Beneath the Shadows of Evil... Treasured

by Jolynn Raymond

  Sure enough when they were all gathered once more in the great hall, the small pile of Katia’s things sitting alongside the few items Mikhal knew they would need for the journey, her husband took a look at the meager bags that had been filled for his daughter and looked sharply at his wife.

  “Do you expect our daughter to live a life that is without the things she loves?”

  “Mikhal, please. I have spoken to Katia and she understands that her things must fit in Sabina’s wagon.”

  “T’would not be hard to procure another wagon for the toys and such she cherishes.”

  “Mikhal it isn’t done nor is it practical to have a separate wagon only for possessions.”

  “I care naught about your customs, Alliana. This is our daughter and she will not be made to live in poverty.”

  “Mikhal! The lack of fancy gowns and toys does not make for poverty. She will be well clothed, well fed, and well loved. Sabina will make sure she wants for nothing. It’s the lack of possessions that weigh us down and give us freedom. Please, we cannot go to my clan and demand they change their ways. T’will be enough that they temper their wandering so she is kept close at hand. I don’t wish for trouble or harsh feelings, not when our child will reside with them.”

  “If you suspect that they shall be biased against our child for how she was raised, perhaps...”

  The words died on his lips as he saw the pain in Alliana’s eyes and the gaze of his children as they watched their angry parents. It was true he was on the verge of a rage, but it had nothing really to do with Katia’s possessions. All held sorrow and anger in their hearts because of the task that was at hand.

  “I’m sorry sweet. You know what is best. I have no fear about the care that will be given to Katia.” He looked down at his daughter’s troubled eyes and gave her a smile. “All will be fine, poppet. It is as your maman said. Sabina will love you and so will your grandparents. You will be with people who want you so very much.”

  “Don’t you want me so very much?” Her eyes were filling with tears and her bottom lip trembled, as she whispered the words.

  Mikhal swept her up in his arms. “Darling of course we do. Your maman and I have simply been selfish in keeping both of you with us. Your maman’s family should have the joy of knowing you, little one, and from them you will learn all about the magick that is your destiny. Tis a grand adventure for a young lady, one I can’t deny you, and we shall visit you often.”

  Katia did not look at all convinced about her grand adventure, but she swiped at her tears nonetheless and put on a smile for her papa. “Okay, papa. I’ll be a big girl.” She raised her chin as a determined look came over her face. It broke Mikhal’s heart to see her trying so valiantly to be brave.

  “That’s my girl. Time to load the wagon and be off. Mika, you listen to Natalya and Lucian, and behave for your nurse.”

  “I want to go too!” Mikhalen stomped his foot in irritation as he realized the grand adventure just mentioned would take place without him.

  “Son, stop it this instant. I told you that only Katia would be going. You are going to stay here in the castle and live with your mother and me.”

  “But... “

  “No, Mikhalen. We will be back soon. Give your maman and sister a kiss goodbye.”

  Mikhalen turned towards his mother intending to hold onto his anger but even his demon melted at the sight of her face. Mama was sad, oh so sad, and Katia looked as if she were going to cry too. He reached up for his mother to pick him up and nestled deep into her arms as she held him, placing kisses upon his face.

  “That my good boy. I love you, Mika. Be good like papa said.”

  “Yes, Maman.” He squirmed in her arms until Alliana let him down then turned to his sister. “I’m sorry I hurt you yesterday.” The words were spoken softly but said in all earnest. Deep inside Mikhalen knew; he just knew that was the reason Katy had to leave.

  Katia looked at him somberly then stepped closer so she could hug her brother. “I’ll miss you Mika. It’s okay about yesterday. You didn’t mean it.” A quick but strong hug was given and then Mikhal picked his daughter up to carry her to the awaiting wagon. Servants filed in behind, gathering the child’s things. Alliana bent down quickly and placed her hand under her son’s chin, bringing it up so he was looking her in the eyes.

