Fire and Ice

by Hart, Catherine

  Kathleen turned to find a small ragged boy with enormous dark eyes and a head of curly black hair.

  “I ride very well.” He puffed out his chest proudly.

  “I don’t doubt it for a moment,” Kathleen told him earnestly, holding back a smile. “Who might you be?”

  “I am Raul. My grandmother is the seeress.”

  “Well, Raul, what price did you have in mind?”

  “Five dollars,” came the prompt answer.

  Reed stepped up beside Kathleen. “That sounds a bit steep to me.”

  Raul thought a moment. “Four will do—in gold of course.”

  Kathleen smiled, her eyes twinkling merrily. “You will be riding a rare animal, Raul. It is you who should pay me for the privilege.”

  “Three then, and not a penny less.” Raul’s chin jutted out.

  “Two and not a cent more!” Kathleen countered.

  “All right, two!” Raul grinned.

  “I think he would have settled for one if you had kept going, Kat,” Reed whispered.

  “Oh well, easy come, easy go!” she quipped.

  “That is fine for you to say,” Reed grumbled, “especially since it is I who foot your bills!”

  “Should I feel like a kept woman?” she teased.

  “Just keep in mind that a kept woman always pays for her keep one way or another, my dear.” He grinned at her rakishly.

  The horses raced with Raul astride Zeus. Kathleen watched from the sidelines with the others. Several other planters also entered horses, and there was a final field of ten animals. Reed, on Titan, came in a half length ahead of the others, but to Kathleen’s delight, Zeus and the gypsy’s white came in tied for second place a good two lengths ahead of the field. Now she finally had some idea of Zeus’s speed, and since it was his first race, he was sure to get better. He might even beat Titan before long. She was bursting with pride.

  As per terms of the wager, the five from Chimera stayed for supper. Reed sent word to Chimera and had another sheep sent to the camp anyway. While they waited, Kathleen let Ted and Eleanore talk her into having her fortune told by Raul’s grandmother. She followed the old woman into the darkened interior of the woman’s wagon. A few candles glowed dimly and the smell of incense was strong.

  She seated Kathleen opposite herself at a small, low table and took the girl’s hands. For long, silent moments she stared into her palms, then gazed deeply into Kathleen’s emerald eyes until Kathleen almost felt herself drowning in the fathomless dark eyes opposite her own. She felt herself start to sway.

  The wizened old woman began to quiver and shake as if in a fit of palsy. Still holding Kathleen’s hands, she closed her eyes and her head fell back. Her voice, when it began, was strange, seeming to belong to another person altogether.

  Caught up in the strangeness of the moment, Kathleen listened in awed silence as the woman spoke.

  “You have come from a far land by the sea. More than that, you come from the sea. You belong to it, and will return to it time and again, until you at last rest forever beneath its depths. But fear not, for that will be many years hence. I see many years of life for you, but you must take heed. Never stay long from the sea, for from it you gain your strength for the trials life brings you.

  “I see one great love in your life. He is tall and dark and commanding, with eyes like the morning sky. Tread carefully here. You are often at cross-purposes with this man. His domination threatens your independent nature. I see you in combat against him. I see you in conflict within yourself.

  “I see a young woman who resembles you—no, she is you. She has hair as black as the raven’s wing, and wears an outfit of green. She is wild and bold. She is your other freer self when your spirit needs to fly free. She wields a sword and sails the seas. I see her in grave danger from another man, a short man with an accent and a scar along his arm. Avoid this man. He wishes your life’s blood.

  “I see a deep grief, an unborn son lost recently. Share your grief with one who also bears it and you will feel your heart lighten. Grieve not. There will be another son and more children in your future.

  “I see a marriage that is not as it should be. It brings distress to its partners where there should be great joy. Your pride keeps you from this joy. When you can put aside your vengeance and pride, only then will your life be complete. You fight your love for this man, but he is your only love. You are not whole without him. Cut him away from yourself, and you cut out your reason for being.

