Chapter Ten: 10:22 pm
Nine months, three days, one hour and thirty-eight minutes
Home, Maura plopped down her bag and rushed for the bathroom. The urge for a shower was overwhelming as what happened kept replaying over and over again in her reeling mind. After turning it on to let it warm up, she stripped and in the medicine cabinet mirror nervously inspected the horizontal half inch long cut upon her throat and shivered.
If it had not been for Mr. Wink…
Maura could not even finish the thought and jumped under the now lukewarm water. Scrubbing away the trail of dried blood that ran down her chest, she tried to be brave and not cry about it. Tried and failed. Hot tears went unseen, mixing with the warming spray yet it did little to muffle the shuddering gasps.
Relax… it will be okay… Remember what they said to him. Besides, you did more damage to yourself than he did.
She gave an uneasy teary laugh looking down at her left forearm. The cut was longer and deep. Not wanting to stich it up, she rested a hand over it she closed her eyes and concentrated hard. The skin started to slowly stitch closed but her knees soon buckled at the effort and she stopped with a gasp. Catching her breath and leaning on the shower wall she let the now hot water pound over her back. Cursing over being able to heal others but when it came to herself it took far more energy and effort.
At least it hurts less now.
She thought studying it over but finding little had really changed. Gritting her teeth she tried again and did not stop till she fell to all fours panting.
"Dammit!" She growled, struggled to her feet and looked at the cut again. It was still there but at least now it did not require stitches. Giving up she started washing her hair and body down while debating over whether or not to call her grandmother. After drying off, putting on some comfy pajama bottoms and a tank top she caved in and snatched up her mobile.
As it rang a few times she wondered what to say. Yet to her simple "Hello?" Maura already felt better.
"Hey Gran, how are you?"
"I am well, what about you?"
She bit her lower lip unsure and the hesitation she knew spoke volumes.
"Maura dear? Is something the matter?"
"Oh no, I'm fine-everything is fine. Sorry I'm a bit slow at the moment. It's just a headache," she blurted out and rubbed at her head.
"Hummm… getting them again? You seem tense too. Anything you want to get off your chest?"
Eyeing the healing cut on her arm then fingering the smaller one upon her neck Maura shook her head and lied uneasily, "Um no… no I'm good."
"Well you know you can tell me anything right? Anything at all-not much surprises me anymore."
Sucking in a breath Maura resisted the urge to break down and tell her everything. What happened today, maybe even her abilities. But the fear of disbelief creating a larger rift between them than the one of keeping secrets was far greater. Then there was the other reason.
"Any improvements with Mom? Any news at all?"
This time it was Anna who hesitated. Maura heard her give a soft sigh then say, "She's still the same. I'm sorry dear. I wish I could do something about it but her mind is still…"
It was what her grandmother always said and Maura gave the same tired and equally defeated reply, "I know Gran. I wish I could do something too."
In fact she had tried when her uncle and his family permitted a rare unsupervised visit. Since her father's death they had become extremely protective of her mother. And it took a while for Maura to realize they looked upon her and her Grandmother with suspicion perhaps blame as well. But finally alone she took the chance, gently held her mother's statuesque face and offered warm loving thoughts along with healing energy.
Seconds passed and then her mother with a soft gasp became lucid for a few bitter sweet minutes. Lauren seeing her daughter all grown up was understandably confused but still happy. They hugged and cried. Maura wanted to tell her so much but then she felt it. Pulling away she could only helplessly watch her mother's eyes go blank once more. Feel the emotions within fade away, leaving Maura feeling like she was just touching an everyday object. Only it was warm and slowly breathing.
Even though it had been years ago and she felt her ability was stronger, she had yet to make another attempt.
Perhaps I just stopped too soon.
She hoped yet feared another failure. How the cruelty of it would affect the both of them. Lastly, she doubted her uncle would even permit another private visit. Not after what happened.
Finding his sister's face wet with tears and ignoring Maura's, his features grew angry yet calmly he asked her to simply leave. The look in his eyes stilled her tongue to try an offer some kind of explanation. When she hesitated, he wasted no time in grabbing her arm to insist. His intense emotions she had no doubts were directed entirely at her. His burning hostility made Maura scream in agony.
He let her go immediately but his next words were just as painful. "What the hell is the matter with you? I just want you to go. What did you do to upset her? Never mind, just go! Quit it with your sniveling! I hardly touched you girl!"
Anna's soft words broke into her reverie. "Your father and mother loved one another so very much. And they loved you too. Please always remember that dear."
