Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 31

 31

 

Benvolio sat in the end corner, hidden from the other patrons at the tavern. He had paid for the privacy in Genos, for in the circle he was in, the walls held ears, and the news by mouth was faster than the wind. He was seated opposite his friend, Mercutio.

“I am just back from Wallachia. Vlad Tepes is in power as the Voivode once more.” Benvolio took a sip of the mead served in the goblet.

“I last heard he was imprisoned by the king.” Mercutio was surprised. “He was there for……”

“A few of many years, we all know, but Stephen III secured his freedom in his return for the loyalty towards the King. He was released to battle the Turks again.”

“What! This must be his third term as Voivode. He holds the nine lives of the cat there.”

“Three maybe, but not nine. This round, he is not the previous voivode, you know. He is older and yes, powerless in terms of followers. The one mighty list of boyars that served him are dead or left the state. The only influence he holds is his reputation as the Impaler.”

“Worthy reputation if you were to ask me. The Mongols held their own savagery such that without a battle, cities have surrendered to them.” Mercutio said. “I heard you were last at Wallachia. I was herded here with Count Paris. He is looking to get a wife.”

“Ungracious of him, and I was holding court for him at Moldavia.” Benvolio looked towards Mercutio. “I stayed on to keep the interest of the Count there. King Corvinus did inquire about the Count, and I feigned excuses for him.”

“I thought it was Prince Escalus who was to do that.” Mercutio was puzzled. Prince Escalus was the reigning royalty of Verona and, many times, had stepped in to pacify the ruling and influential families in disputes. He was also to guard their interest at the volatile borderland of Moldavia and Wallachia. He once said that the collapse of the borderland will mean the soon-to-come end of the Hungary-to-Verona border and then all of Europe to the sea of Spain.

“Prince Escalus is at Wallachia. He is trying to assist Vlad Tepes in the coming war.” Benvolio said. “The revived Voivode is recruiting men. And women. It is essential that Vlad Tepes win.”

“Women?” Mercutio was surprised. “Are we at the stage where women are to fight for us?”

“It is a desperate time, my friend. And I am also back here to find me more men to go to war with Vlad Tepes. Prince Escalus had told me to find Count Paris and bring him back to Moldavia. More to it, on my journey here, I was told the feud between the Capulets and Montagues has flared. What is ……?”

“Unproven rumours. It seems that the Capulet heir was seen at the ball organized for the young lady of Montague. The rumours said he was the one dressed as the devil and was dancing with the lady. He had taken over the lady’s approval.”

“Lady’s approval? You mean if she is keen on him.” Benvolio laughed. “Young people are so impressionable by others who whisper some nice words or make false promises.”

“It would seem that way, but the feud with the families has deep wounds, and that was why I had to watch over the ……” Mercutio sighed.

“Over whom? The young man or the lady?” Benvolio asked.

“Both, I guess. I owed both families my …… favours.” Mercutio smiled. “The Capulet once saved my family from the business disruptions, and the Montague, well, they are not related to me by blood, but Lord Dante Montague once saved my life from some robbers.”

“You are a man torn between the two families. Mine will be with the Capulets. I am of blood nor bound by debts, but I do hold a feud with the Montague. The Lord of Montague had my cousin, Albert, taken the fall for some army supplies that he pillaged. Albert did not make it past his term of imprisonment. He died there, and I swore to repay that debt one day.”

“Why are you back in Genoa, Benvolio?” Mercutio asked. “I know you care but not that deeply for the Capulet family.”

“I hold another task, Mercutio. I may need your help here.” Benvolio looked at the other. “Can I trust you?”

“We are friends, if that is your concern.” Mercutio smiled.

“Prince Escalus entrusted me to find the Empress’s jewels here in Genoa.”

“You mocked me, Benvolio. The jewels are with the Turks.” Mercutio laughed.

“Claimed to be, but there were rumours that it was not. It is missing, and some said that it is here in Genoa or en route here. I am checking that.” Benvolio smiled. “If you assist me, you will have a part of the reward.”

“Are we not allies of the feuding families?” Mercutio taunts the other.

“Mercutio, we served with each other in the wars, and the bond there is deeper than the ones we hold for the families here.” Benvolio smiled.

“I am intrigued. Count me in then. If truly it is in Genoa, the Montagues and Capulets will know. They are the only ones capable of handling such wares. Then we are indebted to each other.”

“By our blood, we will hold to that.” Benvolio laughed.

Debts are, at times, set by bloodline. It was how Vlad Tepes had to face when he arrived at Genoa. He had arrived there in disguise with three of his personal guards. He knew that his face was well known and had his face covered with the mask from over his nose to his neck. He wore a hood over his head and walked without looking up. He soon arrived at his home and saw the armed guards. He did not approach it directly but sent one of his guards towards it. Bribes were given, and his guards took over the duty. He made his way inside and saw Katharina in the living area. She was weaving a design on the cloth there with her hands. She looked at the stranger who was standing there. She was to call the guards when Vlad removed the hood and mask.

“Vlad! I ……” The separated couple embraced each other with emotions flowing from their hearts. They sat down and shared their plight while being separated. They took their seat on the long bench there.

“I was arranged to be here by Lord Gencio Capulet. He got the carriage ready for us to depart that night.” Katharina related her tale. “I fled with young Mihrea and … Nicolae. They are your sons. We were housed here and given supplies by the Lord.”

“My sons? Yes, where are they?” Vlad asked. “I have not seen them for a long time.”

“Mihrea is at the training school. He wants to be like you. A warrior. As for Nicholea, he is at the library. He wishes to study the scrolls instead.” Katharina replied. “They are … they look like you, but they are …”

“Kind compared to me? Obviously, my reputation is rumoured even at Genoa.” Vlad sighed.

“That was why we have guards here, and when we step out, there will be other guards.” Katharina explained. “It was for our safety. We cannot move freely, but with the guards, we do go out at times.”

“And who are you?” The voice carried across the living area. Vlad turned to look and saw it was a lady.

“Lady Sofia. I have a guest. He is ……” Katharina stood up. “He is ……”

“Vlad Tepes, the father of the children.” Vlad Tepes bowed to the lady. “I rode from Wallachia.”

