Dark Tarot (Dark Carpathians)

On his wrist, he wore what appeared to be a bracelet made of solid metal, the color silver. Sandu’s gaze strayed often to that bracelet. He noticed Nicu’s did as well. Both were certain that was no ordinary decoration on his wrist but a weapon of some kind. He wore boots like the others, and inside his, there were built-in sleeves for knives and a gun. He had other weapons set by the doors, ready to grab as he hurried out. Sandu caught glimpses of them in Jubal’s mind when he’d spoken telepathically.

Jasmine smiled up at the man. “You always make me feel strong, Jubal. I love that I can put my designs on paper and you make them come to life. When we first started working together, I had no self-esteem, and you gave it back to me. You gave me confidence in myself again so I could give that to Sandrine.”

Jubal shook his head and brushed a kiss on top of her head. “You always had it, honey. Always. You just lost your way for a little while. That was understandable. You focused on your baby. Now you’re back to seeing the entire picture again.”

Laughter bubbled up. A little pixie giggle that made Sandu want to laugh with her.

“You mean you, Jubal. You’re the entire picture again?”

Jubal lifted an eyebrow, looking down into Jasmine’s face. “Aren’t I?” He looked around the room, then at Solange. “I am, right?” He kept his features deadpan.

Solange, for the first time, actually smiled. More than smiled. She burst into laughter. “I’m certain you are, Jubal,” she confirmed.

The tension in the room completely dissipated.

Do you wish for me to track these men, Sandu? Benedek asked.

Sandu caught the impression of the harpy eagle sitting in the branches of a tree, watching the old ruins carefully.

Dominic answered. We do not want to tip them off that we are on to them if they are still in the vicinity, Benedek. Would you mind keeping watch?

I am very comfortable sitting here, Benedek responded immediately.

There is a hidden door, Solange said. It leads inside the temple. If they simply disappeared, most likely they are inside there. It is a large area, and there is plenty of breathable fresh air. When I was a child, we hid there. Eventually, that hiding spot was taken from us, too.

I will watch, Benedek assured them.

Sandu sent out the call for more information. Petru? Siv? Anything at all will help us. We are trying to gather as much data as possible to ascertain what we might be facing.

Afanasiv replied first. I scanned a large area, looking mainly for the undead as I made my way toward the village beside the river. Several times I found myself uneasy, but there was no clear reason why. I fed and returned to take a closer inspection of the area. That is what I am doing now. The animals and reptiles are not showing alarm unless I approach too closely to the ruins of the old Mayan site.

Dominic threaded his fingers through Solange’s. What do you mean, Siv? Can you describe the unusual behavior?

Lizards and frogs have retreated. The baboons and monkeys I generally see with family units in the neighboring trees have deserted the area. They have gone so far as to invade other territories at the risk of war. There has not been all-out fighting, but certainly posturing and verbal threats between the males. The females are cowering but refusing to take their young back to their own territories, and the male isn’t forcing them to go. If anything, he’s indicating he is willing to fight for new territory.

Sandu felt Adalasia grip his thigh, and he covered the gesture with his larger palm. You did not bring this enemy to these people, Adalasia, he assured her.

We don’t know that for certain yet. They’re guessing. Her hand trembled on his thigh. I couldn’t bear it if I brought harm to Jasmine after all she’s been through. You know Nera uses reptiles and animals as spies.

Dominic, Solange and Jubal looked at her.

Solange sent Adalasia a reassuring look. I know the feel of rogue Jaguar males when they walk in the forest and disrupt the natural rhythm. While your guardians were talking, I was listening to the background as they sent the images and sounds. Unfortunately, Adalasia, I am all too familiar with those disruptions. As a young child, I was taught to listen for the sound of the rogue Jaguar male. We knew if they came, they brought death and worse.

We each have enemies, Sandu reminded gently. They may be different, but we face them with courage. We have no choice if we stand in front of others to keep them safe. In this case, Jasmine and Sandrine or any other woman of Jaguar blood will not be victims of these men if we can stop them.