Waiting in Vain

Allen waits for a hunt. Genevieve's torture continues

The long trip to Saint Francis was nearly over and Allen rested in the back of the carriage under the twilight sky. He awoke to the scent of the ocean that rested closely by. The sounds of the waves gently crashing relaxed him as he thought of Genevieve. They took a sudden right turn and the road went from being coarse to a smoother road. Allen could now see homes made of brick. He sat up and took a look around. Though it was still somewhat dark, he could make out the aesthetic. It seemed the town was only one straight road though not likely. 

“Good morning ol’ boy! How was the ride?”

“Strenuous at best Leo.”

“Leo? No one’s called me that since me mum. I quite like it ol’ boy.”

“Are we almost there?” 

“Won’t be a moment ol’ boy. Just sit tight.” 

He took in the sites as they continued down the long road. The sky became brighter as morning arrived. They finally stopped in front of a building with a large mural of a sunset, no windows and  a thin red door.

“Welcome to the Sinking Sun ol’ boy!”

Allen Jumped out of the wagon and stared at his new home. It was a saloon of sorts he thought. He attempted to pull out one of the chests that belonged to him but Leopold stopped him.

“The help will be out soon ol’ boy. Let’s head inside for a pint.”

He followed him inside and almost hit his head on the threshold. He took a look around but didn’t see much other than empty tables and bar stools. There was however one lone patron at the far end passed out on his stool against a wall with a similar mural to the one outside. There was a second story with about 15 rooms that were all shut. Leopold went behind the bar and poured two pint glasses of beer and placed one in front of Allen at the bar. 

“I’ll be honest with you Leo, I have given up the drink.

“Respectable ol’ boy. Looks as though you’ll go thirsty and I’ll have a double!”

“So when does our work begin?”

“Soon ol’ boy! Very soon. Ya’ see… I receive letters from time to time from folks and priests and such. When they are in need that’s where we come in.”

“We being?”

“There’s five under me now that you are here. My cut is 20 percent.”

“10.”

“Haha! You are a feisty ol’ boy. Prove yourself first and then we’ll talk.”

Leopold then handed Allen a key. When he tried to take it, he pulled his hand back and glared at Allen.

“Do we trust each other?”

Allen looked into his eyes to see if he would flinch but Leopold just smiled and winked  at him.

“I can only speak for myself Leo.”

“You’re in room 6 ol’ boy. And do take good care of Rutherford, damn good horse he is.”

“I will and thank you.”

“There is plenty of food here and drinks are always complementary. I’ll let you know when there is work ol’boy.”

He made his way up the stairs and went into his room. It was surprisingly large and looked quite comfortable. A long window separated Allen from the outside world. All there was to do now was wait. Wait for word from Genevieve, wait for a hunt. Whichever came first. The day continued to drag on slowly.  About mid-day a young girl brought him a large bowl of stew with bread and water and Allen ate and then drifted to sleep. After a deep slumber that seemed to go on forever, he was awoken by the sounds of laughter and music. Though the sleep weighed heavy on his eyes, he decided to leave his room. He walked downstairs and the room that was nearly vacant hours before, was now vibrant and full of life. There was a small group of men playing a song in the corner and men and women dancing. Along the tables there were men playing poker and others were arm wrestling and of course drunken men and women everywhere. A woman slid her hand softly against Allen’s arm and whispered in his ear.

“You new ‘round here hun?”

Before Allen could respond, Leopold stepped in between the two.

“Aw finally awake ol’ boy? Leave the gentleman alone Bess! He’s not been acquainted with the crew just yet!”

With a bit of force he pulled Allen to a nearby booth with a long table with three men sitting there in which two had a woman resting on their chests. Each of them looked tired and one of them smoked a cigarette from a long jade holder.

“Evening' boyles! I got some new blood for our good deeds! This is Allen Slade, the scourge of Garrison!”

“Ah yes, we’ve heard of your exploits. You’re quite talented.”

“And you’ve kept your pigment.”

“I’d put money he hasn’t met an elder yet.”

“The Ol’ boy is still new to the profession. Be light on him.”

They each give a slight chuckle. There was an awkward silence as Leopold pulled a chair for Allen. Allen sat and looked at each one in hopes to study their character but they all seemed to hold a strong poker face.

