Demons of the Past
Ch. 9: A Family Denied
Author's note: Well, I survived Arlene! Lol. It wasn't really that bad; just rain and wind…not like Ivan…well anyways, I hope that you like this chapter. For those interested, I promise that Christine and Erik will not be separated long…in fact, I'm pretty sure that their reunion will be sometime next chapter; just don't hold me to that if for some reason I'm wrong. They really needed some time apart…sometimes that's the best thing for a relationship. Thanks for reading! And remember, review!
Warning: READ THIS FIRST! This chapter includes a death scene. I did not include a lot of description, but if fights and death bother anyone, I will include a giant SKIP so that you can resume reading. Remember, this story is T for Teen and I intend to stick clearly to that rating, so no Mature stuff in here.
P.S.: If anyone cares, Calais is a real city in France. I am pretending in my story that it's a humble village, but the name is authentic.
Disclaimer: I am the biggest PHAN in the world! Therefore, I own POTO! YES!…and now there's a giant mob chasing after me! I am being attacked by others who believe they are the biggest PHAN! And by people who really own POTO! HELP! sobering: I do not own the Phantom of the Opera.
And now, on with the story…
The moon was a silver orb in the inky black sky. The cloudless night offered perfect visibility for someone who could see in the dark. And lucky for Erik, his night vision was perfect. The night was perfect camouflage. The blackness covered and concealed Erik, who had chosen to wear his traditional black garbs for the long trip he was undertaking. His cloak bellowed behind him in a black cloud; Erik encouraged his stallion to a fast gallop. Erik never traveled during the day. He preferred to travel at night and then sleep when the sun rose to expose him ruthlessly. It helped him in his search for his mother to do it unhindered by various strangers asking questions with their eyes and voices. Erik never stayed in the villages that he searched. He would find a hidden spot to sleep, normally right outside of the village. Erik would only venture in for various supplies and information. Erik chose the seediest spots to venture; less respectable people tended to ask fewer questions when a man dressed all in black and wearing his hood in such a way as to allow only the briefest glimpse of his eyes walked in to do business. So far, it had been roughly two and a half months since he first left Paris…and his beloved behind. Two months, two weeks, one day, three hours, Erik counted mentally. He ached with loneliness; Erik had never been away from Christine this long. Since the moment he had first saw her, ten years ago, he had always kept a close watch on the small child that had secretly captivated him. Erik smiled atop his horse. Well, there was that time when I went deep into my lair to finish 'Don Juan'…but even then I would sneak the occasional glance at Christine. She never knew…Erik hated the separation. He longed to feel her touch against his skin, the touch of her hair, the closeness that they had shared. Erik occasionally dreamed of her; sometimes the dreams felt so real that he imagined that if he awoke he would find Christine beside him.Erik imagined that he could feel her happiness, her anxiousness, her wonderment as her body grew and changed for their child. He was missing it all, and what was worse is that he had nothing to show for their time apart.
Erik had searched many villages that lay north of Paris. His reasoning was simply: he knew that while traveling with the gypsies, the furthest south they had gone had been to Paris. Erik hoped that he would find the village of his birth; otherwise, he would be searching all of France. Erik sighed heavily. He was fast approaching the northern most part of France in relation to Paris: Calais. This was the last village to search. If Erik did not find his mother here, then his search would end in failure. Failure. The word lefta bitter taste in his mouth. Erik hated to think of returning to Christine only to tell her that he was the same man that had left. He had not discovered anything on his journey that might reveal to him what kind of man he was; to be perfectly honest, Erik did not think that Christine would accept him back unless he had changed. Failure could not be an option. If he failed, then he had failed in his duties as a husband. Erik felt a slow heat rise against his back, and he turned to view the morning sun as it began to rise above the trees. Erik slowed his horse and began looking for a suitable spot to rest during the day. He found a small trench near a large boulder. He stopped his horse, tethering it to a large tree. Erik began his ritual of cleaning and watering his stallion. The horse neighed in relief, and dipped his head to eat the lush grass. Erik released the horse of his burdens. He took a long sip from his canteen full of water. This was his last chance. His mother had to be here…she just had to be. Erik's mind began to play the many possibilities that were with him every moment: What are the odds that she would live in the same place for some thirty odd years? What if she had died? He would never know the truth. And, unfortunately, part of Erik didn't want the truth.
