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.”    

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 43

 

43. 

 

Bassanio opened his eyes lightly, feeling the pain on his eyelids that were not spared of the beatings he had undergone. He felt the restraints on his limbs; tight and well secured he was to the chair, seated there with no means to defend himself. He was in his warehouse, and it was devoid of his other wares.

“Tell them, Bassanio. I plead of you.” Bassanio heard the voice of his friend, Gratiano. “They will not let you go if you do not tell them.”

“I … I … do not have it.” Bassanio muttered out and later spat the blood from his broken tooth. “Not with me. What did you do… with other wares?”

“Port Master, let me have him for another few rounds.” Bassanio heard the tormentors of his. There were five of them: Gratiano and four others, one of whom was the Port Master.

“Hold your fun, Miguel. He is no good to us dead, or at the very least till he hands us the bill for the shipment. We need that to clear the shipment.” The postmaster was standing a distance back from Bassanio. He looked at the trader who was roughed up by his crew, asking for the shipment manifest. It was his calling, but the other named Gratiano had approached him to get the manifest. They agreed to equal shares of the shipment. Gratiano asked for one other item in the shipment: a jewel set.

“Bassanio, spare us your insolence. Tell us where the bill is. I will ensure you a swift death.” Gratiano leaned towards Bassanio. “They took your wares and traded them.”

“Bastard you are, Gratiano.” Bassanio looked at the man he called his friend. “You are to do this to me.”

“It’s trading, my old friend.” Gratiano laughed. “Nothing personal.” “I do not have it!” Bassanio called out, and it was then Miguel stabbed Bassanio in the left thigh with the dagger he had on him.

“Arghhh!” Bassanio cried out. “Kill me now. I will not tell.”

“Stop!” The call was heard in the warehouse, and in came the group of armed men rushing towards Bassanio. It was the magistrate’s guards; eight of them were armed with schiavonas, and three more guards were armed with arquebuses, the rifle design of the time. They were led by Magistrate Javier himself, armed with a schiavona.

“Stop in the name of the King.” The magistrate called out when he rushed at the port’s crew. He faced the crew member who had raised his arms in surrender, but the magistrate slashed his schiavona on the other’s chest.

“Spare no one!” That was the command given. Three of the armed arquebus guards opened fire at the others. Their shots felled two crewmen, leaving Miguel and the port master missed.

“Bastards!” Miguel rushed at the riflemen but was blocked by two guards who slashed at him. The port master saw Miguel fell and then turned towards Bassanio.

“You killed my mates.” The Port Master, holding a dagger, then lunged at Bassanio, but he was brought down by the Magistrate, who slashed him at the back of the neck.

“Thank God you arrived in time.” Gratiano approached the magistrate. “It will be……”

“I came for him.” Magistrate Javier thrust the schiavona into Gratiano’s left ribs. “You are not needed.”

“Andre Bassanio Tito, you are under arrest.”

Lord Gencio Capulet arrived home and was met by Lady Sofia at the library. Alongside was Benvolio, with Reynard. He was brief on the murder and the hiding Romeo.

“We do not know his true whereabouts.” Benvolio admitted. “He was……”

“Taken care of by myself.” It was Lorenzo who arrived. He approached Lady Sofia and rested his arms on her shoulder. “I took Romeo to be hidden till you return, Father.”

“You took a big risk there, Lorenzo. If you were ……”

“Romeo is my brother. I will defend him in any situation.” Lorenzo looked at the man he called his father. “More to it, no one knew of his whereabouts.”

“Tell us, Lorenzo. We will bring him to safety in our safe houses.” Reynard cut in. “We can ……”

“I am sworn not to tell this. Please be assured he is safe. Father, whatever happened then with Romeo may be an accidental death. He needs to be freed of the accusation.”

“Let it rest, Reynard. Another matter came to my attention. Why was our son involved with the Montague’s lady?” Lord Gencio Capulet looked at the mother.

“I do not know… how and when… but he has not told me anything.” Lady Sofia sighed. “He is young and… most times, with a different lady that I am not to be told about.”

