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38.7% The Dominus Blade / Chapter 12: Episode Twelve: The Oath of the Huntsman

Chapter 12: Episode Twelve: The Oath of the Huntsman

 Katherine was up and was listening to the faint chirping of birds and the hum of the central air conditioner. The house was a nice cool 68 degrees and had no humidity! She thought of her dream again, she picked up her composition book and flipped back several pages, and everything she had dreamed fit oddly into what Vincent had told her. The power she dreamed of was perhaps the same magic Vincent and the Dominus mentioned. Her ability to instinctively know certain things before they happen. What did she know now? Absolutely nothing! She was just as confused and conflicted as she was when she met Vincent in the library. Today was August 31st, and it was the day she was to depart for parts unknown! What was she going to do? If she went on this wild adventure she needed to talk to Mrs. Ellis about keeping an eye on Ruby while she was gone. But was she going? She fell back into her bed, her head sinking into her pillows. Katherine gazed up at her ceiling, the shiplap had been painted white in the bedroom and she had wondered why – it was natural pine with a high-gloss sealer in all the other rooms. She began counting the narrow boards but was too anxious to get to the other side of the room. "Sixty, always sixty – that's not going to change, Katherine!" she muttered to herself and got up. She looked at her cell phone charging on her nightstand. She was supposed to text Vincent in the morning, but she was already changing her mind about going. She growled in frustration and stalked into the kitchen.

 She had changed her mind a thousand times in her sleep. She was waffling back and forth now that she was awake and standing in the kitchen. No matter how many times she changed her mind she still could not help but feel the pull of discovering what this was all about. She knew she was not gladio material – whatever they were looking for -- she simply could not be it!

 Katherine pressed the button on the Keurig coffee machine. It gurgled and burbled to life. She popped in a K-cup and set her white café mug on the tray. She pressed the button and it wheezed and brewed a nice hot dark cup of coffee. She added two sugar packets, added a generous splash of evaporated milk, and stirred. She sipped it experimentally and nodded in satisfaction. There was a thump at her back kitchen door, and she knew that would be Mrs. Ellis' cat, Leo. He was a big ginger tabby with a white bib, four socks, and a white blaze down to his dark pink nose. He wanted his saucer of milk! This was his routine. Katherine took Leo's dish from the drainboard. It was a chipped dessert plate that matched nothing in her cabinet. When she had moved in, Leo had been a scrawny kitten with a loud insistent meow. Now he was four years old and had a grumpy chirp that served as his morning greeting.

 Katherine filled the dish with the leftover evaporated milk and added a splash of water. She opened her back door and cracked the screen door. Leo slipped in through the door and glanced up at her with green-gold eyes. He chirruped his raspy greeting as he briefly flicked his fluffy tail against her leg and he moved regally past her. "Good morning to you too, Leo. Here for your milk, are you?"

 She set the plate down and took a seat in her kitchen to watch the cat settle in over the plate and begin lapping up the offering. She sipped her coffee and when Leo had his fill he was ready to head back outside to take a morning nap in the sun. Katherine opened the door and the cat sauntered out. She closed the door, picked up the saucer, and put it in the sink to rinse later. There was a rap on her front door and then the doorbell rang.

 Katherine headed up to the front door and looked out the peephole. It was a courier. She opened the door with the chain latch still in place. He looked at her, "Katherine Van Dermeer?"

 "Yes," Katherine answered. She unchained the latch and signed the pad he handed her. Then he handed over a large, padded manila pouch. He lifted a hand and was off down the drive to his van and gone. She looked at the label, there was nothing much to go on other than it was addressed to her. 

 She closed and bolted the door. She took the envelope over to the couch and sat down to open the contents on the coffee table. Inside was a large document folder with elastic ties keeping it closed. She unfastened the ties and looked at the contents. There were brochures, maps, photographs, and a set of keys, several were old brass keys, and a few looked newly cut. She found a folder with official-looking documents with 'sign here' tabs sticking out. She looked at the first paragraph of the first document. It was in a foreign language. These were the papers Vincent said they would go over on the flight. Everyone had assumed she was going to go to Geneva! It was insane to even consider -- how could she pick up and go. Then again, how could she not? 

 Katherine was about to change her mind again when the doorbell rang. Was the courier back with another delivery? She shoved everything back into the padded envelope and went to the door. She looked through the peephole and saw Taylor Ballard standing on her front porch. He slicked back his hair nervously and rapped on her door again. She opened the door and he turned to greet her. "Katherine,"

 "What can I do for you Taylor?" she asked.

 "About last night," He began and looked nervously over his shoulder. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea about what I said."

