Christmas in Castel Skarbal

A fresh snow had fallen over the land. Sarah wondered around the halls and rooms of Castel Skarbal. The entire castle was festively adorned with gold and silver garlands, elaborate snowflakes hung from the ceiling of the great hall which had a tall, stately spruce tree in the center. Gifts for everyone were piled underneath it and the children ran around playing games. This was the one time of year when the people of Dubrovya were invited to celebrate Christmas in the castle.

Great amounts of food were served on the large banquet table at the rear of the great hall. Everyone enjoyed their time there, exchanging stories, laughing and dancing. The prince roamed among the guests wishing them good cheer, health and prosperity. He was often accompanied by Sarah and they’d spend more of their time with the people she was especially fond of.

Hours of celebrating had passed and most of the guests had left for home. The servants were busy gathering and taking care of the left over food, empty carafes and rolling the kegs of ale away to the cellars. Sarah and Prince Skarbalius were bidding the final guests goodbye. They were just awaiting the return of Marguerite Schonburg who went off to find her husband Henry, the wealthy banker.

She hadn’t been gone long when a loud scream was heard from the direction she had gong. Everyone went running. The prince got there first and pulled another man from Henry. The man had a knife but the prince quickly disarmed him, held him and called for the guards whom led the man away to the dungeon below. “I assure you, he’ll be dealt with forthright” Prince Victor told Henry and Marguerite. “Are you alright?” Sarah asked. “I’m alright. I’m just a bit shaken.” When asked what had happened he explained that he and the other man had had a disagreement earlier in the evening and the somewhat younger man wanted to has it out in no uncertain terms. The man was an investor and felt he was being cheated. Everything was made clear and good byes were made.

Victor and Sarah were finally alone and Victor led her out to one of the upper story walk ways, overlooking a valley. Although it was dark, he pointed to a village alit tiny spots of light from fireplaces. “Do you see that village?” “Yes, that’s Khorabin isn’t it?” “Yes. It’s hard to see in the dark, but it’s a beautiful scene from here in the daylight. Now come with me. I have something else to show you.” She followed him back inside the castle and into a drawing room. “Have a seat my love.” He indicated a stuffed chair and she sat, watching him as he opened a desk drawer and pulled out a document. “What’s that?” she asked.

He sat in the chair beside her. “You love your father very much, and I respect him a great deal. He’s worked hard his entire life and still has little to show for it other than the modest home he shared with you, and of course, your love and respect. With this paper he’ll be the governor of Khorabin and won’t have any more worries. He can reside in the palace there and ultimately rule the village. He’ll still be close to you too. She was shocked. “You’d do that for my father?” “I already have. When he arrives tomorrow I’ll give it to him. All he as to do is sign it.” “Oh thank you!” She hugged him. “Merry Christmas my love.”

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Love and Graves

The landscape was bathed in the afternoon sun as Sarah walked through the gardens. At last she felt comfortable and more importantly, protected on the castle grounds. Victor had allowed her to plant an herbal plot there and expressed his understanding of her need for providing ministrations to the residents of Dubrovya and making frequent visits to her father. She took time sniffing the fragrances of the many flowers and shrubs growing on the grounds, tending to a few of them.

She found herself at the gates of the Royal Cemetery and entered. She’d been there before, spending time reading the inscriptions on the headstones. Two new graves had appeared shortly after her wedding, but her questions went unanswered. Her instincts told her though. One of the graves was small and the headstone simply stated “Here lays a lost child. God heal her wounds.” The other, some distance away lay perpendicular to all the others. That stone said “Evil will not prevail here.” She had wept when she first discovered the new internments. Now, there was a new grave, this one also perpendicular to the others. “No man shall wander the House of Skarbalius with envy in his soul and greed in his heart.” She didn’t dare ask whom that might be, but one of the more outspoken and defiant male family members had disappeared shortly after her encounter in the cave.

After a long while she returned to the castle in time for dinner. “I trust you enjoyed your walk in the gardens?” Victor asked. “Yes I did. Thank you for my herbal garden.” “I want you to be happy and comfortable here. What were you doing in the cemetery so long?” She bent her head down for a moment and stopped eating. “I said a few prayers for the deceased.” “I see.” He refilled her goblet with wine and covered her hand with his. “You have no idea how your beauty affects me.” She almost smiled, but her shyness took over. “You could have married anyone.” “I did not want ‘anyone.’ I wanted you for my wife.”

