Saithilien

Chapter 12 - I Will Slowly Get There

The Burmese leader and the Norwegian president were devastated to learn that their representatives had failed. Juliana sighed and smirked at them. “Everyone has a purpose, but no one can ever escape death.” She stood in front of the huge mirror, still bothered by Mathilde’s story. She came to Pentrich earlier than me, five years earlier. I wonder what’s the connection of Pentrich to Saithilien. She held her locket, wished for an answer. To Zelethea? 

“Juliana, can you please give us a full report of what was happening in Saithilien. How’re the kids?”

Juliana just ignored the US president’s request and walked towards the door. She didn’t even say her farewell. The leaders were puzzled, left worried, and curious. The US president looked at her with suspicion as she left the room. “Follow her and find out what she’s up to.” He called in some of his men and ordered to keep an eye on Juliana. 

“Do you think they can keep up with a witch?” The Japanese prime minister asked.

“I need to know what she’s doing lately. She’s been busy, and she doesn’t seem to have any concern about our goal here. I’m certain that she’s up to something. ” 

Falling in line at John F. Kennedy International Airport made her nervous. I’ve flown many times, but this is the first time I felt... She sighed. She presented her passport and ticket at the counter and ready to board the plane. Home. The only place linked to my past is just in my home country. What an i***t am I to not think of that and spend all these years looking in the wrong places. The plane was now preparing for take-off heading to Moscow. She sat comfortably, leaning at the back to take a nap. 

She opened her eyes and found herself in St. Catherine’s corridors. She felt something in her hand and glanced at it. It was an hour-glass with gold and silver sand.  Students were happily passing by, and no one seemed to notice her. “Juliana?” She turned to her back as she heard the voice. It was Monique le Clair. “I’m happy to see you.” Juliana was shocked as Monique walked towards her. But, suddenly an unknown shadow appeared at Monique’s back, ready to stab her with a knife. 

Juliana suddenly woke up, panting hard, and worriedly assessed the surroundings. It’s just a dream. Many things were bothering Juliana. She was filled with questions and doubts that sometimes made her feel hopeless and wanting to give up. I never had dreams but lately, I’ve been dreaming a lot about myself in danger and also Monique. I can’t even figure out what were my dreams all about.  

The almost 10-hour flight had finally come to an end. Setting her foot on the Russian grounds made her feel close to her past. The day was cloudy and it was a bit cold. She rode a cab and prepared herself to visit her adopted parents, which she never visited in years. Her parents were noble but didn’t expose themselves as Juliana, the well-known fortune-teller, parents. They were both involved in the Russian government. Her father was an economist while her mother was a researcher. After hearing Mathilde’s story, Juliana sensed that her parents might know something more about her past and the remote village of Pentrich. The only information that her parents had fed her when she’s little is that she was accidentally adopted by them when they were having a short vacation in Pentrich.  Juliana turned to her side and gazed at the beautiful scenery of nature. It brought some of the childhood memories she had that annoyed her. The path was now becoming familiar, she could quite see the mansion, where she grew up. Eventually, the cab stopped in front of a black-painted iron gate. 

“Sir, someone’s at the gate.” 

Mr. Genovesi was in the middle of reading a book while one of the house butlers approached him. “Should I know that person?” 

Suddenly Mrs. Genovesi came in. “It’s our daughter.” 

Mr. Genovesi was shocked and immediately closed the book he’s reading. He ordered their butlers and maids to wait by the door to greet her daughter and welcome her for her return. Mrs. Genovesi hurriedly met her daughter walking towards the mansion’s door.

“Let me help you with your bags.” She happily said, hugging her tightly. The senior butler approached them to get Juliana’s things, he addressed Juliana as “lady” that made her cringe. 

“Why is the gate not locked? That’s dangerous.”

“If it’s our daughter about to enter the gate, the sensors will automatically unlock it.” 

“Right, thanks.” Juliana was a bit embarrassed by her mother’s statement.

The dining table was already set and filled with delightful cuisines. Maids and butlers stood at the side, candles were lit and classical music was played in the background. The Genovesi family sat down to celebrate their daughter’s return. Seeing their daughter eating beside them made Mrs. Helga Genovesi tear up. 

“What are you doing? That’s making me uncomfortable,”

“I’m sorry. I’m just very happy.” Helga was trying to hold back her tears while smiling. 

