When they next were together, Sauvageon was tucked into his breakfast and looking over the newspaper. They were into their second cup of coffee when Vanderau's cell phone began to buzz on the table. He picked it up and looked at it. "It's the Chamberlain, I need to speak to him. Excuse me."
He got up and walked to his office. Sauvageon lowered his newspaper until he could peer over the top of the pages at Katherine. "Are you ready to learn how to cloak your thoughts, Katherine?"
She turned red, feeling the heat of embarrassment rise into her hairline. Sauvageon closed his paper and folded it next to his finished breakfast plate. "Nicklaus needs to work on cloaking his thoughts too! It is like being in a room with lovesick teenagers!"
She laughed and felt herself relax. Sauvageon smiled at her. "Believe me, there will be times you need to know one another's thoughts, but you must learn to cloak them from others."
"He doesn't seem to think that I should be committing myself now," Katherine replied, frowning down at her plate.
"Of course not," Sauvageon said, "When you are in the Oculus you will no doubt feel many different types of powers. But if I am correct, you already belong to Vanderau. You have for many years and simply did not know it. Your clairvoyant dreams, your feelings of destiny. You were preparing long before Vincent Thys showed up at your door."
"I thought at one time I was going crazy," Katherine said. "I was even in therapy for the nutty dreams and night terrors I was having."
Sauvageon scoffed, "No one understands the power of a truly formidable elemental blade, Katherine. Not even the ones you serve. It cannot be bargained with, it cannot be coerced, it cannot be manipulated. You can see that in Makarov, Rares, and anyone else who is hungry for your powers – including Nicklaus Vanderau."
"Pierre is right," Nicklaus said coming to rejoin them at the breakfast table. "It is a craving we all can feel, Katherine. You are so tantalizing that even when I saw you on the plane, as I stood next to you while you slept, I could feel the rush of it singing in my blood!"
Sauvageon nodded. He looked over at Vanderau, "What did Chamberlain Jan Huyghs have to say?"
"On the day of testing, each family will have two additional representatives. Makarov and Rares will be allowed in the Oculus." When Katherine started to object, Nicklaus reached over to place a hand over hers to keep her from speaking. "The Indago will be present, as well as Martine Thys. And Pierre, since I have no other family, I named you to be present. You are the closest I have to family that I will trust."
"And that will be acceptable?" Sauvageon asked.
"Yes, additionally, the room will be sealed each time a Potential is tested. No one goes in or out without Martine in attendance with the Indago." Vanderau said.
"It's been maybe since the Sept was created that the Oculus included the Huntsmen and its leader."
"Who commands the Indago?" Katherine asked.
"Ordinarily the Dominus," Sauvageon told her. "Am I to assume Jan has something else in mind?" He asked looking to Vanderau.
"This time the Indago are completely under Martine's command. Anything goes wrong, he will order his Huntsmen to deal with the problem." Vanderau said. "Under normal conditions, the Dominus commands the Indago, this time Martine is in command. I will be occupied with trying to reach Katherine."
"With all due respect, to the Dominus and you, Sauvageon," Katherine began, looking from Vanderau to Sauvageon, "But if each of the other families has two additional members to draw from, will you be able to fight through them to reach me?"
"With my last breath!" Vanderau declared.
"Bravo, Nicklaus," Sauvageon said with a wave of his hand in the younger man's direction. "Why has the Chamberlain allowed Rares and Makarov in with what they are trying to do?"
"None of it has anything to do with the Sept or the running of it. If Rares or Makarov want to challenge me as Dominus after the testing, and a new blade is installed, then they are welcome to try. Otherwise, they will bow to the seated Dominus, or they will be expelled, and their Guild will nominate new members."
"Do you understand now why I have been giving you those musty old books to read?" Sauvageon asked Katherine.
She nodded. "I think so, but will they abide by these conditions?"
"They must," Nicklaus said. "With the blade installed, the Sept will abide by my rule or challenge me when my term is up. That is their right."
"Outside the Sept, when no one is looking, will they abide?" Katherine wanted to know.
"They will," Nicklaus said the hard sharp edge was in his voice when he made the pronouncement. "There is a cease-order in place until the testing is complete, this was agreed to by all members of the Sept."
"We still have two days," Sauvageon said, and he looked over at Katherine, "We have much to do before the 20th of September!"
"Then let's get to it!" Katherine exclaimed.