Playing with the amethysts beads about her neck Maura Promised, "I will." The silence that followed was painful so she tried a brighter topic. "I found some purple loosestrife in Prospect Park. I'll bring it when I come for a visit."
"I would like that very much since I'm growing low but seeing you I would love far more."
"I miss you too," Maura echoed, smiled at seeing an opening to ask. "Say… remember those stories you would read to me about the Bethmoora elves?"
Anna gave on a soft laugh, "Yes how could I forget?"
"Well, I was wondering when I come up for that visit could I see the book? I know it's old. I know you don't like me looking at it without-"
"You're all grown up now. Of course you can look at it without me hovering about. Taking a shine to the royal family again?"
Maura blushed, scratched between her shoulder blades and stammered, "N-no actually are there other stories besides the ones you read to me? Or did you read them all?"
"There were a few which… I felt you were too young for, but why the interest in them now? You haven't asked me about them since I grounded you for taking that rubbing of the royal seal on the cover."
"Hey, I didn't hurt it."
"That is not the point, you did not ask for permission. What if-"
"I'm sorry Gran," Maura gave for what seemed like the thousandth time. Still the lecture came and patiently she endured it.
=0=
Emerging from his sanctuary a few hours ago healed and whole, Chet progressed quickly through the stinking and bleating humans with ease appearing as one of them once again. Only this time he tolerated leaving them completely unharmed in his wake, all to not waste his time to pay a visit to his former apprentice.
Even under a cloaking glamor he clung to the shadows as he made his way to the block, his Prince for some reason had decided to reside upon. From the other side of the street his eyes narrowed warily upon the building. He wondered if Mr. Wink and the pesky wood fairy were still about, if they had found the time to inform the Prince what had happened and if he would live to see another day if she was indeed under his protection. He simply could not understand why she would be.
He gave a sad sigh and thought back to simpler times. Before the war, tutoring the Prince and how his own family was whole and untouched by the humans. After the truce was called, only the Prince seemed to understand and not King Balor who, like him also lost his wife. His friendship with the Prince had deepened as he did all he could along with his family to keep him and the princess safe during the war. Meanwhile his confidence in King Balor, who just sat listlessly upon his throne, faded completely away. When the humans cried out for mercy, only the Prince and he had both pleaded with him to reconsider yet he would not be moved. King Balor offered the humans a deal rather than more death.
But no matter my Prince has and always will represent the hope and future for our people. King Balor is a broken fool! The humans violated and killed our Queen! Our Queen, my mate as well and so many of our kind! And he wept… wept in shame after what the Golden Army did to a few filthy villages! Damm that cowardly fool for breaking apart the crown! Damm him!
Crossing the street Chet tried to calm his churning stomach and racing mind. He would need to explain his actions. The resentment and embarrassment roiled in him at the thought of how she a mere human could now cost him everything. A part of him trembled, at just the slightest chance that Prince Nuada would never trust him again over this mistake. Yet walking up the stairs he reasoned.
Perhaps the cave troll and that wood fairy she calls Ike, are acting upon their own and no explanation will be required. I need only tread carefully and if needed plead my case. After all he knows how I enjoy a good hunt now and them. And how could I have possibly known she was under his protection? Yes he may be annoyed but she is hardly wounded and is still ver much alive… at least for now.
Brushing his fingers upon each door Chet sensed for the one his Prince resided behind. His revulsion growing at the glimpses into the hearts of every human he found instead. If that was not bad enough, the smell of their artificial flavored preservative food, synthetic furniture and toxic cleaning products made his sinuses burn and head pound. On the sixth floor, touching the eight door he smiled, inhaled and gave a sigh of relief along with a polite knock.
=0=
At someone tapping at the door, Nuada rose and with one crutch made his slow way to it. Looking through the peep hole he gave a huge grin recognizing the face even in human disguise. Opening the door he welcomed him in with hearty enthusiasm.
"Master Chet! It has been far too long since we shared words and drink, has it not?"
Chet hesitated upon the threshold but then upon dropping his gaze respectfully, he gave his injured foot a critical look. "Why have you not summoned a healer? And why do you use that ridiculous human-"
Nuada held up a hand when Chet tried to approach. Squeezing the older elf's shoulder he gave it a few affectionate slaps and chuckled as the sternness melted away in his old mentor's eyes. Chet gave a slow reluctant deep laugh and Nuada reassured, "All in good time I will answer these questions but first, fetch us some whiskey and glasses from the cupboard above the sink."
