PART FIFTY-FIVE:
Pulling specks and logs:
“Excuse me guard!" Rifra called out to the security man, paving the hallway in front of the palace pantry and cooking area. "You know, you should not be in this section. Especially, roaming around the kitchen area.” There were special security guards, assigned to that part of the palace. And they were responsible, for making sure that only authorized personnel had access. Even though the guards all had different uniforms, signifying their ranks, location and duties. This one, just may have slipped through. By simply being, a part of the general security team.
The housekeeper had started to walk towards the guard, when he addressed him. Rifra thought the guard’s face looked familiar. But he was unsure of how, where or when they might have met before. The other man who had been pacing back and forth, stopped and turned towards the housekeeper. Observing him, as if he were gathering his thoughts on what he wanted to say. After a few moments of looking, he finally spoke; “Who says I am roaming?” Without waiting for an answer to his question, he continued. “I am waiting for a special food delivery.”
“Food delivery?” Interjected Rifra derisively. “The workers and servants, have their own food and dining area. Why would you be waiting for a food delivery here?”
“Aah, I am glad you asked.” The guard began with a smirk. “A special friend promised me some delicacies, that I believe were royal left overs. So I am here, to pick them up.” He explained, with somewhat of a mocking tone. “A special friend and left over delicacies.” Repeated the housekeeper, as if he were confirming what he heard.
“I do hope this is a joke,” Rifra further expressed. Sounding very disturbed and serious at the same time.
“Really?” Started the other man, with a chuckle. “Which part do you hope is a joke? The special friend part or the sumptuous leftover?" He seemed to be taunting the housekeeper. "You see, I am willing to make it funny. Or however else you may prefer to hear it.” Rifra raised his brows, in astonishment. Not sure if he should be surprised or slighted. Nevertheless, in spite of his inner confusion. He proceeded, to instruct clearly; “I will ask you to leave this section now.” His tone assumed authority, as he spoke.
“You are not supposed to be here, as the color of your uniform indicates. And you are definitely not supposed to be waiting for and taking food from this pantry either.”
“Quite interesting,” laughed the guard. “And who said that I am not supposed to be here, or have a special friend?”
“What do you mean, who said that?” Rifra was mortified, but kept speaking. “This is a palace rule and you as a palace employee, should know and adhere to it.”
“And that is the truth, Mr. housekeeper. I won’t even argue with you about it.” Responded the guard. “But I have a question for you.”
He stopped to observe the housekeeper’s expression and mood, before continuing. “Have you as an employee, always adhered to every rule?”
“What do you mean?” Snapped Rifra almost immediately. “What is this nonsense you talk about?”
“I am talking about your special friend," supplied the amused guard. "The same one, that came to see you the other day. Did she not also, live with you here some time ago?” The housekeeper began to feel his blood boil, as he responded. “That’s enough of your foolish talk now.” He waved his hand in dismissal, towards the guard.
“Again, I ask that you return to your section and post. You have no business being here, or interfering with my work.” Rifra warned furiously. “You should stay in your lane and position.” He finished, his chest starting to heave in rage.
“I should, shouldn’t I?” Started the guard. “Stay in my lane of course. Just like you were in your lane, when you handled her majesty the queen's appointment. Remember the lady?” Inquired the guard maliciously. The housekeeper felt even hotter now. Like he was finally on fire. As he tried to open his mouth to respond, his jaw felt tight. He touched the side of his face and it felt different. Then he looked down at his hands and they were changing rapidly.
From flight to fright:
Juja could tell she was airborne, when a dizzying and floating sensation engulfed her. Finally, a hard slam on an even harder surface. Told her gravity had overcome. She had heard the woman, screaming at the top of her lungs. And immediately knew, that her carriers had been discovered. They both seemed to tug at the bag,for a minute. Then she experienced an abrupt elevation. A rise that apparently propelled her, to hit something hard and keep flying afterwards. When she landed on the ground, she began to crawl furiously. Hoping to get as far away as possible, from the center of the large festive hall.
Away from where she imagined the baby princess’ crib, would have been set up for the guests to see. Juja was glad now, that she had endeavored to abort the spell’s completion. That decision had prevented her, from being completely manipulated. She had woken up in time, to restore and secure her mind and its subsequent choices. In this particular moment, she wanted more than anything. To relinquish the role of the weapon of murder. Especially, that of an innocent, harmless and promising life.
Since all she could really see was light and its intensity. Juja began to move quickly, towards a less bright or darker area. Logically, any section that had little or no light. Was not likely to be populated and definitely and more importantly, would not have a baby present. When she got to what looked or felt like a very dark corner. The reptile lady, knew it was the perfectly secluded spot for her. In barely a few hours, the spell would begin to wear off. And she would be free, from the confines of a bewitched and destructive state. Until then, she would settle in the current dingy and abandoned corner. Patiently awaiting, the proverbial midnight strike of the clock.
However, no sooner had juja began to climb up, what must have been a wall. Than the whole area, became flooded with light. The sudden and aggressive beam, hit and knocked her off and onto a softer landing this time. Almost as if on cue with the intruding shaft. There was also a flurry of human activities and somewhat hushed voices. She could not really tell, who the speakers were. And she did not really care to. But her heart skipped a bit, when she heard the queen’s voice. Her majesty, was headed towards her location. Even worse, was the fact that she was cooing. Just the way she did, when she was holding the baby princess.
The healing dead:
The hunter bent low, to make his way through the wayward and protruding branches. He had visited this place before. But this particular time, the trip felt like a stretch. It was probably because of the anxiety, attached to it at the moment. He tended to have little or no patience, when it came to his provision or profit. Maybe that was why he loved hunting. One precisely targeted strike and you had your prey. Even if it had to take more than one strike, or no strike at all. At least he knew what to expect and when.
He had done his own part of the job. Easily fulfilled his end of the bargain. Expertly hunted down and felled the man who stole from him. He along with his fellow hunter, had found the embellished and precious ornament decked body. And to think that the sneaky healer, would show up and claim everything. Was not only unthinkable, it was downright despicable. There was no need to worry about the cheat anymore. He had gotten what he deserved. The hunter heaved a sigh of relief. Simultaneously acknowledging the conclusion of his thoughts and arrival to his destination.
Two men sat in front of the secluded hut. Only one of them looked familiar to him, so he walked up to that one. “I have returned as arranged,” he began without preamble. “Where are the others?” He asked, briefly glancing at the unknown man. “The others are not here,” supplied the familiar man.
“Then where are they? Was this not the day and place we agreed to meet once more?” He asked again, starting to feel irritated. Since things were not appearing as clear cut, as he thought they should be. “I did my part,” he continued. Without bothering to wait for an answer.
“You have a dead body, a very precious gem or gems. So what seems to be the delay or problem?” He finished looking directly at the known man, who was now standing and facing him squarely. “From what I hear,” began the standing man. “There may not be a dead body, nor any gem or gems.”
“What?!” Exclaimed the hunter. "What in these parts, are you talking about? I shot the guy, as soon as I saw him approaching you lot with the expected item. And I saw him go down.” He finished, feeling his heart palpitating in rage. Were these also trying to rob him? He thought wildly to himself. “Well,” began the other man. Obviously unmoved by the hunter’s reaction. “The man claimed he had no gem or gems, just before you shot him. Then a healer arrived just in time, to prevent him from dying.”
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