—What did you need?
—I'm here to see Clemilda.
—She is busy now. Come another time.
—Wait a moment. It is important. I'm a reporter for the Daily Journal and I've come to do a special report on her. Just give me five minutes.
—Reporters? Well, I think she'll like that. I'll announce your arrival.
—No need. Allow me to come with you.
The man signals "yes" and I start up the numerous steps that give access to the front door. A shiver runs through my body and insistent voices warn me not to go in. A cat walks past and flashes its fierce claws. I pray inwardly that God gives me the strength to withstand any situation. The boy accompanies me, and we go in. The door gives access to a large ornate foyer filled with colors and life. On the right side, there is access to over three more chambers. In the center are images of saints with horns, skulls and other sinful objects. On the left side are strange paintings. The scenario is horrific and I can't fully describe it. Negative forces dominate the place and make me dizzy as this is a clash of the "opposing forces." The man stops in front of one of the compartments and knocks. The door opens, smoke rises and a fat, black woman with strong features, about forty years old, appears.
—To what do I owe the honor of the Seer in person coming to visit me?
She signals for the man to disappear. I am completely perplexed by her attitude. How did she know me? Could it be that she knew about the mountain and the cave? What strange powers did that woman possess? This and many other questions passed through my mind at that moment.
—I see you know me. Then you should know why I came here. I want to know about the tragedy and how you've dominated over such a quiet place.
—Tragedy? What tragedy? Nothing happened here. I have only modified the place a bit to make it become more enjoyable. People with their fake happiness... they got on my nerves and I decided to change it. Mimoso became my property and not even you can do anything about it. Your psychic powers are nothing compared to mine.
—Every villain is smug and proud. We both know that this situation cannot continue for long. The "opposing forces" must remain in equilibrium in the entire universe. Good and evil cannot oppose each other because otherwise the universe is at risk of disappearing.
—I don't care about the universe or its people! They're nothing but insects. Mimoso is my domain and you must respect that. If you oppose me, you will suffer. I just need to mention one word to the major and I'll have you arrested.
—Are you threatening me? I'm not afraid of threats. I am the Seer who went up the mountain, completed three challenges and beat the cave.
—Get out of here, before I cook you in my cauldron. I'm sick of your virtue. It disgusts me.
—I will go, but we will meet again. Good always prevails in the end.
Very quickly, I leave her and walk to the door. As I leave, I still hear her jests. She's really quite mad. My questions remain unanswered, and I remain aimless and without any signs. The meeting with Clemilda had not fulfilled my goal.
The Chapel Ruins
Upon leaving the black castle, I decide to take another path. I want to see some more of the town and its people. Walking towards the east, I find some and try to make conversation. However, they avoid me. Their mistrust is even greater because I am an unknown, young reporter. They don't know my true intentions. I want to save Mimoso, find the person I'm looking for and reunite the "opposing forces" as the guardian asked of me. But for that it was necessary to borrow a bit from the history of the place and know exactly all of my enemies. I would have to find all of that out as soon as possible because I had a deadline to meet. The ascent of the mountain, the challenges, the cave, all this was necessary knowledge for me to know what life was like and how people were living it. It was time to put it into practice. I turn around the corner and a few feet ahead I come across a pile of rubble. I think about the lack of organization of the place and its people. Trash floating freely among society and being able to transmit diseases and serve as an animal and insect nursery; this was harmful to man. I get closer for a better look at the calamity of the place. Wait. There's something different in this garbage. Semi-dug up, I see a huge wooden crucifix as if it were from a chapel. I move the garbage around better and can see clearly: It is a crucifix. Upon touching it, a wave of heat courses through my whole body and I begin to have visions. I see blood, suffering and pain. For a moment, I find myself at that location participating in events of the past. I take my hand off of the crucifix. I'm not ready yet. I need some time to absorb everything I've felt in less than three seconds. The cross somehow enhances my powers and I'm starting to feel the action of a force opposing mine.
The Order
My visit to the dreaded, dark sorceress named Clemilda hadn't left her happy. She had never been contradicted. Her domain over the community of Mimoso was completely unrestricted. However, she hadn't counted on the strength of good sending me on a trip back in time to the place. Immediately after my departure from the castle, she reunited with her lackeys, Totonho and Cleide and they consulted the occult forces. They entered in the left compartment located in the hall and took, as a sacrifice, a small pig. The witch took a book and began to recite satanic prayers in another language and she and her cronies began to sacrifice the poor animal. A trail of blood filled the compartment and the negative forces began to concentrate. The natural lighting of the area was dimmed and the sorceress began to scream crazily. In a short time, darkness took over the enclosure and a door of communication between the two worlds was opened through a mirror. Clemilda performed with reverence to her Lord and began to refer to him. She was the only one on that compound that had this ability. The sinful oracle and her receptor were at full communion for some time. The others just watched the whole situation. After the meeting, the darkness dissipated and the site returned to its initial state. Clemilda regained herself from the impact of the conversation, called her helpers and told them:
—Spread throughout the community the following order: Whoever, man or woman, gives any information to a man named the Seer will be severely punished. His or her death will be tragic and will mark their passage into the realm of darkness. This is the order of the Queen Clemilda for all of Mimoso.
