by Thuan Nguyen
Woof! Woof! Woof!
Paddles was standing in front of Anton, facing the woman and barking ferociously at her; it seemed as if he was defending Anton.
“I’m sorry,” said Ginessa, and she went over and scooped up Paddles, “I thought he needed to go do a nature’s calling, but he just ran over here. I’ll take him back inside.”
“No,” said the woman, “You should stay. There is something I need you for, actually.”
“Leave her out of this,” said Anton, “This is between you and me, Maruska.”
“I’m sorry, Anton,” said Maruska, “But you don’t make the rules.”
“Ginessa,” said Anton, “Leave now. Don’t go back into the house. Go find Narteb.”
Ginessa could sense something really serious was going down.
“I’m not leaving you, Anton,” said Ginessa.
Maruska laughed, “How very noble of you. Of course, maybe that is because you don’t know the gravity of the situation. Let me tell you what the current circumstances are, and then you can decide whether or not you want to stay. Not that your decision will have any effect on the outcome.”
“Maruska,” said Anton, “I said it before and I will say it again. You can do whatever you like to me, but leave my wife out of this. She has done nothing to you.”
“I am well aware of that,” said Maruska, “And in fact I harbour no ill feelings towards her. Except that she is beautiful and I am marginally jealous. But she must play her part, in order for me to get my revenge upon you. You see, I have only one of these orbs, and alas I must make a choice on whom to use it on. My instincts tell me that you will suffer far more seeing her hit by this, than yourself. Is that true?”
“You will not use that thing on her,” said Anton sternly.
“Ah…” said Maruska, “Finally, the Anton of old. I was a bit worried that you might have gone soft, living among these gentle country folk.” Then she looked at Ginessa, “This, my dear, pretty little thing, is one of the deadliest objects in the world. The secrets on how to make it, shrouded in mystery, discovered by people in the past who have long been forgotten by the passage of time. These people knew how to do real magic. And I discovered their texts and ancient tomes. And this orb, was their most powerful spell. It is irreversible!”
Maruska paused for a moment. The orb in her hands was suddenly feeling uncomfortable to hold. It was a cold, numb feeling; a lot like holding a block of ice. It had always been cool to touch, but now it was distractingly cold. It was almost as if the orb knew that it was about to be used. That the time for its sinister purpose was here, and it was getting its internal magicks ready. This actually scared Maruska somewhat, but nevertheless, she continued. “It took me a long time. I travelled far and wide to collect the ingredients. Climbed to summits that went higher than the clouds, and gathered ingredients from the bottom of the sea. In the end, I made it. In all its deadly beauty. It is called a Ha Ni Sao in the ancient tongue. But I call it the petrification orb. When I throw this orb at someone, that person will be turned to stone. Forever.”
“No way,” said Ginessa, “That’s impossible. Isn’t it, Anton?”
“I don’t know,” said Anton, “But that crazy look on her face says she thinks it’s real. Let’s just assume that it is for now. Now, Ginessa, go quickly. And if anything happens to me, remember that I love you.”
“I’m not leaving,” said Ginessa.
“Go!” said Anton.
“Oh, you two make me sick,” said Maruska and she threw the orb at Ginessa.
Anton saw everything happen in slow motion. He saw the orb leave Maruska’s hands and start flying through the air, straight at Ginessa (and Paddles). Anton instinctively leaped at Ginessa and tackled her to the ground. Husband and wife (and dog) landed on the ground. Anton saw a soft pink light pass over him, and felt relieved.
It had missed!
He turned and saw the orb land on the ground some metres behind them. He wanted to relax, but he couldn’t yet. The orb had not shattered! It was lying on the ground, unbroken.
Then an idea popped into Anton’s head. It was the only idea he had, so he went with it.
“Let go of Paddles, Ginessa,” said Anton.
Ginessa let go of their terrier, and as soon as she did, the little dog darted straight at Maruska!
Grrrrrr…… grrrrrrrr……
It started biting at her heels and viciously tearing at the loose robes near her feet.
