs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Master Tom,” said Meara, “and Master Charlie, do come in. I shall take ye back to the lady’s room. Follow me.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">They were led down corridors to the bedrooms. On the way, they were met with the worried stares of multiple people, known to Tom, but strangers to Charlie. No one said anything as they swept by.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">When they got to Judy’s bedroom, Tom offered to stay outside, as Charlie followed Meara inside. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The inside of Judy’s bedroom was elegance itself. In the bed, however, what he saw was not elegant. Judy was in the middle of the bed, and Diane was at Judy’s right side, again massaging Judy’s uterus. Below Judy was a bloody mess. But then what caught Charlie’s eye was a young girl who looked for all the world to be the image of Amanda, but several years younger. Charlie just stared, open jawed. In her hands she held a baby, wrapped in cloths. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I’m sorry to intrude, but it seems that you needed this medicine.” He reached into his coat and brought out the plastic bag, which held a syringe and two vials of medicine. “This comes courtesy of Alonza Chaves from the twentieth century.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Could you come closer? I promise I won’t bite. It’s Charlie Stephens, right, the reporter for Channel Five?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Yes, that’s me, or was me.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie stepped closer to the bed and handed the plastic bag to Judy, who took the vials out and read, “Oxytocin 10 milligrams per 5 ml. How incredible of Lonnie! How is Lonnie doing, by the way?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ah, she is…or was…doing OK.” He couldn’t help it, but his voice cracked as he said this.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Diane, in the meantime had stopped trying the uterine massage, and simply stared at the scene in front of her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“All right then,” Judy said, “I’m Judy Morrison. And you’re Charlie Stephens. What you’ve walked into is an obstetrical mess. I have delivered the baby you see in the arms of Alexandra. Things were going well until after I delivered the baby, whose name is Angelica, by the way. But then I started hemorrhaging and I haven’t stopped, and you have come by with medication from Lonnie Chaves, who just happened to pick the absolutely right drug for me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, what I’m going to do is to draw up a syringe full, and then you’re going to inject it into my thigh. Got it? Because if you don’t, then I’m going to die from my bleeding.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“You must know, I’ve never given anyone a shot before.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Yes, that’s what I assumed. Look, you’ve come this far, and you’re not going to back out now.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“All right, then…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Judy took the syringe out of the bag, and she expertly drew up the medication into the syringe. She then handed Charlie the syringe, along with one of the alcohol wipes which Lonnie had thoughtfully included. Next, she told Charlie how to wipe the area with alcohol, poke into the muscle, to draw back slightly, and then to in inject the vial of medicine, wiping the skin again with the alcohol.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie’s hand shook as he took the syringe. He then did as instructed. He breathed a sigh of relief, having held his breath during the injection. He was still shaky, but he felt well enough to ask Judy how she felt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I feel weak, and tired, but that’s to be expected.” She said this and smiled beneficently at her shaken hero. They waited a few minutes, and then quite abruptly her uterine contractions started up in a big way, and soon thereafter, Judy delivered her placenta, and her bleeding slowed way down.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“You know, I probably won’t need the second dose,” she spoke tiredly, “but I’ll be happy that I’ve got it handy, and I’ll know just whom to call. Come here, Charlie,” she said. Then when he got close to her, she took his face in her hands, and kissed his cheek.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie blushed. And then he came by to look at the baby, who was still and sleeping peacefully in the arms of Alex.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Beautiful baby, very beautiful.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, she’s me new baby sister. ‘er name be Angelica. And I named her.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, you did?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, she looked just like an angel.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I can believe that.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie looked over at Judy, but she had fallen asleep. Diane looked back at Charlie, and mouthed the words, “Thank you, sire.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">It was later that evening, after Charlie and Tom had eaten and drunk, that they told of Kevin’s murder and Bob’s apparent abduction. This was met with extreme anger. It was decided that Stoneheft and Martin, as friends and compatriots of Kevin, should accompany Tom in the morning, as he set out in search of his other two companions. Charlie would stay for the present at Castle Kearney. Another round was poured, and Charlie was toasted again for his “heroism.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Since Judy was still sleeping, it fell to Tom and Charlie to tell her of Bob’s capture after she woke up. So, after they had finished refreshing themselves, they went back to her room and very quietly knocked on her door. Diane came to the door and opened it slightly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Is the lady awake?” Tom asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, she is. She is nursing her child, but I believe she would like to see ye. And I know that Alex would love to see ye as well.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Tom and Charlie walked quietly into the room. It had been cleaned up and made to look like there had been no drama just a few hours ago. In the bed was Judy, who, other than extreme pallor, looked like the Madonna of a thousand paintings. And feeding contentedly at her breast was a babe of indescribable beauty. Overall, this was a picture to warm the heart of anyone with a heart.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“So, it’s Tom and my hero.” Judy said, smiling graciously. “And Tom, I’d like to ask you about the whereabouts of my husband. He was supposed to be here by my side.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That is what we came to talk to you about,” Tom said, as he noted the smiles rapidly fading. “It would appear that Master Robert and Hermes have been captured. We found that Kevin, who had been traveling with them had been murdered, and we assume that Master Robert and Hermes were taken prisoner.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Taken prisoner? By whom, and when?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“We do not know with certainty, but it is most likely by Antoine LeGace or someone who works for him. And it would appear to have happened sometime yesterday.” Both Judy and Diane gasped at this. “Right now, I have two of my best men searching for them, and I shall be going to join them tomorrow morning, leaving at first light. Also, I have dispatched this information to Lord Craycroft, via pigeon.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But Charlie, you’re not going, are you? There is so much I need to find out about you and Lonnie, and besides, who knows, I might still need you.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“No, Judy,” Charlie answered. “I’m not going anywhere real soon as far as I know. And as for Lonnie, there is much to tell. But there is one other reason that I’m not going, for I’ve been told, and this by a reliable source, that Alex has some information for me, and that will impact a decision that I am to make. And, as you know, these decisions which we make hear and now seem to have effects across the gulf of time.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, it does make me feel better that you’re not going anywhere, but I’m so worried about Bob.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Lady Judy,” spoke up Alex. “Your Master Robert is safe. I can tell ye that with certainty. He has Hermes with him.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">All looked in the direction of Alex.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Then Judy said, “I do believe her – she speaks the truth. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s not here. Yet Alex seems to be in touch with truth, and I must believe her.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, that I am,” Alex said, without any pretense.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Sounds a lot like someone I knew back home.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Do you mean Amanda?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Why, yes…” Charlie looked astonished.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">All eyes were again on Alex, who took Charlie’s hand and led him out of the room.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Where Alex took Charlie was to her own room. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“This is my room here. Isn’t it nice?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Very nice, indeed. Do you have anything like this back home?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“No, na’ really. I have to share a room with me brother, Rupert. And it is much smaller.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And where is home for you?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It be a long way from here – in Champour.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Tell me, do you miss your home, and your family?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Sometimes, but I was sent along to speak for Diego, the sailor. It’s cause I can understand ‘im. I’ll have ye meet ‘im later.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> “Yes, I heard something about him, like he’s some kind of prince or something…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Maybe, but he’s too nice t’ really be a prince.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Anyway, tell me about Amanda – for she is someone whom I got to care about back home – and here you are – the spittin’ image of Amanda, just younger. And you tell me that you know her. How can that be?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, jus’ sit down, here, an’ I’ll tell ye about Amanda, about truth an’ things you prob’ly know, or think you do. An’ then I’ll tell you bout what Amanda tol’ me – an’ it be bout somethin’ an someone that matters to ye.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie did sit down, and took out his notebook and pen, and asked, “Would you mind if I just took some of this down, and wrote in my notebook, to remember the details later?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, I wouldna’ mind. But I’ll tell ye this – ye’ll na’ ferget any o’ what I be tellin’ ye.” She said this in all seriousness, however, it made Charlie smile in a way that he had not in a while. Here was a six-year-old girl, in another time and place, about to lecture him about truth. Should be interesting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Let me start by tellin’ ye bout Amanda. As ye know, she was a ten-year-old girl, who was an orphan. And she got leukemia four years ago.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, wait a minute. What would a six-year-old in the fifteenth century know about leukemia?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">It was now Alex who smiled. “I tol’ ye that ye’d not be fergettin’ what I tell ye. Anyway, bout four years ago, or so me mum says, I took ill an’ nearly died. An’ me mum took me to see an alchemist called Falma.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie swallowed hard, at this. “Did you say Falma?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, an’ he knew me father, grandfather an’ me great grandfather. An’ then he looked at me, and tol’ me mum, that fer the sake o’ me great grandfather that I must live. That I had a certain spark in me. An’ so he took me to meet someone named Drachma, an’ together they sent my leukemia to another little orphan girl in another time an’ place. An’ that other little girl was Amanda.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Just wow! I’ve met this fellow named Falma, but I haven’t really met this person named Drachma.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ye will. That much I do know.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie suddenly remembered what Tom had said, about his own relationship with Josh, and compared it to Amanda and Alexandra. <i>Just wow!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“An’ so, it now comes down to ye. An’ jus’ what yer role shall be. As I said, Amanda came t’ me in a dream, an’ said that she was dyin’. But she wanted me t’ keep her power of knowin’ the truth, an’ t’ be able t’ share it when it became needed. An’ she talked of ye, an’ how ye’d become like Master Robert, Lady Judy and Lady Marilyn. An’ she also talked of Lonnie, an’ how the two of ye had so rapidly come t’ depend on each other. Then she also tol’ me just how much Lonnie loved ye, an’ how ye’d have t’ make a decision.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And what decision would that be?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That when it came t’ goin’ back, only one o’ ye can go back. It’ll either be ye or Lady Marilyn that can go back – not both o’ ye.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And it’s me who’s got to make that decision?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“When will I have to make this decision?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, ye’ll know, Master Charlie, ye’ll know.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span> </p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-23719153761718221382021-10-09T13:26:00.001-07:002021-10-09T13:26:26.383-07:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two - Chapter Twenty-Six<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy52msl4IDOXRRJAMpXzficjsSU1iDp6kkW2q2g59Agdnhk8XHlxwgytMx8RIIBnwVAkWLKKVnKeYJnQct59yOWwQy1aSu4KA_8CVp_FhFWLMDrztnFqGGfMCi8XAL3iNoL5z7goswmZso/s2048/P4146107-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy52msl4IDOXRRJAMpXzficjsSU1iDp6kkW2q2g59Agdnhk8XHlxwgytMx8RIIBnwVAkWLKKVnKeYJnQct59yOWwQy1aSu4KA_8CVp_FhFWLMDrztnFqGGfMCi8XAL3iNoL5z7goswmZso/s320/P4146107-EFFECTS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />With Chapter Twenty-Six, we are tightening the screws all around. We begin with Judy in labor, and go from there... Enjoy!<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Twenty-Six</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Morning was breaking, but no one in the room noticed. They were concentrating on only one thing – Judy, and her contractions. In the room with Judy were Diane and Alex, with Meara coming and going. She kept the others outside informed, as they gradually became aware that Lady Judy was in labor. The contractions were getting more frequent, but their intensity had been dulled slightly by Diane’s teas. Judy was able to move about in the bed but could find no position of comfort. She asked after Bob, and if he was coming. So far, no news from the watchtower.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Alex, do you know anything of Bob?” Judy asked after her last contraction. “Is he coming?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“All I know is he’s safe wi’ Hermes.” Alex answered. “What I also know is Charlie Stephens is on the way here, with Tom.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Charlie Stephens…you know I’ve got some misgivings about him. In our time he was a bit of a slimeball – not someone you would trust. And now you say he’s coming here, and he’s bringing something for me?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">In that moment, Judy was suddenly afraid. She did not know what she should be afraid of, but she knew that if she needed medicine from her time and place, there was likely something brewing. And she was now in labor, and her husband was somewhere else on the island – definitely not by her side where he belonged.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Alex, I am suddenly scared, but I don’t even know enough to understand it. There’s something, though, isn’t there? Can’t you tell me what it is?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Lady Judy, I canna’ give it a name, but I can tell ye that I shall be here by yer side – that is a promise.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The contractions hit again, and Judy just concentrated on clearing her mind. She couldn’t waste her energy on fears which she could not even name.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Tom had decided on the route, and from their position, the path he chose took the four of them right by Lough Teagle, and right over the place where Bob, Hermes and Kevin had been attacked. Tom immediately note signs of a struggle. He halted their progress. Tom and one of the guards got down off their horses, but Tom told Charlie and the other guardsman to stay mounted. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As Tom and Angelo searched the grounds, Charlie and Gylland stayed on their horses, quiet, yet nervous. It was Angelo who discovered Kevin’s body, which had been left to rot on the footpath, leading down to the lake. Anger seethed through the men as they looked about the area. Gylland made a wider circle, looking for any sign of the attackers. Charlie stayed where he was, worried but trusting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">After searching the area, finding no present threat, Tom decided the things to do would be to dig a temporary grave for Kevin, then to have Angelo and Gylland follow the trail that the attackers left, and determine where they had taken Master Robert and Hermes. They would then do two things, the first of which would be to arrange a rescue party for the two prisoners, and second, to arrange for a proper Christian funeral and burial for Kevin. Meanwhile, Tom would take Charlie to Castle Kearney as expeditiously as possible, and then quickly join up again with the two guards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Tom and Charlie then said their goodbye to the two guards and took off again in the direction towards Castle Kearney. Charlie was left shaken by all that had happened, especially when he found out about Bob and Hermes being taken prisoner, and it was Charlie who going to Judy’s side with medicine that he didn’t even know how to give. It would be so much easier if a doctor could be there to oversee it all. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Does it ever slow down in your world?” asked Charlie. “Or do you have to keep doing these heroic deeds?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Actually, Master Charlie, it has just been for the past month that I’ve had to be on this constant run. It is my hope that I shall have some time with Drachma ere long. He is not well, is old and my time with him is too precious. But for now, it would appear that I shall stay busy as ever.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Even though I’ve not met Drachma, I would dearly love to. For one thing, it seems to have been Drachma’s doings all along which got us here.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed, it was.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“There is so much I’d like to ask him.” Charlie said this, realizing that he was not likely to get any direct answer to his questions. “How much longer until we get to Castle Kearney?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Tom’s answer made Charlie realize that here was a chip off the old block.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It will be, at the very least, three more hours. And yet that depends on factors over which it would appear that we have little control.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">By the time Marilyn, Lisa, Fausto and the prisoners arrived at Shepperton Castle, it was getting late in the afternoon. The castle struck Marilyn with awe. She had seen Castle Kearney, and that was awe-inspiring in its own way, but as they went up to the gate, and came inside, Shepperton’s majesty was overwhelming.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">They were met at the inner gate by a contingent of guards, and the prisoners, other than Count Gregorio were taken off to the dungeon. Marilyn was looking about in her continued state of awe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Fausto, I thought that your castle was magnificent, but this one is truly something to behold.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, m’lady – it is as you say. Now, the men here at the gate are runnin’ to tell Lord Craycroft of your arrival, and also of Lisa’s and the count’s presence among us. We shall have to wait to see what they want done with all of us.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">So, Marilyn and Lisa contented themselves with staring and pointing out the incredible features of the amazing structure in which they found themselves. The tall turrets, and the grand courtyard, from where the merchants were taking down their wares, packing up and leaving the castle. The bustle and smells of the fires being put out, the presence of oxen, leather works, and tin wares – all with an atmosphere of controlled chaos, like the end of carnival day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The guards came back, along with Aaron, who said, “all of you are more than welcome to come up and meet with Lord Craycroft and Lord Derrymoor. The lords ask only that the count not be tied up, and he may come up as a guest. It will take some time for the preparation of the dinner meal, but you will be welcomed with appropriate food and drink.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">They followed Aaron into the keep, down the grand hallway, then up the stairs coiling upwards. He then took them down an ornate hallway, with tapestries and rugs on the floor, and busts of nobles along the way. Eventually, he turned left into a sitting room, the likes of which Marilyn had never seen. There were numerous, not matching, comfortable chairs. There were small tables, rich carpets, paintings and tapestries on the walls. Greeting them were Craycroft and Derrymoor, who treated all as if they were royalty, including (and especially) Lisa.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lisa and Marilyn were asked to sit between the two lords. Lisa had never been in someplace as grand as this room. She simply gaped at the ornate and comfortable furniture. She felt acutely out of place, and gripped Marilyn’s hand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As the servants brought around some cheese, fruits and bread, along with drinks, Craycroft began, “For those of you that do not know me or the earl, let me begin with a sincerely meant welcome. I am Craycroft, present lord of Shepperton. And to my side is the ruler in fact of Shepperton, the earl of Derrymoor. Now, if you would be so kind as to introduce yourselves, and tell us of your situation, beginning with our esteemed Forest Guard, Fausto.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“M’lords, I remain a humble Forest Guard,” said Fausto, who was somewhat uncomfortable in his chosen chair, due to his bulk. “My job has been to maintain as much order as possible within the confines of the forest. But lately, I have had the pleasure of guarding Lady Marilyn since she arrived in our realm. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, thank you,” he said, as he was offered the food and a drink of ale. “Now, Lady Marilyn has shown herself to be a woman of both valor and substance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“We did, at the order o’ Tom, rescue a number o’ your people, most of whom have been sent to Castle Kearney, but some of whom were still with the count o’er here, and they were rescued later by meself an’ others. They be now on their way to Castle Kearney, and I did bring the count and a number of his men wi’ me to Shepperton.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Let me ask you, my good man,” Derrymoor asked, “were any of the count’s shipboard persons and goods at all involved?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I think not, m’lord.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Very well, and how many men did you bring as prisoners back with you?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nineteen, sire.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And so, we now have, with your nineteen men, forty-one in sum, counting the others delivered to us yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft continued on the same line, “Allowing for the loss of three men in your initial rescue, does that sound about right, Count Gregorio?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Gregorio had been silent until then, and in his thick accent said, “It does sound correct. And might I say, your giant man, here has been a true gentleman. I have been treated with courtesy.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I am so glad to hear that. Well, then let me make you an offer, Count Gregorio,” said Derrymoor, “As you may or may not have heard, we have been attacked by a man of true evil. Does the name of Antoine LeGace mean anything to you?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The count inhaled sharply. “That man is from the devil!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Derrymoor continued, “Well, it is he who has attacked us. And I am asking you to consider the following offer. In exchange for the freedom for you and your men, and a steady supply of Shepperton pots, would you be willing to join forces with us against this unholy enemy?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">There was a moment of silence, as he swallowed, and then a solitary tear fell from his eye, before answering. “Yes…of course. It shall be… as you say”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Aaron appeared at the door, and with him were Jeanne and Sylvie.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Mama!” cried Lisa, and she ran into her mother’s arms.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Me Lisa! You’re safe!” Turning to Craycroft, she asked, “who do I need to thank fer me daughter’s safe return? Oh, ye have no idea what she means to me.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lisa answered her mother’s question, “The girl’s name was Maggie. She rescued me from the boat.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Did you say Maggie?” asked Craycroft.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, aye, sire, ‘twas her. She took me from the boat, an’ she brought me to Lady Marilyn’s care – her an’ Fausto. They brought me back t’ me mum.”<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I can tell you this, if Maggie was involved, then your presence among us must indeed be something of significance. Can you tell us, what of Melchior?