by Miki
“Mr. Chairman…”
“Jose, please, while we are not in session. May I call you Kendra in return?”
“It would make me very happy if you would. I’ll also take you up on your offer of using your designer, if you don’t think it’ll be a problem.”
He reassures me it’s no bother and quickly picks up the phone. “Yes, Jamie. I need your help. Queen Kendra of the Ceorfan delegation needs a gown and other essentials for a gala tonight.” I’m only able to hear one side of the conversation. It sounds like a flurry of talking, followed by a pause in the conversation. “Yes, yes. She’s a dear friend and I do know this is last minute. I’ll owe you dearly, my friend. A pause. I understand, and you’re too kind. Please make sure you bill me for the expenses. Another pause. Thank you, Jamie, I’ll give her the tele and she’ll provide you with the important details.”
I receive the telephone from Jose and speak to the unidentified person on the other end, “Yes, this is Kendra Macbard. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?”
“Oh, darling, you do not need that pretense with me. I’m Jamie Serge. Please, call me Jamie.” His beautiful sing-song lilt captures my attention. “I will be at your suite in two hours. We will begin your transformation and have the best day ever. Is that ok with you?”
“Yes, Jamie, that would be wonderful,” I answer.
“Of course, dear, and thank you for letting me dress you, darling.”
I return the phone to Jose. As he takes it, he says, “Let’s go see the prisoners now. The guards are waiting outside.”
Twenty-Three
Fun
Kendra
Well, I’m not let down on my vision of a medieval dungeon. This one is as dark and dank as I expected. Although there aren’t any torture devices that I can see. I do see the guy who pissed on my men in the first cell. Instantly, I became serious. I still think he’s scum, but I’m not in the killing mood I’d been in.
I walk with Jose to Jafer’s cell. Jose tells him he has some questions for him.
Jafer says, “You can ask all you want. I will not give you any information.,” His accent is thick with innuendo.
I look into his eyes to see if I could call the magic persuasion up and ask him, “Are you sure you wouldn’t tell us just a little? It’s very important that we get some information.”
When I finish speaking, he asks, “Exactly what do you think is important?”
“I think that knowing where Don Manuel Jessup and his top lieutenants are located is important.”
“They are in Morocco right now, on vacation. They are planning to go to the south Caribbean next.”
This persuasion thing is making this much easier than I thought it’d be. The more Jafer speaks, the more the other men yell at him to shut up. One by one I look at them and tell them, “Your behavior isn’t nice. I need the information, and you’re the ones who should shut up.”
Now I have the opposite problem. Each of them is franticly trying to provide the information I want. They speak over each other so much, I have to have different people listen to different suspects. Unfortunately, that leads to crying among the ones not speaking to me. I choose to ask each of them a question in turn. They are spilling the beans so fast, I need Merry Maids to clean it up.
We learn the names of the yachts the cartel uses. Various other names, places, some telephone, and bank account numbers are filled in. We’ve been at it for more than two hours when Jafer speaks up, “Queen Kendra, if I do not report in by our 7:30 deadline, the cartel will send someone to check on us.”
I thank him for the extra tidbit. Jose then asks me if I have enough information.
“I have more than I thought I’d ever get.”
He replies, “I’m surprised it was so easy. If men spill their secrets that easily to you, I may ask you to be available to interrogate any other prisoners we have to incarcerate.” Adding, a bit forlornly, “I hope we never have any more though, Kendra.”
“It’s a deal. I know you’re a man of honor. I’ll stand with you. Now, we’ll just need to verify all the information they’ve given us,” I chuckle.
I’d just finished my shower when a knock sounded on my door. Calling out, I ask who’s there.
The designer I’d talked to on the phone answers, “Open the door, hun. This stuff is heavy.”
I let him in with a few others carrying boxes and dress bags. “I am Jamie,” he says as he put a hand out to me.