When dinner ended they sat in a small room with other family members drinking wine, exchanging stories and winding down from the day. Sarah lay against Victor feeling safe in his arms, which pleased him. Various family members tried to bring up business, but Victor would have nothing of it. “We’ll discuss this matter tomorrow” he repeatedly said. The patriarch of the family spoke out. “When I ruled, we never put off business. We dealt with it here and now!” “I understand that. But cooler heads prevail under the light of day. We’ll discuss these things in the morning. That’s final. Now if you don’t mind, my wife and I are going to retire.” He stood, took Sarah by the hand and led her away.

Once in the bedroom, Sarah went into the bathroom to change into her bed clothes. Returning she turned down her bed. “Sarah, come to me.” He had removed all but his trousers and he looked positively virile and handsome. He took her in his arms. “When will you allow me inside?” “I’m afraid.” “Don’t be.” “You are the most important thing in my life.” He took possession of her mouth and she responded to him. For the first time, they made incredible love. He gave her great pleasure and satisfaction and her life would never be the same.

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Near Danger

The wedding had taken place a week ago. She was getting used to living in the palace, even taking some measure of comfort with Victor Skarbalius. It was evening and Sarah was standing outside peering down the mountain side. She hadn’t intended to wander so far away from the castle but the wailing sound piqued her curiosity. It sounded like a woman in pain and it drew her along the narrow, steep trail. She moved slowly along, choosing her steps carefully, knocking rocks loose that fell away. The trail gradually became steeper and narrower. She was grateful that she had chosen to wear her boots. She stilled herself and looked down. At the base of the mountain was a cove, where the sea came in. Something caught her eye, a slight movement of a person in white, a woman? She moved just a bit further. It was a woman, and her moaning became louder. Taking a breath she moved slowly down the cliff trail, steadying herself now against the cliff face.

                                                                                                                               

After what seemed an eternity, she reached the cove. The woman was gone. She called out. “Hello? Is anybody here? I’m her to help you. Where are you?” She looked around at her surroundings. The sea splashed loudly against the rocks, washing over them. The trail ahead began rising once again, leading directly into the mountain, into a cave of sorts. She continued moving. She heard another sound, a grunt, and she turned to look behind her. There was a dark shadow moving quickly among the boulders, darting in and out. She became frightened and hastened to the cave entrance. It was very dark inside. The shadow was very close now, she heard heavy breathing. Immediately she regretted making the trip.

She moved deeper into the cavern, feeling her way along. She heard a male voice now. “Sarah!” “Who are you? Leave me alone!” “Come Sarah, come to me.” “No!” She moved ever so slowly now, along a passage way. Suddenly she saw light ahead. It was a flickering light. “Sarah, stop!” It was the prince! A torch appeared, held aloft bye Prince Skarbalius. “Don’t move any closer.” She looked behind her. The man was gone now. When Victor, reached her he wrapped his arm around her waist. “What ever are you doing here?” “I heard a woman’s voice and wanted to help her.” “There is no woman down here, other than a foolish one. You’re lucky I came for you. That man meant you great harm.” He placed his hands on each side of her face. “I’ll not allow harm to come near you, ever. You belong to me now.” “I’m sorry.” “Now let’s get you to safety. Come along. Do not lose touch of me. This is a very dangerous passage way, full of traps. Step exactly as I do.

As they moved along, they moved from one side to the other, making long steps here and there, not ever touching the walls. After a long upward ascent, they reached their bedroom through a hidden doorway. “There. You are safe now. Do not ever pull another stunt like that again.” Once again he took her face in his hands. “I cannot let anything happen to you.”

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Acceptance Without Choice

It had been weeks since the murder of Peter Skarbalius and the disappearance of his daughter Regina. The suspect, Edward Pompidou had not fled to Dubrovya but to the nearby village of Sarny, also under the protection of the Skarbalius family.

                                  

Annabelle had improved greatly under the care of Sarah. She’d improved so much that Sarah had lessened her visits to only a couple of times a week. Now she was content with caring for the rest of the villagers. Dubrovya was filled with excitement! This was the day that Prince Skarbalius would choose his bride. While the commoners followed tradition with courting each other, the Royals simply chose whomever they wanted and the chosen ones were expected to cooperate and respect the wishes of their ‘suitor.’

While the young available women spent hours readying themselves, dressed in their finest, bosom enhancing dresses, Sarah under pressure, still chose a simple cotton dress that did not accent any of her fine features. She kept her makeup to a minimum too.

