Timothy H. Cook's Blog, page 2

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

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. 

Chapter Three

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

Tingley responded, “aye, it be strange indeed. An’ what d’ye suppose’ll happen when Lady Marilyn an’ Lady Judy meet?”

 

“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!”

 

“Have ye heard whether Lady Judy had her baby? Last I’d heard she was goin’ t’deliver really soon.”

 

“Nah – I’ve heard nothin’. But then we’re usually the last t’hear anythin’ interestin’.”

 

“But sometimes,” Tingley noted, “we get t’be the first to find out somethin’.” He gestured towards the inn.

 

“Aye… and here we may have somethin’ to tell our lords.”

 

“Aye that!”

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Leonardo hailed the waitress, a large, matronly woman named Charlene who came over to their table.

 

“I see two more o’ ye here. Will there be others?”

 

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.”

 

“Very well, gen’lemen. I’ll be right back wi’ yer drinks.”

 

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.”

 

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’.”

 

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?”

 

“Aye, do that.” Leonardo said, “and when ye come back, we shall be ready t’eat.”

 

“Very well, sires.” She headed back to the kitchen, and along the way directed Guarneri and Patronis toward the table in the back.

 

As the two men walked back, Leonardo again got up, and made introductions. LeGace again only nodded his recognition, staying seated and basically mum.

 

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.”

 

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.”

 

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?”

 

Enoch nodded, and added, “I shall have to have one o’ Barncuddy’s when we return.”

 

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.”

 

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.

 

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.”

 

“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.”

 

Without thinking, Clifton answered, “Prince Rupert’s School for Young men. ‘Tis attached t’ the University as a preparatory Academy.”

 

“I see, very interesting,” answered Guarneri.

 

Enoch looked at his comrade, who realized quite suddenly what he had done.

 

“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?”

 

“Aye, that is correct,” said Enoch, hoping that his comrade’s faux pas would be quickly forgotten.

 

“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).”

 

At this, Patronis and Guarneri looked at each other slyly.

 

“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?”

 

“Aye that is understood,” answered Enoch.

 

“Aye,” said Clifton as well.

 

LeGace simply nodded, with finality. 

 

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.”

 

Sheepishly, the two Scotsmen got up, and made their way out. 

 

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.

 

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.”

 

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.”

 

“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?”

 

“Aye. Ye have made that quite clear, sire,” answered Guarneri. And then the two of them made their way out, quietly.

 

“And now, Leonardo, we shall have to go as well, for there is much to arrange in the next few days, eh?”

 

 

 

 

 

“Well, now, Enoch, did ye ever think that we’d be gettin’ into anything like this?”

 

“Nay – headmaster Montaugh never let on that there was this evil. That is how I feel, all dripping with his evil secretions.”

 

“And did ye notice – how, when LeGace mentioned Master Robert, that the other two looked at each other, like they knew somethin’?”

 

“Aye, I did. D’ye suppose…?”

 

Mortimer and Tingley had no trouble catching up with the two Scotsmen. They were walking as though coming from a funeral.

 

“Ah, me friends, Mortimer and Tingley! Did ye see anythin’ or anyone suspicious?”

 

“Nay Clifton,” Mortimer answered, “just that ye left mighty early from yer “feast”. Was it no’ t’yer likin”?”

 

“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.”

 

“Aye. I hear he does that t’ one’s appetite.”

 

“Listen, is there any way we could meet wi’ Craycroft this evenin’?

 

“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?”

 

“Just that we met with Master LeGace, and we have some serious misgivings. It was as if we walked into a snare.”

 

“Aye, that is just what I feel, too,” added Enoch.

 

“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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shepperton's Sacrifice, Heir of Drachma, Book Three

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!

 Chapter Two

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

“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?”

 

“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.

 

“Well, just toss your cloak over the chair, and come, give me a hug, then, young man.”

 

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.

 

“I shall begin, then with good news. Aye, Judy did deliver a most beautiful daughter, and they have named her Angelica.”

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

“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?”

 

“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?”

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“I knew there were.”

 

“Aye, but in my time, it was Janie, Joshua’s mother, who granted me the powers.”

 

“She, who was Joshua’s voice…”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.” 

 

“And the drachma – it is also safe, and out of the hands of Master LeGace?”

 

“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.”

 

“Aye. She is our link to their time, with Charlie Stephens now holding place here.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“Do we know where he is being held?”

 

“Aye. He and Hermes are in Clear Bay…”

 

“At the barracks, no doubt.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.” 

 

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.”

 

Forceful eloquence, the words stung Drachma. This was not the musing of youth.

 

“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.

 

“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?”

 

“Ah, Marilyn. She is truly a treasure. But presently under wraps, I would say. Tell me, what do you remember of her?”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

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.”

 

“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.”

 

“And what would that be, oh Drachma of the Island?”

 

“Simply put, she is to be our unknown and unconquerable force, in our battle yet to come with Master LeGace.”

 

“Said with much prescience, my grandson.”

 

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.”

 

Tom came over to Drachma and helped him to get up. 