Vanderau saw them in the elevator. Sauvageon stepped on and Katherine turned to Vanderau. She wanted to say something, anything to him. He stepped past her and pressed the down button, "A moment with Katherine, Pierre."
The old gladio sighed and sent his eyes heavenward. Vanderau grinned at the gladio and sent the elevator down. When the doors had closed he stood silently before her, and she approached, reaching up and drawing his head down to her. She kissed him. He did not move when their lips parted. His dark eyes opened and met hers. She stepped back but his hands came up to her cradle her face. His mouth covered hers in a kiss that left her breathless! He pressed the elevator button, and it slid open. She stepped inside. As the doors closed he smiled at her.
Sauvageon was standing in the hallway by the elevators. "Time to learn to cloak your thoughts, Katherine. I do not think I can stand much more of this l'amour!"
She giggled but agreed she needed the layer of protection, especially when dealing with those around her. "Yes, I think I need extra help in that area."
"It is fairly easy to master," he told her as they made their way to his suite. "A matter of control that once set, is easy enough to maintain."
At the end of the day, Katherine was a smooth placid lake of calm. Sauvageon could not penetrate her thoughts no matter how hard he tried. He smiled in triumph. Later in the evening, they reconvened for dinner in Vanderau's tower suite. Collette had come and gone with her night clothes. She was dressed in a long-sleeved maxi dress that she preferred and soft ballet slippers that were of the same color as her forest green dress. The materials were highly embroidered in the same forest green colors with leaves and the scattering of dragonflies was seeded with iridescent beads of all colors. She wore her hair down with a soft headband that held her flowing tresses away from her face.
Mrs. Tremeur greeted them, and they found their way into the living area. Nicklaus was dressed casually – expensively casual as was his usual. The instant he saw Katherine he was stunned by the quiet serene beauty she presented. He watched her as she saw Sauvageon installed in his favorite chair by the fire and then she took her regular seat on the couch.
"I take it from the quicksilver of Katherine's shields she has outperformed even your expectations, Pierre."
"I instructed you with the same principles, Nicklaus," the gladio replied. "If you were to need to communicate secretly, Katherine has mastered that lesson as well."
Vanderau glanced over at her, "A quick study, eh?"
She answered him but without words. Her mind was even more evocative than when he was in physical contact with her! He liked this different level of communication, and he returned the thought with one that while she maintained her implacable shields made her blush prettily.
They dined quietly. Katherine had insisted on drawing the drapes and the staff came in, pulled the heavy drapery over the windows, and disappeared as the fish course was served. When they discussed the day, they avoided talking about anything that involved her training with Sauvageon. The bruising under her eyes was still evident but was fading quickly. Vanderau was distracted, but so was Katherine. The time was quickening and soon she would be standing in the Oculus!
Dessert came and went and Sauvageon drank his brandy and then after a little while, he made his excuses and asked Vanderau to escort him to his suite.
"Nicklaus, you understand that you are dealing with a group of manipulative people all hell-bent on capturing Katherine, yes?" Sauvageon turned to the young Dominus. "You've spoken to the Chamberlain, he's explained how uniquely different Katherine is from any Potential or Gladio we've known in modern times."
"Yes," Vanderau replied.
"Those that have attacked you already have some idea that your Potential is different. Some already have the same suspicion that your Potential is an Elemental. But until Katherine is your blade you both are in grave danger! You need to fight for her, and she can help you. Her ability to distinguish your power tether from the others will give you the advantage you need. Just get control of your blade and forge the bond quickly – that is all you need to focus on!"
"You sound as if you think Katherine will be drawn to someone other than me."
"Not Katherine," Sauvageon thoughtfully, "But the Elemental she carries inside her just may be drawn elsewhere. That is why you will have to truly fight for both the woman and the entity that dwells deep within Katherine."
"Pierre, you are saying that Apricus has returned?" Vanderau whispered with awe and fear.
"That is to be revealed in the Oculus," Sauvageon told him. "Be ready for anything, Nicklaus."
"Then you know something," Vanderau said, he took hold of Sauvageon's arm. "You and the Chamberlain know something that you are hiding! What is it?"
Sauvageon shook his head. "I cannot reveal what I do not know for certain. If you want to know what the Chamberlain and I have studied for decades, then read the chronicles of Alister of Branda'Noch."
