“You think so? Look up there.” I followed Meow’s prompt, pausing long enough to think, I can’t believe I actually know someone named Meow. And of course she’s a hot Asian chick. At the end of the snaking drive, I could just make out the peaks and spires of our destination. I found it difficult to hold my concentration on the structure. It was like … it was like it didn’t wish to be seen somehow.
As I made my way down the path, my eyes began to focus a little; though, in truth, I think it was the building and not my eyes, doing the focusing. It was as if it were allowing us to see it, but under deepest protest. There were two opposing structures that joined at a loose angle, forming a sort of relaxed V-shape. The west wing was made of four watchtowers, set off at odd intervals and connected by dreary, stone walls. Atop each tower rested a narrow parapet. Perfect for sentry duty. In fact, it could have easily passed for a castle or a prison if not for the east wing’s ivory, cross-topped steeples and colorful stained glass windows. We walked the rest of the way in silence.
Where the two sides met, it formed an A-frame entrance, complete with big double doors and lion’s head clacker. Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me. “And cue the ominous lightning flash,” I said in an awkward and unsuccessful attempt to make myself feel better about the place.
Ignoring my quip, per the usual, Caduceus turned to Meow and said, “Girl, this is not your concern. If you were to turn back, I wouldn’t blame you. I know you desire my help in avenging Julinn’s murder, but I must perform this deed presently. If you heard even half my long, sordid tale, as you followed us, you no doubt know this could go in infinite unpleasant directions. Would you, perhaps, rather wait for us outside, or take leave of our fine company, completely?”
“No, Caduceus, I will stay. I did overhear most of your tale, and I feel you can use all the moral support you can get with this reunion. I will give you strength. Then, you can aid me in my quest.”
Caduceus let out an exaggerated sigh and said, “You kids and your quests. Yes, Meow Fang, I can do that. Eagerly. I vow to see Richard Van Parson on a skewer, before this is all over.” And then, addressing me, he said, “If you are ready?” He waited for my nod and then raised his hand to knock.
After the gate incident, I half expected another automated response. This time, his fist connected, however. Furthermore, instead of an uneasy creaking, the thunderous rapping of Caduceus’ fist was met with an old man’s rushed, and somewhat irritated, voice, saying, “Just a second, just a second, now.”
I laughed uneasily. What if he was still upset at Caduceus, and we were all about to be curtly turned out on our backsides? There was a brief shuffling of footsteps. The knob turned, as the voice’s owner began pulling the door open. Guess we’re about to find out.
2
My first thought was how withered and ancient he looked; he had not handled his aging nearly as gracefully as his brother. A dark, head-to-toe robe that seemed to highlight his frailty was draped over his bony frame. His hood was pushed back to reveal his haggard face. The skin was stretched tight over his cheekbones, his eyes sunken. His head was smooth, with the exception of a couple of patches of white fuzz on either side. “Caduceus, is that really you, after all these years? Come now; step closer, so I can see you. It is you! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! It’s been too, too long. You are truly a blessed sight to these tired eyes. Oh, and you’ve brought friends! That’s right, that’s right.” Aesculapus shook his head, clearing he cobwebs. “I got your message. This is the amnesiac? And this lovely girl?” He offered Meow Fang his gnarled hand.
She took it gingerly, executing a respectful bow. “I am Mao F’Yang. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
As Mao straightened, Aesculapus raised her hand to his cracked lips, giving it the briefest of kisses. “Charmed,” he said. As he pulled away, I couldn’t help noticing a bridge of spittle, there and gone, between her hand and his mouth. Mao – not Meow, after all – surely had to have noticed, though she didn’t give any indication. He turned to study me. Finally, satisfied with something, he raised a finger to me, and said, “You. I know you, don’t I? What did you say your name was again?”
“Um, I didn’t, actually. That’s … remember… that’s why we’re here. Apparently, Caduceus had sent you some sort of message that we were coming.” I looked to Caduceus for support.
“Lockhorn's. I left word for you last night.”
