CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT - FIFTY

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

I was stumbled, disarrayed, just for a few minutes. Then everything came tumbling into my mind. I searched the face of the doctor. He was approximately in his mid-thirties, light skinned, lean and his eyeglasses perched on the bridge of his nose. I knew that he was going to ask many questions, so I beat him to the draw.

"I seem to be having a little remembrance problem." I laughed hoping that he would overlook my questions. "What is the name of this place?"

He scrutinized me first before taking his time to answer. "This is Himanchal Pradesh." His tone was neutral, but the taint of uneasiness could be heard by my over sensitive hearing. I shrugged.

"The year?"

This time he gave me an intense look. "Are you having a bout of amnesia then." His accent was so thick, but I understood him perfectly. My mind was undecided as to how to play this. I could not very well tell him that I am time travelling witch. He will have me certified as mentally unstable. I had to think quickly.

"Humor me please Dr." I did not know his name, so I got up to a sitting position on the bed and raised my eyebrows. "Dr?"

"Kumar. Dr Rajesh Kumar." He was proud of the name, and I could hear it by the way he introduced himself.

My time was running out and I knew that I would have to act fast. "Dr Kumar, I cannot explain to you now but humor me please, what year is it?" He was writing on a chart that was attached to a clip board when he stopped to stare at me.

"It is June 1983." He looked to see my reaction and I disappointed because I did not want to show him my reaction. Besides, nothing shocked me anymore. "I have to insist that you show me some sort of identification." Oh dear, now I was definitely in hot water. Calm yourself, I admonished myself with silent warnings. I had to put my brain into action and come up with an explanation as quick as possible.

"You see," I began, trusting myself to spin the best story ever. "I am holidaying here with friends of mine, and we got separated. My passport is in my bag."

"Which hotel are you staying at? I will send a message for your friends to come and collect you." Oh, boy this dude was good. He was leaving no stone unturned.

I was smarter and wickedly shrewd. "My friends are visiting the Himalayas and I got separated from them." He was not convinced. I improvised with proficiency. "Worse luck ever. My itinerary is in my bag that my best friend was holding for me." Even as I heard that story even, I felt the pockets that would deteriorate to holes. He knew that I was lying through my teeth. It was what it was.

"You just try to relax." He gave me a weak smile and I knew that he was just pampering me. "I need to check on my other patients and I will come by to check on you soon."

Now who was lying. I want to chant Liar liar pants on fire. At that thought I actually giggled. He looked at me an enquiring manner. "Just a private joke." I informed him. I knew that he was going to call the authorities on me, so I slipped out quietly. On the way, I managed to take out gulp down the glass of orange juice placed at my bed side for my consumption. It was fresh and refreshing. Then I saw a bottle of water that was unattended at the reception to which I helped myself. I needed to find my way to the Himalaya Mountain and secure the Sanjeevani plant. The only problem that I had was that I was barren of money. However, will I go and get transportation to take me there. I managed to evade the doctor and slipped out of his clinic rather easily. The only hindrance for me right now was the damn dress. I found a quiet spot to take coverage only for reflection. I did not know how far the mountains where but from my little reading on the plant, I did read the name of this village. It was amazing how the little things began making me understand about importance.

"Think Athena!" My brain was compounded by this restless and impatient pounding. I knew that time was of the essence, and I had to think quick. There was no way that I would be able to walk to the mountains. I needed a guide, a vehicle and most definitely money. I could not give up. I wanted to return to the point of entry and return to my Count but then I remembered that his brother was steering from destruction. A gust of wind swept past me, and I huddled my shawl around me. Thankfully I had carried the shawl on the journey because the nights became bitterly cold. As a result of my haste to journey into the cauldron I did not take it off. As I was about to secure it firmly around me, I undid the broach and just then I had the infamous light bulb moment. The damn broach. I took it out and placed it into my hand. It was an heirloom of Samsidion`s and I looked at it. It was very valuable. I knew this for certain because they were aristocrats and royalty only owned the best. I grinned a polished chortle. I had just found myself a way to get transport and a guide. I would have to look for a jeweler and since everything was written in Sanskrit, this was going to be a task. I got to the streets again and tried asking around. Most people just nodded and smiled because they did not understand me while some just snubbed me. I walked quite a while until I saw a board across the road. "Taj Travel Agency." My eyes had just settled on gold.

