Monday, August 24, 2020

Journal - The Mouse Trap

Oksana and I had taken the remainder of the afternoon gathering clothes and essentials from the shops in the area. Going through clothes was a tedious business. The wonder in her eyes was intense. There were many moments where she stood staring and trembling, her senses overwhelmed.

The first of those moments, the very worst of them, was when an airship moved from behind a building, blocking the sun and filling the sky. It was pointed in our direction, just leaving the dock. Her eyes grew wide, body shaking, gooseflesh covering her arms and up her neck. I acted quickly, pulling my leather jacket and tossing it over her shoulders as she started to writhe. I saw her fighting the change but fear driving her on. I pulled Oksana close and moved us from the street. I could hear what sounded like knuckles popping as her face began to elongate, her pupils dilating. I moved in close to her, coming within inches of her face.

“Just look at me. Look at me.” I whispered to her while pointing to my eyes.

She calmed by degrees, gaining control, her face and skin returning to normal. She took a deep breath and hugged me. I could still feel her body shuddering. She chanced a look at the dirigible as it ponderously moved overhead and then away from us. I took a deep breath and put my hand to her heart. Strangely, feeling it in my neck while it slowed to a calm rhythm.

It was then that I realized how important the Kalderari tradition was. This gift, or curse, is not something that one can simply contain alone.

Family is everything.

The other moments of trembling were simply indecision, but the signs were similar enough that I moved to support her while she came to grips with the unfamiliar and the chaotic.

Outside of clothes, there were all manners of other supplies I needed for the new apartment: towels, washcloths, rinses, sprays, alcohol, ammonia, brushes, razors, medical kit, and bobby pins, and toiletries.

I bought enough for simple meals. I intended to go dining on the town to find what she was most interested in, then I could attempt to prepare those things at home. At this point, the amount of bags we had gathered was dizzying. But there was still one more place to go.

The bookstore was quaint. The selection of Beryat material was thin. There were enough language guides and children’s books that crossed multiple languages that would possibly open up other options for her. I grabbed anything that might help and put the stack on the front counter. Oksana stood, arms out at wide angles, carrying the plethora of bags. She looked unperturbed, eyes sleepy, though she was grinning pleasantly.

We divided up the bags and walked the near two kilometers back to the apartment. I could see her test the air along the road and briefly at each alley. She would look to me every so often and smile warmly, blink slowly, then go back to her investigation. I could see the exhaustion coming through.

It was nearly sunset when we made our way into the apartment. I placed the bags down on the kitchen floor. Putting the food away, but letting the rest sit until tomorrow morning. Oksana had removed her shoes at the end of the bed and flopped backwards. She sluggishly tugged at the layers of the sun dress, but it meant she’d have to get up again. I put the books down on the side table and laid next to her, moving in close and putting my arm over her middle. I propped up on an elbow and played with her hair, her eyes closed at the touch. She turned toward me, inclining her chin toward me and pursing her lips, requesting a kiss. I obliged.

“Vremya spat'.”

She turned her head back to stare at the ceiling, then closed her eyes. I played with her dark hair for a moment longer then got up. She opened her eyes then glanced at me with a slightly perturbed look.

“You sleep.” I pointed to her and pantomimed sleep.

“Da, spat'.”

Ah, that’s what she’d said, “sleep”.

She said and nodded, then lifted a hand heavily and waved idly for me to continue.

“I am going to talk to Blanka.” I pantomimed, using my hands as talking puppets.

“Blanka?” She rolled her eyes then shrugged, “Udachi moya lyubov’.”

I bounded on the bed, then descended on her with one kiss, then another.

“Idi, idi!” She said and shooed me away.

I moved off of the bed and picked up one of the Beryat primers.

“We are going to learn to read Beryat together.” I said, showing her the book.

I thumbed through catching a few words. I struggled for a moment and put the words together.

“My uchimsya chitat'.”

“Da, da.” She said sleepily, her eyes still closed, “Idi seychas!”

She made a motion to shoo me out of the room with one lazy hand, it promptly flopped to the bed. I clicked off the light in the room and I could hear her breathing deeply almost instantly. I was trembling with fatigue myself, but I doubt the events of the last few days would let me rest.

I decided to get to Mausfal a touch early.

The meeting time came and went. I ordered another pint, prepared to drink alone. Blanka was really upset.

And you handled it brilliantly.

I shrugged and tipped into the remainder of the stout I’d been nursing. She’d come around, I’m sure. Probably. I couldn’t imagine never working an assignment with her again. I sighed. Regulars had been filtering in, I could tell because the barkeep knew every one of them and they all seemed to sit exactly where they’d sat for the many years they’ve come here.

A radio played a static-laden mix of strings, horns, and accordion in a jaunty polka. The electric lights were well covered exuding a warmly lit environment with the prevailing saturation of yellows and reds. The darkly stained and highly lacquered wooden tables and chairs, and the bar, itself, all looked much darker than they actually were.

