Hidden Voices (Tess Schafer-Medium)

by Deborah Hughes

  As they approached the strange object together, Giles appeared to be attaching the horses to it. Nina stopped when they were close enough to touch it and waved a hand. “Wagon.” She repeated the word slowly several times then motioned for Isi to do the same.

  “Wa…gon.”

  Nina beamed at her and said something to Giles who merely grunted. That sound Isi understood. Even her people grunted. Nina jumped up on the thing she called a wagon and held a hand down to Isi. Obviously she meant for Isi to join her. Once again afraid, Isi held back. Giles came up behind her and lifted her into the air, settling her next to Nina. They sat on flattened wood and Giles motioned for them to make room. Nina and Isi moved over and Giles jumped up beside them. He grabbed the ropes attached to the horses and the next thing Isi knew, they were moving! Amazed, Isi watched as the land passed by. Were she not afraid of what was going to happen next, Isi was sure she would have enjoyed this new experience, even though it was terribly bumpy and uncomfortable on her bottom.

  After a short time, Nina turned and crawled inside the large covered area behind them. She gently tugged Isi’s arm and Isi reluctantly followed her inside. The interior was dimly lit but soon Isi’s eyes adjusted. It wasn’t long before Isi knew what Nina wanted her to do next. Nina held up some clothes and indicated Isi was to wear them. It took some work but soon Isi was wearing something Nina called a dress. Next Nina braided her hair and then covered her head with something Nina called a bonnet. It all felt restrictive and Isi didn’t like it but Nina made enough motions to get the point across. They were hiding her identity. If anyone realized Isi was not one of them, the magic stick would steal her soul. Disheartened and homesick, Isi nodded sadly, letting Nina know that she understood. Nina made a sad face then pulled Isi to her.

  “Isabelle.” Nina spoke the strange word several times and then Isi understood again. She was now to use a new name. Her old life was quickly becoming a thing of the past.

  They rode for hours and as the sun began to go down, Nina indicated Isi should lie down on the bedding spread out close behind the seat where Giles sat. Nina lay beside her and hummed softly. Lulled by the peaceful sound, Isi slept.

  They traveled for several days and during that time Nina seemed determined to teach Isi as much of her language as she could. Isi learned quickly and that made things so much easier. Although Giles was rather gruff and had been rough with her that first time, he never touched her again or threatened her in any way. He seemed to care very much for Nina and Nina wanted Isi. Just so long as Nina continued to feel that way, Isi knew she’d be safe.

  She learned very quickly how to wear their clothing. The food they ate was strange and after a few days of travel, Isi began to share with Nina some of the foods her own people enjoyed. Although Giles was skeptical at first, he finally started trying some of the items Isi prepared. Sometimes he nodded in approval and sometimes he would spit it out and make faces. Isi and Nina laughed when he did this and after a while he would join them, his laughter loud and booming.

  They encountered a few people during their travels, men riding horses with furs bundled in stacks and hanging over the horse’s sides. Isi always moved into the back of the wagon when others were around or she kept her head down, her bonnet hiding her face. During these times Isi’s heart pounded as she worried that her identity would be discovered and they’d use their magic stick on her. How long could they keep her hidden? When they got to wherever they were going, what then?

  A few days later, Isi found out. She was sleeping in the back of the wagon when it suddenly halted and Isi heard excited voices. Taking care to be very quiet, Isi crawled to the end of the wagon and peeked out. They were near a wooden structure that Nina called a house. They had passed a couple of these houses during their travel but never stopped at any of them. With a terrified heart, Isi knew that this was the end of their journey. They had arrived at their destination. Now what was to happen to her?

  I stopped typing at this point and sat back to think. It was hard to try and stay true to Isi’s viewpoint when I wanted to describe everything as I knew it. Since I was not privy to Isi’s language, I had to interpret the images coming to me and keep it as true to Isi as I could. It would be so much easier to write Isi’s story once she finally learned my language. Realizing how weird that sounded…my musing about a character whom I wished would learn my language so I could better write her story…well, it was rather amusing.

