Isela's Love (2 page)

Her clothing, which hung in the small wardrobe against the opposite wall, consisted of one more pair of trousers, much like the ones she had on, gray and itchy, two other tank tops, both white with the words Midland Prison stitched on the back, and a threadbare nightgown.

Servants were not afforded the luxury of undergarments here at Midland Prison. One hard wood chair and a tiny table stood in the corner, along with a lantern on top.

Isela stripped off her clothes and hung them over the chair. Hopefully, she’d get a chance to wash them in a day or so. She climbed into bed, fantasizing about other worlds with happy people and magical devices.

****

He stood below looking up at her as she gazed down upon him from the balcony. His wavy chestnut hair curled slightly around his ears, giving him a bit of a rumpled look, but his chocolate-brown eyes captivated her.

It was as though she could peer right into his soul through those eyes. She wanted a closer look. Never had she seen such warmth or goodness in anyone just by gazing into their eyes.

As the guards led him away Isela had to force herself not to follow. What was his name? Why was he here? What could he have possibly done to land him in this place? She knew one thing for sure: she had to save him.

Isela woke with a start, gasping as she remembered her dream. She’d dreamt of a man. It had seemed so real, except for the red haze, just like the last time. She shook her head. No, not another vision. The last vision she’d had had haunted her for nearly ten years.

The images of her mother being ripped apart by viocomen appeared before her eyes, blurring her sight and catching her breath in her throat. She’d seen it, weeks, maybe a month before it happened...and then it had, just like in her dream, except the red haze only happened in the vision.

Isela got up and paced, wringing her hands, not even registering the hard cold stone floor under her bare feet. What did this mean? Was it a death vision? No, nothing violent had happened. The man had only stared at her, and she at him. Maybe he was some sort of clue as to why her mother was killed.

No, she could not allow herself to hope such a thing. Her mother was gone. She was dead and somehow Guarros was responsible, but it didn’t matter. He was too powerful. She couldn’t hope for justice. Freedom would have to be enough...and someday she’d find it.

Chapter Two

At the sound of footsteps on the front porch, Darrios Derosa swung the door wide open. His two closest friends, Bernie and Evan, stood there, along with Evan’s wife, Sandra, and their two young daughters, Eva and Deedee.

Sandra hugged Darrios. “Where’s your wife?” Sandra asked, glancing around for Maggie.

“In the kitchen, getting the meat ready to cook,” Darrios answered. “Will you tell her the fire’s almost ready?”

Sandra nodded, heading that way. She set the pie she’d baked down on the counter, the heavenly aroma driving Maggie to bend over to inspect it. Sandra had a gift for baked goods and Maggie loved being on the receiving end of that gift.

She and Sandra had become fast friends ever since Maggie had fallen into Celio, quite literally, through a mystical door two years before. Back when all Maggie wanted was to get back home to Missouri.

“Oh my God, this smells wonderful,” Maggie said, sniffing the flaky golden-brown crust.

A rush of affection passed over Maggie as Darrios came in and put his arm around her, squeezing her shoulder. He kissed her cheek. “Is the meat ready?” he asked.

Nodding, she pulled the large tray of assorted meats out of the ice box. Darrios took the tray and headed outside to cook, followed by the other men. Shaking her head, Sandra said, “I don’t know what it is about raw meat and fire that draws men together like that, but I swear it never fails.”

Maggie laughed, agreeing. She handed plates and silverware to Sandra, who, along with help from Eva and Deedee, set the table.

Between the salad and the entrée, Bernie asked Darrios, “So do you guys need a hand tomorrow?”

“What happens tomorrow?” Sandra asked.

“Evan and I are taking a load of meat over to the prison,” Darrios answered.

“To Midland? Isn’t that dangerous?”

Darrios smirked and nudged Evan. “Not when you’re as awesome as us.”

Bernie chuckled, shaking his head. “Seriously guys, your cargo is very likely to draw the attention of some unsavory types. I’m not just talking about monsters. The ruffians will probably have heard about this. They’ll be waiting to ambush you.”

Evan nodded. “I agree. If you want to join us, another pair of eyes and ears would be great.”

“What are ruffians?” Maggie inquired.

“A tough group of vagabonds. They have nothing. They’re poor and hungry, just looking for a safe place to sleep and a meal. Usually they have to fight to get either. They hang together in groups to stay safe from the monsters. Well, as safe as they can be,” Bernie answered sadly.

