Wow this story is getting long. I'm so proud of myself keeping it going and I still have a lot of ground to cover. I have so many of you sending me reviews to keep going and I don't want to upset any of you. And know that I have more candy to snack on while I type I can continue to slave away at my computer. Enjoy!

I'm also introducing a new, yet old character. She was there, yet never brought up in the other chapters. She causes one small problem that everyone takes effect to, but don't worry it all turns out in the end.

Chapter 18: Home Again

When they reached the tavern they had Erik hide away in the shadows with the horses while Pierre tucked the two bottles into his shoulder bag and handed one to Erik, who hid it in the saddle bag. He took Lotte's hand and together they hurried up to the tavern.

Inside the place was full of smoke and people laughing. Lotte pulled herself as close to Pierre as she could trying to keep a distance between her and the people around her. They went up to the bar and Pierre asked if the bartender knew of anyone that had come by buggy or wagon. The bartender pointed at a bearded man sitting at the table in the corner. Pierre thanked him and went over with Lotte right behind him.

"Excuse me, sir. Mind if we speak with you?" Pierre asked politely.

"I don't mind at all. Have a seat." Obviously the man was drunk, because as he offered them a sit he leaned too far and slumped against the table. "What can I do for you this fine evening?"

"We were wondering if you were interested in selling your wagon to us. We've been traveling by foot for so long and we're afraid we won't make it in time for her father's funeral."

He studied them for a moment. Lotte looked at him and the image of this man was in her memory as the man that had carried her father out of the opera house and into the wagon. The man let out a belch. "Well you're in luck. I was hoping to sell it. It has a large blood stain in it from some fellow I carried out of the Paris Opera House a few days ago. However it won't be cheap. How will you be paying me?"

"I have some money, but not much. However I do have some imported wine here that might change your mind about the money issue," Pierre said pulling out the two bottles. The man went to grab for them, but Pierre pulled them back.

"You're willing to give me those for the wagon? But I know I will soon run out of this so I will have to buy more. Throw in the money and you have a deal."

Pierre put the money down on the table besides the bottles and stood. "Thank you for your time Monsieur. We're very grateful for your time. Come along dear," he said reaching his hand out for Lotte, who was beginning to look rather pale.

"The wagon you're looking for is the black one. The horses are two chestnut mares in the stables."

"Thank you again sir. Good night."

They hastened outside and got the wagon and horses. Lotte looked at the wagon as if it were to come alive and kill her on the spot. Lying in the middle of the wagon bed just like the man had said there was a puddle of dried blood; her father's blood.

"Lotte what is it?"

"That man was the one that carried my father away after his friend had shot him. I'm just glad he was as drunk as he was or I would have been in huge trouble. Let's get out of here quickly just in case he comes out."

Pierre drove the cart over to Erik's hiding place and found that he had started to collect sticks and branches. He explained that it would be the best thing to hide under seeing as the wagon had no top. As they collected more branches Lotte told him about the man that they had bought the wagon off of.

"I was fighting so hard inside to not jump across the table and take him down."

"I'm glad you had that self control. Soon we'll be home and we'll talk some more about this all right?"

Lotte nodded. He kissed her forehead before hauling more branches into the wagon. When it was halfway covered they climbed in and Erik covered them with the cape. Then Pierre covered them with more sticks and branches and tied the horses up to the back.

Huddled together under the cape Lotte and Erik held onto one another trying to keep the other one calm. Lotte was still upset about that man in the bar and Erik wanted his mask back and to be sitting at the organ again. He had been inspired and was itching to write the music down.

It wasn't much longer till they felt the wagon come to a stop and they could hear voices up above them. Neither one was willing to breath in case it gave them away.

"Good evening Monsieur. Out rather late aren't you?"

"Oh, yeah well one of my wheels had gotten caught in a tree root back along the path and I had to cut it out of there so I could continue on my way. Can we make this quick I have to get the lumber and the horses to the other side of town before it gets even darker out. Good god I'm already two hours late."

"You don't mind if we check the back quick? We've been on the lookout for two runaways and we need to make sure they aren't trying to get back into town."

"No, I don't mind, but just don't move anything. The last time I did the whole pile came tumbling down making a huge mess and I'm already late as it is."

"We won't take long."

Erik pulled Lotte as close as he could to make them smaller beneath the pile. One of the branches on top of them was shifted and Erik held his breath. Lotte clung tightly to his shirt terrified for their lives. Her father did the best he could to calm her by smoothing back her hair. Finally the searching stopped.

"You check out sir. Have a safe ride."

"Thank you gentlemen, I can now explain to my provider why I'm late. Evening," Pierre said as he slapped the reins across the horses' backs. The wagon jerked and they were moving once again.

