by Devin Morgan
“Not to worry, we found it charming.” Aris stood to shake hands with the two men.
The four sat comfortably chatting as they waited for luncheon to be called. It was served on a covered veranda facing the lush green lawn of Sir Reginald’s estate. The food tasted delicious and the white wine was chilled to a perfect temperature. They ate slowly, enjoying the fare spread before them as well as their lively conversation and each other’s company.
At last, coffee served, the two gallery owners broached the conversation of Aris’ next showing.
“Before we begin to discuss the next presentation, I would like to speak with you about something that is dear to my heart.” Aris directed his words to the two men. “First, I must say that you two gentlemen have changed my life. You, John, by your faith in my work. You, Reginald, by giving me the chance to expand my horizons to both sides of the ocean. I am forever grateful to both of you.
Sarah sat silently, waiting to see the reaction of the two men to what she knew Aris was going to present to them.
“In my past, I lived in Chicago in a world of ugliness and despair. I lived a life as Carlos Havarro, full of pain and hopelessness. That life is behind me now. The ugliness transformed into beauty. The despair changed to faith. I live a new life. I am a new man. I wish to put my past to rest, to put Carlos Havarro to sleep for the last time.” The group at the table sat silently, waiting. “Gentlemen, I desire a new name.”
John leaned forward in his chair. “A new name?”
Reginald continued. “But you are just becoming known. Your name is only beginning to be spoken in the art world.”
“Yes,” Aris replied. “Yes, and so it is a perfect time to change. You see, when I was still very young, I was nurtured and guided by a man who saw something special in me. He led me on a path of beauty and fulfillment. But I lost him. He is no longer. The world lost his talent for seeing and transferring a living world to a world of paint and canvas, yet while I had him close, he gave me all he could of who he was. His name was Aris.” No one moved or spoke. “I am forever beholden to him and I wish to continue my life in his honor, to live and to paint in his name. Aris.”
“But,” John was stopped before he began.
“That is what must be. It is a decision I have made and it can be no other way.”
Reginald and John stared at each other in disbelief. Finally Reginald spoke. “And just exactly how do you propose we do this?”
“Yes,” John joined in, “we have already sold so many paintings in the name of Carlos Havarro. What of those paintings?”
“I have thought of that. Those paintings will have more value over time because they were the first.”
“That doesn’t answer my question. How do you plan on doing this?”
“I have been approached by a very well-known English art critic and journalist. Melanie Fairchild contacted me suggesting an article about my work to be published both in Europe and the States. Her work and opinions are highly respected. If she were to make the announcement in that article and give the reasons for the change, I am quite sure the art world would accept it. I no longer want to be looked upon as a gang banger turned artist. I am an artist and so want to be recognized for my talent and that alone.”
John swirled the amber brandy in his glass and sipped it before he spoke. “I can understand what you propose.” He looked at Reginald who nodded his agreement. “Alright. It might even add to your artist’s mystique.” He smiled as he spoke.
“And,” John cleared his throat. “And, Aris, I, too, have a surprise for you. The Duke of York has seen your work and would like you to meet with his secretary to discuss a painting.”
Sarah gasped and Aris laughed. “I would be honored to meet with his secretary. Just say when.”
The taxi ride back to London was filled with laughter and conversation. What could be more appropriate for the Immortal who had spent most of his existence in the presence of royalty than to be welcomed, once again, into the court of Kings and Queens. Yet even though Aris’ mood seemed light and happy, his inner thoughts were of the danger in which Sarah was placed every time she left the safety of the Catacombs. The Spanish coven and the war were always troubling thoughts in the back of his mind, but he rarely mentioned it when the two of them were alone. He didn’t want to worry her, yet he knew that many of his comrades would end up giving their Immortal lives for the security of their society. The dread of having to be the one who led them to their death was a heavy weight even for his broad, strong shoulders.
Kitsuko hated herself for following Aris. Her early training at the monastery and her life as an Immortal had taught her the horrors of obsession. And yet she found herself driven by an uncontrollable hurricane force to claim him, to make him fall in love with her.
Following him to London, lurking outside an English mansion like a thief in the night. Staying just a few cars behind him on the highway. “Who is this weak woman who has taken over my senses?” It didn’t matter. Nothing else mattered. Just to get a glimpse of him from a distance, even with the wretched human, thrilled her.
So lost in her thoughts, she didn’t see the stop light in front of her turn red. Screeching brakes brought her from her reverie just in time to save her from crashing into the car in front of hers. Not quite so lucky, the car behind her wasn’t able to avoid a collision. The bumper caved in on impact and pushed her forward with a crunch. She sat sandwiched between two cars as she watched Aris and his human drive on, oblivious to the accident behind them.
Opening the driver’s door, she stepped out of the car. The driver of the car behind her was already assessing the damage. She marveled at his tall, dark good looks as she walked toward him to exchange information. His black eyes flashed as he smiled.
CHAPTER 17
“Alright, Jane. This is our first session so we will commence by taking you into a deep state of relaxation. Then we will find a place in time when you have full memory, working comfortably toward the time when your human memory ends and your Immortal life begins. I can’t tell you how many sessions we will need, but I can tell you that I believe we will be able to answer your questions with time.” Jane nodded her head in agreement as she rested on Sarah’s sofa in her sitting room. “Where would you like to begin?”