“Why don’t they just move?” Sandra asked.

“To where?” Darrios replied, “Do you think the people of Inland would put up with a band of thieves sleeping in the streets. Would you?”

Sandra blushed, realizing Darrios was right.

“Besides, they don’t know any different,” Evan added. “They wouldn’t be any more comfortable here than we would be having them here.”

“Well at any rate, you guys could probably use another man, yes?”

“Think you’re up to it, Bernie? You sure you remember how it’s done?” Darrios teased.

“It’s been awhile since I got my hands dirty, but I think it’ll come back to me.”

“I still can’t believe there’s a prison here,” Maggie said.

“Technically, it isn’t here,” Sandra pointed out.

“Midland isn’t that far. I guess after spending time in Inland, it’s easy to forget anything ugly exists.”

“Regardless, If we can make this contract a lasting thing, it’ll be a sweet chunk of change,” Evan said.

Darrios held up his glass. “Here’s to a steady income.”

Everyone clinked glasses and drank.

****

Later, after everyone had gone home, Maggie sat on the edge of the bed reflecting on the night. Darrios sat down next to her. He asked her if everything was all right.

Smiling at him, she nodded, cupping his face in the palm of her hand. “Tonight was perfect. We’re very lucky to have such good friends.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

“Please be careful tomorrow, Darrios. I hate the idea of you going into Midland...”

“Shhh, Maggie. Nothing’s going to happen to me. We’re going to get this deal and then we’ll be set.”

“I remember how dangerous it is. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I’ll be back before nightfall. You won’t even have a chance to miss me.”

“I will miss you.” She dropped her gaze, along with her hands, to rest on her swollen belly. “We both will.”

Darrios kissed her abdomen then lovingly caressed her arm.

“I promise I’ll be careful,” he whispered.

Chapter Three

Darrios and Evan finished hitching the wagon to the two hoodlas, oxen-like animals with the strength of ten horses. They secured the load, placing a cover over it so its contents would be more difficult to discover. Bernie arrived, all smiles and fully armed to the teeth with a variety of weapons.

“Expecting trouble, Bernie?” Evan asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Better safe than sorry. You’re hauling meat through territory screaming with carnivores. We’d better be expecting trouble or it’ll kick our asses.”

“We’re only taking the hoodlas as far as the gate. Otherwise we might as well beg the viocomen and scabras to attack.”

“Good thinking. They tend to whip into a frenzy when the meat’s still alive. Although, pushing this wagon from the Midland gate all the way to the prison is not something I’m looking forward to,” Bernie said as he climbed on board.

****

They reached the gate at the border between Inland and Midland ahead of schedule. Darrios and Bernie began unhooking the wagon while Evan called out to the gate-keeper, their friend Burgess. Moments later he emerged from the tunnel leading to Midland.

“Gentlemen. Well aren’t you three a sight for sore eyes? I haven’t seen the two of you since you both went and fell in love,” he said, nodding to Darrios and Evan. “And you Bernie, taking a break from playing Cupid?”

Bernie shoved the little man playfully. “Somebody’s got to. If it wasn’t for me, God knows Darrios would’ve died alone with his sparkling personality.”

They all chuckled as Darrios flipped them the finger.

“Nice,” Burgess said. “You can take the boy out of New York...”

“We’re taking this load of meat to the prison,” Darrios explained. “Evan cooked up some fantastic money-making deal with the warden over there, but we need to leave the hoodlas here, so we don’t attract a lot of unwanted attention, okay?”

Burgess peered under the wagon cover, sniffing inside. Even on ice, the odor of fresh carcasses and blood wafted over the rails. He wrinkled his nose.

“I’d say with that cargo, you’re going to attract all kinds of attention.”

“Even so...”

“Yeah sure, I’ll keep an eye on your animals, but tell Sandra I expect some cookies,” Burgess said, pointing at Evan.

“You got it,” he agreed.

Burgess led the hoodlas away. Bernie opened the gate. Together, he and Evan pulled on the wagon while Darrios pushed from the rear. Slowly, the wagon began to move toward the tunnel.

Once they got some momentum, the going got easier. They made it through the tunnel and started the trek through Midland toward the prison.

“At least the ground’s flat,” Bernie said.

