Tiny feet winged the woman of mystery to her destination. As soon as one cowboy boot touched parquet floor, the salon's beautiful, crystal chandelier became ablaze with light, causing Madeline to gasp with delight. "Heavens and Andromeda!" Madeline whispered, the strength of her vocal cords vanishing altogether at that moment. She witnessed the form of a slender, perfectly coiffed, and lavishly costumed noblewoman appearing at the center of the room. "Are you...who I think you are, Madame?" "Oui, know me as Queen Maria Antonia, my given name. You may curtsy." Ms. Madeline dipped, her senses invaded by an eerie jolt of déja vu. She rose up from bended knee, studying the celebrated lady's high forehead, long, Hapsburg nose, full lower lip, lilies and roses complexion, playful blue eyes and signature Grecian neck. Before her stood a very complete image of the Austrian princess who had given her life for France, a benevolent ruler who had been much misunderstood and suffered the consequences with dignity and grace. "Madame, I am overwhelmed. Truly. To meet with you here is an honour. Yet, why have you chosen to reveal yourself to me? I have come to consult with your singing cedar. You know the tree of which I speak?" The ghost of Marie Antoinette turned and glided effortlessly in the direction of the Queen's Chamber, halting at the doorway, refusing to enter. "I may not leave this hallowed sanctuary for I am connected to the light. But go to yonder window, honest lady, and gaze out upon the vista of Versailles. Then you may rest on my bed...and dream of saving my proud France from those who would see her ruined. Later, you may consult with my singing tree of Lebanon." As if in a trance, the stunned recipient of a universal vision walked forward into the magnificent bedchamber of royalty. The stupified Belgian found herself touching a window pane, pressing a flushed cheek against smooth glass, watching a rivulet of tears wind down the clear barrier wall. The ornate bed of a sentimental queen beckoned, and soon Madeline fell fast asleep. An unrefined rendition of a work by Beethoven was gaining in volume, causing Ms. Madeline to awake. She rolled over and glimpsed a surreal image of the German composer seated at a rare Cristofori piano, tapping away as would a child on the keyboard of a first computer. "Yes, fraulein, I have been with you for some time now and have to ask you a question," the comedic fellow stated. "John Belushi? With me for some time now? What is going on here?" Madeline exclaimed as her pulse quickened. "Wait a minute...you are too short to be Beethoven or Belushi...and too thin, sir!" "I am the Voice, Madeline, that has guided you for years...did you not know it was me?" "Where is the Queen? This must be a twisted prank! I know...you're the Jackal! They say Juan Carlos is a master of disguise, not to mention a knave...you little liar...how dare you scare me like that? Are you packing heat?" "Would you like a cheeseburger?" the figure offered. "No, no cheeseburger! Do you mean to tell me that you deny your true identity??" the shocked Cybersybil muttered, in an angry tone, annoyed with the obvious ruse. "No...and...yes," the Jackal mused. "Now, would you like to see my Joe Cocker imitation? It is quite good, and..." "Please! Miss Olivia was correct...enough ...you are a jackass...I need to leave now. I came here to find a singing cedar," the defeated Madeline uttered. "Just tell me, how is it that you came to be here at Versailles, in the company of a great queen?" "I know you seek the tree...Missy Marie asked me to show it to you." "She what?" Madeline replied, still in a state of disbelief that the Jackal was indeed a jack-eloper. "Would you like some Coke?" Juan Carlos asked, refusing to abandon his disguise. "No thanks, I don't use drugs. It's a sure way to an early grave...why am I talking to you?" "I meant a cold drink, not nose candy," the Jackal chortled. "Why...sure, that would be fine," Madeline said, thinking it might serve her to go along with the silly prank. And as soon as Juan Carlos disappeared to fetch a glass, Madeline decided to run; before she could escape, however, the Jackal returned with a Coke and a smile. Madeline noticed his gold tooth immediately, recognizing the gaudy trademark grin from photos in Match. "On second thought, I think I'll pass on the soda, thanks, since my friends are waiting for me at the spa. I suppose you could shoot me, but if you allow me to leave, I'd appreciate it," the anxious woman assured. "As you wish, Toots. I can't impose on your free will...no one can. You must do what you feel is right, of course." "Of course," the Cybersybil replied, stepping backwards. "Thank you, Mr. Jackal...thank you for everything," and with that, Madeline gave the human hyena a warm smile and set off for the stairwell. "Wanna go out some time?", the persistent man shouted. "I am the son of Eros, you know! You should revel in my sexiness, babe." Madeline turned and replied with hesitation, "Perhaps. Perhaps you are even the ghost of John Belushi! Adieu, and as the great Leonardo da Vinci advised: Remember John!" Maddie grinned one last time, held an index finger aloft and then took her leave through the thin night air, glad to have escaped the Jackal's evil company.    Text Copyright © 1999 - 2005 cybersybils.com All rights reserved.