Error in posting end of Dec 2025

 Exhaustion made me commit an oversight on my postings for the tale. Its corrected now

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Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 48

 48.

 

Bassanio was left hanging by his wrists from the ceiling, his leg wound was bleeding but the jailer was unforgiving to his plight. He peeked out of his bloodied eyes, and saw the entry of the Magistrate.

“Andre Bassanio Tito, I am Magistrate Theodore. I am here to release you.” The officer stepped up to Bassanio. “We will cut you down, but before that is done, tell me of the shipment.”

Bassanio was weak from the beatings and nodded. He was tortured and his limbs broken. Enough was this pain, that he finally gave up. He felt his body lifted and the shackles removed. He was let down to the cot there and offered a drink of water.

“Where is it?” The Magistrate asked.

“The Demetus. It should be in by now.” Bassanio whispered out. “I have the …….”

“The Bill of Lading?” The Magistrate asked.

“Portia…… Portia Belmont.” Bassanio given up then.

“He said Portia Belmont.” The Magistrate spoke to the person outside the jail/ “He said ……”

“I heard.” The voice replied.

“Yes, my Lord.” The Magistrate nodded. “Kill him.”

“No. Let hm there. We need to move fast.” The voice called out. “Javier will be back.”

Bassanio was hung up again, and he muttered a weak protest. It was all over, when he felt the door to the jail closed once more. He had given up on his love; his body broken.

“Forgive me, Portia.”

The so named Magistrate mounted the carriage and the driver lashed the horse to move. The so named Magistrate looked at the other occupants in the carriage.

“Bassanio spoke of one named Portia Belmont. He has given up.” The man said.

“Good.” The other said. “Now, Gencio. We can get the shipment.”

“Do not be overjoyed, Antonio. We need to find the jewels first. Pay the man now.” Lord Gencio Capulet signalled the carriage to stop. The so named Magistrate dismounted. The carriage took off while the man turned to walk. He did not see the figure who stepped up to his rear, and stabbed him in the back. The assailant grabbed the bag of coins and left the dying man on the ground. Another carriage pulled up and the assailant mounted it.

Across the city, another Magistrate was meeting the home of the Belmont.

“I can assure you, Lady Belmont. We are treating Andre Bassanio Tito with care. He was tortured by his captors and for his safety will remain in our custody.” Magistrate Javier did not take the seat offered in the library of the Belmont home, but remained standing. He was met by the lady herself, and her friend, Nerissa. The magistrate came with two guards.

“We regret the death of Gratiano, whom I believed is the fiancé of Lady Nerissa.” Magistrate Javier placed on a straight face.

“There are threats to you and Ms. Nerissa. For this, I am placing in your home, two of my guards to ensure your safety.”

“We appreciate the concern but we have our own security here.” Portia said to the Magistrate. “When can I see Bassanio?”

“In due time. May I enquire Ms. Belmont, did Bassanio entrust any items of value or documents to you?” Magistrate Javier asked.

“Me? None that I can recalled. We are …… engaged but not wedded.” Portia looked at the magistrate. “Any particular item, may I ask?”

“No, nothing of particular in mention. Just asking.” Magistrate Javier smiled. “Anyway, Officer 24602 Nikolas Jean and Officer 23567 Maurice will be posted outside your house at nighttime.”

“24602, please be attentive.” Magistrate Javier spoke to his guard. “You are responsible for the Belmont safety. And 23567, vigilant to your duty now. No more slacking off to the music.”

“Yes, Magistrate.” Officer 24602 Nikolas Jean nodded to the task. He held a fine physique and was said to have immense strength unlike his co-officer; 23567 Maurice older by age, had on the smaller frame but was the witty one. Magistrate Javier took his leave then. They were armed with the baton for their safety. They were in the uniform and carried baton for their use.

“Officers, you may rest in the house. We hold extra chambers for guests.” Portia offered to the officers.

“It will not be appropriate, Madame. We are fine by ourselves outside.” Office Nikolas Jean declined the offer.

Jessica had then declined the offer by Romeo to stay with him longer at the cottage. They had sneaked back after meeting the friar.

“It was silly of me to think I can see Juliet. Myself remaining here, is ……. Frustrating at most.” Romeo sighed. “I am not used to be confined.”

“Well, get used to that. I am for my parents were fond of stopping me from leaving the house, but I am a rebel with many avenues of getting out.” Jessica sighed. “I wondered how long will our predicament last. Yours for your love towards Juliet, and mine towards Lorenzo.”

“Speak no more, my love. I am here.” Lorenzo appeared at the cottage door. “I just managed to evade my guardians to rush here.”

Jessica embraced her love and then land kisses onto the man.

“Get a personal chamber please. I am still here.” Romeo called out while turning his back towards them. “There is one there.”

It was the only other chamber in the cottage and was occupied by Romeo. The young couple proceeded to the chamber and with the door closed, proceeded with their caress and kisses. It was then Jessica saw the state of the chamber; the unkept bedding, the strewn clothing, and the discarded utensils.

“God, why can the men keep anything neat?” Jessica pulled away and proceeded to tidy up the place. Lorenzo stood there looking at the lady he loves doing what was the women’s tasks. He was delighted and then approached her once move holding her from the rear.

