The Request
1
She knows the perfect way to get under my skin. I had been relaxing in my library at Saint Croix Estate reading about Gourge Saint Croix's expedition into what is now known as Solaria when I received the message. Solaria lies to the East, adjacent to Numibia. Back in my great, great, great grandfather's day it was unknown territory and thought to be inhabited by cannibals but what he found was a civilized society much like our own at the time. He wrote, "Solarians are a peaceful and educated people, who have mastered designing and building large complex structures. One structure that dominates the center of the city rises as high as a small Brandower Tree and is dedicated to the only God the Solarians worship. No one I have talked to knows the name of the God, the people just call him God." Many of our buildings today were designed to emulate the Solarians' architectural style. Over time, trade routes were set up and the two kingdoms became allies much to the chagrin of the Nubasian warlords.
I had just reached Gourge's explanation of the inner workings of a Solaria Chokla Mill, when my maid Chloesta notified me that a man waited with a message from the Northern Council. I expected another assignment to bring someone of high importance to the council. I had relegated my activities as Grand Marshal to only escorting the most important men to the Council for justice. I had given up tracking murderers and marauders that committed the most heinous crimes and resorted to chaperoning clergy, noblemen, or politicians that had stolen from the coffers or violated some simple King's Law. I did this so that I may spend more time at Saint Croix mentoring Sarah.
I was shocked however to find that the Council requested my immediate presence. When given an order, a marshal just generally carries it out and then submits a review of events and then returns to his merry ways. This order requested my presence immediately which meant I had to report directly to the Council and directly to the Magistrate signing the order.
As annoyed as I was about being interrupted from my readings, I am more so waiting for Annalysa to meet with me. It was at her request that I was ordered down from Saint Croix to Lagusburg and now I sit waiting and it irritates me. I stare down at the marbled floor of the council building hallway admiring the shine of the well-polished rock. Someone spent an enormous amount of time and polish to make it shine as such. I wonder how it would look in the halls of Saint Croix when a door opens further down the hall.
My breath escapes me as I watch the slender woman glide down the hall toward me. I feel almost giddy and find myself straightening up, wondering if my breath smells. Her long flowing blond hair is the envy of all of Pelatia, light reflects off it making it look as if it is sunshine itself. Her skin is golden and is soft as a child's. Charla's skills as a hand maiden are unmatched. Annalysa' s long legs stride with power and her hips move seductively in a hypnotic motion. As entrancing as her gait is, it is her blue eyes that overpower you. They are dark and when she speaks to you her eyes pierce you and before you realize what is happening you are doing her bidding. Few men, or women, can resist and those eyes are unmatched by any. Actually, I take that back. There is one that has eyes that not even Annalysa' s can match for power. I have not seen Eunomyah in five years, and sometimes I still believe she was a figment of my imagination but Sarah reminds me she was not. When I first met Sarah she had said Eunomyah's name was Eunomyah. Sarah explained that Eunomyah's true name was too difficult for her to say, so I listened as Sarah attempted to pronounce it. My Attraterria isn't that great but I understand enough that I was able to decipher the pronunciation, ĕh- ū-nō-mee-ä.
2
"Annalysa, you look as lovely as ever." I stand and salute her as she approaches. I find that formality is the easiest way to address her.
"My dear Gabriel, there is no need for formalities." She addresses me with a long smile as she takes my hands in hers. "Old friends should not have to be troubled with outdated customs."
She moves closer and kisses me upon my cheek. The softness of them would melt a weaker man and dare I say there are many weak men. Her hair brushes across my face, it is of silk and smells of lavender and honey. She has prepared well for our meeting which means she wants something.
She looks straight into my eyes. At 5' 8" she is tall for a woman and her demeanor is that of a ruler. She carries herself better than the majority of men that I know. High born, well educated, if she had been born a man she would command an army or be Chief Magistrate of the Northern Court. As it is she is the first woman to hold a position as magistrate. A great feat indeed and one not appreciated by many.
Annalysa hooks her arm in mine.
"Let us walk and talk." She commands and proceeds to drag me down the corridor. "There is a situation that has arisen that I think you will have a very profound interest in." I look at her quizzically. She continues. "The Mayor of Clouseton reports there have been some strange killings in the area."
"There are always killings around Clouseton, Annalysa." The amused smile on her face tells me there is more to it.
"Yes, but even for Clouseton the killings are strange. Apparently, some men have had their genitalia removed quite viciously." I stop in my tracks breaking our arm lock. She coyly replaces her arm in mine. "Now I have your attention."
