A words of appreciation.....and hopefully more to come

 Thanks to all for reading my blog. Do drop me a comment if you could. 

I felt like singing Leo Sayer's "WHEN I NEED YOU." Or was it ARE YOU LONELY TONIGHT? 

I do actually want to hear from you. I had recently sent an extract of my tale (one of my many) to a publisher, and they replied... Nothing here to rave on. 

But above all, I feel as if I am not ready, or maybe the fun of blogging is more fun. I am doing my writing in between the works as a means of stress relief. And honestly, it's appreciated on my end to see the rewards here. 

I have two other tales... struggling to get them going, and I have embarked on P&P V: MODERN PROMETHEUS THE FINALE. I had a sleepless night last week, spending over 4 hrs running through the new direction, and GOD...it's awful at my age not to write my thoughts down, as my memories are like RAM...they dissolved soon after I stood up...well, not all anyway...PAMELA is still in there (literally)...and GOD! Forgive me here...she was...

We move on. 

I am back to pen the above P&P 5 and conclude the tale.... Where are MARY the creature, VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN, and LAUREN the new witch... and of course, THE THEOLOGY SOCIETY, and SVEN, and many others... newly surfaced... I am adding in the HELSING family there (hint...hint). A rare thought came to mind... a different HELSING gender... hmmmmmm... Oh, they've done that on NETFLIX...

Till the end cometh and when it does, but for now it's TALLY HO

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 34

 

34.

 

Katherina held her lover from the rear. He was to leave her again and ride back to Wallachia. They had spent one night together, and it was time to be apart.

“I must go, Katherina. I have a war to battle.” Vlad held his hands over Katharina’s hands at his chest. “Stephen III awaits me.”

“Will you be back?” Katherina asked.

“With God’s mercy, I will. This round, the war will be tough. The Ottomans outnumbered us.” Vlad sighed. “It does not mean victory is theirs, but we will see who held the best strategy on the battlefield.”

“Can you just ignore the war?”

“No, Katherina. I cannot. I was released from prison to fight this war. King Corvinus will not allow me to go free.” Vlad held out the hands of his lover and kissed them. “I am destined to battle there.”

“What about us?”

“You will be safe. I am sure Lady Sofia will take care of you.” Vlad felt the emotions inside him. He was unsure of the welfare of his family under Lord Gencio Capulet’s care. His letters were never replied to, and he had to come here to see them.

“I am not worried about us, Vlad, but of you.” The lady held onto her lover.

“I will be fine. I will …… I will speak to King Corvinus when I am back at Wallachia.”

Back in Hungary, another lady awaits his lover’s return. Lady Maria Despina stood in the hall awaiting her guest. The latter had agreed to meet her, but she was to wait. He finally arrived and spoke to her.

“Doamna Maria Despina, my apologies for making you wait.” Stephen III greeted the other. “I have no news of Radu. I had sent words to my men to find him.”

“Is he well? That is my concern.” Doamna Maria Despina sighed. “I am here and he is …….”

“As I was told, he was defeated by Basarab III, but changes in the Voivode at Wallachia are ever confusing. Of later, I am to march with Vlad Tepes to reclaim the land.”

“Vlad Tepes? He who is the …….” Doamna Maria Despina looked at the Lord.

“The Impaler? Yes, that is the man. His reputation ……”

“I was to say he is Radu’s brother. They were together once before as the guests of the Sultan.”

“Yes, they were, and then …… Vlad returned here and became the Voivode before he was defeated, not once but twice. He was also the enemy of the Ottomans, and little was I to know how it affected his brother there.”

“Radu told me he was fine.” Doamna Maria Despina said. “He related to me his life there without his brother.”

“He did? It was obvious. You are his wife. Silly of me.” Stephen III laughed. “Well, of his whereabouts, I am unsure.”

Stephen III was not to tell of Radu’s possible demise in battle, but there was insufficient proof of his death except for hearsay.

“Let me assure you that once I know of any news, I will tell you.” Stephen III bowed to the lady and left.