Erik pulled the long blanket out of his pack. The months had turned warmer as summer bore upon him, and he merely put the blanket on the ground to have a softer place to sleep. Erik pulled the cloak over his eyes as the weariness, not sleepiness, descended upon him. His last thoughts as unconsciousness settled in were that of Christine. Erik smiled as the warmth of Christine's love and strength filled him; he was at last able to let go and dream.
Christine awakened with a strong sense of worry and frustration. Today was a day that she had been dreading for two reasons: one, she had a doctor's appointment scheduled, and the more important two, she would be seeing Raoul again for the first time since their argument. Their last meeting had not ended well, and Christine had been avoiding him as much as possible. Today, however, there was no escaping the dreaded meeting. Christine had to meet with Stefan and Raoul, acting on behalf of Erik. Erik's opera was scheduled for its opening night in nearly three weeks time. Christine hoped and prayed that Erik would return in time for the gala. She desperately wished that he was here now, so that he could deal with having to be around Raoul all day. Christine paused in mid-thought. Perhaps I should be glad that I'm the one to tolerate his presence. Christine sighed as she flung the covers off and edged to the side of the bed. It wasn't that she disliked Raoul; in fact, she still considered him a friend. What she hated was the feeling of guilt and discomfort that always followed in a conversation with him. Raoul could not understand her decision to leave him. I don't think that he ever will, Christine thought. She hated that she had hurt him so badly, but she knew that she could never have made him happy while she was miserable. A low kick inside her belly brought a smile to her face. She stroked her growing stomach fondly. Christine was happy with the decision that she had made, and she never wanted to look back at the 'what ifs'. Her whole life had been on eggshells, putting other people before her own self. Now, more than ever, was the time for her to be forceful in her decisions. Christine smiled. Erik would be proud of me…I've developed a backbone.
Christine got out of bed, hoping fleetingly to stay a few moments longer in the warm bed. Christine approached the mirror in her nightgown. She raised the nightgown up a bit to view her stomach. Four and half months, she thought, and only four and half to go…She got dressed, struggling a little with her outfit. I think I need a bigger size…her thoughts turned to her child. Christine did not know the sex of her child, but she wished for a boy. She didn't know why, but she thought that a little boy would be perfect for Erik…he would carry Erik's last name. Even though Erik had chosenhis lastname, it would seem more official if they had a son to start their line. Then again, she would also like a girl. Who wouldn't want the bond that all daughters and mothers seemed to share? Christine had never had that with her own mother, and she would treasure the bond. Christine laughed at herself, remembering what Meg had said when she revealed her thoughts to her: 'Maybe you'll have one of each!'. That was a scary thought…two infants at the same time? And Erik…would he be able to handle it? Christine found the image of Erik holding two screaminginfants hilarious. Oh well, she thought, the doctor hasn't mentioned anything unusual…and I have another appointment with him today. She grimaced at the thought. She liked the Opera House doctor, but the exams were so…uncomfortable. Christine didn't like feeling so exposed to a man that was not her husband. Meg had been there every time, though, and Christine was grateful for that.
Christine finished her hair and walked out of her room toward Stefan's office. She and Stefan had grown closer in her stay at the Opera Populaire. She had often times found herself bedridden for one reason or another, and Stefan often visited her, bringing books and conversation. Christine truly liked Stefan; he was a caring man, and he had taken great care of her. He also looked over Erik's interests carefully in his absence, and Christine had no doubts that when Erik returned, he would be greatly pleased. Christine reached the door to Stefan's office, and was about to knock when she heard a voice.
"Hello, Christine."
Christine briefly closed her eyes at the sound of Raoul's voice. So it will begin early, she thought. She spun around and gave Raoul a small smile.
"Hello, Vicomte. I trust you are well?" At the formal tone in Christine's voice, Raoul inwardly winced. So, she hasn't forgotten our last meeting. Pity to think that she would…especially since I know she has been avoiding me.
"Christine, please. I'm…sorry about the things that I said. I was just upset at seeing you so upset, and I tried to help in affairs that I had no business meddling in. I don't want this meeting to be uncomfortable for you. I…just have your best interests at heart. I would never purposefully do things to hurt you, Christine."
Ah, but you do, Raoul. Like this little speech. You're not sorry; you're just saying what you think I want to hear. Christine wanted to tell him that, but instead, to avoid the conflict, she merely nodded.
