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The Files of Art. Inc.:
“At Death's Door”
Chapter Four:
The Trojan Horse
Location: Unknown, somewhere near Salzburg
Esme has lost all Track of Time.
The lithe Blonde feels numb inside.
As she was forced to watch the Attempt on Chris again and again?
Something inside her snapped.
Chris had been her Hope.
And then to learn that Anna had been captured, too…
The Russian did her best to project Strength.
But it is so hard …. Esme cannot get the Pictures out of her Mind.
So much Blood on the white Snow.
“Nobody can survive this.” A small Voice whispers in her Head. “Nobody!”
“Chris is dead. Accept that.”
“I cannot!” Esme whispers.
The physical Discomfort she is in right now?
It is nothing compared to the emotional Pain she feels.
Her Soul feels as if it has been ripped apart…as if she tried to make a Horcrux like Voldemort did.
Her Soul felt maimed like the Dark Wizard´s.
Esme did not resist as her Handlers dragged her down to the Cellars.
They stripped her down roughly to her white Bra, her Panties her nude Hose.
They tied her in a brutal Strappado.
Her upper Body is almost parallel to the Floor.
She drools on the Floor.
They know exactly what they are doing.
Her Arms are not dislocated from the Joints, but barely.
Esme no longer feels her bound toes.
Icy Cold creeps up from the Stone Floor upwards.
She hovers on the Balls of her Feet.
But all that Discomfort is just physical. “I can endure this.” The young Teacher knows.
But the emotional Pain? It is too much to bear.
Esme tries to remember a mental Technique Chris´ taught her: To retreat to a Safe Haven.
“Mine is Himeji Castle.” The blonde Artist told her. “You know, James Bond? “You only live twice?”
Esme remembers that Conversation:
They had hiked last Summer around Ettal.
She tries to focus, to find the Way to her Safe Place …
It is the small Chapel of Ettal Abbey.
Esme needs three Attempts.
Finally, she steps over the Threshold.
She walks down the Aisle.
Before the Altar stands a tall Woman.
She stands with the Back to her.
Esme can only see the long blonde Mane falling down her Shoulders.
She wears a white satin power suit and is barefoot.
Tentatively, Esme walks nearer.
As she has almost closed the Distance the Woman turns.
Esme looks into a Pair of Emerald Eyes.
The Woman smiles warmly:
“Hello Esme, you chose a beautiful Place!”
“Aren´t you dead?” Esme stammers.
“They tell me I am not dead.”
Chris's Smile broadens:
“Sensei Nakamura tells me I need Patience.”
Chris shrugs.
“I am in some sort of Limbo, I guess.”
“You hurt?” Esme ventures tentatively.
Chris ponders the Question.
“Not in this alternate World”
The Blonde adds thoughtfully and touches her left Breast.
“I have been shot twice. I should hurt.”
The Pianist looks at her Hand.
“Strange, it should be bloody. I lost so much Blood.
Esme watches as Chris shakes her Head and concentrates on her:
“Tell me, Esme, what has happened.”
She points to the first Pew, before the Altar.
“Sit.”
Esme sits, Chris too.
“And now tell me.”
Vero´s Office:
The Redhead has changed into a grey Business Costume, matching Heels and Hose. She strides nearer to the massive wooden Table. The Russian is hogtied as she left her. Vero notices that her dark Eyes are oddly blank.
“Had fun? Romanova?” She teases the Violinist. She gets no Reaction. The Austrian knows that some Bondagettes can retreat to Subspace. The Austrian knows Romanova is no Sub, but obviously, she knows the Technique as well. It won´t do her any good in the End. Vero smirks malignantly.
“This won´t do you any good Slut.
This is only the Warmup.
I have big Plans for you and little Esme!”
From Experience, she knows Anna´s sensitive Spots:
She rakes her long, sharp, blood-red fingernails across the dark-haired Woman´s nylon soles, from Heel to Toe.
Once, twice, thrice.
Anna bucks on the Table, as much as the strict Hogtie allows. “I love those cute Sounds, Romanova!” Vero continues the Torment for a few Minutes longer. Soon, Anna is reduced to a quivering, shivering Mess. She is panting heavily.