“Lord Gencio, may I ……” Benvolio wanted to interrupt but was brushed off by the lord.

“Sofia, he has one too many troubles. The issue with Lord Helmut was not forgotten yet. Now he got into this, and the... rumours of his affair..." Lord Gencio Capulet could not find the word to say the name then.

“Father, Romeo loves Juliet.” Lorenzo spoke out. “They are in love.”

“Do not mention her name in this house. Love is a fallacy among young ones.” Lord Gencio Capulet glared at his half-son. “He may poach, do lewd acts on anyone but never the ……. Montague. That I forbid.”

All that was there stood looking at the flooring, and it was interrupted by the arrival of the servant.

“Madam, the friar is here. You……”

“Not now, Rose. Tell him to wait.” Lady Sofia cut off the servant. She did request that the friar allow her in to see when he arrived.

“Am I not welcome in this house anymore?” Friar Dino Lawrence stepped in.

“You are always welcome, friar.” Lord Gencio Capulet looked to his good friend. He was irritated by the outside presence but hid it from himself. He embraced the friar with a smile.

“We are talking on the whereabouts of Romeo. You may know for nothing evades your ears and sight.”

“Young Romeo…” The friar looked at the mother and then the son and the others. “I know not where he is. It is annoying when they rush off when in trouble. Their parent’s concern is ……”

“Friar, you are the one they will come to then.” Reynard looked at the friar.

“Most times, but not this one.” Friar Lawrence smiled. “He will turn up one day.”

“Friar, I beg of you. Please tell us if you know.”

“And I will, Lord Gencio Capulet. I will.” Friar Lawrence smiled. “Lady Sofia, I will take my seat now and wait my turn to be called.”

“Men of my clans, I hold news for you all. Vlad Tepes is dead, but there are tales that he is not. He may be here in Genoa or will be soon.” Lord Gencio Capulet looked at them. “He is ……”

“Lord Gencio Capulet, did you say that Vlad Tepes is in here? I heard that he died in battle.” Benvolio was curious. His network of spies did not tell him anything. “He held a long list of enemies.”

“Unfounded or a ruse to appear so. He has a family here.” Lord Gencio Capulet looked at the friar. “He is a man who had seen to repent his sins, as I was told. But could his sins be repented?”

“God forgives those who are willing to face their sins.” Friar Lawrence spoke out in his authoritative voice. “It’s whether the devil in us recognizes that.”

“Why did you mention that, Lord Gencio Capulet?” Reynard asked.

“Prince Escalus wants to find them. He thinks they may hold something he wants.” Lord Gencio Capulet looked to his lover. “Something of value. Lovers held secrets between them.”

“How was it you are known of this… rumour, my lord?” Benvolio asked. He was surprised that he was not told of such news.

“The news spread among the few, but I was told by Count Paris.” Lord Gencio Capulet lied. He knew of the rumour from the prince, but he wanted to put the trail off. More to it, he does not trust any of his men to save his son. It will be his own doing. The Wallachian’s safety was his concern.

“Send out our men to check this. I want to be informed first.” Lord Gencio Capulet told the others. “Leave now.”

“Lorenzo, assist here. Romeo, wherever he may be, shall remain there.” Lord Gencio Capulet told his half-son. The men all marched out but for the friar. Lord Gencio Capulet looked at the friar.

“You knew I was back and crashed in. You are not……”

“Lord Gencio Capulet, I do not concur here. I am to see Lady Sofia on some matter. I was not ……” Friar Lawrence defended his arrival.

“Friar Lawrence, I am ……” The lord was interrupted by his lover.

“The friar was on my invitation to pray for our son.” Lady Sofia cut in.

“I… I apologize, Friar Lawrence.” Lord Gencio Capulet sighed. “It had been a long ride, and the disappearance of……”

“Romeo Capulet is also my concern. Sadly, I know not of whereabouts.” Friar Lawrence sighed. “He is one in my flock.”

