CHAPTER 25

Fleeing the alleyway with Alhena in tow, Erik brought his sister back inside The Crystal Orchid. He hadn't expected such an attack, yet he was hardly caught off guard. Despite his insistence that she leave, Alhena had remained at his side and had handled herself exceptionally well.

Attempting to bring his sister to his room, Erik was pulled back suddenly. Alhena had come to a stop, three steps behind him on the stairs. Her grasp upon his arm was steady, as he turned back in irritation to question her. Before he had a chance to say anything, she explained, "I must return to The Jeweled Moon."

Erik looked at her as if she had gone mad. He was in disbelief that she would even think of going back now, or that he would allow it after what had just happened. "I cannot permit you to do that," he said firmly.

"Excuse me?" She raised an eyebrow at him, unaccustomed to demands given by anyone other than Faraj.

Trying to keep his voice down, he leaned closer to her. "Did you not hear what I said out there? It was no accident those men attacked us," he implied knowingly.

Alhena shook her head at her brother's failure to understand. "Nonetheless, I have to go back. I didn't ask for you to become my keeper, Erik, nor do I need one."

"It's much too dangerous, Alhena!" He warned, his eyes pleading with hers to realize the truth.

She glared under protest. "I'm very aware of the dangers, but it's a risk I choose to take," she pointed out, tearing her hand free from the grasp he now had upon her. "I can't leave Nadir to his fate. It will be far worse, should I not return. The things Faraj would do to him in my stead are unimaginable."

"And what of the things he is capable of doing to you?" Erik snarled, unwilling to listen.

"Brother," she said softly, "we both take risks in this, but you must see that my return is necessary. I brought us to where we are. I am responsible for seeing the Persian through this with his life intact, but I require your help. We mustn't diverge from the plan. By the time Faraj finds out we've dispatched his scouts, it'll be much too late to matter."

In every sense of the word, she was right and he knew this. With her distraction of Faraj, things would go much smoother than if she were to go missing. "A risk I am to take, indeed," he sighed. He had been in many complicated positions before, but at no one else's expense but his own. This would definitely be his most challenging situation yet.

"Now, I must go," she repeated, knowing from his expression, he had come to terms with all she had said.

As she turned away from him, he stood tall, folding his arms across his chest. "Do not make my decision one I will regret," he said seriously.

Reaching the front door, she turned her head to look back on him. "If you later regret this decision, then it means that I'll be dead. In which case, I won't have to hear you going on and on about it." She grinned slyly, giving a mocking bow before departing swiftly.

"Yes, she is undoubtedly my sister," he smirked as he watched her leave. As the door came to a close behind her, he turned back up the stairs. "Time for me to lay out our plans for tonight," he thought, as he headed toward his room.

This night, Erik vowed to bring an end to Faraj's maniacal reign, once and for all.

The bath house was still bustling with servants, frantically working to have everything prepared in time for tonight, making it easy for Alhena to return unnoticed amongst the chaos. She had retreated instantly to her room and gathered the items she needed to take with her to the dungeons below. She rushed down the stairs and towards the basement, nodding at the guards as she passed.

Descending into the darkness, she hoped that the Persian was well. "Importantly, more himself," she shook her head at the awkwardness between them last night.

Looking beyond the iron grill of the chamber door, she spotted Nadir lying on the stone floor in the middle of the room. He was face down with his back to the door, as she let herself in.

Nadir listened to her delicate footsteps as she approached him. "Alhena, I want to apologize for last night," he sat up as she set her bucket down.

"I suppose this means you have your wits about you today?" She studied him carefully, as he nodded solemnly.

His eyes met hers apologetically. "My behavior was uncalled for and I will understand, should you think less of me this day."

"That's behind us now," she assured him, submerging a clean cloth within the water bucket. "What we need to focus on now is your escape tonight." She began to clean the dried blood from the numerous puncture wounds that covered his body.

"That will take a miracle," he sighed heavily. Even with any reserved strength he could muster, he was certain he would be of little use to anyone.

Alhena chuckled as she attended him. "Good of you to be so positive."

"Why didn't you do as I've asked? You should be halfway across the Sahara already instead of joining me like this," he argued.

"How well do you know my brother?" She asked, as she inspected the stitching she had sewn upon his arm previously.