Erik let out a heavy sigh. "This was a smart plan, but I was almost afraid we'd be caught. But soon we'll be home Lotte and you'll be able to rest in your own bed again. With all that's been going on I'm sure you would like a nap wouldn't you?"

"I would. It's been awhile since I've slept the night right through. Will you sing me to sleep once again?"

"As you wish."

The wagon soon came to a stop and they felt the branches get moved out of the way. "We're here at the back entrance," Pierre said as he pulled off the cape.

"Wonderful! Oh, my glorious Opera House," Erik exclaimed as he got up and climbed over the side of the wagon. Then he reached in and lifted Lotte out.

"We can't leave the wagon here. Someone will find it and our home."

"Don't worry I'll take care of that," Pierre said untying the horses and handing them to Erik. "I'm sure someone at this hour would buy 2 horses and a wagon. Go inside and I'll be right back." He gave Lotte a long kiss before climbing into the driver's seat.

They waited a bit before heading inside. Erik had Lotte wait in the shadows by the door while he went further into the tunnels to get the horses situated. She sat against the wall and rubbed her eyes. A yawn escaped her lips. Something about being home was making her tired and she soon dozed off.

She had no idea how long she had slept, yet she had heard someone singing to her. But had she been dreaming. She sat up and found herself in her own bed. The silk sheets were so comforting to her and she ran the material through her fingers. Then she heard music from the music room. She got up and went to the door.

Erik was sitting at the organ playing a few notes then scratchingthem downon the paper. But when he heard the door open he looked up and smiled. "Did you enjoy your nap?"

"I could hear you singing. It was so beautiful," Lotte said as she stepped forward touching something furry with her foot. She looked down to see a large black, cat staring up at her with bright green eyes. "Le Noir," Lotte exclaimed picking the cat up in her arms.

"She's been outside the door since we placed you there. I'm still impressed that you were able to tame that stray."

"Did Pierre come back yet?"

"Yes, he's sleeping in the other bedroom. I think it best not to disturb him, he had a long night. Luckily he sleeps like a log, so once again I can play my organ."

Lotte came and sat next to him with Le Noir still tucked in her arms. The cat purred, then looked across the way before jumping out of Lotte's grasp and sprinted for Erik's room.

"What's up with her? I'm going to go get her," she said kissing Erik's cheek and patting his arm. Then she stood and went into the bedroom. She had just seen Le Noir jump into the bed.

As she approached a small mew hit her ears. The blanket had been pulled over to make a small burrow like structure. She lifted the edge and was shocked to find Le Noir nursing 4 kittens. She let out a small chuckle and picked up one of them. They were still hairless and had their eyes closed, but they were the most adorable things she had ever seen.

"Le Noir they're beautiful, but why in Father's bed? He won't be too happy about this, but he'll find out eventually and then there'll be trouble." She heard voices come from the music room and Pierre appeared through the door.

"How'd you sleep? I was afraid you had passed away or something, but your father was very keen on what to do. Hey what do you have there?"

"My cat Le Noir decided to give birth to kittens in my father's bed a couple of nights ago. I don't think Father will be too happy about this, but don't you think they're cute?"

"They are pretty cute. What should we do with them and even if we move them there will be that mess on the sheets. We'll have to clean them."

"Lotte what's all the commotion in there? I thought you were getting Le Noir and coming back out," Erik said coming to the door. Lotte put the kitten behind her back. "What are you hiding there young lady?"

Lotte said nothing, but the kitten began to mew from hunger. Erik came over and brought out Lotte's hand. The kitten mewed louder and Le Noir was meowing at the loss of her kitten.

"Well this surely is a surprise. But it's no problem. I've dealt with this a few times before with many other cats. Lotte go grab that crate over there." Lotte brought it over and Erik took the top blanket, folded it up, and laid it inside the crate. Then one by one he lifted each kitten and placed it gently on the blanket. Le Noir jumped out of the bed and into the crate. "I'll take care of those sheets later. Now go place them in the study. They'll be safe there. Also leave the door open a bit so Le Noir can go hunting."

Pierre picked up the crate and carried it into the study where he set it down and left making sure to leave the door open just a crack. "They're safe and sound under the table. No one will bug them there."

"Now that that's out of the way Lotte would you like a lesson today?"

"I'd love one Father."

"Then join me at the organ."

Erik sat down and began to play while Lotte sang. The music was so dazzling that Pierre had no choice, but to listen and watch as Lotte hit each note perfectly. His heart almost skipped a beat when she started to dance. He couldn't believe it. My girl can sing and dance. She was a beautiful sight, yet would she ever take him as her husband? He would have to wait till he made some more money and he had no idea how long that would take. All he knew was that he loved her and sometimes love isn't enough.