Five Hertz Of Separation (chapters 11-15 Of 62) free porn video

CHAPTER ELEVEN We pull into Sweetwater at around 12 cycles, I think. We don't have a clock, though most towns seem to have a big town clock. Another sign of an almost complete lack of tech. They don't have mail or newspapers either. Information seems to pass strictly by word of mouth, which, as we all know, is really reliable. The town got its name from the decent water from its wells. Low in iron and minerals so naturally soft or "sweet". It's a heck of a lot nicer looking place than Shellcrest but just about as big, though it's shaped more like a typical city instead of running along the top of a ridge. It has a center city square, a business district, an upper crust neighborhood and a not so nice neighborhood. Johnathyn has a meeting with another contact this evening, again at a bar. I don't even try to argue with him this time. I'd like to meet this contact of his because I've got questions but there are more important things to do tonight. Dierdra has a friend who lives in Sweetwater, another witch who is also a Healer, what passes as a doctor in this world. I don't mean that sarcastically. After what I've seen, anyone willing to pitch in and try to help people in this world is okay by me. Ever since the snake bite incident a couple of days ago, Lee won't leave me but for a few minutes. When we first met, she was naturally curious about me, an outsider. The ultimate outsider in fact. She had a lot of questions. I let her use the laptop primarily to shut her up. We became friendly, more like girlfriends. Then Johnathyn began to defer to me for keeping her in line so I became more of a parental figure; enforcing bed time, eat your vegetables, clean up the wagon, that sort of thing. She didn't resent it, she actually seemed to prefer it, like she now had a mom and a dad. Then came the incident with the soldiers. After that, it was like she wanted nothing to do with me. I assumed it was the shock of seeing someone killed right before her eyes, but I think there was more to it than that. I think she was afraid of me. Can't blame her for that. I was a little afraid of myself too. Now, I've got a shadow, a helpful shadow, but a shadow nonetheless. If I tell her I need to talk with Johnathyn or Dierdra in private, she'll happily oblige but then she's right back as soon as we're finished. At least she does what I say without any back talk. That'll probably wear off fairly soon. We have reservations at another decent inn, the "White Herron" this time. It's only for three people so Johnathyn pops for a second room for Dierdra. I think he got the money from the rich guy whose arm I saved. He wanted to pay that night but I wouldn't accept it, apparently violating some custom or another. As I had just proven I was a damn kick ass witch, they didn't argue with me then but left stuff at our wagon that night before splitting. Johnathyn was impressed by the amount of cash in the pouch he left behind. He should see what I've got sewn into the padded straps of my backpack. With Dierdra here, I'm not going to force another family meal in the bar so we "girls" eat in our room while Johnathyn dines and drinks alone. It still pisses me off, but both Lee and Dierdra are more comfortable this way so I decide to save that fight for later. Rome wasn't built in a day. As soon as Johnathyn leaves, we head for Dierdra's' friends place. Her name is Beckwith and lives on the edge of the not so nice part of town. Johnathyn wasn't too happy about us going without him but I reminded him which of us had recently taken care of two armed guards. He made me promise to be more cautious in the use of my powers this time. It took about twenty decicycles, their version of minutes, to reach Beckwith's house, which looks like a combination of a home and a clinic. She is working on a woman with a broken arm when we get there. The two women touch foreheads, then hug each other. "Beckwith, it has been too long." "It has, my friend, much too long. Who do you have with you?" "This is Leeanna Tyber and her mother, Alexia Tyber." Leeanna smiles and hugs my arm. Dierdra continues. "Alexia is another friend." "I thought she might be." The woman Beckwith had left to see us moans in pain. "If you will pardon me, I must deal with this immediately. We can talk when I am done." "May I?" I ask. Beckwith looks first at me, then towards Dierdra. "Can she?" Dierdra smiles reassuringly. "Yes, she certainly can." I step forward and gently cradle the broken arm in my hands. The girl winces. She is not that much older than I am. She looks worried about a stranger working on her. "Don't worry. This won't hurt." It is easier to go into my trance than before. The broken bone is crystal clear in my mind, but it is not a straight, clean break. It is a spiral break. Someone twisted this girls arm. Violently twisted it until it broke. I can also see bruising at the break and around the wrist. Out of curiosity, I check her neck, through the scarf she is wearing. Bruises there too. Repairs first, questions later. "I was wrong. This will hurt a bit but you will be as good as new in a few decicycles." "What do you ... ahh ahhh aahh!" I twist her arm ever so slightly to align the bones correctly, causing her to cry out in pain. I need to work on a pain killer. As quickly as I can, I bridge the gaps with new bone growth then clear out the clotted blood from the bruises and repair the blood vessels. I give her a quick once over to look for other damage. I don't see anything unusual but do see that she's pregnant. The fetus isn't very large and I can't tell the sex. At least not visually. Focusing in on the fetus, I concentrate on a single cell, then the nucleus of the cell and finally the chromosomes of that cell. Two XX's. It's a girl. I draw back from her body and release her arm. "There, good as new, though I'd take it easy for a week or so, just to make sure. Keep the arm in a sling and don't lift anything heavy. Make sure you eat lots of leafy green vegetables, plenty of iron. Of course, you'll want to do that anyway, right?" "I - I do not understand." I motion for Dierdra and Beckwith to join me a few feet away. "She's pregnant," I whisper. "It's a girl. Should I tell her?" "How did you mend her arm? How do you know this?" asks Beckwith. "The arm I can explain later. The pregnancy, I saw it. Two X chromosomes means it's a girl, unless your biology is way different than mine." "What are these krome-o-zones you speak of?" Dierdra touches her arm. "If Alexia says it is so, it is so." "Also, someone has been abusing this girl and I want to know who and why." Beckwith eyes me suspiciously. "Why do you say this?" "Because I took some criminology classes in college, mostly for self- defense purposes when the law came looking for me, but they also dealt with abuse cases. Spiral breaks are almost always from abuse. They can be caused by other things but you add the bruises on the wrist and neck and the odds scream abuse. And I'm tired of this shit. Someone's gonna pay. Now." Dierdra moves her hand from Beckwith's arm to mine. "Alexia, we do not want trouble, not now. Let us talk to the girl ..." "Minerva," says Beckwith. "With Minerva and see where it leads. Just remain calm. Do nothing, Alexia. Please." I look at Dierdra, then at Lee, who is sitting quietly in the corner, straining to hear our conversation. She smiles at me when she sees me look her way. "Alright. Nothing. For now." We turn back towards Minerva, who is rubbing the spot of the break with her left hand. "The pain is practically gone and I can use my arm. How is this possible?" "Miracle of modern medicine. How did you break that arm?" I ask. She looks away and down. "I fell." "And the bruises on your wrist?" I ask. "When I fell." I persist. "And your neck?" She reaches up and touches the scarf wound tightly around