Day 10
Josephina Jujitsu joined Natrica Woods in the hot springs under the castle. Spice and Rosaleighm come in with her.
“Hi” Natrica greeted.
“You are up early” Joe commented.
“I like it when the castle is quiet. Almost no is around. Makes it easier to come here.”
Then Spice said “The water nice.”
“Wow! You said that in English” Natrica praised.
“I have try” Spice said.
Then Natrica tried in the royal tongue
“You speak nice.” She responded.
They giggled.
Rosaleighm eyed the water.
Everyone was enjoying it. But she was still not sure. After the whole shoe incident, she wasn’t feeling so trusting.
She put her toes in the water.
It was hot. Steam rose up off the pools of water.
“I was thinking about the shoes for Rosaleighm.” Natrica began
“What if the problem is it being a boot. Maybe a sandal would be better for her?”
“You can try.” Joe replied.
After the bath Natrica took her heals she arrived in and offered it to Rosaleighm.
The child was willing to try it on. The shoes were way too big for her but she clopped around in them anyways.
Natrica realized her idea was right. Rosaleighm needed to see her feet!
“She just needs to see her feet.” Natrica announced happily.
“Getting shoes on her is a win.” Joe praised.
At breakfast Tẽra and Rachael were absent.
The servants were really enjoying the dance lessons and since Tẽra was absent those who wanted to try but were afraid, joined. They had a lot of fun. Zazo and Keimoni also joined. Many slaves and servants joined making the group large and fun. Natrica paired them up, man and woman. These were the partners they were going to keep. She had paired them based on their heights.
Even though Tẽra and Rachael were absent, Natrica still had fun teaching her class. In all honesty it was better without Tẽra. Because more people were willing to join in and it meant there were enough men participating that every woman had a dance partner.
Joe wondered what was happening that Tẽra was absent.
Keimoni, Zazo and the trusted fifteen men were there at her training but not Tẽra or Rachael.
“Where is Rachael and the queen?” Joe asked.
“I have no idea.” Keimoni replied.
He asked Zazo but he also had no idea.
Joe decided to look for them.
She found a hungry Otchulissa in the kitchen.
“Where did you come from?”
Joe followed her back to Tẽra’s room.
The cub went to Tẽra who was passed out in bed. Joe shook Tẽra.
“Are you ok?” she asked worried.
Tẽra stirred.
Joe shook her again.
“Tẽra?”
“I drank too much.” Tẽra groaned.
Joe raised an eyebrow very unimpressed
“You’re drunk?”
“I drank too much with Viola. Fiona’s sister.” Tẽra sat up “I don’t feel good.”
“This is not acceptable behavior. People rely on you. We need you.” Joe scolded.
Tẽra knew that what Joe was saying was true. She felt embarrassed about her state.
“Let’s get you cleaned up and ready for the day. People are taking. They have noticed you are missing.”
“Rachael was with us. But I can’t remember.” Tẽra’s voice faded off.
Joe got Hannah the handmaid to come into the room.
Joe explained that no one must know that Tẽra had too much to drink and is now venerable. Hannah brought food discreetly and they got her bathed.
Once Tẽra was able to make sense and wasn’t looking so green. They took her to the throne room.
“I need a sick day.” Tẽra said weakly.
Joe answered with a strong disapproving glare.
Autumn came in with Sugar and Chase.
“My debt is paid” she looked the queen up and down.
Tẽra sent for Spice to attend to Sugar’s wounds.
“Autumn is it?” Tẽra said “I wish to speak to you alone.”
“If you back out of our deal, I will kill you myself.” Autumn threatened.
“No. I have honored that arrangement already.”
Autumn came right up to Tẽra. This was not the queen she had defied a few days ago. She had red hair but it was not her.
“My friend is missing. She was lost in the swamps. Are you able to find her?” Tẽra quickly added “I will pay you well for her return. I must have her body.”
“Body? Is she dead in the swamps?” Autumn said in a you are crazy voice.
“The guards, my guards say no one can survive. The river washed her away. I wish to give her a proper ending. Her uncle needs it.”
Autumn looked at her closely. Then she noticed that the cub on Tẽra’s lap was a Di’Ilk.
“How did you get that cub?” Autumn asked.
“I saved it after its mother was killed. Do you like her?” Tẽra asked trying to hide her headache.
“I do. What will you pay me for her return?” Autumn asked not taking her eyes off of the cub.
“What do you want?”
“My land returned.”
“Send me Hodge” Tẽra ordered loudly.
The wait was quick and Hodge came in.
“My queen,” he greeted.
“Autumn wants her people’s land returned. What land was theirs?”
Hodge scurried out and returned with two boys carrying books and scrolls.
“Autumn is a Lovac. So, all Lovac land was given to make the city Ti. Some of the land is still a forest but… I don’t think it will do.”
Autumn’s face fell.
“My home is a city!”
“Yes.” Hodge responded.
