Sacrafice of Love
by Tanith
- Disclaimer: I do not own or have any contact with Arnold or Oded and this story is purely fiction. So
please don't sue me.
The above picture was taken with permission from OFAS.
This story is rated PG-13
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Chapter 1
They didn’t have tickets for the convention but hopefully they may be able to find out where they were staying if they went to the studio first. Tanith’s friend, Tracy was 22 and had always liked the Mummy films. Although she had only known her for a while, they really got on well and were very much alike in many ways.
It was about 1pm by the time they got to the studio. After making some enquires, they found out that the actors would be there at about 3.30pm. So they decided to go and get something to eat in the studio café.
What they didn’t know was that the coach from the airport had made good time and arrived at the studio at 2pm. Tanith and Tracy were having their 3rd cup of tea when a couple of them came in.
“Tan, isn’t that John and the guy who played Seti over there?” Tanith turned round and looked.
“Yes it is, they must have got here early. We’ll stay here and see if anyone else comes in”
On the coach, Arnold had gone back to get Oded. He was asleep in the back.
“Oded, wake up, we’re here” he said shaking him.
“Oh Arnold, yeah I’m coming” replied Oded.
“Brenden asked what was wrong with you, I told him you had a hangover”
“Thanks pal, I owe you one” he said getting up.
“Look Oded, you have to tell someone else soon, I can’t keep covering for you, hangovers are going to sound worse, you are not supposed to drink”
“I know, I’ll sort it out soon, I promise”
He put his hand on Arnolds shoulder as he went into the studio. Arnold watched him go and then followed. After about 15 minutes, Arnold suggested they went and got something to eat. He’d found a café in the studio.
“Come on Oded, let’s get some food, I’m hungry”
“You’re always hungry” Oded laughed.
They walked in the café and sat at a table. Tracy spotted them and nudged Tanith, who looked over.
“Told you Oded was gorgeous” she said as she saw Tracy smile at them.
“You’re not kidding” replied Tracy following Arnold as he walked over to order some food.
“Oh I see” replied Tanith “Yeah, he’s not bad either”
Arnold saw Tracy looking at him and he gave her one of his famous smiles. She blushed and looked away. Arnold smiled to himself, he would have to find out who this girl was. He ordered sandwiches and coffee and walked back to the table. He glanced over at Tracy.
“What are you looking at?” asked Oded.
“That girl over there, the one with the blondish hair, she is lovely” replied Arnold.
Arnold looked at Oded as he glanced over, then saw his face change.
“What’s up, are you alright?”
“Yes, I know the woman with her, that is that Tanith I told you about, haven’t seen her since the mummy premiere.”
“Ahh, the one that said she loved you”
“Yes, but I think she wants more than a one night stand”
“So, you’re on your own, it might work out”
“True, I suppose we were both shy with each other”
“All that tells me is that you could have had feelings for her too”
“Don’t be silly” he retorted.
“Look maybe she would help you with this problem of yours”
“No, I wouldn’t hurt her with a one night stand, I’m certainly not telling her I’m dying”
“So you do fancy Arnold?” said Tanith
“He’s lovely but I wonder what he’s like really” replied her friend.
“I’ve heard he is a really lovely man”
Arnold went up and ordered another coffee. Tanith told Tracy to go and speak to him. After some persuasion she went.
“Hi, how ya doing?” she said standing next to him.
“I’m good and you?”
“Fine”
“What’s your name?”
“Tracy, most people call me Trace”
“Hi Trace, I’m Arnold” he said shyly shaking her hand.
His hand was soft and warm but firm and she didn’t want to let go at first.
“Are you and Tanith friends?”
“You know Tanith, yes, we’ve only been friends for a little while,”
They talked for a while and then Arnold said he would see them at the hotel later. She told him they didn’t know what hotel they were at. He wrote the name down and said they would be there about 9pm, they had an autograph session first. She said they would. He walked back to Oded.
“Well is she nice?” asked Oded.
“Yes very, and they are friends. I’ve told them to meet us at the hotel later, is that alright?”
“Up to you, you like her”
“Yeah, but you can talk to Tanith, if you don’t I will. I asked Trace and she said Tanith does love you”
“You better not say anything my friend”
“I mean it Oded, talk to her, if she loves you that much, she’ll help” With that Oded got up and stormed off. Arnold just sighed.
Chapter 2
“Do you think he’ll speak?”
“Yes, if they come down, he might but I doubt Oded will”
“But I thought you two got on alright?” asked Trace.
“We did to a point, he knows how I feel, so won’t do anything about it, anyway I heard he was with someone. I stand no chance now”
“You never know”
“Oh, when Arnold comes down, I’ll go and sit at the bar so you can be alone”
“You don’t have to”
It wasn’t long before Arnold walked in, he was wearing a t-shirt and jeans, obviously changing from coming back from the studios. He saw Tanith and Trace sitting there and then Tanith left. Ordering a beer, he asked if he could join Trace.
“Sure sit down” she said “Where’s Oded?”