“This was just the Aperitive!” Vero grins, strides to one Cupboard and retrieves a few Items Anna cannot see from per Position. Her Tormentor´s Steps come nearer:
One is a Bamboo Cane.
The Redhead takes Aim.
The first Strike hits Anna on her left Heel.
The second Strike hits Anna on her right Heel.
Slowly, methodically, Vero uses the Cane.
The last Stroke hits Anna on the fleshy Balls of her right Foot.
But Vero is not finished yet.
After 30 Minutes she stops the relentless Beating.
Waldenegg calls for her Guards and points at the hogtied Woman. “Get her down to her Cell, feed her, clean her up, and let her rest. Vero smiles ominously. “Romanova, use the Time well! Evening will be lots of fun.”
Anna listens. But does not care for what her Nemesis is telling her. “If she wants to break me, by talking me to Death? Be my Guest.” The Russian ignores her burning Soles. Vero is really a cruel Sadist, but a skilled one.
The Guards bring in a Cart and hoist Anna´s hogtied form on it. They apply Earbuds and a Sleepmask.
Vero watches gleefully as her personal Bodyguards leave with the still tightly trussed-up Russian. Thoughtfully, she looks after them.
She got a Call from her Contact at the Hospital: Not only is the blonde Witch still clinging to her Life. The Security Measures have been beefed up even more.
For the Moment the Blonde is untouchable.
Vero smiles evilly: Maybe it is just fine this Way, rather poetic: Not being able to save the Russian and the little Teacher will destroy Chrissie the Slut. To live with the Knowledge that she has failed her Friends.
On the other Hand, ….
She makes a Call.
As she ends it? A devious Smile crosses her Face ….
Better safe than sorry.
The Austrian concentrates on Business:
Her Office informed her that a wealthy Russian made quite a fuss today there.
Ekaterina Oblomova. That name rings a Bell.
The Name is a Legend in certain Circles.
Her late Father had Business Dealings with Boris Oblomov.
Maybe it would be a good idea to arrange a Meeting with his Daughter…
Oblomova could be useful.
And after all, Romanova was responsible for killing her Father.
Vero senses a Business Opportunity.
Oblomova will want to lay her Hands on the Woman who killed her Father.
Waldenegg powers up her iMac and logs herself into the heavily shielded Network of her Firm. That she activates a hidden Trojan Horse, she does not know …
Hellbrunn: Headquarters:
Sybil sits before her three large Monitors and waits. A loud Beep! The IT-Genius looks at the central Monitor.
A devious Smile crosses her Lips. The Brunette who looks so much like the famous Model Chrissy Marie is a truly kind Soul.
But that Kindness ends when someone attacks People close to her. Then all Bets are off.
The Program the Black Lady loaded up in Vero Waldeck´s Office does what it is supposed to do: Like the Wooden Horse the Greeks smuggled into Troy, it allows Sybil to penetrate the Enemy´s Defences from within.
There is a Reason why Sybil hacked the Pentagon, the CIA, the DHS, and got away with it. Vero Waldenegg will learn the Error of her Ways …. “I am in!” Sybil speaks in her Mike.
“Right.” Sarah McKenzie smiles. “Proceed as planned.
“On it,” Sybil confirms.
In this virtual Realm she is Huntress, Vero von Waldenegg Prey.
University Hospital, two Hours later, Intensive Care Unit:
Merit is startled as Ragna enters Chris´s Room. “I dozed off.” The young Egyptian apologizes and blushes, “Sorry!”
“Don´t beat yourself up.” The Icelandress smiles warmly. “I just wanted to check on you and the Patient.” She looks thoughtfully at Chris. “She is better, right?”
“I think so.” Merit nods. “Her breathing is easier, and her Pulse is stronger. The Doctor seemed pleased when they changed the Wound Dressings.” The young Egyptian shudders …. The Wounds looked so horrible ….”
“At least you did something. I just stood there and could do nothing ….” Ragna looks into the Distance. “I am a Valkyrie. And yet I could do nothing. If I had spotted the Shooter earlier. Hell, I am supposed to do that!”
Merit feels how hard the Blonde is on herself.