her neck but says nothing. Dierdra gently removes her hand from the scarf, cradling it in her hand. "We only wish to help, child." "I am not a child. I am a married woman." "Thank Zaphod for that," I say. "I assume your husband knows you're pregnant." "I am?!" she gasps. "You didn't know?" "I ... I thought I might be, but I was not certain. Are you certain?" "Yeah, I'm certain. Do you want to know if it is a boy or a girl?" "You know that?" "I do. The question is, do you want to know?" She hangs her head for a moment or two, then looks around the room at each of us. "No. Let it be a surprise for us." "Fine by me. Did your husband break your arm, Minerva? I know someone did, it sure as hell wasn't a fall." She closes her eyes and sighs. "It was my father." "Why would your father do such a thing?" Beckwith asks. "Because I disobeyed him. He had sold me to a business friend of his but I did not love him. I loved my husband, Iskirk. We ran away and were married. That was a year ago. Now my father has found me." SOLD?! "Where is Iskirk?" "Away. He works for a farmer and they have gone to Glory to buy seed for the spring planting. He won't be back for another week." "More importantly, where is your father?" I inquire. Dierdra heard the hidden intention in my question. "Likely where I left him, in our home." "Which is your home?" She points out Beckwith's window. "The green one at the end of the lane." My eyes follow to where she is pointing. I see the house. I am in the house. "Was your father wearing a black shirt and tan pants?" "Yes," she answers quietly. "How did you know ..." "Does he have a scar above his right eye?" She just nods, speechless. "Did your husband have a bottle of Klatch hidden in the top cabinet in your kitchen?" Beckwith gasps. "How could you possibly know THAT?!" "Because her father found it and is sitting in the kitchen, drinking it right now. I'm guessing he's not a happy drunk. What do you want me to do to him, Minerva? I could bend his arm up behind his back and twist it until it broke, just like he did to you. I could poison the Klatch, killing him. Klatch is already so close to poison it wouldn't take much to push it over the edge. How do I punish him for what he did to you?" "Why do you do anything?" asks Beckwith. "Because, Beckwith, if I don't, when Minerva returns home with her repaired arm, he will be so pissed and drunk that he could try to kill her this time. Kill her or hurt her again. Maybe it would be best if he just disappeared completely. I could do that, you know." I can feel Dierdra near me. "I believe you, Alexia. I know you could do all that you say. And more. But we do not have the right to just kill this man. You yourself said that you did not wish to kill any more people." She has me there. Damn it. "I could still break his arm." "To what end?" "It would lay him up for awhile; give Iskirk a chance to get home." "Perhaps Beckwith knows of someone who would take Minerva in for a few days, long enough for her husband to return. Come back to us, Alexia." I linger in Minerva's kitchen, watching the son of a bitch make a mess of her tiny but neat kitchen. He has his boots on her table, leaning back in a chair, balanced on two legs, the bottle of Klatch tipped up as he drinks. I push the chair over and he falls, striking his head on the wall. He crumples to the floor, unconscious. He's alive but he'll have one hell of a hangover when he gets up. I make sure of that. I return to Beckwith's house. "Do you have some place safe for her to stay?" "I do know of a couple who help women temporarily. I can take her there, it's not far." "I need some of my belongings!" Minerva cries. "Go home and pick them up. Your father won't bother you for awhile. He's a little under the weather. If you have any money or valuables, I'd take them with you too. Don't leave anything for him to destroy or steal." "I will go with her," says Beckwith. "We won't be long." "Good. When you get back, we have some things to talk about." * * * *** * * * *** * * * "Amazing!" "Keep quiet, Pegues! I do not wish to be the center of attention." "Tyber, no one is paying any attention to either of us. They are watching the dancing girls. Why did you think I picked this location?" I look about me. He is correct; all eyes are focused on the stage where three girls dance barely clothed. They are thin and ill fed, desperation clear in their faces, though they try to hide it. He slaps me on the back. "Enjoy yourself, man. I know that you are getting no relief from Alexia. Are you certain that she killed both men? It could not have been an accident?" "People do not 'accidentally' lose their heads. The first died before my very eyes, the second half a league away but I found the body. Exactly as the first guard. Alexia was quite upset." "She will get over it." "That is not all she has done. She saved my daughter from death after she was bitten several times by Woodland Adders. She also cured both a paralyzed man and a woman afflicted with Black Lung. She also saved another man's arm from amputation. They were all quite grateful. As was I." "And I am certain you showed her how grateful you were, 'eh Tyber?" "As much as she would permit. She is modest." "I am not interested in her Healer skills. I need a fighter and killing a man at half a league shows great promise. We may win yet. Continue as you are. Be at Hampsted a week from tomorrow. That will be your last stop before Glory. We will be ready by then." "Ready for what, Pegues? What is this plan of yours?" "You need not worry about that, Johnathyn. Every man plays his part. Your part is to deliver our witch to Glory. You need not concern yourself with the other details." "I will not hand Alexia over to you or anyone else to face certain death, Pegues!" "Surely, you have not developed feelings for this ... woman? Alexia is an abomination! A woman who was a man not eight weeks ago. Not only a man but an offworlder, someone who has nothing in common with us, someone whose people have come to our world to strip it of its valuable minerals and pay but a pittance of their true worth! Our world is being raped by her people while Opulessa stands by and permits it, while First Minister Dupree fills his pockets along with the pockets of his friends." "And how will it be different with Patron Miller in charge?" "He will make certain that our world is respected by the Consortium, that we receive proper compensation for our minerals. That the rewards are not concentrated in the hands of a privileged few." "And when will women be treated equally with men?" "Eventually but not right away, of course. That will take time. Our society could not survive such a radical change immediately. There will be slow but certain change as society adapts." "But there will be change?" "Patron Miller guarantees it, Johnathyn." * * * *** * * * *** * * * Actually, I wanted to go with Beckwith and Minerva to her home to make sure her father didn't make any trouble but I might have lost my temper and no one would have wanted that. The bastard had already pissed me off. Instead, I waited at her home with Lee and Dierdra. A young man came by with a badly cut hand. He'd almost taken off his thumb, cutting some ligaments. We had brought the laptop with us so I took a look at the diagrams illustrating the hand and all its systems. I had him fixed and ready to go just as Beckwith returned. "Minerva is safe. Her father was as you described, down to the scar." She inspected my work on the thumb then shooed the man out, telling him to come back tomorrow so that she could make sure everything was healing well. She locked her door after he left. "What are you?" she asks. "I'm a Seventy Seven." "That is impossible! There are no Seventy Sevens left, if there ever were any to begin with." "Besides Opulessa, you mean." "Opulessa!" she spat. "She is the reason that our sisters were