Jane closed her eyes as she thought of her human life. There had been so many wonderful experiences in the court of Elizabeth I, the greatest of which was simply knowing the formidable Queen. “I would like to set out when I was maid-in-waiting. It was a glorious time in England and one I cherish in my memory.”
“Perfect.” Sarah leaned closer to the reclining girl as she began an hypnotic induction. She watched as Jane slowly became more relaxed and entered into a deep hypnotic state.
JANE HOWARD, transcript, Session 1
“What year is it, Jane?”
“It is the year 1586 and I have just begun waiting on the Queen.”
“Tell me about Queen Elizabeth.”
“Her Majesty is fifty-three years old. She never shows herself without full make-up and wigs and she has a great many. All of her hair pieces are tinted the vibrant red that was the color of her hair in her youth. I am told by the other maidens who have been in her service longer than I that beneath the wigs her tresses are thin, dull and mostly gray. It makes me sad to think such a powerful woman must hide her true image from her subjects.” Jane grew quiet and Sarah sat waiting for her to speak. When she did not, Sarah again questioned her.
“Tell me of the court.”
“Ah, the court. What a place of luxury. And a place of courtly love.”
“Courtly love?”
“Courtly love is not the same as romantic love. All of the men fawn over her Majesty, writing poems and songs of her beauty and grace, yet all know they will never be her lover. However, there were two that won her heart more than any others. Robert Dudley, Lord of Leicester and Robert Devereux, Second Earl of Essex. Each of these men held a special and unique place in her life.”
“What can you tell me of these courtiers?”
“Robert Dudley was the first of the men she loved. He knew the Queen when they were both but children. In their teens, her Majesty’s sister, Mary, was on the throne. Mary’s younger sister, our Elizabeth, was locked in the Tower of London. The Queen feared her subjects would revolt and raise Elizabeth to Monarch. Queen Mary was hated by her subjects because of her marriage to Prince Philip of Spain and her persecution of the Protestants. Philip brought the Spanish Inquisition to England with him. Any who were not Catholic and would not convert were tortured and burned at the stake at the order of Mary. She became known as ‘Bloody Mary,’ murdering any who would not bow to the Pope.
“Along with his treasonous family Dudley was imprisoned in the Tower at the same time as Elizabeth, yet in a different location. Still, they shared for their lifetime together the experience of not knowing from moment to moment if they would live or die at the command of a mad woman. It bonded them in a way that was unsevered until Dudley’s death in 1588. She called him her Robin. He lived for her and loved her all his life. He was her Master of Horse and her champion.”
“And what of Essex? What can you tell me of him?”
Suddenly Jane grew stiff and began to tremble. Her face contorted and she opened her mouth as if to scream, but no sound escaped.
Sarah responded instantly to the change in the young woman. “Jane. You are safe. You are here with me in the Catacombs. We are in the 21st Century and you are safe and secure.”
As if some magic incantation was spoken, Jane’s face softened and her body relaxed. Sarah breathed a sigh of relief.
“Now, Jane, I will bring you back to real time.” Slowly Sarah brought Jane’s awareness back to the Catacombs. When the Immortal opened her eyes, she looked at Sarah and a sad smile played on her lips.
“It was so strange. I felt I was there, at court. I could see the people and smell the smells. It was all so real.” Jane still rested on the sofa as she described her journey to Sarah.
“It’s that way for many people. Can you tell me what happened to you when you began to speak of Essex?”
“I have no words for it. I was suddenly overcome with terror. I know not why. The vision of court disappeared and I was in a black abyss full of pain and Essex was a part of it.” She sat up, turning to look at Sarah. “Must we return to that wretched place? I felt terrified.”
“Jane, I’m afraid so, but before we do, I’ll make you feel safe and secure when you mention him. Would you like to tell me about him now while you are not in hypnosis?”
Jane stood and paced thoughtfully before she answered. “I think not. But, Sarah, I know that Essex was somehow involved in my last day as a human. I must know the circumstances. Whatever we must do, I do gladly. I trust you and believe in you. I place myself in your good hands.”
CHAPTER 18
Twenty-five Immortals lined the training floor as Aris and Richard watched Kitsuko teach evasion tactics, spinning and tumbling around the room with ease and precision.
“She really is amazing.” Richard spoke quietly, almost reverently.
“Yes, she truly is.” Aris had been careful not to be alone with the newly promoted captain since their last meeting.
“Do you think we really are going to win this war?”
“Richard, we have no choice but to win. My concern is our losses. And Sarah.”
“Sarah? But she will be safe here in the Catacombs. Henry will watch over her and protect her.”
“I have no worries about her during the battle. My concern is if I am eliminated, what will become of her. I know she can return to the states and continue her life, but what if one of the Spanish coven should follow her. What if Mariska survives the conflict? She would hunt Sarah down and kill her and if DeMarco survives, he would change her regardless of her desire. I am being driven mad by the images of her death.”