I deeply apologize for leaving the story for so long. I had personal issues that kept me away. I hope you enjoy reading my story. Katherine is about to enter the Oculus and be tested -- do you think Nicklaus will claim her as his Blade? It could be Apricus the Elemental power that dwells within Katherine's soul will seek another. We shall see! Thank you for continuing to read my story. If you like it, please consider recommending it to others who enjoy the Fantasy genre. Thank You!
While Vanderau was gone she went to sit by the fire. Already it was getting cooler in the evenings. She wondered about a lot of things while she watched the flames dance over the burning logs.
The elevator door opened with a faint swish sound, and he locked it. He joined her by the fire, sitting in Sauvageon's wingback chair. "I could hear you thinking about a million things just now."
She laughed lightly, "I was thinking about everything and nothing." She replied. "I'm trying not to think about what is coming in less than 24 hours."
"I know," he said with a great sigh, "But you should be very proud of yourself, Sauvageon says you are ready for whatever comes."
"He told you I was ready?" Katherine questioned. "Odd that he tells you that and fusses that I must be able to hold back a tidal wave of power – that I must be ready for any treachery!"
He pulled at one ear. "Well, I did tell you he was a martinet!"
She laughed. "Yes, you did!"
"You look tired, mon coeur," Nicklaus said, he reached out and took her hand. "Tomorrow will be hectic with last-minute arrangements. By the afternoon, we will be on our way to Geneva." He rose and drew her up with him and held her in a close embrace. Katherine rested her head with an ear listening to the beat of his heart. Nicklaus eased her back to look into her eyes. "I have a few tasks waiting for me in my office, but I will join you as soon as I am done."
She nodded and stepped away only to be pulled back into his arms. His mouth found hers and she could only cling to him. His fingers slid into the waves of her blonde hair and his kiss became more urgent. A soft moan escaped from his throat as he raised his head and he slowly gained control once more. Katherine stepped back and this time she was allowed to leave him.
Katherine showered and dressed in a set of silk pajamas. When she emerged from the attached dressing room and into the bedroom, she heard Vanderau on the phone. She moved closer and peered into the office. He was standing at an open window. The chilled air blew in, but he did not seem to be affected by it. The language he spoke was one she had not heard before. It did not sound like a modern language, she realized as she listened he was speaking to someone in Latin. She retreated, got into bed, and cuddled down into the coverlet. She was asleep within minutes.
She was dreaming! She knew she was dreaming. She heard the crack of a whip, and she felt the sting of it across her hip. She was fighting to be free, but every way she turned the whip stung her! Then he was there! A man, big and loud with a booming voice. She was trussed up and held by many hands. He grabbed her hair and twisted his fingers into its length. "Now we see how powerful he is, eh?"
He swung up astride and touched his spurred heels to her. She began to run! She had no choice but to run faster as he continued to spur his heels into her sides. This was a night terror, and she could not wake up! She knew what was happening and only she could stop him. Katherine strained against the tight bonds that held her. Suddenly she was in another form and a heavy weight that had been pinning her down was gone! The word that boomed in her head was "Elemental!" She turned to face her assailant and in her hand was a shining sword and on her arm was a shield, she used both against her assailant.
"Katherine!"
She looked up and Vanderau was there with her. Lending her his powers to help drive the assailant back. There was anger, shock, and surprise as she woke from her nightmare. Vanderau was there, the manifestation of power crackled around his body. She was bathed in a silver light. Vanderau reached out for her, and she threw herself into his arms! She wrapped her arms around him and held on. The light instantly died, and he held her close. "Oh Christ, Katherine I am so sorry!"
She sat back and looked up at him in confusion. "Why?"
"Why?" He echoed, "Look what he's done to you! Because of me! Look what he's done!"
She looked down at herself. Traces of blood were on her pajamas. With trembling hands, he gently lifted her pajama top. His eyes were fierce as he looked at the bleeding cuts and scratches. Katherine looked down in amazement, there on her body were the cuts the spurs had made. Her mouth was bleeding from where the bit had cut her lip and inside of her mouth. She backed away from Vanderau and he backed away from her. He rushed from the room. Within seconds, Collette was there and gathering her gently into the bathroom.
Vanderau stood in his office. Anger flew off of him in a million directions! He paced the room and always ended up looking at the cell phone on his office desk. He could hear Collette worrying over Katherine. Every time he closed his eyes he saw the cuts and welts on her body, he wanted to kill Makarov! As he stopped at his desk for what might have been the thousandth time. It started to buzz. He snatched it up and pressed the 'talk' icon. "So, she is an elemental, much stronger than even I expected – and so much stronger than you ever were, my boy!"