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

Tom studied the paper, then with widening eyes said to Drachma, “Is this what I perceive it to be?”

 

“Aye, it is. And you shall have to speak with Chauncey about the other half.”

 

“Grandfather, this has the power to turn all of our fortunes…”

 

“Why do you suppose I have kept it packed away here all this time?”

 

 

 

 

 

The start of something new!

 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!

Heir of Drachma

Book Three

Shepperton’s Sacrifice

 

 

Chapter One 

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

“What be ye drinkin’, Charlie?”

 

“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?”

 

“Oh, aw’right,” she said as she sidled up to the chair next to Charlie.

 

“Ophelia, could you make up another cup of this magic juice for this young princess?” he said toward the kitchen. “Thanks so much.”

 

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!”

 

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?”

 

Charlie at first just stared at this six-year-old beside him. Who is she, really, and how does she even know this? How can Alex even understand? 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.

 

“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.”

 

“What was her name? D’ye remember?”

 

“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.”

 

“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?”

 

“To be honest, I really don’t what happened to that.”

 

“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.

 

Charlie opened up the piece of paper, and found a picture of a heart, which was instantly and achingly familiar.

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

“Tell me,” he was able to finally say, “is this going to part of my decision that I must make?”

 

“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.”

 

“The one?”

 

“Aye, the one to make the right decision.”

 

“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?”

 

“Alonza Chaves an’ Christine Lewinsky,” was what she said.

 

“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!”

 

“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.”

 

Charlie looked down, closed his eyes and eventually said, “I suppose you’re right.”

 

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.”

 

“Important, eh? It seems that everything here is important.”

 

“Only if it affects ye – eh?”

 

“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…”

 

“’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.

 

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.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

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).

 

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.”

 

“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.”

 

“Now, I do think that’s enough about me, Charlie. And as I’ve got you here, I need something from you – the truth.”

 

“The truth? You’re asking me, a reporter, and therefore a known liar, for the truth!”

 

Judy nodded, and then she said, “in all sincerity, I need to know about you, and also about Marilyn…”

 

“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.”

 

“You go ahead, I’ve got time, and I know you do, too.”

 

“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.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

“It sounds almost like you were in someone’s dream,” said Judy, smiling at him.

 

“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…”

 

“With the drachma inside, on a deep blue velvet cloth.” Judy finished the sentence for him. 

 

“Wait! So, you know about the silver coin?”

 

“Oh, yes. I was the first one in our time to have it. And it went from me to Bob, and then to Janie…”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“Wow, that kind of a secret would be hard to keep. What an extraordinary man he is!”

 

“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?”

 

Judy chuckled, and just shook her head.

 

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.”

 

Charlie looked about him, swallowed and closed his eyes before resuming.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“And now you’re going to add a fourth,” said Judy, smiling in a way that cut straight through to his folded heart.

 

“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.”

 

“Ah, but Charlie there shall be,” Alex’s pronouncement hit its mark with the force of an arrow.

 

 

 

 

Some information on upcoming posts

 Dear readers,

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.

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.

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.

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). 

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

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.

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!

Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two - Chapter Twenty-Eight

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.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

 

 

 

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

Marilyn felt as awkward as she ever had but tried not to show it. She simply smiled and looked down at her plate.

 

“I would also like to introduce our newest ally, Count Gregorio.”

 

Gregorio nodded, as Kerlin and Cayman nodded as well, but somewhat less than enthusiastically.

 

“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.”

 

Derrymoor then produced a paper, which he passed on to Kerlin and Cayman.

 

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?”

 

“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.

 

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.

 

“And that brings me to my associate, Jeanne. I believe, Jeanne, that you have a couple of things to report.”

 

“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.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

“I assume there were no adult witnesses?”

 

“Nay, sire, none.”

 

“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.”

 

“Aye, m’lord.”

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

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.”

 

“As you say, I am also an outsider – but I have always been that.”

 

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.

 

 

  

Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Twenty-seven

This is the chapter which puts the fifteenth century on a collision course with the twentieth century. Hang on tight!

Chapter Twenty-Seven

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

“You may begin pushing now, Judy,” said Diane, as she also noted the change in contractions. “Ye’ll be havin’ a baby quite soon.”

 

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.

 

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.

 

Inside Judy was concentrating mostly on pushing with each contraction, just trying to get the baby out.

 

“I can see the head,” Diane said. “It shouldn’t be long now, Judy.”

 

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. 

 

As the baby began to wail, Diane said, with some excitement in her voice, “Oh, Judy it’s a girl, a perfect little girl.”

 

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.

 

“May I see?” Alex couldn’t stand it anymore, and Judy showed her to Alex. “Oh, she looks like an angel!”

 

“What are ye goin’ to name her?” asked Diane.

 

“I do believe Alex has named her. We’ll call her Angelica.”

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

Angelica, as it turned out, had no problem with latching on or nursing, but still nothing in the way of cramping.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

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.”

 

“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.”

 

It was now becoming clear both to Diane and also to Alex that things were not quite right with this delivery after all.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Tom asked if he had any more whispered messages.