“Of course, I remember that. Of course, of course. But I do know you. I know I know you. It’ll come to me.”
“Well, if you could tell me who I am, it would save us all some time.” I smiled nervously. To be honest, his scrutinizing gaze was starting to make me feel a bit uncomfortable.
Finally, he relented and issued a breathy chuckle. He turned toward his younger brother. “You have brought me a jokester, me thinks. A regular smart alack. No wonder you feel the need to drop him off on the doorsteps of a man you haven’t seen in decades, prior to running off again.”
“That’s not fair, brother. It was you who threatened me and bade me not to search for you.”
“Pish posh, tish tosh. I did no such thing.” Aesculapus gave a wave of his hand, brushing away his brother’s silliness. “You are mistaken.”
“How can you say such things? You visited the seeing cove against my wishes and warnings, after you gave your oath, I might add. Then, you gathered all your belongings, and said you never wanted to see my face again. You said you would rather I die.”
“I would rather kill you than look upon your face again,” He nodded. “Indeed, dear brother, I remember. I was partaking in a little self-delusion. I have not forgotten. There is much in my too-long life I have forgotten, but there is an equal number I have only been able to fool myself into believing I have. Most of the latter stems from our last encounter.”
“And the vision?”
“Why must you insist upon dwelling on the past? I have done thus for most of a century. Won’t you allow me to look to the future? Heh, the future.” He gave a wry laugh. “That’s just it, isn’t it? Caduceus, there was no vision for me. Don’t you see?
“I had invested so much of myself into my magics, rituals, and books – into the pursuit of truth – I fool-heartedly believed I could do anything and get away with it. It nearly ruined me, realizing I was wrong. It was failure after failure after failure. I started by trying to return my brother from the grave. When that didn’t pan out, I moved on to ‘curing’ death, before I finally settled for prolonging miserable, miserable life.
“Then, at my weakest, I turned to my home, to my family. Mum. Da. They both acted as though they knew me not. I had failed them. Their son: a cultist, instead of a doctor. They would have even been satisfied had I chosen to plow fields until I, inevitably, became a part of one. My loving brother took me under his wing. Said I could stay at his marvelous home. I had to go and ruin that, too.
“‘Do not look into the waters of time,’ you implored, but I thought I knew better than my naïve younger brother. I disobeyed for nothing. Betrayed your trust and got nothing. I couldn’t bear it, so I left. I yelled at you, cursed you, and cut you from my life for what I thought would be eternity. I ask only forgiveness, brother. Forgive me, please.”
Caduceus flashed a broad smile. “Brother, a wise man once told me it would be foolish to hold a grudge for eighty years. Who am I to disagree? Of course, I forgive you. But can you forgive me for not trying harder?”
3
Mao and I took that as our cue to exit stage left. We headed into the yard, leaving the two brothers to reunion, in private. “Can you believe it,” I asked.
Mao arched an eyebrow. “The ‘poor me routine’? I know. It’s laughable.”
I shook my head. “C’mon, Meow Fang.” I said, intentionally opting for the mispronunciation. “No, I was talking about how they have gone so long without seeing each other, yet they still share such a strong bond. It’s just … Why are you smiling?” She was, too. The smile lit up her entire face. Her eyes s
parkled with mischief.
“You are such a girl.” She stared at me a moment, weighing a decision. Finally she gave a slight nod. “You’re sweet and cute.” I must have looked uncomfortable. “You’re blushing. I was right.”
“About me being a girl, gee, thanks.” I quipped.
“You are sweet and cute.”
“Stop that,” I said, trying to decide if I meant it. “Can’t we talk about something else? If not, I’m going back inside.”
Mao began walking toward the end of the church wing, and I fell in beside her. For the next few moments, neither of us said a thing. We simply enjoyed each other’s company. When we reached the end of Aesculapus’ house – could you even call it that? – it was Mao F’Yang who broke the silence. “Question: What did Caduceus mean when he said you were his Guardian Angel?”
