by Anne B. Cole
“If you can’t pass your hand through me, maybe we’re not dead.” He held her close and watched Katarina roll her eyes at his ignorance.
A piercing yowl cut the still air.
Gretta slipped out of his embrace and pointed at a figure crouched on an outcropping of white stone several yards from the water’s edge.
“Who’s there?” Sam demanded.
“Roxana.” Katarina’s face softened.
“Is she all right?” Sam asked. The last time they had seen Roxana was when her spirit had been entwined within a cat.
They headed toward Gretta’s fifth-great-grandmother’s spirit.
“We’ve been so worried about her. She must have been responsible for pulling me from the water.” Gretta quickened her step.
“How did you find Roxana? She was entwined within Emeye the cat when it died.” Sam felt Katarina’s hand on his arm. He let Gretta run ahead to greet Roxana.
“Kadir Haty found her.” Katarina’s grip on Sam’s arm strengthened when he bristled. “I hate him as much as you do, but he may know things we don’t. Peter trapped him in the Unlucky Purgatory.”
“I don’t understand.”
“We learned much since your time travels last summer. Peter was killed by Kadir with a jeweled handled dagger. Correct?”
“Yes, I saw Kadir kill him when my spirit was entwined within Lorenzo,” Sam replied.
“Being killed by that particular dagger, Asclepius’s blade, Peter acquired the ability to exit Tartarus.”
“Peter was a good man. Why would he be destined to Tartarus?”
“Remember the treasure Peter and Lorenzo found? Anyone who claimed it without a proper sacrifice was cursed to Tartarus. After exiting Tartarus, Peter sought revenge on Kadir and entwined his spirit within Theo.”
“I get it. Peter’s spirit influenced Theo to kill Kadir.” More pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. “Since Kadir’s death was influenced by a spirit, he didn’t go to Tartarus when he died, but instead went to the Purgatory of the Unlucky.”
Katarina smiled. “The gods noticed Peter exiting Tartarus and witnessed him entwine within Theo to kill Kadir. They don’t approve of mortals being able to escape Tartarus so they assigned him gatekeeper of the Purgatories.”
“Peter cannot move on to the Elysian Fields?” Sam asked, concerned.
“Not until the gods release him from his duties. He doesn’t seem to mind. Being gatekeeper, he grants his wife passage from the Elysian Fields for visits. He spends much of his time in the Unlucky Purgatory dueling Kadir’s spirit to pass time.” She paused and glanced in Gretta and Roxana’s direction. “Kadir will remain in the Unlucky Purgatory until Peter forgives him.”
No length of time or reasoning would ever change Sam’s opinion of the pirate who had caused so much pain to his ancestors and haunted Gretta’s dreams.
“Kadir belongs in Tartarus,” Sam snarled. “Peter should forgive him and send him to his proper destiny.”
“Unfortunately, Theo killed Kadir with the same dagger, giving Kadir a pass out of Tartarus as well. If Peter makes amends with Kadir, then Kadir will be judged and go straight to Tartarus.”
“But since he was cut by that guy’s magic blade—”
“Asclepius’ blade. You must be respectful of the gods, especially ones with a history of helping mortals,” Katarina warned.
“Sorry. I’m beginning to understand. Kadir was killed by Asclepius’ blade so he can leave Tartarus. No wonder Peter won’t forgive him for murder. I won’t forgive him and neither will Gretta.”
Katarina shook her head in disapproval. “Did you not read the paper I slipped under your door this morning? Forgiveness is predicted to be key in escaping the evils of Tartarus. Lorenzo and Anya are still there. Even though Lorenzo can escape, he refuses to leave Anya.” Sadness and a touch of hopelessness crossed her face. “If Anya needs to forgive Kadir, I doubt she will ever be able to escape the depths of Tartarus.”
“The prediction also said we will be challenged by the gods and victory cannot be the goal. None of it makes sense.” He glanced at Gretta, then back to Katarina. “I won’t let anything happen to her. I promised.”