"Raoul, we were childhood friends. We are adults now, and we have different lives. I don't want to have to defend myself to you every time we speak. Can't we put the past behind us, and focus on today?" Christine looked at Raoul hopefully. Raoul sighed.
"Of course, Christine. I will not trouble you with things that are unpleasant. And apparently, the issue of your choice in men is the most unpleasant issue of them all! By the way, have you heard from your husband, by chance?"
At Christine's furious look, Raoul knew he had crossed a line. "Raoul, I am so sick of this! I am so close to saying that I want nothing more to do with you! Is that what you want? Why are you acting like this? Why can't you understand?"
Raoul just looked at Christine, and threw his hands in the air. "What am I suppose to understand? That I lost the woman I loved to a murderer? That instead of marrying me you married a monster? I have tried, Christine, to just be your friend, but I just can't stand here and watch you be hurt! He left you, Christine! You are standing here without him. What if he doesn't want to come back, my dear? What if this is just a clever way of ridding himself of you?"
Christine had turned bright red. Her eyes were deadly as they met Raoul's. "Do you think me some kind of fool that can't take care of herself? Do you think that unless you protect me that I'll go somewhere and die? I am not a child, Raoul. I am a woman; a married woman. I love Erik more than anything; and for you to stand here and think that I will allow you to soil his name in front of me is beyond outrageous!"
Christine took several deep breaths to calm herself. She was flushed, and she felt very hot. I have to calm down...I can't let things end this way. This is all my fault. Christine looked at Raoul and grabbed his hand suddenly. "I thank you for caring so much for me, Raoul, I really do. But if you can't give me the respect and courtesy that I give you, then maybe we shouldn't see each other again. I'm tired of fighting, and I'm tired of dreading meeting you alone. Things can never go back to the way they were before, Raoul. Please, as a last request to me, honor me enough to let me go."
Raoul stood still and straight. He didn't meet her eyes. Christine shook her head sadly, and dropped Raoul's hand. She turned to open the door.
"I guess that's my answer."
Raoul watched her sag her shoulders and start to enter the room. I can't believe this! I'm acting like an idiot, and I'm just going to let her walk out of my life. Maybe it's for the best…Wait! I can't let that happen! Raoul unconsciously reached out and grabbed Christine's arm.
"Wait, Christine."
Raoul was in turmoil. If he didn't accept Christine, then he would lose her forever; and his horrible rival would have one more victory against him. Raoul hated the Phantom more than anything in the world, but he would not let that hatred interfere with the love he had for Christine. Raoul hated that he had made Christine feel uncomfortable in his presence.
Christine turned again. Raoul met her eyes this time. She saw acceptance in them.
"I have been a fool; a jealous, lovesick fool. I care for you, Christine, more than you could possible know. But I don't want to lose you. I truly am sorry; I will cause you know more pain, I swear it."
Christine could hear the authenticity of his apology. She smiled a genuine smile.
"Apology accepted, Raoul. I hope that you will accept mine as well."
Raoul inclined his head in agreement. He would drop the argument. For now, Raoul thought, as he followed Christine into the meeting.
The sound of dripping water awakened Erik from his fitful sleep. He glanced up, and realized that it was pouring rain on top of him. It was still late afternoon; the sun had not yet sunk into the Earth. Well, I wonder what I have learned about myself, Erik thought sardonically, let's see, I hate the rain, I hate sleeping outside, I hate riding all the time…Erik stopped his mental list, knowing that it could go on for a while. He was soaking wet, and his horse was standing nearby, neighing mournfully.
"Sorry, pal. I'm wet too." The horse looked toward Erik at the sound of his voice, and inched a bit closer. "I don't have any carrots. I'll try to get some in town today."
Erik was amused. I talk to a horse…at least I don't talk to myself. Erik gathered his things together and loaded them once again on his stallion. He began the annoying trip toward the village. By the time Erik reached Calais, he was muddy, wet, and in an extremely bad mood. Erik stopped his horse just before entering the town. Darkness had fallen, and the rain clouds hid the moon. This is a perfect cover of darkness, Erik thought, as he steered his stallion into the town. He picked a rather unpleasant looking dive. "The Ladies' Eye" was painted in bright letters on the front, and had a picture of one eye looking through long eyelashes. Erik snorted out loud at the ridiculous image, and went in.