“Haven’t seen him since we came back why?”
“Tan was wondering if he was coming down or not”
They sat and talked about all sorts of things. Arnold had moved closer to her and she was enjoying his company. He stretched and moaned as he did so.
“What’s wrong?”
“My back aches, I’ve been having problems with it for a month now. Every so often it gives me hell”
“What have you done for it?”
“Usual, physio, painkillers, rest, nothing seems to work. The doctor reckons I might need a small operation on it eventually”
“Look, can I try something?” asked Trace.
“There’s nothing you can do that hasn’t been done”
“You could be wrong about that, do you trust me?”
“Yes, I suppose so” he said.
“Look, rest your head on your arms on the table, I won’t hurt you and don’t say anything till I’ve finished”
He did what she asked, wondering what she was going to do. She lifted his top up a bit, first getting him to show her where the pain was. Putting her hands on his back, she closed her eyes and concentrated. Arnold wondered what she was doing when he started to feel a heat across his back, it became a burning sensation but not one that hurt. She did this for about 5 minutes then pulled his top down. Laying her hand on his shoulder, she spoke to him.
“Arnold, Arnold are you alright?”
“mmm, yeah I was dozing off. What did you do, all I could feel was this heat”
“Move you back now, how does it feel?”
He sat up and moved, there wasn’t any pain at all. For the first time in a month he could move it without it hurting.
“It’s fine, no pain, nothing, I don’t understand”
“Me and Tan are white witches but not in the sense that you might think. We can heal people, sometimes and do a few other things. That’s how we met really apart from the films”
She put her hand on his and squeezed it.
“It works best when the person isn’t expecting it, as it has with you”
Arnold leant over and kissed her on the cheek, she looked at him and smiled.
“Look I’ll be back in a while, I’m going to see what Oded is doing ok?”
“Sure, I’ll be here”
When Arnold had gone, she went over to Tan and told her where he had gone.
“Were you healing his back earlier?” she asked.
“Yes it was hurting, why shouldn’t I have?”
“Yes, just be careful who you tell, people still have a thing about witches. I know from experience”
Arnold knocked on Oded’s door and went in.
“Come on, come down and have a drink”
“No, if I do, you’ll get me talking to Tanith and I really don’t want to. I don’t feel too good and if she notices, I’ll have to lie to her and I can’t be bothered”
“Does it matter, why lie to her, tell her the truth, tell her you have leukaemia and that there is no cure for this particular one and that you aren’t going to make it”
Oded hated it when Arnold was so matter of fact and blunt. He laid on the bed and closed his eyes, tears stinging them.
“Oded I’m sorry I can be tackless sometimes, I don’t mean to be. You haven’t asked how I got on with Trace”
“Sorry how did it go?” he asked blinking back the tears but not before Arnold saw them.
“Great she’s really nice and look, I want to show you something”
He bent down, touched his toes and several other things and saw the look on Oded’s face.
“What happened to your back, you could hardly move it for the last month, that’s why you pulled out of the filming for a while”
“Tracy did it, somehow. She put her hands on my back and all I felt was this intense heat and after, my back feels great”
“I’ve heard about people who can do that but never really believed it”
“Well I’m seeing the doctor when I get back and see what he says. Come on, one drink that’s all I ask”
“No not tonight, I’ll speak to her tomorrow, I promise. What about Trace, are you in for a good time?”
“No, I don’t want to push it on the first night. If you aren’t going down I’m going to my room then I don’t have to say no to her”
“You’re a fool” replied Oded “You’ll been lonely for a while. As soon as someone wants you, you back away. You’ll end up on your own”
Arnold nodded and said goodnight and left. Oded poured himself a drink and laid back on the bed and turned the TV on. He did want to go down but felt, tonight he couldn’t face it.
Chapter 3
Tanith and Trace sat talking when they realised neither Arnold nor Oded were coming back down.
“Well I’m going to bed” said Tanith “Coming?”
“No, I’m staying here for a while just in case. We were lucky to get a room here really”
“Yeah, we were, don’t wake me up when you come in”
Trace sat there for an hour then went to reception and asked which room Arnold was in. It took a bit of persuading but he gave the number and she went up. Taking a deep breath she knocked on the door, she heard the TV and knew he was still awake.
“Hang on” said a voice “Won’t be a minute”
He opened the door and was surprised to see her.
“Thought I’d find out if you were ok, you didn’t come down again”
“Come in, sorry, when Oded refused to come down, I decided it best to come to my room”
“Why didn’t you want to see me after I did your back?”
“No, it’s not that, look sit down. I’m very shy with women. I been with women the first time I have met them and then after they make an excuse not to see me again. They only go with me because of the mummy films. So now I don’t get into that situation.”
“I am not here because of who you are, well I am, but I found that I like you for the person underneath. I don’t want to be with the mummy, I want to be with Arnold”
Tracy stood up and faced him. Taking his hands she pulled him next to her on the bed. She ran her hand over his chest through the track suit top and with her other over his back. He moaned softly as she touched him.