"I've known him for many years now," he replied, confused at the question.

"And in knowing him, you should know exactly why we have remained then."

Nadir laughed, "Because of stupidity and stubbornness? Erik tends to act first before considering the consequences of his actions. He's always entertaining one foolish notion or another."

"But how often has he failed at those endeavors he had set his mind at accomplishing?"

"To my knowledge, not often," he replied quietly.

"Then why do you doubt your escape?"

"You must understand, the majority of those pursuits were less harrowing," he shook his head. "At the time, it was only our own two lives we had to worry about. Now we have you, le Comte, and the women to consider. It is easy to be bold and lucky when your mind is not preoccupied with the welfare of others."

"Luck may indeed be needed tonight," she admitted as she moved to clean his back.

"My main concern is of yours and Erik's safety," he continued. "Though it may be possible, the lengths it will require to garner my freedom will be difficult. I would have been more at peace knowing you were far from this place and headed back to Morocco to be reunited with your mother."

"I will take my leave tonight, but only after you are brought from this place as well."

Alhena's persistent nature did not surprise Nadir in the least. He had grown accustomed to Erik's determination, however foolish and unreasonable it was at times. There was nothing he could say to make her change her mind and even if there were, it would be impossible to dissuade Erik from his.

Gathering the used cloths and placing them beside the bucket, she reached at her side, pulling the vial free from the sash at her waist. "Open up," she instructed, uncorking the stopper of Erik's elixir.

"I'd rather kiss a camel than endure the taste of that," he pointed a finger at the vial, "Even if it is just one drop."

"Come now, I have no time to coax you into taking this. Believe me, I'd rather not have you reacting in ways I find most disturbing for a man of your character, but there is no other choice. My brother said you'd need a second dose, so please, just take it," her eyes softened, persuading him to cooperate.

Nadir opened his mouth and she held his chin steadily, placing a drop upon his tongue. His face soured immediately as the taste of the elixir filled his mouth.

"Allah, help me!" He cringed. "This is excruciatingly foul on all levels!" He gasped.

Pulling a silver container from her other side, she popped the cover with her thumb. "Drink this," she suggested.

"Please, no more. I've had enough," he waved her off.

She placed the tiny bottle within his hand. "It'll help. Trust me."

Hesitantly, he did as she advised, bringing the bottle to his lips and tasting the contents carefully. The mixture was smooth, sweet like honey, yet not as thick. He downed the liquid, emptying the container easily.

"Thank you," he smiled, handing her the silver container. He laid against the floor, resting his hands upon his chest. "That definitely helped," he sighed gratefully. "What was it?"

"Oh," she hesitated briefly, "just a mixture I concocted of this and that," she tucked the bottle aside at her waist.

Nadir turned on his side, propping his head in his hand. "What sort of this and that?" He inquired further.

"It's probably best that you don't know," she explained. "You're feeling better now, that's all that matters, right?" She smiled.

He watched her closely as she looked around the room, her eyes avoiding his. "What did you give me?"

"The ingredients are all natural, I promise you," she assured him.

"Alhena?" His voice rose in suspicion.

"Well," she looked at him sincerely, "it's good for the body." In a whisper, she finished, "…the female body."

"What?" Nadir was outraged, suddenly feeling queasy. "Tell me I won't suddenly be blossoming over night," he sighed. "I swear, you and your brother will be the death of me should I make it out of here tonight."

She rolled her eyes, collecting her items from the floor. "Quit your whining. The most that concoction will do is free you from headaches and any discomfort during your monthly cycle. The latter being if you were female, though with the way you're carrying on…" Her words hung between them, her point being made.

"Do you find this amusing, Alhena? Do you have any idea what this does to the male psyche?" He groaned. "You've given me something clearly made for a woman!" He shook his head in dismay.

Ignoring him, she walked toward the door. "Get some rest and maybe I'll check in on you later, when you're not being such a child." She exited the cell without looking back at him.

"If I begin to give milk later, I'll be very upset!" Nadir snorted in derision, as the door to the cell shut.

He then noticed she had left behind a letter, outlining a plan she had conceived with her brother in regards to what was to happen tonight. He read intently, memorizing each line. "Erik's either a genius or completely insane… perhaps both, but I do believe this just may work!" He folded the letter as best he could, as he walked over to the far corner of the room. He slid the letter within the small crack of the stone wall, certain no one would come across it. "The evening should be quite exciting indeed," he mused. For the first time since being imprisoned, hope was upon his horizon. There was nothing left for him to do now, but wait.

