Betrayal

by Mayandree Michel

  My dress was twisting around my ankles along with a whirlpool of dirt, so I cinched the fabric at my hips, which raised the hem a bit. By doing that, it enabled me to widen my stride. I also didn’t want to return with the evidence of dirt on my skirt. I slowed down as I approached the Bergnum’s mansion, and turned around to make sure that I hadn't been seen, or followed. I could see the balconies of the Capius Estate from where I stood. I saw no one. I breathed a sigh of relief.

  Once inside the Bergnum’s gates, I pulled out the little envelope with my note enclosed from the cuff of my sleeve, and knocked on the door using the large lion's head shaped knocker. Within a few seconds, a tall, watery eyed, middleaged man answered the door. The wiry man seemed to recognize me immediately although his foul expression led me to believe that he wasn’t pleased by my presence.

  “Good day Miss Tieron.” He said in a raspy even tone.

  “Yes, uh... good morning sir.” I said nervously. I had forgotten that Tieron was my real last name. My hand was shaking and I couldn't will it to stop.

  The teary eyed man in the tuxedo and tails continued to stare at me as if he was preparing to slam the door in my face. “If you are here to see Master Gerald, he is out for his morning ride, and won't be returning for another hour.” He stated quite matteroffact.

  “No... I uh don’t wish to see Gerald, uh...,” I stammered. “Could you make sure that he gets this?” I mumbled, thrusting the note at the butler.

  He snatched it, and asked if that would be all. I immediately said yes and fled. I halfwalked and halfjogged all the way back to the house. Fortunately, I didn't run into anyone. If I had, I would simply have lied about my whereabouts. I would’ve said that I went for a quick walk to clear my head. I stopped running as I got close to the Capius house, so that I could slow down my breathing. If I appeared out of breath, then my morning walk excuse wouldn't float.

  My jaw dropped as the realization of something that I hadn’t considered before was staring me in the face. I had purposely left the gates open about an inch or two so that I could slip back in. Someone must have noticed that it had been left opened, and closed them. I tried to raise the heavy latch but it wouldn’t budge. The gates rattled loudly but the latch felt like it was bolted down, and couldn’t be lifted from the outside. You would need to be on the inside in order to slide it all the way up.

  Don’t panic, I thought to myself.

  I looked around, and knew that I had to think fast. I cursed the fact that I couldn’t climb over these enormous gates in this ridiculous dress. Maybe I should try the entrance gates at the rear of grounds that enclosed the garden. I wouldn’t allow myself to think that the gates at the edge of the garden may also be locked. I wouldn’t consider this tragic ending to my perfectly planned outing. Before I made the trek to the rear of the house, I tried the gate again. My attempt was futile.

  I walked briskly to the back of the house, through the dry dirt walkway between the Capius’ abundant garden and the Bergnum’s beautifully landscaped grounds. I couldn’t see into the Capius’ garden due to the dense foliage that formed its own gate against the wrought iron bars of the actual gate. It was the same with the Bergnum’s grounds. Tall, fortress like hedges enclosed the perimeter of their property, keeping nosy peepers intrigued with all that took place on the inside.

  Unexpectedly, I spotted Bethany exiting the barn which was located a few yards away from the house and garden, but not enclosed within the estates gates. A tall and very attractive young man, who I guessed to be the stable hand, followed her out of the barn with a beautiful mahogany mare in tow. I pretended to be exiting the rear entrance gates, and walked over to them.

  “Are you ready?” Bethany asked, sounding jubilant.

  “Uh…” I was at a loss for words. I had forgotten both Bethany’s and Sun Paw’s mention of a ‘morning ride’. As it turns out, Bethany did mean a horse.

  When I first walked up to the mahogany mare, I detected some apprehension from her as well. She stood tall and confident, an absolutely stunning animal, and I was a trembling mess. Maybe she sensed my fear of riding her. Perhaps, she sensed a stranger. The stable hand stepped back as I approached the horse. She seemed to tense up when I held my hand out to pet her. I stopped abruptly when she whinnied – disconcertingly shaking her glossy jet black mane at me as if to say ‘You are not worthy’. She eyed me carefully with liquid mocha eyes, as I tried to appear cool and collected. I didn’t think I was fooling anyone, especially not the horse.