That sunny afternoon the prince accompanied by a small contingent of soldiers arrived in Dubrovya. The main street was filled with hopeful brides to be and their families, all vying for position. Sarah tried to blend into the background, taking refuge next to a large tree. The prince would stop and look over the beautiful young women now and then, but continued to move on. When he finally spotted Sarah he called to her. Reluctantly she approached. “Today I choose you to be my future bride.” He dismounted. “Come, my dear Sarah.” He led his horse and her towards her father George, standing nearby. “You could have any woman in the village, why me?” she protested. He grinned. “It has always been you. There is no other for me.” Approaching her father he said “Sir, I’ve come to ask for your daughters hand in marriage. I’ll see to it that she’s well taken care of as well as your household.” As with most fathers in the past, he was reluctant to let his daughter go but was unwilling to insult the prince. “It would be an honor to have you marry my precious daughter.” They shook hands. “Come my dear, the Palace du Skarbalius is prepared for a celebration. You are the guest of honor.” He helped her mount, and they rode off together.

Once they arrived, he escorted her to a large banquet hall where tables were laden with all kinds of breads, meats, fruits, vegetables and sweets. Servants walked around filling goblets with wine and musicians played. Some people were dancing but most were just in a celebratory mood. When she spotted Sarah and the prince, Liza came running up to her and gave her a strong hug. “I’m so glad you’ll be living here now! I can’t wait to spend more time with you.” Sarah smiled politely. “I’ll enjoy being close to you too.” “Come and eat” the prince almost ordered.

The celebration eventually came to an end and Sarah was shown to the same room she’d stayed in nights ago. Whether it was the wine and all the food, or simply exhaustion, she had no visions or heard haunting sounds during the night. She slept soundly, undisturbed.

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Murder in the Gardens

Horse soldiers went from house to house early in the morning searching for a fugitive. Prince Skarbalius was of course leading the company. The villagers cowered in fear. They had done nothing wrong, but they had heard the mournful blares from the castle trumpets late the previous night. Another death in the family, and from the sudden intrusion into their daily lives, it was no natural death. A member of the royal family had been murdered. When they reached the modest house of Ivan Rujus and his daughter, the prince dismounted and accompanied the soldiers himself. Sarah rushed out the door. “What are you doing?” She was followed closely by Ivan. “What is the meaning of this intrusion? We’ve done nothing but serve you and your family!” “Let my men search your house and then we’ll be gone. I trust you and your daughter implicitly but I cannot leave one house unsearched. We’re looking for Edward Pompidou. He murdered my brother Peter and he must be found to appear before our court! Stand aside and let my men enter now!”

Sarah tried fighting but it was to no avail. “You’re a cruel and unjust man Victor!” The prince was taken aback at the use of only his first name and he gave her a warning glare. “I have no respect for you at this moment. Do what you must and leave!” After his men had searched the home, they left quietly on to the next house. At the end of the day the residents were all disgruntled but confident that Edward Pompidou was nowhere near the village. Word soon came down that not only was Edward a fugitive, but Regina was missing too.

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Calm Before a Storm

Sarah awoke to dim rays of sunshine coming through the windows. She checked her surroundings, the murals didn’t seem to move at all and once she’d gotten to sleep, she had rested as well as could be expected. She got out of bed and began dressing. After a light tapping on the bedroom door, Gemelda entered. “Oh you’re awake. The cooks have begun preparing breakfast. The Prince would like you to join him.” Sarah sighed. “I’ll be down in a short while.” Gemelda gave her a warning look. “Do not tarry. You wouldn’t want to upset him.” Sarah thought she didn’t care whether she upset him or not. “I’ll be there” she replied. Gemelda left the room. Sarah looked in the mirror. “Well Prince, you’ll have to accept me the way I am. I have no extra clothes here” she said aloud to herself. After brushing her hair and tying it up, she headed downstairs to the kitchen area. The Prince was already seated, food in front of him, but untouched.

She slowly approached him as he stood and pulled out a chair opposite him. “Ah Miss Sarah, please sit.” “I’m sorry for my appearance. I have no other clothing here.” She sat down. “Perhaps we can arrange getting some of your belongings here.” “This was an emergency stay. I don’t plan on making it a habit.” He simply smiled. “I hope you slept well. Staying here” he gestured with a sweep of his hands, “can be intimidating to some people, but I assure you, you’re completely safe here.” He motioned for a servant. “See that Miss Sarah gets whatever she likes.” “Miss Sarah, we have eggs, sausage, biscuits, potatoes, juice and coffee.” “I’ll just have two eggs some sausage and a biscuit along with some juice. Thank you.” “So, what are your plans today?” “Of course I’ll look in on Annabelle but later today I must head home. I’m sure my father is concerned.” I’ll send a soldier to pass the word as to your safety.” “That’s not necessary. Has my horse been found?” “Yes. She’s in the stables now, all fed and groomed.” “I don’t know how to repay you.” “You’re presence here is payment enough.”