“So be it.” Lord Gencio Capulet turned to walk away. “I have another matter to take care of.”

Lady Sofia looked to the friar and then pulled him to the far corner.

“What did you find out about Lorenzo’s father?” Lady Sofia asked.    

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 42

 

42. 

 

Lorenzo appeared at the cottage where Romeo was in hiding. He looked to his surroundings before he reached there. He met Romeo, who was in the living area.

“Did you come with Juliet?” Romeo was looking over the other’s shoulder.

“No. I came alone. I come bearing news.” Lorenzo looked at his half-brother. “Father is returning to Genoa, as I was told.”

“That is good. I can leave here then.” Romeo turned to grab his belongings.

“Unfortunately, no.” Lorenzo stopped the other. “You are to remain here. Father will see to you then.” Lorenzo looked at Romeo. “Your life is threatened out there. You must remain here.”

“I must see Juliet. She may be in harm’s way.” Romeo argued back. “We are in love.”

“An act which led to today’s predicament.” Lorenzo said. “If you had not met Juliet, then this would not have happened.”

“I fear too early, for my mind misgives; some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, shall bitterly begin.” Romeo sighed. (Quoted from Romeo and Juliet Act 1.4)

“Our fate is decided by our action.” It was the words of the friar who appeared. He saw the expression on Lorenzo. “I was here with Jessica before. I am not your enemy or the friend of your enemy.”

“Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.” Friar Lawrence said to Romeo.

“I am not, but my patience is edging close to naught.” Romeo sighed. “I want to see Juliet. When can I see her?”

“So, smile the heavens upon this holy act, that after hours with sorrow chide us not!” Friar Lawrence smiled. “Only when permission is given.”

“I do, Friar. I will not do the disapproval of eloping with Juliet. I will get parents’ consent, and both families will unite.’ Romeo smiled. Much to the silent thoughts of Lorenzo on his thoughts for Jessica. Their love was denied not because of family names but because of faith. He had contemplated eloping, but it would be harsh to their families.

Friar Lawrence saw the frown in Lorenzo and added his wise words.

"After-hours with sorrow chide us not," Friar Lawrence cautioned the young man on the perils of hasty union that may bring in disappointment in all.

“Our love, mine and Juliet’s, is so deep that even one moment together is worth paying the price.” Romeo defended his action.

“Of course, your love runs deep.” Friar Lawrence looked at Romeo and then at Lorenzo. “Moderate” love is wiser than fleeting love; it will call for loving in moderation that allows for a lasting relationship, where the couple should take time to explore their relationship, rather than ….”

“The depth of the water is never seen on the surface, but beneath. It may be shallow where they are not known.” Friar Lawrence sighed. “Take it from me. The path to my enlightenment began with a frail decision. One that I regretted to this day despite my sworn beliefs.”

“I do not understand, Friar.” Romeo looked at the elderly man.

“Sit down, young sires. Let me narrate you a tale that may add to your decision.”

“A long time ago, I was not who I am now. I was Turk by birth. My given name was Lamin Tarik, but my oath of servitude was to Wallachia later. I had my name changed to Dino Lawrence. You must be confused about why it was to be. Well, it was love then. I had loved a lady from Wallachia despite our differing faiths and origins. I discarded my loyalty and joined as a soldier in Wallachia under the leadership of Voivode Vlad Tepes. I wanted to protect my love and her family.”

“It was fine until I was captured and then discovered my true origins. I was to be executed but was saved by the Janissary commander. I was freed to serve as a spy for the Janissary, and I did that. I was then ensnared by my love and my deceit. Soon, my decision was made. My lover and her family were massacred. I could not bring myself to forgive my enemies, nor could I betray my friends. I left Wallachia for Genoa and took the life of a friar to repent my sins.”

“It was sad for you, but you should have no regrets. You did not ….” Romeo was to console the elderly man.