She hands me a letter from the Mayor of Clouseton and my heart thumps faster as I read. I finish the letter and look at Annalysa with excitement. She pulls a rolled parchment out of her pocket and slips it into my hand.
"I have already taken care of the administrative work. The Stratagois at Green Hill will assist you and the Mayor of Clouseton has been informed to provide you with whatever assistance you may require." She squeezes my hand shut over the High Court Directive. "Gabriel, please be careful." She kisses my cheek. The warmth of her lips sends shivers throughout my body. Her sly smile lets me know she still has some power over me.
"I will of course." I say firmly trying to remain stoic. Raising the parchment up I salute her. "Thank you." She smiles and waves me off.
I feel almost giddy at the thought of seeing Eunomyah again. Damn that girl has a power over me almost as much as Annalysa and Sarah. I rush outside.
3
"It seems as if a friend of ours may be back." I shout with the hope that Sarah will be just as shocked as I was when Annalysa showed me the letter. Lack of surprise on Sarah's face would indicate she already knows Eunomyah is back and it means she is keeping secrets from me and that would break my heart.
"Eunomyah is back?" Sarah asks jubilantly, my heart remains intact. "How do you know? Has someone seen her?"
I cut her off before she asks 20 more questions. I pass the letter to her and she reads. A multitude of expressions cross her face but the one thing that does not change is the gleam in her eye. The hope she holds within those shining stars is all for Eunomyah.
Sarah has grown into a refined young lady. Five years of the best tutors in the north has revealed an exceptionally bright and gifted individual. My old math tutor says Sarah's skills in interpreting the Antikythera rivaled my own. An Antikythera is a device that is used by astrologers to determine alignment of the stars and other celestial bodies. By using the Antikythera and referring to historical references, astrologers hope to predict events such as storms and earthquakes. It is, however, the praise from her Theology tutor that sets her apart from most. Ever since the day her family was slaughtered, Sarah has questioned the existence of the gods, a nudging from me increases these questions, and she has debated with everyone from the local clergyman to the High Priest of Lugasour about their existance. These debates have infuriated many a worshipper of Wodein and many have labeled Sarah a sacralist and heathen, but she then overwhelms them with her grace and charm. Someday I see her sitting high atop the courtroom of the Northern Council in the seat currently occupied by Annalysa. Matter of fact it is my plan for her.
"I don't know if it is her but how many people do you know that kills in such a manner?" It really isn't a question and I provide her little time to answer anyway. "I am setting out for Clouseton tomorrow morning." I know what she is going to ask before she does. "Yes you may come along."
Sarah lets out a squeak. I have been on many missions but have never allowed her to accompany me. The missions are strenuous, time consuming, and occasionally dangerous. This time however, I have a hunch that Sarah will be my greatest weapon against the culprit whether it is Eunomyah or not.
Sarah gives me a strong hug. She has grown so much and become stronger than I ever could have imagined. The small fragile child that suffered severely has become a sturdy young woman, exceptionally smart, and skilled with the rapier. She is fearless when it comes to facing challenges and dives headlong, sometimes without thinking but never putting herself or others into too much danger.
The only time I see the child is at night when she sleeps. Dreams come and go but it is the night terrors that linger and take a toll on her. I comfort her as best I can but there is only one person that can truly take the terror away.
The Visit
1
Gabriel allowed me a few hours to visit with my family before we continued our journey to Green Hill. A marble tomb with the name Lancaster leers at me. It is cold but expensive stone. My poor family could never have afforded it. The best they could have hoped for was a box made of Charl wood. Charl wood is worthless as a building material due to its unsteadiness and the smell it discharges when burned makes it even less useful as kindling. The only use it has is as a temporary vessel for the poor dead. The marble tomb is Gabriel's doing, bless him. Eunomyah is wrong. There are still good men in this world, few, but still some and I have the best of them all as my adoptive father.
"Out of the ashes a Phoenix rises!" The voice startles me and I turn falling to my haunches. The voice is dark and deep, soaked in arrogance and superiority.
"Forgive me for startling you child." The dark man apologizes. His skin is almost as dark as the night itself. It is darker than even the Nubasians. He smiles through teeth of ivory, sharpened at the ends just as Eunomyah's are. He stares into me with amber eyes, eyes of a wolf, hypnotizing me...or so he thinks. I half expect to be pounced upon but I am ready. He thinks he is the predator but truly it is I that will prey on him. Eunomyah, in her short time with me, taught me to entice them in, to make them feel as if they are in control. Gabriel taught me how to make them pay for their arrogance.
