We have descended a good part of the route and Mimoso approaches ever-increasingly. Already we can see kids playing in the street, washerwomen with their sacks on a nearby dam, young people socializing in the small local square. What is waiting for us? I wonder who needs help. All these answers will be obtained in the course of the book. Something stands out in the Mimoso sky: Dark clouds fill the entire environment. What does this mean? I'm going to have to find out about it. Our steps accelerate, and we're about one hundred yards from the village. Up north is a towering, stylish, and beautiful home. It must serve as the residence for someone important. In the west, a black castle stands out among the houses. It's scary just by appearance. We finally arrive. We are in the central region where most of the houses are located. I need to find a hotel to rest because the trip was long and tiring. My bags weigh heavy on my arms. I speak with one of the residents who tells me where I can find one. It is a little further south from where we were. We leave to go there.
The Hotel
The journey from where we were up until the hotel was carried out peacefully. We were observed only a little by the people we met. Among these people, some figures stood out: A woman with a hat in the style of Carmen Miranda, a boy with whip marks on his back, and a sad girl accompanied by three strong men who appeared to be her bodyguards. They all acted strangely as if this village wasn't any ordinary community. We are in front of the hotel. On the outside, it can be described like this: A one-story, brick residence, with an area of approximately 1600 square feet with a home-style, inverted, v-shaped roof. The window and the front door are wooden and are covered with fancy curtains. There is a small garden, where flowers of various kinds are growing. This was the only hotel in Mimoso, so we have been informed. Next door, just a few feet away, was a gas station. I was trying to find the bell, but could not. I remembered that we were probably in more ancient times and in addition we were in the countryside where the advances of civilization have not yet arrived. The solution, in order to be attended to, was to use the old method of yelling that awakens even the inveterate deaf.
—Hello! Anybody there?
Before long, the door creaks and thus emerges the figure of a stately woman of about sixty years with light eyes and red hair. She was thin, had flushed cheeks and by analyzing her countenance she is just a little upset.
—What kind of noise is this in my establishment? Have you no manners?
—I'm sorry but it was the only way I could see to get your attention. Are you the owner of the hotel? We'll need accommodation for thirty days. I will pay you generously.
—Yes, I am the owner of this hotel for more than thirty years. My name is Carmen. I only have one room available. Are you interested? The hotel isn't luxurious but it offers good food, friends, regular accommodations and a certain family kind of setting.
—Yes, we'll accept. We're really tired as we have had a long trip. The distance from here to the capital is approximately one-hundred and forty miles.
—Well then, the room is yours. The contractual bases we will figure out later. Welcome. Come on in and relax. Make yourselves at home.
We go through the garden which gives access to the entranceway. Good rest and good food really could recompose our strength. This lady that answered us and whom now we followed was really very nice. The stay at the hotel wouldn't be so monotonous. When she had a little bit of time we could talk and get to know each other better. In addition, I had to find out who I would have to help and what challenges I had to overcome in order to reunite the "opposing forces." This represented another step in my evolution as a clairvoyant.
The door is opened by Carmen and we enter in a small room with furniture characteristically fitting the current time period and decorated with Renaissance paintings. The atmosphere is really very familiar. Sitting on a bench on the right side, are three people. A young man, approximately twenty years old, slender, black eyes and hair and very good looking; A man of some forty years, with a good physique, black hair and brown eyes, a youthful air to him and an engaging smile; and an elderly man, dark-skinned, curly-haired, with a serious attitude and look on his face. Carmen gestured to introduce us:
—This is my husband Gumercindo (pointing to the elderly man), and these are my other guests: Rivanio, (the forty year old), he is known as Vaninho, and is an attendant at the train station and Gomes (the young man), is an employee at the agricultural store.
—My name is Aldivan and this is my nephew, Renato.
With presentations made, Carmen leads us to our room. It is spacious, light and airy. There are two beds in it and this makes me more relaxed. We put away our bags, accommodate ourselves and in that instant Carmen leaves us. We will rest a little and later we'll have dinner.
The Dinner
After a good sleep, I awake with forces renewed. I'm in the hotel room along with Renato. My conscious weighs on me as I realize that I have told lies. I'm not from Recife nor is Renato my nephew. However, it was best. I still don't really know the people to whom I introduced myself. It is better to stay on the defensive because trust is something you earn. On second thought, if I told the truth, they would call me crazy. The truth is that I went up to the mountain in search of my dreams; I performed three challenges and entered the dreaded cave of despair. Dodging traps and scenarios, I became the Seer and I made a trip through time in search of the unknown. Now I was there in search of answers. I get up out of bed, I wake Renato and together we head to the dining room. We were hungry as we haven't eaten for about six hours.
We entered the dining room, greet each other and we sat down. The feast served is varied and is typically Northeastern: Corn porridge with milk or corn meal stew with chicken are the options. For dessert there is cassava dough cake. A conversation starts up and all participate in it.
—Well, Mr. Aldivan, what do you do for a living and what brings you to this tiny place? Questioned Carmen.