  The sun was beaming, and leaving black spots in my vision if I dared to stare it in the face. The dry air was already relatively warm, which wasn’t unusual for this time of day at this time of the year, early fall. The residents of Nickel City, all of Nevada actually, were accustomed to sweating the day through from dawn into dusk. But sweating in a corset wasn’t a joking matter. I would do just about anything for a tshirt and a pair of jeans right about now.

  The stable hand was watching me intently on the other side of the horse. He had the same smooth bronze complexion that Sun Paw and Moon Rose's had, and I wondered if he was their brother. If he was, I assumed he must be a few years older. He wore a traditional Native American tunic styled shirt over a pair of beaded cowhide leggings and moccasins. He walked around the front of the horse, and released the mare to me by handing me the reins.

  All the while, Bethany mounted her horse, side saddle. The full skirt of her riding habit was delicately draped to one side of the horse. She nodded. She wanted me to get on my horse. I’d never ridden a horse before and didn’t have the faintest idea how to get on.

  “Night Wind takes excellent care of Gypsy,” Bethany said motioning to the mare. “And Topaz, my horse, and the other horses, as well.” Bethany said looking at the stable hand. Night Wind nodded to me. “He’s Moon Rose’s and Sun Paw’s older brother.” Bethany watched Night Wind quickly walk back into the barn. Once he was out of sight, I whispered just loud enough so that only Bethany would hear.

  “Beth, I’m not getting on this horse, ok.”

  “Certainly you are. Now mount her before we lose the coolest part of the morning.” Bethany ordered, lightly, but had her serious face on, pursed lips topped with furrowed eyebrows. I wasn’t so sure that putting up a fight would change her mind. But I had to try something.

  “Please show me how to get on, or at least help me to.” I insisted, thoroughly embarrassed as I noticed Night Wind peering at me from the wooden doors of the barn. He had a perplexed look on his face, as if baffled as to why I still hadn’t mounted my own horse.

  “He’s staring.” I said, as I let my eyes direct Bethany to Night Wind.

  “You already know how to get on.” Bethany assured.

  “I don’t,” I said gruffly under my breath.

  Night Wind strode towards me, his long bone straight hair, which shone like onyx and hung on both sides of his chiseled face, was caught in the early morning breeze which made it look like a cape. His intense copper toned eyes never left mine.

  “I will help you. Give me your hand, Miss Cordelia,” Night Wind said, patiently. His heavy Paiute accent was thick and rough, yet his voice was like silk.

  He stood next to Gypsy, his shoulders broad, staring at me. Then he stretched out with his long muscular arm like a sword. Still quite self–conscious, I looked at Night Wind timidly, whose eyes were serene, then at Bethany who nodded her approval.

  “Sure.” I said, with some hesitation as my hand instinctively reached up for my medallion. When I placed my hand in his, and placed my foot into the stirrup, Night Wind lifted me up onto the horse. I didn’t feel safe as I sat on Gypsy sidesaddle. The position felt awkward, as if I could just slide off. I immediately felt scared as I looked down at Night Wind, and then onto the dirt road behind me that led into the lush and yellowy–green valley which stretched out beside the forest of pines.

  Night Wind handed me the reins. Then it happened. My fear dissipated, and it all came back like a forgotten memory or an old
dream. It felt as familiar as sitting on a bike. I held the reins with one hand, and leaned over towards Gypsy's head, and tenderly stroked her lustrous jet black mane. She remembered me, raising her neck, and letting me know that she had missed me. We were old friends. I trusted her, and she trusted me. I sat up squarely, and distributed my weight evenly on her. I slid the reins in the direction that I wanted to go, and nudged her firmly with my right leg.

  Gypsy trotted slowly passed Bethany who had the widest smile I'd ever seen on her pretty face. She nodded her approval once more. With another nudge of my leg Gypsy transitioned into a canter. With one final nudge, we were galloping through the beckoning valley, and entering the forest.

  “Yaah! Yaah!” I shouted. Gypsy and I were one, jumping and negotiating the rugged terrain, skirting pine trees at a full gallop. Riding Gypsy was like second nature. I've never felt so free and in such control. The gentle wind blowing across my face was invigorating as was the view of the Sierras above.