“And please be seated, Lord Vlad Tepes.” Lady Sofia did a cutesy towards the man. “I am Lady Sofia Capulet. I am the ……”

“I heard of your name, my lady. Lord Gencio Capulet mentioned you to me. I am ever thankful for your hospitality here.”

“My Lord has many good things to say of you, but he is not here. I think he is in Moldavia.” Lady Sofia said, “He travels far and wide.”

“I will leave you to speak to Katharina. I am in need at other places.” Lady Sofia turned to leave.

“Lady Sofia, I will need ……” Vlad cut off.

“No one else needs to know of your whereabouts. I will have Reynard, my chief of the guards, double up their numbers. Your men can rest and rest assured, they will be given rest and food.”

“Thank you, Lady Sofia. My appreciation to you.” The lady had taken leave of the couple then.

“She may be fearful of me. I am, after all, a killer ……” Vlad sighed. “The whole lands around Wallachia had that image of me.”

“Not to your family, you are not. They loved you as their father. In this house, you are Vlad Tepes, my lover and father to the children.” Katharina smiled. “I am inviting you back home.”

At the home of Shylock, Abram sat there to look at the piece of agreement signed by Antonio and Bassanio. He was not a man of understanding on the written paper, but he knew that the collection was going to be delayed.

“Shylock, I cannot help you here. I am to join Lord Dante Montague at Moldavia. He called for me.”

“You have to help me.” Shylock looked at the man. “Was it my daughter’s refusal to marry you that made you now decline my task?”

“No, arch bekor (older brother in Hebrew).” Abram lowered his head. “I am not suitable for your daughter. I am too…”

“Old? When has age determined a wedding?” Shylock snapped back. “I am her father. I will decide whom she is to marry.”

“I must go, Shylock. I will see you another day.” Abram left the man alone. Shylock looked for his daughter and found Leah instead. He told her of Abram’s refusal to help him.

“What am I to do when Bassanio defaults?”

“Follow the agreed terms,” Leah said.

“A pound of flesh? It may kill him.” Shylock looked to Leah.

“If we do not enforce it, it will ripple through the community. Your name will be dragged down with it. None of your debtors will fear you then.” Leah told her lover. “If I am to remove a man and his family from their home and leave them to the streets, so be it. That is our profession.”

“I am ……” Shylock had a sense of remorse for lending the coins.

“Remember what you told me when in the infantry. It was kill or be killed. Kill now.” Leah grabbed her lover by the arms. “You must be brave.”

Brave was what Bassanio tried to be when he met Portia. He showed her the letter of agreement between him, Antonio, and Shylock.

“Madness!” How could he impose such a term?” Portia read the agreement. “Is he mad? How could you accept such terms?”

“I hear you, but I had little choice. My shipments have taken the bulk of my coins. I have no other to turn to. Lord Dante Montague had declined me.” Bassanio lied. He had not met Lord Dante Montague.

“Lord Gencio Capulet was away, and the others are not keen.” Bassanio replied. “Only Antonio was kind enough to hear me, and we met Shylock.”

“Shylock held a reputation in Genoa for being unscrupulous. All of them in that trade are the same.” Portia sighed. “We had to deal with them earlier, when we were financially stretched. My father used to come back and mutter about their rates.”

“Portia, I… need your help here.” Bassanio looked at her. “I was desperate to go into the deal, but I wanted to impress you. I will find…”

“Let me think of a way. My father’s wealth is untouchable till I am wedded to you.” Portia looked at the man she had thought was her best choice, but there were anxieties then. It was not of the wealth, but the sincerity of love by the man. He had shown her his nice personality, but she was wary of being used. She was questioning her choice of the man.

“Let me talk to the others.” Portia took her leave with Bassanio's plea for help desperately displayed on his face.

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 30

 

30.

 

Arranged marriage was then the norm.

“And I will say no once more.” Jessica looked at her mother. “Mother, there is a …… boundary of being wedded that requires ……”

“Love does not exist.” Leah bit her own tongue. “Not until you are wedded. The two of you will appreciate each other then.”

“Having the young ones clinging to my skirt, not one but perhaps a dozen. And he is off to the tavern. He comes home drunk…” Jessica was fuming with anger.

“Enough, Jessica. I will discuss it with your father and Abram.” Leah cut in. “The matter is now closed.”

“It is not. Why do you deny me my choice of love? Is Lorenzo below our status of a …… richness?”

“Jessica, being wealthy does not concern us. But Lorenzo is a Capulet. He is also a Christian. We are… traders too, but our wares are coins. We have been dealing with the Capulet, and we ……”

“Because he is a bastard among the Capulets. He holds no say in their business. He holds no leverage in the transactions. He ……”

“Yes, it is about business. We cannot have a disruption to the business dealings.” Leah sighed. “We cannot risk the business with such a marriage.”

“What about Abram? He is of Montague. ….”

“He is not but works for them. He may work for the Capulets or the Santinis, but he is Jewish. That was all we asked for.” Leah admitted it.

“And if Lorenzo becomes one like us. Will you approve?”

“I do not know. I need to talk to your father. It is ……”

“Business. Why am I not surprised at that?” Jessica then stepped away and made her way to the square. She saw Antonio and Bassanio approaching the house. She ignored their greetings and walked on.

“She looks upset.” Bassanio looked at the departing lady.

“Does it matter? We are to see the father.” Antonio kept on walking. He was weighing the last news they had on the shipment.

“Gentlemen, I cannot delay the repayment of the ducats. It was an agreed arrangement.” Shylock, when met, told the two gentlemen. “If……”

“Levy on us the interest for the delay. We will cover that.” Antonio looked to the lender.

“It is not the question of the interest rates. I have other reputable borrowers who want the coins soon. I cannot delay them, or I will lose my business to the others.”

“Gentlemen, I will insist on the repayment on the due date, or ……”

“A pound of my flesh, you said so. I will not give it to you, for I will pay. Shylock, you are a ……” Antonio was upset. “Abi gezunt dos leben ken men zikh ale mol nemen.” Sounds nice in Yiddish, right? Translated, it means roughly, “Stay healthy, because you can kill yourself later.”