“Lorenzo, let me ……”

“Do you know there is a desirable ……. Impression when a lady cleans?” Lorenzo nuzzled his lips on the side of the lady’s neck. “It is …….”

“Dirty and above all, undesired now.” Jessica held up the discarded tunic of the occupant.

“It is not mine. You may have mine now.” Lorenzo stepped back and removed his tunic. He handed it over to the lady who had then turned to look. It was her first look at the man’s exposed chest; the very man she held and kissed many times; caressed in their hugs, but never had she seen him in his flesh.

“I could remove my tights too.” Lorenzo proceeded to pull his tights down but was stopped by Jessica. Her hands stopped him.

“I ……. I will do it.” Jessican assisted to pull the tights down. It was never the same when one was doing it to themselves, but at that moment, when she leaned down to pull it off, she shied away from looking at the protruding part of his. She found herself levelled towards it and then studied the part.

“It like you.” Lorenzo smiled and then he pulled the lady up. “I like you too.”

Lorenzo laid his lips on Jessica’s, and then his hands moved to caress her bosom. His fingers kneaded the soft flesh; she was not heavy on the top, and his hands fitted her.

“The strings are at the back.” Jessica whispered to him.

“Oh……” Lorenzo uttered. It was not that he did that before. He reached to the rear and found his fumbling was worse than his reply. She reached back and assisted him. Her top part of the gown fell from her shoulders, and exposed the first sight to him. He held the perky bosom and lowered his lips onto it. It was the same gesture a new born will do, and well, we all had good training then.

“Let me …… step back.” Jessica pulled away from the man. She then pulled her gown down to expose herself fully to him.

“You are ……. Beautiful.” Lorenzo uttered once more. He had not really seen a naked lady that close; he did once peek at the maid when she was bathing but that was different; she was an older lady with a litter of kids, and what hung there could slapped a man silly on the face.

“Shut up, Lorenzo.” Jessica pulled the man she loves towards her. “Do me for I am tired of waiting.”

 

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 47

 

47. 

 

“Count Paris, I got your invite, but I reckon there is not much we can work on.” Lord Gencio Capulet looked at the man seated across the table. They met at the tavern cleared of other patrons, paid for by the count for the needed privacy.

“I came to discuss a few matters. One is the matter of one named Juliet Montague. I had come to Genoa to woo her hand, but there are rumours that she is with the fugitive Romeo Capulet.” Count Paris did not mince his words. “I felt that……”

“Mutually, I hold nothing of the lady. She can make up her mind on whoever she wants to befriend.” Lord Gencio Capulet looked at the man seated there.

“Lord Gencio Capulet, I was hoping we could discuss mutual advantage here. It is your son I am to refer. Prince Escalus offered your son refuge in Verona…….”

“Prince Escalus, for I was told the court of Hungary is too far to influence what is in Genoa.” Lord Gencio Capulet recalled his last meeting. “I am close to King Corvinus, and he cannot help me even if I asked. More to it, we do not press each other for favours.”

“Lord Gencio Capulet, I find your replies most challenging. Your son is a fugitive now. The whole of Genoa is looking for him. Help me, and I will ensure he gets out of Genoa safely.”

“Thank you for the offer, but this is a Capulet matter.” Lord Gencio Capulet moved to get up, but the Count stopped him.

“Second, I think you are aware of the Empress Jewels.”

“I think the matter to discuss is over.” Lord Gencio Capulet stood up from his seat.

“I will be direct. I am here to retrieve it. I was told that you once traded it to the Ottoman Sultan. And Andre Bassanio Tito was said to be holding the shipment with it to Genoa.”

“I know not the one named Bassanio, but if you do find him, ask him about the jewels.”

“Yet, you inquired on him at the magistrate.” Count Paris looked at the other. “Most surprisingly.”

“I came there at the request of another, Antonio Meli. He was in a bind, for he acted as surety for Bassanio’s loan, and I was to dissolve the agreement. We never met, and you turned up.”

“So, you are not aware of the jewels held by Bassanio? I duly apologize. I was mistaken.” Count Paris smiled. “You may leave now.”

“Count Paris, this is Genoa. Here, you hold no influence as you had in Hungary. Here, there are other persons who command it here.” It was a subtle threat towards the Count by the Lord. “I will leave now.”

Lord Gencio Capulet left the tavern and was accompanied by his guards, Reynard. He asked to meet Antonio

“He is in hiding, Lord Gencio Capulet. The money lender Shylock Judas is looking for him too.” Reynard told his employer. He then saw the approach of the moneylender.

“Lord Gencio Capulet, I am to look for your friend, Antonio Meli. He defaulted in his surety for one name, Antonio.” Shylock did not hesitate to state his claim.

“Antonio Meli is not my care. However, his debts will be paid by me. Name your price.” Lord Gencio Capulet looked at the moneylender.

“I am afraid the matter is out of hand now. I had raised the matter with the authorities. Bassanio will be taken to the magistrate for judgment.” Judas Shylock looked at the lord. “As for Antonio, he too will be judged, and my price is the pound of flesh.”

