Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Cha8pter 29

 

29.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lord Dante Montague was handed two letters.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Radu coughed then and wiped his blood off his lips.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Indiao, what is ……”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“See these beholders there.” One will call.

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

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

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

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

“A thorn has pricked my finger through!”

“Alas, alas! Does it hurt so much?”

“Who pains them? A thorn it was.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Cha8pter 28

 

28.

 

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

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

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

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

“We meet again, Lord Dante Montague.”

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

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

“Please meet my commander, Radu Tepes.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Did you see him?”

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

“No, he was in the grey one.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Do you know she is of the Montague?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No, Jessica. I want to say ….”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 27

 

27.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Boring…” Juliet sighed.

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

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

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

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

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

“Who is your friend?” Juliet asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Across the garden, Juliet met another friend of hers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I want to dance,” Bassanio asked Portia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 26

 

26. 

 

According to the will of her late father, Portia cannot marry a man of her own choosing. Instead, she must make herself available to all suitors and accept the one who chooses "rightly" from among "three chests of gold, silver, and lead."

“My father is dead. God bless his soul.” Portia Belmont was grieving for the sudden death of her father. “He should not have drunk that night.”

Portia’s father had fallen off the horse on the ride and was fatally injured. He did not make it past the night. However, he was a careful man who had planned well for the estate and his only daughter. The mother had passed on years ago. He stated in his will that his daughter would inherit the estate upon her marriage to a suitable man; three was the given number.

“I am not pawning my daughter off, but whoever marries her will be rewarded with great wealth.” Portia was his love then, as a daughter and trading partner; he involved her in all his discussions, frowned upon by many others, but they respected the Lord. She was not the prettiest one, but her beauty was in her eloquence in discussing the trade terms. And in dictating the terms of the contracts.

“Portia, my dear, you should be a lawyer in the courts of law.” Lord Belmont told her.

“If I were, Father. Then you will need a better lawyer to handle your trade contracts.” Portia reminded her father. “The contract with Lord Dante Montague was well written, but you avoided the finer details, which could cause you damage.”

“It was an oversight, my dear. I am getting old, and my sight is failing.” Lord Belmont smiled. “I am glad you were there. Lord Dante Montague is a shrewd trader, but he does deal fairly.”

“Father, in the realm of trading. We are all inclined to win all and not share any.” Portia smiled.

Portia’s thoughts faded off on her last conversation with her father before he took the fatal ride. Nerissa, a good friend of Portia, tries to comfort the grieving lady and tells her that surely her father knew what he was doing; whoever the man might be who finally chooses "rightly," surely, he will be "one who shall rightly love."

“I am not keen to discuss my wedding choices now.” Portia looked at Nerissa. “Today I am still in mourning over my father’s passing.”

“Your future awaits you, Portia,” Nerissa told the friend. “We are the weaker who need the protection of the men.”

“I am uncertain,” Portia said. “The man I loved may not be able to protect me. Nor do I think he will be on the list of suitors. Nerissa, you are to be wedded. Gratiano is a good man. You must know what it feels like to be wedded ... to the man you love.”

“Portia, I am your friend and maiden in waiting. Whom I may wed does not matter here.” Nerissa smiled. Gratiano, a trader—a small but well-to-do trader—had proposed to Nerissa, but the wedding was to be held later in the season.

“Fault not me, my friend. I know you liked Gratiano. He who came with the trader, Andre Bassanio Tito, last season to meet Father.” The two traders, like many, had come to the estate to discuss trade with Lord Belmont. Gratiano caught his eye on Nerissa.

“Alas, I cannot evade your scrutiny there, Portia. Gratiano had not left the county since then. He had stayed on to transact whatever trades he could do.” Nerissa lowered her face. “I had……”

“Met him? I know more of your meetings, my dear friend.” Portia smiled after several days of grieving. “I……”

“I know you knew. It was Andre Bassanio … he likes to be called Bassanio more. He told me so, and he also told you that. I knew that.” Nerissa cut in. “Your meetings with him are known to me.”

“You knew too much, Nerrissa.” Portia laughed. She was never to miss Bassanio, for he had remained there and was often seen discussing trade matters with Portia.

“Oh, God. How could we hide from each other? You know of my secrets, and I……”

“Not all, Nerissa. Not all. I do have other secrets with me.” Portia laughed. “And I……”

“Love Bassanio… I know.” Nerissa, in turn, laughs.

“Love? Unlikely. We are a distance apart from there.” Portia denies it, but the blush on her face was noticeable. Laughter eased the grief, but the reality was to catch up then.

“Prince of the County Palatine; a French lord, Monsieur Le Bon; a Scottish lord; and a young German, the Duke of Saxony's nephew.” The suitors appeared at the estate to select the caskets. They were accompanied by the curious and left-out suitors. “The others have declined their invites.”

