Souls Entwined

by Anne B. Cole

  Sam felt Gretta touch his arm, heightening his awareness of what he had to do. Mixed emotions tore through him as she held him close. He was afraid to love her, afraid she would die. Pressing his forehead to her shoulder, Sam knew he could never abandon her, knew deep down he loved her, with or without the curse. Clinging to Gretta, he silently vowed never to leave her side.

  Chapter 16

  The Final Attempt

  Gretta held Sam, her shoulder damp from his tears. She cradled his head as she twined her fingers through his hair, much shorter than Lorenzo’s yet just as soft. Sam took a deep breath before looking at her. She searched his face, concerned about what went on when he was with Katarina. To her relief, he managed a half grin.

  “It is good to see you smile,” she whispered softly. Sam’s grin widened, and his embrace tightened. Another tear rolled down his cheek.

  “You aren’t going back there,” his deep voice rang, sincere and firm.

  Gretta tensed, pushing him away. “You don’t understand.”

  “I didn’t finish.”

  She frowned, feeling her temples pulsing. His grin melted her anger, but she wasn’t giving in. “I’m going back.”

  “I know,” Sam replied as if he was agreeing. Gretta stared in shock. “What I mean is that I won’t let you go to the PIT ever again.” His words echoed in her ears. No matter how hard she tried to cover it up, she trembled at the thought of returning. “I want you, when you die, to go to where my mom is.”

  “Heaven?” Gretta whispered in awe. Had he actually gone there?

  “She didn’t call it that. She actually didn’t say anything about where she is. I don’t even know if it’s a place or, rather, a state of being. All I know is that’s what I want for you.”

  “I want it for you, too,” Gretta whispered as she leaned into his arms. “Tell me about her.”

  Sam’s hands shook slightly as he tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear. “Mom’s happy. I could feel it when she touched me. When she disappeared, that feeling was gone until I touched you.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “When I touch you I feel that happiness.” His face searched hers as if his mind was trying to comprehend it. “She’s where there is no sadness, no pain, and no evil, only love.”

  Gretta’s mind drifted back to the PIT. That place was the exact opposite. Pushing her fear away, she held her breath. “Will you go back to Milos with me?”

  “Someone has to be there when you fall,” he replied without hesitation.

  “I’m not going to fall.” Gretta’s forehead wrinkled before catching on to his humor. “Anya is quite careful. Lorenzo’s the clumsy one.”

  “When you fall, I’ll catch you, wherever you may be.” She felt his arms tighten around her.

  Gretta relaxed then asked the question that had been bothering her. “What made you go with Katarina? You didn’t want to. Then all of a sudden you changed your mind.”

  Sam squeezed her and sighed. “Do you have a password?”

  “Of course. One for my computer, one for—”

  Sam chuckled, shaking his head. “No, when you were younger. Did your parents set up a password with you, a secret one between only you and your parents?”

  “Like an imaginary friend?” Gretta had no idea what he was talking about.

  “I’m sure you had one of those,” he laughed.

  “What do you mean?” Gretta blurted, wanting desperately to avoid discussing imaginary friends.

  “My pop is a policeman, so my brother and I had a password in case of an emergency, like if someone we didn’t know had to pick us up from school. We were allowed to trust someone only if they said the password,” Sam explained.

  “Katarina said your password? Say . . . something?”

  Sam nodded sheepishly. “You’re not gonna leave it at that are you?”

  “Nope.” She displayed a grin that matched his.

  “Okay, but this is against the rules. It’s a secret password that no one is allowed to know. My safety depends on it.” Sam’s eyes twinkled.

  “My lips are sealed.” Gretta twisted her fingers in front of her lips and pretended to toss the key over her shoulder.

  “Okay. When I was little, I couldn’t say ‘Cinderella’. Instead it came out something like, ‘Say ya’.”

  “You liked Cinderella.” Gretta teased. “Did you love her?”

  “I was two, maybe three. I didn’t understand love.” Sam touched her hand tentatively. “Not like I do now.” He leaned in close, ready to kiss her.

