Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 36

 

36. 

 

“Hold the line there!” Vlad confronted the Turks outnumbered by three to one, and his newly assembled army of two thousand was untrained compared to the Janissaries. Stephen III had a larger army of ten thousand that was redirected to another battlefield.

“Hold the formation!” Vlad called out. His army was hastily assembled and untrained, like the Janissary. He saw the Serb mercenaries at his left trying to fight their own stand. At five hundred strong, they were outnumbered too. The Janissaries were focusing on the Serbs, for they represent the bigger threat to Vlad’s army.

“Hold the line!” Vuk Branvonic, who stood in with Vlad on the left, held his own line with the five hundred warriors. “Do not let them break through.”

Some Janissaries had broken through the Serbs' line and were slashing the defenders to create a breakthrough. Vuk saw the breach and rode them to stop it. He slashed at the Janissary on horseback with his sword and rallied the defenders to close the gap.

“Let no break in the line!” Vuk called out. He looked to his own men. His numbers were dwindling then, to half his previous numbers, and he knew that he had to retreat.

“Break, Vuk! We cannot hold the line too long.” Vlad called out to the other. “Break now. I will cover your flank.”

“Where is Stephen III?” Vuk called back when he met Vlad to the right of him. “He was to……”

“He is at the valley and held his own battle there.” Vlad organized his army into a new line to challenge the Janissaries. “We cannot hold the line. Regroup and hold the line.”

Vuk had then called on the retreat for his warriors. They were hastily trained for that but marched backwards with Vuk’s mercenaries holding the line.

“Cover the flank, you bastards!” Vuk called out. The mercenaries were fierce fighters and had lost many of their friends that day. They regrouped and formed a line to defend the flank. Surprisingly, the Janissaries called off their attack, and the officer there rode to meet the Wallachian army.

“I seek an audience with your leader.” The officer addressed the line. The word soon reached Vlad, and he rode out to meet the officer.

“We meet again, Vlad Tepes.” The Janissary officer said to the Voivode.

“I cannot recall meeting you.” Vlad looked to the officer there. They were both covered with dirt and blood, but no injuries were on them except for minor wounds.

“I am Chorbaji Tarmuk and was then a lowly officer coaching you and Radu.” The officer removed his headdress. “Perhaps if you see me now, you might recall.”

“Tarmuk…. I have faint memories of that time. It was so long ago.” Vlad sighed. “I left the palace when I was……”

“Younger, and Radu stayed on. I trained you and Radu then. After you left, I was assigned to Radu since then. He was there with the Sultan at Constantinople. I was with him till his……. Final hours before death.”

“Radu dead? When was this?” Vlad asked.

“Not long ago. He was defeated, and then he was exiled to Moldavia. He was trying to reclaim his rank as Voivode, but he was defeated.” Chorbaji Tarmuk sighed. “We hid out there, and upon his death, I was to return to the Sultan.”

“How did he die?”

“He was……. Wounded and did not recover.” Vlad was told.

“A warrior’s death. I am proud of him for that.” Vlad smiled. “I was to meet him, but my life was a mess of events. Wallachia meant a lot to us, for we were the rulers there.”

“Despite all the differences, Radu loved you like his brother. He is still family to you. The war had divided the two of you, your loyalties too, but the love of his for you was absolute.”

“I love my brother too.” Vlad sighed. “Did the Sultan not object to him there?”

“The relationship between Radu and the Sultan was complicated. The Sultan had relented for Radu to leave like you did and even offered him protection, but there was little that could be done. Eventually, Radu was on his own. I remained there on the orders of the Sultan.” Chorbaji Tarmuk explained. “Before his death, Radu had given letters to a Lord Dante Montague for you. And some valuable cases.”

“I did not get any. Nor have I met Lord Dante Montague. Perhaps I was…….”

“Away? The letters will come to you soon.” Chorbaji Tarmuk smiled. “I am offering you an opportunity to withdraw. The Serbs are withdrawing. If we continue fighting, you will be defeated. Your army is weak. Stephen III is at battle with another and will not aid you.”

“Retreat?” Vlad looked to his remaining army. “They want blood today.”

“Do it and come back another day. With a bigger army, we will meet.” Chorbaji Tarmuk said. “It is no shame to retreat and fight another day than to die senselessly. I taught you that before.”

“Lessons I may have forgotten.” Vlad Tepes looked at the Janissary. “I have been defeated and also victorious in some, but I always return to battle.”

“True words of a warrior, but this time I will call for the truce now.” Chorbaji Tarmuk offered a respite from the battle. A truce was called, and the armies withdrew.

A truce was not that simple for the Capulets and Montagues. If it was, they would not have had the feud for that long. The house of Capulet held the burial of Tybalt, with most of the men arguing on carrying the battle to the Montague’s house.