“I know the Italian prince. He reared horses and talked only of his horse. He is an unadulterated dullard; he is unable to laugh at anything but neighs like his horse,” the trader from Tuscany said.

"Monsieur Le Bon" is a man who is a nomad. He has many lovers, and no one knows whom he will end up with that night. If she marries him, she might as well marry twenty husbands. Those are his friends with whom he comes home.” The trader from Paris added.

“The Scots; when he yodels, the ladies all clamp shut. He does not come in them but at them. He thinks everyone is a sponge for him."

“Hey, Executor. What if she refuses those three men?” One of the gathered asked.

“She will select the one who is best suited from the casket’s contents.” The executor replied. “She……”

“What if one of the caskets remained untaken?”

“That ……” The executor paused in his words and consulted the family of the Belmont. He then turned to the gathered. “If a casket is not selected, then… one of you may step forth.”

“Please be gentlemanly about it.” The executor added.

“Why not, ladies, like? I am not a gentleman.” A lady among the gathered called out.

“Oh, Sally. If you get selected, I will be glad to be your second wife.” One man called out, and laughter broke out.

“We shall proceed.” The executor called for the three caskets to be brought out. Each casket was carried by four men.

“Oh my God. Those caskets weighed more than my horse.” One of the gathered called out.

“Aye, Dineo. You got a small hose.” Sally called out. The other men all laughed. “I shall be first.” The prince stepped forth. “I claim the ……”

“I claim the gold.” The German Lord cut in.

“The hell you will.” The Moroccan prince said. “Hayawan (Brute translated).”

“Fick dich! (Not nice to translate here.)” The German cursed at the Moroccan.

“Putain!” The prince said to the German.

“Hey, I know that word. French, was it not?” The Scottish lord cut in. “Anyway, I want the gold too.”

“Gommy! (Idiot in Gaelic Scots).” The prince said to the Scots. “All of you are the same.”

The situation got out of control, and the executor had to calm things down. He told the suitors their choices were by the calls they had earlier made.

“I will not claim the lead casket.” The Scottish lord cursed. “I am out. It is below my honour to take the lead.”

“The lead casket is open to others.”

“I am not to take that. It may be just rocks inside.” Sally cried out. “I have a rock sleeping on my body nightly, snoring most times.”

“Turn over, Sally. I can be rock hard for you if I know I cannot see your face.” Another called out.

“Stuff it, Georgio. All you ever know is that hole.”

It was then Bassanio stepped up to the lead casket.

“I will take the lead casket.”

“The deed is done. The caskets will be opened in due time after I read the statement of the Lord.” The executor withdrew the sealed letter from his tunic. He broke the seal and read the contents inside.

"Gold: 'Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire'; the silver: 'Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves'; and the last was lead: 'Who chooseth me must give and risk everything he has.'"

“Aye, Gold was the virgin. Silver was the one who got home nightly. The last lead was to sacrifice.” Sally cried out. “I have none left. So, Georgio. You can take a number there. I lost count of who had been there. Yours may still be golden.”

Those gathered there all laughed.

“The one who chose the caskets may now be told that the Lord had his final decision on which casket wins.” The executor looked to the three men.

“He who selects the lead is the suitable one. Lady Belmont, your suitor is the gentleman with the lead casket. The departed Lord says it here in the will.”

Gasps of surprise were heard, and soon the chamber cleared of the guests, including the disappointed lords.

 “You saw the mistress; I beheld the maid.” Bassanio heard his friend, Gratiano. He was elated to win. He made his choice out of desperation.

“It is Bassanio. He won the prize.” Nerissa laughed. “You got what you wanted. He, of all the men that ever my foolish eyes looked upon, was the best deserving of a fair lady."

“I am fortunate. Bassanio is a good man.” Portia smiled. “I am glad to be his wife.”

Shylock heard of the sudden wealth of the trader named Bassanio. He invited the trader to his house. They discuss business while the ladies take off to the ball by the Montague.

“She looked devilish.” Antonio stared at the mother and daughter.

“That is my wife and daughter, Antonio.” Shylock reminded the trader. “As for your request for the three thousand, that is a lot of coins. That is truly the devil’s work there.”

“I hold the bill of lading here. My ship is on route.” Bassanio produced the bill. “It’s what I needed to pay for the warehouse and port charges.”

“I heard you are a rich man, Andre Bassanio. Your……” Shylock searched for the name in his mind while he studied the bill of lading.

“Portia, Portia Belmont. We are engaged, and the wedding is next season after Christmas. I am not after her wealth. I can make my own.” Bassanio said confidently. “I have two shipments coming in soon. The bill I showed you was for the first. The wares are unloading as we speak. My second shipment is in the process of loading in Spain. The bill will soon arrive.”

