Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 40

 

40. 

 

The whereabouts of the ship was what Bassanio was doing since his disappearance. He was hiding at the docks, looking at the arrival log of ships.

“Do you know what happened to the Argus?” Bassanio asked. It was the ship he had consigned to carry his wares after it was land delivered from Wallachia to the Port of Vadar, an obscure port on the coast of Croatia and Dalmatia. It was done by the Vlachs, the locals from the state of Bosnia. He could have delivered via Venice, but the port there was filled with other traders and shippers where the taverns may loosen their tongues.

“We hold many obstacles with the ships here. We will move to Makarska, further down the coast, to ship from there.” Commander Hasan Pilsic told the trader. It was unnegotiated terms, for the trader needed the Vlach to move the wares; the trade routes were in their control. It also incurred additional cost to the trader, who then reluctantly agreed to the new costs. Bassanio knew that he could pass on the costs to the owners who commissioned him.

The Chorbaji Tarmuk, who commissioned the delivery, had stated no costs to be avoided, for these are the personal possessions of Radu to Genoa. He was told to be extra careful of the moving, as there were valuables in there. He had never explained to Bassanio in detail about the wares, except that they were from Wallachia. Speculation was rife that it was holding many valuables of the ex-Voivode and several cases of jewels. It was obvious with the ongoing war there that the Voivode may be shipping his wealth to Genoa.

“Perhaps, you were never told of the Empress’s jewels.” Bassanio had met Antonio, whom he was told needed to raise money because the cost of the shipping was higher during the wars. The latter had approached Antonio on the loan and added in the rumours of the above.

“Empress Jewels? You taunt me here to get my assistance.” Antonio looked at the other. “Wars are fought over it.”

“And whom have it? The Turks were the last to hold it.” Bassanio smiled. “And word had reached me that the King of Hungary had laid claim to it and got the release of one named Vlad Tepes.”

“Vlad Tepes is a beast.” Antonio said. “He rots in the dungeon in Hungary. You are misinformed.”

“Yet, he was released from it.” Bassanio corrected the other. “He was given the task to claim back Wallachia. He was to fight his own brother if need be and claim all the wealth. Do you know why?”

“Radu has the Empress Jewels, as I was told.” Bassanio continued. “And by chance, I am shipping the merchandise of Radu from Wallachia to Genoa. You can only ……”

“Are you telling me the Empress Jewels is there in the shipment?” Antonio was intrigued.

“Do not whisper this too loud, Antonio. I will let you know more if you assist me.” Bassanio hooked on the other, who had greed displayed on his expression. Antonio asked around for loans, and finally, upon desperation, the reckless obligation towards Shylock.

The delay in the shipment with the re-routing due to the war there and the pressing demand to return the loan to Shylock, Antonio rode off to Moldavia to see Lord Gencio Capulet while Bassanio had again approached Portia, but she denied him the loan to repay Shylock.

Bassanio was getting desperate then. Maybe he was wrong on the wares or the shipment was missing.“We just got news that the ship was delayed when it sprang a leak circumventing the peninsula near Catania. Another ship reported back in. The Argus docked there for repairs, and the wares were transferred to the Demetus after two weeks of waiting.”

“When will the Demeter arrive?”

“Soon, as I am looking at the logs.” The Port Master replied to Bassanio. “Unless it sprung a leak.”

Bassanio sighed in relief then.

“Trader, I am to let you know that all wares from Wallachia or Moldavia are to be checked by the magistrate before they can be released. Those are the latest orders from them.” The Port Master looked at Bassanio. “Are your wares from there?”

“Nay, mine are from Bosnia.” Bassanio lied. “Fabrics, and of course silver. If not for the latter, I would have taken the land route, but Silver needed more secure means.”

It was a slip of the tongue on Bassanio's part then. He bit his lips for the careless mention. Valuable minerals are ripe for pillage at the warehouses.

“And they weigh more.” The port master laughed. “The ship is arriving soon. Just get your warehouse ready. Do you have any?”

Bassanio nodded and then went back to his warehouse. His instinct told him that he was being followed, but he was unsure. He turned to the nearby tavern and took a table at the far corner. He saw Gratiano then, his good friend, who was the one who introduced him to Portia.