hunted down and killed, that we must stay hidden today." "Not a fan, I take it?" "Fan?" "It is of no consequence," says Dierdra. "Alexia is what she says. I have seen what she can do. Could you have mended Minerva's arm or that boy's hand?" Beckwith is surly. "Not as quickly." "Or as completely. She has mended broken backs and cured Black Lung." "Black Lung cannot be cured!" "She did." Dierdra then points to Leeanna. "That girl was on the edge of death from Woodland Adder bites a few days ago. Look at her now." Leeanna stands and curtseys, then spins, her skirt flaring out around her. "It's true. Three snakes attacked me but Alexia saved my life. She is the greatest Healer in the world." "Humphf." Beckwith snorts. "Why are you here, Dierdra?" "We are going to Glory ... to depose the Queen." "She is not my Queen!" Beckwith declares. Ahhhh, another potential ally. "So you would not mind it if she was gone?" "I would not. I am from the Northern Provinces. Opulessa's people are not as strong out there. More of us witches survived her goon squads because the people protected us, hid us. We took care of their ills." "Are all witches Healers?" "No, nor are all Healers witches. Some of us have the talent, as apparently do you." "I have knowledge. I was not healing until a few days ago. Leeanna was attacked and I had no choice. I either tried or she died." She looks at me with disbelief. "You mended Minerva's arm with no more experience than that?!" "I told you" says Dierdra, "she is a Seventy Seven." "A Seventy Seven could not have survived the purge, not even in the farthest reaches of the North." "Hey, you want to look a gift horse in the mouth, that's fine by me but I say use what ya' got." "A gift what?" "I believe Alexia means that, regardless as to how she is here, she is here, now, ready to help us." "What Dierdra said. I think that the men have been in charge for too long. It's time for a little guurrrlll power." Beckwith glances back and forth between Dierdra and me, curiosity fighting with self-preservation. Curiosity won. "What do you have in mind?" "The men have their plan. I think it's time we came up with a plan of our own. How many witches do you two know? I don't want names right now, just numbers." Self-preservation rears its head again but this time it's beaten back by self-interest. Dierdra and Beckwith huddle for a moment or two, counting heads. "Twelve," says Dierdra. "How many within two weeks ride?" "Eight, maybe nine." "Would any of them know of other witches?" "That is likely," Beckwith answers. "And how many of them would be willing to join our little feminist revolution?" "If I understand your question, most all of them." "Good. Either of you ever heard of a coven?" CHAPTER TWELVE Pegues has no intention of changing anything, other than whose palm is being crossed by the Consortium. What he says now is not what he said when we first met, when I pledged my loyalty to our cause. Then he said that he was concerned about the plight of the poor, of the children, of the women. He was appalled by Debt Labor and that, if we overthrew Opulessa and the First Minister, the new government would set things right. Now I no longer believe him. Alexia's skills as a Healer, her knowledge, could make an enormous difference in our world, yet he gives them no weight. He calls Alexia an abomination, yet it is he who tricked her into coming to our world. He seems to blame her as much as the Consortium and Opulessa for the ills of our world, yet the Consortium has been here for less than ten years. We have treated women as inferior for centuries before that. Debt labor has been an institution for decades before the Consortium's arrival. Alexia is being used, as am I. Perhaps Alexia is right; there may be merit in this anarchy of which she speaks. No government, the rights of the individual above all. I have much to consider before we arrive at Glory. * * * *** * * * *** * * * They had never heard of a coven. And they call themselves witches? Beckwith had one other person she wanted me to see before returning to our rooms at the inn. An older woman, at least old for this world. She's nearly sixty and blind. I agreed. If Johnathyn gets finished before we get back, it's his tough luck. He should have thought about that before insisting I not go with him to the bar. I wonder if this world has strip clubs. What world with men and women in it wouldn't have strip cubs? Age old story. When we reach Beckwith's patient, she answers the door when we knock and lets us in. The way she maneuvers around her home, you wouldn't know that she was blind. She moves from spot to spot, dodging chairs and tables, opening cabinets, removing cups and saucers. She insists on making us all tea, which she does without any help. The reason for her blindness is obvious. It's cataracts. Her lenses are practically frosted white. She should be able to tell night from day but that's about it. After Beckwith introduces us, we all sit down and I take a look at her eyes. Except for the lenses, everything looks fine. The problem is, the cure for cataracts are new lenses, which I don't have and don't know how to make. In my world, it would be routine eye surgery, but here it's impossible. I pull Dierdra and Beckwith aside after my examination and explain the situation. "So, you cannot mend her eyes?" asks Beckwith. "Not permanently. Lenses get cloudy over time, it's nature. I don't know how exactly it was done and don't know how to reverse it. I can force them clear but it won't last, I haven't fixed anything. As soon as I stop concentrating, they'll go right back to the way they were. It's just like the cup in midair. Remove the magic, it falls down, breaking." "What are you talking ..." Dierdra breaks in. "I understand. I assume that this is uncomfortable for you. Do you wish for me to explain it to Galinda?" "No. If I'm gonna take the credit, I gotta take the blame, too." I go over to where Galinda is sitting and kneel down next to her chair. "I'm sorry, Ma'am, I can't fix your eyes. I don't know how. Anything I did wouldn't last for very long." She reaches over, touching my face. "I understand, child. Just a foolish wish from an old woman, nothing more. I have had a good life. I had hoped to see the faces of the grandchildren I have held these many years before I died." Oh Crap! Now what? I can't just leave her, not after that. I close my eyes and return to her eyes. It is dark, murky, like sun shinning through heavy curtains. Concentrating, I visualize clear, bright lenses, then waive my hand. Instantly, the air around me brightens. I hear Galinda gasp. Returning to the room, I see her happy smile and brilliant blue eyes. "I'll hold it as long as I can but there are no guarantees. We have to leave in a day. That is all I can give you." She pulls my head towards her, kissing my forehead. "It will be enough." * * * *** * * * *** * * * It was late when we returned to the inn. Johnathyn was already there, waiting for us. I think he was worried but tried not to show it. Probably still a little shook up about Leeanna and the snakes. I know it still haunted me. A damn close call. I had suggested on the walk back that Lee stay in Dierdra's room tonight. I knew that I wasn't going to get any sleep tonight and didn't want to keep her up. Dierdra offered to stay up with me but I knew that she was tired too. Lee didn't want to leave me but agreed when I explained why, though she initially wanted to help me stay awake. "Look, someone around here needs to get some sleep. I can't but both of you can. I may need help staying awake tomorrow. You two get what rest you can and we'll see what happens." Leeanna reluctantly agrees but insists on giving me a good night kiss on the cheek before going to Dierdra's room, leaving Johnathyn and me alone. "This is a fine thing you are doing for the old woman." "I didn't really have