Posted on 02/22/2005 4:28:09 PM PST by utahguy
“My friends, I have been in contact with Sir Gunther, and his report is satisfactory,” she said. “The delay at Bern is passing, and they shall be back on their way with only a minor delay.”
“I have also been in contact with Sir Eric at Geneva,” she went on. “He assures me, that securing the route from Zurich to Vienna has been completed, and in addition, the route from Vienna to Budapest is also secure. The party shall have no further delays, as far as we have been able to manage.”
“Madam, shall I contact Budapest, then,” Stavros asked.
“Do so,” she said. “Let them make all preparations for at least a two-night stay in that beautiful city. It will allow Dame Percilla the opportunity to research for herself, and quench her thirst and curiosity,” she said with a wry grin.
“We have also had report from Bucharest. The enclave there has been told of their coming,” Gregor said.
“Excellent, my friends. On to other business,” the Elder said. “Gregor, I would hear your report from Berlin?”
“The news is less good, Madam,” Gregor said. “The policies that the regime are planning are about to be put forth in the Reichstag. It will be voted on, and the outcome is most certainly in favor.”
“They are proceeding to their plans, as we do with ours,” Stavros observed. “Can we maintain our advantage, do you think?”
“Yes, of course we can,” the Elder said. “Their petty political games are of passing concern to us, now that we are aware of the Nazis’ true agenda. What is important is how we can forestall their true scheme, without detection. I believe both of you now agree, with me, that Sir Gunther’s actions were justified, if not approved of?”
“That is Your Grace’s affair with the other Elders,” Stavros quickly said. “I still find it absurd that you were overruled by all the others…”
“With good reason, Stavros,” Gregor said. “The plans of the Order must not be trammeled by the minority’s opinions, even Your Grace’s….”
“Gregor, my dear Gregor, “the Elder said resignedly, “when shall you learn that you do not understand the workings of the Elders, and their minds are not that easy to read? That matter was debated, and weighed, and debated more. The path chosen was the decision of the Elders, and not a majority vote. Which is why you are here, at my request, tonight, both of you. I shall now contact the Bucharest enclave, and wish for you to be in attendance…”
=============================================================
The knocking on her door awakened Percilla. Rising sluggishly, after a rested and deep slumber, she was greeted by Marcelle, who had a steaming mug of cocoa, which he presented to Percilla with a flourish and a smile.
“And a gracious ‘Good Morning!’ to you, Dame Percilla,” Marcelle said without any trace of weariness. “For this is surely a good morning. I have been in this house’s kitchen since before sunrise, and prepared as sumptuous a breakfast for us as could be contrived. Rudy has been a most helpful assistant cook, and has been eager to get what is needed. Come! Let this be only the first course, the rest of us are already making their way to the table – especially our friend Eason, who seems to be rather groggy this morning.”
At the mention of Eason’s name, Percilla brightened a bit, and asked, “What do you mean, Marcelle? Is Eason not well?”
“Ah, dear dame, it would seem that Eason slept a little too deeply for his good, and now, cannot shake the arms of sleep yet,” Marcelle said with a grin. “Now, make yourself presentable for our hosts, and let us both join them.” Turning to the door, Marcelle smiled as he left.
Percilla dressed quickly, and went down the stairs to the parlor, where two small tables had been laid out with, what Marcelle said, was a sumptuous Swiss breakfast. Eason, Pettibone, and the members of the Swiss Order were already enjoying Marcelle’s food, and they greeted Percilla pleasantly.
“Where is Gunther,” she asked. The Knight-Commander was obviously absent.
“He is out and about,” Jean-Marie replied. “Rudy is with him, and I expect them back shortly – ah, here they are, now! Come, you two, the food’s on the table.”
Gunther, in a more animated mood than Percilla had seen yet, actually grinned as he filled a plate of food for himself, and a large cup of coffee. Rudy, doing likewise, was animated in his report. “We’ve been out over most of the town this morning, and there’s no sign of any pursuit or watchfulness. It seems, Dame Percilla, that The Enemy has no trace of your whereabouts, or your destination.”
“A good firm breakfast is what we all will need,” Gunther said. “Our journey continues. I have secured another train from here to Zurich, and we shall, as Jean-Marie said, be ahead of schedule. And that, is all to the good. The more miles we can log, the better.”
“After Zurich, then what,” Eason asked, his mouth full of food. “On to Vienna, or straight on to Budapest?”
“We must keep to the Elder’s plan,” Gunther said without explanation. “Each place must be visited in order, and on time. There are individuals in each location, which you must meet, and in turn, must be made aware of you. There are also other issues, which must be dealt with.”
“Such as what?” Might we know?” Percilla asked.
Gunther hesitated for a moment, and then answered, “My task is similar to yours, Dame Percilla, insofar as we travel together for a time. But in addition to safeguarding you and your party, I am also performing a mission of my own, for the Elder. As such, we travel as one, for now.”
Again, the efficient words, Percilla thought. Does this man never relax his guard? But after what I know now, I see why not…
The meal progressed with animated conversation from the brothers, and then after clearing up, the party began packing its belongings that had been used, and quickly, they were ready to set out on the next leg. The truck that had carried them from the station was already in use, so a cab was arranged, driven by Rudy, and the party was moved to the train station. The cab wound around and down the quiet streets of Bern, beautiful scenery around them, the promise of a brilliant mountain day arriving.
Gunther rode in front with Rudy, the rest of the party tightly sitting in the rear. Jean-Marie followed with the baggage in a second cab. They arrived at the station, the sound of the engine preparing for the run to Zurich, and the party began unloading themselves and their baggage from the cars.
It was at this moment, that something queer came over Percilla, a feeling of uneasiness, or something not quite in common with the surroundings of an idyllic morning in the Alps. The uneasiness turned more noticeable, and Percilla felt as if she was being stared at, or singled out. The hairs on her arm and the back of her neck were standing out. A fluttering in her stomach began, a sensation of real fear. What could be causing this?
Eason noticed how Percilla hesitated, not moving from the door of the cab. Then, he too, began to notice, and to feel the unease, from observing Percilla’s reaction, as well as feeling it himself.
“Percilla,” Eason whispered, “what is it? Is something the matter?”
“Can’t you tell,” she said softly, as if not wanting to be overheard. “Can’t you feel it?
“Yes, I can, and it affects you. Cilla, what is it?”
“Something’s wrong. Where’s Gunther?” Percilla looked around hurriedly; their guide was nowhere to be seen.
Jean-Marie and Rudy were involved with handling the bags into the car or the train. Alfred closed in on them, as did Marcelle.
“Percilla, are you well?” Pettibone asked, then he paused, as if testing the breeze without smelling. “Marcelle…”
“Yes, brother, I feel it, too,” he said, “and I know that feeling…”
Eason said softly, “Someone explain, what is happening –“ when he was cut off by the appearance of another person. Around the corner of the station platform, came a child, a beautiful little boy of eight or nine, dressed nondescript, but stunningly pretty nonetheless. The boy, tawny hair and fair skin, stopped at the corner, and stared at the four of them, his eyes not moving… It was then, that Percilla realized what was happening, in a flash of clarity.
The child was staring right at Percilla, his eyes…
There were no eyes.
Only two black orbs, no color at all, like two gun barrels, staring right at her.
Just like Alfred described: Childlike she seemed, almost angelic and innocent, but that's how they appear.
The Enemy was here.
A sharp thud! like a cudgel broke the silence. The child’s head snapped forward, the little body pitching forward in a sickening dive. From behind the corner came Gunther, a piece of lumber in his hands. Gunther had a look on his face of horror, and of steel resolve, and command in his voice as he bellowed:
“Knights, to me! Eason, take Percilla and go! The rest of you, form the circle!”
Alfred, Marcelle and Jean-Marie sprang forward to Gunther’s side, forming a circle with linked hands, then stepping back, arms outstretched, encircling the child-thing, which was slowly standing up, the head ruined from Gunther’s blow, but the face – a mask of utter nothingness, like a cadaver, the soul-less eyes empty and vacant. The child-thing turned slowly inside the circle, as if looking for a way to get out and break free of the Knights.
Percilla was rooted to the spot. Eason was tugging at her arm, then stopped, captivated by the scene playing out before them. The four Knights had surrounded the child-thing, arms trying to press inward, as if to crush the thing in their midst. From each of their hands, a soft blue glow came from the palms, eight blue lights surrounding the thing inside the circle. The child-thing was moving quicker, arms outstretched, probing the wall for a weak spot, and finding it. Arms pushing out towards Jean-Marie, then sliding between he and Marcelle, the thing was coming closer to the edge of the circle, straight at Percilla. Marcelle and Jean-Marie were visibly straining now, pushing back, trying to keep the circle joined. Rudy and the other Swiss Knight now joined the eerie, silent fight, pressing their arms against the silent onslaught, but The Enemy kept pushing out, despite the Knights’ efforts.
“Eason! For God’s Love, get her out of here!” Gunther shouted. “It’s here for her! Save her!”
Eason had interposed himself between the advancing thing and Percilla. He felt the dread, the empty eyes, the horror of this child-thing, this agent of The Enemy. At last, he was confronting the foe that was out to pursue them, to kill Percilla. But he also knew that this was beyond what he could do, but he also recalled Gunther’s words: "If you do your job correctly, she will never find herself in such a situation." He obeyed.