Sam pulled away from Katarina’s grasp and ran to Gretta’s side. He watched Roxana lick her palm and repeatedly stroke her face. Katarina caught up to them and gently took Roxana’s hand into her own.
“She’s suffering residual effects from being entwined within the cat when it passed away,” Katarina grumbled. “I had hoped the feline tendencies would have disappeared when we were entwined within Betty and Patrice.”
“You and Roxana were watching over me at the coffee shop? No wonder Patrice drank so much cream with her tea. Cats love cream. If you were there, who was the woman who gave us the tickets for the trip?” Gretta slipped her hand into Sam’s.
Feeling like an idiot, Sam looked at Gretta in wonder. Despite nearly drowning and having time stand still, she had no trouble making the connections, while he remained confused.
“We don’t know who they were, but we’re fairly certain they were not mortal. They radiated powerful energy and may be the ones who placed the curse on the ring. The man who joined them also displayed an aura of energy. When we realized you were on your way to Delos, we needed to think this through very carefully, so we stopped time.” Roxana’s usual calm composure cracked and she began licking her lips.
“We didn’t cause the lightning or try to capsize the boat. I’m afraid we may have angered one of the gods by stopping time.” Katarina took a seat beside Roxana and motioned for them to the boulders across from theirs. “Roxana and I will try to figure out which gods are involved while you two go back in time.”
“Oh, no. We’re not going back just to get separated in the past again.” The forcefulness of his tone caused Gretta to rub his palm with her thumb.
“We figured you’d protest, but time travel is the only way we can protect you from facing the gods on Delos,” Roxana explained.
“You can’t stop time forever.” Gretta’s statement hung in the air while Roxana scratched the back of her ear and resumed her methodical grooming.
“No, but with a delay we can gather information and so can you two.” Katarina pulled Roxana’s hands away from her face. “Focus, Roxana. Explain who they will be entwined within. I have a feeling our time is limited.”
“Yes, I apologize. Sam, you will be entwined within James Longworthy, the man who owned the black book of riddles. It is the same book Lorenzo used to locate the cursed treasure. Find out everything you can about it and the treasure. If we’re lucky, you will be entwined within him when he hides the treasure on Kimolos. The gods rarely make appearances to humans, but if angered, they lower their guard. You may be able to figure out who placed the curse.” Roxana finished in a rush.
“Remember, you must not interfere with the outcome of events in the past. Gather information and do nothing more. The treasure must be hidden where it was in the past,” Katarina warned.
“James is killed by Kadir.” A look of horror crossed Gretta’s face.
“We know. Sam has the ability to sense when a dangerous event will happen.” Roxana gazed at him and he nodded. “I have full confidence you will be able to return to us before his death takes place.”
“What if we become separated? I can’t protect Gretta if I’m not near her,” Sam protested.
“James’ life ends at the precise minute his wife dies. We know little else about them and nothing about the black book or the treasure. Gretta will entwine within Gretchen Longworthy, his wife. You can protect her and return to us when you feel their lives are in jeopardy,” Katarina stressed.
“I don’t like it.” He pulled Gretta closer.
“Would you rather us send you back to the present? The gods are waiting for y
ou. You need to arm yourself with knowledge before—”
“Victory is not our goal,” Sam interrupted.
Roxana’s shoulders deflated. “Yes, we haven’t figured out that part, yet. With time, I hope to understand Minnie’s prophecy.”
“I’m in,” Gretta declared, releasing herself from his arms. When he replaced his arm around her, she glared at him before turning to Roxana. “Sam’s in danger in present time. He was attacked by someone with a jeweled dagger.”
“Asclepius’ blade?” Katarina’s eyes widened.
“I didn’t see the dagger. The person held a pencil.”
“I know what I saw. I did not hallucinate.” Gretta’s voice rose three octaves. “It was the same dagger that killed Kadir Haty.”
“I believe you, Gretta.” Roxana turned to Sam. “Gretta can see souls and objects from the spirit world.”
