The Illusionist - 3rd Edition

by Fran Heckrotte

  "Good evening, Mr. Jones. We have business to discuss, yes?"

  "If you are Vlamick, then yes," Eddy responded, handing him a brown envelope. "I believe this is the price you quoted for your services."

  Tucking the envelope in his wide waistband, Vlamick smiled.

  "I have arranged for you and your friends to take a small ride tomorrow. The cost is only five hundred American dollars for your guide. A bargain."

  "I just paid you for your services," Eddy complained.

  "True, Mr. Jones," Vlamick said, spreading his arms wide apologetically. "But that was for my services. You need to pay for the services of the guide. As you can see, I'm not so young anymore. I can't walk through the mountains like I did in my youth. You perhaps don't wish a guide. I can always point you in the direction of Ms. Lysanne's home, but I think you may get lost in our forests. There are things there you don't want to meet up with, I promise you."

  "No, I'll pay," Eddy said, reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out enough money to cover the additional expense. "I hope this will be the last charge, Vlamick. My boss doesn't like surprises. You know what I mean?" he threatened.

  "I can't be responsible because others wish to take advantage of opportunities, Mr. Jones. Your boss will pay whatever it costs if he wants our cooperation. We're taking great risks by assisting you. I'm sure you appreciate the value of those risks."

  Eddy decided to let the subject drop. It wouldn't help to alienate his one contact in Taraclia. Later, he could deal with the Moldovan.

  "I get your point. What's the plan for tomorrow?"

  "My guide will pick you up at your motel and drive you into the hills for a short distance. Then you must walk a few miles to the Lysanne's home. The woods are cold so you need to dress for it."

  "Why can't we just drive near her place and walk in?" Eddy demanded.

  "You would be noticed and questioned. There is only one road in and out. This is the only way to get close enough to see the house without being caught. Also, be prepared to spend the night. My guide will have everything you need."

  "Fuck," Eddy muttered. Communing with nature was not his idea of a good time. "Okay. We'll be waiting for your guide. Oh, and, Vlamick, I may need your services again. It could require... um... transporting a large package out of your country. Not through normal routes, if you know what I mean."

  "Of course, It can be arranged... for a price naturally." Vlamick grinned.

  "Naturally," Eddy said, taking his leave.

  * * *

  The morning after Yemaya and Dakota's arrival, they decided to take a walk along the river. The weather was brisk. A breeze blew down from the top of the mountains and followed the river, adding to the coolness. After traveling a short distance, Yemaya directed Dakota onto a well-worn path disappearing into the forest. Once amongst the trees, the sun barely made it through the canopy, making it colder than the riverbank. They slowly climbed to a ridge overlooking the treetops, the river, and Yemaya's home. Hills and small mountains covered the landscape as far as the eye could see. A grayish-white haze cloaked the valley, giving it a ghostly aura.

  "Taraclia is beyond that ridge," Yemaya said, pointing toward the south. "It is best known for its wine industry, but there are some who want to bring in a few light industrial plants."

  "Is there a chance of that happening?"

  "It is possible but not likely. Industry is necessary, but my people will not let it endanger the land."

  "That's the second time you've said 'my people,' as if you're different from others here," Dakota observed, curious about the strange phrasing.

  "I am," Yemaya replied. "My people are Carpi."

  "Like the mountains," Dakota commented.

  "Yes, our ancestors settled in this area long before other tribes moved here. We are close to the land but willing to share its resources and bounty as long it is not abused."

  Dakota was amazed at the intense emotion behind Yemaya's words. Obviously, she was proud of her heritage and willing to accept change, but she held a steely conviction against those who sought to take advantage of the land or her people.

  "You sound very passionate… almost as if you would actually do something terrible if you didn't like the changes here."

  "Terrible? No. We will do what is necessary to protect all that we hold sacred," Yemaya said. "My people do not enter into politics as long as the government leaves us alone and does not abuse its political position."

  "There are that many of you?"

  "There are only a few of us, but we do have that much power," Yemaya answered quietly, turning to look at the woman standing next to her.

  "You must be extremely wealthy," Dakota said.

  "We are comfortable. Money only makes life easier. It cannot solve the greater problems."

  "I take it money isn't what you mean by power. I hope you aren't into anything criminal or nefarious," Dakota joked.

  Yemaya laughed, amused as the image of herself in a black suit with a black hat pulled low over her eyes.

  "I assure you I am not mafia. No godfathers, no hit men. There is no need for that. We are more... subtle."

  "Subtle... hmm... an interesting word. Okay, I give up. How can a minority control a majority without the use of money and/or force?" Dakota asked, her hands on her hips.

  Yemaya cocked her head and stared at Dakota, intrigued by her inquisitive mind, not to mention a physical attraction. Aware that Dakota felt the same way, Yemaya wanted to take her time pursuing a relationship.