 "I know exactly what you were attempting to do, Taylor," Katherine said coolly. "You wanted to embarrass me in front of my dinner date."

 Taylor pursed his mouth in a sour smirk. "Date? He was a little young for you wasn't he?"

 "Oh, I'd imagine he's about Kim's age," Katherine said tartly, "your hypocrisy is extraordinary!"

 Taylor frowned at her. "Just call off your overzealous foreign lawyer, will you? You know he threatened me! He even sent me a text message saying he would have me stripped of my license if I didn't come and apologize! How the hell did he get my number?"

 "I wouldn't know," Katherine replied, "Is this your way of apologizing?"

 "I apologize! Okay!" Taylor growled. "There; you can tell him I apologized!"

 Katherine clicked her tongue in annoyance then saw the rental car slide up and stop. "If you hang around," she said pointing over Taylor's shoulder, "You can tell him yourself."

 Taylor jerked a look over his shoulder, his face drained of color, and he stumbled backward off her porch. "I don't what you're planning on doing but whatever it is you're thinking – don't do it!"

 "I will do what I damn well please!" She snapped. Taylor was backing slowly away from her. He looked afraid of her, or of whatever Vincent had texted. Perhaps the Dominus had instructed Vincent to put the fear of God in him? 

 "Don't do it, Katherine!" Taylor told her. "What do you know about these people?"

 "Goodbye!" She watched as Taylor all but ran to his car, got in, and lurched out of the drive and past the dark rental car. The last thing Katherine saw was Taylor's pale frightened face as he sped off, tires squealing as he rounded the corner. The dark sedan waited a moment longer in the driveway then rolled up next to Katherine's SUV and stopped. After a moment, the engine stopped, and Vincent stepped out. He was dressed in a similar way he had dressed last night. Casually expensive. 

 "He is something to behold, isn't he?"

 Katherine looked over and saw Mrs. Ellis peering through her potted plants at Vincent. Katherine chuckled. "He certainly is --- by the way, If I were going to be away for a few weeks, would you mind looking out for Ruby for me while I'm gone?"

 "Going overseas are you?" Mrs. Ellis asked.

 "Good morning Mrs. Ellis," Vincent said as he stepped up onto Katherine's porch. "How are you today?"

 Mrs. Ellis cackled at him and winked at Katherine. "Sure, I'll look after the place and Ruby."

 "Thanks, Mrs. Ellis, I appreciate it!" Katherine called as the old woman shuffled back into her house. 

 Vincent angled a look at Katherine. "I did not receive a text this morning, I take it you have made a decision?"

 "Come in," Katherine said. She turned away and let Vincent follow her and he closed the door behind him. She pointed to the large packet on the coffee table. "That all just arrived. Have you had breakfast?"

 "I have not," Vincent replied. He went over and picked up the packet. "Ah, good. This is everything we need to go over."

 "Did the Dominus contact you last night?" Katherine asked.

 "No," Vincent replied, looking up from the packet. "Why do you ask?" 

 "That card you left had an IP address embossed on it and I logged into some kind of chatroom," Katherine said, she left him and went to her kitchen to see what she could cook for the two of them. 

 Vincent smiled triumphantly, then followed her into the kitchen. "You could see it?"

 "Really? Another test?" Katherine asked him as she paused in her task to glare at him. "Is everything from now on going to be some kind of test?"

 "I know it feels that way, Katherine," Vincent replied sitting at the small kitchen table. "But the other two that have been searched and are already with their families and are weeks ahead of you in their training. You are showing rare connectivity to Dominus Vanderau from halfway around the world! It is rare to show these kinds of signs without ever having met."

 "Magic again?" Katherine paused in cracking eggs into the mixing bowl. She pointed to her Keurig machine, "There's a couple of different kinds of coffee blends if you'd like some."

 He rose and selected a K-cup, opened the pod door, and pressed the cup into place. He took a cup from the cup holder next to the machine, positioned it under the spout, and pressed the button. The coffee machine began to gurgle and wheeze. "Call it what you want. Extra-sensory or psychic abilities, but you are showing abilities that are out of the ordinary." 

 "So, the closer a potential is to their sponsor the more abilities show up?" Katherine stopped whisking the eggs to look over her shoulder at Vincent where he now leaned against the kitchen counter sipping his coffee. 

 "See?" Vincent said lifting his cup in salute, "You called yourself a 'potential,' that is exactly what we call those we search."

 "I must have heard you mention it."

 "I have never mentioned or referred to you in that way Katherine," Vincent told her. He returned to his chair and cradled his cup in his hands. He studied the contents for a moment. "I know it must seem alien, but as time goes on, you will begin to see it and feel it. Just do not be afraid of it when it happens." 