“You are one handsome man” she said.
She kissed him on the forehead and then with her fingers brought his face up to hers. When she reached his lips she forced her tongue in and kissed him harder. He responded and they gave each other a deep, breathtaking French kiss. A moan or sort of contented growl came from him and he wrapped his arms round her and turned his face to her.
After a couple of hours, they fell asleep in each others arms. Trace woke first and leaning on her elbow, watched Arnold as he slept. His facial features were exquisite, made more so with the fact he shaved his head. He opened his eyes and saw her looking at him.
“Arnold, you’re lovely, you know that”
They had a shower together and he got dressed first. They went downstairs and walked into the dining room and sat down. Tanith was already there and she came over.
“Hi Trace, I wondered where you were”
“Tan, I’d like you to meet Arnold, Arnold this is my friend”
Arnold shook her hand and smiled, then asked her to join them. She said she wouldn’t, she would let them have breakfast alone.
Chapter 4
“Oded you alright?” he asked.
“Not really, I’ve been sick all night, got about 2 hours sleep, plus I drank too much JD and have one mother of a headache.”
They spoke for a few minutes then Arnold went back to Trace.
“If you feel too bad, call me right”
Trace asked about Oded, Arnold said he needed to talk to her. He took her hand and led her into the room next to the dining room. No-one was there.
“What’s wrong Arnold?”
“Sit down, I need your help and in particular, Tanith’s. Oded is dying, he has leukaemia. He has maybe a year, probably less.”
Tears were rolling down her face, partly for Oded and partly for Tan because she loved him so much. Arnold took her hand and continued.
“He is now well most of the time, sick, dizzy, generally no energy. That’s why he has had a break from filming, I’m the only one who knows. He’s had all the treatment that can be given for this one but he will be in the hospital at the end. To make matters worse, the woman he met earlier this year has cleared out his bank account, well one of them of half a million dollars and trashed his home in Santa Monica. She was only after the money and the prestige it would bring by being with him”
“How can we help?” asked Trace.
“Whether he knows it or not, he needs someone like Tanith. It’s going to be hard for her to handle but I can’t do this alone. He won’t tell anyone what’s going on. We need to tell Tanith and get her to help him. Will she do it?”
“Oh yes she’d give her life for him, she’ll help”
They went back in and Arnold took Trace to meet Oded while he went to see about some stuff.
“Oded I’d like you to meet Trace,”
“Hi Trace, sit down” he said “So you’re Tanith’s friend”
“Yes I am”
Tracy could see Oded wasn’t feeling too good so didn’t say much. Oded had his head back on the chair, then he looked at her.
“I’m sorry, I’ve got a headache, I don’t mean to be rude”
“That’s ok, this might sound a silly question but where is the headache?”
“Across my forehead and down the sides. I did drink a whole bottle of JD last night so it’s my fault, I can’t drink like I used to”
“Look Arnold probably told you what I did to his back, may I try to ease your headache”
“I don’t think it would work, I’m a bit too sceptical”
“Most people are but it wouldn’t hurt to try” She got up and moved behind him.
“Lay your head back, close your eyes and relax. Oh and take those shades off, they are in the way”
He took them off and laid back in the chair. Trace massaged his temples a bit then put one hand on the top of his head and one on his forehead.
“What are…..” he started to ask.
“Shh, no talking”
Like Arnold he felt a warmth then an intense heat build up on his head. As it warmed, the headache gradually disappeared. Tracy kept her hand there a little longer than she normally would as she heard his breathing slow down and realised that he had fallen asleep.
Gently she moved her hands away and whispered his name but got no response. There was a blanket on the sofa nearby, so she draped it over him and sat down. Arnold came back and said that he had finished what he was doing, but couldn’t see Tanith as she had gone to the Burger place.
“What’s up with Oded?”
Trace told him and he smiled “I’m surprised he let you do it”
“I think he would do anything with the headache he had”
“Mind you, he would fall asleep, I’ve still got some things to do”
“Look sweetheart, you go and do what you have to, I’ll stay here with Oded for a while. I don’t mind, after what you said he needs someone with him. Anyway you have to find Tan and tell her”
“Ok, come here, I want a kiss first”
She kissed him and nearly got carried away and they had to control themselves.
“Later….oh Arnold you are lovely”
“So are you, won’t be long”
Chapter 5
“Hi Arnold what are you doing here?”
“I need to talk to you about Oded”
She sat and listened to what he told her, tears ran down her face. She was glad about where she was or she might have lost it when he told her that Oded was dying.
“I know this is hard for you Tanith but I need your help. It has to be someone who loves him and I can’t handle this on my own. He is a good friend and I am scared I am losing him”
He put his head down and Tanith took his hand.