“Well, if it is land you want, I will arrange for land for you.” Tẽra said “Hodge find me land that will serve Autumn well.”
“Why hire me? Why not send your goons to find this friend.” Autumn was angry about her people’s land.
“Autumn I am trying to give your people a chance. I am tired and I am not feeling well. I have a peace conference and so much more going on. This is an opportunity for you and your people. Take it or leave it. I will get her body back with or without your help. But I heard a rumor that you are the best. If you deliver you get land.”
“You are not the queen.” Autumn hissed.
“I am now.” Tẽra said firmly with a challenging eyebrow.
“I could expose you.” Autumn snarled.
“Who would believe you?” Tẽra said calmly.
Autumn looked around. No one but her seemed to care that the queen wasn’t the queen.
General Nathan knocked on the big doors.
“Come in general” Tẽra said “Please aid Autumn here, in finding Lakisha’s body. Whatever she needs.”
“Yes, my queen.” he bowed “My queen I have news for you. May I approach?”
“Autumn you may leave. Please hurry in your search, this is important to me.”
Autumn was taken out to Chase who was waiting for her.
“What was that about?” Chase asked Autumn.
“The queen has a job for me. She will give land for our people.”
“This is good. What is the job?” Chase asked.
“Find a missing friend.”
“The queen has friends?” Chase was surprised.
“So, it would appear.”
“I shall come with you.” Chase said.
Autumn remembered how he handled the nice man who they took Sugar from.
“No, I will do this alone. Wait for me.” She said and then she left.
Meanwhile…
General Nathan approached the queen.
“My queen I have heard a rumor that someone has put a bounty on your head. You are worth a lot of gold without your head. It is said that someone has already given your head for a reward. Where were you this morning?” he asked “The castle was worried and in a state.”
“I was, am unwell but I am here now. I find this rumor almost poetic. Please do not let anyone know that I am safe or unwell, let’s see who is offering gold for my head first.” Tẽra said remembering what Viola said something about seeing who she could trust.
“Send me Zazo. Also have Joe brought to me.”
Tẽra really didn’t feel well. She vaguely remembered something about staying hidden and Viola saying her friend was in danger. But she couldn’t remember it clearly.
Zazo came in.
“My queen you sent for me.”
“Yes. I hear I am worth a lot without my head. Ensure the peace conference happens without incident. Send men to escort out honored guests. Also, I want to learn to fight. You me and Joe.”
“My queen, I can protect you and I can teach you anything you need to know. I am at your service.”
“Zazo you…” she stopped herself. “Thank you, but I have my reasons. Please see that it is done.”
Tẽra went to eat and sat alone. She was lost in thought.
It was lunch time and her earthling companions came in to eat.
Not much earlier, Rachael went to the dungeon. She wanted to see Black Beard for herself. If she could face the man who terrified Joe’s friend then she could face anyone.
But when Rachael got their Black Beard was not there.
Rachael ran to tell the queen.
Rachael came in she looked hungover.
“How are you feeling?” Tẽra asked.
“Like something the cat dragged in.” Rachael moaned.
“I understand. I just want to clarify, Viola, Fiona’s sister was drinking with us last night?”
“Yes, she was.” Rachael replied.
“She holds her liquor well.” Tẽra commented.
Rachael took a deep breath.
“Black Beard is gone. He’s not in the dungeon anymore.”
“What?” Tẽra exclaimed “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I went to look but he was gone.” Rachael said.
Tẽra called for Joe and Zazo.
Natrica had convinced Rosaleighm to get into the hot springs. She was trying to get her head under the water when she heard voices coming. So, she hid. Four men came in. They were talking softly the first man gave the three men a bag of money, one bag each. They counted the thirty gold pieces and then departed. Natrica was sure one of them was with Black Beard Gruff. She didn’t want to falsely accuse but she was so sure of it.
She was planning to take Rosaleighm to get shoes in the lower town. But seeing Black Beard’s men made her feel unsettled. Once they left, she quickly dressed herself and Rosaleighm and went to the dining hall where everyone was.
Natrica Woods came in. She looked amazing. Her hair was shining and her eyes sparkled.
Rosaleighm came in clopping along in Natrica’s high heels.
“You are looking nice.” Tẽra commented.
“Thank you.” Natrica’s face lit up.
Then her countenance fell.
“I think I saw one of Black Beard’s men in the castle, no, I am sure of it.”
Rachael sighed at her. Why did the poll dancer always look nice?
“Black Beard has escaped.” Rachael said in a mean tone.
“What!” Natrica looked terrified.
Joe and Zazo came in.
“Did you say Black Beard escaped?” Joe asked.
“Yes” Tẽra confirmed.
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“I was planning to get Rosaleighm shoes.” Natrica said “But maybe it’s a bad idea.”
“No, go get her shoes. Take some guards go with you. I will deal with Black Beard.” Joe said “It seems like you managed to get her to wear shoes after all.”