 "And when you asked me to play anything of Erik Satie, was that my connection to you or Vanderau?" Katherine asked him.

 Vincent sipped his coffee before he answered. "Probably both. As Indago, I have been keyed to the Vanderau family, since you are of his family, I have also been keyed to you. I was first assigned to the Dominus as his counsel three years ago. I was bound into service to him as his Indago first and his counsel second. As word came that each family would be given a list of names, each Indago assigned to a family went out to see if anyone resonated or had signs of being a Potential."

 "How does that work?" She asked him. "Being bound into service sounds like indenture, is it?"

 "No nothing like being indentured. But there is a process." Vincent said. "One that you may come to know."

 Katherine finished cooking the eggs and the toaster popped up four slices of wheat bread. She decided to serve breakfast on her Fiesta Ware plates she had collected from various places. As she brought the plates to the table, he pulled a knife and fork, and a paper napkin from the utensil caddy sitting on the kitchen table. He waited until she was seated before he started to eat.

 She watched him for a moment then began to eat. She had her fork poised when she put it down, "Am I in danger, Vincent?"

 He paused in buttering a piece of toast. "In anything worth attempting, there is a measure of danger to it. You could be the next gladio, and I do not know what will happen. Your teachers will tell you what to expect."

 "Once I reach Geneva what happens to me? Where do you go?" 

 "You cannot get rid of me that easily, Katherine," Vincent told her with a boyishly flirtatious smile. "I will be with you until you are chosen, or you come back home here." He shrugged, "After that, we will go our separate ways, or perhaps we will become good friends?" 

 She had to grin back at him. "Sounds a bit like you're my Lancelot."

 Vincent arched an eyebrow as he sipped his coffee. "Yes, an Indago could be considered a knight of sorts," he said, "But like everything to do with the Sept, it's much more complicated."

 Katherine scoffed lightly, "Well, my dear Indago, what do I need to pack? I don't even know what the weather will be like."

 He smiled at the way she was beginning to relax in his company. This was a good sign, and he was looking forward to growing a close friendship with another Vanderau family member. "You don't have to pack anything," Vincent said, "But I would dress more appropriately than you are now." 

 "Can I bring my laptop and phone?" She wanted to know.

 "Of course," he answered. "You can bring anything you want with you."

 "When do we leave?" Katherine asked picking up her fork and spearing a piece of melon.

 "As soon as you can pack up and get dressed," Vincent said. "We refuel at Heathrow and go on to Geneva. It is quite a long flight, and you need to acclimate to the time changes."

 "I see." She felt her appetite growing and she picked up a piece of toast and buttered it. They ate in companionable silence for a little while then he sat back and watched her finish her meal. She noticed he did not try to rush her or give any indication he was in a great hurry to be anywhere. His phone did buzz where he had placed it on the small kitchen table, and he only glanced at it when it vibrated. Katherine was finished and as she began to gather up the dishes he got up and took her hand and drew her away from the table.

 "You go get your things together and I'll wash up," Vincent told her. "I know what to do."

 She laughed. "Put everything in the dishwasher. It already has a few other dishes in there to make a load."

 He waved her out of the kitchen, and she went to her bedroom to decide what to wear. She took her piece of luggage and packed several changes of underwear, her best sets of pajamas, a robe, and a pair of travel slippers. She packed her laptop charger and extra battery. She plugged the USB dongle back in and nestled the laptop between her fluffy robe and slippers. She tucked her dream journal and pen into her backpack. She went into the bathroom and threw into a cosmetics bag what she thought she might need. She grabbed what she needed to wear and took them to the bathroom. She hopped in for a quick shower and she dressed in a comfortable pair of blue jeans and an oversized tunic. She slid her feet into a pair of sneakers and brushed her long blonde hair up into a ponytail. She heard Vincent talking on his phone. It was French and she could not understand anything he was saying. 

 Everything went into one piece of carry-on luggage, and she zipped it up. She picked up her backpack and took another look around. Then, she pulled the handle up on the carry-on and pulled it along behind her into the living room. She parked her luggage and backpack at the door and collected her phone and charging mat. She picked up her keys from the basket and started to remove the car keys but decided to just give everything to Mrs. Ellis. She might need to get into the house for some reason. She set the air conditioner to 76 degrees and looked at Vincent as he came from the kitchen. "Everything is put away and all the doors are locked," he said. "I have also checked to make sure the windows are locked." 

 "I'm going to give the keys to Mrs. Ellis and say goodbye," Katherine replied. "She'll keep a good eye on everything while I'm gone."