Resting against the coolness of the floor, he ran his hands idly over his chest, while pondering the plans in the letter. Realizing how ridiculous he looked doing this, he let his hands drop to his sides. "Women…" he sighed aloud.

Ranier slammed the door hard, waking Sebastien and Jean from their respective sleep. He kicked a chair over in anger, furious at himself for letting Guifford scare him as he did. "I should have gutted that sorry son of a bitch!" His anger subsided abruptly as he looked over at the beds and saw Jean leveling a pistol at him from where he lay.

"Be quiet," Jean warned, lowering the pistol back upon the nightstand.

Ranier watched as the gun was lowered. "I'm sorry. It's just been a bad day already."

"What the hell is your problem?" Sebastien demanded, rubbing his bleary eyes.

Scowling, Ranier righted the chair he had kicked and slumped down upon it. "I'm sick of this place…Faraj, the desert, this whole damned continent!"

"We'll be leaving soon enough." Sebastien rose and walked over to the attached bathroom. "We are to return to France with le Comte, to ensure the arrangements he has promised Faraj are upheld."

"What?" Ranier couldn't believe what he was hearing, "A month of travel with that egotistical fop and his whores?" He spat the words out. "I'll kill them all within the first week, I swear it!"

As Sebastien relieved himself, he missed the declaration, but Jean did not. Still lying down, he stared hard at Ranier. "You'll do as you're told like the good little soldier you are, Ranier."

Jean was not known for speaking much. He found that his quiet demeanor lent itself nicely to rumors about him and his effectiveness in individual disputes. One always had to wonder what he was up to. No one could ever imagine what to expect from him, and that's the way he preferred it.

Ranier flinched inwardly as Jean's words echoed the ones he'd used on Guifford earlier. "You think you can boss me around like I am your servant!" He blustered, placing a hand on the hilt of his knife for emphasis. "I've half a mind to cut you for that!"

Smiling, Jean beckoned him forward. "Try. See how far you get."

"Maybe another time," he suggested, intimidated by Jean's audaciousness, "Besides, I'm not going to kill the friend of my boss."

"That's what I thought," Jean snickered. "I sincerely doubt you'd even mark me anyway. Honestly, you're really not that good. And when you fail, I'd be sure to only shoot you in the gut instead of the chest, so you'd die a slow and painful death." He sat up and egged him on further, suddenly yelling at Ranier. "So, come on, and do it!" Jean's eyes went wild before him. "I dare you," he sneered.

Backing off, Ranier answered carefully. "I don't take orders from someone who's clearly insane! You're not in charge of me, Jean!"

"But I am," Sebastien opened the door and glared at him from the doorway. "Now, what are you two on about?"

"Nothing of dire importance," Jean replied, the left side of his mouth twisted up in an amused smile. "Ranier and I just had a disagreement about our places in the grand scheme of things. That's all."

Sebastien slid into his shirt and sat upon his bed, leaning forward to put his boots on. "Well knock it off. We have a party to attend to tonight and a long road ahead of us tomorrow, so make your preparations while I go talk to Faraj."

"No problem, mon ami. Ranier and I can discuss this another time," Jean replied, throwing a sinister wink at the little man. "Any time, in fact," he finished, preparing to get dressed also.

Entering his room, Erik found Raoul, Meg, and his wife, sitting around the table. They all turned their heads in his direction as he entered. "What's this?" He asked curiously. He needed them all together anyway, but hadn't expected to find them huddled about before him.

Raoul stood up and walked over to Erik. "I was just given this," he handed him the invitation Ranier had given him. "Did you know about it?"

"I was told by Alhena, late last night," he replied, nodding as he read.

"But I thought we had three days?" Raoul asked, wondering if they'd have enough time to prepare in such short noticed.

"As did I, but it appears that unfortunate circumstances has forced us to hasten our plans," Erik explained, as he removed his cape, draping it across the back of a chair.

"How is this to work then?" Raoul continued. "I can't possibly help you down below, if I am to be expected as a guest tonight."

