Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three

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.

Shepperton’s Sacrifice

Heir of Drachma

Book Three

 

Chapter One

 

 

 

 

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.

 

“Whoever is in here, I ask that you identify yourself, for I do know you are here with me.”

 

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.”

 

“Falma!? Ah, if I could but see you.”

 

“That is not to be this time, my friend, but I too am anxious to see you. And you know I shall, but soon.”

 

“How soon? When?”

 

“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.”

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

“What do you need, then, to tell me, so I may write it down for young Tom?”

 

“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.”

 

“Is that so? I suspected as much. And I do assume that you have taken that into consideration, have you not?”

 

“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.”

 

“So, Tom was right to include them both.”

 

“Indeed, he was. And so, we must leave it in the hands of those chosen for now.”

 

“And I am then able to sleep as one who has done what he may, with what he has been given.”

 

“Aye, my dear friend. Grace be with thee.”

 

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.

 

            To my dearest grandson, Drachma of the Island,

 

                        I have just been visited by the spirit of Falma, and he brings his greetings

                        to you, who must now take over my duties to Shepperton. Now, Falma told

                        me of things which I now confer to you, as well as confirmation of things

                        which I suspected.

 

                        Falma did tell of Master Charlie, who is to make the decision of staying or going.

                        And I know you shall be there to determine when he makes his decision, as my 

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.

 

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

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!

 

Also, you now know where the deed is kept

.

I know, my grandson, that you shall possess that power which you need.

 

Your everlasting friend and grandfather,

 

Drachma

                        

 

 

 

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.”

 

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.

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

“And here we are today, under similar circumstances, but in such different roles, or so it seems, no?”

 

“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.”

 

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?”

 

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!”

 

“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.

 

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. Now, what 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.

 

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?”

 

“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.

 

“Come this way,” said Michel, “but be not a fool to think that ye can get away with anything.”

 

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.

 

“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?”

 

“Aye, I have them here. But I would request that you deliver them in my presence to your Master LeGace.”

 

“That will not be necessary, as he is not here.”

 

“Indeed? I do feel it shall be necessary.” Kerlin replied calmly, “this is too big an issue for you alone.”

 

“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.”

 

“Indeed, I am. But my wits remain with me, even though I have no sword.”

 

Quite suddenly there was a crowd in the room, with several large men surrounding Kerlin. However, he remained icily calm.

 

“Let me warn you all, that should any harm come to me, you shall not even get to see your Master LeGace again.”

 

“Oh, and how will that be? Do you have special powers?” Leonardo seemed amused.

 

“Aye,” Kerlin replied, “that I do have, and you do not want to know or see what I am able to do.”

 

“So ye say, but ye shall indeed meet yer match this day. Come me mates, let us take this gentleman to meet Master LeGace.”

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

“Watch closely,” he whispered in Italian, “for it is Kerlin, and he will signal us as he leaves.” 

 

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.

 

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.

 

I must tell Tom about this light. Perhaps he will know its significance. 

 

 

  

Either Chapter 9 of Shepperton's Sacrifice or Chapter Thirty-Seven of Center Game

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!

Chapter Nine of Shepperton's Sacrifice or Chapter Thirty-Seven of Center Game

“Are you certain you have everything you need?”

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

“Do you remember, Kerlin, our first encounter?”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“I do remember very well. It was Drachma, indeed. I was reporting to him about my encounter with Antoine LeGace.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“Ah, but Kerlin, we do have his influence, in the form of his grandson.”

 

“Aye. And you do believe that he shall be ready?”

 

“As ready as you or I. And let me tell you of the second encounter we had, for at that encounter everything had changed.”

 

“Indeed, it had, for I came to you a broken man, having lost both the persons I was entrusted to protect along their way.”

 

“But, as you must recall, you had followed precisely the instructions given you by Drachma himself.”

Kerlin nodded and swallowed as his response.

 

“And so,” Craycroft went on, “you had done what your instructions were, despite the apparent brokenness of all around you. Is that not so?”

 

“Aye, it was so, despite my having serious misgivings at the time.”

 

“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?”

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

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.”

 

The trio set off for the keep, and for Craycroft’s quarters. On the way, Marilyn asked Fausto again if he knew anything more.

 

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.”

 

“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.

 

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?”

 

“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.”

 

“You’ve been here before, then?”

 

“Aye, m’lady, it was during the rule o’ the old earl of Shepperton.”

 

“You’ll have to tell me more…”

 

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.”

 

“It is truly a striking bust, of an obviously powerful man,” Marilyn said, as they followed Craycroft into his sitting room.

 

“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.”

 

“Aye, I shall bring some anon,” he said before turning abruptly and heading on down the hallway.

 

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.

 

“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…”

 

“Bad vibes? What is that?” Jeanne asked with perplexity.

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

“Oh, and what did she say?

 

“She called me Lady Marilyn (and that caught me off guard), and she said “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.””

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

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.”

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

“Truth. Is that what you want from me?”

 

“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.”

 

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?”

 

“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…”

 

“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?”

 

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.

 

“Come here,” she said to Craycroft, “and tell me where this will be taking place. You do know what I mean, don’t you?”

 

Craycroft got up, went over to the window, and pointed, “There, you can see for yourself the place to which I have dispatched Kerlin.”

 

“And what precautions have you taken, for it seems that this Antoine LeGace would himself be wary of you, especially at this time…”

 

There was a knock at the door, and then the page reappeared, carrying a large tray.

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

“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…”

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

“Indeed!” answered Craycroft. “And to each person, only that which he could carry for the time given.”

 

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.”

 

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.

 

“My pardon, m’lady, but your words carry the ring of truth, as I have indicated. It is precisely what we need of you.”

 

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.

 

 

 

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.”

 

“Thank you sincerely, Fausto,” Marilyn answered, “That means the world to me.”

 

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.

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

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.”

 

“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.”

 

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).

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“And what about this Antoine LeGace? What can I do about him if anything?”

 

“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.

 

 

  

Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three, Chapter Eight

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.

Chapter Eight

 

 

 

 

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.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

A slight murmuring spread through the church.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

“What is it, Lonnie?” Whispered Chris, “you look as if you’ve seen a ghost…”

 

“It’s him! He’s here, in the back of the church,” she answered in a tense whisper.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

“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?”

 

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.”

 

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.”

 

“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.”

 

“You think so?”

 

“Uh huh. I most certainly so.”

 

“Well, then, you tell me how I can help – maybe it will keep down the feelings of inadequacy.”

 

“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.”

 

“Gee, thanks a lot!” Lonnie answered with all the sarcasm she could muster.

 

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.”

 

Chris got up as well, and the two women hugged, as if in some way this could be a final goodbye.

 

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.