 She walked over to Mrs. Ellis' side of the duplex and rang her doorbell. The door opened and the woman squinted up at Katherine, "So you're off to Europe?"

 "Yes, here's the keys to the house and Ruby," Katherine said handing the keyring to Mrs. Ellis.

 The woman took the keys and smiled down at them then looked up at Katherine. "Have a good time, Katherine. You need to get away for a bit!"

 "I'm ready for an adventure," Katherine said, "I think, I'm ready for an adventure."

 "An adventure is exactly what you need!" Mrs. Ellis declared. "You be sure to enjoy it!"

 Katherine returned to her house and Vincent was on his phone again. She picked up the padded envelope she had gotten and put it into her backpack. When Vincent finished with his call he smiled over at her. "Ready to go?"

 "As ready as I can be," she answered.

 Vincent let her take one last run through the house and was waiting for her on the front porch. She rolled her luggage out and shouldered her backpack. She locked the door and closed it. Vincent walked with her to the car. He put her luggage into the trunk, and she put her backpack on the floor of the passenger side and got in. Vincent closed the trunk, got in, and started the engine. He switched on the cool air and as they strapped their seatbelts on, Katherine glanced at her house and silently said goodbye.

 "Do not be anxious, Katherine. Everything will be fine." Vincent said as he steered out into the street. "I just spoke to the pilot and the jet is fueled and will be ready to go as soon as we arrive."

 She tried to feel buoyant about the trip but try as she might – the niggling fear kept creeping into her head and it was Taylor's mocking voice telling her, "Don't do this." Over and over. She glanced over at Vincent. "I have to tell you, there's a voice that is still telling me to don't go."

 Vincent looked over at Katherine and at the first parking lot he found, he pulled in and parked. He put the car in neutral and swiveled around to look at her. He shoved his sunglasses up on his head. "This voice is Ballard's isn't it?"

 She nodded. "I know! I've changed my mind a thousand times, Vincent! I can't help it!"

 He heard his voice in his head – his Dominus telling him, 'by any means necessary,' Vincent was reluctant to reveal the order to an outsider. Not even the Dominus knew everything about the Indago. He held out his hands to her, "Place your hands in mine, Katherine."

 She chuckled lightly. "What are you going to do, pledge my safety?"

 "I am," Vincent replied, "But I do not take this pledge lightly, Katherine. As an Indago, it is an oath given to only a few people outside the order."

 She hesitated then laid her hands in his. He looked her straight in the eyes. "I Vincent Michele Thys, give a solemn oath to you, Katherine Elena Van Dermeer, that I pledge my life to protect you from all harm. This oath is to you and you alone and overrides that oath and pledge I have given to Dominus Vanderau as his family Indago and counsel. I am yours to command!"

 Katherine gasped as he took her hands in his own, raised each to his lips, and planted a gentle kiss in each palm. "You truly are my knight protector?"

 "Yes, Katherine," He said softly, "I am."

 Her heart did a flip-flop in her chest, and she could think of nothing to stop her from going with Vincent. Whatever he had done had erased all doubt from her mind and she felt oddly foolish to have ever let Taylor get into her head. Vincent had not moved, and he still held her hands in his. "Your will, Katherine. I am yours to command."

 Katherine drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, "We have a plane to catch."

 Vincent grinned. He let her hands go and he turned back to place his hand on the steering wheel of the car. He had given his life pledge to a Potential! He hoped the Dominus and his father would understand! He could never be reassigned to another family in the Sept, and when he returned to the Dominus, he could no longer serve him as Indago -- he belonged to Katherine Van Dermeer, until she released him of his charge. 


next chapter

Chapter 13: Episode Thirteen: Enjoy Your Flight!

 

 Vincent took the exit to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and drove past the boulevard that would take most passengers to the terminal for commercial international flights and away to another part of the sprawling facility to a sleek mirrored glass building that looked like a smoked-mirrored jewelry box. He pulled in under the portico and a uniformed attendant came to take the rental away. Vincent opened the trunk of the car, and another attendant took their luggage and set it on the curb of the building. 

 Katherine got out of the car and slung her backpack over one shoulder. Vincent came and took her elbow, and they went through the sliding glass doors into the quiet coolness of the reception area. To the right was the modified ticket counter and on the left was an area where there was a small group of Arabian men dressed in ankle-length white robes and red and white checked keffiyehs (Kah fee yahs) held in place by black and gold headbands. They stood around looking at a large television screen with several views of horse racing events. The men acknowledged them with a nod, then returned to watching the screens. 