“You were not heard of in the last few days.” Gratiano raised the issue on his mind. “Antonio is not in Genoa.”

“I was busy. How did you know I was here? Why are you here?” Bassanio asked. He looked to the rear of the trader and saw no one noticeable.

“The loan with Shylock is due. He has been asking for it. The words are out.” Gratiano said. “He wants his repatriation now.”

“Well, I do not have it. My ship was to arrive, but it was delayed, and the new ship is due soon.” Bassanio looked at the trader. “Can we defer the repayment?”

“Tell me the truth, Bassanio. Are your wares valuable items? Like the ……”

“Valuables? Of course there are valuable items. Why then would I trade in useless wares?” Bassanio laughed.

“There are rumours that yours may include some valuable items… priceless items….”

“You taunt me there. How would I know of the other wares? Mine are noted, but others could have shipped their wares on the same ship.” Bassanio smiled. “What priceless item? Perhaps the Empress Jewels? I heard of that, but I do not have it.”

It was a slip of the tongue by Bassanio.

“Do not taunt me, Bassanio. The jewels are worth more than all my wares sold to date, and the reward to recover them is weighed in gold.” Gratiano glared at the other. “I am your friend, but all is fair in trading.”

“Are you threatening me, Gratiano? You do not want Nerissa to be a widow so soon.”

“We are not wedded, but neither do you want to forego Portia Belmont’s inheritance. We both need each other.” Gratiano looked at the other.

“Take it which way you want, Gratiano. I am tired and will leave now.” Bassanio got up to leave.

“Watch your back, Bassanio. It may be others who are not your friend.” Gratiano cautioned the other. He then took leave of Bassanio, who was still standing there. The latter looked around at those seated there, and he felt eyes were on him. He left in a hurry back to his warehouse.

Bassanio did not make it back.  

 

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 39

 

39. 

 

Romeo was uneasy when alone, and even Juliet’s visits were rare. She had told him that her visits were curtailed by her mother, and more to it, she was escorted by guards. She sent her messages through Rosaline.

“Juliet sends her love.” Rosaline told the man there, seated by himself with the frown on his expression. She had known him since they were young; they were crawling together as young babes under the care of their nannies, running the yard chasing each other with their mothers watching, and sharing many dinners under the careful eyes of their father.

“We were destined to be together.” Rosaline sighed at her thoughts. “All it took was a chance meeting at a ball, and the dreams and aspirations of hers were shattered. She regretted ever bringing Romeo there, thinking it would be her evening with the man she had fallen in love with, but it has been disastrous since then.

“There is nothing so confining as the prisons of our own perceptions.” (William Shakespeare) Rosaline uttered out. She recalled being told that by the friar in one of her confessions.

“Did you say something, Rosaline?” Romeo asked.

“Me? No. I was just muttering on the dirt here.” Rosaline replied. “How do you fare, …… cousin?”

“Bored. I do miss the walks I used to take in the city.” Romeo smiled. “We did that many times. We strolled at the park, the lake, and the waterways. I cannot do that now. I will be arrested.” Romeo sighed. “I could wander around dressed like a lady, perhaps?”

“Oh, Romeo. You are such a darling most times.” Rosaline smiled and approached the man. She wanted to embrace the man but restrained herself. Romeo was not hers to hold anymore. He liked another lady.

“Rosaline, I do miss you. There were times we used to chat and stroll the city.” Romeo looked at the lady. “But of late, you distanced yourself. I know you come to deliver me meals and messages from Juliet, but… tell me, what ails you?”

“Me? I am fine.” Rosaline smiled. “I am just… concerned for you.”

“Rosaline Alger, do you ……. Did you …… Darn my tongue, I cannot get the words out.” Romeo shook his head. “Words are so difficult to say nowadays.”

“Were you to say, did I love you?” Rosaline looked at Romeo. “Yes, I did, but I am unsure now.”

Rosaline uttered it out without a thought of it in her mind. Romeo looked at her and then turned away.

“I …… I do love you. You are my little ……” Romeo bit his lips. “If you are implying ….”

“I am not your little sister. I was never one. We grew up together, yes, but sister I was not. I adored you. I thought we could be ….”

“Lovers?” Romeo struggled for his own words. “I……”

“You did hold that thought.” Rosaline looked at the man. “You did?”

Romeo stepped away from the lady.

