Train To Springfield-Chapter 17

The week passed with studied slowness, each second lengthening into
minutes and hours of boring contemplation. I wasn't allowed to venture
outdoors where I might be recognized, thus ruining the intricate plans
of Kermes Twa. The Great Goddess was strict in her orders, always doing
what was best for me. The view from my window to the busy street below
was mildly entertaining, but I did a double-take on the morning of the
children's Christmas party! Who to my wondering eyes should appear but
Marcus and Bethanie, gloved hands and coated arms intertwined like two
young lovers..laughing and giggling, attached at the hip while fat,
white snowflakes swirled around them. My sister, the born actress, and
Marcus, my husband without a clue! What a farce! I resisted an
overwhelming urge to go downstairs and let them see my face,
consequences be damned!

Kermes Twa brought my attention back to the matters at hand and I made
one final check in the greatroom where the children's Christmas party
would be held. Everything was picture perfect, and soon the children
would be laughing and singing Christmas carols, eating sugar cookies
and spice cake with raisins and walnuts, and sitting on the lap of
Santa Claus. Hanging over the fireplace were red and white striped
stockings stuffed with fruits, nuts, candies, and small toys for the
little ones to play with. The tree was decorated with strings of
cranberries and popcorn, edible gingerbread boys and girls, and red and
white candles in gold and silver holders. A rounded black medallion
with a glowing golden star in it's center adorned the top of the tree,
the very ornament which had been used in the King's Vampire ceremony
inside his Paris castle. That should intrigue the gentlemen who were
going to call on me.

I went to the basement door and met Gustav as he came clunking up the
stairs. " Is everything ready for our unwary visitors, Gustav? "

" Yes, Mistress Desiree'. We'll have no trouble from either one of
them. " He was dusty and dirty from his tasks and smiled as he left to
clean up for his potrayal of Santa. I was well pleased with the
arrangements and didn't linger, knowing Valera would use her extensive
herbal wisdom to give the men a taste of their own medicine before they
became better acquainted with their maker.

A knocking on the front door signaled the arrival of Mother Superior,
the convent's nuns, and the well-mannered children. Cardinal Solielle
and Duke Russo, the two evil men who'd given me directly into the
filthy hands of the King and his villainous cohorts, would arrive long
after the children had returned to the orphange. I clapped my hands for
attention. " Children, welcome to my home..your smiles and laughter
bring added brightness to this Christmas holiday season, because you
embody the true spirit of love. " Sounds of Christmas songs came from
the greatroom. " How many of you enjoy singing? " Every arm was raised
and the children and nuns gathered around the piano..Cecelia played and
Henri became their choir director. Valera and Mother Superior
supervised the cook in the kitchen, and Gustav was in his Santa costume
by the time all the carols had been sung 2 or 3 times over.

I caught Henri's eye and he sparkled with good humor. " Can you guess
who's come to see you, children? " Gustav played Santa to the hilt,
then handed out the stockings and the many presents under the tree.
After eating cookies and cake, and drinking milk, several of the
younger children began to yawn, and it was time for them to travel back
to the orphanage.

We had an hour before the ' special guests ' would arrive and I made a
quick trip up the back stairway to my own room and knelt in front of my
polished brass sea-trunk..it was covered in Dragon Lady Holly and on a
crystal plate in its center were six fat red pillared candles
surrounding one larger candle of white. I offered a prayer of
supplication and thanksgiving at the holy altar of Kermes Twa, asking
for her guidance and protection for the coming week.

The clutter of boxes and giftwrap from the children's party had been
removed and the greatroom was festooned with holiday season
greenery..pine boughs with cones still attached and fresh spruce and
fir branches. Differing breeds of hollyhocks decorated the staircase,
the fireplace mantlepiece, and overhung the doorways. The silver punch
bowl was filled to the top with the world's finest blood red Burgandy,
laced with equal amounts of powdered cowslip flowers and dried jimson
weed. I had no wish to bandy about pleasantries with these men..I
wanted them to feel the full embodiment of my misery and pain. There
was no doubt in my heart and soul the Great Goddess would help me
accomplish my retribution.

