“I’m gonna push you in the fire. I’m gonna push you in the fire.” Punch continued to run the thought through his mind. He had no intention, of course, of pushing Marie into the fire though he didn’t think it was such a bad idea, really. He hoped--if Marjani’s assertion was correct—that his thoughts of a threat would distract Marie from learning why he’d really come to that frightening, wriggling circle.
“Look,” Marie exclaimed eagerly with a great amount of glee. “The Duke of Fallbridge has come to throw me in the fire.”
Punch smiled as a throng of dark-skinned men, some holding snakes, came toward him.
“Who was correct?” Marie grinned as Mr. Punch grew closer.
He tried to mask his frustration as he realized that Marie had recognized his thought that Marjani had been correct about Marie’s ability to read minds. Mr. Punch quickly filled his mind again with ideas he hoped would distract Marie from what was about to happen behind him.
“So, you’ve come?” Marie laughed. “I don’t suppose you’re gonna offer your congratulations?”
“What for?” Punch narrowed his eyes.
“For the birth of my son!” Marie howled.
“Ain’t been born yet. No reason to congratulate you.” Mr. Punch responded slowly as he continued his chant from within. “Here, tell your men to back away.”
“Boys!” Marie clapped her hands.
The men stepped backward.
“He can’t do nothin’ to me. As much as he wants to.” Marie smirked.
“Come talk to me, Marie.” Mr. Punch said firmly.
“Why?” Marie grinned. “So you can trick me and push me into the flames?”
“No.” Mr. Punch shook his head. “We have much to discuss.”
“Such as how you think you can fool me while your servant, Marjani, frees Charles and Barbara Allen?”
Punch frowned.
“Bring her to me!” Marie demanded.
Within seconds, two men with feathered masks escorted Marjani toward the bonfire.
“Let her go!” Punch shouted.
Marjani shook her head.
“Now, why’d I want to go and do that?” Marie chortled.
Punch tried to charge toward Marjani, but he was stopped by some of the snake handlers.
“I’m sorry, Marjani,” Punch called out to his friend.
Marjani nodded.
“You wanted to talk with me?” Marie snarled. “Do you still?”
“I just want you to let them folk what are innocent go. This ain’t got nothin’ to do with Marjani or Barbara or Charles or even Iolanthe or Ulrika.”
“Ever the hero, aren’t you?” Marie sniffed. “I’m glad you mentioned Iolanthe and the red-headed girl. Boys, bring the Duke’s servant to Iolanthe. She’ll know what to do with this Marjani.”
“Don’t take her anywhere!” Punch screamed.
“You have no authority here.” Marie said. “You’re in my kingdom now. And, here, I’m the Queen. If you cherish your life and the life of your friends, you’d best bow before me.”
“Never.” Mr. Punch spat.
“You’ll regret that.” Marie sighed. “As you’ll soon see.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-335? If so, you can read them here.
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