Another lady awaits news, and that was in Genoa.

“My lady, Tybalt Capulet is dead. He was killed in a fight.” The words have reached the home of the Capulets. “He was killed by one named Mercutio.”

“Mercy!” Lady Sofia was distraught by the news brought to her by her servant. She was with Benvolio and Rosaline for tea at the library.

“What madness is there?” Lady Sofia's tears flowed. “Tybalt is …….”

“That is not all, my lady. Romeo is involved. He killed Mercutio.” The servant said. “The young master is in hiding.”

“Gracious! What has my kin relation done now?” Benvolio stood up from the seat where he was seated. “Where is he now?”

“We have no news.” The servant said. “He was last seen with Gregory and Sampson.”

“Find them. Send men to find them.” Benvolio called out. “Reynard, where are you?”

“I am here, Sir. I had been looking for Romeo.” Reynard appeared at the library. “I came back to get more help.”

“Did you find Sampson and Gregory?” Benvolio looked at the man. “Do not disappoint the Capulet.”

Reynard nodded and tried to leave, but stopped by the lady.

“Is he injured?’ Lady Sofia asked Reynard.

“I am unsure. I was told that they ran off after the death of Mercutio. I had retrieved the body of Tybalt.”

“Send me words when you know.” Lady Sofia was emotional. “Send words to Lord Gencio Capulet. He needs to know. And where is Lorenzo?”

Reynard left then.

Lorenzo had rushed to the arch under the bridge when he got word of the fight and found Romeo there with Sampson. It was Gregory who brought Lorenzo.

“What did happen? I heard you were in a fight?” Lorenzo looked at Romeo.

“It was, but things happened so fast, and next I knew, I had killed Mercutio.” Romeo sighed. “All I wanted to do was stop the fight.”

“Tybalt?” Lorenzo asked. “He is dead, as I was told. The authorities are looking for you.”

“What of Juliet?” Romeo asked.

“The vixen who got us all in this mix.” Sampson snapped out. “We …….”

“Enough!” Romeo cried out. “I need a place to hide. I need to hide till father is back.”

“I know of such a place, but we must hurry,” Lorenzo said. “The two of you must find your own refuge. I cannot hide many of you.”

It was decided then, and Gregory and Sampson took off. Bassanio was also looking for refuge. He had defaulted on his arrangement with Antonio, who had then fled to Moldavia.

“I must seek Gencio there. I will let him know of the wares, and he will assist.” Antonio told Bassanio before he boarded the carriage to go there. “You do not have to worry about the threat from Shylock. He is a toothless tiger.”

“The shipment is important. If anything happens to it, we are doomed.” Bassanio was worried. “I will have …...”

“Hold your worries, Bassanio. Once we have the wares, we will be rich.” Antonio smiled. “Say nothing of the wares there. It must be our secret.”

Bassanio was left standing there alone, and he sought out Portia.

“I am at a loss,” Bassanio told Portia. “All my wealth is on those ships.”

“Be brave, Bassanio. We will find a way to settle the debts.” Portia looked at the man who was to be her husband. He lacked courage when it was needed. She wondered if he was right for her. Was he the right man to share her wealth? After all, Portia’s wealth was huge, and if mismanaged, it would be gone in one generation. She confided in Nerissa.

“It is not that I am petty or selfish here,” Portia explained her case to the friend.

“Hush, Portia. The more you say will affect your thoughts. Bassanio is a good man, kind and loving, but he may lack the shrewdness of the trade like you. Or even Gratiano.”

Gratiano is a good friend of Bassanio and had introduced the latter to Portia’s family.

“Yes, Bassanio could borrow from Gratiano.” Portia looked at Nerissa.

“Unfortunately, no. Gratiano is himself tight with the war in Wallachia. He had invested in some wares there. He also awaits the payments.” Nerissa explained. “He will help if he can.”