Seizing Percilla’s arm, Eason pulled her toward one of the cars, shoved her into the passenger seat, and dove around the front of the car, scrambling to the driver’s seat. The car wouldn’t immediately start. Cursing, Eason looked around, mashed the starter with his fist, and the car coughed to life. Jamming the car into gear, Eason stomped on the pedals and the car lurched forward, spinning around the edge of the building. Percilla watched, as the car sped away, the silent fight between the Order and the child-thing. Gunther and the others had the child-thing on the ground, wrestled to its hands and knees, and she saw it slump to the ground, and the Knights running toward the other car, Gunther delivering one final blow to its heads with the lumber before leaping to the car, and following Eason as they sped away.
Eason stopped his car at an empty plaza, and waved his arm frantically out of the window, motioning the other car to catch them up. As the other car pulled alongside, Pettibone leaned out and shouted, “Why are you stopping!”
“I don’t know where to go,” Eason shouted back.
“Follow us, we’ll head back to the house!” Pettibone shouted before the car sped off. Eason followed as best he could, twisting the wheel madly as the cars careened down side streets until pulling into the tiny alleyway behind the building. Gunther sprang out of the car, full of purpose and looked like he had already formed a plan on the wild ride back.
“The Enemy has found us,” he said without preamble. “That one we have managed to dispatch, but we won’t be lucky when the next one comes. We took that one by surprise, They didn’t expect to find us here.”
“What are we to do,” Marcelle asked. “They must surely know that we were to take that train.”
“They will expect us to find another way to get to our goal,” Pettibone said. “Can we take a car, or truck, perhaps?”
“No, the truck is already in use", Jean-Marie said, “and that shall be the only train for hours. These cars were cabs, hired for only the trip to the station.”
“And the train has left, or will be leaving shortly,” Percilla observed. “Gunther, what are we to do? And, what was that - that thing – back there? That was The Enemy?”
“An agent of The Enemy, just as we are members of the Order,” Gunther said stonily. “But we are not without advantage. They will only send more of Them, after a delay in that one’s return. We still have time before They regroup, and there is still time to return to the station and board the train. Yes, I said take the train,” Gunther said firmly, upon seeing the reactions around him. “There is no other way to get to Zurich and beyond, save for that train. The bags were already taken off the platform, they are already on board. We simply have to get ourselves there before the train departs. Now everyone, get in the cars, and let’s go. Rudy, lead the way. Take us there the quickest. Speed is our salvation, now. The faster we can board that train, the safer we shall all be!”
WOOHOO!! My bedtime story for tonight!! :o)
They reached the train station, to see that they were indeed fortunate. The train’s whistle had not yet blown, the baggage had been loaded before the attack, and the party found itself with an escape route.
“Gunther, look here”, Eason said. “Where’s the body?” Sure enough, there was no trace of the child-thing, or any evidence of blood or gore suffered from Gunther’s attack.
“That is Their nature”, Gunther said. “Not being creatures of nature, of this world, They return to what they came from. Now hurry, all of you, get aboard.”
Percilla turned to Jean-Marie and Rudy. “Thank you both, for helping us this far. Please be careful. I don’t know what monster that was, but I hope you’ve seen the last of it.”
Jean-Marie was not hopeful. “No, Dame, we have yet to see the last of that evil. We’ve only just seen the first. If we get you and your friends to safety, then we’ll count ourselves successful. Hurry now, madam, board the train!” He gave Percilla a kiss on each cheek in parting. Rudy did likewise.
“Make your path as close to Gunther’s as you can, dear lady. Devlesa avilan, Madame Percilla!” And Jean-Marie turned to Eason, who was waiting until Percilla was safe aboard, “Stay with her. Protect her. She needs you. Farewell, Knights!”
They boarded the train swiftly. Gunther, who was first on, had already sped down the passageway and toward the forward cars. Pettibone appeared at the door to the car, tickets clutched in his hands, thrusting two of them to Eason, keeping three with him.
“Gunther has gone to secure the train from Them”, he said. “Marcelle has located our compartment. I advise you and Percilla to stay there. We shall secure this car, and the one next to it. Stay here,” he said, pointing to a compartment door, and ushering Percilla and Eason inside. Before he closed the door, he added, “We shall be back shortly, when all is safe.”
As Pettibone made to close the door, they heard the train’s whistle howl in the distance, preparing to move, and at that moment, Gunther returned, Marcelle just behind him.
“The train is secure. Sir Alfred, go forward to the club car and await us. Marcelle, stay here with Percilla. Eason, come with me. I need you.”
Eason was reluctant to leave Percilla, even for a moment, and said so. “Let Marcelle go with you, my place is here.”
“Do not question me, boy,” Gunther said. “I have need of you, more than she does. Now come!” The voice brooked no argument. Eason, with a glance at Percilla who nodded her approval, left just behind Gunther.
Gunther was now moving quickly to the back of the train, the very back of the very last car. Eason stayed right on his footsteps. They stood on the back connecting deck of the last car, watching the station recede into the distance slowly, too slowly for Eason’s comfort.
“I brought you here for a reason,” Gunther said. “I must know what you are capable of, and your paying close attention to my instruction is key. Tell me what you see.”
“I see the station as we’re leaving,” Eason said, “the train, the tracks, the cars at the parking lot, you…”
“Use your other eyes, man,” Gunther said impatiently, “tell me what you see!”
“I don’t understand,” Eason said, “what do you mean, my ‘other eyes’?”
“Verdamnt, but they did not instruct you, did they,” Gunther cursed. “Very well, it’s up to me. I ask you to do something you might not be aware that you can do. Now, pay close attention. Stand relaxed, at ease if you can. Clear your mind of everything possible. Concentrate on nothing, for a moment.” Gunther watched as Eason visibly relaxed, his shoulders losing some of their tension.
“Good, good. Now, imagine yourself on one of the great zeppelins, and you’re a passenger watching the people on the ground. You’re floating free, rising in altitude. As you get higher, your view changes. Imagine this, and now tell me what you see…”
Eason did so, seeing himself on board a great airship, leaving the earth, flying free. The people got smaller, he could see behind buildings, he could see over trees that blocked his view, he could see…
“What IS that!” he exclaimed, as he saw figures of misty grey, and one figure of deepest, darkest pitch-black nothingness, just beyond the train station, moving slowly towards the cars at the station house…
“Excellent,” Gunther said, “you have The Sight. We can work with you, now. You posess the first gift that all of the Order of the Dragon possess, the ability to see the souls of people and creatures around you. The grey ones, those are normal everyday ordinary people, going about their innocent lives. The brighter, the younger. Now, do you see any that are black?”
“Yes, there’s one near the station, where the cars are parked,” Eason said. “Is that one of Them?”
“Yes,” Gunther said grimly, “the Enemy has returned, but we beat them. I suspect they do not know if we boarded the train. The one we defeated would have reported the last thing it saw, and that was you and Percilla leaving in the car, escaping another way.”
“So that was your plan,” Eason said, “to deceive Them as to our next course. But,” he said, “what about those other lights, those bright blue ones?”
“They are us, “Gunther explained, “the members of the Order. The power you saw used, emanates from us – and you. Just as we can see Them, They can see us.”
“Wait a moment, what about that?” Eason saw a group of three bright blue things, moving away swiftly, together. And the black thing was turning, following them slowly.
“Those were Jean-Marie, Rudy, and their friend! And the Thing is following them!”
“Are you certain?” Gunther said. “Be sure of what you see!”
“Yes, I’m sure,” Eason said, “that thing is not coming after the train, it’s following the car with the three blue lights in it!”
“Remember that for the moment, but now look elsewhere”, Gunther instructed. “Change your view to the train. Use your new Sight on the train, and the railway ahead of us. Focus from yourself, then move outward.”
Eason did so. His gaze counted two blue lights near the end of the train – he and Gunther – then a light farther up – Pettibone in the club car – then two more lights, one incredibly bright, much brighter than the other…
“I think I see Percilla, Alfred and Marcelle,” Eason stated. “And ourselves. There are no others on board, either us or Enemy. And the rail line ahead looks empty, for a good long way.”
“Good. That means the train is truly secure,” Gunther said finally. “I had searched the train already, using my Sight. But I needed to know if you saw what I did, to confirm that you could see at all. Now, we must see to our friends’ safety. Follow me.”
Eason rushed to keep up with Gunther’s determined stride, as he made his way back to the compartment where Percilla was hiding with Marcelle. Eason recalled one thing, through the wonder of this marvelous new gift. One spot of blue was incredibly brilliant, and if he judged correctly, was positioned right where Percilla was seated.
“Eason, stay with her. Marcelle, follow me. We are safe for now, but the Zurich cell is in peril. Come.” And Gunther swiftly left, Marcelle in his wake.
Eason and Percilla were alone in the car, after Gunther and Marcelle left. Percilla was anxious, but curious to know what he and Gunther had done. Eason related the whole thing, including his remarkable new Sight. But he did not tell Percilla of his conclusion about the difference in the lights from the compartment; not yet, he reasoned.
“Cilla, I’m not certain, but I strongly suspect that you have this same Sight, as well,” Eason said. “If, as Gunther said, it’s a gift all members of the Order of the Dragon possess, then you must have it as well. I wonder if we might not experiment with it, right now?”
