by Frank David
“Charity,” Stela called out to bring the Duchess’ attention to her. “Roderick brought him back from Carpathia. He had fled seeking asylum. It would appear he was a peace offering from the Benedictus. I will be bringing him to court to charge him in Rupert’s death. You will see justice served for our cousin.”
“He does not deserve his time in court. We should do away with him here, now,” Charity stopped struggling knowing it would lead nowhere. “Samuel, you may believe Rupert is in hell. If this is the case, I am sure he is anxiously awaiting your arrival.”
“Uncle Robert has asked to speak on his behalf when he is brought for sentencing. I fear he will try to play on the hate of the people to see Samuel receive a lighter sentence. Do not worry, Charity, my uncle’s words will have little impact on his sentence,” Stela had received word from Robert. It would seem someone in the palace made Samuel’s arrival known to him. He believed it was his duty to offer the man’s defense. Stela could not deny her uncle’s request, but she would not be swayed by what the man had to say. “He will meet the executioner. I promise you, cousin.”
“Jordan, return our guest to his room,” Stela ordered Samuel taken back to the dungeon. “Charity, what do you think should become of my mother? Do you think exile or death?” She turned to her cousin for advice.
“You will have a difficult time proving any wrongdoing on her part. If the Benedictus was willing to support part of the story, it might be enough to validate her charges. Do you think he would be willing to admit his involvement, Roderick?” Charity did not want to condemn the woman to death, but if she were guilty, the punishment would be fitting.
“I do not know. Antonio wants to know my family and be a part of our lives. I just do not know if that includes making the world aware of our connection.” Roderick had not thought about how he might maintain a relationship with the man without others making allegations.
“Dine with us tonight, Charity. I invited the Imperial Archduchess, Daniella Gallagher to join us. She should be arriving shortly. I have plans to bring Samuel before the court in the morning. You are welcome to stay the night here so that you will be first to arrive for the hearing.” Stela wanted time with Charity to ensure their relationship was in fact on the mend. “You may also be able to convince Uncle Robert to change his stance on Samuel. He has always been partial to you.”
“Yes, I would like to stay tonight. I will send word to Chris, though he did expect that I would end up staying. When are you planning to put your mother on trial?” Charity knew Madeline’s trial would be more involved than Samuel’s. Stela would need time to prepare. “I do not know that Robert will listen to me. We are distant cousins. I never thought he cared for me, but I will do what I can, for Rupert.”
“I have not given it much thought. My mother will remain in the dungeon until I can decide what is to be done with her. I do not want to see her executed but I fear that is what must happen.” Stela’s heart was heavy with the thought of her mother’s future.
****
Felicia had been riding most of the day. She had reached the mountain range that separated Raasmfeld from the eastern kingdoms. This was a good place to settle for the night. She believed she had enough distance between herself and whomever her parents sent out after her. Besides, she doubted that her parents would imagine her leaving the kingdom, so they would never come this far east looking for her.
She tied her horse to a nearby tree. She went to fetch some fresh water for her steed. She was sure he was just as tired as she. A fresh stream ran down from the higher mountains and created a nice reservoir where she could quench her thirst and that of her horse. As she approached the lake, she saw a horse tied to a tree across the way. She filled her canteen and a bowl for her horse, keeping her eyes on the horse, looking for its owner. She stood to return when she noticed a man break the surface of the lake. She hid behind a tree to prevent being seen. She watched as he made his way out of the water. He was naked. She had only ever seen the asses of the men who were forcing themselves upon the women of the towns and cities of Raamsfeld. These men always faced the end of Felicia’s sword for their actions.
She stood there watching as the man allowed the air to dry him, his back still to her. She was impressed with the man’s body. She was never one that noticed men in that way. She hated men. She understood their driving force and it made her sick to her stomach. Something about this man was different. She could not remove her eyes from him. His back was wide and muscular but narrowed as it reached his ass. From here, his ass appeared almost perfect. Two full globes, which appeared firm. The distance between them made it difficult to determine if his body had any hair, other than that upon his head. She shifted and stepped on a stick which snapped, the sound seeming to echo. The man heard the stick break and turned his head in Felicia’s direction. She ran back toward her horse and the area she had planned to camp for the night.
Her heart was pressing against her chest as she placed the half full bowl of water in front of her horse. She would need to return to get him more, but she would wait until the sun was lower in the sky. The darkness would provide her cover in case the man was still there when she returned.
She saw a squirrel running between trees. She pulled the dagger from her belt and threw it in the direction of the animal. The weapon found its target. The animal was pinned to the ground through its back. It died quickly. She always aimed for a quick, painless death. She hated seeing creatures suffer. People, on the other hand, she was more than happy to bring them slow, painful deaths as warranted. She grabbed the squirrel and began to skin it. It was not the ideal meal, but it would satisfy her stomach. She gathered sticks to start a fire to cook her quarry.