“I am offended, Antonio. For that, I will not negotiate on the extension of the due date. Good day, gentlemen.” Shylock dismissed the two gentlemen. They left him, and Leah joined him there.

“I overheard the discussion. You are too rash to say no.” Leah offered the husband the drink of tea.

“I was to negotiate, but he cursed at me. I will be foolish to give in.” Shylock was upset. He had been humiliated many times by the traders, and ever since he got Abram on his side, the traders were more kind in their words.

“Antonio crossed the line there.” Leah comforted her husband. “But we are in the line of lending. Antonio …”

“Hardly pays on time. He holds the backing of Lord Gencio Capulet, which is how he flaunts himself at me. I will get him on his debts this time.” Shylock took a sip of the tea offered. “How was Jessica? Did she agree?”

“Your daughter is as stubborn as the river flow. She will not agree.” Leah sighed. “Maybe we could ….”

“As she is now my daughter, she will follow my call.” Shylock stood up to leave. “I am to see someone on business.”

At the square, Jessica took her walk to the café where Juliet was waiting. Once seated, Jessica poured out her woes on the love with Lorenzo. Juliet listened, but her thoughts were on her own. She cut in then.

“Jessica, I am in the same dilemma.” Juliet sighed. “I am in love with a man I cannot be wedded to.”

“What happened to us? Are we in the same nightmare?” Jessica looked at her friend. “Who is it?”

“Romeo Capulet.” Juliet whispered the name out. “We met at the ball, which you did not turn up for. We danced and then danced. And soon after…”

“How was he there?” Jessica asked.

“He came under the name of Ramone Alger, and we danced. And ……” Juliet smiled.

“Oh, God. Do not tell me you ……” Jessica had the expression as if Genoa were sinking.

“No, we did not. I am more respectful there. We met the next day at the market, and then we talked. Soon, …… well, we met several times…at the church, the cemetery….”

“Gracious me, you met him among the dead persons?”

“At the other side, none we knew, and anyway, they are dead.” Juliet smiled. “The dead do not tell.”

“I cannot be sure. They may in our nightmares.” Jessica laughed. “My dead aunt…”

“Seriously, Jessica. You know the rift between us and the Capulet.” Juliet looked towards the other. “Speak no more. The Capulets are here.”

Jessica turned and saw the approaching trio: Romeo, Sampson, and Gregory. She avoided her sight and looked at Jessica, but the mischief was on then.

“I see two doves in wait of the hawks.” Gregory stepped up to the ladies. ‘Lady Juliet, how was the ball dancing? I heard you danced well. Was it with the devil?”

“Let us move, Gregory. We have our own matters to attend.” Romeo stepped in to stop the other.

“It is okay, young master. I am just …….” Gregory was interrupted then.

“Stay your distance, dogs of Capulet.”

“Who are you to call us dogs?” Gregory turned to the one who had intercepted their fun.

“Mercutio. I am with Count Paris of Verona, a friend of Lord Gencio Capulet and of the Montagues. He is a kinsman of Prince.” The man stepped towards Gregory. “Whom, may I ask, are you?”

“I am Gregory……” The Capulet guard was interrupted by Mercutio, who then addressed Romeo.

“Young Romeo, I should have seen you earlier. How are you? Is your father with you? And …… I do not see Reynard? Is he here too?” Mercutio pressed on with the questions. He then apologizes to Romeo.

“My blunder truly. I have asked so many of you. Please accept my apology.” Mercutio bowed to the young man. “This is the Lady Juliet Montague, and this… pardon me, lady. I have not heard of your name.”

“Jessica Judas.” The other lady said.

“Mercutio, these brutes intruded on my tea with my friend.” Juliet glared at Gregory.

“Yes, I had to intervene. Do pardon the brash attitude of the young here.” Mercutio smiled at Juliet. “I will handle it from here.”

“Mercutio, I want to……” Romeo was to offer his apology when another intervened there.

“Mercutio, when have you played the knight to rescue the damsel in distress?”

“Ah, Benvolio Capulet.” Mercutio looked to the newly arrived member of the Capulet. “Your arrival is ever timely. Your …… men were rude to the ladies.”

“And we will apologize. My name is Benvolio Capulet, cousin of Romeo. I duly apologize for the behavior of the Capulet.” Benvolio Capulet, in his late forties, is a member of the cavalry that rode with Count Paris. He had just returned from Moldavia to see the Lord of the Capulet. He is also the friend of Mercutio and had not taken any sides with the Capulet and Montague. He was more of a mercenary in the wars.

“Be off, the three of you. I am sure the Capulets have their own paths to take.” Benvolio shooed the trio off. He then looked at Mercutio.

“I would like to have some goblets with you when I am here. We have much to discuss.”

“On what?” Mercutio asked.

“Wallachia and Moldavia.”

At Castle Poenari, Lady Justina stood at the grand hall of the castle. That was to be the new home when Vlad was at war. The castle, as it was known then, was a citadel situated on top of a mountain and accessed by climbing long steps of stairs. It was located on the plateau of Mount Cetatea, facing the west side of the Transfăgărășan, on a canyon formed on the Argeș River valley, close to the Făgăraș Mountains. The castle, perched high on a steep precipice of rock, was further constructed by Vlad Tepes, using the boyars imprisoned by him to make it larger and fortified.

The boyars had claimed that in the night the temperature was much lower than usual in the castle, they smelled rotten flowers although there were none, and many suffered from bizarre nightmares. It was attributed to the prisoners’ state of mind then. (Adapted from Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. The Encyclopaedia of Vampires, Werewolves, and Other Monsters, Visionary Living, Inc. Pages 57-60. Retrieved 15 October 2019.)

“Lady, we have the chamber assigned to you.” Lady Justina was told. She turned to the commander of the guard assigned to the castle.

“Where is the Voivode?”

“To my knowledge, he is with Stephen III. They ride for Snagov.”

Vlad Tepes was not riding there; with the army that he assembled by forced recruitment, he was riding around in Wallachia. King Corvinus had not sent the reinforcements required by Vlad for his battles.