With a dip of his head Chet obeyed as Nuada settled back down upon the sofa. As he elevated his foot upon the arm of it he winced out, "I cannot let you help me too much. Else lose the wager with my sister."
Pulling up a kitchen chair, setting down the glasses upon the coffee table and opening the whiskey bottle Chet asked simply, "A wager?"
Giving nothing till receiving his glass then offering a small toast, Nuada started slowly while swirling the finger remaining. "I cannot receive aid from our people, walk upon our few of remaining territories. I have already pressed my luck with Nuala by visiting my sanctuary twice a month. But at least only nine remain to live among the humans and claim my prize."
Chet looked about them critically and grumbled, "Ah… So that is why you live here. So for what gain is worth mingling in this filth which is worse than the tunnels forgotten by the humans in the Earth?"
Bringing up the glasses to his lips, Nuada smiled and paused before replying, "Her piece of the crown. Far worth such a trial would you not say?"
His old mentor nodded and emptied his glass. "Aye, so you must interact with them as well?"
Thinking of Maura, Nuada gave a shrug and tried to make light of it with, "Two have been of some use and are still needed." Finishing his glass as well, he looked up and quirked a brow when Chet remained quiet, deep in thought.
Caught he swallowed and said softly, "I had no idea your highness." As he took the glass to pour them another, Nuada's eyes narrowed at the comment but it was soon forgotten at what he asked next. "So… Who shall I avoid killing?"
Although the question for some reason chilled him now, Nuada did not let it show and calmly gave the names, "A Mr. Mike Guillermo and a Ms. Maura Laurel Healy you will not harm."
"Now that I know, they will be most safe from my… attention," Chet promised and gave him a tight sharp smile. Getting up from the chair he finished his second glass as he strolled about the room. Nuada watched him casually but an uneasy feeling rose up inside of him. Chet's tolerance was never good and it did not take much of the potent elven made whiskey to put him in an unpredictable and sometimes volatile mood.
His eyes traveled till they fell upon the pocket watch and sharpened. Nostrils flaring Chet gave a snort then inspected what sat upon the refrigerator and observed, "Human time piece how… quaint. Whatever do you need them for? Appointments? So you will not be late for your… job? Does she require you to work as well?"
Seeing the anger start to burn in his eyes as he started to reach for the mantle clock, Nuada firmly ordered, "I feel it is best for you to leave now Master Chet."
The older elf did not listen, instead set the empty glass down with a hard slap. He then picked up the clock and pointed it at him. "This… this is an insult. And you fixed it did you not? Tell me!"
Nuada did not feel anger over Chet's outburst only a small bit of shame. Feeling as if he was a handful of years old again he regarded his old mentor warily. Chet's eyes were glassy with held back tears and Nuada understood completely why. Like his father he was never the same after losing his mate. Trying to calm him down he offered softly, "I do it to spare the wood and metals. I do it so I will get the crown piece. I sell what I fix but if you wish me to starve and beg the humans for scraps I shall. I will do it for you and our people, if that is your wish dear friend."
He watched Chet come back to himself slowly, blink away the sorrow and return the clock upon the refrigerator with the utmost care. Turning back, keeping his eyes low, he agreed. "Point well noted your Highness, for-forgive me."
"Your friendship, loyalty and services mean so much to me, how can I not?"
"Thank you, your Highness. Still… is there naught one task you have for me? One that would not put your wager with your sister in danger but at least set your mind at ease."
"Perhaps there is a way for you to help me. Mr. Wink is looking for it as well but understandably given his size he is limited on how he can pursue the matter. I wish to locate the crown piece the human's hold."
To that Chet brightened and started for the door. "I would be most honored, I shall start at this very-"
"One more thing Master Chet," Nuada said stopping him in his tracts. When he turned to him, he added, "Tread with care… no bloodshed. We must not spook them."
Chet looked less than pleased with the stipulation but gave a tight nod and left without further word.
=0=
After saying their goodbyes Maura put down her mobile, opened a bottle of merlot and poured herself a large glass. Leaning against the counter, she eyed her bag by the door before taking a sip. After checking the time and confirming Helen would not be home for at least two more hours, Maura padded over barefoot to it. Picking it up and slinging it over a shoulder she carried it over to the sofa, sat her wine glass down and carefully took out the weapon that nearly killed her. Laying it upon the coffee table she sat down and opened the cardboard to inspect it fully.