a choice." "You had a choice. You could have walked away." "You wouldn't say that if you had heard her. It's no big deal. I just have to stay awake." "Can I help?" "No, that's okay. I've pulled a few all nighters in my time. You get some sleep." "I will stay up with you." "Johnathyn, you don't have to do that, I can manage." "It will be easier with two." "It's really not necessary. I'm perfectly capable of ..." "Please, Alexia, you do so much. Allow me to do this small thing for you. I can never pay what I owe you." "Johnathyn, you don't owe me anything. I did what I did for Leeanna. It was my fault she was hurt in the first place." "Our fault. You may say I owe nothing but your generosity does not wipe away my debt." He sits down next to me. "What can we do to make certain that you do not fall asleep?" "Well, I don't know if you're up to it or not." "I can assure you, I am 'up' for anything." "Okay, I warned you. Ever heard of Gin Rummy?" * * * *** * * * *** * * * Johnathyn picked the game up quickly. I had a pack of cards in my backpack. Apparently this world also has card games but the deck is nothing like ours. Still, Johnathyn got the jist of the game and we were off and running. After the twentieth hand or so, I ask him how his meeting went. "I was ... a good meeting." "You don't sound happy." "I have concerns." "About what?" He doesn't answer right away, just keeps playing. I don't push him, we've got the time. "Alexia, do you regret coming to my world?" "No, I guess not. It's been an adventure, that's for sure. I always thought of myself as a city kid but this world is so beautiful. It must look great in the spring and summer. I've seen things that are amazing. And, of course I've met you and Lee and Dierdra." "And Miran Pegues." "He's a mixed bag." "Do you trust him?" "Good question. I don't really know. He hasn't lied to me yet ... well he did to get me to jump through that hole but I might have come anyway if he'd told me about the people killing my brother and mother up front." "Is vengeance still your objective?" Now I don't answer right away. What do I tell Johnathyn? Can HE be trusted? What's with all the questions? "Yeah, why not?" "You don't behave like a man looking for vengeance, at least not solely for vengeance." "What do you mean?" "You did not need to save Leeanna." "Don't say that! You know I did. She wouldn't have been there if we hadn't ... you know." "Perhaps you are right, but you did not need to help those other people." "What kind of person would I be if I didn't? It didn't cost me a thing to do any of that." "And you have spent most of today doing the same thing. You are losing a night's sleep to help a woman you had not met before today." "It's good practice for me, sharpening my skills." "Skills that Pegues has no interest in." "How do you know that?" "He was the man I met today. He was impressed with what you did to the two guards. Your good deeds were of no interest." "Is that a surprise? He's already said why he brought me here. It's not to open a hospital." "True, but promises have been made as to what happens after we win, promises that I am afraid he is no longer committed to." "Assuming we win." "I have confidence in your abilities and the righteousness of our cause. We will prevail." He is a true believer. Every movement needs them and uses them, usually as cannon fodder. "So what is Pegues' big plan?" "He refused to tell me. He claimed that I only needed to know my part at this time, that the rest would be revealed." "That's a good guerilla organization." "What is go-rilla organization?" "A large group is broken into smaller groups, each with a separate assignment. If you've got enough people, they might have several groups with the same assignment, just in case one or more get caught. That way, if you get caught, you can only betray those in your small group but not the entire organization. Only a few people at the top know the entire plan and how all the pieces fit together and even they may not know the names of the entire group. It's a classic insurgent organizational structure." "Why would you betray the members of your group? Are they not your comrades?" "Yeah, they are but governments usually have a way to make you talk, particularly if the one at the top is a witch." "I would not talk if captured." Looking at him, the square jaw, the steely eyes, his good heart, I'd almost believe it but I know the lengths they would go to break him. "What about Leeanna?" "What about her?" "Would you stand by while they abused her, beat her, raped her while you watched? Would you still refuse to betray your friends?" "Why would they do such things?! She is an innocent girl!" "Governments don't care. They do what they think is necessary to get what they want, no matter who is hurt. Large groups of people can do things no single person would ever consider, things that individual members of the group might not agree with but they tolerate it because they can hide within the group. Spreading the guilt so thin that they can live with it. Or ignore it. They would use your love for your daughter against you." "What would you do, Alexia? Would you sacrifice Leeanna to protect your people?" "I don't know. If it was a mater of total success or failure ... I don't know." "You would not. I have watched you two together. You would not. Nor would I. Perhaps you have been right all along." "About what?" "About Anarchy being the best system. No governments, only people." I chuckle, though it sounds more like a giggle. Damn! "And here I was just about to admit that you were right all along." "Me?!" "Yeah, you. This world needs too much for any single person to provide. Something has to be done to improve everyone's lives, not just women but everyone. Health care is a joke! The educational system is nonexistent! You can only fix them if people get organized and that means government. It's also the only way women will ever get treated equally. Men won't volunteer to give up the advantages, the control that they have taken from women. I don't know what Pegues promised you would happen, but I'm way too cynical to believe that a bunch of men from this world are just going to even try to change things to help women, not men who have spent their entire lives benefiting from that system." "What about me, Alexia? Aren't I in that group of men?" "Yes, but you have empathy. I didn't see a lot of that in Pegues. You have a daughter who you love and want to protect. You'll do the right thing for her sake. Hopefully, there are more like you than him. It'll make this easier." "It will make what easier?" I knew it would come down to this eventually. I don't want to do this without Johnathyn. If he won't support it, it's probably doomed to fail. If he does support it, we can still fail but I'll feel like it was worth it to try. "What would you say, Johnathyn, if I told you that I was working on my own plan?" "To do what?" "To do what I said. Improve heath care, education and get equality for women." "How would you do that?" "Let's just say that it's a work in progress. The main thing is that it's going to shake up who's sitting at the top of the government." "What about Opulessa?" "I'm not sure about that yet. I may want to give her the chance to join us. I don't want to fight any more people than I have to." "You may not have a choice, Alexia." "I'd rather it be her choice than mine. If it comes to that, so be it." "And if I do not support you?" I study his face carefully, trying to pick up some kind of hint as to which way he's leaning or if he's leaning at all but I get nothing from him. If he says no, what will I do? He could promise to keep his mouth shut even if he isn't on board and I believe that he'd do it but is that enough? What does my gut say? My heart? "Johnathyn ... if you won't support me ... then I'm done. I'll take the first chance I get to return