  “There will come a great crisis. I do not see it clearly, but it is a battle of wills and swords. Weather it with love and you will survive it unscathed. Deal with it with revenge and hate, and you will always live with regret. The paths are both there. The choice is yours. Walk one path and sorrow abounds. Choose the other and joy will light your life and that of those you love.

  “You have two great gifts—that of your sea spirit, and that of true love. Do not waste them. Nurture them and they will serve you well, with rewards beyond your dreams. Heed my words.”

  The old woman’s voice trailed off. For long seconds neither moved. Finally the gypsy opened her eyes and breathed deeply. “I can see no more. I can add only this. Because of your great gifts you will save many lives. Your personal destiny rests more firmly in your own hands than most. This can be a burden and trial to you, but it can also be your salvation.”

  She stood and led Kathleen outside. “Go with God and follow your heart, girl. Your happiness awaits you.”

  Kathleen was very quiet when she rejoined the others. From time to time as they ate, she would glance up to see Reed eyeing her with concern. She thought with great care about the old woman’s words. The more she mulled it over in her mind, the more confused she felt. The knowledge that her unborn baby was a boy weighed heavily on her.

  Finally Reed broke into her thoughts. “I don’t mean to pry, Kat, but something has obviously upset you. Was it something that old fortuneteller said?”

  Kathleen blinked back her tears. ”1 don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Kat! I’m surprised at you! That is all a bunch of hocus-pocus! There isn’t a grain of truth in any of it, darling.”

  Kathleen gave him a decidedly hateful look. “That’s how much you know, Reed Taylor! You should have heard! Oh, God, you should have heard!” She leaped from the ground and ran off along the river’s bank.

  Reed started to go after her and swiftly changed his mind. Instead, he went off in search of the old woman. He found her outside her wagon.

  “Old woman, what did you say to my wife that upset her so?”

  She looked up at him tiredly. “If she wishes you to know, she will tell you herself. I told her only the truth.”

  “Most palmists tell their clients nice things, don’t they? That they will have long life and much wealth and happiness? What kind of gloom and doom did you forecast for her to have such a downcast reaction?” Reed was trying to control his anger.

  “Life is not like that, is it?” the old woman answered. She stood slowly and took his palms.

  “I will tell you this. Your young wife is more complex than you can now imagine. You and she will have your trials, but if you cling firmly to your love, you can win her. Even should you discover she has deceived you in some way, hold fast to her. It is never wise to try to cage such a bird. By letting her feel free, you will tame her.

  “You will reach a crisis in your marriage. You will know it when it comes. Beware! At this time do not flee from her, for if you do you may lose her forever. You must curb your anger and use understanding and forgiveness as your truest weapons. Your life and marriage will be resolved if you can learn to temper your anger with love and kindness.”

  Reed jerked his hands from hers. “You have told me nothing!”

  The old woman shook her head sadly. “I have told you much. You have not listened. I only hope you will recall my words when you should, that they will serve you well.” She turned to enter her wagon. “Go now. Your wife
awaits you at the bend in the river by the big rock. She will be ready to talk to you.”

  Indeed, he found her exactly where the old woman had said. She was sitting on the rock, crying softly into her hands. He walked up and touched her gently on the shoulder.

  Without hesitation she threw herself into his arms, sobbing wildly. Surprised beyond words, he could only hold her until she calmed down enough to talk.

  “Tell me about it, kitten.”

  “Oh, Reed!” she sobbed. “All these weeks I’ve been blaming you! But it was my fault! I killed our baby, Reed! I killed our son by my own stupid actions!”

  “You didn’t fall deliberately, Kat. I was right behind you. I know. It was an accident that took our child, love. An accident.” He stroked her hair soothingly.

  “It was a boy, Reed, a son! Your heir! She told me so, and even if she hadn’t, I knew deep inside anyway. Oh, dear God! How can you bear to look at me?” she cried.

  “It wasn’t your fault. You were upset and I had said some foul things. Can you forgive me, Kat?”