She finished her meal, the sun now well below the horizon. She could return to retrieve more water for her and the horse. She quietly made her way back toward the lake. She could see a fire burning from across the lake, in the area where the horse was tethered. She approached the shore and filled the bowl and her canteen. She could not tell if the man was still over there, but she was sure he was as the fire was strong. She did not stay but returned to her small camp. She gave the bowl to the horse. Then she laid under a tree and placed her sword to her left side as she settled down to sleep.
****
The guard approached the door of the library, knowing the Grand Duke and his family would be waiting. He entered and found the family sitting enjoying evening tea.
“Highness,” the guard announced himself.
“Did you find her?” Frederick asked not looking up from his tea.
“We did not. We checked the usual areas. Perhaps Her Imperial Highness traveled further south, visiting the areas of Paisley. We can send the men out again in the morning.” The guard stood nervously. They had never returned without Felicia in tow, fighting them tooth and nail.
“She has never been gone this long, Frederick,” Elizabeth was worried. “I am sorry, but I think you must send your men back out and have them not return until she has been found. It is dark out there. I understand she is a resourceful girl, but I do not like the idea of her out there alone at night.”
“Very well, Highness. I will send the men back out with your instructions.” He turned and left to issue the orders to his waiting men. He knew they would not be pleased spending the evening looking for Felicia, but they had no choice.
“Frederick, do you think something has happened to her?” Elizabeth could not hide her concern.
“Elizabeth, our daughter is apter at the sword and protecting herself than most of the men I know. I am sure wherever she is, she is just fine. The men will find her and return her to us.” Frederick’s voice was calm and unaffected. He knew his daughter. She was being Felicia, she did not mean to worry them. This was what she did. He had come to expect it from her.
****
Daniella arrived at the palace, the guards opened the doors as she approached. Chamberlain Forad greeted her and led her into the Dining Hall where the others
had gathered for dinner. She entered and Roderick stood to greet her.
“Daniella, what a pleasure to see you again. How are things in Red Hill? Are you settling into your new title?” Stela stood as she entered.
“Thank you, Majesty. It is good to see you as well. Things in Red Hill are well. I am adjusting to my new station. The wedding plans keep me well occupied,” she laughed as she sat among the others. She was becoming comfortable around the Imperials, now that she was one of their numbers.
“Daniella, I have to know. Can you harm someone as easily as you can heal them?” Charity was curious about the girl’s powers.
“We take an oath when we enter the Scientia to never use our powers to harm others. As you saw, I can inflict the pain of others, if I hold it. That is what I did to Samuel the night of the…murder. It went against what I agreed to when I left the Scientia, but I believe it was warranted.” Daniella did not like to talk about her powers. She was always led to believe it was something of which she should be ashamed.
“Can you generate pain on your own, without someone to pull it from?” Charity continued her questions.
“I have never tried. As far as I know, I can only inflict the pain I have pulled.” Daniella stared at Charity, wondering what she was trying to ask, without asking.
“How long can you hold the pain before it starts to affect you? Minutes, hours, days?” The questions continued.
“I have been able to hold the pain for several hours. From what I have seen when I release it, the effects are not as strong. If I hold it for too long, the effects on me seem to magnify. From what the Scientia have told me, a simple heal could kill me if I do not release it in time. I tend to not try to push the limits,” she laughed, the others joining in.
“Enough with the questions, Charity. Let the woman enjoy her meal, she only just arrived.” Sofia scolded her cousin for giving Daniella the third degree.
“My apologies, Daniella. I just find it all so fascinating. As children, we are told the stories of magic. To find out it is all true is just so interesting. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.” Charity knew her line of questioning was inappropriate, but it was the first time she had really had to speak with the Magister.
“It is fine, Charity. It is just unusual for me. We are told to keep our powers secret, so to be able to openly talk about it will take some getting used to.” Daniella smiled at Charity letting her know she had not been too invasive.
“Are there others out there with different powers, like in the stories?” Sofia got in on the line of questions.
“There are many others with various powers that live in Saaveth. I learned with many of them. Most still serve the Scientia. Healers are allowed to leave if they so desire since we are not considered a threat to others. Individuals with other, more dangerous powers are required to stay with the Scientia. If they wish to leave they are assigned a blocker, someone who can block your power simply by being near you.” Daniella was not sure if she was permitted to discuss such things. It was well known the secrets of the Scientia were just that, secrets.
“Enough of this conversation. Daniella is our guest. We should not be putting her on the spot. If you have questions, please seek out the Scientia Thomasine. I am sure she would be happy to answer your questions.” Stela knew few were aware of the powers the Scientia housed. She did not want Daniella saying anything that might get her into trouble. “Let us enjoy dinner, then retire to the library. We have to prepare for tomorrow. I want to see Samuel punished for what he did to Rupert. I worry about the Imperial Archduke of Stratton. I know he will fight to see Samuel pardoned. We have to create a case he cannot argue.”
“As Empress, do you not have the power to administer any punishment you believe appropriate?” Daniella questioned.
“I do, Daniella but if Uncle Robert makes a strong case in favor of Samuel, it will make it difficult to punish him. If I allow my personal feelings to affect my judgment, Robert will use it against me with the people of Hulsteria,” Stela worried about what Robert would do or say to protect Samuel.
