My Heaven
-10 bottles of wine-
By Michael James
Part 1
100 square miles
In Brass Vintage,
one of Haunts best cities...
“I already told you we are not lowering the price. Just because you cant resale our goods to meet your debts.” He begged her to reconsider, she may lose a business franchise if they went under. “The price for our wine will not go down.” He demanded to speak with Haunt herself! “Throw him out and don't let him back in” the she elf lord instructed.
When he was gone lady Kayline rested her back in her chair. Thinking what a pain. Her security man walked in, telling her that was all her appointments for the day.
“Thank the mistress of the wine. Will you please prepare my information for tomorrow. I think I will review it in my bath.” He bowed to her and said it would be done. As he left, she said to herself “I would love to make a commission. On good wine once in a while. Maybe then I could think about another child.”
Kayline went to her privet hot spring in her manor walls. Her 2 daughters joined her in the hot water. They read books while their mother read her tablet on business. Pririe her daughter of 35 asked her mom if she was thinking about a mate again. Phenell daughter of 13 said she desperately wanted a little brother.
“I don't want to rush into another birthing without proper resources. I've told you two just how expensive the tax on our manor is alone.” Phenell randomly wanted to know when she will have male consorts? “You have boys falling over each other for you and...” Kayline froze in terror. And rose out of the water in a jerk.
“What is it mother?” 10 bottles of pristine wine were gone. “You cant be serious” shouted Prinie! Phenell asked her mother to show some decency. Kayline did not acknowledge those words. Kayline wrapped herself in a towel and ran to her office. She summoned her staff, and addressed the matter.
Into the late night...
“I don't see how we can not alert the wine guard on this matter. It is all our butts if we let this happen” said her council man. The treasurer hit him in the head with a book.
“We will be all out on the street if not slaves if we acknowledge it!” The inventory accountant asked how much were these bottles worth? “For the 10 of them, 100 square miles of prime land. “Officer... give the woman your coat now, she is soaked to the bone!”
“We need to keep this to ourselves. Under lady Haunts law, we have one week to report this. It doesn't matter if we get them back or not after that time.” The treasurer said he was with her and trusted her to not let them down.
Off in a bad,
part of town...
“Sir, I have them...” The girl thief was stabbed in the back and her goods were taken. They burned her body to ashes to cover their tracks. She worked as a stack girl in the right area. Her 4 year old daughter was taken to make her do this. The men just let her go on the streets. Having nothing more to do with her. An eelkshie crossed her path that night. She picked her up and brought her somewhere warm.
The next day...
“There, who is that!?” The image crystals were not in the pristine room. Only outside the door. 3 people had entered the room in the last day. They looked at the girl who made off with the wine clear as air. This lead was the best they had.
In Kayline's office...
“Boss, one of Haunt's assassin eelkshie wants to see you.” Kayline looked terrified, it was as though all the color left her skin. She told her man that she was to busy to receive anyone.
Sentenced waited in vain for Kayline to receive her. Finally she just gave up and walked to her own branch residence.
Part 2
Blackmailed
The next day,
in an interrogation...
“Yes ma'am I lent her my key. She told me she had to do inventory.” Kayline looked him in the eye saying she knew when he was lying. If he didn't want to be branded a traitor to the business... “We had sex ma'am. She offered to mate with me in exchange for the key.” What did she say she wanted the key for? “I do not know.”
“You are demoted from your position for your lack of judgment.” How far back was he demoted? “You are an assistant manager.” He begged her to reconsider, the payment for that position was significantly less. “You visit the brothels and blow your pay. Just lay off the ladies and you will do fine.” She couldn't do this! “Get out.”
He stormed out of her office thinking what a bitc... but something occurred to him. He smiled wickedly and left the estate. He went to a couple shady guys who he was friends with. He bought them some drinks and sat down.
“Been a long time, since you had that happy of a smile. What kind of deal do we have this time?” He wanted them to check on something. It seems his boss wasn't being honest with their master. “How much do you think we will get out of this deal?” Loads of coin. When he got her position as head of Brass Vintage's products. “We'll check on it.”
that night,
in the underground...
“How much?” The merchant looked over the wine and offered 230,000 for them. “You must be jest!” He knew about their situation and also knew everywhere else would offer the same. “No we want 500,000... this is pristine wine!” The merchant told him he should keep his voice down. “Why?” Because others were looking at them. “Come on guys lets get out of here. I swear these shop owners don't have sense. They got up and left the market, intending to go somewhere else.
