I stood to my feet in preparation for the Tonrar’s approach, feeling for the knife tucked into my skirts, but fully cognizant that it would be useless against the evil wraith.
A mist floated down from the green leaves above, stopped and hovered ten feet before me at eye level. I fully expected the Tonrar to materialize, gain substance and I imagined the most horrific creature to emerge. My first instinct was to run as fast as I could, get away from the destructive evil apparition and perhaps I could survive. Imagining being torn apart by the wicked Tonrar annoyed me. I’d rather die an honorable death, a weapon in my grasp in face to face combat with an adversary.
My muscles tensed in readiness but something stopped me from bolting. I didn’t feel the usual dread and oppressive weightiness that always came with the Tonrar’s presence. Instead I felt a most unfamiliar tranquility, like being covered by a warm throw in front of a blazing fire on a cool evening.
As I stared at the white fog floating before me, a face began to appear. His features were ancient, older than I’d ever seen, and yet his approachable smile and soft eyes drew me in like nothing I’d experienced before. I didn’t trust this strange magic and felt a sliver of fear slice through my chest.
Removing a throwing knife from my waist, I held it at the ready in case the mist would move any closer.
The mirage began to chuckle and it filled the air with warmth and well- being.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“Do you actually believe your knife will have any effect on a cloud?”
His question threw me off and I didn’t know what to say.
The face smiled like a father fascinated by his child’s foolishness. “So here we are at last, face to face.”
“Who are you?” I asked again.
“Who are you fighting for, Viveka? Why are you doing what you are doing?”
“My name is Tamasa.” I glanced around to see if anyone was near and had overheard the mist speak my real name.
The misty face asked, “Do you know who you are sacrificing so much for?”
His refusal to answer my questions and his avoidance of the truth caused fury to grow inside of me. Fear also threatened at his knowledge of my real name. I had not revealed my actual name to anyone in High Society. The only name I was known by was Tamasa, heiress of Krishay Manor.
He spoke again. “You are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is of value.”
“How can you possibly know what is on my mind?”
“Babies are a very great treasure indeed.”
“I will never bear a child doomed to destruction.”
“And you shouldn’t. It is not the right way.”
“Did you hear what Magdalon said? Were you listening to our conversation?”
“Do not be afraid, Viveka. You are on the right path. No harm will come to you.”
“I will not stay here and be forced to give up a child. I refuse. And how do you know what will happen to me? No one knows such things.”
“Although you are far from your home of Akoni Farrin, Tarman Farrin is closer than you realize.”
Shocked and with fear scuttling down my spine, I stared at the shifting fog. “How do know this?”
“I know everything about you, Viveka.”
Flustered, I walked a few steps away, turned and faced him again. “Tell me who you are and how you know so much about me.”
“I am the one you are fighting for. The one the populace of Dwarkaa’s Domain is crying out for.”
Staring at the mirage and wondering if it could be true, I finally gained the courage to ask him. “You are Towsaj?”
“Do not be afraid to stay, Viveka. You are surrounded and no harm will befall you. Narcissa’s plan is a good one. You should join the women in their cause.”
“You know of the High Society Women and their plan?”
“I told you. I know everything that is going on.”
My heart raced wildly in my chest and I felt undone by this chance encounter. Never had I imagined that Towsaj would actually appear to me. I chuckled and said, “Do you know where we are? Do you realize that we are standing on Casimer’s Royal Palace Grounds and that this is the place he rules from? If Casimer knew you were here he’d summon all his guards, his evil wraiths and order for you to be destroyed.”
The face within the cloud chuckled again, a light and airy sound that lifted the worry from my soul. He said, “Clearly he is not as all-knowing as he’d like his subjects to believe he is. Remember, when you feel afraid or anticipate the heavy aura of the Tonrar, call my name and my protection will be there.”
“Call your name? But it is outlawed to do so.”
“The name of Towsaj has not been outlawed.”
I thought this over. He was right. Everyone in our world knew him as Mowae.
I nodded and asked, “When will the time be right to destroy Casimer?”
“You will know.”
The face gradually disappeared and the cloud began to disintegrate and lift up into the branches above me until it completely vanished. Although I still felt that lingering well-being, the realization that we had spoken openly of Casimer, his rule, guards and Tonrar without any retribution incoming surprised me. Our conversation seemed to have occurred in a bubble of protection, hidden from the ears of Casimer’s spirit goons.
