Volume V: The Tragic End of Treason

Chapter 27. Murder of Crowes

            I stayed in the alley for awhile, holding onto Toryn. I held her until her body could no longer absorb my warmth or feeling. Beyond emotion or feeling. I held her because I wasn’t ready to let go. I held on because I had to. And I picked her up and left with her because even the rebel needs someone to tend to her. I carried her away because as strong as she was, not even Toryn Ransom should be left cold and alone. I took her away from that place, from the painful screams embedded in the walls. Away from the blood and tears that would never wash off. I took her because she didn’t belong there. Then again, Toryn Ransom never belonged anywhere.

            I hadn’t walked far when I was stopped by a male that reminded me of Toryn in his mannerisms. It wasn’t Doyle though. This one was older, more rugged, darker and more distant. But he presented himself as all knowing. He came upon me simply, talking to me as if he were stating something of little importance. He looked up at the sky and the gathering clouds as he approached.

            “Hell of a storm brewing.”

            “That it is.”

            “Or maybe it’s already come to pass.”

            “Perhaps.”

            “Would you like me to take her?”

            I clung to her tighter. “No, thank you.”

            “I was only asking because it’s proper courtesy...it was more of a statement. Family belongs with family. She’s mine to take.”

            “And who the hell are you? I’m sick of the ghosts reappearing and the legends coming back from the dead. And I want proof.”

            “I am Vagrant Ransom. And I have no further proof except that I simply am.”

            I thought about his response and I thought about Toryn’s self portrait. His speech, his simple words, quick and to the point - very much in her style. He put his arms under mine and rolled her against his chest, cradling her like a child, a lost infant. I felt myself go numb when he took her from me, but I was only numb from the shakes.

            “I didn’t do...”

            He nodded. “I know. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her.”

            And the tears leaked down again. “You damn well better; to make up for your absence.”

            “Absence? Dear boy, I’ve been here all along.”

            “And you let this happen?” I was at the edge of my sanity.

            “Let? You of all people should know that nobody, and I mean nobody “lets” Toryn Ransom do anything. There’s good reason why nobody ever tried to stop her. Reasons beyond charm, beyond admiration and respect.” He turned away from me, walking through the crowd with Toryn pressed to him carefully.

            “Well?” I shouted. “What’s the bottom line? Why? Huh?”

            He turned around and flashed me the same smile she was born with, that she died with, he smiled that age old grin. And he looked me dead in the eye. “She was just that good.”

            And he turned and walked away, as quiet as he’d come, his coat trailing behind him, Toryn wrapped in hers. I stood there, crying, unable to distinguish my own tears from the rain that would eventually come. I stayed there until my clothes were all soaked through and I had no choice but to start on home. Home. Alone and abandoned by society, the cycle was left to keep going. And was I going to stand by silently and watch?