“Yes, of course”, Percilla said without hesitation, “let’s find out! At last, something I can use! Do let us try!” And just as Gunther had instructed him, Eason now coached Percilla in the use of The Sight. And the results were almost immediate. Percilla picked out each of the Knights of the Order, and each and every person aboard the train, even to selecting which were the four children aboard.
“You succeeded even faster than I did”, Eason said with pride. “And now, you can be warned of anything that comes your way!”
“Oh, Eason, this is wonderful! I’m not some useless trophy anymore. I can seek Them out and find Them!” Percilla hugged Eason gladly, happy in her new-found Sight. It was at that moment, that a discrete cough came from the compartment door. Marcelle was looking in on them, a pleasant grin on his face, as Eason and Percilla broke apart.
“Ah, l’amour,” Marcelle joked with a twinkle in his eye. “And my news shall also make you glad, though not for the same reason, eh?” And he sat himself down on the seat near the door. “We have contacted Jean-Marie, and warned him of what our friend Eason spied out. They are evacuating the safehouse, and will be bound for Zurich by car as swiftly as they may. They owe you their lives, Eason my friend, you did well today.”
Eason swelled with the praise given to him, and Percilla smiled at him, as well. He couldn’t tell which accolade was of greater value, though…
Gunther and Pettibone returned as well, and they all made room in the compartment for five. Gunther spoke, slower than his usual, as if he were allowing himself to relax his guard for a time. “Well, our first encounter is behind us. But now, we have more concerns than before. The Enemy has discovered us, but what is it they know? A party of ours has been sighted in Bern, and one of their number was defeated. Another is stalking the Zurich team, and may already be on their trail. But we are also certain, that They do not know we boarded the train; they saw Eason and Percilla leaving by car in haste, then Jean-Marie and the others in a second car as well.
“Jean-Marie has been warned. They shall be safe, if they move with speed, as we have. And now, we know that Eason has The Sight. Another useful weapon in our arsenal…”
“I have this Sight as well, Gunther,” Percilla stated. “Eason coached me as you did, just now. Count my gifts, as well, among our weapons.”
Gunther looked her over. “I shall examine this claim to Sight of yours, Dame Percilla, for I must be certain. We are not due in Zurich for several hours, yet. I must find contact with the leader of the Geneva enclave, to determine if Zurich is open to us, and beyond as well. But for now, I must report to Paris. I urge you all to go to the dining car, and refresh yourselves. I shall join you, once my report is complete.” He rose, to usher them all out of the compartment. All rose, except Percilla, who looked Gunther in the eyes, demanding.
“Sir Gunther”, she said in high English dudgeon, “I wish for you to answer my questions. You, more than any other member of the Order, have provided me the answers I seek, and you have demonstrated practical use of your talents. I would be more than pleased, if you might continue my education, by giving me some answers.”
Gunther, framed in the doorway, gave Percilla an impassive stare, appraising her where she sat. Slowly, a small smile creased his features, and he came back into the compartment, closed the door behind him, and motioned Eason aside, sitting next to Percilla. “As you wish, Dame St. Cyr. Where shall we begin?”
Percilla, almost missing a beat in surprise, began, “What was that thing that we encountered at the station?”
Gunther said, “It was a creation of the Enemy. It was a revenant, an animated corpse, brought back not to life, but to motion, by the power of the Enemy. It is an automaton, capable of following simple commands, but does not reason or communicate in the fashion of the living. The one who created it can control it, but it cannot wander far from the place where it was created.”
“So, whoever created that thing, is still in the area, and anyone here in Bern is in danger?” Percilla asked.
“Yes, and that’s why I warned Jean-Marie to leave quickly,” Gunther said. “But more important, is the fact that it requires someone of significant power, to create a revenant. The Enemy who is here is of a greater power than the assembled Knights. If you noticed, it took six of us to bring it down.”
“And four of us there, were Knights of the Inner Court”, Pettibone added. “I have been involved in encounters where even a handful of Outer Courts might bring down a revenant, but only in sufficient number. Most times, only one or two Inner Courts are required. It all depends on the strength of the Enemy who created it.”
Percilla remembered the encounter between Stavros and Gunther, back in Paris, and Stavros’ words: She has performed more feats and deeds than you, I, and half the enclaves of Europe together. Katerina Romanov is the ONLY Knight of the Order who can operate on her own…
“Gunther, my next question”, Percilla said, eyes locked on Gunther’s. “How are you able to communicate so rapidly, without wireless or telephone? We all might need to know that someday, if things go badly for us.”
Gunther met her stare. “That, Dame St. Cyr, is one question I will not answer. It is one of the guarded secrets of the Inner Court, and I am sworn not to reveal it, except in great need – and your need is not great.” That flat tone clearly meant, he would answer no further.
“What did you do, to defeat the, ‘revenant’, did you call it”, she asked on. “Those bright lights from your hands, the same color as the images in my mind when I use the Sight. What did you do? There were Outer Court Knights there, using that power. Is it a weapon, or a shield, what is its nature?”
Gunther actually smiled at this. “Good, Dame St. Cyr, good! You ask a question I can answer. That power, indeed, should be yours already, for if you have The Sight, then the rest shall follow. Sir Eason shall also learn it, as well. But not at this moment, for we are all needing to refresh ourselves. For myself, I desire good strong coffee! All of you, to the dining car.” And as he stood up, “After our repast, we shall continue your training. Marcelle, Alfred, you first.” And as they left, Gunther gestured gallantly, “After you… My Lady.”
Percilla took the compliment, nodding at Gunther, and left the compartment, followed by Eason. Gunther took Eason’s arm as he stepped out into the passageway, and whispered, “A strong woman is not easy to defend. I do not envy your position, though a man might envy your company with her. It has been told to you before, and I say it now: Stay by her side. Protect her…”
“She needs me”, Eason finished. “Where does that phrase come from, Sir Gunther?”
“It's part of the prophecy. Uttered after the death of Baron Mircea, fifty years and more ago, and one passage runs:
‘And the Knight’s Heir shall rise,
and take up the crown and the fire
her guardsman at her side,
who always protects her,
because he is needed.’”
And Eason was reminded of his greatest and best feeling – that he was needed. And he followed Gunther to join the others.
Can't wait to read this - thanks!! I'll be missing my bedtime story for a while... Whatever shall I do?? *bats eyelashes*
The train rolled on, from Bern, through the Swiss high plateaus, and on to Zurich, where the party of the Order of the Dragon was to wait in safety, while the next stage of their journey was made secure. But that security seemed like a faraway promise, as agents of The Enemy had already identified the party.
Percilla and Eason had had their first encounter with the foul tools of The Enemy, which Sir Gunther and the others called, the revenants, the walking dead. After a fitful short meal, of which Gunther had forcefully insisted, they broke into two groups. The brothers, Marcelle and Alfred, would roam the train, both discrete and watchful, while Gunther spoke privately with Eason and Percilla, instructing them further about their abilities as members of the Outer Court.
But, before that, Gunther had to contact Paris, so he told them. Alfred would be with him to make the report, while Marcelle would stay in the compartment with the others. Marcelle aimed to bring the mood lighter, especially after the harrowing fight at the platform. But Percilla would have none of it.
“Marcelle, please,” Percilla asked, “Help me to understand more of this. The revenants are the walking dead? If that’s the case, why does it seem to favor children?”
Marcelle, resigned to the talk, explained, “The revenants are not quite creations, but not quite beings. The Enemy summons them, and they appear without form, shapeless, and they seek out a form to inhabit, or possess. Since they are things of darkness, they naturally seek out the brightest light. Remember, you two, how Gunther explained it? And how both of you saw it? Children are brighter in your Sight, than adults? That is how the revenant chooses its form, by taking the brightest it can find. For a revenant to live, a child must die.”
“How horrible! This thing eats children!” Percilla choked.
“Gunther said it was seeking Cilla,” Eason said. “If it’s mindless, how can it do that?”
“The revenants are machine-like,” Marcelle said. “They can accept simple commands, like “Guard this door”, or “Attack anyone in this city block”. Nothing complex, like, oh, “Search for Percilla St. Cyr, and kill her”. The thing couldn’t think to mount a search.
“They also seek out souls, like they seek out children,” he went on. “The revenants are efficient hunters of us, because we attract them, to their eyes we are easy to find. But one thing puzzles me… Out of all of us, Gunther is the strongest. Why didn’t it attack him first? He should not have surprised it, by getting that blow in. Out of all of us, it tried to get… Percilla.”
“But, why did Gunther attack it with a piece of wood?” Eason asked, as he tried to steer the talk away from Percilla. “He has so many weapons, and the blue light we saw you all use. Why not just shoot it?”
“Ah, Eason, there is something,” Marcelle said. “It’s the nature of the creature. Metal or man-made things cannot destroy it. Knives, swords, bullets – I have seen where one new acolyte tried, and valiantly, to blaze away at it with an American machine gun. Emptied the whole drum of bullets, and the thing kept coming.
“Only natural materials, or natural weapons, can destroy a revenant. Being supernatural, the natural can eliminate it. Gunther attacked it – with wood. Anything else and the thing would not have even stopped. And his attack bought us the time to get the circle organized. And that, my friends, is what finally killed it.”