Gus had been the owner/bartender of "The Ladies' Eye" since his father had died and left him with the place. "The Ladies' Eye" was a bar, a store, and an inn for the weary traveler. Gus saw all kinds enter and leave through his doors, but none quite like the gentleman who walked in. The stranger looked to be fairly young, and he carried himself with confidence and power. He wore all black, and a cloak that covered most of his body. A hood was pulled close to his head, and all that could be seen of the face was a pair of piercing blue-green eyes. Those eyes…Gus shook off the strange feeling, and addressed the stranger as he approached his counter.
"How can I help you, gent?"
"I need some basic supplies. I also need information." The stranger spoke in a soft, hypnotic voice. He spoke quickly, and left no room for chit chat.
"Well, I'll see what I can come up with. Do you have a list?" The stranger pulled out a list from his pocket. The hood didn't move from his face. The bartender took the list and started filling the stranger's order. Once he was finished, the stranger paid him three times the amount for the goods. Gus, being an honest man, spoke up.
"Sir, this is entirely too much for just these goods. Please-" Gus was cut off as the man raised his hand to interrupt.
"I asked for information as well. I am looking for someone. How well do you know the locals?"
Gus laughed. "Sir I have lived in Calais all my life, and I turn sixty-four next week. I can probably help you."
The stranger shrugged and looked at Gus intently with his bright blue-green eyes. "I am looking for a woman; possible in her mid to late fifties. Black hair, medium height. Her first name is Anita."
Gus looked at the stranger sharply. What business did he have with Anita? Gus was tempted to tell the man that he didn't know anyone by that name, when the man leaned forward suddenly.
"Please, Monsieur, I have searched for this woman for many days and nights…please, tell me if you know her."
Gus considered him a moment. The slight pleading in his voice seemed contradicting in his manner of dress and stance. Gus hesitated one more moment, then gave in to the man with the strange eyes and voice. There was something familiar about those eyes…
"She lives right outside of the village, near a small lake."
The stranger exhaled slightly. "Does she have family?"
"Yeah…she was married for a time and had a daughter. Her husband was killed in a hunting accident, and she remarried a few years later. Had a son…I haven't seen her in a while, Monsieur…but her daughter comes here frequently."
The stranger seemed a bit shaken. "Sir, would you like to sit down? You don't look so good…"
The stranger just shook his head. "Thank you, bar keep, you have been more help to me than I can say."
With that, the man fled the room. Gus stared a moment at his departure, then settled back to washing his glasses. Within a few minutes, Gus had forgotten about the strange man. But he would never forget the eyes…
Erik left "The Ladies' Eye" breathlessly. He had the information now. All he had to do was find his mother, get his answers…and he could return to Paris. His mind reeled. She had had more children! I have a family; siblings…Erik pushed this from his mind. That information was irrelevant. All he wanted to do was return to Christine. His head was in his thoughts as he walked, which probably accounted for him running into a small body. Erik raised his head in alarm. A child! A small child was sprawled on the ground in front of him. Without thinking, Erik reached down and helped the small boy from the ground.
"Are you all right?" Erik asked as he tried to see if he had hurt the boy. The boy looked at him with wide, doleful eyes. Like Christine's, Erik thought, a wave of homesickness washing over him. The little boy started to cry. Erik was standing in the middle of a village, trying valiantly not to draw attention to himself, and the boy was bawling! Erik did the only thing he could do. He kneeled before the child, and tried to sooth his tears.
"Shhh, now, little one, what's the matter? Are you hurt? Where is your mother, little one?" The little boy stopped crying.
"I'm not here with my mommy. I'm here with my sister."
Erik smiled a little, not lowering his hood. The last thing he needed was for the boy to see his mask and start crying again.
"All right, then, little one, where is your sister?"
The little boy started to sob a bit. "She…she…she told me to run!"
Erik's eyes narrowed. "Why, little one? Where is she?"
The child pointed to an alley way. Erik could just make out shadows advancing on a smaller shadow…Erik growled, low in his throat. He started forward when he stopped.
Why are you going to help her? Why should you show her compassion? If she saw your face, she would run and hide, like everyone else…Erik shook his head. No, this was the right thing to do. He had it in his power to help the girl. He would do so. Erik turned to the boy.
"Stay here, little one. I'll be back."