"There's a benefit to every unforeseen predicament, Comte. You will make your appearance as requested. He doesn't suspect you, but I fear he's become suspicious of my sister. I ask that you keep a close eye on her this evening, as she's been called upon again to cater to Faraj and his guests tonight," he announced, pacing the room in contemplation.

Christine stood up from her chair, looking upon her husband inquisitively as he paced the room. "Erik? What has happened?"

Stopping in his tracks, he looked at her directly. "There was an altercation in the alleyway across from here, which means Faraj will more than likely be suspecting something to befall his bath house tonight. Though he will never expect, nor be prepared, for the likes of me," he informed her confidently.

"That man is ruthless," Meg shuddered at the memories of her brief time with the overlord. "Do you really think Monsieur Khan's rescue will be easy if that brute knows?"

"There's nothing easy about what lies ahead, Madame, but rest assured, tonight we will succeed," Erik replied with certainty.

Disquieted by the news, Christine could no longer contain her fears. "I don't like this, Erik. I don't like this at all."

"Christine," he walked up to her, "there is no other way. Nadir will die tonight if I don't free him from that place."

"I know," she sighed in frustration. "I just wish it didn't have to come to this. I'm afraid I'll lose you, Angel, and I couldn't bear it. Not after everything we've been through," she placed her hands upon her stomach concernedly, "especially now."

He brought his hands up to meet her face, tracing her cheeks tenderly. "I've been through way too much to let something like this come between us. Death will come for me after I've lived a full life beside you and not before, mon amour. I promise you."

She wrapped her arms around him suddenly, trying to keep her tears at bay.

"Christine," he whispered, "there's not much time. I must finalize the plan with le Comte."

She nodded against his chest and then freed him from her grasp, quickly turning in the direction of the open window. As she left his side, she wiped at her eyes and stifled a sob. Though her fears weighed heavily upon her, she wanted to remain strong for him.

Meg got up from her chair, giving the men a chance to talk. She walked over to Christine, hoping to comfort her as best she could.

Erik took a seat across from Raoul, immediately going over the plan and possibilities that may or may not occur.

Both girls looked out of the window, anxiety mounting, as they overheard the finer details of their husbands meticulously described course of action.

Alhena returned to her room to get her own things in order for tonight. She locked the door upon entering and immediately began packing the few belongings and keepsakes she would miss if she left them behind.

A golden frame, which secretly contained a letter addressed to the Sultan of Morocco, was the first item she grabbed. The letter was written by his daughter, her final words before throwing herself from the balcony of the room in which they once shared. Alhena stifled a sob, missing the company of her closest friend, as she placed the item solemnly within the small sack she had prepared.

Pausing a moment, she reflected upon an ornate hairbrush one of her more amorous patrons had given her in her earlier days at the house. She remembered that it had angering Faraj to the point of having that patron's hands severed at the wrists. She sighed, wiping a tear from her right eye, before adding it amongst her possessions.

A few more assets were added to her bag before she claimed the final item, a jeweled dagger she had stolen from Faraj long ago. He had killed another one of the servants for the theft, and she'd had it hidden ever since. It served as a reminder of how fragile her life was here in this place.

A knock on her door brought her from her reverie. Immediately she flung the bag under the bed, and swiftly moved to answer it.

"Unlock this door or I shall do it for you, my dear," Faraj's voice called from the hall.

"Damn that man. His timing is as terrible as always," she thought, as she pulled the door open. "Yes?"

"Greetings, my Tigress," Faraj reached out a hand to caress her face. "I just wanted to make sure you were well and prepared for tonight."

"Why wouldn't I be?" She asked. "Besides, it's just another night for us servants, attending to your drunken friends, listening to their slurred words, and slapping their roaming hands away. So much fun I can barely stand it," she finished, clasping her hands together in a sarcastic swoon.

Faraj smiled. "My dear, you will find tonight to be unlike any you have ever had, or will again." He leaned forward to meet her face, noting her puzzled expression. "Now, go attend to our friend in the basement one last time. You and he can make your peace with God."

"What is that supposed to mean?" She snapped at him, suddenly cold in the pit of her stomach.

"Oops, I fear that came out wrong. I meant you should go help him make peace with God," he laughed. "Sorry about that."

"As you wish, master," she bowed, suddenly afraid as she closed the door on him.

