Chapter 9

Eugene thought of Lark and Erin as he rode into the woods again. He had warned Erin to stay away from the boy and he had warned the boy too. But they believed they were smarter than him. They believed they could sneak behind his back in the gardens late at night and that he was none the wiser.

Well, they were about to learn otherwise. She would learn that when he told her to do something she would listen and do as she was told. Erin would understand that he would do the same to anyone else she chose to be with if he did not grant his permission. She would understand her options clearly.

He had come with fewer guards this time. There was no danger here he believed. Who was going to try to challenge a witch he wondered to himself?

They reached Keller’s cabin and brought their horses to a halt. Eugene dismounted and knocked on the cabin door. He didn’t wait for an answer but opened the door and entered.

Keller looked over his shoulder from the fireplace where he knelt adding logs to the fire.

“You have returned,” Keller said coldly. His eyes were narrow, shifty, Eugene thought as he puffed on his pipe creating clouds of smoke that billowed towards the roof of the cabin.

“I go to see the witch,” Eugene said. “She told me to make payment to you on my way.”

“That is the way,” Keller said sitting back and waiting for Eugene to give him the money.

Eugene placed the bags of money on the table before Keller.

Keller looked at Eugene a while longer before he finally sat forward and picked up the bag of money. He opened it and poured the coins onto the wooden table. He seated himself at the table and began to count the coins. When he finished counting he looked up at Eugene. “You’re short.”

Eugene felt his face flush as his ire rose, “It’s there. All of it.”

“No. If I take what you agreed to pay me plus what you owe me from before, you’re short.”

“I never agreed to pay what I never paid you! I made it clear I’m not paying the money you think you’re owed. Get it through your damn empty head!” Eugene shouted losing his patience. “Even so I have added some extra for you. The witch’s portion is a thousand only.”

“Oh, so it’s a thousand for the witch and the rest for me?”

“Yes, Hallelujah,” Eugene said sarcastically. “I do have some generosity in me. Now don’t forget it. Okay?”

“Keller smiled, “I was just pulling your leg.”

“It’s not funny,” Eugene said.

Keller swept all the money into the bag and closed it before tying it to his belt.

“Wait,” Eugene said. “Aren’t you going to separate your coin from the witch’s?”

Keller looked at Eugene. “What I do with my money, is none of your business.” He stood and walked to the door of the cabin. When he opened it, a chill wind rushed in as if seeking a fugitive. “I’m going to see Kalnedra and give her the money. Wait outside until I get back.”

Eugene stepped out of the cabin and Keller followed putting a padlock on the door. Before he headed up the path to Kalnedra he stopped and called out to Eugene.

“How many chances are enough?” he asked.

“One. Why?” Eugene asked.

“Just wanted your opinion,” Keller said. Then he turned and walked off up the path to Kalnedra’s cabin.

Eugene wondered why Keller had asked the question. He didn’t trust the man. He paced the clearing outside Keller’s cabin trying to keep warm in the chill evening as they waited for Keller to return. The air seemed to have suddenly turned much colder and his breath made little clouds every time he exhaled as he paced back and forth. His stomach turned and he felt as if some impending disaster lay just ahead.

Keller finally returned and Eugene stopped pacing as he waited for Keller to speak.

“It’s all arranged. You can go on to Kalnedra’s cabin,” Keller said coldly.

Eugene mounted up with his guards and left the clearing as they made their way towards the witch’s cabin.

They arrived a short while later and again Eugene instructed his soldiers to wait outside. He approached the cabin and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” came the voice he had heard before. He entered the cabin and closed the door. The witch sat at the table looking as if she had not moved since he had last visited her.

“Good evening,” Eugene said waiting for permission to be seated.

“Is it?” the witch asked.

Eugene hesitated, wondering what she had meant with her remark. “I hope so,” he replied trying to lighten the mood in the air.

“Did you bring a piece of the boy’s garment?” she asked.

“Yes,” Eugene nodded and reached into his pocket. He removed the sliver of Lark’s shirt that had been cut when his clothes had been washed. He reached across the table holding out the strip of material for Kalnedra to take but she did not move. He dropped it on the table and only then did she pick it up. “I cut that from his shirt.”

She closed her eyes and inhaled as she rubbed her fingers over the material. “Such a young, innocent boy,” Kalnedra said.

“Not so innocent, I think,” Eugene replied.

“Who should direct the love of children? Should it be their parents or should they be free to do as they wish?”

“Their parents know what’s best,” Eugene replied coldly.

“Where is the item for your daughter?” Kalnedra asked holding out her hand.

Eugene hesitated.

“I need it or the spell is pointless. I also need a drop of your blood.”

“What?” Eugene said in disbelief. “You never told me that before.”

“I am not making this up. The spell demands it,” Kalnedra said matter of factly.

Eugene passed over a lock of his daughter’s hair and Kalnedra took it. She closed her eyes as she held the hair between her fingers. Her face betrayed nothing but when she spoke, her tone sounded almost sad, regretful.

“This is your last chance to change your decision,” she said flatly staring at Eugene.

“Why do I get the feeling that you are reluctant to do this?” Eugene asked.

“ ’Tis no matter to me. I have no interest in any of you other than to do your bidding. I find though, that so often people think they will be free from the consequences of what it is they seek to have people of the arts like me, do for them. There are always consequences. Prices demanded that no amount of money can ever prevent. Gods and ghouls count souls, not coin.”

“You speak as if you know of consequences that will follow. What is it you are not telling me?” Eugene asked as fear stroked the back of his neck making his hair stand on end.

“I cannot see the future. I only seek to warn you of what I have seen befall others in the past.”

“How is this bad? I am saving my daughter from a boy who will never be able to provide for her adequately. I have asked him… no, warned him to stay away and they have both ignored me.”

“If you believe it is right, then why do you question yourself and what it is you desire to achieve?”

“Because you seem to be telling me it is wrong! What would you have me do?”

“I would have you do whatever you wish to do. It is your life. You sought me out as a solution to your problem. I only act on your command.”

“Then act and keep your pointless dithering to yourself, witch,” Eugene said angrily. “I do not have all night!”