“Hi there fellas.” They turned and saw the elf warriors. “Your friend the shop keeper was right. You shouldn't have been so loud. We are going to need you to give us the goods. Better yet the goods and all your coin you have on you. If you don't comply we'll just kill you all.” They demanded to know who this group belong to! “Kill them.” And with that the merchandise changed hands and was carried off.
The following day...
“What do you want?” The demoted business man informed Kayline that she had a very pretty daughter named Phenell. “What are you talking about?” Its just it would be a shame if lady Haunt found out she lost her wine. “Security!” He had taken measures if he did not report back to his guys. They would inform her regardless. He wanted her position and her girl to be his concubine. “Are you insane?”
He smiled asking “what will you do now you stupid woman?” She sat up and with a gun in her hand. “If you kill me you will be discovered. I promise you that.” She walked up to him right as her security grabbed him. She did not look pleased at all.
“Hold his hand out.” He wanted to know what she planned to do? “I swear on our masters life. You taking my position was worth a quick death. But talking about my youngest girl like that. I'm going to torture you now. She put the gun against the palm.
“Where are these guys that are waiting for you?” He told her to go to hell. She fired a shot and moved the barrel a inch to the left. “Where are they..?”
Outside the estate...
“Okay he should be out here anytime.” They laughed thinking of the beautiful wealth they would bathe in. All of a sudden a beautiful elf woman walked up behind them. “Can we help you?” She wanted to know if they were looking for a date. “Do I know you? I swear I've seen you somewhere before.” She was 8 silvers each, they could go right behind this building. “Lets wait a few minutes.”
“Oh but I'm free now. If you both aren't interested I am going somewhere else.” The looked at each other and agreed, their guy could stand waiting a few minutes.
Back in her office...
“Please show me some mercy.” Kayline told him there was no room for mercy and she ended his life a few minutes later. Another moment passed by, and her man said there was no sign of them.
“YOU HAVE GOT TO BE SHI... ME!”
“”Boss a member of the wine guard told me they had yet to receive you.” Kayline fell to her knees and instructed him to tell this guy. She was far to busy. “Well actually...” They were to get rid of him she cried..! Kayline was close to losing all hope.
Part 3
Take care of each other
3 days passed...
“You think someone stole from the guys that stole from our thief” Kayline asked? Her guys reported they found bodies in the trash. From what they were told about them. They were sure it was them. “Any idea who these other thieves are?” Perhaps if they had a few days, they might find something. “Thank you gentlemen, you may leave.”
When she was alone in her office she started to cry. All hope had now drained out of her soul. She pulled herself together and started making arrangements. A couple hours later she met with her council. Telling them to dessert the sinking ship.
“What about you?” She was screwed no matter how this turned out. They at least could survive. “I will stand with you” her treasurer pledged. The others were thinking, could they leave right now? Kayline told them to take care.
“I need help with one little thing my loyal friend.” That night Kayline put her two daughters on a ship. Which was scheduled to leave right out of Haunt's territory. They did not want to leave their mother. But all 3 women knew the girls would be sold. “Take care of each other okay.” Pririe cried as they left on the ship.
On the day of,
the deadline...
“Boss...” She was looking at herself in the mirror with makeup. “The wine guard is here.” Send him in. Kayline had reimbursement funds ready. But she knew that wouldn't be enough. She was either going to be sold or executed.
“I trust you know why I am here” asked Sentenced. She bowed to her and said she had what was owed. She would walk freely to her doom. “Lets go.” She was taken aboard a small ship and flown to Towers. The home of the Plant Queen Garden. She was locked in a standard room that was like a hotel room.
Before Haunt herself,
some time later...
“I trust you know why you are here?” Kayline bowed to her master begging for a quick death. “No you will not be executed, you need to take care of your girls.” Her eyes widened and couldn't think of what to say. “Release her from her bonds.” The soldiers took her cuffs off. “Sentenced, you have the bottles ready to be put back in her store house?” She confirmed they were retrieved.
“Please tell, for I'm very curious. Were you going to tell me about this. Had you gotten them back yourself and be honest.” No she was not, but she didn't understand what happened? “Sentenced got them back for you and has been haunting your threshold, for days. Waiting for you to let her give you good news.”
“This cant be happening.”
“Yes loyal servant, the stress you are under has been entirely self made. You daughters were picked up 10 minutes after the ship took off. They are enjoying my home comforts. Not being in pain and torture.” What was to be done with her now? “You will receive a privet standard beating. After that you will return to your post. With someone watching you for a few years.” She tried not to cry.