“Oh, that?” I gave her what I hoped was a passably sincere shrug. “Nothing, I’m sure. Just C, trying to be funny, I guess. Sarcastically referring to his saving my life and taking care of me.”
“What happened,” she asked, stepping closer.
“I’m not …” I paused. She was way too close. I cleared my throat. “I’m not sure, really. A lot of it is still hazy.” I pointed to my temple with my forefinger. “Amnesia.”
“Convenient.”
“It’s the truth. Well, partly. I don’t know who I am, as you heard us saying. But Caduceus really thinks this guy can help me pull myself together. I don’t really see how, though. If I can be blunt, I think it’s his brother that could use the help. The man’s a little …” I made a swirling gesture, by my head, then folded my hands into a bird and mimed them flying away.
“So, you don’t remember any of it,” she probed. “Not your friends or parents? You can’t even remember your girlfriend? Do you have a girlfriend?” She leaned closer, if that was even possible. I tried to take a respectful step backwards and connected squarely with one of the stained glass windows, lost my footing, and went over on my side. Mao knelt and offered me her hands. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you fall.”
I let her help me to my feet. “No, that’s okay. You weren’t …You didn’t mean to … You’ve got nothing to apologize for, Mao. And no, I don’t remember anyone. Believe me, I wish I could. I’ve been like this since the attack. It’s driving me insane.”
“The attack,” she breathed.
“What’s wrong,” I worried. Then, a light bulb came on in my head, and I felt stupid. “Oh, Mao, I’m so sorry. Your father. I didn’t think. I’m such an ass.”
“No, no, you have other matters to dwell on. It is understandable.” She wiped back tears with the palms of both hands. She took a moment to regain herself, before asking, “You were at ground zero? Is that where Caduceus saved you?”
“Yes. That’s right. It was Van Parson’s men. They were after us, and he teleported us out of there.”
“The same as with the debris,” she marveled. “Do you know what it’s like to meet another who has these gifts? It has been years since I have known anyone else like me.” Getting back on point, she asked, “And you don’t know why these men were after you two? Was it because of the murder? The first murder? He had witnessed it. They were trying to silence him.” She cocked her head. “What had you done to catch their attention?”
I was quickly getting backed into a corner with my whole secret identity. How ironic, I don’t even have an identity, but I’m already getting a secret I.D.? What’s up with that? “Well, the thing is, I … It’s funny, I was just …” I was just flying around shooting off rays of blinding angel light. “In the wrong place at the wrong time, I guess.”
Mao looked at me skeptically. It was clear she was gearing up for another salvo of Q & A. Thankfully, Caduceus poked his head out and motioned for us to join them.
“Race you,” I said, childishly.
She grinned at me and gave my shoulder a nudge. “Think you can stay on your feet long enough, cutie?” Before I had time to think of a witty retort, she was already halfway there.
Caduceus waited for me to catch up before saying, “Thank you, both, for allowing us to have our moment. I don’t think either of us knew what to expect today.” He looked at me, saying, “Go on and get acquainted. I need to talk with Meow for a spell.”
“Me,” I asked.
“Well, why’re ye afraid of an old man like that,” he teased. “Now, get yer backside in gear ‘fore I get it in gear for ye.”
“Riiight. From what you said, this guy was already dangerous prior to senility.”
Caduceus was suddenly aiming his glowing staff at my feet. “Stay out here, and ye’ll find out what dangerous is all about.” He gave a wicked grin. “Try me, kiddo.”
“I’m going, I’m going,” I said, dodging the blast and hopping across the threshold.
4
“Mr. Aesculapus, sir,” I called.
“Please, boy, come in. Come along, now, in the kitchen,” he replied. “Through the foyer, there.”
I followed his voice to find him leaned over a bulking stove. He was straining to reach a canister from one of the kitchen’s many upper cabinets. “Here, let me get that.”
