Alchemy Return

By Carmenica Diaz

Alchemy Return is the fourth book in the popular Alchemy Series.
Set in an alternate Earth where alchemy can be used for good and evil, this volume completes the tale of the gypsy queen which commenced in Alchemy Abroad.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781291779042

Book preview

Alchemy Return

ALCHEMY RETURN

Carmenica Diaz

EPUB Edition

Copyright © 2014 Lulu Press

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-291-77904-2

Prologue

Chavi -The Gypsy Queen

(Remembering Alchemy Abroad)

1.

Slowly, Chavi took the gypsy clothes Blasia had given her from the bag and dressed. As she put the earrings in and slipped the many bracelets over her wrists, she recalled when they had all given her a piece of their precious jewellery as a sign of affection.

It seemed so long ago but Chavi wanted to dress as she had when she travelled with the gypsies.   It was plain Chavi wanted to be herself again, the real Chavi Baranova!!

She glanced at the two envelopes sitting on the dressing table. One was addressed to Hannah and Mary while the other was addressed to Hal.

Chavi remembered the last paragraph of her letter to Hal.

Thank you, my love, for what you have given me. You don’t know yet but there will be a day when you do. I must go. We will meet again sometime in days of future passed. Until then, be strong, my love and know that a gypsy loves you with all her heart!

It would be, she hoped, enough to fulfil the vision.

In the other letter, she had warmly thanked both Mary and Hannah for their hospitality and their friendship.

Thank you, my friends, but I must go. You suggested using the Romani Arcana on myself and I have. I have seen it all and we will all meet again. I know we will meet as firm friends!

The servant looked at Chavi strangely when she gave her the envelopes.

‘Please give both envelopes to Doctor Birch or Miss Myrtle. They will know what to do.’

‘Surely, Madam, you should stay? Miss Myrtle and Doctor Birch are expecting to dine with Doctor Hyde…’

‘As they will but not with me. Thank you for your kindness.’

She looked Chavi up and down, taking in the details of her flared dress, the shining gold hoop earrings and the way she now wore my coal black hair.

‘Can…can I touch your hand?’

‘Of course but…why?’

‘Touch a gypsy’s hand for luck me old Grandma used to say,’ she said.

Chavi chuckled and offered her hand.

‘Then touch mine and I wish you all the luck in the world!’

2.

Boisterous laughter came from behind the doors to The Red Candle. Taking a deep breath, Chavi pushed open the doors and walked inside, half dragging her bag with her.

Silence fell over the bar and, looking around, she saw that many of the interested faces belonged to gypsies.

‘Come on in, Miss,’ the innkeeper called from behind the bar, ‘Come set by the fire. It’s a cold night and that is a fact.’

Silence had fallen over the bar and Chavi felt a little uneasy as many of the men stepped forward to stare at her.

In the corner, there was a small group of gypsy women sitting at tables and their conversation had ceased as they all looked over at Chavi.

Chavi dropped her bag at her feet and pulled back her scarf so her long black hair fell free. A small gasp ricocheted around the room, followed immediately by small murmurs.

‘I seek someone,’ she called in Romany and the silence was deafening.

‘Aye,…’ a woman called in the same language, ‘…and who might that be, darling?’

‘Boiko,’ Chavi called defiantly. ‘He said he would help me.’

‘It’s her,’ Chavi heard someone utter in a hoarse whisper, ‘It’s the queen! Boiko said he met her!’

‘We’ll send a runner,’ another called. ‘Sit down, Milady and rest while we find him.’

‘Milady?’ Chavi said with a frown. ‘No, I am not anyone important. I am just Chavi Baranova…’

Another gasp and one of the gypsy men said quickly, ‘Take a drink, Milady and rest while we find Boiko. He is not far!’

Chavi sat down on a bench in front of the fire and warmed her hands.

A gypsy woman moved close and sat down on the bench next to her.

Chavi gave her a tentative smile and she beamed at her, her smile bright in the dim light.

‘Welcome home,’ she said softly, ‘Welcome home, my queen.’

Chavi was stunned and yet, not surprised. The Romani Arcana had prepared her well, had shown Chavi the certainty of what lay ahead. Most people could not see the journey that lay before them but, suddenly, Chavi Baranova could.

Was it a privilege or a curse?

Still, it was a small mystery as to why this inn full of gypsies recognised her as their queen.

Then, she remembered her conversation with Cato.

Some would believe it is a prophecy. Others will say that our queen is here now.

‘How will you know?’ I asked.

‘That is a good question,’ Cato said with a nod. ‘How did you know who I was, Chavi?’

‘I…I just knew…’

‘Ah. So, you just knew?’

‘Yes. It’s strange, I know…’

‘Not for a gypsy. That is, a full blooded gypsy!

At that precise moment, Chavi became who she was meant to be.

