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LOVE CHASE "It's the same four characters again!" I declared to Yvonne. "Different people, different roles but still the same." "You see!" Yvonne hugged me at my office door and replied to my exclamation, "You're figuring it all out." "No." I disappointed her. I returned her hug naturally as two comrades would facing off against a common foe, then broke free. I wheeled my desk chair around and placed it close to where her. Yvonne sat near and listened. "The alter egos are the same," I explained. "Who do they represent? I can only guess our Mr. Shaw is Tanu, Catiline and John. Who or what the others represent I don't think I really know. I need to know more about Shaw. That is paramount!" "And he's not telling?" "Not yet, Vonn. But he says I will shortly have my answers." I paused in thought giving her a chance to speak. "What about the progression of the story?" "Progression?" "Yes, each story advances further into time. Toward us, historically." "I never thought much about that." I considered it for a moment, my gaze locked on the memory of his tales floating in thin air above me, hanging like a mobile from the ceiling. "You have a point there. He could have moved backwards, jumped around, it wouldn't matter. His characters are all in a similar situation in chronological stages." "Tanu loves Sheba. Tanu loses Sheba. Tanu never gets Sheba." She replied exactly as only Yvonne's mind would. " Tanu never gets Sheba, not in the distant past, nor the near past or the near present. And the plot reads the same, doesn't it?" "There are differences. Karut did not keep Sheba from Tanu as Cicero tried to. Nor do I find any brotherly love between Cicero and Catiline that was strong between Tanu and Karut. Perhaps Caesar was Karut's counter-part?" "Don't think so." The rejection of my guess forced a dimple into her cheek. "I think Caesar came part and parcel with Rome. That character was just a staple of Rome. Nothing else. Put that one behind you because now Shaw is moving toward the present again." "I wonder why?" I stroked my chin as she fussed with a curl. "I wonder who Mr. Shaw will be when he gets to the twentieth century? Who they all will be today? I must answer these questions. This time around I'm going to sit with my pad in his face and get some answers. This time I'm going to call his bluff!" "That reminds me." Yvonne pursed her lips with a sudden thought and sprang toward the office door. "I forgot to call Dennie." "About what?" I wondered what could be so pressing. "Some guy from some art studio called for her." "Oh?" I squinted in her direction. "Was his name Nickie Montalbano?" "Yea, I think it was, Bob." She left my office. For certain she mused about why I asked and who the mysterious Nickie Montalbano was. So did I. Mr. Shaw verbally painted a picture of Lord Alfred's castle, a homey and romantic sort of gothic place, and the courtyard being huge in comparison to the main structure. "We begin in the court yard… A traveling actor's group had been commissioned to stage a play for the people of Weare. Alfred invited everyone at no cost and dedicated the day to his ailing wife Esther. A dais hung before a large window of the castle for Alfred, Esther, Lisbeth, the local clergy and Alfred's chief advisor Edward Fuller. Seating for all others was built around a circular stage bang in the middle of the courtyard. Decorated counters were set up on either side of the yard for refreshments courtesy of Lord Alfred. And the weather seemed made to order on that particular late spring day. Alfred perfumed his red beard and had his valet choose the finest of clothes for the occasion. I want Esther to feel young today. Chose garments from my youth, lad. The boy handled the clothes wondering if the overweight Alfred would squeeze into them. I want to feel young today also, boy. As youthful as yourself. Yes, me Lord, the boy replied as he began to dress Alfred. Fuller knocked then entered the Lord's chamber without waiting permission, which was usual for the advisor. The tall, pale, ascetically thin man grinned across scholarly features as he approached Alfred. You will wear these? He smiled all the wider beholding the garments. They are just rotting away in the chest, Edward. Alfred noticed the squeeze. The valet fastened young eyes to his work. He knew best of all Alfred's lack of self-assessment. Pretending not to notice his Lord's awkward maneuvers he encouraged with wisdom beyond his years, You will be mistaken for King Richard, Sire. Fuller came face to face with his lord. In earnest he peered over the tight fitting clothes. A twisted frown crossed his long face then dashed into a graven smile. 