“Yes, now we’re getting somewhere,” Percilla said. “The blue light, the same as we can See now. Is it some sort of power we possess? And we can project it?”
“Indeed, yes,” Marcelle said. “And it is one of the most useful tools, as well. What the Knight does, is he projects his energy forward, guiding it with the hands, into a shield in front of him. While the Enemy seeks it out, They cannot touch it or pass through it. So, as long as one can interpose the shield between you and the foe, you cannot be harmed.”
“So, when you formed the circle, you cut off any path the thing might take to get around the shield, finding it in every direction,” Eason concluded. “But, what happened, as you closed in on it?”
“Quite literally, we crushed it,” Marcelle said. “With no place to flee, the thing that animates the revenant cannot escape. It cannot survive contact with the shield for very long at all. Gunther, after seeing the revenant was weakened, delivered the killing blow with the cudgel, destroying the vessel that the thing used, and it was destroyed.”
“I suspect,” Marcelle said, “that is what Gunther wishes to instruct the two of you on, the use of the shield and projecting the power properly. And of course, to test your abilities, Percilla. Your claim to the Sight surprised him, I think.”
At that moment, Gunther and Alfred appeared in the doorway. Gunther merely nodded to Marcelle, and he and Alfred left the compartment, moving to take up their positions for watch. Gunther then sat down in the vacated seat.
“Now, then, My Lady,” Gunther said, “We shall now begin seeing just where your gifts lie, and at what stage you should be in your training and you education. I shall be honest with you, that I shall treat you as I would all my acolytes. Your attention is first among all things, for I shall show you things you have never seen before.” And with that, the training began…
bttt
May 24th, 1935
Somewhere near Zurich, Switzerland
After the harrowing beginning to this day, I have a moment to order my thoughts again. And at last, I have learned a great deal more about the Order of the Dragon, and my part in this great drama. But, first things first.
Gunther has proven, in addition to being a leader and a ferocious warrior, to be a thorough teacher in the esoteric arts the Knights of the Order employ. The first thing he did with me was to confirm in his own mind if I indeed possessed that power called, The Sight. It entails being able to See things beyond your own existence, and to be able to detect all the living souls in one’s immediate surroundings. This provides two extremely valuable tools: the ability to see all those approaching you, and to see the Enemy as well.
Apparently, the living spirit or soul emits a vapor, or an aura, which can be seen easily with The Sight. A bright aura denotes either a child, or a member of The Order, the greater power being marked by a brighter aura. The Enemy can be seen, as a black nothingness with The Sight. Gunther assures me, it is impossible for someone to conceal himself or herself from The Sight, so again, it is quite useful.
The second lesson involved creating the blue shield, which the Knights used so effectively against the revenant at Bern. It requires a great deal of will; I’m afraid, that’s something I lack in that regard. It needed all my concentration, and straining at that, to create even the smallest shield, which would have been useless in protecting myself from the revenant.
“Think of it as clay, My Lady,” Gunther told me, “and let it flow from your heart, and down your arms, into your hands. Mold it with your hands, then. Make of it what is needed.” But, try as I might, the shield simply would not form quite enough.
Eason, however, performed much to Gunther’s satisfaction, and his own. He created a remarkable shield, large enough to protect two adult persons behind it. Gunther seemed relieved that Eason had this ability. And when Gunther tested it, he found it more impressive still.
“This is an excellent discovery, Sir Eason,” Gunther said. “Your shield, as an acolyte, surpasses even those I have seen Inner Court Knights work at for years. A prodigy is what I see here. We shall move on to the next test, you two.” Gunther actually was smiling now, pleased, I guessed, to see pupils with advanced gifts. He seemed to enjoy creating harder and more challenging tests for us. Eason’s shield, and my Sight, which he told me was remarkably keen for an acolyte, was only the beginning, to him.
These kinds of exercises, Gunther explained, were standard practice among the Inner Court, and Gunther was accustomed to acolytes coming to him untried and untrained. He had developed a training regimen for the Order, and as a result, the acolytes and the Outer Court Knights were succeeding more often in encounters with The Enemy.
And the train rolled on through the Swiss countryside, picturesque as it was, still holding hidden menace, now. Often, during quiet moments, I would exercise The Sight, picking out my comrades, the others aboard the train, and those passing in the lands around us as we churned our way along the rail line. Meals were served, conversation continued, and still Gunther found small tests for us, as Alfred and Marcelle looked on.
Eason actually managed to manipulate a tea service, using the shield energy as a pushing method, and we all watched in silence as the saucer and cup scooted across the table in jerks and starts, and quietly applauded Eason at his efforts. Gunther then began to push another saucer across the table, and challenged Eason to try and strike it with his, then switching to chase Eason’s saucer around the table setting. We actually laughed at the antics, a welcome respite from the horrors of the morning.
It is strange, though, how the extraordinary is rapidly becoming commonplace. Feats that might be called witchcraft are now elements of learning and play. And the works of The Enemy are horrific, but are to be faced with these new skills. And I am determined to learn them all.
====================================================
Eason awoke before dawn, suddenly springing bolt upright in the compartment’s narrow bunk, to the sound of the train’s whistle blowing. Glancing quickly around him, still partially asleep, he took stock at where he was. The train’s compartment shook around him with the train’s motion. Alfred’s still form was curled in the bunk atop his, and across the compartment, under a trench coat, Percilla’s sleeping form could be seen.
Standing up in his shirt and trousers, Eason slipped into his shoes, and ventured a look into the companionway outside. As he slid the door open quietly, and looked out, Gunther, who had apparently already risen, and was awaiting the rest of the party to awaken, met him.
“Guten Morgen, Herr Ritter,” Gunther said in his own language. “How well are you rested?
“Good morning, Gunther,” Eason said. “Well enough for the day, I should hope. What about you, surely you haven’t been there all night?”
“Not at all, “he replied, “I only just relieved Marcelle an hour ago. I wanted him to have some rest before we arrived, which we have. Please go and wake the others, quickly – we have just arrived in Zurich.” Eason did as he was asked, and went to wake Percilla first. This proved harder than thought, as she seemed to be deep in slumber, her eyes moving rapidly under her eyelids, as if watching fast-moving things.
“Cilla,” Eason whispered. “Cilla, wake up, now…” He gently shook her shoulder, in order to wake her.
Percilla’s eyes fluttered open, but for just an instant, Eason thought he saw the oddest light in her half-lidded eyes: the same azure tint of the shields of the Order. As quickly as it flashed, it was gone, and the deep rich brown of Percilla’s eyes returned. She focused on Eason’s face, close to hers, and a sleepy smile creased her lips.
“Eason… dearest… She sends her love…”
“What?” Eason said, utterly taken aback. “Who? Who sends her love, Cilla?”
“Mmm, where… what is this…” Percilla stammered groggily. “Oh. Good morning, Eason, oh, I’m so sleepy still, what time is it?” Percilla asked. Her eyes were awake and wide now, no trace of the sleepiness, or the weird light.
“Percilla, were you just dreaming now?” Eason asked. “You were talking in your sleep, I think.”
“Oh, really, was I?” she asked. “Did I say anything that made sense?”
“Well, not really, nothing that made any sense at all,” Eason was about to quote her strange words, but chose to stay silent. “I’m waking everybody, we’ve arrived in Zurich, and Gunther is getting us all off the train, right away, it seems.”
“Oh, I’m awake now, dearest,” Percilla said, “so let’s get Alfred and Marcelle up, too.” In a few moments, the whole party was up, more or less. Alfred, too, was a heavy sleeper this morning, but Marcelle, who had hardly slept an hour, was more awake than any of them.
As the train trundled to a stop at the Zurich platform, the party of the Order followed Gunther, and nearly leapt from the train before it halted, such was their haste to get off. As soon as their luggage had been retrieved, a man and woman approached them, seeming holiday-making travelers like themselves, the man escorting an aunt or grandmother, so it seemed from casual appearance.
The gentleman called out to Eason, “Oh, I say there, please excuse me, old man but are you perchance from England?”
“Why, yes, of course, sir,” Eason replied instead, “And you?”
“Even so, good man,” the gentleman said, “I say, would you happen to have the correct time here? My watch has stopped, apparently…” he explained, looking at his timepiece and presenting it for inspection. On the reverse of the watch, lay the Order’s coin, in its proper position.
“Well, um, allow to examine my – um, wife’s, hers is more accurate, you see,” Eason stammered, motioning Percilla who, amused, came close and, upon seeing the reversed coin, held her arm to expose her coin in reply.
Nods all around acknowledged everyone’s identity, and in a low voice, the woman said, “Follow us, please,” while the gentleman said loudly, “Oh, thank you very much indeed, wretched time for one’s watch to fail, don’t you think?” This last, the gentleman said glaring directly at Gunther.
“Indeed,” Gunther replied, “you should see to your watch soon, for when all is in order, there shall be a reckoning.” The gentleman’s face fell slightly at the remark, but it was forgotten as all turned to follow the couple’s lead, toward a waiting car, which after loading, sped off with the whole party.
The car was actually a limousine, plain colored with no heraldic crests or obvious aristocratic emblems; as secret as a limousine could possibly be. Eason and Percilla sat with Gunther, and Alfred and Marcelle sat with the strangers.