 Vincent inclined his head in a slight nod at them and then went to the desk, taking Katherine along with him. "Welcome back Mr. Thys," the young woman said, smiling brightly at him. "Your captain is just finishing up his flight plan. You should begin boarding in just a few minutes."

 "Good," Vincent replied, he glanced once more at the Saudi men then saw a man in a crisp blue pilot's uniform stride into the building from the tarmac. He tucked his hat under his arm, lifted a hand to Vincent in greeting, and nodded to Katherine as he came to stand with them.

 "We're fueled and waiting," he replied. "Whenever you are ready."

 Vincent turned to Katherine, "Katherine, this is Captain Hawker. Francis, my I present, Ms. Van Dermer."

 Francis smiled at Katherine and executed a slight bow, "A pleasure to meet you, madame." he made no attempt to engage her further but stepped back and placed his hat on his head and touched the brim, "At your command."

 Vincent nodded at Francis and turned to Katherine, "Shall we?"

 They followed the captain out to a sleek white jet with swept-back wings. It was larger than Katherine expected, and its engines were throwing hot gusts of wind around the area as they began their powering-up cycles. Katherine climbed the steps and was met by a young woman who welcomed her aboard. The seats were built like recliners, and like the rest of the interior, they were light creamy leather and beige fabric. Once Vincent and the captain were aboard the loud whine of engines was muffled as the cabin door was closed and secured. 

 Katherine took her seat, and the attendant came to her, "Would you care for something to drink, Miss Van Dermeer?"

 "Nothing right now, thank you," Katherine replied. She clipped her seat belt on and placed her backpack on the floor next to the window.

 Vincent took the seat across the aisle from Katherine and secured his seat belt. He glanced over at Katherine. "Once we get underway, we can go over the papers you received. I'll tell you about the manor and the grounds."

 "A manor?" Katherine repeated. "Is it in Geneva?"

 "No, it is tucked away in the foothills on a private preserve with forest all around it. It's been in the Vanderau family for many years. It is where he has his stables," Vincent replied. "I will show you pictures later so you will know where you are going." 

 "Curiouser and curiouser," Katherine murmured mostly to herself. 

 "You will not fall down a rabbit hole, Katherine," Vincent told her. "I promised!"

 "I know you did," Katherine told him with a fond smile thrown in his direction, "Just nerves, that's all."

 The jet began to roll back away from the terminal, the engines began to growl louder as they began to taxi toward the runway. Katherine had not even shown her driver's license or any identification, just arrived and got on the jet. Was this how the super-wealthy traveled? Vanderau had to be one of the elite families that just made a few calls or had someone like Vincent do all the calling and make all the arrangements. It was extraordinary for her to grasp that she was now heading off into a world of privilege and access to whatever she desired. 

 There was a bit of anxiousness as the jet paused at the end of the runway then Katherine was pressed into her seat by the acceleration of the jet engines. Scenery flashed by her oval window and then a brief moment of weightlessness and the whirring of the wheels going up and the thump of the doors closing and sealing. They were airborne! The sleek jet banked right and continued its assent into the sky. The noise level prevented conversation but after several right banking turns, the jet began to level off and reach an altitude where the engines were working most efficiently. Now there was only the sound of their hum, and the sound of air rushing over the skin of the aircraft. Just like on commercial aircraft, the captain came on over the loudspeakers:

 "Good morning, this is your captain speaking. Welcome aboard Athena Flight 2188. We are currently cruising at an altitude of 51,000 feet at an airspeed of five hundred and thirty miles per hour. The time is 10:43 am. The weather looks good and with the tailwind on our side, we are expecting to land in London approximately fifteen to twenty minutes ahead of schedule. The weather in London has been clear and sunny, with a high of 54 degrees. We will be landing in the late evening at about 10:30 pm. Sophia is your flight attendant, and if you need anything she will take care of you. I'll talk to you again before we reach our destination. Until then, sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight."

 Sophia came and handed each a box with noise-canceling headphones. "If you wish to listen to music or watch television during the flight, these headphones are Bluetooth capable, and you will not disturb either one. If the captain makes an announcement you will hear it through your headphones."

 Katherine took her box and put it on the little table that was attached to the side of her seat. Vincent motioned to Sophia, "Could you set up a small conference area for Ms. Van Dermeer and me, we have a bit of paperwork to go over before we reach London."

 Sophia nodded. "Of course, Mr. Thys. I'll let you know when it's ready."

 "Thank you, Sophia." Vincent replied then looked over a Katherine, "We will go over everything while we're fresh and then you do not have to think about it anymore."