to my world and put all of this behind me. If I can't go home, then I'll head north and do what I can to fix this world. Maybe I'm wrong and Pegues and his crowd have the best of intentions but they'll have to prove it to me if they want my help. Vengeance isn't enough anymore. I want change for the good of everyone. If their plan does that, then I'm in. If not, then I want to have one of my own ready to go. So ... are you in ...or out?" He reaches out and gently takes my right hand in his, engulfing it. "We are not worthy of your generosity, Alexia." "Uhhh, okay. Is that in or out?" He brings my hand to his lips and kisses it. "In. All the way." * * * *** * * * *** * * * I make it through the night and all the next morning. Johnathyn says we need to leave in two cycles if we are to keep on schedule. Men and their schedules. I know he's right but I'd like to give Galinda as much time as possible. As the deadline for our departure nears, Dierdra and Beckwith come round to the back of the wagon as we pack up. I don't know if I've ever been so mentally tired in my life. "How are you, Alexia?" Dierdra asks. "I don't know how Opulessa does it. I could never relax for a minute...sorry, decicycle." "She has had over two hundred years of practice," says Beckwith. "This was your first attempt, at which you succeeded." "I wish it could have been longer." Dierdra looks toward the front of the wagon. "It may have been long enough. I see Galinda and what I assume are her family." "Where?" "Coming this way." "God, I hope everything is okay." "They appear to be smiling," notes Beckwith. We all three walk to the front to meet the approaching group of about a dozen people. Galinda is in the front, being helped by a young boy and girl, one on each side, supporting her arms. Most of them stop when they get close but Galinda and the two kids keep walking until they're right in front of me. "How are you feeling? Is everything alright?" I ask. "Everything is wonderful," Galinda answers. "I saw the sun set last night and the sun rise this morning, both were glorious. This is my grandson, Lohan ..." the boy bows deeply, "... and my granddaughter, Lucinda." The girl blushes and then curtsies, finishing with a smile and a giggle. Galinda turns and sweeps her hand across the front of the crowd. "These are the rest of my family. My sons and daughter, their wives and husband. They have all come with me today to do you honor." "It isn't necessary. What I did was only temporary. I couldn't do any real good for you." "You are wrong. It was a great gift, one I never will forget." "Look, I don't know what kind of range I've got but I can try to hold on as long as possible as we leave. It might buy you another cycle or two." "No. Your offer is generous but it is time. I have seen all that I desired and will cherish the memories. You could grant me one last request." "Sure, if I can." "I wish that the last thing I see is your beautiful face." "You can't mean that. You've got your family, your grandchildren. You don't even know me." "I know you. In here ..." she touches her chest "... I know you well. I felt your presence when we met, when you tried to mend my tired, old eyes. Please, grant me my request." "Fine, if that's what you want." I step in front of Galinda, her face looking up into mine. "Are you ready?" She smiles and nods. I take a deep breath and relax my mind for the first time in what feels like days. Her eyes slowly return to their frosty gray color, but she still smiles up at me. "Thank you, Alexia. My Queen." The rest of her family bows or curtsies. "My Queen!" they all say in unison. "Wait, wait, no. I'm not anybody's ..." Dierdra steps up from behind me, lightly resting her hand on my shoulder as she leans near my ear. "Accept this," she whispers. "With grace." What the hell do I do now? Looking from one expectant face to the other, waiting for my response. "I ... uhh ... I ... thank you for the honor ... ahh ... you ... bestow on me ... today ... and pray that ... ahh ... I am worthy of your trust." I bow slightly towards them. "Thank you, one and all." "Nicely done," Dierdra whispers as she backs away. "If we may have your leave to return to our homes, your Majesty?" asks Galinda. "Sure. You got it. Thanks for coming. All of you. Thanks a lot." Smooth. Real smooth. They all turn and walk away, smiling and talking among themselves, the two kids leading Galinda. I turn and look back at Dierdra and Beckwith. "What the hell was that?" "You best get used to it," answers Dierdra. "If we prevail, you will be the new Queen." "Not my Queen!" Beckwith spat. "What she said. Ladies, I'm not staying once we're done. I have a world to return to." "And who awaits you in that world?" Dierdra asks. "Well, no one actually, but it's my world. Besides, there are people there who still need to pay for killing my family." Dierdra smiles and pats my shoulder. "One step at a time, my Queen." "Cut that out!" * * * *** * * * *** * * * Alexia fell asleep almost as soon as our wagon began to roll out of Sweetwater. We had talked throughout the night but I did sleep now and then. She had no rest and actually struggled to keep awake. Now, she is wrapped in blankets, a large pillow behind her head and a smile on her face as she lightly snores. We all tell her that she snores but she refuses to believe it, claiming she didn't do it in her world and there is no reason that she would in this world. I do not understand why it upsets her so. I find it ... appealing. Leeanna sits next to her, sharing the blanket, while she uses Alexia's kom-pu-ter. With her permission, of course. Dierdra shares my bench as we roll through the countryside. The day is bright and warmer than usual for this time of year. "It is a warm day," I say. "That it is," she replies. "We have had several warm days this winter." "True. Perhaps Spring will be early." "We shall see." We ride on in silence for a league or so. "How is Alexia feeling?" I ask. "Did you not ask her yourself?" "I did and she said she was fine but I am afraid that she would try to spare me worry and not be completely truthful." "But she would be honest with me?" "You are her friend." "And you are her husband." I briefly laugh. "In name only." "In all ways but one, you are husband and wife. I have seen how you act towards one another and how you both act towards Leeanna. You treat each other with respect and understanding. You both love Leeanna and would sacrifice for her but will not tolerate her disobedience. I know many couples who would admire your relationship." "We are not married. It is a simple disguise, a fraud. You know that." "I know what I see and hear. You and she are husband and wife." "Be serious. We argue often." "As you should. It is because you care for each other, respect each other. If you did not, why fight? It is what comes after the fight that you and she are missing. My husband and I argued often during the day ..." she looked back to see if Leeanna was listening. She was, as usual. "but we resolved our differences at night. With great enthusiasm. You and Alexia should try that sometime. Or perhaps you already have. Neither of you have spoken about what happened while you were alone at the Miryian Waters." I glance back at Leeanna. She has her face blocked by the kom-put-er but I know that she's listening. "Nothing happened at the Miryian Waters ... at least not the kind of thing you are talking about ... not exactly the kind of thing you were talking about ... I mean nobody actually touched anything. Not really." "Then I would say that you two missed a golden opportunity. Let me know if you would like another opportunity." CHAPTER THIRTEEN Patron Miller had asked me to meet with him at his home this evening. His messenger declined to give me any details but it had to be an update on the progress of our witch. When I arrived, there were two other horses