“Are you going to gloat at me for this, Shylock?” Lord Gencio Capulet was upset.

“No, I am here on another matter. Tell your bastard, Lorenzo, to stay away from my daughter. Jessica will be wedded soon. It has been arranged.” Shylock looked at the other.

“The affair of Lorenzo … remains his own.” Lord Gencio Capulet walked away. He was upset that no one told him of the affair. That was a bad start to his day, but it did not end there.

“Lord Gencio Capulet, I am glad to meet you again.” It was Magistrate Javier. He was dressed in his usual uniform and had the baton instead of his sword on his waist belt. “We met last in a rather awkward manner before.”

“Magistrate Javier, how may I aid you?” Lord Gencio Capulet wanted to move on, but the other was in his way. “I am here to see you on the demise of your guards, Gregory and Sampson. The case remained unresolved till today.” Magistrate Javier looked at the lord. “And there was the case of your son, Romeo? Do you have any knowledge on his whereabouts?”

“I do not know. You must ask him.” Lord Gencio Capulet shrugged the query off. “I must be going to my next meeting.”

“I shall not hold you back. Oh, Andre Bassanio. Tito is recovering and will be talking soon. Do you know why he was attacked?” It was a direct question aimed at the lord.

“I would not know. I was there, for it involved my associate, Antonio Meli. It was to do with the loan to Shylock Judas, as I was told.”

“Yes, Shylock Judas. I heard of it. It will seem that several others are keen on the welfare of Andre Antonio Tito. I have not heard from his fiancé, Portia Belmont. I wondered why.”

“I would not know. I hardly … I was going to say I do not know the man or the lady mentioned. Let me be on my way, please, Magistrate. I am already late.” Lord Gencio Capulet pushed his way past the magistrate. The latter looked to the lord, walked past, and saw the guard following behind. Magistrate Javier then proceeded to his next destination.

Across the city, Benvolio entered his chamber at the tavern. He may be of the Capulet clan, but he preferred his own independence from them. He refused to stay at the Capulet home. Though he disliked the lord, he held an affection for the young son. He was wandering the city looking for Romeo and found no clue. He closed the door and saw his unexpected guest there.

“Friar Lawrence, I presume you have a reason to meet me.” The guest was seated there by the window. “Perhaps you have a confession for me.”

“I do not confess, Benvolio.” The friar dressed in his usual frock smiled. “I get to listen to others.”

“How many years have you been here in Genoa?” Benvolio walked to the table there and took a drink from the set goblet. “You were in the earlier battles at Wallachia.”

“I was assigned here.” Friar Lawrence said. “I was disillusioned with the war. I came over and assumed a ……”

“A beautiful life, but your past could not hide from me.” Benvolio knew who the real man who called himself the friar was then. “Lamin Tarik was your name and will remain.”

“You knew, but never once did you betray my identity to the others.” Friar Lawrence smiled.

“You are… a good ally to have. You are friendly to all. What is your reason to see me?” Benvolio looked at the friar.

“Vlad Tepes. You know he is here.” Friar Lawrence mentioned the name. “I have my means to know. You were outside the Capulet’s home—one of theirs. I did not know, but the presence of the Turks in the city intrigued me. I had followed some and saw they were watching the house. I met one of them, and the name was slipped to me.”

“And what has that to do with me?” Benvolio quizzed the other.

“You were watching the house. Reynard and yourself; and I asked myself, why? Then it occurred to me you think Vlad Tepes was with the Empress Jewels. You are fixated on it, as was Count Paris, and I heard Prince Escalus is also on route to Genoa. The magistrate is holding one named Bassanio for the same reason. Lord Gencio Capulet and Dante Montague are back here for the same pursuit.”

“Why are you telling me all this, Lamin?” Benvolio asked. “Are you keen on the jewels too?”

“No, I am not. I, however, am still a loyal Janissary. I am asked to kill you.” Friar Lawrence said. “You found out the whereabouts of Vlad Tepes, and the order was to eliminate you. The order was from the Janissary commander who protects Vlad Tepes.”

“You alone? I doubt so. The years of being a man of faith may have deluded your mind that you could still strike me.” Benvolio laughed. “I am ……”

Benvolio felt the tightening of his muscles and then fell to his knees. He looked at the water he drank from the goblet.

“You poisoned me.” Benvolio looked at the friar.

“I confessed to that. I am an assassin trained by the Janissary, and those skills remained in me.” The friar stood up. “I had the water prepared for you. You will die soon. But before that, let me tell you, I have Romeo hidden. I will not act without order.”

“Javier will find you.” Benvolio clutched his throat.

“He may, but for now, he does not suspect me yet.” The friar smiled. “Magistrate Javier is too fixated on other matters. And for me to make your killing look more complete, I will slit your throat now.”  

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 46

 

46. 

 

Juliet found her confinement to her chamber was frustrating. She asked for her mother's presence to explain the situation. She told her maid, Angelica to tell her mother.

“My lady, Juliet is restless. She wants to ……” Angelica reported to the lady.

“I will attend to here.” Ladu Angeline walked to her daughter’s chamber.