 "The legal documents are in another language, so you'll have to translate again," Katherine replied.

 "Yes, I know, which is why we can shred those when we're done. A new set of documents in English were sent this morning via courier." Vincent replied with a smile. Sophia came back and gestured to the mid-section of the jet, "The area is ready at your convenience, Mr. Thys."

 Katherine slid her backpack from under the side table and pulled the padded envelope out. Vincent unbuckled his seatbelt, went up to where there was a storage bin, and reached in for a leather attaché case. Katherine unbuckled her seatbelt and walked back to the area that had been assembled as a small conference area. It put her in mind of the booths at Papa's BBQ only much more lavish and modular in design. She slid into one side of the conference booth and laid the envelope at her left elbow. Vincent came and took a seat across from her and set the attaché case to his right. He fished into his pants pocket and brought out a set of keys. He selected a small key from several that hung from the ring of keys and unlocked the case. He drew out a packet and set it in front of him. He closed the case and set it beside him to reach for additional items he needed. "Shall we begin, Katherine?"

 Katherine reached for the padded envelope to her left and slid all the contents out onto the table between them. "Ready!"

 Vincent pulled the documents from Katherine's envelope and looked at them one by one, "Yes, let us get these out of the way first," he paused, opened his packet, slid the same type of documents out, and handed them over to her. "I will translate these, and you can read the English documents.

 "Maybe instead of shredding the ones in another language, I'll sign both, that way there will be no question of the validity of my signature," Katherine suggested.

 "Very well," Vincent replied. He began to read aloud the first document and Katherine read silently along. When he got to the end he looked over at her. "Do you agree?"

 "As I understand, I am officially being acknowledged as a member of the Vanderau family. With certain privileges and responsibilities as a member of the family. I will be held accountable for upholding these privileges and responsibilities while I am in the guardianship of the Dominus Vanderau."

 "In a nutshell," Vincent said. He pulled a pen from the attaché case and handed her the copy he had translated.

 Katherine raised an eyebrow as she took the pen, "You mean I don't have to sign in my blood?"

 "That comes later," Vincent replied then laughed when she gaped at him in astonishment. "No, Katherine – no blood oaths of any kind!"

 She laughed with him and remembered what Vanderau had typed, 'Sarcasm masks your fear…'

 She took the pen and signed both documents and he took both and placed them inside the attaché case. He picked up the next document and read that one. She agreed to that document too. It outlined how her money would still be waiting for her in the event she was not selected as gladio. Whatever she did with the money was her affair and she could not request more – a one-time big deposit and they were done. She signed both of those documents and Vincent placed them in the case. "Now this one is a bit more complicated," Vincent said. "This addresses the possibility that if you are selected as gladio by the Sept what those terms will be."

 "Okay, let's hear it," Katherine said. "I'm sure there are privileges and responsibilities that go along with being the gladio."

 "Indeed," Vincent answered then began reading the last document. It was promissory of some kind, that if she were selected as gladio, she would receive letters of ennoblement from each of the seven families. For that, she would be ranked upon the agreement of the Sept with all the rights and responsibilities that went along with that noble rank. At the end of her service, she would retain the title and receive a pension for the remainder of her life and that sum would be determined according to the noble families and ennoblement rank bestowed. Katherine listened to Vincent to the end, then held up her hand when there was a piece that spoke to her affixing her seal to the document. "I don't have a seal."

 Vincent nodded. "If you become gladio, you will have an official seal. You'll receive that at the investiture ceremony." She nodded and signed the two documents, and he took them and placed them in the case. He opened the case at his side and pulled a small box from the upper pocket. He opened it and looked at the contents then closed the lid. "If you sign this last document, you receive the family ring."

 "So, a title, pension, and a seal --- if I am selected."

 "Yes," Vincent replied. "If you do become gladio you will affix your seal to all these documents." He turned the small box around and pushed it toward her. "Now the last order of business and the last document you will need to sign. I witness your oath and you take the family ring. It is made to be worn on your right index finger and it signifies and indicates your affiliation to the Vanderau family."

 She opened the lid and looked down at an antique silver ring with an oval onyx stone deeply carved with the Vanderau crest. She took a closer look at the crest, it was a crowned gryphon. The crown was silver set with diamonds and the gryphon's eye was an emerald. "Is this silver or white gold?"

 "It is platinum," Vincent replied. "Very rare for its age." 

 Katherine took the ring from its box and examined it closely. The inside of the ring was smooth as silk and there was an inscription date of 1520. She put it back in the box. Vincent looked the document over and glanced at Katherine. "There is only one copy of this document, and it is in Latin, but I will translate it for you."

