I stepped back suddenly, as Crimson reared and whinnied behind me, preparing to defend me. I turned and strode back to calm him. Then I climbed up onto the saddle and rode off without looking back.
19.
Dawn had broken and burned into the landscape by the time I returned to La Rue Sauvage. The entire ride back, I had barely focused on the trail. I kept seeing images of the Strineaus. Claudette’s frightened eyes as I woke her and carried her out of the cave. The bloody shreds of Madame Strineau’s velvet dress. The accusing glare of her husband as he banished me from his home.
What had I done?
I kept arguing with myself, back and forth in my mind. I never promised them anything. I had no real expectations at first, no practical reason to imagine I would find their daughter alive.
But she was alive. And I failed to save her. Worse, I failed to protect Madame Strineau as she guided me through the woods. The Strineaus came to me for help, because I vanquished the Lycanthru here in La Rue Sauvage. And I failed them miserably.
I let their family die.
I rode past my parents’ house and on through the woods without even thinking. I was so distracted I kept going to Father Vestille’s house, to use the secret entrance like I always did before. Once I realized my mistake, I kept galloping. Maybe it wasn’t a mistake at all. I didn’t want anyone to know where I was. Not even Father Vestille. I wanted to crawl into a private bed and hide, and pretend this night never happened.
But I couldn’t.
I rode on to Father Vestille’s hovel, used the secret entrance to the underground longhouse, keeping Crimson still as I led him slowly down the stairs. I didn’t want to risk meeting Father Vestille if he had risen early for prayers, to explain my absence for the last day. I didn’t want to tell anyone where I had been or what I had done. Or rather, what I failed to do.
So much for the heroine of La Rue Sauvage.
Somet hing knocked on the ceiling. “Helena? Helena, are you there?”
I opened my eyes. I lay on the bed beneath Father Vestille’s hovel. Burning rays of broad daylight streamed through the cracks in the floorboards overhead. “Yes,” I croaked. I cleared my throat. “I’m here.”
“Are you – Are you decent?”
I sat up a little. I still wore my trousers and even my boots. I had only removed my cloak and dropped it beside the bed when I collapsed onto it in the early hours of the morning. “Sure,” I said.
The upper hatch opened and Father Vestille slowly descended the ladder. Crimson whinnied nearby, sitting up a little, then lay back down. He had to be as exhausted as I was. More so, after carrying both me and Madame Strineau last night.
My stomach soured at the memory of her. And the bloody remains of her dress.
“Are you all right? You –.” Father Vestille gaped, seeing me dressed in trousers and boots again. “You disappeared after the party the other night, according to Pierre. But you weren’t at home.” Father Vestille’s brows wrinkled. “He was worried.”
I forced myself to sit up, feeling more drained by my failure than by any physical exertion. “I’m all right,” I said. “I just
– I went to DeSarte.”
He blinked. Then the blood left his cheeks. “DeSarte? What for?”
I sat straight up and studied his expression. “What do you know about DeSarte?”
He lowered his head and sighed. “I know it’s the most dangerous place I visited while trying to learn about the Lycanthru.” He moved to the stool beside my cot, trembling as he sat. “I heard about the Lycanthru in various places, from different people I met in recent years. When I asked people about DeSarte and any possible wolf attacks there – they all turned very quiet. Like crowds who had witnessed a tragedy too horrible to discuss. I’ve been to DeSarte myself and … it’s different from the other places I’ve visited. There’s a sense of evil there, almost a tangible presence. No church at all. I met a few people, but most of them either withdrew into their homes when I approached, or whispered behind my back. I could tell they weren’t used to strangers. Others seemed to be mocking me, in whispers or with open sarcasm. The kind of people who would enjoy hurting others, given the chance.”
“Like the Lycanthru,” I said.
“Most likely,” he agreed. “I kept going back, but it didn’t get much better.”
“You went back? Weren’t you afraid?”