“Enough, strip off your top, and lets get this over with...”
3 days later,
in her bath area...
“Damn, your back looks awful mother. Does it hurt a lot?” Kayline was still in shock she got out of this as well as she did. Haunt had been pleased for decades with her performance. Which was why she returned to her occupation.
Her watcher was a woman named Vanell was posted as a probation officer. She would also receive steady visits from a wine guard. Who she was not to ignore.
My Heaven
-Impossible Battle-
By Michael James
Part 1
Sore Loser
On Haunt's,
favorite planet...
“I play 7's the high hand.”
“I play 7's as well, only I have the high suit.” The winery owner shouted that she cheated. There was no way she could have this hand! He demanded that she take off her jacket to be checked. “Fine, but first I want to see what cards you have up your sleeves.” He told his associates in a harsh manner to check her! She was not carrying any extra cards or cheated in any way. “Now lets see you take off your jacket, sir.”
“I don't need to take off my jacket, you are the one who cheated.” He reached to the table and took the deed for his winery back. She shouted he lost that to her! “No I didn't because you cheated and if you press the issue any further. I'll have my men drag you in the back alley. Boys collect my winnings and we'll be off.” As he left the through the door. She saw cards drop from his sleeves.
“Oh, this isn't over...”
That night,
at his winery...
“Where are you going?” His lady of the night told him he was 20 minutes over the time he paid for. If he wanted her longer he needed to pay more. “I promise I'll pay you more, just come on back.” There was a knock at the door. “I'm busy!” She put her top on and went for the door. “I told you that I would pay you more. Now get back here!” He growled behind his teeth. She was scared of him not to mention the gun near his hand. The knock came again. “WHAT!?”
“Boss I know you are busy, but a wine guard is here and wants to talk to you.” He laughed thinking it was a joke. “Boss I'm being serious, its lady Judge and she looks pis...”
His lady told him she would be going. And he told her to not make him chain her to the bed. She was to lay in bed until he returns. He instructed with his hand on his gun.
Downstairs,
in his wine cellar...
“By the most sacred of all wine. I was sure this was a prank milady. I swear I would have come down sooner if I believed it was true. Please tell me, does her eminence finally want me to greet her in person?” Judge turned to him asking if he knew where his Bosnia Carol wine bottle was? “Oh I wouldn't have something that rare down here. And I am sorry I don't want to sell that one.”
“Velvic, I came to arrest you, not honor you.” He stopped motionless and then asked what kind of joke this was? “You are 4 years behind on your payments. The guy that's been lying for you was arrested 23 minutes ago.” He had his pistol on the back of his belt. But even if he got a good shot in. The round couldn't kill her. He took off running and locked her down there. Judge thought to herself, is he kidding.
“We are leaving now, get me to the ship ports!” His associate told him he wasn't crossing with Haunt's eelkshie. “Then you leave me no choice.” He took his gun and put 2 in the guys head. As he turned away from the murder he saw one of Judge's beasts. A wolf with arrows in its back. He shot at the wolf and all he did was rile it up.
The next day,
in an courtroom...
“We have decided to sentence you to 100 years in prison.” He screamed at the judge saying this was outrageous! Who would fill his work load? Because their leader depended on him to fill the shipments! “Yes about that, witnesses say you cheated on a wager the other day. Filias Road will be absorbing your business and lands.”
Looking at Velvic, you could swear a vein popped in his brain just then. The judge ordered him taken away and on to the next case. Velvic fought with all his might and was eventually carried to a cell. He screamed revenge all night long.
Even for an elf, 100 years was a long time...
Part 2
The visit
At Road's new winery...
“You do understand that you have orders that are already late. And that you are the one held liable for them?” Filias told him she was going to temporarily hire new hands to get caught up. “Please sign this then, telling me you understand completely.” She signed the document and immediately called a labor union for hired hands. A week went buy, before she finally got caught up with orders. Her next course of action was to hire a permanent staff.
In the city's largest prison...
“I got you beat wine man.” Velvic told him to lay his cards down. “5's over 6's.” Velvic smiled saying 6's over 7's. “No, I cant have lost again!” Velvic told him to hand over his radio. “I will win this back, mark my words. Velvic had a gang working for him by now. He was paying them with stuff he won by cheating.
“Boss, the guards calling for you?” What did he want? “Something about your lawyer.” He stood up and tossed the radio to his muscle bound friend.
In a hearing office...