“Your father is back…” Lady Angeline looked at the young lady.

“Which I am aware of. But why confine me here?” Juliet stepped towards the window. “There is a world out there that I have yet to explore.”

“Your …… Your liaison with the Capulet boy has reached his ears. He is ……”

“Upset? Why should he be? If I can unite both families, will it not be good? The city of Genoa will be pleased with it. Father might gain favourable trades from the others.” Juliet turned to the mother. “You were once ……”

“Do not raise my past to me, Juliet Montague. My family had their issues with the Capulet, and your … my mother saw the … wisdom of it to wed my sister away and myself … to your father. The Capulet held a history of deceit and selfishness.”

“Tough words you mentioned, Mother. Even if the Capulet were of the……. The past is the past. Romeo is not the same. He is ……”

“Juliet Montague, you are too young to understand the true nature of ……” Lady Angeline was upset.

“Were you any younger when you wedded Father? Did you have a say in the matter, or was it the calling of your mother? As I would have to now.” Juliet snapped back. “I am……. I am different from you. Or your sister.”

“Leave my sister Juliette out.” Lady Angeline was upset at the mention of her sister.

“Why? Because she was a slut with Lord Capulet?” Julier lost her mind there. “We are not the same.”

“You are out of line there, Juliet.” It was the father of the lady who had stepped in. “You do not mock your relative in that manner?”

“Dante…” Lady Angeline looked towards the lover of hers. “She is a child.”

“Who listens to words of the loose mouths of the maids? Let me tell you of Juliette Dubier.” Dante approached his daughter. “She was a fine lady, wild in her younger days, but she did like Gencio and …… I was towards her. We ……. Both Gencio and I challenged for her love, and I even met your grandmother for her hand. She told me she was to wed another from a far land, richer than both me and Gencio, and I was disappointed. Eventually, I amassed my wealth and courted your mother. That came with you into our life.”

“Was that why you did not like the Capulet?” Juliet asked. “Or was it other matters?”

“The feud with the Capulet was beyond that. You need not know of it, for it does not involve you.” Dante looked towards his lover. “With your mother in my arms, I cared not for anything besides her love and our family.”

“I ……” Juliet was still defiant.

“Enough! Your liaison with the Capulet lad and the recent incident of your clan member, Tybalt, being killed, and Mercutio then by the Capulet.”

“Father, Romeo did not kill Mercutio. It was all a …….” Juliet raised her voice.

“Yet he hid from the authorities. If he was not the killer, why hide.” Lord Dante Montague was upset. “He is pursued by Magistrate Javier, whom I know by reputation is a vicious man. What upsets me is the news of you involved in the murder. Are you?”

“I am not. I was not there.” Juliet told her father. “I was told they fought and both died, but Romeo was to be blamed. He is innocent. And for your knowledge, I love him, and he does too. We had rather die than be apart.”

The father was about to say something, but Lady Angeline intervened. She pulled the father out of the chamber. She dragged him to the library.

“She is ……”

“Impetuous in my view. But that is the attitude of the young lovers.” Lady Angeline assured the father. “We ….”

“Young lovers? I hope not. The Capulets and Montagues will never be kin.” Lord Dante Montague made his words known then.”

“Let us move on. What are you doing with the case from… The Impaler?” Lady Angeline looked to the man.

“Nothing. Vlad Tepes ……” Almost saying that the ex-Voivode was alive. “His surviving family may ask for it.”

“Have you considered if the jewels exist? Bargain it for ……” Lady Angeline smiled but was cut off from her words.

“If it is there, it does not belong to me. I know Gencio valued the jewels to bargain for his son’s life, but I have no interest. Now let me get on with my other concerns.” Dante Montague left the library. Another person appeared there to meet the lady.

“Abram, I have a task for you.” Lady Angeline looked at the personal guard of the Montague. “Find out the whereabouts of one named Vlad Tepes. He is here in Genoa with his family.”

“Vlad Tepes? The Impaler? I thought he ……” Abram was stunned.

“Do not believe in what you may know. Find out more and report to me.” Lady Angeline walked to the desk. She paused there, looking at the drawer. It was not for her to open it, but the case on the desk was at her disposal. She opened that and took out the bag of ducats.

“For your trouble.” Lady Angeline handed the bag to Abram. “Meantime, check on the whereabouts of the Capulet lad.”

Abram left the library with the bag of ducats. He was puzzled but knew that to get what he needs to know, there were the other mercenaries he could rely on. He was to meet the friar, who was then on the walk in the city. The friar was everywhere and welcomed to most homes for his patronage.

“Friar Lawrence, how do you fare?” Abram asked the other.

“I am good. How are you?” Friar Lawrence asked. “I have not seen you much at the marketplace.”

“I have been busy at the Montague’s home. I may have a question for you.” Abram smiled. “Have you seen any strangers in the city? Some… other people’s?”

“Others? Genoa is a thriving port for many. Of course, there are others. Perhaps you should ask the magistrates. They may have more knowledge on that. Did you hear of the capture of one named Andre Bassanio Tito? He was involved in the killing of several dock workers.” The friar sighed. “I was denied access to him to offer my prayers.”

