by Amy Morris
Angel raises his mug, “To finding your mother tomorrow and a soft bed tonight, Abby.” Everyone raises their glass to this and our night of drinking begins.
Sometime later I’m awakened by a soft thud in the room, but my eyes can’t focus right away when I open them. After so much wine, I already feel what’s coming when I wake up and have the full effect of this hangover. Across from me Talia snores gently while cuddled up to Gossimer, which means the warm body against my side is Angel. Why don’t I even remember who I got in bed with?
After a quick check, I realize all of my clothing is still on and he doesn’t pose any threat. Leaving the bed and room silently, I go to the bathroom outside set apart from the tavern for inn guests. When my visit is complete, I head back to the room slowly, keeping an eye out for what could have made the noise that woke me. I’ve never been a light sleeper, but after the past two weeks I’m becoming one. I hear nothing in the hall or when I ascend the stairs. The noise must have been someone in a room next door. Quietly reentering the room, I slip back into bed where Angel is facing the opposite direction of the place I recently vacated. Which I am grateful for. Slipping back under the blanket, keeping to the edge of bed my body relaxes enough to fall back asleep. Sleep almost takes me when warmth covers me from head to toe from behind, Angel has molded to me it seems. It feels good to feel him pressed against me, my mind wanders to thoughts of all the women I can guess he has shared a bed with before I can quiet it. An arm comes across my waist before I’ve even adjusted to being this close to Angel and pulls me closer.
Fine, I can handle this, no reason to make a fuss, he’s probably just cold. A few years ago this closeness to Angel would overjoy me, but knowing he has no interest in me besides treating me like a younger sister, I sigh and close my eyes. Determined to make the best of this. As I drift to sleep finally a hardness I’ve not felt before is pressing into my lower back. Containing a giggle at his manhood, I finally fall asleep with what seems to be his impressive family jewels against my back.
“Well, don’t you two look nice and cozy. Don’t you think Goss?” Talia now standing over us. I have to admit it is nice to wake up with my head on Angel’s chest with his one arm resting around me.
“Water,” Goss croaks from across the room, bringing a glass of just that to her lips. “Need more,” she groans, refilling her cup.
Angel is now stirring under me. “Oh geez, sorry Abby. I guess that just happened during the night.” My pride doesn’t take much of a hit from his comment, but it stings a little. After extracting himself from me and the bed, he leaves the room in search of the bathroom.
“So how was a night in bed with Angel?” Talia asks.
My head is throbbing and I take a glass of water from Goss, “Not bad doesn’t snore as much as you, which is nice.”
Goss laughs at that, “I’ve gotten used to it these past few nights so I slept like a babe.”
The three of us head downstairs in search of food and coffee, finding Angel along the way. “So we’re at square one still, how do we find this abbey?” he asks as we take our seats at a table.
“Gods only know really, no offense girl,” Goss turns to me. “Any ideas, Abby?”
Three sets of eyes turn to me in unison. The bread I was swallowing just sticks in my throat. They need me to lead, but I’m in no place to do it. Regret fills my eyes and all I can do is tell them I’m clueless on what to do next. Resigned to our current situation, they relent their stares and go back to breakfast, much to my relief. “I’m sure something will come up,” I pipe up with as I shift my pancakes away from the sausage on my plate. “What the…” escapes my mouth as I see paper sticking out of the pancake I just moved. Pulling gently on it, I dislodge the folded paper. Writing is visible on the outside from what seems to be a note under my breakfast.
“Maybe don’t read it here,” Talia mentions as she grips my hand holding the note and tucks it into the pocket of my dress.
“Good point,” I respond. “After breakfast back in the room we can look at it.” And with that we all refocus on what’s left of our food, reeling over what it could contain doesn’t leave me with much of an appetite.
After we finish our food in almost silence, we adjourn to our room. “What’s it say?” Goss asks while closing the door.