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

It was not exactly an attractive office, but it was adequate enough. I figured if the sign was in English then the agent inside probably would know my vernacular. Furniture was sparse and the desk looked like it came out of a museum. A wiry man with a medium complexion and a head with sparse hair looked up at me as I walked in. His facial expression immediately changed from somber to a cat that was just about to catch a canary. I returned his smile with equal fervor.

"Maadaam," His accent was way too thick, uncultivated and definitely outdated. I could see that he definitely had learnt English on his own. "Myself Taj Brahma. This is my agency. How can I help you." I was about to open my mouth to speak when he got out of his chair and pulled out the chair that was fitted in front of him. "Come sit." I took the chair and judging from its appearance I just hoped that it would not take one final groan and fall down. How did I start? I knew that I needed to tread lightly and patiently because Taj would be unable to grasp everything in one breath,

"Taj, is it?" I smiled ever so sweetly.

"Myself Taj" He was beaming brightly, and I was guessing that I was a customer after a long time.

"You see Taj." He was about to interrupt me, but I held up my hand to stall him. "I need to go to the Himalaya Mountain."

"Yes, yes very good." He was shaking his head vigorously, so I took this opportunity to explain to him slowly that I needed to get the Sanjeevani plant and the calendula flowers. To which he was surprised that I knew about these two plants. He was very accommodating.

"Yes, Yes I know the place that you can get it." I could see a scam, so I decided to allow myself a sharp intervention.

"It must be fresh and dug up by me." The shine in his eyes faded but then he brightened again.

He scratched his head that was doused in oil and took a pen and started to scribble on a page. He then asked me what I need in total. So, I replied politely. I needed to go and get the plants and I needed to be dropped off at a specific area. Lucky for me I developed a new skill and that was a photographic scenic memory. I also stipulated that he must accompany me.

"No praablem Maadam ji," he was so enthusiastic as he scribbled on the page to which I assumed was that he was working out my bill. He then showed me the picture and it was a whopping twenty-five thousand rupees. I did not panic neither did I know the value of that money. So, I took out the broach and placed it on the desk. His eyes doubled in size, and I could see that he wanted to grab it but the hesitation was there.

He then shook his hand in refusal. "I cannot." His head shaking was continuous, and I knew that I had not come this far to be turned away. I made a deal with Taj.

"You take me to a jewelry maker." I was so proud of the way I was so smooth and polished. "I will try and sell it and pay you what is owed and once you drop me off to the point, I ask you to then I will give you all that I have left."

The head stopped shaking and he was holding on to every word I was saying. I knew he was fifty percent on board. I just needed to cajole him further.

He gave me one look. "You see Maadam, myself middle class. If I take that then the people will say I am thief." I understood perfectly. I wondered if this, was it until he stood up. I thought that he was dismissing me until he said. "I take you now to Randheri Jewels. Very famous here in Himanchal." He was beaming once more, and I suddenly got a shot of rejuvenated adrenalin. It was a quick walk to the goldsmith and I for one was glad that this day was progressing better than I had expected. The jeweler, handsomely attired in rich finery gave me a look and gasped in awe when I produced the broach. He took out his magnifying glass and looked and looked until he was satisfied.

"Madam this is a fine broach." He was awestruck. "If you may permit me to have a look at your passport." Oh, the English was polished, and I understood he was well educated. I had to string myself to perfection and dance to the tune of the puppeteer.

I batted my eyelashes at him sweetly. "You see Sir, it goes like this. You scratch my back and I scratch yours." It did not take much and eventually I had him eating out of my hand. The one thing that I was certain of that he was going to stiff me. All I was hoping for was to get the 25k and a little change that would get me a bath and a change of clothing. He leaned over the glass table and whispered to me.

"Madam this broach is worth over two million, but I will give 100000." Well, that was music to my ears, but I did not want to jump up and say hip hip hooray. I took a moment and then he shocked me and spoke. "Final deal 150." This time I did not hesitate.

