Page 69 of Dawn Caravan
“It probably sounds strange, but I really hate to move her. She seems happy here.”
Tenzin smiled. It was good to see his reluctance. “She won’t mind.”
He glanced over his shoulder, amused. “I don’t think she’ll care one way or the other, but it’s obvious that Farkas holds this icon in enormous esteem.” He turned in a circle. “This is a very… deliberate collection.”
“It is.” Depictions of the sacred feminine from all parts of the world were everywhere. Creation and destruction. Life and death. Hindu, Christian, druidic, pagan, and more. Her eyes locked on a small triptych on the altar to the right of Kali. “Yes, it’s quite obvious that this isn’t simply… art.”
Could it be?
Oh, you clever vampire.
Tenzin smiled at the Renaissance painting. “Take the icon. Sara-la-Kali belongs to Radu and his people.”
“Are you sure?”
“Quite sure. You will not offend her.” She stepped forward to examine the triptych. The patroness who had commissioned it was pictured to the left of Mary, raising the same hand of blessing that Sara and the Kali offered.
Yes, she was a very clever girl.
How had she concealed their relationship so well? Tenzin had studied Gergo Farkas, and not a hint of immortal connection had come to light.
Where was this leading?
Was that why her brother…?
“Oh!” Pieces of Radu’s plan started to fall into place, but there were still a number of holes. What an odd, roundabout way of—
“Tenzin?”
Oops. She’d forgotten about Ben.
Tenzin turned. “Hmm?”
“What’s going on?”
Would he see? Probably not. She gestured to the triptych. “I was just admiring this one.” If he noticed it, she’d fill him in. If not… he’d figure it out soon enough.
Ben shook his head. “We’re not taking any other pieces from this place. I feel bad enough taking the icon.”
“Oh no, it’s fine.” She waved a hand. “I’m not going to take anything else. Well, maybe…” She picked up a small pink posy that had been laid on the Kali’s altar. Kali Ma wouldn’t mind. Tenzin wanted to press an offering in Nima’s journal.
“A flower?” Ben asked. “I doubt Farkas is going to notice.”
He gently lifted the icon from the wall and placed it in the case he’d brought with them. It was only about a foot and a half long by a foot wide. He secured the icon, placed the protective layers over it, then strapped the case onto his back.
“Okay, we better go.”
He was focused now. All he was thinking about was securing the prize and returning it to the client. He wasn’t seeing the larger puzzle, but he would. Soon.
“Right.” Tenzin turned, pressed her hands together, and bowed toward Kali Ma. Then she reached into her pocket and took out the only offering she’d brought, a lime-flavored candy she’d grabbed from Gavin’s club the night before. She placed the candy on the altar, murmured a mantra, and bowed once more.
Ben was frowning. “What are you doing?”
“I’ll explain later.” She pushed the panel open and walked into the baroque chapel. “Come on. Radu is waiting.”
* * *
Ben satin his room in Budapest, drinking a glass of blood-wine and staring at the icon he’d stolen from a human thief to give to a vampire one.
