Knowing (pt 20)

Preparations

“Vail hallay.”

Nissa smiled in Lel's direction. “On Earth, we say good morning.”

“We are not so different, then.” Lel extended a hand. “Come. There is much to be done.”

“Much to be done?” Nissa shifted to stand and instead put a hand to her forehead.

The same foreboding that had taunted her years ago with E.J. now threatened to choke her. It was so strong. So clear. She tried once more to stand, and clutched her abdomen with a cry of pain as dread ripped through every inch of her body.

“Miss?” Lel was suddenly on her knees beside the couch. “Nissa? Are you well?”

Nissa couldn't stop the river of torment as The Knowing overtook her senses.

They come. He comes.

“Do you wish me to retrieve Prince Lorcan?”

“No.” Nissa fought the fog in her head and in her vision to pull herself back to a sitting position. She only managed to pull her torso and legs slightly off the couch before she collapsed again.

Coming. Coming.

“Shut up,” Nissa begged. “Shut up. Please, shut up.”

“I will retrieve the physician, then.” Lel rose to scurry out of the room.

Nissa clasped her head as the Knowing grew louder and the pain more unbearable. “No!” she shrieked. “Lel, if you leave those doors, so help me I will beat you soundly when you come back.”

Lel knelt beside her again. “What do you wish me to do?”

“I'll be fine.” Nissa breathed deeply and tried to get the pain under control. The dread that had threatened to tear her skin apart moments earlier slowly died to a dull ache. She relaxed and eventually laid still.

Lel gripped her hand tightly. “Are you well?”

“I'm fine.” Nissa shut her eyes and shoved the Knowing to a remote corner of her mind. There it would stay, replete with its fear and foreboding. “You said we had much to do. What did you mean?”

“No one spoke of it?” Lel stood to her feet and straightened her skirt. The light fabric swayed and settled, swishing against the floor.

Nissa shook her head slowly as she tried to reign in her roaming thoughts. She didn't know who “they” were, or who “he” was. She only knew they were coming, and he was to be feared.

Lel extended a hand, offering to lead Nissa. “Come. I will show you.”

Nissa's bare feet padded across the cool floor, step for step behind Lel. A vast array of oils and perfumes waited beside the tub, and several long strings hung from the back of the door.

Lel took down the strings first, and used them to take Nissa's measurements. She cut them to be exactly the length of each measured part.

The bath came next. Warm, relaxing. It soaked into Nissa's muscles and relieved the constant throbbing in her head. Even still, the Knowing remained.

Lel helped her from the bath and into a thin, but warm, floor-length robe. “I will return shortly.”

“How long did I sleep?” Nissa asked after noting the sun high in the sky outside the balcony.

Lel laughed. “Well past the midday meal.”

No wonder her stomach continuously roared at her. She didn't know if a bite to eat would sicken her or help her overcome her trepidation.

The door opened as Lel approached it.

“Where are you going?” The fear returned in waves, swelling and crashing from her head to her feet.

Lel stopped beside the open door and smiled. “Fret not. Neo will guard the passage. No one will enter.” She disappeared and the doors slammed shut once more.

“Don't leave me alone,” Nissa begged. But it was too late.