  “Be good young man. I mean it.” Mikhal had of course filled in Lucian and Natalya regarding their parental duties during their absence, but that didn’t mean her fiery young son would cooperate. Still, she had little fear that Lucian could handle the boy.

  “I will, Maman. I love you.”

  “I love you too, baby, so much.”

  “I’m not a baby, Maman.”

  “I know sweetheart. You are a big boy and your sister a big girl now, big enough for adventure. We will be home soon.”

  A quick kiss was all Alliana could handle to keep the flow of tears at bay. Yes she would soon see her son again and hold him in her arms. But feeling him close to her heart day in and day out would always be a reminder that her arms were half empty as well.

  She stepped out the door and to the waiting wagon where Mikhal stood to lift her up. She slid close to Katia as Mikhal swung up on the other side and flicked the reins, causing the horses to begin the journey that would end with leaving her baby in the camp she once called home.

  Chapter Twenty

  Their trek lasted five nights journey and all were relieved when they approached the Gypsy camp an hour before the sun would rise. Dogs barked as they pulled close alarming those who slept in the wagons and alerting the sentry of the visitor’s arrivals. He came boldly forward then stopped in his tracks as recognition set in. The family before him huddled close on the seat of the wagon was both a welcome sight and one that could signal trouble for the people he was set to guard. A warm smile from Alliana eased his mind a bit, but the sentry kept his eyes trained on Mikhal the Merciless nonetheless. His stance showed no malice, no fear, but still there was a small coil of tension in his gut.

  Alliana recognized the man before her at once, he was one whom she had played with as a child and she wished to put him at ease. She knew he would harbor doubts about her husband no matter what her actions, but proceeded to voice a warm hello despite the din of the still barking dogs.

  A curt nod was all her greeting produced from the stoic man but despite his coldness, Alliana went forth as if she and her family had been welcomed with open arms. Wagon doors began to open in response to the din and her cheerful greeting. One by one the men of each household appeared, most looking surly, some bleary eyed with sleep, all but a few turned towards Mikhal with a challenge in their eyes that spoke of their inner need to protect the family they’d left in the wagons. While it was true that Alliana and Mikhal the Merciless’s last visit was one of peace and relative tranquility, none forgot how the demon before them had taken their Golden Child, carried away another of their women, and been the cause of Danior’s death.

  Alliana spied her papa as the men gathered in a tight group separating Alliana and Mikhal from the wagons, and she held up her hand, standing on her toes as she waved in an attempt to been seen over the surly crowd. Her voice called out to her father, the warm welcome from her lips the only cheerful sound made in the still morning, and then all that was heard was a quiet grumbling between the men. Their expressions didn’t change; their golden child was not to be trusted. Tension rose in the air until one last door opened and Sabina appeared.

  The now aging woman made her way across the encampment and waved her hand from side to side in a gesture that said in no uncertain terms that she was to be allowed through. Women had their definite place in the Gypsy clan, but Sabina was one who held the powers of magick at her hands, and so she was held in higher esteem. The men parted, allowing her to move to the front, Alliana’s father at her heels. As she did, she held her arms wide and smiled, first looking at Alliana and Katia, then at Mikhal, her smile never faltering a bit as she welcomed all of
them.

  Alliana went forward, a frightened Katia clinging to her leg and was enveloped in Sabina’s arms, savoring the tenderness she felt for the woman whom had done her best to guide her as a child.

  “Dear child. Your visit brings me much happiness but also a surprise.” Alliana hugged her back fiercely; looking over her shoulder at her father whose face was full of uncertainty as he spoke.

  “We didn’t expect you, daughter. Are you well?” Her father gave a pointed look in Mikhal’s direction as he asked of his only child’s welfare, but as Alliana smiled and nodded in affirmation, his look of malice turned softer. Mikhal the Merciless was a demon, and therefore one shouldn’t let his guard down, but he was also her daughter’s husband like it or not.