 

“Well, yes, but I couldn’t understand any words, but it did carry the message to hurry, that I was needed.”

 

“That is enough for me, then. Let us hurry.”

 

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.

 

As they rounded the huge stone, and made their turn, Tom said, “there it is – Castle Kearney, up ahead.”

 

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. 

 

“Ho, Master Tom! And Master Charlie – ye be needed inside. Meara can show ye the way. I shall take care of yer mounts.”

 

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.

 

“Master Tom,” said Meara, “and Master Charlie, do come in. I shall take ye back to the lady’s room. Follow me.”

 

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.

 

When they got to Judy’s bedroom, Tom offered to stay outside, as Charlie followed Meara inside. 

 

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. 

 

“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.”

 

“Could you come closer? I promise I won’t bite. It’s Charlie Stephens, right, the reporter for Channel Five?”

 

“Yes, that’s me, or was me.”

 

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?”

 

“Ah, she is…or was…doing OK.” He couldn’t help it, but his voice cracked as he said this.

 

Diane, in the meantime had stopped trying the uterine massage, and simply stared at the scene in front of her.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

“You must know, I’ve never given anyone a shot before.”

 

“Yes, that’s what I assumed. Look, you’ve come this far, and you’re not going to back out now.”

 

“All right, then…”

 

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.

 

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.

 

“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.

 

“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.

 

Charlie blushed. And then he came by to look at the baby, who was still and sleeping peacefully in the arms of Alex.

 

“Beautiful baby, very beautiful.”

 

“Aye, she’s me new baby sister. ‘er name be Angelica. And I named her.”

 

“Oh, you did?”

 

“Aye, she looked just like an angel.”

 

“I can believe that.”

 

Charlie looked over at Judy, but she had fallen asleep. Diane looked back at Charlie, and mouthed the words, “Thank you, sire.”

 

 

 

 

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.”

 

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.

 

“Is the lady awake?” Tom asked.

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“Taken prisoner? By whom, and when?”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“Well, it does make me feel better that you’re not going anywhere, but I’m so worried about Bob.”

 

“Lady Judy,” spoke up Alex. “Your Master Robert is safe. I can tell ye that with certainty. He has Hermes with him.”

 

All looked in the direction of Alex.

 

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.”

 

“Aye, that I am,” Alex said, without any pretense.

 

“Sounds a lot like someone I knew back home.”

 

“Do you mean Amanda?”

 

“Why, yes…” Charlie looked astonished.

 

All eyes were again on Alex, who took Charlie’s hand and led him out of the room.

 

 

 

 

Where Alex took Charlie was to her own room. 

 

“This is my room here. Isn’t it nice?”

 

“Very nice, indeed. Do you have anything like this back home?”

 

“No, na’ really. I have to share a room with me brother, Rupert. And it is much smaller.”

 

“And where is home for you?”

 

“It be a long way from here – in Champour.”

 

“Tell me, do you miss your home, and your family?”

 

“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.”

 

 “Yes, I heard something about him, like he’s some kind of prince or something…”

 

“Maybe, but he’s too nice t’ really be a prince.”

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

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?”

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

“Now, wait a minute. What would a six-year-old in the fifteenth century know about leukemia?”

 

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.”

 

Charlie swallowed hard, at this. “Did you say Falma?”

 

“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.”

 

“Just wow! I’ve met this fellow named Falma, but I haven’t really met this person named Drachma.”

 

“Ye will. That much I do know.”

 

Charlie suddenly remembered what Tom had said, about his own relationship with Josh, and compared it to Amanda and Alexandra. Just wow!

 

“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.”

 

“And what decision would that be?”

 

“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.”

 

“And it’s me who’s got to make that decision?”

 

“When will I have to make this decision?”

 

“Oh, ye’ll know, Master Charlie, ye’ll know.”

 

 

 

 

  

Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two - Chapter Twenty-Six

With Chapter Twenty-Six, we are tightening the screws all around. We begin with Judy in labor, and go from there... Enjoy!

 Chapter Twenty-Six

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

“Alex, do you know anything of Bob?” Judy asked after her last contraction. “Is he coming?”

 

“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.”

 

“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?”

 

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.

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

“Does it ever slow down in your world?” asked Charlie. “Or do you have to keep doing these heroic deeds?”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“Indeed, it was.”

 

“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?”

 

Tom’s answer made Charlie realize that here was a chip off the old block.

 

“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.”

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

“Oh, Fausto, I thought that your castle was magnificent, but this one is truly something to behold.”

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

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.”

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.”

 

“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. 

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

“Let me ask you, my good man,” Derrymoor asked, “were any of the count’s shipboard persons and goods at all involved?”

 

“I think not, m’lord.”

 

“Very well, and how many men did you bring as prisoners back with you?”

 

“Nineteen, sire.”

 

“And so, we now have, with your nineteen men, forty-one in sum, counting the others delivered to us yesterday.”

 

Craycroft continued on the same line, “Allowing for the loss of three men in your initial rescue, does that sound about right, Count Gregorio?”