“It was not what you assumed. My lover and her family were killed on the order of Vlad Tepes, for they were a part of the boyar’s family. I was not there to save her. I was afraid then. I could have saved her if I had taken her away and stopped joining the war, but I failed. I was afraid of Vlad Tepes. Or hold not the pain if I had not loved her. I knew of the perils of the union, but I persisted in it. I had drawn my soul into the conflict. I have a love in my homeland, a Turk lady, and forsake her to go to Wallachia. In the end, I had lost them both. And my dignity.”

“What is your tale to do with us?” Lorenzo asked.

“My plight is no different from yours and … yours.” Friar Lawrence looked at them. “I had mentioned ‘after-hours with sorrow chide us not’; I was to mention that hasty love was a bad decision.”

“I do love Juliet.” Romeo sounded out.

“And who else did you love?” Friar Lawrence looked at the other. “I am a priest now and have had many who come to me for confessions. Your name is circulated among them. Your exploits are well heard. Romeo Capulet is a deceiving bastard, they told me.”

“I will not stand for this, Friar. You have outstayed your time with me.” Romeo was enraged.

“Have I? Then I shall leave.” The friar stood up.

“Stay, Friar. Romeo may have been wild in his earlier days, but I know he loves Juliet now. More than ever.” Lorenzo defended the half-brother.

“Lorenzo, you are …… faithful to the Capulet, and yet you were not born of one. You love Jessica, and yet your faith held a wedge between the two of you.” Friar Lawrence looked at the man. “Had you asked yourself if you had eloped with her, would it resolve your issues with the family? Or yours?”

“Stop picking issues with us. We are the Capulets and refuse to be intimidated by your words.” Romeo burst out.

“Youthful brash actions reflect on you, Romeo. Had you stayed your emotions and… desires, would you have succumbed to this refuge today?” Friar Lawrence looked at them. “I drew your true sides out to let you know yourself. I did not in any words object to your love intents, but to tell you, those intents held baggage that you will hold. Are you prepared for it?”

“I ….” Romeo struggled to find his words while Lorenzo remained silent.

“Find your peace inside you, and then tell me what you know of love.” Friar Lawrence stepped out of the cottage. He soon made his way to the city and then to the home of the Capulet. He met the lady of the house, Lady Sofia.

“Did you talk to them?” Lady Sofia asked of him.

“I did, and they will come to real terms on their feelings.” Friar Lawrence replied. “I had advised many young couples and even married some without their parents’ approval. I do not deny not all of them lasted in their union, but some did, for true love existed in them. ““Romeo is in love with Juliet as she is with him, but you knew that the two families are not to be united. He must recognize on that unless he is willing to let go of the heritage. Which does he desire more?” The friar sighed. “Lorenzo loves Jessica, and he has to leave the family name if he were to marry her, and whether the parents of Jessica could accept him without the Capulet’s name.”

“And be of which faith?”

“Friar, there is a secret I need to share with you. Lorenzo is not ……” 

“Not of Lord Gencio Capulet. We all know that. Who is his true father?”

“He is not mine but my sister’s, Rachel. Our family is Menzies. Rachel is dead, and her son is raised by me. When I became the mistress of Lord Gencio Capulet, I brought him along. Since then, he has been named Lorenzo Capulet.”

“Why do you tell me this?” Friar looked at the lady.

“He is not aware that his father is here in Genoa.”

“Who is he?” The friar asked.

“Lorenzo’s father is……” Lady Sofia wept at the thought.

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 41

 

41. 

 

Far in the distance at Moldavia, Vlad Tepes was surprised to see the guest.

“I am Lord Dante Montague. We never met, but I knew your brother. We met prior to his passing.”

“I am honoured to meet you, Lord Dante Montague. A friend of Radu is also mine.”

“I am honoured too.” Lord Dante Montague looked towards the Chorbaji. “The officer here was kind enough to introduce me to both brothers of the Tepes heirloom. I am here to bear you the letter and gift from your brother to you. Radu entrusted it to me when I last met him, but you were not easy to locate.”

Lord Dante Montague handed over the letter and case to the Voivode. Vlad opened the letter and read the content.