  Alliana gave her one last squeeze then pulled back and lifted Katia into her arms. Mikhal moved forward and came to Alliana’s side. He’d held back so his wife could greet her clan without interference, knowing distrust and fear filled most of the people before him, but now held them close, they were his family, but these people were also strangers. Some still looked surly despite the welcome by Sabina and Alliana’s father.

  “Is maman well?”

  “Yes child, I imagine word has reached her by now that you are back among us.”

  No sooner had the words left his mouth then one of the wagon’s doors could be heard slamming backward as it flew open. Alliana’s maman rushed forward through the crowd and wrapped her arms around her daughter. Never mind that she was hugging Lord Arcos, her daughter and grandbaby were here at last.

  She let go and backed up so she could see Katia better. “Oh isn’t she just a darling? So like her maman. Come let me look at you poppet.”

  Alliana set Katia down and gave her a small push. “Go to your grandmother, Katy.” After a second of hesitation, Katia, who was a loving and trusting child, went forward, still shy but smiling.

  “It is good to see you daughter.”

  “And you as well, papa. All of you.” Alliana’s smile dimmed, as she looked at Sabina again, the woman was assessing the situation and coming to a conclusion quickly as to the reason for the visit.

  “Alliana, where is your son?”

  “He...” Alliana stammered, unable to answer Sabina. Mikhal, knowing Alliana was pained, knowing the truth of why they were there making his wife’s heart ache, stepped in.

  “Our son is safely at home at the castle. You know why we are here old woman, you foretold it long ago.”

  “So it has come to pass?”

  Alliana gave a nod as she bit her lower lip to stop her tears. “He’s a good boy, Sabina, loving and sweet. He’s simply at the age where tantrums are common.”

  “Did he hurt his sister?”

  “Twas an accident. He didn’t mean it. His demon was enraged.”

  “As I foretold. She is fine now?”

  “My daughter is fine and my son will grow out of these fits of rage in a year or two. He simply needs to be a bit older so he can control himself.”

  Sabina shook her head. “This cannot be for a year or two. Come, you must be weary and the sun will soon rise. There is much to talk about but first there is rest and the pleasure of seeing our loved ones once more.”

  Mikhal, ready to begin his argument at once, held his tongue as Alliana’s hand found his. This wasn’t the time, not in front of everyone in the clan. Their business was private as was their grief.

  “Come, come. I need to put this little one to bed.” Katia’s eyes were heavy; as she lay nestled in her grandmother’s arms, thumb in her mouth. The rest of the men in the clan slowly turned away, the members of the Kris motioning to one another that it was time they met, the rest going back to their own wagons to keep a close eye on their families. None would venture far from the protection of the man of the house while a demon was in their midst.

  Alliana joined her maman in the wagon to get Katia settled, and then went back out to where Mikhal and her father sat around the newly built fire. She glanced at the horizon, knowing the sun would be up soon. Her husband needed refuge and truth be told she was exhausted, but there was much to discuss.

  “Sabina, can we talk in your wagon?”

  “Do you not need to rest child?”

  “My head is too full as is my heart.”

  “Very well, twill be a close fit, but we shall manage.” And so Sabina, Alliana’s papa, Mikhal, and Alliana went to the wagon of the woman who would be entrusted with raising her child. Hearts heavy, Alliana’s maman stayed with Katia. Her opinion of the situation didn’t hold any credence. Men decided on things such as this. Sabina would be heard though, and so would Alliana, but the Kris would have a say, as would Mikhal the Merciless.

  As the door closed behind them and they settled themselves in the wagon, Mikhal spoke up at once. “It is not our intention to leave Katia here for more than a year or two, tis just until Mikhalen has learned more self-control.”

  Sabina shook her head in dismay. “That is not how it must be. She must reside with the clan until she is on the verge of womanhood.”

  “I’ll not have my daughter lost to me!”

  “Mikhal please.”

