by Storm Jk
It took just twenty minutes for everybody to materialise in the great hall. Emily insisted that she look at everybody’s bodies to see if they needed any medical attention but the abnormals had started healing, and Ross only had a few scratches and was already under Vondra’s care.
Janak and Jonas, under Valeskia’s instructions, set about making a meal from the vast kitchen that was in the manor. The children ran to Vondra as soon as they saw her and that night the group huddled around the huge fireplace in the ballroom. The abnormals took turns at keeping watch. Vladimir was unsure if the danger was over; Roy was still out there somewhere.
Finally Valeskia fell asleep and she found herself in the meadow. The dream was so real she could smell the flowers and feel the warm sun on her skin. A hand fell into hers and she turned her head to the side knowing already who it was.
‘We did it, Dusana. Varrick is dead and our people are free.’ The young woman smiled at Valeskia.
‘Our people will now taste freedom and for a while, they’ll have peace.’ Something in Dusana’s tone caused Valeskia to turn and face the girl.
‘What is it, Dusana?’
‘Bad times are still to come, I cannot yet see if we will survive them.’ Dusana turned her beautiful face to the sun and smiled.
Valeskia looked across the meadow and said, in her beautiful voice, ‘Then, sweet girl, we will prepare.’ She took Dusana’s hand and they lay in the sun holding hands.
Chapter 25
It took Vladimir three months to have all of Varrick’s holdings bequeathed to himself and Vondra. They both had to take a DNA test to prove that they were his children. With Varrick’s fortune on top of Vladimir’s, they now had over 400 million Euros in a Swiss bank account. Vondra had handed Vladimir her share of the money to use as needed, except she asked him for a hundred Euros. Puzzled, Vladimir handed the money to her and asked what she needed it for.
‘To take Ross to a restaurant, of course,’ she replied in her serious way. Vladimir smiled, he had forgotten Ross’ request.
‘Where will you go?’ he asked looking at his sister, it was easy to be with her, it felt like he had known her all his life.
‘I don’t know,’ Vondra replied. Her face had a frown on it, she knew it was very important to get it right. Vladimir thought about it for a minute, he didn’t like the thought of Vondra mixing with people outside of the abnormals village as her behaviour was still very unpredictable.
‘I know,’ he said, reaching for Vondra’s hand, ‘I will make a restaurant for the night, here in the manor.’
‘You will have soft music?’ she asked, ‘Ross needs music and good food.’
‘Of course, whatever you want,’ Vladimir replied thinking to himself, how hard can this be?
However, the task did not go as easily as Vladimir had thought. Vondra had seen a picture of a restaurant in a book from the great library that Varrick had. Her requests started small and then became more demanding.
‘The music must be a violin, the room has to have lots of flowers and the table must have white linen.’ Emily had to step in when she requested that Vladimir dress in a tuxedo to be a waiter.
Finally the night came and Emily spent hours with Vondra getting her ready. As they were the same size, Emily had given Vondra many of her clothes that Vladimir had shipped over from Australia. Vondra had chosen a tightly fitted silk dress in red for the big night. She had tried to wear high heels but couldn’t quite get the hang of walking in them.
‘Women actually wear these shoes?’ she asked Emily in frustration.
‘I know,’ Emily replied laughing, ‘it seems silly but they look good.’ Going through her shoes, Emily found the same strappy gold sandals she had worn when she had met Vladimir for the first time. Giving them to Vondra, she told the girl the story and the two women hugged.
‘They will bring me luck,’ Vondra cried. She felt good and she liked the way she looked in the mirror.
‘Trust me, in that dress you don’t need any luck,’ Emily replied. Vondra was truly breathtaking.
Ross was nervously waiting downstairs. He was wearing a suit that was tight at his neck and he kept tugging at the tie. Vladimir saw Vondra first and smiled at her – his sister was truly a beautiful woman. As soon as Ross saw Vondra coming down the stairs, he flushed. Her wildness had been tamed and he saw how fragile she really was. They held hands as they went into the ballroom.