“Will Calvin be attending?” Charity asked.
“I invited him, but I have not heard anything. I do hope he attends, but I understand if he does not.” Stela sent word to Calvin as soon as she could after Samuel returned. “Do you see him much, Charity?”
“I have not seen him much since he moved to Dortham. I do miss him. I hope he is well,” Charity was fond of him. He had partially replaced Rupert in Charity’s heart. “I hope he attends. It would be good to see him again.”
Dinner continued in silence, each of them thinking of Rupert and his spirit. While he could be difficult, each knew he loved them in his way. Each missed him in their way though some refused to acknowledge their true feelings to ease their own pain.
Ten
Daniella had just settled in for the night. The day of travel always made her tired. She had just extinguished the candle when there was a knock at her door.
“Enter,” she called out.
Charity entered the darkened room, carrying her own candle. She approached Daniella who was still lying in bed.
“I am sorry to disturb you. I need to talk to you, and I will not sleep until I have.” Charity sat in the seat next to the bed and placed her candle on the bed table.
“I fear Samuel will avoid punishment for murdering Rupert. If that happens, I do not know what I will do. I need to be sure he suffers for what he has done,” Charity whispered. She did not want her words to carry beyond the room. “Can you heal any infliction?”
“I must agree, I too fear Samuel will be shown leniency. Yes, I can heal any ailment or injury. Why do you ask?” Daniella had a feeling she knew where Charity was going.
“I wish to go visit Samuel in the dungeon. Will you join me?” Charity did not want to leave his fate in the hands of Robert or Stela. She wanted to make sure he paid for what he did to Rupert.
“Charity, I do not know if this is wise. What would Stela think about this?” Daniella was more than happy to do as Charity wanted but she could not risk her relationship with Stela.
“If we are discovered, I will take all blame. Samuel would not be the first person to mysteriously die in the dungeons.” Charity knew those who ended up in the Imperial dungeon had a way of turning up dead.
“Very well, I will go with you, if only to try to talk you out of your idea.” Daniella got up from the bed and lit her candle from Charity’s.
The two rushed down the stairs, then through the door leading to the dungeons below the palace. The stairway leading down was narrow and dark. The stone steps were moist and slippery, obviously from the damp conditions of the dungeon. They slowed their pace to prevent falling.
Charity led the way to the cells. She knew Madeline was in one of the cells. They needed to avoid her seeing them. They quietly made their way through the catacomb of corridors, looking in each door to find Samuel. At the end of the hall to their right, they saw a guard standing outside one of the doors. Charity assumed this was the cell that housed the Empress Mother. They could easily avoid her detection as long as Samuel was not down the same corridor.
Daniella could hear slight moans coming from the corridor straight ahead of them and rushed down following the sounds. The two peered in and saw him chained to the wall. Charity found the set of keys at the entrance to the corridor and quickly retrieved them. She returned to the cell and opened the door.
Samuel looked up and saw Charity. He had not noticed Daniella.
“Her Imperial Highness, the faggot’s cousin, Charity. What brings you down here? Have you come to thank me for releasing you from that demon?” His laughter ignited Charity’s fury.
Charity entered the cell, Daniella behind her.
“Get that witch out of here. What are you two doing here?” Samuel’s voice was now heavy with fear.
Charity pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and shoved it in his mouth, silencing his protest. She pulled a piece of rope from he
r pocket. She tied it around his head to keep the handkerchief in place. She pulled a small knife from the same sleeve. She had stolen it from dinner. She had planned this. She wanted justice and feared she would not have it if he were left to Stela.
“I believe Rupert misses you, Samuel. I am going to send you to him tonight. You will not escape justice. I will see that you pay for what you did. You stole a bright light from Hulsteria. While you saw him as defective, he cared for you deeply and he deserved better. Then when he had better, you stole him from Calvin, someone who truly cared for him. Now, I am going to be sure you suffer more than he did. God speed to hell, bastard.” She raised the knife, Samuel prepared for the blade. She plunged it deep into her chest. She fell to her knees, the knife falling to her side.
Daniella rushed to her and placed her hand on the wound on her chest. The blood stopped, the pain subsided. The skin closed around the area the blade had split. Charity stood and looked at Samuel. His eyes wide with disbelief.
Daniella stepped toward him. She knelt and placed her hand on his chest. Charity stood beside him holding him in place so he could not escape Daniella’s hand. The skin beneath her hand split open, the blood rushed out. His screams were muffled by the handkerchief. He struggled to be free of her hand.
“Watch this, Charity.” Daniella directed Charity to watch the area under her hand.
Charity watched as the blood stopped, the screams stopped. “What are you doing? Do not heal him. I want him to suffer.”
“Do not worry, Charity,” Daniella responded. She placed her hand back on his chest. The muffled screams started again. The blood reappeared. “I can heal him and inflict it over and over until you are satisfied he has suffered enough,” Daniella smiled at Charity. “Go, now. I will play with him a bit, until I tire. You must act surprised when you hear the word of his death. I will make sure there are no marks upon his body.”