“My brother, Vlad.

When you read this lengthy letter, I will probably be dead. That does not stop me from sharing with you our lives together and the aftermath of you not staying next to me. I have always envied you as a person, more than I ever did Mircea. The elder brother of ours was never with us; he was Father’s successor and fought with Father for the quests on Wallachia, but for us, we were reluctantly traded to the Sultan as hostages. I said reluctantly, as Father was trapped and had to let us go or face imminent death. I had pleaded with Father then for mercy, but he knew that the act was needed. As for Mircea, he did not even protest our leaving the family. I was very scared, for it was the first time I was without the family, but you stood up with me during those lonely times.

Yes, we were closer to each other then, and you were the pillar of strength for me. You covered for me many times I was at fault or unable to deliver. I was no warrior, unlike yourself and Mircea. I am a scholar and will remain as one till today. I studied astronomy and mathematics, with a sideline on history, but not ours, but the Eastern empires. I was intrigued by the conquests then, but the aides to the emperors were good scholars and learned advisers who guided them. I wanted one with you, but our paths were never to meet thereafter.

You remained steadfast with me those years. You were gone then in my life; you went back to Wallachia, and I had my own discovery.

When I was with Aylin, you did not protest to it. You knew the risk I was taking, but I needed someone to love then. More than you, but a feminine feel to my desire. I had to admit soon after, I discovered I was not only attracted to them but also to the masculine features of our gender. Funny, that despite the time I was Aylin, I had not copulated with her at all. Yes, we explored our bodies, but was I respectful of her? No. I had no desire to copulate.

That was when I discovered my other desire, and it became mutual when my love was for the man who commands us.

Mehmet was kind to me, and I would not deny that it was the wonderful time of my life then, and with him, I found myself a foundation to hold power. The truth, contrary to rumours, is that we were never real lovers but good friends; or more to it, we were brothers. Mehmet was my new brother after you left. We shared many moments discussing the works needed and shared many nights in the chamber, but we were not in the arms of lovers but the arms of brotherly love. Eventually, we parted not out of love, but out of ambition. He needed to be seen to be pious to his people and, above all, sincere to his empire.

It came to the moment that I was to rise once more in the name of Tepes, a kinship long forgotten by me, but it was Mehmet who encouraged me to do that. It was his love for me to excel, and I was sent away. I tried but am not you, nor Mircea, nor even Father in his shadow. I am Radu, and I tried to do my task. I was supported by Mehmet, but there was so little I could do even with his assistance. The Janissaries assigned to me were to protect me and aided me in training the recruits in the army.

Life was not all about conquests but about establishing a lineage to carry the family crest. I did get myself engaged to a lovely lady and have my own family, but then, to hold my rank in the new land, as mentioned above, the boyars needed to see that, but wars and conflicts drew me away from my family. Loneliness crept in, and I lay nightly looking at the stars for companionship. I could not betray my family's love, but the evil spawned in me sought out my frustrations. I could not see myself with another but ended with a foul decision to take on the new lover, not of a lady but of my gender. It was the need of the desire and loneliness. As it was with Aylin, it was a quick act of release, and then I was settled, but unknown to me, I was inflicted with the curse to be poisoned by the one I was induced in. My one-off lover was removed by the Chorbaji, but the aftermath was the retribution that arose with it. I did not profess love but forced attraction, and I am in debt for it. Do not forgive me, but pray for me, that I will end my life gracefully.

With that off my mind, I want to come back to us.

I had tried to find you, but your whereabouts were unknown; only your reputation precedes you. When I did, you were imprisoned by the King of Hungary, diplomatic calls were made, but you were not in the bargain at all. Not till the final request was made to me.

The Empress Jewels were requested for your freedom.

We all knew that the jewels were in the treasury of the empire. I approached the man I called my other brother and pleaded my case. It was not easy, but eventually, he relented. His words rang in my mind till today.

“No treasure is worth more than your family member’s life.”