Slowly the atmosphere shifted and the heaviness that normally permeated the air returned. Caution entered and I once again felt the need to monitor and restrict my words.
I suddenly felt an urge to find Magdalon and apologize and the concept confused me. Why did I need to apologize after being treated so brutally? And yet I had placed his life at risk by my careless words. Had the Tonrar been near and heard what I said, they would have reported me. Magdalon’s whole household would have been purged. Both of us, along with all of our servants, would have been killed.
Inhaling deeply, I allowed my racing thoughts to calm and went to find Magdalon.
He was reclining in his study, a mug of grog in his hand and a raging fire in the hearth before him. I went to sit in the available chair beside him and stared at the flames. Keeping my gaze locked on the fire, I eventually ventured to speak. “I am sorry Magdalon. I should not have said what I did. I placed your life in great danger. I will never do that again.”
I could feel his eyes on me. “Apology accepted. Are you okay?”
“I will survive.”
“Let’s hope you’re not with child yet.”
I tore my eyes from the flames and looked at him. “Hopefully I never will be.”
“Don’t say such things. We will have children, even if the first is not ours to keep.”
I decided not to respond and once more studied the fire. Other thoughts came, ones birthed from my conversation with Narcissa and the unfaithfulness of all men of High Society.
“Tell me, Magdalon, do have many mistresses, other women you frequent?”
He looked at me in surprise. “Do you have no decorum, nor propriety?
“I value truthfulness and honesty above all.”
“I was thirty-three when I took a coverling. What do you think?”
“So the answer is yes.” Giving him a scathing glare, I asked, “How many are there?”
“I will not tell you. That was before I wed.”
“So, you are telling me that you are now monogamous?”
He smiled uncomfortably and looked at the fire.
“If you do not remain faithful, you will be sorry,” I warned.
Frustration filled his face as he looked at me. “Women have no say in such things. I care for you a great deal. I will take good care of you. That should be enough for you.”
“It is not. So, you see, you must decide what it is you truly want.”
“Don’t threaten me, Tamasa. I will not tolerate it.”
“And I will not tolerate unfaithfulness.”
His eyes turned dark with warning. “It seems that our honeymoon faze is quickly vanishing. You seem determined to cause strife between us. I would advise against it.”
I stood stiffly and left the room. He had no clue what I was capable of and I truly felt sorry for him. Although he could be charming, I realized that Narcissa was correct. His close proximity to Casimer had brought rot to his soul.
That night I slept alone, Magdalon stayed away and I was glad for it. Anger still raged at how he had treated me. He’d sewn distrust within me and I could feel it growing.
In the morning, after Magdalon left for the day, Akiko and I departed Casimer’s Royal Palace Grounds by carriage and returned to my estate, Krishay Manor.
After some strategizing at my desk in the study, I called for Akiko to join me.
“You want me to do what?” Akiko asked.
“Tell Rasul to find me a private investigator, the best Dwarkaa High Society has to offer.”
“What do you want with such a hire?”
“It’s best if you don’t know.”
“Viveka, you need to tell me what you are planning. I need to know what risks you are taking.”
Ignoring her question, I said, “And I’d like you to visit the market and purchase these things for me.” I handed her a list I’d just scribed.
Akiko read, “A black cloak with a hood, dark brown shift, dark leather boots and a reed pipe.” She appeared distressed as she locked eyes with me.
“Don’t look so worried. This has to be done.”
“What are you planning?”
“You will learn in time. Trust me.”
“You would do better hiring the seamstress you frequent. She would make you something worth wearing.”
“No. I need simple and basic garb.”
Her eyes still showing concern, Akiko slowly turned and left the room.
Since my garden encounter with Towsaj, fear no longer pulled at me the way it used to. I somehow felt protected, that no matter what I did I knew I was being watched and cared for. The sensation was entirely foreign and yet it made me feel secure and very brave. That visit gave me greater focus and clearer vision than I could even describe. I suddenly saw everything in a different light.
Rasul came to me within minutes and I gave him my instructions.
“Yes, Madame Tamasa. I will research thoroughly and find you the best.” He bowed at the waist and left the room.
At lunch, the Footman came to the table and informed me that I had a visitor. He was seen into the sitting room and waited for me there. I finished my meal and went to meet my guest.