The Door to the Ward opens, and a Nurse enters, carrying a Tray with a Syringe.
Something is off, Ragna feels it.
That Nurse? Dorothea?
She remembers her having given them Trouble in the Morning when she wanted to block their Entrance to Chris´s room.
Now the Nurse seems less haughty, less confident …. Insecure …
Dorothea looks up, obviously uncomfortable under the Icelandress Scrutiny. The herculean Blonde towers over the Nurse. Chris´s Lady-in-Waiting can be intimidating even under normal Circumstances.
But since the Attempt on Chris? She is tense like a coiled Spring.
Yes, one can easily imagine her riding at Odin´s Side at Ragnarök.
Ragna looks intently at the Nurse.
“She is nervous.” Ragna is sure.
“What are you doing!” the Valkyrie challenges Dorothea as she takes up the Syringe.
The Icelandress notices that Dorothea is shaking with fear in her bright blue Crocs. “I shall administer a Medication to aid the Patient.” Her Voice quivers
“Not before Chris´ Doctor confirms that,” Ragna says sternly.
“Doctor Sedlacek ordered it.” Dorothea insists.
“Then go and get him!”
“I have my Orders!” Dorothea insists.
She makes a move on Chris. Ragna sees the Nurse's Hand, holding the Syringe, is quivering.
Merit watches the Scene:
She has a Déjà vu. She remembers a Moment last Year when a Contract Killer in a Doctor´s Disguise tried to kill Hayley in a Hospital in New York, after a Bomb almost killed her in the first Place ….
Ragna and Merit look at each other, thinking the same.
With two quick Steps, Ragna blocks the Nurses' Way. “Stay where you are, B*tch!”
She turns to Merit, “Call Security! Now!”
Dorothea throws herself at the Icelandress. “I have to do this!”
But the plump Nurse is no Match for the Warrior.
Ragna grabs her right Wrist holding the Syringe. She squeezes mercilessly.
Dorothea cries out in Pain.
The Icelandress lunges after her left Wrist.
Forces the Arm up, as she would for a Reverse Prayer Tie.
“Let the Syringe go B*tch! Or I will break your Arm.”
“I can´t!” The Nurse stammers.
Ragna wrenches her Arm higher.
“Last Warning!” The blonde Valkyrie hisses and increases the Pressure.
With a cry, Dorothea lets go, and the Syringe clatters to the Floor.”
Her Body grows limb.
“I had to do this.” She sobs.
“She threatened me!”
“Who threatened you!” Ragna demands. Increasing the Pressure.
“Chris will not die on my Watch!” She vows. “Speak! Or I will break your Arm.”
“I cannot tell!” Dorothea cries. “I will die if I tell you!”
“You will also die when you don´t.” Ragna´s Voice is a cold Ice and as hard as Steel.
“Take your Pick! I am here; she is not.”
She presses the Nurse's right Wrist harder.
Chris taught her once, certain pressure Points… “Ninja Stuff,” as Birte Ricciarelli calls it.
“I don´t know her Name!” Dorothea finally relents.
“Don´t lie to me!” Ragna presses more forcefully.
“She called me three Hours ago! She knows things ….”
“Keep talking!” Ragna growls, “I know Things, too: I will break your Wrist first, your Arm and then your Neck!”
The blonde Valkyrie applies more Pressure: “You have any Idea in how many places I can break your Arm? I guarantee you, you will need a good Surgeon when I'm done!”
Haltingly, Dorothea, sobbing, begins to speak.
When Merit returns five Minutes later with two armed Guards at her Side, Dorothea is a Wreck.
The Icelandress is towering over her.
Her grey Eyes blazing:
“Get her out of my Sight!”
She turns to Merit:
“Sarah must know about this!”
The Icelandress oozes Menace.
Ragna knows: Someone is going to pay.
A grim Smile crosses her Lips:
“Thank God I brought my Bihänder!”
Merit is fascinated: Ragna looks like a Goddess of War personified.
They look after the two Guards who drag the sobbing Nurse out of Chris's Room.
“B*tch!” Ragna scoffs.
A hoarse Whisper and the beeping of an Alarm make them whirl around ….