“Yes, I did, but …… I was unsure. I had seen you as my… friend most times. A friendship developed over years.” Romeo smiled weakly. “I truly loved you as that. Pardon my sins there. I was …….”

“Romeo, we grew over the years, and … we could have …”

“I am unsure. I was … before I met Juliet, unsure, but then thereafter, I was more unsure. I love Juliet.”

“Over an evening of dances? Either I am blind or you are deaf.” Rosaline sighed. “She is Montague, and you are ….”

“Capulet? Does that mean I cannot be with her? Or am I the Turk and she is Wallachian? Both of us held the same feelings, and more to it, our hearts beat with affection for each other. And more to that, we bled the same shade of blood.”

“Blood feud it was that divides you two.” Rosaline snapped at the man. “You knew of this. The feud of your family runs deeper than your love. Capulet and Montague are long-time foes.”

"There is no world with walls but purgatory, torture, and hell itself." (amended from Romeo and Juliet quote) Romeo looked around him. “Let me out to settle the feud. No feud cannot be resolved with …….”

“Do not be silly, Romeo. That feud was way before you were even born. It had hardened over the years, and if not for the civility and law here in Genoa, we may have died at birth or not even existed, for our parents may have killed each other.”

“You are an Alger and not a Capulet.” Romeo argued back. “You are not……”

“My mother was Capulet before she wedded my father. My father remains an ally to the Capulet, as his father was before then.” Rosaline sighed. “However, the Montague accepted me as a friend of Juliet Montague. The Alger have been friends to both sides.”

“As for yourself, you will die if you step to the Montague’s home. Their hatred for you heeds no words. Stay here.” Rosaline told him. “I heard rumours that your father is coming back. He heard of the killing.”

“Father… father, where art thou now?” Romeo sighed. Rosaline held out her arms to him, but he declined.

“Do not do that, Rosaline. I may not …… I may yield to desire in your arms… illicit desire.” Romeo said. It annoyed Rosaline then.

“Was I then an object of your desire then? I am disgusted.” Rosaline turned to leave, and Romeo tried to stop her.

“I did not mean it as such. I do love you, but I am unsure of my …… feelings and needs now.” Romeo held the left arm of the lady. “Please forgive me.”

“Unhand me, Capulet. I am leaving now.” Rosaline pulled away and left the cottage. “I hold no one in my heart anymore. It was Tybalt and yourself, but one is dead and the other dead from my feelings.”

“I regretted Tybalt’s death.” Romeo sighed. “It was……”

“It was fated. As our desired love was…… fated to fail. I am to leave you now, Romeo Capulet.” Rosaline left the cottage. It was then that Shylock also left his home to look for Bassanio and Antonio, but the duo was not seen. He was more concerned about the wares than the loan. He checked his agreement and found no mention of the ship that was unloading the wares. He was so adamant on winning one over Antonio to miss out on that. He then looked for the magistrate at the Authority of the City Court but met Abram instead.

“Abram, I thought you left the city.” Shylock confronted the other.

“I was, but other matters held me up. What is happening?” Abram looked past the shoulder of Shylock. “Where is Jessica?”

“Jessica is fine. She is at home. Why do you ask?” Shylock asked.

“I am just …… asking. The streets are unsafe now. The Montagues and Capulets are in conflict, and others may take the opportunity to do harm.” Abram looked around. “Why are you here?”

“I am to report on Antonio and Bassanio for the default of the loan I provided.” Shylock told the other.

“I was told you did it before.”

“Yes, I did, but this time, I am putting up the case for civil recovery. I am getting the authorities to give me the order.”

“You will then be contested.” Abram reminded the other.

“If they turn up, but if they do not, I will confiscate their wares.” Shylock explained. “As they have defaulted, there is the clause of the pound of flesh. Antonio may not risk that even though he is bold to agree to the term.”

“He is mad to sign that.” Abram sighed.

“Since you are still here, will you assist me in this matter? I can pay you.” Shylock looked at Abram. “I need to find Bassanio. I can pay you.”

“I have other matters to handle, Sir. I must be on my way now.” Abram turned to leave, but Shylock stopped him.

“Was it Jessica that held you away? I could talk to her.” Shylock looked to the man he needed as a friend.

