Love and Graves

The landscape was bathed in the afternoon sun as Sarah walked through the gardens. At last she felt comfortable and more importantly, protected on the castle grounds. Victor had allowed her to plant an herbal plot there and expressed his understanding of her need for providing ministrations to the residents of Dubrovya and making frequent visits to her father. She took time sniffing the fragrances of the many flowers and shrubs growing on the grounds, tending to a few of them.

She found herself at the gates of the Royal Cemetery and entered. She’d been there before, spending time reading the inscriptions on the headstones. Two new graves had appeared shortly after her wedding, but her questions went unanswered. Her instincts told her though. One of the graves was small and the headstone simply stated “Here lays a lost child. God heal her wounds.” The other, some distance away lay perpendicular to all the others. That stone said “Evil will not prevail here.” She had wept when she first discovered the new internments. Now, there was a new grave, this one also perpendicular to the others. “No man shall wander the House of Skarbalius with envy in his soul and greed in his heart.” She didn’t dare ask whom that might be, but one of the more outspoken and defiant male family members had disappeared shortly after her encounter in the cave.

After a long while she returned to the castle in time for dinner. “I trust you enjoyed your walk in the gardens?” Victor asked. “Yes I did. Thank you for my herbal garden.” “I want you to be happy and comfortable here. What were you doing in the cemetery so long?” She bent her head down for a moment and stopped eating. “I said a few prayers for the deceased.” “I see.” He refilled her goblet with wine and covered her hand with his. “You have no idea how your beauty affects me.” She almost smiled, but her shyness took over. “You could have married anyone.” “I did not want ‘anyone.’ I wanted you for my wife.”

When dinner ended they sat in a small room with other family members drinking wine, exchanging stories and winding down from the day. Sarah lay against Victor feeling safe in his arms, which pleased him. Various family members tried to bring up business, but Victor would have nothing of it. “We’ll discuss this matter tomorrow” he repeatedly said. The patriarch of the family spoke out. “When I ruled, we never put off business. We dealt with it here and now!” “I understand that. But cooler heads prevail under the light of day. We’ll discuss these things in the morning. That’s final. Now if you don’t mind, my wife and I are going to retire.” He stood, took Sarah by the hand and led her away.

Once in the bedroom, Sarah went into the bathroom to change into her bed clothes. Returning she turned down her bed. “Sarah, come to me.” He had removed all but his trousers and he looked positively virile and handsome. He took her in his arms. “When will you allow me inside?” “I’m afraid.” “Don’t be.” “You are the most important thing in my life.” He took possession of her mouth and she responded to him. For the first time, they made incredible love. He gave her great pleasure and satisfaction and her life would never be the same.

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Near Danger

The wedding had taken place a week ago. She was getting used to living in the palace, even taking some measure of comfort with Victor Skarbalius. It was evening and Sarah was standing outside peering down the mountain side. She hadn’t intended to wander so far away from the castle but the wailing sound piqued her curiosity. It sounded like a woman in pain and it drew her along the narrow, steep trail. She moved slowly along, choosing her steps carefully, knocking rocks loose that fell away. The trail gradually became steeper and narrower. She was grateful that she had chosen to wear her boots. She stilled herself and looked down. At the base of the mountain was a cove, where the sea came in. Something caught her eye, a slight movement of a person in white, a woman? She moved just a bit further. It was a woman, and her moaning became louder. Taking a breath she moved slowly down the cliff trail, steadying herself now against the cliff face.

                                                                                                                               

After what seemed an eternity, she reached the cove. The woman was gone. She called out. “Hello? Is anybody here? I’m her to help you. Where are you?” She looked around at her surroundings. The sea splashed loudly against the rocks, washing over them. The trail ahead began rising once again, leading directly into the mountain, into a cave of sorts. She continued moving. She heard another sound, a grunt, and she turned to look behind her. There was a dark shadow moving quickly among the boulders, darting in and out. She became frightened and hastened to the cave entrance. It was very dark inside. The shadow was very close now, she heard heavy breathing. Immediately she regretted making the trip.