—I'm a reporter and journalist in addition to a mathematics teacher. I was sent by the capital's newspaper in order to find a good story. Is it true that this place hides profound mysteries?
—I guess. However, we are forbidden to talk about it. In case you didn't know, we live under the laws and the order of the Empress Clemilda. She is a powerful sorceress who uses dark forces to punish those who disobey. Stay alert: She can hear everything.
For a second, I almost choke on my food. Now I understood the meaning of the dark clouds. The balance of "opposing forces" was broken. This evil woman was blocking the sun's rays, its pure light. This situation could not remain like this for very long otherwise Mimoso could perish along with its inhabitants.
—Is it true that journalists lie a lot? Asks Rivanio.
—That doesn't happen, at least in my case. I try to be faithful to my convictions and to the news. A real journalist is one who is serious, ethical and passionate about their profession.
—Are you married? What are your life goals? Carmen asks.
—No. One time someone told me that God would send someone to me. I am currently focused on my studies and on my dreams. Love will come one day, if it is my destiny.
—Mr. Gumercindo, tell me about Mimoso.
—It's like my wife said, sir, we are forbidden to talk about the tragedy that happened here a few years ago. Since Clemilda began to reign, our lives have not been the same.
Emotion overcame everyone who was in the room. Tears insistently oozed down the face of Gumercindo. This was the face of a poor man who was tired of the cruel dictatorship of this enchantress. Life had lost its meaning to these people. All that was left was for them to die with very little hope that someone would help them.
—Calm down, everyone. It's not the end of the world. This state of being cannot last for very long. The opposing forces of the world should remain in equilibrium. Do not worry. I'll help you.
—How? The witch has powers over humans. Her plagues have destroyed many lives. (Gomes)
—The forces of good are also powerful
. They are capable of re-establishing peace and harmony here. Believe me.
My words do not seem to have the desired effect. The conversation changes and I can't concentrate on it. What were these people thinking? God really cared about them. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone up the mountain, faced the challenges, overcome the cave and met the guardian. All this was a sign that things could change. However, they did not know. Patience was needed to convince them to tell me the truth or at least show me a way. I finish dinner along with Renato. I get up from the table, excuse myself and go to sleep. The next day will be vital in my plans.
A Stroll Through the Village
A new day appears. The sun rises, the birds sing and the freshness of the morning envelopes the entire hotel room that we are in. I wake up feeling awful. Renato is already awake. I stretch, brush my teeth, and take a shower. What I heard the night before makes me slightly concerned. How could Mimoso have been dominated by an evil witch? Under what circumstances? The mystery was too profound for me. Christianity was implemented in the Americas in the sixteenth century and since then it has become supreme, reining the whole continent. Why then, right there, in the middle of nowhere, was evil dominating? I had to find out the causes and the reasons for it.
I leave the room and head to the kitchen to have breakfast. The table is set and I can see some goodies: Manioc, tapioca and potato. I begin to serve myself because I feel at home. The other guests arrive and also act similarly. No one touches the subject of the night before and no one dares to either. Carmen approaches and offers me a cup of tea. I accept. Teas are good for relieving heartache and raising one's spirit. I make conversation with her.
—Could you get someone to guide me while in Mimoso? I would like to do some interviews.
—It's not necessary, my dear. Mimoso is nothing more than a village.
—I'm afraid you misunderstood me. I want someone who's intimate with the people, someone I can trust.
—Well, I can't because I have many duties. All my guests work. I have an idea: Search for Felipe, son of the owner of the Warehouse. He has free time.
—Thanks for the tip. I know where the warehouse is located downtown. I'll call Renato and we'll go together.
—Wonderful. I wish you good luck.
I call for Renato who is still in the hotel room. I hope he'll have breakfast so we can leave. Will I be able to get any accurate information about the case of Mimoso? I was eager to know. Renato finishes his breakfast, we say goodbye to Carmen and finally leave. The plaza adjacent to the hotel is full of young people and children. The young kids are standing around talking with each other and the children are playing. I observe all the excitement while passing by. I turn the corner heading downtown and quickly arrive at the warehouse. A man of about fifty years old is the attendant. I signal for the man to come over.
—How can I help you?
—I'm looking for Felipe. Where he is, please?
—Felipe is my son. Just a moment, I'll call him. He is in the depot.
The man walks away and shortly after returns accompanied by a young redhead, and while skinny is built like a man of about seventeen years old.
—I'm Felipe. What did you need?
—Carmen recommended you to me. I need you to accompany me on some interviews. My name is Aldivan, nice to meet you.
—Sure, my pleasure, I'll accompany you. I have some free time. We can begin with the pharmacy that is next door. The owner is a connoisseur of the place as he's been here since the foundation.
—Great. Let's go.
Accompanied by Renato and Felipe I go to the Pharmacy where I will perform my first interview. The fact that I am not a true journalist makes me a little nervous and anxious. I hope I do well. After all, I went up the mountain, I performed three challenges and I passed the cave's test. A simple interview won't tear me down. Upon arriving at the pharmacy we are attended to promptly. We are introduced to the owner. I ask to interview him and he agrees. We retire to a more appropriate location where we can be alone and talk. I begin the interview shyly.