tethered outside. One, a large gray, I recognized as belonging to Bickle Rholls. The other was a slender roan I was not familiar with. Miller's servant wench shows me into his office after taking my cloak. Miller is sitting behind his desk, Rholls on his left and a third man on his right, leaving a chair between them empty for me. Miller motions with his hand. "Have a seat, Schicalli." "Thank you, Patron." "You know Bickle Rholls, of course. This other gentleman shall remain unnamed for now." "As you wish, Patron." "Yes, it is for the best. I have received another message from Pegues. It seems that our witch has made some progress. If he is to be believed, she killed a man half a league away." "Half a league?! Amazing! Why would she do that?" "Two local Queen's Guards crossed her. The first died only a few feet away from her but the other managed to escape on his horse but she reached out and cut off his head when he was more than half a league distant. Very impressive. Have you ever heard of Opulessa doing anything like that, Schicalli?" "No Patron, I have not, though it is my understanding that she prefers to look her victims in the eye when she strikes. That does not mean she can't." "Quite true, but this may change our plans. We may not need to invade the Palace if our witch can reach in and kill Dupree and his people from the outside. Everything becomes much simpler." "Assuming Pegues is not being overly optimistic." "He knows what will happen to him if I catch him lying to me. He is likely telling the truth." Patron Miller does not tolerate deception. We are all aware of it but that does not prevent us from shading the truth now and then. "Granted, but that does not mean she can penetrate Opulessa's protections." "Regardless," says Rholls, "we must explore the possibilities." Miller nods his head. "Bickle is correct." "Does this change my assignment, Patron?" I ask. "No, Schicalli. You are still responsible for obtaining other world weapons for our people should we need to invade. Do not commit any assets or resources until we are certain it will be necessary. I would prefer not to attack local Guard posts to steal their weapons to arm our people. It would attract too much attention." "Better the Guard posts than the Winthrop Group compound, Patron." "Let us wait and see what our witch can actually do before taking any action, Schicalli." "It may delay our action against the Queen." "Continue making your plans in case we need them." I nod my head towards him. "As you wish, Patron. Is there anything else?" "No, Schicalli, nothing you need to deal with." "May I ask when Pegues and his witch are expected to arrive?" Miller stares at me for a moment before answering. "I am not certain, though it should be in the next three or four weeks. Weather permitting." "It has been warmer recently, good traveling weather." "Or it makes the roads muddier," says Rholls. Why is he here? What are his responsibilities in this plan? Who is the third, silent man sitting next to me? I have much to discover yet. I stand up. "If there is nothing else, Patron, I will return home." He dismisses me with a wave of his hand. I bow slightly, first to him, then Rholls and finally the unknown third man, who acknowledges me with a small nod of his head and a thin smile. Miller's wench is waiting for me at the door, my cloak in her hands. I quickly don it and stroll to my horse. Best to appear unconcerned and casual. After mounting and settling into the saddle, I ride off at a normal pace. There is no need to hurry. The messenger pigeon to First Minister Dupree won't fly until morning anyway. * * * *** * * * *** * * * We had stopped at a little one horse town yesterday and Johnathyn did his thing. The man is a true artist. I sometimes wonder what he could have accomplished if he had been born in my world. Then he would have been a she. What would Johnathyn look like as a woman? That kind of boggles the mind. When I look at my reflection, I can see a familiar face, like I was looking at my sister or a combination of my male self and old pictures of my mother though not at all like Terri, which I guess is sort of odd. Another odd thing was that a woman was waiting for Dierdra when we got to town. She wanted to talk with her without me. I wasn't happy about it but, apparently, the woman was nervous about being around me. They spoke briefly, embraced and the other woman left. Dierdra walked back to the wagon. "What was that about?" I asked. "Good news. It seems that we may have more women than I first thought. Friends of friends of friends. Word has spread." "We don't want the word to spread too far. We've still got security to worry about." "No one understands that better than these women. They have been hunted for most of their lives. Their suspicion is that this is some kind of plot to trap them. That so many are willing to step forward shows how desperate they are for a normal life." "I hope they know that I'm not promising anything, other that I won't hang them out to dry." "If you mean that you won't abandon them to their fates, I believe they understand that. They are willing to step out of the shadows in order to find out what you have to offer. They are not making any promises either." "That's fair. Why didn't she want to see me? There isn't a problem of some kind, is there?" "No, she just did not feel she was dressed well enough to meet a Queen." "Awww crap!" Dierdra smiles and pats my arm. "I warned you that you best get used to it. All we needed was a leader. Like it or not, that is what you are. It is up to us not to disappoint them." * * * *** * * * *** * * * The two extra outriders on my trip to the Palace should have been the tip off. That and the additional guard escorting me to the First Minister's office. When I got there, Dilgar hurried me into the office without the formal announcement of my arrival. That I noticed. Colonel Willis was already there and he was in deep discussion with Dupree as I entered the room. Their conversation stopped almost immediately but not quite. I caught the last part of what was likely a long string of imaginative curses by Colonel Willis. One of his trademarks. Dupree greets me. "Good morning, Mr. White." "Good morning First Minister. Don't stop on my account, Colonel Willis." He coughs uncomfortably. "I was done." I sit down across from Dupree. "Sorry I missed it. I assume the colorful invectives refer to the purpose of this meeting." "It does, Mr. White. I was just informing Colonel Willis of the reports from my spy in the rebel group headed by Patron Miller." "Patron Miller? That means he's a Provincial Governor, right?" "Correct, Mr. White." "Why would a Governor head a rebel group?" "Because the bastard wants to move up the food chain," says Colonel Willis. "If your system doesn't have elections, people at the top pretty much stay where they are unless they die or get overthrown. Dupree here looks to be in pretty good health so that just leaves ..." "Rebellion. I see. And you have a spy among his people, First Minister?" "Several, but my information comes primarily from one in particular, though others provide partial confirmation of portions of his report." "Is your man trustworthy?" "The best that money can buy, Mr. White." That's hardly ideal. An ideologue would be best; they tend to stay loyal on principle. People who sell their loyalty can be bought by the other side. Unfortunately, in this business, you take what you can get. "What does this spy tell you?" Dupree attempts to put a reassuring smile on his face. "Nothing we are not prepared to handle." Willis pulls a well chewed cigar from his mouth and spits. Disgusting but succinct. "I take it you disagree, Colonel Willis?" "They've got themselves a witch, one who may endanger the Queen. We can't allow that, Don. We can't take that risk." Dupree waives his hand dismissively. "Colonel Willis