“I am on the brink of the war once again, and yet I am without an army to challenge the Turks.” Vlad looked to those gathered there at a village. He saw among them were a few boyars, old and tired-looking; their successor probably was sent off to avoid the call-up. With the boyars’ army and his combined, they numbered not more than five thousand. It was a meager figure compared to the Turks, who may be in the range of twenty or thirty thousand. 

“We cannot back down.” Vlad told the gathered. “We need more recruits.”

“Send out the words to the peasants. I want volunteers …… No, I will be bringing them in as part of my army. They will be given weapons and assigned to the veterans of the war. Men and women who can fight. It is not a marriage of convenience but a sacred duty to defend our land.”

“For now, do what is needed. I am to leave for a period.” Vlad then left the gathering.

 

 

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 29

 

29.

 

Bassanio got his loan from Shylock, but he was concerned about Antonio. He met the latter at the café and spoke of the surety.

“Antonio, I hold some bad news. The ship is delayed. As there will be war at Wallachia, most of the ships have redirected there to ship supplies. My shipment may be delayed. I was told that they had to delay my shipment.”

“Fear not, Bassanio. The ships will be fine. I will cover the loan. I will see Lord Gencio Capulet.” Antonio smiled. His confidence was there.

“Lord Gencio Capulet? I heard he left for Wallachia.” Bassanio said. “He is there to see the Voivode.”

“Then good news awaits us.” Antonio laughed. “I know Gencio well. His relationship with the Voivode goes back a long way.”

Unknown to Antonio, Lord Gencio Capulet was rushing there to see Vlad Tepes. He was alarmed that the letters of the Voivode were delayed, and he did not have the chance to reply. The ships were off the ports, and he had to take the land route.

On his ride, Lord Gencio Capulet stopped at a tavern for rest. When he was having his meal, he heard that Lord Dante Montague was there two days back. That news was from the tavern owner.

“Aye, he was here. He stayed the night but left early with his guards.” The owner told Lord Gencio Capulet. “I have to say that he was anxious to leave.”

“Do you know where he was headed?” Lord Gencio Capulet asked.

“The guards told me he was to Moldavia.” They got Lord Gencio Capulet to be intrigued as to why Dante was there. He had stopped his trades there for some years and focused on the western side of the states. Lord Gencio Capulet was in fear of what Lord Dante Montague was to do. He could be refocusing on the trade there.

“I will ride there.” A decision he made that will jeopardize his relationship with Vlad Tepes.

In Moldavia, Lord Dante Montague was still in wait to see the Wallachian. He was kept in the guest chamber, and his patience wore down. He approached the Chorbaji.

“I wish I could oblige you. Lord Dante Montague. But Radu remains at rest and refuses to see anyone.”

“Then I will return later. I have matters to attend to in other areas.” Lord Dante Montague said.

“That will be improper, Lord Dante Montague. If you leave and Radu wakes up, then I will be responsible. I will be reported to the Sultan, and my punishment will be harsh.”

“You leave me…” The lord was interrupted by the arrival of the trader, Indiao.

“Radu will see you now… alone.” Indiao looked at Lord Dante Montague. “Please wear this over your mouth and nose.”

A cloth was handed over to him. Lord Dante Montague wore it and then proceeded to the chamber. He was stunned by the appearance of the Wallachian seated there by the window looking out. The tale of the man who was called Radu the Handsome, who was then a figure withered to the bones and held a sunken expression. The lord approached him and was told to stand back.

“I am unwell.” Radu, as he was believed to be, sat there surrounded by the scented lamps. “I need to talk to you. I asked the Sultan for permission for that.”

The foul odor reached Lord Dante Montague, and he kept the cloth close to his nose.

“Pardon the inconvenience. You have waited long, and I am unwell, but I will be brief.” Radu said. “I hold a letter for my brother, Vlad Tepes. You may not know him, but your friend, Lord Gencio Capulet, does. You will now for this letter are to Vlad, and tell him I am ……. alive for now. My letter will explain more of myself to him.”

Lord Dante Montague was handed two letters.

“And another letter to my wife, Lady Maria Despina, Doamna. She resides in Hungary there with my daughter, Maria Vochita. They were told that I died in battle, but when my letter reaches them, I will be dead.”

“Why me? You could have asked Lord……. Capulet.” Lord Dante Montague found the courage to ask. “Between us, we have not met.”

“You are a noble man, from what I was told. We never met at the Palace, but I have seen you there. I have the others inquire on you.” Radu spoke briefly. “I would have asked for Lord Gencio Capulet for……”

“I held my trust in you.” Radu continued. “The Sultan did then. He knew you were cheated of the Empress jewel then by Lord Gencio Capulet, and despite that, he offered you a trade. He had sounded your name to many traders, although you seldom came to the palace after that. You traded elsewhere.”

“I did not know. I knew I had disappointed the Sultan then.” Lord Dante Montague sighed. “I would have……”

“Honor and respect are earned by trust.” Radu smiled. “You held off on that from me. Now I……”

Radu coughed then and wiped his blood off his lips.

“Tell me of the Sultan… On the jewels, I meant I was to trade them to him.”

“The Empress Jewels? A lot of people revolved their lives on them. The previous Sultan was immensely happy with the jewels. He had it with him in the palace, and when traveling, he took it with him. He gave it to his son as a keepsake. Mehmet II did that, and when we stood on the walls watching Constantinople, he was holding it; he held the red and I the black.”

“He told me that when he takes over Constantinople, he will place the jewels there as the symbol of his power.” Radu smiled weakly. “He was without it every time.”

“I was advised that it was missing.” Lord Dante Montague said. “Rumours of it.”

“Yes, rumours are unfounded. The jewels are with the current Sultan.” Radu smiled again. “The letters are with the Chorbaji. There is a small case to be handed to Vlad.”

“I am obliged to your assistance. Now go.” Radu then turned to look at the Lord. Lord Dante Montague took his leave and met the other two at the living area.

“Indiao, what is ……”

“If you must know, Radu is unwell. His ……” Indiao looked towards the Ottoman officer. “You tell him.”