Hastily Clemilda's lackeys went to fulfill the order of announcing the news to the residents of the village, to neighboring sites and to the farmlands.
Meeting of Residents
With the order issued by Clemilda, the residents were even more reticent on the matter. Fabio, the pharmacy owner and president of the homeowners' association, called an urgent meeting with the main leaders of the place. The meeting was scheduled at 10:00 AM in the association building downtown. They would deliberate on my case.
At the appointed time, the main hall of the building was entirely filled. Present were Major Quintino, the delegate Pompeu, Osmar (farmer), Sheco (owner of the warehouse), and Otavio (the agricultural store owner), among others. Fabio, the president, began the session:
—Well, my friends, as you are all aware, Clemilda released an order yesterday afternoon. No one should pass on any information to a subject called "the Seer" who's staying at the hotel. I see that this individual is very dangerous and must be contained. He even tried to gather some information from me but failed. He wanted to know about the tragedy.
—The Seer? I haven't heard of this person. Where does he come from? Who is he? What does he want with our little village? (Asked the major)
—Easy, Major. We still do not know that. The only information we have is that he is a mysterious outsider. We need to decide what to do with him. (Fabio)
—Wait minute, guys. From what I know he's not a criminal. My son Felipe accompanied him on a walk to town and told me that he is a good, honest person. (Sheco)
—Appearances can be deceiving, son. If Clemilda has laid this order upon us, then this man has become a danger to us. We will need to banish him as soon as possible. (Otavio)
—If you need my services, I'm available. (Pompeu, the delegate)
A minor disturbance occurs in the assembly. Some begin to protest. Pompeu gets up, consults the major and says:
—Let's arrest this man. In prison we will ask all of the necessary questions of him.
The group disassembles with the order to arrest me. Could it be that I was a criminal?
Decisive Conversation
I leave the chapel ruins and start walking toward the hotel. My sixth sense tells me that I'm in danger. In fact, since I've been in Mimoso it has always warned me about where I was going. A village dominated by the dark forces was not a good choice of vacation. However, I would have to fulfill the promise made to the guardian of the mountain: To reunite the "opposing forces" and to help the owner of that scream that I heard in the cave of despair. I couldn't ever abandon this mission. My footsteps accelerate and soon I arrive at the hotel. I open the door, go to the kitchen and find Carmen, my last hope. I felt enough courage and counted on kindness to help me.
—Ms. Carmen, I need to speak with you ma'am.
—Tell me, Aldivan, what do you want?
—I want to know everything about the tragedy and history of Mimoso.
—My son, I can't. Don't you know the latest? Clemilda threatened to kill all those who give information to you.
—I know. She is a snake. However, if you don't help me, Mimoso will sink even more and run the risk of disappearing.
—I do not believe it. The rotten never perish. That's the lesson I've learned since she began to reign.
Silence prevailed for a few moments and I realized that if I didn't tell the truth, I would not have any answers. My captors were preparing to attack.
—Carmen, listen carefully to what I'm going to say. I'm neither a journalist nor a reporter. Actually, I am a time traveler whose mission it is to restore the balance that Mimoso so greatly needs. Before I came here, I went up the mountain of Ororubá; I performed three challenges, found a young man, the guardian, the ghost and Renato. Overcoming the challenges, I obtained the right to enter the cave of despair, the cave which can realize even the most profound dreams. In the cave, I avoided traps and advanced through scenarios which no other human being has ever surpassed. The cave made me the Seer, a being able to transcend time and distance to resolve grievances. With my new powers, I was able to travel back in time and arrive here. I want to reunite the "opposing forces," help someone I don't know and overthrow the tyranny of this wicked witch. In the end, I need to know everything and know what you're capable of revealing. You're a good person and like the others here you deserve to be free as God created us.
Carmen sat down in a chair and became emotional. Copious tears were sliding down under her face that was mature from suffering. I held her hands and our eyes met in an instant. For a moment, I felt as if I was in the presence of my own mother. She got up and motioned for me to accompany her. We stopped in front of a door.
—You will find the answers that you greatly need right here in this depository. It is what I can do for you: Show you the way. Good luck!
I thank her and give her a blessed crucifix. She smiles. I enter the storage room, close the door and I come across a multitude of printed newspaper. Where would this thing that I am looking for be?
Vision
I sit on the only chair available, support myself on the small table and start flipping through the newspapers I find. All are from the period 1909-1910. I read only the headlines, but they don't seem to have much to do with what I'm looking for. Some talk about Pesqueira and other municipalities in the region but the issues addressed refer to issues of health, education and politics. What am I really looking for? A tragedy that was able to shake this little place and make it a field of darkness. I keep flipping through the papers and it seems to me that this will be a tiresome and monotonous task. Why didn't Carmen just tell me directly? Wasn't I trustworthy? It would be much simpler. Again I remember the mountain, the challenges and the cave. Not always was the simplest way easier, clearer, or more palpable. I'm starting to understand it a little. After all, she was under the power of a vile, cruel and arrogant witch. She showed me the way, exactly how she said and I think that this would be enough for me to win, accomplish my goals and be happy. I keep flipping through the papers and pick up a pouch of ones from 1910. If I remembered correctly, that was the year of the tragedy as Fabio had informed me in the interview. I begin to read the headlines and the news. I had to check all possibilities.