“I have no one then.” Portia sighed. Her thoughts to the Capulet. They may help if she approaches them, but they are in grieving then with the death of Tybalt and with Romeo missing. The feud between the Capulets and the Montagues had never been deeper before. The two families are at odds with each other. She knew of the death of one named Mercutio, but he was said to be intervening in the fight and was killed by Romeo.

“I could talk to Jessica. I will tell her to speak to her father.” Nerissa looked to Portia. “It may buy some time for Bassanio.”

Time was not what Vlad had when he returned to Wallachia. He rode to Castle Poenari first.

“My love, are you fine?” Vlad greeted his newlywed wife. She was in their chamber and stood by the wall opening.

“It is a lovely view from here. The Argeș River valley offers a long and wide view. I stand here daily and wonder what it will be like to wander there…… without guards.”

“It is a lovely view.” Vlad stood next to the lady. “The guards are to …….”

“I know, and I stopped going out of this castle. I am …….” Lady Justina turned to her husband. “I am happy that you are back.”

“I am for now. I am to ride to war soon. Stephen III awaits me.” Vlad looked to her. “I came to …….”

“I heard you went to Genoa. Was she there?” Lady Justina asked.

“Genoa? The servants are impolite.” Vlad sighed. “I ……”

“How is she? And the children?” Lady Justina pressed on.

“She is fine, and the children are growing well. I was concerned about them for I had no news from Lord Gencio Capulet, whom I entrusted their safety to.”

“That is good to hear. I am fine here.” Lady Justina said. Families are important. You need to …….”

“Justina, we ……” Vlad tried to read his wife’s feelings.

“There is no reason for you to …… justify your feelings, Vlad. I can understand that.” Lady Justina turned to look at the valley. “We …… Our union was an arrangement by the King. We hold …… We could only oblige. And we did. I am not a widow anymore.”

“Justina, how …….”

“None needed, Vlad. Ride to war with courage. I will be here for you.” With that, Lady Justina stepped away from the wall. Vlad stood there, lost, and wanted to find a place where he could reconcile his feelings.

“Voivode, Lord Stephen III awaits your return.” The servant came to tell Vlad.

“Duty calls then.”

 

 

 

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 33

 

33

 

The death of Radu was kept a secret by the Chorbaji, while the funeral was simple and attended by the select few. Lord Dante Montague was one of the few selected. Soon after the funeral, he bid farewell to the Janissary commander.

“I will be returning to my land now.” The Chorbaji told Lord Dante Montague. “You have your task, and mine is with my Sultan.”

Lord Dante Montague rode to Wallachia and was told that the Voivode was at war with Stephen III against the Turks. He was reluctant to leave the letter to the household and rode back into Hungary to seek the widow of Radu.

His audience was granted, and it was then he met Lord Gencio Capulet, surprised at Hungary. They were in the courtyard of Stephen III.

“Dante, I finally get to meet you …… again.” Lord Gencio Capulet smiled and approached the other. “How are you? It had been months since we last spoke.”

“I have been better, Lord Gencio Capulet.” Lord Dante Montague smiled. He was apprehensive about wasting time there. He has other business at Genoa.

“Lord Gencio Capulet? Do trust me, Dante. We have been friends for a long time. Do not ignore me. Why do we dislike each other?” Lord Gencio Capulet looked at the other. “Were we not good friends before?”

“I held no grudge against you, Lord Gencio Capulet. Whatever you may have thought of, will be undoing of your own mind.” Lord Dante Montague wanted to move on.

“No, Dante. You have harboured mistrust of me ever since we were at the palace. The Empress jewel was the cause then. You were upset, but you were not unfairly treated by the Sultan. You had your wares bartered then.”

“Enough, Gencio. I am not here to talk about our past. I ……” Lord Dante Montague snapped out.

“Was it Juliette? I never courted her. I did of ……”

“I cared not for Juliette anymore. She is the wife of the lord in England now.” Lord Dante Montague has set aside the rejection by the mother of the lady.

“Then was it, Angeline?” Lord Gencio Capulet. “I did ……”

“Leave my wife out of the issue. Angeline wedded me on her own will.” Lord Dante Montague was upset that the matter had dragged on. “You have …….”