“She just needs to see her feet. I was planning to buy her sandals.” Natrica shrugged.
Seeing Rosaleighm in Natrica’s high heels made Joe smile. It was funny and cute at the same time.
“Zazo deal with Black Beard. Joe secured the castle. I am not feeling well. I am going to lay down. Please only wake me if you must.” Tẽra said.
Joe calmly picked up a sword.
“Where did you see Black Beard’s men?”
“Hold on” Tẽra interrupted.
“Zazo is going to handle it”
“No, he’s looking for Black Beard, not his men.” Joe said.
“What if you get killed?” Tẽra asked.
Natrica gave Tẽra an as if look.
“I was bathing Rosaleighm, trying too at least. They came into room so I hid and Rosaleighm is quiet so they didn’t know we were there. But I think some of the servants are in on it. Why else would they be there?” Natrica explained to Joe quietly.
Natrica suddenly realized Black Beard was free.
“Did you say Zazo is looking for Black Beard?” she asked.
“Yes, he has escaped.” Tẽra replied “Zazo will handle it.”
“So, he could be, wondering around the castle?” Natrica looked concerned.
“Unlikely, but he will be found.” Tẽra said reassuringly.
“Maybe I should carry a knife” Natrica said.
“Only if you are willing to use it.” Joe said “Otherwise you are just providing a weapon to be used against you.”
Natrica looked at the floor pensively.
“Maybe a broom.” She nodded.
“Keimoni, why are you here?” Tẽra asked.
“To serve you, my queen.” he said as slick as oil.
“What can you tell me?” she asked.
He stopped speaking English.
“The records indicate that only a royal heir has red hair. However, if one is unsure of the purity of the blood a test can be done. A small cut on the finger. Also, after taking land and giving it as payment for your general’s loyalty finding new land for the Lovac tribe will be a challenge. But there is a portion of land to the north near the Dragon Rider’s land that might be suitable. Not sure how the Dragon Riders will take it though.”
Tẽra was impressed, he was making himself useful, the things discussed were already in his sights. He was on top of things so to speak. But now she wanted more than that.
“What about who I can trust?” she asked.
“No one, my queen. People serve you out of fear, people obey because of fear. If that fear goes away, they will turn on you.”
“Do you not believe they could be loyal out of love or duty?” Tẽra asked.
“People are strange, they change a lot. This is unlikely but not impossible.” Keimoni answered.
Tẽra pondered this.
Natrica was however making sure no one was near her. Being attacked freaked her out. People died! It was them or her, but still… dead. And now he might be coming after her again. Or sending his men, and if the servants were in on it as she believed, no one could be trusted.
Tẽra and Rachael walked out together.
“I hear that Chris is getting worse and Spice can’t explain it.” Tẽra fished.
“I put poison in the ointment Spice was using. I wanted Chris to suffer for what he did to me. But I realized this morning that it was because he made me powerless and vulnerable, I never what to feel that way again. I want to be powerful and feared.”
Tẽra was impressed with her honesty. But concerned about her loyalty.
“If you make me powerful, I will stop when you say stop and I will not disobey your requests. But I am my own master and I will not be your bodyguard.” Rachael offered.
It was not much of an offer.
“Ok then fulfill your already given duties and learn what you can from Joe. But know that I will test you and your word. I need to trust you. If I can’t trust you then we will have a problem.”
“You have taken your roll as queen seriously.” Rachael remarked.
“As should you. As I am not going anywhere. Also learn the language.” Tẽra said.
Rachael left willing to change.
Keimoni was settling in well at the castle. Having kissed Natrica he knew what was really going on, and he liked it. He had a chance to prove himself to a new queen with the reputation of the old queen. He also found these earth women to be some-what attractive. Having a Carsta child didn’t worry him. Having power and sway did. He had a point to prove to his former masters who banished him.
As Rachael walked down the hallway, he asked
“Why do you care if Black Beard has escaped?”
“He caused distress to Joe’s friend, the blond. It’s the right thing to do.” Rachael answered.
“Really?” he asked cynically.
“Why do you think I care?” she asked diverting.
“I am not sure. But…”
He leaned in close
“I would like to.”
“You will die if you kiss me.” Rachael said almost daring him.
“You could whisper it in my ear.”
Rachael pushed him away and laughed.
“Not even in your dreams.”
“My dreams…” he whispered in her ear
“Are far more interesting”
Rachael glared at him.
“Maybe a ride later? Show me the countryside?” Keimoni asked.
“Keep dreaming.” Rachael responded.
Black Beard Gruff was hiding in Point. He had friends everywhere and most of the soldiers stationed in Point were loyal to him. He was planning a rebellion. But the people hated him so he was the brains sending out loyal men claiming to have been burned by the queen and claiming to have a way to kill her.
Now, Black Beard didn’t know for sure that Tẽra wasn’t the real queen. But he suspected something fishy.