 

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.”

 

“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?”

 

The count inhaled sharply. “That man is from the devil!”

 

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?”

 

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”

 

Aaron appeared at the door, and with him were Jeanne and Sylvie.

 

“Mama!” cried Lisa, and she ran into her mother’s arms.

 

“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.”

 

Lisa answered her mother’s question, “The girl’s name was Maggie. She rescued me from the boat.”

 

“Did you say Maggie?” asked Craycroft.

 

“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.”

“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?”

 

“Only that she told me not to worry, that he would have his day.”

 

At that, Jeanne sighed heavily. “So, he was all right as ye left the boat?”

 

“Aye, m’lady. He seemed to be all right, as I could tell.”

 

With that news, Jeanne murmured a soft prayer of thanks, as the tears of gratitude flowed freely down her cheeks.

 

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?”

“Oh, Lord Craycroft, if it would not be too much trouble, I’d like to have everyone here join us.”

 

Craycroft’s eye twinkled as he said, “I am so glad. It shall be as you wish!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Twenty-Five

Now, here in Chapter Twenty-Five we have a number of instances of evil vs good battling it out, for the soul of Shepperton...

Chapter Twenty-Five

 

 

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

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. 

 

Ironic, thought Bob. 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. 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.

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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.”

 

I thought I’d recognized him, but with his speech, I know it’s Sean, from Killiburn.

 

“So, Sean, who is it you’re working for these days?” Bob asked.

 

“Oh, I expect ye’ll find out soon enough.” That was all he said or would say for hours.

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“I see,” Bob said aloud, then said to himself. So, that’s the way things are! It should be interesting to meet those two, and to see if I’m right about things.

 

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.”

 

“Intellectual property, I’m afraid I do not understand.”

 

“I’ll explain when we can freely talk.”

 

“Very well, Master Robert. But I keep thinkin’ ‘bout poor Kevin.”

 

“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.

 

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.

 

“It’s Kevin, he was a close friend.” Hermes stated. “That was until yer archers took him out up there.”

 

“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.

 

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.

 

“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.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

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…”

 

“Oh, I do too. But let us not try anything foolish.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

“Good idea. Now, what can you tell me of your first knowledge that he had come back?”

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

“Interesting choices, I must say, Craycroft! It would seem that I must meet with these adventurous souls at some time, eh?”

 

“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.”

 

“Aye, that I have.”

 

“And we have tried a raid to free them, but LeGace managed to whisk them away (we think to one of his ships).”

 

“And just how many of these ships does he have?”

 

“My sources suggest that he has three.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.

 

“And then, this Master Charles has appeared in our midst, thanks to Tom. What we are to do with his presence…”

 

A page appeared at the door to the room and knocked.

 

“Aye, what is it, page? Is it Cayman?”

 

“Apologies, m’lord, but Master Kerlin and Cayman request yer presence anon.” The page was pale, breathing heavily, and looked quite ill.

 

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!”

 

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.

 

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.

 

“What happened here?” asked Craycroft, “and when?”

 

“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:

 

                               CRAYCROFT – YOUR MOVE 

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

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.

 

“Now, Gracie, my name is Jeanne, and I just needed to ask you a few questions. I hope you don’t mind.”

 

“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?”

 

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. 

 

“Just stay there,” she said, “I shall be right back.”

 

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.”

 

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.”

 

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.”

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

At this realization, Jeanne suddenly choked on her ale. “You said you knew that he is my husband…”

 

“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.”

 

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.

 

“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…”

 

“But I never said anythin’ about a little one…”

 

“But you do have one or more little ones, do you not?”

 

“Aye. That I do.”

 

“Well, then consider this a contribution toward their welfare, as well as yours.

 

 

 

 

 

Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Twenty-Four

Are you ready for Chapter Twenty-Four? This is a chapter with a definite blow to your emotional gut - here it is: 

 

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Four

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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?” 

 

Lonnie thought about this for a while, then tearfully said, “Yes, I would!”

 

“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.”

 

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:

 

                              Dearest Amanda,

                              Thank you so much for being

                              my voice of reason and truth.

                              Love you forever,

                              Lonnie

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

She felt a sudden sensation close to panic, and quickly sought out the nurse.

 

“Amanda – where is she? What happened?”

 

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.”

 

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.”

 

“I’m sorry, Lonnie,” said Julia, as Lonnie headed back to the elevators.

 

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.

 

“Amada Barnes? Lonnie asked.

 

“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.

 

“Oh, Lonnie, I’m so sorry…We just finished coding her. I am… so sorry. She just didn’t make it.”

 

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.”

 

“Oh, yes, they know. And, of course you can see her. Come on back, she is in room 12.”

 

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.

 

“Oh, my dear Amanda, I hope you found your Alexandra.”

 

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.

 

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:

 

                            Dearest Amanda,

                            Thank you so much for being

                            my voice of reason and truth.

                            Love you forever,

                            Lonnie

                    I LOVE YOU TOO  

                           AMANDA

 

Overwhelmed, Lonnie just sat in the car and wept.

