Red Rider Revolution

by Randall Allen Dunn

  He sat beside me on the cot, looking worried. Then confused. “What – What did they do? You – seem all right.”

  “Humiliated me, mostly. They surrounded me, tied me up, and dragged me here, leaving me on the ground. About fifty of them.”

  “Fifty!” His voice rose in alarm. Then he relaxed again. “But – they let you go, thank the Lord.” He knit his brow. “We should let the Serrones know you’re here, as soon as we can. They’ll be worried.”

  I felt hollow, as if my insides were being emptied out. “Father Vestille – they’re gone.”

  The color drained from his face. He stared at me like a corpse. “… Killed?”

  “I don’t know. That, or they took them. I don’t know.”

  He shut his eyes tightly, saying nothing. Praying, surely. “They taught me more about the Lycanthru than anyone else. I always wondered how long it might be, in that dark place, before … I knew it was only a matter of time.”

  “I heard Monsieur Strineau talking to other Lycanthru about the Serrones, knowing they were housing me. They also talked about you and Pierre and everyone else. They must have spotted us this morning, either at the Strineaus’ house with Lieutenant-General Vitton or later in town somewhere. They know about all of us.”

  Father Vestille lifted his chin, looking thoughtful. “Then we should go see Pierre and Father DuChard right away, to let them know we’re in danger. Do you believe they remained here in La Rue Sauvage?”

  “I don’t know. I doubt it. They – They seemed to only want to scare me and dump me off. I assume they went home.”

  Father Vestille nodded. Then pressed his palms to his knees and rose. “You’ve had a rough night. I’ll fix us something to eat on the way. Come upstairs when you’re ready.”

  I remained seated on the bed for a full five minutes after he left, wondering whether I was actually ready. Both Claudette and now the Serrones were missing, and I had no idea where to search for them. Let alone how to rescue them, when I kept losing each battle.

  Here at home, I had destroyed every last member of the Lycanthru. I was a heroine who struck terror into their hearts.

  To the DeSarte Lycanthru, that meant nothing at all.

  “Red!” Pierre burst as he ope ned his door to welcome us in.

  His smile infected me instantly. “Hello, Pierre,” I said.

  Father Vestille stepped past me to shake Pierre’s hand. “Good afternoon, son. May we come in?”

  Pierre didn’t seem to hear him but backed up to open the door wider as he kept his gaze fixed on me. Father Vestille discreetly strode past him, allowing us a bit of privacy.

  “I could hardly sleep last night,” Pierre said. “Thinking of you in that wretched place, all alone. I thought that, sooner or later, the wolves might – you know …”

  “Swallow me up?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood. But he looked more pained when I said it. “They didn’t,” I assured him. Though I wondered if – like the Serrones – it would only be a matter of time.

  “I can see that,” he said, shutting the door behind us. “So what happened?”

  “That’s actually what we’ve come to talk to you about. You and Father DuChard.”

  “Father DuChard?” Pierre asked.

  As if in answer, Father DuChard emerged from the rear kitchen, carrying a clay pitcher. He smiled in greeting at Father Vestille, then called over his shoulder. “Lisette. We appear to have company.” He set the water pitcher on the table and strode toward us with a fat smile. “Abier! So good to see you again.” He clapped him on the back. He regarded me – in my boots, trousers and hood – with less enthusiasm. “And Helena. What a pleasant surprise.” He waved toward the dining table. “Please. Come in. You are just in time. We finished cleaning pots and pitchers from lunch, so we can fill one up with fresh water for you. Please, sit down. Pierre, let your father know he has guests.”

  “Oh, he probably won’t want to be interrupted in the shop just now. I only came in for a quick lunch. I’ll return there soon.”

  “Shouldn’t you return now?” Father DuChard prodded. “Your father will surely want to know who’s come to visit. Won’t he?”

  Pierre paused, looking uncomfortable. He swallowed and nodded. “Yes, sir,” he said, and disappeared through the kitchen to the rear of the house.