“I have no idea, it’s not even out of my pocket yet.” Pulling the paper from the folds of my dress, all eyes are on the neat script it contains after unfolding it.
Follow the blue merchant to his home and head west until you see the oasis.
“I’m confused” Talia exalts with arms thrown in the air. “What do we do?”
My mind reaches for anything that makes sense. Find a blue merchant. “Did we visit the fabric area in the market yesterday?”
Talia shakes her head, “No, we didn’t. Why?”
Quickly Angel nods his head, “you’re right. Why didn’t I think of that, let’s go to the fabric market everyone.”
“I still don’t get it,” she gripes as we start into town from the tavern.
Goss beams knowing the answer, “The fabric sellers dye their own fabrics. So whoever is blue is our man.” We giggle as Talia catches on.
“Alright, let’s see if you’re right. Shall we go pursue some new fabrics,” she bows to the three of us.
“Fabric sellers who are trying to keep more money in their pockets dye their own fabrics. So whoever is blue is our man,” Goss adds.
The rest of the way our banter is quieter. Almost silent with all of us on edge about possibly being closer to find the abbey with this additional information.
After two quick stops to ask other merchants to verify where we are heading, we reach our destination. The smell of lye soap permeates the area we enter. Now where is the bluest of them all, I think. Since there are so few with stalls in this part it isn’t long until we spot what is hopefully the right target.
“He’s even shaped like a blueberry, let alone the light blue dye to his upper arms,” Angel motions to the last stall. “So what now? We wait until closing time?”
“That’s the best I’ve got,” I shrug.
With no other suggestions forthcoming, we stake out his stall and wait for him to leave. Periodically taking shifts for the bathroom and food, we make sure one of us always has an eye on the round man in the last stall. By mid-afternoon the sun is intense and we discuss leaving for a bit for some respite when a young woman approaches the blue merchant. We have watched many shoppers stop at his stall, but none walked behind the table, let alone touched him. This is different, we realize as she seems to relieve him of his spot and he walks off. We’re all too dumbfounded to follow at first.
“Let’s go, I hope he’s headed home,” Angel shifts from leaning against the wall finally.
Following him through a winding path for eight blocks is difficult. We don’t want him to notice us, obviously. But he never turns around to spot us, which is a relief as he enters a medium-sized dwelling made of stone. “I hope that’s his home and not that of a mistress,” Talia says.
“Only one way to find out. Now where’s west I’m all turned around now,” I turn in circles to signify my confusion as a joke.
“The sun is setting so that way towards it, let’s go,” Angel takes the lead of our procession. We walk for half an hour through the city, heading towards the sun that’s about to set. Reaching the edge of the city, all we see is sand and small shoots of grass ahead of us.
“We’ve come this far,” Goss mentions drawing an arrow to her bow as she starts ahead of us. I’ve never seen this side of her, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say it impressed me.
For the next hour we follow Goss, arrow drawn, into the desert before anyone speaks. “Ok, I think someone’s playing a joke on us. Although I’m not sure why honestly,” Talia seems agitated, which to be honest I think we all are.
“There must be something to this,” I suggest. “Why a note after those two seemed to recognize me last night?”
“What do you mean recognized you Abby?” Angel asks, grabbing my left arm. I retell what I overhead after leaving the table. Looking into his face, he seems hurt. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I didn’t know they meant me,” I answer.
“Oh really, princess,” comes Talia to a stop with us. “You didn’t think after we read the note this morning that it might be a little important to share what happened at dinner last night?” Ok, now she has a point, I think guiltily.
“Sorry, I wasn’t thinking, I guess,” is all I can muster.
Angel shakes his head as he walks past me, “I guess not.” Talia holds my gaze and is about to speak when Goss comes running back towards us yelling.
“I see it, I see an oasis! Why did you three stop? Never mind, it’s up ahead.”
“It’s probably a mirage, Goss.” Angel says, “This is all probably a joke pulled by two men on Abby from last night.”