In the afternoon one of his men returned saying the queen was dead and her head was proof. Black Beard went to find this head for himself. He needed to be sure.
If the queen was dead there would be a power gap and he wanted to ensure he was on the side of that power once the dust settled.
Zazo left Tẽra in a hurry to find Black Beard. Zazo was afraid for his life. Failing the queen was a death sentence. A chance to correct the mistake was indeed a sign of her mercy. He didn’t want to be the next dead failure on her floor.
Despite this knowledge and his concern, it was disappointing her that he worried about most. Not whether she would kill him for failing. Somewhere in his heart he knew she wouldn’t kill him even though his brain and logic told him differently.
Rosaleighm, crouched in the corner. Castle life was nice, lots of food, it was warm. But no one was happy. Everyone seemed afraid, hushing about. She tried to understand why, but it really was beyond her. Nothing was trying to eat them. People brought food to the castle every day. Everything was pretty and warm and you don’t get rained on. Yet, everyone was unhappy. No one stopped to enjoy things, or smiled just because. They instead rushed past and only smiled while talking to someone.
Rosaleighm pondered why adults were so unhappy?
She didn’t consider that this wasn’t a grown-up thing but rather a castle thing. A bad castle thing.
Keimoni foolishly decided to follow Joe. He was sure she had no idea he was following her. He had been very stealthy. She had gone towards the dungeon but he had lost sight of her. As he cleverly peaked around the corner the point of a blade cut into his neck.
He could feel the blood dripping down onto his blue and white clothes.
“Why are you following me?” Joe asked.
“I thought I could see you in action. The rumors say you are something to see.”
He gulped the blade dug deeper.
“Are you going to kill me?” he asked.
“Maybe.” Joe replied without emotion.
“I am the queen’s, killing me will forfeit your life.”
Joe moved the blade away and pushed his face into the cold stone wall.
“I killed fifty of the queen’s men with Sugar and here I am a trusted trainer. Do you think you are so important that if I killed you it would matter?” her voice was cold and curious.
“But what if it did matter.” he grasped at straws.
“Shall we find out?” she said as if willing to test that theory.
“Wait!” he squeaked “Don’t kill me. I’m just trying to save myself.”
She pushed his face into the wall with more force
“Your ability to save yourself requires the ability to read people. You lack this and will no doubt be killed. But I will spare you as you will be bait. If you survive, I will not kill you today. If you die, well I wouldn’t have been the one to do it.”
She released him.
“You are going to use me?” his worry was obvious.
“Yes, you are going to the kitchen, you will take food, be rude and drop a note. The note will say. I want a thousand gold pieces or I tell the queen your names and involvement with Black Beard. The guilty should seek you out.”
Keimoni’s eyes got big.
“And then what?” he asked.
“I will deal with the people involved and you might get to live.”
“What if I refuse?” He said bravely.
“You die now.”
He could see the sincerity in her face. His life meant nothing to her. She would kill him and sleep fine. In fact, she might not even remember him, for he meant that little to her.
“Are you able to love?” he asked.
Joe looked at him with impatience.
“Do you part well or tomorrow you die.”
“You said you wouldn’t kill me.” He objected
“I said not today if you help me, but tomorrow…”
“I don’t like you.”
“Don’t follow people.” She said seemingly randomly.
“What?!?”
“You got yourself into this situation. You have a chance to get out of it. If you hadn’t followed me, you wouldn’t be here.”
He was not happy, but he did as Joe asked. He went to the kitchen and dropped the note and ate food and was rude.
He walked about as if he was fine. Well, he tried. His abilities to act were terrible and he looked guilty and nervous.
Joe knew it would be a few hours before the right, wrong people got the message so she ate and bathed and left Keimoni to sweat.
Joe didn’t get involved with, he and she and us and what not. She just did. One might see her as having many secrets. But they were not secrets, just things she hadn’t publicly announced. Like she was learning the language, every day she would have Spice teach her something. Also, she was learning how to patch up in this world. What herbs and leaves and so on where good for wounds. What to use for stitches and even practicing with Spice’s supervision on some people that didn’t live in the castle. Not many didn’t live in the castle that came to Spice.
Rachael bumped into Keimoni nervously sweating in the entertaining hall.
“Why are you pacing like that?” Rachael asked.
“Because I am going to die!”
Rachael raised an eyebrow
“Oh really, what are you dying from?” Rachael asked.
“Joe, Joe is going to kill me. I saw it in her eyes. She is feeding me alive to wild animals.”
“I don’t see Joe, nor wild animals.” Rachael said looking around “Did you eat something?”
“Yes, but it’s not the food. The bread from the kitchen is great.”
“Why do you think Joe is going to kill you, I mean feed you alive to wild animals.” Rachael was thinking ‘coo coo bird’
She was about to leave when he started talking
“Joe is using me as bait for the men working with Black Beard. She had me write a letter and now I am waiting for them to come kill me and hope Joe gets them first. But… I don’t trust her. What if she leaves them to kill me and do… unspeakable things to me, I need my hands.” He babbled.