They continued to visit cordially until he had to attend to business. “If you’ll excuse me” he said. He bowed, turned on his heels and strode off. Shortly after she thanked the staff and went up to Annabelle’s room. They had a good visit and Sarah was pleased that her care was helping her health improve. After several hours it was time for Sarah to head home. The two of them said their goodbyes and Sarah promised to return the next day, although it would be later in the day. Just before she headed out the door she heard angry voices. Nervously she stepped into the long corridor. The sound seemed to be coming from a lower floor. She slowly descended the staircase. She neared the bottom just in time to see Edward Pompidou being chased by Peter Skarbalius through a side door of the castle. “He’ll get his for sure” she overhead a maid saying. “That man is positively revolting” another said.

Edward was an old family friend, but his trust was quickly fading as he had taken an interest in Peter’s young, defiant and indiscriminate daughter. The two of them had gotten caught in an empty bedroom about to disrobe. The man is fifteen years older than she and Peter felt that he had no business with his daughter, a woman, though grown, so many years younger. The flash of a blade shone just before he made his exit.

Nervously, Sarah made way to the main entrance and outside where her horse and two soldiers were waiting.

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Night in Castel Scarbal

She was greeted by the prince and a maid. “I’m so sorry about this Miss Sarah, but we’re all glad you are safe. I’ll have my men search for your horse in the morning. Of course right now many of them are hunting down our enemies. I am not sure why they chose to attack you, but we have many foes and some of them will attack anyone who seems to have a special connection to my family. Of course you are one of those people. As always I take personal responsibility for your safety, and not only here. You are much too important to us, to me.” Sarah gave him an expected smile and thanked him. “Gemelda here will show you to your room. She’ll provide for all of your needs. I trust that you’ll be comfortable. But if you’ll excuse me, I must attend to my duties in regard to this latest incident.” He bowed, turned on his heels and walked away.

Gemelda advised that she follow her up the winding staircase. As she ascended the steps she couldn’t help that notice that all of the paintings and sculptures seemed to be watching her. The huge castle was intimidating to all who came to visit especially foreign dignitaries whom had to deal with the prince. Upon the third floor of the mostly stone building Gemelda opened a door that led to a plush bedroom. It was spacious with carvings on the wall that seemed innocent enough. There were angels and cherubs along the higher portions of the walls, but there were also serpents and other reptiles along the lower parts. The bed was large and built of solid hand carved wood. Thick feather blankets covered the surface. Gemelda pointed out some cabinets and drawers that held extra bedding and robes that might fit her. “If you need anything you only need to pull that rope.” She indicated a rope hanging from the exterior wall. “It’s hooked to a bell in the hallway. I’ll come as soon as I can.” “Thank you Gemelda. I think I’ll be fine for tonight.” Gemelda courteously smiled, made a slight bow, turned and left.

Sarah stripped down to her undergarments, went to a cabinet, found a suitable robe and crawled under the covers. She began studying the sculptures on the surrounding walls. They were intricate and seemed to move, although quite subtly. Good paintings and sculptures always seemed to move to a viewer though. She thought nothing of it. After about an hour of rest, she blew out the candle on her bed stand and rolled over. She was soon roused by a sound of something sliding followed by a solid thump. When she opened her eyes Elizabeth was standing by her bedside. Elizabeth was another niece. She was known as a troubled child, but she had always been sweet to Sarah. “Liza! What are you doing here?” “I heard you were spending the night here. I thought I’d pay you a visit.” “How did you get in?” Sarah asked, knowing the door was locked. “This place is full of hidden passage ways. My uncle tries to keep them secret, but I know all of them. I play in them at night.” She pointed to the wall next to a cabinet. “That section right there opens a hidden passage that leads to others. They were all made as escape routes in case of invaders. Many of them have traps and you have to know your way around.” “You’re scaring me Liza.” “Don’t worry. I know my way around them.”

A sorrowful wail began to make its sound heard ever so slightly among the rooms and halls of the vast castle. “What’s that noise?” Sarah asked. Liza said; “That would be Victoria. Do you know the story of my late grandmother?” “I’ve heard little of it. Only that she died tragically from a fall off one of the parapets.” Liza hesitated. “That may be. But she may have been pushed off too.” Sarah was shocked. “She was loved be everyone I thought.” “She was! That’s the point. Her husband, my great grandfather, was well aware of that. He caught her in a tryst with her lover. No one knows for sure what actually happened, but my grandfather has been at a loss ever since she died. That’s why he seems so crazy so much of the time. He thinks everyone is in conspiracy against him and the family. You’ve seen how much my cousins, uncles and aunts constantly argue. It’s insane! You seem to be the only calming influence around here when you’re here. It’s why I wanted to come see you. Everyone thinks that my uncle had something to do with it, that he’s evil, power hungry and has some agenda. But that’s not true. Beyond his rough powerful persona, he’s a good man.” She hesitated again for a couple of minutes. “You know, he’ll be looking for a bride soon. He’s already making the plans. I think you’d be a good wife to him and an exceptional addition to the family.” Sarah gasped at the thought. She would not consider any advances of any sort from Prince Skarbalius. The two continued to talk quietly until Sarah was completely exhausted from the events of the day. The young girl went out through the door and Sarah slept.