“I wedded ……. Sofia, but she was not Sofia then. She was …… A barmaid then. It was a vengeance against you against …... Angeline. Everyone knew of my bastard son, Lorenzo. He is not mine, but I treated him as one, like my family.”

“Lord Gencio Capulet, whom you wed, was not of my concern. And leave Angeline out of your web of deceit.”

“Deceit, Dante? Was that what you viewed as one? A man of deceit?”

“Those are your words, Lord Gencio Capulet. Ever since then, I have moved my trades elsewhere. I did not compete with you.”

“And you got Albert imprisoned.” Lord Gencio Capulet snapped out. “He was my blood kin. He helped me trade the shipments.”

“Which you got illegally. I had known, and did not drag your name in.” Lord Dante Montague looked at the other. “For our old times, I did not implicate you.”

“We are traders. We do the barter where we can if there is profit to be made.” Lord Gencio Capulet. “It was a fair barter.”

“At the expense of the ones who were to defend our borders? Did you see the starvation on them?”

“Dante, you were not there at the border. I was and fought the Turks. I knew we were defeated and …... will not be paid then. Nor fed. I did what was needed to recoup my coins.”

“Can we move on? I have other matters to take care of.” Lord Dante Montague chose to move away.

“Dante, did you hear of the rumours that the Empress' jewels are missing? The very same ones …… I traded them to the Sultan.”

“I did not concern myself with rumours.” Lord Dante Montague said. It was the major rift that split their friendship.

“It is said that the Empress jewels are in Hungary to be shipped to Genoa.” Lord Gencio Capulet looked at the other. “Perhaps this time you may get to buy it. I am sure you want to ……...”

“I am uninterested.” Lord Dante Montague said and then saw the arrival of Prince Escalus and bowed to the prince.

“Gentlemen of Genoa, I could hear you from the corridor. Have you not called a truce to your feud?” Prince Escalus said. “Your feud lined back so far ……. That rival that of Vlad Tepes from his youth times to now.”

“It is time to put it under the bridge.” Prince Escalus reminded the duo. “Now tell me what you know of the Empress jewels? I overheard it.”

“Nothing that I am to know.” Lord Dante Montague replied. “I must leave now. I have other matters to attend to.”

Prince Escalus was upset that the lord took off without his permission. He looked towards the remaining one standing there.

“I will assume you know nothing, too.”

“Regarding what. Prince Escalus?” Lord Gencio Capulet asked.

“The Empress Jewels? You traded it to the Sultan, and now rumours that it was given to the Tepes, but we do not know which one.”

‘The Empress Jewels? Unbelievable. At this age, it will be priceless. To whom did you get this rumour?” Lord Gencio Capulet asked.

“From the court of King Corvinus. He favoured the jewel as many others do. What do you know of it?”

“Nothing at this moment, Prince Escalus. If I do have any news, I will inform you.” Lord Gencio Capulet smiled.

“So, you will not toss me over the bridge?” Prince Escalus smiled. “Or stab me in the back under the bridge.”

Under the bridge was where murderous things happened, but on occasions, young lips meet, and it was there, Jessica met Lorenzo. He held her hands and pleaded.

“I am unsure of where we are leading to? I can speak to your father.” Lorenzo looked at Jessica.

“It is not the time. My parents are not ready to see you.” Jessica lied then. She could not tell of Abram. “It is best we delay things for now.”

“Jessica, we could ……. Elope. I have some coins saved.”

“Elope? I am unsure. It will bring the wrath of my parents, your parents, and our…”

“Does it matter? We can be in a place where no one knows us.” Lorenzo looked at his love. “I am not the rightful son of Capulet. I am his bastard, and Romeo will not have me standing should the father die.”

“Do not think bad vibes of Romeo. He is a good man.” Jessica said.