“It’s ok Arnold, we’ll help but how, you leave tomorrow”
“I know, I was wondering if you and Trace would come to the states, you could both stay at my home in Dakota. I know it’s winter there but Oded will be staying with me from the 10th December for a month. We have time off till filming starts again in the new year. If you could get there on the 8th when I get back, he won’t know”
“Of course we’d come but neither of us have the money to get over there. We only just managed to get here”
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll pay for the tickets and anything else you need”
“I can’t take money off you”
“Money doesn’t matter, we need to help Oded” he said his voice breaking.
“Ok Arnold we’ll come, how is Oded now?”
Arnold told her what Trace did and that she was sitting with him for a while.
“She’s a good person, I see you two get on alright”
“Yes but I am scared of relationships, what if it doesn’t work”
“Who knows if it will work or not but enjoy it while it does, Life’s too short”
“Thanks Tanith I do care about her a lot”
They got up and left. Tanith had a couple of things to buy and then they went back to the hotel.
Trace sat with Oded, she was drinking a cup of tea when he started moaning in his sleep. He tossed and turned and Trace went over to him, sat on the arm of the chair with his hand in hers and stroked his hair at the same time talking to him.
“Shh, it’s ok, it’s only a dream, shh”
He gradually calmed down and slept. She stayed with him. He looked so vulnerable sleeping there. Tanith and Arnold walked in and she raised her finger to her lips. Then gently putting his hand down she went over to Arnold and kissed him.
“He was dreaming, a bad dream by the sound of it. I was calming him down. I think he’s alright”
“Arnold told me everything” said Tan whom she could see had been crying.
Tanith went over to him and for the first time ever, kissed him on the forehead, then she sat by him and held his hand. He shuffled but didn’t wake up.
“Arnold when was the last time he slept properly?” she asked.
“Must have been days ago if not weeks. He feels sick and dizzy a lot of the time and just gets a nap here and there. He’s had some treatment but the docs say there is nothing more they can do”
“Not even a complete blood transfusion?” asked Trace.
“No because it only lasts a few days, that was at first, now it doesn’t work at all”
Tracy held Arnold as his voice broke talking about his best friend.
“I care about him Trace, this is killing me seeing him like this”
Oded slept for about 5 hours then woke up to Tanith holding his hand. At first he was disorientated.
“It’s ok babe, you’re downstairs, you went to sleep in the chair after Trace got rid of your headache. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine, I don’t know why I’m so tired” he lied.
“Oded, I know about the leukaemia and your flat, Arnold told me. Don’t be mad at him but he is at the end of his tether, he cares about you and doesn’t know what to do”
Oded got up from the chair and walked over to the window.
“I told him not to tell anyone, I have to deal with this myself. I can’t have….”
He held onto the chair back by the window and put his head down. A wave of dizziness hit him. Tanith rushed to his side and put her arm round him.
“Come on sit down” she said helping him to the chair and pouring him a glass of water.
“Here sip this, ok?”
“Thanks, I’m sorry I really feel lousy and I’m so tired”
“Right, you’re going upstairs and having a hot bath and then getting into bed for a while. You haven’t got to do anything till tonight, you can get some rest”
“No, I’ll be alright, just leave me alone for a while”
“If you don’t do as I say, I’m going to see Sommers” she said, scared stiff he’d get really pissed at her for telling him what to do.
He looked at her, with her hand on her hip and tapping her foot. Secretly he enjoyed someone taking control but he wished it wasn’t Tanith, she was going to get hurt.
“Ok, ok, I give in, come on”
He got up and with her help they went to the lift and upstairs. Luckily there was no-one around to see them and Trace and Arnold had already gone out for a while.
Oded sat on the bed while Tanith ran him a hot bath with loads of bubbles. Then she went in and told him it was ready, he was to get in then she would come back. He laid back in the bath, it was a bit small but ok. She got the sponge and putting soap on it, ran it over his chest and shoulders, then his arms. Then she told him to sit up while she did his back. Wetting his hair, she reached for the shampoo and washed his hair. He hadn’t had that done since he was little. She felt him relaxing.
“That’s lovely” he said closing his eyes and leaning back after she rinsed his hair.
Gently she washed his face and neck and then getting up she reached for the bathrobe and held it out to him. He climbed out and put it on then went back into the bedroom. After Tanith had sorted the bed out, he had made a mess of it the night before, he laid down, taking the robe off first. She pulled the covers up and sat beside him.
“Feeling better?”
“Much thanks Tanith but do you think you should be here, you’ll only get hurt”
“Look Oded, I can’t get hurt anymore at the moment than I have been for the last few years with other people”
“I’m sorry I didn’t realise you felt that strongly about me, please tell me”
“Well I fell in love with you, at 8pm on the night of the premiere. I’ve been in love with you ever since. I knew you didn’t love me and never would, our worlds were too far apart and too different. But my feelings haven’t changed and they won’t, I can’t help the way I feel about you and I’m sorry that has caused you problems”
“You haven’t, I …..oh I don’t know” he said softly trying to keep his eyes open.
“Oded come on, close those eyes and get some sleep, I’m not going anywhere”
She kissed him on the cheek and then gently on his lips. He kissed her back then closed his eyes and drifted off. Suddenly the phone rang and she quickly picked it up without waking Oded.