I felt a point of heartsickness for the life I’d left behind. A life that changed completely within the last two days. But I also knew I was better for it. Oksana was a ray of sunshine to what could be an overwhelmingly dark world. One that was getting darker, still, with each new discovery.

I hope the others will see that.

A familiar male face walked into the bar. Short brimmed cap, Icenian style, and a polished outfit that was terribly out of place in this well-worn establishment.

“Cornel?” I said, incredulous.

“I see. You’ve already forgotten about me,” Blanka spoke up from his elbow.

“That man just really knows how to make an entrance.” I said with a shrug.

I hopped up, nearly sending my chair to the floor. I hugged Blanka, holding it for a moment longer than usual. Then beckoned Cornel close and hugged him, too.

Both seemed a little taken aback by the response, but only a little. I may have been feeling a little tipsy.

Cornel grabbed a chair and spun it around, putting his arms on the backrest. I pulled a chair for Blanka and she slipped into it. I sat back and pointed at the two of them simultaneously, then shrugged.

“I found him wandering about town.” Blanka said, a little exasperated, “Far too overdressed for a place like this. For the whole town of Oberisk.”

I nodded.

“I sure didn’t expect it. You look well, Cornel!”

He nodded, a content smile. He had a certain peace about him that hadn’t been there before.

“Bani. I heard stories,” he nodded toward Blanka, who turned toward me with fire in her eyes, “Tell me they aren’t true.”

“Oh, you get right into it, don’t you. Would you like a round of drinks first? I know I would.”

I lifted a hand and beckoned the female server that had been delivering my beer. I ordered food and drinks for the table.

“And, just bring the bottle, if you could. The 15-year.” I pointed at a whiskey on the shelf behind the barkeep.

I refused to talk until drinks were delivered. Both Blanka and Cornel tried to goad me into it, with no result. Blanka slid deep into her chair, giving me a smoldering look while folding her arms.

“While we wait, tell me where you’ve been, Cornel?”

He shrugged, looking down at his immaculate clothes. His shoes shone like Angelica’s Kompressor. Rings, a watch, and the customary cap which was a rich leather and wool ensemble. Every inch of him screamed money.

“A little soul searching.” He looked pensive and inclined his chin and continued, “You dress the part, you act the part, so they say. My life’s on the line every time we go out on these adventures. I would rather wear what I earn than never fully enjoy it.”

I nodded.

“Fatalistic, but realistic.” I said, I nodded toward Blanka, “You’re not the only one barely who has nearly seen the light on the other side. Or dark, depending on what you believe.”

Cornel glanced at Blanka. She didn’t meet his gaze.

“We’ve all seen it,” I continued, “Up close and personal. We make our peace however we can.”

The bottle arrived with glasses, I poured the drinks around.

“Now we celebrate. Because we enjoy the time we’re alive.”

I raised my glass, looking between Blanka and Cornel.

“So it is true. You’re in a rare state.” Cornel said, an eyebrow raised while joined the cheer.

Blanka took a little longer. She uncoiled an arm and snaked the drink from the table. She was really invested in this angry stare.

I clicked their glasses and sipped at the whiskey.

“Bracing.” I said, “Probably not the best note to start on this evening.”

I paused.

“Yes. I’m married.”

Cornel smirked, Blanka shook her head with an angry frown.

“The story is pretty fantastic. Or you could read the report.”

“Bani, I never read reports.” He held up a finger, “Correction, I never read your reports.”

“I’ll give you the short version, then.”

I launched into the story for the second time. I was a little more careful with nuance this time around, though. I couldn’t speak ill of the Kalderari like I had alluded to earlier with Angelica. Something did not feel right about it. I explained the moment with the soldier and the Kalderari, and how it led me to the Taxidermist’s house where I found the half-starved Oksana.

“You found this woman in the house and she was the... Wait,” Blanka’s eyes widened and she exclaimed loudly, “She’s the f…”

She stopped herself, then leaned into the table.

“She’s the werewolf?” Blanka whispered harshly, “The woman at Habsburg!?”

Cornel crunched his face awkwardly, speechless.

I gave a nod, sipping at the whiskey.

Blanka reeled, shaking her head, while Cornel’s vacuous look remained unchanged.

I explained the hit squad and the conflict at the camp. Both of them were enraptured as I laid out the scene. Both shaking their heads as I explained my walk through the camp surrounded by angry werewolves. I dropped into the conversation with Ursi.

“I explained that I would take Oksana to safety. That I would take responsibility for her. That we, at Nachtrichter, would be her family.”

Blanka was getting ahead of the story, pulling together the pieces faster than I could lay them down. Her eyes began to shimmer and she put her hand to her mouth. Cornel was my audience at this point. His anticipation was palpable.

“The camp elder came back with this book, probably the oldest thing in the camp. I got a look at it, completely beyond me that anyone could read what was written in there.” I leaned in, “He reads along for a bit, then looks up at me and asks, ‘You would take responsibility for her?’. I nodded and said I would. ‘Would you be her family?’ he asks and I nod again. ‘Prove it.’ he says. I never even saw it coming.”