  Dakota needed to know her as a person and a Carpi. Her people were an ancient race with very few modern-day descendants. Rumored to have existed long before the pyramids of Egypt were built, it was believed they could read minds and control others.Some thought they were even shapeshifters. As with all legends, there was a little truth in them, but most rumors were the products of overactive imaginations. The majority of her people chose to remain near their homeland, only venturing beyond their borders for business or holidays.

  "Well, you might say we can be very persuasive at times," Yemaya said.

  Dakota snorted derisively.

  "Persuasive. There's a word to put fear in people," she mused.

  "If needed," Yemaya agreed. "You would be surprised at the power persuasion holds. Think about all the people who have been persuaded to do things they find abhorrent. Wars, fanatical religions, prejudices, hatred are all the byproducts of persuasion."

  After thinking about it for a few moments, Dakota nodded in agreement.

  "I suppose so... in a way. But you'd have to be able to influence people on a very grand scale to convince an entire population."

  "True. It is not as hard as you might think. The best example might be World War II. When Hitler rose to power, was it not his ability to 'connect' with his people that made him their leader?"

  "You know, most people would say you lost the argument by bringing him into the conversation," Dakota joked.

  "I was not aware we were having an argument. My point is, he was a very persuasive man, able to convince his people to destroy millions of lives. That is the epitome of the power of persuasion?"

  "I see what you mean. He wouldn't by chance have Carpi blood in his lineage, would he?"

  "None we were able to trace. Many have left the homeland over the millennium. Most returned, but a few have chosen to live elsewhere. It is possible they found partners and passed on our genes."

  "So others may have your abilities?"

  "More than possible, Dakota. It is inevitable. That is one reason why Raidon and I travel so much. We search for anyone of Carpi blood who has our abilities and make sure they do no serious harm."

  After staring at the scenic view in front of her, Dakota turned slowly to look at Yemaya.

  "Do no serious harm? What does that mean exactly?" she asked, disturbed by the phrase.

  Yemaya stared at the river several hundred feet below. Taking a deep breath, she wondered if she'd said too much.

&nbs
p; "It means exactly that. We cannot allow our people to put in motion events that might lead to another world war. The planet would not survive the next one. I realize it sounds like we are playing God, but we only try interfere when it is Carpi involved. Others we leave to fate."

  "But if you have so much power, why not use it for world peace? Use it on everyone and end all the misery?" Dakota wasn't sure she entirely believed any person or people were capable of so much control.

  Running her fingers through her hair, Yemaya sighed.

  "As much as we want peace, we believe in letting destiny decide our fates," she stated, holding up her hand to stop the next question. "I know. Are we not interfering with destiny already? And the answer is yes but in a small way. We have special gifts. They were never meant for evil. If someone chooses to use them for that, we have an obligation to stop them. Normally, that means bringing them home. Occasionally, if the person has committed grave atrocities, he or she will be removed by whatever means necessary."

  Shaking her head, Dakota held up her hand to halt the conversation for a moment.

  "This is a lot to think about, Yemaya. I don't know if I believe what you're saying, but I feel it has to be true. It would explain so much about you and your skills. Do they have anything to do with your performances?"

  Yemaya remained silent. As much as she liked Dakota, she was unwilling to disclose the secret to her illusions.

  A sudden thought made Dakota step away from Yemaya.

  "Do you ever use your ability to influence or control people?"

  Yemaya caught the uncertainty in Dakota's voice. Stepping close to her, she put her hands on Dakota's shoulders and bent her knees so she was eye level with her. Holding her gaze, she shook her head slightly before answering in a low soft whisper.

  "Not in the way you mean, Dakota. I would never do that to satisfy a personal need. My attraction to you is real. Yours is also. Do you believe me?"

  Nodding, Dakota was so relieved she overlooked Yemaya's assumption of her own attraction.

  "Good. You never need fear me," Yemaya said.

  Pulling Dakota close, Yemaya tilted her head slightly and leaned forward until her lips brushed Dakota's. Dakota's arms rose and instinctively wrapped around Yemaya's neck as she was pulled closer to the warm body. Yemaya pressed her lips cautiously against Dakota's. The tip of her tongue caressed the soft lips asking for permission to enter.

  Feeling the tentative touch, Dakota opened her mouth, giving Yemaya full access. Yemaya wrapped her arms around Dakota, pulling her tightly against her. The feel of breasts and hips pressed against her own body made Yemaya's heart race. Overwhelmed, her heart pounded furiously, all previous thoughts vanquished.

  * * *

  The sound of baying wolves caused both women to break off the kiss. Yemaya looked around, aware the animals had picked up on her confusion and were coming to her rescue. Dakota was just regaining her senses when she saw the pack moving warily toward them, hackles raised.

  When Yemaya spoke, the wolves calmed down and the pack ran happily toward them. All but Simtire pounced on the taller woman. Simtire cautiously approached Dakota, lowering her body into a crawl. Recognizing the animal's subservient gesture, Dakota knelt down, extending her hand, palm up.

