Episode 8
Snow was thinking. According to Alice,she did not have much time left. And each day was passing more faster than she could imagine. After what she had seen that day,Arizona had vacated the room,on the news that she had a contagious disease and needed to isolated. Winsley was at her feet,as sad and powerless as she was. But she knew she was powerful,just didn't know how to control it yet.
As she was on this, Lathow came in. He had not come around since three days. Snow was happy that he was keeping away from her. She quickly started reading the novel she got from Alisha. But,he always brought something with him whenever he came. A device that shone light each time he came. A green light. It was archaic, looking like a sorcerer's stone. He put it above his belt behind him everytime. And he had it today too.
"What are you doing?"he asked, standing in front of her now. She gave no reply. When he saw that there was no reply,he sat in front of her on the table. "Do you bath your pet every day?"he asked,after some minutes of her silence. Still,she gave no response, but continued reading the novel. "You did not curtsey when I came in. You did not even officially tell me your name. I heard it from Fera,"he said again trying to get her attention, but he failed. When he saw this,he was angry. He snatched the book of her hands and flung it away. Snow looked less freaked. She pulled back the hair threatening to cover her face. She acted tomboyish. She looked over at the device. It was bleeping green. He did not observe her watching it,though.
"What is wrong with you? Are you always this disrespectful,or it's just me?"he asked. Snow put her lower lip in her mouth,"I was at the climax of that book,and you spoilt the fun,"she said,her voice hardened. "I asked you questions,which you ignored." "Because I was not willing to answer,"she said rudely. Lathow bent to her,but she did not flinch. She just stayed there. Then he moved his mouth to her ear. "I promise you that the experience would be slow and tormenting. Mark my words." Snow gave no answer to this, even though she was terribly itching to give him an answer. She fisted a ball. He got away from her and went out of the room. Snow smiled wickedly. She was having fun, even in this chaos. As Lathow came out,a maid had seen him in her hiding. She quickly walked towards Princess Mira's chamber. Mira was having a cool bath,and petals floated on the almost white colored water.
"Your Highness, I have come back,"the maid announced. "I bet I was wrong," Mira said confidently, smiling and closing her eyes, soaking her body in the water,her long hair floating. "No, your Highness. You were right. The Prince was coming out of her room,and he looked angry."
Mira looked angry and sat up,"Any reason for his anger?"she asked.
"She ignored him totally. She did not even curtsey to the Prince,as she found pleasure in reading a novel than replying the Prince."
"Seems I would not wait for him to get rid of her. I would do it myself,"Mira said, looking determined.
* *. *.
"Fresh tatty! I got some cheese to go with it too!"
"Buy some bread! Better than the one the baker down the street does!"
"Sweet pie!"
"Tangerines!"
"Fine clothes for beautiful Misses!"
The market was bustling as the traders advertised their wares. The two men and one lady were walking around the market, looking around casually. The men were not free around, but the lady was. "I am hungry. And I need fresh pies,"she said through gritted teeth. "We have no money!"one of the men said, shivering with fear. "No worries,I got you. You just have to take me to a nice place." She wielded her hand under the ragged cloak she was wearing,and some coins appeared. She smiled.
Roland found the market rather lively today and he was happy. There were a reasonable number of customers in his shop. He saw the men and one lady come in.
"This is the best place for pies and fresh bread. The baker is awesome,"the second man said. "Shut up,I do not need too much details,"she said, walking ahead of them and spotting a seat. As soon as they sat, Roland came to them. He looked at the lady. She looked familiar,and the air around her was foreboding. He hoped it would not be as bad as he thought.
"Can I take your orders?"he asked. "Two pies and one glass of milk,"she demanded,not looking up to him, but tossing coins to him,which he took. "But,two plates of pies for you three..."Roland said, trying to be patronizing,but she cut him off,"Just one plate,"she said,her voice strict and hard. Roland asked no more questions, but walked away to take the order.
As he took it,he found himself peeping at her, trying to see if she really was someone he knew,if she was here to loot him,or play some pranks,or kill him. He observed that the men before her were looking scared,as if they were in a cage. It was none of his business,though.
"Enjoy,"he said, dropping the plate of hot and savoury pies,and a cup of thick milk. He went away. There was something about her. It was ominous. He wanted to find out.
*. *. *
"What are you doing?"Lucas asked, coming into Myre's chamber. She was seated, looking into space. Harriet Beecher bowed and excused herself as soon as he came in.
"The air around you is dark and gloomy. Is anything the matter?"he asked, moving towards her. "Mother is sick. It's her diarrhea again. But it's worse this time." Lucas sat beside her on the bed. "What do you want then?"he asked, looking at the book on her bedside table. The History of Agra. She needed it though. He smiled inwardly. Agra was her home,and it was two states away from them. She must have missed her home, having been married away since seventeen.
"I want to go home,to see mother. I am really worried about her,"she said.
"Alright,you can set out tomorrow,"he said, getting up.
"You... don't want to come with me?"