A tear emerged from Blanka’s left eye and ran down the back of her hand. I kept my eyes on Cornel, not wanting to acknowledge it.

“He left it to me. To save Oksana’s life by marrying her.” I said with a shrug, “He put the responsibility squarely on me. So, I said yes. I committed to this bond in order to save her life. If I was willing to die for her by coming into a camp full of enemies, I should also be willing to live for her.”

I glanced between them. Cornel was agape and motionless, the glass in his hand hovered just above the table. Blanka had sat back a little in her chair, sitting out of the light coming from the candle in the center of the table.

“I would do anything for any of you, I hope you know that. But I would do the same for anyone who deserved to be saved. She deserved to be saved. Her life has been full of darkness. Someday she’ll tell you about it.” I said, shaking my head, “I know you all see me as this bleeding heart. It is borne of a sense of fairness, balance, and what is right. It’s why I joined Nachtrichter. I believe in the charter we uphold.”

I paused, pouring nearly three fingers into the glass and downing at least one of those fingers.

“Good god, I will not hear the end of this from Bjorn. I know it. But I did the right thing, I know I did.”

Cornel shook his head.

“Either you’re a brilliant liar or you truly are the Boy Scout they all say you are.” He said.

I furrowed my brow at his response. I glanced toward Blanka, she hadn’t moved, then returned my gaze to Cornel.

“Where did this come from? Who is ‘they all’? Wolfgang kept saying it, too. Even as we broke into Angelica’s quarters.”

This prompted a look of surprise from Blanka, but she didn't press.

Breads, sausage, nuts, and mustard had arrived in the midst of my story and sat untouched. I realized I was ravenously hungry. It was a good way to take a break and let the moment breathe.

“So, you’re an honorary Kalderari now?” Blanka said, leaning back into the light of the table.

“I am Kalderari, according to tradition.” I said, and tugged the braided necklace out from under my shirt, “I can walk into any camp and they will recognize me as one of theirs. Oksana, too.”

Both Blanka and Cornel had been there at Neuchatel, they’d seen the camps dangers and allures.

“Boy, they know how to throw a party. That was last night. I’m not sure how I’m still awake.”

I paused again to munch and a handful of nuts. A familiar song drifted from the radio. It was a portion of Rhapsody in Blue, the slow, sweeping sound mid-way through the song was cut short for radio. Blanka stirred and looked at me.

“Would a married man dance with an unmarried woman?” She said, then, without looking, stood and moved to the empty side of the bar where tables had been cleared.

I joined her and she looked up at me. I noticed her eyes were red, though she tried to hide it. I pulled her close and she looped her thin, pale arms around my neck.

“Bani. I’m sorry for earlier.” She looked at me, briefly, then leaned her cheek against my chest, rocking her head back and forth, “It’s just, a lot. It’s too much.”

I squeezed her close.

“I don’t want things to change. I’m not ready.” She paused, then added, “I need more time.”

We moved to the swell of the music, the piano tinny through the radio’s speaker. The song played loudly in my head, though. I had heard it many times before.

“Things will change, and you’ll change with them,” I spoke softly into her hair, putting my hand on her head and holding her close, “I meant it when I said I would do anything for you. I would be there for you in a heartbeat.”

I felt her tears soaking through my shirt.

“We are family. We have been since we first started down this road with Nachtrichter. Bjorn, too. We’re bound by blood and duty. You’ve dragged me to safety. I’ve carried you safety.”

I took a deep breath, dragging up the painful memories.

“We’ve even killed to protect each other. We are forever bonded. I will be there for you.” I said.

The song began to change.

“I will, too.” Blanka said, her voice catching and her face hidden.

She stepped away without looking back, disappearing into the women’s bathroom.

I put my hands to my chest and felt her tears.

It’ll get easier. You’ll see.

I moved back to the table. Almost expecting to see Cornel still stuck in place. He glanced at me and then back to Blanka’s exit.

“She was so angry.”

I nodded.

“I’d say she had a right to be, but she didn’t know the situation. This was a hard decision for me, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” I picked up the drink and pulled another finger’s worth of whiskey, then said, “What about you? Are you ready to join in again?”

Cornel nodded.

“I’ve made my peace. I am still not sure I’m cut out for this, but I’ll die trying.”

“Later rather than sooner, my friend.” I said, lifting my drink.

He echoed the gesture and we both sipped.

“I have something you might find interesting.”

He looked at me with a raised eyebrow and pursed lips.

“I think you’ll be impressed.”

I slid the plain wooden box from my jacket.

“The man I bought it from called it an ‘anytool’.”

I grinned in anticipation of his reaction. I pulled the lump of clay from the box and molded it briefly then held it in my hand and said a word. A hammer formed. Cornel gasped, dumbfounded. I rapped the table top, hard. I held it up again and said another word and it shifted to a long knife. I cut one of the sausage slices in half, stabbed it, and ate it. The blade was exceptionally sharp.