"Do not fear me child I will not harm you." The dark man whispers, his voice is sweet but I know it is only such to try to manipulate. "You have been touched by death and survived so you are one of us. You are one of the shepherds." He offers his hand which I take without thinking, without fear. His touch is soft and contrasts against the powerful muscles on his arms. I realize I am wrong, he is in control and he is the predator, but lucky for me his hunger is sated.
"I was wondering when I would finally meet you Nicalaos." Surprise shows in his eyes at my naming him, maybe he is not in complete control.
"So child, you know my name." He kisses my hand. "Eunomyah has been telling you stories about me. Where is my child?" His eyes searched the area. They reflected concern.
"I have been wondering where she is myself. I haven't seen her in years." I offer as he looks at me questioning my honesty. He seems content with it.
"She has not touched you entirely I see." He says studying me up and down. What does he mean by that? "She is wizened in her old age." I don't question the remark, I don't want to know.
My heart aches when it comes to Eunomyah. After the death of my family I thought I had found a new one in Eunomyah and Gabriel but only Gabriel stayed with me. Eunomyah moved on, abandoning me. I know she had to, but it still broke my heart. It hurt even more than when my family was killed. I have come to terms with the knowledge that Eunomyah and Gabriel mean more to me then my real family ever could.
"My heart aches for her as well, child." Did he read my mind? No, my eyes. Eunomyah said the eyes tell the truth and no matter how hard I try I can never hide the truth about my feelings for her.
"I miss her so much, Nicalaos. Why did she leave?" I weep, weakness takes control of my body, I have lost any semblance of control.
"Child, Eunomyah has faced tragedy like none other." He sees that I question the truth in his statement. "It is true, your tragedy was great, there is no doubt but imagine living someone else's tragedy. When she held you she not only saw your tragedy she felt it, she absorbed the pain that you felt. When she held you did you not feel comfort? Did you not feel safe?" I nod my head, it was true. When I woke that day the pain was unbearable and I wanted to die but then I felt warmth envelop me and although I still felt pain it was nothing like it had been before. "That is because she suffered for you. She protected you from the Darkness by staring it in the face and taking the brunt of its anger." I always knew that. I could see it in her eyes. When she held me I felt warm and secure but her eyes always reflected the fear and pain that I should have felt. I wretch at the thought that while I was sheltered and comforted, she suffered for me, and I let her.
"Do not concern yourself too much child for all the suffering she felt, it was her duty." He strokes the back of my head.
"Her duty?" I ask. "How so?"
"She is a shepherd destined to protect the weak. She was chosen to walk this world and bring justice to those that would harm her flock." He stands. "Rest assured child, I see Eunomyah in your future."
The thought warms me and I feel a little more in control. I remember why Gabriel and I are here and ask. "What do you know about the killings in Clouseton?"
Nicalaos looks at me sternly as if I was a naughty child. "I know it is not her, but it is someone that is dangerous so be careful." He adds. "Tell the man you are with that his true heart's desire lies in wait in Clouseton." I give him a questioning look. "I must go now but be warned that the road ahead is full of danger and there are those that would see harm come to your new father. Take care little girl." He walks away.
"Sarah. My name's Sarah." I yell defiantly. He ignores me.
I watch him until he fades away and then I turn back to the tomb. Placing my hand upon the stone, I close my eyes and whisper my love to my mom, dad, William, and Lucas. Their worries are over. I grab my pack and run to the tavern where Gabriel is waiting.
I bust through the door out of breath. I grab his ale and gulp it down. I breathe and then belch, the patrons go silent. No time for pleasantries.
"Gabriel." I breathe deep again, he prepares for another belch, none comes. "Have I got a story for you."
The Awakening
1
As I sit leaning against a tree, I listen to the forest to get my bearing and to soak in life. I have slept for five years which may seem long to some but for me it is a minute timeframe. I have sometimes slept for so many years that someone I knew as a child had become old and grey. Samsaria chooses when to wake me and when she does she guides me to where I am required. When I woke this time there was no guidance, which means there is still work in this land that needs to be completed.
When I began my sleep my hunger was satisfied but now as I sit here waiting for Samsaria to speak to me, hunger creeps in. The hunger is not intense but sooner or later I will need to feed. I am near enough to the area known as Clouseton and would easily find some vile man to feast upon so I do not worry. There is always an abhorrent man somewhere to quench the hunger.