 

 

 

 

 

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?

 

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.”

 

“Thank you, Carol. I tell you, I hurt so badly, I’m almost numb.”

 

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.”

 

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.”

 

“She was full of wisdom to the end, Earl. And I was the recipient of it.”

 

“Can you tell me any more of how this happened?”

 

“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…”

 

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?”

 

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.

 

“Yes, that is the smell!”

 

“And that,” said the earl, “is the important part of the message.”

 

“Important? And just what does it mean?” Lonnie looked puzzled.

 

“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.”

 

“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.

 

“I know where it is,” stated Carol. “I’ll go get it.”

 

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…

 

“Here is the horrible letter,” said Carol. “Now, tell me, what do you make of all this?”

 

In answer, the earl took the letter, and like with the note, he blew across it toward Lonnie and Carol. 

 

“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.”

 

“There is, indeed, and I believe that it is a reflection of the one who sent it.”

 

“May I see it? I get the distinct feeling that the sender of the note is trying to give me a message, too.”

 

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:

 

                  So, be ye warned – if I do find that Drachma, or anyone

                 else within his service or thine has been meddling in

                 the events of Shepperton, I shall take it upon myself

                 to make certain that this window through time shall

                 be forever closed, and all of Drachma’s doings

                 shall be forever made naught.

                                  

                                Antoine LeGace

                                Third Prefect, Order of Byzantium

 

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.

 

“Well enough of this for now,” said Carol. “We can get back to discussing this horrible man after we eat.”

 

“Oh, that would be good, for at the very least, I could get his stench out of my nostrils.”

 

“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.

 

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.

 

“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?”

 

“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.”

 

“As Alexandra? That is not anyone whom I knew…”

 

“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.”

 

The earl pondered all this, and then asked, “Did she say anything else?”

 

“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.”

 

“Hmm…let us think all this through. When was the last time you saw Charlie?”

 

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.”

 

“And can you tell me anything of his state of mind the last you saw of him?”

 

“Only that he seemed incredibly sad, and also torn up inside.”

 

“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?”

 

“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?”

 

“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…”

 

“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…”

 

“The silver coin?” Lonnie sounded surprised.

 

“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.”

 

This revelation had Lonnie’s mind swimming. She barely remembered the rest of the discussions of that evening. What is this silver coin, this drachma? What does it mean? I know it’s no coincidence.

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

“Oh, Charlie… for all our sakes, please make the right decision!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center Game, Heir of Drachma, Book Two, Chapter Twenty-Three

This is one of those chapters which sets up for more of the action to come - a prelude to the climax. Enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-Three 

 

 

Alex couldn’t sleep. It was something that she couldn’t quite fit into words, but she knew it involved lady Judy. She got up from her bed, and crept down the hall to Judy’s room, and quietly entered. She went over to Judy’s bed and saw something that would have frightened any other six-year-old.

 

On the bed was Judy, but nothing like Alex had ever seen. She was in some sort of rigid state and breathing in a manner unlike any that Alex had experienced. Her hands clutched at the bedsheets and she seemed to be in some kind of terrible pain. Judy’s agony continued for some minutes, then began to ease. She finally sighed, and opened her eyes, recognizing the little intruder.

 

“Oh, Alex,” she said, and reached out her hand. “I guess I’m in labor now. I tried not to wake you. The pains started rather suddenly, and I just couldn’t rouse Diane. Now, I didn’t mean to frighten you…”

 

“Ye didna’ frighten me. I jus’ knew there was somethin’ wrong wi’ ye. Shall I fetch Diane fer ye?”

 

“Could you? That would be sweet. Just tell her that I’ve gone into labor. She’ll know what to do.”

 

“Oh, aye, lady Judy. That I shall.”

 

Alex quietly slipped out of Judy’s room, and found Diane’s room. She walked in and found Diane sleeping soundly. She came up to her, and gently shook her awake. Diane woke with a start.

 

“What… what is it, child?” Her heart was racing.

 

“It’s lady Judy... she be in labor.”

 

“In labor?”

 

“Aye, that she be…”

 

“Then I must get up and go to her,” Diane said as she was getting out of bed and reaching for her robe at the foot of the bed. “Come, child and I shall tell you what we be needin’.”

 

As they went down the hall, Diane gave her specific instructions to go to the kitchen, and while there, to fetch a large bowl with water, and to bring the finest soap they had, and to bring with her plenty of towels and rags. “Are ye able to remember all that?”

 

“Course, I can ‘member all o’ that.”

 

Alex went off to get the list of necessary items for Diane and Judy, headed for the kitchen, where she found no one awake. And so, she made do with what she could get her hands on. And looking around for something or someone to help her carry her stuff back to Judy’s bedroom, she saw a serving cart with wheels that she thought looked perfect. She then piled her large water basin, her stack of towels, and large bar of soap onto the cart, and worked her way into the hall. The wheels on the cart kept dragging her off to the left, and try as she might to keep quiet, her banging did rouse Chauncey, who was a light sleeper. He poked his head out into the hallway and saw the sight of the young girl, struggling with the large cart.