“How?” He could barely close his jaw.

“Honestly, I don’t know. But I got a wicked discount on it.” I shrugged, “Something about getting married, after all. Maybe this is more your speed.”

Another word and a crowbar appeared.

“It’s light, but you feel the weight of it when it changes. It’s otherworldly.” I said, “or maybe this?”

Another word and a set of lockpicking tools appeared. Cornel covered his mouth in shock. I smiled widely then dropped the clay into the box and put the slip of paper on top of it and scooted it over to him. He looked up at me in shock.

“It’s yours. I, literally, have no use for it.” I pointed at it again, “No one is going to catch you. There’s nothing to pat down.”

He sharply inhaled and his eyes began to brim.

“I… this… why?” He stammered.

“Welcome back, Cornel. I’m glad you’ll be working with us again.” 

He wiped absently at his face.

“This is…” he was having difficulty speaking, he blinked rapidly, “This is the best gift I have ever received.”

I smiled and reached over the table to clap him on the shoulder. Blanka arrived and took a seat, suddenly aware of the strange exchange. She looked between us and the box on the table, then back to the nearly weeping Cornel.

“What did you do?” Blanka asked me with a little heat.

“Look! Look at this!” Cornel took the lump of clay and started demonstrating it.

It immediately reminded me of Oksana, smiling with pride as she rapidly shifted it through its various forms.

Blanka’s reaction was also priceless. She looked to me and shook her head in disbelief.

“Thank you, Bani!” Cornel said standing, then he came around the table and gave me a big hug.

Blanka was showing the beginnings of a smile, too.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

We’ll make it. Everything will work out just fine.

I slipped below the warmth of alcohol, blissfully listening to the radio and the light chit chat of Blanka and Cornel as they handed the “anytool” back and forth. I felt fortunate to have landed with such great friends. It had been a strange path to this point. I sipped at my drink watching Cornel finally taking the lump of clay from Blanka who scowled at him playfully. He dropped it into the wood box and slipped it into his suitcoat’s inner pocket.

Heavy footsteps came down the entrance from the street and Bjorn filled the doorway. I brightened with a wave then immediately withdrew. I felt a little ill as the rush of memory filled in the gaps between then and now.

I am going to catch so much hell from him.

He’d seen my wave, inclined his head in our direction, and approached. Blanka bounded up and gave the big man a hug. Cornel stood, too, and they shook hands.

I sighed, resigned, and waited for the inevitable.

It started with a waterfall of explanation from Blanka. Quickly recounting a smattering of what had gone on, thoroughly confusing Bjorn in the process with the barrage of words.

She stopped, blinked twice and said.

“You should ask Bani. Ask him about his mission.”

I gave her a smoldering look for the fire that she was joyfully stoking. My look prompted a cutesy little half-grin and then she stuck out her tongue.

Bjorn sat heavily and looked at me, shaking his head.

“Not sure what dat’s about. Sounds like I won’t like it.”

I shrugged.

Blanka huffed, raising her emphatically.

“If you don’t tell him, I will.” She said.

“Didn’t you just try?”

“I just have to say just a few words. Bjorn, Bani got ma…” She started, drawing it out.

“Fine! Blanka. Dammit girl.”

She made a kissy face and leaned in with an elbow on the table.

Bjorn was shaking his head.

“No, don’t say it. Let me get some clear liquids in me first. If you’re going ta waste my time, let me drink while ya do it.”

Multiple shots graced the table. I had the remainder of the bottle in front of me, but I pushed it away in lieu of the generous amount of Norman vodka that had just appeared in front of me. The server looked concerned.

“Are you going to take care of him?” She said.

“The real questions, am I going to take care of you, darlin’?”

Her eyes widened at Bjorn’s response, she looked exasperated and promptly walked away.

“So, what’d you do, Bani? Rescue any strays? Make friends with another Wampyr?”

“Well, one of those.”

I moved into the story, keeping it simple and direct. I could read his expression as the story went on. He was drawing the same conclusions that Blanka did, and just as quickly. His face was unperturbed, but his alcohol consumption ramped quickly. The headshaking started when I spoke of walking into the heart of the camp and that the only way to save her was to wed her.

A rolling belly laugh came out of the large man.

“Bani, Bani, Bani. A shotgun wedding to a Varulv. I leave you alone for a week,” he said, letting it trail off and moved to take another drink.

“Bani, tell him about the dress!” Blanka said, excitedly and a little starry-eyed.

“Ah, the wedding dress. Traditional, apparently. Like a puzzle box.” I weaved while demonstrating with my hands, “You have to work together to get her out of it. Or, ya know, the wedding isn’t official.”

Bjorn sputtered a little and shook his head again.

“And ya consummated,” he exhaled loudly, “Dat brings so many questions ta mind. We’ll save them for another time. What did ya tell Angelica?”