“Well now let me introduce you, ol' boy. This is Damian Crowley, he’s from Port Alto and has been hunting for 3 years. The fellow here with the beard is Art Haven, a master with a pistol and of course this is our local dandy, William Walton. As you can see he’s fond of the smoke.”

“Where there’s smoke there is fire. Nice to meet you Allen.” William speaks in a friendly tone.

“Likewise to all of you.” Allen says.

“Allow me to buy you your first girl. What’s your fancy? Pale, black? Oriental or perhaps a red head?” Art Speaks in a low muffled tone.

“I don’t follow you Art.”

“You haven’t told him Leopold? Allen my friend, this is the finest brothel in the country!” Damian exclaims loudly. 

Allen felt dumbfounded as he realized the truth. It didn’t bother him all that much, but he wondered what Genevieve would think of him, operating out of a w***e house. He knew she took the idea of hunting very seriously and likely would never step foot in a place like this for business purposes.

“With all due respect, I am spoken for. I do appreciate the thought.”

“You’re in the wrong business then mate. That or you're just as stale as old Willy here. I’ve never even seen him lift a skirt.” Art spoke with content.

“There’s nothing wrong with having respect for the female variant. And you know perfectly well why I won’t indulge.” William spoke with a bit of anger.

The five men continued to converse into the night, having many drinks, other than Allen who drank very little. In the midst of everything going on around him, his mind was focused on Genevieve. All he wanted was to hear back from her and hoped she had made it safely. The waiting game would have to continue, as he remained at the Sinking Sun for another two weeks before there was anything.

Genevieve awoke to the pain of relentless torture. She laid upon a jagged stone and her arms and legs bound by silver chains. Her breath was weak and her eyes were heavy. With every slight movement she made, the stone would dig into her skin deeper. Unable to feed, her body shook in hunger and thirst. All she could hear was the dripping of water and the slight footsteps of rats all around. Her thoughts of anything besides what she was feeling was few and far between. Even the thoughts of Allen would cause her to shudder. Suddenly there was light in the dark room and in walked her brother Demetri. He took a single look at Genevieve before turning his gaze to the wall. 

“My dear beloved sister. Never have I felt so pained and full of sorrow.”

Genevieve’s eyes began to water as she glared at him. She mustered enough strength to speak.

“You… feel pained… and sorrowful? You cruel…b*****d!”

“Remove her chains. REMOVE THEM!”

Two servants then stepped over and unlocked the shackles. Genevieve then rolled off the stone and fell to the floor. She began to weep bitterly. Demetri tried to comfort her but she pushed him away. 

“Sister…”

“Leave me!”

He then walked out without looking back at her. For a moment she placed her head on her arm and continued to weep on the ground. 

“Look at you… on the ground like a poor abused animal... pathetic. “ Samuel spoke as he left the chamber as well.

She stayed on the floor for what seemed like hours until a hand touched her back. She was comforted as she recognized who it was.

“Gabriel…”

“Shhh… No need to speak Genevieve. Let’s get you to rest.”

He used his strength and picked her up. He carried her to her room and placed her on the bed.

“Is there anything you need from me?”

“Just leave me here…”

“Of course my dear. I do have something for you... let’s not let your brother see.”

He placed an unopened letter on the nightstand beside her bed. After Gabriel left, it took her some time to gather the strength to pick up the envelope. She lit the kerosene lamp on the stand and read the letter. It was from Allen and it seemed to heal the pain for a few moments as she read his words. Though he was about continuing the mission, she became sorrowful again when the thoughts of losing him began to take hold. She sat for hours wondering if being with Allen was worth all the pain she had been through and if watching him grow old and die without her was worth it as well. She was now stuck in the underground for two years and had no way of leaving without being spotted and not only would she be tortured again, they would kill Allen and the friendly words of Gabriel Cross would not be enough to change that. For now she would keep up hope and write back to him, in the slight hope that it would all work out. She found ink and a pen and wrote a letter to him and addressed it to the Sinking Sun. When she was finished she found Gabriel and asked him to send the letter for her as a token of their friendship. Of course Gabriel would not take the letters himself but had one of servants do the honor. They began to write back and forth as often as possible and in the early days of July Genevieve received the letter that would cause her to be afraid yet joyful more than any other time.