“Hello, oh hi Arnold, everything alright?”
“Yes fine, Trace is with me, how is Oded, I wondered what happened when you weren’t downstairs.”
“I got him to have a bath and then into bed, we chatted and he is asleep. I think he feels a bit better”
“Look I want to talk to you later about the states, come up to my room”
“Ok Oded will sleep for a while, I’ll leave a note and pop up now”
Chapter 6
“Right, I’ve booked the flight, you fly out on 7th Dec at 11.30pm. It should get you to the airport at about 9-9.30pm with the time difference. I’ll be there to pick you up. Oded won’t be there, luckily he’s doing last minute signing session in Dallas. Then we’ll drive up to my home”
“Arnold I hate you paying for all this” said Tanith.
“I don’t mind, I need you and Oded certainly needs you. Also I can spend more time with Trace”
“Ok, it’s arranged, I’ll keep the tickets in my bag and when we get back home tomorrow night, we’ll have some rushing around to do. It gives us 4 days”
She went back to Odeds room, he was still asleep. Ordering some tea and sandwiches, she put the tv on and laid on the bed next to him. Within an hour she was asleep too. Oded woke and glanced over and saw Tanith asleep next to him. He smiled at her and brushed the hair off her face. She stirred and opened her eyes to see a pair of brown ones looking down at her.
“Oded I’m sorry I fell asleep”
“That’s ok, I’m glad you stayed I do hate being alone when I am ill” he said.
“I know” she replied and motioning him to lay with her so she could cuddle him.
She wrapped her arms round him as he lay with his head just under her chin.
She gently stroked his hair and kissed the top of his head. He moved so he could look at her. He looked so pale and had dark rings under his eyes from lack of sleep. He also had a tear rolling down his cheek. She brushed it away with her finger and kissed him.
“It’s ok, you’re not alone now, I’m here and I’ll be here till you leave tomorrow”
He moved up the bed a bit and his lips brushed hers, gently at first then her tongue entered him and explored his mouth before entwining round his tongue and then the kiss became more demanding, both moaned at the pleasure of it.
It wasn’t long before they were making love together and when they finished, he collapsed beside her. Any strength he had left was gone, he knew he should never have done that but it had been a month since he had been with anyone.
“Oded are you alright, maybe we shouldn’t have done that but it was fantastic”
“It was for me but you are right I’m exhausted. I used to go on all night but I feel like I’ve done it 20 times”
He got up to go to the bathroom and had to steady himself on the dresser. Tanith decided to get meal sent up and rang Arnold to find out what Oded liked. Room service brought it up within 5 mins. As he left, Oded came out of the bathroom. He had beads of sweat on his forehead and putting his hand on the door, he looked like he was going to pass out.
“Oded” she said going over to him
He put his arm round her shoulder and she helped him over to the bed. He felt really faint.
“When was the last time you ate anything?”
“Yesterday morning and some JD last night”
“No wonder you’re feeling faint, come on, I’ve ordered lunch, you have to eat something”
He ate most of what she gave him.
“Better?”
“Yeah much, I don’t know whether I’ d have bothered if you hadn’t been here”
“Have you GOT to go to that thing tonight?”
“Yes, I’m ok now I’ve had something to eat, this tiredness and nausea is all part of the illness. I’ll go to these things and carry on filming until I physically can’t anymore”
Tanith could only look at him, tears stinging her eyes, she was even more determined to help him but she needed to speak to Trace.
Oded had left with Arnold, who promised to look after him, as he had done for several weeks now.
“How are you getting on with Tanith?”
“Ok but I’m glad I’m going home tomorrow, I know she will get hurt and I don’t want that. I’m still annoyed that you told her about me”
“Isn’t it her decision, I’ve never known a woman love a man like she does you. Have you too, you know”
“Yes earlier but it exhausted me, I can’t even do that as much now”
“Then don’t you think you have laid the card yourself about her getting hurt. If you didn’t want her to, you shouldn’t have slept with her”
Oded knew he was right but needed space alone and stormed off out of the room.
Tanith met Trace in the dining room, Trace was having a wonderful time with Arnold.
“Tan, I think I’m falling in love with him, do you think it’s possible after only a day or so”
“Well I fell for Oded before I had even met him. Yes it’s easy, how does he feel about you?”
“I don’t know, he likes me but I don’t know if he loves me”
“I was thinking while I was looking after Oded, I might know of a way to help him”
“How?” asked Trace.
“I need to look at my books but I may be able to release him from the leukaemia”
“Be careful Tan” she said concerned.
“I will”
The next day, they went to the airport with them to see them off. Arnold didn’t want to let Tracy go but he knew he would see her in a few days. Oded said goodbye to Tanith and thanked them both for looking after him.
“And please don’t tell anyone about this, goodbye”
He walked towards the departure door with Arnold.
“He didn’t even kiss you goodbye” said Trace holding her Tans hand as she could see the tears falling.