  I couldn't help but wonder why Nina and Giles were out in those woods in the first place. And why did they feel they had to take Isi? My gut feeling was that Nina truly was trying to save her life. Once again I thought about the fact that there was a period in time when Indians were often shot and killed on sight. Perhaps Giles and Nina knew fur hunters were in the area and were afraid they’d come upon the young girl and kill her.

  The only thing I couldn't seem to figure out was where the story was taking place and how long ago it happened. Was it before or after Colonel Buck’s death? Did Isi’s story have anything to do with him or not? It was frustrating to not have very many facts. One thing for sure, I was now quite caught up in Isi’s story. Her references to the Knowing One which had to be the equivalent of God and the Chosen which had to be a reference to the leaders in her tribe made me even more curious. I was completely intrigued and would have loved to write more but I was getting tired.

  Reluctantly, I powered down my laptop and glanced at my cell phone. It was nearing ten and too late to be calling anyone. I hadn’t called my family or my friends since arriving here and I knew everyone was probably wondering why. I told them I was going to be conducting another investigation and to not call unless it was an emergency. I had to do that because otherwise they called me constantly. I picked up my cell phone and scrolled through all the text messages and checked email to be sure nothing important required my attention then fired off some quick replies. I told them I’d fill them in on all the details when I had time to talk.

  As I prepared for bed, I wondered if I should open a Facebook account. My friends told me I was behind the times and needed to get with the program. Perhaps so, but how was I supposed to keep track of it when I didn’t even keep up with my text messages?

  It felt great to finally fall into bed and though I kept thinking about the fact that Kade was nearby, I still managed to fall asleep. My dreams were a jumbled mess. I dreamed about Indians and cowboys and gunfights. I dreamed about dancing around campfires and exploding fireplaces and beads raining down from the sky. I saw streams gleaming with gold and then turning blood red. None of it made any sense and when I finally opened my eyes to the gray light of dawn, I did not feel at all rested. Despite that, I couldn’t get back to sleep because I knew Kade was nearby and I wanted to see him.

  Eager for the day to begin, I jumped out of bed and headed for the shower, taking care to be quiet as possible when I entered the hallway so as not to wake Kade. The sun hadn’t yet put in an appearance but I knew it was going to be a glorious day. One, I suspected, that would be full of surprises.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  The sky was still in the predawn stage when I emerged from the bathroom. I couldn’t stop myself from listening near Kade’s door and though I couldn’t be sure, I thought I heard movement. Since I didn’t want him to find me standing in the hallway wrapped in a towel, I quickly hurried to my room. A glance at the clock on my nightstand said it was a little after five. Although I was a relatively early riser, it wasn’t typical for me to be up before the sun. I glanced out the window at the quiet street below and had a sudden urge to walk to the cemetery. Without further delay, I put on a pair of jeans and a pretty blue knit top with floral designs embroidered into it. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and grabbed a lightweight fleece jacket. One thing I learned quickly about Maine, the early mornings were usually quite cool. Finally ready, I headed for the door.

  How I managed to stifle the startled cry that jumped into my throat I have no idea because when I pulled th
e door open and saw someone standing there, my first instinct was to scream. The realization that a man was standing in my doorway sent a spiral of fear zooming through my system in no time flat but before I could get a sound out, a finger gently touched my lips to stifle it.

  “Shush, Tess, it’s me.”

  Drawing in a much-needed breath, I grabbed Kade’s hand and pulled it away from my mouth, though I continued to hold onto it if only to reassure myself it really was him. “You scared the crap out of me!”

  “Sorry. I heard you moving around over here and I was getting ready to knock when you opened the door.”

  He was fully dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved gray flannel shirt which was unbuttoned and showing a black t-shirt underneath. His hair was still wet from the shower. Amazed that he was not only awake but showered and dressed, I glanced at my watch to double-check the time. Yup, five fifteen in the morning. “Up a little early aren’t we?”