I was handed the jewels to bargain for your release. I did approach the king;

I held it, but the deal was not carried out due to treason on the other side. There were others who desired the jewels, and whoever held them could exert considerable power and influence. Kings can be toppled with it. The others all had their own interest and delayed the negotiation. The court of the king was divided by rumours that whoever holds the jewels can command power and influence. They tried to find me and had you as the ransom to bid their bargain, but I had remained hidden.

It was upon the rumours of my death. The king, as I was told, released you but with a collar around you to fight for them. It was made known to me that you were to get my personal holdings and deliver them to the king as compensation. He wished to find the jewels there. I could not betray my brothers of blood and friendship and remained hidden while I tried to recuperate or die in peace. Earlier I had arranged my wealth; however, it is valued to be bestowed to my family, which you will assist in providing to them. I have arranged for the trader to deliver it to Genoa. And another one to deliver my letter to you. I had created trails for them, and with it, I added in rumours of treasures to mock them so that they will do my bid with anticipation. I intend to blind them in their search.

An anticipation that I had kept the jewels there in the shipment, but there is none. The Empress Jewels is here in your care now. The case you hold holds it. Everyone grieved over it. Do what is needed; reclaim our land, or return it to the empire. I hold no responsibility to it. I can only trust in you for that, my dear brother, that you will know what to do here.

Radu Tepes.”

“He loves me, and yet he offers me a difficult choice.” Vlad sighed and then looked to the trader and the Janissary officer.

“Radu loves you, and it’s his final words that you are to be the beholden.” Chorbaji Tarmuk said. “The plight of the Tepes family had been a series of sacrifices for Wallachia.”

“You knew of the ……” Vlad looked at the Janissary officer.

“Yes, I am aware, but I hold my duty close to my heart as the loyal servant of the empire.” Chorbaji Tarmuk said. “Commander Radu is not the most efficient military tactician but is held in high esteem by the soldiers he commanded.”

“I must be leaving now.” Lord Dante Montague cut in. “I am needed back in Genoa.”

“Hold on, trader.” Vlad looked at the other. “Are you not curious why my brother sought me so urgently?”

“I am not. I am merely his messenger.” Lord Dante Montague replied. “More to it, I am urgently needed at Genoa.”

“You repeat yourself, trader. You are free to go, but take this case with you. Do not open it till I ask for it, or if I am dead.” Vlad offered the case to Lord Dante Montague. “It may be of use to you.”

“I ….” Chorbaji Tarmuk was going to protest, but Vlad stopped him.

“It is for the best of all of us.” Vlad looked at the Chorbaji.

“I cannot take your offer, Voivode.” Lord Dante Montague declined the case. “I must go.”

“Then keep it for me. I will send words for it later.” Vlad smiled. “I trust you with it.”

Vlad Tepes watched the man he was to entrust the case to walk away.

“Vlad, I trust the man to safeguard your case.” Chorbaji looked at his car. “Now we must prepare for your death tales to be spread to the authorities. You will then be free to leave for wherever you want. The Sultan will not be told of your true location, except if you die.”

“And for that…” Vlad looked at the man who had coached him since he was young.

“Vlad Tepes will be a free person, and there will be no more harbouring of being Voivode. You can return to Genoa to be with your first family.”

Freedom was not that easily found.

“Vuk Branvonic, you bring me news of Vlad Tepes?” Prince Escalus looked at the military commander.

“I do, My prince. He lives. His death in battle was fake. He, as I was told, rides for Genoa.”

“Then I will send words to Count Paris.” Prince Escalus looked to the other. “No, I will ride myself to Genoa. It is time I take rein on the matter. You will ride with me. We leave soon.”

“As you wish, Prince Escalus.” Branvonic made his departure. “I will get ready now.”

The prince called on his servant then.

“Send words by fast riders to Genoa, for one Lord Gencio Capulet. Tell him that Vlad Tepes is in Genoa. Find that Wallachian, and all dues are taken off the table. Failure to do so will have a paramount impact on his life and on his son’s.”

“I will ride to Genoa immediately.”