  I forgot all about Bethany. I had no idea how far behind she was. It didn’t matter. Gypsy and I were the only two in the world right now.

  “You’re doing good, girl.”

  We rode for a little while longer, and stopped when we reached Old Oak, the only oak tree in a forest densely populated with pines, which stood guard at the south end and entrance of the forest beside the lake.

  Gypsy could have gone the distance but she relied on me not to exhaust her. We slowed down to a halt. I stroked her chestnut, velvet smooth coat, and she calmed considerably. My Gypsy was happy to be reacquainted with me again. We stood in the shade of the hefty branches of Old Oak.

  “I knew it was only a matter of time before the old Cordelia would grace us with her presence,” Bethany said, laughing and slowing down to a stop next to Gypsy and I. Bethany smiled knowingly, as she remained seated on her horse.

  “You looked wonderful riding. You’ve always loved riding. We’re all grateful to Poseidon, for creating such a magnificent creature. Gypsy is an exceptional Arabian mare with excellent breeding, as is my stallion, Topaz,” she praised, as she stroked the gray toned coat of her horse.

  I marveled at the mighty god of the sea’s superb contribution to the world. Gypsy was an extraordinary animal, and she was mine. I remembered what I had written about her in the diary. I felt that fondness now as I stroked her.

  “Does this mean that it’s all coming back?” I asked, feeling so alive, like I could live forever as long as I was in the company of Gypsy. I really loved this horse. The bond wasn’t immediate, but it had surfaced. I remembered when my father gave me Gypsy. I was five. It was a birthday gift. The best one I ever got, and I remembered.

  “Slowly, yet surely,” Bethany said, beaming from ear to ear. Finally I thought. I think this was the happiest Bethany’s been since I returned. This was the Bethany I knew.

  I was unaware when the tears came, but tasted the saltiness of them as they streamed down my face. At last, it was happening. I was remembering something. I wish I could’ve made a connection this strong with the Ischeros family. Bethany nodded when she noticed my tears. That’s when I noticed hers. We locked eyes for a moment. Two close friends sharing a profound secret. We both got off of our horses, and pulled them to the edge of the lake to drink.

  “You always loved riding in the valley. You called it the green oasis,” Bethany said, taking in the breathtaking view of the green multi–colored blades of grass which stretched for miles before meeting the end of the forest, where the forest met the mountains.

  “Did I?” I asked following her gaze. While in the future, I always thought that this never ending patch of grass looked like a whole bunch of nothing. I had to admit that I did appreciate Bethany’s spin on it.

  “Yes, you loved the wide open space, and you always said it opened your mind.”

  “Wow, this is incredible. Before today I really didn’t remember ever riding a horse, and now I feel like I’ve been riding all of my life,” I said, choking up.

  “You see, patience is all you need. It will all come back. It’s inevitable, and it’s who you are,” Bethany assured.

  I cleared my throat, wiping away my tears, and was about to tell Bethany something, but never got the chance when I heard another horse neigh nearby.

  We weren’t alone anymore. From behind Old Oak, a familiar young man appeared, saddled on a gorgeous golden Palomino mare that had a striking ivory mane and tail. It was Lucas. I was stunned by his presence. Lucas was back from the dead and sidled right up to us. I suddenly got a flashback of him slamming into the marble bar in his parlor. I shook off the mental picture of his dead face. In person, Lucas was huge. He had a massive chest and his arms looked like they were going to bust out of his shirt.

  “Well look at who we have here.” He eyed Bethany first, and then stared me down as if I was a succulent ribeye steak. Bethany reacted immediately.

  “Shouldn’t you be dead?” She asked, with an icy smirk on her face.

  “With so much left undone? I’m here to stay.” Lucas said, in a husky drawl.”

  “Get on your horse, Delia,” Bethany said, calmly. “What do you want, Lucas?”

  “Why is it that you always assume that I want something?”

  “Because you always do. So – ”Bethany prodded.

  “Is this the Divine one? Why yes, it is. Did you know that the leader of the vampire clan’s wife was torched last night? ” Lucas asked, never taking his eyes off me. I tried like hell to mount Gypsy but the second the words ‘vampire’ left his mouth, I seemed to have forgotten how to.