  Kade leaned against the doorframe and let his gaze wonder over me, his eyes turning dark with appreciation as he took in my close fitting jeans and blue knit shirt. “Yes, we are aren’t we? Going somewhere?”

  Doing my best to ignore the heat rushing across my skin (it seemed I always reacted like that whenever Kade looked at me that way), I somehow managed to speak, though my voice was a tad husky. “I thought I’d take a walk up to the graveyard while it’s relatively light traffic.”

  Like it was normal to get up at an ungodly hour and go traipsing to a graveyard, Kade nodded. “I’ll get my jacket and come with you.” He started to turn then stopped. “But first…” He leaned in and kissed me hard and quick. “You look great first thing in the morning.” After a quick grin of approval, he strode to his room and I couldn’t help but stand there, smile, and watch. He had a nice walk. And a nice backside. As soon as he disappeared inside his room, I shook my head to rid it of thoughts going places it had no business going at five dark thirty in the morning. Get a grip, Tess. Once again I found myself grinning like an idiot as I headed for the stairs to wait for Kade. Thoughts of him had that sort of effect on me.

  Not a minute later, we were making our way quietly down the stairs. The foyer was dimly lit and quiet. Barbara obviously was not up yet. Taking care to make as little noise as possible, we opened the front door and stepped out into the cool morning air. It was blessedly still. Birds chirped cheerfully around the feeders Barbara kept filled next to the flower garden and I stopped briefly to admire them. Chickadees mostly, Maine’s official state bird.

  Kade’s warm hand enveloped mine. “We better hurry or the traffic is going to get real busy real quick.”

  It took about ten minutes to walk there. A few more cars were beginning to traverse the main road but for the most part, it was very peaceful, the quiet disturbed only by the birds. We walked to the front of the cemetery facing the cursed monument and stood quietly. A prickle of chills skittered across my back. Someone else had joined us already.

  Kade leaned down to whisper in my ear. “You feel something?”

  I glanced at him in surprise. “How do you know?”

  He indicated our linked hands. “You always tighten your grip when something’s up.”

  “Someone has joined us. I think it’s the girl.” But then I knew right away it wasn’t the same one I encountered before. No. This one felt different. Her sorrow hit me in the chest like an emotional club at full swing. I put my free hand there and closed my eyes, willing the pressure to ease off while offering support. “I’m here for you. Talk to me. Show me who you are.” I preferred mental communication because I always felt silly talking out loud to what would appear as nothing to others. Someday I’d have to get over that, but today was not that day.

  I pulled my hand from Kade’s and clenched both of them into fists. Her frustration filled my psyche and I immediately surrounded myself with protective light. The unease her feelings generated eased off and though I was thankful to get some relief, my legs suddenly went weak and I couldn’t stop myself from sinking to my knees. We were merging, she and I, and I allowed the process, though letting spirits take over my body was something I was not normally comfortable permitting. The worry was always there that they wouldn’t want to leave.

  Wrapping my arms about myself, I began to rock to the sounds of a chant. So clearly could I hear it that I wondered if Kade could as well. My hand played with something around my neck and a surge of recognition hit me like a mini lightning bolt. It was the necklace to which my newly acquired beads once belonged. As the whispered chants increased, I tilted my head back and waited. Then with sudden clarity, I knew she was about to die and welcomed it. My hands flung wide as I waited for the transition to spirit and then a sharp pain lanced through my head. The pain was only for a brief instant but I grabbed at my head and would have fallen backwards onto the ground if Kade’s arms hadn’t caught me.

  “What happened, Tess? You okay?” He held me firmly and I welcomed his warmth, his strength.

  “I’m fine. I’m not totally sure but I think I just experienced her death.” Tears filled my eyes as I mourned her loss. Had she died? If so, who killed her and why? Who was she? Did she curse Buck’s monument? The questions mounted and filled me with frustration.

  “How did she die?”