I smiled and proffered my hand in greeting as my guests were shown into
the greatroom. Neither of them recognized me in my holiday finery. "
Good evening and welcome to both of you gentlemen. My name is Rose and
I'm your hostess..may this holy season bring about the truest dreams of
your heart. " Valera dipped out glassfuls of Monasterium Damnare' wine,
imported especially from Fredericksburg for this monumental occasion.
My drink of choice was the juice of unfermented grapes from the same
arbor near Castle Desiree'. " A toast of God's generous goodwill to
men.."
I failed to add that favorable conduct would not be extended to them,
however. They drank their fill and Valera served them more. " Mother
Superior told me you've recently arrived from France, on government and
church business. I spent some pleasant years there and would love to
hear about the social scene from your perspectives. Have a seat and
tell me about yourselves, please. "

" Miss Rose, your name is famous throughout the entire country of
France for your charitable contributions to the poor and needy. "
Cardinal Solielle stood up and walked towards the Christmas tree. "
Although I never attended any of your balls in Paris, I see we share a
common interest. " He fingered my medallion. " You're the only civilian
the King ever favored with a token of his highest esteem. " I blushed
in convincing profusion.

" I can see why you caught the King's fancy, Miss Rose. Your honored
name befits the color of your beautiful blush. " Duke Russo leered in
the direction of my lowcut bustline.

" I only attended one ceremony and was totally surprised to be the
recipient of this unusual star. " I sighed. " As with most high ranking
officials, the King's attention span lasted but a short while and
that's when I moved to New York to mend my broken heart. "

Valera entered the room. " Miss Rose, dinner will be served in one
hour. " She smiled in the direction of our visitors. " Would you care
for
more wine? "

" Thank you, Valera. Gentlemen? " They were both eager to consume more
of the Burgandy's effective taste and I raised my glass in salute. "
Another toast to France and King. " They downed their goblets and their
glasses were refilled. As the Burgandy circulated throughout their
bloodstreams, their eyes closed in drunken stupor and Gustav and Henri
drug them down the basement stairs to their final home. After removing
their costly dinner jackets and rolling up their shirtsleeves, iron
bracelets were attached to their wrists and ankles, securing them to
the reinforced wall. I entertained myself by clinking and pulling on
the metal chains and shackles, singing snatches of Jingle Bells.
Their bloodshot eyes would wake to an enchanting vision of me, serving
them thin tasteless gruel and stale crusts of hardened bread for
breakfast.

Valera waited in my room, her job for the evening to keep me calm and
focused. She'd prepared a warm bath and as I stepped into the soothing
liquid she said, " The lemon and lime salts that I added will cleanse
your body so your ritual purification can begin. " She surrounded the
clawfoot tub with candles and as she lit them she explained what they'd
do.
" The greenish-yellow ones will evoke feelings of jealousy, anger, and
discord. " The dark blue candles felt the fire next.
" These are used to promote depression and changeability. " Last, but
certainly in no way least glowed candles of purest black. " These will
let evil, negativity, and confusion reign in your heart of hearts.
"
I soaked in the water as the astringents washed the dirt away from my
pores and swirling smoke infused my lungs.
" Breathe deeply, Desiree'..let the words from the Great Goddess
emanate from your soul to rise and be blessed. "

' Great Goddess Kermes Twa
I am your willing pupil, an eager disciple
Fill me to the brim with your special wisdom
May your jealousy, discord, and evil reign supreme
Doing away with love, compassion, and goodness
As you deem fit
Let the hope and joy of your bloodlust conquer all
Bringing fruition to your plans of revenge and retribution '

Valera helped me out of the tub. " It's time for you to dwell upon the
set deeds you must accomplish this week. "

I sat unclothed as a newborn baby before the altar of Kermes Twa,
attuned to the red of bloodlust and the steady beating of my heart. I
began the lighting ceremony at dawn, presenting myself in humble homage
to the Great Goddess, thanking her for my life and friends.

Kermes Twa spoke. " You'll not be allowed to drink any blood this week,
thereby showing me your devoted trust. No matter how hard this trial
period becomes, your faith will help you perservere. " I dressed in the
red of velvet passion and a strand of pure black onyx was clasped
around my neck for the mastery of my own self gratification.