The ride was quiet, hardly another word spoken, but Eason and Percilla both felt the tension in the air, especially between Gunther and this man. Presently, Eason noticed the limousine was pulling up to the gates of a chalet, a gated entrance opening to admit the car to the estate beyond. Percilla, of course, was examining the grounds with her aristocratic eye, appraising the upkeep of the grounds and the estate overall. The chalet itself caught her eye, a sprawling structure of some opulence.
The limousine stopped at the top of a car circle, near the stairs leading up to the entrance, statuary and landscaped lawns bordering the entrance. The driver opened the doors for the party, the Swiss couple leading the party up the steps and into the building, with purposeful steps. Eason and Percilla had reached Zurich.
BTTT
Dang but I love reading your work.
Oh goody! I love this stuff!
The headquarters of the Zurich enclave is, same as that of Paris, a place of opulence and style, an outward display of wealth, more fit among the privileged classes of Europe than a secret society. But, all the more to conceal its devices, I would suppose, and successfully, as well. The chalet is of the French influence of architecture, but there are more Gothic elements as well, and the German is also present.
We were very quickly whisked inside the estate, as we were to be concealed within these fair walls. Percilla took everything in, as I did, with a wary glance around the place. There were many people here, more than we saw at Paris of London. The couple that met us at the train platform vanished when we entered, but later, as the company assembled for luncheon in a large and airy dining salon, we were all formally introduced. At that point, I recalled Gunther’s words to Percilla, back at Bern: ‘Each place must be visited in order, and on time. There are individuals in each location, which you must meet, and in turn, must be made aware of you.’ As it turned out, this also applied to Zurich.
The Englishman who met us was Sir George Bolingbrook, the acting chief of the enclave. As Gunther explained later in private, Sir George, a Knight of the Inner Court, stepped into the chief’s place when the head of the enclave fell injured during the battle at Munich that injured Elder Melchior and the others. Sir George’s loyalties to his former chief manifested a loathing for Gunther, which obviously continued to this day.
There were thirteen members of the Zurich group present in the chalet, and as it was explained to me, there are many more; just not all at the chalet at once, many being afield on the business of the Order. It would seem that many of them were present here, for our arrival. No, more for Percilla’s arrival, than mine.
But the surprise of the day came toward the end of the luncheon, and as we began to discuss business in earnest. As Percilla and I were being introduced around the room, the elderly woman who Sir George escorted at the platform entered the room – no, she swept in and dominated the room, all rising and bowing, and I still am astonished at my own blindness, because the old, average-looking woman was none other than Elder Romanov herself!!
The Elder acknowledged the salutations of all present, and singled out each member present with a personal greeting, as if she knew each and everybody there – which I do not discount as beyond this extraordinary woman’s abilities. Not the least of which was the simple fact that she was here, in Zurich, apparently arriving even before we got here!
“Hello again, Marcelle and Alfred”, the Elder greeted the brothers who, as one, smiled and bowed. “I see that your adventure with our new acolytes has been filled with the unexpected.”
“Greetings again, Sir Gunther,” she said to the Knight-commander as he kissed her hand with a bow. “Your reports thus far have been most insightful. We shall discuss them at length, later this evening.”
“I am glad to see you here, Percilla Raymondeva,” she said to Cilla, who properly did a curtsy to the Duchess. “You now understand a little more about yourself, I imagine?” I sense that the Elder had received a full report of the events of Bern from Gunther.
“Yes, Your Grace,” Cilla properly replied. “Under Sir Gunther’s tutelage, I am better prepared than ever to serve the Order. I must have you recognize his abilities, if you haven’t already.” I had the feeling she already had.
But, when she approached me, something odd happened. The Elder turned to me, and the expression on her face was one of relief, I daresay of being truly glad to see me. I made the impetuous act of raising her outstretched hand to kiss it, bowing over her knuckles as is customary, but with a deft move of her wrist, she twisted her hand around to clasp my hand to her cheek, drawing us closer.
“Eason Eduardovich. Of all those here, I am gladdest to see you,” she said to me, softly, then bestowed light kisses on both cheeks, which I returned. The same thing I observed in Paris, I saw once again. The touch, the feel, the scent of this noblewoman was not that of age, but of a woman still vital and youthful. Such a contradiction, in this deposed empress. I must confess here, that I was moved by the intimacy of our reunion, certainly the infectiousness of her greeting.
“Madam Romanov”, I was moved to say to her, “Of all here, I am delighted most to see you again – especially as I did not expect our meeting at all.”
“Ah, and still charming as before, as well,” she replied, and I swear I did not expect in the next moment, for her to embrace me, right there in the room. I could not help but to return the hug, and that which I had noticed before was even more pronounced. This dowager, in her seventies if she was a day old, felt in my arms like a woman a third her age! The strength of her arms was not that at all of an old woman. Her body pressed into mine, the full length from leg to neck, and I was instantly consumed with the most disrespectful ideas, which I cannot compel myself to write here. Suffice to say that such a thing might have been scandalous…
…especially since, as we broke the embrace, I noticed Percilla’s eyes on the Duchess and I, and there was the most fiery look of fury in them, was it … jealousy???
Bttt
Our first night with the Zurich enclave was chiefly set by the arrival of the Elder from Paris, by whatever means the Elders possess, even before we ourselves arrived. Later that evening, after being relaxed and refreshed, and Gunther was certain of our safety after inspecting the enclave personally, the whole membership present met in conference. It was the single largest gathering of the Knights of the Order I had seen to date. But even before that, there were individuals who stood out in memory and introduction, and I must set them down here, lest I not recall.
One lady who caught my attention, and I daresay, any man’s attention, was one of the Knights who introduced herself to me without waiting for someone else. She simply walked up to me, hand outstretched, pumping in a man’s handshake.
“You are Signore Eason?” she fairly slurred her words through a lopsided mouth, the left side curled up in a kind of perpetual smirk by a scar which looked awfully like a knife wound. “I was told that you were to be found here by tonight. I am Contessa Ramona Vespici, from Rome. It is understood that you have only just joined the Order while in Paris, no?”
“That’s right,” I said, returning the handshake and taking in the sight of this woman. “So, there is an enclave in Rome, as well, Countess?”
“Si, signore,” she replied with a laugh, “but you are not quite correct – Contessa is but my name, not my title. It is more correct to say, Dame Contessa, I believe. Less confusion, not so?”
I must have blushed a bit at that, saying, “My apologies, Lady, I couldn’t have known. I’m just awash with names, today…”
“No doubt, no doubt,” Contessa said, smiling. “It has been said that you and your fair lady St. Cyr are to be shown off and named for all to see, and that word came from the Elder herself. I would be curious to know her reasoning, but what good does it do to question, eh?”
“Yes, what indeed,” I said. Contessa was a striking woman, regardless of her deformity, a mane of wild black hair, eyes like coals, dusky skin, typical of the Italian heritage. She was a comely woman, not slender but muscularly built, and would quickly capture a man’s attention with a smoky glance or two.
Contessa took me in hand, and began shuttling me around the room, meeting many more faces and hearing more names until my mind was even more awash then before. But one thing that she said, stuck in my mind: why would the Elder want Cilla and I shown around to all here? What purpose might there be?
=====================================================
May 25th, 1935
Zurich
I am so torn and twisted in the winds of my feelings, tonight. Such a day of whirling names and sights! So much has happened, I must get things straight and orderly once again.
I was so shocked to see the Elder here. How on earth did she manage to arrive here before us! And how is it we didn’t recognize her at the platform? And that “greeting” to Eason - what the devil is going on???
Such a gathering we had, as well. It seemed that all afternoon was set aside for getting acquainted with people before something momentous. But, I began to piece together an agenda, from the snatches of conversations and hints under breath, many of which were confirmed at the evening’s conference…
==================================================
The members of the Order of the Dragon assembled in a ballroom converted to a boardroom. Percilla marked the opulent fixtures all about them, signs of accumulated wealth and power. The Elder chaired the conference, of course, flanked this time by Sir George, representing Zurich, Dame Contessa representing the Rome enclave, and Gunther as the de facto leader of the expedition. The rest of the Zurich enclave was in attendance, as were other visitors the party met in the blur of introductions of the day, including to the party’s joy, Jean-Marie from the Bern safehouse. Eason sat at Percilla’s side, joined by the brothers as always. The Elder began the conference with her usual style of simply announcing herself, and lecturing the assembly on her thoughts.
“Shall we begin, Lords and Ladies? We are met tonight due to extraordinary events, and must not only respond to them, but also plan accordingly. For it is now clear that, by chance rather than design, the Enemy has learned in part of our plans.”
“I have received excellent report of the events in Bern yesterday. Largely in part to Sir Gunther’s leadership in crisis, we are confident the Enemy has only discovered the Bern safehouse, which is no longer occupied. However, we are uncertain that the expedition has been discovered, though its mission not compromised. Therefore, it shall continue, but quickly.
“It is the intent to have the expedition depart tomorrow morning for Vienna, then on to Budapest without stopping. It is more imperative that Budapest receives you, with no further delay. Once there, the next stage to Bucharest can begin. Sir George, I would hear your report.”
Sir George rose and spoke, “Your Grace. The Enemy sacked the safehouse in Bern, but there was no information for discovery. The house was thoroughly cleansed of our operation; no trace of the Order will be found. All of the Knights there are safe in either Geneva or here.
