In the center of Congo Square, Marie’s men had set a huge bonfire ablaze. Resting on two low tables in front of the fire were the bodies of Marie’s brother-in-law and Nellie both of whom had been dressed in brilliant orange robes.
Marie stopped between the two bodies and placed a hand over each of their un-beating hearts.
“We’re ready to begin!” Marie called out triumphantly. “Bring the offerings to me!”
Shirtless, dark-skinned men carried long, wriggling snakes toward Marie who finally grinned upon seeing the scaly beasts.
“Within you,” She began, “A new life will be born.” She took one of the snakes and held it high above her head—shrieking loudly as she spun in a circle.
She slowly stopped spinning and handed the first snake back to one of the men.
“Where is the other man?” Marie bellowed.
“Here, Miss.” Another of the men responded, indicating behind himself with his chin.
Marie looked on as three other men—also stripped to the waist—carried the lifeless, pale body of Arthur.
As they approached the fire, the lead man smiled. “We brought him like you done asked.”
“Good.” Marie nodded. “Did anyone see you?”
“No.” The man shook his head.
“Place him between these two.” Marie ordered. “Then, we shall start our creation!”
At that very moment, Marjani hurried into their borrowed house on Royal Street, panting as she ran into the parlor where Robert sat rubbing his head.
“What is it, Marjani?” Robert asked. “Has His Grace returned with Charles?”
“No.” Marjani shook her head.
“And, the child? Is he safe?” Robert rose from the couch where he sat.
“I saw Meridian before I went to the stable, Sir. Both children are well.” Marjani responded.
“Why did you return to the stable?” Robert asked.
“I had a feelin’.” Marjani panted.
“About what?”
“Arthur.” Marjani answered, trying to catch her breath.
“He can do us no harm now.” Robert said. “Not even Arthur can triumph over death. Not twice at any rate.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Marjani frowned. “He’s gone.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s gone. His body is gone.”
“Someone took the man’s poor, diseased body?” Robert gasped. “Why? To carry that man’s corpse through the city—it’ll only spread the contagion.”
“The folk that took him don’t care none ‘bout no Yellow Jack!” Marjani said quickly.
“Is there evidence as to who took the remains?”
“No.” Marjani sighed. “But, I can only think of one person who’d want him.”
“Ulrika?” Robert asked. “I know she’s something of an odd young woman, but I doubt even she would want Arthur’s corpse.”
“Not Ulrika.” Marjani said. “Marie Laveau.”
“What could she possibly want with the body of a dead footman?”
“To create new life, Sir.” Marjani exclaimed. “A life that will offer up only wickedness.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-318? If so, you can read them here.
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