  “Me forgive you? Of course! But, Reed, I have to tell you this. I would have wanted that baby had I known. I know I told you differently, but the words were said in anger and I didn’t really mean them, darling. I would have loved him dearly, not just for himself, but because he was yours. Please believe me, Reed. I would have loved your child!” She nearly screamed the words at him. He held her tightly for a moment, feeling the tears stinging behind his eyelids.

  “Thank you, kitten. I believe you. Someday perhaps there will be other children.”

  He expected her to pull away from him angrily but she only hiccuped and nodded her head as she snuggled into his chest. The sweet sorrow and growing joy he felt at that moment were indescribable. They clung to each other for a long while before they started walking slowly back to the camp.

  He handed her his handkerchief. “Here. Wipe your face and blow your nose.”

  “Thank you.” She accepted the offer. “I already feel better. Besides, I forgot to tell you the good part.”

  “The good part?” He looked at her questioningly.

  “Yes. She told me we would have another son and more children besides.”

  He grinned down at her radiant face. “I could have told you that, you adorable ninny!”

  By the time Reed and Kathleen reached the gypsy camp, the festivities were in full swing. Singing and playing and dancing were being enjoyed by one and all. As the only outsiders present, they had expected to leave, but when they found Susan and Ted, they could not immediately locate Eleanore. Then Ted pointed into the center of a group of dancers. There was Eleanore, being swung about by the handsome young man who had flirted with her earlier.

  “Do you suppose she’ll invite him to the Christmas cotillion?” Ted joked.

  “Knowing Eleanore, she just might at that!” Kathleen retorted. Looking up at Reed, she said in a low, slightly husky voice, “Doesn’t this remind you of another evening, a similar group of people, guitars, dancing?”

  He gazed at her adoringly. “I recall one dancer in particular who held me spellbound that evening.” He held out his arms. “Would you care to dance, señora?”

  She wasn’t surprised that he picked up the dance steps of the gypsy music so well. She was finding her husband to be a very versatile man. They danced for a while and finally found themselves near Eleanore and her dashing partner.

  “Kathleen, Reed, I would like you to meet Pietre. Isn’t he magnificent?”

  “Indeed,” Kathleen muttered as the two men shook hands.

  “I was just about to tell Pietre how marvelously you can dance the flamenco, Kathleen,” Eleanore said.

  “Eleanore!” Kathleen hissed in annoyance.

  Pietre looked at Eleanore confusedly. “You are joking, yes?”

  Eleanore giggled. “I am joking, no! She really can!”

  Kathleen surveyed her friend critically. “Eleanore, are you tipsy?” she asked incredulously.

  “Maybe just a bit tiddly. I had a wee tad of wine, but, my lands, it was strong!”

  “We should head for home now,” Reed suggested diplomatically.

  “Just a little while longer,” Pietre pleaded elegantly. “I have just found this delightful angel. Don’t take her away from me so soon.”

  Then he turned to Kathleen. “You must dance for us. Are you as good as Eleanore suggests?”

  “Our friend exaggerates at times,” Reed explained.

  “Especially when she’s in her cups,” Kathleen added in an undertone.

  “You will not try?” Pietre asked.

  “Thank you, but no. I must refuse,” Kathleen said politely, all the time glaring daggers at the grinning Eleanore.

  “As you wish.” Pietre shrugged philosophically, leading Eleanore back into the dance.

  Kathleen sighed in relief, silently promising to strangle her friend at the first opportunity.

  After dancing a while longer, they sat about the campfire listening to tales retold and songs and stories invented on the spot. As one young girl took her place with her guitar, Raul stepped up to Kathleen and Reed and whispered, “Atalia asks that you listen well to the words of her song. She says you will recognize the man and woman in the verses.”

  Kathleen and Reed exchanged a confused look. Then they shrugged and settled back to listen as Atalia began to strum the beginning chords. Her voice rang out soft and clear as she sang her ballad to them.

  There once was a god and a goddess

  Different as day and night,

  And when they came together

  ’Twas the meeting of fire and ice.

  She was the sunshine, he the darkness;

  Enchantress and devil were they.

