Thanks to those who reviewed, and for all of you who are still following the story. And of course, thanks to my Beta, shepsgirl72
By the way, as I am catching up with the editing, I now hope to post every day.
COLLABORATION
CHAPTER 6
Much to John's surprise, a week later Kolya still hadn't bothered him…unless you counted the dirty looks, which he didn't. Of course, with Nessan just lying across the room he wasn't sleeping well, waking up several times each night, alert to every single movement or sound. However, Sheppard knew this situation wouldn't last, as it was only just a matter of time before Nessan eventually showed his true colours.
In the meantime, he was woken by the old monk before dawn each morning, and was lucky if he fell exhausted into his bunk by nightfall each night. The work was neither difficult nor back breaking, but was hot, tedius and constant. Brother Frama didn't believe in conversation while you worked, and being a sociable kind of guy, John really missed the personal interaction. So he persevered regardless, ignored by Frama at first, then eventually eliciting the odd word or sometimes a nod…which in Sheppard's book, was at least a start.
However, by the end of the week, Sheppard realised his efforts were more successful than he'd thought. One day, after falling asleep while peeling potatoes, instead of getting into trouble as he might have expected, he awoke to find the remainder of the sack neatly peeled in a pile, with a cold drink of mead lying by his arm. It was a small act of kindness that made him smile, probably for the first time since arriving, but as Father Malen entered the kitchen, John knew it might be well be his last.
The smile faded from Sheppard's face, as he reckoned a visit from Malen meant his time working in the kitchen was probably at an end.
"Hi, Father, can I help you? Brother Frama has just popped out for a minute."
"It's you I am here to see, Mr Kolya…I need to check your ribs. Lift your tunic for me please."
John did as asked, aware the bruises had faded, and the tenderness, which had caused great discomfort only last week, was nearly gone. After much prodding by the head honcho, he admitted to himself that while there was still a little discomfort, it was nothing to write home about. After the brief exam and the look on Malen's face, it didn't take a rocket scientist to guess the news that was coming.
"Well, I can see you are almost fully recovered, Mr Kolya. So from tomorrow I am pleased to say you will be able to join the others working in the fields."
Malen smiled at Frama, who had just come back into the room. "I'm afraid, Brother Frama, you will be losing your helper tomorrow. But never fear; I will get one of the brothers to take his place."
Sheppard was sure he saw disappointment on the old man's face at hearing the news. As for him…it had been long, hard, hot work toiling in the kitchen, but in a weird kind of way he would miss brother Frama, who while a quiet man and hard taskmaster, at least had a good heart.
ooooOoooo
As the sound of the gong reverberated around the monastery, heralding the start of another day, John joined the bleary eyed workers for breakfast - oatmeal and their version of tea. Soon afterwards, he followed them outside into an open courtyard, where they stood, almost to attention in a neat, orderly row. This was his first time outside the monastery building, and although it was barely light, he saw there were all standing in a large open area surrounded by two rough sandstone walls, one on either side, with a large well set square in the middle. However what was more than a little strange for a religious order, not to mention a little concerning, was the all too familiar sight of a tall, wooden post, complete with chains, positioned off to the side.
Beyond the immediate area, Sheppard observed acres of fields some with golden wheat swaying in the chill morning breeze, others with short, green leaves poking their heads out the ground. While higher up on the hill, beyond the tree line, was a large orchard, branches heavy with strange, purple looking fruit. Parked at the end of the courtyard were three trucks, each manned by monks, with two of the holy men standing nearby carrying rifles.
John stood shivering in his thin cotton tunic, wondering what was going to happen next, when Frama appeared from the main entrance and slowly made his way towards the front of the large group. Looking into the assembled group, he called out each name in turn, pairing two men at a time, until there was only one pair left standing in the dry dusty courtyard… him and Kolya.
Nessan's angry face looked set to explode as he stormed towards the monk, only stopped in his tracks by Frama's 9mm pointing straight at him. "I don't understand, Father…can't I work with Kalib today? You know this man's my prisoner. Surely you can't expect me to work with him?"
"Kalib has been given his assignment for the day, and so, Mr Sheppard have you. Everyone in this community is treated equally. Therefore, regardless of what your association is with Mr Kolya, I would suggest you put it behind you, and learn to set your differences aside."
Looking at John. "What do you say, Mr Kolya?"
"Can't say I'm thrilled about it either, Father, but if that's what you want, I'll play nice if he will. One question though…if the faithful are willing workers, then what's with the armed guards?"
Malen returned his answer with a grim smile. "You are correct, Mr Kolya. The faithfull are willing workers, who give of their labour freely and can leave whenever they wish. However, I am neither naïve nor stupid, so until your fate has been decided by the Father Confessor, I have engaged certain precautions to prevent your escape. Now, gentlemen, I am bored with this conversation and do not wish to hear another word about it…is that understood? Your task today is picking potatoes, so please join the others in the middle truck."
Sheppard clambered into the back of the truck and sat down on the wooden bench beside the other men. He knew it was no coincidence the armed monks came in last, to sit at the end with both of them positioned at their inside. But as the truck wound its way, bouncing along the rough, dirt track road towards their destination, John distracted himself from his situation by looking out into the area for potential escape routes. Much to his disappointment, he saw nothing. The landscape surrounding the monastery was more or less a flat open space, with not much in the way of cover, and the only forestation, high upon the hill, was too far to reach without eating a bullet first. Never the less, John continued to keep his eyes peeled, as he hadn't given up yet, besides which, it kept his mind off the difficult day that lay ahead.
ooooOoooo
Kolya punched the lumpy sack for the umpteenth time, lay back again on the ground, and smirked as he watched Sheppard toiling in the hot midday sun.