 

“Ah, Lass, what is it you be doin’?”

 

“Oh, Chauncey, this be fer Lady Judy. She be in labor, and I was sent to get these things by Diane.”

 

“Well, let me help ye. I can certainly push that cart fer ye. But ye tell me which room is Judy’s, and then I shall follow with the cart to the door. Then ye may go in and tell Diane.”

 

“Thank ye, Chauncey. The cart is difficult fer me to handle.”

 

She led Chauncey and the cart down to Judy’s room and then entered. Inside, she found Judy was again having her severe pain. Next to her stood Diane who was holding Judy’s hand, or rather, Judy was clutching Diane’s hand with such ferocity that Diane was wincing in agony herself. Eventually, the pain eased up, so that Judy could relax her grip, and Diane could talk with Alex.

 

“Did ye get the things I asked fer?”

 

“Oh, aye, I did. They be outside the door. Chauncey helped me bring them. He’s also outside the door.”

 

“Well, that is good, Lass. Now, what I’ll have ye do is to stay with Lady Judy, while I go get some herbs from me collection.”

 

Diane went out into the hallway, and had Chauncey bring in the cart. She looked over what Alex had brought and satisfied that the girl had brought everything she had asked for, she quickly washed her hands, then handed the towel to Alex, and told her to do the same. After the girl had washed her hands, she told Alex to just stay where she was, and to get Judy anything she needed. She then picked out a small rag, and handed it to Judy, and said, “the next time ye have yer labor pain, just bite on this wee rag. And Alex’ll be right here if ye need anythin’. Now I’m goin’ to me own supply and bring ye back some herbs to bring yer pain under some control. Now it be not possible to completely control the pain such as ye’ve got, but it’ll be better after I get some herbs into ye.”

 

As Diane stepped back out, she talked with Chauncey. “Now I shall go get some herbs, and if I could ask ye to go to the kitchen, and boil some water, to make a tea wi’ some o’ the herbs I give ye, then bring it back here to me.”

 

“Of course, I’ll go now and start the water a’boilin’ fer the Lady. Be there anythin’ else I could do?”

 

“Nay, not at the present.” And with that she hurried off to her room, and Chauncey hustled toward the kitchen.

 

Inside Judy’s room Alex and Judy were quiet and not speaking as Judy seemed to drift off towards sleep. Alex came close to Judy’s side, and very gently took her hand, which was warm and sweaty. 

 

She spoke very quietly to Judy, saying, “’twill be aw’right. Ye’ll be havin’ a girl, an’ all will be well, Charlie Stephens is on his way here.”

 

“Now, tell me, Alexandra, how do know this Charlie Stephens?”

 

“I just know he’s from your time. He be a friend to Amanda, and also Marilyn…”

 

“Marilyn – that’s Bob’s wife from our old time, but Amanda…”

 

“Amanda, aye, ye’ll have to ask Charlie about her.”

“If you say so.” Then she took the small rag, put it in her mouth, clamping down, for this one hit her hard, so hard that it took her breath. Alex just stood by, for she could do nothing. She just waited for Diane to return.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeanne’s thoughts were a jumble as she and her companions made their way from Craycroft’s quarters toward Sick Bay. She had met with that strange fellow named Charles Stephens, though just barely, before he left with Tom and a couple of guardsmen. He had to go off in search of Judy, with something from his own time for her birth - medicinals of some type. The fellow had seemed as though he had been through quite an ordeal already, yet he had already been accepted by Craycroft, Tom and Derrymoor. How she would have liked to sit down with him to discuss his own background. She didn’t even find out if he had a wife back in his time. And he had told them that he was a “reporter” back “home,” whatever that was.

 

She turned to Craycroft, who was accompanying her, with Derrymoor, Cayman, Mortimer and Tingley a few steps behind. “M’lord, do ye suppose that I could still meet with this Charles Stephens when he returns? There is much that it would appear I need to find out about him, and now he has been whisked away.”

 

“But, of course. There is much that I also would like to discuss with Master Stephens as well.”

 

“He said that he was a “reporter” back in his own time – I would like to find out more about that.”

 

Craycroft chuckled. “I am quite certain that you would. He described his profession to us as one in which he stands before an instrument which sends his image, as if by magic, to persons elsewhere, who also have instruments on which he appears, and they can hear what he has to say, and also see him talking – it must be quite an important thing that he does.”

 

Jeanne stopped. Then she said, “wait, d’you mean to tell me that he just stands in front of this instrument, and talks, and that his image and voice can be seen and heard by persons elsewhere? That does sound like magic, indeed! Is it that he has special powers?”

 

“That I know not. We shall definitely have to ask him when he returns.”

 

“Did not Master Robert nor Judy mention anything like this?”

 

“It seems that Master Robert did mention something like instruments in his day, in which happenings on the other side of world even could be known about almost instantaneously, but what he missed mostly was the music…”

 

“The music?”