"I will take it." We went to the back of his store where he opened his safe and carefully counted out the money. Before I could leave, he cautioned me,

"Madam I must make it clear to you that this transaction is done and complete. Do not bring the authorities here and demand your product back because I will deny you."

"Understood." I reassured him with a smile and the severity in strength of my eye told him that I would not do anything underhanded. "You have my word Sir. And I thank you profusely." He nodded his head and that was that. I was satisfied as I walked out of his office as Taj was awaiting me in the edge of nerves. Of course, I would not divulge to him the terms of my transaction. For now, it was just none of his damn business. I brightened up.

"When can we leave?" He grinned and I saw that he was toothless and that made me smile deeply.

He gave my question a thought. "At first light." I was tempted to say yes but then I remembered the doctor. There would be a chance that he was still looking for me.

"We will leave now and break our journey at a near village." I was adamant and then I had a thought. "I will give you 10 now and the balance when we leave the mountains." I could see that he did not find this satisfactory but for now I cared less about his problems. "Hope that is fine with you."

He nodded and I accompanied him to his office and counted 10 without him seeing the rest of the money. I would buy a change of clothing at the next stop. I waited for Taj outside his office as he went to arrange for our transport. He was taking quite a while and I had a sudden niggle of doubt that he would show up. Thankfully I had enough money so that I can procure another means. To my delight he showed up and we were ready to hit the road. He enquired about my luggage, and I was glad to give him a one-word answer to which he did not pester me into an explanation. It was light when we left but soon it became dark with no other village in sight. I had a good feeling that Taj was a trustworthy bloke and the witch in me sensed that while he was struggling, he would ensure that he gets the job done. The roads were dauntingly scary and terribly rugged. My body was aching, and I was reminded about the carriage ride that I had taken with the Count. At least here the headlights made it possible for us to travel at night. I did doze off in the car and it was worth it because I felt much lighter as the vehicle came to a halt. I awoke abruptly and I asked Taj which village we were at. He laughed at my ignorance and pointed at a board that said, "Welcome to the Himalayas." I was just delighted and sighed a heavy relief. The driver had stopped at a hotel that was of modest accommodation, but I was happy to pay for three rooms. I could see from the gratefulness of the driver and Taj that this was a treat for them. Later on, as we chatted over a light dinner of Indian snacks and tea, Taj confessed to me that the normal practice was for him and the driver to sleep in the car and he was grateful for my generosity. In my mind, I was grateful for the broach that Samsidion had given me because it had helped me on so many levels. I bid farewell and the first thing that I did was ask housekeeping to secure me clothing for the next morning. I then took a hot bath and slathered myself with sandalwood soap, scrubbing myself with enthusiasm until I was milky clean. That night I slept wonderfully well, so grateful that come the morning I would secure the plants and go back to save Count Thaneus. For the first time in a while, I was actually smiling.

CHAPTER FIFTY

The morning came altogether too quick, but I knew that my time was running out. Taj and our driver were already up and waiting. No clothes had been sent up for me, so I dressed in the same medieval garb and scurried the rows of street vendors until I bought myself a pair of pants and a shirt. Upon my quick shopping expedition, I discovered something that fascinated me, and I needed it with desperation. That too I purchased a hand full of. It was as though the universe was brightening my day with dropping these little stars from heaven for me. I then traded my boots for a pair of sandals and once I changed in a lavatory, I was good to go. Taj had informed me that he knew exactly where we could get both the plants for a donation of a thousand rupees. I was more than happy to oblige. On the road we snacked on something hot and fried and more tea. It would take us approximately three hours before we arrived at the designated destination. At first there was a hearty commotion about the plant being indigenous but five thousand secured the deal. I could hardly believe that I was travelling back with two bushels in my hand.

"Back to Himanshu Pradesh." I grinned at Taj because I finally was the cat that had the cream.

Then Taj distracted me by saying, "I take you on tour." To which I gave him a defiant "NO!"

I think he probably felt let down that he did not do enough for me and when I saw the hurt register his features, I had to explain to him the dire need of me returning with the plant.

He was all confused. "They will not allow you to carry in plane." I smiled because only I knew that my secret transportation would allow for anything to be carried.

