The witch was lying, Nikki thought. She could tell by the little smile that crossed the woman's lips when Nikki mentioned the freeman. It was sly and insolent. Nikki would’ve loved nothing more than wipe it off her face, but smacking one of these Runic whores was strictly against the rules. For whatever reason, the Matriarchin not only tolerated their presence on Eden but protected them in spite of their obstinate ways.
“Are you alone?” Nikki asked her.
Oriana nodded once, then stared at Nikki with piercing green eyes.
Anna stepped forward, and putting her right foot on the doorway, she said, “Do you mind if we take a look around?"
Nikki took delight in seeing the way Oriana's eyes flashed with anger.
“We need to file a report,” she said. "The Matriarchin demands thoroughness. So I’m afraid we have no choice. Standard procedure, you see?”
Oriana gathered herself like a storm. “Of course.” She stepped aside and said, “we must be faithful to her Will.” Each word was carefully delivered like a flying dagger.
“There is no higher purpose," replied Nikki.
“Our shepherd in the darkness and the light.”
The antiquated ritual required further extolling of the Matriarchin's virtues, but sensing she was walking into a trap, Nikki remained silent.
The interior of the pod was decorated with a chaotic mix of paintings, statues, and murals depicting surreal scenes from Earth: multicolored jungles, melting cities, mountains with eyeballs on top, pyramids of ice, and countless faces from long ago… Beads hung from the walls, dangled from doorways, and swayed in the morning breeze. Nikki found herself staring at a lamp with swirling colorful patterns floating within it. She felt dizzy, so she looked away from the odd object.
Old books lined the shelves on the walls.
“These are actual books,” said Anna grabbing a leather bound tome. She opened it to a page that showed an illustration of small winged creatures dancing on a mushroom cap. Anna giggled. "What silly madness is this?"
"You may borrow it, if you like," said Oriana.
Anna gave her a sideways glance. "Thank you for the offer, but I'll pass."
"What's behind that door?" Nikki said standing in front of a latched wooden door
"Just a bedroom," said Oriana.
Nikki moved towards it and lifted the heavy latch. The room had been designed with bright tiles that depicted naked humans and creatures with multiple arms and heads. They frolicked amidst pastoral scenes, engaging in rather explicit interactions. There was a small bed on one end.
She approached the bed and closed her eyes. The aroma of perfumed flowers, sweet herbs, and pungent spices rose from it. It overpowered Nikki's keen sense of smell and prevented her from accurately scanning the olfactory space.
"Have you had any guests recently?" she asked Oriana.
"My niece came to visit me for a few days. She left this morning."
Nikki turned up her nose, but after sniffing the air a few times, she sighed and turned to leave.
“Do you own a familiar?” she said walking up to Oriana.
“Why do you ask?”
“You have a scratch on your neck," she said leaning forward. The woman's scent was a mixture of herbs and spices. There was something else, Nikki thought. A musky smell...
"My cat," Oriana said touching her neck where two small puncture marks reddened the skin.
"A very aggressive cat."
"He’s usually very cuddly, but sometimes he likes to play rough.”
Nikki felt her fingernails begin to grow and her face grow flush.
“We better get going,” said Anna from the doorway.
"Yes," said Nikki with her gaze fixed on Oriana. "I hope you don't mind if we keep in touch. We might have some follow up questions."
"Anytime."
"Do let us know if you come across any information regarding this fugitive. The Matriarchin is eager to get a hold of him as soon as possible."
"Thanks for your help," said Anna extending her hand. Oriana took it then turned it palm up.
"Those who walk the narrow path sometimes fall off the edge," she said.
"I'll keep that in mind," said Anna and pulled back her hand.
Once outside, Anna said, "They're such weirdos and give me the creeps. Do you think she's lying about the freeman?"
"I don't know," Nikki said and began to walk down the hill.
"Where are you going?" Anna called after her. "The next pod is this way!"
"Go on without me. I want to check something out."
Anna shook her head, but didn't press the issue. She watched her colleague disappear down the hill and into the forest.
***