Dark Wolves by J.A. Deriu

Author:J.A. Deriu [Deriu, J.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Nightwatch Publishing
Published: 2021-05-22T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Nico could see his own reflection in the window against the thick trees that they passed relentlessly. They were only blurred by the puff of black smoke that came from the steam engine of the locomotive. His cabin companion was the Mongol who was called Khan Krum. He was not sure why he had come, but his presence meant that Nico could not disappear. The Mongol had an awareness of Nico’s every breath. He could jump from the train, and the Mongol would have him by the leg before he was in the air. Krum was dressed as a gentleman and holding a book. His cravat looked out of place around his thick neck.

Nico moved closer to the window in a futile attempt to answer where he was being taken. He was aware that he was moving across vast distances and into dangerous territory. He was traveling through the empire of the Ottomans. If it was known who he was, it was certain his demise would be quick as Regina had explained: “A firing squad could not be found speedily enough or a head chopper summoned from his bed fast enough so that fame could be had for those who were there and those that cheered on.”

The train stopped at different intervals. Always a man came into the compartment to inspect, an old, worn-out-looking man wearing an elaborate uniform. Regina and Anton would come behind the man from the compartment across the passageway. They would talk to him in a hushed manner, and he would reply in the same manner. They would take his hand and fill it with coins and currency. He would glance at it for a moment and then shove it into his jacket pocket without looking. The train inspector would leave without further inspection. Food would be brought to the compartment on trays, food with a taste that Nico did not recognize. He ate hungrily. The Mongol ate with dissatisfaction. Nico knew that the Mongol would prefer a half-cooked rack of lamb and a mug of beer. He looked at the Mongol with shared sympathy as he chewed on the beans.

They traveled for days. They train line was longer than he could have imagined. It was the land of his ancestors. Although he did not care, he did fleetingly contemplate how vast it was and how his forebears had once managed to rule all of it. He was soon unconcerned for the landscapes and nursery-rhyme towns they passed and instead wallowed in thoughts of Isabella. He curled his legs onto the seat and pulled his jacket over himself for warmth. He closed his eyes, only to be disturbed by the impatient pacing of the Mongol Khan in the confined space and the argumentative voices of the count and countess that could be overheard in the next cabin. His eyes remained closed. His mind had become toughened, and he could ignore the distractions and pass the time with pleasant thoughts of Isabella.

The train had been stopped. The countess came to the room and spoke to the Mongol in his own language.

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