“Terrified. I never knew if my next visit would be my last. But I had to know what was happening with the wolves. Especially in DeSarte. After a few trips there, I met one couple, Alexandre and Gisele Serrone. Good people. They came to Francois’ funeral. I don’t know if you remember.”
“I met them,” I said. “They hid me from the Lycanthru.”
“They were searching for you?” He leaned forward suddenly. “You’re all right?”
“I’m fine.”
“If you return there – if you absolutely must – please call on the Serrones for help. They gave me a lot of information about the Lycanthru, from their own observations. They can help you, and help look after you.”
“All right,” I agreed.
He folded his hands and tried to look calm. “So – what happened?”
“I ran into some Lycanthru at Vorace, the local tavern. The Serrones took me into their home. They told me about your visits and the reference they gave you, by Brother Tomas. They told me about werewolves.”
Father Vestille wrinkled his brows. “Yes, though we never suspected the Lycanthru and were-wolves were one and the same. I haven’t visited the Serrones since you saw the Lycanthru transform here.”
“There are at least thirty or more Lycanthru in DeSarte,” I said. “They – They kidnapped a child. I found her and led her out of their cave. But – But they were ready for me. They knocked me down and left with the girl. And – they killed her mother.”
Father Vestille stared at me, with the same look of unbelief he wore when I first told him about the wolves. “I didn’t know they took children alive. You’re saying they still have her?”
“Yes,” I said, swallowing. “I lost their trail.”
He pressed a palm to his forehead, shutting his eyes tight and mouthing silent words of prayer. He looked as pained as Claudette’s father by the news. He finally opened his eyes, then frowned. “Helena, I’m so sorry. But I don’t understand. Why did these Lycanthru leave you?” He held up a hand. “I’m relieved that they did, of course, but – why would they capture a child, yet leave you alive?”
I had been trying to figure that out myself. “I don’t know. The Lycanthru are frightened of me, but I was unconscious. It makes no sense.”
“No,” Father Vestille agreed. “DeSarte is a puzzling place. What the Serrones described to me is different from what happens in any other villages. There are many sightings of wolves, but almost no attacks.”
“A lot of wolves but no attacks? That makes no sense,” I said.
“No, it doesn’t,” Father Vestille said. “The Serrones mind their own business and keep to themselves. Most of what they’ve observed has been from behind their shutters at night, when they heard strange noises of wolves running through the streets.”
“Running through the streets as wolves? That seems bold.”
“They don’t seem concerned about being noticed. And the Serrones agree that, in spite of the fact that few attacks have occurred, there’s a strange sense of evil there. They pray against it regularly, against the daily feeling of dread they feel, living in DeSarte.” He stroked his chin. “Father DuChard has visited there a few times. He may have some insights as well.”
I soured. “I doubt he’ll have any insights about the Lycanthru.”
Father Vestille halfsmiled. “He may not believe what we’ve told him. But he might have still observed something useful. Let’s go the Leónes’. Better to know all we can before … before you go back.” He put his hands on his knees and rose. “Be careful, Helena.”
“Of course.”
&
nbsp; He looked cold. Shaken. “DeSarte isn’t like La Rue Sauvage, Helena. Find the Serrones and learn what you can. Let them help you. Anyone else there – keep your distance.”
He waited for me to nod. “We should take this information to LieutenantGeneral Vitton. He’ll want to investigate.”
“Yes,” I said, though it felt strange to seek help from the authorities to deal with the Lycanthru. “Let’s go.” I reached for my cloak.
Father Vestille put a hand on my arm. “Helena. Are you all right?”
I stopped. Then bit my lip, and met his concerned gaze. “I lost her, Father Vestille. Her and her mother. I lost them both.”
He kept his hand on my shoulder. Kept his gaze fixed on me. “Helena. You did everything you could.”
“How can you know that? You weren’t even there.”
“Because I know you.”