'Too much rooster and pig!' Fuller poked at Alfred's round belly. And all that Manchet bread! Not so, Alfred protested. Tis the assets bestowed upon me from living a moral life. With a scolding finger rocking before his eyes bulging from the squeeze of his clothes he added, You should speak more highly of rooster and pig, Edward! Fuller nodded as he seated himself atop the lord's bed. Today will be an eventful day, my lord. We have planned it to be nothing less. I am looking forward to the performers but more so to Lisbeth's song. And the... The squeeze was too tight! Banquet. Am I correct, Alfred? You know me so well, Edward. Alfred beamed once the clothes began to take to his shapeor visa versa. My people will have a spring feast like none we have staged yet. That they will, Fuller glanced side wise at Alfred and added, Especially once Tenlis comes upon the scene. Tenlis! Alfred broke free of his valet to come eye to eye with Fuller. Anger hollowed out his eyes and tightened the skin about his temples until the heavy man looked nothing more than a skull. His body stooped and his back arched looking much like a frightened cat in restricted clothing. Is that heathen coming to our festival? Who invited him? Alfred, stretching his stiff clothes, stood ramrod straight while he pondered, Or is he going to try for Lisbeth's hand again? Fuller rested against the bed's headboard while he observed Alfred's responses. I am told Tenlis is coming to hear Lisbeth sing. That is all I heard. He is smart, this stranger. Alfred returned to the awaiting boy who tackled with placing on the lord's shoes. He comes to have her put eyes upon him. Why should she not? She is impressionable, my daughter. She knows this Tenlis is asking for her hand. Weare is bursting with that talk. She will go out of her way to set eyes on him. So? Edward! What if she takes a fancy to him? Alfred appeared angry. She is of age. She would probably take fancy to any man who is seeking her hand! You know how youth is! Alfred lifted the valet's face into his hand. You, boy, he demanded. The maiden's catch your fancy? The lad's blush said it all, Naturally, me lord. Nonsense, Alfred, Fuller stood and came to calm his lord. Lisbeth is no silly spring maiden. I think her attitude to this... this... whatever he is will surprise you. Alfred grasped for comfort in Fuller's statement. Do you believe that? I do. Fuller nodded grimly then took a look out the chamber's window that viewed clearly the courtyard. I must go, my lord. Our quests are arriving. The courtyard began to fill quickly as the folks of Weare poured in. The scent of perfume, wine and imported fruits excited the folks as they marveled at the decorated yard. Entire families took up seating locations while women gossiped with friends they haven't seen since the last year's festival. Men threw around praises for their lord then slowly slid into the news generating from Church and state. Those who ignored such events chatted about their separate occupations. The rock of Christ appears to be crumbling cracked one. Soon we shall all be Jews again herding together behind the teachings of our separate rabbis. Look at all the vegetables and fruit pies they have here! You know our lord thinks of his people! The rich never touched the stuff. Those who heard and agreed looked to the refreshments; all were wishing to make an early toast of it. And for Lisbeth, said a man licking his lips. Everyone anticipated John of Tenlis to delight the folks and surprise their lord. It would anger the lord more than surprise him. The pleasantness of Tenlis' intrusion would grace but one young heart, everyone attending the conversation believed this to be true. Most relishing the vision of the stranger's entrance. After Alfred, Esther, Lisbeth and the others took to their seats, a priest hushed the crowd. He blessed the day, the Lord, the people, Weare, the actors, the stage and his own formidable sacristy rising high on the horizon. With a reminder that the good folks of Weare should continue their tithing to the Church, he sat, to everyone's delight, and trumpets rang across the courtyard. A team of acrobats flew from all sides of the yard to begin an exciting juggling act atop the stage. Children cheered while the elders clapped and marveled. Such fun is it not, Esther? Alfred took her hand. She realized he went out of his way to piece together this festival in her honor; a chore left to her in the past. It lightened her yet struck a chord of fear in her. Would this be her last festive day? You are the lord of my heart, Alfred, she petted his ringed hand. And your love for me displays itself well here. This made Alfred feel young even though his clothes reminded him he was not. Peering past Esther, Alfred caught Fuller's attention. With a cock of his head he shrugged as if to ask where was Tenlis. Fuller only returned the shrug. After the jugglers a troop of actors took the stage. Three dressed as lowly peasantsmuch lower than any of Weare. One dressed as King Richard and two others were colorfully fitted up as popes. A comedy proceeded which thrilled everyone but the clergy. It was recited in a poetic dialog with several two meaning phrases and words. Done very well because, although topical, it lent itself to enough frolic to trap the children's attention. Alfred regarded the