“And the wagon will be empty on the way back,” Evan added.

Darrios said nothing. He scanned the surrounding area among the sparse vegetation, attuned for any danger.

About fifteen minutes into their journey, Darrios quietly said, “Guys, we’ve got movement to the left.”

All eyes looked in that direction just as the viocomen leapt out of the skimpy bushes. All three men drew their weapons, standing ready. The viocomen’s beady eyes darted between the men. Hesitating, it must’ve decided it was outnumbered because it gnashed its razor-sharp teeth then fled back into the scant brush.

“It’ll be back,” Darrios said.

“Probably not alone,” Evan added.

“Well then, boys, we’d better get moving.” Bernie slapped Darrios on the back.

When they’d gone nearly a third of the way, the viocomen returned. Just as Evan predicted, it wasn’t alone. Curling up its bony hand, the creature advanced toward the wagon, its companion circling wide around the other side.

“Are they serious?” Darrios asked rhetorically. “This isn’t even gonna be hard.”

“I’ve got the one on the right,” Bernie announced, springing into action. With one fluid motion, he jumped into the air, spun around, kicking the beast in the head, knocking it to the ground. Before it could recover, Bernie plunged his dagger deep into its chest. The monster’s death scream echoed over the land, a warning to other would-be attackers.

Darrios faced the other viocomen while Evan flanked it from the side. When it charged, Darrios barely had to move to deliver the fatal blow. With his machete-like knife, he severed the creature’s head clean off. As he wiped the blood off his blade, Bernie sauntered up next to him.

“What a rush, huh fellas?” he said, a little winded.

“Not bad for a rusty old man,” Darrios joked.

“Personally, I could do without the drama,” Evan said. “I get enough of that living with three females.”

Darrios and Bernie chuckled.

“Laugh it up while you can, Darrios. Your time’s coming.”

“All my money’s on a male child,” Darrios said, picking up the yoke of the wagon.

“We’ll see,” Evan muttered, giving the wagon a shove from behind. Bernie stepped in next to Evan and they continued on.

By the time they reached the prison gates, they had successfully battled three more viocomen, a half dozen scabras, a handful of ruffians.

The guard at the gate instructed them to wait while he authorized their entrance. He turned and marched his way inside, leaving the men standing outside the gate.

“Did he just march to the door?” Darrios asked, brushing the dust off his jeans, smirking.

“So he’s into his job. Don’t judge,” Bernie said with a snicker.

“Whatever.”

The guard came back, opened the gate, and led the men around to a large bay door.

“Wait here,” he said. “Someone will come for you.”

Without another word, he turned and marched back to his post. Darrios resisted the urge to make a snarky comment.

The bay door opened. Two scruffy young men, wearing the Midland Prison uniform, complete with wide, black collars around their necks, scurried out and started struggling with the wagon. A tall, heavy-set man in a suit stood behind them, surrounded by three more guards. His bloated, puffy cheeks and neck-rolls indicated his shirt was at least one size too tight. He didn’t come out, but instead waited for the men to approach him. Darrios disliked him immediately.

Bernie, always the one to give people the benefit of the doubt, extended his hand to the man. “Bernie Belle,” he said, “and these are my friends, Darrios Derosa and Evan Wilson. They run the farm.”

The man stared at Bernie’s hand as if he was unsure if he should shake it. Darrios tensed just as the man grasped Bernie’s hand and shook it, smiling.

“Warden Guarros,” he said. I’m the man in charge of this establishment. I look forward to doing business with you gentlemen.”

Darrios let out a breath. Stepping forward, Evan too, shook the warden’s hand. Fighting the urge to refuse, Darrios followed Evan’s lead, stepping up and shaking the warden’s hand. Staring into the man’s bulging, watery eyes, he suspiciously wondered what his angle was.

The warden signaled to two of the guards to help the boys with the wagon. Then he motioned to Darrios, Evan, and Bernie to follow him. They exchanged glances, falling in behind him. He led them to a plush, comfortable office, obviously his. Taking a seat behind the massive desk, he grunted for them to sit in the chairs facing it.

The warden took off his jacket, revealing large perspiration stains circling his collar, spreading down from his armpits. Bernie averted his eyes, obviously having come to a decision on the man’s character. Darrios bit his lower lip to stop himself from snickering. Evan cleared his throat then began his spiel.