He tipped back heavily as I answered.

“Everything, really. She drank a bit like you.” I waved a hand at him, “I brought Oksana into the castle so they could talk.”

His eyes widened.

“Breaking how many security protocols. And she didn’t fire ya?”

“Nope. She did ask if I was going to quit. She seemed relieved when I said ‘Hell no’.”

I looked at the glass in front of me. I was thirsty. This wasn’t water, but I drank anyway.

“Well, I woulda fired your ass. On the spot,” he said, shaking his head, “A Varulv in Habsburg.”

“You know I wouldn’t put anyone in danger, Bjorn.” I mulled the vodka around in the glass, “She’s safe, believe me. She just needs guidance. I really needed Angelica to talk to her; she’s the only one who speaks Beryat.”

Another rolling laugh from Bjorn.

“This just keeps getting better and better. You two can’t even talk?”

I flopped the recently abused Beryat phrasebook on the table.

“It takes a while. She can’t read, either.” I sighed, my eyes wandered the tilting room, “Lillery-. Lilter-. Literally, a blank slate. I know she’s smart, speaks the language, but no education.”

“Can she do anything? Any other skills? Besides da ones I won’t mention in polite company.”

I shrugged.

“We just gotta be able to talk. A tutor, maybe? I asked Angelica about that. I’d pay for it.” I said, nodding, “I’ll learn Beryat, too. It’ll be fun.”

“Noble. It’ll end in disaster, but noble.”

“After that? I dunno. She can’t have a normal job, but, here? She could!”

Bjorn squinted at me.

“Bani,” he said firmly, “Please tell me ya didn’t bring this up with the SAC?”

I gave him a bemused look with a slight shrug. He began to chuckle again.

“Bani and da Varulv, going on missions together.” Bjorn said, shaking his head again.

I looked at the two of him and swam a little, I was on the edge of consciousness. I finished off the glass.

“That’s not water. Again.” I said, sitting back back and pointing at the empty glass.

Cornel stood, somehow sideways, and came back with some glasses and a sweating pitcher. I traced lines through the lines running down the pitcher. It was very cool to the touch. I was burning up and parched, but it was a mystery to how I’d get that coolness inside of me.

“Cornel? Blanka? I think our mission leader needs a walk home.” He grunted, lifting himself from the chair, “Shall we?”

Journal - Oksana

I stared at the phone that had been installed in my apartment.

The cost to Nachtrichter must have been enormous and I still hadn’t even picked up the speaker from where it hung on the side of the phone. The man who had installed it looked around my humble apartment curiously, “Do you know how to use it?”


“Why would I have it installed if I didn’t know how to use it?” I said tersely. That halted all questions and he went about his business, scratching the phone number on a card and placing it in the center of the phone’s dial.


Now I was unsure of if I wanted to use it. I planned on making an in-person visit to Castle Habsburg later today, for one, to give my short debrief to Angelica, before sitting down to write out my report. But there was someone I needed to talk to first.


Blanka.


Bjorn would take it in stride, it didn’t affect him other than how my bleeding heart had put me into another awkward situation.


But Blanka? Oh, and I couldn’t imagine it going well. There was more there to process than I could fathom. I didn’t know where to start. I feared that it might be considered a betrayal and that the damage may be permanent.


So, you start at the beginning and hope for the best.


I picked up the handset, thumbing at the heavy stock card she’d given me, then started rotating the dial through the numbers. Clicks and pops later. A thin voice came on the line.


“Hello?”


“Blanka, it’s Bani.”


“Oh! You’ve gotten a phone?”


“Yes installed just the other day.”


She asked for my phone number and I could hear her shuffling through her card stock. The speaker was having a hard time picking up her voice. I rattled off my phone number.


“Got it. Why are you calling? Did you miss me.”


“You wouldn’t happen to know Beryat, would you?”


“Hah, no. Never thought it would be useful. That’s my mother’s territory.”


“Angelica knows Beryat?”


“Yes. I only know the swear words. She knows those, too. She’s used them a lot.”


I hesitated.


“You should come up to the Castle.” I stammered, “There’s something I need to tell you.”


“Bani, that’s what a telephone is for. Telling.”


“Not like this. There’s someone I want you to meet.”


“Why are you acting funny?”


“I got married.”


The phone croaked loudly in my hand.


“I’ve got to go. I hope you can make it.”


“Bani! Bani? Don’t you dare…”


I dropped the speaker on the handset and the speaker popped as the connection was cut.


I’m Bani, an expert in negotiations and disarming sensitive situations.


I tugged at the necklace, looking down at the red beads. Oksana looked at me with some concern.


“Beda?”


I shrugged at her question.


Oksana was still investigating the apartment. She had been wandering around naked since we’d arrived. It was a lovely sight, her ribs still shown through in an unhealthy way. By now, she knew the contents of every cabinet, the icebox, and a few shelves I hadn’t discovered yet.