skit with amusement until the crafty looking Richard refused the popes' request of wringing more money from the pockets of the three poor men. Then Alfred turned his attention to members of the clergy. Smiling he pointed out the beauty of the day and the promise of a profitable season for all of them. When the players were finished they left the stage under much protest and applause to make way for the maiden Lisbeth. The blonde lass kissed her father and ran all the way from the dais to the yard. Beside the stage stood five younger girls and one boy gleefully awaiting her arrival. Together the seven took the stage. Minstrels gathered along side and waited for Lisbeth's clue. The people of Weare proudly silenced themselves as not to have anything distract from their children. The children placed themselves in a pre-arranged order. Their sunlit, reddened faces gazed shyly skyward as Lisbeth quietly reminded each of them to smile for the folks and their Lord. On clue Lisbeth and the others bowed as the minstrels began their tune, a fast moving and dance-invoking tune. Lisbeth's voice rang out with the first stanza: I am a maiden awaiting my husband. Who will he be? I will wait and never will I bend. Until he comes to me. The others joined in a refrain: She is a lady in waiting, Waiting she does best. But no one wants her affection Nor do they want her flat chest. Lisbeth's not flat, Alfred confused by the song, whispered to Esther. Esther giggled back at him. It is but a song. We used to sing the same tune when we were childrenremember? He remembered at that moment as he also recalled how silly the song went. But since Lisbeth sang it, he hummed merrily along. By the time the three-stanza song drew to a close all in the courtyard were singing along with the children. The tune was somewhat off colored but harmless and very popular in England for a long timeor versions similar to it. The catchy tune conveyed easily the yearning of tender years to step into the mainstream of adult life and fulfilled passions. Its last line was: Who is my mate to be? Just as hands were about to meet in applause an eerie sound over took the yard. It struck all with awe and froze everyone in place. Minstrels took note of the odd yet beautiful tone of the noise. All ears stretched to it. It was a musical note, loud and engulfing. Suddenly the musical note met a crescendo with what sounded like a million voices singing: Tenlis, John Tenlis, John Tenlis! At first the wonderful singing and music drew fear from the people. Hearts stuck in every throat. All hearts save Alfred's and Fuller's. They turned to each other. Alfred pursed lips were disguised under his beard. Fuller spread his hands as if to say he had nothing and could do nothing about it. Before real fear could take root, the courtyard gates swung open. There, centered within the gate's arch, stood the handsome John Tenlis, his hands to his waist and wearing a brave man's smile. He happily stood looking right up at Lisbeth. Lisbeth felt no fear at all. Instead she felt a rush of admiration for the good-looking stranger who could totally fill the air with unseen musicians and singers. She peered with hard interest at him. She could swear she knew this man. But she never recalled meeting such as he. The other children atop the stage gathered close to Lisbeth. They were confused and sort her guidance. From seemingly nowhere minstrels bearing strange instruments marched into the court. Singers followed by jesters entered to bring the folks of Weare exotic gifts from far away shores. Awe turned into merriment. Alfred did not fall for this scheme. He readily noticed Esther became successfully enticed with it so he hid his brewing anger. Encouraging Esther to fall completely under Tenlis' spell, he waved to Fuller to meet him inside the castle immediately. This man is a sorcerer! Alfred raised clenched fists to the air. Damn good one too, Alfred, Fuller shocked his lord with his respect for John. Secretly he studied Tenlis to uncover the dark power for himself, but to no avail. Fuller! Alfred pulled his top advisor by the shirt. This demon wants my only daughter! How can you show any approval of him and his chicanery? Fuller twisted his face from the excitement out in the yard back to his lord. We can handle him, Alfred. But you are over looking a valuable asset right out there in your own court yard. Over looking nothing! Alfred flung Fuller away from him. You are saying a man who can stimulate people like this can bring me great favor in the eyes of the Church and State. Alfred pointed a shaking finger at Fuller, But what you over look is that he is not human! He is a devil. He can only bring ruin to us! He is a man, my lord, Fuller said, exasperated. A man with a bag full of tricks. Very good tricks too, I may add. Alfred turned to look past the backs of those on the dais to peer right at John. He wants to marry my Lisbeth. His voice violently trembled with harsh rage. I felt this time was near and I feared it. I love her so. And