Entrance to the Song (completed)

Chapter 15 - Fires that Tame

       

Earth's heart spins in balance with her children

I worked my mind to think of something to change the subject. "Why does Mistress Vega answer when you ask questions?" I asked Benin as we entered the kitchen. "She seems against any question I ask. If I ask which way the bathroom is, she'll –tell me you're not ready for the bathroom yet," I said in my Mistress-prim-and-proper voice.

Benin frowned. "I don't think that's the case, Penny. You just have a way of asking any question anytime, whenever it pops in your head." He placed his hand over one of the face carvings. I shivered at the thought of the beauty bar. "Learn when to ask your questions. There's always a right time and place."

"I don't ask every question that pops into my head," I replied. "Like I didn't ask how you felt about being in a beauty bar." I cleared my throat, hoping he'd answer the underlying question.

He stopped and looked at me, cocking his head to one side. "You're right Penny; I'm surprised you took this long to ask. But, that was probably because you already knew the answer from our previous discussions at my house." He reached out and touched a curl that escaped my ponytail. His proximity felt suffocating which was–his intention. There was a deliberate purpose for everything he did. Every time I grilled him for answers, or he sparked my anger, he always came up with something to cut me short. One of these days it wouldn't work.

"I'm hungry," I said, continuing our journey to the kitchen, escaping.

The hour was late, and the cook was already off to bed. Two plates with our names scribbled on them sat on the pristine dining table. Benin reached my chair before I did and pulled it out for me. I straightened my back and sat down. It felt strange being treated like a lady. I tapped my nails on the table as I waited for him to settle in his chair, and then I removed my plate cover. The aroma of fresh carrots and potatoes on top of thin slices of venison hit my nose. My mouth watered, and I dug in. I took big bites and chewed with my mouth open, I watched as Benin took his time eating and chewing every bite.

"You know," I began between mouthfuls, "You eat like a prissy girl."

One corner of his mouth went up. "And you eat like a four hundred pound man that hasn't eaten in two days."

I almost choked on the piece of potato I had in my mouth. "Oh my, for someone who shows little emotion on their face, you have a way with words."

I ... regretted my insensitive comment. He seemed hurt by my observation. Taking a deep breath, he took another bite of his dinner.

"You've been asking me what happened in the Sleepers Keep." He ate another bite of food. And I tapped my foot under the table until he spoke again. The pause felt indefinite. "After they kidnapped me, they drugged me. When I woke up my head was foggy." He allowed his fork to rest on his plate. "The Sleepers Keep is not as beautiful as this." He gestured around the room. "It felt almost like a mental hospital with everything gray from floor to ceiling. They had me strapped to a bed and rolled to the area where I would sleep for fifty years." Benin's voice sounded pained, and I grabbed his hand.

"You don't have to continue." Though curious, I didn't intend for my questions to cause him pain.

He faced me as he spoke; his eyes were lost in the memory. "They put needles and tubes in my arms, mouth, and spine, not bothering to numb the pain. I tried to scream, but whatever they gave me numbed my ability to express any emotion. That's when Cain stepped into the room and told me I would be a guest at the Sleepers Keep for a long time. My mind faded as the effect of the anesthesia took root. Cain laughed and ordered everyone out of the room. He closed the door to my sleep chamber, himself, right before he removed the covering from his face." He paused. His mouth hung open and his breathing was rapid. I squeezed his hand.