The fact that she was here and the two guards following her had not reported, told Faraj all he needed to know. "She's betrayed me, but how will this brother of hers come into play? Could the Comte be a part of this scheme too?" He shrugged his massive shoulders. He would need to question Guifford again, to find out for certain. "In any case, it matters not," he determined, thinking of what lay ahead. No one would stop him from carrying out the punishments he had planned for tonight. "Alhena and the stranger's deaths shall serve as a warning to those who would ever think about challenging me!"

Shortly after Faraj left, Alhena made sure everything she needed was stowed away in her bag before cinching the cord tight and hiding it once more beneath her bed. She took a few moments to lay out an elaborate dress before collecting the usual items to bring to the dungeon.

As she descended the stairs, she wondered if this would truly be for the last time. She was uneasy about Faraj's seeming unconcern about her whereabouts, but she had to hope it was just her nerves eating at her resolve. She was determined to go through with their plan and vowed to see Nadir to his freedom.

"So you've decided to see me after all?" Nadir grinned, as she entered his cell.

"I can leave if you prefer to be alone." She made a mock attempt to exit.

He gave her a look of ridiculous pity and replied. "No, I think I can bear looking at you again if I must."

There wasn't much more she could do now that she hadn't done earlier. Opting to change his bandages for fresh ones, she laid out several long strips of cloth. "How are you feeling?" Alhena asked after a time, wondering how the second dose of Erik's potion had taken effect.

"I am as well as can be expected, given the circumstances," Nadir admitted, looking around at the bleak surroundings.

"Did you read the letter I left you?" She whispered.

"Yes," he replied in turn.

"Good. Then you will know when to be prepared," she nodded. "Tonight you will be free," she reassured him, convincing herself in the process.

"Indeed," he answered softly, tilting his head to consider her countenance in the flickering torchlight.

Alhena raised an eyebrow. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm merely admiring your soft features against the light."

"Not again," she sighed in disappointment. "Listen to me," she grabbed his shoulders firmly. "Get a hold of yourself. You must not let the elixir control you."

"Relax. I am of sound mind and body. I just wished to remember you a final time, so that I know what I'll be fighting for."

She turned her head away, "I'm not any type of reward for your delusional fantasies to win over."

"You misunderstand me," he spoke quietly.

She considered his words cautiously. "How so?"

"I know this place has been as cruel to you as it's been for me… more so in fact, for I have only been here a few days. I would gladly endure whatever tortures await me, if it meant you could avoid or forget everything you've been through."

She shook her head in dismissal. "What's done is done. All I need for you to do now is get out of here alive."

An extreme rush of adrenaline coursed through his veins. "I plan on walking out of here with you at my side," he stated, standing tall before her.

The piercing look he gave her was almost dizzying. "You're getting ahead of yourself again," she turned to walk away from him, her cheeks beginning to flush.

Catching her arm, he stopped her in her tracks. "Alhena?"

"What?" She huffed impatiently.

Instantly he pulled her close and kissed her soundly, his arms wrapping around her curvaceous figure in a vice-like grip. She tried to push him away at first, but then her body relaxed. To her surprise, she found the warmth of his lips pleasing against hers.

Feeling that she had finally given in to him, their lips parted slowly. As he looked at her in utter fascination, without warning, she slapped him hard across the face.

He brought his hand up to meet his stinging cheek as she exited, but not before adding, "Right about now, your true self would apologize profusely, but I think you actually enjoyed that enough not to be sorry for it," she scolded him.

Nadir grinned. "I do believe I'm not the only one that took pleasure from that brief encounter," he bowed, smiling as her blushing face was captured for an instant in the light.

Without a word, she closed the door and fled back upstairs flustered, leaving everything she had brought with her behind. She felt strangely warm, more so than usual in the harsh, desert climate.

After saying their goodbyes, Erik and Raoul rode against time to make it to The Jeweled Moon before nightfall. They were making good time, Erik upon Atreus and Raoul upon Thyestes.

"No offense, de Chagny, but Nadir will be riding with you once we get out of there," Erik informed him.

"None taken. I'd rather not be in close proximity of your sister," Raoul admitted, thinking back on his uncomfortable encounter with Alhena. He cringed at the thought of almost being made a eunuch.