“Further intelligence shows the passage to Vienna is secure,” he went on. “On the expedition’s next leg, there will be no repeat of Bern – or Munich, I daresay…”
“Then you dare to say more, Sir George?” Gunther growled.
“I simply state,” George replied smoothly, “that for the expedition’s next journey, there shall be little to no chance of The Enemy finding them along the way, as opposed to the two incidents I mentioned. You should recall that The Enemy found us both times – and both incidents, if I recall, were with someone present in charge?”
“That will be all, Sir George,” the Elder stated, low and calmly, though Eason noticed the room seemed to chill from her voice. George saw her eyes, and sat down slowly, smug at having scored against Gunther. Percilla regarded Sir George through narrowed eyes, mistrusting this man more.
“I have been in contact with Budapest today,” the Elder went on, “and I concur with Sir George, in that the route is safe, for now. The Zurich enclave shall make all arrangements necessary for the journey. That leaves the leg from Budapest onward, and for that, I have summoned Dame Contessa. Madam, I would hear you.”
Contessa rose, and began, “Your Grace, Lords and Ladies, I shall conduct the expedition from Bucharest to Sibiu’, personally. I shall further, with Sir Gunther’s assistance, secure from Budapest eastward, as best as I can manage. I have selected several from the Rome enclave who have volunteered, and those from Bucharest as well. There shall be sufficient strength of numbers to achieve our goals,” she ended confidently.
“I now turn to the expedition, itself,” the Elder said. “Sir Gunther, your party reacted well to its first encounter with the Enemy. I expect you shall continue your instruction in regards to the acolytes’ training?”
Gunther rose. “Yes, Your Grace, that was my intention – you have something to contribute, Sir George?” he growled across the table.
“I merely observed, “Sir George remarked, “that I agree you will continue training acolytes – assuming they survive the training regimen you have constructed for them, what, with live Enemy to test against…”
“As if you could do better, George, when the Enemy went undetected under your nose in Bern…”
“At least all I lost was a safehouse, Gunther, as opposed to your using acolytes as shields. Who on earth said you could lead a field operation again, such a mistake…”
“Sir George, Rise And Face Me.”
The Elder’s voice was clipped and biting. “It was I who placed command of the expedition in Sir Gunther’s hands, at the behest of Elder Melchior, who has recently returned to service to The Order. You are questioning the judgment of two Elders, Sir Knight. Is it your intention to commit further insubordination this night?”
George’s jaw was quivering; he knew his very real peril, though his next actions did not save him. “Your Grace, I would never disrespect or show defiance to you, or any of the Elders –“
“However, a Knight-Commander under my direct orders is fair game, da?” she retorted, a tight-lipped smile creasing her face. “And that was a question that Elder Melchior himself asked, how did the Enemy reside in Switzerland without detection? Can you make answer?”
“I – I, cannot say for certain, Your Grace, my reports told nothing of any kind…”
“If your information is that flawed, Sir Knight, then how can you expect to advise the Elders competently on who should command a field expedition, especially one of such import to the Order?” she asked.
“Perhaps my information would be less flawed,” George blurted, “if I had the patronage of Your Grace, that Gunther seems to enjoy…”
And Eason knew, instantly, that George had gone too far. George suddenly sensed it, too, as the lights began to flicker in the ballroom and the air began to fill with the unique smell of a thunderstorm. And the Elder rose to her full height, her eyes open wide and boring into George, who now stood hapless and frozen, wilting visibly under that gaze.
When she spoke again, the Elder’s voice was a study of control. “You, Sir George, have assisted me in making a decision this night, one which I had put off making until after this expedition is complete. I can no longer afford to delay further. You are relieved of your duties as chief of the Zurich enclave, effective tonight, and you shall accompany me back to Paris in the morning. Leave this room at once. Sir Alfred Pettibone?”
Pettibone rose quickly, trying not to notice as Sir George was escorted from the room by two of the Zurich knights. “Yes, Your Grace?”
The Elder delayed speaking until she was certain that Sir George could not hear the next statement. “It is my intention, since you have displayed the proper abilities and dedication to the Order,” the Elder was saying, “to offer you the charge of the Zurich enclave, for the foreseeable future. This will mean staying here, while the expedition moves on, I regret to say, but your services are more useful and required here. Dame Contessa?”
Contessa rose as well. “You shall accompany the expedition to Budapest, in Sir Alfred’s place. While they wait there for further instruction, you shall continue on to Bucharest to perform your next tasks.”
“Your Grace?” Alfred asked gently. “I can imagine you will predict my response to Your Grace’s decision, as generous as this is…”
“Da, Alfred Stefanovich, I can and I do,” the Elder said. “You wish, of course, to accompany your brother and your friends, and that you consider yourself unworthy of the responsibility. I, however, am confident of your abilities, and I am not permanently separating this party. But, circumstances do not give me luxury. I ask you to accept your new assignment, Sir Knight. Shall I expect otherwise?” Alfred, seeing himself outmaneuvered, graciously accepted.
The meeting broke up silently, as the Elder rose and departed without a further word. The party approached Alfred, not knowing further what to do.
“Well, mon frere, either my hearty congratulations, or my deepest condolences, on your promotion,” Marcelle said as he embraced Alfred.
“Thank you, brother, I think,” Alfred said with a wry grin. “Well, I always did say I wished to see other places than England, and here’s my opportunity, for a while, anyway.”
But, Eason was not of the same mind. “I cannot believe this, that she’d break us up like this. We were all to go on to Romania together!”
“Ah, but we serve the Order, do we not?” Marcelle answered. “In whatever capacity we are due – wait a moment, where is she?”
“The Elder left the room,” Alfred said.
“No, not the Elder,” Eason said, “Percilla. Where did she go? I didn’t see her leave!”
“She could not have gone out of the chalet, Eason, so do not worry,” Marcelle said. “Your concern is natural, but I am certain she is safe…”
You always leave me wanting more! :o)
But, the almost-tears that Percilla saw in Paris didn’t show here, though she imagined the pain was the same, or worse. Some form of compassion moved Percilla to follow the Elder, and it proved difficult. The Elder’s stride was long and smooth, and Percilla was hard pressed to follow quietly. But the effort was rewarded, as Percilla came across a balcony, overlooking the mountain valley, and there stood the Elder in the evening light, the lights of Zurich twinkling beyond the pines.
The Elder stood rail straight, arms at her side, fists clenching and releasing, her head erect and proud. Percilla stepped quietly towards her, her eyes never leaving the Elder, watching as the grand lady’s shoulders began to quake, and as she threw her head back her hair fastening loosened, releasing a cascade of shoulder-length platinum tresses that, even more than ever, brought back Katerina Romanov’s beauty.
Percilla began to make a small move toward her, and was about to clear her throat and discreetly announce her presence, when a voice broke the silence, “Your Grace? Are you well?” Percilla’s eyes snapped toward the sound, and she shrank against the wall and into the shadows as she saw Eason approach.
The Elder turned with a start, her hair swinging round her neck, her mouth set in a firm line, and her eyes glittering in the light. “Ah, Isha. How come you here? I did not hear you.”
“You left the hall, Madam, and I was concerned. I did not find Percilla at all, and I came to search for her. I didn’t mean to intrude, if you wish your privacy, I shall leave – “
“You are not intruding, least of all you. Stay a moment, Isha, and watch the evening with me.”
Eason walked closer, the light revealing a face sincere and full of concern. “Madam Romanov, you’re troubled, that is plain. All of us in the room saw and know of Sir George’s insolence. We all know you did what was needful – “
“You know not all of the matter, young one,” the Elder said. “Sir George’s quarrel with Gunther goes back to an incident which cost Gunther so much, and has forced him to remain in Paris, for a time, healing…”
“Madam, I know of Gunther’s actions at Munich. Not the full tale, but enough to know that he acted heroically, as much as I saw at Bern, just yesterday. Who but he, would have brought your fellow Elder out of there, at such cost to himself?”
“I know. I have trust with Gunther, for he has earned it time and again. Trust is such a precious thing, Isha, more than you realize yet. The Order depends on it; it is nearly our life’s blood. We trust ourselves to each other, every day, for the Enemy we face brings not only death, but also discord. Breaking the trust and the faith in each of us, damages us even more than injury.”
“So, that’s what you spoke of at Paris, then? When Lord Stavros assaulted Gunther, about ‘bringing discord within these walls’?”
“Da, exactly. I would tell you, that the others, the Elders, allow some latitude with their dealing with subordinate knights, almost to the point of breaking discipline. I have always insisted on loyalty to the Order, first above all. That is why I worry for Gunther. His loyalty is to me, personally, and would follow any command of mine to the detriment of the Order.”
“But, that’s just human nature, Lady. People naturally gravitate to strong persons and leaders, and that includes you. Forgive my inexperience in these matters, but my loyalties are personal, as well. My first loyalty is to Percilla, more than the Order, I fear. But that’s not out of disrespect, it’s because I’ve known Percilla for nearly all my life. She’s familiar, in a whirlpool of events that spins me onward.”
She smiled slightly at the remark. “And what if there were other familiar things, Isha? Your new friends, the brothers Marcelle and Alfred, eh? Are there no loyalties to them?”
