Satan's Abacus Part Two

The door at the back of the room suddenly swung open and a tall thin young man stepped out carrying a jug and a dirty rag. He looked at Oria and then hurried over to the sick sister. He knelt and lifted her head softly with one of his fingers. Oria stood up and took a breath to speak but he interrupted her.1

“You were supposed to be here yesterday,” he spoke softly as he wet the rag.2

“I know. Sorry,” she answered.3

He didn’t stand or turn to talk to Oria – she didn’t even know what he looked like. He reached over the mattress and patted the rag on the sisters forehead and she looked up gratefully with her dazed eyes.4

“Your sister was asking for you.”5

“Oh.”6

“You don’t seem that bothered that she is dying.”7

He lifted himself up with his knuckles and lit a candle next to the bed. He grabbed the jug and turned, holding it up to his chest.8

He had white flawless skin and spiked black hair. Oria was caught by surprise by his piercing electric blue eyes. He wore a black cotton shirt that hung off of him because he was undernourished and he too had no shoes. He was much taller than Oria but he didn’t look down on her, he kept his eyes level until she spoke.9

“What is your sisters name by the way? She has been too sick to say.”10

“Her name is Jodan.”11

“And you are Oria…and I am Lohart.” He put out his free hand to be shaken but it was ignored.12

Oria fluttered her eyelashes and tossed her hair back as she glided past Lohart with an arrogant sway.13

“Do you really think it was necessary to send me a letter? Did you really think I would do anything for that back stabber?” she said and she walked around.14

“Yes. Yes I did,” he replied with a slight grin.15

Oria smiled and her dark eyes scrunched up. “Oh my sweet Lo, you obviously don’t know much about Jodan do you?”16

“No. She was dropped on me by a little elderly lady who said she couldn’t deal with her. She has been too sick to say anything – except ask for you. You must be special to her,” he explained.17

Oria giggled. “No. She wants to say sorry because she killed our mother.” She stood next to the bed. “Leave it to the last minute why don’t you!” she yelled and Jodan let out a scared squeak.18

“Hey! Stop that. What are you talking about?” demanded Lohart.19

“She thinks she’s goin’ to hell, and she is. She wants to clear her conscience, that’s it. She doesn’t do anything for my benefit. She hates me and I cant say I’m an admirer of her either. She can die if she wants.”20

“She doesn’t want to die!” argued Lohart staring at Oria with his harsh eyes. He stood completely still with invited assurance. Oria backed down a little as she edged away and then the height difference seemed to glare at her.21

“I know,” she mumbled almost silently.22

Lohart sighed gently and moved towards her. He stopped just a few inches away and sighed again but heavier this time. 23

“Come to the other room,” he said flatly.24

Chapter 225

Oria stepped through the slim doorframe as Lohart held the door open for her. The heat hit her instantly on her numb face and a shiver rippled down her body. There were no candles to light the room, just a flickering fire. Oria heard the door slam behind her and Lohart stealthily brushed past her and sat down in a big chair facing the fire. He leant forward and picked up a small glass ball. He rubbed it a little and then a beaming light poured out of it and created light rays through the smoke. Oria could see the room clearly now. The walls were covered with keys – all different keys, small silver ones to large jewel encrusted gold ones.  She looked up and there was door handles, hundreds of them, all over the low ceiling.26

“Why so many keys?”27

“I used to work as a locksmith. I made my own business…if you know what I mean.”28

She shook her head and he laughed softly.29

“Not many people loose their keys, but lots of them are stolen.”30

“I am sorry, but I still don’t understand.”31

“I used to hire people to steal keys – the best pickpocketers in Sacenda! They used to get a loaf of bread every key they brought back. Desperate souls.”32

Oria slipped off her long cloak elegantly not taking her eyes of Lohart. Lohart stared at the floor lost in an unknown thought. There was a long silence with just the crackle of the fire and the groan of Jodan through the cracks in the door. Oria squeezed together her weather beaten lips and held her arms up over her chest and cupped her hands together beside her cheek. Lohart looked up suddenly and smiled at her.33

“Come sit down,” he said friendly. He scooted over slightly in the chair and tapped it invitingly.34