All in a day's work

The suspense was killing me. Well, ok. The razor sharp dagger had the actual pleasure, but still, I hated waiting.
The question that kept coming to my mind was, “How did I get myself into this mess?” and the answer was simple.

A woman.

I thought back to what started it all. It was a nice day. A pleasant day, even. The sun was full in the bright blue sky. Wispy clouds floated by randomly as though skipping through the sky. Birds sang out in joyful glee while a light breeze picked up the smell of jasmine and honeysuckle. As I walked the two blocks to work, I thought the day couldn’t be more perfect.
I believe that’s what the superstitious ones in the bunch will call “jinxing it”.

Sure enough, as soon as I got to my antique shop on the corner the skies started to cloud up. The birds fell silent as though hushed by an unseen conductor. Not paying much attention to it, I opened my store for business.

Thirty minutes later, the door flew open and a large figure stood in the doorway. Behind him, the skies let loose a barrage of thunderous claps and flashes.
“For goodness sakes, George, close the door.” I said to my brother.
“Have you seen the weather? Changed on a dime, it did.” George came around the counter and shook the rain off his overcoat.
“Haven’t really noticed, but hope it doesn’t affect business.” I went back to dusting off the Queen Elizabeth armoire.
“You never notice anything.”
“That’s not true. I’ve noticed that you’ve gained about ten pounds since Christmas.” Smiling at him, I continued. “Have you seen the dagger I left on the counter last night?”
“The Incan sacrificial one?”
“Yeah. I was doing research on it last night and left it on the counter. Turns out it belonged to one of the only Incan priestesses that ever ruled. It was said that she had magical abilities and ruled her kingdom for over three hundred years.”
“Hmm. Not sure if living to be three hundred is so magical. But, yes, I put the dagger under the counter.”

Hours later, as I was about to close down for the day, I heard a faint rap on the front window. My gut told me to ignore it. Probably just the wind. But, my head thought of business and I turned.

That’s when I saw her.

I was mesmerized. Long black hair swirled around a face that looked like an Egyptian princess. I slowly walked to the door, never taking my eyes off her. I couldn’t have if I’d tried. I was smitten. So smitten in fact that I didn’t notice her eyes following my every move like a bird of prey ready to dine.

The rain pelted against the window and the trees shook in horror at the wind and sleet. Yet, my only thought was to get this angel, this perfect specimen, out of the rain.

When I opened the door. She rushed into the store.
“Oh thank goodness you’re still here. I must speak with you.”
I couldn’t for the life of me think why this magnificent creature would need to speak to me.
“What can I do for you?” I asked, hoping my voice didn’t sound as pathetic as I thought.
“I’m looking for a dagger. My father gave it to my mother years ago. After their deaths, my brother sold it. It’s a family heirloom and I really must have it back.”
“Well, we have a nice selection of daggers over here.” I showed her the way. My feet felt like lead balloons tied to each other, but fortunately, I somehow managed to make it to the counter.
“No, no, no. None of these will do. Are you sure you don’t have any others? I was told it would be here.”
“No…I don’t think…..oh, wait.” I reached under the counter and lifted up the dagger that had come in last night. “I’m sure this can’t be what you’re referring to, as it only came in yesterday.”

She grabbed it from my hands and ran out the door.
Dumbfounded, I simply stared at her back. What in the world? I couldn’t believe what had just happened. It took about another five seconds for me to register what she had done and then I dashed off after her.

Outside, I glanced in both directions and saw the flap of her red overcoat swing around the corner to my left. I charged after her. “Wait, stop.” I called. She continued running. She flew over Main Street, ducked behind the diner, and fled up the trail towards the woods. What on earth was she doing, I wondered?

I ran after her. Was I still after the dagger, I thought, or had this become something more? My breath became labored and I realized I had left without my coat. Sweat poured down my back while sleet pelted my front. I could see the puffs of breath coming from my mouth in bursts, yet I never thought to stop.

At the top of the hill, she ducked down behind something and I lost her. I ran to the top and looked around. There! On the left. A small crevice. Was it a cave? Somewhere for her to hide?

Without thinking, I lowered myself into the crevice. It was a cave. Big enough for me to stand up in. I could see the flicker of lights at the far end and followed them like a moth to a flame.

Peering around the corner, I saw her. Naked, lying on the altar. The dagger raised high above her chest. The flicker of the torch light caressing every curve of her body. The sight stopped me dead in my tracks. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t move.

Then she looked at me.
I burst into action. I ran to the altar and just as the blade sliced into her heart, I grabbed her hand.

I awoke to the sound of drums. Where in the world was that coming from, I wondered. It was dark, but I could see the stars. Ok, I thought, at least I know I’m outside. I tried to move, but my arms and legs were as heavy as cement. I looked down at my hands. They were tied to holes in the stone slab I was lying on. What in the world was going on?

A soft brush of a hand had me looking in the opposite direction. It was her. Standing above me. Dressed in feathers and leather. And pointing the dagger at my chest.
“This wasn’t supposed to happen.” She murmured. “You weren’t meant to be here.”
“Where is here?” I whispered back.
“My homeland. Peru.”
“How did we get here?”
The drums started to beat faster and that’s when I heard it. The chanting. Low and strong. Like a song on the wind that you’re not really sure is there. I looked back at her.
“I’m to be sacrificed, aren’t I?”
“Yes. When you travelled back with me, the king was frightened. He said it was a sign from the gods and that we should honor them with your blood. I’m so sorry.”
“You’re the Incan priestess, who owned the dagger, aren’t you?”
She nodded.
“Then do what you must.” I whispered. I closed my eyes. And I waited for the heat and the pain from the knife.

I really do hate to wait.