Walking into the room, the gentleman stood and gave a slight bow. “Lady Tamasa, I am here at your service.”
“And your name?”
“Kieran, private investigator, the best in all of Dwarkaa High Society.”
Taking a seat, I said, “Do sit.”
He wore long coat tails which he swished out of the way as he sat. His finely tailored suit was impressively highlighted by a crisp, white shirt and black bowtie. The dark top hat he wore was a perfect compliment to his dapper appearance. Although I wouldn’t describe him as handsome, he was ruggedly smart looking. His professional dress and visage was a sign that he made a good living snooping in people’s affairs.
“So what can I help you with?” he asked.
“I assume you practice complete confidentiality? Our transaction won’t find a home for gossip in the taverns of Dwarkaa?”
Placing a hand to his heart, he said, “I give you my word, Lady Tamasa, that no one will hear a peep of our agreement or the assignments you send me on.”
“Very well, then I will lay out my request. I want a full accounting of Magdalon’s mistresses, secret lady acquaintances, whores he frequents or any other women that he may favor. Follow him discreetly, investigate completely and report back to me.”
With a knowing smile, he removed a notepad from the satchel at his side and wrote down my instructions. Looking up, he asked, “How soon do you want me to report back?”
“Tell me as soon as Magdalon commits his first marital transgression. I want to know these missteps as quickly as they happen and I demand a thorough accounting. I require women’s names, locations of infidelity, homes, street addresses and anything else that will be relevant to the case of each misdemeanor and any other important information in this investigation.”
“Of course. Anything else?”
“Do you have others who work for you?”
“Yes, I have two associates.”
“No one else is to hear of this case. You will not discuss this investigation with them. If I hear that you have, you will be made to regret it. You alone will work on this assignment and your complete discretion is expected.”
“I give you my word, Lady Tamasa. I will be the only one who will follow Magdalon as I take note of his activities.”
“Very well.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes.” I stood and walked him to the foyer.
The Footman saw him out to his carriage and I headed back to my study. When I entered, Akiko was there waiting for me, sitting in a cushioned chair before my desk with multiple packages around her feet.
“You completed what I asked already?”
“Yes.”
Taking the seat beside her, I said, “Show me.”
Removing an item from one bag, she held it up and said, “This shift is the only one I found in the color you requested. The material is soft and the dress is well made although it is nothing like the elaborate gowns which line your closet.”
“The frock is very plain and nondescript.”
“I can return it and search in other markets for something more glamorous. Or we can summon your seamstress and she can sew you something more fitting your station.”
“No. It’s perfect.”
Akiko gave a cautious nod, placed the dress down and showed me the black cape she’d found. It was large and the hood oversized. “What do you think? Although I searched, I could not find a smaller version.”
“I love it.” I allowed a small smile. The cape would cover the frock in its entirety and would help to conceal my identity.
Next, she pulled some dark leather boots from a box at her feet. Holding them up for me to see, I grabbed them and studied their stitches and thickness.
I said, “They are very well made.” I handed them back to Akiko and she placed them back into the box.
“Should I place these items in your closet in your bed chamber?”
“Yes. That would be perfect.”
“I don’t like this. You should not keep secrets from me. What if something happens to you? What if you disappear? I would not know where to look for you.”
“I will be careful. I will give you warning the nights I plan to go on missions.”
“Please, Viveka, don’t do whatever you are thinking of doing.”
“Are you afraid for me? I don’t remember you ever showing this much concern when I went to war with our clan back on Akoni.”
“No, but this is different. We are on…” she caught herself and adjusted to the code, “Hadeon’s turf. Please don’t take unnecessary risks.”
“I need one more favor from you.”
“What is it?”
“I want you to take my throwing knives, my short double-edged sword and any other weapon I have and sharpen them for me in your room. I wouldn’t want a servant finding me sharpening blades. I would have a lot of explaining to do.”
Akiko shook her head and I could tell she disapproved.
“You won’t do it?” I asked.
“I will but I don’t like this one bit.” She stood, gathered up the packages, placed them in my wardrobe room and left with my knives.
I couldn’t wait to hear word back from Kieran. The rush of excitement I felt over the anticipation of doing what I did best, stalking and killing, was like a torrent of restrained aggression which I’d kept in lockdown for far too long.