Pashmiri had succeeded!

The gypsies stood and moved around Chavi in a form of semi-circle as if to protect her while other gypsies moved to the small number of non-Romany in the inn, urging them to leave the premises.

There was a steely determination on the faces of the gypsies and Chavi could see fear in the eyes of the non-gypsies.

‘No,’ she called as Chavi saw some Romany men ushering people to the doors, ‘Do not send them away! We can share the inn!’

‘Milady,’ one of the men called urgently, ‘We must protect you…’

Why do they want to protect me?

Cato’s words whispered in my mind!

One more thing about the queen, Chavi. She will invoke, so the legend says, passion and fierce loyalty in all gypsies. They will fall a little in love with her, I think, and will be willing to die to protect her.

‘No harm will come to me here,’ Chavi said with a warm smile, ‘I have seen it.’

Some of the Romany women gasped and the men glanced excitedly at each other. Several of the men clapped the shoulders of their companions.

The foreigners moved to the doors willingly, perhaps hopeful of escaping what they saw as a suddenly tense situation.

Was I thinking of non-Romany as foreigners now?

The inn door burst open, pushing a portly man who was trying to leave, to one side, and Boiko burst in, his eyes wide. A Romany boy, who had obviously run to find him, followed him.

‘It’s true!’ Boiko said quickly, looking around, ‘It is finally true! You’ve come!’

He stepped forward as the last of the foreigners spilled from the inn. Two of the gypsy men locked the doors and turned to face Chavi, leaning against the doors as if to prevent anyone entering.

Boiko stepped forward and Chavi found herself offering her hand.

He gently pressed his lips to the back of her hand and then looked at Chavi, his eyes wide and full of hope.

‘I have dreamed of this…’

‘I have dreamed of a cup of tea,’ Chavi said lightly and there was a sudden burst of laughter in the inn.

‘Innkeeper,’ a woman called, ‘Your best tea for our Queen.’

The innkeeper mumbled something and then took a sudden step backwards as the Romany scowled at him.

‘Leave him,’ Chavi said softly to the Romany. ‘We mean you no harm, Innkeeper,’ she said with a smile in English. ‘May I please have a cup of tea?’

He smiled at her, his teeth suddenly visible within his beard.

‘Yes, of course. I’ll make it myself!’

‘Thank you,’ Chavi said softly.

‘Now,’ she said in Romany with a small smile, ‘I need assistance to find my family.’

‘We are all family,’ the young woman who was sitting on the bench said earnestly. She was slight and elfin like, perhaps as young as nineteen or even younger.

‘But of course,’ Chavi replied, ‘I feel comfortable and warm with you all.’

There was a small ripple around the room of appreciative comments.

‘However, I wish to find the caravans of my sisters and brothers. Can you help me travel to Paris?’

‘Is that where they are, Milady?’

‘No, in Italia but I have a cousin in Paris. His name is Cato.’

A cousin?

Yes, he is my cousin! I have a real family at last!

‘We will be pleased to help, Milady,’ Boiko said. ‘We will find passage for you across the Channel!’

‘Meanwhile,…’ the young woman said with a smile, ‘…it would be an honour for you to share my lodgings until the ship is prepared.’

Something tugged at the edges of Chavi’s mind, fragments of the vision brought on by the Romani Arcana.

‘Are you Malina?’ Chavi asked softly and there was another gasp from the Romany.

Wide eyed, the woman gasped, ‘Yes, I am called Malina, Milady.’

‘I have seen you,’ Chavi said, remembering. ‘It was but a glimpse through the mists but I recall the name. Thank you, I accept your invitation.’

The innkeeper brought the tea and the gypsies watched me as Chavi sipped it.

The vision prompted by the Romani Arcana had given her a glimpse of how the Romany saw her, let her see her own aura that now shimmered around her.

They had no doubts and, now, neither did Chavi!.

I know, I have seen it!

She placed her hand on her belly and left it there, feeling it, sensing the life growing.

‘I have a request,’ she said softly.

‘Anything, Milady,’ they chorused.

‘Please,’ Chavi said, lifting my head, ‘Please call me Chavi!’

They were shocked for a minute and then they laughed.

‘And,…’ Chavi called, once the laughter died down, ‘…where is our music? We must have music!’

3.

They ate a simple meal and Chavi ate quietly. As she ate, she felt the other gypsies studying her.

How far I have travelled in my journey!

A great distance from India to here!

Even further from Holmes to Chavi to a gypsy queen!

She no longer fought the transformations, no longer questioned her fate. That glimpse of her future in the bedroom of Hannah Myrtle’s townhouse had told her much.

And she remembered everything!

As the Romany people danced and sang in front of the fire, Chavi nodded her head and tapped her foot in time while her mind scurried through many corridors and memories.