She’d even found a dead mouse in the bathroom that she poked at a few times a torrent of Beryatian words spilling out of her mouth. I disposed of it quickly, unsure of what she was considering doing with it. My quick remedy didn’t bother her, though. She was too busy looking at her face in the mirror. She was in there for a very, very long time. I wondered how long it had been since she’d seen her own face, and even more, did she even recognize herself?


This language barrier was daunting. Her being unable to read went along with it. I’m sure she could pick it up. Learning to read in Beryat may be the best approach. I bet Angelica would know what to do. I felt another moment’s hesitation. The SAC may have some thoughts about the results of the mission. I’d gone significantly off script this time.


Oksana moved in close, reading my face, she echoed my furrowed expression. Then reached over and hooked her fingers in my mouth and pulled the corners of my mouth into a smile and smiled herself. Then patted me gently on the cheek.


“Gde tvoya ulybka?”


I laughed at that. She beamed in response. I pulled her close and kissed her.


“You’re right.” I said, “There’s no point in waiting. Into the breach.”


I weaved my hands into her hair on the back of her head. I pulled her close for another kiss, then ran my hand along her bare back and buttocks. She blinked a few times and raised her eyebrows.


“Well, maybe after this.”


- - -


It was a short trip up to the Castle on the motorcycle. She was in the simple sundress wearing the boots that Babik’s niece gave us. Oksana was smiling into the wind, firmly grasping my waist. Her joy was contagious.


We moved up the road to the castle, weaving between the bollards. I triggered the speaker, pressing the button to speak to the interior. A slot in the small inset door opened and closed, and the larger door was wheeled open. I pulled into the “Killbox”. It was Bjorn’s word. There had to be a more diplomatic term. It did nothing to make me feel safe, but that was the point, after all.


The soldier standing guard was wearing a MP 33 submachine gun and a mounted gun hung loosely on its gimbal above us. I stopped at the soldiers command and dropped my kickstand and killed the engine. I knew the soldier, but I went through the formality. There were no exceptions for any level of command.


He looked at me and then looked at Oksana and raised an eyebrow. Oksana was regarding the high walls around us, too. Clearly looking for exits, but also squinting at the walls as if she’d be able to scale them.


“She’s with me. We’re here to visit the SAC.”


“I’ll have to take a note.”


While he scratched out some notes, he looked the bike over. When he was satisfied with the inspection, he nodded toward Oksana and smiled at me with a wink.


“Stay in your lane, soldier.”


He blanched and stood a little straighter.


“Yes, sir.”


He pulled the door open. I kickstarted the motorcycle and pulled into the yard. Parking next to Angelica’s massive Kompressor. Oksana’s eyes widened at the courtyard itself. The vehicles, the towers, and other mechanical wonders around her. It was an entirely new experience for her.


I noticed a new one myself. The 88; an artillery battery. It was in a position where it could be levelled straight down the approach, through the kill box. Bjorn had made a lot of requests. It appeared that they were quickly being fulfilled.


There was a stencil on the side: ‘Olga’.


Didn’t we already have an Olga?


Oksana leaned forward, wanting to touch the Kompressor’s mirror polish.


“Oksana?” I motioned her to follow with my head.


As she approached, I held out my hand to her. I could see a few shadows in the windows around the castle proper. If it sparked any rumors, they’d confirmed soon enough.


I moved up through the tower, with Oksana in tow. I stopped at the SACs door and took a deep breath, then tapped at the door. A few moments passed. I heard the inner door open and close. Then the door to the office opened. She was dressed casually, which was still stylishly excessive to what I normally wore.


“Bani.” She said with a smile, then blinked twice as she saw Oksana, she pulled the door open wider and saw us holding hands; her face went expressionless.


She motioned to the seats. My palms started to sweat. Angelica moved back into her office and sat on the edge of the desk facing the chairs. I took a deep breath and dove in. I led Oksana to the seat furthest from Angelica and took the other. The SAC had a commanding view and I felt laid bare.


“So?” Angelica said, glancing at Oksana then focusing on me.


“This is Oksana. She is the one that the soldier reported on,” I hesitated briefly, “She’s the werewolf.”


Angelica’s eyes sized up the distance between her and Oksana, but did not otherwise react to the news.


“And we’re married.”


Her eyes widened at that. She slid from the table, using her hand to fan her face. She moved over to the liquor cabinet and pulled out three glasses. She did a loose pour with an expensive whisky over the three glasses, spilling only a few drops on her desk.


She tossed back her first pour, swallowing hard, then poured another two finger’s worth into the glass and held it in front of her.


“I should always have this out when I talk to you now, shouldn’t I?” She breathed deeply, “So, please explain?”


I went into the light details of the situation. The research, the discovery, and the Kalderari’s insistence on putting down this aberration. While I spoke, I reached over and took Oksana’s hand. Angelica saw it and cleared her throat gently, but did not interrupt.