“No. Jessica is a good lady; Eshet Chayi (אֵשֶׁת חַיִל).“Proverbs 31:10-31 is a celebrated poem praising a woman's strength, wisdom, and character.” Shylock bowed to the other.

“I valued your words for my daughter. She truly deserves a man like ….”

“A man who won her heart could only deserve her. I am not that man.” Abram said. “Shalom, Shylock Judas.”

With that Abram took his leave. He glanced back at the City Court and knew his task was not completed then.

Meantime, Lord Gencio Capulet rode hard back to Genoa after his conversation with Antonio. It was shocking news then. Midway on his ride, he was met by Count Paris, who was en route to Hungary. They were to meet at the roadside tavern.

“Count Paris, I am honoured to meet you.” Lord Gencio Capulet greeted the other. “Are you riding back to Hungary?”

“I was, but a messenger intercepted me. He carried a message from Prince Escalus. I must return to Genoa again. Are you going there?”

“I am for some urgent matters that have arisen.” Lord Gencio Capulet smiled.

“As in the case of your son, Romeo being sought by the authorities?” Count Paris looked at the man. “Romeo is a flamboyant youth, but I am surprised that he could kill someone. Mercutio is a skilled swordsman.”

“Count Paris, you are obviously well informed on the matter.” Lord Gencio Capulet did not hide his cynical remarks. “I will do what I can to assist my son.”

“As you will be, Lord Gencio Capulet.” Count Paris nodded. “My instruction was to return to Genoa to assist Lord Dante Montague in some matters.”

“And I received words from Prince Escalus. Your son, Romeo, is to seek refuge at Verona. He will be protected there.”

Lord Gencio Capulet was taken aback by the call made. If he let Romeo go to Verona, the young son of his was to be held as hostage there by the prince. It was a dangerous call then. An unfair barter then.

“I will send him when I meet him at Genoa.” Lord Gencio Capulet nodded to the Count. He knew that the only safe refuge for Romeo was in Genoa, near to him.

“Farewell then, Lord Gencio Capulet. We will meet there.” Count Paris left for the horse he had secured for his return to Genoa. Antonio then joined Lord Gencio Capulet, who was watching the Count riding off.

“Is he on the same trail as us?” Antonio asked.

“I am unsure, but we will know when we reach home.” Lord Gencio Capulet replied. “The first thing you do is to find the whereabouts of the ship. And Romeo. His life is in danger now. The Jewels may be our treasure to win them all.”  

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 38

 

38.

My darling,

The battle today is worse than the day before. It is not the pain I suffered. The dead appear sickening, but they suffer no pain. It is the wounded, mutilated soldiers that yet have life and sensation that make a most horrid picture. I pray God may stop such infernal work—perhaps he has sent it upon us for our sins. Great indeed must have been our sins if such is our punishment. I dreamed of home the night before last. I love to dream of home; it seems so much like really being there. The farm, the trees, and the wonderful apple pies you make. I dreamed of you nightly and saw you and Linsey in the window. We kissed like never before. Was not that quite a soldier's dream? Those nights when I was away at a hospital to see some wounded were the moments I dreaded. I have made the acquaintance of another officer, our rebel prisoner. He is a physician; he was not before; he was a butcher but had to perform as the surgeon. We finished two bottles to sober up, ironically. We all shared one thought: were men to be removed from their limbs? Are we monsters here? Both of us agreed then.

Love.

That was the content of the letter that was censured by Spielsdorf on the battlefield. He had it destroyed for the fear of it being told to the others and from there to many. The morale of the soldiers will be affected. The reality of the war was that suffering was to be the aftermath. The condition then was to win the battle.

It was a hard task.

Victor was hard at the task. He knew the works required to save Ernest’s life. The amputation needs to be done. The legs were crushed. He knew the procedure, but his patients were cadavers.

Ernest is alive.

Or he will die if he is not removed of his legs.

“Get me my tools,” Victor called out.

“Which ones?’ Spielsdorf asked," The elderly man had placed his daughter on the bedding there, and the creature had returned to the cold chamber. Maple was still in shock, and covered with a cover, she took refuge in the far corner.

Victor looked over his shoulder. He was without his assistant, Henry. He walked over to the table and retrieved the saw.

“Are you going to remove his legs?” Spielsdorf asked," Victor nodded.