  “I’m not sure but she was either shot, beheaded or struck gravely.” I touched the back of my head as tears fell in sorrow for her horrible demise. “She knew it was coming. I think she was praying to her God or whatever.” I looked up at Kade, meeting his warm gaze and taking strength from it. “I’m quite sure she was an Indian native because I didn’t feel like she was praying to God. Not as we understand him anyway. It wasn’t the same girl I encountered here before. There was something…I don’t know…different about her.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She seemed like one of us…you know, but it seemed to me in the brief moment I was merged with her that her beliefs were very different from what I am familiar with.” I pulled away to think for it was impossible to do that while wrapped in Kade’s arms. “I felt like she was wearing a dress, you know, like the Colonists, but she was also wearing a necklace.” I glanced at Kade and met his inquisitive look. “Yes, that one.”

  “Wow, Tess. This is great.”

  Hands on hips, I looked to him for clarification. “How so? As I see it, all we have are more questions.”

  “Well, if she was wearing the necklace made from the beads you found then you also know she has to be linked to Buck here.” He cocked his head toward the monument. “You said you sensed him in the room where the beads were found and now you sense them on a girl while standing here near his grave.”

  “But if Big Red is linked to those beads, as I suspect he is, how can Buck be involved as well? I don’t get that connection at all because if Big Red is a Red Paint Indian, and I really think he is, then a connection between them makes no sense. They were wiped out thousands of years before Buck made his way here to Bucksport.”

  Kade gave it some thought. “Maybe she’s a descendent of Big Red.”

  My heart gave a little lurch at the unexpected suggestion and I smiled thoughtfully. “You may be right, Kade. So, the thing to figure out is who is she, how did she die and did Buck have anything to do with it?” I couldn’t help but needle him a little. “See? More questions.”

  Kade grabbed my hand and tugged me gently along with him. “Let’s get back to the B&B and get some breakfast. We’ll discuss it with Barbara and see what else comes up as the day progresses.”

  “It’s one of the things I love about you, Kade. You come up with great plans.”

  Kade gave me a sideways look. “One of the things you love about me? There are more?”

  I laughed as joy filled my being. “Yes, and I’m not going to share them right now.” At his boyish pout, I laughed again. “Okay, I’ll share one more. I love that you make me laugh.”

  Kade leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to my mouth. “I think I love everything abou
t you, Tess.”

  Now we were moving into dangerous territory…for me anyway. I chose not to respond and though I sensed he was a little disappointed, Kade said nothing more until we reached the B&B. “I smell bacon. Barbara is up.”

  Max met us in the foyer and Barbara came bustling out from the dining room as we were hanging up our jackets. “I didn’t realize you were up already. You guys sure were out early. Hungry? I’ve fixed a little of everything today. Rid is stopping by and he loves a traditional breakfast.”

  Rid was coming for breakfast? Perfect. He was knowledgeable about the area and we had a lot of questions. As we followed Barbara into the dining room, I told her about Dawn and Mary stopping by later to pick up the beads. “She’s going to try and recreate the necklace. Isn’t that thoughtful of her to offer?”

  Barbara poured each of us a cup of coffee and sat down across from Kade and me. “I forgot about them making jewelry. I didn’t hear you come in last night; I was in the back doing an inventory of my pantry. My daughter is going to come watch the place for a spell while I do some shopping.” She took a sip of her coffee. “So, what did you learn yesterday? Anything good?”

  “Well, we ended up holding a séance.” I knew this would grab Barbara’s attention and it did. Her eyes widened in surprise and then she leaned forward in anticipation of learning more. “Do tell.”

  I had to laugh at the breathy pitch in Barbara’s voice but then sobered as I took a sip of my coffee and thought about yesterday. “We didn’t talk to anyone so you might be disappointed in the story. But someone did join us. I’m just not sure who. I think a relative of Night Rowan’s but that’s about all I can say about it.”

  Kade took a drink of his coffee and with his cup still raised, tipped it toward me in encouragement. “Tell her about the chairs moving on their own steam and yours rocking back and forth. Or hey, she might like to hear about the strange shadows dancing on the floor.”