“Ragna? Merit?”
The Voice is a mere Shadow, barely a Voice … raspy, hoarse …. rough like Sandpaper.
Before:
Chris enters King´s Cross Station again.
“This gets boring!” She tells her old Teacher. Not making any effort to hide her Unrest.
“Patience, my Child, Patience!” Sensei Nakamura rebukes her mildly.
“Sensei!” The Blonde sighs exasperatedly, “I just can´t sit on my Hands anymore. I was never good at that!”
“No, you weren´t,” her Sensei smiles lightly.
Uncharacteristic for him.
Sensei Nakamura is not exactly known for his Humour.
“So, you noticed.” Chris teases him.
“Occasionally,” The Ninja Master states dryly.
Suddenly, he smiles brightly:
“Don´t you have somewhere else to be, Christine-Sama?”
“I do.” Chris nods. The White Room vanishes.
Chris hears the beeping of Machines …
She coughs …
Hellbrunn: Headquarters, later:
The Black Lady listens intently to the Phone.
Natasha, Ekaterina, Sophie, and Birte are watching her with rapt Attention.
As she takes the Call, the Master Thieves' Face is hard as stone.
“Right, keep me posted.”
Then her stern Expression softens:
“She is?”
The Caller at the End speaks at Length.
Now the Canadian smiles:
“She said what?”
The black-haired Woman listens again.
“Tell her, I will kick her Ass if she does not get on her Feet ASAP!”
Sarah McKenzie ends the Call.
“What?” She demands harshly.
Then she smiles broadly:
“Chris is conscious!”
The Atmosphere in the Living Room changes instantly, Sophie thinks.
“The Air is lighter, the Sun brighter.”
The Dark Lady claps her Hands:
“Ladies! We have work to do!”
“Kicking some Butt!” Natasha jests.
The Doorbell interrupts the ensuing Banter.
Unknown Location near Salzburg: Early Evening:
Vero listens. Her Hands grips the Phone tightly.
“So, she failed!” The Redhead scoffs.
“Make sure she does not talk to the Police! You know what to do!”
She ends the Call.
What she does not know?
Someone listens to her Call….
Someone in Hellbrunn.
“Got you, B*tch!” Sybil smiles.
Hellbrunn, Evening:
It is after Dinner.
Sophie has outdone herself.
The Masterthief smiles: Tafelspitz with boiled Potatoes, Peas, Carrots, and Kren.
The favourite Dish of Emperor Franz Joseph.
The former District Attorney never fails to impress her.
Sophie has grown so much in the last two Years.
Sarah McKenzie looks from one to the other:
Reinforcements have arrived: Hayley, Kirsty, and Kate.
And two Gentlemen:
One is a Bedouin, the other a blonde Man.
His Face that of a Roman Patrician:
The Agent with the License to Kill.
And whoever captured and tortures Anna?
They should look above her Shoulder.
The Family has come together.
To bring the War to the Enemy.
“And we will!” The Masterthief’s smile is grim.
The University Hospital, later:
Chris feels incredibly weak. All is fuzzy. “Painkillers.”
She thinks.
The last Thing she remembers clearly is stepping out onto the Street…
Then incredible Pain …
“Two Hammers hit me in the Chest.
Then Blackness.
Then Sunshine on her Face
The Feeling to drown in her own Blood.
Merit holding her Hand ….
“I am there, Chris. Don´t give up!”
“Don´t leave me …I whispered.”
Chris remembers.
The Machines' Beeping gets louder as her Pulse Frequency rises.
She is not entirely lucid.
Chris feels no Pain.
Breathing is difficult still.
At least the breathing Mask has been removed.
Chris can breathe on her own accord.
Her mind is still foggy, but she knows she has been hit by two Bullets in the Chest.
There have been People here.
Wherever here is.
People she knows.
Ragna´s Voice, Merit ….
There has been a Commotion.
Something clattered to the Floor.
“Anna,” she whispers …
She dozes off …
Someone enters the Ward.
A gruff Hand touches her left.
She knows the After Shave ….
“Aslan,” She whispers, “What are you doing here? Am I dead?”