I’m not sure if he wants me to kiss it or shake it. Before I have a chance to do either, he pulls it back, puts it to his chin and walks around me making ‘uh uh’ noises. Stopping, he looks and waits until just before it becomes uncomfortable. Then he speaks, “What on earth, hun! Have you been cutting your own hair? We have so much to do. Oh Lord, this is not good.”
I bite the corner of my lip, then said, “I know I’m not all that…”.
But Jamie interrupts me. “Noo, nooo, noooo,” each ‘no’ longer than the last. “You, my dear, are very fine. It just looks like you have been trying to copy a bag lady for beauty tips.” Jamie has a delightful tilt to his voice. Each syllable at the end of his sentences always trails up, almost musically. I laugh out loud as I watch his hands waiving with each word. If I hold his hands, he won’t be able to speak!
The pure joy of him being himself effuses the room. Jamie loves who he is and because he does it with such verve, I find myself feeling incredibly confident in his forthcoming choices. He calls Thurston, who brings an equally vivacious girl with a suitcase full of make-up and another full of pedicure/manicure stuff. I forfeit all my choices. Jamie makes them all. I will say it makes my day so much easier.
The three of us talk about every subject imaginable. Well, except for everything that doesn’t involve make-up, jewelry, clothes, boys, and things that fit in one of those groups. Sunset comes and goes before I know it.
My gargoyles wake and come into the room while Jamie is still ordering how he wants my hair fixed. We have already taken care of which dress and underthings to wear. We finish a bottle of Joyce Eloise Malbec from Argentina and are starting on a 2006 Annabella Cabernet from California when Spar comes into the room. We’re all laughing, then quiet.
Without warning, Jamie says, “I see what you are talking about, Kendra. Can I have this one?”
“No! I like that one a lot—in fact, I think all the best ones are mine. But I’m sure we can find you one when we get home. Will you come with me when I go home?” I plead.
“I don’t think I can make a living that way, hun. But I will visit. How’s that?”
“I’ll go for that,” I answered excitedly. “Spar, will you come and meet my friend Jamie?”
“I, um, actually have something to do. I’ll be back later, I promise, Kendra.”
“Okay handsome. Just make sure you dress formal—we have a gala tonight.”
He kisses me on the cheek and leaves. He must have warned everyone away, because no one else comes in while I’m getting ready.
Jamie stands me up in front of the mirror. Wow, who’s that? That can’t be me. That woman, even I think is beautiful. My wine buzz is gone, or I wouldn’t believe I could look like this. I’m wearing a floor-length gown which shimmers every time I breathe. It’s red, one of my favorite colors. I’m wearing stilts, not heels, but they aren’t bad. In fact, they’re as sparkly as my dress. I turn and hug Jamie, with my heart beating out of my chest. “Thank you, Jamie! You’re amazing! You’ve turned an ugly duckling into a queen!”
“No, hun, you are beautiful. I just help with the trim.”
I ask him, “Will you always be my fairy god mother!”
He says, “Yes, of course, my dearest Kendra.”
Jamie gives me his number. I call him, so he has my number as he packs up and leaves. He says he’ll walk out with me; he wants to see what my guygoyles think.
He wings an arm to me and I take it, walking out of my bedroom door. All of the talking we’d heard in the living area sto
ps. They turn toward me, except Jared, who is still telling a story to them—oblivious to their sudden inattention. Their mouths drop open at the exact same time. I see their eyes going wide, shoulders going back like strutting peacocks preparing for their mating dance. Mica actually drops a cookie, totally forgetting he was holing it. Jamie walks me toward my trio, stops, and lifts my arm. I take the hint and do a little spin for them. I chuckle at the looks on their faces, feeling very happy that those looks are for me. I air-kiss Jamie’s cheek before he leaves with a wink. He’s as happy at their reactions as I am.
Mega says behind me. “Edling, you are more beautiful than any woman I have ever seen. I am proud you are my Queen. I have always known you were smart, talented, and honorable. I have also known you were beautiful, but tonight you bring us all to our knees.”
“It’s the dragon blood, General,” I say flippantly.