Erik laughed, amused at Raoul's apprehension toward his twin. It was notably similar to how he had reacted toward himself for the longest time. "Perhaps in time he'll be more tolerant toward Alhena… that is, if she allows it," he smiled inwardly.

There was still a bit of an edge between Erik and Raoul, but a mutual understanding had come about the day he had showed up at The House of Roses, asking them to perform at the grand reopening of the Opera Populaire. By no means were these two men friends, not that either one of them would ever admit to openly, but at least for today they were not at odds with one another. "Though, the day is only half over," Erik grinned, the vision of strangling Raoul with his bare hands entertaining him briefly as they rode.

Raoul addressed his masked companion, interrupting him from his thoughts of various forms of strangulation. "Do you really believe it's wise to make those bold promises to your wife?"

"What do you mean?" Erik asked, not fully paying attention.

"What you said about death. Things don't always happen by way of design. There's no fool proof way to know with certainty what will or will not happen. I may not speak of tonight, but rather the future."

Erik shrugged. "I try not to think that far ahead. I merely concentrate on what's before me in my immediate future."

"I just don't think it's proper to allow Christine such hopes that are quite honestly beyond even your expectations."

"I do not tell you how to run your life or marriage, Comte, and I thank you to stay the hell out of mine," he warned.

With a nod of respect, Raoul conceded, not wanting to make an issue of it. "For Christine's sake, I hope I've at least given him something to think about."

As they came closer to their destination, Erik nodded Raoul ahead, and veered Atreus toward the dry riverbed. Raoul waved him off and sped away upon Thyestes toward the front of the bath house.

-XXX-

"Right on time," Erik thought, arriving at the foot of the thicket, and looking out toward the west. The crest of the sun disappeared, giving way to his preferred hour. Night surrounded him as he secured Atreus as before and then he headed toward the secret passageway.

-XXX-

Raoul slowed his pace to a gallop, as he approached the two guards stationed outside of the tall broken arch double doors. Coming to a stop, he dismounted, and handed the reins to the man nearest him.

"Comte," the other man bowed, "My master awaits your presence." He opened the door and called for another guard to escort him to Faraj.

As he waited a few moments, Raoul could see other horses and carriages approaching in the distance. He turned to thank the man outside, before entering the bath house. With a nod, he followed his guide down the hall and toward the study.

Christine had been at the window since Erik and Raoul had left. He had glanced up at her from the street below, before riding off in haste. She could still see him as clearly as if he stood before her. "It was as if he were looking at me for a final time," she thought uneasily.

"Meg," she paused, watching the last of the golden rays disappear into the darkening sky, "we must join them."

"Christine, what are you saying?" She walked over to her dearest friend, placing a hand upon her shoulder. "You heard what they said. It would be much too dangerous for us."

"They could use our help," she stressed. "They're vastly outnumbered."

"But what can we do? We are but two women." Meg shook her head, dismissing her proposal. "We'd just be in their way, Christine."

"Maybe you're right, but I can't just sit here and do nothing," she said firmly.

"But we must. You are with child, mon ami. You should be thinking about the baby," she emphasized.

Christine threw her hands up in frustration. "Why must everyone remind me? Do you all think I am unaware of the position I'm in?"

"Christine, we all care for you a great deal. Your health and that of your baby is most important right now," she chided her.

"What's important is that this child grows up with a father, not a memory, Meg." She began to twist her fingers in knots. "I have a terrible feeling about tonight."

"I worry about them too, but we must have faith," she pleaded desperately, hoping to dissuade Christine's decision.

"I do have faith," she walked to the side of the bed, "in us making the journey safely and aiding in Nadir's rescue by any means necessary." She pulled the small drawer of the nightstand open, and began to remove the dagger and pistol Raoul had given her.

"Christine, please don't do this. We must do as we were told," she protested strongly.

Securing the dagger in place, Christine headed toward the door. "You can't talk me out of this. I'm going with or without you, Meg, but I would prefer if you came with me."

Meg blocked the doorway, her arms spread out, determined not to let Christine pass. "I cannot allow this. It's insanity!"

"Out of my way, Meg," she instructed firmly.

"Christine, be reasonable! You could die out there!" Meg shivered.

"So could they!" Christine cried out. "Your husband's out there too. Not just mine." She grabbed hold of Meg's shoulders and spoke seriously. "We could sit here and hope beyond all hope that they come back to us alive, but what if they don't? What then? I'd rather die fighting at my husband's side then live a lifetime without him, knowing that I could have done something…anything! Do you understand?" She placed the pistol into Meg's hand. "Help me," she begged her.