Anton got up, grabbed his bucket and fishing net. He ran over to Maruska and while she was distracted by Paddles he put the fishing net right over her head then slammed a bucket over it. Now she was wearing the bucket and couldn’t see!
“Ye Cads!” said Maruska. She couldn’t see with the bucket on her head and she started flailing her arms around helplessly. She tripped over something small and furry on the ground (Paddles), and landed face first on the ground. The little dog was still biting into her robes. It was really annoying!
“Let’s go! C’mon Paddles!”
It was Anton’s voice.
Maruska fumbled and tried to get the bucket and fishing net off her head as quickly as possible, but the faster she tried to do it, the longer she took! Finally, she got it off, and sat up. She looked around.
She was all alone.
Maruska stared down the path into the darkness, and was quite certain she saw some dark figures running away in the black of night. She stood up, and dusted herself off. Then she went over to her orb, which was still lying harmlessly on the ground. She picked it up carefully, just in case it had been cracked. Thankfully it wasn’t. She tucked the orb into her robes and turned to face the path away from Anton’s house.
Husband, wife and little dog had gotten a head start on her, but Maruska was not worried.
You can run, she thought, But you cannot hide forever.
Chapter 9
Ginessa was getting tired, but she ignored it.
Anton was running beside her, leading the way. It was dark as they ran through the woods. Every now and then,, the moon would come out from behind the treetops and light their way momentarily.
Ginessa turned to look behind them. Paddles was there running behind them, but he was slipping further and further behind. The poor dog was reaching his running limit.
Ginessa stopped for a moment and picked up Paddles in her arms. He was nice and light. She would carry him for the rest of the way. She was suddenly glad that didn’t have a big dog as a pet!
Anton came over to Ginessa and said, “Here, give him to me.” He took the little dog from her and popped him under his armpit, carrying him with one hand. He held out the other hand to Ginessa and said, “Stay close to me.” It was big, warm and calloused. She immediately felt safer and just knew that while she was at his side, he would do everything in his power to protect her.”
They began running again, Anton matching his speed so Ginessa could keep up with him.
“Where are we going, Anton?” said Ginessa, between breathes.
“I have no idea, I’m still thinking,” said Anton, “We need to get away from Maruska. Really far away. Then we can decide what to do next.”
They continued running. They were heading in the general direction of the village.
Ginessa occassionally turned back to look behind them, to see if anyone was following them. She could see nothing. It was quite spooky in the dark, but she decided it was better to see absolutely nothing than to see Maruska chasing them.
“Do you need to rest?” said Anton.
Ginessa shook her head, “No, I’m fine.”
Anton smiled. He was really proud to have a tough wife.
Then suddenly, an idea popped into his head. It was half decent and he decided to go with it. In this situation, you take whatever idea you can get.
“Let’s go to Ray’s house,” said Anton, “And ask if we can borrow his boat. Then we can get his boat, row passed the pier, pick up Narteb. Then we row down the coast a fair way and then
set up camp somewhere to decide our next move.”
“Yes,” said Ginessa, who was too puffed to say any more.
Anton laughed, “Do you need a short rest?”
“No,” said Ginessa.
He smiled.
They ran for another fifteen minutes, although to Ginessa it felt like fifteen hours! Finally, they arrived at a quiet place on the outskirts of the village.
“No lights,” said Anton, “This doesn’t look good.”
He was actually really tired too, and was thankful that they could stop for a moment. They stepped up on the front porch of Ray’s house, Anton put Paddles on the ground, but continued holding Ginessa’s hand.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
“Please be home,” said Anton. While they waited at the door, he turned to look around to see if they had been followed. He couldn’t see anything or feel anything suspicious. He hoped that they had lost Maruska. Just a little while longer and they would be away and safe.
They heard footsteps approaching the door.
“Yes!” said Anton.
The door opened, and a little old lady appeared in the doorway. She was very wrinkly, and had wispy grey hair, tied up in a bun. It was Ray’s mother, Mavis. Anton always called her Mrs C. The most noticable thing about her, was that she had two milky white eyes. She was blind.