“There will be no fighting for now till the return of Lord Gencio Capulet. I had sent words to him on the matter.” Lady Sofia addressed the gathering. She looked for support among them and saw many were upset to be addressed by a lady.

“Lady Sofia, when can ……” One of the gathered spokes but was cut off by another.

“The lady’s request will be upheld.” It was Benvolio who supported the lady. “I agreed we hold till the return of Lord Gencio Capulet.”

“Benvolio, you ……” The one who was to question earlier was to challenge him, but the arrival of the officer of the law of Genoa stopped the discussion.

“I am Magistrate Javier of Genoa City. I am to see Lord Gencio Capulet on the issue of the death of Tybalt Capulet.” The man dressed in the blue overcoat held the cane bearing the authority of Genoa. He stood tall and walked with a limp on his right leg and was accompanied by four officers of the law.

“I am Lady Sofia. My husband is away. Please state your reason for the visit.”

“I have come to investigate the death of Tybalt Capulet, suspected of being killed by one named Mercutio, and ……”

“Mercutio was killed by Romeo Capulet in vengeance.” Benvolio stepped out to address the officer. “Investigate the Montague.”

“Who are you?”

“I am Benvolio Capulet, kin of Romeo and Tybalt.”

“Were you there, Sir?”

“I was not. I was …….” Benvolio was cut off.

“Hearsay words are not to be accepted. Who was there that day?” Javier asked.

“Our guards, Sampson and Gregory, but they are… missing.” Benvolio said. “We are looking for them.”

“Missing? Why was this not reported?”

“The Capulets handle their own investigation, Sir.” Benvolio snapped at the officer. “We will carry our own justice.”

“Vigilantes are not permitted in the city. You will report to us their whereabouts.” Javier looked at Benvolio. “This is not the battlefield of Wallachia or Moldavia. Now, I remember your face, Benvolio Capulet. Or Officer Benvolio was your rank.”

Benvolio looked at the officer, and then he recalled the face. Javier, or Victor Javier, was the officer of another cavalry unit that conflicted with his own unit. They had faced the Turks in battle, and in one battle, Javier’s unit was ambushed by the Turks. He managed to escape, but his wound was to give him the limp on the right leg. He reported to Prince Escalus that Count Paris had led his unit to the ambush. He was denied the needed justice and sent back to Genoa.

“The character of men will not change over time.” Javier held that thought in his mind of any suspect he was to find. “Once they do it, they will betray again and again.”

“I recall you now.” Benvolio looked at Javier. “You reported me to Prince Escalus and Count Paris, among others. That charge was denied, and you reported many before of these purported charges.”

“Your recollection did not fail you. I was the discipline officer of the prince, and I hauled many to the court. I had convicted many, but they were justified by their actions. I was never denied my method of justice, though some were spared of the justice. However, we are not in the battlefield of your choosing. We are now in Genoa, where I am the magistrate. I uphold justice again as I ……”

“You are still the same recalcitrant person I once met. You persecuted many of my men on framed-up charges.”

“Framed? I do not think so. Watch your words, Sir. I am on duty here.” Javier looked at Benvolio.

“I will be watching you, Javier.” Benvolio glared at the man.

“And I will do the same, Sir.” Javier turned to bow towards the lady. “I am to find the suspect, Romeo Capulet. I will be leaving now.”

“Do be kind if you ever meet Romeo.” Lady Sofia was to say.

“Kindness comes from the person. If he resists, I will do what is needed.” Javier nodded.

Lady Sofia looked towards Benvolio.

“Find my son, and bring him home.”

Across the city, Romeo remained pensive on himself. He replayed the event in his head, but there was nothing to indicate otherwise of his action. He did thrust the sword at Mercutio. He was alone most times at the cottage and did a lot of thinking. His relationship with Juliet was not a mistake but a drawn line of fate. He did not fancy any others before he met Juliet. There were moments he had felt something towards Rosaline, but he treated her like his sister. When she kissed him in the carriage, he was taken aback by the act. He knew he may have been unfair to her, but love was not an arrangement but the feelings in it. He felt differently with Juliet.

“Romeo, it is me.” Juliet had appeared. She came into the cottage bearing food and drinks and was in the arms of the man she loved.

“I brought you food and drinks.” Juliet said to the man. “And……”

Romeo had smeared her lips with his, and she pushed him off.

“Why?” Romeo was stunned.

“I guess I am the reason.” It was Friar Lawrence who stood at the doorway. “I can be quite a sensation to be seen at such moments.”

“Friar…… I apologize.” Romeo stepped to the side while holding the lady’s hands.