I move to my knees and then lean forward placing my head upon the ground and open my mind to allow Samsaria free reign within. The sounds of the forest are crystal clear. Birds chirp high in the trees, insects scurry about the leaves upon the earth, and the water in the stream flows calmly but to me its sounds as if it is raging rapids. Even the wind that is barely blowing sounds like a monsoon blasting through the trees. Then the entire World stops and there is nothing. Nothing until she speaks.
2
Her voice was clear and she has provided me with the guidance I need. My journey will not be a far one and it will take me to a place where my hunger will be easily quenched. Clouseton is full of desolation and depravity. A haven of joy for someone like me.
I stand. Closing my eyes, I soak in the warmth of the sun on my face. The warmness embraces me and covers me like a sheep skin. A vision of loveliness invades my thoughts. Sarah's face, glowing and bright is adorned with a large smile. She laughs the way an innocent child would but she is no longer innocent. Her innocence was lost, stolen from her.
Another face appears. Gabriel Saint Croix was chosen to be her protector and see the men that stole Sarah's innocence punished. Well those that had not been punished already. I will be sure to visit them after I complete the task Samsaria has chosen for me.
Their faces disappear; a dark chilling smoke cloud replaces them. He has finally decided to come out of his hiding spot.
3
"Nicolaos, you are getting noisy in your old age. I heard you coming ages ago." I turn and look at the monster, I am prepared to strike if needed.
"You only hear me because I allow you to, my little rabbit." He snarls at me through his white teeth. Sharpened to points they are enough to frighten the strongest of men, but I am no man and they do not frighten me.
"What do you want?" I no longer have patience for Nicolaos' "words of wisdom". I am no longer his brainwashed servant bowing down to his whims. Samsaria is my only guide and I learned long ago that Nicolaos was only a tool used to hone the weapon I have become.
Contempt shines in his amber eyes. He knows he no longer has power over me and I could care less. "I met your little lost lamb the other day." He flashes a slick smile hoping to get a reaction.
News of him visiting one of my "lambs" would have caught me off guard in the past but I have become immune to his chides. "So how is Sarah?"
"Tasty." He comes at me, a deadly predator set to kill. Fast, strong, and ruthless, his attack would paralyze his prey but I am no longer prey, I am the predator.
I anticipate his attack and increase the distance between us but only until I get to a nearby tree. I plant my foot against it and push off leaping toward him. He moves sideways evading me but he is not my target. The knife I grab as I land quickly leaves my hand and scrapes his thigh. The knife would have penetrated his heart, if he has one, but only nicks his thigh as he changes his direction once he realizes my plan.
We crouch across from one another our eyes locked in an unseen battle of souls. His eyes try to penetrate me, try to invade my mind but I fend off his mental attack as I did his physical one. I defend and then strike drilling deep into his mind, blasting through the barriers he puts up. I gain the upper hand, he is getting weak in his old age, or am I getting stronger? He breaks the link.
I am stronger mentally. It has been many decades since we last met and I knew then that the next time we met he would be no match for me. But I don't get careless. Too many times I have seen the attacker become the attacked especially when Nicolaos is involved. He is still a physically dominating man.
I press forward moving left and right so he cannot get a straight line shot. Nicolaos strikes. He believes he has my attack figured out, he is wrong. My attack is designed to allow him to think it is a frontal assault but at the last second I bound back, to his left, and strike from the flank. My claw cuts deep into his left knee. I move away as he swings at me but I move in again and strike his thigh. He is lucky I miss the artery on the inside of his leg but the cut is still deep. I move away again keeping on the move and try a kill strike to the neck but he strikes me hard. I land about ten feet away but quickly recover. Throwing dirt, sticks, and rocks that are aimed at his eyes, I am able to dodge another strike from him and connect my shoulder to his abdomen. As he crumbles to the ground, he attempts to grab hold of me but I evade his grasp.
There are two course of actions I can take now, continue to attack relentlessly or flee. I choose the latter. Nicolaos is deadly on his feet but he is ten times deadlier on the ground. I grab my cloak and my knife I threw earlier and run through the woods. I will run until I reach Green Hill where I hope to meet up with Gabriel and if my nerve allows it, Sarah.
Laughter fills the forest and Nicolaos' voice reverberates through the trees. "RUN LITTLE RABBIT!"
The Magistrate: Annalysa Dargulas
1
I stare into the mirror remembering the look on Gabriel's face as he read the letter. He used to have that gleam in his eye when he looked at me. He still loves me I know and I adore him more than any man deserves. If only life wasn't so cruel.