“I advise you not to pursue reopening your case. Judge the wine guard woman will testify that you are a con artist. She wants you locked up for 350 years.” Velvic smiled as he demanded he wanted to meet miss Road. To thank her for taking his business rights.
2 days later,
at Road Winery...
“You're Velvic's attorney, what can I do for you?” Filias asked in a worried voice. He told her his client wanted to speak with her. “Why?” He didn't specify, but the attorney told her this needed to happen. “Alright, just let me do a couple things and I will go with you. Please wait in my bar room and enjoy a drink.
After a lot,
of rushed work...
“Excuse me mister, I can go with you now.” He asked her who made the wine he was drinking. “That's a fresh bottle, made last week, do you like it?” He confessed it was much better wine than Velvic's. “Not to point fingers, but he set the bar real low. From what I have been led to believe. He used cheap ingredients and to little with each batch.”
At the prison,
with glass between them...
“You're that stupid cheating bit...” Filias told him she didn't cheat. “Like hell you didn't. There was no way you could have that hand. I made sure of it.” Filias shook her head and asked what he wanted. “You cheated me and then stole my winery. I will enjoy hurting you when I get out of here.” Filias stood up and walked out. He screamed bloody murder at her to come back. The guards had to manhandle him out of the visiting area. As he carried on shouting curses.
In the cell lobby,
that night...
“Yeah boss, I get out in a month.”
“Good, I want you to pay that thief a visit...”
A month and a day later...
Filias was in the dining room with an adopted daughter. Filias felt she could help children now. Since things were going good for her. The girl was real young, 7 years old. She even had a pet bob cat who liked to be fed from the table.
“Mother, I will call you as promised when I get to the hotel with my class.” Filias asked Rebi if she had everything she needed. “Yes mother, will you make sure Musa doesn't get too lonely?” Filias saw him at Rebi's feet eating part of Rebi's breakfast.
“Yes I will make sure he isn't lonely without you.” Filias put Rebi in a great school that trained eccentric students. Filias was sad to see her daughter go, but looked forward to having a quiet weekend. Musa followed her into her office and Filias worked till dusk.
As she closed up her station and said goodbye to her staff for the night. She went to her bar and enjoyed a nice aged wine. Then she heard a window break upstairs. Musa who was on the counter, looked at the stairs and hissed with his ears up.
Filias gripped her necklace communicator and called for help.
Part 3
Wrong answer
As the guy from prison,
made his way to the bar...
Musa was snarling at him, standing next to a half filled glass. The guy cocked his gun saying he knew she was here. It was time for her to come out. He knew she was in the room. He could swear she was hiding behind the bar counter. Other than behind a chair there was no place left for her to hide. Musa was swiping at him as he looked behind the counter. Filias was hiding in that spot after all.
“What do you want?”
“I came to deliver a message from the true owner of this winery.” What message? “Lets see where the night takes us and we'll see.” As he moved to grab her leg, Musa ran up and clawed the side of his face. The gun went from her to the animal and she got up. Then slammed a bottle on his head. He fell to the floor unconscious.
Hours later,
in the wine cellar...
“I don't know if I will ever forgive myself. I just grabbed the first bottle available. I didn't mean to grab a 50 year old whiskey.” The guy heard this conversation as he was waking up. He was tied to a barrel and his head hurt like hell. “Oh, he seems to be waking up. The intruder opened his eyes and saw 8 brutish elf guys standing near Filias. “Lets start with a name.” He spit in her face. “Okay, turn the barrel Hund.” The intruder got a quick sense of his situation. His legs were tied to a barrel. His arms were tied to hooks in the ceiling.
“Son of a...”
“Hund, start to turn it back. Now tell me who are you?” He told her he worked for the true owner here. “I know who sent you. What I want to know is who you are.” He put his tongue behind his teeth. “Hund, I want him to scream more.” Hund started to slowly turn the barrel and some skin tore when he screamed alright!
“My name is Rickmand! Now tell him to turn it back.” Hund slowly turned it back as Rickmand's armpits started leaking blood. Filias asked him what he was paid to come after her. “I was promised as much of your coin, as I could carry, after I killed you.” She asked for Velvic's exact location in the prison. “Why?” He asked in confusion. Filias rotated her finger to Hund. “He's in the violent offender unit!” He quickly screamed in desperation. What was his cell number? “12605.”
“Garis, please dispose of him, and make sure it wont lead back to me.” Filias picked Musa up and carried him up the stairs. With 2 of the guys following her.
At the meeting area,
in the prison...