"I think you missed one, Sheppard." Nessan pointed to the one lone potato left behind in the row.
Sweat streaming down his face, his barely healed ribs aching under the strain, John looked over and saw Kolya's self-satisfied smile as the Genii lay back, obviously enjoying his discomfort.
"Fun's over, Kolya. It's time for you to start pulling your weight, because I have a bad feeling if we come back short today, our friendly monk, Malen won't be too happy."
Nessan saw John grimace, as he dragged another full bag over to the side before starting on a new row.
"Well, Sheppard, you'd better start working faster then, because while you were languishing in your sick bed, getting waited on hand and foot, I had to work."
"Right…so that's it…I get it now. You want revenge because I got injured worse than you? Let's see…I was lying alone, in agony for days on end, while you had to get your hands dirty. I am really sorry about that, but it was hardly my fault."
"Yes it was…or did you forget, Sheppard it was you who flew the craft into the ground?"
John flinched. "Okay…so you have me there. But what the hell did you expect me to do, Kolya? Give up my people, and just hand over a valuable piece of equipment? And for a while there I actually thought you were smart."
Sheppard saw Nessan sit up and glare over at him. "Look, Nessan. It's only us here, two men held captive in enemy territory. I know you hate my guts, and for the record I don't like you much either…but think about it, we should be working together, figuring a way out of here, instead of you lying there sulking about who had the bigger bandage."
"How dare you…I don't sulk!" Nessan stormed towards John enraged, but after catching the guard watching him, quickly turned away to lie back down again closing his eyes.
John wiped the sweat from his brow, looked over at the lazy Genii and sighed. He remembered the time lying in agony, after being fed on by the Wraith in the next cell. Three times the Wraith fed on him, his body screaming at the horrendous torture inflicted upon him, but even then, Sheppard saw something of a kindred spirit in the creature who was the instrument of his pain. A being who would always, by nature's cruel design, be destined to be his enemy. Even during the agonising feeding, as his youth was painfully ripped from him year by year, he had realised this Wraith was as much a victim as he. Someone, who had endured years of torture, by starvation at Kolya's hands. Grabbing the potatoes from the ground and throwing them into the sack in frustration, John found it hard to understand…also really sad. Why if a Wraith and a man could set aside their differences and work together to achieve a joint goal, he and Nessan couldn't do the same?
ooooOoooo
Much to Sheppard's surprise, the armed monks made no comment at the smaller quantity of filled sacks he loaded into the truck. But neither had they commented on why his partner spent the day sunbathing, either. So, mentally crossing his fingers, John just hoped there would be no repercussions…at least not on him. He was exhausted, desperate for a shower, a hot meal and bed. In fact, he felt so tired, he reckoned tonight he would sleep straight through to morning, without keeping an eye open for his Genii friend…well maybe.
The cold water felt great against his hot, clammy skin and it gave him a lot of satisfaction when he saw Nessan flinch, as the spray touched his raw red face, burned by the sun. Changed into a fresh tunic and pants, he felt almost human again as he went to join the others at the table.
"Stop…Mr Sheppard, Mr Kolya…a moment please." Father Malen waited by the door, barely concealed angry etched on his face.
"Only those who have completed a full day's labour are allowed to partake of their reward."
"Wha…Look, Father…I can't speak for my friend here, but I worked damned hard out there today."
"Yes, I am aware of that, Mr Kolya." Malen looked at an unrepentant Nessan. "However, because your partnership didn't bring back the acceptable quota of sacks, while you make take some liquid refreshment, you will none the less not be allowed to eat with the others tonight."
Sheppard, swallowing his anger, decided to try the diplomatic approach. "I apologise for my partner… he was feeling a little unwell today. But I'm sure with a meal and a good night's sleep, both of us will make up the shortfall tomorrow…won't we, John."
"Yes, Father, my friend is correct…I was feeling sick today. I know I should have said something earlier, but Nessan was kind enough to try and do the work of two. I'm sorry…it won't happen again." Nessan said the words through gritted teeth, only because he was hungry and wanted to eat tonight.
Malen shook his head. "I don't know what is going on between the two of you…nor do I care. The brothers told me exactly what happened today, and, Mr Kolya while I commend you for your hard work, this order is built on the principles of brotherhood. So, until you can both learn to work together in mutual respect and co-operation, neither of you will eat…as when one transgresses the other partner will also face the same punishment."
Sheppard was starving, but knew from the firm set of the monk's jaw there was no point in protesting any further, so turning from the table he decided to grab something to drink, and at least take advantage of an early night. Suddenly, out the corner of his eye, John was horrified to see Nessan lunge at the retreating figure of the monk. He tried to stop him… but was too late, as Malen fell to the ground with Kolya on top of him. Just as the Genii's fist was ready to strike, Sheppard saw it stop…mid-air, as Malen…his face set in an angry scowl, pushed his gun firmly against Nessan's chest.
"Get up…you will pay for this." Malen called to the assembled men, who, shocked at the outrage, were already on their feet. "Take them down to the cellar and prepare them for punishment. I will be there shortly."
John felt a multitude of strong arms grab his, and was unable to resist as his wrists were tightly bound together with rope.
"Wait just a minute. What's with the them? It was him who attacked you, so why are you punishing me?"
"You are correct, Mr Kolya…and as unfair as it may seem, as I have just finished saying, you two are a partnership, and whatever punishment befalls him," He pointed to Nessan. "also befalls you…"
ooooOoooo
TBC
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