CHAPTER 22
Thane opened the door to the trailer without hesitation. If Armaros wasn't worried about visitors, then he would steel himself and not show concern either. He refused to even look through the peep hole. With a twist of the wrist and one swiping motion of his arm, the metal door was open and he was staring at Father Lucas Mundy and the strikingly beautiful girl that was accompanying him.
He was immediately glad that Father Lucas was here. The padre had shown concern over him at the hospital, and Thane was comfortable with him around. He also remembered that there was more to the man than meets the eye. He was not surprised at all that Father Lucas just happened to appear while he was listening to the most amazing story he could ever imagine and learning things that just hours earlier he could have never hoped to know. It was no coincidence. Of that he was certain.
As for the girl, Thane thought that like Armaros, she must be some sort of angel. Her skin, unblemished and the color of desert sand, lay perfectly over both her well toned muscles and her womanly curves. Her legs and her hair were long. The latter was shiny and straight and pulled back loosely with a single knot just above her shoulders. Her eyes were sharp, the color of unworked jade, and they met with Thane's for just a moment. He was glad that she was here too, although he had no idea who she could be.
"Brother Thane," the padre announced as he looked the young man up and down. "You seem to be doing much better since the last time I saw you."
"I'm sure that I am Father but . . . I 'm still not sure what exactly happened."
"Bad business son . . . all of it. Just be glad that Armaros came for you. He has told you his name hasn't he?"
"Yes sir, among other things. I was listening to a bit of history when you knocked."
"Well I'm sorry that we interrupted. Perhaps we could sit and listen with you," the priest suggested, "that is . . . if Armaros has no objections." He leaned to his right and then his left, trying to get a peek at Armaros, as he finished talking. The big angel heard and saw him.
"Let them in Thane. I think the good Father is on our side, but he does have some explaining to do."
Thane stepped aside and gave the two a smile as they stepped inside the trailer. He could smell the girl's hair as she walked past. The scent made him think of dried flowers. The two sat on a worn couch that ran the length of the bar on the living room side. The girl had yet to speak.
"Is this your daughter priest?" Armaros asked jokingly.
"No, no, I'm sorry. This is Basia. We, uh . . . work together. She was at the hospital with us earlier, but I forgot that you didn't see her."
Basia inclined her head as she addressed Armaros. Her voice was intelligent and sprinkled with just a hint of some accent that Thane couldn't place. "You are very handsome to be called 'the accursed one' Armaros. I had expected a skin malady or perhaps a deformity of some sort."
Armaros laughed at the jest. "Thank you Basia. You are kind. I'm sure, however, that both you and Father Lucas know my curse is not a physical one. I found the priest there full of surprises last we met, and I'm sure you won't disappoint in that department either. You both seem very knowledgeable. And I will know about the magic priest. You have lots of answers to give me."
"And you shall have them Armaros," Father Lucas replied. "I shall tell you all about Basia and myself whenever you ask. Even now if you wish . . . but I didn't plan on interrupting your education of young Thane here."
"We had come to something of an impasse when you knocked. It will be easy to resume from that point," Armaros stated as he looked at Thane. "That is, if Thane is ready to continue."
"Almost," the young man answered. "Maybe you should tell me about this curse before we go any further."
"I have been called 'the accursed one' since the time of Noah. There is no real curse of any sort upon me though Thane . . . it's more like consequences for choices made long ago. I believe men began calling me that out of pity actually. Although forgotten, it's no secret that I spent much of my time here on earth trying to get back to where I came from-the first estate. It seems that it was all to no avail. The name has always followed close behind."
Thane could see a sadness welling up in Basia's eyes while the big angel spoke. When he finished she looked to Thane and gave him a little smile while mouthing something like "hey" or "hello." He supposed it would have to do for an introduction. "I believe you were telling me about Semjaza, and getting your names," he said to Armaros in a voice loud enough for the others to hear. "I would very much like for you to continue your story."
The Peacock Angel: Rise of the Decarchs Page 34