is being too cautious. There is no firm evidence that this witch is anything extraordinary, and even if she is, I'm certain she is no match for the Queen." I look over at Willis. He shifts the cigar over to the right side of his mouth. "I love how he's so certain when we don't have reliable intel on damn near anything. It's all guess work. We may guess wrong. It ain't worth the risk." "What is your recommendation, Colonel?" "I'd pick up every damn one of the people we know about and start sweating them for information." "When you say 'sweating' do you mean ..." "I mean whatever it takes." "Does that include ..." "Whatever it takes, Mr. White." I appreciate enthusiasm but Willis pushes the envelope sometimes. "What do you propose, First Minister?" Dupree eyes Willis for a moment, who just ignores him, continuing to chew on that cigar. "While I'm sure there is merit in Colonel Willis' suggestions, I have decided that the best option is to let the rebel plan progress but monitor it closely. Once all the members have been identified, then we strike, capturing them all and removing the threat. If we do what Colonel Willis wants, some may escape and the whole process begins again. Next time, we may not be so lucky in obtaining well placed spies." "What happens if you lose contact with your spy or he's discovered?" I ask. "We lose our advantage, possibly at the worst possible time." "I'm certain that will not happen, White. We've taken all the necessary precautions so far and will continue to do so. We have everything under control." "Where's the witch at?" asks Willis. "Right now. Where is she?" We both fix our eyes on Dupree. He puts up a brave face. "We don't know exactly where she is but we know where she's going." "She's coming here, to Glory," says Willis. "And we'll know when she arrives." "Like hell you will." Dupree jumps out of his chair. "I am the First Minister of this land and will not be addressed this way!" I raise my right hand, elbow high, palm forward. "I'm sure no insult was intended First Minister. Colonel Willis was simply offering his frank opinion. We must be open and honest with one another if we are to succeed. Is that not true?" I kept a straight face throughout that entire speech. Practice makes perfect. Dupree slowly sits back down. "I agree, Mr. White. Truthfulness is important but protocol must be respected. I am the leader of this world." "The Queen is the leader," says Willis, forcefully. What is his problem? "There is no reason to argue about local political semantics, Colonel. It isn't our responsibility or our objective." It was Willis's opportunity to get out of his chair. "It is our responsibility to protect this government and that means to protect the Queen, no matter what the cost!" Willis is much more intimidating than the First Minister. Not intimidating enough though. "Colonel Willis, my responsibility is very simple; to keep the flow of resources into our world moving. Nothing more, nothing less. The Consortium has hired The Winthrop Group, your employer, to assist me in this. I determine exactly how this will happen. You DO remember who pays the bills around here, don't you?" Willis sits just as slowly as Dupree did. "No, I haven't forgotten. Mr. White." "Good. As we are guests in this world, we will follow the recommendations of First Minister Dupree." For now. "We have no intention of getting involved in local politics." For now. "Our only concern is that our business relationship remains unaffected." For now. * * * *** * * * *** * * * If White thinks I'm going to stand by and wait while that pinhead Dupree risks my Queen's life, he hasn't read my file. I do what needs to be done. Anyone can see what the most important thing is here. The first step is to make sure she knows exactly what is going on and then to do what she tells me to do. Once I get back to my office, I check the duty list, then page Captain Taylor. He's in charge of the Queen's protection team today. "Yes, Sir." "Taylor, where's the Queen right now?" "She's at the stables." "Public or private?" "Public but heading toward the private." Damn! That is the one place in this world that totally freaks me out. It's what a zoo would look like if you put all the customers and animals in a blender. I understand why the Queen keeps them around but the mind says one thing while the gut says something else. At least she'll be alone. No one else wants to spend a second in that room. "I'll be there in a minute, Taylor." "Yes Sir, Colonel." I don't run but walk briskly through the halls and out into the Court Yard, people quickly moving out of my way. Back on Earth, I'd have had to push and shove my way through a crowded hallway, even with my rank. Here, as a man, the people part like the Red Sea in front of me. I don't know if I can ever go back to the old life. The Court Yard is oval shaped, about a hundred yards by seventy five, dirt floor but surrounded by a wooden sidewalk so that you can get around when it rains, turning the dirt to mud. There are a lot of flagstones in the dirt but wagons are constantly breaking and dislodging them, plus bringing in more dirt and dropping it in the Court Yard. There's a bunch of old ladies who spend the entire day sweeping but it doesn't do a lot of good. The walls surrounding the yard are three to six stories tall, which cuts down on the amount of light available to grow grass. They'd be better off paving the whole damn thing but that's not an option. The Consortium can bring some bigger equipment through the new enlarged jump gate but not a dump truck of asphalt or even a small paver. Maybe next year. The stables are off to my right. There's one large main door but several smaller stall doors and windows on either side. Two of my troopers are posted at the main door, one at each side, both at attention and very alert, eyeing everyone who crosses in front of them. Makes me proud! They both salute briskly as I approach. "Colonel, Sir!" they snap in unison. "At ease, men. How many of our people inside?" "Six men, counting Captain Taylor, Sir," says the trooper on the left. "How many civilians?" "The usual group of ten. All regular staff. The Queen wanted to feed some of her ... pets." To his credit, the trooper managed not to shudder when he said "pets". I don't know if I could have pulled that off as well as he did. "Anybody else in there?" "Not that we've been informed about. Do you want to go in, Sir?" "Pretty much have too, son. Wish me luck." "Yes, Sir." The two troopers each grab a door handle, pulling the main doors open. I step through and they slam shut behind me. There is a lot of activity in the stables. People running here and there, leading horses or wiping them down. It is as if they keep busy, they can avoid thinking about what is behind the iron bound door in the far wall, the door where my troops are standing. I stride towards them, taking care where I step. The stable is light and airy. A high ceiling and good air flow, thank God. Stables create the kind of smells you don't want to build up. All my men come to attention when they see me. "At ease. What's the situation, Taylor?" "The Queen wanted to go in alone. I scouted the area to make sure it was clear before she entered. I volunteered to go with her but she said no." "And you did what she told you to do. Good man. Unfortunately, I need to speak with her." "Couldn't it wait, Sir? She prefers to be alone in there." "Did she forbid me to enter?" "No, Sir." "I wish she had." "I know what you mean, Colonel." Taylor opens the stout door; it swings noiselessly on well balanced and oiled hinges. I take a quick breath, steel myself and step through. The area is similar to what is on the other side of the door, though smaller, more intimate. The Queen is standing next to a fenced pen, holding a glistening bucket. My eyes are drawn to her radiance. I couldn't resist if I