“I brought the Commander here when he was defeated in battle. He fled Wallachia and was unwell. I sent the column back to our borders and took him here. My officers will report Radu’s demise as in battle, and his body will be cremated. The Sultan will not be displeased there.”

“Then you lied to me.” Lord Dante Montague was brave to confront the Chorbaji.

“I did. The Sultan knew of Radu’s condition and told me to seek the trader, for he is known as a healer and supplied many herbs and medicinal items to us. Our men in recovery required them. He did his best for the Commander.

“Radu is with the pox.” Indiao cut in. “His body was ravaged by it, and he needed the mercury ointments, some of which caused patients great pain and even killed them. Sweat baths were also used, as some healers believed sweating purged the body of syphilitic poisons.”

“The odor…” Lord Dante Montague stepped back. He tossed the cloth away, held still in his hand. “He is ….”

“Unfortunately. He was not only with the pox ……. He was careful, but it could be …….” Chorbaji lowered his head. “I had the soldier removed.”

“Removed? You mean executed.” Lord Dante Montague cut in. “How was it? I mean ……. Was he? There will be talks…….”

“The Commander was careful. He was once with the Sultan, as you may have heard, but he curbed his desire and married Doamna Maria.” The Chorbaji explained. “He was happy, and they have a child. Then the war resumed. He refused to be unfaithful to his wife, and there were ……. urges. In the war, we are faced with all sorts of misery, and temptations are there. He became involved once more.”

“And paid the price.” Lord Dante Montague sighed. “Why the……. I give up trying to understand the conflicts there.”

“The death of Radu will be known only to us when it comes then. If we are asked, the cause of death was his battle wounds frombattle. Here, he will die with honor.”

“Here are the letters. Please do your part.” Chorbaji handed the letters and case over to the Lord. Lord Dante Montague was reluctant to take the letters and case for fear of pox.

“The letters were written to me as how the Commander wants it to be read. It is safe to hold.” Chorbaji assured the other. “The case was handed personally by me.”

Other letters were handed over at Genoa, well, more like poetry, to be exact.

Beheld maidens seen gathering flowers;
They searched the pluck; they looked; they tossed them.

“See these beholders there.” One will call.

“What hast thou picked?” Another will cry out.

“Oh, lilacs and violets in one bed.” The second said.

“A bed, no less, but of two in one.” The cries went out.

“Joyous to the delight, union for them.” The joys were shared.

“A thorn has pricked my finger through!”

“Alas, alas! Does it hurt so much?”

“Who pains them? A thorn it was.”

“A rose among the flowers, a thorn in the bed.”

“Behold the pain of union; pains may be there.”

(Adapted poetry words from the 1400s era; Jimmy Loong, April 17th, 2025).

“Is that who I think is there?” Juliet rushed to the window balcony after having read the poem.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other word would smell as sweet." (Taken from Romeo and Juliet plays.) Juliet had heard the words from the Capulet below her balcony. She looked down and saw the moon shone on the man below.

"But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?" Romeo, holding the stalk of rose, smiled at her. "It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." 

“Romeo, you must ……” Juliet said to him. She looked around for any servants who may have seen him there.

“Deny thy father and refuse thy name. Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a Capulet." Romeo bowed towards her.

"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep," and "If they do see thee, they will murder thee," Juliet cautioned the man. “Meet me tomorrow at the bridge. We can talk there.”

It was then the elderly maid in her rounds called out.

“Who is there? At this hour to be calling on.” The maid stepped into Juliet’s chamber. “Oh, my. Dear young lady, please step back in. The night air is cold.”

“Cold is the night, but what of my heart? It feels warm, and I only wish we had more … understanding among us as families.” Juliet stepped back to the chamber while the maid closed the window.

“I do not understand why, but the hour is late. Do get some rest. Let me puff up the bedding covers for you.” The maid approached the bedding.

“Tell me, Angelica. Did you love a man?” Juliet looked to the elderly lady.

“Does a baby not take milk from his mother’s breast? That, Lady Juliet, is the result of love, if you were to ask me.” The maid was busy puffing up the bed's cover.

“You have four children, I was told.” Juliet smiled.

“Five, to be exact. There was one that did not make it past the second day.” Alice said without looking at Juliet. “Aye, I had love. He was to die in the war with the Turks. I told him not to go, but he insisted on battling the heathens. Never made it back though.”

“I am so sorry, Angelica. I did not know. I thought George was ……” Juliet did recall that Angelica was with the butler.

“Nay, he is not my love, nor am I his. We just roost for the cold nights and then be done by morning. He lost his wife to the plague and since then had been…… unattachable to any lady.” Angelica smiled. “Our roosting did not involve any roasting though. The oven in me has died on the flame. It was just body warmth.”

Juliet laughed. She was still too young to know much about roosting and roasting, but she does.

“Sleep right, my dear. And close the window. Tell the wailing rooster to tone down. The walls have ears too.” Angelica left the chamber.

 

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 28

 

28.

 

Lord Dante Montague was not in Genoa then but at a private villa in Moldavia. He had taken the gallop there and met the emissary of the Sultan. It was unusual for him to be given a dispatch of such, but he obliged.

“Thank you for coming, Lord Dante Montague.” The Lord was met by the host, Stephen Indiao, a fellow trader who was a frequent guest of the Sultan. Trading does not concern itself with war, and there were still shipments to the Ottoman Empire.

“I came as fast as I could. How is he?” Lord Dante Montague asked.

“He is recovering. The wounds are healing.” The trader led the lord to the private chamber at the rear. Lord Dante Montague saw the dozen guards there, Janissaries by the design of their uniform.

“We meet again, Lord Dante Montague.”

“I am honored, Boluk Bashi Tarmak.” The officer who intercepted the caravan years ago was once met by him.

“Chorbaji, Lord Dante Montague. I oversee a regiment now.” The elderly officer smiled. “I am here with a guest of the Sultan.”

“Please meet my commander, Radu Tepes.”

Lord Dante Montague was to meet Radu the Handsome. He was told that Radu was wounded in battle and rescued by the Chorbaji and brought to the home of the trader to recuperate. The trader was Indo-Turkish, a native Turk but residing in Moldavia. He was a trader in spices and herbs, including medicinal ones.