"It is about you now, Myre. You really have to go. Spend time with your family before coming back. I would be fine,"he said,not looking like he would miss her or regret saying that. "Why don't you come? After all,you are on break, since the emperor has just passed away,and the coronation is in one month. Agra is a beauty,you can get to recuperate from Migora Empire's stress,"she said,her voice sounding persuasive. "A soldier is never on break,"he said,and went out before she could speak a word. She heaved, watching him as he went. She was sad.
*. *. *
"Father,I wish to see you. May I come in?"Ella was standing in front of her father's chamber,the biggest in the house. The maid,who was waiting on her was behind her. It was not Celiac this time. She had sent Celiac to stay with her mother till she came back. The door flung open. Her father's mistress,who came everyday peeped out the door. Ella didn't know that it had gotten this worse. The woman was a lousy looking one, pretending to be meek. She sure looked like a whore in that tiny inner dress she was wearing.
"I...I have come to see my Father,"Ella repeated, trying so hard not to stutter. "He is sleeping. Come to see him another time,"she said, wanting to close the door,but Ella took it from her and pushed her aside. She stormed in. There was her father, lying on the bed and drinking wine. "Father,did you tell this woman to lie that you were sleeping?"Ella asked, pointing at the woman.
"She said the right thing. Why?"
"Father,when last have you gone to see mother?"
The woman folded her arms, watching them from the door. She was young. Ella could see it. Even Ella acted outside her age,so,the girl was not a surprise.
"Your mother is an adult,child. She plays the role of the lady of the house,and she should be grateful for that, even though she has been bedridden in these past few years."
"Your wife is wasting away,and all you could think and say is that, Father? Do you know how much she waits for you all day? Longing to see you?"Ella asked,almost pushed to tears. But she didn't cry. She would not cry in front of her father and his whore. Never.
"It is almost time for me to take a nap. I would appreciate some silence,"he said, resting back on his bed. "Rose, would you be a nice girl and rub my head while I sleep?"he demanded,and the woman walked towards him,sat on the bed and put away his drinking cup,then put his head on her lap. Ella was enraged. She fisted a ball, fighting back the urge to cry. She walked away quickly.
As soon as she got to her room,she broke into tears. She cried bitterly. She had a determination in her mind. She would revenge. She needed power, and was willing to go against her father.
*. *. *
Snow was in her room, sitting down and closing her eyes. Alisha was beside her, whispering words,"The first thing to do is to think about what you want to do right now in your mind, keep thinking about it,and do not stop. Start now."
She closed her eyes still. Several images came to her view. She escaping. Alisha screaming. Lathow going blind,and Winsley crying. She must be seeing the future right now. That seemed to be fun to her. She didn't know she had that ability,until she opened her eyes and saw that it was Alisha whispering some words,"Sitaremanayeke...imnastorego."
Snow was disappointed. She thought she was the one doing it on her own. "You did not think about what I said,"Alisha said. "Yes. I was so excited to see the future. That was what I thought,"Snow said, getting up to pour a cup of water. "What did you see?"Alisha asked, coming behind her.
None of it was good to tell. She was not willing to tell Alisha how much tragedy struck. She put the cup to her mouth and gulped the water,"Didn't see it clearly,"she said,and walked away from her. Alisha didn't believe her.
"Shall we go again?"snow asked, calling Alisha back to present. She quickly turned to her.
*. *. *
Kalas was walking towards Mira's chamber. The bulky man looked grim and hard faced as usual. He didn't know what Mira could possibly summon him for. As he entered,two of her maids opened the door for him. There was Mira, seated behind a table, skillfully sipping her tea. As Kalas entered,he bowed,"Princess Mira."
"Loyal,old boy Kalas. Hope you were not too busy when I summoned you?"she asked,her voice sounding seductive. "No, princess. I am born to serve royalty,and it is an honor to be summoned by you,"he said,in his normal grim voice. The man was so cold,and didn't look humane. "Good. Take a seat in front of me. I have some questions for you,"she said, stretching her hand to the chair in front of her.
After Kalas sat down,she started,"Firstly, I want you to say nothing to Prince Lathow about this visit. It must be between us,"she said,her voice sounding like a warning,and her eyes scrutinizing him. Kalas nodded. "What is it about the white haired girl? I want to know."
"Princess, Prince Lathow has commanded to keep this a secret,"Lathow said,his voice coming down a bit. "Really? Now,you make me more curious to want to know what is so special about her. You know I can easily ask Lathow."
"I am sorry, Princess, but it was your Majesty's order."
"Now, tell me, will you?"
Kalas looked like someone who was scared for the first time,and didn't want to talk. Kalas had never been scared. This was humorous.
"Please,no one must know about this. It is highly confidential,"Kalas pleaded. "Do not worry yourself over nothing,dear old boy."
"The girl is a Boto,"he said.
Mira was scared,but didn't show it. "How could Lathow keep a Boto beside him? Botos are highly dangerous."