“Hold on.” Sam grabbed Gretta’s scarf clad wrist and held it up. “What about this? I can see Kadir’s scarf, Raja’s bracelet, and Theo’s watch. All were given to us by spirits even though I didn’t see any of the ghosts.”
“We were in the Unlucky Purgatory when Peter allowed the spirits who visited you to pass out of the Elysian Fields. At the time, I was unaware your father was the spirit who took Kadir’s scarf.” Roxana looked at Gretta.
“You saw them? My mom and brother, too? Did you think to ask them why they were giving us gifts?” Sam’s frustration level had peaked.
Katarina’s tiny frame stepped in between Sam and Roxana. “We didn’t know who the spirits were. Only Gretta’s father approached us. Spirits from the Elysian Fields are filled with so much happiness, they tend to disregard those who are within the purgatories. The gifts must be important enough for them to leave paradise even for a few moments.” Her face softened. “I need to apologize. I intercepted Asclepius’ blade from cutting you the day before your wedding. We didn’t know at the time being cut by the dagger would give you the ability to exit Tartarus in the afterlife. I’m sorry.”
“No apologies necessary.” Sam gazed at the watch, scarf, and bracelet around their wrists. “We’ll do our best to figure this out.” He shared a grateful smile between Roxana and Katarina. “Thank you for looking after us and giving us this opportunity.”
“Keep the gifts with you at all times,” Roxana urged. Her attention suddenly focused on the sea. “We need to hurry and send you two back in time. I sense an uneasiness.”
Sam felt it too. “What about Asclepius’ blade? If I was cut by it, I could help get Anya out of Tartarus.”
“Were you cut or even scratched by the dagger?” Katarina’s face lit with hope.
“No. Gretta intercepted the attack at the diner.” Sam hesitated, not wanting her to feel guilty. “I’ll let it cut me the next time she sees it.”
Lightning lit the sky followed by a crack of thunder.
“Gretta’s safety is my first priority,” Sam vowed, before his wife could protest.
Roxana nodded. “I have faith in both of you. Remember how to return to us?”
“We need to want to return, concentrate on ourselves, and touch in a meaningful way,” Gretta replied.
Sam leaned in and brushed her cheek with his lips. “I’d prefer a kiss over a touch.”
She pecked him on the cheek. “Patience, Sam. We’ll soon be within Mr. and Mrs. James Longworthy.” Her warm breath caressed his ear. “More later.”
He knew traveling to the past would be taking a huge risk, but her confidence gave him the courage he needed.
“We’re ready,” they announced in unison.
Another crack of thunder rolled. Roxana drew on her powers. Swirling light beams and wind encompassed their feet, growing quickly to their waists.
“Good luck,” Katarina called.
Sam cradled Gretta’s face in his palms and pressed his lips against hers. When they became completely engulfed by the energy, he felt their spirits lurch away from the island and travel into the past.
Chapter 10
Arrival in Chaos
Kalamata, Greece 1825
Gretta Entwined Within Gretchen
“James, behind you,” Gretchen Longworthy yelled from beside an overturned table while her husband and his crew battled Egyptian intruders.
Smoke, billowing from a fire in the back of the tavern, stung her eyes. The thud of a boot tore her attention away from her husband. She spun to the flash of a blade aimed at her throat. Leaping to the side, she thwarted the enemy’s knife and pulled one of her own from the folds of her skirt.
When the pirate eyed her low cut dress, she kicked his feet out from under him. A strong hand pulled her arm, dragging her behind familiar broad shoulders. A sword pierced the downed Egyptian’s chest. With a groan, the enemy no longer posed a threat.
“My Lady.” James gave her a quick bow before withdrawing his sword from the dead man. He turned to his first mate who leaned against the wall, gripping a bloodied leg. “Tend to Nikolas. The Egyptians have great numbers, yet they lack skill and strength.” He placed a kiss on her head and guided her to the floor. “Stay low. We will regroup and head out to sea in the morning.” He handed her a pistol, spun on his boot, and parried another foe.