“The guest was mortally wounded, but over the season, he has shown recovery from it.” Chorbaji looked at the trader. “The Sultan, Mehmet II, sent me the order to protect him and to call upon you.”

“Lord Dante Montague, we have not met, but the name of yours has been heard by me. I have a guest there, Radu of Wallachia. He cannot travel, but I would like to see him protected. Trader Indiao was kind to have him there, but I have a request of you. Can you see Vlad Tepes and convey to him his brother’s condition? He is at Wallachia and, to my knowledge, still in conflict with me. Sultan Mehmet II.”

“What am I to do? Tell the other, and my head could be … impaled.” Lord Dante Montague discussed with Indiao and the Chorbaji.

“It is a possibility. That man is … a beast.” Stephen Indiao refused to trade at Wallachia. “He had killed some of my friends that way. He is mad.”

“Trader Indiao, in war, we cannot dictate the cruelty of the acts there. The Wallachians have killed many of my friends, as they had of his; it is a vicious circle when we are at war.”

“What am I to do? Go and see him? I have never met him. It was …… Lord Gencio Capulet deals with him. I am with the Hungarian most times.”

“Lord Dante Montague, you must act on the request. If you do not, I will be executed.” Chorbaji Tarmak said. “It is the work of the commander and my sultan.”

“Both are mad. I hardly know him.” Lord Dante Montague sighed. “Why me?”

“He heard of your name, and he trusted you.” Lord Dante Montague was told.

 “When can he move?” Lord Dante Montague looked towards the private chamber.

“I am unsure. He is still resting.” Chorbaji replied. “You will see him later. He holds some letters for you to deliver on his behalf. It was all he requested.”

Back in Genoa, there were hardly any letters handed at the Montague’s, but little bits of paper were used as the means of communication for some; not all were shy to speak their mind. The older folks had retired to their home, while the young ones continued; and of course, for some under the supervision of the chaperones or caretakers, hence modesty was required. The masks stayed on for most, but some daring souls shed that shield.

“Did you see him?”

“I think so. Was he with the blue mask?”

“No, he was in the grey one.”

“Then I may have slipped him the note by mistake.”

Such errors were common in the masked masquerade. But the fun hardly ends with the dancing at the ball of the Montague’s home, which goes into the late strokes of the night. The dances varied by the musicians on their instrument offerings to the slow waltz then.

“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” (taken from Romeo and Juliet plays) Juliet's feet were weary from waltzing the dance steps. She was the attention of the beaus that evening, but the one named Ramone Algar had her for most of the dances. They held onto their mask, but their affection was unfolded.

“Oh, I am fortune’s fool!” (taken from Romeo and Juliet plays) Romeo sighed.

“Oh, why do you say that?” Juliet looked at the handsome man held in her arms while their feet moved in unison to the music.

“I feel like a fool.” Romeo smiled. “I want to continue on the dance, but the sun will be peeking over us soon.”

“The sun… Yes…” Juliet smiled. “It will soon hold its thieving moment to our dances.”

“But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!” (taken from the Romeo and Juliet plays) Romeo praised the lady.

“And you, Ramone. You are the sunset I long to see.” Juliet smiled. “Before I go to sleep.”

It was then that Romeo leaned over and kissed the lady on the lips.

“This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath, may prove a beauteous flower when next we meet. Come to thy heart as that within my breast. O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?” (again, taken from the Romeo and Juliet play) Romeo looked at Juliet. The lady was surprised by the kiss. It was her first by a man she hardly knew.

“I think I must leave now.” Juliet pulled away from the arms of the man who had just kissed her. “Do send me letters when you are near. And my love to Rosaline for introducing me to her cousin.”

Romeo watched the lady stroll off to her home. He had not seen her face fully, but he felt she was his choice of love. Her lips were soft and warm to his, and her movements were all graceful.

“Are you ready to go home?” It was Rosaline. She had sat by herself at the side, watching the two dance, while she was asked by some, but her mood was sad. She came with a man she thought would give her some undivided attention, but all she got was one dance and hours of eating the pastries served at the table.

“Pardon me, yes. We can leave. How was your evening?” Romeo asked.

“My beauty sleep was denied,” Rosaline replied when they walked to the waiting carriage.

“Oh, did you? Was it fun?” Romeo had not understood the reply.

“Trust me. I will not come again.” Rosaline sighed. They had boarded the carriage and were driven home. Without hesitation, Rosaline turned towards Romeo.

“Do you know she is of the Montague?”

“Yes, I do, but she is … an absolute beauty.” Romeo leaned back and smiled.

“You do know that it will be an impossibility that the two of you could ever…”

“Halt that thought, Rosaline. Tonight I am Ramone Alger.” Romeo looked at Rosaline. “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” (again, taken from the Romeo and Juliet play)

“Romeo, do you ……” Rosaline felt the urge was there, and she took it. She leaned over and kissed the man on the lips, crushing his lips with hers. Romeo, taken aback, pushed her off.

“Rosaline, heaven forbid. Did you drink one too many glasses?”

“No…” Rosaline pulled away and looked out of the carriage. “I was……. I am sorry. I was drunk.”

“Was it? Or was it ……” Romeo tried to understand what had happened. “We are cousins, and I……”

“Forget it, Romeo Capulet. I was drunk. Let us go home.” Rosaline's tears flowed down her cheeks.

Love was said by many to be unforgiving when it was not reciprocated. Abram felt that towards Jessica. He had walked behind her, making sure she got home. He watched every step taken by the lady and sighed.

“Jessica, may I speak to you?” Abram found the courage to call at her.

“There is not much we can talk about. I am upset, but it may not matter.” Jessica replies without looking back. “What can I do? I am the daughter who must listen to the parents.”

“No, Jessica. I just want to say ….” Abram tried to explain himself. The lady stopped and turned towards him.

“What do you want to say? That you love me? That you need me? I can be a great mother too. I can have a dozen children bearing your image.”

“No, Jessica. I want to say ….”

“Let me go home. Tomorrow, you can speak to my parents about the wedding. I will be there.” Jessica turned to walk on. Abram was unable to speak, but for fear of her safety, he followed her.