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Only that she told me not to worry, that he would have his day.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">At that, Jeanne sighed heavily. “So, he was all right as ye left the boat?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, m’lady. He seemed to be all right, as I could tell.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">With that news, Jeanne murmured a soft prayer of thanks, as the tears of gratitude flowed freely down her cheeks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft then turned particularly toward Marilyn, and spoke to her softly, “Now, m’lady, Marilyn, it is with pleasure that I meet you. And it would seem that you do, indeed, have much to tell us. Would you be so kind, then, to join us for dinner? And who among these persons would you like to have join you for dinner?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Lord Craycroft, if it would not be too much trouble, I’d like to have everyone here join us.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft’s eye twinkled as he said, “I am so glad. It shall be as you wish!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-78420790007599325362021-08-29T13:29:00.000-07:002021-08-29T13:29:54.212-07:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Twenty-Five<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QU5TeeygGewQhqH-KR5-JwICIq2HDu_BJSl_RLyWaNBAvklRVrgwAaNVljn5s9W-OszRsGNwnKyHByQtDvH8IntctMhgj7Ngh3rIUVPtdHG7LMYfTmXT4FLqTjfr4rPEP2ZPpR9vlTbF/s2048/P9067252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QU5TeeygGewQhqH-KR5-JwICIq2HDu_BJSl_RLyWaNBAvklRVrgwAaNVljn5s9W-OszRsGNwnKyHByQtDvH8IntctMhgj7Ngh3rIUVPtdHG7LMYfTmXT4FLqTjfr4rPEP2ZPpR9vlTbF/s320/P9067252.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Now, here in Chapter Twenty-Five we have a number of instances of evil vs good battling it out, for the soul of Shepperton...</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Twenty-Five<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Bob, Hermes and Kevin were riding toward Castle Kearney, but they had taken the long way around, due to their avoidance of the band of soldiers. Their route took them right by Lough Teagle. Though Bob had heard much about Lough Teagle and Croftus Knob, he had never been this close, and he was astonished at the beauty around him. It was a place of icy calm and forbidding elegance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“So, this is the famous Lough Teagle, eh? You know, In my four years in this place, I’ve never been up here. It’s an incredibly beautiful place. And it’s also the source of the Creek of the Dead, as I understand.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Master Robert, it be a first time fer me, also,” Hermes ventured to say. “I have ne’er been – and you are so right, it is a place of astonishing beauty. Now, Kevin, I am quite certain that ye’ve been here afore.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, I have been here many times through the years. And I would be happy to show you about, Master Robert, for this is said to be the source of Shepperton’s wealth and fame, as well as the Creek o’ the Dead. Now, I feel obliged to tell ye that we’re a bit delayed by that band o’ men back yonder, and I wouldn’t be able to make up the time to Castle Kearney. Are ye still wantin’ me to show ye around the place?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Yes, I would, Kevin. For I don’t really know how often I’ll be back here. And with all the stuff of legend that this place has, I think that I’d like to see it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As it happened, Kevin showed them the place where Shepperton clay was mined, as well as the place where, at the base of the mine, the Creek of the Dead began. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Ironic, </i>thought Bob. <i>It appears as though this clay, which represents health and wealth would be so intimately related to the origin of water which carried disease and death in its path. </i>As he looked down the path of the creek, he could see how its banks became devoid of life, the farther it went down into the valley.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">By the time Bob was even aware of anything amiss, it was too late. Kevin had already been pierced by several arrows from the archers hidden in the trees. Hermes had been overcome, and was on the ground, and was being tied up with strong rope. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">A small, wiry man with a long scar across his face came up to Bob and said, “Now ye’ll not try t’ run, as I’ve got archers in the forest what’ll cut ye down.” His voice was like some creaky instrument, but his intent was certain.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">From the woods to his right walked a tall man, dressed in brown, with his sword drawn. The man looked familiar to Bob, but he couldn’t place him. “Now, ye’ll come wi’ us, and I expect ye t’ be as compliant as a schoolboy. And I don’t expect ye t’ have any more magic at yer disposal.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>I thought I’d recognized him, but with his speech, I know it’s Sean, from Killiburn.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“So, Sean, who is it you’re working for these days?” Bob asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, I expect ye’ll find out soon enough.” That was all he said or would say for hours.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">It was several hours later that Bob, Hermes and their captors came to a village Bob did not recognize. He considered it fortunate that this time, he and Hermes were allowed to ride their mounts, and that he had not been tied up. At last they came to a small, guarded hut at the edge of the village. The night was dark, and they were taken by a rather circuitous route. Bob couldn’t even tell if the village was near the shore of the island. The two prisoners were let off their mounts and brought into the hut. Hermes was untied inside the hut, and they were made to sit down on a couple of chairs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“All right,” said Bob, “now that you have us here, wherever here is, and you can tell that we are not about to risk life and limb to escape. I do think it would be nice if you told us whom you are working for.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“If it be anythin’ t’ ye, we work fer Masters Guarneri and Patronis.” Sean answered at last. “We have been told to keep ye safe and fed, and t’ keep ye here.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I see,” Bob said aloud, then said to himself. <i>So, that’s the way things are! It should be interesting to meet those two, and to see if I’m right about things.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As Sean went to the larder to get his new prisoners something to eat, Bob turned to Hermes, and said quietly, “So, Hermes, here we are, prisoners again. This time, a prisoner to one I do remember from before, and, I suspect we are his intellectual property.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Intellectual property, I’m afraid I do not understand.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I’ll explain when we can freely talk.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Very well, Master Robert. But I keep thinkin’ ‘bout poor Kevin.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Me, too. But I am also thinking about Judy, and how she’s getting along.” And quite suddenly his thoughts of Judy began to overwhelm his senses, and he hid his head in his hands.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">When Sean came back, he handed Hemes some dried meat, some cheese and bread. He stood and stared at Bob, still with his head in his hands.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It’s Kevin, he was a close friend.” Hermes stated. “That was until yer archers took him out up there.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That was Kevin? I didna’ know. Anyway ‘twas part o’ me job.” Sean just left Bob’s meal on the table and left the two prisoners in the hut, as he locked the door from outside.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Eventually, Bob summoned from deep inside himself, a semblance of awareness. Hermes had never seen him quite like this. This was not the self-assured, calm, collected man he had come to know over the past four years. Here was a man shaken to the core.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I’m so sorry, Hermes. But this has just gotten to me. You’ve got to realize that a bit over four years ago, I was a successful cardiologist (that’s a doctor of hearts). I was married, and my practice was too busy, but satisfying. And then, out of the blue, I started getting messages from Drachma that I was needed elsewhere. And it wasn’t just one message – he kept after me until I succumbed. And so, I arrived on Shepperton, but on the other side of the isle. I was initially a prisoner and guess who my jailer was – it was none other than Sean. Eventually, I was brought across the island by none other than Kevin - and others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“After I was brought across the island, I was met by Craycroft, and also by you, and my world was turned on its end. Suddenly I had purpose and drive. Then Judy entered my world, and we worked to discover the cause of a couple of mysterious illnesses, and also to rid you of human pestilence in the form of Councilor Reordan and Antoine LeGace. Also, somehow, I was able to send the earl to my own time and place, where he was cured of his pneumonia. And for four years, I had purpose and a vision. I had Judy at my side, as well as Craycroft, Falma, Drachma, Melchior, Tom, Jeanne and Rust. And I had students to teach – and for four years my life had the purpose which Drachma had promised.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And now, quite abruptly, my world has again been turned on its side. Antoine LeGace is back in the picture, and we have been sent into the interior of the island, presumably for safekeeping. But on the way we have been captured, made prisoners (now twice). Count Gregorio has appeared. Judy is elsewhere, and is expecting our baby any time, and I can’t be there. Melchior, I understand, has been taken captive as well. Marilyn, my wife from my former time and place, is now here, somewhere. It is my guess that I’ve still got you, to keep me alive, as well as sane.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Hermes looked at Bob with a wry smile, and said, “It is no surprise to me, Master Robert, that I may now be able to do that. For I was told long ago that I would need to protect ye. But I do truly miss Kevin…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, I do too. But let us not try anything foolish.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft and Derrymoor waited in Craycroft’s sitting room. Cayman had gone off in search of Tierney and said that he’d see if Kerlin might be persuaded to join him on this quest. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, my friend,” said Derrymoor, “it seems as though your needs are many. What would you like to provide, given that we know not where nor how our enemy plans to strike?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed, my needs are multiple, and I am certainly grateful to you for support. What I propose to do is to go over with you what has happened since Master LeGace has again made his presence known and felt among us. And then, I believe we can properly devise a plan of combatting this fiend and his minions.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Good idea. Now, what can you tell me of your first knowledge that he had come back?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What I can tell you is that his reappearance coincided with the appearance of prince Diego Monteverde showing up on our shore, with the loss of his ship and crew, and inability to talk. Now, I do not believe in coincidence, yet we have not been able to ascertain his actual reasons for coming toward our shores, but the very mention of LeGace’s name does send shivers of recognition through the prince. Also, it would also seem coincidental that it was Cartho’s great-granddaughter, Alexandra, who rescued the prince, and it is she alone who can communicate with him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And so it was that I sent a group to the interior of the island, which included Robert and Lady Judy, along with Cayman’s wife, Diane, as a midwife to Lady Judy. Accompanying them were Robert’s attendant Hermes, and Eustace, as I am sure you heard. Also, along with these were Diego Monteverde, Alexandra, a fellow named Chauncey, Kevin and others of my guard.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Interesting choices, I must say, Craycroft! It would seem that I must meet with these adventurous souls at some time, eh?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed, and I think it should actually be soon, my friend. But I should tell you that shortly after I had sent this assemblage off toward the interior of the island, and sent originally toward Drachma’s abode, that our Master LeGace struck at us, in a pair of midnight raids, which accomplished the following. Firstly, Master Robert’s home was torched, and his papers taken, and his servant, Clarice, whom you met in Sick Bay, was badly injured. And second, our most gifted Melchior was taken prisoner, along with a young girl named Lisa. And you have seen the note which he sent.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, that I have.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And we have tried a raid to free them, but LeGace managed to whisk them away (we think to one of his ships).”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And just how many of these ships does he have?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“My sources suggest that he has three.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“So, he could have one hundred or more men at his disposal, which, based upon his prior history, would be an appropriate way of saying that.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Agreed! But to continue, I should note that three additional things have occurred with regard to the persons sent to the interior. The first is that the original group was taken captive by the Italian Count Gregorio. However, they were rescued by the forest guard, and most have been taken, not to Drachma’s place, but rather to Castle Kearney. Count Gregorio, and a number of his men have subsequently been captured and are on their way here. Secondly, Master Robert, along with his protector and one of our guard, Kevin, are presumably on their way to Castle Kearney. And thirdly, Guarneri and Patronis are running about, presumably working for LeGace, but knowing Guarneri, I suspect that he is working for himself, possibly through king Henry, and I know not just what he is up to.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And then, this Master Charles has appeared in our midst, thanks to Tom. What we are to do with his presence…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">A page appeared at the door to the room and knocked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, what is it, page? Is it Cayman?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Apologies, m’lord, but Master Kerlin and Cayman request yer presence anon.” The page was pale, breathing heavily, and looked quite ill.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Derrymoor looked at Craycroft with alarm. Craycroft’s worried visage turned toward the page, as he said, “We are on our way. Methinks this cannot be anything good. Come, page, lead the way!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The page took them down the stairs, out into the great courtyard, and then out of the castle, and into the village. He took them through the narrow streets to Tierney’s where a crowd had gathered. As they moved through the crowd, and the people began to notice who was now among them, the crowd quickly made room for their liege lord and for the earl of Derrymoor to pass through. As they got through his front door, what awaited them was not immediately obvious. Kerlin and Cayman were both there, bending over something on the floor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Kerlin noticed their arrival, and wordlessly waved them to come close. There, on the floor, on the other side of the counter was Tierney, lying in a large puddle of blood. A knife protruded from his chest, and there were multiple stab wounds beneath the obviously fatal one to the left of the sternum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What happened here?” asked Craycroft, “and when?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“M’lords,” answered Kerlin, “we know not, other than to note that whoever did this has been gone a while. His blood has turned a darker shade and is not flowing anymore. Besides that, whoever did this also wrote in Tierney’s own blood, which has dried, come see.” He indicated a place on the back of the counter, where someone had rather crudely written:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> CRAYCROFT – YOUR MOVE <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Jeanne was at Barncuddy’s with the plan to meet with Gracie, to determine the name and doings of the stranger she had seen at the inn that morning. She had dispatched Tingley and Mortimer to have a talk with the two Scotsmen, and to try to get some more of their stories. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She had just settled down, with a pint of ale, when she saw the young woman arrive. She dropped off her bag of onions, along with a large bunch of carrots in the kitchen and was then shown back to where Jeanne waited for her. The young girl curtsied as Jeanne got up and took her hand and then had her sit opposite. Jeanne looked about to make certain there was no one sitting within earshot of the two of them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, Gracie, my name is Jeanne, and I just needed to ask you a few questions. I hope you don’t mind.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, n… no m’lady. I do know who ye be, and that ye be married t’ the alchemist, Master Melchior.” Her voice quavered slightly, as she was not used to speaking to ladies of the upper class. “What be it that ye wish t’ speak t’ me about?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Jeanne looked over at the younger woman, and noticed her dress was dirty and torn, and her hair was brown and stringy. Her hands were rough and dirty. A surge of empathy shot through Jeanne as she realized that, in all probability this woman likely had a couple of children at home, and more than likely had no husband, and she did what she could to sustain herself and her children. Suddenly Jeanne got up and went toward the kitchen. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Just stay there,” she said, “I shall be right back.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She came back to the table with bread, cheese and a flagon of ale. She set down the dishes before Gracie, and said, “Here ye be. Enjoy this little repast while I ask ye about a man that I’ve seen about.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The young woman was so astonished that she couldn’t at first eat. “Oh, m’lady this is too much, an’ I’ve got nothin’ t’ pay fer it with.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Jeanne reached across the table and took Gracie’s hand and said, “Now don’t ye be worryin’ about that. Your meal has been paid for. Now just enjoy it for the moment.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Jeanne watched the other woman as she ate and drank with relish, as though this was more and better than she had eaten in weeks. After a while, Jeanne asked her what she knew about the man who had been in Barncuddy’s that morning, sitting by the window.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">With the aid of her food and drink, Gracie was able to tell Jeanne quite a bit about the man, named Leonardo, who had taken a shine toward Gracie. He had apparently been in the village, wandering down one of the back streets, when she noticed him. They struck up a conversation, and as he was a handsome man, and Gracie had no husband, one thing led to another, and fairly soon he was spending time with Gracie in the evenings. He never paid her much at all, but he was good company, and he did like to talk.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She found out that he was an associate of a certain Master LeGace, who it turns out had plans to overthrow Lord Craycroft. She also found out that he had been part of the group who kidnapped Melchior.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">At this realization, Jeanne suddenly choked on her ale. “You said you knew that he is my husband…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, m’lady, an’ I know what LeGace did was evil indeed. And I also know that what he be plannin’ is also evil, but until today, I didna’ have anyone t’ talk to ‘bout any o’ this.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Jeanne looked again at the young woman across the table from her, and suddenly realized what she could mean to Craycroft, Kerlin, Derrymoor and Tom. She took her money bag from her waist, and took out three coins, sliding them across the table.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, Gracie, I have a proposition for you, and I shall be frank with you. And I expect you to be equally frank with me. Here is money enough for you, and your little one at home…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But I never said anythin’ about a little one…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But you do have one or more little ones, do you not?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye. That I do.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, then consider this a contribution toward their welfare, as well as yours.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p> </p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-86995837919281856442021-07-31T07:22:00.003-07:002021-07-31T07:22:40.138-07:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Twenty-Four<p>Are you ready for Chapter Twenty-Four? This is a chapter with a definite blow to your emotional gut - here it is: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcCcnckSGxnVhjNeYgTbaF_NknxCBfOlfaA0VuFjtIlK-1LGfzxLLwpjdYMfaJzNUOLxC8sn2h4J5qoSP9MDbz1ObZ390T2o0B__upSf-ucfXqIj7gWd9p4pazgwyIQw9A0EmdOVSLkUg/s2048/P9067214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcCcnckSGxnVhjNeYgTbaF_NknxCBfOlfaA0VuFjtIlK-1LGfzxLLwpjdYMfaJzNUOLxC8sn2h4J5qoSP9MDbz1ObZ390T2o0B__upSf-ucfXqIj7gWd9p4pazgwyIQw9A0EmdOVSLkUg/s320/P9067214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Twenty-Four<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie sat with Amanda, in her room at the hospital, and she watched the quiet respirations of the sleeping girl. The day had been such an odd one. It had started with Janie’s funeral, which was strange enough. Then it had gone on with that unbelievable dinner at the Three Knights Inn. But what struck Lonnie as even more significant was the conversation she had had with Amanda after everyone else had gone back to their own places. Lonnie had volunteered to help Amanda get settled back into the hospital, and for her to get her scheduled chemotherapy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Amanda, it seemed to Lonnie, was inordinately concerned with Charlie. Lonnie was missing Charlie so much, it was causing physical pain, but she had tried to keep it to herself. But Amanda knew, and could sense Lonnie’s pain and grief. And so, they talked about it as Amanda got her chemotherapy, infusing into her port in the right subclavian area of her chest. They talked and talked, not paying the least attention to the nurses or lab technicians. It felt to Lonnie like she was unburdening her own soul to her best friend. And her best friend at the time was a ten-year-old child. Yet this child was no ordinary girl. It seemed as if she had had some avenue to approach the very truth of the matter discussed. But what really got to Lonnie was when, after carefully listening to her, she said, “Lonnie, let me ask you, knowing what you do now, if you had it to do over again, would you take the risk with your own heart?” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie thought about this for a while, then tearfully said, “Yes, I would!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Then, listen to me. I’ll be seeing Charlie tonight, not as myself, but as Alexandra, and I’ll let him know how you feel. He’s got a decision to make, and I believe this bit of information will help. Cause it’s a decision of his own heart which he has to make.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The day, this discussion, and the chemotherapy, all seemed to take it out of little Amanda, who gradually succumbed to the evening, and fell asleep. Lonnie stayed at her side for another fifteen minutes. She then opened her purse, took out a small pad of sticky notes and a pen. She wrote on the notepad:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Dearest Amanda,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Thank you so much for being<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> my voice of reason and truth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Love you forever,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Lonnie<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She tore off the note and placed it on Amanda’s sleeping form. Lonnie then left, to go back to her own condominium. She missed Charlie as much as ever, but felt a deep comfort, knowing that, somehow, he would get her message.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The following day Lonnie kept busy and tried not to think about Charlie or Amanda. But by afternoon she decided she had to check on Amanda. As she turned her car into the parking lot and found a space, she felt a sudden, overwhelming sensation of unease. She hurried in and took the elevator up to her floor. When she got to the room, she looked in to find the room empty, sanitized, and ready for the next occupant.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She felt a sudden sensation close to panic, and quickly sought out the nurse.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Amanda – where is she? What happened?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Julia, one of the nurses Lonnie knew, turned to her and said, “Oh, Lonnie, she’s been moved to the Unit. That happened last night. She became unresponsive and lost her blood pressure.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie was speechless for a few moments, then she seemed to find her voice. “Oh, my. I didn’t know. Thanks, Julia. I’ll go there.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I’m sorry, Lonnie,” said Julia, as Lonnie headed back to the elevators.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie got on the elevator and punched the button for the second floor. All the time her heart was racing, and her hands were sweating. She did notice the subtle aroma of the deep forest on the elevator, but there was no one else on the elevator. As it came to the second floor, she hurried out and turned left, and then went down the hall to the ICU. She pushed the swinging door to enter. There were the usual sights and sounds of chaos and ventilators with their whooshing and with the constant alarms. She rushed to the nurses’ station, where she was greeted by someone she did not recognize.