Episode 10
Lady Myre was seated in her chamber, after going to see her father. She had her hands on her desk,her hands on her chin. Paula came in. "Myre?"she called, seeing that her sister was lost in thoughts. "Paula? Is anything the matter?"she asked.
"I see you are in deep thoughts. What were you thinking of?"Paula asked, picking up an apple from the ones on the table. She sat down in front of Myre.
"I am thinking of curing mother in my own way,"she said. "Are you crazy? Why would you think that? Do you want to perish?"Paula asked,worry in her eyes. "The doctor is coming tomorrow. Mother would be fine after that. You do not have to be reckless,"Paula said.
"Paula,I see fear in her eyes.She knows she is dying.We need to do something,"Myre said.
"She has lost a lot of energy.If you give her all of yours,you would be getting weaker. You know,before you were married away,she was worried,asking herself how you would survive in a land where they do not want us to be seen.She was scared,so was I."
"More reason why we should do something."
"The diarrhea is eating up her essence.She told me."
"Her essence can be regained,I told her."
"I believe the doctor,Myre.You do not need to take any risk,alright?Let us wait for him,"Paula said,hope in her voice. Myre nodded."I need to send a letter to Lord Lucas."
"You and the Lord seem to be so close now,"Paula said teasingly.Myre started to blush."It is only normal to send a letter back home when you travel."
"Tell me,why do you hate him?"Paula asked.When her sister gave no reply, she said,"He loves you,Myre. He is willing to protect you anytime.Why do you not give him a chance?"
"You should go to bed,Paula,"Myre said,getting up and going to bed, putting the blanket on herself."It only shows that you have taken an interest in him.Do not let your feelings waste further, Lady Lucas Greens,"Paula said teasingly.Myre was blushing under the blanket."Oh,and dinner is ready.Send in your maid to come get yours,if you not want to share the table with us."Myre did not bulge still.Paula smiled and went away.
*. *. *.
Lord Lucas was looking out of the window.He could not sleep. He was thinking aboutGerald's visit the afternoon.
Wright came in."My Lord,"he said, his left hand crossing his chest in obeisance."Did youfind something?" "I did not find anything suspicious. I was sure he was not aware I was after him,"Wright said."Maybe he is hiding something.Keep looking into the murder case of the Emperor.We are sure to find something tangible to prove the Lady innocent,"Lucas said,notturning to Wright."My Lord, do you not believe the lady?"
"Lady Myre is someone I trust so much. Why should I doubt her now?"
Wright looked into the space.
*. *. *
"My Lady.My Lady,"a woman was hitting on a door at night.She was looking rather impatient. The woman earlier,who had turned the men into snakes opened the door, looking out. She said nothing and pulled the woman in. "You got a nice house this time around,"the woman knocking on the door said,looking around the house. "What did you bring?I told you not to find me until I've sent for you,"the woman said. "Actually,a fan of yours has sent a question regarding power.She wants an answer."
"Flora, you still trade behind me? Have you finally come into town?" Flora picked up an apple and sat down, munching it."It is an important catch this time,Lady Liz.An important lady, who is willing to pay any price,"flora said. Liz opened the jar on the table beside the window and brought it close to Flora."Quite some pretty species of snakes,"flora said, seeing that they were snakes."Give me the parcel,"she said,stretching out her hand. Flora gave it out,getting up almost immediately."Siphila is waiting at the inn.I need to go now." "I would send for you when I have my answers,and name my price.I surely must ask for an heavy price,"she said,looking wickedly.Flora dashed out after a quick bow.She unfolded the piece of paper.It read,"Dear lady Kiara, I have been thinking about power all day, but I have no power to acquire it. I know this sounds quite funny, but I have been a fan of such a brilliant politician as you,and I wish to ask you a question for any price you wish for.Just like this helpless piece of paper,I have been helpless.How does this piece of paper get more power,even though its enemy is its relative, the ink?"
She placed the paper on the table and poured herself some wine.