“Don´t say anything, Princess.” He squeezes her Hand gently.
“You are here! Don´t go!” Chris Voice is weak and hoarse, and presses his Hand with surprising Strength.
“I won´t.” Ardeth Bey states firmly. “Nobody will touch you, I swear it by the Gods!”
He feels Chris´ Grip loosening.
Chris sighs contentedly and glides back into Oblivion.
A small Smile on her Lips:
Aslan is here.
Ardeth Bey sits at Chris´ Side.
He never thought he would feel for a Woman like that again.
To see her like this makes him furious.
Some People will pay.
Unknown Location, somewhere near Salzburg:
Anna groans softly as she wakes up. She dimly remembers that Vero-B*tch ordered her Praetorians to bring her down to her Cell, again, clean her up, and let her rest. After that, all is a Blur.
To open her Eyes is an enormous Effort. “I have been drugged again ….” She muses.
Her Wrists and Ankles are shackled again …
A small Part of her tells Anna to go back to Sleep.
That would be the easier Way. The other Anna reprimands her:
“You must conserve your Strength!”
“For what?” Anna whispers, but manages to get a Grip slowly.
As her Mind clears, she senses something.
With a groan, she sits up. The same Cell.
Anna sets her socked Feet on the cold Stone.
On the simple Table is a Tablet.
On it: Bread, Cheese, Butter, dried Sausages, a Salad. And most importantly?
A bottle of Water and a Cup.
Anna sits down and tucks in.
The Bread is fresh, and the Gruyere, Comte, and Cheddar are good.
Anna enjoys the Salad.
She has to admit the Dressing of Olive Oil, Mustard and Pumpkin Oil is quite good too.
“How ironic!” Anna thinks. “But that is so Vero.”
She is sure the Evening will be more unpleasant.
“But I will carry on. For Chris. For Esme.”
“Vero tried to break me. But I ain´t broke yet!”
A grim Smile curls Anna´s Lips.
She is tired.
She has been beaten.
She has not been broken.
“I have never run away from a Fight.
“And I won´t start running now!”
Hellbrunn: Late in the Evening:
“Tomorrow, we will act!”
The Dark Lady states, and once more, Kate Becket thinks how scary the Canadian can be.
She does not raise her Voice. Does not rant.
But this cold, grim Determination is even more fearsome.
“Sybil, the Screen!” The Canadian orders the Brunette.
“Of course!” Sybil nods. Her Fingers flying above the Keyboard, like Chris´s, when she plays Chopin.
The Beamer projects a Picture of a Baroque Palace onto the Wall.
“This is Waldenegg Palace,” Birte Ricciarelli explains. “Europol has Veronica Waldenegg under Surveillance for quite some Time. She has close Connections to the Russian Mob.”
“Not any longer!” Ragna mutters under her Breath. “I will kill that Bitch!”
The Canadian ignores the Valkyrie.
“This is what we will do!” The Masterthief explains.
“And before we discuss the Details:
Vero Waldenegg is mine, and mine alone.”
Sarah McKenzie looks each and every one in the Eye
“I will have Words with anyone who touches her first! Are we clear?”
“Crystal clear, Mistress!” Natasha smiles.
“Don´t overdo it!” The Canadian scoffs.
“Who?” The Russian smiles innocently, “Me?”
“Especially you!” The Masterthief states firmly.
She turns to the assembled Company:
“This is the Plan!”
“She can be so intimidating!” Hayley whispers to Kirsty.
“More than me?” The Briton chuckles.
The Beamer shows Waldenegg Palace: The three-winged Complex is a Document to the Wealth and Power of the Waldeneggs, for Centuries one of the leading Families of the Habsburg Monarchy.
The Palace has a strong Resemblance to Fertöd Palace, home to the Esterhazy Dynasty. Waldenegg Palace was erected between 1770 and 1780.
It is surrounded by a vast Park and Woods.
A several kilometres-long Paveway leads to the Main Complex.
Rumour has it that several of Vero´s Ancestors had a kinky Side, and that the Cellars house hidden Chambers. Unknown to the Public her Father and Vero had some extensive Construction Work done.
Over the next 30 Minutes, the Masterthief and Sybil brief the Team on Security and Floorplans.