“I do not know you, Andre Bassanio. You are new to Genoa. I……”

“I can stand in as his surety for payment.” Antonio cut in. “I am good.”

“Your credentials are ……” Shylock was reluctant to accept the surety.

“I could get Lord Gencio Capulet to attest to that, but he is at Moldavia. Or was it Wallachia? I forgot.” Antonio looked at Shylock. “You do want to help us. I can swing in other shipments to you. And maybe even from Gencio. We are good friends.

“Lord Gencio Capulet does not need my loans.” Shylock looked at the other. “I think we……”

“Come now, Shylock.” Antonio glared at Shylock. “Gencio could bring downfall to your name.”

“I will not ……” Shylock was defiant then, but his words were cut off.

“What do you want to make this happen?” Antonio leaned forward towards Shylock.

“I want more unavoidable surety.”

“My life then.” Antonio smiled. “Surely my life is worth more than three thousand ducats.”

“I am not a mercenary. As you mentioned your life, I do not dare for that. How about an arm or leg?” Shylock laughed. It was the usual threat by mercenaries to intimidate the debtors.

“Ah…… How about a piece of my flesh?” Antonio offered.

“A piece of flesh? I will accept a pound, will do.” Shylock replied. It was agreed that in default, the delay will be paid by the pound of flesh.

“Are you mad?” Bassanio asked Antonio after they left the place.

“Not so.” Antonio smiled. “I can always take care of that. I have my faith in you. You just make sure the ships arrive.”

His faith was really in Lord Gencio Capulet to bail him out.

-----------

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 25

 25. 

 

The days to Christmas were met with anticipation, but not so for Vlad III. He had joined with Stefan Bathory in pursuit of the Ottomans, and this army then continued into Wallachia. Basarab the Elder flees as Târgoviște and Bucharest are conquered in November.

“Victory was not on my mind, but Radu, my brother. He is dead, as I was told.” Vlad III was addressing the gathering of the boyars at the home of the revived voivode.

“Radu III attempted to retake Wallachia a few times from Basarab III and later Stephen III. It was the final battle at Vaslui that Radu III also participated in. It is presumed that he was killed around this time.” One of the boyars told Vlad III.

“Presumed dead is not confirmation of his death.” Vlad III shook his head. “He is family, and I still love him. What of Katharina and my children?”

“We have no words from them, Voivode. We have sent words to Genoa and Venice, but no replies.” The boyar who managed that matter replied. “I have requested Lord Gencio Capulet to attend.”

“Yes.” Vlad III was torn between his two lovers; one held his children, and the other was at his side, but never was on his bed on the floor. It was his fault, for he could not find his own desire at all.

“Was it something I had done, my husband?” Lady Justina asked during one of their evenings. They were lying on the floor.

“No, my lover. I am just tired. I can ……” Vlad turned towards her, but she declined his advance.

“No, my husband. You may rest, and when done, we can ……” Lady Justina stood up. “I will take my rest on the bedding.”

“No…… I mean, okay. I will rest here.” Vlad lay back on the floor. His mind flitted towards Katharina and his children.

“Has your brother wedded?” Lady Justina asked about the bedding.

“Which one?” For a while, Vlad was unsure of which brother. “I have two brothers: Mircea II and Radu. The former died fighting with my father.”

“Radu was my asking.”

“Oh, you meant Radu. I heard he had married a Maria Despina, and they have a daughter.”

“Good for him. Did he return to the palace?” Lady Justina asked. “He is back with the Sultan?”

“That I am unsure. He was here, and upon defeat, he was at Moldavia or Targovishte. Or dead, as I was told, but none even saw his body.”

“What of you? Should you need to leave if defeated?” Vlad was stunned by the question from the lady.

“I do not know. Maybe back to King Corvinus.” Vlad replied. “I hold no place at the lands that Radu is with, or even at the palace. I am only at home here.”

“What about Genoa?”

“Genoa… is the home of my friend, Lord Gencio Capulet.” Vlad paused then. “Why do you ask?”

“I am unsure.” Lady Justina was then, if she meant anything to Vlad at all. She heard rumours of his other family residing there. She was unsure then.

Unsure was how Romeo was to disguise himself for the ball. He knew that it was a masquerade ball, and masks would be worn. He was undecided between the dark mask and the silvery one. He was also unsure of his dressing attire, switching between the dark blue and the green tunic.

“I am unsure, Gregory.” Romeo looked at the guard of his.

“Do not ask me, young master. I am... or, well, had never been to one before. The events I was to partake in were at the taverns or private homes, and ……. Dressing was simple, as it was discarded soon with the revelries of the night.”