 She sat back as Vincent opened the stiff parchment document. He opened the box, took the ring in the fingers of his right hand, and held out his left hand to Katherine, "Your right hand, Katherine, and repeat after me," She placed her hand in his and he began to read the oath of fealty. "By the Lord our God, whom this relic is made holy, I, Katherine Elena Van Dermeer, will be to Nicklaus Alexander Vanderau, Dominus of the Septum Noblium Familarum, faithful and true, according to God's law, and according to the world's principles, and never, by will nor by force, by word nor by work, do ought of what is loathsome to him; on condition that he keeps me as I am willing to deserve, and all that fulfills our agreement when I to him submit and choose his will. Do you so swear?"

 Katherine met his look as he raised his eyes from the parchment. She felt an odd wave of chills race down her spine at the same time a warmth began to grow in her chest. "Vincent call him, now."

 Vincent did not have to call, his phone began vibrating! He reached into his coat pocket and drew out the phone. It was Vanderau! He answered and spoke in rapid French, and he placed the phone on the table and pressed the speaker button on the phone, "I will repeat the oath," he said. Your right hand, Katherine,"

 She placed her hand in Vincent's and this time there was a slight tremor in both his and her hands. This time as Katherine repeated the oath, she felt something like an electrical tingle leap from the ring Vincent held in his left hand. "Do you so swear?" he asked again.

 "Yes, I do so swear," Katherine answered. Vincent slid the ring onto her index finger. As the metal band slid over her finger she felt ice slide down her spine.

 Then from the speaker of Vincent's phone came the rich warm voice Katherine had only heard in her dreams! Vincent saw her face grow pale in shock and her eyes grow bright with tears as the Dominus spoke. "I Nicklaus Alexander Vanderau will hold fast to the honor given and keep my solemn pledge to Katherine Elena Van Dermeer to the utmost of my power, to maintain the Laws of God. I will to the utmost of my power, maintain the duties and responsibilities as the Dominus of the Septum Noblium Familarum. My power causes Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all my judgments. This I so do swear." 

 She was not crazy! Whatever was happening to her now was opening up her entire world! Everything she had experienced had brought her to this moment in time. Whatever happened, whether she was the one they waited for, or she was found lacking, she now knew she was not crazy! She dashed the tears away, took the pen, and signed the document. 

 "Katherine, are you all right?" Vincent asked. 

 She nodded silently, got up, went to the bathroom, and closed the door. Vincent picked up the phone and closed the speaker option. "Is there anything wrong?" Vanderau asked.

 Vincent looked at the closed door of the lavatory. "No sir, everything is very right. She is already showing strong connections. I suspect she has been experiencing her potential for quite a while. The man she was with had nearly convinced her she was suffering from some kind of mental breakdown."

 "Be careful with her, Vincent," Vanderau said. "She just may be the blade we've all been waiting for."

 "I will, Dominus." Vincent intoned and then added, "There is something I must add."

 There was a long pause on the other end of the phone. Then Vanderau spoke, "Vincent, by whatever means, by whatever lengths necessary – I am grateful to you."

 Vincent released the breath he was holding. "Yes, sir." 

 "I will contact you later," Vanderau told Vincent. "I will be joining you at Heathrow."

 Katherine returned to the conference area. She was fully composed and was examining her family ring. She looked over at Vincent and she nodded to indicate she was feeling fine. He listened intently and responded in French then hung up, laying the phone to one side. "Are you all right?"

 "I am. Just a lot to take in and it is good to know that I am not insane," Katherine murmured. 

 "You were never insane, Katherine!" he declared sharply. He began packing away the contents of the envelope and the signed documents. He sorted through them, taking the documents, and putting them into his attaché case. "It is natural to be wary when faced with strange new situations." His dark brown eyes fastened on her face, and she looked into his eyes. "Ballard dropped into your mind the notion that what you were experiencing was unbalanced and needed fixing. He was wrong!"

 "You think what I had going on with the dreams and anxiety for the last three years was some kind of prophetic glimpse to this moment and what might be coming?" 

 Vincent sat back and locked the case. "That is what you are going to discover," Then Vincent's phone began to vibrate again. He picked it up and looked at it. "This is for you, I believe, Katherine."

 He turned the face of the phone to her, and a single text line said simply: "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

 Katherine smiled. "Say thank you for me." She murmured. 

 Vincent texted back but no reply came in response. He tucked the phone back into his jacket pocket. "Now to the less stressful part. Take a look at the rest of the items in your packet." He opened a white 9 x 12-inch envelope and pulled a stack of photographs out. He turned them to face Katherine. "These are photographs of where you will be living for the next few weeks. It is the manor where the Dominus keeps his horses."