*. *. *
Morning was coming,as it was becoming clearer in the forest.Snow and Winsley had been walking all night,with little rest.Both were exhausted, hungry and thirsty."I have a big hunch that there is a town around here, old boy,"she said, fatigue in her voice. Winsley did not react with much vigour,as he was tired too. As they walked a little more,Snow spotted a house.There was no light in it,but she was sure people were there. As they walked closer to it, Snow saw that fire was burning outside,but it was almost out.There were clothes on the wooden line outside.She dragged one of the female dresses there,that was old and put it onhastily,replacing it with her wet and dirty underclothing. She was barefooted,and only realized it when something pierced her leg as she moved. She moaned softly, unable to shout, so as not to awaken the inhabitants of the house. She walked away. It was morning when they entered town,she and Winsley.The market was bustling and everywhere looked peaceful. She wondered what town she was in. It was all beautiful. She felt her stomach rumble. And Winsley also needed food and a nice bath,but she had not a penny on her.She walked forward ,hoping to find something to steal
*. *. *.
Lady Myre and Paula were by their mother's bedside. The doctor entered with their father and Jalli. Their father was the man from whom lady Myre inherited her curly hair trait from.He was a fairly tall man, and had the doctor at his heels,while Jalli walked on the same pace as the doctor. "She has been lying for a month,doctor. She is down with diarrhea,"their father said, gesturing to the woman.The doctor moved to the woman and opened her closed eyes a bit. He checked her pulse , after he had asked for more space, making them all move back a bit."Her pulse is getting weaker,"the doctor said,his eyes rolling in the small glasses he was using.
He looked competent and confident. "If we don't find out what else is happening to her, we might lose the good Lady,"the doctor said. "What do you mean,doctor?" Myre asked, getting scared."There is something else in her blood,making her pulse weaker. Diarrhea does not persist without something prompting it each day.Let me check her more,"he said,moving closer to her. The doctor paused a bit after checking her."Her neck."They all rushed over. Tiny, black lines were on her neck. It was long, almost drawing to her left breast."It's poison,"the doctor declared.They all looked puzzled.
"We need todos mething,or she's going to die!"Myre said,as she was alone with Paula.
"What do we do,Myre?Just calm down.The doctor said we need to get an antioxidant first.We would buy it from the market. I have trusted customer,"Paula said persuadingly.Myre held her forehead in frustration,"For God's sake,Paula, it's just a few weeks of sickness for me! What are you insinuating?We let her die?"
"You are still young,Myre.You have a husband,and no children yet.You have done nothing in life,but she has.You have so much to lose,dying.Mother would not die,I know that.But the last time you tried saving father with your power, you almost died,remember?" Myre calmed down at that. She walked hastily towards Harriet Beecher and said,"Prepare the carriage,we are going to the market."
"Yes, my lady,"Harriet Beecher said,walking away to make the preparation. Paula heavedand followed.
*. *. *
Snow stood in front a street restaurant, where people ate outside, while the owner cooked,and the other person tended to their orders.The light morning sun was not showing any mercy,as her legs burnt on the floor.Thank God the frock was long and oversized,covering her legs.Everyone would have known she was barefooted, and thought she was one crazy lady.
"Yes, what may we serve you with?"the owner asked,turning to her.Snow knew it was a bad idea to eat in this kind of place.She could easily steal in a pastry shop,grab a loaf, and some pies.But she was hungry. And Winsley was hungry too.
"Pasta and meatballs sauce.Another dish of the same,but with bones, for my dog,"Snow said,and the owner looked at winsley. She looked bulky,like a man,and doubted them.She turned to the attendant,anyway.
Snow led Winsley to a seat,isolated from the other customers. She was thinking in herself,why she always picked wrong places. She was still feeling bereaved,after losing Alisha and Fera.She had been the cause,afterall.
The attendant dropped the plates of their orders in front of her ."Thank you,"she whispered,but the lady barely heard,as she went on her way. Snow dropped the plate of food tol Winsley's level. He started eating greedily. Snow did the same."Poor girl,"the woman who owned the restaurant said,her eyes on Snow. Then she turned to the girl,"Keep your eyes on her. Make sure she pays.I am not running an orphanage home here,"she said."Yes,"the girl said.
Snow was slowing down on the food,to think of ways she could escape.Winsley was a smart boy,he could escape,if they had to run. Her eyes were occasionally on the two women that were in charge of the shop.They had their eyes on her. Winsley was licking the plate,finishing the food. Snow rubbed his head,watching the women. Another set of customers came,and the two got busy once again.
