Peter Rakoczy: The Music of My Life

Chapter 16: Baba Zara

The next few days passed by without any unpleasant incidents.  To Peter's relief,  nobody mentioned the brothers' fight anymore.  He hoped that Stellian accepted his apology and that their father would stay out of their business.  Erzy, Judith and the girls were becoming more and more excited about the upcoming masked ball.  Their shopping trip into town had been a success, and they all chose costumes they simply adored.

Nina picked out a gypsy costume.  She put it on and showed it to Peter.

"What do you think?" Do I make a good gypsy?" Her eyes sparkled as she twirled around.

Nina's costume consisted of a long ruffled skirt with red, orange and black stripes, a white off-the-shoulder peasant blouse, and laced-up black leather boots.  She tied a black fringed shawl around her slim waist, and a red scarf on her head, pirate style.  She let her long, dark brown tresses flow freely down her back and put large gold hoops in her ears.  With her naturally olive complexion and black almond-shaped eyes, she completely looked the part.

"Are you going to read my fortune Madame Nina?"  Peter smiled at his niece.

"I will, dear Sir," Nina answered putting on a heavy gypsy accent.  "For the right price, of course."  She then batted her eyelashes at Peter, making him chuckle.

"Someone might take you for the real thing, you know," Peter told her.

"You just gave me a great idea!"  Nina clapped her hands excitedly.

"I'm afraid to ask," Peter arched an eyebrow.

"I should go find a crystal ball and read everyone's fortune at the party!  What do you think?"

"And where do you plan to find this crystal ball?"  Peter asked.

"Do you remember Baba Zara?"

"Who?"  Peter was confused.

"She's the old gypsy that lives on the outskirts of town," Nina explained.  "She does tarot cards and palm readings."

"I'm not really familiar with her," Peter confessed.

"I guess you're not into those kinds of things," Nina said.  "Petra and I went to her a couple of times in the past."

"And you think she'll just give you her crystal ball?"  Peter asked.

"No, of course not... but she might have some suggestions," Nina answered.  "Will you take me to her?"

Peter wasn't sure.  He didn't believe in all the gypsy lore, especially in fortune telling.

"I don't know," he wavered.

Nina rushed up to him and took her hands in hers.

"Please, Peter!"  She started to beg.  "It would be so much fun!  And we could take Lisbeth with us."  Nina knew exactly what to say to get her way. 

Peter sighed.  "Very well... when do you want to go?"

"Today!"  Nina exclaimed happily.  "I'll go up and change and I'll tell Lisbeth to get ready.  We can leave in an hour!"

Without waiting for any argument from Peter, Nina rushed up the stairs to her room.

"What have I gotten myself into," Peter shook his head.  But he looked forward to spending more time in Lisbeth's company, away from most of his relatives.

Surely enough, within an hour, the three of them were in the carriage, on their way to town.  The woman they were seeking lived in a brightly painted wooden wagon that was permanently parked on the outskirts of Cluj, in an area mostly inhabited by gypsies.  Baba Zara had acquired quite a reputation over the years and was well respected not only by her own people, but also by the majority of the townsmen.  She was famous for her predictions, many of which had proven to be accurate.