  Madame Leóne had opened the door just as he hurried past her. She turned from Pierre to us and beamed. “Helena! And Father Vestille! How wonderful. But where’s Pierre going?”

  “To fetch his father,” I said, with no attempt to keep the distaste from my tone. It seemed that Father DuChard had assumed the role of a second father, carrying out Monsieur Leóne’s orders to keep me away from Pierre.

  Father DuChard sat, spreading his arms in innocence. “I assumed he would want to greet everyone,” he said.

  “Well, let me get you all some water,” Madame Leóne said, taking two long steps to snatch up the pitcher from the table and retreating to the kitchen again.

  “Thank you, Lisette,” Father DuChard called after her. “Now,” he said to Father Vestille. “To what do we owe this visit?”

  We sat and Father Vestille cleared his throat. He leaned forward beside Father DuChard, lowering his voice. “We have some unfortunate news from DeSarte. Helena encountered the wolves again last night. And – And the Serrones are gone.”

  Father DuChard glanced back and forth between us. “Gone? Did – Are they both dead?”

  Father Vestille shook his head. “We’re not certain. They’re missing.”

  Father DuChard waited for more. “They’re not at home? Is Helena staying there alone?”

  “No, she’s no longer staying there. She …” Father Vestille glanced at me, as if checking for permission to reveal more. I shrugged. “Helena encountered the wolves there last night. She heard Monsieur Strineau threatening the Serrones, then returned to the house, but found them gone. She killed two wolves there, then followed the Strineaus to the Lycanthru’s cave in the woods.”

  Father DuChard knit his brow. “The same cave where she said she encountered that girl?”

  “She was there again,” Father Vestille said. “Along with the Prime, the Lycanthru’s overarching leader. Helena fought them but they captured her and Crimson and brought her back here.”

  Father DuChard blinked several times. Then stared at me. “Helena, are you all right?”

  I nodded. “I’m all right now.”

  “Tell me exactly what happened. Don’t spare any details.”

  I felt a sense of relief at his interest, and told him everything, revealing information I had not even shared with Father Vestille yet. Father DuChard listened patiently, glancing aside a couple of times as I spoke. When I finished, Monsieur Leóne and Pierre entered the room, with Madame Leóne following them in.

  “Come in,” Father DuChard beckoned, waving them all to take seats. “Helena was just telling me of her, uh – her experiences last night.”

  “We’re all in danger,” I continued. “The Lycanthru spotted us yesterday at some point. You, me, Father Vestille and Pierre, and likely LieutenantGeneral Vitton. They’ll come after all of us, not just me.”

  Monsieur Leóne’s chest swelled as his face darkened. I tried to ignore it. Though I had to admit he was right. I had brought the wolves right to their doorstep.

  Father DuChard folded his hands, taking in everything I had said. He leaned forward, lowering his head as everyone gathered around the table. “Let me make certain I understand. This couple we visited yesterday – with Father Vestille and Pierre and Lieutenant-General Vitton – they are the ones who came to you the night before?”

  “Yes,” I said.

  “However, they claimed they never came to you and they have no child. And you found no evidence of a child in their home.”

  “They changed everything somehow. The bassinet and doll were gone, and the girl wasn’t in their family portrait anymore. Only a portrait of the Strineaus themselves.”


  Father DuChard paused. “Then last night, you saw that couple, the Strineaus, emerge from their home – er, naked.” He glanced at the Leónes, looking embarrassed. “They drank a potion and became wolves. You followed them and found an army of wolves, and the girl that the couple claimed does not exist.”

  “Yes.”

  “These – these wolves – tied you up, under the direction of their supreme leader, and threatened you, telling you they plan to destroy you.”

  “Yes.”

  Beside me, Pierre grabbed for my hand and held it tight.

  “Then they led you back here on your horse and left you outside the village. And when you woke, the wolves were all gone, and so were the ropes they tied you with. Do I have all that correct?”