Jonas was playing the violin and Helena was to be the waitress with the menu that Valeskia had put together herself. She had prepared stuffed duck – slowly roasted – with garden vegetables and a light sauce that was from the cream of the goats they had, and herbs from the kitchen garden. The dessert was a crème bruleé that Valeskia had only read about, but it had turned out perfectly.
Ross looked at the room and back to Vondra, then he promptly picked her up and took her back up the stairs to the bedroom. Their lips were sealed with passion as Ross shut the heavy bedroom doors. The others looked at each other for a moment then burst out laughing.
It took at least ten minutes for them to regain control enough for Eric to quip, ‘That girl owes us a hundred Euros.’ This made the group laugh again and when, finally, they were in control, they all sat down to share the food and wine together, talking and laughing.
The next morning, when Ross appeared for breakfast, he had a slightly baffled look on his face. The same look was in place a few days later when, after the group had finished poring through all of the genetic records in the breeding files, they found that Vondra’s eggs were used on twelve of the children, eight girls and four boys, including Iva and Josef. Vondra promptly moved them into the west wing of the manor and you couldn’t pass by without hearing the sounds of children playing and laughing.
Vince had a dark time with the changes from the gene treatment. For the first month he had no control over morphing into the big black bear. Emily worked with him constantly until he found what caused him to morph. He practiced meditation daily and when the day came that he didn’t change, and then another, and then a week, he allowed himself to leave the cell and go for a short walk with Emily. He insisted that Vladimir, Eric and Jonas come along in case he turned. Emily knew he wouldn’t hurt her but he was so fearful that she invited the men along to ease his mind. After two weeks of being in control, Emily and Vladimir approached Vince with the next step.
‘My friend, I know I have betrayed you,’ Vladimir began. He held up his hand as Vince began to protest. ‘I needed your friendship. I could not let you die. For after Eric, Emily and Applejacks, you are my most trusted friend.’ Pausing and looking at his friend he continued. ‘The gene therapy has brought you much grief and for that I can never forgive myself, and while it looks like we are at the end of our quest, we have so much more to do. I need you.’ Vince looked dejected.
‘I don’t trust myself anymore Vladimir. I have feelings and impulses that I can’t control. I’m afraid I’ll hurt someone.’
Emily looked up to Vince and taking his hand in hers said, ‘My friend, that’s because you don’t embrace who you’ve become.’
Vladimir added, ‘We were all like that at first, the only reason that you feel this so strongly is that you are older, your thinking is less flexible.’
Vince knew that Vladimir and Emily were right but his whole life he had always been in control and knew what his body could do. He was afraid to move now as any odd movement could trigger a turn. He let out a big sigh and realised he didn’t have a choice. Squaring his shoulders he spoke with more confidence than he felt.
‘Alright, what do you need me to do?’ And from that moment, Vladimir knew Vince would be alright. Together with Emily, Eric, Jonas and Janak, the group would spend hours in the forest in their animal forms, learning how to communicate together, and slowly Vince began to trust his body again.
Valeskia set up a school for the children and Eric showed her how to use a computer, he was amazed at how quickly she picked up on it. Every morning she
would meet with Vladimir and Jonas to discuss the plans for the abnormals. The new people had come back to the manor and that very first day all the fences and bars were taken down and burned. It was cold comfort, there was no satisfaction in beating Varrick. At least with him they understood who they were. Vladimir was an unknown but Valeskia stood by him. Vladimir knew it would take time for them to trust him, he looked too much like his father.
Vladimir’s first goal was to organise more permanent dwellings for the villagers. In his head he imagined neat, functional houses. But the look on the faces of the abnormals when he had presented the idea to them had made him ask his mother what he had done wrong.
‘Our people have been told how to live their whole lives,’ she replied. ‘Have you asked them how they want to live?’ That night, in bed, he discussed what Valeskia had said with Eric and Emily.