“We attack tomorrow Night under Cover of Darkness.” The Canadian ends the Briefing.
“Sarah?” Charlotte, the AI, cuts in: “Two Vans are nearing Headquarters. I detect nine Persons inside.”
“Girls, get ready!” Sarah McKenzie commands calmly. “No Heroics till we know if they are Friend or Foe!” Natasha, you are with me!” She turns to Kate, Kirsty, and Hayley! You cover us!”
The Doorbell rings. Natasha covers the Black Lady. Her Desert Eagle was at the ready.
The Masterthief opens the Door.
Sarah is not easily surprised.
But this Time she is.
“You? What a pleasant Surprise!” The Masterthief smiles.
“Me.” The tall, athletic Egyptian Woman smiles back.
“I have come to honour my Debt and brought Reinforcements with me!” and points at the seven Women behind her. They are all tall, athletically built like their Leader, and wear Clothing suited to the Winter Climate in Austria.
“I will be damned,” Kirsty whispers to Hayley as the Newcomers enter.
“They look like Valkyries, just Egyptian Valkyries …” The Blonde whispers back.
Kate gives the Egyptian the once-over.
“What is the High Priestess of Isis doing here?” The seasoned Detective demands. People who met Kate Beckett on the other Side of the Interrogation Table would have recognized the Tone. The cold grey Eyes. “Cut the Crap and jump to the Chase.”
“It is pretty simple,” Merit Amun replies earnestly and looks from one to the other: “I owe Anna and Chris. The Balance of Maat must be restored. It is the Will of the Gods.”
Now Ramose´s Daughter smiles.
“And from what I know, a few Daughters of Isis come in Handy in a fight.” She points at the Women. “These Ladies are my personal Guard as High Priestess.” Another Woman, older, in her 50s, steps into the Light: “This is Tauret.”
The Egyptian smiles: “Let me make the Introductions!
When the Newcomers have settled in, freshened up, and grabbed a Bite, Merit Amun leans back. “I did not expect it to be that cold here.” The Egyptian shudders, stands, and holds her Hands near the Fireplace.
She turns to the Dark Lady: “Where is Merit?”
“At the Hospital. With Ragna.”
“Ragna?” Merit Amun questions.
“The Valkyrie,” The Masterthief chuckles. She is Chris´ Lady-in-Waiting and pretty good with the Bihänder.”
The High Priestess of Isis nods.
“I have to see Chris. I brought the Chief-Priestess of Sekhmet with me. Sekhmet is the Goddess of Healing.”
The Canadian looks long at her. “And what can she do, the Physicians can´t?” Her Scepticism is audible.
“You know what Merit did?” Merit Amun asks sincerely, “Tauret can do much more. And from what my Contacts tell me, Chris's inner Injuries are severe.
The Canadian thinks. “Jeff said substantial.”
She looks into the Fireplace, deep in thought.
“Let´s go then!” The Black Lady nods finally.
“You love her,” the High-Priestess states, and it is not a Question.
“Natasha?” Sarah McKenzie deflects out of habit.
“You know who I mean.” The tall Egyptian smiles knowingly.
“You feel deeply for Natasha. Your Feelings are sincere. But you love only one Woman. I am right?” She asks innocently.
The black-haired Master-Thief curses inwardly.
“This Egyptian reads me way too well.”
“Get your Priestess then and let´s go!” She says curtly.
Merit Amun smiles. She knows she is right.
The Hospital: Late Evening:
Ardeth Bey looks down at Chris.
His right Hand rests still on Chris´s left. She is breathing easier.
But is still very weak.
Seeing her this way hurts him.
Merit and Ragna have left them to grab a bite.
The young Egyptian has refused to leave Chris´s Side.
And the Staff has made Arrangements for a second Bed in Chris´s Room.
But Ragna convinced Merit just to leave for a Spell. To regroup.
“You need Rest Merit!” The Icelandress prodded.
“How pale she is.” Ardeth Bey wonders.
In January, Chris had visited him in Egypt.
They had spent a Week in the Desert.
Only the two of them.
At the small Oasis with the Remnants of a small Coptic Cloister.