“You are of no help at all, Gregory. I am in the lion’s lair, and yet you hold not a thought of …” Romeo sighed.

“Then do not go, young master. We could see ……”

“No, Gregory. I must go. How could the Montague host a ball with less grandeur than ours?” Romeo cried out.

“We have not had a ball since you turned puberty. And that was a children’s ball.” Gregory smiled. It was an afternoon of games and fun in the garden.

“Do not mock me, Gregory, or I will have you ……” Romeo was upset then.

“Fine. Go ahead, and Sampson and I will be just outside. If you are in any difficulty, we will rush in.”

“Yes, but keep your distance. I will be fine. Mercutio is there with his friend, Count Paris. I do have some others; I do know them.” Romeo looked out of the window. He saw then Rosaline was approaching the house. “I must hurry. Pick one costume for me.”

“I will pick the red.” Gregory smiled. “It looked devilish.”

Red was the choice of Juliet. She decided to be at the ball in the garish red gown, unheard of then. Lady Angeline was stunned by her choice, but she held back her comments. Juliet’s choice for the headdress was the escoffion, a piece of female medieval headwear that was popular. The headpiece was made from a thick, circular roll of material like wool, felt, or silk. The material was shaped, by sewing or starching, into a double-horned configuration, with each horn sometimes being up to a yard long.

“You could wear the hennin.” Lady Angeline suggested. The hennin was a headdress in the shape of a truncated cone worn by women of the nobility. “I am to wear one tonight.”

“No, Mother. I am fine with my hairdresser.” Juliet smiled. “I do not like the hennin. It looks more like a… phallic will be my best reply to that.”

“Juliet!” Lady Angeline reproves her daughter. “You may be grown up, but please behave like a lady.”

“Yes, Mother. I will.” Juliet smiled. She saw the arrival of Jessica, who was not dressed for the ball. They met in the garden.

“I could not make it. Mother had me stay at home for my insolence; her words towards Abram.” Jessica told her friend. “I do not want to miss it, but little choice do I have.”

“I am sorry. How can I help?”

“Nothing that you could do. I have told Lorenzo we can meet then, but it will be near my house.” Jessica smiled. “That will complete my evening.”

“I am so happy. Do as you think is needed.” Juliet smiled.

“Needed? You know what is needed, but could I? It will betray my faith and family.” Jessica laughed. “How I wish we lived in a different era.”

“Well, I was referring to a kiss, and not that, but there are options.” Juliet smiled. “I heard……”

Juliet whispered in the ears of Jessica, who, in turn, blushed.

“I cannot be… No! I am not to do so.” Jessica laughed. “It will be embarrassing.”

“I would have taught you, but I am a lady. However, I ……” Juliet continued her whispering. “That I could.”

“Juliet Montague, you are a……”

“Friend, indeed I am. Now wait here. I will get it for you.” Juliet ran back to the house.

Running was what could be termed an act of desperation. Shylock heard the running steps when he was on his way back to the house. He stopped and leaned on the wall there. He wanted to see who was to approach him.

“Shylock, I meet you…finally. I thought you were gone.” It was Antonio, the trader, who was the friend of Lord Gencio Capulet. Shylock was cautious of the needs of that trader.

“If it is ducats, I am short of supply, Antonio. See your friend, Lord Gencio Capulet.”

“It is ducats, but not for me. I am asking on behalf of one named Bassanio, Galuco Bassanio.” Antonio smiled. “He is new here and trades in the ……”

“Not keen. I only deal with those I know.” Shylock pushed the trader aside.

“You may not know him, but what of Portia of Belmont? He is Chester……”

“We all know of the Lord of Belmont. He had passed away this season, leaving his wealth to his only daughter. She cannot spend on his entrusted wealth until she marries.”

“Which she was to decide on the man of character from the selection of the boxes assigned by her father. Her other family members manage it.” Shylock smiled. “Were there three caskets? Gold, silver, and lead.”

“That tale was known in Genoa,” Antonio said. “She had the choice of the three eligible suitors. That was good, as the street would have been too crowded to be selected.”

“It was hasty of the father. Whom she decides will be the final choice.” Shylock sighed. He was thinking of his own, then when Leah chose him.

“Hear me out. The caskets were gold, silver, and lead. Three suitors were to choose then.”

“I know that too. Neapolitan prince, the Count Palatine, a French lord, Monsieur Le Bon, a young English baron, Falconbridge a Scottish lord, and a young German, the Duke of Saxony's nephew.” Shylock sighed. “All of them are lords and wealthy. But only three can cshoose."

“I will attest to that. If it were me, I would have made my selection of the gold.” Shylock laughed.