Henri followed me downstairs to the basement, bearing breakfast fare on
an ornate tray, while Gustav brought up the rear.
" The tiptop of the morning, gentlemen..I trust the sleeping
arrangements were to your satisfaction. " They stared at me with looks
of stunned disbelief, never thinking their sins would find them out. "
Come now, you must know that life brings tit for tat..good for good,
and evil for evil. " Gustav removed one wrist chain so they could eat
and drink. We waited and watched for a few minutes, but they were too
numb with shock to even lift a finger. " I see you're not inclined to
eat..that's too bad, gentlemen. " I nodded to Henri and Gustav, who
quickly shackled what had been set free. " I suppose this succulent
food and tasty drink isn't what you're accustomed to. " My
condescending smile turned into a frown of dismay. " Please proceed
with the morning ritual, Gustav. " He took a sharp carving knife from
the tray and slit each man across his right elbow vein, as Henri caught
their spurting blood in two empty golden bowls. When the bowls were
filled with bright red liquid, aramanth soaked tourniquets were applied
to staunch their flowing life force. I turned around to leave. " Maybe
the rats will enjoy the food these gentlemen rejected! " We left them
to their own miseries and they cried and wailed in ernest, shouting for
pity and mercy, but our duties with them were finished for the day.
Valera carried the bowls upstairs to my room, then helped me undress. I
sat before the sacrificial altar in naked reverance for the symboled
reception.

" Desiree', this is just the beginning of your discipled journey, but
beware of distracting traps and pitfalls that can lead you astray from
your preordained destiny. " A heavy silver chalice was placed on the
altar..Valera poured the bowls of blood into it, then added an equal
amount of Marcus's exclusive wine from the previous evening's
festivities. She struck a match and lit the first of the red pillared
candles. " Close your eyes, Desiree'. " Sweet smells of the burning
wine-blood mixture made me dizzy with want and need until I felt the
hot sting of melted candlewax! Valera shaped the drippings into a
triangle at the juncture of my breasts. " This is the sign of 3,
integrated into a part of you forever, Desiree'. The points signify the
major forces in your life..past, present, and future. " She handed me a
pencil and a piece of paper. " Don't take time to think, but write the
first 3 letters that come to mind. "
I wrote the letters M, D, and N. " Tell me what they mean to you.
"

" M must stand for Marcus, and D for Desiree'. Marcus and I are both
part of the past and the present, but the N confuses me. "

" We never know what the future holds for us Desiree'. Remember that
Kermes Twa is your illumination to all things. The hour grows late. "
She left and I sang silent praises to the Great Goddess.

Valera, Gustav, Henri and I followed the same rites and rituals
throughout the week. When Christmas morning arrived, I knew my two
houseguests would be meeting their end..I'd be dressed in dirty rags
and tatters and hoped that recognition wouldn't take long to set in so
my tasks could be achieved in short order.

" Why are you doing this to us, Miss Rose..what have we ever done
to you? " The Cardinal whispered in halting chokes and gasps.

" Let your eyes take good notice, placing me distinctly in your
memories! My name isn't Rose..it's Mistress Desiree', and this week has
been for your edification and education. Do you recall our
introductions inside the Paris jailcell? All the horrible things you
did and had done to me. This Christmas day, you have more than earned
my gifts of retribution and revenge! " They said they'd learned their
lessons and begged to be set free, thus lowering themselves to the
sniveling cowards that they truly were.
" This isn't my requirement of you or from you..the Great Goddess says
this is the true way..the true worship..the true revelation of who she
is and how she loves and protects those who are in her care. Her
punishment for your misdeeds has been slow, painful, and harsh! If it
had been left to me, I would have finished you off the first night you
set foot in my house. Under the tutelage of Kermes Twa, I've learned
the answer is patience of spirit, in all things. " I smiled as they
were hauled to an upright position. Gustav readied his carefully
crafted wooden stake to drive through their blacktinged hearts. As the
sharpened point was driven home I felt the spray of their hot sticky
blood exploding to cover and soak me so I could offer myself in full to
Kermes Twa.

