Jamie opened his eyes at the rising sun. He had been sitting in the same position for hours and his legs were cramping. He tried standing, but a jolt of pain and the familiar prickly feeling of part of his body losing circulation made him think of the reasons he had ventured into the wilderness.

I think I made a mistake last spring when I decided to start dating Lucy.

The rising sun blinded him; he changed positions to avoid it.

“Ja–me, you have been granted a very special audience this day,” an old woman’s voice said.

He couldn’t see the woman, but he recognized the old Crone’s voice.

“With whom?” Jamie said.

“The Shrew has been asking for ya,” Latavia said.

“The Shadow Shrew?”

“There is only one Shrew, and she is called many things. You may address her as the Shrew,” Goeh said.

“I need to use the toilet. I would also like to take a shower if possible,” Jamie asked.

“Yes, I think you need to bathe. Even filthy dogs need a bath,” another woman that Jamie knew as Silvia said.

Jamie tried to stand, but collapsed. A kick sent Jamie flying. He landed on his back.

“Silvia, treat the man with the respect he deserves,” Goeh said.

“He’s a prisoner!” Silvia said in a contemptuous tone.

“True, he may be with the raiders, but we treat others with respect. Even if they try to kill us.”

Latavia helped Jamie to his feet. “Even Himbo’s deserve respect.”

“You never explained what a Himbo is. Can you tell me before you kill me?” Jamie said.

“It means suspicious outsider,” a familiar voice said.

Jamie followed the voice. It was Alice—not quite. It was Alice’s body, but Peregrin was inside.

“Cheet, Himbo assnine,” Goeh said.

“Com’par’e moshum,” Peregrin said.

“What?” Jamie asked in a confused tone.

“He might be a suspicious outsider, but assassin has not been proved,” Peregrin said.

A distant horn blared in the distance.

“The Shrew comes,” Goeh said.

Moments later, the encampment was a flurry of activity. Latavia grabbed Jamie and started dragging him away.

“Wait, where are we going?”

“We need ya prepared.”

“For what?”

“The arrival of the Shrew.”

Jamie didn’t relish bathing in a cold stream with a female guard staring at him. He was given a rough washcloth and a smelly bar of soap. Jamie couldn’t tell what it smelled like, but if someone used the soap to bathe a goat and a dog, it would have smelled better. Latavia seemed to watch his every move. She had a striking quality. She wore gold wristbands that matched the trim on her white feathery outfit.

The color of the guards must represent rank.

“It’s time, Himbo,” Latavia said.

He dressed as quickly as he could. His clothes stuck to him as he put them on. Latavia had failed to give him a towel. Moments later, he was being prodded back to the encampment. The camp guard, various women dressed like birds, were lined up facing each other. A low drumming seemed to come from everywhere. Various females chanted “whoopie’do, hossie’po and data’roo.”

The Shrew was being carried by several forest-looking creatures. Jamie couldn’t believe his eyes as the creatures looked like animals from the waist down. A young forest fawn, a cross between a girl and a deer, led the procession. The other creatures resembled a female Minotaur, a male and female satyr, and a couple of other creatures that resembled cats. Latavia pushed Jamie toward the pyre and tied him up once again.

What the hell is going on? Jamie thought.

“Bring the accused to the pulpit,” the Shrew said.

Latavia and Silvia pushed Jamie past the Shrew’s procession. The chants became more intense as Jamie was hurried down a path that narrowed as he was herded toward a clearing. A semicircle of women chanted in front of a raised platform. They wore simple robes and sandals instead of boots. Jamie was forced to kneel several feet before the platform and right in front of the women.

What kind of ritual are they going to perform for me? Jamie wondered.

“Hey, kid, I’m sorry I couldn’t make it sooner,” Maverick said.

“Where have you been? I’ve been tied up since I saw you.”

“Parnis Brothers business I’m afraid.”

The chanting increased in tempo and complexity. Jamie couldn’t understand any of the words.

“What are you being accused of?” Maverick asked.

“You just… disappeared. They want to kill me!”

The chanting increased. Some of the women were caught up in the intensity of the moment. Some appeared to convulse, while others bowed. A strange prickly sensation washed over Jamie’s body. He was compelled to turn around. The Shrew, Peregrin, and Goeh stood a few feet behind him.