“I am waiting to die by either the men I have threatened or Joe. Not very good odds.” He went on
“So, I am in some distress, processing my fate that I am losing my life soon.” He looked at her more calmly
“You should go, before you to get killed because you are here.”
Rachael looked at him is shock. He can kiss anyone and know everything, yet instead of finding out who did it he sits as hysterical bait, pacing the hall floor.
“That’s it!” she said grabbing his arm “We are going to find out who is working with Black Beard. You will kiss everyone and that will be that. This behavior is ridicules as unbecoming. Pull yourself together and remember who you are!”
He looked at her in surprise.
She pulled him along to the kitchen.
“Ask for a staff list.” Rachael commanded.
“I don’t need one.” He said.
So, he started, kissing everyone in the kitchen and then the guards and so on, until he could kiss no more.
He sat on a chair holding his head.
“I have never taken in so much new information in one day… my head hurts.” He moaned.
“Did you get the information you need?” Rachael asked.
“Yes, and so much more.”
“Well then, let’s find Joe, and tell her who is working with and for Black Beard. You will be safe and then you will owe me.”
He pulled a face. For a moment there he thought maybe she cared. She was helping him in his time of need. But as the truth would have it, she was getting herself a debt he would need to repay later.
“Come, come!” she said impatiently.
Joe soaked in the hot springs under the castle. It was a nice quiet place. Almost no one knew of it and that’s why she liked it so much.
Rosaleighm joined her, but she got into the water with her clothes on. Joe just smiled, at least she was in the water.
Joe checked Rosaleighm’s nails, they were almost clean. Joe checked her toes, they looked like a piece of old road. The calluses where everywhere, the dirt was in the calluses, an old black leather shoe called a foot.
Spice came down she seemed happy at the idea of company. She spoke with Rosaleighm and enjoyed the soak.
Rosaleighm tried to soak. But this was not exciting enough for her. Sitting in water, doing nothing was not fun for her. So, she left, in her now wet clothes.
Natrica came in with a broom in hand.
Spice and Joe eyed her.
“How are you so calm, you’re bathing when there are bad guys out there?”
“I have set a trap” Joe answered calmly.
Natrica stopped looking around nervously and stared at Joe.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she inquired.
“Would it make a difference?” Joe asked.
“Yes.”
“Well now you know.” Joe said.
Natrica didn’t seem impressed.
“So what trap is it?” She asked a few seconds later.
Joe opened her eyes again, sighed and answered.
“I have a piece of bait dangling around the castle. I expect in a few hours someone will bite.”
“Explain it to me.”
“Stop worrying. Relax, that’s what I was doing.”
Joe looked at the white knuckles on Natrica’s hands.
“You can put the broom down. No one is going to hurt you. Plus, you can handle yourself now.” Joe was trying to be encouraging.
Natrica felt a little better. She went to her room. Paced a little then decided that wasting a day on a maybe is no good. So, she cleaned. Planned her choreography and music for the show she wanted to put on. She even thought of what materials and colors she would use. She designed outfits for the men and women. Now all she needed was measurements.
Rachael knocked on the door.
“Come in” Natrica called.
Rachael opened the door.
“I have Keimoni with me and he has information on who is working with Black Beard. Do you know where Joe is?”
“She’s…”
Bathing in our secret hot pools, which you may not know about so…
“Um… she’s around. Maybe checking her trap.” Natrica said trying to sound helpful.
“Keimoni is her trap.” Rachael said annoyed.
“What!?!”
“She doesn’t know.” Rachael said to Keimoni “Let’s go”
“Wait!” Natrica called.
“No!” Rachael replied walking away.
Natrica ran to the hot springs to tell Joe.
“I just saw Rachael with Keimoni and he knows who’s involved.” Natrica panted.
“Great.”
Joe opened her eyes and got out of the bath. She dressed in no hurry at all and took the sword with her. Natrica followed as she went to the kitchen.
Keimoni and Rachael found them in the entertaining hall.
“I have been looking everywhere for you.” Rachael said “This castle is huge.” She added.
“Keimoni.” Joe said.
“I kissed all the servants and I can give you the names of everyone who is involved. But you have to promise not to kill me.” he said trying to negotiate.
“Sounds fair to me.” Rachael said.
Joe walked over, twisted his arm behind his back, kicked out his knee and popped his shoulder out of its socket. It happened so quickly that Rachael didn’t even get a chance to scream.
But Keimoni did.
He screamed.
“What are you doing?” Natrica said.
Joe didn’t answer her. She spoke calmly to Keimoni.
“We had an arrangement. You exceeded my expectations just to mess it up. Give me the names. And let me make something clear. I don’t need you to get what I want. I was just giving you a chance to earn your life back for following me. I am done giving untrainable dogs treats.”
“Please don’t kill him.” Rachael said.