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She was greeted by the prince and a maid. “I’m so sorry about this Miss Sarah, but we’re all glad you are safe. I’ll have my men search for your horse in the morning. Of course right now many of them are hunting down our enemies. I am not sure why they chose to attack you, but we have many foes and some of them will attack anyone who seems to have a special connection to my family. Of course you are one of those people. As always I take personal responsibility for your safety, and not only here. You are much too important to us, to me.” Sarah gave him an expected smile and thanked him. “Gemelda here will show you to your room. She’ll provide for all of your needs. I trust that you’ll be comfortable. But if you’ll excuse me, I must attend to my duties in regard to this latest incident.” He bowed, turned on his heels and walked away.

Gemelda advised that she follow her up the winding staircase. As she ascended the steps she couldn’t help that notice that all of the paintings and sculptures seemed to be watching her. The huge castle was intimidating to all who came to visit especially foreign dignitaries whom had to deal with the prince. Upon the third floor of the mostly stone building Gemelda opened a door that led to a plush bedroom. It was spacious with carvings on the wall that seemed innocent enough. There were angels and cherubs along the higher portions of the walls, but there were also serpents and other reptiles along the lower parts. The bed was large and built of solid hand carved wood. Thick feather blankets covered the surface. Gemelda pointed out some cabinets and drawers that held extra bedding and robes that might fit her. “If you need anything you only need to pull that rope.” She indicated a rope hanging from the exterior wall. “It’s hooked to a bell in the hallway. I’ll come as soon as I can.” “Thank you Gemelda. I think I’ll be fine for tonight.” Gemelda courteously smiled, made a slight bow, turned and left.

Sarah stripped down to her undergarments, went to a cabinet, found a suitable robe and crawled under the covers. She began studying the sculptures on the surrounding walls. They were intricate and seemed to move, although quite subtly. Good paintings and sculptures always seemed to move to a viewer though. She thought nothing of it. After about an hour of rest, she blew out the candle on her bed stand and rolled over. She was soon roused by a sound of something sliding followed by a solid thump. When she opened her eyes Elizabeth was standing by her bedside. Elizabeth was another niece. She was known as a troubled child, but she had always been sweet to Sarah. “Liza! What are you doing here?” “I heard you were spending the night here. I thought I’d pay you a visit.” “How did you get in?” Sarah asked, knowing the door was locked. “This place is full of hidden passage ways. My uncle tries to keep them secret, but I know all of them. I play in them at night.” She pointed to the wall next to a cabinet. “That section right there opens a hidden passage that leads to others. They were all made as escape routes in case of invaders. Many of them have traps and you have to know your way around.” “You’re scaring me Liza.” “Don’t worry. I know my way around them.”

A sorrowful wail began to make its sound heard ever so slightly among the rooms and halls of the vast castle. “What’s that noise?” Sarah asked. Liza said; “That would be Victoria. Do you know the story of my late grandmother?” “I’ve heard little of it. Only that she died tragically from a fall off one of the parapets.” Liza hesitated. “That may be. But she may have been pushed off too.” Sarah was shocked. “She was loved be everyone I thought.” “She was! That’s the point. Her husband, my great grandfather, was well aware of that. He caught her in a tryst with her lover. No one knows for sure what actually happened, but my grandfather has been at a loss ever since she died. That’s why he seems so crazy so much of the time. He thinks everyone is in conspiracy against him and the family. You’ve seen how much my cousins, uncles and aunts constantly argue. It’s insane! You seem to be the only calming influence around here when you’re here. It’s why I wanted to come see you. Everyone thinks that my uncle had something to do with it, that he’s evil, power hungry and has some agenda. But that’s not true. Beyond his rough powerful persona, he’s a good man.” She hesitated again for a couple of minutes. “You know, he’ll be looking for a bride soon. He’s already making the plans. I think you’d be a good wife to him and an exceptional addition to the family.” Sarah gasped at the thought. She would not consider any advances of any sort from Prince Skarbalius. The two continued to talk quietly until Sarah was completely exhausted from the events of the day. The young girl went out through the door and Sarah slept.

 

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