“I can only save him if it is done.” Victor removed the dead skin and flesh. The wound was serrated by the wooden cabinet; there was blood everywhere. He hosed the blood off and saw the crushed bones.

“Mother of God! Is there any alternative?” Spielsdorf asked.

“Yes. Wait till God intervenes with a miracle.” Victor leaned to look at the wound. Blood was seeping out, and he needed to stop that. He took up the sutures to tie the ends. It was unlike a cadaver; there was no flowing blood.

“Henry…… Henry……” Victor was at a loss there.

“Henry is missing. I will try to help.” Spielsdorf looked at Victor. “I could hold the head …… or the legs.”

“No……” Victor sighed. “I need to …… God, I do not know. Where is the surgeon?”

“There is none, Victor. Ever since Doctor Mitchell died, there was none.” Spielsdorf sighed. “Do what you can. Your Tata will understand.”

“Go and look for Sven. Tell him to find Silvus. I have work to do here.” Victor told Spielsdorf. He then proceeded to suture the exposed arteries.

“I have created. I will do so again.” Victor muttered to himself. He looked at the arteries. They were still sprouting blood faster than he could suture.

“I have to stop it.” Victor said. “How? How?”

“I cannot delay. I must have the legs.” Victor cursed. “If only I had not disposed of the unused body parts.”

Victor saw the maid seated there. She was about the dimension of Ernest. It may do. He picked up the revolver and approached her. She saw him coming and cringed in fear. Her torment was not over just yet.

“Monster!” Maple cried out.

“No, I am not. I am your master, and you are my servant. For that, you will do it, servant.” Victor fired the shot at her face. She fell back dead. He pulled the body forward and looked at the legs. It will fit.

Victor retrieved his saw and proceeded to do his task.

So was Carmilla. She saw her love, Lauren, carried to the lab. She was to follow, but something held her back. It was the thought of Lauren. Her father was protecting her, and the lab was the place. She knew of the lab, watching from afar, and not acting on it till that day, she went in.

“The poor boy holds body parts. He likes to play with them.” Carmilla recalled seeing the creation on the table. “Such a …… misaligned shape. I have to say that the boy is a bad surgeon.”

Carmilla touched the creation.

It was cold.

It was dead.

“If……” Carmilla smiled. “Carmilla Karnstein, you are vicious.”

“Re-animating the dead. Was it not the work of the vampire? No…. they were not dead then. Their blood was removed and replaced with the vampire’s blood. They were made more alive.” Carmilla laughed. “Vlad, you are vain.”

“Vlad, here is a new specimen. You did call them specimens……. No, it was much earlier when you first converted them. Now they are your servants. Well, here is one servant……so, sorry. It is dead and made of several parts. A most unusual specimen.”

“Perhaps …….” Carmilla smiled. “A joint experiment of mine with yours. We, the witches, have been known to revive the dead. And you could give it…… life; truly the undead life.”

It was then Carmilla did the task, a drop of her blood, and the creation was enacted. It learned the reality of being undead. It was a genius achievement, but it also made Carmilla fear the creation.

“I gave it life. The only other drop left inside me…... my heartbeat.” Carmilla sighed. “Carmilla Karnstein, are you a fool? You are already weakened by Vlad; you gave the blood essence of your soul to the man who invaded your mansion. And now you shared your last essence with the creation. You will cease to exist soon without it.”

“Maybe I am a fool. Ever since I met Lauren, I found a new purpose in my existence. A purpose to share love. Sincere lover and not of any deceit.” Carmilla smiled. “I will cease to exist, but my love will remain…. My heart beats.”

“For Pete’s sake, why do you bring me out here?” Chief Constable Lestrade was lacking in the long walks at those fast paces since he became the chief.

“Sorry, sir.” The newly appointed constable was much younger and had his daily walks in the fields; Anne lived across the field, and it was a long walk unless you paced faster, and before the sun comes up, and the milking run may be over, or the mother will be calling for her soon after. If there was a term soon to be made on long-distance love, that was it, but a good rub and shake will ease the woes of it.

“I found this.” Constable Watson approached the creek. “Sir, I found this.”

“Beatty, what in tarnation may that be?” The Chief Constable Lestrade cried out.