All was not over for Romeo, who stood there looking at the departing Rosaline. They had alighted from the carriage at the house, but he did not go in. He stood there by the street and pondered on the evening’s event.

“How fares the young master of Capulet?” Mercutio approached the younger man. “If I had known you better, it would be now art thou what thou art, by art as well as by nature, for this drivelling love is like a great natural that runs lolling up and down to hide his bauble in a hole (Romeo and Juliet extract.)”

Mercutio’s point is that at its root, love is just sexual desire, as most younger persons will attest to that. Mercutio, himself unattached to any lady, shared that Romeo’s romantic longing was just “driveling” and “lolling” brought on by sexual frustration.

“I am not that anymore, Mercutio. I am truly in love.” Romeo smiled. “What ails you to still be walking on the street at this hour?”

Romeo knew the man and smiled. Mercutio is known to the family; paladin was his profession, the knight in the royalty court, and often the man you looked for if you ever needed help from the palace, but he was never one to be satisfied with one lady.

“I was waiting for you.” Mercutio stood by the younger man. “You made an impression at the ball this evening.”

“Were you there?” Romeo asked. “I did not see you.”

“How could you? You were with the lady while I was with my guest, Count Paris.” Mercutio smiled. “He was there to court the daughter of Lord Dante Montague. And was disappointed this evening. One Ramone Alger had her company for himself.”

“Okay. Did he?” Romeo asked. “I did not see him.”

“He did not. That Ramone Alger dominated the lady for the whole evening.” Mercutio looked at the man. “I was unsure if that Ramone was also named Romeo Capulet.”

“Me? It … You meant Juliet Montague. Yes, I was with her, but this was our first time meeting.”

“Did you consider your selfish action could have tarnished my reputation?” Mercutio took on the sterner tone. “Do you know your name? Capulet. It stands for no interaction with Montague. Why……?”

“Oh, wait. I told Rosaline to bring you. I was the foolish one.” Mercutio sighed. “A plague on both your houses!”

“I am confused, Mercutio. Please be direct.”

“I told Rosaline to bring you there. A fool’s errand it was.” Mercutio looked at the other. “It was to allow you time to know Rosaline, but you went on your folly to look at the other lady. And one Count Paris was embarking on that too. It is a calamity in the offering.”

“I went with Rosaline, for I asked her, but I did not plan on seeing Juliet there. I mean, she was to be there, but I was not there to see her. Not my initial action. I was to enjoy myself there. I had not been to a ball like that. I then met Juliet, and we matched.”

“Idiots are we not.” Mercutio turned and walked away.

 

 

 

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 27

 

27.

 

The masquerade ball was the fad then in Genoa, as it was all over Europe.

Masquerade balls were a feature of the commoners, then involved increasingly elaborate settings with pageants and triumphal processions celebrating marriages and other dynastic events of late medieval court life. The Carnival traces its origins to the Carnival of Venice, which began after the military victory of the Venetian Republic over the patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrich II, in the year 1162.

In honor of this, the people started to dance and gather in St. Mark's Square. Carnival typically involves public celebrations, including events such as parades, public street parties, and other entertainments, combining some elements of a circus. Elaborate costumes and masks allow people to set aside their everyday individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity.

The event then moved to the estates of the elites, where only the invited were allowed to partake. It was to be done orderly and without any untoward incidents. The memory of the "Bal des Ardents" ("Burning Men's Ball") was held by Charles VI of France, or was it unintended as a Bal des sauvages ("Wild Men's Ball"), a form of costumed ball (morisco)? It took place in celebration of the marriage of a lady-in-waiting of Charles VI of France's queen in Paris on January 28, 1393. The king and five courtiers dressed as wild men of the woods (woodwoses), with costumes of flax and pitch. If they came too close to a torch, the dancers caught fire. Four of the dancers were killed in a fire caused by a torch brought in by Louis I, Duke of Orléans, the king's brother.

Well, there were some unrecorded ones, which made the Romans’ parties less lively compared to.

“Wow! I did not expect the turnout to be so large.” Juliet in the devilish red gown; the fur-trimmed Burgundian gown held a V-neck that displays the black kirtle and a band of the chemise with the tight slashed sleeves complete with the red double-horned escot. She had on a dark red face mask with a snout.

“I am sure there are many handsome men there.” Lady Angeline smiled at the guests. “I spied on the Russo and Paninni there. I must go over and say hello to them.”

The mother of the lady took her leave. Juliet looked around and did not see her father; he was probably busy at his trade’s discussions. She saw many of her peers with and without their beaus, but she was keen to look for some she knew favorably. She knew some of the guests were of her mother, to showcase her, or the other family, their sons.

“Boring…” Juliet sighed.

“And is it?” Juliet turned to look and saw it was her friend, Rosaline, dressed in the blue gown with sleeves, worn over a kirtle or under-gown, overlaid with a linen chemise. The sleeves were made detachable and were heavily ornamented, with the high-waisted style with fullness over the belly confined by a belt. The wide, shallow scooped neckline was replaced by a V-neck, often cut low enough to reveal the decorated front of the kirtle beneath. She had on the hennin for her headdress with a matching shade.

The face mask was a half mask with a feline design.

“Rosaline! You made it. And you look demure.” Juliet smiled.

“And you are … cherry … ravishing.” Rosaline smiled back. “I must have a change of wardrobe now.”

“No, you do not. You look beautiful.” Juliet looked once more at her friend. She saw the handsome man standing by her friend. The man was dressed in red: a shirt, doublet, and hose, with the long robe worn over the shoulder to the knee and a hood that covered the head. The mask had a feather over the eye slits.

“Who is your friend?” Juliet asked.

“I am Ramone. Ramone Algar. Distant cousin of Rosaline.” The man introduced himself. “May I?”

The man held out his right hand to offer the cutesy bow. Juliet held out her right hand towards him, and the man kissed it lightly.

“I am honoured.” The man asked. “Whom am I addressing?”

“Juliet Montague.” The lady smiled and then took her excuse to see the others.

“Romeo… you idiot. I do not have a cousin named Ramone.” Rosaline looked at the man in red.