I felt myself crumbling under the weight of everything that happened. I shut my eyes and fell against him as he cradled my head against his chest. I knew he understood. It felt like losing Mama and Suzette all over again. And being powerless to stop it. After destroying the wolves here in La Rue Sauvage, I thought I could stop the Lycanthru from anything they attempted. But I was still just a little girl, battling monsters that were faster and stronger – and perhaps smarter – than I could ever hope to become. I never learned until now that the Lycanthru took children alive or hid in caves. And I never saw that blow coming from the auburn wolf on top of the ridge.
I rested in the embrace longer than necessary. Despite what happened – or because of it – I needed a father to lean on again, even if it wasn’t Papa.
“Come on,” Father Vestille said, breaking the embrace as I finally began to calm down. “Let’s go see Lieutenant-General Vitton and try to find that girl. Before it’s too late.”
Lieutenant-General Vitton knocked on the door of Monsieur Strineau’s house, then took a step back to join me, Pierre, Father DuChard and Father Vestille at the edge of the porch.
“I appreciate you tagging along, Father DuChard,” Father Vestille said.
“Not at all,” Father DuChard replied. “I’m eager to
understand what’s been happening with all these attacks. Seems
I’m the only one in the province who doesn’t. I trust this will shed
some light on the subject.”
Pierre touched my shoulder. “You okay, Red?” I inhaled slowly, wishing I didn’t have to see Monsieur
Strineau’s anguished face again. I nodded.
The door opened slowly.
Monsieur Strineau’s eyes fell on me and blazed. “You,” he
rasped. “I thought I told you to stay away.”
The LieutenantGeneral broke in. “Pardon me, Monsieur
Strineau. I’m Lieutenant-General Vitton of La Rue Sauvage. We
came here to investigate what happened last night.”
“Good,” Monsieur Strineau said, waving an angry hand
toward me. “Then you can arrest this girl or at least make her stop
pestering us.”
“Monsieur, I understand you’re upset,” Lieutenant-
General Vitton continued with his palms raised, shielding me
from Monsieur Strineau’s wrath. “I promise you, we’ll do
everything we can to find your daughter.”
“My daughter?” Monsieur Strineau exploded, his hands
flying to his temples with a look of exasperation. “What on earth
has this girl told you? I have no daughter.”
“There’s no reason to give up hope, Monsieur. We still
have a chance to –.”
“I’ve never had a daughter!” Monsieur Strineau burst,
silencing Vitton.
We all froze. I stared at Monsieur Strineau, as the others
stared at me.
Father DuChard stepped forward to break the silence. “Uh
… excuse me, Monsieur. If that is so, then … who else is with
you, that you say Helena is pestering?”
“My wife and I,” Monsieur Strineau said.
“Is that girl back again?” a voice called from within. A familiar voice.
Monsieur Strineau heaved a sigh of annoyance and
stepped to one side. “Yes, dear, I’m afraid she is.”
From the house, a woman stepped forward, wearing a fine
dress. The same black dress she wore as we rode through the
woods last night. The same velvet dress I found in shreds beside
the tree, surrounded by pools of blood.
She stepped forward, cocking her head at me as if I were
half-crazed. Perhaps I was.
It was Madame Strineau.
20.
I gaped at the bizarre image standing on the porch in front of me. Madame Strineau, alive from the dead, after I found her bloodied velvet dress in pieces in the forest last night. Of course, I never saw her body or any limbs. But the black dress she wore – it was the same one she wore now, as she stared at me like I was insane, while Pierre and Lieutenant-General Vitton and the others stood speechless.
“How – How did you – How did you escape?” I stammered.
She shook her head as if I was a babbling child. “What on earth are you talking about? We told you, we don’t know anything about any wolves here, and we have no children. Why can’t you leave us alone?”
“She’s been here twice in the last week,” Monsieur Strineau said, jerking a thumb at me. “A few nights ago, then again last night. She told us she knows the wolves have our daughter and she promised us she would find her. We tried to reason with her but it’s impossible. The poor girl’s lost her mind.”
“What?” I burst, half-lunging at him.
Madame Strineau leaped back as her husband moved to shield her from me. “Keep away from my wife,” he said.