She moved deeper into the cavern, feeling her way along. She heard a male voice now. “Sarah!” “Who are you? Leave me alone!” “Come Sarah, come to me.” “No!” She moved ever so slowly now, along a passage way. Suddenly she saw light ahead. It was a flickering light. “Sarah, stop!” It was the prince! A torch appeared, held aloft bye Prince Skarbalius. “Don’t move any closer.” She looked behind her. The man was gone now. When Victor, reached her he wrapped his arm around her waist. “What ever are you doing here?” “I heard a woman’s voice and wanted to help her.” “There is no woman down here, other than a foolish one. You’re lucky I came for you. That man meant you great harm.” He placed his hands on each side of her face. “I’ll not allow harm to come near you, ever. You belong to me now.” “I’m sorry.” “Now let’s get you to safety. Come along. Do not lose touch of me. This is a very dangerous passage way, full of traps. Step exactly as I do.

As they moved along, they moved from one side to the other, making long steps here and there, not ever touching the walls. After a long upward ascent, they reached their bedroom through a hidden doorway. “There. You are safe now. Do not ever pull another stunt like that again.” Once again he took her face in his hands. “I cannot let anything happen to you.”

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Acceptance Without Choice

It had been weeks since the murder of Peter Skarbalius and the disappearance of his daughter Regina. The suspect, Edward Pompidou had not fled to Dubrovya but to the nearby village of Sarny, also under the protection of the Skarbalius family.

                                  

Annabelle had improved greatly under the care of Sarah. She’d improved so much that Sarah had lessened her visits to only a couple of times a week. Now she was content with caring for the rest of the villagers. Dubrovya was filled with excitement! This was the day that Prince Skarbalius would choose his bride. While the commoners followed tradition with courting each other, the Royals simply chose whomever they wanted and the chosen ones were expected to cooperate and respect the wishes of their ‘suitor.’

While the young available women spent hours readying themselves, dressed in their finest, bosom enhancing dresses, Sarah under pressure, still chose a simple cotton dress that did not accent any of her fine features. She kept her makeup to a minimum too.

That sunny afternoon the prince accompanied by a small contingent of soldiers arrived in Dubrovya. The main street was filled with hopeful brides to be and their families, all vying for position. Sarah tried to blend into the background, taking refuge next to a large tree. The prince would stop and look over the beautiful young women now and then, but continued to move on. When he finally spotted Sarah he called to her. Reluctantly she approached. “Today I choose you to be my future bride.” He dismounted. “Come, my dear Sarah.” He led his horse and her towards her father George, standing nearby. “You could have any woman in the village, why me?” she protested. He grinned. “It has always been you. There is no other for me.” Approaching her father he said “Sir, I’ve come to ask for your daughters hand in marriage. I’ll see to it that she’s well taken care of as well as your household.” As with most fathers in the past, he was reluctant to let his daughter go but was unwilling to insult the prince. “It would be an honor to have you marry my precious daughter.” They shook hands. “Come my dear, the Palace du Skarbalius is prepared for a celebration. You are the guest of honor.” He helped her mount, and they rode off together.

Once they arrived, he escorted her to a large banquet hall where tables were laden with all kinds of breads, meats, fruits, vegetables and sweets. Servants walked around filling goblets with wine and musicians played. Some people were dancing but most were just in a celebratory mood. When she spotted Sarah and the prince, Liza came running up to her and gave her a strong hug. “I’m so glad you’ll be living here now! I can’t wait to spend more time with you.” Sarah smiled politely. “I’ll enjoy being close to you too.” “Come and eat” the prince almost ordered.

The celebration eventually came to an end and Sarah was shown to the same room she’d stayed in nights ago. Whether it was the wine and all the food, or simply exhaustion, she had no visions or heard haunting sounds during the night. She slept soundly, undisturbed.

