PART SIXTY-TWO:
Cloud in your forecast? Sunshine in mine...:
“There is a threatening cloud from the enemy, hovering over the ‘high priestess' territory.” One of the junior monitors, called out to Heinus the first and head monitor. “Initially, I thought it looked like an insignificant lump of wayward substances.” He continued explaining, knowing the first monitor was now standing behind him. That one had immediately projected his physical form, straight towards the large mirror. As soon as he had heard the word ‘enemy’. Their dark world, was in very dire and dreadful times. Therefore, they desperately needed to get a foothold in any 'light' territory. And if that was impossible, as it likely could be. Then they would just create as much havoc and hindrance, as possible.
“When did you notice this? How long have you been tracking it?” The head monitor asked in a heated rush. He was now staring at the mirror's surface, intently.
“Actually I never saw or noticed it at first,” admitted the junior monitor. Even though the crypt and its surroundings, were not conducive for truth. It was imperative, that the monitors and cohorts. Maintained a clear, connected and constant flow of information. Every communication had to build on the obvious and observed. They needed to have a common and aligned mission. By being on the same page, about who their enemy was and whatever threatened their wiles and ways.
“It showed up partially, in the mirror's screen. During a routine surveillance, of the girl. I assumed it was a capsule of our concoctions, against her. So I refrained from raising an alarm, because I was convinced we had a looming disaster waiting for her.” He turned to see if Heinus was still with him and listening. The head monitor nodded his acknowledgement, without taking his eyes off the screen.
“A second check and observation, showed it was not from us. If you look closely here,” He indicated by pointing at something showing in the mirror. An action and invitation, which caused the first monitor to strain even closer to see.
"The cloud is dense, heavy and dark, when you move an image of the coven underneath it. However, when you move an object, paraphernalia or a selected symbol for the girl under the cloud. The mass appears to shrink, is thinner and emits light. Therefore, it is evident and easy to conclude. That the very same mass, that announces an impending destruction over our agents and cohorts. Provides a covering, protection and direction for the little rascal." The junior monitor felt that even the 'fly-lord's wrathful explosions, could not match his seething rage at the moment. His diligent and rigorous tracking had still let something so significant slip by. "What have you done? You blind fool!" Heinus was raging.
Erupting bawls and Emerging bowls:
Then she looked back at the witch standing in front of her and began to shout also. “Sssshhhh, be quiet.” Cautioned the woman sternly, as the girl complied immediately. “You do not want your high priestess finding you, before she has to.” Finished the sorceress. “How do you know about us?” Asked the coven boy, his voice rising in panic. “I can see that you do not recognize me son.” The witch replied, as she pulled off the disguise and shawl that had covered her face.
“You are the witch,” the boy yelled in alarm and recognition. “Oh not again.” Exclaimed the crippled boy in exasperation, as he bounced up and down in obvious distress.
Meanwhile, the coven girl began to shout again. “Be quiet! I said,” scolded the witch this time. “Your life is already in danger, as it seems. Why do you want to make it easier for your captors?” She turned away from the noisy girl, to look at Reinah. The attacked girl who was still lying on the floor, was beginning to stir and mumble words. “Here,” started the witch. Thrusting an empty bowl forward with one hand. “Someone get me some water in this.” She instructed, as the kids just gaped at the container. Scared stiff and not sure where she had gotten it from. It was obvious, that she had nothing in her hands when she showed up to meet and join them.
However, the crippled boy shifted closer and instinctively to take the bowl. But the coven boy had quickly stepped up and grabbed it, from the witch's hand. And he was already headed, towards the stream only a few feet away.
The witch was now holding up the princess' limp and unconscious body, in a sitting position. “I can go home,” started the crippled boy. “And get my father, to carry her to the infirmary.” He offered, his expression and voice laced with worry. “That would not be necessary,” countered the witch. While she struggled to steady and adjust Reinah’s slumping body. “She cannot go anywhere now, because she cannot be interrupted or hindered from this purpose." The woman explained and took the bowl of water from the boy who had just returned with it. Then she began to gradually feed the water, to the sleeping princess.
One subject and three secrets:
"Now please move away from the curtains,” he directed. While stepping back himself, to make room for their backward retreat. “We were just trying to….”
“Step away from the curtains, I said.” He was beginning to contemplate, calling for backup. These two were mentally driving him, up the wall. When they had complied, by stepping back. And he was certain, that they were standing exactly where he wanted them to. The head security guard, stepped towards the drapes himself. Grabbing two evidently overlapping sides of the rich thick and silky cloth, he peered behind it.
Juja amazed at the rapid metamorphosis, of her reptilic form back to human. Had quickly grabbed a small mat, from behind the large curtains to cover herself. Resourcefully and strangely, it was laying against the wall nearby. Much thanks to the grandeur of a palatial edifice and décor, there was enough room behind the drapes to contain a crowd. She had heard the commotion, between the guard and the evil sub-organization men. She knew they still expected her to be in the palace, crawling around. The bag handlers, must have blamed her for everything. If they picked her up now, even as a snake. She would be ruthlessly confined to that state, for the rest of her life.
These men would be adamant, not to leave without her. She was the evidence of their true identity and intention. So to avoid any exposure, they would be diligent to find her as the snake. Any movement, shadow or hidden place, was suspect to them. Juja was convinced, that it was the end of her life. When she accidentally kicked, the lower part of the drapes. And just as she feared, the two conniving men had noticed. The head security man, had so far succeeded in keeping them from having their way. For that she was not only impressed, but grateful. Hopefully, the whole incident and situation. Would eventually be capped off with the arrest and expulsion of the dissidents.
When the guard stepped forward, to check behind the curtains himself. Juja made sure she was somewhat covered. At least the parts that were supposed to be private, remained that way. Then she held her breath and braced herself, for the next possible calamity. The head security guard, was taken aback. When he saw the almost naked female form, behind the drapes. However, years of training, dignified association with the royals. And the suspicion he had, about the on looking duo. Cautioned and helped him to stifle the shock. Besides he did not owe the two foolish men, any explanation or updates about his job.
An even closer look at the woman, revealed that she was one of the palace counselors. The queen he sometimes noticed, had dealt favorably with her. It also appeared, that she may have had an accident and was in dire need. Therefore, the sooner he got rid of the intruders and irritants. The better for the kingdom and all affected and concerned. He turned to the two men, who were busy stretching their necks behind him. “You don’t have worry, gentlemen.” His voice was short and clipped. “This is not one of your snakes.” "Really?" The first and the most tense of the two, responded. "Then whose is it?"
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