  “No, Alliana. This is hard enough as it is. Why on earth would we agree to Katia staying for that many years? I know her loss pains you as much as it pains me.”

  Sabina held up her hand, her eyes pleading for silence. “This isn’t simply about your son’s actions, though that is what brought Katia here to us. The reason she must stay is to learn, to practice the magick that will be bestowed upon her. She is your daughter but she is also of the blood of Nicolae. In taking the magick from Alliana, she will become our clan’s new Golden Child.”

  “I care naught for the needs of this clan except for the ones that will affect Katia.”

  Sabina persisted, Alliana’s face was softening but Mikhal’s was determined and full of barely suppressed rage.

  “Katia will be empowered with a magickal ability that will take years to master. She is but a babe. It would not be safe for her to have the power and to not understand the constraints and the consequences that come with such power. I must teach her of her magick and our ways, of right and wrong when it comes to using her gifts, of all things magickal in her world. The prophecy spoke of a Golden Child who would be the savior of her clan, that child will now be Katia. She must be here with us; one cannot change a prophecy. It will anger the fates.”

  “You do not need her to protect you any longer. All know that Alliana is my wife. Is it not true that you are left alone? No one has persecuted you? You want for nothing because of what I provide. You simply do not need a Golden Child and you cannot have Katia. Natalya can teach her what she needs to know.”

  Alliana’s father’s angry voice rang out in the small wagon. “Do not speak of one who has been banished. She is dead to us.”

  “Papa!”

  “Alliana you know he speaks the truth. You were taken from us and given a life not of your choosing. Natalya could have come back. She could have taken her rightful place beside her husband. She shunned our ways, our morals; she is no longer one of us.”

  “That does not answer my questions about your need of a Golden Child. That is not why Katia was brought here. It is for her safety alone, not for the sake of anyone else.”

  “Mikhal, what Sabina speaks is true. I cannot tutor Katia in the ways of her magick, nor can Natalya. These powers I have, they are frightening, and Natalya’s skills are those of a healer and midwife. True she knows how to read the leaves, but this is so much more. She is just a babe; it will be overwhelming to her. Tis best for her to be taught by Sabina.”

  “Till she is near a woman?”

  Alliana nodded her head sadly. “Mikhal, as she grows and matures, as her body changes so will her abilities. Sabina is best to help her understand it all. I don’t like it at all but her words speak true.”

  Her father cleared his throat and chimed in. “This is all of course depending on the Kris. We will have to bring t
his before them.”

  “I’ll not have my daughter’s life determined by those. If she is to stay for longer than I wish, you must abide by my terms. One of which is that she shan’t be married. No man is to court her or woo her as she gets older, no one. That decision is mine as her father. There will also be visits. I’ll not have my child forget her heritage or her family.”

  “She will be learning her heritage.” Alliana’s father’s voice held a note of fury as he said the words but Mikhal fired right back.

  “Like her mother, she has two. You are not to let Katia forget where she comes from, Sabina. I’ll not have her fearing my kind for she is of us.”

  “A bloody heritage it is.”

  “Papa please! My husband has changed, his men have changed, and my son who is of my body will grow to be a decent man. I’ll not have you disparage them.”

  A low growl from Mikhal punctuated Alliana’s words but did nothing to soften the mood. If anything it drove the point home that the two sides of Katia were very different indeed.

  “Lord Arcos, I swear Katia will be raised to love and honor both sides. Just as Alliana treasures her ways of the past, so too shall Katia, but I will not allow her to forget her father and the fact that she is a Lady.”

  Silence followed Sabina’s last words. It was a hard thing they were about to do, very hard, but it had to be done.

  “Very well, she shall stay here. You will be entrusted with her education and her well-being old woman and I shall hold you to your promises. That, and my vow that she won’t be married.”

  “So be it then. What of visits, and how shall we contact you if you are needed?”

  “A rider can be sent if there is an emergency. All know where the castle is.”