“Of course there are, Madam! They are comrades, and we’ve been through so much already, with more to come. I only hope I’m worthy of their company.”
“Do you mean, that you are not asking me to include Alfred in the expedition again? You do not question my decision?”
“No, Madam! I wouldn’t do such a thing. You know so much more, so much bigger a picture than I, how could I make a decision for you, or even dare to advise you?”
“Then, Isha, you are now showing loyalty to me, over the Order…”
“On the contrary, My Lady, that is precisely the opposite! Your loyalty is to the Order, is it not? Therefore, your decisions are all based on how best to serve the Order. If I trust your actions, then I’m confident the Order is best served if I follow your orders. It’s not so much loyalty to you, dear Lady, as it is that I trust your decisions. I trust you.”
Percilla watched a subtle change in Katerina Romanov’s demeanor begin, while Eason spoke. Her shoulders relaxed, her hands simply resting on the rail of the balcony, but her eyes still sparkling with her recent tears held in check. When she looked to Eason again, she looked more feminine than she had even seemed; Katerina the Elder had left for a moment, and Katerina the woman had awoken. When she next spoke, her voice was not the imperious arching tone; it was husky, no longer a dowager’s rasp, but deeper and sensuous. Eason could not fail to notice.
“I know that you trust me, Isha. That is part of the problem, you see? I cannot share trust with you yet, because of so many reasons. You are of the Outer Court, and not to know the secrets I possess. You are needing those secrets soon, as you gird yourself for the tasks ahead, which I see and you do not. I fear that trust is one-sided here; your trusting in me, and oh, how I wish I could give more trust to you.” Eason drew closer, and tentatively, reached a hand to comfort this woman in her turmoil. Katerina gratefully took his hand in both of hers, turning to face him.
“I would trust you more, Isha. I would be so pleased, to confide much with you. I do not understand this, but I sense a kindred soul with you, someone with whom confidence can be placed.”
Eason looked at her, “I’d be honored, and grateful, for your confidence, Madam…” and, he searched his memory for the name, “…Katerina.”
An unbroken silence followed, Eason and Katerina simply looking in each other’s eyes, standing still. Percilla watched, and was torn by two burning sensations. Here was a woman who commanded nations, and was plainly lonely and starving for someone to trust, within all these plots and conspiracies. And here also, was a woman who was… falling for Eason. Trying to let herself fall for a younger man. It was incredible, but here, before her eyes, she was watching an impossible romance?!?!
Katerina’s demeanor melted further, at the sound of Eason’s voice using her name. A single tear leaked from her eye, tracing her cheek. Eason looked at her, and saw her vulnerability, her lonliness, and saw how much it was costing her, this terrible lowering of her guard and her barriers to all others. He was awed by the trust she saw showing, in letting down her defenses to him.
“I thought that, when you hugged me today,” Eason said, “that you simply held me in some closer esteem than others. Am I seeing something more? Trust me, by telling me. What is troubling you, Katerina?”
After a silence, she said, “It is in no small part because of Percilla Raymondeva, that my attention is on you, Isha.” Percilla’s ears fairly twitched at her name. “Your young and fair companion is destined to play a great role in the Order, greater than she could now hope to understand. To play that role, she must do one thing: survive. I pray that the Enemy has not fully realized who and what she is. When They do, They will come for her in earnest. And that is when, dear Isha, you will be in terrible peril. You may well be the last line of her defense.
“I would ask you, learn all you can about the arts of the Order, so that you might be prepared to be as ferocious in battle as Gunther himself. Her life, and yours might depend on it. That is in part, why I am concerned for you. I ask you to do things which no one has a right to ask of you. But ask is what I do. But, not only for the sake of the future of the Order. But because, I have found myself concerned for more than your safety, and more than is proper. I have committed a dangerous act, Isha. I have allowed myself to care for someone again.”
Eason was shocked to silence for a second, then found his voice. “You… care for me? How could caring for someone be a dangerous act? Isn’t that what men and women do, out of the nature of the heart?”
“Not in the world of the Order, Isha. Friendships are rare things, in their own right. There are many comrades in the Order – yours with Marcelle and Alfred, as example. But feelings of deeper attachment, such as yours and Percilla’s, those are rare things. It has happened before, many times, with men and women of the Order. And always, there has been difficulty, and rarely do such affairs of the heart end happily.”
Eason’s next words surprised all in hearing, as he looked at their hands entwined together. “I felt that there was something unique about you, Katerina. In Paris, I felt it when we talked, you were so compelling. And now, hearing you confess these things to me, I can’t help but be awed, and honored, and… feeling these things in return.” He looked into the taller woman’s eyes, now shining with something more than tears. “I find myself caring for you, Katerina.”
And slowly, as their eyes passed messages to each other unspoken, Eason’s and Katerina’s hands loosened, then reached for each other, forming a gentle embrace. They held each other for long moments, Katerina’s tight-throated sobs the only sound. Eason stroked her shoulder and her back, comforting her as one would a child. He breathed in the scent of the Duchess’s hair, youth restored by some spell. This awesome woman, old and young, steel and satin, wielding power and lives, was in his arms in the evening light, exposing her secret heart to him. Eason could not help but be moved.
The embrace relaxed, Katerina’s sobs lessening to a sniffle, as they looked again at each other’s eyes. Her only choked word, “Spasiba, Isha…”, was a whisper scarce heard.
“Katerina…” Eason whispered. And slowly, gently, almost afraid, Katerina inclined her head and brushed her lips to Eason’s, pulling back to gauge his reaction, then pressing once again, firmer, in a true kiss.
Eason drank in her kiss, the kiss of a young and vital woman restored to beauty. The kiss grew firmer, their arms encircling each other, clinging tighter, breath coming faster, small content sighs in her throat as she too, drank in the kiss.
Percilla saw none of this. At the first kiss, her eyes squeezed shut, her fists balled, her jaw ground her teeth in rising rage. When her eyes opened, the dusky black Romany eyes were changed – they were a brilliant glowing blue, sparking and heated.
And Eason and Katerina broke suddenly apart, panicked and shocked, at the sound that came from around the corner – the sound torn from a young throat, grating and rasping in a shriek of fury.
The fury of a woman scorned.
“Percilla! Stop it! Wake up, you’re dreaming!” Contessa looked her over, taking in the sight of this Englishwoman, her mouth an open square of anger, her brows contorted, but the eyes, she noticed! The eyes were blazing blue, slowly fading back to their usual dark brown, sparking slightly with the fading blue.
“Percilla? Come back, it’s over,” Contessa soothed, “It’s safe now, come back!”
“What… who… where am I?” Percilla said drunkenly, “Con.. Contessa? But… where’s Eason? And the Elder? How am I here, I was in the corridor…”
“Percilla, bella, you’ve been here, you haven’t left the room,” Contessa soothed. “You were dreaming, some sort of nightmare,” she said, keeping the bizarre sight of her eyes a secret for now.
“But, it was so real,” Percilla said, “I was there, and so were they, and… and… I was here?” Frantic hammering on their chamber door, and anxious voices out in the corridor interrupted the two women.
“Ladies? Percilla? Contessa! Answer me, ladies, is all well?” came Marcelle’s voice. Contessa went to open the door, and there stood Marcelle, Alfred, and from the corridor came the sound of footsteps, more people coming to investigate the horrid cries.
“Contessa, is everything – oh, ah, pardonez-moi, mam’selle,” he blushed only slightly. Contessa had risen quickly, and was in her usual night attire, a man’s shirt - only a man’s shirt, barely providing any form of modesty, accentuating her voluptuous curves. If Contessa was embarrassed, she did not show it in the least. Percilla was in a more modest gown, partly under the covers still.
“Keep your eyes to yourself, you boy in man’s skin,” Contessa said, “Percilla’s only had a nightmare, nothing more.”
“No, I did not! I was there, I saw them together,” Percilla nearly shouted, rising from the bed, her own body framed in the light, donning a pair of hiking trousers. “And when I find them…”
“Who are you talking about, Percilla?” Alfred said, entering the room behind Marcelle. “Was someone here, in your room? Are you all right?”
“Everybody, stop asking me that!” Percilla shouted. “Where are they? Eason and the Elder. They were in the corridor, together and they were –“
“Percilla! Percilla, are you there?” came Eason’s voice from beyond the door. That innocent tone sent Percilla into a flying rage once more, as she lunged past Contessa, nearly bowling Alfred and Marcelle over as she charged out into the hallway, a growl coming from her throat. She burst into the corridor, her hands clawed, her eyes sweeping around until she saw the object of her anger, Eason standing there, a look of worry on his face.
“You!” she snarled, “There you are, you shameless bastard, you gigolo, you – “ and she stopped in full course as if running into a wall. Not a wall, but Marcelle’s outstretched arms, holding her back, trying to get a firm hold on her.
“Percilla, please! Calm yourself, ma cher, what has happened to you!” Marcelle said through teeth clenched with the effort of restraining Percilla. Eason jumped back a pace, shocked at the contorted rage on Percilla’s face.
“Stop! Vas ist los, halten-zie wohl!” came Gunther’s commanding shout. The Knight-commander had come up from behind, and reached his hands around Marcelle and grasped Percilla’s shoulders near her neck, pinching firmly, Percilla stiffening under his grip. Marcelle released her, and backed away. Percilla’s eyes rolled around, looking for the source of her sudden pain, lighting over her shoulder at Gunther, whose face was firm and fierce in command.
