PART FIVE: (Cont'd):
Trade by (insidious) barter:
Bronid pushed aside the putrid dish and stretched his cramped torso. It was now sixteen days of captivity and limited mobility. He wondered how much longer his captors would have him there. He would have easily chosen the fate of death, but worried for his family. Everyday three women came in with a plate, a bowl of colored water and dropped it on the mud floor. Then they escorted him to the back of the little hut and waited for him behind the loose door, as he took care of his business. There was a nut tree right there he had noticed, so he would shake the drooping branches indiscreetly for anything that might drop down for consumption. There was no way he would eat what those women offered him. For all he knew, his parts and organs might also become fodder for the next victim.
He quickly rubbed his sore wrists and waited. They would be back to tie him up again, or what they believed was tying him up. When the little door creaked open, he barely looked up from habit. But jerked his head up after it appeared only a pair of nicely covered feet had walked in. He had never seen this particular one before and she appeared dressed to the nines and painted-up. Compared to the black clad ritualists bustling around him everyday so far, she was indeed a sight for sore-eyes. She was carrying a covered steaming bowl.
"I can help you get out of here...." She stated almost immediately, without preamble. Her eyes were as cold as her voice sounded and the assertive tone unmistakable. "But first you have to do me a favor...."
Mirror-scopic tendencies:
Heinus did his usual swipe across the weathered but still solid and near indestructible mirror. This was the 'mother' of the other mirrors so to speak. It had been in the crypt for ages, measured only by centuries. It was revered to have seen and warned about the greatest hidden revelation of all times. It had forseen the most wonderous and glorious Star humanity and the under-world could have ever imagined. Even though that particular event left the underworld grossly handicapped and at a colossal loss. Therefore, they now vowed to go in full force anytime a future threat was detected. The sooner it was stalled or stopped (which was the case most times), the chances of its purpose becoming a reality quickly dissolved. None else would be as influential and as catastrophic as 'Star-of-wonder' was, but they would take no more chances. They had learned their lessons howbeit late. However, there was still havoc to be caused, destructions to initiate and troubles to be made.
This particular mirror was floor length, and hidden behind drapes spun out of human indiscretions. It was very thick and lush and appeared to grow by the second. Only the fly-lord, Xitus and Heinus had access to this space. When Heinus' first swipe on the mirror surface produced nothing, he began to scrub the screen vigorously with both hands. This agitated action from the monitor now produced contorted, frozen and fleeting images. As he tried to sort out what was being spewed at him, the screen suddenly went blank. Heinus slammed his head on the adjoining wall. He had work to do and he was running out of time for the impact to be as malevolent as it needed to be. Besides he had to come up with something quick, as his master was still livid at the last botched situation. Any scheme he came up with now, would have to do. He did not want to risk being recycled, like those that had gone before him. A failure to execute effectively and on time would buy him a banishment from any little privilege he had now. And eventually procure more torture as they all awaited the ultimate damnation.
As he tried to get back his screen and images, it appeared a force was struggling behind the mirror blanking it out. Now his eyes were also giving way systematically. Was he going blind? What was happening? For every minute left un-monitored, something could go really wrong again. Like that sneak of a girl showing up when they least expected it. As he wrestled to gain control of himself and then the mirror, it flashed back for a second. Just a second. Enough time to see Debeh's hands raised towards him before the screen went blank again.
"What the flame?!! The fearless nerve of her, the absolute audacity of that creep!!" Growled the monitor with a rage that could rival that of his master. Then he slammed himself one more time against the wall.
Of fruits and fights:
The fourth magistrate Tufad's wife had paid a visit to the recuperating and resting queen. Debeh had tried to reschedule the visit time because she knew that was a crucial time of the day for the queen to get the most rest. But the visiting woman loudly and abrasively insisted on carrying a basket of fruit in to the queen. As she argued and yelled at the queen's personal maid, the queen heard the commotion outside her living room. She really was tired as her dear Debeh knew and the fourth magistrate's wife was definitely not a company she needed nor wanted at that moment. But she also knew that if Debeh succeeded in sending the woman away, as the magistrate's wife she would look for ways to be vindictive to the faithful maid. So the queen instructed Debeh to let the nuisance, basket of fruits et al into her living-room area. Then she charged her maid to take the rest of the day off and check back on her later in the evening.
Debeh really did not want to leave the queen alone with the magistrate's wife. That woman had a reputation for gossip and rumor mongering. Aside from that, she was also known to be very close to Ethia the queen mother. But Debeh was good at complying to her mistress' instruction. So she grabbed the fruit basket and dashed out ignoring the magistrate's wife's protest. The maid now proceeded to hand the fruits over to the servants in the margistrate's quarters, telling them it was for their master and mistress.
Sisters and lovers:
Debeh was not quite sure what to do with all her unexpected down time, so she set out to check on how far Methus was getting with the nursery-room fabrics. As she headed down the servants hallway, she saw a new face (Debeh knew all the staff both new and old) and stopped to introduce herself. As she got closer, she noticed the young lady's face was damp with tears and swollen. The ever motherly Debeh now stepped towards her to find out who she was and what was making her cry. "Oh its nothing..... Erm its my husb..... No it's my brother.... Oh I don't know!" The young lady started bawling. "That's okay now," comforted Debeh. "Shall we sit over in that corner there and talk, till you get yourself together?" This she said as they both walked over to a dimly lit and partially concealed section of the hallway with low wooden dividers and sat down.
Ashea did not know what it was about this woman, but she instantly felt close to her and was certain she could be trusted. So in as much time as it took for them to sit down, she spilled her wrenching guts. Rifra's decision to make them siblings, had her in the women's quarters almost two buldings away from him. He was also just as tormented and riddled with crippling guilt. They were both miserable, after only having been married for two weeks. Debeh listened quietly, nodding where necessary and then told the crying young woman she would take care of it.
Untangled tapestry:
Debeh found Methus in a chaotic state of snarled and twisted fabrics. He had taken on more than he could handle, but did not know how or when to admit that faux pas. "Let me finish the rest of that fabric sorting for you shall I?" Offered the queen's personal maid ever so sweetly. The look of redemption and relief on Methus' face was worth the risk and plan. "Oh thank you Debeh," proclaimed Methus. "I did not realize how intricately detailed and time consuming this would be. I am indeed exhausted and nursing a cramped neck." He finished as he rubbed the back of his neck and winced. "Certainly," came Debeh's even sweeter reply and broad smile.
"Oh before I forget, we need more space in the servants rooms. Both male and female. It appears we may hire more help as the time of the baby's arrival gets closer." The smile had left Debeh's face and was replaced by a serious and purposeful look. "Certainly," responded Methus almost without thinking. "So I think Rifra should live with his sister in his room. It will save us much needed space." Finished Debeh just as quickly. "Certainly." Agreed Methus again, before wondering what he had just done. "Good! I will let her majesty the queen know how helpful you have been with the preparations for the new baby." Debeh offered graciously as she walked out.
Seen and unseen enemies:
She had tried to take a nap, since she had about three more hours before she would have to check up on the queen. But she kept seeing an image of an eye, vile and unflinching in its stare. Peering at her as if searching for her inmost thoughts. So Debeh lifted up both her hands and began to talk.....