Meg thought about her life before Raoul and what it would be like without him. The latter was something she cared not to ever find out, knowing all that she did now. A sudden thought hit her as she held the pistol warily. "I might be able to make the odds more favorable for us," she tucked the pistol away at her side.

"What do you mean?" Christine asked curiously.

Meg began to tie her hair up in a ponytail. "Promise me you'll wait here."

"Meg, where are you going?" She asked, wondering what she was up to.

"Christine, just promise you won't leave without me." She grabbed her outing jacket from the long sofa and put it on.

"I promise," Christine answered sincerely. "But where…"

Meg spoke in haste, interrupting her. "I will return shortly." She moved toward the door and unlocked it. "Trust me," she smiled back at a stunned Christine before closing the door behind her.

Exiting The Crystal Orchid, Meg made her way toward The Seven Veils, carefully considering everything she would say to the man she was about to meet.

Coming to a stop before the inn, she took a final breath before she entered.

Heading straight to the front desk, she immediately addressed the deskman. "Hello. I was wondering if you could help me. There's a man that's staying here and I was hoping you would be able to tell me what room he is in?"

"And his name?" The deskman asked, prepared to flip through the guestbook before him.

Meg bit her lower lip, not knowing the man's surname. "I only know his first name. It's Guifford."

The name was familiar to him, as he ventured to ask, "Heavyset man and an odd, round hat?" He scratched his head behind the desk.

"Yes, that would be him." She was certain of it.

"He's checked out already," the deskman announced simply.

Meg panicked, "How long ago?"

"Five… maybe ten minutes," he gathered. "He went out back to saddle up his horse and…"

"Thank you!" Meg rushed off, waving at him as she excited The Seven Veils instantly.

As she approached the stables, she spotted Guifford securing the strap of the saddle beneath his mount. She advanced with caution, stopping a few yards away from him.

"I'd like a word, Monsieur." She spoke loud enough to catch his attention.

"Comtesse?" He looked up from his crouched position. "What are you… How did you know…" he struggled with his words, completely caught off guard.

"How I've come to be here is not important," she informed him.

With a confused look on his face, he asked, "Why have you sought me out then?"

"There is something I must ask," she spoke seriously.

"Do you not fear me, Comtesse?" He questioned, still surprised to see her standing before him.

"That all depends on how you answer my question, but be advised I have a pistol and I am very capable of using it, should you try anything foolish, Monsieur."

He chuckled, pulling the last strap tight against the belly of his horse. "Ask what you will then, but be quick about it. I must return to my friends."

"Is that what you believe?" She wondered.

Guifford furrowed his brow. "I don't understand the question."

"That those evil men are your friends?" she continued.

"They keep my family fed," he replied, knowing his answer was hollow before it even left his lips.

"At what cost? Do you not tire of their crude remarks?" She reminded him. "You held me in your arms as we rode to the bath house. I could feel your anger even then."

Thinking back on their trip, and the hours of constant abuse, he shook his head trying to clear the image. "It's a small price to pay to keep my pockets full," he said simply.

"Do you not wish for more?" She pressed on. "How could a life such as this be your only choice?"

"Carpentry did not garner much work in my hometown of Compiègne. My children were starving to death when I came across Ranier and he offered me a job at his side. My life and my family's lives are better now," he reasoned with her.

Her jaw dropped slightly in disbelief. "Are they?" The fact that he would believe a life of crime was something to ensure his family's well-being disappointed her.

"S'il vous plaît, Comtesse, I don't see where this conversation is going and I must be on my way," he replied, her questions making him uneasy.

"How often do you go home? Or are you even allowed to do so? I imagine you are hardly home, if at all. That, Monsieur, is a travesty in itself."

He turned to face her, staring down at her small frame, silhouetted against the twilight. "And what do you propose? I can't possibly decide to up and leave and not expect some sort of reprisals for my actions."

"What if I offer an alternative?" She suggested.

"And what might that be?" He inquired.

"Work for me," she insisted.

Guifford laughed at the absurdity. "And how is that supposed to keep me from having to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life. I'm afraid it's not that easy, Comtesse."