“It is Watson, Sir. My name.” The constable corrected the chief. “This is a shirt label. It is rare to have one, but one day they may do it. My father had it done to us, all seven siblings. He forgot our names too when he got older. We will show him the label.”

“For heaven’s sake, what do you have there?”

“A shirt, or rather part of it. The name there is Henrietta, like my other …… Or was it my cousin? Long name they were.”

“And in the name of God, what has that to do with Elizabeth Muriel’s search?” Constable Watson was told to search for the lady.

“Oh, it is not hers. The lady does not sew their names on the shirt. They did it on their …… innerwear, as I was told.” Watson had found out Anne’s name that way. “This one is Henry.”

“And……” Chief Constable Lestrade paused there. “Henry?”

“Yes, Sir. Probably nothing, but I found some traces of dried blood.” Watson added. “I did some reading on the signs of blood as part of my training.”

“Do you have any other training, Watson?”

“No, sir. Only the ……”

“Never mind. I was just asking.” Chief Constable Lestrade sighed. How in God’s name was he offered such an angel to this village, and he was made in charge here? The Chief Constable counted his blessings in a very fine manner.

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 37

 

37

“Chief Constable Lestrade, I was told to see you on my niece.” Mrs. Muriel appeared before the officer at the small cottage in the village. It was the assigned quarter of Constable Brown, missing during work, and the chief constable took it for his own. He was spared the expenses of getting accommodation at the tavern; disbursement of the monies was extraordinarily slow by the bursar, who was named Shylock, as he licks his finger before he counts the coins.

“In a moment, ma’am. I am to complete my briefing for Constable Watson here. He is the newly assigned parish constable to the village.” Constable Watson, fresh from a nearby village. A constable was unpaid but did get expenses reimbursed and had to be an able-bodied male resident aged 25-55 who was required to serve when called unless he could pay for a substitute or belonged to one of the exempted occupations. The village community there provided some food and drinks for his effort, and the university employed him as a watchman with some coins paid annually.

“Watson is……”

“Chief Constable. My name is Mrs. Muriel. I am the chairperson of many societies in the county and am in need of telling you that my niece is missing. Do I get your attention, or shall I conduct a gathering to do the search myself?”

“Most……” Chief Constable Lestrade held his words. “You will be attended by Constable Watson now.”

Chief Constable Lestrade had his sessions with the influential and powerful members of the society in his tenure and does not wish to hold one more discredit to his name.

“Watson, please……”

“Chief Constable Lestrade, I demand your duty towards this now.” The lady was a pain in the rear; if she was ever done there, she may know the pain. The Chief Constable took back the complaint and listened to the lady’s raving of the niece being kidnapped or held in torture, or worse, ravished by some monster; all that remained were inconsolable ravings then.

“I can assure you, Mrs. Muriel. Ms. Elizabeth may be with her friends and forgot to tell you so.” Chief Constable Lestrade was careful to appease the lady.

“Not my Liz. She has friends, but she will come back to the house after dusk. Even when she was with Justine……” The name was spoken with a tinge of regret. “She will come home.”

“Justine…… Was it, Justine Moritz? Does she know Ms. Moritz?”

“Yes, Chief Constable. They were friends and studied at the uni. They also met the …….”

“The Frankenstein? I am …….”

“Your line of assumption is wrong. They were friends, and that was it. William’s and Justine’s deaths were not …. She lost two friends, but two are among the many she may have.”

“Most assuredly true.” Chief Constable Lestrade held out his hands to touch the other lady’s hand, but she withdrew hers.

“Find my niece, or it will be …….” Mrs. Muriel stood up.

“Most assuredly, Mrs. Muriel. I will send Watson to check around.” The chief constable then stood up and bowed to the lady. The lady left, and he was addressed by the newly appointed constable.

“Sire, do I get a uniform?”

“You will be measured one. For now, take the baton and cap. And ride on the bicycle outside.” The Chief Constable sat back down.

“I cannot cycle, Sire. Can I have a horse, please?”

“Why don’t I give you the king’s carriage instead?” Chief Constable Lestrade glared at the constable. “It may not tear a hole in your pants.”

Terror was the feeling in Victor’s heart to see his brother pinned by the cabinet. He disliked his brother, but the love for the blood kin was there. He looked towards the demon.

“Who are you?” Victor inched his way into the lab.