"She has the ability to command snow and water,animals,fire, create illusions,and kill anyone in a matter of her thought. She can also create a portal to go to anywhere in the world. Botos work with their thoughts,"Kalas said.
Mira suspected. She knew that there was something spectacular about the girl. A whole boto! A god! Where did she get that kind of terrible power anyways? There must be a reason Lathow was keeping her. She was really a big catch,as he said.
"Has Lathow said anything about what he wants to use her for?"
"Your majesty wants to use her to heal himself,as he considers her blood a panacea. His Majesty has kidney failure. Her power can also create a bear beast,that can only be controlled by her blood. He would take both her blood and power."
Mira wanted to do something.
*. *. *
Lady Myre was coming out of the house,all dressed up. She watched as the maids went up and down, carrying her loads into the carriage they were taking to Agra. Harriet was behind her.
"My Lady,my Lord did not sleep a wink last night. I do not know why,"she reported, as they walked outside,where Lucas was waiting. "Perhaps,he is thinking of the new Emperor that would take over."
"I do not think that is the case, My Lady. He was writing your name on a sheet of paper. I saw it this morning,when Shila disposed it."
Myre knew the poor man was in love with her,but he didn't think he had the right to show it. She blushed. And there he was, standing with Wright,his right hand man. He quickly walked over to hold her hand,and help her up the stairs. She looked at him. He truly had bags under his eyes. "When would you be back, My Lady?"he asked, looking into her eyes.
"I do not know yet. I am hoping that the situation would not be as worse as Paula wrote to me. But,I would be away for a few weeks,"she said,not looking at him.
"Okay. Take care of yourself,and deliver my farewell message to your mother. And ah, I also packed up some gifts for her."
"Thank you,my Lord. I really appreciate your kindness,"she said, curtseying. Lucas looked sad, and didn't want her to go,but he did not show that. "I would get going,then,"she said, curtseying again. He held her hand again,and helped her into the carriage. "Take care of your mistress,Harriet Beecher,"she said to Harriet,who was standing,with her head bowed. "Yes,my Lord,"she said, going to be beside the carriage window. "I would send some soldiers after you,for protection. Write to me when you get to Agra,"Lucas said. He knew only Myre could take down any amount of attackers,but he said that to make her look ordinary,for anyone that could be listening. "I would,my Lord,"Myre said and closed down the carriage curtain.
Lucas watched them with watery eyes,as they took off. Myre was watching him too,as they went. "Poor Lucas!"she whispered.
"Why don't you follow, My Lord? Agra is a nice place that would help you,"Wright said as they walked back inside, after the carriage was no longer in sight. "I want her to miss me,"he said. Wright blushed.
*. *. *
The one lady and two men entered into a house. It was the men's house. They shakily closed up the door,"You both have been more than useful since morning. Now is the time to get rid of you,"she said threateningly.
Both men fell on their knees,"We are sorry,my Lady. We would never do such with anybody else,"one of them,who had black hair said.
"You both tried to molest me. You called me a whore,now I am a Lady?"she asked, looking at them disgustingly. They were quiet. "I was looking for a scapegoat,and I got two. Lucky me."
She got up now,and raised her hands to them. She turned both into a snake with her power. She smiled approvingly, watching the snakes crawl to her.
*. *. *
Snow's door flung open. Kalas came in. "I get to see you again so soon. What's up again?"Snow asked, standing up.
Mira walked in behind him. As she got close to Snow,she slapped her. Snow was flabbergasted. Her mouth was wide open. "You young thing,you think you are so special, to make my Lathow furious,while you ignored him? Huh?"she asked.
"You did not give me a warning, but I guess it is too late now. I have started liking the Prince,"Snow said,almost threateningly. "You crazy bitch!"Mira yelled,and slapped her again. The steel in the ring she had on her finger cut snow's face,and she started bleeding. Before she could say anything, kalas hit her head,and it was all black out. Winsley started to bark. He was silenced,too.
*. *. *
Fera was fast asleep on the cold floor of the prison. Her face was bruised. Kalas had beaten her. He had changed her position to the coldest dungeon in the part of the prison,a place not far off from the sleeping beasts.
She jerked awake suddenly. Alisha was in front of the thick prison gate. Fera sat up, looking pale. Her lips were peeling,and she looked weak.
"The sorcerer. You must be living a splendid life in the castle. What are you doing in this cold part of the prison?"she asked, her voice sounding frustrated. "Snow needs our help, Fera. Lathow wants to destroy her,and I have a feeling it would be soon."
Fera looked up at the mention of Snow. "I cannot help her. She hates me now. It would be useless,"she said,her face looking sad and downcast.
"I cannot do this alone. I need an ally."
"I knew it was you the other night. Why are you helping her? Is it to deliver her to them?"
"I want to release,to make the royalties grieve. They have taken too much from me,and now is my turn."
"Why do you seek my help?"
"Because we are like minded,"Alisha said,as if persuading.
"You must know she has a great power,but I do not know it yet."
"Neither do I. More reason why I want to release her."
"We need a plan,"Fera said.