“Did you come here to give me back what is mine?” Filias smiled and told him to expect a new cell mate. She stood up and walked away. “Hey, wait... what does that mean another cell mate? Get back here you stupid tramp!”
Yesterday...
“You didn't actually need to break his nose Hund.” The guy who got hit said he would be fine. Hund asked her if he needed to look roughed up? “You're sure about this Hund?” He was happy to go to prison for an assault. From what she paid him it was a happy few years he looked forward too. “Very well, Garis make the call. Hund give me a black eye.” He looked at her paused in the moment. “Dammit will you just punch my face. He regretted it, but he still clocked her good.
“My daughter arrives tomorrow. Make sure the Rickmand's body is in space before she comes home. Several minutes passed by before Hund was arrested and carted off to prison.
In the prison,
after a week...
“Alright, this way inmate.” Hund had his mattress and bedding in his hands. He was escorted from the less severe section to the violent unit. Right where Velvic was. Hund had a shank in his sleeve and he knew his marks face.
He went to his cell in the unit and saw Velvic in the lobby. He was cheating a guy out of his smokes for the 2nd time today. Velvic saw Hund looking at him and told his crew to invite him over. The 2 biggest guys asked Hund what his problem was?”
“He is obviously cheating the poor bastard out of his shi...” They told him to come quietly. “Or what?” One guy punched him in the gut and said now. Hund went over to him and Velvic told him to have a seat. Hund sat down at the table blade ready.
Part 4
Next play
“I don't really like the sight of you who ever you are. If you are going to be in my unit, I need to like the sight of you. I suggest I deal you in. if you prove you are decent at cards. I'll let you stay in my unit.” Hund told him he didn't have anything to bet. “Well you got a mattress and bedding. I'll bet some supplies to match those.
“Yeah, I got a better idea.” Hund said as he made his move to kill him. Velvic grabbed the guy next to him and blocked the path of the blade. His henchman died and the other grabbed at Hund afterwords. He knocked all but one of them down and Velvic grabbed the shank on the ground. Velvic told his guy to hold him down.
“ON THE FLOOR!” The guards shouted busting in with weapons. Hund was put in deep lock for 3 weeks and was returned to the unit after. It wouldn't take a genius to tell how this would go.
In the shower room,
with paid blind eyes...
“Now I will credit myself to be a merciful elf. If you tell me what I need to know. I promise I'll make it quick. Why did you try to kill me?” Because he wanted to be top dog! “Dunk him.” Velvic's guy forced his head into a toilet with prison water and urine inside. After a minute, Velvic told them to let him breath.
“Fu... you!”
“She sent you didn't she. I was threatened by a stealing skank to expect an assassin. I know you are this assassin. But I'm feeling generous today. Admit you are her assassin and I will end you quick. If you don't be honest with me. My friend here has been having chronic diarrhea problems.” Hund broke a false tooth in his mouth. The poison released killed him in a painless way.
“Just leave his body where it lies.” Velvic went to a phone like device and punched in a number. “Carlo, hello I'm sure you remember me.” Carlo hung up on Velvic knowing exactly who he was. Velvic rang him again with a cool head.
“You cheated me out of my pay with cards, go to hell!” Velvic shouted an account number and told him to help himself. When he was ready for another account number he should call him back. “I heard you are in prison, how am I supposed to ring you?” Fare point, he would call him in 3 days to see if he wanted to do business.
3 days later...
“Hello? Ah, Velvic, are you aware the guard at the bank hates you as much as I do?” He asked Carlo if he would do some work for him. “What is it you want me to do?
A week ago...
“Filias, I don't think you understand I want blood. They killed my best friend. Send me in there and I'll kill them all for free!” Filias told him she would arm him with a method. But she needed him to help protect her daughter. “Why are you so sure she is in danger?” Because it was obvious to everyone but him. “Promise me you will help me kill him.” She was dead certain she'd give him the means.
Present time,
leaving her school...
“Garis... did mother send you to get me?” Carlo was on a rooftop watching them. He was plotting to take the girl today. But Garis seemed like to much of a handful. He waved his crew to back off. “Garis, you even brought a vehicle. Is something the matter?”
“Rebi, your mother is worried about you.” She asked if this was about the boys who stole her books today. “What books?” Her diary and school schedules. On top of that her bracelet mother gave her a couple weeks ago. “No I'm not here because of those guys, but thank you for telling me that.” He told the driver to be cautious.
At Road's vineyard,
upon arrival...
“Mother is everything alright... oh hell's fury.”
