Here at long last is Chapter 14. Enjoy! Reviews are love!
Chapter 14: Ashberry Rises
In the caves, Meagan washed Kinski's spare clothes. Kinski had gone out with Peloquin and Cabal. Suddenly, Meagan felt very nauseous. Getting up from her work, she ran outside and vomited. After freshening up, Meagan continued to work on Kinski's clothes. When Kinski returned, he saw how sickly Meagan was. He immediately took her to see Rachel. When she was finished examining Meagan, Rachel handed her back over to Kinski.
"I will let her tell you. My blessings to you Kinski." Was all Rachel said, with a small smile.
Kinski then turned to Meagan and asked her what Rachel was talking about. Meagan felt herself blushing.
"Kinski, I'm pregnant." She then said in a soft voice.
Kinski smiled lovingly at his wife. He then kissed her passionately.
"That is wonderful my love." He replied.
The two soon returned to their living quarters.
Ashberry had managed to get nearly every local of the town on his side. He had even convinced Meagan's friends to join him. Matthew and Bill were sent to get a head count of the Breed, but to not engage them. Meanwhile, Tabitha had gone to see where her niece had been living all this time. When she saw the little house and how happy everything about the house looked, she was enraged. She was robbed of her right as an aunt. When she saw Mary step outside into the front porch, she wanted to strike the old woman down. However, it would only cause her niece to keep away from her if she did. The old woman-who did not know of the danger-was safe for now. Back at Ashberry's house, the sheriff and the mad reverend were testing their devices on an unfortunate Nightbreed who had gotten lost. He had been the last of his kind. With a final howl of pain, the unfortunate beast quickly succumbed to his tormentors. His body was discarded in the heart of the woods.
Back at the caves, Kinski had wrapped Meagan in fur and was feeding her goulash.
"My mother once told me how when she was pregnant with me she ate goulash. She said: 'Leon, when I was expecting you. I ate goulash like it was my last day on earth.' Surprisingly, after I was born; she hardly ate it." He said.
Meagan smiled, as she finished her meal. Kinski stoked the fire for making knives.
"I plan on making a fine blade. I have the plan for it prepared. A huge crescent shaped blade. It will be twice the size of my large knife. On the blade will be Cabal and Lori's names on one side and the phases of the moon on the other. This will be my gift for Cabal. To thank him for being our savior." Kinski then said.
Meagan nodded. She watched Kinski work the hot metal; and was enchanted by how he turned raw material into something beautiful. After two and a half hours work, Kinski took a break. Removing his vest to help relax, Meagan was able to see that his back was marked up. Kinski felt her eyes on him.
"When we were escaping Midian, I was one of the last to leave. I had to help move Baphomet. There was an explosion behind me and I felt it. The fire touched me all along that part of my back. However, since I had been making knives and blades for years-I hardly noticed. The pain didn't sink in until after I had been able to relax." Kinski explained.
Meagan said nothing. She was too busy thinking about the tiny life growing inside her. Cabal suddenly entered the room.
"Hello Kinski, Meagan." He said.
They bowed and greeted their savior.
"Oh come on now. There is no need for such formalities. You two are my friends. Kinks, i need a word with you alone." Cabal then said.
As he walked with Kinski, Cabal could not help but hope that what he wanted to talk to Kinski would prevent anything bad from happening to him. Baphomet's words still buzzed in his ear like an angry hornet. Kinks was in mortal danger; and he shouldn't be risking his life. He had family now that needed him.
"So Cabal, what was it that you wanted to talk about?" Kinks asked.
"Kinski, Ashberry is on the move. He is plotting to rally the naturals against us. Baphomet told me that Ashberry's plan is to draw me out by attacking the tribe. Baphomet says that you are the good son. The advocate of hope. We, I-can not afford to loose you. I can't bring hope to the others. You, however, can. Kinski, save yourself. Take up your wife and run. I will take care of the others." Cabal replied.
Kinski looked at Cabal in silence. He then spoke.
"Cabal, I know what I must do. Baphomet also spoke to me. I know the risk. I know I might not make it to the new Midian. As long as the people I love make it there though, I am willing to give up my own life." He said.
Cabal sighed. There was no changing Kinski's mind. Kinski gave his savior and friend a reassuring smile. Little did they know that a storm was brewing. A storm of hate for al things different and unnatural as Ashberry continued to rise to power.