"Beef broth and broccoli salad?Sure,"the woman said to the customers. She turned her eyes to the direction of Snow, then shouted,"Eva,she's gone!". Eva ran out of the shop.
Snow and Winsley were on the run.She was happy she had a full stomach, and had escaped. She thought the pasta was nice. She ran into people, but didn't mind their mean words and curses,as they ran.Then,she saw Eva running with some men at some far distance behind her.
"You bitch!Wait up and pay for what you gobbled like a pig!"Eva shouted.
"The pasta was nice, and the meatballs too! My dog enjoyed the crunchy bones!"Snow shouted teasingly.Eva was gritting her teeth and Snow was having a laugh.
."Wait until we catch you!"she shouted."See if you..."She was cut short as she was run over.
Winsley fell heavily to her side.A crowd was forming now.Eva and the men were also running to them.
"We just ran over a person!"Paula shouted,fear in her voice.She, Myre and Harriet Beecher ran out of the carriage.A young lady and a dog were lying down.The girl had blood streaming down her face, and had fainted,while the dog was breathing weakly.Eva moved to her and pulled the unconscious Snow by her collar,then hit her with the back of her hand."She's unconscious! Why do you hit her?!"Harriet Beecher asked,alarmed. Myre was pitiful of the girl,"What did she do?Is she a thief?"
"Gobbled our food like a pig, and refused to pay! She can be considered a thief,"Eva said.
Myre,in her frustration threw a few coins to her,"For her food,"she said.Eva looked at the coins mischievously,and said,"She got her dog some too."
Paula moved close to her and held her collar,"She paid for three bowls, you thief! I know how much your street restaurant sells a bowl of food,"she said,and Eva looked caught."Paula,let go. We cannot cause a scene,"Myre said.Paula did so."Bring her and the dog into the carriage,"she commanded and went away.Paula followed.
*. *. *
Snow felt cold water on her forehead. She felt pains in all of her joints and muscles. Especially her side. It was aching terribly. She opened her eyes and saw a young lady wiping her forehead with cold water. The lady was looking like a maid. And she was. She soon found out. "You are awake,"the maid said with an ugly and sour accent. Snow tried to sit up,but failed. The maid helped her to sit. "Where am I?"Snow asked,her lips white and her face pale. Then,before the maid could answer,she remembered Winsley. "Where is my pet? Did you see any dog?"she asked again,with great alarm and fear,of anything happening to Winsley.
The maid got up and bowed. Myre was coming. She asked Harriet Beecher to wait outside. Snow wondered whom this young lady was. She was a respectable lady,from her appearance. "Are you fine?"she asked, sitting where the maid had earlier sat. "I am not. What am I doing here? Where is my dog?"Snow asked. But the only thing she could say about the lady in front of her was that she had kind eyes.
"Your dog is with the maids. They are tending to him. He had a fracture on his leg bone."
"Let me see him. Please."
"I won't ask you how you ended up there. But I want to know something,"she demanded, looking at her keenly.
"What?"
"Why were you looking so haggard?"she asked.
"I need to see my dog first,then we can leave."
Myre gave no reply to this,but got up to lead her to her dog. Winsley was in a room, where the maids were tending to him. He was weak, and he was lying on a bed,his eyes slightly closed,and his breathing weak. Snow rushed to his side. "Winsley,what went wrong with you?"she asked, looking him all over, but he was weak. He opened his eyes to see her,and weakly wagged its tail. Snow was sobbing, seeing him in this state. His leg was tied with a bandage,and he was wincing in pain.
Snow turned back to Myre, then went on her knees,"Pray, My Lady,I am willing to work as your maidservant until my dog feels better. I cannot leave with him like this. He would die,"she begged, sobbing like a baby.
Myre looked at her with kindness and pity. "I didn't tell you to leave. You wanted to. You yourself is still so weak,and you have so many bruises on your legs, because you were barefooted. Leaving or staying is your choice,young lady. But,if you would excuse me,I have something to see to,"she said and went away. The maids followed.