“You do now.” Romeo, in his disguise, smiled. “Shall we dance? Tell me more about Juliet. I would like to talk to her.”

Across the garden, Juliet met another friend of hers.

“Portia, I am glad you could make it.” The other lady was dressed similarly in fashion to Rosaline, but her choice was the green and yellow shades.

“I am glad to make it. My fiancé, Bassanio. Galuco Bassanio.”

“The one who took the last casket.” Juliet smiled. “I do not have that many suitors to select even one casket from me.”

“And you will, my dear. I am happy that you organized this ball. I can see many prospective Capulets’ choices here.”

“Do not taunt me, Portia. I am just having some fun here.” Juliet excused herself. Portia noticed Bassanio looking at the departing lady.

“Are you trying to flirt with her?” Portia asked.

“Me? No, I was just studying her choice of dressing.” Bassanio smiled. “I have an interest in the designs.”

“Designs? Why am I not that observant?” Portia took her walk to the drink table, followed by the man. She was agitated at herself if she ever knew the man who was to be her husband. It was said that in the period of courtship, the couples were playacting for each other. Once they are wedded, the real side of the person will be seen.

“I want to dance,” Bassanio asked Portia.

“Not now. I have a headache.” The dance was off, but dancing was the norm of the ball events, and it was no different from the one held at Wallachia. Vlad III organized his own celebrations then at his house at Pecs, Wallachia, on his return as the voivode for the third term. He had sent out invites to the boyars and to King Corvinus, and the latter declined for the reason of other commitments.

“Drink up!” Vlad greeted his guests. The reluctance of guests to take the offer was hesitant.

“It is Negru Vârtos wine. It is rich in the red shade. It is not blood, if many of you feared.” Vlad held up the glass. He took a sip and smiled.

“When we are at war, we hardly get to drink this. We drank posca, the water and vinegar mix.” Vlad smiled and looked at the glass held in his hand. Posca was an ancient Roman drink made by mixing water and wine vinegar. Bracing but less nutritious and generally less palatable than wine, it was typically a drink for soldiers, the lower classes, and slaves.

“And we shall drink Posca then.” A Hungarian commander called out. It was echoed by the others.

“So, be it. Serve posca now.” Vlad III called out. He tossed the wine glass with the red wine to the floor. “We drink like soldiers now.”

The boyars present there cringed at the new offerings, but they were obliging lest their blood be served as wine.

“Basarab Laiotă rides with the Ottoman support approaching our borders. We shall meet them in battle and rout them good.” Vlad told the gathered there.

“Voivode, can we not discuss the terms of peace with them?” One of the boyars approached the voivode. “We have not seen peace for a long time, not since my childhood.”

“Peace, old man?” Vlad looked at the aging boyar. ‘Have you seen what peace will do for your land, you people, and your family?”

“Have I seen peace before? I was the hostage of the Ottomans when my father pledged allegiance to them. I was imprisoned, tortured, and almost killed more times than I could count. I have returned here to reclaim the land for us, the Wallachians.”

“I did not mean that, Voivode.” The old boyar looked to the Wallachian leader. He was selected to speak to the Voivode, as he was older, and more to it, he was without any family members. His death will mean the dissolution of his rank, and the land will be divided by the others.

“All I ask is, can we stop the fighting? Basarab is one of us, too.” The boyar looked to the others for support, but all evaded his eyes. “Do you want to continue the war?”

“This is not… our war anymore, Voivode.” The old boyar looked towards the leader. “It has become a war of power. Of Hungary and the Ottoman.”

“Are you accusing me of siding with the Hungarians to enforce my position of power?” Vlad looked at the accuser.

“Yes, I am.” The old boyar said defiantly. “You are, Vlad Tepes. Execute me now. Impaled me like what you did to the others. I do not fear you.”

Vlad was upset and had the old boyar sent to the dungeons. He then called off the celebrations. He met his wife, Lady Justina, in the chamber.

“When I am away, you will live at Castle Poenari, where guards will be there to protect you. I hold many enemies, and that castle will protect you.” Vlad told the lady. “I am to ride tomorrow.”

“Arrangements are made for you.” Vlad looked at his lover.

As with all conflicts of love and family, prior arrangements were made.

“Jessica, we could elope.” Lorenzo looked to the lady. They had met below the arch of the bridge.

“I want to, but am confused.” Jessica looked at the man she loves. “Lorenzo, I cannot just leave my parents. I loved them.”

“Let me talk to them,” Lorenzo said. “I can explain things.”

“Like what? You are the bastard son of Capulet. You are also a Christian, and I am Jewish.” Jessica shed her tears. “We are… a stream apart like here. We can only meet …below here.”

“I have regretted meeting you.” Jessica cried out. “We were never meant to be with each other.”

“No, Jessica. I love you. I can be ……. Jewish too.” Lorenzo held out his arms towards her. “I……”

“Unhand her, Capulet.” That voice was Abram from the Montague family. “She is not yours to take.”

“Jessica is mine.” Lorenzo placed Jessica to the side of him and faced the Montagues’ enforcer. “Who are you to claim on her?”

“I am Abram of Montague.” Abram approached the couple. “Jessica, I have come to take you home.”

“Montague? Another servant of the Montague. Go back to your master and stay out of my affair.” Lorenzo stepped towards the other. “I am unarmed, but I know how to defend myself.”

“Defend this!” Abram threw a right arm at Lorenzo, who was unprepared for that. The fist landed on the younger man’s face, and Lorenzo fell to the side.

“Abram, stop!” Jessica rushed towards Lorenzo. She crouched next to the fallen man and looked at his face. It was bruised, but the pain will be there.

“Stop, Abram. Do not hurt him.” Jessica looked at the older man. “I love him, but I know it will not be possible. I will go back with him. You can have me as your wife, but not my love for you.”

“Jessica, I ……” Lorenzo held out his arms towards Jessica.

“No, Lorenzo. It was foolish of us to think we could love each other. Our families are different in many ways. Our ways are different. Our children will be the outcasts of both sides.”

“Jessica Judas, I love you.” Lorenzo held his grip on the lady’s arms.

“And I do of you, but we must accept reality.” Jessica pulled away. “I must return to my family.”