Good or bad, Romeo was in a predicament then. He was to face the man named Mercutio once more. They met at one of the courtyards of the city. They were alone on the invitation of Romeo. It was to discuss the insult to the Montagues’ ladies.  He wanted to apologize and be friends again. It was a flat refusal of Mercutio to the friendship.

“Mercutio, just days ago, you told me you are my friend. And now we faced each other like enemies.”

“I am your friend, but the Montagues are mine too. And you insulted the ladies, which stands above that, and I am in need to protect their integrity.”

“Alas, Mercutio. Chivalry is past its time now. More to it, I did not insult them. I was to apologize for that action, as it was done by Gregory. He did it.” Romeo explained. It was then that Tybalt rushed in. The latter had seen the meeting when he was passing by the area.

“Who dares to challenge my kin?” Tybalt, in his emotional, hasty self, had stood in-between Romeo and Mercutio. “Mercutio, why are you here?”

“I stand for the Montague. These kins of yours insulted the ladies here. Would you stand for it if they were Capulets?” Mercutio looked to the one he named as a friend.

“I will, but for the honour of the Capulet, I need to stand with them.” Tybalt looked at Mercutio. They knew each other on the battlefields.

“Tybalt, let it rest.” Romeo intervened.

“Yes, let it rest.” Gregory cut in. He was with Tybalt and joined in. “Them ladies of the Montague held no honour we need to concern ourselves with.”

“Gregory!” Romeo cried out, but the insult was heard by many. Mercutio had then his schiavona drawn.

He levelled it at Romeo.

“Drawing a sword against the Capulets is an insult to me.” Tybalt drew his own schiavona and deflected the schiavona held by Mercutio. It all happened so fast then, when Mercutio's reaction to the deflection was to attack Tybalt. He swung his schiavona in from the right and was parried by Tybalt then. He drew back his swing and went for a forward thrust at the Capulet kin. The thrust was parried with the inswing by Tybalt, who then adjusted his schiavona for the reverse swing on Mercutio.

The slash was effective when the blade of the schiavona cut into the left arm of Mercutio.

“Touche!” Tybalt cried out, and he stepped back to regain his fighting posture. Mercutio, injured on the left arm, stepped forth with a slash from the right.

Tybalt stepped aside to avoid the slash, but he was to fall off his feet when he mis stepped. He fell to the ground, and Mercutio followed through with the right slash move with another swing from the left. The blade cut at the left shin of Tybalt. 

“Aargh! You cut me.” Tybalt pulled his left leg back. “Bastardo!”

“Stop the fight!” Romeo rushed towards Tybalt, and Mercutio grabbed the young man by the right shoulder.

“You must not intervene….” Mercutio pushed the young man off the path, and Tybalt took on anger towards the other.

“Unhand him, scoundrel.” Tybalt raised his sword and slashed at Mercutio's left leg. It was a reaction of Mercutio to fight when he was injured twice. He thrust the schiavona at Tybalt, still on the ground, at the right thigh. The blade cut in deep there.

“Aargh…. You wound me deep.” Tybalt cried out. He was not to give up then, and thrust his schiavona at Mercutio. The latter parried the schiavona off and turned to look at Romeo.

“Go before you ……” Mercutio's instinct guided him to the next move by Tybalt, who was swinging the schiavona from the left. Mercutio stepped aside to avoid the slash and, in turn, thrust his schiavona at Tybalt’s chest.

It was done.

Tybalt felt the blade pierce his chest and wound his heart. It would have been, but Tybalt avoided the thrust. That caused the blade to cut deeper into the heart. Tybalt cursed out and then lay on his back. Romeo saw Tybalt lying there, dead, and cried out in anger. He picked up the schiavona dropped by Tybalt and thrust at Mercutio.

Mercutio felt the blade pierce his torso and then exit at the back.

It was deadly.

 

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 32

 

32.

 

Rosaline sat by the window at her house, looked to the garden there. She was admiring the flower beds there, nurtured and grown by the gardeners daily. They fret on the growths, removed the weeds, and nourished the soil. She wondered if it was that simple with her own life. She held up the flower stalk in her right hand; the stalk of white rose. The white shades symbolize purity, as was her love for the man she loves. However, she was unsure if he does of her.