“Do you know how much I and your mother longed for this moment? After a long time, you’ve finally come home.” Mr. Renee Genovesi sighed.

“As much I want to stay here with you guys but I will be leaving tomorrow.” 

Helga and Renee were flustered. Juliana’s words made Helga felt betrayed. She walked away and from that, it worried Juliana. She’s kinda regretful of what she said and felt nervous. Renee looked at her, disappointed. “Is that what you want? Hurting your mother again?” Juliana sighed and turned to her father. “If I lied, saying that I’ll live with you guys again and will suddenly leave. It’ll break her heart more.” Renee took a deep breath and leaned forward to her. “What brings you here?” 

“I need your help. All the questions I have in my head need answers. My past really bothers me. I can’t stop thinking about her.” Juliana said and held her locket.

“Alright, we’ll talk tomorrow with your mother.” Renee wiped his mouth with the table napkin and stood up. “I just want you to know that this will be the last time you’ll break her heart.” He turned his back at Juliana and slowly walked away. This is exhilarating.

The next morning Juliana went out of her room already packed her things, a scent of black coffee caught her attention. He’s still the same. She went to the balcony to join her father, she was a bit intimidated to see her parents sitting, staring at her as she approached them. 

“It’s time for you to know the truth.” Helga took a deep breath and patted the chair next to her. Juliana slowly sat beside her and reached for the cup of coffee in front of her. 

“Juli, we didn’t tell you the truth in order to protect you but as time goes by it’s like that the truth is the one calling you.” Renne sighed as he took a sip of his coffee. 

“I know and I’m not blaming you guys for not telling me.” 

“Helga and I were blessed with decent jobs but having a baby is impossible. The year we found out about it, we were devastated and decided to take a vacation to seek acceptance. Pentrich was a perfect destination. It was far from the city and hasn’t fully adopted modern life.” Renee ran out of coffee and called the maid for a refill. 

“The day we both came there, we immediately noticed strange things. Children were wearing crucifix pendants, their belief in witches and evil forces, ghosts, and other existing worlds. It didn’t bother us at all. For us, it’s an experience. We dropped by the orphanage one morning to visit the children, we gave them food and donated some goods. As we were about to leave, a young woman was begging the reception to accept her baby.”  

“Why wouldn’t they accept the baby?”

“The woman has no details to tell about her nor where they’re from. And with our desperation, we approached her, told her that we’ll adopt the baby.” Renee sighed and looked at Helga. “It’s your turn.” 

“Her name is Amalia, she has an older sister, Francheska. She said her sister died five years ago, and before she died she told her about Pentrich being a safe place. We really didn’t know what she was talking about, but she said that she doesn’t have enough time. She then gave you to me and put a heart-shaped locket around your neck.” Juliana held her locket and sighed. “And she said she’s from a faraway region that no one here has ever stepped in. And by that time we thought that she’s a bit crazy.”

“Your mother and I were worried when she said that Pentrich is the only place that connects everything. It actually scared us. Before she left she told us that she’ll be the last one bothering the village.”  

“I think I heard what I need to hear. I should go.” Juliana placed the empty cup back on the table and stood up.

“Juli, please stay for breakfast.” 

“I’m sorry…… mother.” Juliana glanced at Helga and walked away. Renee and Helga felt sorrow as they watched their only daughter leave them again. 

Just please be careful, my daughter.

As Juliana closed the front gate she made a last look at the mansion, where she grew up. I hope I’ll be seeing you guys again. 

She walked through the wide road, thinking of all that she’d been through. The pain of longingness from the mother who’d given birth to her slowly struck her consciousness. 

I need answers. I won’t be able to live harmoniously without knowing what happened that day and the day Francheska died. I need to go to Pentrich.  

She’s here in Russia, Sir.

“Find out what she’s up to.” The US President ended the call and slowly approached the huge mirror. What are you trying to make us do Juliana? He sat with his fellow leaders and cleared his throat. “Juliana became less concerned about what we need of her. 

“What do we need to do then? The Puerto Rican president asked.

“I told you. That witch, can’t be trusted!”

“This is not the right time for conclusions. Juliana had helped us many times.”

“Calm down everyone. I have men followed her. If there’s some sort of skepticism. That’s the time we’ll take action.”