‘She’s right. I can see that they’re afraid to express themselves,’ Emily said in a sleepy voice. Eric sat up and shared an idea he had thought of.
‘Vlad, the drawings from the architects are sound designs but they’re just so dull. I could adapt them to how each group wants to live. I’ll ask them what they want and they can choose the colours and fixtures and materials they want to use on their homes. Emily raised her head, smiling at Eric’s suggestion.
‘That will be a lot of work for you Eric,’ Vladimir responded. ‘There would be at least fifty houses to build.’ While the people were hardy, Vladimir wanted them all under a decent roof before the winter months.
‘It would be work I’d love, Vlad,’ Eric responded, tickling Emily’s feet.
Vladimir realised that Eric had not done anything creative since they had returned to the Czech Republic so he sat up and put his arm around Eric’s shoulder. ‘Môn vieux, you are right, this would be a good thing.’
‘A good thing would be if you both got under the covers. It’s cold,’ Emily responded, yawning. Eric threw a pillow at her.
*
The first two houses that were built were quite small but they both shared a courtyard. The abnormals had decided that Valeskia and Jonas would get the first dwellings. Valeskia had decided she wouldn’t live in the manor.
‘Too many memories,’ she told Vladimir. ‘I’ve lived too long in that place.
After consulting with Eric, the design changed from a square box to two curved villas. The windows were oval and Eric added special features to make it look more graceful. The abnormals had found a source of sandstone on the vast estate and the houses gleamed with the pale richness of the stone.
In Valeskia’s home, the main living area was transformed into one large kitchen. Vladimir had bought her just about every known piece of equipment you could have in a kitchen, and the benches were made of a cream marble with splashes of red. On Jonas’ side he didn’t put in a kitchen. There was an understanding that he would eat with Valeskia. His main room was turned into a music room with two large chairs by a large fireplace for when he practiced his violin, and where Valeskia could sit by the fire reading.
Rumour stayed with Vondra and the children, yet every day she would greet Emily as she went to Applejacks, following them around to the growing number of animals under Emily’s care. The formal dining room had been turned into a stable for Applejacks and, as the hallways were large, he could move through the manor if he chose to. As Emily always joined Applejacks in the morning for a ride, Ross had taken to requesting a ride every afternoon for an hour or so. Applejacks guessed it was more about needing some space from Vondra and the children, but he enjoyed Ross’ company. The young man would ramble on about nothing and everything, and he would ask Applejacks for advice. He had found that he really understood Applejacks after their time spent together.
When Janak and Helena eventually got their own home, Janak had it painted red with white trim. The house looked stunning in contrast to Valeskia and Jonas’ white sandstone villas.
‘I’ll plant white flowers everywhere,’ Helena had told Emily when everyone gathered around their house, as was the custom now when a home was finished. Janak scooped Helena up and carried her into the house with the rest of the abnormals throwing flowers over them.
Vladimir had discovered that Janak had a sharp mind for business so he became Vladimir’s assistant. Helena spent time under Valeskia’s tutorage in both the kitchen and with teaching the children; her counsel was much sought after.
After a particularly busy day, Emily went to visit Applejacks.
‘Are you well?’ he enquired.
‘I’m just tired,’ Emily replied ‘a good night’s sleep would be good.’
And then, Applejacks snorted.
‘What’s so funny, my friend?’ Emily asked, but he refused to say and swished his tail in amusement.
Walking back into the large hallway from Applejacks room, Eric and Vladimir were waiting for her; they both had a look of mischief on their faces.
‘We have a surprise for you,’ Eric laughed.
‘You will love it, I promise,’ Vladimir added smiling.
He put his hands over her eyes and any feeling of being tired vanished as they led her into the large library that spanned two stories of the manor. She could feel the heat from the large fireplace on her skin and then she sensed the presence of…
‘Oh, my cats!’ and Vladimir pulled his hands away. Sitting on the couch were all her cats. Ironpaw leapt into Emily’s arms and as she sank to the floor, the rest rubbed their heads against her, purring loudly. Vladimir and Eric stood back, watching the happy scene in front of them. Emily was lost in pure joy; her dearest friends had returned to her.