Goss stares at him slack jawed before her face screws into a scowl. “It’s not asshat, come look it’s real.” We all follow her and sure enough we see it after a hundred feet or so. “It’s not a mirage, there’s a stone tiered building ahead of us with what looks like water across the front.” The three of us stare ahead with nothing to say, “See, I told you. Now come on,” as she marches towards it.
Like three scolded children, we march behind her across the sand as the vision ahead of us becomes clearer; it is real. Trees sway in the light breeze, as blue water surrounds the front of a two story building ahead of us. Dear gods, we found it. My stride quickens enough to overtake Goss’ lead.
The closer we get, the more obvious the patches of green become gardens lining the front of the structure. Women, I’m assuming, are busy tending to the lush area just past the water. My only thought right now is did we really just find the Regina Convent and is my mother here.
The white stone structure is tall, ornate stained glass decorates the small window openings on both levels as I approach a small wooden bridge over the small body of water. Coming closer, the three figures I saw earlier become clearer after passing over the small bridge, all clad in white and tan fabrics. These two nuns catch my eye first as I approach them, but they do not speak as I pass them by. I’m drawn to the third one in the group, offset from the others. As I approach her, I see she is weeding a small section of herbs.
My steps falter as I near her for some unforeseen reason, but I’m able to keep my pace. The woman has her back to me, kneeling on the sand in front of a bed of bright green leaves. I’m not sure where my companions are, nor do I care.
The woman rises and dusts the sand from her skirts while appraising me, “Hello Abigail. I’m glad we finally get to meet again.”
9
“Mother,” is all I’m able to muster as I stare at the mirror image of myself with light blonde hair. But it’s the eyes that give her away, a pale green identical to mine. The face staring back at me looks closer to my age than what hers should be by this time.
“Abby, you shouldn’t have left us, they could have attacked you,” I hear Angel groaning coming up behind me. “Talia wanted to make sure… holy hells. Your Queen Alicia, aren’t you?” as he makes an awkward bow to her.
“Seems I have caught both of you off guard. Where are the other two? Kermit informed me that there were four of you.” She scans the area behind us, “ah, here they come.” I turn to see them approach at a hesitant pace, but my mother waves them on. “Come, come. Oh Gossimer, I knew you would grow to be a beauty.”
“You know who I am, your majesty?” Goss asks as she reaches my side.
“You were still a toddler when I spoke to your parents back then, though. The warrior Talia, I presume.” Talia bows, then curtseys when she is cut short by my mother. “Please, none of that here. I’m Mother Alicia at the convent, besides I haven’t worn a crown in almost twenty years.”
Goss nudges me with her shoulder and whispers, wanting to know if I’m ok. Slowly shaking my head from side to side, I signify that I’m not. My mind is blank and words don’t seem to form when I want them to, I’ve turned dumb and mute.
“So nice digs here your… I mean Mother Alicia,” Angel breaks the silence for me. “Is there somewhere we can go to talk?”
“Yes,” she smiles at us. “Normally the convent is off limits to men, but I think I can make an exception this time. Come, let us adjourn to my quarters where refreshments and some food can be brought to you.” Winking at me first before turning around to lead us inside, but my feet don’t work.
Someone squeezes my right hand for encouragement, and I’m surprised when I look to see Talia and not Goss. “It’ll be ok Abby,” and then with a slight tug pulls me along enough that my legs remember how to walk. It’s as if I’m following a ghost through the convent into the unknown. Goss and Angel form a barrier of sorts behind me, walking a little too close. Possibly to stop me from running the other way, which I have to admit has crossed my mind now.
The inside of the convent I notice is elegant with dark mahogany wood tables and benches in the communal area, I assume is for eating and meetings. It’s simple, but money has definitely left a large pocket for the best furniture, including elaborate tapestries that line the rooms’ walls. A narrow corridor leads us to the open door that must be my mother’s room. Upon entering, it takes my breath away with the beauty that it holds inside. The room is like a sitting parlor inside Madera Keep. My mother seats herself on one of the two sofas facing each other by the fireplace, and I sit on the opposite one. Angel and Goss sit on either side of me while Talia takes up the chair between the two large pieces of upholstery.