I didn’t hear them approach.

The fawn pranced by scattering petals of some flower around Jamie. He watched as the three women climbed onto the platform. The Shrew had a long white gown made of a silky-looking material. Peregrin wore the same outfit as when she questioned Jamie. Goeh wore a wilderness outfit that resembled a bear.

“The accused will rise for the Shrew,” Goeh said.

Before he could move, Latavia hoisted him to his feet. He felt weak and had to use the bathroom.

“Himbo mee’so hon’so,” Goeh said.

“We shall only speak in common during this proceeding,” the Shrew said.

“This man is not as he seems,” Goeh said.

“Of course not; I’m from New York,” Jamie said.

“Hush, only speak when spoken to,” the Shrew said.

“I will speak for the outsider,” Maverick said.

“You are not part of this clan. You, too, are an outsider,” Silvia said.

“I will allow it. You may represent the outsider,” the Shrew said.

“I need some time with the accused,” Maverick said.

The Shrew pointed at a teen. Moments later she brought an hourglass to the Shrew.

“You have until the glass is empty.”

Jamie noticed the hourglass didn’t have much sand in it.

Maverick took Jamie aside, just out of earshot of the gathering crowd.

“I don’t know what you did to piss these women off, but you’ve caused quite an uproar. What did you do?” Maverick asked.

“Nothing. Alice questioned me—Peregrin. She’s the one!”

“Slow down, son. Who is Alice?”

“Peregrin. She’s Alice, I would bet my life on it.”

“That is what these women want: your life or a damned good reason not to take it.”

“I don’t know how I’m going to convince them I’m not a raider. Vouch for me?”

“These people are not used to seeing outsiders. I shouldn’t have brought you here. I will tell them of your arrangement.”

Maverick leaned in, and Jamie could smell the man’s sweat.

“Are you sure she is the one?” Maverick asked, pointing to Peregrin.

“She has a birthmark on her neck. During her questioning I hugged her and saw it.”

Maverick looked like he’d seen a ghost.

“What?” Jamie asked.

“You shouldn’t have touched her. The Ma’hilak don’t take to strangers touching them, especially royalty. I know what to do now.”

“Wait, what are you—”

“Time is up,” the Shrew said.

Maverick escorted Jamie back to the platform then bowed to the Shrew.

“We have a misunderstanding. My young friend here is not from around these parts,” Maverick said.

“We know, he’s from New York,” Goeh said.

“He’s ignorant of your customs. I grew up in this area and know the ways. He doesn’t,” Maverick said, pointing to Jamie.

“He gave Peregrin a hug because he was convinced he knew her from New York.”

Gasps and murmurs erupted from the encampment. The Shrew raised a hand and silenced the crowd.

“It’s true that Peregrin is an outsider. The first in a generation to join us. We do recognize it is possible for this outsider to know Peregrin, since her memory is not whole. Do you, bondsman, sponsor this man?”

Maverick nodded at Jamie.

“As a bondsman of the clan, I sponsor this man,” Maverick said.

More whispers echoed throughout clearing. The sound came from everywhere at once.

“Very well. Before he is to be released in your custody, I shall question him in private,” the Shrew said.

The Shrew stood. Foot stomps and claps filled the forest. The Shrew motioned for Jamie to follow.

“You better follow her, kid. I will be right here when you’re finished.”

Jamie followed the Shrew into the forest. She stopped at the base of a massive tree and sat on a stump that resembled a stool. Jamie waited for the Shrew to speak. Golden rays of light shone through the trees and seemed to illuminate the Shrew. Jamie thought she looked radiant.

“After speaking with the elders of the council, and if the bondsman sponsors you, I will spare your life,” the Shrew said.

Jamie let out a long sign of relief.

“But I will require something of you.”

“Sure, anything. Name it,” Jamie blurted.

The Shrew smiled, then removed something from the inside of her dress. She carefully unfolded a stack of papers. After examining them, she held one paper to Jamie.

“Do you know what this is?”

Jamie examined the paper. Several shapes were drawn on it. The familiar keyboard and monitor and some kind of seat were visible on the page.