  “Yes. That’s what happened.”

  He paused, sighing slowly as everyone waited. “Helena, is it possible you just – fell?

  28.

  “What?” I asked, gaping across the Leónes’ dining table at Father DuChard. After everything I told him about the wolves’ activity last night – threatening and attacking me, then tying me up and leaving me in a heap back in La Rue Sauvage – he somehow concluded that I simply “fell”.

  He continued, unabashed, despite being flanked by Father Vestille and the Leónes. “Could you have been traveling through the woods – for whatever reason – and fallen from your horse? Perhaps you hit your head and had a dream?”

  It took everything I had to keep from leaping across the table and shoving him to the ground. “What are you talking about?”

  Father DuChard frowned. “Help me understand. You said your crossbow fires special bolts, with traces of silver that kill the wolves? And that’s what makes them fear you?”

  “Yes,” I said through clenched teeth, involuntarily touching the crossbow that hung from my shoulder. “ Yet they gave it back to you? The weapon you can use to kill them?”

  I glanced at the Leónes as they studied me, and realized how strange it sounded. “I don’t know why they did it, but they did.”

  “You say these wolves want nothing more than to destroy you, and they had you completely in their power. But instead of killing you, they brought you back home, with your horse, and let you go.”

  The room fell dead silent.

  “I – I don’t know why they did it. I only know what happened.”

  “Or at least, what you believe happened. Did anyone else witness this?”

  “Yes,” I said instantly. “Father Vestille and Pierre were there, along with the Lieutenant-General. And you.”

  “That’s right,” Pierre said.

  Father DuChard held up a hand. “Yes, we met the couple who you say recruited you to find their child, and we heard them dispute having a child at all. But did anyone else see this child or the wolves?”

  Silence again.

  “… no.” I ground my teeth. “But what about the Serrones? They’re gone.”

  Father DuChard nodded. “So you say. But their leaving – for whatever reason – doesn’t necessarily mean they were harmed or taken against their will. Did – Did anything happen between you and the Serrones after we left you? Any sort of disagreements? About the wolves, perhaps?”

  “Why would they disagree? They’ve been fighting the wolves, just like I have.”

  Father DuChard raised his palms. “Not exactly like you. Neither of them wear hooded cloaks or roam the woods at night. Do they?”

  “Of course not. What’s that got to do with anything? What on earth are you saying?”

  He sat back in his chair, putting a hand to his mouth, as if choosing his words carefully. “Helena, we all know you’ve been through a great deal, with the loss of your parents and your young sister. Clearly, there have been some wild animals attacking people in this region, and your family were among the victims. I understand how devastating that must have been. I understand you cared for your sister a great deal. She was only a small child when she died. About the same age as this other girl, wasn’t she?”

  I didn’t see what that had to do with anything but his question somehow infuriated me. “Close to it. Why?”

  He glanced away, clearing his throat. “Helena. Sometimes

  – when life becomes too difficult to bear – some people create a different reality for themselves, to escape the one that exists. Perhaps there is no missing girl. Perhaps you merely want this girl to exist, to provide you a sense of purpose. To have someone you can still protect from these supposed wolves. To deal with the tragic loss and – forgive me – perhaps to assuage any guilt you might feel for not being able to save your own family.”

  I felt myself ready to erupt like a volcano. “This has nothing to do with my family! Or Suzette! This happened! The Prime is in DeSarte leading the rest of the wolves, and they’ve taken Claudette and we have to find her and the Serrones before it’s too late. Before they come here again to harm us or anyone else. Father Vestille, tell him!”

  Father Vestille sat with his hand on his lips, contemplating.

  “Father Vestille?”

  “I’m thinking,” he said.

  My heart sank. “You – you don’t believe me?”

  “No, Helena, I didn’t -.”

  “You don’t?”

  “Helena, I didn’t say that. I’m still trying to understand.” He furrowed his brow. “Why would they let you go?”

  “I don’t know, but they did!”