I explained the hope to escape, the chance encounter with Kostanza that led me to the lodge, and the eventual verbal showdown in the Kalderari camp. She blinked several times at that, her mouth hung open just a little. She continued to look back and forth between us.


“They immediately prepared us to be married. They retrieved her from the lodge and I was officially adopted into the Kalderari family allowing her to also join the family and live according to their traditions.”


She put her hand over her mouth, stroking at her cheek.


“Do we need to discuss any changes to your employment?” She said, simply.


I must have looked confused.


“Do you intend to quit?” She asserted.


“What? No!”


She immediately relaxed, slumping slightly. She sipped a little heavily from her drink.


“Bani. I have never, ever seen anyone go as far above and beyond the call of duty that you have. That was before now.” She gestured, “This, honestly, I have no words.”


She glanced at Oksana and narrowed her eyes.


“She hasn’t understood a word we’ve said, has she?”


“She’s from Keurg. Sorry if I failed to mention that.”


“Ah, yes. You did mention it, but I assumed she’d learned Alaman.”


Angelica didn’t break stride, she turned to Oksana and started speaking quickly in Beryat. Oksana looked stunned. Her eyebrows rose as she looked at Angelica. It was clear that Angelica was introducing herself. There were rapid fire responses between them. Oksana was brushing away tears, as she did in the hotel room. Not actually crying, but a response to being emotionally overwhelmed.


I realized how Oksana had been feeling up to that moment. So many words, and none I could understand. This was likely the first person who Oksana could clearly communicate with in over a decade. They both took moments to glance at me through the conversation. Angelica had stopped asking questions at this point, and Oksana was speaking animatedly, with the occasional gesture toward me.


There was a moment that Angelica’s eyes glossed slightly, she looked at me with sadness, a sense of loss. Oksana was gesturing about bounds around her hand. I recognized that she was recounting the wedding. She grabbed at the necklace and pointed to mine.


Oksana took my hand, and spoke to me directly. Then took my hand and kissed it. Angelica had turned away, looking in the liquor cabinet. When she turned back, her eyes were red.


“She said that she hopes that this dream never ends. She felt she’d deserved nothing more than nightmares.” Angelica translated, then cleared her throat again giving a weak smile, “She’s a sweet girl. Congratulations.”


I nodded to Angelica, recognizing the layers of emotion, and how badly she wanted them all to stay in place.


“I was hoping you could help me with the language barrier. Not you yourself, but any thoughts to get to a place where we can communicate?”


Angelica was pensive.


“I could only help in my spare time, which I have very little of. There are books we could use.”


“She can’t read, not even in her own language. She’s capable, though. She’s intelligent, just not educated.”


I pulled the phrasebook, and Oksana visibly deflated at the sight of it.


“See? I can’t really win here.”


“Have you thought of learning Beryat?”


“I don’t have the mind for it. It’s a wonder I can even speak High Alaman.” I said, then wondered, “Would her learning to read Beryat help her learn another language? She’d at least be able to use this?”


I held up the phrasebook.


“It’s a possibility. She has a command of the language, even a decent vocabulary. Deep in the woods of the Keurg Union, born to werewolves.” Angelica shook her head, dumbfounded.


“And capable of controlling her change. In an instant. She’s lived as a dog for the better part of fifteen years!”


Angelica’s eyes narrowed.


“What are you thinking, Bani? Be careful. This is strange territory.”


“I don’t know. She doesn’t have a place in society. Her sitting home while I’m out on deployment isn’t the life I wanted to give her. Yes, it’s better than where she’s been, sure, but there’s a world of possibilities. I want to make sure she has the best chance to succeed.”


Angelica grimaced and her jaw tensed.


“We can’t talk about this now.” She was stern, “You hardly know her. She’s unproven. For now, we take small steps. Very, very small steps. Start with communication. Find a Beryat primer, picture books, anything. It’s a good place to start, then we can expand on it. I will look for a tutor who can bridge the gaps, but this must be financed by you. Are you prepared for that?”


“Absolutely. I’m in it. I can’t go back. And, I’ve realized that I wouldn’t want to if I could. I feel a peace I haven’t for ages. For the first time in years I’ve felt happy.”


As I said the words, it felt like a revelation to myself.


Angelica nodded, her lips compressing into a thin line.


“I will help where I can, but you must temper your expectations.”


I nodded.


“Could you get me started on citizenship and identification?” I asked.


“There are processes for that. I can start it, sure, but you’ll need to go through appropriate channels. It will take time, but it is a straightforward process once you’ve started.”


Angelica stood again, smoothing her dress.


“Is there anything else?”


“Yes. I didn’t intend to talk about this first. I apologize. This is about business.” I said as I pulled the box containing the “anytool”.


Angelica shook her head, dismissing the apology then nodded toward the box.


“What is this?”


“The man who vouched for me showed me this. He called it the ‘anytool’.”


I took the clay in my hand and spoke a keyword. It turned into a hammer. Another word, it turned into a knife.


Angelica nodded appreciatively and Oksana marvelled. I continued my explanation.