“Andre Bassanio? Was he not the one who took the loan from Shylock Judas?” Abram asked.

“I believe so. The tale was told by the others behind the back of the Judas. Now he is under the custody of Magistrate Javier.” The friar said. “Abram, it has been some weeks since you held your confession with God.”

“It was a one-off event. I am a Jew. I do not confess to …… or the rabbis.” Abram looked away. He did it once to the friar; it was an eventful time when his soul was troubled and the friar was there. “I was drunk and thought that God was ignoring me.”

“God does not ignore his believers.” The friar smiled. “It is us who ignored him at times. I am sure he heard your prayers for your love and your son, Karl Tov.”

“Pray do not even mention that again. It was a personal pain of mine. I must go now.” Abram walked away. The friar looked at the departing man. The man’s secret was known to him, as were many others he had listened to.

“Friar Lawrence. I need to talk to you.” The friar heard the call and turned. It was Jessica, and she was with a hooded man. They were standing in the shadow of the nearby alley. The friar approached the duo and was stunned by the appearance of the hooded man.

“Romeo Capulet, you fool! Why are you here?” Friar Lawrence was upset. “You were to remain hidden.”

“I came out for I was to find Juliet, but I cannot get in. I cannot see here or there. I asked Jessica to assist me.” The fugitive from the authorities whispered to the friar. “I am hooded and may not be recognized. The Montague house is well guarded.”

“You fool!” The friar pushed the man to the wall. “You are causing harm to Jessica. If ……”

“Jessica was to get inside the house and find Juliet.” The man pleaded. “I miss her.” “Was it worth it if you were to die before her eyes? You are a fool.” Friar Lawrence sighed. “Why won’t the young ones hold more sensible thoughts in their heads instead of lustful thoughts?” “Help us, Friar.” Jessica said. “I have not seen Lorenzo for a few days.”

At the mention of Lorenzo, the friar fleeted to the image of Karl Tov and Abram. He paused in his act and then told the duo to return to the cottage. He was undecided on his action then. He had not told Lady Sofia the identity of Abram.

“God, I hold too many secrets in me.” Friar Lawrence sighed. He was gradually accepting his role then and forgetting what he was before. A boy approached him then. He was passed a note. He was to meet the Janissary who knew him from his past. He was to meet someone nearby.   

Happy New Year

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2026

What I want for Christmas is for the year to complete. 2025 has been a roller coaster of events for me. There have been too many personal events that need to be reconciled. Perhaps 2026 will be better.

I had my sight repaired yesterday; the ailment was from being fixated on the computer screen, and soon I will be back to 20/20 vision, I guess. I was struggling to pen two tales: Mrs. Hudson (the housekeeper of Sherlock Holmes) and Merlin /Lilith/Lucifer/Micheal (bashing the Fallen?). But with my eyesight affected and my mind reverting to other matters, I stopped and decided to write the sequel to Modern Prometheus.

Ironic? It is, but the creature was hovering in my mind. Fleeting thoughts clouded my dreaming times. I switched to that, and now I'm at Chapter 13 (17K words), exploring the event ten years after the last tale ended. Ironically, I have not yet surfaced the creature. I have introduced new characters and explored the realm of witches, and a new subject: Metaphysics, the study of reality and existence. It studies what we are and what our purpose is.

Tally Ho.....

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 45

 45. 

 

Vlad Tepes stood in the yard of the house where Katharina resided at Genoa. He was escorted there by Chorbaji Tarmuk, with the personal entourage of six Janissaries. “You are free of your name and reputation, but your safety is not secured.” Chorbaji Tarmuk told the ex-Voivode. “We have been assigned to protect you for now.”

“I have guards here.” Vlad Tepes looked to the Turk. “I have my three personal guards, and Katharina held six others who assisted her. The Capulets have their own guards around the house.”

“Nevertheless, we are assigned to secure your safety. We will reside at the house nearby.” Chorbaji Tarmuk smiled. “Your movement will be monitored.”

“Then I am a prisoner here too.” Vlad Tepes sighed. “Tell me, Chorbaji, why did you offer me freedom and yet deprive me of it?”

“I am just doing my duty.” Chorbaji Tarmuk bowed to the other. “You and your brother held a place in the Sultan’s heart. When your brother passed on, I was assigned to you. You hold many enemies and more to it; you …….”

“Tell me of the Empress Jewels.” Vlad Tepes pushed the new subject on. “I have never seen it.”

“Yet you will give it away without a thought.” Chorbaji Tarmuk smiled.

“Did I do that? It was not mine at all. It belonged to the Sultan and then Radu’s. Tell me of the value here.”

“Value? Priceless, but the true value of the jewels was that they may bring great power to the holder. It may rally others to the cause of the beholder. The trail of the jewels was ancient to the era of Alexander the Great, who was given it as a token of his supremacy and leadership. It was said that the jewels belonged to Naamah, the main wife of King Solomon, who was to birth his heir, Rehoboam. The jewels survived the lineage and were eventually handed to Alexander. Upon his death, the jewels were lost to whom he was custodian.”