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Murder in the Gardens

Horse soldiers went from house to house early in the morning searching for a fugitive. Prince Skarbalius was of course leading the company. The villagers cowered in fear. They had done nothing wrong, but they had heard the mournful blares from the castle trumpets late the previous night. Another death in the family, and from the sudden intrusion into their daily lives, it was no natural death. A member of the royal family had been murdered. When they reached the modest house of Ivan Rujus and his daughter, the prince dismounted and accompanied the soldiers himself. Sarah rushed out the door. “What are you doing?” She was followed closely by Ivan. “What is the meaning of this intrusion? We’ve done nothing but serve you and your family!” “Let my men search your house and then we’ll be gone. I trust you and your daughter implicitly but I cannot leave one house unsearched. We’re looking for Edward Pompidou. He murdered my brother Peter and he must be found to appear before our court! Stand aside and let my men enter now!”

Sarah tried fighting but it was to no avail. “You’re a cruel and unjust man Victor!” The prince was taken aback at the use of only his first name and he gave her a warning glare. “I have no respect for you at this moment. Do what you must and leave!” After his men had searched the home, they left quietly on to the next house. At the end of the day the residents were all disgruntled but confident that Edward Pompidou was nowhere near the village. Word soon came down that not only was Edward a fugitive, but Regina was missing too.

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Calm Before a Storm

Sarah awoke to dim rays of sunshine coming through the windows. She checked her surroundings, the murals didn’t seem to move at all and once she’d gotten to sleep, she had rested as well as could be expected. She got out of bed and began dressing. After a light tapping on the bedroom door, Gemelda entered. “Oh you’re awake. The cooks have begun preparing breakfast. The Prince would like you to join him.” Sarah sighed. “I’ll be down in a short while.” Gemelda gave her a warning look. “Do not tarry. You wouldn’t want to upset him.” Sarah thought she didn’t care whether she upset him or not. “I’ll be there” she replied. Gemelda left the room. Sarah looked in the mirror. “Well Prince, you’ll have to accept me the way I am. I have no extra clothes here” she said aloud to herself. After brushing her hair and tying it up, she headed downstairs to the kitchen area. The Prince was already seated, food in front of him, but untouched.

She slowly approached him as he stood and pulled out a chair opposite him. “Ah Miss Sarah, please sit.” “I’m sorry for my appearance. I have no other clothing here.” She sat down. “Perhaps we can arrange getting some of your belongings here.” “This was an emergency stay. I don’t plan on making it a habit.” He simply smiled. “I hope you slept well. Staying here” he gestured with a sweep of his hands, “can be intimidating to some people, but I assure you, you’re completely safe here.” He motioned for a servant. “See that Miss Sarah gets whatever she likes.” “Miss Sarah, we have eggs, sausage, biscuits, potatoes, juice and coffee.” “I’ll just have two eggs some sausage and a biscuit along with some juice. Thank you.” “So, what are your plans today?” “Of course I’ll look in on Annabelle but later today I must head home. I’m sure my father is concerned.” I’ll send a soldier to pass the word as to your safety.” “That’s not necessary. Has my horse been found?” “Yes. She’s in the stables now, all fed and groomed.” “I don’t know how to repay you.” “You’re presence here is payment enough.”

They continued to visit cordially until he had to attend to business. “If you’ll excuse me” he said. He bowed, turned on his heels and strode off. Shortly after she thanked the staff and went up to Annabelle’s room. They had a good visit and Sarah was pleased that her care was helping her health improve. After several hours it was time for Sarah to head home. The two of them said their goodbyes and Sarah promised to return the next day, although it would be later in the day. Just before she headed out the door she heard angry voices. Nervously she stepped into the long corridor. The sound seemed to be coming from a lower floor. She slowly descended the staircase. She neared the bottom just in time to see Edward Pompidou being chased by Peter Skarbalius through a side door of the castle. “He’ll get his for sure” she overhead a maid saying. “That man is positively revolting” another said.

Edward was an old family friend, but his trust was quickly fading as he had taken an interest in Peter’s young, defiant and indiscriminate daughter. The two of them had gotten caught in an empty bedroom about to disrobe. The man is fifteen years older than she and Peter felt that he had no business with his daughter, a woman, though grown, so many years younger. The flash of a blade shone just before he made his exit.

Nervously, Sarah made way to the main entrance and outside where her horse and two soldiers were waiting.

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