Snow burst into tears. She felt bad for treating her benefactor that way. Others could leave her to die on the road, but this Lady did not. This made her feel bad. But, seeing Winsley in pains made her feel terrible. She could do anything to save the poor dog. She got up and sat beside him.
*. *. *
Lord Lucas was at his table, thinking about his wife. It had been two days since she left without sending any letter. He wondered what was going on. Wright came in,"Have you come to deliver Lady Myre's letter?"he asked, excitement and expectancy in his voice.
"No, My Lord. I have just come to check on you. The maids have prepared your supper."
"Do you wonder why she has not sent any letter too? It would be two days by the end of today,which is already here."
"My Lord, pardon me, but I would say you are worried about the Lady. I do not think you would receive any letter from her soon,"Wright said truthfully but politely.
Lucas thought about this. He could not deny loving the woman. He married her because he loved her. But he was confused,as to ways to make her feel the same way towards him. "Do you say I write a letter to her first?"he asked, almost childishly. "I have a better idea,my Lord,"Wright said and smiled mischievously.
*. *. *
Lady Ella was seated in her chamber when Celiac came in. "Why were you so late in coming back up?"
"Forgive me,my Lady,one of the maids stole some kilos of salt,and My Lord has ordered the active lady of the house to judge,"she said, almost with alarm and urgency.
"What Lady of the house? Is mother awake?"Ella asked. "No,my Lady. It is that lady that stays with him. She is about to punish the maid."
Ella got up. "What?"she asked herself, disbelief in her voice,and hurried downstairs. There was her father's mistress in the kitchen,with a maid kneeling down and weeping profusely. "What is going on here? Which outcast is here, judging the maids that work for this household?"Ella asked, anger in her voice. The woman paused,but after some seconds, treated Ella's words like a butterfly flapping wings behind your ear,"Since the Lady of the house is bedridden,I see no offense in managing the house for her,"she said,with a rather mocking tone.
"Bedridden? Do not use your slutty mouth to slander my mother,"Ella said,while she held her mouth,as if ridiculing her. Ella moved closer to the maid and pulled her up,"Agatha,did you steal the salt?"she asked,now facing the girl and ignoring her father's mistress. "No, My lady, I did not. I only discovered some particles in it and was going to dispose it. I swear to Dirak!"she said, swearing to the god of her land,Damak.
"A thief would never say he is a thief. Do not be fooled,Lady Ella,"the woman said. "Perhaps,the best thing for you to do is to keep your mouth shut!"Ella shouted. "Since my mother is ill and currently inactive,any outsider is not allowed to assume the responsibility of the Lady of the house. I, Ella would assume the responsibility,and nobody dares to change it!"she yelled. Her voice was solid, that nobody said anything after it. She was sure she had gotten a positive answer with the silence. She felt fulfilled. Then to Celiac,"Celiac,let Julia know that I want to see her in my chamber. We need to make another household plan. And again,Agatha would be placed under check,to see if she really stole the salt. And until it is confirmed, nobody touches her!"she commanded. Celiac bowed to her mistress's request,and the other maids did too. Her father's mistress had disappeared into thin air. Ella smiled triumphantly. She walked away.
When she sat down in her room,she thought about everything that had happened. She felt like it was something she ought to have been doing. She was happy,that she began to feel excited. Excited about overthrowing her irresponsible Father. Suddenly,an arrow was shot through the window. She got up, walked outside and saw no one. Then,she walked back in,towards the arrow, and it had a paper at the tip,she observed.
She removed the arrow,and the paper quickly. It had created a hole on the wall. She carried one of the artificial flowers that Lord Simon had sent over every weekend after their engagement. She placed it at the center of the hole,and it stood.
She put away the arrow and started to read the note. It read,"Dear Lady Ella,it is with great pleasure and delight to write back to you,after you expressed your likeness for my political wisdom. I have read your question,and I can decipher the meaning. But,I have a price,just as you know. You would receive your answer at a conclave I am about to host,and also name my price. The date,time and venue are encrypted at the end of the paper. Lady Kiara."
Ella checked the end of the carton brown paper. The information was truly encrypted. She had a riddle to solve.
Thank you for reading my book! Next Episode out soon! Do not forget to drop reviews and follow me after reading! much love,
imona300❤️