"He is such a noble and chivalrous man, one of a kind he is. Don't you think?" I ask Charla my hand maiden. What other man would take an orphan girl and raise her as his own? Unless it is for sexual or political gains, no other man I know would. Females in Pelatia are second class citizens and are nothing more than pieces of a game to be used as sex toys or links for political alliances. Even me, one of the few women that have become successful, as a member of the Northern Council with all of my political weight and power is worth little more than a common man.
"You want to know what I wanted to be as a child, Charla?" The girl looks at me, my words mean nothing to her. Not only is she illiterate but deaf as well. I stroke her hand as she brushes my hair. I love her so much. She is a gentle soul, an innocent creature. "As a small child I dreamed of becoming a princess but as I grew older, my aspirations changed. Why should men be the only ones that can rule or have power?"
Indeed, why not? There was a price for my ambitions. I was ostracized by my so called friends and my family viewed me as a troublesome black sheep. My father will verbally condone my position, but only in order to gain an advantage for himself. Deep down he detests my appointment to the council and does not refrain from letting me know every chance he can. The young King made the appointment, to the bitter dismay of many men, but it was a strong whisper from the Queen Mother that was the influence. A mother has influence over a child at a young age and all that was needed to influence the Queen Mother was one night of drunken lust and a handsome accomplice. One that is no longer alive to spoil my plans.
I stand and face Charla. Her expression is that of joy. It is always joy. Does she really care for me? She must. I saved her and have provided for her and she above all others is my companion and confidant. I kiss her forehead, it tastes of lavender. I smile at her and she back. She knows what I need. She takes my hand and leads me to the bed. She lies on her back and I lower myself and place my head on her firm breasts. She strokes my hair and hums to me. Can she hear herself I wonder? I wish she could because it is beautiful. It is a tune my mother would hum to me as a child, it always made me relax enough to sleep. My parents tell me I was a troubled child, always exuberant and rambunctious, not knowing when to settle down.
I snuggle as close to Charla as I can and I close my eyes. How are my plans going to come to fruition? Can I reach my goal? The information from the Mayor of Lynchburg had better be right or he is dead. He is going to die anyway but if his information is wrong he will suffer greatly. All of my plans are built on what lies in Mount Clouse. The great mountain has many secrets but its greatest could be what will ensure that I reap my greatest desire.
2
The one thing that had scared me the most was Gabriel being assigned to retrieve the priest five years ago. Gabriel is not easily fooled and if he had gotten the smallest hint of a conspiracy all of my best laid plans would be worthless but something attracted his attention, something that kept him busy and away from Lynchburg. It is a shame that Sarah had to suffer but I have to look at the bigger picture and anyway, those that did the dastardly deed have paid the ultimate price or most of them have. The others will get their just rewards soon enough.
Sarah, what a beautiful young lady she had become. The first time I saw her I wanted to scoop her into my arms and protect her. Those big eyes could melt an iceberg or instill fear into the greatest of warriors. I knew what her eyes meant to Gabriel. It was I who comforted him after the death of Jacelyn and Margaret. Just thinking about what had happened to his wife and child makes my stomach turn and blood boil. As much as I tried, I could not hate Jacelyn for stealing him from me and when Gabriel named me Godmother to the most gorgeous child, second most gorgeous I remind myself, in the World I was beyond elated. Gabriel will get his revenge I know it.
Gabriel had provided Sarah with everything she needed except for one thing, a mother. Whenever I visited Saint Croix I ensured I spent quality time with Sarah. She was fascinating to watch. Always asking questions and always challenging the answers. When she visited with me in Lagusberg, I showed her the inner workings of the Northern High Council. She would sit quietly soaking in the knowledge during meetings and trials. A little mouse learning the trickery of the cats. I reveled as she interrogated the other Magistrates on law and trade. Their frustration at having to answer her questions soothed me. They would dare not brush her off unless they were willing to face the wrath of Gabriel Saint Croix. For all the power the Magistrates owned, theirs were minuscule to Gabriel's. Gabriel commanded honor from the highest of nobles to the lowest of beggar. I dare say that in the North, Sir Gabriel Saint Croix, is only rivaled in greatness by Wodein himself. But even he has someone that in his eyes is greater than he and that is Sarah. To control Sarah is to control Gabriel.
Gabriel, how I adore you. "Why does he not accept the favors I offer, why does he have to be so damn noble?" Charla doesn't hear, she just lies on the bed humming. Nevermind. When the time comes he will accept me, he will have no choice. None of them will have a choice when the time comes. Right now all I want to do is sleep and dream. Maybe I will dream about a new world, one where light shines upon it, upon me.