when we were just getting to know each other, now that she's of age. Alas! I must be her father and escort Lisbeth up the aisle. But I'll be considering the walk gravely before giving her hand to this stranger! Fuller rarely saw his lord in such a state. He remained quiet hoping a reply would come into his mind. It did not. Alfred's eyes wildly sort Fuller's. I will not give Lisbeth to this man. Not this one. You will see to it that he never sets foot within speaking distance of her and that he leaves as soon as his colossal trickery is over. Upon those very words a collective sigh entered in from the dais window. The two turned to see why. Alfred stepped onto the dais to observe many different reactions painting the faces of his people. The clergy appeared grim. Esther was half laughing while clapping her hands. Below them the people of Weare filled the yard with cheers, claps and sighs, praises and disappointing comments. What's Tenlis doing now? Fuller came to stand alongside Alfred. The lord stayed him with a hand, as he looked further into the yard where he discovered Lisbeth. She had broken free from the other children and stood near the far side of the stage. Her hands grasped to her heart, head cocked toward the gate, she stared at nothing. Where's Tenlis? Where's Tenlis? Alfred asked in Esther's direction. But before she could reply Alfred roared so loudly that the entire castle halted all activity to turn ears toward the lord. All ears but Lisbeth's that is, she heard nothing but the pounding of her tender heart. Fuller, as everyone present, felt the awkwardness of the moment as all eyes anxiously watched their angry lord. Breaching the mood between Alfred and his subjects, Fuller needed to break the spell. He began clapping loudly. Excellent show! He praised, Our thanks to the illusionist, John Tenlis! Those who fell for Fuller's sleight of hand applauded. Slowly at first until the present mood died under a thunder of clapping hands. Others cheered madly in order to allow their lord the opportunity to gather up better spirits. Which he had to do, he would not let John ruin Esther's day. Of which John certainly enriched it. Yet the man did not honor the festival by remaining. Fuller attended Alfred to his seat. Fill your thoughts with the day's events, my lord. He patted the baron's shoulder. I am off to bring Lisbeth to us. So saying, he stepped into the castle and made haste toward the yard. By the time Lisbeth returned to the dais the minstrels had joined in with those John Tenlis added to the festival to fill the air with music. Jesters and actors formed groups atop and around the stage as they invited everyone to dance. Lisbeth walked two inches off the floor as she moved into the bright sun of the dais. Alfred said nothing to her but watched her carefully. Fuller escorted her to the chair beside Esther then sat himself beside Alfred. They exchanged no words. Lisbeth remained silent for approximately ten seconds. She merely nodded at her mother's smile and congratulations for the sing along. Then Lisbeth burst wide open. To her mother she exploded, Did you see that handsome man! To Alfred, Father, that is one of my suitors, is he not? He would do you well, Father! Again to her mother, Such a brave man to march right in as he did! Again to her Father, who wasn't enjoying all her remarks, A generous man also. Look at all he added to mother's Festival! Then for a moment she stared out into space and verbalized Tenlis' name. How romantic his name is, she mused. He is quite a remarkable man, Lisbeth, Esther consulted her daughter. But life with a clever man can be like juggling too many brightly painted balls. Be cautious of this man's cleverness. Esther realized Lisbeth only half heard her mother. Esther understood. She in her youth felt her heart take wing over Alfred. Was long ago, and her love had not waned with age. It only expressed itself differently. Lisbeth bent over her mother to speak squarely with her father, Allow me to dine with John Tenlis, Father. Alfred turned as to pretend he did not hear her. His face toward Fuller, the head advisor had to smile as Alfred rolled his eyes as if to ask how to answer his daughter. Fuller saved the moment, but nothing else, Come. We must join our quests. The Banquet begins shortly. Lisbeth, aid your mother. I will escort our Lord. Fuller was a clever man himself. He knew once they entered the courtyard every maiden would pull Lisbeth away from the Lord and Lady. Thus the banquet went very well… Shaw ended here but sat as if he knew I'd ask, "John Tenlis did not hang around?" "No. He knew Alfred did not like him or his flashy style. John had to use true cunning to capture Lisbeth. Cunning was also his down fall." With that he smiled and extended me a farewell until next time. No sooner did he leave then Yvonne jumped into the office. "How'd it go?" she asked coming to my side. I pursed my face and looked down at a blank note pad. "This sucks!" |
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