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Amada Barnes? Lonnie asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ah… just a minute,” replied the young nurse. “Let me get her nurse.” And with that she went back to the interior of the ICU, and came back with Marcella, a nurse Lonnie knew well. The look on Marcella’s face, however, was not encouraging.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Lonnie, I’m so sorry…We just finished coding her. I am… so sorry. She just didn’t make it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie was just too overwhelmed to say anything. She looked for a place to sit down, and Marcella took her back to the inside, and found her a chair to sit in. After a few minutes, and several tissues, Lonnie looked up and asked, “Where is she? If it wouldn’t be too much, could I see her, even briefly? I imagine you’ve called the sisters.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, yes, they know. And, of course you can see her. Come on back, she is in room 12.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie stepped into ICU 12, cautiously, silently. There on the bed was her body, alone, lifeless, but still with the endotracheal tube, cardiac monitor leads, and with the IV connected to her port. Lonnie could see that the monitoring equipment had been shut off, as well as the IV pump, which told Lonnie that they had just finished with her resuscitative efforts. She went to the bed and very gently clasped her lifeless hand. She had seen a lot of death in her years as a nurse but could recall nothing that affected her so profoundly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, my dear Amanda, I hope you found your Alexandra.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">After a few silent moments with Amanda, Lonnie stepped back out of the ICU. She felt so acutely alone in the hospital corridor, that she looked about for somewhere to land, and eventually found herself in the visitors’ lounge. In the lounge was a payphone on the wall. She found a quarter in her purse, and dialed Carol’s number. Carol’s Scottish accent was profoundly soothing for Lonnie, as she told her friend what had happened. Carol invited Lonnie over for dinner, which she accepted eagerly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She got back on the elevator and headed down to her car. As she got in, she again noted the forest aroma, this time not as subtle. And there, on her steering wheel was the sticky note she had left with Amanda, but now it contained a small addendum, hand-written in red crayon:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Dearest Amanda,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Thank you so much for being<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> my voice of reason and truth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Love you forever,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Lonnie<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> I LOVE YOU TOO <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> AMANDA<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Overwhelmed, Lonnie just sat in the car and wept.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie approached the home of Carol and the earl with an odd mixture of feelings. Partly she was grateful to Carol for being her friend through this experience, and along with this she was so thankful not to eat dinner alone tonight. Yet underlying it all there was something she could only address as anger, but toward whom? And what was the source of her anger? Was it fear, and if so, whom or what did she fear?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She came to the door and rang the bell. Carol came to the door and quickly hugged Lonnie. “Oh, Lonnie,” she said through the veil of her own tears, “come in. I feel so… so empty. Such a loss.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Thank you, Carol. I tell you, I hurt so badly, I’m almost numb.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Carol turned down the hall, and announced, “Earl, Lonnie’s here. Come on out and meet her.” Then as he came out from his office, “perhaps you two could sit down, while I get things ready for dinner.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they sat down in the dining room, the earl turned toward Lonnie and said, “Lonnie, I am indeed sorry for your (and our) loss. Just yesterday this young lass was in our midst, seemingly healthy, and so full of wisdom. I was so enthralled with her, that I hardly know what to say.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“She was full of wisdom to the end, Earl. And I was the recipient of it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Can you tell me any more of how this happened?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Not really, Earl. The only thing I can figure out is that what she got for her chemotherapy must have caused her to lose her blood pressure. She was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, but eventually her systems failed, and they were unable to resuscitate her.” Lonnie stopped briefly, deciding what to say. Then she made a decision, reached into her purse, pulled out a small piece of paper. “While she was very much alive, but sleeping, I wrote her a little note and left it on her body. Then I left her to sleep. Evidently it was later that night that all the rest happened. When I got to the hospital, she had been moved to the Unit, and by the time I got there she had just died.” Lonnie hesitated again, but then went on with her narrative. “I’ll tell you what really got to me, though it happened afterwards. When I got to my car, unlocked it and got in, I noticed a certain aroma – I think you know what I mean – the smell of the forest in springtime. But there was no one in my car, but there was this note, which was the one I wrote on. But below the message were these words, written in crayon…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The story had gotten Carol interested, and she came over and said, “let me see the note.” She studied the small post-it note, and then said, “Oh, mercy. Here, Earl…what do you think of this?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The earl took the note, brought it close to his face, then he blew across the paper, aimed toward the two women. Lonnie’s eyes lit up in recognition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Yes, that is the smell!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And that,” said the earl, “is the important part of the message.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Important? And just what does it mean?” Lonnie looked puzzled.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That would depend partly on what you and the young lass talked about. But suffice it to say that Amanda and probably Maggie did see fit to take your message across the chasm of time.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But what of the letter you got that was mysteriously deposited at your table?” Lonnie could recognize the anger starting to take form in her consciousness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I know where it is,” stated Carol. “I’ll go get it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As Carol went into his office, Lonnie looked into the eyes of the earl, searching for the source of her building anger. She could only see sincerity…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Here is the horrible letter,” said Carol. “Now, tell me, what do you make of all this?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">In answer, the earl took the letter, and like with the note, he blew across it toward Lonnie and Carol. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“No. It’s not the same, but I do get something,” Lonnie said, but then her face contorted slightly. “There’s something there, but it’s a sort of rancid smell, something not right.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“There is, indeed, and I believe that it is a reflection of the one who sent it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“May I see it? I get the distinct feeling that the sender of the note is trying to give me a message, too.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The earl handed the note to Lonnie. She took it in her hand, opened it, and read the message. She paid particular attention to the second paragraph:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> <i>So, be ye warned – if I do find that Drachma, or anyone<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> else within his service or thine has been meddling in<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> the events of Shepperton, I shall take it upon myself<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> to make certain that this window through time shall<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> be forever closed, and all of Drachma’s doings<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> shall be forever made naught.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> Antoine LeGace<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> Third Prefect, Order of Byzantium<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">And now she knew for certain that it was this Antoine LeGace who was identified both as the source of the foul odor, and the cause of her fear and anger.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well enough of this for now,” said Carol. “We can get back to discussing this horrible man after we eat.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, that would be good, for at the very least, I could get his stench out of my nostrils.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And I shall put this most foul note away forever.” The earl got up, and went to his study, as Carol went to the kitchen, and came out with bowls of steaming soup.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">And for a time, the memory of the day’s horrors, and the rancid odor of the man were pushed aside. They enjoyed each other’s company and the excellence of the meal, before retiring to the sitting room.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“So now, Alonza,” began the earl, sipping his tea, “it is my understanding that you came over for two reasons. One was to unload your heavy burdens, which you have partly done. And the other was – what?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Guidance. I’ll tell you that what I was talking to Amanda about was mostly how I was missing Charlie. I do know that I have only known him for such a brief time that it does seem slightly strange. But to Amanda it seemed to make perfect sense. And she told me that she would tell Charlie how I felt. But here’s the weird part – she told me that she would tell him that night, and that she would tell him as Alexandra.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“As Alexandra? That is not anyone whom I knew…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“No, but what I don’t quite understand is, did she know…that she was going to…Shepperton? Also, what about the little addendum to the note I got – it’s written in the handwriting of a child. And it brings with it the smell of the forest, and of Maggie and Falma.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The earl pondered all this, and then asked, “Did she say anything else?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“She indicated to me that Charlie would have to be making some kind of decision, and that this bit of information would help him in his decision.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Hmm…let us think all this through. When was the last time you saw Charlie?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie swallowed the lump in her throat, and answered, “that would have been last Wednesday. That was also the last time I saw Falma, and it was when Janie died.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And can you tell me anything of his state of mind the last you saw of him?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Only that he seemed incredibly sad, and also torn up inside.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And do you think it possible that leaving you here, and going to where Marilyn was had anything to do with his state of mind?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I try not to think about that, but I’m quite certain that you’re quite right. Tell me, what did you think of Charlie’s and Marilyn’s relationship?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“From Charlie’s perspective, his relationship with Marilyn seemed an unequal one. His regard for her seemed always seemed to me to be tempered by knowledge that she had lived the life of something that he would be forever unable to provide…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Let me interrupt, if I might,” said Carol. “For I knew Marilyn more closely than anyone. And, in fact, it was she who encouraged our own relationship, wasn’t that true, Earl? All that time, Charlie was in the background, preparing what he could, and doing things to make our lives happen, all the while keeping the news media at bay, and speaking to our benefactor to make certain that his relationship with ours remained under wraps. But Marilyn’s regard for Charlie grew all the time, but it never really approached what I would consider intimacy. She managed to keep that tightly closed from the rest of the world. And you know what I think? I do believe that the silver coin that she had acted upon her as long as she had it…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“The silver coin?” Lonnie sounded surprised.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, yes, a drachma, an ancient coin of Greece. You’ll have to ask Charlie about that the next time you see him.” Carol said this with an impish half smile. “And believe me you’ll be seeing him again.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">This revelation had Lonnie’s mind swimming. She barely remembered the rest of the discussions of that evening. <i>What is this silver coin, this drachma? What does it mean? I know it’s no coincidence.<o:p></o:p></i></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><i> </i></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She got back to her apartment, and picked up the mail on her way in. She unlocked her door and set the mail on her kitchen table. Along with the usual envelopes and magazines was something else. It was a small box all by itself. It was not in any sort of packaging nor did it have any kind of address upon it. She picked it up and looked at it quizzically. It appeared to be very old, made of some sort of wood, worn by its handling over the ages. Then she opened it, not prepared for what was about to reach through the ages to her. Inside, on a bed of purple velvet was a small silver coin. She inhaled suddenly at the sight of it. Knowing full well of its significance and power, she began weeping.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She very delicately picked up the ancient silver coin, with the foreign writing on it. It looked to be in pristine condition, with no sign of wear. She actually noted its beauty was rather striking. Yet she could sense this was somehow different. It felt slightly warm in her hand. She put it back in its place, and as she did so it seemed to vibrate briefly. She closed the box and took it to her bedroom. She placed it in the top drawer of her bedside table, and closed the drawer carefully, as though there were spirits which might be disturbed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Charlie… for all our sakes, please make the right decision!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-7503377425302325232021-06-30T12:14:00.002-07:002021-06-30T12:14:25.649-07:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Twenty-Three<p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBViifuEydv3BXWDcPsF76hGhClPPmuzEjqJ8XOPOtnO3kRwr1JrKc0ii9GbwUPW3s7M7aNpOBG9QoXFiCF572rhQjv7xSAZ-KYyQNbzz5nZiGDbjr4JFEng83wE439CIAgn9ilsHuj0-L/s2669/P7277324+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="2669" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBViifuEydv3BXWDcPsF76hGhClPPmuzEjqJ8XOPOtnO3kRwr1JrKc0ii9GbwUPW3s7M7aNpOBG9QoXFiCF572rhQjv7xSAZ-KYyQNbzz5nZiGDbjr4JFEng83wE439CIAgn9ilsHuj0-L/s320/P7277324+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 21.33333396911621px;">This is one of those chapters which sets up for more of the action to come - a prelude to the climax. Enjoy!</span><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Twenty-Three </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ye didna’ frighten me. I jus’ knew there was somethin’ wrong wi’ ye. Shall I fetch Diane fer ye?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Could you? That would be sweet. Just tell her that I’ve gone into labor. She’ll know what to do.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, aye, lady Judy. That I shall.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What… what is it, child?” Her heart was racing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It’s lady Judy... she be in labor.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“In labor?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, that she be…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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’.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Course, I can ‘member all o’ that.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ah, Lass, what is it you be doin’?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Chauncey, this be fer Lady Judy. She be in labor, and I was sent to get these things by Diane.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Thank ye, Chauncey. The cart is difficult fer me to handle.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Did ye get the things I asked fer?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, aye, I did. They be outside the door. Chauncey helped me bring them. He’s also outside the door.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Of course, I’ll go now and start the water a’boilin’ fer the Lady. Be there anythin’ else I could do?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, not at the present.” And with that she hurried off to her room, and Chauncey hustled toward the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, tell me, Alexandra, how do know this Charlie Stephens?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I just know he’s from your time. He be a friend to Amanda, and also Marilyn…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Marilyn – that’s Bob’s wife from our old time, but Amanda…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Amanda, aye, ye’ll have to ask Charlie about her.”<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But, of course. There is much that I also would like to discuss with Master Stephens as well.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“He said that he was a “reporter” back in his own time – I would like to find out more about that.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That I know not. We shall definitely have to ask him when he returns.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Did not Master Robert nor Judy mention anything like this?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“The music?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Without anyone to play the music?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye! He called it “recorded” music, or something to that effect. And did not Judy mention anything like this?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Agreed! Whenever that should be. Now, would you like to be there when I go see this woman, Gracie at Barncuddy’s today?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft chuckled and answered, “You shall have to ask Master Charles, but be ready for an answer that will not satisfy you!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But Master Robert, he did build some interesting things for use in the clinic, did he not?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Come, m’lass, and do tell us of his day so far. Hold nothing back.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“M’lord, what d’ye be wantin’ to know?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Tell us, dear, of his needs, his wants, and anything he has said from the time you came in and began caring for him.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And has he been awake much today, or has he been sleeping?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, I’ve been lettin’ ‘im sleep. He was barely awake about an hour ago.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But while he was awake, he wanted to talk with someone?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, he did. He said somethin’ that sounded like Chaw-lee.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, that would be Charlie Stephens, the man who brought him here.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“An’ then he needed to tell ‘im somethin’.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Any indication of what he needed to tell Master Stephens?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, m’lord. Only that it was important.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">With an effort, Wheezer spoke, in a voice barely above a whisper. “Is Charlie here?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“M’lord, it has to do with … his women. And Maggie said to tell only him.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Very well, m’lord.” And with that Wheezer turned slightly and fell back to sleep.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, m’lord,” she answered.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Goodness, how things have gotten complicated, </i>thought Jeanne. <i>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.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye,” said Cayman.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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, <i>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.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie then shook his head. He could not see where the voice had come from but did notice the lingering aroma.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, aye? But what decision would that be?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, it be up ahead… just there to the left, by the stream.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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. <i>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!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Were there more whisperings?” Asked Tom. His voice breaking through the silence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“There were, indeed. What can you tell me about a girl named Alexandra?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“As it was with Joshua and myself, then, so shall it be with Amanda and Alexandra.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And what do you make of me?” asked Tom. “Am I one who is important, or, as you put it, in charge?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, aye, Master Charles – I believe you speak the truth.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-37764375957526789172021-05-23T11:51:00.000-07:002021-05-23T11:51:00.953-07:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two - Chapter Twenty-Two<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH3xwou-x1efofTzbK-sQK2BNuwqQfCDSiyWgi2p2OWDdkRthStJj7Fu94vz-5-EfTXkTxdM60iprYTPLiMuZUbNEQZpAEHhxzI3LvpUnfkx38n3jUhz1xsgSm2XScBXCoKWeqU8lJpJX/s2048/IMG_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH3xwou-x1efofTzbK-sQK2BNuwqQfCDSiyWgi2p2OWDdkRthStJj7Fu94vz-5-EfTXkTxdM60iprYTPLiMuZUbNEQZpAEHhxzI3LvpUnfkx38n3jUhz1xsgSm2XScBXCoKWeqU8lJpJX/s320/IMG_0166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here is the next chapter of Book Five in the Drachma series - it is Chapter Twenty-Two. Be prepared, for this is one chapter that carries some weight.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Twenty-Two</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The tiny mountain shack, set back from the muddy road, would provide none of the comforts to which Marilyn had lately become accustomed, yet it was as inviting as anything she had come to expect. Gratefully, she got off her horse and headed inside, following Fausto, who was followed by several guardsmen. The prisoners, with the exception of Count Gregorio, were herded into an enclosure to the side of the little hut, originally designed to keep animals penned up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Once inside, Fausto busied himself with preparing a meal from the provisions in the back room. He turned during his activities toward Marilyn and said, “M’lady, ye can be certain that I shall provide ye with explanation of all that ye’ve seen and heard today.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That would be a good thing, Fausto. I do feel quite confused, but right now, I’m just tired, hungry, thirsty… and I’ve got to pee.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Fausto chuckled, and then he said, “of course, m’lady. Ye can go around t’ the side.” He indicated with his arm. “And I’ll have ye somethin’ t’ eat and drink. And then I shall sit down wi’ ye and answer yer questions.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Marilyn stepped out and turned to the side of the building, away from the prisoners, and headed into the woods. When she was done, she was startled by a soft noise behind her. She turned quickly, and was surprised by the ethereal form of Maggie, who was leading another young girl by the hand. There was a slight bluish glow to her face and features. Her red hair blew radiantly in the gentle evening breeze. Behind her was a young girl <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">who appeared to be roughly ten years of age, and who peered shyly from behind Maggie.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Lady Marilyn,” said Maggie, her face appearing both youthful and wise beyond years, “I am called Maggie, and I come with greetings from Falma. This is Lisa. And I bring her to you for discovery and for safekeeping.” Then, turning toward the lass, she said, “Now, Lisa, this is the lady, Marilyn. She will keep you safe. You may go with her. She will not harm you – of that you may be certain.” And saying that, she turned away, and walked back into the depths of the forest, leaving behind her the faint scent of trees and running water.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Marilyn, herself a bit shocked once more, reached out her hand and said to Lisa, “come, child, let’s go inside. There you can tell us of your adventure, as well as getting something to eat and drink.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lisa did not say a word, but followed Marilyn into the hut, clinging to her hand like a life-line. As they came inside the hut, they were met by Fausto. Lisa, having never seen anyone so huge, cowered behind Marilyn.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Lisa, don’t be afraid. This gentle giant of a man will not hurt you. His name is Fausto, and he’s here to protect folks like me and you.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">But Lisa, after seeing his bulk, and his sword, cowered even more behind Marilyn.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Come now, Lassie, ye’ve got nothin’ t’ fear from me,” Fausto said, his voice booming through the small hut. This, unfortunately, had the opposite effect on young Lisa. Marilyn turned and held the girl, who was trembling with fear.