  “Are you now the town gossip, Lucas? What do vampires have to do with us?”

  “Hmm… I was wondering if the Divine One would like to accompany me tonight. It seems that she is a bit of a night owl like myself.” He said, as he dismounted his horse, and strode confidently in my direction.

  Oh no! How does he know?

  “Keep your distance Lucas or I’ll kill you myself.” Bethany threatened. Lucas stopped walking, and stood a couple yards away. “I’ll even keep your heart as a trophy.”

  A low growl left Lucas’ lips as his eyes went from hazel to bright yellow. Huge fangs appeared in his mouth. My eyes automatically went to his hands that now had curled claws.

  “Not so fast you brute.”

  As his face stretched and made a painful, ghastly, grimace, Lucas knelt down in slow motion, and his body elongated grotesquely with limbs extending into hind legs and paws. His clothes disappeared into a shiny black coat of fur. The huge black panther’s eyes were bright yellow and a louder growl tumbled out of his mouth revealing even longer fangs long and glistening whiskers.

  “What the fu – ” I had forgotten that Lucas was a shapeshifter, a werepanther.

  “Cordelia, get on the horse now!” Bethany hissed cutting me off as the panther went into a pouncing position.

  I stuck my foot in the stirrup and finally mounted Gypsy just as another, slightly smaller panther glided out from behind Old Oak. The second panther stood before us as if we were trespassing on her territory.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” My voice shook with acute fear.

  The second panther’s piercing and blood curdling growl seemed louder than Lucas’. I was as stiff as a stone, staring at its huge long fangs and fluorescent yellow eyes. I needed to be away from here and these panthers this very second.

  How the hell were we going to get out of this alive?

  I knew after watching the large feline’s chase down zebras on the Discovery Channel that there was absolutely no way, our horses could out run either of these cats.

  The smaller eased closer, and then got into a pouncing stance. Gypsy began to get agitated. I could sense her fear, as I bounced around on her.

  “Please be still girl. Please.” I said. I didn’t want either of us to get mauled to death by these panthers.

  I watched Bethany as she inched toward the two felines. The smaller one leapt into the air as Bethany smacked it awa
y. Gypsy neighed, kicking her front hooves into the air and then all hell broke loose.

  “Calm down girl, calm down.” I screamed, as I couldn’t believe my eyes. The larger panther was already in the air, and had knocked Bethany down. It stood on top of her, and I never felt so helpless in all of my life, as I watched Bethany brace herself before being eaten alive by this enormous feline.

  But that’s not what was happening. Bethany was talking to it, and all of a sudden, it was like the hands of the clock turned counter clock wise. The large panther transformed back into Lucas. Lucas’ huge muscular frame lay naked on top of Bethany for a split second before she pushed him off of her. He lay still on the grass, and began snoring as if he were in a deep sleep.

  Bethany was about to get up when I saw the smaller panther leap towards me.

  “Bethany!” I shouted, throwing my arms up as Gypsy instinctively kicked up her front legs. The panther growled fiercely in midair, as Bethany moved with the speed of light and snatched it by the back of its neck. The cat looked the way a kitten looked being held by the neck by its mother. The feline fought to break free.

  “Is that all you’ve got Sacha?” Bethany asked, and then just let the panther go.

  Sacha? Of course. Lucas’ twin sister.

  Sacha, or the panther rather, roared, and pounced again and this time Bethany stopped her with her hand. It was unbelievable. It was as if the panther was frozen in the air. Gypsy whinnied again, and distracted me, but only for a second. I watched as Bethany lowered the panther to the ground. Then Bethany did the strangest thing – courageous as hell, and bent down until she was face to face with the roaring panther.

  “Oh my God!” I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing.

  Bethany looked into the glowing yellow eyes of the black feline and spoke to it as she had done to the larger one. I heard her say something that sounded like, “You will go sleep now. You are extremely tired.” I’m not sure of what else Bethany said because she was practically whispering.

  Even before Bethany was done talking, the transformation was complete from a stealthy black panther into a beautiful young woman with long spiraling brownish reddish hair. She was naked as she knelt on all fours. Her skin tone was as tan as Lucas’ and her eyes had reverted back to their natural hazel.