“It looks like a computer, display, and some kind of chair,” Jamie said.

“Do you know how to use a computer?”

“Of course. I mean yes.”

The Shrew seemed to consider as she examined the parchment.

“What is this?”

Jamie recognized the words username and password.

“It’s some login information to get into a computer.”

“You are coming to the computer with me,” the Shrew said.

“Sure thing,” Jamie said.

He followed the Shrew back to the clearing. Silvia seemed disappointed when the Shrew announced his life was to be spared. Jamie noticed Peregrin was staring at him. He gave her a warm smile. She nodded.

“Maverick and this man will accompany me at first light,” the Shrew said.

The clan dispersed and headed in every direction.

“You can bunk with me tonight, kid,” Maverick said.

Jamie followed the old guard back to the encampment.

It’s good that I will be able to watch another sunset, Jamie thought.

* * *

Goeh’s wine had a serious effect on Alice’s sleep cycle. As she awoke from the most horrific nightmare she had ever experienced, she tried to recall as much detail as possible, but as the visions faded, the feelings lingered. Alice closed her eyes, trying to capture an image from the dream that would help her remember. She saw her face with blood dripping from it. It was like someone took a photo of her after she’d feasted on a bloody carcass. Her eyes were the most disturbing. They looked crazed. Alice shuddered. She gazed at the window. She had no idea how long she had been asleep. It felt like days. Darkness had fallen. A pang of hunger overcame her. Alice got dressed and headed for the door. She opened the door to the cool spring evening. A guard dressed in a green robe with leaves embroidered within the collar was standing nearby.

“Peregrine, can we help you with something?” Silvia said.

Most of these people think I’m this Peregrine. Only the council knows the truth, so I’d best play along.

“I’m hungry,” Alice said.

“Would you permit me to fetch you some food?”

“No, I’ll manage.”

Alice made her way to the supply tent on the other side of the tower. As she strode in the general direction of the tent, she noticed the man known as Jamie. He gave her a wave and a smile. Alice didn’t react. She watched him discard some food scrapings into a compost bin, then followed a man she recognized as Maverick into a mobile home just beyond the supply tent.

Soon he will be asleep, then gone. I must speak to him before he leaves with the Shrew. Not as Peregrin, but as Alice.

Moments later, Alice opened the supply tent. Vegetables, fruit, nuts, and bread were placed in neat rows. A block of some soft white cheese was near the bread. She assembled a makeshift sandwich comprised of cheese, bread, and a leafy substance that resembled lettuce. She took the book back to her cabin, ate, then returned to her restless slumber. That was the last thought Alice had for a very long time.

* * *

Jamie followed Maverick into a mobile home near the supply tent.

“You can bunk over there,” Maverick said, pointing to a cot in the corner.

Jamie removed his shoes and lay down on the cot. He hoped sleep would take him, but he wished Alice would come get him. Jamie wasn’t sure what dangers lay ahead on the road to the Shrew, but he didn’t want to leave before speaking with his first love one last time. He closed his eyes while thinking of the carefree Alice he’d known only a short time before.

I’m over Alice. Why do I have these feelings?

Sometime later, Jamie was awakened by a guard’s touch.

“Peregrine will see you now,” the guard said.

This was the woman who called me a dog earlier. What’s her name? Silvia!

“Time for talk is over. I’m going with the Shrew tomorrow,” Jamie responded in a low tone of voice.

“This is your last chance to see Alice.”

“What did you say?”

She motioned him to follow. The woman in the green robe escorted him to a cottage where he had seen Alice enter.

“This request is unusual, but she sees something in you that I don’t. You will be granted an audience, but if any harm comes to her, then I will gut you like the swine you are.”

Jamie nodded, then she opened the door to the dimly lit cottage. Jamie waited a moment to let his eyes adjust to the low light. The woman he knew as Alice sat with her legs crossed in the middle of the cottage. Besides a bed, a chair, and a fireplace, the cottage was bare.

“Come to me,” the woman said.

“Alice?”

She grinned. Jamie was looking at someone he knew on the outside, but seemed different on the inside.