Her big eyes focused on Joe.
“Please.”
Keimoni began telling the names as if it would help him.
“I’m sorry! Black Beard is in Point gathering a party to assassinate the queen.” He added.
Joe looked around. Lots of people were watching, not just Natrica and Rachael. She popped Keimoni’s shoulder back in. He screamed in pain.
Then she cut his left eat off.
“You should have listened.” She said disdain soaked her voice.
Screams and cries filled the castle as Joe, killed everyone whose name was given. Man, woman, or child. If involved with Black Beard they died.
Joe’s plan was to wait for Black Beard to come to the castle. If you know where someone is going why look for the road they are taking? Just meet them there. That was her logic.
Keimoni lay half asleep in the sick room, as Rachael sat beside him in the castle ‘hospital’. Rachael held his hand while Spice and an assistant patched him up. They tried to reattached the ear but only time would tell if it was successful. Dead and headless bodies lay on the floor. The smell of blood filled the room.
Hannah, the handmaid to the queen came in and told Tẽra what Joe was doing, what she had done.
“She what!? Take me to her.”
So, Hannah took Tẽra to Joe in the servant’s rooms.
“It’s done.” Joe said.
As Tẽra walked in.
“What’s done?” Tẽra asked afraid.
“All of those helping and supporting Black Beard and his intent to kill you are dead. You don’t need to worry. It will take them days to get spies back into the castle by then the peace conference will be underway.”
Tẽra had never seen so much blood. The smell made her nauseous. She looked at Joe afraid that she had befriended a monster. Joe had some blood on her shoe and that was all.
“You have blood on your shoe.” Tẽra said then puked.
“So, I do, Thank you.” Joe said taking a piece of skirt from a dead woman and wiping it off.
“Why did you kill them?” Tẽra said.
Joe looked surprised
“I said I would handle it. You asked Zazo to handle Black Beard.” She answered.
“Handle it.” Tẽra felt numb as she repeated the words.
“I think you need some sugar water.”
Joe escorted them to the kitchen and gave Tẽra sugar water.
Hannah cried quietly. The tears rolled down her face. Tẽra sat on a broken chair shaking with the sugar water in her cup.
Joe went to check to Natrica and Spice. Rachael was also there.
“It’s taken care of.” Joe said.
“I see that.” Natrica said coldly.
The headless bodies lay on the floor.
“Did you have to kill them?” Natrica asked.
“We didn’t kill Black Beard now he is free and caused you distress. You panicked all day holding that broom. If he had died you would never have suffered the idea of him coming for you. Now you are safe, Tẽra is safe. Sometimes what needs to be done is not always nice. But if left and not done, it will bite you later.”
“So, you saying I should kill Chris?” Rachael snapped.
“You are already doing that. Just you are taking your time and making him suffer first.” Joe replied.
Rachael realized Joe knew, and suddenly she saw she could be like Joe. But Joe didn’t kill in anger or hate. But just because it was easier than dealing with them later. She found herself staring at a crossroad. The path she was on would take lives. Yet she had a choice to turn back if she wanted.
“What does Joe mean?” Natrica asked Rachael.
“I don’t know” Rachael lied.
“You’re lying.” Natrica said.
“You’re the reason he’s not getting better.” Natrica narrowed her eyes “Why save him from the dungeon beating if you want him dead?” she demanded.
Rachael glared at her.
“After everything he did to me. I wanted to kill him!” Rachael snapped standing up as if ready to make it physical
“I hate him for what he did to me. I hate him!” she yelled.
“So, I saved him so I could kill him in my own time! You’re evil.” Natrica stated.
Rachael slapped Natrica across the face.
“I am evil! Your angel just killed children!”
Natrica boiling with her own emotions and feelings, she slapped Rachael back without even a second to think about it. Rachael screamed as she scratched Natrica and kicked her. Natrica fought back. Pulling her hair and head butting her in the face.
With screams and bashes the two fought, hitting, scratching, biting, kicking and even using objects to hit each other with.
“You trampy little prostitute.” Rachael yelled.
“You narrow minded, spoiled, judgey rich girl.” Natrica replied.
Their feeling really started to come out.
Joe watched and thought You’re upset with me for doing what needs to be done, but fighting over pointless, senseless things are alright. Everyone is cranky today.
Spice tried to get them to leave the room. They bashed into soldiers bringing more dead bodies in.
“Now I have peasant blood on me!” Rachael pushed Natrica.
“You may be rich on earth but here you are a beggar living of other’s because you can’t take care of yourself. At least this tramp made her own money and bought her own food!” Natrica retaliated.
“Ahhhhh!” Rachael yelled.
A storm had rolled in, the sky had been dark and threatening for a while.
Lightning crashed and thundered around them making it feel like the walls shock.
Natrica and Rachael stopped fighting. It sounded as if the lightening had hit the castle. The flash was so bright and so close they had to blink a few times before regaining their sight.