My beloved Genevieve,

Everyday I read one of your letters, I long for you to be near me. Every night I dream of you, and every moment I dare to think of you being by my side until death do us part. I have no desire for much more than that to be called your husband and you my wife. Gennie my love, would you do me the honor of taking my hand forever in marriage? It may seem like we haven’t had enough time to make a decision like this, but we have our whole lives to look forward to. I know our mission is first yet my mission will be to make you happy. I love you more than anything in this world. -Allen

 She then pulled a ring from the envelope and looked upon it. The band was rose gold and had an amethyst stone on top. She began to remember being young and dreaming of the day she would become a bride. The idea of being someone’s one and only until death takes one. She danced around her room imagining herself in a white dress and kissing her husband for the first time. Then the imagery of growing together, Being there through good and bad. Even though it was futile, even imagining children. The idea of motherhood was even more exciting to her. When she was young, she wanted a large family, though she is unable to have children, she hoped there would be some alternative. As her thoughts ran, her brother Demetri entered the room. Quickly she hid the letter under a pillow.

“Are you ready to speak to me now sister?”

“(sighs) I suppose…”

“Understand Genevieve… it’s like I have said before, I can’t bear to lose you. I know no other way.”

“Spare me!”

“If you would listen…”

“No Demetri… It’s time you listen! I never wanted this life… you forced it upon me. Many days have gone by where the thought of stepping into the sun and letting my body become ash was all I could think of. But… I stayed… I've  stayed for you. I devoted myself to this life in hopes to see you achieve your lordship. When I found happiness for a brief moment… you stole it from me! I can never forgive you for that, I can never forgive you for driving Selene, my only friend away. I will stay here and I will be loyal, but don’t expect me to forgive you… for anything.”

“... I... understand. You deserve far better than I can give. Forgive me.”

Genevieve became furious. She picked up a chair and threw it harshly against the wall. Suddenly she was overcome with emotion and laid her head against a pillow. She found the letter again and reread it. She smiled and placed the ring on her finger, which was a perfect fit. She wrote back to him.

Allen,

Time held still as I read your letter. I used to dream of this day when I was younger. I admit I was stunned to say the least, however I danced at the very thought of being a bride. Things here are still dire and I know not when I will return to you. At this moment I wear the ring and admire its beauty. I guess you can say that my answer is yes! I would be honored to be your wife forever and always. I love you Allen and my heart desires for the day we begin the next chapter in our story.

With Love Genevieve.

Allen read the letter and sighed in relief. He sat in his room in the sinking sun and began to contemplate their future together. He thought of children and even grandchildren. It was a completely brand new feeling and suddenly he was reminded of his family. He thought if his brother was still alive, he would likely be his best man. And of course his parents would be proud of the bride he had chosen. Of course Abel passed on and his parents were undead somewhere in the world. He then felt guilty that he had allowed himself to seldom think of them. He felt he had betrayed them somehow. Suddenly a knock came at his door.

“You alive in there Ol’ boy?”

Allen sighed and unlocked the door.

“Your patience has paid off my friend!”

“What are you saying Leo?”

“Have you heard of Goldenmire Township ol’ boy?”

“That’s across the sea aways. Within the Ferguson Forest.”

“Seems they’re a bit overrun ol’ boy. Hefty sums will be paid. You will be down there for a while however…”

“How much are we talking about Leo?”

“500 a head ol’ boy.”

“I’ll do it. How do I get there?”

“I have a Captain friend by the name Fabian Wells at the docks who will give you passage in exchange for work. He’ll teach you all there is to know about sailing. You leave tomorrow. And don’t forget about my 20 percent.”

“Of course.”

Leopold touched Allen’s shoulder and left. Allen was excited to be hunting again. This moment was truly special for him. He had won a bride and was about to make enough compensation to give her anything she asked for. He packed his things and then sat to write a letter to Genevieve.

Gennie

You have truly made me happier than words could ever explain. My love for you overflows. I am writing this letter to let you know that I have been called to my next hunting grounds. Across the sea in Goldenmire Township. I don’t know for certain how long I will be there but I suppose at least  a few months. I ask you not to write until you hear from me, that I may assure I receive your letters personally. Until I see you again my soon to be wife.

Allen.