“Hello little one, I have been awaiting your arrival.” Rebi asked her mother why her eminence lady Haunt was here? “It shouldn't be a surprise, your mother is running a marvelous vineyard. Please sit with us” Haunt asked politely?
“Sure.” Rebi said shaking like a leaf. Rebi sat on the couch next to her mother. Taking special care not to look Haunt in the eye. Haunt smiled and told her that she brought a present for the young elf. “You honor me your eminence.” She spoke like a nervous wreck.
“Little one, you can come in now.” Rebi saw a bob cat cub walk into the room. She walked right up to her and got in her lap. “I am happy with the way you have raised Musa. I thought a kitten would do your soul good.” Rebi scratched her ears.
“Thank you, your eminence...”
Part 5
I don't care
That night,
after dinner...
“Mother, will her ladyship be making more visits?” Filias smiled as she tucked her girl in. Saying that she was in the top 10 on the Continent for best wine. “I would like to go buy her a gift then. Vivy is such a blessing. Now I know Musa wont ever get lonely.”
“I don't mind you going out into the world, but stay with your guards. I have a feeling that idiot in prison will try something.” Rebi said she would stay right to his hip.
The next day,
at a shopping mall...
“I appreciate you doing your job Fleck. But I have no enemies in the girls room.” Fleck told her he would wait for her outside. Rebi went in the ladies room did her thing and came out. Fleck was nowhere in sight. She felt a little worried but assumed he had to go too. She waited for 15 minutes and he never came out.
“Little miss, I have a gun in my pocket.” A stranger said from behind. Rebi was in a public place she could easily call for help. But fear over took her and asked what he wanted? “You are going to come with me and not try to escape.”
He took her behind the building and she was locked in a trunk. That was in a van vehicle. As the van went she felt the turns and speed increase. Hope drained from her soul like water from rung out cloth. Until they breaks were hit or it felt like that's what happened.
“Hey there, is something wrong sir?” Rebi heard a mans voice tell them to quietly get out of the car. “Wait a minute, why are there two of you?” They would get out now!
“HELP... I'm locked in this trunk and they have guns!” Rebi screamed in desperation. Next thing she knew she heard gun fire and lots of it. A minute of silence past and then she heard the lock get ripped off the trunk. She saw 2 wine guards and they told her she was safe. An hour later she was returned home to her mothers arms.
A week later,
in a court room...
“We are addressing the revisit of the charges against Velvic. Presiding as judge over the case is our master lady Haunt. All rise... all rise.” Filias was there and so was Judge. “If we may hear from the defendant, who has new evidence. Proving that he was set up to fail from lady Road.” Velvic had everything riding on this hearing. Hoping Haunt would side with him after he put Road to shame.
He spent 38 minutes going over records that she bribed the right elves. To build up a case against him so she could take his business. Also he had eye witness testimony she sent an assassin to kill him. Road seemed very worried when he was done.
“Velvic, you have presented your case thoroughly and well. Now I must ask, did you embezzle funds from my wine sells? Haven't you been accused of bribing silence from inspections? More to the point hasn't your wine been deemed the lowest rot gut trash?”
“But, she cheated me out of my vineyard...”
“I don't care, I was planning on having you executed for deceptive acts. I literately had your name on a list of targets.” Velvic broke down after hearing that. He screamed this wasn't fare, he was set up and he was innocent. “Velvic, I sentence you to death for treason. I await your obituary in my morning news, 2 days from now.”
After the room emptied,
all except the two women...
“How did you do it?” Filias had cold feet but didn't hesitate. After the game of 7's they played. She looked up a lord who lost his prized wine from his collection. She had leads that stacked against Velvic. All she needed was a little help. In the end he got his wine back and she got a vineyard on the verge of chapter 11.
“You deserve more than just one business. I will be looking forward to your employment...”
My Heaven
-Latest Great Wine-
By Michael James
Part 1
A whole new life
On a planet,
in neutral territory...
“Girl! Soot, get up and go to work. You know if we cant afford medicine, your mother will die!” She was a girl who has had it rough her whole life. Her father was missing a leg, her mother had been sick for years. And her 3 brothers died in a war months ago. She worked at a restaurant with a terrible boss and even worse customers.
When she arrived at work just barely on time. Her boss hit her with a spatula just to be cruel. Soot just smiled and started serving the customers. When she came to her first table a man tripped her. The next threw his drink in her face. The 3rd gave her a pouch of gold coffins as a tip. She looked up at the customers.