“Yes, dear, my name is Alice. It’s so good to have you to myself. Those elders can be annoying at times.”

She does sound like the Alice I know.

Jamie sat across from her. She took his hand and smiled. It was the same she had for him on their first date.

“So, you wanted an audience with the infamous Peregrin. Well, here I am,” Alice said as she removed the animal skins and tossed them in a corner.

Alice sat on her knees and smiled. She played with the hem of her tee-shirt. His breathing quickened as her breasts shifted under the garment.

“How about a drink?” Alice said as she headed toward a bottle of something on the mantle.

She poured two glasses of a red liquid, then handed him a glass. The substance’s scent was intoxicating.

A flash of memory nearly assaulted all of Jamie’s senses. It was their first time she stayed over at his apartment. She removed her top in the same carefree manner. Her smile was the same. Her kiss—before Jamie could complete the thought, Alice surprised him with a passionate kiss.

Her kisses keep getting better.

She helped him out of his shirt and kissed his bare chest. A tingling sensation he had forgotten returned. He felt it from the back of his neck to his toes. It was the feeling he’d had when she said yes to moving in with him all those years ago.

More passionate kissing turned into overwhelming desire. He had a pull to take her, to be with her again. He didn’t realize the vacuum he had within his heart. Until this moment, he thought he was done with his ex-girlfriend.

Moments later, he experienced something he had not felt in a very long time. Love for another.

Alice removed her shirt and underwear, revealing smooth, white skin. Jamie’s body responded to her naked form.

They embraced and made love by candlelight. Taking her now was better than their first time together. His connection to her was like being connected to the cosmos. It was raw, primal, and pure. He wished the moment would last forever.

“I’ve been searching for you for such a long time,” Jamie said.

She cuddled with him. His head was swooning.

Oh, it feels so good to be with her again, but something’s wrong.

“It’s so good to be back with you again, Alice. I met this cowboy who loves Vivaldi, and he taught me about the four seasons.”

Alice laughed. “Why would he teach you that?”

Jamie spun around to face her. He suddenly noticed something he had not earlier, a coldness. It was like someone had melted Alice’s personality down and refroze it. There were bits and pieces of the original shape, but it was forever changed.

“Alice?” Jamie asked.

“Try again. My name isn’t Alice.”

She sounds different.

“Peregrine?”

The flickering of the dying fire cast ominous shadows throughout the cottage. As he gazed into her eyes, like he did so many times in the past, a wave of dread overcame him.

“You don’t need to fear me.”

“Wait! I’ve been asking to see you since I arrived. Why am I allowed to see you now?” Jamie said.

“Because I wish it—and the council knows nothing. Most of all, I just wanted a closer look at you.”

“If you’re not Alice or Peregrine, then who are you?”

“Martha!”

“What the—”

Martha strode over to the fireplace, examining the mantle for a moment. She picked up something small and sharp.

What is she looking for? I don’t feel so good.

“Stop. I think I’m going to be sick,” Jamie said.

The woman known as Martha responded with laughter. “Maybe it’s my poisonous lipstick?”

Jamie tried to get up, but the room was spinning. Martha was staring at him with murderous intent, the image of her blurred and distorted. Her slender, flawless neck stretched and her head expanded to the size of a melon. His head felt like it was in a vise.

“Poison?”

“It’s Goeh’s go juice spiked with something a little special,” Martha said.

“What?”

“Did you know certain parts of the oleander plant are deadly to humans? I bet it’s even more toxic when mixed with wine.” Martha laughed.

“Have to get out,” Jamie said.

“What? I didn’t hear you, darling.”

Jamie fell over as he tried putting on his pants.

“Come back and rest. You’re in no condition to leave,” Martha said.

He grabbed the wooden door handle. He felt her body press up against his. Another shock coursed through him. She put a hand over his mouth. Then the strangest feeling of calm overcame him. Something wet poured over his chest.

Look, she spilled wine on my chest…

He choked and tried removing her hand, but she was too strong. After several moments, she finally did. He turned to find the woman he knew as Alice staring at him. He tried to say something but couldn’t. A wet, gurgling noise emitted. The lifeblood was draining from him. She kissed him one last time before darkness overcame him.