The ceiling and walls dripped bright red in conjunction with my body,
calming and soothing my soul and spirit. Gustav and Henri had set up
the sacred altar of Kermes Twa in the basement..after they removed the
dead bodies, I reveled in pure bloodlust, falling to my knees, my hands
and face raised in supplication. Valera lit the last candle, signifying
the white of finality, then handed me the silver chalice which I placed
upon the altar. I was given the honored privilege of mixing their
corrupted life force with equal parts of Monasterium Damnare' wine.
Kermes Twa spoke directly to me.." Drink to your departure and arrival,
Desiree'. Going and coming will bring the blessed peace of righteous
vindication! " I drank and drank, but the chalice remained filled to
the brim.

When Valera added fresh rose petals and almonds to the mixture, it was
ignited by the breath of the Great Goddess. " Kneel and bow your head
in thanksgiving and adoration. " I did and she annointed me with the
flaming life force. " The molten blood of Kermes Twa flows in you and
on you, bonding you with life everlasting. " She took my hand.
" Rise for the Sleep of Transformation. " Henri opened the trunk, the
altar converted into a red silklined resting place for my next seven
weeks. I lay my head on the black pillow and closed my eyes. Gustav
took the chalice and sealed my coffin with a bright red lava flow,
creating a floating liquid dream of blood perfected peace.

**********

I awoke from quiet darkness, as weak light slowly filtered into the
trunk where I slept. My name was called from a great distance. " 35
days is the required time for your complete transformation and
preparation for what lies ahead, Desiree'. " Kermes Twa spoke, but a
male hand was proffered.

I rose from my resting place, seeing Gustav stand before me. " You're a
vision of loveliness, Countess Desiree', growing more beautiful with
the passing of each day. " He led the way upstairs to my room.

He opened the door..I peered inside and saw everything had been
rearranged.
" Please send Valera or Cecelia to me. "

" Mistress Desiree', that's an impossibility. They've gone on a short
trip with Mother Superior and the orphans and won't return until later
tomorrow evening. "

I sighed but felt I could function by myself for that short period of
time.
" Thursday..that'll be fine, Gustav. They're deserving of time off, and
you may go ahead and take some time for yourself also, if you wish.
"

He seemed upset with that notion. " No, Mistress, that's not allowed.
Someone must be with you at all times per orders of the Great Goddess.
" He smiled. " I've had my own vacation of sorts, fishing along the
coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. " He turned around to leave,
whistling the same sea shanty I remembered hearing from my uncle's lips
onboard the deck of Goddess Of The Sea.

I grabbed his sleeve. " Where did you learn that song, Gustav? "

" Just a little ditty I picked up when I went fishing with your Uncle
Joshua..trying out some new bait in order to catch the big ones!
"
I sat down, stunned and more than a bit surprised that Gustav would
know my uncle, let alone go fishing with him! " Mistress Desiree',
don't be upset. We met quite by accident, and I had no inkling he was
your uncle until he told me of his dearly departed niece who meant so
much to him and his family..almost as if she were a second daughter. "
Tears filled my eyes as I thought of my Aunt Madeliane, my Uncle
Joshua, and most of all, my Cousin Annelle, who'd become my blood
sister. Gustav sat beside me, holding me as I cried. When I calmed
down, he said, " Your uncle conveyed some very interesting and
important news concerning your husband, Marcus and your sister,
Bethanie. "

My tears ceased altogether and I dried my eyes with the handkerchief he
supplied. " Go ahead, Gustav, I'm listening. "

" This Saturday evening, January 31st, they are to become engaged and
will be married on Valentine's Day. "

My laugh was cruel with hatred for the both of them. My husband, the
bigamist..that would not bode well for the history books or our family
tree, especially if children issued forth from this most wicked
coupling!
" Desiree', you mustn't let this marriage take place! " The voice of
Kermes Twa was fueled with a force that got me moving in the right
direction.