Gretchen crawled to Nikolas’ side. An explosion filled the room with smoke and debris.
“Here, take this.” Nikolas pulled out his handkerchief and held it to her face.
Another blast echoed through the room. Flames, fueled by spilt rum, crackled and grew to towering heights.
“Where’s Captain James?” Nikolas pulled her against the wall, using his body to shield her from the blaze.
“Near the back door with several men. I think they’ve killed all of the enemy inside.” She rose a few inches, but couldn’t see her husband through the fire.
“Go to them.” He began coughing, but kept the handkerchief on her nose and mouth.
Smoke burned her throat and lungs. She gulped in filtered air, then pushed his hand off her face and made him use the cloth on himself to help him breathe.
“Not without you.” Tearing her skirt, she formed a makeshift bandage to protect his wounded thigh. He winced when she tied it off. Ripping more of her skirt, she wrapped another cloth around her nose and mouth. “Head for the others. I’m right behind you.”
“Aye.” Nikolas dropped to his hands and crawled along the floor.
The crash of a door behind them signaled the entrance of several more Egyptian invaders. Footsteps ceased and angry voices in Arabic swore at the scorching flames.
Gretchen and Nikolas scurried for the back door as he pushed burning debris from their path.
More shouting sounded and Gretchen clutched Nikolas’s boot in warning. Avoiding the flames, she helped him stand. Together they crossed the floor as tongues of flames scorched her face and hair.
A hand gripped the back of her dress. Nikolas pressed on, unaware she had been seized. She kicked with all her might to free herself, but the hold tightened and wrapped around her waist.
The back door flung open and she watched several of her husband’s men haul Nikolas into the shadows. Relieved he would be tended to, she prepared herself to fight.
“Let me go.” She twisted to face her captor, ready to gouge his eyes out with her fingernails.
“Never, my love,” James roared above the fires. He lifted her off her feet and crashed through the swinging door. They hit the ground hard, yet she welcomed the cool sand on her singed cheeks.
“Take her to the ship. Gather the others and their families. We set sail within the hour.” James’ orders rang in her ears. A crewman tossed her over his shoulder as if she were a sack of barley.
“Order him to release me. You will not abandon me.” The words tumbled from her mouth with need she couldn’t explain.
James’ hand touched the side of her face and she stifled a cry of pain. “You’re hurt. Please go. The men will protect the ship from the enemy while I get supplies.”
“I’m fine. I’ll help you. Two can carry more than one,” she countered, wriggling until the crewman placed her on her feet. She pushed him away. “Grab whatever supplies you can and prepare the ship for sail. Pull anchor upon our return.”
The young man stared at her and then at his captain in disbelief.
“You heard my lady. Move,” James commanded. When the sailor ran off, her husband gave her a sly grin. “Stubborn and beautiful. No one crosses my wife.” He pulled an old sock filled with gunpowder from his coat pocket and touched the string tied around it to a smoldering ember. He grabbed her hand and tugged her around to the front of the building.
“Wait, they spotted us.” She stopped and watched him wipe his brow with his arm and hurl the lit package at a half a dozen warriors headed in their direction.
The blast from the explosion knocked them to the ground. Ensuing chaos created the needed distraction. Scrambling to their feet, they ran to their home, three buildings away.
Once behind closed doors, he took her into his arms and stroked her singed hair. Wanting to remain in his embrace, she allowed herself to relax for mere seconds before pushing him away.
“I’ll collect food, medicine, and cloth. You get the gold and documents.” She watched her man receive orders as easily as he gave them. Within minutes they had packed what necessities they dared to carry to the ship.
James led her to the door and took a final glance around their first home together. Sadness replaced the fear and urgency within her. James had surprised her by returning from sea a day early to be with her on their one-year wedding anniversary. What had been a celebration hours earlier had turned into a nightmare when the Egyptians attacked the village.