  “I’m not saying they didn’t. I’m just trying to understand why. It makes no sense.”

  Monsieur Leóne broke in. “And you say this couple said they had no child? That Helena only claimed they did?”

  I tightened my lips. “The Strineaus are wolves. They tricked me into searching for that girl, telling me she was their daughter. I don’t know who she actually is. I only know they have her.”

  Monsieur Leóne continued. “But you’re saying they had you search for this girl and you found her, then tried to rescue her. But the wolves killed Madame Strineau and left you there. Then they captured you again last night, and again, they let you go?”

  “Yeah, that doesn’t make sense,” Pierre muttered.

  I glared at him. “You don’t believe me, either?”

  His eyes popped. “No, Red. I’m just saying it doesn’t make sense. Why would they let you go?”

  “I don’t know! They just did!” I burst. I looked from face to face. “We don’t have time to sit here and try to figure this out. They’re in DeSarte. We know that. We have to find them and find Claudette, now!”

  Father Vestille put a hand on my shoulder. “Helena, calm down. We need to –.”

  I pulled away from him. “Don’t tell me to calm down!” I growled.

  The room fell silent.

  Father DuChard cleared his throat. “Helena. You know I don’t put much stock in – in these stories of giant wolves –.”

  “They’re evil men, who change into large wolves,” I corrected.

  “Very well,” he said. “Whatever the truth is, if it’s to be uncovered, shouldn’t the authorities be involved?”

  “They are,” I said. “Lieutenant-General Vitton told me to keep an eye on the Strineaus, to see what they were up to.”

  Father DuChard studied me for some time. “He told you that?”

  “Yes.”

  “So he believes everything you’ve told us today, based on your testimony alone?”

  “I haven’t seen him since yesterday, when he told me to watch them. He can’t be –.” I stopped myself.

  Father DuChard raised his eyebrows. “Can’t be what?”

  I cleared my throat. “He can’t be officially involved. Until we have proof.”

  Father DuChard raised his eyebrows. “Yes, I think you would need proof for a tale such as this. In any case, I suggest you report this to the police to investigate.”

  “Most of them won’t believe me, any more than you do,” I said through clenched teeth.

  “Then talk to Lieutenant-General Vitton,�
�� Father DuChard surrendered. “But talk to someone who can see things clearly and recognize the facts, so there’s no confusion about what may have happened.”

  I stared at him, feeling my chest rise and fall with rage.

  “That makes sense,” Pierre said.

  I glared at him.

  “I mean –.” He sounded strangled. “I’m just saying – you should let him know what happened. To report back to him, like you said you would. So he can support you.”

  I looked around the table at their stoic faces, then rose, fists clenched. “Then at least one person will.” I marched toward the front door.

  Pierre came after me in a flash, his hand on my shoulder. “Red, wait!” He leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Look, I didn’t say I don’t believe you. It’s just – You’ve got to admit – I mean –.”

  “What?”

  “It sounds kind of crazy.”

  “You think I’m crazy?”

  Every head turned from the table. I didn’t mean to speak so loud.

  Pierre kept his voice calm. “It just doesn’t add up that they let you go.”

  “Would you rather they kept me?” Everyone fixed their stares on me. Again, I spoke too loud.

  “Of course not. We’re just trying to figure this out. That’s all. Relax.”

  Father DuChard rose and moved to the kitchen door. “If you’ll all excuse me, I don’t think I can be of any further use. I will spend some time in prayer over this.” He turned to me, eyebrows lifted. “Helena. I’ll be thinking about you as I pray.”

  His expression seemed kind, but something burned inside me. The same rage I felt toward Father Vestille for years, knowing his words meant nothing if he wouldn’t take action. Now Father DuChard meant to show that he cared, but he didn’t believe a word I said.

  “Thank you,” I managed.

  Father Vestille half-smiled. He surely knew my polite effort was the most honor I could show to Father DuChard right now. “Come, Helena. Let’s go see Lieutenant-General Vitton,” he said.