Before any of us can speak a bell rings and my mother calls for the person to enter. A nun in the same habit she wears enters with a large silver tray and sets it on the table between us. Bowing quickly, she exits and shuts the door without saying one word. “You must excuse Afre, I believe that’s the first time she has seen a man in over fifty years,” she giggles as she takes a silver goblet filled with red liquid.
“No offense taken at all,” Angel grabs a goblet for himself. “I must admit this room is exquisite, Mother Alicia.”
“Don’t let the plain dining hall we passed fool you. They furnish most of the rooms in the convent much the same. We don’t quite worship here, well some do, but most of us are waiting for our rebirth. That’s the secret most of the convents and monasteries in most kingdoms keep.” Savoring my bite of a tart, she places another on a small plate and passes it in my direction. “Try this, Abigail. I suspect that you will quite enjoy the flavor.” Peering around me, I notice that I’m the only one that possibly heard that, “Only you could hear that. It was directed just to you, daughter.”
My jaw drops open, “You can do it too.” My three friends look up quickly at that statement, I wonder if they know what I mean from our time with Kermit.
“And so can you with a little training, my dear. If your anything like me, you will want to receive as much training as possible in the next few days. I warn you some things you may be capable of are out of my realm of abilities, so I’m no help with those.”
“How old are you?” Talia blurts, then looks as though she regrets it. “I mean no disrespect, I’m just curious since you look only five years older than Abby.”
“Oh my, Vernet warned me about you,” my mother laughs. “Nothing evil, mind you. Just that you seemed to be outspoken from the years he watched you. And to answer your question I’m close to ninety now, but still a babe in arms compared to Abigail’s father at three hundred twenty, my dear.” The last statement is directed at me, and the shock of this additional information is taking a bit to wear off.
“So you know Vernet as well?” Goss asks.
“Oh yes, for many years. He’s kept me abreast of everything going on with Abigail and passes messages to my sister.”
“Queen Annibelle knows you’re alive? How does she keep that from King Alex?” Angel asks. After a moment he shakes his head and stares at my m
other then me, “Now I know how you feel when it’s done to you Abby. So wait, Abby can talk in other people’s heads as well?”
“Yes, once she has had the proper training,” she answers.
“I hate to break up the mystical talk, but what did you mean earlier about most religious houses being places of rebirth,” Talia questions.
My mother takes a moment to sip from her drink before responding. “I guess since Kermit has already let the cat out of the bag to your group, there’s no harm in what I’m about to say. Those of us that are from Fraine, or descendants, now live to be ancient. Obviously we take quite some time to age. With that being said, it would be noticeable that we are different if we stayed where we are for too long. Disappearing or faking our own death is the way we survive being discovered. That’s why I call it a rebirth. We come to these places to let some time pass before start another life.”
“What about your children? What happens to them if they aren’t like Abby?” Goss chimes in with.
“I’m sorry for that answer Gossimer, but if they are not like Abigail, you only have so much time with them before you go away. Unfortunately, many of the women here had to disappear from their families, but most keep up with them from afar. Hence why there are so many religious houses in the land. Except for Afre, she walked away from her only family over three hundred years ago and has vowed to never go through that ordeal again.” The sadness in her eyes from that idea proves to me she must care for me and my father.
“So did you go look for my father?” I ask.
“No, I didn’t,” turning towards me, she laughs at the shock in my face from her response. “I didn’t need to. I knew where he was the entire time my child.”
“Is Ned still alive?” Angel asks before I can.
“Very,” she smiles. “I last saw him two weeks ago. Memories of that visit make my toes curl just thinking about it.” Oh dear gods, I think as she says this.