“Romeo, I love you.” Rosaline plucked the petal off the flower. She managed to the last petal, and her wish may not be fulfilled. She looked at the last petal there, and her wish then was he loves her.

“Am I being silly here?” Rosaline looked at the petal she plucked. She looked to the flooring and saw the many petals she had plucked then, from the few stalks. She was unsure; twice she denied her love and thrice she was accepted of it.

“Does he really love me?” Rosaline asked herself.

“Does who love you?” The voice was behind the lady. She turned around and saw her cousin, Tybalt Capulet. He is the son of Lord Gencio Capulet’s brother, who resides in Venice. He is a young man, handsome and skilled with the sword, but lack of emotional control on his behaviour, hence he was always in fights. It was the family name that helped him out of trouble.

“Tybalt! When did you arrive?” Rosaline asked.

“A short while ago by ship. I am on route to Moldavia to join the crusade against the Turks.” Tybalt dressed like the Venetian gentleman, in the loose tunic and tight leggings. “I had just disembarked this morning and rushed over to see you.”

“How are you, my pretty cousin?” Tybalt smiled. He held the same smile as his uncle, and flattering was his manners when he was not upset.

“I fare well. You missed the ball?”

“Ball? Yes, I heard of it. The Montague held a ball for their daughter’s.” Tybalt looked to the garden outside. “I am not keen. It may behold a garden of flowers and yet the one I am keen on is here.”

“Oh, you flattered me too much.” Rosaline laughed.

“And how is my cousin, Romeo? Where art thou he had skunk to?” Tybalt held a dislike for Romeo. He once said that if Romeo was not of his blood, he would have long lain dead in blood.

“Romeo is well. I took him there to the ball. He enjoyed himself.”

“At the Montague’s ball? So, it is true, that he was there. I am appalled by that man. Does he not know of the feud, or have his head turned on the neck?”

“Stay calm, Tybalt. He was there on my invite. I am friends with Juliet.” Rosaline smiled.

“We danced and danced.” Rosaline lied then.

“And never once he laid eyes on any Montagues’ ladies?” Tybalt was envy of Romeo.

“No one at all.” Rosaline smiled. “We were just there for the music. He was with me.”

“I am envious. Okay, I must go. Benvolio awaits me. We are to do the needed for Prince Escalus.” Tybalt bowed to the lady.

“Must it be always the war that matters to you?” Rosaline asked. “Or was it only Romeo you dislike.”

“It is in our blood that I should not, my dear. We are cousins, but I do dislike him. I will not kill him if you are concern. I will be seeing you later.” Tybalt left the chamber. Rosaline sat there once more looking at the other stalks of roses.

“Could I love him instead?” Rosaline asked. She plucked the petal and sighed. There was one more petal there on the flower.

“Whatever will be will be.” Rosaline sighed.

Across the city, Romeo met Juliet there not at the arch of the bridge, but in a tavern’s room on the upper level. He had bribed the tavern keeper to use the room.

“Oh, Juliet. How could I resist you?” Romeo was on his knees and facing the lady at the navel. Juliet was half dressed with her gown drawn to her waist. The man was nuzzling at her exposed flesh there, while her hands were holding him by the head.

“Oh, Romeo. I wished but we cannot. We must be …… careful.” Juliet moaned when the man laid his lips at the belly button.

“But till when, my love?” Romeo pulled himself up. He held the lady into his arms. His torso mashed towards her. “You could be my need.”

“I do but it has been too fast.” Juliet pulled away. She pulled the hem of the gown to her shoulder and laced the bodice. Romeo had then held her from the back.

“I love you.’ Romeo said. “Does my love mean anything to you?”

“It does, Romeo. It does but we have to be ……. Careful. I am a Montague, and you are …….” Juliet held her hands over the man’s hands.

“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 repeats his vow.

“Do not do that, Romeo. We cannot desecrate the love and honour of the family.” Juliet reminded the other. “There must be a day when we can declare our love.”