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Fausto was going to ask where the girl came from, but when he saw Marilyn’s face, he thought better of it, and quietly went back to the table, and prepared a plate of cheese, dried meats and fruit, signaled to one of his men, and had him deliver it to Marilyn. She took the plate, wordlessly, and offered it to Lisa.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lisa took the plate with one hand, and in a voice barely above a whisper said, “this… this food is…fer me?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Of course, it’s for you,” answered Marilyn. “Come, sit down here with me and enjoy it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Who this girl?” asked Count Gregorio, rather suddenly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I know not, Count,” answered Fausto, “but she is now one of us. She shall be protected with my life.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">So, over the next half hour, while Lisa sat in Marilyn’s lap, and ate her meal, the girl gradually relaxed, to the point that Marilyn felt it appropriate to begin asking her questions. Marilyn was perplexed by this little waif, and just what she was supposed to do with and for her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Gradually they found out that her mother was in Shepperton and worked in a house owned by someone called LeGace, whom she thought of as a bad man, and who stole her away from her mother. Also, they had taken a nice man, named Melchior, an “all-chemist” but who could not do magic. She told of how she and Melchior were held in an underground place, and then they were moved to a ship. And that was where Maggie <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">came, and rescued her, but how she was not able to say, just that the “blue light” had something to do with it. And Melchior was still back in the ship as far as Lisa knew.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“The blue light, eh?” Marilyn recalled the faint blue light of Maggie’s face, and how this young girl seemed to understand and to be able to walk easily between the two worlds which had come to envelop Marilyn, Bob and Charlie. <i>I’ll have to ask Tom the next time I see him. See if he understands it as well.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Tell me, Lisa, do you know what you’re supposed to do, and why you were chosen?” asked Marilyn. “Did Maggie tell you anything at all?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“She simply told me - she was taking me to someone safe, someone who would know how to get me back to me mum.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And what is your mother’s name, Lisa?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Me Mum’s name be Sylvie.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And your father?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Me father – him I know not. I’ve not met ‘im.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Hmm, quite strange, indeed. Fausto, do you know anyone named Sylvie, who might be this young girl’s mother?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, m’lady I know her not. It seems we shall have to ask Tom the next time we see him if he knows.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“My thoughts, precisely,” said Marilyn. Then, as Lisa gradually warmed up to Fausto, Marilyn got to thinking about her circumstances. <i>How is it that I have been chosen for this? It seems that I, a stranger, have been pegged as someone to go to. But as with Bob, I just got a glance as he seemed to be working toward something big. How am I supposed to do anything or make sense of any of this? It’s like I’m asked to play, but to figure out the rules of the game as I go along. And just whose game is it? Oh, Falma, is it yours, or are you just playing the game along with me? And what about this little girl and her mother – how does she fit into the scheme?<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Tell me, Fausto, are you as confused by all the goings on here as I am?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Confused, m’lady? Nay, that I am not. I am simply tasked wi’ keepin’ ye safe, and to take ye back, along wi’ these prisoners, to Shepperton Castle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Shepperton? Not Castle Kearney?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, m’lady, fer it seems as though Tom has decided that it be Shepperton where ye’re needed the most.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Needed, eh? Now I’ve been allowed to see Bob twice, from a distance, and I haven’t been able to interact with him. Now don’t you think that’s a bit strange?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I’m not much fer thinkin’, m’lady. I simply do what I must. An’ I leave the thinkin’ to people like ye and Tom.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, then, the next time we meet, I’ll definitely ask him.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Fausto nodded. In the guarded corner, Gregorio sat and absorbed all that had happened to him in the past day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Lady Marilyn,” Lisa spoke up suddenly, “do ye but suppose that me mum bein’ as she’s in Shepperton, might have somethin’ to do wi’ yer bein’ needed there?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, I hadn’t thought of that! From the lips of babes, eh, Fausto?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed, m’lady.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Marilyn just hugged Lisa tighter, and asked, “Just how far is it to Shepperton?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, wi’ the prisoners walking, it should take us a day and a half, I’d say.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Then you’ll ride with me, Lisa, if that’s all right with you.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, aye, lady Marilyn, ‘twould be nice.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Aboard the ship, the mood was grim. Antoine LeGace paced about and asked his guard again, “just what did you see, and why did you not prevent this from happening?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I did not see anythin’ but the two o’ them come out o’ the brig, and then leap o’er the side, there.” He pointed with his hand. “An’ then I ran o’er to the spot, an’ lookin’ down I didna’ see them, but I could see a blue light in the water, headed outward, toward the open sea. An’ so I got Marik t’ get me a boat, an’ then we went down t’ the water, and we looked about, an neither one o’ us saw anythin’ at all.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And just where were you when they came out of the brig? And had you checked the lock?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I was standin’ right o’er there. And aye, I had checked the lock afore, an’ also upon my return, an’ the lock was fast. No one coulda’ come out wi’ out makin’ a sound, but they did, the two of ‘em. Also, I talked wi’ the other prisoner, an’ he had tried the door, an’ he too noted the lock was fast from the inside.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">That was enough for LeGace. He signaled to his other guardsman, who came over immediately and with the help of two more, quietly tied up the unfortunate guard. Then, with graceless certainty, he said to the now cowering guard, “Did I not make it plain to you the penalty for losing one of my prisoners?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, ye did, sire…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Then tell your last wishes to Peter, here, for I care not.” And then her turned and walked toward his own room and signaled to Peter to take him away and be done with it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">After that, he sat in his room, with Leonardo as the only other one in the room, and uncharacteristically, began discussing his plans.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, with one fewer prisoner, we shall have to be a bit more careful. I know not if this one even escaped, but even if she did, what could she tell them? Nothing too useful it would seem.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But it would seem,” said Leonardo, “that her chances are exceedingly small of having survived at all.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That would be true, if not for the blue light mentioned by our guard. Remember this, Leonardo – we are not dealing with only what we know, but there are possibilities that you and I know little of, which are known to our enemy. And if we underestimate them, we do so at our peril.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Leonardo’s thoughts immediately took him to Wheezer, and his survival – unlikely but nevertheless apparently real, as he found out that morning while seated at Barncuddy’s.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What is it? Your look says you have seen an apparition.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ah, nothing…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Hmm… well, just remember, there are more things to be aware of than you would suppose. Now, back to business. What do you know of our army’s readiness for conflict? Are we going to be ready in three days’ time, armed and equipped?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“As to their readiness, that appears to be yet an open question. They still number close to a hundred men, all armed, but with only about fifty horses thus far available.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ah, well, in that regard, I shall have to talk with Patronis and that snake, Guarneri about that, see if I am able to get any satisfaction from them.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“D’you trust them?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, I do not, but I do have something over them to get what I need.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Does it involve King Henry?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed, it does…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Then I shall ask no more…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">LeGace nodded and smiled subtly. Then he spoke again, but in a conspiratorial tone said, “If you are able, I should like it if you could arrange a chance meeting with our two Scotsmen. Not at Barncuddy’s (that would be too risky), perhaps in Champour somewhere. I should like to find out what they now know, and more, what they suspect.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“For when?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Perhaps tomorrow evening.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I shall see what I am able to do in that regard, sire.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Very well, ‘til tomorrow, then. But, before you go, I should like it if you could determine a couple of things for me. The first is to make certain that our guard has been <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">taken care of. And then, if you could query our remaining prisoner, and determine, if you are able what did transpire from his perspective.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Consider it done, sire.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-79174089423163920042021-04-24T07:34:00.001-07:002021-04-24T07:34:23.947-07:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Twenty-One<p>Here is the next chapter of the fifth book in my Drachma series, Chapter Twenty-One. In this chapter, we concentrate on Jeanne, and her relation to all that has been going on, with more to come!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMQCnclaUqLMzjG5hL0GQfmqdvkVdlv6Fuvnpo-0G1qad9CxSX9s5gXN207sUmUznpg3KTOQJr2C2xExPTYSqeUR-YQwBfBXR4uQ668anidd0TRmBVTb5v7FreDgVnuO68ZZZg3EIVrjI/s2048/P9056985-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1615" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMQCnclaUqLMzjG5hL0GQfmqdvkVdlv6Fuvnpo-0G1qad9CxSX9s5gXN207sUmUznpg3KTOQJr2C2xExPTYSqeUR-YQwBfBXR4uQ668anidd0TRmBVTb5v7FreDgVnuO68ZZZg3EIVrjI/s320/P9056985-EFFECTS.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Twenty-One<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Jeanne woke to the sound of birds, and realizing suddenly that she had overslept, she scurried out of bed, and almost ran over Sylvie, who stood in the doorway with young Falma.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Sylvie, I’m so sorry! I did not realize the time.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Mama!” exclaimed Falma, as he extended his little arms. Jeanne scooped him up in a wet embrace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I see that he has been fed. And for that I thank ye so much, Sylvie.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, he and I have had breakfast, Madam. An’ yer bread and fruit be awaitin’ ye in the kitchen. One o’ the pages has been by to fetch ye but said that he’d await fer ye to get ready. He said the men would wait o’er yonder, and not to worry none.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As she got dressed, she played with her toddler, and as she played, she contemplated whether she was even the right person for this new task given to her. However, she understood, as Craycroft explained to her, being short-staffed, and her being his right hand, there was no one else. And so, she agreed to accompany the two Scotsmen, as they found their way through the introductory material at the institute and in Sick Bay. She found it fortunate that Tingley and Mortimer had been there to guide them, since neither her husband nor Robert could be there. And for that period of time at least she was able to keep her thoughts off Melchior’s most uncertain fate. But now was it to be more of the same today?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">What she could not understand was Craycroft’s admonition that it was she who would be responsible to determine if there were any signs of untrustworthiness in their manner, and to report back if she detected any at all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She glanced in the small mirror and decided that was about as good as it was going to get. She then picked up Falma, and carried him into the kitchen, where she shared her bread and fruit with the youngster. Eventually, she told Sylvie that she was ready. Sylvie went to the back and told the page that her mistress was ready.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The young page seemed eager to accompany the great lady to her task this morning. He saw it as an opportunity for him to do more than simply run errands, but to learn some of the ways of the world out there. The two Scotsmen had been just as keen, it seemed to Tingley, to understand the goings on of the people of the castle, as he had been intrigued by their lives back in Scotland. Mealtimes were particularly stimulating, as the two men truly enjoyed their ale, and as the ale took its hold and loosened their tongues, they would wax on about their doings in the “old country.” It seemed to Tingley that some of what the two men described must have been exaggeration but was nonetheless very entertaining.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Come, m’lad, let us be on our way.” Jeanne said cheerfully, as the young page stood at the door to the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Her attitude this morning startled Tingley, as it seemed she appeared ready and even somewhat enthusiastic about the day’s tasks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Certainly, M’lady! D’ye need anythin’?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, Laddie, nothing. But I do want ye to provide our Scottish guests with some lighthearted company for lunch today, as ye did yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed?” Tingley realized then that the lady had been, in her own way, extraordinarily vigilant, and not disinterested.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As the two of them set out in the cool of the morning, heading across to Barncuddy’s, there was a notable lightness in the steps of his lady, as across the great courtyard they seemed to sail. The noise and clamor of the merchants, getting ready for the day’s doings seemed to spur them on. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they came up to Barncuddy’s door, Jeanne turned to Tingley and said in his ear, “Now, Lad what I would have ye do, is to pay particular attention to what Master Enoch says, as he has some history with us, and particularly with Councilor Rust.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Rust? That I didna’ know, M’lady.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But aye, he was a student with Master Rust at Cambridge…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And now he would be a student again, but here, with us, eh?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“T’would seem a little peculiar, no?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye that, M’lady…peculiar, indeed!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they entered the inn, the familiar sounds, smells and warmth of the place put them immediately at ease. They were greeted from across the inn by Clifton, who loudly bade them come over. As they made their way across the rough wood floor, between the benches, to the back of the dining area, Jeanne noticed a solitary man, sitting with his back turned to them. She thought he looked familiar but couldn’t place him. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well m’lady, it makes me heart glad that ye’ll be joinin’ us today,” said the bright-faced Clifton. Both he and Enoch stood, and made room for Jeanne and the page. “Now what’ll it be today? D’ye want any o’ this bread or any ale?” Jeanne shook her head and sat down. “Then are ye going to show us more of the fascinatin’ doings on of your institute?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, aye, that we shall. And we shall also check back with Sick Bay. There are several folks that I need to be seeing there. Frankly, I’m concerned about little Julius and old Allen. Neither of them looked very well yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Jeanne had gradually been taking over the day-to-day running of Sick Bay, and especially now, in the absence of Master Robert, Judy and Melchior. It seemed to her that every day would bring about new challenges, with which she often felt unprepared to deal. Yet Craycroft’s faith in her abilities was unwavering, and the patients always seemed thankful. <i>Oh, but I am not trained to care for these wounded and unwell persons. Ah, Judy, if only you were here by me!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Tingley noticed her changed countenance but said nothing. Then he noticed the arrival of Mortimer. “Ho, Mortimer, o’er here!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Mortimer came over to the table, but he had a look on his face to suggest serious doings were afoot.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What is it?” asked Tingley. “And do na’ be tellin’ me that it’s nothin’. Fer I can see it on yer face…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, if ye must know, it seems that a Master Charles, from the same place as Master Robert, came to the castle, and he brought with him ol’ Wheezer, who had been stabbed an’ burned. And who is now in Sick Bay wi’ the others.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The look on Jeanne’s face was of shock as well as concern. “Wheezer, is that the same urchin who acted as snitch for our enemies?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, the same! But m’lady, he’ll be doin’ nothin’ o’ the sort fer the future, if he survives.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Any idea who did this to him?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, m’lady, none.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, then, it would seem that there be layers of mystery yet to be uncovered… But what can ye tell me of this Master Charles? Is he someone known to Master Robert or to Lady Judy? And why did he come here at this time?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As she was asking these questions, Jeanne could see in her peripheral vision that the man who sat in the corner seemed to take a sudden interest in their conversation, but when she looked directly in his direction, he turned quickly away, then immediately exited.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“M’lady, I know not how to answer yer queries,” said Mortimer, “but what I can tell ye is that Craycroft would like ye to meet the man and requests yer presence ere noon today. There ye shall meet Master Charles, and ye may ask him whate’er ye’d like.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I would say, then, comrades, that we shall have much to do, and that we should not tarry. Let us go to Sick bay, and see what we have there, and then perhaps later, Mortimer and Tingley, you can take our gentlemen to the institute, while I get the opportunity to meet this new person, and to discuss matters with Craycroft.” As she said this, she also thought, <i>and maybe I can find out a little more about my own Melchior!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As the group of five made its way out, Jeanne turned to Barncuddy, and took him aside. In a conspiratorial tone she asked, “Can ye tell me, who was that man, sitting o’er yonder? Have ye seen him before?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“His name I know not, and he’s ne’er been in here, and that I would know. But what I can tell ye is that he has been seen in the company o’ that scoundrel, LeGace. That much I know from me sources in the kitchen.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, then, I must speak with your sources. If you could arrange for me to talk wi’ them later today, I would be grateful, as would m’lord, Craycroft.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, m’lady. If ye could be here at three bells today, I shall have ye meet wi’ Gracie, who should be back wi’ me onions an’ turnips by then.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Thank you, my good man. I shall be here then as well.” And she left him with a hug and a radiant smile, as she hurried to catch up with the others, who were just going out the door, heading toward Sick Bay. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they made their way across the great courtyard, Jeanne could not help but think that her day was becoming so much more complicated than she could have expected. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well now, Jeanne, ‘twould appear that you have had quite a morning. Am I correct?” Craycroft’s eyes twinkled slightly as he looked across the little table. He took his glass of wine, raised it to her, and this time said, with his voice softened with concern, “Why don’t you tell me about your day, and then I shall try to answer your queries.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, ye do know me, Craycroft! Of course, I shall tell ye of all that I found this morning, and of what significance it all seems to carry.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft’s thoughts suddenly took him back four years, when he decided to make Jeanne his special assistant. All of what was wrapped up in those moments, and what significance they would have for the future of the island and its people was too much to consider. And there she was, sitting in the same chair, in the same room, but she was then a broken woman, having lost her long-time friend and employer. And Craycroft was little better, having lost the true love of his life, but having been granted rule of the island by the earl. He had reached out his hand toward her and told her of his unrequited love for her mistress, as well as his new responsibilities, his sense of unworthiness. Still, he could not evade this request by his liege lord. And so, in that moment, he had asked her to be his assistant. Her demeanor had suddenly changed, and she had looked back at him with steely resolve, which was both frightening and somehow reassuring. It was that same visage she had again as she began to tell him of her morning.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She told him of her encounter at Barncuddy’s, with the information she had gotten about their new arrival, and about poor Wheezer. She mentioned that little Wheezer seemed to be rallying somewhat under the care he was getting at Sick Bay but was unable to say much about his injury other than to say it was definitely LeGace involved. And then she mentioned that stranger at Barncuddy’s whom she found out had been seen with LeGace as well, but who then disappeared.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft thought about all of this, and then said that he would need more guardsmen at Sick Bay.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I was thinking the same thing,” said Jeanne. “But what about this Master Charles? May I meet him, and what do you know about him?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But, of course, you may see him, in fact I was expecting you two would meet. He has gone to Sick Bay – he was quite worried about Wheezer, as he was the one who saved the young lad from the burning building.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“He is at Sick Bay now? Why then, shall I go there?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, there is no need, for he will be coming back here anon. Aaron is with him now, as is Tom, and Derrymoor also. They know of the importance of your meeting him.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Importance? Whatever do you mean, m’lord?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Do you not think that I, and the rest of those ruling this Isle, think your opinions do not matter? If you recall, it was I who chose you from among the many here to be my special assistant. And it was not a choice that I have ever regretted. Nay, you have been a most trusted aide to me. E’en now, this day you do bring your insight, for which I remain grateful.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“You do honor me, m’lord. But it is just that circumstances being what they be could be overwhelming to me. I do admit that without Melchior at my side, it does cloud my perceptions. Now, have you heard any news of Melchior, for his absence continues to grieve me?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, my dear, I have heard nothing new…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Jeanne swallowed hard, and put her face in her hands, and for a brief moment there was silence in the room. As the clock outside was striking ten bells, there was a knock at the door.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Come in! The door is not barred,” said Craycroft.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">To Jeanne’s surprise, in walked a sizable group of men, led by Aaron, and included the earl of Derrymoor, Tom, Rust, Kerlin, and Cayman. And in their midst was the obvious stranger, dressed in rumpled gray clothes, with a coat that looked too large for his small frame. Craycroft was immediately up and came over to the group. He introduced Jeanne to Charlie Stephens.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It’s nice to meet you, Jeanne. And yes, I’ve heard about you, and … it’s all good!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But, alas! I have heard nothing of thee, except that ye come from the same place as Master Robert and the lady, Judy, no?” Jeanne went on, as she looked toward Craycroft. “If we could all move to the adjacent room where we might all sit down at the table. Then we could all get acquainted properly.