Erik started forward until he saw a tall girl standing against the wall, trying to struggle against two men. Erik cleared his throat, to announce his presence. The two men stopped and turned to face him. One of the men, an ugly git with a large gut, spoke up.
"Friend, this is none of your concern. You would do well to mind your own business."
Erik smiled. "I am no friend of yours. And I have no desire to meddle in your business. Simply leave the girl alone, and you will survive this encounter."
The two men laughed. The girl was trying to inch away when one of the men grabbed her.
"See, friend, there are two of us, and one of you. And since you seem to have an interest in the girl as well, I'll tell you what: you wait 'til we're done, and you can have her. Free of charge." The man who spoke was the taller of the two, skinny and well defined. Erik immediately saw the knife at his side. Oh, well, he will have to be the first to die, Erik thought. The girl struggled against Skinny and yelled out.
"I am no whore! Leave me be!" She kicked at Skinny, but he held her tight. "Hey, now, pretty one, I paid good money for this pleasure. You take what's coming to you."
"I warn you for the last time: leave the girl, or face death!"
Erik stepped forward. This time, he lowered his hood for the first time since entering the village. Both men openly gaped at his white mask that gleamed in the night.
"What the Hell? Are you some kinda freak? Well, let's see what you look like under the mask, demon!" Fatty spoke this time. He was sweating heavily, and he spoke with more confidence than he felt. He was therefore severely shaken when Erik started to laugh.
"That was your last warning. If you are so willing to face death, then I will grant your wish. Look upon this face, gentleman. For I am the Angel of Death, and I come for you!"
SKIP (If you do not want to read the fight/death scene, SKIP!)
SKIP
Erik lunged forward as Skinny approached him, knife drawn and ready. Erik grabbed Skinny's hand with the knife and twisted hard, causing Skinny to drop the knife into Erik's waiting hand. Skinny howled in pain, and Erik grabbed him by the throat. Erik held the knife he had taken from Skinny, and promptly stabbed him in the chest. Skinny may little noise as he dropped limply to the ground. Fatty had been trying to hold onto the girl during Erik's fight with Skinny. Fatty's eyes went wide at the body of his accomplice, but he charged Erik anyway, hoping to overpower him with his sheer bulk. Erik flipped Fatty on his back hard on the ground, and reached for his neck with his bare hands.
"I warned you. See you in Hell!" Erik twisted Fatty's neck, and with a loud snap death was handed.
RESUME
For those of you who didn't read the above text (even though it wasn't bad, I swear.), Erik just killed the two potential thieves/rapists to save the young girl's life. He is a hero, and did not kill them for spite. He did warn them, after all…several times.
The girl was crouched against the wall, her hands covering her eyes. Erik looked first at Skinny, to make sure that he was dead. Satisfied, he approached the girl.
"Are you all right?" Erik spoke softly and soothingly. The girl looked up, frightened to her core. "I'm not going to hurt you. Please, I just want to help." The girl looked at the hand that Erik offered, then slowly allowed him to help her from the ground.
"Who were those men?" The girl shook her head.
"I don't know…I have never seen them before." Erik eyed the girl.
"What are you doing here in the village this time of night? And why is your younger brother with you?"
The girl's eyes went wide. "God, Brian! Is he all right? Where is he? I told him to run…what if something happened to him!"
Erik held his hand up. "I just left a small boy a little ways from here. He is fine; he is waiting for you. If it wasn't for him, I would not have known about your peril."
The girl sighed in relief. Erik's eyes narrowed a bit. "You still haven't answered my question. Why would a young woman be in this part of the village at night?"
The girl shrugged. "It's the only time when I can come and get my mother's medicine. My mother won't come into the village; hasn't for years. Lucky for her, I know the herbalist; she stays open for me." Erik guided her out of the alley and toward her brother.
"Lizzy!" The little boy threw himself on his sister. She caught him easily, and laughed a little.
"My little bee! Everything's all right now…" The girl looked back at Erik, who was standing a bit away. He was replacing his hood. The girl approached him.
"We have to do something about the bodies. We can't leave them to be discovered. Also, I know this may seem a little off point, but my mother's medication is still in the alley way. She has to have that medicine." The girl spoke low and only to Erik, and Erik had a difficult time containing his shock.
"I know that. I'll take care of it. There is a river nearby, no?" The girl nodded. "Go to "The Ladies' Eye". I will meet you there with your bags of medicine."