“My boss, would like to speak with you. When does your shift end?” She felt the bag and guessed 50 gold coins. She was willing to do that kind of work for this month. “Who gave you that black eye?” A man who lives near her home. What could she do for him? “I hear you make wine, I'd like to taste it.”
When evening fell,
she waited outside...
The man from earlier, soon approached her. He had blood on his hand and had a ring that was stolen from her long ago. He handed it to her, telling her this way.
“Will he be gentle with me?” What? “This man I'm going to service tonight. Will he be gentle with me?” He assured her nothing lewd would be going on. Also she was meeting a woman not a man. “Okay...” she said with hesitation. They went to a very expensive wine club. Soot was escorted to the VIP room, that's when she saw Haunt.
Haunt looked at her and asked. “Are you responsible for this wine?” Soot was to terrified to talk. “You needn't be afraid, I'm not here to hurt you. Now did you make this excellent wine?”
“Yes milady.” She responded softly. Then her stomach started to growl and her face went red. Haunt told her man to get her a menu. “I like to make wine for fun, some times. It sells well, at where I work, but I didn't think it was excellent.”
“Please sit, little one.” Soot sat at the table terrified about saying the wrong thing. Haunt's man brought her a menu and she ordered something cheep and she ate her dinner really fast. Haunt observed her behavior then offered her a job. She went blank. “I am always looking to expand my selection. I would wager a kings ransom, I could make you happier than your current life.” She had family that she could not abandon. “It should go without saying, they would be taken care of...”
2 days later,
in Haunt's territory...
Soot opened her eyes and sat up in a massive bed. Her bedroom was bigger than he old home, literately. She was wearing pajamas, and had a servant waiting to assist her.
“Good morning Mella, how is my mother doing?” Her report was her mother was walking now. “My father?” He was out on his deck last time I heard. Would you like me to draw you a bath, or would you like a meal? “A bath please, where are the books her Eminence left me?” She would bring them to her. “Thank you.”
Out on her fathers deck,
after her meal and bath...
“Father, may I join you?” He turned and looked at her saying of course. She walked onto the deck. Looking over a grand city. He looked at her and blessed her once again for this new life. Her mother was now mobile and he didn't have to worry about starving ever again. Soot smiled and started reading a book about making excellent wine. While she enjoyed a glass berry juice.
In the city...
“You are sure?”
“Beyond any doubt, Haunt's new cash crop is in Blue Grape Manor...”
Part 2
Forced Negotiation
At a winery,
a month later...
“Lets see what you have made, Soot.” Her boss took a sip of her wine. Soot had been working on the flavor for a while. She was scared she would lose everything, if this didn't make the cut. He spit the wine into a bucket and smiled. “This first taste was incredible, I will taste the other 3 glasses.” She was relieved beyond measure. When he gave all her wines different 9 out 10 ratings.
“Which one did you like the best, sir?” The second glass was her best, the first was a little to dry. And the last two had to strong a flavor making them too bitter. Except, all 4 were better than all of her competition. “Thank her ladyship. What happens now?”
“As I'm sure it was explained, you get a commission for each wine you made. I will inform her eminence to keep you on as staff. Your commission will no doubt last you years. But we hope to get more variety from you, so you can get more commissions.” How much was she expecting? “400,000 coffins.” Soot passed out when she heard that news. She woke back up in her room with a bump on her head.
The following day,
out in the city...
“How much?” 22 grave soils. “Okay, thank you.” Soot was out enjoying shopping for the first time in her life. She had a porter carrying her things and she just bought a nice top. “Are you okay carrying everything still?” He was more than fine. “I'll buy you lunch.” They went into a restaurant and minutes later a stranger sat her table. “Can I help you?” He pulled out a vial of mercury.
“This will find its way into your mom's glass if you don't do as you are told.” The porter stood up drawing a gun on him. “Tell your servant that this is a privet conversation.”
“Please don't hurt my mama” she cried.
“Well I suggest you get rid of the muscle grunt.” Soot asked her guy to put down the weapon. He was not to say anything to anyone. As he lowered his gun and was shot by the stranger. “You are making wine for me now and your payments will be days spent with your parents. All you have to do is make good wine.”
He walked out of the restaurant laughing. He had to leave because he just killed someone and everyone was looking at him. Soot stood up and ran out of the place. Leaving all her purchases behind. Whether good or bad, soot had a wine guard guy following her. He followed the stranger and beat the hell out of him.
Before his superior...
“You filth, what did I tell you I would do to you, if we caught you again?” He had a broken arm begging him to show him mercy. He was just trying to make a living. “And you think saying that will help your cause?” How else was he supposed to make a living? “Behead him, right here and right now.”