Suddenly Oded dropped his bags and to Arnolds surprise, ran back to Tanith and Trace. He grabbed Tanith and held her.
“I had to come back” he said kissing her with a burning kiss. “I’ll be back in a few months, I promise. Here’s my phone number, call me please”
“I will babe, you take care alright” she said.
He told Trace to look after her Tan and then left towards Arnold.
“Oded” called Tanith “I love you”
He smiled and disappeared through the door. Now they had to get home and pack to go to the states in 3 days time.
Chapter 7
“You alright Tan, you look scared”
“I am I’ve never flown before, if it wasn’t for Oded, I’d never get on this flight”
“You’ll be alright honest” she said.
Ten hours later they arrived at Bismarck airport. Arnold was waiting for them. Trace ran into his arms and he kissed her then he hugged Tanith.
“Hi Arnold, how’s Oded?”
“About the same although the tiredness has been worse the last day or so. He can’t sleep if he gets 3-4 hours a night he’s lucky. Steven is going spare, his filming is becoming a problem and he won’t tell Steven what’s wrong. If he hasn’t told him when we go back in the new year then I will, I swear.”
They got in the 4 wheel drive of Arnolds and headed off to his home. He lived near a place called Robinson but his was built near Horsehead Lake, surrounded by woods. As they drove up, both Tanith and Trace looked in amazement at his house. It was a gothic style and looked about 200 years old.
“I thought you said you had this place built?”
“I designed it and I wanted it to look old. I hate new style houses. I love the gothic theme and so does Oded. It was ideal, we both love it here, it’s secluded, no neighbours. It’s a place to relax away from everyone”
“It’s lovely” said Trace as they looked around.
“How many rooms has it?”
“Let’s see, 5 bedrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen, den, gym in the basement, an attic, library, study, games room, 2 bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi”
“Sounds fantastic, where do we go?”
“I’ll show you” said Arnold.
They went upstairs and Arnold showed Tanith her room, next to Odeds. Trace wanted to be with Arnold. After they unpacked, they went downstairs to the smell of bacon. Arnold was in the kitchen cooking bacon, eggs, pancakes etc.
“I have a cook and housekeeper but she won’t be here till tomorrow. It’s a lady I met when I first came to the States, must be in her 60’s but she loves it here in the winter”
After eating, Arnold showed them round the house. Then they went to bed it was after 1am. Next day Tanith wanted to use the library to study her books, with a view to helping Oded.
“When does he get here?” she asked.
“Actually he gets here the day after tomorrow. He has missed you although he won’t admit it”
Trace was using the pool while Arnold was with Tanith. He sat in the chair with his head in his hands.
“I’m scared Tan, I know I’m losing my friend and there is nothing I can do, I feel so helpless”
She went over to him and knelt down with her hands on his. He looked at her, tears fell from his eyes and she held him while he cried. When he finally stopped she looked at him.
“If there is a way to help him, I will, I swear to you, I’ll find it” she said.
“That is the trouble, there is nothing anyone can do” he replied.
She had brought about 6 books and a box with her. When she knew Arnold was gone, she took a small key out of her purse and unlocked it. Inside was a black book with gilt edges. She took it out and places it on the desk. Sitting down she opened it and began to thumb through the pages till she found the page she needed.
Getting a pad, she wrote down things from that book and the others. It was going to be a long day and night.
Arnold went to find Trace, who was now in the Jacuzzi.
“You ok, got everything you need?”
“No I haven’t” said Trace
“Right, tell me and I’ll get it for you”
“I haven’t got you” she said holding out her hand.
He smiled and taking off his track suit, leaving on his shorts he climbed in with her. The water was hot and he enjoyed the warmth. Trace reached for him and kissed him on the shoulder. Within minutes they were making love in the hot water. It added to their pleasure of each other. When they were relaxing.
“Can Tan do anything to help Oded?” he asked.
“I’m not sure, how much do you know about witches?”
“They ride a broomstick and own a black cat” he laughed.
“Fool and thanks, now I know what you think of me”
“Seriously I don’t know much about it at all”
“Well basically we have a God and Goddess who we pray to for help and guidance. Sabbets throughout the year, for the seasons etc. But we also cast spells to help people. But the Golden rule is never to do anyone any harm or it will come back 3 fold”
“How long have you been a witch?”
“About 3 years, Tan about 5. We both tried Christianity and found it wasn’t for us so we got involved in Wicca. We can’t tell many people, there is still a stigma about witchcraft. People are convinced that if you are a witch you are conjuring up the devil and running around woods naked. That accounts for about 5% of witches”
“I had no idea. What about the healing?”
“Well everybody has the ability to heal and other things but it is dormant in most people. The art lost over the years. You have to learn to bring the gifts to the surface.”
“What sort of other things” asked Arnold leaning back in the water.
“Astral travel, touch without touching, mind projection, there are many things but most take time and practice. Some people not that many though, it comes naturally, they know about their powers from an early age”
“I just hope Tanith can help Oded”
“You know he can never be cured, we can only help relieve the problems, he will die”
Arnold knew it was true but it hurt all the same. At least he may have a better quality of life at the end with their help. What neither of them knew was Tanith had found a way to help but it was dangerous.