 

“Aye, he missed being able to turn something on his small box (I believe he called the thing a radio) and fill the air with music.”

 

“Without anyone to play the music?”

 

“Aye! He called it “recorded” music, or something to that effect. And did not Judy mention anything like this?”

 

“Nay, but she did say somethin’ about missing something she called NPR, which she said provided her with some guidance through the day, but she didn’t say just what the instrument was which gave her the guidance.”

 

“Most likely it is the same thing that brought Robert his music and brought Judy her “NPR,” and it might even be related to their coming here. We should be sure to ask them the next time we see them.”

 

“Agreed! Whenever that should be. Now, would you like to be there when I go see this woman, Gracie at Barncuddy’s today?”

 

“Nay, I believe you would be better off going by yourself. And besides, Cayman has agreed to bring Master Tierney over for a few words, right, Cayman?”

 

“Aye, m’lord,” answered Cayman, who had been caught up in the discussion about magical devices of the future. “But d’ye think that this Master Charles could tell us more about these devices which he used in his time – it seems t’me that the ability to communicate over time and space, if that be true, could have great consequence fer security here. D’ye think it possible that he could build such a thing?”

 

Craycroft chuckled and answered, “You shall have to ask Master Charles, but be ready for an answer that will not satisfy you!”

 

“But Master Robert, he did build some interesting things for use in the clinic, did he not?”

 

“Aye, that he did. Ah… here we are. After you, m’lady,” Craycroft held the door for the people to enter Sick Bay. Old habits were hard for Craycroft to break. Cayman nodded to the guards keeping watch.

 

The group came in and made their way directly toward Wheezer’s bed. He was being attended by Pamela, who had taken an immediate and intense liking to her little charge. She had been at his side for hours that day. As Craycroft drew closer, she backed away deferentially, but Craycroft stayed her.

 

“Come, m’lass, and do tell us of his day so far. Hold nothing back.”

 

“M’lord, what d’ye be wantin’ to know?”

 

“Tell us, dear, of his needs, his wants, and anything he has said from the time you came in and began caring for him.”

 

“He has not said much, m’lord, but he did indicate that he knew he was in Sick Bay, and that he was grateful t’ be here. He did wish to speak wi’ someone, but I could na’ make out who it was, an’ he then went back to sleep, as ye see ‘im now.”

 

“And has he been awake much today, or has he been sleeping?”

 

“Oh, I’ve been lettin’ ‘im sleep. He was barely awake about an hour ago.”

 

“But while he was awake, he wanted to talk with someone?”

 

“Aye, he did. He said somethin’ that sounded like Chaw-lee.”

 

“Aye, that would be Charlie Stephens, the man who brought him here.”

 

“An’ then he needed to tell ‘im somethin’.”

 

“Any indication of what he needed to tell Master Stephens?”

 

“Nay, m’lord. Only that it was important.”

 

Craycroft then arose but signaled to Pamela to stay seated. He then went up to Wheezer and gently laid his hand on his arm. Wheezer stirred slightly, as Craycroft spoke to him in a subdued voice. “Wheezer, it is Craycroft, and I just want to tell you that you are safe here and now.”

 

With an effort, Wheezer spoke, in a voice barely above a whisper. “Is Charlie here?”

 

“Nay, but he was here earlier. He remains very concerned about you. Is there something you want to tell him? You may tell me, and I shall be sure to get the message to him.”

 

“M’lord, it has to do with … his women. And Maggie said to tell only him.”

 

Craycroft’s look was one of puzzlement, mixed with concern. “What I can tell you is that Master Charlie is now on a quest, seeking out one of “his women” and that when he returns, I shall send him your way.”

 

“Very well, m’lord.” And with that Wheezer turned slightly and fell back to sleep.

 

Craycroft turned to the others and said, “It would seem that our young charge has had a visit from Maggie, and you do know the significance of that. It means that we are definitely obligated to keep young Wheezer alive at the very least until the return of Master Charles. So then,” he said, turning back to Pamela, “it shall be up to you to call for any needed help for your young charge.”

“Aye, m’lord,” she answered.

 

Goodness, how things have gotten complicated, thought Jeanne. Just as I was introduced to our new arrival, he is sent off, and there is certainly more to this story which I shall need to examine.

 

The group went on to the others in Sick Bay, where they attended to the needs of Allen, Clarice, Julius and the others, and made certain that all knew of their own importance to Craycroft, the ones attending to them, and to the whole of Shepperton.

 

As they regrouped at the end of the session, Craycroft said, “Now each of you knows where you are to go. And be certain that you report to me what you find. Cayman, the earl and I shall be awaiting Tierney. And you, Jeanne, are to act as my spy, to gather information from both our Scottish friends, and from the lady at Barncuddy’s. Is everyone clear?”

 

“Aye,” said Cayman.

 

Jeanne nodded her assent, as she, Mortimer and Tingley headed out toward Barncuddy’s. Craycroft stepped back, and before leaving, turned again toward Pamela and said something to her too quietly for the others to hear.