Erik moaned and groaned as he carefully rid himself of the corpses. He dumped the remains in the indicated river. It had a pretty fast current, and luckily the bodies would be far down river before they were discovered. Erik bent low over the water and rubbed his hands furiously, trying to get the blood off his hands. This couldn't have been what Christine had meant by 'finding himself'. All he had ended up doing was killing again! But it was different this time, Erik told himself. They attack me first. And the girl…they were going to hurt a defenseless girl. Erik felt a rush flood him; it was a similar euphoria that he had had when he had killed his gypsy captor Faza. The girl was alive because of him…he had killed not for sport, or anger, but for necessity…Erik found quickly that he preferred this feeling over the soiled feeling he normally got when he killed. Maybe he was finding himself after all…
Erik entered "The Ladies' Eye" a short time later. He looked around for a time, and spotted the children. The girl looked up and gestured Erik to join them. Erik came forward and offered the girl the bag of medicine. The girl accepted, questions swirling in her eyes. Erik merely inclined his head, and made to leave when the girl snaked her hand to his arm.
"Please, Sir, a moment more. I haven't thanked you properly."
Erik turned and looked at the girl for the first time. She had her hair tied back in a tight fitting bun, but the hair was as black as a raven. She had…familiar eyes. Erik sighed, and sat down at the table where the girl and her brother were sitting.
"My name is Elisabeth, Sir. Thank you for saving my life…I don't know how to explain the situation I was in, but I want you to know that you saved me from a fate worse than death, in my opinion. This is my younger brother, Brian. Well, half-brother, really, but he's all I got…I don't know how to repay you, Sir…if you know of anything, please, let me know."
Erik sat a moment and let the pieces fall into place. Older girl, sixteen or seventeen…younger boy, five or six…half-siblings…mother is ill, doesn't come into the village…Erik was looking at his younger half-siblings. He took a moment to process the information as the knowledge flooded his veins. Elisabeth's eyes…they were the same color as his own! A piercing blue-green…that must be his mother's eye color too. Erik had never noticed before. His family…he had found his family! No, Erik thought bitterly, I found the family I have been denied! Erik shook his head.
"Forgive me. My name is Erik, and I think I know a way that you can help me. I am looking for a woman named Anita. Do you know someone by that name, Elisabeth? I am a stranger to Calais, and I have searched for a long time…"
Elisabeth hesitated, but her younger brother answered for her. "Anita's our mother's name!" Brian said proudly. Erik smiled.
"Thank you, little one." Erik glanced at Elisabeth, whose face was full of horror. Erik tried to reassure her.
"I know your mother from my past, Elisabeth. I merely want to talk to her. I have no other intentions." Elisabeth looked at Brian.
"Brain, why don't you go and see if Gus has some of those special sugar treats that you like." Brian scampered away, grinning happily. Elisabeth leaned forward.
"Monsieur Erik, I just watched you kill two men. I know that you were trying to help me, but consider my position. What kind of man are you?"
Erik smiled. "I understand your concern. I acted…harshly, I know, but those men were about to rape you. I warned them, and still they advanced upon me with the intention to do us both harm. Surely you didn't want the option you would have been left with had I not interceded?" When Elisabeth shook her head, Erik continued. He felt he owed her some explanation, some evidence of his good intentions. What better explanation than Christine? "I am a married man from Paris. My wife is with child, and I wish to return to her as soon as possible. But I cannot return until I see your mother. Please, take me to her. I will escort you home. No one will trouble you."
Elisabeth sat back in her seat. She glanced up at Erik, his face still hidden beneath his hood. "Why do you wear a mask?"
Erik grimaced. He had not expected that question so soon. It was asked in a very abrupt way. The girl was a fireball of emotions; it was hard to pick and choose what claimed her face at any given moment. "That is a personal question, my dear. One I do not answer freely. Considering I just saved your life, perhaps you will find it in your heart to trust me? For now, at least?"
Elisabeth sighed, then nodded. "I apologize for the personal question. I am just curious. A mask on an otherwise handsome face is a rather odd thing…" At Erik's cough of displeasure, she hurriedly continued. "I will take you to my mother, but I must warn you; she is…dying. Slowly, but surely. Whatever business you have with her, I hope it's brief. She doesn't have much time left."