“It’s me, Mrs C., Anton.”
“Oh hello there, Anton! Are you looking for Ray?”
“Yes, is he home?”
“No,” said Mavis, “I’m sorry but he’s not home. He’s gone to the tavern tonight. He’s there learning the polka. He should be back home in about an hour or so. Would you like to wait here for him?”
Anton’s heart sank. “It’s okay,” he said, “We can go look for him in town. Thanks Mrs C.”
Anton picked up Paddles and he and Ginessa were turning to leave when suddenly, Anton had another idea.
“Ginessa,” said Anton, “You stay here, inside the house.”
“I want to go with you,” said Ginessa.
“It’s too dangerous with us running around town,” said Anton, “Maruska might spot us again. Just lay low here. I’ll be as fast as humanly possible. I’ll go find Ray, then I”ll come straight back for you.”
Ginessa didn’t want to let go of Anton’s hand, but she knew it would be easier for Anton if she stayed here. Running with him, she would slow him down and also be a target and he would have to worry about keeping her safe.
“Promise me you’ll come back,” said Ginessa.
“Unless Maruska does something to me, I will be back for sure,” said Anton.
“No,” said Ginessa, “Promise me you’ll come back. Don’t let Maruska do anything to you.”
Anton thought about it for a moment and then said, “I can’t promise that.” Then he went over to Mavis, who was still standing in the doorway. “Mrs C, is it okay if Ginessa waits at your house? I’m going to run to town to find Ray, then we’ll come back.”
“Why certainly, Anton! She’s more than welcome to,” said Mavis, “Come inside, Ginessa, I’ll make you a spot of tea.”
Ginessa stood on the porch, looking at Anton. “Don’t let her do anything to you, Anton. Please.”
Anton put his arms around her slender waist and kissed her. He had kissed her countless times before, but why did this time suddenly feel like it would be the last time? He brushed aside such thoughts and reluctantly let her go.
“I will return,” he said.
He put Paddles down on the ground again, and said, “Stay here.”
Then he turned and ran off, heading into town.
“Come inside, dearie,” said Mavis.
Ginessa nodded and she and Paddles followed the old woman into the house. The door closed behind them and all was quiet on Ray’s porch once again.
A little too quiet.
Chapter 10
Ginessa and Paddles followed Mavis into the house. It was dimly lit by candles scattered around here and there. The candle flames were still and the living room had a calm and tranquil aura.
“Take a seat, dearie,” said Mavis, “I’ll fetch you a cup of tea. I was just bringing it to boil before you arrived.”
Ginessa took a seat on a soft velvety couch and Paddles lay on the floor near her feet. He seemed more relaxed now they were inside.
While she waited, Ginessa examined the living room. There were some paintings on the walls, but in the dim light, it was quite hard to make out what they were. One seemed to be a portrait of a lady, and another was a landscape; rolling hills and a tree in the foreground. She couldn’t make out what the third painting was.
Mavis re-entered the room, carrying two dark cups. The cups had no handles and were made of polished wood.
“There you go,” said Mavis, “Be careful, it’s rather hot.”
Ginessa carefully took the cup off the old woman and immediately felt warmer holding it. The aroma was unusual, but pleasant. She took a sip.
“Wow,” said Ginessa, “What is this?”
“Corn tea,” said Mavis, “How do you like it?”
“It’s really nice,” said Ginessa, taking another sip. She had never had corn tea before. She liked trying different foods and drinks.
Mavis took a seat next to her on the couch; Ginessa was so impressed how well the blind lady was able to get around.
They sat in silence for a while. Eventually, the old lady spoke.
“You have a very good energy about you,” said Mavis.
“Oh?” said Ginessa, “What do you mean?”
“Being blind,” said Mavis, “I have to rely on my other senses a lot more. I’ve come to learn that people have different energies. Sitting near you, I feel calm and relaxed.”
“Maybe it’s the tea,” chuckled Ginessa amicably.
Mavis smiled. “It’s always a joy to meet one such as yourself. Hold still a moment, I want to feel what you look like.”