Every now and again, she suffered the sharp pangs of loss as Chavi recalled Hal standing with his head down as his spiteful, prejudiced sister lectured him.

You have the gall to bring that woman to my house! A gypsy! I only hope the neighbours did not see a gypsy enter my house through the front doors!

Chavi closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on more comforting memories.

Danior, Blasia, Cato, Melantha, Kirvi, Radu, Pentha and the children! Smiling, welcoming me, embracing me, bringing me back home!

‘Chavi?’

Chavi opened her eyes to see Malina standing over her, concern in her eyes.

‘Malina?’ Chavi said softly, suddenly aware the music and singing had stopped and all the people were watching her. ‘I am just tired,’ she explained with a smile.

‘Then, we must go to my lodgings,’ Malina said firmly. ‘You must rest.’

She called to a man and introduced him as her husband, Gillie.

He was a young man with dark curly hair slicked back over his shoulders. Gold ear-rings in both ears and Chavi saw a cloth cap stuck in the pocket of his rough jacket. Gillie smiled warmly at Chavi and took her bag.

‘We are not far,’ he said. ‘A few streets, Mil…Chavi..’

He turned and nodded to some men who slipped out of the inn door.

‘They will go ahead and make sure the way is safe for you, Chavi.’

‘This is silly,’ Chavi protested.

Boiko moved close and put his big hand on her shoulder.

‘Allow us to protect you, Chavi.  It gives us hope and meaning.’

‘We have waited six hundred years for you,’ an older woman said and the other watching gypsies nodded.

‘You are being silly,…’ Chavi said with a shrug, ‘…but I am tired.’

She was suddenly very tired indeed.

So much has happened!

Chavi stood up and looked around at the sea of gypsy faces.

‘Thank you,’ she said and they all silently nodded. ‘There will be a day,…’ Chavi heard herself saying, ‘…when we will all be together, a new beginning for us all.’

Their faces broke into broad smiles and they all nodded again but said nothing.

4.

Gillie and Malina shared one small room with a large bed, two battered armchairs, and a rough dining table with two chairs.

‘It is not much,’ Malina said apologetically as she ushered Chavi in.

‘It is very nice,’ Chavi said warmly. ‘I thought I would be sleeping on the streets tonight!’

‘Milady!’ Malina said, horrified. ‘Never will such a thing…’

‘Malina,’ Chavi gently chided, ‘Please call me Chavi.’

‘I’m sorry, Chavi, it’s just…’

‘I know,’ Chavi said softly, taking her hand for a moment. ‘Thank you both for your kindness. I can sleep in one of the chairs…’

‘No!’ Gillie said. ‘You and Malina take the bed. I will sleep on the floor with the cushions…’

‘I can’t…’

‘Please, Chavi, it would be an honour.’

Chavi looked into his dark earnest eyes and smiled.

‘Thank you. I will never forget your kindness!’

5.

‘We have sent word, Chavi,’ Boiko said. ‘Cato and his family will meet you.’

‘Thank you, Boiko. You have helped me greatly.’

‘Malina and Gillie will accompany you,’ Boiko suddenly announced, looking at the fishing ship moored to the wharf they were standing on.

Chavi turned her head and opened her mouth to protest but Boiko quickly spoke.

‘For your protection. Malina is my daughter and will stay close to you. Gillie will see no harm befalls you on the journey. My daughter has chosen a capable man.’

‘Your daughter? But I cannot take your daughter from you.’

Boiko smiled.

‘It is for a short time as we will all soon be together, no?’

Chavi saw the truth of that,  smiled and nodded.

‘Yes, I have seen it!’

Two English sailors walked by and sneered when they heard Chavi and Boiko speaking Romany.

‘Gypo’s,’ one said but Boiko and Chavi ignored them.

‘The captain of the ship is trustworthy,’ Boiko said softly as they saw the captain walking down the gangway. ‘He has some Romani blood.’

Chavi had used the Romani Arcana that morning but had seen nothing of the journey.

‘Yes, I feel he is trustworthy.’ Chavi turned and embraced Boiko. ‘Thank you, my friend.’

‘Thank you, my queen!’

‘Boiko…’

‘It is true, is it not?’ Boiko asked quietly.

‘I…I…’

‘Say no more. The captain comes.’

The Captain nodded to them and called one of his men to escort the party of three to a cabin.

Malina embraced Boiko and so did Chavi. Boiko hugged Gillie and they all smiled through coming tears.

‘Until we meet again,’ Chavi said.

Bokio nodded and turned to walk down the gangway.

‘Boiko,’ Chavi called softly and he turned. ‘It is true,’ she called.

The Grey Day

1.

The corridor was deserted.

White walls, white ceiling. Everything pale as a ghostly face .

Long and narrow corridor as befitting the modern architecture that plagued us all, pushed us into sterile boxes, modern cells.