"Aid me this night and I promise you will be free of them all," she declared.

"If only I could be certain that were true. I admit that your offer is very tempting, but I can't afford to take that risk, doubting that you will be able to uphold to your promise.

"Are you not taking those very risks now? I know you delivered that letter to my husband from Alhena. There is a reason she trusted you, as I am trusting you now."

Guifford groaned in frustration. "You don't know what you are asking of me."

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't sure about you. You were the only one that cared enough about me while the others treated me poorly. Help me and all this will end tonight," she tried to convince him.

"What exactly will I be aiding in, if I did decide to help you?"

"The safe recovery of the man Faraj holds prisoner," she admitted.

"Impossible!" He scoffed. "Even now he's being prepared for his execution. There is absolutely no way to get to him. He's as good as done for."

"I assure you, Monsieur, as we speak, a plan is being set in motion."

"You mean your husband and Alhena's brother? I hardly consider that an army. They have no idea what they'll be up against if they're caught, which odds are pretty damn good they will be."

Surprised of what he knew, her words began to falter. "You… you know of…"

"I've known since the morning of your return," he admitted up front. "I don't claim to be a genius, Comtesse, but I am far from the idiot everyone believes me to be," he sighed.

Afraid of what he may have divulged to his present employer, she attempted to find out. "Did you… tell anyone?"

"Fear not," he answered, noticing she was visibly distraught. "I didn't tell Faraj or anyone else for that matter. I've reached my boiling point where that man is concerned. As a matter of fact, the same can be said for Ranier. Why, just today he tried to bully me into doing his messenger job," he began, explaining the events of the morning to her.

Meg was uninterested in what had happened between him and Ranier. "This is no time for idle chit chat." Though she was thankful he had not said a word to Faraj, her current concern was whether he would aid her or not. "Does this mean you will help me then?" She cut in, her eyes glinting with a spark of hope.

Guifford weighed his options briefly. He had not been home in over three years and it was very likely to be another two or more years before his next visit. "I either take my chances in the company of this young woman before me or spend countless years at Ranier's side." The answer seemed quite logical to him, yet he had one final question to ask before he would even consider her proposal.

"I've already told you why I've taken this job. The money I am able to provide for my family has kept them from living a life of poverty and starvation," he began. "I am not proud of what I do, but I must admit I am good at it. Normal employment had not been available to me when I needed it most and this is all I've known for many years now." He watched Meg nodding her head in understanding, as he continued with his final question. "I don't mean to sound so crass, but what is it that you can offer me?"

"It's a valid question and you have the right to worry where your family is concerned. Let me begin by saying you will be compensated for your troubles, Monsieur. In fact, my husband is in charge of several businesses. I'm sure he can find you a more suitable job, an honest one to compliment your true skills," she answered readily. "In fact, a carpenter would be a welcome addition in building a new room for a friend of mine who is expecting a baby."

Having decided, he smiled agreeably. "Then, Comtesse," he bowed as best he could, "I am at your service."

As the guests were arriving, Faraj paced the study, confident that all the preparations had been made for this evening. It would be an intimate affair, no more than fifty or so, but more than enough that word would spread to others around the region. Tonight they would all know that he was a man of action, a man to be respected and feared. The unveiling of The Master's Conundrum, would no doubt earn him a reputation of incomparable cruelty as well. "Tonight they will all bear witness to my greatness!" He grinned evilly.
Author's Note
If you're all wondering why I haven't gone to great lengths to describe the actual "plans," it's because it will become clearer as they all venture through The Jeweled Moon. It's formatted as such in order to bring the "surprise" aspect to each update to come. Thanks for all the great reviews on the last update. This chapter is pretty much a filler, necessary to bring everything together, so I apologize in advance if it's a bit lacking. The summer has been taking up a lot of my free time as of late, so I am sorry for the lapse in updating. I'm currently working on the next installment, so I'm working frantically to bring that one to you all by Monday (I'm changing my updates from Friday to Monday, since it fits better for me, due to the summertime). The next update, as promised, will bring us into the bath house, so keep those seatbelts securely fastened for the beginning of the end game! It'll be a series of several chapters, so don't expect it to end so quickly. -wink- Therese (seablue4u), thanks for braving the waters and coming out of lurkdom. Welcome aboard! -hugs-