Because the castle was locked down after news of Black Beard’s escape and Tẽra sleeping in most of the morning. News of the queen still being alive had not left the castle. Autumn hadn’t told anyone and Chase was still inside the castle.
* * *
Ranger arrived at the castle soaking wet. He was escorted passed the blood to the room Chris was in. The smell of blood filled the halls and rooms.
Spice stood in a corner writing names down. Chris lay on a bed looking like death was sitting next to him.
Headless bodies lay on the floor, soldiers moved them out. Bloodstained shoe prints walked in and out of the room.
“What happened here?” Ranger asked Spice.
“Black Beard escaped, so Keimoni there found all those who support Black Beard and Joe killed them. Joe cut off his ear for not listening.” She added looking at him.
“One woman did all this?” Ranger said is disbelief.
“Yes, she is a warrior from another world.”
Spice said with a hint of being impressed in her tone, but her face and composure was not impressed.
“Another world?” Ranger questioned.
Spice became quiet. Keeping secrets was part of her normal life as a slave. But being free had changed her a lot. However, some habits stick around.
“Are you the Mystic Healer the queen requested?” Spice asked.
“Yes.” He replied reluctantly.
“Chris there needs help getting better and maybe if you can heal Keimoni’s ear.”
Ranger went over to Chris first. Chris looked at the man hovering.
“What do you want?” Chris said weakly trying to be tough.
Ranger put his hand on Chris’ heart and his forehead against his.
Chris’ mind was filled with revenge, anger and the desire for power and wealth. On earth Chris had those things. People feared him, he was cruel and unmerciful, a killer of those in his way. He wasn’t sad about being on Chayim, he saw it as an opportunity to build an empire.
Ranger healed Chris’ body but not fully. He was unsure that healing him was a good idea.
“Is Chris also from another world?”
Ranger asked Spice trying to see if she would say how much she knew.
Spice smiled,
“You would know better than I” Spice answered.
Ranger then went to healed Keimoni’s ear.
Keimoni however was reluctant and didn’t really want Ranger looking into him.
“Why are you afraid?” Ranger asked.
“I am not afraid. I just know things you are not allowed to know.” Keimoni defended.
“I will be respectful” Ranger said.
So, Keimoni let Ranger heal his ear.
“This blood needs to be cleaned up. It will bring illness if it is left.”
Ranger told Spice.
“There is one more, a woman brought in this morning with a fever. She is called Sugar.” Spice said.
She led Ranger to another room
Ranger looked at Sugar. Infection had the better of her and she was very sick. But someone had been using the right herbs to help her recover.
Ranger placed his hand on her head. He healed her. He healed her ear which Joe had bitten, and her blood from infection. He knew that this woman was also from earth. But she didn’t know Fiona nor her sister. He saw her one earring stud.
Then he knew…
Ranger said his goodbyes and left the castle.
On his way out of the castle a man who had been turned in as an escaped criminal claimed he knew where the lost heir was.
“I have to speak to the queen. I promise I am not lying. I know where the lost heir is!” LooDay insisted. No one listened to the thief. But Ranger made a mental note of what he had heard. He had seen the lost heir in Viola’s mind. He knew she was real.
At dinner Tẽra address Joe cutting Keimoni’s ear off.
Tẽra looked at the people from earth she was stranded with. Joe had killed forty-six people in her castle that day. Natrica and Rachael had a fight, both of them had swollen faces, bleeding lips and bruises all over.
Joe sat calmly eating.
“I am disappointed.” Tẽra said to the table
“You said you would help me be queen, yet you use me for comfort. You said you would do your part. Yet the kingdom and your internal squabbles rest on me. Have none of you matured enough to be called adults?” Tẽra was angry
“Joe, you killed today and scared everyone with how cold, you were to it and how easy it was for you, forty-six people you killed. Ten were under eighteen years old.”
To this she didn’t know what else to say
“Natrica, fighting with Rachael, you were looked up to. Servants liked you, you care! This is never to happen again. Never! When James and Kerri return, we will find a way back to earth.” She paused shaking her head
“Today must never happen again. Joe even if they are guilty a trail must be done. You killed good people’s family and friends.”
Tẽra looked at Joe waiting for an answer.
“Ask Zazo how he handled Black Beard.” Joe said “If you don’t remove your enemies, they will kill you.” Joe paused “I can leave in the morning.”
Part of Tẽra knew that a kingdom was built on blood, history was stained with it. But seeing it, being part of it was another story. Nothing she had ever learned prepared her for a room of dead, fresh dead bodies.
“You do not need to leave.” Tẽra said to Joe.
“But you don’t trust me. You are afraid of me.” Joe replied.
“You are a scary woman.” Tẽra sighed “But is there a reason I shouldn’t trust you?”
“I keep my word and I will kill again. The lives of those who would become problems and prevent peace are not worth the lives they will take if left to live. You are afraid of me now. Imagine how afraid Natrica must have been all day. Someone who means her harm was free in the castle. I will not apologize for killing. Nor will I say I will not do it again.”