 

 

 

 

 

Charlie had not been on the back of a horse since he was a young teen in summer camp in the wilds near his home of Athens, Ohio. That had been so long ago that he did not remember how to protect his bottom end from all the pounding it was receiving. He noticed that his bottom had gone from stiff and sore to numb as they climbed the mountainside and came to the forest. The way had so far been marked by extraordinary views of the fields, farms and small villages, up to the grassy higher lands with its views of the sea below. The views were what he had concentrated on as he made his way with Tom and the two guardsmen, who seemed oblivious to the beauty surrounding them, but did not seem to mind the pounding. Finally, as the group found their trail into the woods, Charlie spoke up, telling Tom that he was so ready for a rest. Tom indicated that a short way ahead there was a place they could rest without risk of being seen on the road. 

 

The road then took them to the right and into the forest, which rapidly became a dense blanket surrounding them. Charlie could see the trees turn from scrub to tall pines and deciduous maples and oak and noticed the abrupt silence around him. He also noticed the smell coming from everywhere. He recognized it as the same aroma he associated with anyone visiting him from this world/this time, and most especially with Falma. As they traveled into the depths of the forest, Charlie let the smell of the great woods envelop his senses and he closed his eyes. As he did so, he heard whispering from off to his right which seemed to say, Charlie Stephens, you are soon going to be making your choice. One for the people of this age, but also for the ages to come.

 

Charlie then shook his head. He could not see where the voice had come from but did notice the lingering aroma.

 

“Nay, Master Charles, you did not imagine it.” Tom said, a slight smile appearing on his face. “These woods do communicate. We know not how, but they do.”

 

“Well, something was whispering to me, telling me that I was soon going to make a decision that had implications both for people of this age, as well as later ages.”

 

“Oh, aye? But what decision would that be?”

 

“I don’t know… But what I do know is that your place of rest better be coming up pretty soon. My tailbone can’t take much more of this.”

 

“Aye, it be up ahead… just there to the left, by the stream.”

 

They came to a slight clearing in the otherwise impenetrable forest. Charlie found that he needed some help getting down from his mount, which Tom gladly offered. After he found his footing on solid ground, Charlie gratefully turned toward the forest stream. He relieved his full bladder, and then he put his hands into the swiftly running water and took a drink before standing back up. As he stood there, he heard more whispering. At first, he could not make out any words, but then he closed his eyes and concentrated. And the whispering started back. It is fitting, Master Charlie, that you attend to what we have to say. You have in your possession some medicine from your time for Lady Judy. After she receives this medicine, you will be faced with a choice. And the choice you must make at that time shall be presented to you by a lass, who goes by the name of Alexandra. And remember that what you decide shall have repercussions felt across the curtain of time. So, weigh your decision with care!

 

The whispering abruptly stopped, as Charlie rather unsteadily walked back to his horse. His head was swimming, and in place of the whispering there was an absolute and overwhelming silence. When he got to his mount, he laid his hand on the horse’s hindquarter.

 

“Were there more whisperings?” Asked Tom. His voice breaking through the silence.

 

“There were, indeed. What can you tell me about a girl named Alexandra?”

 

“Alexandra, eh?” Tom paused. “Somehow I am not surprised that it would be she. Now, she is the youngest daughter of one of one of the captains of our forces here upon this isle, goes by the name of Simeon. She is also the great granddaughter of one named Cartho, and I do believe that you shall have to ask Craycroft about him, and what he means to the people of the isle. As it happened, she is now in the company of Lady Judy. While Lady Diane and others are attending to her physical needs, it appears that young Alex also provides care of a more spiritual kind. What I can tell you of her is she is gifted with abilities of discernment far beyond the mortals about her. And I can also tell you that if she does tell you anything, it is the truth.”

 

“Interesting. She reminds me of one I met back “home.” Her name was Amanda. And, I tell you, this young girl was the very embodiment of truth. Now, this is twice that I have been told to pay particular attention to this young girl,” Charlie said, remembering his dream.

 

“As it was with Joshua and myself, then, so shall it be with Amanda and Alexandra.”

 

“Just let me think on that a minute,” Charlie muttered, as Tom helped him back into the saddle. “I’ve only recently been accepting all these things of a more spiritual or ethereal nature. You see, for most of my life I have been an incredibly skeptical person, especially when dealing with the actions of people in charge. It’s only now that I’ve been dealing more with people not in charge – the small, lowly ones that my thinking has turned.”

 

“And what do you make of me?” asked Tom. “Am I one who is important, or, as you put it, in charge?”

 

“Let me ask you. If you are in charge now, were you always so? Or did you start off as a small, young person at the mercy of the people in charge? And Craycroft? Was he always the person in charge, or did he also start off, like you, as a person of no consequence?”

 

“As you say, your thinking has turned. And I feel that your profession, as a “reporter” has both hardened your thinking, and yet made you much more observant, Master Charles.”

 

“It seems that my decision to be made must rely on my whether I answer as the reporter I have been or as the person I am becoming.”

 

“Oh, aye, Master Charles – I believe you speak the truth.”