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie couldn’t help but stare at this woman, subdued, beautiful, and possessing a strength he had not found in anyone since Marilyn.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That would seem most appropriate,” said Craycroft. Then, as the group moved toward the meeting room, he turned toward Charlie, and said in a whisper, “did I not warn ye about this one?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed, you did.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Master Tom,” it was one of the pages, coming up the hallway. “Yer horses be ready, and there be men awaitin’ ye at the stables.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Very well, Stewart.” He turned toward Charlie and said, “Master Charles, are ye ready for your next journey?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, I guess so.” Charlie turned once more toward Jeanne, “I’m sorry, Lady Jeanne, but it seems I’m needed elsewhere on your island, and it looks as though we’ve gone through much of the morning already. Do take care of Wheezer for me. It would seem that he has important information, and he does appear to be rallying this morning.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Of course, Master Charles. We shall meet again…of that I am quite certain.” She held out her hand, but Charlie did not know what to do with her hand, if he was supposed to shake it or kiss it. So, he just reached out and gently shook it, eying Tom, who gave him no direction.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“All right, then, Tom, you lead the way.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Jeanne watched them quietly, as she turned to Craycroft and said in a whisper, “Was this your doing? As a way of keeping me guessing in the dark?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Nay, Jeanne. It was but another move on the great chessboard. It would be as if the master mover would have us go from our opening to the center game.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span> </p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-11551567495007097622021-04-05T15:19:00.001-07:002021-04-05T15:19:35.945-07:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Twenty<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOLyy3dObgnlPkwYjdpSvwHXWZBYhd1wVmxgjXbqmx9TWdDW2832nMwb3GiwN_mNg_mChouqUHkyNWFR6EiFcZr-wQJJ6ex_Dd6A9aqhkSvNiuiAeXB1YPCr7astqBtsP6v81zMDHkhUC/s2048/P1108127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOLyy3dObgnlPkwYjdpSvwHXWZBYhd1wVmxgjXbqmx9TWdDW2832nMwb3GiwN_mNg_mChouqUHkyNWFR6EiFcZr-wQJJ6ex_Dd6A9aqhkSvNiuiAeXB1YPCr7astqBtsP6v81zMDHkhUC/s320/P1108127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here is Chapter Twenty of my book five in the Drachma series. In this chapter we're back at Barncuddy's Ale House, with its magic and its potent ale.<p></p><p><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Twenty<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they stepped into Barncuddy’s, the atmosphere of the inn felt to Charlie like a comforting quilt. His senses were instantly put at ease. As they sat and talked the warmth and conviviality of the inn, and the ale, the bread, and the conversation all made his heartache so much more bearable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“You know,” he said, turning to the others, “this reminds me so much of a place back home. Not so much in its appearance, but in its atmosphere. And this beer! Wow, I mean it could be from the same stock. I got to tell you, that beer I only had a couple of times. It was named Carlisle’s Brew, and it was this Irish Pub, called The Three Knights Inn…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Would you then be surprised,” Craycroft broke in, “to know that this establishment was once called the Three Knights Inn? Ho, Master Barncuddy! Would you do us the pleasure to come over?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The portly innkeeper sauntered over, as Craycroft rose. “Master Barncuddy, if I were to tell you that our good friend, Master Charles has come from the same place as Master Robert, and he has some news to share… Master Charles, if you could tell Master Barncuddy what you just told us…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Fed by the warmth of the Inn and its company, Charlie began telling his tale of taking Lonnie to the Three Knights Inn, and how he had ordered the Carlisle’s Brew, and how it had so transported his guest, and how that had led to their meeting with the earl of Shepperton, and how that then led to his being present at Janie’s side as she died, and ultimately his own departure with Falma. Barncuddy stood by awed at what this man was telling him. It was altogether too much to absorb.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Then, at the prodding of his companions, Charlie spoke of what he found on the isle, and how that led him to where he was now. His drawing of Shepperton Castle next made its rounds again, and eventually into the hands of Barncuddy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ah, but ye’ll have to let me sit down here,” said the innkeeper, “fer I’ve ne’er seen anything like this drawing. An’ ye say it was made by a lady who had ne’er seen Shepperton, yet somehow she knew that ye’d be acomin’ here. Well, I see all this talkin’ of magic and mysteries beyond me ken, but I do say that it calls fer some o’ me best…Ho, Marcy! Could ye bring a round o’ me good stuff to this table? Fer it’s truly needed is it not?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">A few minutes later, from the kitchen came young Marcy, bearing a load of pewter jugs filled with a bubbly brown liquid. She set down her load, and then curtsied, and quickly retreated to the kitchen. Charlie looked down at his jug and inhaled the aroma. He then closed his eyes, and for a fleeting moment caught a glimpse of a group of friends sitting at a table, not unlike the one where he now sat, and the group included the earl of Shepperton, Carol, Chris Lewinsky, Amanda, and Lonnie! As the image faded, he sensed a deep dread, which made his heart ache, but he could not name it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What is it, Master Charles?” asked Derrymoor. “Your appearance of a sudden suggests the drink is not worthy.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Sir Derrymoor, this drink is heavenly, but its aroma very briefly transported me to another place (back home I believe), and there sat a group of people I knew, and whose aura suggested… I don’t know… that there was malevolence of some kind, something evil among the gathered folk.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That would indeed be worrisome,” said Tom. “Hmm, it does make me wonder – nay, that could not be true. I shall have to consult with Drachma about the matter. But for now, enjoy your Carlisle’s Brew!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I do know what we need here,” said Barncuddy. “Music! And I shall see to it, me friends. Ho, there, young Mortimer, could ye but see if our good minstrel be about? Let him know I’ve a special gathering fer him.” And with that, Barncuddy got up, and plodded back toward the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Tell me, Charles,” Craycroft said, “about the earl of Shepperton. You now say that he is alive and appears well. That would indeed be good news to Master Robert, for his decision to stay here among us was greatly dependent upon the earl’s state of health. And it would, I am quite certain, be most excellent news to him. Would that you could see him, good sir.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Where is this Master Robert? For I was told that I do need to see his woman, someone named Judy, and I was given some medication for her, which apparently she needs.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed,” said Tom quizzically, “what would that be for?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That I don’t know. But what I do know is that she’s pregnant, and likely to go into labor, and she would be needing this injectable medicine, which I was given by Lonnie back home. But hell, I’m no doctor, and I don’t really know anything about pregnancy, and mothers, and their babies, and their needs.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And yet you say,” answered Tom, “and very accurately I might add, that Lady Judy is indeed pregnant, soon to deliver, and with one of our finest midwives in attendance. She is, at this moment on the interior of the island, at a place called Castle Kearney. And Master Robert is also on the interior of the island, but at another place. It would seem that you and I need to go to Castle Kearney then, for you have, in your possession something which has been deemed necessary for the Lady Judy, through the powers that be. And so, Master Charles, can you ride?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“You mean on a horse?” asked Charlie. “I believe, if my childhood memories serve me correctly, that is one thing I was able to do. But it would have to be a rather tame horse, ‘cause that’s all I’ve ridden on.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And I shall send two of my men with ye,” added Derrymoor. “For the information you bring is most valuable to me as well.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Very well, then, I shall see to it that you shall be set up with a mare who is easy to ride, and I believe that we should leave first thing in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And I agree,” said Derrymoor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“If you all say so,” said Charlie, all the while thinking of what his newest adventure had already opened in front of him. All the strange and unexpected sights, sounds, smells he had encountered, as well as the people in this place of intense need and magic. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As the evening wore on, with Charlie’s mind wandering through his situation, and all the implications of his current state, and which definitely included the effects of the brown ale, he began to get drowsy, and just as he was about to doze off, there came a raucous clattering from the doorway. As they all turned to the entryway, Barncuddy hurried over, and helped hold the door for the persons entering.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Me good minstrel! Ye do come – I take that ye’ve got ye a couple o’ yer comrades wi’ ye.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I tell ye, this had better be somethin’ of import. Ye’re so right, fer I was just acomin’ over to have a pint, when I was met by these two lads. One o’ them said he came from Barncuddy, and his message was that Barncuddy needed my services, as there was yet another person from Master Robert’s place, and he felt it right that I should play fer the gatherin’. And then this other lad comes along and asks Mortimer if he knows the whereabouts o’ Tom. And Mortimer tells him that young Tom is with Craycroft, the earl o’ Derrymoor, and the man from Robert’s place. And with Craycroft, Derrymoor, Tom and this new stranger, I agreed that it would be fittin’ indeed to welcome the stranger with some music.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But then this other lad, name o’ Darnell, tells me that he’s got a message of some import from Drachma to give to Tom. Says it came by the pigeons, and arrived by way o’ Fancyneck Flyer himself, so Drachma meant it to be hand-delivered to Tom right away. And so, I told him to come along, fer that be where we were all aheadin’.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, I’ll be, Willie,” said Barncuddy, “and ye two lads, why don’t ye all come on to the table toward the back. I’ll introduce ye to the man, name o’ Charles. And while ye’re gettin’ acquainted I’ll see to it that we bring ye some o’ our finest fer yer drinkin’ pleasure.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">And he took them toward the table in the back of the inn, where he introduced Charlie to Willie. Then Willie took up his Clarsach, and began tuning its strings, as Darnell took his pigeon message to Tom. Meanwhile, Barncuddy signaled to Marcy to bring Willie something to drink.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Tom studied the small cylinder briefly, noting that it was from Drachma, and the cylinder was one kept for the most important messages. He frowned as he opened the cylinder, then taking out a small, slender knife, he took out its message. He read it silently, and he handed it to Craycroft without a word. Craycroft’s visage darkened as he read the brief note. His eye closed briefly, and he then handed it to Charlie, and spoke.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Here, Master Charles, I assume that you are able to read. I would appreciate your thoughts on this matter.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie swallowed some of the Carlisle’s Brew, as he took the note from Craycroft. Written on the small scar of paper were the words, written plainly, with a leftward slant.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> <i>To Tom<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> Be aware! It would appear that Master LeGace<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> now shares our knowledge of the folding of time,<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> and he means to use that knowledge against us.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> Remember the Mortuis Concentis, as it may become<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> essential in the near future.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> I am not long for this world – it shall be Ye above all.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> Drachma<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie studied the small note and noticed that the paper was identical to other messages he had seen from Drachma. But as to what this message was trying to convey, he was clueless. However, his sense was that underlying the message was an intense feeling of foreboding, with a definite warning for him as well as Tom, which he understood only in part.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, Master Charles, what make you of this message? I do know that you are rather familiar with its sender, is that not true?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Why yes, Master Craycroft, I am. Even though I have not met this Drachma fellow in person, I am at least familiar with some of his methods. It is definitely from him - I even recognize his writing. But as to what he is actually warning Tom about, I have no knowledge, except that it does appear to carry a note of foreboding and has something directly to do with how and why I came here. And you know what? I keep thinking that if Falma were here, he’d be able to help us.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Remarkably perceptive, no?” Craycroft’s words were directed toward Tom.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed, and I too would value Falma’s astute wisdom.” Then Tom turned toward Charlie, “if it all comes about, I shall see that you get to Castle Kearney safely, then I must seek out Drachma. As this note indicates, it might be the very last time he would be available to me.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“In truth,” said Craycoft, “There be forces at work, only some of which we can name, others, which are more fearsome yet, which I do see working against us, but only as shadows among the trees. I believe that, between the earl and me, we would be able to take care of those we can see clearly, but I shall have to rely upon you to enter into said realm of shadows on our behalf…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Their discourse fell silent, as Willie began playing a tune, which Charlie recognized immediately, but could not name. All sat back on their chairs, as the minstrel took the tune, and wove it through variations, each more complex than the last. Charlie soon found his somnolence even more difficult to resist, and he settled back and drifted off to places unknown and unseen. He was in the forest again, with the sound of running water, and she was there, at the edge of the stream. He approached her. She looked up and smiled.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Charlie, my dear one, now you will become as one who has found true purpose, and whose power will be there when we need it. Go now. Your fate does call. When you see Alexandra, you will truly know.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She took his face in her hands and kissed his cheek.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Master Charles, Master Charles! Come now, we must take ye to your room fer the night.” It was Mortimer gently rousing Charlie from his slumber.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, I’m so sorry, I guess I drifted off to sleep.” He could see Craycroft, Tom, the earl, Willie and the others, but he could still smell Janie. And his cheek burned ever so slightly. “Well, lead the way, young man, and I’ll follow.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">He got up, unsteadily, and with Mortimer’s help, headed out of the inn, toward the castle. As they made their way, Mortimer told him that he would be staying in a room of the castle for the night, and that he would need to be ready to ride in the morning. They arrived, and went up the stairs, to a room reserved for royalty, with rich drapes and fine rugs about, and a four-poster bed. Mortimer helped him out of his coat, and his outer clothes. Then before he drifted off again to sleep, Mortimer told him that he would be sleeping outside, and to call if he needed anything at all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Then Charlie slept the sleep of one truly exhausted - dreamless and profound.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span> </p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-39238091243893001222021-03-10T12:14:00.000-08:002021-03-10T12:14:14.549-08:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Nineteen<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlK0jJm4z2Hq-ZMR_lLq1y5A-EnGL7XjAdZx-VHCxXKe0dwUk4Yj09qIfZVRU58YhEE1_ih3GPsbhzVkjTIwp1iy_RVZ-CHI7UvbQKNMZg-9DrE29ADnluYuIOUv7Ki4_uzMUDEpDTDVB9/s2048/P9085028-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlK0jJm4z2Hq-ZMR_lLq1y5A-EnGL7XjAdZx-VHCxXKe0dwUk4Yj09qIfZVRU58YhEE1_ih3GPsbhzVkjTIwp1iy_RVZ-CHI7UvbQKNMZg-9DrE29ADnluYuIOUv7Ki4_uzMUDEpDTDVB9/s320/P9085028-EFFECTS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Beware: this is a complex chapter, with multiple places and happenings, including magic!<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Nineteen</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The ship was anchored far from the shoreline, and so Leonardo had seen to it that a small boat was secured, and it was now being rowed toward the ship with his master on board. The evening was cool, with a slight breeze, but LeGace seemed not to notice. He was quiet and looked sullen. He knew that his note had reached its mark, and now the waiting had begun.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As the boat approached the ship, he finally said to Leonardo, “We have to be certain that our forces are to be all in one place, and ready for war. And I do feel that we shall, before too much time has expired, be at war with Craycroft. And perhaps done before word could reach King Henry.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">His companion, who had heard all of this before, acknowledged his lord, and said, “It is as you say, but I do not yet know if all the troops are back from the island. It was said that they experienced some serious fighting, which they did not expect, and I know not whether they shall be at strength.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, be certain that they be ready in three days. This may be more serious than anything before.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, sire, I shall.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">They approached the side of the ship, and Leonardo called for a ladder to be thrown down. The men on the deck quickly complied, and the two men then came up the side of the ship. But before going up himself, Leonardo paid the oarsman, and told him to be back the following evening.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Aboard the ship now, LeGace still found it difficult to relax. He turned toward Leonardo again, and said, “If ye need me, I shall be below, midships, in my room. I have some serious matters to ponder. But do bring me reports as to the condition of our prisoners, as well as our men-at-arms.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, sire. I shan’t bother ye till supper be served.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Leonardo next went down to the lower deck and checked with the man taking care of his two prisoners. He asked if there were any problems with the two of them, and was told there were none, and that they were being cared for as directed. Leonardo then went up to the main deck and sought the captain.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, me good sire, how d’ye be this day?” Asked the captain upon seeing Leonardo, climbing up to the wheelhouse.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Thank ye, Flannigan, I’m tolerably well. What are ye hearing as to our troops? Are they going to be ready within two days?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That I canna’ say, sire. I have not seen, nor heard from the ground troops in the last few days, but what I can tell ye is that they were in some skirmishes wi’ the island’s forces, and they were bein’ tossed on their arses was the last I’d heard.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Can ye tell me who I might speak to as to their readiness? For Master LeGace has determined that they need to be at the ready within three days and has tasked me with that duty.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Methinks that it would be Master Boniface, for it was he that told me of their struggle.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And can ye tell me where he is at this time?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“In town, at the inn, I would suppose.” He thought for an instant, then added, “If not there, then at the stables, fer he was seein’ to gettin’ mounts and arms fer the men.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, then if ye could get me a boat fer this evening, after dinner, then I shall seek him out.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Consider it done, sire!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Leonardo stepped down to the main deck and peered out over the railing toward the town. His mind was swirling at this task ahead of him, and he definitely did not feel like sitting down to dinner with LeGace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Antoine LeGace was sitting in his little room below deck and considered his next moves. He did have his two prisoners here on the ship, and the note had been sent, and it had been taken by one of Craycroft’s men. And he considered that part of his plan successful. But what he did not know was what to do, if anything about Count Gregorio. This rascal was an unexpected disruption, which he thought nonetheless that he should be able to turn into a diversion of sorts. <i>At the very least, Craycroft’s forces should be directed elsewhere. </i>And he also thought about the two Scotsmen who arrived as “students” on the isle. The more he thought about them, the more he considered they might actually be spies, and the information they might obtain could be useful indeed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">He also thought about Guarneri and Patronis and wondered what they were up to. There was no doubt in his mind that they were both useful and a nuisance. He would like to get rid of them, but their ties to King Henry could pose problems if he was not careful in how he sought to get rid of them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">He wondered if it was wise to let them meander about the place without tighter reins on their rather unpredictable behavior. They had already shown some areas of concern, and Patronis had shown an inordinate interest in the doings of Master Robert. <i>And that must stop! </i>He thought, but he could not figure a way to stop him without drawing undue attention to his own plans. <i>Ah, well, I need to set up a meeting with them in neutral territory. And I shall need to make it clear that they both need to be there.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">And then he thought about Drachma, and what his old nemesis had been doing. He knew that young Tom was acting in his stead. But what exactly did he know? He had an inclination, but no certainty of his hunch. Then he thought of just how he could find out. He took out of the drawer his quill and bottle of ink, set them to the side, and next he took a paper from his stack, and composed a short epistle. He then folded the paper over, and took his sealing wax, and then a small candle. He heated the sealing wax, and then after a large blob had formed, he took his own seal out of his coat and pressed it closed over the wax. There, upon the letter was his seal, which showed a wolf’s head. He smiled, looked satisfied, as he placed the seal back inside his cloak, along with his letter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Master LeGace?” The interruption broke his concentration, and he was suddenly vexed at the intruder.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What is it?” He asked icily.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Pardon the interruption, Master, but I was told to t’ tell ye that supper is bein’ served above.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">He looked up at the doorway where his intruder stood against the glow from his meager lamp. He waved his hand, dismissively, and said, “I shall be up anon. Now get ye hence.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">When the young man had left, LeGace leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and began chanting the ancient words to the darkness. He had places he had to be before dealing with anything as mundane as eating with fools.<o:p></o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Below deck, as the two of them just sat in their prison, Lisa could see off to the right the faint blue light from the face of Maggie, who smiled at Lisa, and motioned for her to come to her. She looked toward her companion, and he seemed to be sleeping, so Lisa stood and walked over toward the blue light.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Come, Lisa,” she said, and put out her hand, “we have places we need to be this evening.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Where would we be goin’?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Away, away from here. Come, I know the way.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But what of Master Melchior?” Lisa asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Worry not, my child, for he too shall have his day,” came the answer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Without further questioning, Lisa took Maggie’s hand, and the two of them just walked out the previously locked door, and over the side of the ship, and could be seen as a faint blue speck, going out into the sea, and disappearing into the vastness of the ocean. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">After the two had gone, Melchior woke, and he was startled to find himself alone. <i>What have they done with Lisa? </i>He wondered, and he searched his meager room, finding no trace of the girl. But right where she would have been, he was startled to find something quite unexpected. There on her small seat was a loaf of bread, still warm.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">He lifted the loaf to his face and smelled the fragrance as if just from the oven. <i>What is this? </i>He wondered. And quite suddenly the story of Brother Philip and his quest came to him, and so after a moment of silent thanks, he broke off a piece and ate it. And in the stillness, as he ate the bread, he could sense the young girl, and she seemed to be telling him that all would be well, and Lisa would be cared for. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">So, he just ate the bread, grateful for its soothing effect, as he silently cried, and let the evening envelope him and his circumstances.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Alone in his room, Drachma sat and stared into the future, as if he could truly see it unfolding. He knew Tom could take care of things here. But there was something nagging at his consciousness. Something was there, far off in the distance of time and space. He closed his eyes and concentrated. He could feel the pull of this other world drawing him ever closer, and he felt himself emerge into the back room of an inn. There in front of him, at a large table was the gathering of persons, and together they emitted an aura, which tugged at his soul.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">At the head of the table sat the earl of Shepperton, who now appeared to be in excellent health, with a vitality he had not seen in years. And he sat there at a table full of women and one young girl. They seemed to be enjoying the meal, and the music, which flowed from a band of five musicians in another corner of the room. He could see the emotions at the table were deep. There were both joys and sorrows cutting at the persons around the table.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they ate and drank from the table, with the food and ale flowing freely, their talk also loosened. It became apparent that one of them, the young girl, became the center of their attention. There she was, beautiful, yet totally bald, and fragile as a plucked flower. She seemed to hold them all enthralled as she spoke. She spoke with wild gestures, and with authority of voice. Drachma leaned in to try to see what she was saying, but her words were not distinct to him. He was able to only make out the name of Janie, and that “Janie would have wanted it this way.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Drachma settled back down, absorbing what he could of the atmosphere of the place, and simply observing what he was able. His attention was then drawn toward the far right, and to a corner where he could see none other than Antoine LeGace, who was also studying the table of participants. He could see LeGace pull something from his cloak and set it on the table in front of him, as he waited patiently for the right time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>LeGace - here? Now what in the world is he planning? </i>LeGace’s presence in this place was as disturbing as anything he could imagine. Yet he decided to sit and observe. Perhaps the answer would come in time.<i> </i>The implications, though, were staggering.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The evening wore on, and the music flowed, and as the participants’ voices grew quieter, he noticed that LeGace stood up, and walked over to the table. Evidently, his presence was not seen, and with casual aloofness, he dropped a paper onto the table near the earl, and then, with a nod to Drachma, he was gone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Realizing his circumstances, Drachma got up, and moved quickly toward the table. As he got close, he could tell that no one saw him, and yet there was one who recognized that things had changed – the young girl. She looked about her, took in a deep breath, and then smiled. Meanwhile, attention was directed toward the earl and the letter, which had appeared on the table to his right, seemingly out of nowhere. The earl, though obviously startled, reached for the paper, but then thought better of it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, before I touch this note, and aye, I do know something of whence it came, I should ask Christine to examine it, and to tell us what she can of its origin, and intent, though I should like to hold back on reading it until she is done with it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As strange as it seemed, she complied. Chris Lewinski reached into her purse, and drew out a pair of latex gloves, which she put on, and then she reached over toward the earl, and picked up the letter. She carefully examined the paper and the wax seal. She held it up toward the light, frowned intensely as she put the note back down. And then she addressed the others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What I can say so far, is that this letter, though seemingly not addressed to anyone in particular, was clearly intended to be received by our earl. It would appear to come from the same time and place from where the other notes have come. And yet… this is different somehow. The paper is not identical. It is lighter to the touch, and not quite the same color. And this seal, though it looks superficially similar, is also not identical to that on one of our previous notes. So, what I could say is that this letter was delivered, somehow, to the rightful earl for whom it was intended. But underlying all of that, I do not have a good feeling about its contents… for I sense that there is evil here.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That is remarkable, truly,” said the earl. “Christine has discerned much, without reading the letter. And I would say that I agree with her thus far. And now, in front of all of you, I shall read this epistle.” The earl took back the letter and looked carefully at the seal. Using his table knife, he opened the letter, and then frowned intently at the message before reading it aloud to the people at the table.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> <i>To the former Earl of Shepperton – greetings<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> Let it be known to thee, that thy former realm is now<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> being ruled by a commoner, a certain Craycroft, <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> who does rule, in absentia, for the Earl of Derrymoor.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> It be my intention to put an end to this, and to take up<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> rule over the Island Nation. I shall be doing so with <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> the blessing of England’s King Henry.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> Now I do know that you still carry influence over<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> persons who might still exert some power over<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> events in Shepperton.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> So, be ye warned – if I do find that Drachma, or anyone<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> else within his service or thine has been meddling in<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> the events of Shepperton, I shall take it upon myself<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> to make certain that this window through time shall<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> be forever closed, and all of Drachma’s doings<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> shall be forever made naught.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> Antoine LeGace<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> Third Prefect, Order of Byzantium<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">There was silence throughout the inn. The music had even paused. The folks around the table were looking at each other, thinking about who should say something. Finally, it was Amanda who opened her mouth to speak.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It would seem to me that this letter does open up a number of possibilities. But first I must ask, is this Antoine fellow capable of doing the kinds of things that he says? And next have we been doing what he implies? Now, I assume that this letter is being given to you in our presence for a specific reason, and what is that?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It is not accidental that this young lass is among us now,” said the earl. “She is most perceptive and does see through our vain attempts to try as we may to move our own created mountains. Now, young lassie, to answer your queries, first I would state that I know little of Master LeGace’s abilities to do what he threatens, but I do know of his treachery, and that he has escaped the clutches of the law many times over, and in multiple places. And to think that he perhaps is protected by powers beyond our ken would not be unreasonable. I personally have only met the man once, but he has been described as having the visage of the devil himself by those whom he has threatened. Now I cannot say with any certainty, for I do not remember precisely, and I did not feel overtly threatened by him at the time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, to your other question, you ask if we have been doing what he implies – and to that I would say emphatically that we have, indeed, been meddling in the affairs of Shepperton. For you see that I am here and am healed of the illness from which I was dying in Shepperton. And that was an illness inflicted upon me by none other than our Master LeGace and his conspirator, Councilor Reordan. Further, it should be noted that we have sent envoys from here and now who have insinuated themselves into the lives of the people of Shepperton. And these include our own Dr. Robert Gilsen, the Lady Judy Morrison, and more recently Marilyn Gilsen and Charles Stephens.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Then what are we supposed to do,” Amanda asked, “and more precisely, what are you suggesting that we do? For I do have a feeling that the message was also intended for the man, Drachma, who is among us now.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Drachma – here?” asked Lonnie. “I don’t see him anywhere.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Neither do I, but I know he’s here. I can feel him and smell him next to me.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Feel and smell him? Whatever do you mean, young lady?” asked the earl.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Shortly after your letter arrived, I could sense something, as if a faint breeze came in from the forest, and I could smell the aroma of the forest, as if I could smell the earth, mixed with ancient trees. And somehow, I knew it was Drachma.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Drachma, or someone from that other time and place,” noted Lonnie.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, it’s definitely Drachma - there’s his authority and power I can sense.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Can you communicate with him?” asked Chris.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I really don’t know, but I get the feeling that what we say and do now he will carry with him. And he seems to be saying, “Do not fear.””<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Back in his own room, Drachma was writing a note on a small piece of paper. He next rolled up the little piece of paper and fit it into a tiny cylinder. He went out to where the pigeons were and chose one. He clamped the note to the holder on the bird’s left leg and then carried the bird ever so gently outside.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As he watched the bird take flight, he muttered quietly, “Get ye hence now, and take the message to Tom. I shall await, though I know not how much time I have left.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Then the old man, exhausted, walked back into his study, found his chair and his flask of wine, and sat down. As he drifted to sleep, he thought he could make out the form of Maggie in the distance, out on the water, leading a young girl by the hand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-51191393112016991042021-02-21T17:13:00.003-08:002021-02-21T17:13:41.596-08:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Eighteen<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxy23cGHMC3iS-Na-wqCB8AUmGzAURULXfV5OrvTMDEf22GbGJAx3YeWk7CPGWPnjOv8QJg7bBSoBbjxvY78BoJy0rdRNu3mcqp0SfA4duW48qInCWmmQhWpTgnE-kf0FjXhu9wRbCeTI/s2048/P1092458+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxy23cGHMC3iS-Na-wqCB8AUmGzAURULXfV5OrvTMDEf22GbGJAx3YeWk7CPGWPnjOv8QJg7bBSoBbjxvY78BoJy0rdRNu3mcqp0SfA4duW48qInCWmmQhWpTgnE-kf0FjXhu9wRbCeTI/s320/P1092458+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">This is one of the turning points of the story. Charlie Stephens is in for the ride of his life!</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Eighteen<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie arriving at the inn, carrying the youth, made quite a scene. The patrons of the inn had never seen anyone who looked like Charlie, and when he opened his mouth it was instantly apparent that he was a stranger. The innkeeper and his maid instantly made the youth a place to lie down by the front window. Charlie then sat down in a chair next to the boy’s head. The smell of the burned youth and his clothes arose from his body and permeated the small inn.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Look, I’m so sorry to bring you this poor kid, but he told me, before he passed out, that this would be the place to take him. Has anyone seen a girl named Maggie anywhere around these parts?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">His speech sounded so foreign, and his words were only partly understandable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Maggie? Nay, we d’na know the lass. Is she yer daughter or yer maid?” The innkeeper asked. “Might I ask wha’ happened t’ the lad? And where ye be acomin’ from?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Let’s just say that I’m from a long way away.” Charlie thought about telling them more, and then thought better of it. “Let’s just leave it at that for now. Now, as I was walking down from the mountain, and came to the sea, I saw this shed burning. And from the entrance, I came upon this boy, who was obviously burned and injured, and I got him out of the burning building, and then I brought him here. I don’t know who he is, but he did mention that he had seen some girl named Maggie – and no, I don’t really know her – and she told him that this was where to come. And so this was where I brought him. Does anyone know him?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The maid answered him, “He’s one o’ the lads what live ‘round here, though nobody knows where. He goes by the name o’ Wheezer. That’s all I know. But I do know as he does eat some o’ the scraps from here. Now what do we do wi’ ‘im?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Is there any place we could get him some medical attention?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“The only place ‘round here be the castle o’er yonder.” The innkeeper pointed with his hand. “But I know not whether they can do ought fer ‘im, nor if they’ll e’en see ‘im. As Chrissy was sayin’, he’s one o’ the urchins, an’ has no one to speak fer ‘im.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, it would appear that he does now,” said Charlie, “as I’ve stumbled upon him. If we could figure some way to get him to the castle, maybe I could prevail upon the powers that be to aid in his survival.” Charlie said this without any conviction. But he knew it felt right. He felt in his coat pocket, and the pendant was still in its place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The people at the inn had managed to procure the services of a wagon, and quickly got the stricken youth into the wagon, along with Charlie. The driver of the wagon was named Ezekiel and appeared to Charlie to be very old. But he was small, wiry, and moved with the ease of a much younger man.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, the castle is up yonder,” he said, indicating a vague direction with his shoulder, “an’ I expect it’ll be about an hour afore we’ll be there. Ye can keep the laddie as comf’t’ble as ye may. Now here’s some water fer the young thing. I expect, he’ll be aneedin’ some.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie took the jug of water and held it to the lips of the youth. As he did so, he noted a strange odor, a peculiar sweet odor. The youth had regained just enough consciousness to take some water. He choked, but did keep down the small drink, and then accepted some more. The cart was lurching up the muddy street, and then turned left onto what must have been a more main road. What they could see by the moonlight was limited. Charlie filled in the time by asking some questions of Ezekiel, which to the old man made this stranger seem like a dimwit, indeed. Asking things such as where they were, and what was the year. But it soon became apparent that this may have been a ruse, as he then asked about the state of affairs on the island, and it was obvious that he knew of the people who were running things, such as Craycroft and Kerlin, and he even knew of Tom and Drachma. Ezekiel’s answers became a bit more guarded as they plodded on. Charlie sensed this and figured that he had touched on a sensitive nerve when he mentioned Drachma.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Wheezer was becoming more arousable as they went along and took more of the water before going back to sleep.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“How’s the laddie, then,” asked Ezekiel, “an’ d’ye think he’ll make it?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I really don’t know. If Maggie hadn’t been involved, I’d say that I doubted it, but with her being involved – she seemed to have some sort of otherworldly connection.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Maggie? I know not this lass. Is she kin t’ye?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Kin? No, she’s not.” Then it was Charlie whose answers became more guarded. For just how could you explain Maggie?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">After another half hour, with as much information as they cared to divulge, the cart began the ascent to the castle. In the moonlit night, it stood out like some sort of gigantic form over the hill ahead of them. Charlie pulled out his little notebook with its drawing, to compare, but he couldn’t see anything on it. Nevertheless, he had an idea, and he put the notebook back into his pocket.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">They approached the gate, and Charlie noted there were torches illuminating the magnificent archway, as well as inside the castle. They were stopped by a pair of guards at the gate, who asked their business at this hour. Ezekiel explained that they had an injured youth with them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The guards looked at the obviously injured youth, and said, “Well, ‘twould appear to be Wheezer, an’ ‘e looks to be in a sad state, indeed.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, that be his name,” answered Ezekiel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, you may take ‘im to Sick Bay, but with him bein’ Wheezer and all, I canna’ say whether they’re likely to take ‘im in. Gerald will show ye the way. But what o’ the stranger? You, me man, where d’ye be from, and what be yer business here?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“My name is Charles Stephens. And I’m not from this island.” Charlie reached into his pocket and pulled out the notebook, found the picture and handed it to the guards. “I was sent in search of this castle here. And on the way, I found this youth who had been injured, and was in a burning building…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye. ‘tis plain that ye’re not from this isle, as yer dress and yer speech do tell. Well, Gerald’ll keep an eye upon ye.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“In truth, Sandy, look at this drawin’ o’ the castle! Ne’er have I seen anythin’ like it. It does appear to have been created by an artist or magician beyond our ken.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The two guards passed his drawing back and forth. Ezekiel also took a look and whistled his approval. Eventually, they handed it back to Charlie, who quietly closed the notebook, then slipped it back into his pocket.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, Gerald, ye can take ‘em to Sick Bay, but as I told ye, there’s no tellin’ whether they’ll take in yer lad.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As the cart lumbered out into the courtyard, Charlie stared about him, and couldn’t believe his eyes. The place was enormous, and what he could see in the moonlight only added to the majesty of the castle. As they crossed the great courtyard then headed to the left Charlie was assaulted by the smells of the stables, and off in the distance a dog barked, with others joining. They came upon a fairly modest structure, where they stopped.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ye wait here, I’ll go inside ‘n see if’n they’ll see ye.” Gerald’s officiousness seemed somewhat comical to Charlie, but the three of them stayed put for the moment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">A few moments after, Gerald reappeared, with two other persons, one a large man, who walked with a noticeable limp, and the other a youth who virtually ran out to the cart ahead of the others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Wheezer! Are ye hurt?” Then the youth looked over the boy and called the other man over. “Come, Fergon, we must get this one inside quickly. And I shall send for Craycroft anon.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The large man lifted Wheezer with the utmost care, and took him inside, the others following, with Charlie bringing up the rear. Inside the building, with its very tall ceilings, were multiple cots, with some taken up by an assortment of persons. They took Wheezer over to one of the far cots, where the youth took over, and began rapidly giving instructions and what it sounded to Charlie like orders. There was scurrying about, with one of the youths sent out, and the others carefully removing Wheezer’s clothing, and bringing him fresh linens. The young man was examining him, and when he came to the abdomen, his look became very grave. He was next allowed to rest, with clean covers, as one of the young women in attendance began heating some water in a large kettle, and another just stayed with the injured boy, gently stroking his face. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">When he could see that all was done as he had instructed, the youth in charge turned toward Charlie, and approached him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, kind sir, I do know of whence ye came, for yer clothes do give that away. But can ye tell me, please, how ye came upon poor Wheezer here?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“You know where I came from?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The youth nodded. “Aye. Ye’ve come from the same place as Master Robert, and the Lady Judy. Me name be Aaron, and I work fer Lord Craycroft. He be the ruler of our island.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And you asked how I came upon this poor boy, and I’ll tell you. But first, let me ask you, does the name Falma mean anything to you?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, it does, indeed! It means that ye’d better tell Craycroft himself. And to let ye know that I’ve summoned him here anon.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And just one more thing, Aaron, does the name Derrymoor mean anything to you?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Derrymoor? Indeed, it does as well! ‘twould mean that ye’re in truly rare company, me good sir.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie put his hand in his pocket, and he felt the scrimshaw broach. He thought about showing Aaron. But then the door to the building opened, and in walked a group of men, whom Charlie immediately recognized as persons in charge.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft spoke first. “Now, Aaron, what is this pressing matter?” Then recognizing Charlie’s clothes. “And do introduce me to this man, who does appear in our midst, no doubt from Master Robert’s time and place.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ah, Lord Craycroft, I know not his name, but he came here with the injured and badly burned Wheezer. And I believe it fitting that he tell ye the story of how he came to be here. Especially as he does come, mentioning the name of Falma.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed! A name I have not heard in many months.” Craycroft paused, as he wiped away a stray tear. “Then do come, my man, and tell us your name and your tale, even as I examine this most unfortunate of urchins. I am Craycroft, the present lord of this castle and this isle. But I did not come to that title except by the will of the people. For I am trained as a physician, and not a ruler. And let me have you meet these gentlemen with me. This fine young man is Drachma, the Younger, who does go by the name of Tom.” Charlie’s eyes widened at this news. “And this fine fellow is none other than the earl of Derrymoor, who does, in fact rule over the island in the name of the English King.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, let me get this straight,” said Charlie in a hoarse whisper. “In this room right now we have you, Mister Craycroft, along with Tom, whom I know through Falma, as well as the final piece of this puzzle – the earl of Derrymoor. Let me just sit down a minute, ‘cause this is a bit too much for me right now.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie then sat down on a bench, and he shook his head. He then said, “Tom, you know me, you know who I am and what I’m doing here, don’t you?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, that I do. You are none other than Charles Stephens, the man who connects the lives of Lady Judy, and Master Robert, and the Lady Marilyn with the lives of the earl of Shepperton, along with Joshua, his parents, Janie and Earl, and now with Lonnie and Amanda; and, of course, our own dear Falma. Would that not be right?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Wow! I never thought about it that way, but I guess you’re right. I’m just a reporter from the twentieth century, but even though I’ve never met Judy, I do seem to have connections with all their lives.” He hesitated, and then went on. “But for now, I believe the life of this child is our major concern. And let me tell you, that I as usual, had no idea what I was walking into. I was brought over to your world by Falma, who told me where I was to go when I came out of the woods, but he, true to form, disappeared in the woods. Anyway, he told me to walk to the sea, which I did, when I came upon a small building, which was burning, and out of this building this youngster came crawling, who had been burnt and also stabbed. And you know what he said? He said that he had been told by someone named Maggie that I’d be by to take him to the inn of the village. And from there, here we are.