Resting his hand on the arm of his friend, Richard spoke with concern. “That will never happen, Aris. We will all make sure that Sarah is safe now and for as long as she lives. As long as there are Immortals on the earth, she will be protected.”
“And what if there is no more Immortal society?”
As he spoke, the twenty five soldiers leaped as one, twenty feet into the air, spun and landed in the exact same spot where they began. Richard laughed, “With that ball of fire instructing us, I think we may be invincible.”
“I hope you are right my friend.” He glanced at his watch. “Come, let them train without our eyes on them.”
The two Immortals quietly left the pavilion so as not to disturb the concentration of the soldiers.
CHAPTER 19
It was Sarah’s first time to venture alone through the corridors and streets of the Catacombs. Aris had planned on taking her to see the Master Keeper of Records, but when he was called to meet with his commanders, he had given her explicit directions to find the Catacombs Library without him. The Immortals she passed in the narrow streets nodded and smiled at her. In her pocket rested the communication device Gabriela had given her when she first arrived so that if she needed guidance, she could reach any of her friends. She knew he wouldn’t send her alone if he had any fear that she was not absolutely safe, yet she couldn’t help but be a bit nervous to walk alone in the labyrinth of the inner city.
Aris had been pleased when she told him she wanted to visit the Master Keeper of Records. She was intrigued by him as much as he was her. Aris told her he had been with Queen Akira since the early sixteenth century. Sarah had been full of questions, but Aris suggested she receive her answers from Henry himself. She was excited to spend time with such a prominent Immortal renowned for his brilliance. When she reached the library, she was struck by the beauty of its wood paneled and enormous interior. She felt for a moment she had entered a movie set. A lovely blond Immortal woman sat at a long table, books and charts covering its dark wood.
Sarah approached her quietly, but before she could speak, the woman lifted her blue eyes questioningly toward the human. “You are Sarah?”
“Yes, I’m looking for Henry.”
“He is expecting you. Aris notified him this morning you would be visiting us.” She rose from the table to lead Sarah between shelves holding the grandest collection of volumes Sarah had ever seen. “I am called Millicent and I assist the Master Keeper in the Records Hall. He is waiting in his study to receive you.” She made no sound as she walked toward a large heavy wooden door at the back of the cavernous room.
She turned the door’s handle and it unlatched quietly opening into a softly lit sitting room. Henry sat behind a huge desk covered with papers and books. Again, he was dressed in a black business suit and a tie. His silver hair was tied back from his face with a thin black ribbon, his eyes sparkled in the light from the lamp on his desk. He stood as she entered and moved to take her hands in his.
“Sarah, welcome. I am so glad you came to see me.” Motioning her to sit in a comfortable chair, he spoke. “Would you like some tea?” She noticed a beautiful hand painted tea service on a table next to her chair.
“Yes, thank you.” He poured and handed her a cup. “So, what has brought you to the library today?”
“I want to learn more about the Immortals. More about you, if I may.”
“What can I tell you?”
“Well, it seems each of you has a story to tell of your human life. May I know yours?” She hesitated but a moment before her words began to pour out as if she had no control over them. “What was your life above ground? How long have you been here and how did you become the Master Keeper of Records?”
He laughed. “You certainly are full of questions.”
Sarah blushed. “I am. I’m just so incredibly fascinated by your society, your way of life. It’s so foreign from the human world where I come from. There’s so much fear and hatred above ground. You have found a peace here that I’ve never felt before.”
“Ah, my life as a human. What shall I te
ll you?” He settled into the over-stuffed chair across from her. “I was changed in 1519. I was living in France at that time. I was sixty-seven years old. Quite an old man for that period.”
“Were you born in France?”
“No, I was born in Italy. I lived in Vinci and became quite well known as an artist and a delver into the sciences. Through my work I met many influential people until at one point, I was requested to travel to the Vatican. It was an era of artistic excellence and I held council with other celebrated creative men of that period. My work was appreciated and I flourished. It was during my stay in Rome that I came to know of the Immortals. A priest who befriended me told me of such a society. He was kind and wise and we had many long evenings deep in discussion on a myriad of topics, some religious, some secular, all intriguing.
“One evening after several meetings, he brought up the tale of the Immortal life. At first, he was timid. He felt I would be frightened at the thought of the undead. Rather than frightening, I found the subject captivating. I wanted to learn more. Over time, he told me all he could about the life underground.
“You must remember, I was a scientist. The more he told me, the more I wanted to meet and speak with an Immortal. At long last, he admitted to me that he was one of the undead. I begged to be taken to the Catacombs; to visit the city underground was my most intense desire. Alas, he would not even tell me where the court lay. Not even the country that housed it. Yet, I continued to ask questions, hoping he would change his mind.” He reached forward to refresh the tea in Sarah’s cup.
Having refilled it, he leaned back in his chair against the cushions as he spoke. “King Francis had just recaptured Milan and was visiting the Pope. It was then, in 1516, that I met him. The King commissioned me to create a full-sized metal lion for him that could walk. It was a challenge from which I could not turn. I packed my studio and my life to move to France to begin my work on the great beast.