Erik rose from the table, a fire burning in his eyes. No, his business would not take long, not at all…
Elisabeth Peters walked calmly in the lead of the small group, guiding her brother and her rescuer through the woods to her home. Elisabeth hated the idea of feeling indebted to someone, but that's how she felt with this Erik fellow. He was so secretive; he wanted to talk very little on the way out of the village. Elisabeth, in all her sixteen years, had never met a man quite like Erik. Brian clung to her hand dutifully. At six years old, he was much too big to carry. He still seemed a bit traumatized from the events of early in the night, and he held tight to his sister in fear that she would leave him again. Elisabeth spoke quietly to him, reassuring him of their safety. Erik had even tried calmly the boy; he had let Brian stroke his stallion's mane. Brian had liked being allowed to pet the horse, especially since he had never even been near a horse before. Erik even offered to let the boy ride, but Brian would not give up his hold on Elisabeth. Elisabeth turned to see Erik following closely, leading his horse. She hung back a bit and began to walk beside Erik.
"How long has it been since you left Paris, Erik?" Elisabeth studied him as she spoke. He still wore his hood, and he had said very little about himself. There was silence for a long moment, and finally, a response:
"Two and half months. It is the longest I have been away from my home in several years."
"Do you miss your wife?"
Another long pause, and a sigh. "Yes." The simple word was understated, but the emotion behind it was hard for even Erik to hide.
Elisabeth thought a moment. She had never been to Paris, and wished often that she would find herself there one day. But with her mother dying, and her stepfather's horrible plans for her…she couldn't think on it. All she cared about was what would happen to her little brother. The thought of him in an orphanage was too much to accept…when had her life become so hard?
Her true father had loved her dearly, and her mother had always doted upon her. But when her father died, Elisabeth's mother had slipped into a deep depression. Eventually, she pulled herself out of it, but not before Elisabeth had felt the tear in her soul of losing both parents. When Elisabeth was ten years old, her mother remarried to a horrible, horrible man…Elisabeth remembered the first time she had seen him beating her mother…and she remembered the beating that she had received in return for her curious nature. So far, all his attacks had been physical, but Elisabeth knew what he planned to do with her once her mother died…she had seen the proof tonight with those two men. Her stepfather cared nothing for his son. He would sooner throw Brian out on the streets than feed him. Oh, what was she going to do! She couldn't run away; her mother was too sick and would die without treatment…and where would she go anyway?
And this man…there was something strange about Erik…something almost familiar. Perhaps it had something to do with his need to see her mother. Elisabeth didn't know much about Erik, but she did know that he had shown no mercy to her would-be rapists; they were warned, they ignored it, and now they were dead. Elisabeth wasn't upset about the deaths; she handled it with the calm logic she had used all her life. They had to die, so she could live…and without her strange rescuer, she would have been…Elisabeth shuddered. Erik was a frightening man, but she oddly felt safe with him. And why, oh why, did he wear that mask? It made no sense; the features that Elisabeth could see were very handsome. She doubted that Erik would hang around for her to get to know him better. Erik had made it clear that after meeting with Elisabeth's mother he was leaving for Paris. He had a life there, and Elisabeth had a life here, no matter how dismal.
Elisabeth realized with shock that they had arrived at her home.
"This is it," Elisabeth said. She glanced at Erik. His blue-green eyes were not shining from the hood…his eyes were closed. He nodded.
"It is indeed, Elisabeth. It is indeed."
What an odd thing to say, Elisabeth thought as she walked toward the house. Her mother stood in the doorway, clutching the side of the wall.
"Elisabeth! It has been a long time! I thought something horrible had happened to you! Hurry, Nathan is not back yet, he doesn't know that you were gone. What's wr-" Elisabeth looked up at her mother when she didn't finish her sentence. She was staring at something behind Elisabeth's back. She turned, and found Erik had dropped his hood, revealing his white mask that covered half of his face. Elisabeth glanced at her mother. She had come forward, tottering slightly as her footsteps led her out of the house for the first time in years.Her motherstopped suddenly as Erik spoke. His voice grated Elisabeth's ears; it was full of anger, and hatred…and sadness?
"Glad that you recognize me. It has been a long time, indeed. Are you happy to see me, Mother?"
Elisabeth looked at her mother in shock and disbelief. She yelped in fright as her mother fainted dead to the ground.