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Craycroft had already started examining Wheezer, but at the mention of Maggie, quickly turned and asked, “What do you know of Maggie? And how is it that you also have connections with the lass? ‘twould seem that you are a man of most extraordinary and far-reaching influence.” He then turned back to his patient and said, “but you are so right that we must attend to this lad’s needs. It would seem that he was, in fact stabbed in the belly. He is burned and has lost fluids. We shall take care to bandage his wounds, and try to provide him with fluids, but I would note that he is quite ill, and may be with us for a while. But you said that it was Maggie who told him that you would be by, and to bring him by way of the inn? Tell me was there a lass named Chrissy there at the inn?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Yes, there was.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ah, that is good, then. The Inn of Four Arms, then. Am I right?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, ye be right, m’lord,” answered Ezekiel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, me good man, when you get back to the inn, please tell yon mistress that she did well by me, and here’s a little something to take back for Chrissy, and one for you as well.” Craycroft took a couple of coins from his belt and handed them to the surprised Ezekiel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, me thanks, m’lord. And I shall take this to Mistress Chrissy anon.” And then he stepped out of the building and headed back out into the night.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aaron, could you take these to the Four Arms,” said Craycroft, handing Aaron two coins, “and make certain that Chrissy does get these.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Aaron winked his acknowledgment to Craycroft.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But now, Master Charles, you did indicate that you knew something of Derrymoor, did you not?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Sort of… you see, I came with a puzzle. Before I left my own time and place, Janie who was Josh’s mother, died, and she gave me this pendant, with the name of Derrymoor on it.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“A pendant?” asked Derrymoor, suddenly alarmed. “Might I see it, my good man?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Charlie drew the pendant and its chain out of his pocket and handed it over to the earl. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And you say it came from your time and place?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Ah, well that’s sort of right. Before she died, she gave it to me, and said that it might provide some answers. But she didn’t indicate just what the questions were.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It would seem to me that our esteemed guest would need some sustenance, as there are multiple questions to answer, and they would be best answered over some victuals at Barncuddy’s. What do you say, Tom and Sir Derrymoor? Shall we?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As Craycroft gave orders to the attendants for young Wheezer, Derrymoor looked carefully at the pendant, and then reverently placed it back into the hands of Charlie. Then Craycroft, Tom, Derrymoor, Aaron and Charlie all headed out into the night, and across the great courtyard toward Barncuddy’s Ale House.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p> </p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-28565557613535547282021-02-09T11:29:00.003-08:002021-02-09T11:29:44.675-08:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Seventeen<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xya8jNxceW1MZ2S4Btb8dL50cv0KGx5_GGn5zfHScHivClwJJo6D0t9f6heQGxt8CA-FhXlOS9gE_aObq1BVi1l2Vv9J-a9xcn1-zmWmAzLF-t2ZHpgVnBPCI_XSVT9uTpI5Wg4AObGv/s3264/PA244463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xya8jNxceW1MZ2S4Btb8dL50cv0KGx5_GGn5zfHScHivClwJJo6D0t9f6heQGxt8CA-FhXlOS9gE_aObq1BVi1l2Vv9J-a9xcn1-zmWmAzLF-t2ZHpgVnBPCI_XSVT9uTpI5Wg4AObGv/s320/PA244463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Seventeen. Here we get the magic again, but this time the magic comes with warnings!<p></p><p><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Seventeen<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As the ragged cluster of mounted men entered the village, Bob’s insides began to recoil. The thought of this place, which he had not seen in four years, brought back memories of the time he arrived on the isle, confused, disoriented and alone. The village of Clannach looked just as he remembered, even to the small hut, which had housed the smelly old man, Allen of Burridge.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>I wonder what became of him, </i>thought Bob. <i>And I wonder if he’s still alive. </i>Bob thought back again of that time, and the kindness of the old man, who had gotten him the warm cloak, as the armed men took him away.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The street turned past the hut, which looked to be deserted, and the door stood half open. As they passed the hut, Bob thought for just a moment that he saw a figure in the doorway. And then as they went further, he was sure of it. There was someone inside looking directly at him, but her look was one of silent warning.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What is it?” Hermes asked in a coarse whisper.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It’s Maggie, isn’t it? In the doorway.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, ye be right! But what is it she be doing?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I can’t be sure, but it would appear that she is here to warn us of something…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">And then she vanished from their sight.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As the small troupe headed east along the village toward Killiburn, Bob and Hermes stayed close. Each one felt unnerved by the apparition but kept silent. Adding to the atmosphere, Bob felt the same unease that he did when he first came to Killiburn, as a prisoner then as well. He longed to tell Hermes about it, but just kept silent for the time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The road took them the same way, up a slight hill toward the barracks. As they approached, Bob wondered just how Gregorio’s men had managed to wrest control of the barracks from the Forest Guard, but he said nothing. He turned control of his horse, as did the others, to the guards standing by the stables. The prisoners were led inside, and the memories hit Bob again with a force to the gut. There was the same layout, with the bunks, and the fireplace in the middle, and the same smell of armpits and stale urine. The prisoners were told to take their places on the old cots, while the guards and Gregorio chattered in some foreign tongue, filled with wild gesturing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Eventually, Gregorio came to the prisoners, and said, “You must stay here. I go now to speak with my men. The guards bring you food. You understand?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, we understand,” said Kevin. Then, as Gregorio turned away, he gave Bob and Hermes a glance as if to say, “wait.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they were sitting on their cots, waiting for the guards to bring them sustenance, Kevin turned to the other two and, under his breath, whispered, “Worry not. For help shall be coming.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Bob and Hermes nodded, but said nothing. The smaller of the guards returned, carrying two sacks of provisions, and a jug of water. He laid them on the table, and gestured to the prisoners to come, eat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As they were eating and drinking, Bob thought he could hear, off to the right, what sounded like scuffling. But then it was silent again. He didn’t realize quite how hungry and thirsty he had become, and the meal, though simple, seemed to provide him a much-needed lift. And the water, to his delight, did not have that strange, sickly sweet odor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Just then the door to the barracks burst open, and in stepped the largest man Bob had ever seen. He was dressed in green of the Forest Guard, and quickly dispatched the two guards to the back room and looked as if they wanted no part of this giant. As they cowered in the other room, Kevin and Hermes took hold of Bob, and went for the door. Outside, they had fresh horses waiting for them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As the three of them alit, the giant appeared at the doorway, and said to Hermes and Kevin, “Now, be gone, my friends, ye know the way! Ah, I see they have provided swords for each of ye. I shall stay, and with me men, I shall take care of dealings with our Italian Count, who should be coming back any minute.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, we do know the way.” Answered Kevin. “And thanks be t’ye, Fausto. And me regards t’yer brothers.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“’Til later, then, o’er a pitcher or two of Barncuddy’s finest!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, ‘til then! Now follow me.” And with that, he turned his horse, and the three of them cantered out of town.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">But as they were leaving, Bob looked over to his right and saw something, which drained the color from his face. For there on a horse, with a cluster of men-at-arms around her was none other than Marilyn. In that instant, as if a light emanated from her visage, he could see all the years of care, and felt himself stricken. But her face bore only sadness and concern, without reproach.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Hermes noted his companion’s ashen appearance, and when they had ridden out of the village, came alongside and asked, “Master Robert, now I know that ye knew that lady back there, didn’t ye?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Hermes, you could definitely say that, for the lady was none other than my wife, Marilyn.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Yer wife? But what of Lady Judy?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Bob was silent for some time. Then he swallowed and began telling his two companions aspects of his prior life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“You know, I came here four years ago, from another time and place… And that now seems like a former and rather unreal part of my own life. Now what Judy has been, as odd as this may sound, she has become an anchor to this world, and yet she was the only link I had to my former life. And now, of all things, she is pregnant with my child (and believe me, that’s another story). <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And you must forgive me, but all this time I was assuming that my staying here, in your time was made permanent by my own decisions as we sent your earl to our world. And now, it would appear that my own presuppositions may have been at the very least naive, and perhaps dangerous as well. You saw her didn’t you, Hermes?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“D’ye mean Maggie? Aye, I did see her, there in the village.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It would seem that Maggie was there as a warning to me, or to us, that things may be getting a bit more tense at the least.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What d’ye mean, Master Robert?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, let me tell you, that a while ago, Tom was in our home back in Shepperton, and while he was there, he fell into some sort of a trance, and from his mouth there came words of both benediction and warning. He said that my life and work had been a gift to his people. And that they had been given the power to protect me, and that I should accept your help, and the help of Alex, but also of Marilyn.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The three of them rode on in silence for a time. Then as if he had been thinking things over, Hermes spoke suddenly. “’Twould seem to me, Master Robert, that Tom was in touch with truth beyond our ken. For how else would he e’en know of Alex and of Marilyn? This was afore he had a chance to meet them, was it not?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It was Hermes, it was indeed.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I canna’ vouch for no one else, but as fer meself, I would state again, that I would do anything t’ protect ye. Of that ye can be certain.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It would seem to me,” answered Bob, “that any threats to me here would not be of the kind you could protect me from. Rather, it would be information that I might need…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Information? What kind…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">It was as if Kevin had sensed something that neither of the other two could hear. He brought his horse to a standstill and held his arm up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What is it?” Hermes said in a voice just above a whisper.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">They were now well outside the village and were in the woods. The ground had risen to the ridge they were on. The path below, in the fading light of evening looked to disappear where the sound of flowing water originated. They could see Kevin staring intently down toward the river below. Both Bob and Hermes looked and listened, but neither could discern what it was that alarmed Kevin.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Kevin just sat for a while and stared ahead. Then he proceeded at a walk, going around, and avoiding the path to their right. No one said a word, but they just went where Kevin led, single file. After going along for another half hour, he turned and headed down again toward the river. As they came down to the river, he paused again, and looked back up the river. In the dim light, Bob and Hermes could see nothing at all. With a hand signal, he then advanced, cautiously across the river, with Bob and Hermes following behind. On the other side, Kevin seemed to visibly relax, as he took them up a hill. The top of the hill was bare of any trees, and he then pointed back the way they came, where they could just make out a band of riders, coming out of the woods, and heading toward the village.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“As I thought… and feeling it better not to engage that large band of horsemen, I brought you this way. I know not who they be, but I now feel safer.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I believe you were described as having the eyes of an eagle and the ears of a fox, Kevin.” Bob noted, “and for that I am exceedingly grateful.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, come along then. We have a ways to go ere morning, me mates.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">And as the trio headed back into the woods, and climbed by the light of the full moon, into the mountainous darkness, Bob had even more to consider. He now felt like his two worlds were about to crush him, but he could now smell the familiar aroma of the deep woods envelop him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-84518641419278002292021-01-30T09:37:00.000-08:002021-01-30T09:37:52.848-08:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Sixteen<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-_46rHdCiagEIsAEIdhyphenhyphenzABhdVLaPhmfR5XC_g6NPEzgqV5b9hObj5vgM5yCBHVnD3Gx_z_nPKtdYLm3qPIkIbkUPx2KVWwjyYqbFK8p30OelJdASR5h0vHP-sg07P3qU_wdpybWSDH-/s2048/P9084977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-_46rHdCiagEIsAEIdhyphenhyphenzABhdVLaPhmfR5XC_g6NPEzgqV5b9hObj5vgM5yCBHVnD3Gx_z_nPKtdYLm3qPIkIbkUPx2KVWwjyYqbFK8p30OelJdASR5h0vHP-sg07P3qU_wdpybWSDH-/s320/P9084977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Here it is, the next chapter of Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two - this time, it's Chapter Sixteen. And to remind you, this is a raw, unedited version.<p></p><p><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Chapter Sixteen<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As oncology and hospice nurses, Brenda and Lonnie had had many occasions to attend funerals, and each one it seemed took its toll. This one they realized, was going to be particularly tough, especially considering their back-seat passenger. The two nurses in the front seats chatted quietly about work, while Amanda sat and stared out the window.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Do you know,” Amanda spoke up unexpectedly, “what Maggie whispered to me?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“No, Amanda,” Lonnie turned around to see the child, “Do tell.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It was after Janie died the other night. Maggie just came to my room. I couldn’t see her, but I knew she was there. Well, she kind of whispered to me, and she said to tell you that Charlie had made it in time to save the boy’s life.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“How very strange! What boy?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That’s what I asked, and she said the boy in the burning building by the sea.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, my!” Lonnie reacted. “I wonder if that was expected. I’m quite sure Charlie didn’t anticipate that. And I’m just as certain that Falma knew something. What happened then? Did she just leave?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, no, Lonnie. She left me this.” Amanda reached into the pocket of her dark blue jacket, and pulled out a small sheet of paper, folded in half, and handed it to Lonnie.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What is it?” Asked Brenda, trying to see while driving.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It’s a note, and if this is true to form, it will only serve to deepen the mystery, and increase my own involvement.” Lonnie again noted the off-white color, and the unusual stiffness of the paper. “Did she say who it was for?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“No, it was just fluttered onto my bed as she left.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie opened the folded paper and read.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> To the persons reading this letter -<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Greetings!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Be it known to you and yours that<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> this child bears the stamp of eternity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Listen to her. She shall tell ye of what<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> and when the time shall be.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> It shall be soon enough, and she shall<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> be provided the means.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> We shall wait until then,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"> Drachma, the Elder of the Forest<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie blinked, and silently reread the note, and noticed the writing, and the ink. The ink had the appearance of age, and the handwriting had a peculiar slant to the left. It was at once familiar and new. Charlie and Judy had both spoken of having seen notes like this. And she couldn’t believe that Amanda could fabricate anything this intricately old, nor would she. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh my!” she sighed at last. “Amanda, what do think about this note?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I don’t know what to say about the note. And don’t ask me about what I’m supposed to know or to tell you, because I don’t know that myself. And just what does he mean that I bear the stamp of eternity? I certainly don’t know anything about that.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Amanda, I do believe that this Drachma person considers you extremely special (as do I), for if you think about it, who else do you know who has been visited by Maggie, and who else has been witness to the happenings in two far apart centuries? You’re now precious to persons in two centuries, far apart both in time and distance. I’m so glad that the sisters let you come today.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, I had to come, because Janie told me to come.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“She did? When was that?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That was some weeks ago. I talked to her, and she was thinking about going on hospice. That was when she told me about Charlie. And she made me promise to be at her funeral.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That sounds like kind of a grim conversation. So, you knew Charlie would appear in your life, huh? Before he ever did?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Uh huh. And no, our talking was actually kind of fun. We were actually joking and laughing – imagine, two people laughing at sickness and death. And yes, that’s how I knew about dear Charlie - from Janie.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And it was Janie who wanted you to come to her funeral? You know, I get the feeling that there was a reason for that…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, there is a good reason. And you’ll find out, too.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“My goodness, girl, it seems that you are full of surprises!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As she was saying this, Brenda was turning in to the parking lot of Shiloh Chapel. She found a parking space up front, and then she and her companions got out of the car.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Could I see the note?” asked Brenda. It was more than curiosity that led to her asking.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Sure, here it is.” Lonnie handed her the note. Brenda studied the little off-white note, turned it over, looking at the back of it. Then she held it up to the light and squinted at it. “Here, look at this.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The other two looked, and they could see the faint watermark. It was in the shape of a wolf’s head.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, what does that mean?” asked Lonnie. “And how did you know to look?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I’ll explain after the funeral. Come on, let’s get inside.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">They went into the front door, and walked into the hushed interior, and were shown down the hallway by a tall man in a dark suit. Before the women stepped into the chapel, the tall man had them sign the guest register. He next studied their names, and from the table behind him took a small red flower, and he pinned it to Amanda’s coat. Amanda smiled up at him. He smiled back knowingly, bowed his head to her, and she entered wordlessly. Inside, the organ was playing quietly and unobtrusively. The chapel was fairly small, and there were rows of chairs, about half-filled with people. In the front of the chapel, to the left of the lectern, was Janie’s casket. It was open, and Janie’s body was there, in perfect stillness, in her favorite pink gown. In the front row sat Earl, and several others the women did not recognize.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">When the two nurses found a place to sit, Amanda also sat down next to them, but took the aisle seat. Lonnie smiled at the earl of Shepperton, and Carol, who sat in the seats just to the front. Lonnie turned to Amanda and whispered, “Now, what was that all about, my little lady?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Remember what I told you?” Amanda whispered in her ear. “It was part of Janie’s plan.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The funeral service began, and despite their previous experience with funerals, it soon came too close to their hearts. Lonnie and Brenda each pulled out some tissue from their purses. But Amanda just stared ahead, dry-eyed but somber. The service seemed to go on as most do, with biblical readings and songs. And then a couple of people got up and talked of Janie, and what she meant to the community and to what was left of her family. Earl just sat in the front row, too stymied by grief to do anything but dab at his eyes. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">But next, the preacher smiled, and he looked directly at Amanda and said, “Now, I have in my hand a note, written by Janie a week ago, in which she had a very special request. There is a fellow cancer patient here among us. She had agreed to speak at Janie’s service, and comes to us from the Sisters of the Poor, where she attends the fifth grade. Apparently, she and Janie decided that it would be fitting to share some of what sisterly bonding can occur among those afflicted with the illness of cancer. So, with that in mind, I would ask Amanda Barnes to come forward. If you would be so kind, Amanda…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Amanda stood up, and fearlessly moved to the front. Lonnie and Brenda just looked at each other with puzzled looks upon their faces. The others in attendance also stared at the little girl, pale, bald and beautiful, who looked so completely comfortable in front of the crowd. Then as she began to speak, the words and emotions began to tear at the heart of each one present.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I’m Amanda, and I’m in the fifth grade. And I’ve got cancer too. At first the doctors all thought they’d be able to cure it, but now it’s come back, and they don’t talk anymore of cures. They just talk of prolonging my life. Anyway, I’ll tell you just how I came to know Janie. It was about six months ago. She had just been told she had cancer, and had had surgery, and she was getting ready to have radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. But you know, she was more interested in me and my life than in telling about hers. And, before long we became really close friends. And every time I could, I would talk to her. And we’d talk about anything and everything, but mostly we’d talk about her son Josh, who died four years ago, but how he was now in a place called Shepperton. But his name there is Tom. And I’m here to tell you, that even though it sounds unbelievable, that’s the truth.” She smiled at the earl as she said this, and he smiled back, knowingly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“You might ask, where is Shepperton? And if I told you it was an island in the ocean, between Scotland and Ireland, you might just go back to your maps, and tell me that it’s not there. And I’d tell you that’s right, for you won’t find it on any maps that we have today. And then if I told you that Shepperton was there in the fifteenth century, you’d look in your history books, and tell me there’s nothing in them about Shepperton. And I would agree with you again, ‘cause I’ve done both of those things. And yet, I can tell you absolutely that Shepperton does exist, and that’s where Josh has gone, as well as Dr. Gilsen and Judy Morrison, and more recently Marilyn Gilsen.