Jared pipes up and says, “That’s what I always say when people call me beautiful.” We all laugh. “So, is everyone ready for a gala?”
It sure looks like we are. Kino is closet to me, and not about to be outdone by the others, offers me his arm impishly. I set mine on top of his and we start for the party. Spar and Mica follow then the rest of the Ducere. We stop so the Herald can announce our entry into the ball room.
It’s Thurston who’s acting as the Herald. He grins slyly at me and in his best Scottish Crier impersonation says, “Her Highness, Queen Kendra Macbard of the Ceorfan, and Her consorts, the Marquess Kino Magus, Commander Mica Jacobs of the Elite Warriors Guild, and Spar Megason, Cadet of the Elite Warriors.”
He bows to us and lets us enter the ball room. We all smile at hearing our names and titles sung out in this setting. It makes it even more real to us. Spar says, “Well after that, I think I need a drink. Kendra, would you like a drink?”
“Please, just a white wine.”
“Mica come with me to get her wine.”
Mica asks Kino, “Hey, do you want me to get you something?”
He answers in his stately voice, “I would like…”
While he pauses I say, “Milk in a dirty glass?” Now we’re all laughing.
Kino says, “Any whiskey they have is fine.”
After the others leave, I tell him I’m sorry for the joke. He says not to be. That’s part of what makes me, me. He loves me just the way I am. I smile and thank him as we start making our way to ‘work the room.’
When Mica and Spar come over with our drinks, I am so ready for it. We sit on a bench close to a large balcony. We’re in such a wonderful mood. This is what memories are made of.
Jerad’s with a beautiful redhead on his arm. I’m not up on these things, but, I’m pretty certain she’s an actress. Leave it to Jared to find the stunningly beautiful and the talented all in one.
Jose Brinker is standing by the orchestra, readying an announcement. The crowd quiets to hear him. “I would like to welcome Queen Kendra and the Ceorfan Guild. These talks have produced great plans with input from both her and the Ceorfan. We are sure these will help to bring peace and prosperity to the world. I propose a toast to Her Majesty.” Everyone raises their glasses. He continues, “Here is to health, peace, and prosperity—may the flower of peace and love never be nipped by the frost of war and hate, nor may the shadow of grief never fall among a member of her Guild. May the Ceorfan one day be accepted by all.” The whole room cheers! I have happy tears as I clink my glass to everyone's around me.
The music starts, and Kino asks me if I’ll dance with him. I nod a small, tilt of my head to accept. He leads me to the dance floor. He puts his strong arm around my waist, I sigh and shiver when his big hands warm my back. Holding me close, he leads me across the dance floor.
I love dancing. Even with clawed feet, Kino is a splendid and graceful dancer. We just make it to the others when Mica collects me, and we start the next dance. “A girl could get used to this,” I tell him.
“Then let’s have lots of dances and reasons to dress up.” He sweeps me into a turn, and I lean into him for balance. Yes, I can get used to this. We talk for bit, then Spar cuts in just as the next song begins.
This song is a slow one. Not a waltz but a two-step. “I’m so glad you didn’t forget how to dance. Don’t you ladies always tell each other, ‘the best lovers are the best dancers.’”
“The old wives tales are true,” I flirt with him.
“Of course, they are, Kendra, my love. Are you ready for a rest?”
“Yes, and some water if you don’t mind.” He sets me on the bench we’d claimed and heads off to get my water.
I look around the room for the others. My donum begins to speak loudly. Worrying, I stand as a loud boom next to the balcony shoots through the ballroom, knocking me onto my face. I feel hands on me. I start to fight them off when something is sprayed in my face.
Then blackness.
Twenty-Four
Captured
Jared
It’s been this way since we were kids. One of us in trouble, and one or both of the others is there helping. No one tells us anything’s wrong. We just know. We have a name for it—donum—we just never speak about it to others, because we’re certain people will think we’re nuts. Well, my friends from school would say I’m nuts, regardless of the reason.
Kendra says it was God who allows it. I say it’s my ESP. Dana, well, he pretends it doesn’t exist; but come time to help, there he is, right in the middle.