As she was halfway home...
“Excuse us girl...
When she got home...
“Sweetheart!” Soot walked in her home covered in bruises and torn clothes. Her mother walked as quickly to her as she could. Soot fell on her mother crying. She asked her mom to watch what she drank for a while. “What are you saying?”
“Some evil elf men might poison you with quick silver.” By now the servants rushed to her as she passed out. She woke up in her bed in bandages and stitches. Her mother was asleep next to her in the bed. She was in a lot of pain and didn't really know what to think. She managed to go back to sleep and woke up in the morning.
She got out of bed and almost drank out of a pitcher full of water. The servant filled it and placed it on her night stand every morning. Soot didn't drink from it out of concern, she just needed to relieve herself. As she was finished she heard a glass break.
“MOTHER..!”
Part 3
Expensive Medicine
At a hospital...
“Doctor please, tell me you can help her!?” He sat Soot down telling her that mother was suffering from kidney failure. “I'll give her one of mine!” She was not healthy enough to survive surgery. Even if she was a viable donor. “Are you telling me nothing can be done?” He started to apologize, but his expression went cold. “What, why are you making that face?” She turned around and saw Haunt behind her.
“Physician, is there some kind of expensive medicine you can use?” He confessed her kidneys had shut down. There was no medicine that could help. Soot fell to her knees and started to sob. The doctor looked at Haunt and feared for his life. “Physician, move the mother to a privet room and put an extra bed in there for me.” He did as ordered and while he did that. Haunt instructed her body guards to not let anyone in the room. Soot asked what was going on? “I will heal her for you.”
In the room,
37 minutes later...
“Excuse me, but there can not be barriers between us for this to work.” As Haunt laid with the woman in the bed. Haunt's body started to glow, shortly after, the moms body illuminated. Haunt was sharing her life force with her to heal all ailments.
While this was going on...
Soot was down stairs in the vending machine area. She was getting a bottle of ice coffee. When the guys that poisoned her mom showed up. There were 3 of them and not looking friendly.
“You are going to come with us. If you submit and not give us trouble, your father may live” they said laughing. Soot walked up to them. When the shortest guy was within range. She smashed the bottle and stabbed his neck with it. She took his gun and shot the other two with it. Security came after hearing the shots. One of them was still alive and Soot dropped the gun on the floor.
“They poisoned my mother.” The officers arrested her and the guy on the floor. Soot was put in a women only cell. She knew her life was over. Feeling lost, she laid on her bed and fell asleep. When day light had been around for a while. Guards came to her cell and told her she was free to go. When she walked out of the lobby onto the street. A car was waiting for her with a soldier.
At Haunt's estate,
2 hours later...
“We are here.” Soot, got out of the vehicle and looked around. The land was big enough for a town to be built on. The house itself was bigger than a castle. Soot was escorted to one of the living room's. In the living room sat the mother and Haunt beside her.
“I hear you killed 3 men last night. Also these men were planning to abduct you to ransom a wine recipe out of me. I am very pleased with you Soot.”
“Mama... are you really alive?” She told her girl not to disrespect Haunt by ignoring her! “Forgive me your eminence, I did not mean to disrespect you.” She said bending the knee.
“All is forgiven, though I must say in the gap of time between this mess starting and ending. I never thought you had it in you to kill anyone. I guess they pushed you to far. Please come sit with us.” Soot asked if she could hug her mother? “Of course.” Soot hugged her mother tightly and yet she was gentle.
“Your eminence, I actually had an idea while I was in my cell. I mean an idea for your business.” Share it. “I know there are liquids like this already. But imagine cornering the market on diluting liquids.” Explain? “There are some drinkers out in the ganta that pour water in their drinks to make it less potent. What if there was a non alcohol liquid. That had extra flavor to dilute the drink but they didn't lose the drinks flavor.” Haunt smiled with glee.
“I know a smart bet when I see one. Yes Soot, I will commission you to create this flavoring. And you're right, there are mixtures like what you describe. But its not a product that is high demand.” She honored her by saying such nice words. “I'm going to assign you an escort for the time being. They will guard you with their lives or die by my blade.” Soot felt a bit scared of her, which seemed very appropriate.
-What happened the previous night was complicated. Haunt shared her life energy with the mother. Thus healing every abnormality and made her completely healthy. The downside was it put Haunt in a mortality weakened state.-
“I will look in your future with interest, Soot...”