 Katherine picked up the first photo. It was a professional photo shoot of the manor house. It was hidden away in the thick alpine forest that encircled the estate and land for thousands of acres. The aerial views were spectacular. The manor was of yellow stone with a meandering drive through the forest up to the iron gates that gave entrance to a massive stone courtyard. A wide bank of steps took you to the front entrance. Vincent explained as she studied each photograph, what she was looking at, and how to navigate from the great hall up the sweeping staircase to the second floor. There were three galleries. The front gallery was where you received guests and visitors during the day. The side galleries were for the evening and private affairs. There was a huge kitchen across nearly the entire back part of the manor. There were towers at the end of each of the side galleries, a massive library was in one tower, and the other tower was the private quarters of the Dominus, there were offices, a workroom, and other rooms that were separate from the rest of the manor and could only be entered from an elevator. Vanderau was the only one who had keys. 

 Upstairs in the main part of the manor were suites of bedrooms, bathrooms, and sitting rooms. Katherine counted eight bedrooms, bathrooms, and sitting rooms – they were all decorated differently. Above the library tower was a private set of rooms with all the modern conveniences. It reminded her of her duplex. There was a private entrance from the library or from the short set of stairs that led up to the heavy wooden arched door that had iron door hinges and a lock that was also of iron. Vincent held up a ring of keys, most were brass skeleton or black iron keys. "These are yours for the duration of your stay. You will be the lady of the house, so somewhere on there are the keys to the pantry, wine cellar, and storage rooms." 

 She took the heavy ring and wagged it, so the keys clanked against one another, "Absolutely medieval looking!"

 Vincent nodded. "They are."

 "Oh, right," Katherine said laying the keys to one side. "I forgot!"

 Vincent flipped through the photos and then tapped the picture of a massive stable. It looked incredibly modern compared to the manor house. "This is the stableman's house and office. You will meet Etienne tomorrow. He will give you the tour of the stables and pastures."

 The next picture was of the interior of the stables. "Wow, are these racehorses' quarters?" Katherine asked picking up the photo to take a closer look.

 "Dominus Vanderau breeds Friesen and Percheron horses as a pastime," Vincent said. "He's quite proud of his stock."

 There were several pictures of the animals and Katherine had to admit that both breeds were magnificent! Then the picture tour was over, and the rest of the photos were of the private and formal gardens, there was a greenhouse and other farm animals that the full complement of staff and groomsmen took care of. "You will meet the house staff and Mrs. Tremeur, the housekeeper when we arrive. And once you have settled in, you will meet your instructors."

 "Sounds like a full day," Katherine murmured. "When do I meet the Dominus?"

 "I am not certain what he had planned," Vincent replied. "We do have a conference call with him and the Sept after breakfast tomorrow morning." 

 Katherine nodded. She picked up the stack of photographs, slid them back into the envelope, and put the heavy ring of keys in with them. There was a set of car keys with a key fob. "And this?" she asked holding them in her hand.

 "A car, to run errands. There is a town not far away. Maybe a fifteen-minute drive." Vincent replied. "Do you drive standard?"

 "I haven't in years, but you never forget!" Katherine replied.

 "Then you'll enjoy this car, it is a little Italian thing," Vincent replied.

 She looked at the ring on her right index finger. It felt heavy but it also fit her finger perfectly. 

 The flight seemed to go on forever, Katherine paced the length of the jet a few times every hour, and then after a light meal, Sophia began to lower the lighting in the main area of the jet and brought Katherine a cup of herbal tea to help begin acclimation to the new time. The skies darkened and as she finished the tea she placed her headphones on and listened to music. She put the seat back and drifted off to sleep. Sophia draped a light blanket over her, and she snuggled down into the soft velvety folds. 

 "I hope she continues to rest during the refueling," Vincent told Sophia as they both stood looking down at Katherine. "We're picking up a passenger at Heathrow."

 "The Dominus?" Sophia guessed.

 "Yes. He wants to get his first look, without her being aware of him." Vincent replied.

 "Will that be possible?" Sophia wondered. "The tea will allow her to rest, but with the Dominus so near --"

 "He will be in the copilot's chair," Vincent replied. "When we land in Geneva he will wait until the right moment, and then leave to drive into town for his meetings."

 Sophia smiled as she looked over at Katherine as she slept. "I'll try to keep her asleep until we're on our way from Heathrow."

 "Thank you, Sophia," Vincent replied. He looked at his watch. "I believe I will try to get a little nap in myself. It is going to be a very busy day tomorrow!"


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