" And just where is this most uncalled for event to take place, Gustav?
"

" At your father's house in Springfield, of course. " He saw what was
written on my face. " I don't like that scowl, Mistress. I hope you'll
not do anything of a foolish nature. " He thought for a minute. " At
least wait until Valera and Cecelia come home and discuss this matter
with them. "

" That will be all, Gustav. " I gentled my tone. " Thank you for your
kindness and consideration and for everything you've done for me. " I
kissed his stubbly cheek. He closed the door on his way out, leaving me
alone in my room. I knew it was Wednesday, as I'd been asleep exactly
seven weeks during the transformation process. I glanced at the clock
on my dresser..11am or 11pm? I pushed the curtains aside to reveal a
black night, lit only by a tiny sprinkling of stars in the heavens. My
mind began to shift gears, revolving faster in fluid motion. Totally
unnoticed, I'd slip away to the train station with no one being the
wiser until the sun rose on the Eastern horizon Thursday morning. From
there I'd be heading north, reaching Springfield, Massachusetts, by
Friday afternoon. Come Saturday morning I'd hire a carriage to take me
to my final destination..my father's version of a wealthy Victorian
home with all the comforts money could buy. It was almost 10 miles
northeast of Springfield proper with fruit orchards and fields for
grazing, miles of wooded land and acres of gardens.

I wondered if I'd be able to see a reflection of myself in the
full-length mirror on the wall. I vividly remembered going to sleep,
still dressed in my rags and tatters..the vision I saw before me was
outfitted for traveling in the finest red velvet. The long v-neck
collar with the inserted bodice was decorated in ivory braided trim.
The skirting was pleated in the back, adding fullness in the latest
style of the day. Kermes Twa knew I'd be making this trip and had
clothed me accordingly. In my closet was a matching red velvet muff and
hat, both trimmed with white mink. My ebony hair had a bold auburn
sheen and hung in looping curls. My skin glowed in an eerie alabaster
white with just the palest hint of pink, so I wouldn't appear like a
ghost. I said a small prayer of praise in honor..

' Great Goddess Kermes Twa
Protectress of all who love and adore you
I wear the color of your blood
On the inside and the outside
My full devotion
My everlasting life
Entirely yours '

The very thought of this journey revolted me, but there was no other
way out of this sticky predicament. I grabbed my purse and overnight
bag, peeked down the hallway to make sure the coast was clear, then ran
on quiet feet to the street below where vendors were already hawking
their wares in the early dawn of day. I paid no attention to the
throngs on their way to work as I quickly made my way to the train
station, less than a mile from home. " I need a ticket to Springfield,
Massachusetts. " The man behind the counter took no notice of me and I
paid my fare. " Train 18 leaves in 30 minutes on the track outside the
far doors. " A porter helped me board, then showed me to my own private
sleeping quarters. I put my bag and purse on the opposite seat and
looked out the window as the train pulled away from the NYC station. I
was leaving a significant part of my life behind, but welcomed the
pathway towards a new beginning. I'd never been priviledged to travel
alone and felt quite grand as the steel wheels clicked and clacked and
a fine dusting of white powdery snow frosted trees and houses. The day
sped by and afternoon gave way to sundown and then twilight. A knock on
the door startled me. " Who is it? " I asked.

" Porter come to make up your bed for the evening. " He made up the
berth and I asked him when the train would pull into Springfield. "
We're stopping overnight in Hartford, Connecticut in hopes that the
snow will quit falling and if it does we'll be in Springfield by noon
tomorrow. "

" Thank you. " I smiled and handed him a tidy tip, but my mind was
focused on Marcus and Bethanie and how best to confront them.

" Relax, Desiree'. Your nature now is one of calm confidence..breathe
deeply and let my peace wash over you. " Sweetly soothing, Kermes Twa
flowed through every cell in my body, infusing me with her spirit.
Snowflakes danced and swirled outside my window, reminding me of the
day Bethanie and Marcus stood as close as newlyweds outside my window
in NYC. My feelings of blinding fury were whittled down to
blood-dripping dagger-fangs! A gloating screech invaded the silence. "
My kind of peace only comes with blood-letting! "