Mavis put her cup of tea on a small table nearby and then reached her fingers up Ginessa’s face. Both hands started up at Ginessa’s forehead and traced their way lightly down past her eyes, nose, mouth and chin. The old lady’s hands felt warm and somehow Ginessa felt very relaxed afterwards.
The old lady was about to say something when suddenly there was a loud crack of thunder from outside, and moments later, heavy rain began pouring down outside.
Ginessa thought of poor Anton, running around outside in the rain.
Suddenly Paddles sat up, and started barking.
Ginessa turned to look at where Paddles was looking; it was the window at the front of the house, next to the front door. It was too dark to see outside, but Ginessa could somehow sense that something was wrong.
Lightning flashed outside. It illuminated everything outside for a split second.
And Ginessa saw the silhouette of someone standing in front of the window!
Even though the lightning had flashed for the briefest of moments, there was no mistaking who had been standing there.
It was Maruska.
She was standing outside the front door now.
Ginessa turned to Mavis. She had to get this little old lady out of harm’s way.
“Mrs C.,” said Ginessa, “I can see someone I know outside your front door. I have something really important I need to discuss with her in private. Would you be able to leave us alone for just a few moments?”
“Why of course, dearie,” said Mavis, “I shall retire to my room. It’s about time I headed to bed anyway. Just make yourself at home. You can offer your friend a cup of warm tea if you like.” Mavis picked up her cup of tea and disappeared down the corridor.
Ginessa calmly waited on the couch, sipping her warm corn tea. Paddles was growling defensively at the front door. OUt the corner of her eye, Ginessa could see the handle of the front door slowly turn. The door silently opened and a figure stepped inside the house, and closed the door quietly behind them.
Ginessa continued to sip her tea, and didn’t loo
k up.
Woof! Woof! barked Paddles.
“Shh!” said Ginessa, “Stay.”
Paddles obediently lowered his bottom to the ground and sat. Instead of barking, he now whimpered occasionally, as if begging to be given the order to attack.
“So,” said the intruder, who was of course Maruska. “Any last words before you get turned to stone?”
“None that I want to say to you,” said Ginessa, still drinking her tea.
“My, you certainly are calm,” said Maruska. She reached into her robes and pulled out the deadly glowing orb. “Do you not realise what this thing does?”
“I was afraid before,” said Ginessa, “Because I was worried something would happen to Anton. But he is not here, so there is nothing for me to be afraid of.”
“Oh, that is where you are wrong,” said Maruska, “He will suffer greatly from what I will do to you. And so will you actually. Flesh turning to stone is excruciating, I am led to believe. And once it happens to you, that’s it. No one will be able to rescue you. An eternity spent as a stone statue. Unable to move. Unable to talk. Unable to hug and love your dear, sweet Anton ever again. How does that sound?”
Ginessa drained the rest of her cup and put it on the small table beside her. “Corn tea is quite nice. Have you ever tried it? I can pour you a cup if you want.”
Maruska smirked, “I must admit, your calmness impresses me.”
“I care not for the admiration of fools,” said Ginessa.
Maruska snarled, “You think I am a fool? In my place, you would do the same.”
“No, in your place, I would have just walked away from Anton and continued with my life,” said Ginessa.
“I can’t do that,” said Maruska.
Ginessa now stood up from the couch and turned to face Maruska.
“What are you doing?” said Maruska.
“If I’m going to become a stone statue, I at least want to have a cool pose.”
***
Mavis was lying down on her bed, just about to drift off to sleep. She was feeling so cosy and warm. It was perfect sleeping conditions. The heavy rain outside, wind howling at the windows, the occasional thundercrack.
And an extremely loud pop sound.
Mavis opened her eyes.
An extremely loud pop sound? What was that? It sounded like it had come from the living room. She quickly got up out of bed and went to investigate. As soon as she opened her bedroom door and went into the corridor, she immediately began coughing and spluttering uncontrollably. There was a smokey smell in the air; she could feel dusty particles as she breathed. Was it ash? Why would there be ash inside her house? She gradually made her way into the living room.