They came out of the darkness, silently through the fog and light rain. I let them take me without incident. I would find out more about their coven this way, it was an unexpected moment of clarity.
Marcus walked ahead as I was led further up the street. We walked for some time, going higher and higher until we left the road and tracked even higher through lush vegetation and purple-heart trees. Twilight was pinning her cloak, but even under the scrutiny of the midday sun where we came to rest could pass unnoticed.
Using the ready supply of purple-heart wood they built a structure in a large clearing and around existing trees. Perhaps Marcus was a carpenter in his previous life, before becoming less than a messiah.
There were sentries on duty that seemed to be expecting us. It was all very organized, exactly what I had come to expect from Marcus. Inside, the structure was just as impressive. The ceilings were high, made from logs that were linked together with space enough between for the room to breath and ease some of the natural humidity. The smooth floor was made of sturdy planks suspended about a foot from the damp forest soil. Even the furniture, chairs, tables, was made from beautifully varnished Purple Heart. It was all well illuminated be kerosene lamps, fixed in holders equally spaced high on the walls.
My revere was interrupted when I was shoved near a seat in front of Marcus who was already seated on a larger chair that resembled a throne. It was situated on an elevated platform and was larger and more ornate than any other piece I saw. I sat before him and for a few moments more he just glowered at me, as he struggled to control himself. Then that charismatic, eerily controlled smile spread across his face.
“Father told me it would be like this.” He began. “Still, I can’t say that I’m not disappointed. Apart from him, you are the most beautiful of our kind that I have seen. We are all in awe of you. Even your struggles with your true nature are endearing. Tragically, it is also a sign of your weakness…one of the signs.”
If I thought him capable of empathy or sadness, I would say he even looked sad. More than likely though, what I saw was disappointment.
“You even sound like La Safer. He must be very proud.” I said with a smile of my own. “What I don’t understand, what I have never understood, is if I am such a disappointment why hasn’t ‘father’ as you call him, taken this gift back himself?”
“Oh something you don’t know.” He began somewhat amused. “I’ll be happy to clear that up for you. You see, I’m not quite sure if he can or can’t but I do know that he has chosen not to interfere in our new lives beyond our remaking. In much the same way that God is responsible for the lives of mortals but has given them freedom of choice.” He seemed quite pleased with his analogy.
“So we are all acting out some twisted passion play for his amusement is what you’re saying.” I said.
“I don’t think that’s what I said. In any event, it is unfortunate that it has come to this.”
“To what?” I said.
“Another teaching moment. Because you insist on identifying with them, living among them…loving them.”
And then it dawned on me. I had put new mortals in more immediate danger than I had imagined. I feared a death squad was already nearing my estate or worst to Ngozi.
“I’m certain that you understand from the look in your eyes.” He continued. “I know we can’t hold you here. Choose wisely. You can’t save them all.”
“We are not done.” I said coldly, before disappearing into the night.
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