The train jerked to a sudden stop and I barely recognized the city I'd
grown up in..Springfield had grown by leaps and boundaries, sprawling
in all directions. I left my compartment and walked past new
storefronts and houses that lined the street, almost missing the
entrance to the Springfield House because the name had been changed to
The Bethanie Inn. I rolled my eyes in disgust, thinking that my loving
husband had given it to Bethanie as a wedding present. The lobby was
tastefully decorated and the clerk behind the counter smiled in
heartstopping recognition! " Good afternoon, Miss Terrance. " He rushed
right on by, and fairly shouted, " It's so nice of you to grace us with
your presence. What may I do for you, today? "

" Nothing at all..I'm waiting for my friend, Sheridan Canossa, so we
can finalize some last minute plans for my wedding shower tonight.
"

" Ahh, yes..and then your engagement party is tomorrow night? I wish
you and your fiance' a happy and blessed life. "

" Thank you. " She seemed distracted and walked towards the plate glass
window near the hotel front. Sheridan darted in and I averted my face
as she and Bethanie stepped past the counter to a door marked
private..it closed with a loud click.

I asked the clerk if there was a room available. He turned the pages in
his guest register.
" Yes, Miss.."

" Valentine, Miss Rose Valentine. "

" How long will you be staying with us, Miss Valentine? "

" I'll pay you one week in advance, then I'll let you know. "

" You're lucky as most of the rooms in Springfield were booked months
in advance for the engagement party and wedding of the young lady who
was just here. She's going to marry one of the most prominent men in
town. Count Marcus of Fredericksburg..in fact, he owns this hotel.
"

I wanted to say I knew all about the upcoming events, but chose my
words carefully. " A special time for the young lady to look forward
to, then. " The clerk rang a bell, and one of the bellboys took my
small bag upstairs to a second floor room. I parted the heavy maroon
curtains and felt longings stir within my heart, then left the building
and hired a horse and buggy at the livery stable. I drove north beyond
my father's house to the rim of Coltsfoot Canyon. I'd spent many
pleasant summer hours walking the paths that led to the rocky bottom,
then crossing the lavender and lilac fields to cool off in the gushing
waterfalls. The afternoon shadows lengthened into darkening dusk and by
the time I arrived back in town, it was 8pm. I dropped the horse and
buggy off at the stable and told the owner's son I'd have need of him
the next evening.

In my room alone, questions about life and living surfaced, but no
answers were forthcoming. " Desiree', focus on regaining your rightful
place beside Marcus. Concentrate on him..picture him..love him. " I
obeyed her and my trance ended twenty-four hours later. " Desiree', go
to your father's house and stay out of sight until you see your sister,
Bethanie, then follow her. "

No one took a second glance in my direction as I was let off in front
of my father's gaily lit house. I slipped around back and hid in the
holly bushes, imagining Bethanie dressing to impress my husband. I lost
track of time, but the smell of Night Blooming Jasmine reached my
nostrils right before I saw her clearly. Hrrmp..that wasn't the usual
type clothing one wore to their own engagement party. She ran on nimble
feet to the canyon's rim..lightning flashes lit up the entire area and
rumbles of thunder grumbled and groaned from black and grey
stormclouds. Huge droplets of cold biting rain pelted my skin as I
grabbed her arm and turned her face to mine. " Bethanie, there's no way
in heaven or hell I'll see you married to my husband, Marcus! " She
clawed and scratched like a hellcat, then pierced the night with a
bloodcurdling scream!

I let go of her when a blinding flash of light revealed the scornful
blonde beauty of Sheridan. " This time you'll get what you so
righteously deserve! " She tackled me with the strength of a man and I
went sailing over the canyon's edge into the black ravine. There was
nothing to grab hold of and in a few short seconds I hit the jagged
rocks below. Searing pain racked my body as cohesive thoughts failed to
register in my mind.

My brains were a jumbled mess as I was bounced and jostled. I opened my
eyes, then tried to sit up, but saw a man staring down at me with a
worried frown on his face. " Stay still, Miss Bethanie..you're safely
inside my carriage and I'm taking you straightaway to your father's
house, so the search can be called off. When we arrive I'll send my son
to fetch Dr. Johnson, but till then I can only pray that nothing is
dreadfully wrong with you. "

I laughed until I cried as strange words circulated inside my tired
mind.." If Marcus only knew, then what would he do? " My head pounded
in earnest and I passed into the darkness once again.