They had bathed naked in the clear Pond, made Love.
And the Medjai had shown the Pianist the Wonders of the Desert.
Places only he knew.
On one early Morning before Sunrise he had ambushed Chris, tied and gagged her, and rolled her into a Blanket. He had loaded her onto a Camel and ridden with her to “Ali Baba´s Den.” As the Bedouins called the Place.
Chris had no idea where they were going:
Ear Buds, a Blindfold, and three Panties in her Mouth had ensured that.
In the Cavern, he had unwrapped her and spent the day exploring the Secrets of the hidden Labyrinth.
The Blonde had not been cross with him.
He smiled:
She had ridden him like a Stallion.
There is an intuitive Understanding between them.
He still can´t believe it's happening.
Is it Love?
It is what it is, he thinks.
The Term does not matter.
In one of those Nights under the black Velvet Sky with its myriads of Stars they had lain on a rug. And looked up into the Sky.
They had made passionate Love before.
It had been a Fight, as it often was between them.
His Hand had rested on Chris´ Breast.
And Chris recited those Verses to him, first in German, then in English.
A Poem by the Poet Erich Fried:
It is nonsense
says reason
It is what it is
says love
It is calamity
says calculation
It is nothing but pain
says fear
It is hopeless
says insight
It is what it is
says love
It is ludicrous
says pride
It is foolish
says caution
It is impossible
says experience
It is what it is
says love.
“That is what I believe.” The Blonde had said simply. “It is what it is.”
When did he learn about the Attempt on Chris´s Life 24 hours ago? A cold, grim Determination had filled him. The Call from London had not surprised him. One of Ramose, though, had. Chris, this time without her, led her Family together.
And they all had come.
The Chief of the Medjai looks at Chris again.
He was not naïve. The Blonde was better, but she had not yet won the Battle.
He had many men seen dying on the Battlefield, so he understood that Chris may not stand at Death's Door anymore, but only a few steps away.
The Opening of the Door to Chris´ Room startled him. “I have been inattentive!” He scolds himself and lunges for his curved Dagger.
Three Women enter.
Two of them he knows.
He bows reverently before Merit Amun: “High Priestess.”
“Ardeth Bey.” The Egyptian returns the Gesture.
“Who is she!” The Chief of the Medjai demands.
The third Woman was no less tall then Merit Amun, but older.
Her dark Eyes were bottomless Wells.
Deep like the Wells of Time and Space.
Eyes that have seen much.
“This is Tauret.” Nefer introduces the other Woman.
“She is Chief Priestess of Sekhmet. Goddess of War and of Healing.”
“I know who Sekhmet is.” Ardeth Bey scoffs. “Why is she here?” He demands.
“She has come to help.” Merit Amun says calmly.
She looks at Chris and feels Pity.
Stark is the Contrast to their last Meeting.
Chris is pale. Her Breathing shallow.
Merit Amun sees the pearls of Sweat on her Forehead.
And her Eyes see many Things other People don´t.
“Let Tauret help.” She says quietly
“Right!” The Medjai agrees grudgingly.
Merit Amun and the Priestess exchange a look, and Sekhmet´s Priestess walks to Chris´s Bed. She bows down and lays her Palms gently on Chris´s Forehead and speaks Verses in the old Egyptian Tongue in majestic Cadences.
Then she lays her Hands gently on Chris's Chest.
Tauret turns and looks at Merit Amun and Ardeth Bey.
“Leave us alone! All of you!”
This is not a request but a Command.
Ardeth Bey looks at Merit Amun.
She nods simply.
And they leave.
Even outside, they hear the Priestess chanting.
Merit has joined them, and Merit-Amun watches with a smile as Anna´s Lady in Waiting is fascinated by the Chief-Priestess.
The Waldenegg Estate, around the same Time:
Esme is still wide awake.
She cannot sleep.
The Pictures of the previous Hours flood her Mind ….
She sobs and curls in on herself like an Embryo.
At Death´s Door. Chapter 4. The End.
They will appreciate it very much. On a personal Note: I enjoyed writing the Scene when Ardeth Bey reflects about Chris´s and his Relationship very much.