Tears ran down Arnolds face and Trace held him in her arms. He could never show Oded how he really felt, he would be embarrassed although he knew he didn’t have to be. But that was his problem, he cared too much about his friends. Later that day they dinner and Trace and Arnold watched Tv while Tanith still worked in the study. Come 3 am, Arnold came down to see where she was. He had gone to get a drink, Trace was a sleep and he noticed her door was open.
“Tanith it’s 3am, I’ve brought you some tea. You should be in bed”
“Sorry Arnold, I didn’t know it was that late. There are some things I need to check and sort out before Oded gets here, tomorrow now”
Arnold went to pick up the gilt-edged book to have a look. Tanith stopped him.
“Not that one Arnold, any of the others but not that”
“Not the book of the dead is it?” he asked winking at her.
“Don’t be silly, the last thing we need is a mummy around the place” Arnold didn’t ask anything else, she would probably tell him eventually. He noticed she had written alot down and she asked if there was a room in the house she could use where she wouldn’t be disturbed.
“Sure, use the attic”
“Thanks Arnold, all will be explained in the end”
Chapter 8
She set up a small altar to the north and made a circle on the floor. Then she started her work. First she cleansed the circle and consecrated it. Then she turned to the north and said.
“Lord and Lady of the north, oh powers of each, be with me now, guard my circle and my rites, ground my deeds and make them fertile, by hill and dale, deep old cave, old bone, by fertile field and soil and stone, be here now, ye powers of earth”
She then drew the earth pentacle in the air, bowed and welcomed them then she turned to the east.
“Lord and Lady of the east, o powers of the air, be with me now, guard my circle and my rites. Give wings to my thoughts, clear my visions, by wind and cloud, tall mountain heights by blue horizons, morning light, be here now, ye powers of air”
She drew the air pentacle and welcomed them. To the south she turned.
“Lord and Lady of the south, o powers of fire, be with me now, guard my circle and my rites. Inspire me, fill me with energy, bonfire, beacon, burning bright, embers rich, wild lightening strike, be here now, ye powers of fire”
She drew the fire pentacle and welcomed them. Finally to the west she invoked them.
“Lord and lady of the west, o powers of water, be with me now, guard my circle and my rites. Bring on your healing and your wisdom, green hearted lake and river wide, crystal fountain, ocean tide, be here now, ye powers of water”
She drew the final water pentacle and welcomed them.
“Lord and lady of the four elements, I need your help to disperse this illness from the man I love. Please give me the strength to do this and I give no thought to myself and expect no reward for such. In your great names O power of the earth, o power of the air, o power of the fire, o power of water, I beseech thee”
She sat crossed legged in the circle with her arms across her chest and prayed to the God and Goddess of each element. Suddenly there was a light appear from the north and a woman, dressed in flowing white robes stood there.
“My Lady welcome to my humble circle”
“Do you know why I have come to you”
“No my Lady” replied Tanith.
“To warn you of the request you make”
“I don’t understand all I want to do is help this man”
“Do you love him?”
“Yes my lady, very much”
“Would you give up your life for this man”
“Yes my lady I would”
“Then you realise that if you go ahead with this request to us, that could be what happens”
“My Lady?”
“For us to allow this man to live, another must take his place. It has to be someone who is willing to do this and for the right reasons. Now do you understand?”
“Yes my Lady, I do understand. For him to live, I am willing to sacrifice my own life”
“It is a great responsibility you are undertaking but I believe you know what you are doing. Love is a great gift and what you are about to do is the ultimate sacrifice. But there is something you must not do till the spell is complete”
“Anything my Lady”
“This man must not know what you are doing till after. You must do it without his knowledge or his will, will not allow it to work, knowing that you are taking his place”
“But how do I do that my Lady?”
“You and his friend will find a way. I wish you well Tanith in what you are about to do and I wish there was another way”
“Thank you my Lady, for coming to me and for your help”
Then she was gone and Tanith closed the circle, thanking the God and Goddess for their help and kindness. She went downstairs and into the kitchen. Arnold and Trace were having lunch and went to get Taniths.
“Tan are you alright?”
“Yes Trace I’m fine thank you”
Then she sat down and ate her lunch but didn’t say anything. When she had finished she told them she was going to use the Jacuzzi for a while.
“What’s happened Trace, what was she doing up there?”
“Invoking the God and Goddesses of the elements to help her heal Oded”
“Invoking what?”
Trace explained about the God and Goddesses and the circle etc. It was complicated but Arnold tried to understand. Then she went to speak to her Tan.
“Trace, I will and can help Oded but I will leave it a few days first. Let him get settled in and to have a bit of time with him. But I need you to promise me not to interfere unless I ask you to and not ask any questions till after ok”
“I promise Tan but please be careful”
“I will and Oded will be fine. How are you and Arnold?”