Tẽra looked at everyone at the table.
“I am tired and I need your help to be queen. I can’t do it alone. Please help me.” She said to all of them.
They nodded.
“I am sorry for my behavior.” Natrica said.
“So am I” Rachael added.
“Tẽra I was wondering if I could put on a show for the delegates. Part of the arrival ceremony or opening ceremony to the peace talks?” Natrica asked worried it was a bad time to ask.
Tẽra thought about it. The servants and others all working together to put on a show as equals. She was unsure if that would be received well or if it would cause offense.
“What would it be about?” Rachael asked.
“It wouldn’t be about a story. I would just have a dance routine in sync. Everyone doing the same thing in time. After all it’s not like we have weeks to work with. Just a few days.”
That sounded good to Tẽra.
“Yes. But make sure no one looks like a servant. Everyone must look the same. No one better than another.” Tẽra answered pleased with the idea.
“I was thinking the women wear different color dresses so it will look beautiful?”
“That sounds great. But I cannot be part of it.” Tẽra added quickly remembering Joe’s stance on Natrica’s dance classes.
“That’s fine. I have already drawn up some dresses and I will go buy material tomorrow and have the seamstress make the outfits. We can start practicing tomorrow morning. Tẽra you don’t need to be there. I do however want an extra half hour a day for practicing.”
“Go for it.” Tẽra said.
Tẽra was happy. This would be something different that showed effort on the queen’s part to welcome the delegates.
“Joe, please do not kill anyone before talking to me first.” Tẽra requested.
“I will assess the situation and determine if there is time to discuss it” Joe replied.
“I was also hoping you would be my body guard during the peace talks.” Tera asked Joe.
“You are afraid of me yet you want me to protect you. What about Zazo?” Joe said.
“I need more than one person watching my back. I was told there is a bounty out for my head.”
“Is that why you drank too much?” Joe asked.
“No, I drank too much before I found out. Talking of has anyone seen Viola?” Tẽra asked.
They looked at each other.
“No.”
“Who is Viola?” Joe asked.
“Fiona’s sister. So will you be my bodyguard?” Tera asked.
“Sure.” Joe agreed.
Before Tẽra went to bed General Nathan came to her.
“My queen, I am sorry but Zazo has been unable to find Black Beard. However, he says he will bring you his head.”
Tẽra looked unhappy.
“My queen, what is the matter? Have not all your enemies in the castle been slain and have you not shown that you are not weak?” he asked.
“Is mercy weakness, is spearing a life wrong?” Tẽra asked.
“My queen mercy is yours to show, and strength is yours too.” He said not knowing how to answer the question.
“Send a messenger to Zazo to return to the castle and not to kill Black Beard.”
“As you wish my queen.”
“General, do you think killing my enemies is right?”
He looked confused.
“Is killing wrong?” she asked.
“Why would it be wrong?” he asked “Only innocent blood cries out against us, and who is innocent?”
“So, if I said no more killing. What would happen?”
“My queen have I done something to arouse your anger against me?” he asked.
“No Nathan. I just don’t have the stomach for it.”
“My queen your enemies do.” Nathan replied.
Joe went to check on Sugar.
Sugar was laying on a bed looking ill.
“You look terrible.” Joe said.
“Thanks for the pep talk” Sugar responded.
“What happened to you?” Joe asked.
“I went back for the queen. I took her from the castle but I was poisoned and a man named….” Sugar thought about it
“Yes, his name was Sam Maritain. He looked after me and the stupid queen who can’t even cook. But of course no one noticed what I had achieved because you just put your own queen on the throne once I had done the hard part.” Sugar was salty about it.
“Oh, I didn’t make Tẽra queen. When I got here, she was already queen. I just made myself useful.” Joe replied.
“So, I was almost eaten by tigers and I kidnapped the queen from the castle and you still benefit?” Sugar moaned bitterly.
“The queen, Tẽra is reasonable. You could also make yourself useful and find a place here. Then your efforts will not have been for nothing.” Joe suggested “Also when Kerri gets back, she will find a way home for us. This is temporary.”
Rachael walked down the hallway. She wanted to meet this Sugar everyone had been going on about. She hesitated at the door and decided to wait. Let her recover first. She heard Joe and Sugar talking. She sensed Sugar didn’t like Joe at all.
The castle became quiet at night. But the silence of the castle had a life of its own. As if the presence of those who once lived there, somehow still lingered. This alive silence made parts of the castle creepy and unsettling.
Rachael stared out of her window. The stars above twinkled and somehow seamed brighter than on earth. She had changed a lot over the pasted few days. The rich socialite who loved her horses and cheated on her public boyfriend was now different. The ‘real’ in life she had been searching for, she had found, and she didn’t like it.
Her eyes leaked as she sat at her window looking at the stars.