  "Come on, pretty girl," she whispered softly. Immediately, Simtire jumped up and launched herself at Dakota, knocking her backward onto her butt. The next thing Dakota knew, she was being thoroughly cleaned by a long wet tongue as the young wolf straddled her lap. Laughing, she grabbed the fur around her neck and began wrestling with the wolf. Caught up in their roughhousing, neither noticed the others had stopped to watch. Yemaya was amused and the pack curious about Simtire's decision to ignore their mistress for a stranger.

  Eventually, Dakota grew tired from the physical activity. Simtire sensed the change and backed off. Sitting a few feet away, her tongue draped from the side of her mouth, large canine teeth displayed in a wolfish grin.

  "I see you have imprinted yourself on Simtire."

  "Imprinted?" Dakota asked, ruffling the gray hair around the wolf's neck.

  "A way of saying she has bonded with you. It is an honor."

  "She's beautiful, isn't she?"

  "Quite beautiful."

  Looking up, Dakota had the impression Yemaya wasn't talking about the wolf.

  "Um... guess we need to be getting back, huh?" she asked, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

  "Good idea," Yemaya agreed.

  CHAPTER 11

  THE GUIDE SPOKE very little English. Most of his communication was by hand signals; otherwise he rarely said anything. Motioning the four men into an old beat-up van, he headed into the hills. The shaking and rattling of the van, along with the loud engine noise, quickly made everyone irritable.

  "When are we going to reach this fuckin' broad's place?" Jimmy demanded. "Chisholm must be out of his fuckin' mind to be sending us halfway around the world for some bitch. I don't care how good lookin' she is."

  "Shut up, Jimmy," snapped Billy, the oldest of the group. "You're always bitchin' about something, and I'm tired of listening to it."

  "Don't go tellin' me to shut up, asshole. You're the one who talked me into coming here. Said I'd make some good money and all I needed to do was grab this bitch and get her out of this piss ant-sized country. Well, no one said I'd have to commune with nature." He growled.

  Eddy and Chuck said nothing. It was better to let them get it out of their systems before they started the hike to the Lysanne's home. Eventually, the two men dozed, giving Eddy a chance to talk to Chuck.

  "You understand our job, right?" Eddy asked.

  "Yeah, Chisholm wants us to snatch this broad and run. Can't figure out why he waits 'til she's halfway around the planet to go after her. It would've been easier back in the States."

  "Not in this case. It would create too much publicity… not to mention she's pretty sharp. She's not easy to approach. Chisholm figures if she's in her own environment, she'll be more relaxed and more vulnerable."

  "Well, Jimmy's right about one thing. He's fuckin' nuts. All this money and trouble. Ain't no woman worth this much trouble."

  "Chisholm thinks otherwise and that's what counts. I don't know why he's after Lysanne, but he apparently has a hard-on for the woman. It's cost him over a hundred grand already. We're as close as anyone has gotten to her so far. If we don't bring her back, we might as well stay right here in Moldova. Chisholm doesn't take failure very well. He's about as crazy as anyone I've ever met."

  Their conversation was interrupted by the van jerking to a halt. Motioning for everyone to get out, the guide jumped out and unloaded the packs from the back of the vehicle. Pointing to the pile, he assigned each man a pack and bedroll, then walked off into the woods. Cursing, the men grabbed their bags and followed. Six hours later the guide halted, motioning for the men to make camp.

  "Kerc, how much farther?" Eddy asked.

  "Tomorrow," Kerc replied as he spread a blanket on the ground. Sitting, he reached into his pack, pulled out some dried mutton, and began chewing it slowly.

  "You don't expect us to eat that crap, do you?" Jimmy demanded. "I ain't eatin' that shit."

  "You eat. No fire," the guide ordered.

  "Fuck you. It's bad enough we have to spend the night here, but I ain't stayin' out here without some type of heat or light."

  "No fire," Kerc repeated.

  Ignoring the guide, Jimmy bent down to pick up a piece of firewood. The thud of a knife sticking in the ground within inches of his hand made him jump backward.

  "What the fuck?" he yelled, turning toward the guide. "I'll kill you, you fuckin' asshole."

  Smiling, the guide shrugged, unimpressed.

  "Maybe so. Then everyone die."

  Rolling onto his side, he closed his eyes and fell asleep. Mumbling, Jimmy turned to the rest of the group for support. The others just shrugged and crawled under their blankets. It was going to be a long night.

  * * *

/>   Dakota settled into Yemaya's home quite nicely. The staff was friendly and accommodating. They obviously enjoyed working for the Lysannes. She spent her mornings walking with Yemaya, then excused herself to work on her article. The castle was isolated, but was furnished with all the modern conveniences. Internet connections were accessible by satellite, so she was able to update her boss on her research.

  * * *

  Yemaya spent most of her time catching up on estate matters and helping local families settle small disputes or resolve problems. Usually, Raidon handled petty quarrels, but she knew he needed a break from his routine so he could spend more time with Reymone. The two had decided to take a trip to Cahul to check on rumors of several suspicious looking men who had been asking questions about the Lysannes. They were more than happy to mix business with pleasure if it meant getting away for a few days.