He shooed me away, as his brother had whenever I tried to help in his kitchen. “I’ve got it. It just takes me a second. I don’t always have cump’ny to do things for me, you know. In fact, I can’t recall the last time I had any guests here at all.” He offered me a queer little smile. “Would you just listen to me throw my pity party? I swear, boy, I’m nothing at all as I first appear.” He redoubled his efforts until his fingertips managed to grasp the sides of the canister. He gave me that same smile. “See?” With a victorious nod, he straightened. Unfortunately, it was that moment when his old fingers decided to give out and lose their purchase on the container. It went tumbling to the floor, connecting with the edge of the stove as it did so. Tea bags rained down all over the kitchen.
“It’s all right, sir,” I said, trying hard to return his smile. I couldn’t help but feel weary sympathy for the man. “I’ve got the tea. You can go ahead and finish the other preparation. And I wasn’t trying to pity you earlier. Just help. That’s all.” I bent to scoop the handful of bags that landed by the stove and had to steel myself. I couldn’t believe the level of dirt and grime that coated the tiled floor. This was definitely not Caduceus’ spotless kitchen. Of course, Caduceus can still get around as well as I can.
I finished my chore and stood, really taking in the details of Aesculapus’ kitchen for the first time. Once upon a time, it had obviously serviced more than just this one man; it had undoubtedly been used to feed dozens, if not hundreds, of guests at whatever this place had once been. It was much more spacious than Caduceus’ little hobby kitchen. Ducie could have a field day in here. Only, he would have a stroke if his kitchen ever got this grungy.
Aesculapus was busily filling a teakettle at the sink. His back was to me in what I took to be a way of hiding any embarrassment he may have felt. I gave it a minute before I stepped over to him. “How many do you use,” I asked, counting out the bags.
“I just place some in there, thank you,” He said, still looking away. “Ever since I stopped growing my own teas and such, I can’t quite seem to get the count just right. Just follow your instincts.”
5
We had just finished placing the last of the tea service on the living room’s wide coffee table, when the teakettle issued a sharp whistle. On cue, the door swung open. Aesculapus looked up as Mao and Caduceus returned. “Ah, perfect timing. I was about to send our young friend to come fetch you for a spot of tea. Would you join us?” He motioned for them to take up seats on the surrounding furniture. They each took a seat at opposite ends of an antique loveseat. Aesculapus and I sat in the two chairs opposite them. The old man took a tentative sip of his tea, proclaiming it to be “A fine job.”
I nodded my appreciation and took a sip of my own. The others followed suit. “Well, it tastes like tea, I guess,” I answered.
&
nbsp; “Sort of,” Mao joked. She flashed me an amused smile. “My father’s tea, on the other hand, would …” She stopped herself, losing most of her good humor. “He would make the most delicious teas from his own recipes.”
“Meow’s father was recently killed, brother,” Caduceus interpreted. “Circumstances remain … a bit shady.” He turned to me and said, “While you were in here making both acquaintances and the tea, I spoke with Meow regarding her father. I’m afraid I am to take my leave of you, momentarily.”
“But you haven’t seen your brother in forever,” I said.
Caduceus passed his hand through the air between us, brushing aside my protestation. “You are ready for the next leg of your journey. It is time you learned the truth about who and what you are.”
I looked at Mao to see her reaction. Caduceus’ words must have seemed so cryptic, I thought. Instead of looking puzzled, she gave me a wink and placed a finger to her mouth in a shushing gesture. How could she … Ah, Caduceus, you confidence breaker.
“As for my brother,” Caduceus continued, turning to address him, “I promise you it will not be nearly as long before I see you again.”
“Yes, I will definitely have to have you back here very soon, my dear brother. Very soon.” Aesculapus lifted his teacup in a toast, “And might your next visit be a tad lengthier.”
“Here, here,” Caduceus answered.
“Here, here,” Mao and I echoed.
6
We finished the pot of tea before adjourning to the front drive once more. Dusk had already begun its slow consumption of the day, and the air held a slight nip. We were huddled close to the door, saying our goodbyes. “Won’t you at least wait until the dawn?” Aesculapus pleaded. “It is supposed to get down low tonight, and you already had one long journey today.”
Forging Truth (The Truth Saga) Page 13