Tonight, I have one of the most vivid impressions I’ve ever experienced. Kendra needs help. It makes no sense. She’s with Spar, Mica, and Kino. All three of these goyles are built to be the last survivor in any fight. If they’re alive, nobody can touch Kendra. But, there IS something wrong—or it’s coming.
I run as fast as I can toward the ballroom in the castle. I only left for a minute to relieve myself. I look around the room for Kendra. I see her, she is sitting on a bench, I run toward…
I’m blown back by the blast and slam into the wall behind me. The force of the blast is like a hammer blow to my chest. My wind is gone, and my consciousness is fading.
I can stand, so I push away the dizziness the way Master Ghasanie taught me during my Tae Kwon Do training. I’m slow to move sometimes, so I used to get hit a lot. That means I was able to practice fighting through dizziness often. Right now, I need to find my sister and my date! Dizziness be damned, I’m moving.
My first impression is the bomb produced very little damage. Other than the hole in the wall and lots of broken dishes and overturned furniture, there’s little physical damage. Several people are lying on the floor near the hole. It’s obvious that many of those in the room are suffering from some sort of shock. Many are just wandering.
I head to where the hole is blown out of the castle walls. The last I saw, Kendra was sitting on a bench near the balcony right by the hole. On my way, I find Jolie Woods, my date. Jolie and I had been dating for about a week now. For me, that’s almost an eternity. I prefer not have a steady girlfriend. Jolie is different. It isn’t the beautiful red hair, or her knock-your-socks off-looks, or even her skill as an actress. This girl has everything.
Jolie’s sitting on a bench opposite where I’d last seen Kendra. She has a cut on her forehead and several scratches on her arms. I pull out my silk handkerchief and use it to stop the bleeding on her forehead. Then, despite my racing desire to find my sister, I hold her for a bit. She stops me, telling me she’s fine. I look into her eyes, looking for any hint of a concussion…
Damn! She has the most beautiful face I’ve ever seen. Those eyes…
“Jolie,” I say, “I need to find Kendra. Have you seen her since the explosion?”
“No.” She takes my hand and squeezes it.
“Do you mind if I go find some help for you and look for my sister?”
“Jared, don’t be silly! I’m fine, look for Kendra. I can get my own help!”
I gently kiss her on her pouty lips, holding her face in my hands. She returns the
kiss adoringly. At the end of the kiss, she holds my hands in place and says, “I love you, Jared Macbard, and I’m going to marry you.”
I look at her and smile. I don’t need to say anything.
As I move through the crowd, I keep stopping to help people. Some need serious medical attention. I yell to the room, “Does the castle have a doctor? Are there any nurses?”
“I’m a doctor. I just got here. Do you know who’s the worst off yet?”
“This lady is bleeding badly—I think you should start with her. I’ll find you some help. I’ve got to find my sister. If you meet someone named Kendra, tell her her brother is looking for her.”
“Wait, Kendra Macbard? She’s a friend of mine. I came tonight to see her. My name is Arden. I’ll keep a look out.”
Arden grabs a guy who seems to need a purpose at that moment. Together, they start to triage the patients.
I walk away, toward the bench where I last saw Kendra. I trip over a body. Even from behind, I can tell it’s Kino. I turn him over gently to see if he’s all right. I don’t see any sign of trauma, so I risk moving him out of the traffic lane so no one else will trip over him. Dang, he’s heavy! I rely on my first aid training: turn him on his side, bend his top leg so his hip and knee are at right angles, gently tilt his head back to keep his airway open, keep him warm.
After I’ve arranged Kino, I take my jacket and lay it across him. I hope he’s only knocked out from the blast. There’s nothing left for me to do but tell Arden. “Hey, Arden, check on this guy when you can!”
He yells back, “I’ll be right over.”
I get to where I last saw Kendra. The bench is overturned, and debris is spread all over the place. I see a guy sitting on the floor, so I walk to him and ask, “Do you need help?”
“No, I’m okay.”