"I have my ways dear friend." I was oozing confidence and he just nodded his head. It took us many hours and once we had entered his town, I gave him the directions as to where I wanted to be dropped. I was a bit afraid that the portal might not open but then I was brave because it was not my first rodeo. It was an open field with just an embankment. I opted for that to be my drop off point. Taj seemed confused but I gave him a simple smile and thanked him profusely. Before he could get into the old Morris and drive off, I gave him the remaining of the cash which was just over a 100k. His eyes danced in delight at my generosity, and he even attempted to reject it. This told me volumes about the man that he was. I was thankful to the universe for bringing me into contact with him.

I put the money in his hand. Thankfully the jeweler had been kind enough to place it in a silken bag.

Taj was shaking his head. "Maadam, this is too much." Tears netted his eyes, and I immediately was alerted to the fact that this man had humility. He had known that broach had been worth a King's Ransom, yet he had taken me directly to the gold smith.

I shook my head and squeezed his hand gently. "I have no need for this money, but I would appreciate it greatly if you would settle my debt at Dr. Kumar." He nodded his head understanding me well.

"Take good care of yourself my friend." I was kindly dismissing him because I did not want him to be a witness when the portal opened.

He smiled but he felt sad to say goodbye. "You were the first tourist to be so kind." He lowered his eyes and then shook his head. "If you ever come back here, you look for Taj and I will be forever in your help." Upon impulse I hugged him and while it was not acceptable for him to return my hug, he guffawed good naturedly before jumping into the vehicle and driving off. I looked into the brown paper bag, and I was grateful that I had secured the plants. Now I needed to get back as soon as possible. I looked at the embankment and nothing happened. It would be a full thirty minutes before panic set up a home inside of me. I was getting tired and a quick consult on the sky told me that promises of rain would be inevitable. I paced, I sat, I paced again. Still no portal. Something or someone inside my head whispered to me to exercise the agony of patience. That was tall order. I was getting thirsty and luckily, I had half a bottle of water inside the bag to keep the plants moist. I took a hearty sip and felt replenished with much energy. The day had gone dull, and the clouds succumbed to anger. I ought to have been afraid if the weather turned nasty because I had no shelter to keep my body safe, somehow amidst this mayhem, I took comfort in the fact that I could very well be on my way to curing Count Thaneus. It took a little time before the growl of thunder emitted from the sky. I drank in a breath as the water began in soft pellets then in a hearty stream. The rain was pelting, and thunder barked ferociously. My biggest fear then came alive as the sky struck an electric force of eclectic lightning. I gave out a loud scream as a frisson of electricity struck just a meter away from my feet, it was then when the world of magic awakened. The ground shook, the embankment rattled and like a poof the portal opened. I picked up my bag that housed the plant and walked in with no hesitation. This time the journey was sparse of excitement and the turbulence was kept to a minimum. In no time I was back into the cauldron and as I jumped off it, I was void of any water. It was as though I had never left. Had I not been wearing the clothes that I had purchased at the Himalayas I would have never believed that I had really transported myself there. As I got my two feet firmly on the ground, my Count was waiting me anxiously with a lantern in his hand.

"Elle," he had frantic written all over his features. "I was so worried."

There was no time for idle chit chat. I patted the bag. I have the plant. Let's get back to the cabin so that I can prepare the plant, but we have to come back here at first light. He had no problem with taking orders from me and he guided me back to the little home in the forest. I went straight into the kitchen and got to work. I will never know how to explain it, but my actions became automatic, and I worked with ease. I had not done this before but the undetected guidance that I was receiving from the unknown was prominent. The kitchen was stocked with bare essentials but for now they served me very well. The darkness was trading places at a slow rate with the light, and I knew before the first dot of sunlight I had an appointment with my cauldron. The paste of calendula was prepared, and I had extracted as much of the juice of the Sanjeevani plant. The time was now. Samsidion lingered by the doorway and just this time I did not scuttle him away. He was in a total worry mode about the demise of his brother.