  “It’s the ring,” she said, barely above a whisper, pulling back.

  “No, Gretta,” his shoulders slumped, then he straightened. “It’s not the ring.”

  “How do you know? I’m not like this. Actually, I’m never like this. I’m shy and always do dumb things around guys. It has to be the ring.” Gretta stepped away, staring at the dark, red stone on her finger. She felt his hand touch her back then suddenly pull away. She missed the warmth and immediately regretted her words.

  “What about Lorenzo and Anya? I can feel his love for her when I’m entwined within him. It isn’t any different from what I feel for you.” His brown eyes longed for understanding.

  Sam’s words struck her. Her feelings for Sam were similar if not the same as the love she felt when she was entwined with Anya. Lorenzo and Anya truly loved each other, without a curse.

  Sam turned her around, taking both of her hands. “My mom told me that the only thing that can overcome evil is love. I don’t think the love I have for you is anything less than real.”

  Gretta winced. “But Roxana said love can be dangerous. You won’t do anything crazy will you?”

  “Not if you don’t,” Sam replied carefully, as if he comprehended her concern.

  “Promise me?”

  “Promise. No Romeo and Juliet stuff,” he stated.

  “I promise, too.” Gretta leaned close, more concerned about him than ever.

  Sam kissed her forehead, sealing the deal. “I cannot imagine you shy. Clumsy, yes, but not shy.” He pretended to size her up.

  “I’m only shy around people I don’t know. We’ve been together—” Gretta stopped short, realizing she didn’t know Sam. She knew Lorenzo, and he knew Anya. Maybe what we feel for each other isn’t our own love but Anya and Lorenzo’s.

  “It’s not the ring. Trust me.” He stepped back, placing space between them as Roxana and Katarina returned.

  “Gretta, are you certain you want to go to Milos?” Roxana asked cautiously. She glanced at Sam.

  “We both are.” Sam stated, not letting go of her hand.

  His confidence gave her courage enough to nod. Katarina smiled warmly but focused, strangely, upon Sam.

  “We know some things for certain. Curses can be good or evil. The first curse was one of bad luck—evil. Luda’s was one of love—good. Luda had the power to place good and evil curses, but I believe this one was good,” Roxana stated. Katarina nodded in agreement. “Then there’s the distance spell. All of these can be verified by Katarina’s life as well as mine. We’ve agreed to send you back to Milos but not as Anya and Lorenzo. Gretta, you will be with Tatiana.” Sam tensed and turned to Roxana. “It is too dangerous.” Roxana added flatly.

  “Sam, you will be with Alec,” Katarina spoke up, still smiling. “Work quickly. Come back to us as soon as possible.”

  Roxana threw a warning glance at her. “Yes, return as quickly as possible without changing the past. We need to know if a third curse exists. I recall a jewelry maker’s mark on the inside of the ring, but I’m not sure that is significant.”

  “Tatiana has the ring. I can study it when I’m with her,” Gretta offered.

  “Don’t wear it, child,” Katarina snapped in her harshest tone. Sa
m raised a finger, but before he could speak Katarina blurted, “Tatiana is my daughter. I apologize for being protective.”

  Gretta watched Sam arch a single brow as he lowered his hand at Katarina’s change of heart toward him.

  “These will be very difficult times. No matter what happens, do not change the past. Minnie is extremely concerned about this,” Roxana warned.

  “What happened to them?” Sam asked. “It may help to know.”

  Katarina closed her eyes, avoiding Sam’s stare.

  “It’s safer not to know. The past must not be changed.” Roxana lowered her head sadly. “If either of you are entwined with someone when they die, I don’t know where you would go or if you could return to us. Both of the times you were in the past we were able to catch glimpses of you through Minnie.”

  “You stay in the PIT the whole time we are gone?” Sam whispered. “I don’t,” Katarina announced, giving Roxana a disapproving look.

  “Roxana?” Fear rushed through Gretta.

  “I could not send you off without attempting to watch over you,” Roxana defended.