After a few minutes Vladimir asked, ‘Would you like one more surprise?’
Emily laughed. ‘There can’t be more than this. This is perfect.’
‘We’ll see,’ Eric winked and Vladimir went to the door that led to the small study by the fireplace. As he opened the door, Emily gasped. It was David.
‘Oh my goodness! Oh David!’ Emily rose with Ironpaw still in her arms and went over to kiss him, tears running down her cheeks.
She had talked to David many times since his ordeal. He had sounded weak and confused about all that had happen. His body had taken a long time to heal and as he moved into the room, he had a cane to help him walk.
‘Vladimir called me and told me the truth about all of this,’ David explained. ‘I was surprised when he asked me to join you.’
‘We need a man of your talent,’ Vladimir said. ‘Your skills are just what we need; a doctor and a vet – but most of all, your genetic knowledge.’
Turning to Eric, Emily said, ‘You knew about this and you didn’t tell me?’
Laughing again, Eric kissed her neck and said, ‘And miss the look on your face right now? I don’t think so!’
Sitting in front of the fire that night was wonderful for Emily. Both Vladimir and Eric sat on the floor in front of her as she lay stretched out on the sofa, with each of the cats claiming a part of her to cuddle against. For hours they spoke to David about the hopes and plans for the abnormals. It was well past midnight before they turned to go to bed.
Waking with the first light of day was such a habit for Emily. Regardless of how tired she was she got up. Vladimir and Eric didn’t suffer from such a habit and rose refreshed whenever they were ready, and always together. The cats were packed tightly around them and it took Emily a few minutes to untangle herself without disturbing anyone. Ironpaw opened her eyes but Emily mentally soothed her back to sleep.
Dressing, Emily walked quickly to the door. It was cold in the hallway after the warmth of the bedroom. Halfway down the stairs she paused as a wave of nausea washed over her.
What is wrong with me? she thought and then the answer hit her. I’m pregnant! And as shocking as the thought was, a wave of pleasure surged through her body.
Pushing her mind into her body she found a speck of consciousness so tiny, there were no thoughts to hold onto. Emily continued down the stairs, pausing at the kitchen
to make some toast. Maybe the dryness of the bread would take away the feeling of nausea, she hoped so but she wasn’t sure. She would check with David after breakfast.
As she walked to Applejacks’ quarters, Rumour greeted her with a short bark of happiness.
‘Hello little one,’ Emily responded back, bending down to scratch her ears. She knocked before entering Applejacks’ stable. He had the television on.
‘A bit early isn’t it?’ she asked.
‘Grand prix time,’ Applejacks replied and added, ‘I see you have worked out the secret.’
‘How did you know?’ Emily asked him. She hadn’t had a clue before this morning.
‘I felt that you were more than you were before,’ was the formal reply.
Opening the doors to outside, the sun had fully risen and Emily could smell the fragrance of the wet grass. The manor didn’t look so menacing in the sunlight especially since the gargoyles had been removed.
‘What a beautiful day,’ Emily lifted her face towards the sun, closing her eyes.
‘I think, my friend,’ Applejacks responded, ‘with the mood you are in, it would still be beautiful if it rained.’
‘Oh Applejacks, I honestly didn’t think we were going to survive all this,’ Emily mused out loud.
‘But here we are,’ he replied.
Emily climbed onto his back and Applejacks walked to the lane beside the manor. As he turned down the side they saw a large, grey wolf and a cream one waiting for them.
‘What took you so long?’ Eric asked when he and Vladimir connected with her.
‘Oh, just enjoying the day,’ Emily replied, smiling at the pair.
Sensing that something was up, Vladimir asked ‘Are you alright?’
Emily laughed and said out loud, ‘My love, nothing could be better.’
‘Well then,’ Vladimir’s deep voice boomed down the connection, ‘now it is time to run and see what’s out there.’
THE END
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