It had been a whirlwind evening of meetings and kisses that had them sworn to love each. Romeo had confessed that he had not felt the same for any ladies before then, and he believed it was love at first dance between them. Juliet felt the same and had taken their love to the more intimate levels. She had felt herself drawn to him, and even when he kissed her the first time, on the lips, it was a moment of daze and wonderment.

Their meetings were most brief, and bolder it got to the dark corners or at the closed doors; a closet was one, but it was restrictive at best. The lips and hands compensated for space then. Every time, they meet, it was both a heightened feel of love, and alerts to any unwanted peeks of others.

The family name of the Montague and Capulet weighed on their love; ever spilling over for them to avoid taking the same path in their walks, or when faced across the square, it was flirty glances and no long stares. Not even Rosaline or Jessica knew of their love; well, it was assumed then.

“Romeo, I must go now. I am to meet mother at the square.” Juliet brushed her hair coiffures. The man was more reckless to reach out with his hands to her bosom.

“Let me feel your heartbeats once more.” Romeo said to her. “Let me …….”

“I must go, Romeo. Stay well and do ……”

“Do what, can I? You hold the key to my chastity belt.” Romeo said.

“Oh, please. You do not have a chastity belt. I ……” Juliet pulled away.

“Let me show you.” Romeo stepped back and held his hands at the hem of the leggings. She stopped him.

“Do not do that. Take care of it by yourself. I must go.” Juliet rushed to the door and was out. Romeo left there felt deflated by the reject. He decided to follow Juliet, a part of him tells him that she was meeting someone else.

“Ah, young master. Fancy you coming here.” It was Gregory and Sampson who met him at the café by the square. They had a few drinks beforehand then, and were intoxicated. “We were just …...”

“Get me a tea please?” Romeo sat himself down. He was looking around for the sight of the lady. He saw there at the other side with her mother as she said she will be. He averted his stare and looked at the other passerby.

“Ah, the Montagues.” Gregroy had returned with the drink, and left it her on the table. He had then taken off to meet the Montagues.

“Stop him, Sampson.” Romeo called out to the other. “We are …….”

“Harmless of him, Romeo. We had not picked a fight since the last time, Mercutio stopped us.” Sampson laughed. Romeo was to stand up when saw the Montagues elder mother confronted Gregory.

“Stand aside, Capulet’s dogs.” Lady Angeline was upset to be intruded. “We are to ……”

“Who do you call as a dog? I do not bark or yelp like a bitch.” Gregory took offence to the lady. “I shall have to teach ……”

“Stay your hand, Gregory.” It was Mercutio was passing by and saw the insult by the man. “I demand your apologies to the lady now.”

“Apology? Why should I?” Gregory reached for the sword he had on his belt.

“Hold your hand, idiot.” It was Romeo who intervened. He then looked towards Lady Angeline. “I duly apologies on behalf of my men.”

“Your apologies ……” Lady Angeline was cut off by Gregory.

“I do not need a young whelp to stand in for me.” Gregory shoved Romeo who had then bumped into Mercutio. The latter stepped back and drew his sword half way out of the sheath.

“Your rudeness asked for a duel.” Mercutio looked at Gregory.

“Gentlemen, please. Refrain from fighting. I had apologies and we will be on our way.” Romeo looked back at Gregory. “Let us go.”

“Not so fast, Capulet.” Mercutio had then drawn his sword. “I demand honour to my name.”

“I have no wish to duel, Sir.” Romeo looked at Mercutio. He knew Mercutio and was surprised at the change of attitude then. “Let us part as friends. I will honour you later with a feast.”

“My honour or your sword.” Mercutio looked at Romeo with his sword levelled at Romeo.

“Mercutio, why must we duel?” Romeo asked. “Are you not my friend too?”

“We were. This matter is not settled yet. I will discuss with you later.” Mercutio led the ladies on their way. Romeo was puzzled at the change of attitude but chose to ignore it.

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.