  “I’ll be with Gretta and make sure nothing happens to her or Tatiana,” Sam replied, touching Katarina’s shoulder.

  Katarina raised her eyes to him sadly, “Sam, you cannot change the past.”

  Roxana nodded gravely. “I need to go to the PIT to check on you and also to learn how to break the curses. There are many souls there that may be able to help but are too afraid to reach out. Presently, I am unable to locate the pirate you call, Lubber. Does he have another name?”

  “Lubber is in hell,” Sam uttered between clenched teeth.

  Gretta shivered. She couldn’t possibly imagine a place worse than the PIT. Memories flashed through her mind. She pressed closer to Sam as he composed himself.

  “Sorry, I don’t know his real name,” he admitted.

  “Try to find out.” Roxana’s disappointment was apparent.

  “I hope to not meet up with him again,” Sam added.

  Roxana and Katarina glanced at each other. “Get what we need, and then return as quickly as possible.” Gretta noted Roxana’s urgency. “Like last time, it may be difficult for the two of you to communicate. The curse may be revealed to one but not the other. Do whatever you can to make the other aware.” Roxana looked at Gretta. “We’re sending you back as Tatiana because Alec was very close to her. You’ll be safe.”

  “What about Henry and Katarina? Weren’t they closer?” Sam interjected with a sly grin. Katarina turned her piercing eyes upon Sam. To Gretta’s surprise, there was no malice in the deep lines of her wrinkled face, only a little smirk, revealing he was correct.

  Roxana continued. “We explored that scenario and concluded that they were too close. Katarina and Henry were not in situations where they could gather information on the ring. They were—”

  “Busy?” Gretta interrupted playfully.

  “Very busy, child.” Katarina corrected.

  Sam laughed out loud and found Gretta’s well-placed elbow in his ribs.

  Roxana was not amused. “I’m very uncomfortable with Minnie’s vision. It’s clearly a warning. Do not attempt to change the past. You cannot stop fate.” Her attention moved to Katarina. “It’s important we have an abort date. I need to know the last possible day Gretta and Sam can stay.”

  “Christmas,” Katarina said at last. “Christmas was safe.”

  Roxana’s face softened. “Christmas it is. If you haven’t returned by then, make sure you do by sundown on Christmas Day.” The four grew quiet.

  Gretta found her voice first. “We won’t let you down.”

  “There is one more thing. I don’t think I will be able to send you back to Milos again. Do not stay beyond Christmas, even if you don’t learn anymore. I will find another way, if necessary.” Roxana appeared completely exhausted.

  “We’ll do our best,” Sam said.

  Roxana hesitated as if this was not the right thing to do. Gretta felt her fear and was filled with doubt for the first time.

  “Roxana,” Katarina impatiently pressed, “let’s get started.” Gretta tightened her grip on Sam’s hand.

  “I won’t leave your side,” he whispered.

  “Nothing stupid, Sam.”

  “Nothing stupid.”

  “Ready?” Roxana surveyed both of them.

  “Yes,” they replied as one.

  Roxana closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. “Sam, hold both of Gretta’s hands and concentrate on Alec. Gretta concentrate on Tatiana. I don’t know exactly when you will return, but I will try to send you to the same day you were chased by the pirate.”

  “Wait. Tatiana was ill,” Sam blurted.

  Katarina placed a bony hand on his shoulder. “Come back before Christmas.” Gretta saw sadness in Katarina’s eyes. “I wouldn’t send you if I had any doubt that the two of you would be able to do this.” Gretta reached toward her for reassurance, but swirling mist surrounded them.

  “Good, Roxana,” Katarina cheered. “Be brave, my children.”

  Gretta felt the familiar sensation of traveling back.

  Katarina watched the mist thicken and disperse. “I knew you could do it. Roxana?” Collapsed from the strain of sending them, Roxana barely lifted her head off the ground. Katarina knelt at her side.

  “It didn’t work,” Roxana murmured.

  “Give it time. The kids can do this.” Katarina helped Roxana sit up.