wanted to. "Colonel Willis," she calls, without looking up, keeping her attention on what is in the pen. "I am very sorry to disturb you, my Queen, but I've been made aware of a situation that may threaten your safety and I had to speak with you about it, immediately." "This situation couldn't wait until later?" How I wish it could have. "I'm afraid not, my Queen. I don't have much time. The First Minister may notice my absence before long." "I'm certain he likely already knows that you are here. Not much escapes the notice of Dupree. That is why he is still First Minister. That and he keeps me entertained. Come over and stand next to me, Colonel Willis." God damn it! I can't see much from here but now I've got no choice. She gave me a direct order. I reluctantly walk over to where she stands, keeping my eyes on her magnificent face. "What do you think of my pretty little pet, Colonel? Isn't she precious?" I force my head to turn towards the pen and look in. There's a pig lying on its side in the mud, a sow, clearly pregnant. Two parallel rows of prominent nipples running up it's almost impossibly swollen belly. It looks just like any ordinary pig that you might find on an American farm ... except that its head is disturbingly clearly human. Not only human but also a man's head. The only concession to his pig nature is a small set of curved tusks. Other than that, it's the head of a pink, over weight, bald man with large, flapping jowls. It's all I can do to keep from puking right there. The Queen reaches into the bucket, pulls out a leafy vegetable of some kind and tosses it right next to the creature's mouth. It rolls up with great effort, pulls itself forward through the muck and gobbles the greens down, with relish, grunting loudly as it crunches and gulps away. "That's my precious!" she coos. "Such a pretty pet! And so fat with little piglets. Yes you are!" My attention is drawn to the creatures' eyes, buried deep inside drooping lids and puffy cheeks. There is a light in those eyes that says "I know exactly what I am and what is happening to me." It causes my spine to curl. The Queen tosses it another vegetable, which the creature attacks with the same vigor. "We must keep you fat and well fed, my pet. You'll need all that fresh milk to nourish those hungry babies of yours. You're such a fine breeder. Always lots and lots of piglets. Such a good mother too. Nothing's too good for her babies. She'll care and nurture them until they're weaned. Then we bring her big stud back and start all over again, don't we? But I don't let you get pregnant right away, do I, my pet? You so enjoy rutting with that big boar. You get months and months of it, several times a day before I finally relent and allow you to become pregnant again. I can't resist those delicious children of yours. So tender, so moist. Such a treat!" She throws another couple of greens into the pen, this time not so close to the creature. It looks at her for just a second or two before turning and waddling with great effort towards its meal. In those few seconds, I swear that I saw tears in those hooded eyes. The Queen turns her bright face to mine. "You have not answered my question Colonel. What do you think of my pet?" "She ... ahh ... it is ... very unusual ... I've never seen anything ... like it before." Her smile broadens. I am grateful to see it. She must be pleased with my answer. "She is one of my better ideas. She was First Minister Dupree's predecessor. He thought that he could keep me locked up in the Palace and control my activities. He had an unfortunate streak of morality that Dupree does not possess, which he tried to impose on me. He was a pig of a man, so I just finished the job. Very simple and direct. We are all happier for it. You should see how she takes to the breeding. Does my heart good. You wanted to talk with me, Colonel Willis?" It takes a second or two for me to catch the change of subject. "Uh ... Yes ... Yes, my Queen. I just had a meeting with First Minister Dupree and Mr. White, from The Consortium. They told me about a plan by a rebel group to bring in a powerful witch to challenge you. Apparently, this witch is from ..." "From your world. She's a Seventy Seven and will be here in a few weeks. I know all about her, Colonel." "You do? How do you know this?" "I have my spies in Dupree's office and he has his spies among my people." "I hope you don't think I'm a spy, my Queen." "You Colonel? No, of course not. It's clear that you're strictly a military man, completely trustworthy." "I'm happy you think that of me." For a lot of reasons, one of which has returned to wallowing in the mud a few feet away from me. "I've never been comfortable with office politics." "Unfortunately, I am. Perhaps it is better to say that I have grown comfortable over these many years, though Dupree is one of the best that I have run across since I became Queen." "Then you must know what my recommendations were and that Dupree rejected them, with Mr. White's support." "Yes, I do and I agree with the First Minister." "I don't want to take any risks of any kind with your safety, Queen Opulessa." She lightly pats my check. "I should take some of the blame for that, my dear Colonel, but I would not change a thing. The reason that I agree with the First Minister is that this outsider is no threat to me. She is a mere child! I have ruled this land for over two hundred years and am still in my prime! Don't you think I'm still in my prime, Colonel?" "Absolutely, my Queen!" "The girl may have raw talent but she has no experience. I will defeat her easily." "You'll kill her then?" "No, no, my heavens no. I have much bigger plans for her." I look around the stables, wondering what new abomination will join the herd of horror. The Queen notices my wandering eyes. "Nothing like that, Colonel. I want her intact and unharmed." "Why's that, my Liege?" "You obviously know very little about witches. The more witches gathering in one location, the more power there is for all of them. The more powerful the witches, the more power there is. I have spent my entire life keeping the other witches on the run, hidden, separated, killing any my men can catch. This girl is different. She is all potential but no skill. I can control her, then her power will be mine." "You are already the most powerful, wonderful person in this world, my Queen. Why take the chance?" She sighs, looking weary for the first time since I first met her. It was only for a second or two though. She is back to her radiant self instantly. "Despite what you may think, Colonel, I have a hard life. It takes a lot of my power just to maintain everything. After more than two hundred years, I bore easily. There is little new to keep my interest. I have done it all more than once. Or twice. Or a hundred times. The arrival of you and your men has helped these last few years but my life is still difficult." "My men and I are glad to be of service. Anything you desire." "As you all should be. However, if I can capture the powers of this girl and put them to use, my future is assured. You would want that for me, wouldn't you, Colonel?" "Your wish is my command, Queen Opulessa." "How perfectly wonderful. And, if it doesn't work out the way I want it to, I still dispose of a rival and make a new addition to my collection of pets. Colonel Willis, please return to your office and make sure to keep me informed about the First Minister's plans in the future but be discreet about it. Can you do that little thing for me?" "Anything you ask of me, I will do." "Excellent! As a reward for your loyalty, why don't you visit me this evening, up in my chambers. We can have a long talk about a number of things. It has been some time since we last ... talked." "I will be there, my Liege." * * * *** * * * *** * * * Dierdra's riding shotgun today while Leeanna and I are in the back of