“I am Beezer, the minion of Beelzebub. I was summoned by your brother to carry out a task. It was done and ….”

“What task?” Victor asked. He then saw the naked maid stuck to the wall above the doorway. “What did you do? Why her?”

“Obviously, all your mortals lack patience. Where I come from, we have an eternity to raise questions and reply when needed.” Beezer sighed. “You are always in a rush.”

“Tell me, demon.” Victor approached his brother. He leaned down and looked at the legs. It was crushed.

“Ernest asked me to kill Justine Moritz.” The demon said. “I…… or rather it was done.”

“Kill Justine?” Victor looked at his injured brother. “Why?”

“How would I know? I am just the messenger. Do not kill me for that.” The demon called out. “Ask him.”

“I…… I did not.” Ernest struggled to say. “He lied.”

“Come now, mortal. Why do the demons get the blame when we are not at fault? In fact, Ms. Moritz did not die by the works of ours.”

“What do you know? Tell me, demon, before I destroy you.” Victor looked towards the demon.

“Well, I was given the task…… the most deplorable one……. but she was killed by one…… Old Mother Hubbard,
Went to the cupboard to give the poor dog a bone…… Woof! Woof!” The demon laughed. “Who placed a bone in the cupboard?”

“Mother Hubbard? I …” Victor shook his head. He had not heard of any Mother Hubbard. His mother sang to him the old children’s songs of her home.

“She killed Ms. Moritz and saved me the trip.” The demon smiled. “Purity in our body and soul, purity in our mind and thoughts.”

“And you took Maple’s purity, you monster.” The demon looked at Ernest.

“Save me, Victor. I did not do all of that.” Ernest pleaded. “How could I? I am a cripple.”

“The legless begs for pity. Have I the forgiveness to pity?” The demon looked at Ernest and then towards Maple. “He took your purity.”

“Shoot him, Victor!” Ernest motioned to the revolver on the flooring. “Kill the demon.”

Victor rushed to the revolver, but the demon had appeared there. It kicked out at Victor in the face. The man crouched into a foetal position face downwards. He was in pain, and then the next kick landed on his back.

“Pain! Feel that, mortal.” The demon cried out. It was then the demon felt its neck grabbed from the rear. It struggled to break free, but the demon felt the next grip on the left shoulder. It yanked the left arm off the shoulder; it was torn off the frame.

There was no blood there.

“Arghh….” The demon felt no pain, but the agony of its body parts being torn was a pain by itself. It felt the next grip on the left hip and the tear of the leg from the groin. The demon was then tossed to the floor. It looked up and saw the assailant.

“Who are you? You are not a mortal.” The demon said while it crawled to sit on its haunches.

“I am the creation of Master Victor. When you harm him, you also inflict the same on me.” The creation had appeared when it heard Victor cry out in pain.

“You are not a mortal…… nor a demon. What are you?” The demon asked.

“I am the creation. I hold a name, but for you, call me …… monster.” The creature approached the fallen demon. “I do not like you. As Henry said, If you do not like it, then destroy it.”

The creature stomped its right leg at the demon’s groin. The bones were crushed there, and then the creature kicked upwards with its right leg into the torso.

No blood was seen.

“Argh……” The demon cried out. It was not pain but humiliation to be crushed by the creation. It held no fear of mortals but one that was none; it was not fear anymore but desire to be destroyed. If it returns to the realm, the other demons will ostracize it.

“Destroy me…… please.” The demon pleaded to the creation. “I …”

“I will.” The creature moved its left foot onto the demon’s face and crushed it.

It was all over. Only the remains of the demon were seen, and then it dissipated away.

No traces of blood remained.

Maple fell off the wall to the flooring.

Ernest fell into blackness.

“Help me. Move the cabinet. I need to save Ernest.” Victor pushed himself up. “He is in shock now.”

“I will help.” It was Spielsdorf. He was standing at the doorway carrying Lauren.

 

Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 36

 

36. 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“How did he die?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Who are you?”

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

“Were you there, Sir?”

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

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

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

“Missing? Why was this not reported?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lady Sofia looked towards Benvolio.

“Find my son, and bring him home.”

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

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

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

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

“Why?” Romeo was stunned.

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

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

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

Friar Lawrence took the seat nearby and smiled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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