“Apologies? Not needed. God has told me to not be enticed by the acts of loving. But honestly, I am still a man inside and a friar outside; therefore, I am not excused from the needs of love sometimes.” Friar Lawrence smiled and stepped in. “It was chilly out there, and you do not want anyone to see who’s inside.”

Friar Lawrence took the seat nearby and smiled.

“Now tell ……. No, confess your sin, please. Before you do start, let me tell you love is not a sin. It is a blessing and badly misunderstood by some that love could be arranged, but it is not. It is inside us. We harbour it when it is there, and from there, it will grow fonder.” Friar Lawrence sighed. "1 Peter 4:8: Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 

“Love can be seen as a way to cover over a multitude of sins, not in the sense of absolving them, but in how it promotes forgiveness and reconciliation and overlooks offenses, fostering a more harmonious community.” Friar Lawrence added. “But it is to be seen if yours will do the same.”

“Why did you kill Mercutio?” The friar looked at Romeo. “Was that not silly of you?” 

“I did not intend that. It was all …… I cannot remember why or what made me do it. He killed Tybalt; that was what I recalled.”

“A circle of vengeance. You killed him because he killed a Capulet? And you kill him. And then soon, another Montague may kill you.”

“Absolute lunacy. The war at Wallachia was etched on those reasonings. All for what? Lives are lost and families shattered by it.” Friar Lawrence sighed.

“Friar, I brought you to console Romeo.” Juliet cut in. “Why do you reprimand yourself now?”

“I am doing it to show him the regrets of his action. If he had acted …… soundly, we would not be in his issue today.”

“You have a funny way of consoling, Friar.” Juliet was upset. “I regret bringing you here.”

“Well, I am not your usual priest at work here.” Friar Lawrence smiled. “Once he realizes his sin, he may not be so ……. Keen to repeat it. Now, shall we resume our confession?”       

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 35

 

35.

 

“Madness! How could you bring him here?” Jessica glared at Lorenzo. “This is …….”

“Our place …... I know. But he is my…… family.” Lorenzo had taken Romeo alone to the hideout of the young couple. It was a small cottage at the edge of the city, obscured from the main path by the tall shrubs covering the path to the cottage. It was Jessica’s mother's home before she married Shylock.

“This was to be our home.” Jessica looked at the man she loves. “You could have told …… asked me before you brought him here.”

“I think I will go.” Romeo heard the exchange of words. “I will ……”

“Do not leave, Romeo. I will handle this.” Lorenzo pulled Jessica to the side and said his reason.

“He is my family.” Lorenzo looked at the distraught man in the living area. “He just needs a place to hide till his father returns.”

“He is …… only your half-brother.” Jessica reminded Lorenzo. “He is a …… wanted by the authorities. If he is caught here, we will be in trouble.”

“No one knows of him here. Except you and me.” Lorenzo argued back. “He needs my help. More to it, I had sent words to his friend.”

“What friend?” Jessica was stunned by the words. It was then, the knock on the door to the cottage. Romeo rushed to open it, and in came the guest.

“I am so sorry.” Romeo embraced the lady who had walked in. “I did not mean to ……”

“Hush, Romeo. It will be sorted out.” That lady was Juliet Montague. She looked across the room and saw Jessica standing there with Lorenzo. She pulled away and walked towards her friend.

“Thank you, Jessica.” Juliet held out her hands towards Jessica. “It means a lot.”

“I did not sanction it.” Jessica received the extended hand. “It was Lorenzo’s idea. “

“Thank you, Lorenzo.” Juliet sighed in relief. “I was nearby when it happened. Romeo was… it happened so fast. One moment, Mercutio was standing there, and the next he was on the ground.”

“I stab him.” Romeo cut in. “It was ……. I do not know why. I just did it.”

“No, Romeo. You must not say that. It was not how it happened.” Juliet rushed back to Romeo. “You cannot say that.”

“It does not matter now.” Jessica looked at Juliet. “The man is dead. We must figure out how to clear the mess.”

“I can find father.” Lorenzo offered to ride to Moldavia.

“And I will speak to Friar Lawrence. He may know what is to be done.” Jessica looked at Juliet. “You must return to the Montague. Your mother will be anxious about you.”

Anxiety was on the mind of Lord Dante Montague. He was unsure whether to stay or leave Hungary. He still has the letters for Vlad and Radu’s widow, and was told that the latter was on his way back to Wallachia. He was also anxious to leave for Genoa to attend to other matters.

“Lord Dante Montague, may we speak…… again?” It was Prince Escalus who approached the former at the yard of the palace. “I have in mind to speak to you on Count Paris. I am asked to speak on the matter of Juliet Montague and the Count. He approached me to speak on his behalf regarding the possible engagement between the two.”