  A flash of lightning, a roll of thunder,

  As they clashed throughout the day.

  She as a small orange kitten,

  He as the panther dark.

  She as the playful dolphin,

  He as the deadly shark.

  She as soft as the clouds above,

  He as hard as tempered steel.

  And spirits say when they made love

  It made the universe reel.

  His eyes were blue as a cloudless sky.

  His hair was black as midnight.

  Her emerald eyes could weave a spell,

  Her tresses long and spun of sunlight.

  She was the honey; he the bee,

  She the rose and he the thorn.

  She the turbulent, mystic sea,

  He the heavens racked with storm.

  He swore to tame the fiery maiden

  With all his power and might.

  She said she’d see him first to fall;

  They battled through endless night.

  His lips so warm, demanding,

  Hers so soft and tender;

  He used his strength, she her wiles,

  Testing who would first surrender.

  But when the storm clouds parted

  And the newborn day had dawned,

  They both lay sleeping, still embracing,

  Conquered by the love they'd spawned.

  As Atalia’s voice faded away, Kathleen and Reed sat staring into one another’s eyes. Kathleen blinked back the tears that were sparkling in her eyes. Reed grasped her small hand in his, fingering the emerald ring he had given her.

  “It’s uncanny!” Kathleen murmured.

  “How many times have I called you my kitten?” he said wonderingly.

  “The comparisons fit so well.”

  “At least she has given us a happy ending in her ballad,” he whispered wistfully. “Do you think perhaps she could be right?”

  Kathleen sighed sadly, “Perhaps in time, Reed.” To herself she added, “Dear God, I hope so.”

  They rode home thoughtfully. Reed took the tipsy Eleanore before him in his saddle as Kathleen led her horse. Kathleen was acutely aware of the speculative looks she got from Ted and Susan, though neither said anything.


  “Oh, dear! What a day this has turned out to be!” she groaned to herself.

  When they at last reached Chimera, she fled to her room. She would certainly have a few words for Eleanore in the morning!

  Exhaustion, emotional as well as physical, took its toll, and she fell into a deep sleep. She awoke to the feel of warm lips parting hers, and calloused hands stroking her limbs.

  “Reed?” she questioned sleepily.

  “In the flesh!” came his chuckled reply.

  Her hands reached out to search his body. “And not much else it seems,” she giggled. He massaged her stomach and she made small sounds in her throat. “You don’t even cheat fairly, Reed,” she purred.

  “I know,” he returned cheerfully.

  Kathleen stifled a yawn. “What time is it?”

  “Nearly one.”

  “I’m half asleep still.”

  “Part of my plan,” he admitted. “This way you are less apt to throw me out and much easier to manage.”

  “You rascal!”

  They made slow, languorous love, drawing out their pleasures. Afterward they slept soundly, awakening only when they heard Mammy enter the sitting room.

  Kathleen sat up with a start and gave the smiling Reed a great shove. “Damn it, Reed! Don’t just lie there grinning! Get up and out of here!” she hissed.

  They heard Mammy humming as she straightened the other room.

  Slowly Reed climbed out of bed. Kathleen tossed his robe at him and pushed him to the veranda doors. “Hurry up! If you are caught here, I swear I will never speak to you again!”

  “Is that a threat or a promise?” He winked at her.

  “Both, you big lout! Now go!”

  She shoved him onto the veranda and leaped back into bed just as Mammy opened the bedroom door.

  “Mornin’, chile,” Mammy said cheerfully. “Ah thought ah’d bring up yoah coffee befoah breakfas’. Ya went to baid so early las’ night. How’s dat haidache o’ yoahs?”

  “It just left,” Kathleen said ironically, rolling her eyes.

  “Whut? Sometimes ah just cain’t figure dese white folks.”

  “Nothing, Mammy. Thank you for the coffee.” Kathleen sat up, fluffing the pillows before Mammy could round the bed. She swung her feet to the floor—and smack into Reed’s slippers! Quickly she kicked them beneath the bed.