  “No. It went all wrong.”

  “It worked fine. They’re in Milos. I can tell.”

  Roxana shook her head desperately.

  Katarina suddenly understood. “I’ll go.” She stood and headed straight to the boulders.

  A firm grip pulled her back. Katarina gasped as she stood face-to-face with Roxana.

  “I’m going with you.” Roxana pressed her lips firmly together.

  “You’re not strong enough,” Katarina countered.

  “I know my limits. Somehow, I have to reach them. The only way I can do that is through Minnie.” Roxana focused on the boulders.

  Katarina frowned, shaking her head. She supported Roxana, guiding her toward the PIT. “You’re as stubborn as the girl.”

  Roxana smiled weakly. “You just like Sam better now.”

  Katarina grumbled as they disappeared behind the giant rocks.

  Chapter 17

  The Third Curse

  Anya opened her eyes as she felt his lips pressing hers. No. This is wrong. She pushed him away, terrified. “We go!”

  “Anya, Lubber is gone. You’re safe.” Lorenzo took her hand.

  For an instant, she felt ashamed of her sudden outburst but was so scared she didn’t care.

  “Not safe,” Anya cried, not knowing why.

  Lorenzo held her firmly, leading her into the sanctuary. They walked to the back of the church where he returned the shawl then sat down.

  “Stay here,” Lorenzo whispered into her ear. Anya clutched his arm, not wanting him to leave. “You’re safe.”

  The sincerity in his words released her hold and he moved to the door. Anya knelt in prayer as her heart pounded. Each beat throbbed in her cut hand. Thomas’ handkerchief reminded her of the little time she had left with Lorenzo.

  Prayer always comforted Anya in the past but not this time. She closed her eyes, pressing her forehead to her hands, concentrating on each Latin word. A hand touched her shoulder. Anya nearly screamed as another covered her mouth.

  “Shh,” Lorenzo warned, lifting her to her feet.

  They exited through the doors and into the open air. Anya shaded her eyes against the bright sun as Lorenzo took her by the hand across the street and into the nearest shop.

  “Good day,” Lorenzo greeted
the owner.

  “Lorenzo, Anya. What can I do for you?” Marco, the town barber, replied heartily. He was tall, probably the heaviest man on the island, with a meticulously groomed moustache.

  Anya grabbed hold of Lorenzo’s arm with trembling fingers. She knew they were safe here, yet she couldn’t shake her intense fear.

  Lorenzo rubbed her hand then turned to Marco. “I need a cut and shave.”

  “I hear your ship has come for you. Have a seat,” Marco boomed.

  “I’ve been granted one week before I must go. How about first thing tomorrow?” Lorenzo explained his departure as if it was nothing at all.

  Anya’s heart ached. One week, such little time. Sadness was slowly replacing her fear.

  “Tomorrow it is. I will see you then.” Marco nodded as he continued shaving a customer.

  Lorenzo gripped her hand. They left the shop and hurried through the street. He guided her inside another store.

  “Why?” Anya asked.

  “I must be sure Lubber did not double back.” Anya didn’t understand what that meant, but the word ‘Lubber’ had meaning enough.

  Lorenzo turned to look out a small window then talked to the island’s best seamstress. Anya remained nervous and scared but was not certain why. Lorenzo finished his conversation then opened the door to leave.

  “Are you certain you want white and not red?” the seamstress asked.

  “White, definitely white.” Lorenzo replied. After scanning the market, he took Anya’s hand, and they departed.

  “Are you having her sew a new flag for Peter’s ship?” Anya asked.

  “No, but that’s a very good idea.” Lorenzo led her through the market, continually on the lookout for Lubber.

  On their way back home, they stopped in three more stores. Lorenzo had scrutinized the area before he began walking through the street at a much slower pace. The pirate remained nowhere to be seen.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Anya saw a broad-shouldered, slender stranger with pitch black hair. She turned, catching him looking her way. Definitely not Lubber—far too clean, curly hair not stringy, nicer clothing. Despite her fear, she was drawn to him.