“Step back!” I said, charging forth into the house. The Strineaus moved aside, Madame Strineau giving a small shriek of fear as I pushed past them.
“Mademoiselle Basque, wait!” the Lieutenant-General called, hurrying inside after me. I heard Pierre and Father Vestille enter with him.
The room inside was just as I remembered it. Except …
Except that the bassinet I expected to find in their living room was missing. So was the doll that slept in it, the one the Strineaus claimed was Claudette’s. I strode to the picture I had seen on the end table last night, of the Strineaus with their daughter. I snatched it up.
The picture was essentially the same. Except that it was a family picture of the Strineaus themselves. Monsieur Strineau sitting straight and dignified, Madame Strineau standing beside him with her hand on his shoulder.
Claudette wasn’t there anymore.
“There was a child in this picture before,” I muttered.
“Mademoiselle,” the Lieutenant-General said in a gentle voice. “We can’t just barge in here.”
I whirled on him. “I don’t know what game they’re playing, but there was a child in that cave last night. And she was there!” I pointed at Madame Strineau, who shrank away as her husband cradled her in his embrace. “She rode with me through the woods, and we found the Lycanthru.”
Madame Strineau gasped, covering her mouth.
“Why would Liana travel with you through the woods in the middle of the night?” Monsieur Strineau demanded. “Who would do such a thing?”
“She would, and she did,” I said hotly. “And we found Claudette there, surrounded by those wolves.”
Madame Strineau shook her head. “Who is Claudette?”
I ignored her. “And she was dead! I found her dress, the one she’s wearing now, in pieces on the ground, covered in blood!”
Madame Strineau’s hands flew to her temples. She looked as if she was about to scream or faint. “I – I can’t take any more of this!” she cried, pulling away from Monsieur Strineau and charging past me toward the rear of the house. She disappeared and slammed
the door.
The others had followed us inside. Pierre gaped at us while Father DuChard turned to Father Vestille, who stroked his chin in thought.
Monsieur Strineau huffed. “Lieutenant-General, if there’s nothing else, I must ask you all to leave.” He pointed a crooked finger at me. “And keep that girl away from our house!”
“Sorry to have bothered you, Monsieur,” Lieutenant- General Vitton said, putting his hat back on and preparing to leave. He extended a hand to me. “Mademoiselle?”
I stared back at him, then at Pierre, who looked as helpless as I felt. Father DuChard tipped his hat to Monsieur Strineau, begging forgiveness for the intrusion, while Father Vestille followed him out without speaking a word.
I turned to Monsieur Strineau and felt a fresh rage. He was part of this, whatever this was. Part of the Lycanthru. Along with his wife.
I stepped toward him. “Whatever you did with that girl, I’m going to find her. You’ll make a mistake.”
“Excuse me, Mademoiselle?” he said with irritation.
“One mistake. That’s all I need. Then everything caves in on you at once.”
“Get out of my house! Now!”
“Come along, Mademoiselle,” the Lieutenant-General urged softly.
I held Monsieur Strineau’s gaze as I walked past him, then on out the front door. I wanted to make certain he understood that I was leaving for now, but I would return. “Just one,” I repeated before stomping out, with the others following after me.
“Stay away, Helena, if you know what’s good for you!” Monsieur Strineau shouted, then slammed the door behind us. And there it was.
I turned to the LieutenantGeneral. “You heard him,” I said. “He called me by name. They’ve been pretending I’m some stranger who came to their home, but he knows my name.”
The LieutenantGeneral wrinkled his brow. “You never told them your name?”
“They came to me. They knew me already. That’s why they came to La Rue Sauvage, to seek my help.”
He stared back at the Strineaus’ closed door, chewing his lip, as Father DuChard blinked and shook his head.
“I don’t understand,” Father DuChard said. “Helena left the night of the party and came here to assist these people. She came straight to their house, so she knew where it was. Yet they say they never sent for her? I can’t put much stock in this magic wolf business, but – what do you make of it, Father Vestille?”
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