Staring at the hawk bill shaped blade bearing her now dried blood, Maura took a long draft of the red wine and wondered what to do with it next. It looked to be well made. Both the inside and outside of the curved edges were wickedly sharp. From the wear upon the simple yet eloquent hilt it also looked to have been used a great deal. Yet it seemed oversized. Carefully picking it up Maura noted how heavy and off balance it felt.
A soft tapping on the window had her jumping and sloshing her wine. Seeing it was Ike she put the weapon and her glass down, got up to let him in. He looked grim and worried as he slowly flew to the coffee table and hovered over the dagger, studying it.
From the kitchen Maura offered, "Bread and honey?" At his tiny nod she made up half a slice while asking, "I take it no luck in tracking him."
"Correct but we have many eyes searching," he reassured in his native tongue.
Bringing the plate to Ike she asked, "Who is he?"
"Chet."
Maura waited for him to swallow down a few bites before pressing for more. "So why did he want to hurt me?"
Ike said nothing and chewed uncommonly slow. After swallowing he looked up at her and reluctantly informed, "Not hurt… Maura, kill."
"But why? And why would ah… a cave troll that serves the Bethmoora royal family bother to protect me?"
"Orders, we follow. We do not question them."
"What did I do to this Chet guy to-"
"No guy Maura… elf," he mumbled between quick mouthfuls.
"Okay so is this Chet elf working alone?"
"We do not know yet. Mr. Wink and I will keep watch and protect you." He paused squinting up at her and added with a smile, "The one you call Nate… he could be of some use, no?"
"That is a definite no Ike. No way am I getting him involved in this."
He gave a small shrug and sniff then suggested, "Best pick what he dropped up again. Let us see if you can make use of it instead." When she hesitated he stressed, "You will need it and it would be best to keep it close. Now pick it up." Reluctantly she did and Ike added, "Concentrate upon the blade and make it grow." He started to chuckle after she gave it a try, nothing happened and she gave him a skeptical look.
"Try again… you might have to try harder-very hard."
"Fairies, elves, trolls hey why not grow-oh-ing… oh my! It worked! It actually worked!" Maura cried out happily but then frowned. A sinking feeling filling her as she slowly turned the blade from one side to the other. "It's… it's like a machete now."
Realizing why she was upset he nodded to the weapon and suggested matter-of-factly, "Then if he tries to kill you again why not take his head?"
"Ah… I'd rather not. Plus what do I know about these things except stay away from the pointy end? And look I have trouble with even that!" She held up her left arm showing him the cut.
"It is good the blade is sharp. It will make it an easy task."
"Still a big no Ike," she muttered and watched him fly to the window.
From it he asked in a confused tone, "You do not wish to avenge your father?"
"Wait, what? Ike! Dammit," She sighed finding him already gone. Staring back down at the large machete in her hands she felt a sickening anger growing in her. She wondered if she was now holding the very weapon that killed her father. Remembering Ikes words and how he looked at it made her start to swallow hard and push down the threatening tears.
Sucking in a breath she focused upon carefully giving the elongated blade a few careful swings. It sang as it cut through the air. Growing a little bolder she tried out the slow moves of the Tai Chi straight sword form. Confidence growing she experimented with the quick sweeping moves from the Cannon Fist form of the Chen style. The blade surprisingly light started to feel like an extension of herself. At least until the tip of it caught the spinning ceiling fan. The blade so sharp, Maura did not realize she hit it till bits from the white plastic blades started flying out. One hit and dented the wall over the TV, the other rang the copper pots while a third skittered down the hallway to the bath and bedrooms.
"Oh crap!" Panicked she dropped the machete. As it fell to the area rug, the blade shrank back down to its original size. The damaged ceiling fan above now gave off a soft whizzing. Squeezing her eyes shut she muttered, "Great… great going. I've just managed to kill the deposit. No wonder Ike left shortly after I picked this up." She bent down and gingerly retrieved the now dagger sized weapon then walked over to the switch. Turning it off she assessed the damage to the rest of the room and collected the fragments as the blades slowed down. Looking up she let out a breath. Just small pieces of three corners were missing.
"Maybe she won't notice," Maura hoped, flipped the fan back on and decided to go to bed. Getting any sleep was another thing entirely.
=0=
Chet's weapon is similar to hawkbill machete: A curved or hooked machete that can be sharpened on both sides or on the inside of the curve. The sharpened tip can concentrate force on a sharp point allowing it to pierce and cut very hard materials. Generally it's used for cutting tall grasses. (And apparently for Chet lopping off heads as well.)