—Is it true that you are one of the oldest residents, one of the founders of this place?
—Yes, and don't call me Sir. My name is Fabio. Mimoso really began to stand out ever since the implantation of the railroad department. Progress and modern technology arrived in 1909 with the Great Western trains. The British engineers Calander, Tolester and Thompson designed the tracks of the railroad, built the station buildings and Mimoso began to grow. Trade was implemented and Mimoso became one of the largest warehouses in the region, second only to Carabais. Mimoso is destined to grow and that's why I'm here.
—Has life here always been smooth or has it experienced tragic events?
—Yes, it has been. At least up until one year ago. Since then it hasn't been the same. People are sad and have lost all hope. We live under a dictatorship. The tax burden is too high, we don't have freedom of speech and we have to render our votes up to hidden forces. Religion for us has become synonymous with oppression. Our Gods are cruel Gods who want blood and vengeance. We've lost real contact with God the Father, the One and Only.
—Tell me about what happened one year ago.
—I don't want to and I can't even talk about the tragedy. It's very painful.
—Please, I need this information.
—No. My family would suffer if I told you. The spirits can hear everything and would tell Clemilda. I couldn't take so much of a risk.
I insist, again and again, but he becomes adamant. Fear has made him a coward and small-minded. He retires from the place without further explanation. I'm alone, restless and full of questions. Why do they fear this sorceress so much? Of what tragedy did he speak? I needed this information to know on what ground I was standing. I was the Seer, gifted of gifts, but that didn't make it easier. If this Clemilda ruled the dark forces, she would be a formidable adversary. Black magic is capable of capturing any human being even the best natured ones. The clash of the "opposing forces" could destroy the universe and this was the farthest thing from my mind. Caution was needed right now. What was clear to me was that the balance of "opposing forces" was broken and it was my mission to reunite it. But for that it was necessary to know the whole story. I walk away with that thought. I find Renato and Felipe and we leave for new interviews. I hope to succeed.
I'm totally frustrated after the interviews. I didn't get all of the information that I needed. What kind of journalist was I? I think I should have taken a course in journalism. All the persons I interviewed, the baker and blacksmith, repeated what I already knew. Renato and Felipe try to console me but I cannot forgive myself. Now I was lost, at the end of the world where civilization has not yet arrived. The only information I knew was that Mimoso was ruled by an evil witch. The scream that I heard in the cave of despair still made me dizzy. Who was it that needed my help so much? I was concentrating on this cry and, aided by my powers, had come to Mimoso via time travel. The goals of this trip were not yet clear to me. The guardian had spoken of reuniting the "opposing forces" but I had no idea how to do this. What I knew is that I still didn't have full control over my "opposing forces" and that distressed me even more. Well, now was not the time to be discouraged. I still had twenty-eight days to resolve this issue. The best now was to get back to the hotel and gather my strength as I would need it. Renato and Felipe were with me and on the way we got to know each other better. They are really good people. I don't feel so alone in this place that is dominated by the forces below and is full of mysteries.
The Black Castle
We're on our third day after time traveling. The previous day had not left good memories. After the interviews, I decided to spend the rest of the day at the hotel finding myself. This was my starting point: Find myself to resolve important issues. Renato still has not helped me at all so far. I think the guardian was wrong to have sent him with me. After all, he was just a child and as such didn't have many responsibilities. My situation was entirely differe
nt. I was a young man of twenty-six, an administrative assistant, with a degree in mathematics and many goals. I didn't have time to think about love or myself because I was on a mission, even though I didn't know exactly what that was. The only certainty that I had was that I went up the mountain, realized the challenges, found the young girl, the ghost, the child and the guardian and I passed the tests within the cave. I became the Seer but that wasn't all. I had to overcome life's challenges continuously. Well, a new day is dawning, and with it new hopes. I get up, take a shower and have breakfast, brush my teeth and say farewell to Carmen. The previous day has awoken in me a new idea: To know my enemy intimately and steal information from them. It was the only way out.
I go out into the street, and see the playground and everyone sitting on the benches. They act normally as if they were in a normal community. They have conformed. Human beings become accustomed to anything even during times of doom. I keep walking. I turn the corner, meet some people and I remain firm in my resolve. The challenges of the cave helped me lose my fear of any kind of circumstance. I found three doors representing fear, failure and happiness. I chose happiness and disposed of the rest. I was ready for new challenges. I turn another corner and come to the west side of the village. A large castle appears. It's an imposing building composed of two main towers and a secondary tower. The residence is black painted brickwork. Bad taste, typical of a villain. My heart races and my steps do so too. The future of Mimoso depended on my attitude. Innocent lives were at stake and I would not allow any more injustices. I clap my hands hoping to get the attention of someone in the house. A robust boy, tall and dark-skinned comes out from inside the house.
Opposing Forces Page 6