Back at the palace, the evil Empress Caylynn had felt a tugging, a tickling, just at the base of her forehead. Immediately she knew what is was, and hastened towards her quarters, where she could communicate in private with the spirit that was calling to her.
The spirit had first appeared to her, many, many moons ago, before she had married Caesar Alan, when she had been praying for a way to gather power to herself. She and the spirit had come up with an arrangement that was mutually beneficial: the spirit would provide her with the power she needed to fulfill her dreams, and she would perform some small 'services' for the spirit.
As she hastened to her chamber, Caylynn wondered what the spirit could possibly want from her at this moment. Everything was proceeding according to plan.
When she entered her room, however, the Empress could sense that something was wrong. Hovering over the shring that Caylynn had built, the spirit looked angry and upset. Something had obviously disturbed her.
"We have a problem." The spirit got right to the point.
Raising one eyebrow, Caylynn queried, "And what would that be?"
"My adversary, that spirit of goodness," the spirit spit out the words as if they were foul, "is attempting to make her presence known on this plane once again. You must stop her."
"And how am I supposed to accomplish that?" Caylynn inquired, raising her other eyebrow while holding her arms across her ample chest.
"I have a plan..."
Back at Gustavia's residence, the spirit of goodness had fled Caylynnia's body, having delivered her message. It was this spirit who should have married Caesar Alan, and not Caylynn nor Caylynnia, had she only not been most foully murdered. If only she had survived...
With one last look at the body she had briefly inhabited to convey her message, the good spirit fled. Ah, to be able to resume a physical form once again...
Caylynnia, having been so recently inhabited by the spirit, was understandably disoriented. Having no knowledge of what had actually occurred to her, she was feeling off-balance and out-of sorts.
Giving herself a little shake, Caylynnia couldn't help but notice that both M'Redia and Gustavia were looking at her, concern etched clearly upon their faces.
"Gustavia, M'Redia, what happened?" she asked.
A look of relief washed over the countenance of both women, but Caylynnia could still detect traces of concern.
"What's the last thing you remember?" M'Redia prompted.
"I- I was in the front room, having some wine with Gustavia," Caylynnia nodded in her direction, "having a... umm... discussion, and then.... Then there's nothing. Nothing until just... just now."
"You fell unconscious while we were talking," Gustavia explained, "although I don't know why." She looked over at M'Redia, hoping the herbalist could provide an explanation. Since her concoction had worked, she must have some idea as to what had afflicted Caylynnia.
[This message has been edited by Caylynn (edited 04-10-2000).]