“I demand an explanation,” Gunther said dangerously, “for this outburst. There shall be order here, versteh?” Gunther flung Percilla around, putting himself between her and Eason, barely changing his grip to look her in the face. “Now, shall I have my explanation, Fraulein, or shall I subdue you further!”
Percilla’s hands went to Gunther’s wrists, trying to pry his hands off her shoulders, but under the pressure of the big man’s grip, her arms were weak and limp, flapping her hands against his arms. “Let me go, unhand me, you brutish bear, this doesn’t concern you, don’t defend him…”
“Tell me why Eason needs defending, and why he should be attacked,” Gunther said, not relaxing his grip.
“He was with her, the bastard,” Percilla gasped, her voice rising from anger to hysterics, “Eason and the Elder, and... they were… they were..”
“They were what, Percilla Raymondeva? Sir Gunther, release Dame Percilla. Now.”
Percilla seemed to freeze at the sound of the Elder’s voice. Gunther obediently released his grip, and Percilla nearly stumbled from the relief. She turned around and faced Elder Romanov, who was standing there, severe and regally, her head elevated and looking down at Percilla.
“Dame Percilla. Sir Gunther. Eason Eduardovich. You three shall attend me. The rest of you may return to your chambers, where you shall await my further pleasure.” And she turned on her heel and walked the other way down the corridor.
“You heard her, move,” Gunther said, as he took Percilla by the arm and frog-marched her down the hall. Eason followed, silently. The others retreated to their rooms once more.
Eason, Percilla and Gunther had to move quickly to catch up to the Elder, as she walked quickly through the dark hallways and stopped before a door off to one side, unlocked it with a key she produced from seemingly out of the air, and entered. The three filed in the door, and found themselves in an office, or a study, the walls lined with books and files, and an ornate desk in the center, with a chair to which the Elder moved, but did not sit down, the table between her and the three.
The Elder spoke in her clipped accent once more. “Percilla Raymondeva. You tell us you saw something, tonight. I would know more of this vision. You will tell us of the events of this evening, from your view. After the meeting ended, what then did you do, and where did you go?”
Percilla, calming herself at last, took a deep breath, and remembered. “I left the meeting hall, and I went to my room. I was upset, because of the argument with Sir George, and his dismissal. I was thinking of what we’d do, now that Alfred’s staying behind. I was trying to make sense of it all…”
“You were upset, and angry,” the Elder said. “Go on.”
“I didn’t know that Contessa was rooming with me,” Percilla said, “but she was already in the room. We talked a little, then I became sleepy, and I dressed for bed, and I guess, went to sleep. But I got up later, and.. I followed you down the corridor, Your Grace.”
The Elder stared at her for a moment, and then said, “Continue.”
“You were standing on a balcony,” Percilla went on, “and you were upset. Your hair was loose. And then, Eason showed up, and you talked. And you held hands, and you hugged him…”
“And, how did you feel, watching this?” the Elder asked, staring intently at Percilla.
“I was, well,” Percilla hesitated, “still upset. Angry, I guess. I don’t know why, I was just…”
“That’s all we need to know,” the Elder said, holding up one hand. “So. You were feeling powerful emotions, and watching a scene that brought you envy and anger. Tell me, Percilla, could you hear anything that was said? Were Eason and I speaking, during all this?”
“Why yes, I could, I was right there, feet away behind the corner,” Percilla said. She saw the Elder give Eason a look, and Eason’s face registered concern. This exchange fanned Percilla’s anger back warm again. “Oh yes, I heard everything, Your Grace, the two of you making…”
“Silence, Lady,” the Elder suddenly said.
“I will NOT be silent!” Percilla nearly shouted again. “What are your intentions toward my Eason? How dare you seduce him!”
“You will be silent!!” The Elder shouted, her hand slamming the table with a sharp crack. Percilla felt her tongue cleave to the roof of her mouth in sudden fright. The Elder’s eyes bored into hers, that stare she saw at their first meeting, which brooked no disobedience.
“You fail to understand the significance of what you saw, Dame Percilla. Listen very carefully to what I now say. There was no one on the balcony or in the corridor but Eason and I. Can you appreciate the meaning of that? You were not there. You were asleep in your chamber, and if I were to summon Dame Contessa, she would testify to that very fact. Can you now see the importance of what has happened?”
Percilla was dumbly following what the Elder had told her. “I wasn’t there? But, I saw and heard everything. I screamed, but then I was… back in the bedroom, with Contessa… I don’t understand.”
“I think I do,” Gunther said. “Your Grace, do you believe Dame Percilla can ‘travel’?”
“Da, Gunther, that is apparently what has happened,” the Elder said. “Dame Percilla, it appears that a new power of the Order has manifested itself in you. There is a discipline, reserved only for certain members of the Inner Court, and for the Elders of the Order, known as ‘traveling’. It involves your consciousness leaving this body, and moving from place to place, seeing and hearing and experiencing whatever occurs in that other location, and returning to wherever your body rests.”
“You mean, Percilla can project herself to different places?” Eason asked, moving to her side out of habit to protect her. “And she can tell whatever’s happening there? But then, how is it possible that she can do this, if we’re both only Outer Court Knights?”
“One mystery at a time, Eason Eduardovich,” the Elder said. “Just as you have a remarkable talent with the Shield, and Percilla has clearer Sight than you, it is possible that her gifts are more numerous than we first thought.”
“So, this is another gift of the Order, then,” Percilla said thoughtfully, her anger giving way to her curiosity. “The potential of this, it’s amazing. What else can be done with it? You say the greater members have this, and they use it? How? What can I –“
“Patience, Lady,” Gunther said. “We must first be sure of this. There are methods, and training, which can show us how advanced your talent is, and how to refine it. Your Grace, is it your will that we experiment with Percilla’s ‘traveling’, before we set out for Budapest?”
“Nyet, Sir Gunther,” she answered. “There can be no delay in the expedition’s departure. You shall depart in the morning, as shall I, back to Paris. I have a distasteful duty to perform. I fear that I shall not see any of you, neither shall you hear from me, for some time to come, except for great need. Sir Gunther shall remain in charge of the expedition, until you reach Budapest. Dame Contessa shall lead you from then on.” She sighed, and dropped her eyes slightly. “I bid you all, leave me now. You all need your rest for tomorrow. So do we all.”
Gunther and Eason nodded, and turned to leave. As Eason passed by Percilla, she noticed something strange about her friend and companion. His eyes were tired, which could have been due to the lateness of the hour. But, there was something else. There, by his left temple, was – was that gray hair?
“Dame Percilla, come with us,” Gunther said from the door.
“It is well, Sir Gunther,” the Elder said resignedly, “Dame Percilla may stay a moment longer. She has questions, for me.” Gunther nodded, and he and Eason left, closing the door behind them.
There was a brief silence between the two women. Percilla looked at the older woman, and there was something different, something out of place with Elder Romanov. She waited for a word, anything so as not to start the conversation. The Elder simply stared at the desk, and then raised her eyes to Percilla, and there it was…
…the lines around her eyes were gone.
Percilla’s voice was a controlled hiss. “What have you done?”
“To what do you refer, Percilla?”
“Eason’s hair is turning gray, and here you are, your face younger. What have you done?”
“Eason is only feeling the stress of the Order, as do we all. As you shall, I daresay…”
“I don’t age that fast, no one does, don’t lie to me. What did you do to him!”
“Nothing, young lady. Rather, it is what he did to me. For me. You heard it all last night, if I am not mistaken?”
“Yes, I heard it all. You care for him. And he, for you. What possible designs could you have for romancing a man your grandchild’s age?”
“The same designs that you know, as a woman. You simply deny your heart, Percilla, and in doing so, deny his, as well. You have not kissed him, before now?”
“Well, yes, of course, we – that’s not the point! You were going to make love to him, weren’t you, you foul –“
“Stop there, young woman. Understand what I’m about to tell you. I will not make love to your Eason Nordstrom. Not out of disrespect for you, nor for desire of him. I can love no man, for reasons you cannot fathom. But some day, you might understand, and weep for us all, when you do. Now, aren’t you going to ask the real questions you have for me?”
“I’ve asked them, madam, and you have yet to answer.”
“You have not asked at all. You wish to know more about ‘traveling’, and what it entails. How you could access that power, and why you only felt it under high emotion?”
“Well, yes, that too, but you mean I have to be angry to do this, and can’t do it at will?”
“Not precisely, no. It was necessary for you to have the gift awakened, and as with all of us in the Order, our powers must first be awakened under times of stress and turmoil. Once the awakening occurs, the gift can be used, with practice and discipline.”
“Just like that; “the blood awakening…”
“Yes, Dame Percilla, just like that. Not, you have my leave to go. I tire, and so do you, I think. We shall not meet again for some time, but you shall know, when we do, that I’ll be glad to see you as well.”
Percilla nodded, and turned to leave. As she touched the door, she heard, “And, Percilla?”
“Yes, Your Grace?”
“Send Eason… my best wishes.”
“I shall, Your Grace.” And Percilla left.
Woo-hoo!!! Riveting!!
Printed out for prosperity!!!!
Fabulous!!!
I have to read this.....wow!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.