"This is between us, why couldn't you leave her alone?" Vanderau growled into the phone. "I will kill you!"
"You are not thinking clearly, Nicolo!" Makarov said. "You will lose everything if you strike against me. Are you willing to lose everything for a mere blade?"
Katherine was in front of him. She raised her top to expose her sides. The cuts and marks were gone! She reached up and took the phone from Vanderau's numb fingers. She was composed and cool as she spoke into the phone. Her French was flawless!
"As you said I am an elemental and not a mere blade, else wise you would not have made such a clumsy attempt to force the Dominus into action against you. I will tell you here and now, that you will never – never claim me. I belong – have always belonged to Nicklaus Vanderau! When you face him in the Oculus you and your family will kneel – not bow – kneel in respect! 'Spokoynoy nochi' Cossack!"
When she was finished, she hung up on a silent Makarov. Vanderau was speechless as she handed the phone back to him.
With all the activity, Sauvageon had come up to the office unnoticed. He was standing in the doorway and had heard everything. Katherine had been reading more than he thought! She knew what she was and was embracing the immense power in the protection of her mate!
Collette was waiting in the doorway of the bedroom. She was holding a cup of tea. As Katherine passed Sauvageon, she smiled, "Goodnight, Pierre."
Vanderau met Sauvageon's grey eyes. "What the hell just happened?"
Collette closed the doors between the office and the bedroom. Sauvageon raised a questioning eyebrow at Vanderau. "I'd say she has mastered French. It was perfect!"
"And what did she say at the end?" Nicklaus asked.
Sauvageon chuckled, his smoky-colored eyes sparkling with mirth. "It appears that your blade speaks Russian as well! She wished him a peaceful good night, which is what you should do. And what I am going to do, goodnight, Nicklaus."
"Goodnight, Pierre." Vanderau watched the old gladio slowly move to the elevator. Collette had gathered up her supplies and Katherine's bloodied pajamas and left the tower suite by the back stairs.
Vanderau closed and locked the elevator, turned off all the lights, and went into the bedroom. Katherine was finishing her tea when he walked in. She set the cup and saucer on the bedside table. She showed no injury at all. He came and sat on the end of the bed and scrubbed wearily at his face before he leaned up against the bedpost and met her deep fathomless blue eyes. "Thank you, mon coeur."
"There's nothing to thank me for, Nicklaus. I started to heal as soon as you went to fetch Collette." She replied. "By the time I had washed up and changed, everything was gone – like it never happened."
"Makarov --,"
"He is desperate," Katherine said cutting Vanderau off. "They are all desperate, Nicklaus. I realized that when we were able to shove him back so easily."
He studied her. "You know then – that you are an elemental. The most powerful blade in this modern era!"
"I only know that I need to be your blade," she remarked. "Officially and before the Sept."
He smiled and nodded. She pointed to the bathroom. "Go take a hot shower and come to bed. This is our last night together before the testing. We're both exhausted and I have the feeling it's not going to be much better before it's all over and settled."
"Yes, madame." He grinned at her, and she jabbed her finger toward the bathroom.
"No dawdling, go!"
He chuckled, got to his feet, and went off to shower. When he had finished, he came out feeling more relaxed. Katherine was already dozing when he crawled in and gathered her up next to him. She snuggled up next to him and sighed.
"Did you get Gregor from Makarov?" She asked him.
"I did."
"Now I know why he was so distressed when that idiot went after him with the whip." She murmured, "Gregor was afraid and angry that he was once again going to be hurt."
He pressed his lips to her forehead. "Sleep now, mon coeur."
She nodded. She drifted off to sleep and Vanderau continued to stare up at the ceiling for a few minutes, listening to her slow and steady breathing.
Katherine could see individual power tethers. With that knowledge, she could distinguish his power tether from the others. He began to wonder if she could weave tethers together to form new forms of power cores. No other gladio except for an elemental had ever been able to manipulate the Sept in such a way! It had to be why the others were so desperate to get control of Katherine – his blade! This was his chance to make a real difference in the Sept. He wanted Katherine to be his and his alone. Was that going to be possible? Sauvageon seemed to be confident that this young woman was his even before she had ever laid eyes on him. How could that be? How could he have dreamed of her even before he knew Jedidiah Lee was stepping down as Gladio? These questions swirled around in his head until he finally fell asleep with her body draped against his side.
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