“The vast empire was divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi. This led to a period of conflict and eventually resulted in the formation of successor states, such as the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in Persia, and the Kingdom of Macedon. Eventually these states were to end, and the Roman Empire was founded. That eventually ended, and the Roman Empire was split into two states: the Western Roman and the Byzantine. Eventually, it collapsed, and other states emerged.”

“The talks of the people were that Helen of Troy was the custodian of it in one era, and it brought the war that was documented but not of the jewels. It was eventually lost in passing the custodian.”

“Successive kings, emperors, and sultans were named, but behind the thrones, there was the possession of the jewels, which were passed between them and to their successors. It assisted in the influence of power there. And then it was lost for generations. Some say it was in the hands of the Romans, but when the Visigoths overran Rome, it went missing.”

“Till that day, the trader brought it to the Sultan, claiming it had been traded over the years by traders and bandits. The trade of the jewels came with many favours and was granted in gratitude, but it also strengthened the Sultan’s empire. Other kings offered their alliance to the Ottomans. Wars were raged to expand the empire on those who does not, and the fate of Constantinople was set to it.”

“The Walls of Constantinople were known as perhaps the most formidable defensive walls of antiquity. It was something like a thousand or more years until they were finally breached. Many armies marched up to the Walls of Constantinople only to shake their heads and turn around, but not the Sultan then. He did the so-named impossible and won the city over.”

“The Ottomans also aimed to capture Constantinople for several key reasons: the strategic importance of the city, economic benefits, cultural significance, and political motivations. Strategic Importance: Constantinople was located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it a vital hub for trade routes.”

“The fall of Constantinople shocked many Europeans, who viewed it as a catastrophic event for their civilization. Many feared other European Christian kingdoms would suffer the same fate as Constantinople. More of such wars were fought before, and then, including the Wallachia conflicts, they saddened the Sultan. Lives were lost, and families were separated. The Sultan felt the pain of it all, which was why he sent your brother back to Wallachia to end it all. His desire was to call off the conflicts. He entrusted the jewels to Radu as his final parting gift.”

“Do you really think the jewels will end all conflicts? Or restart a new one?” Vlad Tepes asked.

“I do not know. I am a servant of the Empire. I will serve my duty as requested.”

“Yet you are here to protect me. Why would I need to be protected if the jewels were to aid or stop all the conflicts?”

“I am a Janissary like you were before. We do our duty. As they do for me as their commander. I serve no King but myself, and my care.” Chorbaji Tarmuk smiled. “Our previous duties did not stop the conflicts but may have created more. I was hopeful that, with your death, all that would be buried and soon to be forgotten.”

“Which was why you made me dead and told the whole world I was. The Impaler is dead. So, end my era of killings.” Vlad Tepes looked at the officer.

“True, the Tepes saga must end, but Radu’s parting gift to you was ……” Chorbaji Tarmuk sighed.

“Unprecedented, and… what would you have me… or should I be done with it?”

“I do not know. I was given the duty to protect the two of you.” Chorbaji Tarmuk looked down to the flooring.

“And why do you tell me of the jewels? You could have ……”

“Kept it? First, it was not mine to keep. I am merely the … servant to the beholder, as I was with your brother and before that, my Sultan. Second, you asked me about the jewels. And I told you what I knew.”

“Chorbaji Tarmuk, you knew much of it.” Vlad Tepes looked at the officer.

“I will admit to that. My family has been the protector of the jewels since then. We have traversed the generations to be with it, ever faithful and sacrificial to ensure it was… not lost, but bidden by our oath not to own but to protect the beholder.” Chorbaji Tarmuk spoke of his heritage. “Somehow, we were drawn to that duty. From the era of Naamah, our ancestor.”

“Yet I gave it away.” Vlad Tepes said.

“You did not give it away. You had it entrusted to one in Genoa, and you are here. The link with the jewels is in you.”

“Or in you, Chorbaji. The jewels are never far from you. You are also the link to it.”

“Perhaps… Do you want to collect it back from Lord Dante Montague?”

“No, not yet. I want to spend time with my family and my new found freedom.” Vlad Tepes walked back to his home. The Chorbaji looked to the man he was to protect. He was in deep thoughts; the words of Vlad were disturbing. Maybe, it was all fated that he was there.

Not for Vlad but for the jewels.

“Chorbaji, I have news.” The Janissary he assigned to spy on the situation in Genoa. “Lord Dante Montague is back in Genoa, but he remained silent. Nothing to report on his movements. However, I found out more.”

“In the household, I found out there are issues troubling them. His daughter, Juliet Montague, is involved with the heir of Capulet, Romeo Capulet. The latter is in hiding, for he was to have killed a Montague member.”

“Most troubling……”

“There is more. Count Paris is in Genoa with Lord Gencio Capulet. Rumours that they are looking to find more on a shipment by one named Andre Bassanio Tito. The talks were to do with the Empress Jewels that are in it.”

“So, our ruse may have worked, but the timing was miscalculated.”

“More to it. I had some news. Prince Escalus is on route here. He travels with personal guards to Genoa. And I met an old acquaintance, whom we once recruited to be our spy. His name is Lamin Tarik; he is a man of another faith here, but his servitude is still there for us. It was he who told me of the information here.”