After an hour of reading and rereading the newspapers I hadn't found anything that called my attention. Rural news, sports and other sections was all I could find. The hope that I had of finding the news was in this 1910 paper pouch that I took. Wait. If this tragedy really happened, it certainly should be in a newspaper which had been especially separated, since this was such big news. I start searching the drawers of the cabinet next to the table. I find various newspapers with different dates. One strikes me: It's from the day of the 10th of January 1910 and has the following headline: Christine, the Young Monster. I think I found what I was looking for. Upon touching the paper, a cold wind hits me, my heart races and like a trip through time I experience the vision of this history.
The Beginning
The twentieth century began and with it the emergence of the first pioneers of the land located west of Pesqueira. The first who went were the Major Quintino and his friend Osmar both originating in the State of Alagoas and who appropriated lands that was the property of the natives. The natives were kicked out, humiliated and murdered. The two decided not to move permanently to the region since it had no structure suitable for them.
Over time, there came other people who cleared lots for the mayor's office. The land was donated and the first houses built. Thus arose a settlement. The settlement attracted some traders in the region interested in expanding their businesses. A warehouse, a gas station, a grocery store, a pharmacy, a hotel and an agricultural shop were opened. An elementary school was built to serve as the intellectual basis for the general population. Mimoso then moved to the category of village subject to Pesqueira's headquarters.
The Railroad
From 1909, Great Western trains arrived in Mimoso bringing progress and technology to the peaceful place. British engineers Calander, Tolester and Thompson were responsible for laying the rails and the construction of the station buildings. The European influence can also be observed in other buildings' masonry and in the urban areas of Mimoso.
With the implementation of the railway, Mimoso (the name comes from Mimoso grass, very common in the region) became a center of commercial importance and regional political relevance. Strategically located on the border of the hinterlands with the wilderness, the village was consolidated as a point of arrival and departure of the products from many municipalities of Pernambuco, Paraíba and Alagoas. In addition to the railroad, the dirt road linking Recife to the wilderness passed exactly at its center, contributing to the progress of the place.
The population of Mimoso was formed basically by the descendants of families of Lusitanian origin. The least favored part of the population were the descendants of Indian and African origin. The people of Mimoso can be characterized as a friendly and welcoming people.
The Move
With the consolidation of the implementation of the railway and the consequent progress in Mimoso, the pathfinders of the region (the farmers, Major Quintino and Osmar) decided to take up residence on site with all of their respective families.
It was the 10th day of February, 1909. The weather was nice, the wind was North-East and the aspect of the village as normal as possible. A train appears on the horizon directed by engineer Roberto bringing the new local habitants from Recife: Major Quintino, his wife, Helena, his only daughter Christine and their maid Gerusa, a black woman from Bahia. Inside the train, in the passenger compartment, a restless Christine reveals herself.
—Mother, it looks like we're arriving. What will Mimoso be like? Wi
ll I like it?
—Hush, my child. Do not be so anxious. Soon you will find out. The important thing is that we're together as a family. Before long, we'll settle in and make friends.
The major watches the two and decides to join the conversation.
—You need not worry. You will not lack anything. I have built a beautiful house located in one of the lands that I own. It is next to the village. Remember: You will have full freedom to relate to people of our social level but I don't want you to have contact with the unclean or the very poor.
—That's prejudice, Daddy! At the nunnery where I stayed for three years I was taught to respect every human being regardless of social class, ethnicity or race, belief or religion. We are worth what we hold within our hearts.
—Those nuns are disconnected from reality because they live cloistered. I should not have allowed you to go there because you've come back with a head full of nonsense. Ideas of your mother, to whom I no longer listen.
—I always dreamed that she became a nun. Christine was for me a great gift from God. I taught her all the precepts of the religion that I knew. When she turned fifteen, I sent her to the nunnery because I was sure of her vocation. However, three years later, she gave up and it still hurts a lot. It was one of the biggest disappointments that she ever gave me.
—It was your dream, Mother, and not mine. There are infinite ways to serve God. It is not necessary for me to be a nun to understand Him and to understand his Will.
—Of course not! -I'm going to arrange a good marriage for her. I already have some ideas. Well, now is not the time for me to reveal.
The train whistles signaling that it will stop. The village emerges; Christine sees all of the rural aspects of the place through one of the windows. Her heart tightens and she feels a slight shudder in her body. Her thoughts fill with doubt with that premonition. What waited for her in Mimoso? Keep with us, reader.
Christine and Helen, with their hoop skirts, squeeze out of the exit door of the train. The major doesn't like it. The four exit and cause a certain spark of curiosity from the other local residents. They behave with elegance and opulence. The major greets Rivanio as a courtesy. From then on, they depart for their home, which is located in the north of the village.
Opposing Forces Page 7