Black shadows played on the metallic floor and danced against the forlorn walls as I walked towards the distant door.

The door was also white.

I hated coming here, hated being here.

The waiting room was empty. In all the times I had come here, I had never seen another patient.

Maybe they planned it that way.

Perhaps I was the only patient

The walls of the waiting room were bare except for one silver framed digital clock with numbers changing silently. The modern architectural style ensured the black waiting room chairs were leather, low and uncomfortable. The coffee table with the magazines stacked on its gleaming surface was a black cube.

The magazines had been carefully selected to provide cheerful escape – fishing, travel and gourmet food magazines for the males, gossip magazines for the female patients. Perhaps that, in itself, was some form of gender discrimination.

I didn’t even glance at the magazines.

None appealed to me.

Nothing appeals to me these days.

Silently, I sat down to wait.

2.

We sat in two chairs that were, of course, uncomfortable. No coffee table separated us so I could either l look at her face or her feet.

To the right was a tall and wide window with no curtains or blinds so I chose the third way.

I looked out the window.

Grey sky, grey buildings and silence.

Grey world.

‘How do you feel today, Clive?’

‘I’m right as rain, Doctor.’

‘There’s not much rain these days, Clive.’

‘It’s just an expression.’

‘Perhaps. Do you miss the rain?’

‘Do you read something into everything I say?’

‘Does that annoy you?’

‘No.’

‘Does anything annoy you?’

‘No.’

‘How long have you been free of medication, Clive?’

‘Two weeks.’

‘And there are no problems?’

‘None.’

‘How do you feel about being back on duty tomorrow after the accident and resulting mental stress?’

‘It’s time.’

‘Time?’

‘I’m ready’

‘Clive, you suffered extreme injuries from the explosion, you were in a coma, followed by the stress of being a victim of a terrorist…’

‘I wasn’t a victim. I am a solider; I was doing my job.

‘Is the distinction important to you?’

‘No.’

She studied the clipboard for a long moment. Her hair was wound tightly in a bun and the thick eyeglasses  so obscured her eyes  that I was not sure what colour they  were.

‘I see that you are going onto active duty tomorrow.’

‘Yes.’

‘Is that wise?’

‘I believe so. However, it isn’t up to me. I simply follow orders.’

‘I see. Do you know what duty you are being assigned to...’

‘No.’

‘Are you curious?’

‘No.’

‘For the record, my report recommended that you be invalided out of the Military.’

I nodded.

‘You don’t seem disturbed at that, Clive.’

‘I expected that. It seems the War Office disregarded your report.’

‘Apparently, which I do find a little strange. In my report, I said you were borderline suicidal.’ She watched me carefully. ‘Is that a fair summary, Clive?’

‘That is simply your opinion, Doctor.’

I looked out the window at the grey world. There was nothing that interested me out there. Not now and there never will be again.

‘You can still come back and see me after today. It’s good to discuss things.’

‘I’ve been discharged.’

‘That doesn’t matter. It’s usual for patients to want to talk, Clive.’

‘I’m not your usual patient.’

‘I’m afraid I can’t comment on that. Are you nervous about returning to active duty?’

‘No. Is the session over?’

‘If you want it to be, Clive, if there is nothing you want to talk about.’

‘There is nothing I ever want to talk about.’

I stood up and walked away.

3.

The driver said nothing.

Just one salute – smart and crisp – then opened the door for me.

Nothing more was volunteered.

Of course, I tried.

‘Tell me, Corporal, where exactly are we going?’

‘Unfortunately, Sir, I have been ordered not to divulge the location.’

‘I see. And who gave the orders?’

‘Unfortunately, Sir, I am unable to...’

‘Yes, yes,’ I said crossly, ‘I get the picture.’

I slid into the back and buckled the seatbelt as the driver closed the door.

Once he was in the front seat, behind the wheel, he turned slightly and said, ‘There is a copy of the Times there, Sir, if you...’

‘Yes, thank you, Corporal.

I unfolded the newspaper and stared unseeingly at the print.

What was the point in reading bad news?

However, I pretended to read as the car made its way out of London. We were, I immediately saw, heading north and I tried to guess which military base was our destination.

After an hour, the vehicle turned off the main road and drove west through rural countryside.

There were no military bases in the area so I was a little confused.

Knowing there was no point in asking the driver, I settled back and closed my eyes.

4.

‘Sir? Excuse me, Sir. We’ve arrived.’

I opened my eyes and looked around.

‘Arrived? We’re in the middle of nowhere!’

The vehicle was parked near a hedgerow and, as far as I could see, there was nothing but fields and haystacks.

‘I was given map co-ordinates, sir and we are exactly where I was ordered to leave you.’

‘Leave me?’

‘Yes, sir. My