“Good, he may be of more service now.” Chorbaji Tarmuk smiled. “Tell the others to keep their kilij on them.”

“They all carry the kilij with them, or within grab, the jambiya.” The jambiya is a personal weapon used by the men from the Ottoman Empire. It is a small dagger, with a handle, a blade, and a sheath in which the blade is held. It is made of a certain sort of wood to hold the blade that is fixed to the waist from underneath with an upward curved sheath. “Do not display that in public. We are not in our empire but at the enemies’ lair.”

Chorbaji Tarmuk dismissed the loyal soldier.

A small distance from the house, in the grove of the olive trees, two figures were standing there, watching the house. They were met by another.

“Master Reynard, the guest is in the house. The servants told me he is protected by a group of Ottomans.” The newly arrived person told the Capulet’s guard.

“Leave us.” Reynard told the person soon after. He then faced the one other standing at the back. The spy for Reynard took leave.

“It will seem that the new guest is Vlad Tepes, whom many had assumed was dead.” The one who stood next to Reynard looked at the house.

“It is obvious that the death of the Impaler was exaggerated. The lady there is his lover, and his children reside there.” The other said. “The question remained: why did Lady Sofia take the responsibility to house the Tepes? I doubt the Lord knew of it, but I could be mistaken. Lord Gencio Capulet does not really share all his works with me.”

“Benvolio, Lord Gencio……”

“Do not patronize me, Reynard. I am fully aware of my standing with the Capulet. I am his cousin, but my father is the bastard. Like Lorenzo, I do not hold the blood of the Capulet in me except that my father was the son of an illicit affair.”

Benvolio reflected on his background; he had no real standing in the Capulet clan. He joined the mercenaries at an early age and made his name as a warrior and his fortune there. His appearance at Genoa was to see Romeo, but that did not stop his other task. He was sent there by Prince Escalus to find out more of the Montagues, who have a beautiful daughter, whom Count Paris was infatuated with. Benvolio was not keen on the other gender with his war wounds that took his desire away.

His current task was to find the Empress Jewels. That he revelled in, for it was said to be priceless and highly valued by the royalty.      

“It was good that you told me of this. Prince Escalus will be pleased to know this.” Benvolio smiled.

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 44

 

44. 

 

Shylock was not short of friendly associates at the magistrate office. He was reluctant to bribe the ones he knew, but it was a small token to give him information. He walked his way to the office of the magistrate. He was not welcomed there most times, but his generous offerings to the office paved his way, more so to that previous magistrate. It was a painful effort of his to bribe the office there, but it was one method to get the assistance of the office. It was his one mode to secure back his loans, besides employing mercenaries to pressure the debtors.

“Magistrate Javier, I was informed that Andre Bassanio Tito is in your custody.” Shylock approached the other. “I demand to meet him.”

“Obviously, you mistook me for the previous magistrate, who may be open to your requests. Yes, I have Andre Bassanio Tito in my custody, but his well-being needs a healer. Till he is fit to meet anyone, he will remain in my office.” Magistrate Javier looked at the moneylender.

“I have a good relationship with this office.” Shylock stepped up to the magistrate with his left hand offering the bag of silvers. Magistrate Javier did take the hand offering and motioned to the moneylender to take the seat.

“We have never met, Mr.….”

“Shylock, Shylock Judas, of Judas & Associates. I bridged the needs of the traders in need of silvers and ducats to ease their burden.” Shylock smiled. He had not really met the magistrate, who was new to Genoa, but most of his dealings were with the officers. More to it, Genoa has three magistrates then.

“I have reported him for the default in my loan. I can demand his presence in a judicial hearing.” Shylock handed out the judicial papers. He was adamant about getting access to Bassanio. He had retracted his offering then.

“Yes, he may be produced, but for now, he is under investigation for the murder of five men at the warehouse. It is a major crime that overrides your judicial order. Wait your turn.”

“May I see him then?” The voice belonged to Lord Gencio Capulet. “He may have some……”

“I cannot consider that now, Lord Gencio Capulet.” Magistrate Javier looked at the man standing there in his office. “Andre Bassanio Tito is a felon for which justice will be administered by the judiciary.”

“I stand with the Lord.” It was Count Paris who appeared then at the office. He then turned to the Lord and smiled. “I was caught up in some matters and am late. May we both see Andre Bassanio Tito?”

“Count Paris, we meet again.” Lord Gencio Capulet turned to look at the other. He was surprised to see the Count there.

“I was given the urgent message by the prince to see Andre Bassanio Tito. The prince has given me some needs to know of certain information.”

“Count Paris, I presume.” Magistrate Javier cut in. “We met some years ago. I am to defer your request, for the person in custody needs a healer.”

“Was he hurt?” Count Paris asked. “By……”

“He was wounded in the act, and we have a healer to attend to him. We will advise on the progress. It is not fatal, the wound, and he will live.”

Meanwhile, Shylock approached Lord Gencio Capulet.

“Shylock Judas, my Lord.” Shylock spoke. “By any chance, you met Antonio.”