“Great Tan I love him, I know it now, do I tell him”
“It’s your decision but find out how he feels too, don’t have a one-sided love like I have.”
Chapter 9
“Hey Arnold, what’s up with it?”
“Hi Oded, oh it’s got an oil leak, damn thing”
“Will it be done later, I need a ride and we can go together”
“Sure, won’t be long. How are you?”
“About the same but I’ve had a warning off Steven if I don’t get my act together when I go back, I’m fired”
Arnold stood up and went over to Oded.
“Looks like you’re going to have to tell him, you can’t get fired, that would destroy you”
Oded looked at Arnold and saw tears glistening in his eyes.
“I didn’t know you cared” he said smiling one of his smiles, trying to put Arnold at ease with the situation.
“Yeah, well I do ok” replied Arnold going back to his bike.
As Oded took his bags in, he put a reassuring hand on Arnolds shoulder to let him know he understood how he felt. Arnold had hidden his true feelings and had been hurt by people over the years, that he put up a wall so as not to get hurt. But Oded, for the first time, could see the wall crumbling.
He took his stuff up to his room, threw it on the bed, stripped off and got into the shower. He was cold even though he had the heater on in the car driving up there. The hot shower helped but he felt so tired again, that after he laid on the bed and fell asleep. Tanith and Trace had gone into the kitchen and were cooking dinner when Arnold came in.
“He’s upstairs asleep, I just checked. We’ll leave him a while. Everything ok here?”
“Yes, great, it should be ready in about 3 hours ok”
Arnold had done the bike and put it away. He knew if Oded was asleep, by the time he woke up it would be dark and wouldn’t want to go out on the bike. It was 3pm already.
Mrs Dawson, the lady who did the cooking was glad of the help. She was a lovely lady and was pleased that they were there. By 6pm, Oded wasn’t down so Arnold went to wake him, dinner was ready. Arnold and Oded sat at the table, which was set for 4 people.
“Got company tonight Arnold?” asked Oded.
“Yeah, just a couple of friends, hope you don’t mind”
“No, course not, do I know them?”
“You should do” said Tanith and Trace bringing the dinner in.
“What on earth are you doing here?”
He jumped up and gave them both a hug and kiss, lingering more with Tanith.
“Well Arnold invited us while we were in London but told us not to say anything to you”
“How long are you here for?”
“As long as we want” replied Trace.
Later that evening they all sat and talked about all sorts of things, then Tanith and Oded went to the Jacuzzi for an hour.
“So Oded, how are you feeling?” she asked.
He told her and what Steven had said and that he didn’t want people feeling sorry for him.
“But they wouldn’t only Steven needs to know until you are ready to tell the others. But you have to tell him or he might find someone else to take the part of Ardeth”
She pulled him against her and massaged his shoulders, she felt him relax. Then he turned to her and kissed her.
“You know you’re a fool to get involved with me, don’t you?”
“Could say the same thing about you. Look Oded I don’t want to sit at home and learn on the TV or net that you have died. I’m sorry to put it like that but I want to be here, with you. Is that ok?”
“It’s ok with me, if you are sure?”
“I’m sure, come here”
Chapter 10
“Sure, don’t be long” he said wondering what the hurry was.
Trace knocked on the door, where the Jacuzzi was, just in case. When she went in, Oded was drying off, Tanith was already dressed.
“Tan can I have a word?”
“Sure, come here”
“I’ll see you in a minute” said Oded.
“Thanks, I just wanted to be sure you and Oded were alright?”
“I think so, I’m going to have a go at his knee tonight, it’s been playing up since the last film he did. At least that would be one thing he wouldn’t have to worry about”
When Tanith and Trace went back into the lounge, they had a coffee and then went to bed. Tanith knocked on Odeds door a bit later and he asked her in. She wasn’t going to take it for granted that he wanted her in there.
“Oded, do you now believe me and Trace can heal?”
“After what Trace did with my headache, yeah, I suppose so why?”
“I wanted to have a go at your knee, if you’ll let me. I noticed you were limping again tonight”
“It is hurting, ok, you can have a go if you like, can’t do any harm”
Tanith got him to lay on the bed. He took his jeans off and she knelt by his knee.
“Right, you can close your eyes and relax”
She put a hand either side of his knee and concentrated. After a while, he felt the hot sensation he had felt when Trace had done his headache. She moved her hands over the whole of his knee. He felt the heat move up his leg. After five minutes she stopped.
“How’s that?”
“Great, there’s no pain at all. Are you ok?”
“Yes, I’m fine, it takes a lot of energy to do that and tires me out a bit”
“Come here” he said.
She scooted up the bed into his arms and snuggled into his chest with his arms round her. She was asleep in minutes and he didn’t take long to follow, first pulling the cover over them.
In the lounge, Trace had positioned him so that his head was in her lap. He was tired and she stroked his forehead till he fell asleep. When they woke up later, all they did was go up to bed, he covered her in kisses and it would be 2 am before they finally went to sleep.