“With due respect, Prince, I think that matter is not on my list now. I am to see Vlad Tepes on a matter of utmost urgency.”

“I am not a person to hold off abruptly, Lord Dante Montague.” Prince Escalus looked towards the other. “I would like to be civil to …….”

“And I duly apologize, Prince Escalus. I have other more urgent matters.” Lord Dante Montague took his leave. The prince was upset by the second refusal to meet and call out to the Lord.

“Lord Dante Montague, I am also to ask on ……” But Lord Dante Montague had not stopped to listen then. He was rushing off to see the widow of Radu Tepes. She was said to be in Hungary. He sends words of his intention to the Doamna Maria Despina.

“I come bearing a letter from Radu Tepes, my lady.” Lord Dante Montague was granted an audience with the lady. He handed the letter to her.

“Do you know him?” The lady asked.

“Briefly, my lady. He is unwell.” Lord Dante Montague replied. She opened the letter and read.

‘My dear Maria, when you receive this letter, I will probably be dead. I am unwell and residing in a friend’s home. I had sent you away because my presence would hold implications for your safety and that of our child. The family name Tepes had earned a reputation for vicious intent for many. My brother, Tepes, unknowingly has imprinted too many of his acts that make us vulnerable to vengeance.’

‘It may be said that the atrocities that he did are not unknown, for others before us had done similar acts, but his was in their mind now. I was made to understand this, for when I was the Voivode, many of them looked at me in the shadow of his. They feared me, and at the same time despised me for it. I am, however, not as vicious as him; or I should be to instil fear and respect, but I am not.’

‘For that, I am weak and unable to hold my rank as the Voivode. For this, I am to endanger you and our child.’

‘With my death, do not mourn me anymore. Find yourself a new life, and take care of our daughter. Find a new protector for the family.’

‘Radu Tepes.’

“Did he pass on peacefully?” The widow asked Lord Dante Montague while she folded the letter.

“Yes, he did. He died peacefully.” Lord Dante Montague replied. He was not to tell of the sickness of the man to the family. “He asked for his family.”

“Then be it. I will mourn for him for a period, and bring up our daughter as he wanted.” The widow sighed. “Leave me now.”

“Oh, Lord Dante Montague. When you do meet Vlad, please let me know. Send my love to him. Radu was close to him.”

“Yes, my lady.” Lord Dante Montague then took off for Wallachia. He reached there too late.

“The Voivode had left for war.”

War was on the mind of Shylock Judas, and he did it by reporting the case to the authorities on the default of the loan by Antonio and Bassanio.

“It is the case which we cannot act on, for this is a civil matter.” Shylock was told, and his case dismissed. He was not giving it up then. He tried to find Abram, but the latter had left for Wallachia. It was then that he heard of the murder of Mercutio and Tybalt. It rocked the city of Genoa, but he was more concerned about his loan. He approached Portia then, at her home.

“I allowed you in for you hold an important matter regarding Bassanio.” Portia looked at the man standing there at the hall. She did not offer him any seating. “However, he is not my husband, and his personal concerns do not need my attention.”

“Lady Portia, I did not seek your monetary assistance, but I just need to find Bassanio. His friend, Antonio, has left the city as to my knowledge.” Shylock looked at the lady. She sat there with a veil over her face, dressed in black, and he had not seen the lady beforehand. 

“I know not where he is. Now leave.” Portia dismissed the guest. Shylock left, and then Portia walked towards the rear of the house. She met Bassanio there, still in fear of Shylock. He was with Nerissa and Gratiano.

“What are you afraid of?” Portia looked to the man seated there. “I had sent him away.”

“I …… I feared for you, my dear.” Bassanio struggled to say. “I am new to the city, but you are… he finds you to seek me. It may endanger your safety.”

“Your …… Our news of engagement is known to many in Genoa. I merely see him to know who I am facing. I am never one to back down from a conflict, however dangerous.”

“What am I to do?” Bassanio asked.

“Stay here and remain in the house. I will figure it out.” Portia left the man alone and motioned to Nerissa to follow him. The two ladies convened in the chamber of the lady.

“I hold my doubts on Bassanio as my husband.” Portia laid it out to her friend. “He is …….”

“He is a coward, I can agree. But he holds a good heart, and that is what is needed in a relationship.” Nerissa defended the man. “Gratiano told me of his friend. He is trying to impress you. He knew that his wealth pales to yours, and yet he wants to …….”

“Enough of him, Nerissa. He does not need to impress me, nor am I towards him. If he is to be the …… man I want, he needs to show me his courage. He needs to …….”

“My ladies, Gratiano sent me. The gentleman Bassanio had left the house.” The maid then arrived to tell the ladies. “He left a parcel for you, my lady. He said to keep it for him.”

 

 

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.