“I am not his guardian, Sir.” Lord Gencio Capulet was annoyed at being asked. “Did he owe you any ducats?”

“No…… Yes, he held responsibility as surety for one other. He ……” Shylock Judas was to mention the name, but Lord Gencio Capulet shrugged off the other.

“Antonio is his own responsibility. Do not involve me.” Lord Gencio Capulet walked away. Shylock was left there without any clue of his next action. He went home and met Leah. He related the issue encountered at the magistrate’s office.

“We must find Abram to assist us.” That was Leah’s reply. “But for now, my concern is Jessica. She is fond of the ……”

“Tell her I will not sanction the union.” Shylock sat by his work desk, ignoring his lover standing there.

“I do not think you understand the issue here. Jessica is of the age where she could decide, and it may be without our blessing.” Leah reminded the father.

“What is she to do? Elope? Or leave us?” Shylock was upset that he was not paid any attention. “I have a business to operate here. Who can help me to get the loans back? The… Lorenzo kid? He is a …….”

“He is a Capulet and may be the union we need to get closer to finding Antonio.” Leah looked at Shylock. “We are without support here.”

“What makes you think that Lord Gencio Capulet will capitulate to his half-son’s union? He may be of the same view as us.” Shylock turned to his lover. “Let me think. Alone, please.”

Alone was the request of Lord Dante Montague, and he hid himself in the library. He held the case handed to him by the ex-Voivode. He had not opened it and wondered how his fate was entwined by the content. He was tempted to look inside; the jewels were once his, taken from him by the deceit of another.

“Why are you here… alone? Are you not at home to be with your family?” Lady Angeline walked into the library. “What is that?”

“It was handed to me by Vlad Tepes.” Lord Dante Montague placed the case into the desk drawer. It was his personal drawer. “He wants me to keep it.”

“Vlad Tepes? The Impaler? Why did he find you? Do you know him?” Lady Angeline was distressed by the name.

“Hold your concern, my love. I had not known the man before we met. Let me relate to you the tale. I was invited to meet him, or before him, I was to meet his brother, Radu Tepes.” Count Dante Montague sighed. “It was predated to my meeting with the Sultan, then with … Gencio. It was the time I was to trade the jewels revealed by the Sultan, but Gencio stole them from me.”

“Gencio traded it to the Sultan and established the trading routes there. However, I was given the same opportunity, but it was not to my liking to be cheated by Gencio. Since then, we went separate ways, but over the years, we had hardly crossed each other’s paths.”

“Why you?” Lady Angeline quizzed the man.

“I do not know. I had never met the Tepes until recent events. I was called to meet Radu, who was dying then. He asked me to contact Vlad and handed over the letter and case. I did as request, and from the last meeting, I was told to hold the case for Vlad.”

“It is most unusual, my dear. You were never anyone’s messenger. And what is in the case?” Lady Angeline asked. “Could it be the jewels that were rumoured to be in the care of the Tepes?”

“You are well informed for a lady in Genoa.” Lord Dante Montague looked to his lover.

“I have my circle of friends, and they held their own, and yes, we talk. I knew more than what you may know at times. For one, I knew that Juliet is infatuated with the Capulet boy. The latter is in hiding from the killing of Mercutio.”

“Mercutio …… I need to resolve that too. He is family.” Lord Dante Montague sighed. “Is Juliet ……”

“She is safe with us. She had run off to see the boy on occasions, but I doubt she will betray his whereabouts.”

“Abram can guard her.” Lord Dante Montague was concerned about his daughter. “I must see her soon. What else do you know?”

“I know that one named Andre Bassanio Tito had won the hand of Portia Belmont, but their wedding was put off, for the man was involved in some issue with the authorities over some killings at the warehouse. Rumours said it was to do with the shipment of wares, but the inner words were on jewels that belonged to the Tepes.”

“You are a vixen here. How did you know so much and yet I was not told?” Lord Dante Montague looked at the lady.

“The ladies held their ears close to their lovers, and they only gossip to their friends.” Lady Angeline smiled. “I know more. Andre Bassanio Tito borrowed from Shylock Judas…”

“The scoundrel for a trader who trades in ducats instead of wares?” Lord Dante Montague hissed out.

“He may be that scoundrel, but he is a trader of sorts. He loaned ducats to Andre, Bassanio, and Tito, but the repayment was defaulted. Shylock sought to find the man.” Lady Angeline looked at the man. “However, the chase is concluded. Andre Bassanio Tito is in the custody of the magistrate over the killings at the warehouse. It was said that Lord Gencio Capulet is keen to see the man, and so is one named Count Paris. I believed all of it was related to the jewels.”

“If it was so, then the case I hold may be of another valued item or a worthless trinket.” Lord Dante Montague looked to the drawer.

“If that was so, then this conversation is ended. But if it is the jewels there, then it may be the bargaining tool for us to bring… …. Leverage on Gencio. He sought the jewels, as I was told, to get his son freed by bargaining. Count Paris may be the emissary of the royal court here.”

“If it was, why should I help Gencio?” Lord Dante Montague looked to the open window. “He is not my friend.”