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">There were murmurings among those seated in the assembly. “But there’s more. Charlie Stephens is a TV reporter. He works for the WIOX TV station, and many of you know him, or at least have seen him on TV. Now, he and Janie had become friends over the years since Josh died, and he did a big thing on TV all about the disappearance of Judy and Dr. Gilsen. Now Janie told me that Charlie Stephens would play a big role in what was to happen, and I would meet him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now what did she mean by that? Well, if you go back and you look things up, you’ll find some interesting things about Charlie. How, years ago he did a piece on TV about kids who had been abused. And I do know about this, ‘cause there are still kids at the “Sisters” who can tell you that he was just about the most caring person they had ever met, and they still talk about him as if he was one of the saints. And I can tell you that in my own experience, he is a saint… though he doesn’t know it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Anyway, Charlie walked unexpectedly into my life recently, and he and nurse Lonnie Chavez it seems got themselves into some type of business, which involved Dr. Gilsen and Judy Morrison, and taking place in Shepperton, in the fifteenth century. And it also involved Marilyn Gilsen, Dr. Gilsen’s wife. You see… both Charlie and Marilyn Gilsen aren’t here anymore. You can check with the police about this. They’ve both gone off to Shepperton, each searching for different things and different people. Marilyn’s gone off to search for her husband, who is in some danger. And Charlie’s gone off to find Judy Morrison, who is pregnant, and is also in trouble.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Amanda paused for a few seconds, and noticed a woman sitting in the back row. She smiled at her in recognition, even though the two of them had never met. The woman, a petite, unassuming, middle-aged woman, smiled back timidly. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Christine Lewinsky had decided she needed to go to the funeral of Janie Crabtree. She had decided to go, not particularly as a friend, but in her role as police detective. She had known and met Janie Crabtree a number of times, but their relationship, though very cordial, could hardly be described as friendship. But now, with this missing person’s report, her job had just gotten even more complicated. <i>Thank you, Mr. Stephens, you’ve just made my task even harder. </i>She definitely needed to go to the funeral. She knew she would be able to connect with people who may be able to fill in some of the gaps in her story, which had already taken on otherworldly features, even before this new disappearance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">She had no trouble locating Shiloh Chapel, and pulled into the crowded parking lot. She had decided to step in a bit late and had hoped she would not attract any attention by doing so. As she was shown in, and signed the guest register, she made a mental note of the names of some of the other guests. She then eased inside and found a seat in the back row. She looked around, and noticed the earl of Shepperton and his wife, Carol. She noticed Janie’s husband, Earl, in the front row, but did not recognize anyone else.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">And then she noticed this young waif of a girl, who strode to the front of the chapel, and began speaking. Hers she was, mentioning all the people whom Chris had an interest in. And she spoke with complete confidence, as if she was in touch with the truth of the matter. As a detective, she had learned to tell if people were speaking the truth as they understood it, and those who were trying to hide it. But here was someone who spoke of unbelievable things, and yet spoke as one to whom truth had been revealed, and she was merely passing it along.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">And when she smiled at her, as if she knew, Chris’s heart began to race, and she could feel herself flushing. All she could do was smile back at the little girl. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">After the service ended, Amanda took Lonnie’s hand and brought the two women back to meet Chris Lewinsky. After she deposited the two women with the detective, she quickly went to get the earl of Shepperton, and brought him along with Carol back with her as well. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It would appear, my dear ones, that our little Amanda, here, has something in mind for our getting together. Is that not right, Amanda?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That’s right. When I was up there speaking, and I saw Miss Lewinsky come in and sit down, I knew all the pieces of the puzzle were fitting together, and that we were needing to go sit down to eat and discuss this whole thing.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now, young lady,” said Chris, “Have we ever met before? I don’t remember if we have.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Not exactly, Miss Lewinsky. But I do remember you from one of your visits to the sisters. You came there last year, investigating what happened to Francine’s parents. And I remember, because I had to comfort her for several days afterwards.” She answered in her even-handed way, stating the facts, not accusing. But her words stung Chris Lewinsky.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Gracious! I had no idea of the effect I had on her. Please tell her I meant her no harm… Would you do that, please?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I would, but she’s gone now. Where, I don’t know. They only tell us so much. But if it’s any help, she did forgive you. She told me that. It was hard, but she did, and you know, it was just you, doing your job.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Chris’s eyes began to water. Here was a mere girl, never having spoken to her before, seemingly calling her out, not just for past rudeness, but also for coming out to this sacred rite, again with the idea of just doing her job. She swallowed hard.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Then I ask your forgiveness, for I was again just coming out here to do my job. And now it appears that I’ve really stepped into something… something mysterious and powerful. And, also something, I fear, which may make doing my job even more stressful, and ultimately meaningless.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Meaningless?” The earl spoke up. “I hardly think so. For if you remember, Charlie had been sought by forces over which he had little control, and little knowledge. So, your investigation may seem meaningless to those not in the know, but in the ultimate scheme of things, I am quite certain that it shall have considerable meaning.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, since we’re talking of meaning in our muddled-up world,” Lonnie said, “I know just the place that I believe we should meet. It’s not too far from here, and it’s called the Three Knights Inn. And I happen to know from experience that it is in fact a place with memories and connections to centuries past… That, and a bit of magic as well. But before we go off to that place of wonder, could I see that note again, Amanda?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Amanda took the note out of her coat again, and, with just a hint of a smile, handed it over to Lonnie, who then handed it in turn to the earl of Shepperton. The earl took the note, with closed eyes inhaled the aroma, and then he held it up to the light, and finally he read it, with Chris reading over his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“So, Christine, what do you make of the note?” Chris took the note and studied it. After looking it over, she still looked perplexed. Without waiting for an answer, the earl continued, “What I can tell you is that this note is real and comes from a reality of which we may only share a small portion. And it tells of this young lass’s increasing importance in the lives of those close to us. And it tells me one more thing – that Drachma himself is still in control of these events, both here and in Shepperton.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Lonnie turned toward Brenda, and said, “OK, Brenda, now it’s your turn to explain. What do you know of that watermark? It would seem that the earl also knows…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“While I was still an ICU nurse, I did have the occasion to care for our beloved earl (that is when I could take over from Carol here). And as he was making his recovery, I did find out some things that were kept from others. Though I’m quite certain Carol now knows, the earl did have with him a paper in his possession hidden within his things, and one day I was going through some of his stuff with him, before he was set to be moved out of our ICU, and came across this small folded piece of paper in among his things. And as I unfolded the piece, the earl suddenly grabbed my hand in his. I looked up to see that he had a look on his face like I’d never seen before. And so, I quickly folded the paper back, and handed it to him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“But then he took the paper, unfolded it, and he next held it up to the light, and then he said to me, “Come, Brenda, and look upon on this paper.” And I did, and he pointed out the small watermark in the right lower part of the paper, and he then told me that small sign was very important, for it told the bearer that this was of significance, as it came directly from Drachma himself. I pretended knowledge of who Drachma was, and then I read what was written on the paper. It said that this was the earl of Shepperton, who had provided a place to live, and safety, and in return Drachma would do anything in his power to keep the earl alive and free from injury and illness. And further he mentioned someone named Craycroft, who had also sworn to do this.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“So, ye do see,” commented the earl, “that it still be Drachma’s hand that is playing with all these lives. Aye, that it should still be, but I know not how much longer. And it would seem that young Tom is taking o’er the duties from his grandfather. But come, now, friends, and I do believe that Mistress Lonnie is correct in her choice of places to meet. And I do hope they might have some Carlisle’s Brew.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370386423835980965.post-7400446391435260452021-01-07T10:26:00.000-08:002021-01-07T10:26:42.797-08:00Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Fifteen<p>Here is the next chapter in the series - enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZw9NqZxIkheo76t239UJDBIaPMAG1y2NHQEgo00Yq0kvKXkKm0NnyZxI2ClVeMqnK-b-tNnxs1ly-OaLbsLHa61oOXcwlVnWQ71ISsjiUHvcNTrjy6QyBY3lrb-PdxX7kRlhRYSeyj4L/s2048/P1112601-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZw9NqZxIkheo76t239UJDBIaPMAG1y2NHQEgo00Yq0kvKXkKm0NnyZxI2ClVeMqnK-b-tNnxs1ly-OaLbsLHa61oOXcwlVnWQ71ISsjiUHvcNTrjy6QyBY3lrb-PdxX7kRlhRYSeyj4L/s320/P1112601-EFFECTS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chapter Fifteen</span></b><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Hastily finishing his meal, the younger man turned toward his elder companion and stated, “It would seem, Master Guarneri, that our plan does need some force behind it. For I fear that Count Gregorio may have stumbled into a trap, and if so, then we are no better off for our efforts.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Guarneri looked about, and noticing no one seemed interested, said, “So tell me, Emile, what is your proposal? It would seem that your own contacts with the king’s men could become singularly useful, no?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye that I do believe. And so, I have drafted this letter, to my patron, Salamanca, on the mainland. He is one of the king’s ablest knights, and it was he who originally sent me to Shepperton, to seek out what knowledge I could of this Master Robert, and to discredit him. And if that should not prove possible, to then send him word, and he would see to it that the king’s own machineries of war be put into motion.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">He pulled from his tunic a folded sheet of paper and handed it to the man seated across from him. Again, glancing about to be sure no one was witnessing the event, Guarneri took the letter and opened it to read.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">My dear Salamanca,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">Greetings from the Isle of Shepperton.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">Thou art hereby notified that my time upon this island has assuredly been <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">productive. I have found much of this man, Master Robert of Ewe Ass.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">He is most highly loved and respected upon this island, and now, it seems<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">that his fame has also reached the kingdom of Scotland. And, as thou hast<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">suspected, his ideas are truly dangerous, and he does need to be stopped.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">He is presently sent toward the interior of our fair Isle, and he may be <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">protected by a small, but mighty armed guard.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">I do hereby request that ye send men of might, toward Killiburn, which is<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">Northeast of the island’s main port.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">I shall attempt, through my own contact here, to have horses and<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">supplies of war at the ready for thy appearance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">Yours, faithfully<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;">Emile Patronis<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 67.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Having read it, Guarneri asked, “How soon can you have this epistle sent?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“There be a two-masted ship, going to leave upon the morrow. And the captain is willing to have this letter delivered to the port of Liverpool, for a sum.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“A sum? Just how much does he require? And is that anything that you have agreed to?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Three pounds is what he suggested. And my circumstances do not yet allow me to give him this amount.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I see, and for me providing this amount, I would assume that ye have something to offer…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye. For my own payment is also due upon arrival of the king’s men. Salamanca has told me so.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And do you trust this Salamanca?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Implicitly, aye.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, then, back to original question. If I were to loan ye the three pounds necessary, what would I get in return?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Why, I should think that ye’ll get the three pounds back, with interest…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Aye, that I would. But why don’t I take what you do have, until that time.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Patronis thought for a moment, then sputtered, “But that would leave me with nothing but the clothes on my back. Destitute, and dependent…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Upon my good graces.” Guarneri finished his thought. “But worry not. For if ye do me bidding, I shall indeed take care of thy needs.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The older man reached into his tunic, and pulled out his bag of coins, and pulling out three silver coins, laid them on the table. Then he reached across the table and held out his hand. Patronis fumbled for his own meager coin pouch and emptied it into the palm of his companion. Guarneri slid the silver coins across the table.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Now go ye and pay for the letter to be sent. But first, let me seal it with my own seal, so that Master Salamanca shall know that ye do mean business.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Patronis took the letter, with its red wax seal, placed it within his tunic, and he quickly exited, heading for the pier. As he left, he realized how glad he was that he had told Guarneri the inflated price of the letter, and he pocketed the one silver pound, with the other two in his money bag for payment of the passage on the ship. To be utterly dependent on that old man was not what he envisioned. Further, he was happy that he had used most of what monies he had gotten from LeGace to purchase the services of Tierney. He would definitely be needing him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As Stefano led the former prisoners around the huge boulder, they could see ahead of them the extraordinary shape of Castle Kearney, as if growing out of the forest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What is this place? I’ve never seen anything like it.” Judy’s astonishment and enthusiasm spilled over to Alex.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It looks like the home of giants! Is this where Drachma lives?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Indeed, now does it not?” Diane remembered seeing this place once as a young girl, about Alex’s age. “Nay, child, this be not Drachma’s forest home. Rather this place is called Castle Kearney, and it be the place where the Forest Guard are trained and do reside.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">They moved on up the path toward the great stone archway, and as they came under the arch, were greeted by a pair of guards in their green uniforms.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Stefano, Martin! And Stoneheft! Welcome… and I extend Drachma’s welcome to all. Do come in, and please partake of your welcoming feast. Now, we did hear of yer coming, and of the precious persons here among you, and all should be made ready fer ye. Now, just leave yer horses with us, and Jeremiah an’ I shall make certain they’re cared for, and properly groomed.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Thanks to ye, David. And I must say that we are a most tired lot. Come now, and I shall introduce ye to the Lady Judy, her companions, and to Prince Diego.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Stefano dismounted, handed the reins to Jeremiah, and walked with David back to the cart. There, Alex and Diane were already out of the cart, while Judy and Diego were both struggling to get up and out of the back. David reached into the cart and helped Judy to her feet. Stefano likewise helped Diego.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Friends, this is David, one o’ the Guard, and one of me oldest friends. He is here to welcome us to Castle Kearney. Now, David, this fine lady is the Lady Judy, wife of Master Robert…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I am entranced, m’lady.” He bowed his head to her. A slightly puzzled look appeared briefly on his face, and then disappeared.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“And this be Diane, wife to Cayman o’ the Castle Guard, and mother of Master Eustace, over yonder.” David bowed his head to her as well. “And this be Prince Diego, who did arrive upon our isle, but was severely injured, and assisted in his recovery by this young lass, name of Alexandra.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I am most pleased t’ meet ye, m’lord,” he said with another bow. “And ye, m’lass, whose face does shine with special intelligence, are also most welcome. And now, if ye’ll direct yer attention to this fine lass, name o’ Meara. She shall lead ye inside, and show ye to yer rooms, and the insides o’ this castle.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Meara curtsied, and uttered her greeting as well. “Come, now, an’ I shall show ye where ye’ll be stayin’. And it is wi’ pleasure that I welcome ye.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">And then she turned and bade the others to follow her into the castle. And what followed her was a conglomerate of persons from the young to the older, all sweaty, tired and stiff. Meara led Judy with care, and Diego held on to Alex, as they half stumbled in through the heavy doorway to the interior of the castle. Its magnificence, though less ostentatious that Shepperton Castle, was a sight, which to a person was at once welcoming, yet so plush as to take one’s breath. The long corridors, with their windows framed by heavy drapes, and the floor covered by richly redolent carpets, and the warm glow from all the lamps along the way brought about appreciative stares from the likes of Gilbert, Eustace and Chauncey, and a subtle, crooked smile from Diego.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">After all the guests had been shown their quarters, and had a chance to clean up, they were taken by the servants toward the massive dining room, now arrayed with roast venison and vegetables, fragrant yeast rolls, bowls of fruit and flagons of ale. At the head of the table was David, and at his right sat Judy, with Diane. At his left were Alexandra and Diego. The rest of the places were filled by Eustace, Chauncey, Gilbert, Martin, Stoneheft, as well as assorted Forest Guard members. The guests were famished, and ate without speaking, and when second helpings were offered, they were eagerly downed as well. As they drank the ale from their flagons, their tumblers were quickly refilled by the servants all about. The sensations of warmth, satiety and comfort were felt by everyone with the exception of Judy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">With her own keen senses alerted, Alex came to Judy and asked, “Lady Judy, would it help you to know that yer Master Robert is aw’right?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Alex,” Judy replied with her eyes now overflowing with tears, “if you only could know such a thing.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The youngster smiled. “Oh, Lady Judy, it is one o’ the things that I do know, as surely as I know ye’re havin’ a girl. Yer man is now in the company of Hermes an’ Kevin, and they be in Killiburn. So, don’ be afraid.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Judy didn’t feel better. She was in yet another place where she was a stranger. And yes, this was a fine meal, and she did at least feel safe, with Diane at her side. But she was without Bob, Jeanne or Melchior, and was without her home. As reassuring as she had been to Bob when he expressed his anxieties, she did not feel reassured now. Inexplicably, she began to recall her old life, the life with all of its stresses, its loneliness, its own tensions; but medical care, which you could assume would be good to excellent, was at your disposal. And now here, in this time and place, with its needs, demands and its uncertainties, not to mention primitive medical care… suddenly she felt abandoned.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Oh, Alex, what could you know of my worries? You are just six years old, and I wouldn’t want you to worry. But thank you.” She hugged the girl beside her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Lady Judy, me mum told me not to worry, and so I don’t.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">And then the realization hit her. Here was a six-year old, away from her mother, out with a band of strangers, as alone as any one of them, and who had faced real dangers, who was now providing solace to someone she just met days ago. Here she was, telling Judy not to be afraid. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">A tear rolled down her cheek, as Judy said, “Oh, Alex, I’m so sorry.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“It does seem to me,” spoke up Chauncey, from across the table, “that this six-year-old lassie’s heart and her courage do appear to come from some source beyond our ken. And if ye recall, she told me of me own Sylvie, whom she says is now upon the island, and looks fer me. And ‘twould seem to me that whate’er yer needs, and whate’er me own needs, that someone knows, and is making known through this lass. Fer I’ve heard nothing from her lips that was not truth.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Truth,” broke in Gilbert, “aye she is one in touch with truth. Fer I tell ye she knew the truth about the blue light, though she had no experience of what it meant to me. And yet she knew – aye, she knew. She told me, and then what could I do but surrender? Fer I then knew, it was truth – so much more powerful than that which I had been following after. And so it be, m’lady, that Chauncey and I shall be on guard fer ye, e’en though yer Master Robert be not here.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Why thank you Gilbert, and also Chauncey. But it is not fear of any mortal threat which disturbs me - it is something else. Something over which none of us has control.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What is it, m’lady?” Asked Diane. “What d’ye fear? And is there anythin’ I could do fer ye?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I don’t know, Diane. And if I knew, what could anyone do?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“What d’ye mean by that?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Well, I’ll explain if I can. You see, where I came from, in that time and place, when a woman gets pregnant, she typically sees an obstetrician (that’s a physician who specializes in taking care of pregnant women) or her family physician, and the doctor generally sees her and runs tests on her blood, and examines her with ultrasound, and does other tests to determine if the woman and her baby are healthy. And then the doctor follows along, during her pregnancy, and monitors her and her baby to see if all is well. And if there is something wrong, he may do things to reduce her risks, and the risks to her baby.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Is that what ye fear?” Asked Alex. “Fer to you comes Charlie Stephens, wi’ somethin’ from yer own time.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>What a strange pronouncement! </i>Thought Judy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“Charlie Stephens?” That name rattled something memorable in her mind, which she couldn’t bring to the fore. “That’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time. Who is this Charlie Stephens?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“That I know not. But what I know is that he is friends wi’ Janie, wi’ Lonnie, and also Marilyn.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Judy’s head was spinning. <i>Someone who knows Janie, Lonnie and also knows Marilyn! What could all of this mean? </i>Her mind went back to Tom’s strange pronouncement to Bob, in which he said that Bob would need the help of Hermes, Alex, but also Marilyn. <i>And now this Charlie Stephens. Who is he, and what could he possibly have that I would need? </i>And all at once it hit her! <i>Charlie Stephens, that smarmy little TV reporter. Could it be the same man? And what was he doing in their lives?<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">“I don’t know, Alex… I have some serious misgivings about this Charlie Stephens.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>The Book of Drachmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15402293433544594442noreply@blogger.com0