"It`s time." I gave my Count a satisfied look but there would always be that niggle of doubt that made the battalion of deeds step into a whirlwind to stay alert. We did not need the lamps for light because the smidge of bright was sufficient. I stood before the caldron, my hair let loose to the wind. As if on command the wind was crying out its own pain. I was not going to allow any deterrence to inhibit my power from suffocation. Smoke plumed from over the big black pot as I summoned the ethereal figures of powerful witches that could only attend this function in spirit. Oh, yes Grams was there; I had felt her enlightening knowledge trapping my train of senses so that my execution would be played out in perfection. My voice had transformed; evolved upon a ship that could raise the mast from soft to sonic loud. My surroundings were alien to me as my vehicle of a classic mind was soaring from planet to planet.

"I call upon the daisies of the meadow Silkland," My voice was unrecognizable to me because a boom box will fail and die over the decibels of my sound. I was in full command and there would be no one that could capture my spirit and bottle it for nefarious reasons. I was driven by will power that pounded out energy off my brain and my physical attire was betrothed to a force that would have no restraints. I had every reason to engage in a trusting formation with my sisters that held the sweet word of witchcraft to their bosom. My heart was singing a chant that was alien to me, but I suspected was already inbuilt. Then the amazing happened. Count Samsidion began a growl as the pot exhumed smoke. There was a telepathic awakening that made him almost become human again. He was raging and spluttering. He removed his shirt, and his incisors grew to a raging size. I did not allow myself to be distracted by his transformation and I understood that he was an integral part of this ritual. My mind shut down and my tongue became thick until it was mute. I walked around the pot as it bubbled wildly and, in my head, I continued my chanting.

"I summon the courage of the Dark Lord." That was my Count who was spluttering out words. "I command you Dark Lord to drop upon the blood of your servants to make thy son The Count Thaneus a whole undead once more." I was so driven in my spell that I did not care that we both were treading grounds of the wounded that only saw the flesh of hell. Deep down I knew that my Count acted out of desperation because he had so much of goodness in him. As for me I was just fighting for the survival of my family to remain intact. I guess I would eventually know when it the procedural will be completed. These days my confidence was booming toward a providence that I had never known existed to me. From the puny, erratic, suicidal girl I had transitioned to a woman of substantial aura. The Gabrelle in me had awakened to simplify my life. All the complications had gone stuffed to smithereens. I was pilfering on words that I had never known before. Latin was smiling amongst my chants and even my Count was lost to a world that he was unaccustomed to. This ceremony went on for what seemed hours until the sun showered its blessings upon us. The smoke dissipated. The caldron stopped the banshee jumping of an interpretation that it called a dance. I had consoled the power in me and stubbed to my normal self. Count Samsidion picked up his discarded shirt and wore it as though nothing had happened. I looked into the black pot and it was dark. I put my hand inside knowing fully that this time it would not be bottomless. True enough I retrieved two utensils from the bottom. The calendula paste was ready to be applied on the infection. The juice of the Sanjeevani plant must be drunk as an antibiotic to prevent the rotting of his flesh. I handed it to my Count.

"For now, I have created the salve and the antidote." He was grateful and I saw it registered on his face. "I cannot touch his wound because a witch can only create the potion. If she touches it, then it became null and void." He did not understand my term of null and void, so I reiterated. "It becomes useless; almost tarnished. He was shaking his head in acknowledgment of my explanation.

"I will do it." He was profound in his caring towards his brother. Besides, no servant could be trusted with a secret of this magnitude. I remembered in the nick of time.

"Sam," I gave him my most tender looks. I just wanted him to be safe and proceed with caution. "You must cover your hands with an impermeable material. Under no circumstances must the salve or the infection touch you."

"I appreciate you, my Lady." He was looking at me as though it would be the last time that we would see each other. I had to appease him.

I smiled cutely. "It will be good." I sensed his sadness now. He was downtrodden because he knew that our time was up. Such was this enchanted life of ours. If I took the opportunity to break the rules and stay behind not only, will I be hunted again by the clergy I would also be breaking the command and order of life. I will be causing a ripple in the universe. My Count had read my thoughts, but he said nothing.

"I should take this to my brother." I nodded my agreement. Count Thaneus was on borrowed time. With a heavy and miserable heart, we both went to give Count Thaneus the magic potion.