“This looked similar to what the Rhinkani used when fighting Bjorn and Wolfgang. The man at the camp said he knew the secret of forming this tool, but I don’t really know that I could trust him before we became brothers.” I smiled to myself, thinking of Babik admitting his lack of honor, “I mentioned the Rhinkani and he knew what I spoke of. I didn’t have much time with him after that. At least, not in a place where we could actually talk about it.”


Angelica excused herself and moved out into the hall. Oksana beckoned to hold the clay. I scooted my chair close to hers and put the clay in the box. I looked at the slip of paper and practiced the word to make the knife appear. When she repeated it back, I handed her unmolded clay.


She said the word and it lengthened and hardened into a knife. She was fascinated by the change. She looked at me for other words, motioning me to continue. I looked down the list, giving her words, now casually reading them off. She would repeat them instantly and the tool would form.


Angelica walked in on this exchange, holding a box in her own hand. Oksana called out to Angelica, then repeated the list of words I’d told her, the tool formed rapidly between each form as she did so.


Angelica blinked, her eyes were expressionless as they moved to meet mine, then back to Oksana. She quickly spoke some words and Oksana’s eyes returned to the tool, then handed it back to me. It turned to clay when it moved to my hand and I returned it to the box.


Angelica focused on the bluish lump in her hand, grasping it and saying a difficult to pronounce word. A longsword formed, extremely ornate with a flowing design. Its majesty rivaled, if not exceeded, the Montenican blade that was hanging on my wall at home.


Each word changed the form, each was a different type of weapon.


“I had been wanting to investigate the nature of these things, but it is good to know that there are more useful forms of this.” Angelica said nodding to the box in my hand.


Angelica stood again, smoothing her dress. She glanced between Oksana and I.


“Anything else? If not, I suggest taking her to find some new clothes and maybe a book or two.”


“Nothing more, here. I’ll get some shopping done.” I said, then hesitated briefly, “Thank you for working with me on this and speaking with her. I appreciate the support.”


While she looked conflicted, she gave a subtle shrug.


“If anything, I appreciate the company. I’m busy, but the castle has been inordinately quiet. And, as always, Bani, exceptional work.”


She turned toward Oksana who brightened again when hearing her own language. The exchange was brief, but it ended with an eager series of nods from Oksana.


We moved from the room and I shut the door behind me. Oksana hugged my arm, speaking rapidfire Beryat at me, knowing she was only speaking to herself. She beamed with delight, I could feel her smile without looking at her.


We moved back down and out onto the stones, moving back toward the motorcycle. Clouds adorned the sky, casting a shadow over the courtyard. I saw a hunched figure, breathing heavily and pushing a bicycle as the doors to the bailey began to close.


It was Blanka. I wasn’t sure if I was glad to see her just yet.


She ditched the bicycle against the stone wall and marched up to me. Immediately making a fist and jabbing me weakly in the stomach. Oksana bristled, stepping forward, and I quickly held up a hand. The quick exchange made Blanka take a step back with a look of horror at Oksana.


“Oh. You weren’t kidding.”


She was agape with the realization.


“Bani? What did you do?”


I shrugged.


Blanka pawed quickly at her face, wiping her eyes. Her face was immediately flush.


“You disappear. Not a word. Nothing. And, married?” She furrowed her brow, “And you never hang up on someone. There is nothing more rude. How could you? How could you do this to me?”


I could see the layers unravelling, but I had to wait for her mind to slow down. She paced in circles in front of us, coming to grips with the revelations.


“Blanka. There is a lot to this. It wasn’t exactly in the plan.”


She eyed Oksana, wearing a scowl. She looked down at herself, then back to Oksana. 


“Yeah, I see. I get it.”


I clenched my teeth in aggravation.


“Do you? What about this do you think is about you?


She looked sourly at me and folded her arms aggressively.


I looked to Oksana, whose eyes appeared filled with concern. They darted between us with a question.


“This is Blanka.” I held a hand up for height, then raised it higher and motioned down again, “Angelica’s daughter.”


She squinted and her nostrils flared, she nodded in recognition.


“Blanka, this is Oksana.”


Blanka gave a scoffing laugh.


“You don’t even speak the same language?”


“It’s a very, very long story. One I wouldn’t mind talking about over drinks.”


“Oh. That’s why you were asking about Beryat.”


Blanka looked directly at Oksana and let out a tear of words.


Oksana, put her hand to her mouth to stifle a chuckle, then failed, erupting into laughter. She looked to Blanka and rapidly responded in Beryat. Wiping the mirth from her eyes.


Blanka deflated at the response. Her eyebrows drew together in response. Then she looked at me.


“About those drinks?” I insisted again.


She nodded, sullenly.


“20:00, Mausfal?”


“Sure.” She said, then added, “And, fuck you, Bani.”


I grimaced. She turned away, her shoulders hanging low. She picked up the bicycle and began walking to the gates.


This may take some time.