Beneath the Shadows of Evil... Treasured

by Jolynn Raymond

  “That is true Alliana, but none will go to where you reside, child. It isn’t safe. I do not say that to cast blame on your husband, only to state the facts. A messenger would be in peril until they reached the inner walls of the castle and make it known to one who would listen that they brought word of your family.”

  “But... Mikhal, how can we leave Katia? I... my child could perish and I would be none the wiser.”

  “Alliana, how can we not? The decision has been made. This is for her safety.” That said Mikhal slipped the ring that bore his family crest from his finger and held it out for Sabina. “Take this ring, Sabina. If word must be brought have the rider tie this around his neck. All who see it will know he is on a mission for me. Word will be spread through my minions that human’s coming to the castle are to be left unharmed.”

  His words gave Alliana solace. She knew they had no other choice but to carry out the mission they had embarked upon. Katia simply could not reside at the castle until she was much older and in full control of her magick. Little Mikhalen loved his sister, but inside him dwelt a demon. The mix of natural childhood tantrums mixed with the uncontrollable beast inside her little boy was a deadly combination.

  Knowing what had to be done, Alliana nodded but laid her head upon Mikhal’s shoulder as silent tears flowed.

  “You will go to the place where you were camped on the night I took Alliana once every three months. We will see our child often.”

  “So be it. I will take the matter before the Kris. They will discuss it today while you rest, and give you their decision tonight.”

  Mikhal was infuriated by his words, as said before; he would be the one who decided what was best for Katia. Any deviation from the agreement they had just made would be met with hard resistance but he nodded nonetheless. Alliana looked very weary. It was time to rest. Let them talk; he would say aye or nay as to how it would be in the end.

  “I shall go and bring Katia here so you can all rest together. You will be left alone for the day.”

  “Thank you Sabina. Papa... you will convince them of what my husband wishes?”

  “I will do my best. Katia will be welcomed and loved here, Alliana.”

  “I know she will be. I couldn’t leave her if I had doubts.”

  Sabina and Alliana’s father left the wagon, one to fetch Katia, and the other to meet with the men who declared law over the clan. Soon their daughter was back with them, never having woken during the move, and the family was snuggled in a tiny bed. It wasn’t grand but they wouldn’t have had it any other way. Neither Mikhal nor Alliana would have dreamt of sleeping in the other bed. They needed to hold their baby and each other.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  While the family had slept, Sabina had prepared what was needed to transfer the magick from mother to child. When she heard stirrings in the wagon she knocked, then told Alliana and Mikhal she was ready. The last vestige of the sun still filed the sky, just as Sabina intended. Mikhal wasn’t able to come out and be near during the casting of spells, and that was how it needed to be. Once she began the ritual, there could be no interference from a frightened father.

  Alliana took Katia by the hand and led her to the far side of the encampment near a fire. Sabina sat them down upon the ground, Alliana pulling Katia into her lap as Sabina began the chant that would change the lives of the two before her. Herbs were tossed into the cauldron that sat upon the fire; hands were placed upon Alliana and her child as words were read from Sabina’s tome of magicks. She removed the medallion from around Alliana’s neck and dipped it in the cauldron, then made motions with her hands again and placed it over Katia’s head. Both the child and Alliana slumped down, as if cast asleep, causing Mikhal to want to sprint from the wagon, but soon both sat up once more.

  Sabina ladled out a mug full of the potion for each of them and once it was downed, she placed a hand on each of their heads, spoke words Mikhal could not hear, then finished the act that made Katia the new Golden Child of Nicolae.

  Dusk came far too soon, and before they knew it, it was time to say goodbye. Both had thought of staying, but they knew they needed to get back to little Mikhalen. He had to be having doubts and fears. He was a bright child, and knew the reason his sister was taken away. It was time to return to their other child and assure him of their love.

  The wagon had been forgone in favor of two horses. They would travel much quicker that way. The small family was huddled close, Katia clinging. She had been told earlier, they had discussed it to great length, but she was but a babe and there weren’t enough words to soothe her fears entirely. The ritual that had recently taken place bestowing such power into the little girl hadn’t made her feel different, and hadn’t made her braver.

  Alliana gently pulled Katia away from her legs and turned the child. “Katia, it’s time to go with Sabina now. She is my Godmother and will now be yours. We talked about how you are going to stay here with her and learn all about your magicks.”

  Katia’s lower lip trembled and her eyes filled with tears as she looked at the old woman before her. She didn’t want to stay here without her parents. Everything was so different; all around her were strangers. She fiddled with the medallion that was around her neck and looked at her mama and papa, but Mikhal motioned for her to turn and look at Sabina.

  “Poor little one. I know you are frightened, but I shall take very good care of you. The power inside you is strong and will be stronger every day, and I will teach you just how to use it. That will make your maman and papa very proud of you Katia.

  Again the child looked back.

  “It will indeed precious. Maman wants you to learn so much.” Katia turned and flew into her mother’s arms and Alliana held her tight, holding back her tears.

  “Shhh, darling. It will be fine. You do everything Sabina tells you to do and never take off the necklace.”

  “Do you promise maman? Papa I’m scared.”

  Both of their hearts broke at her words. Mikhal picked her up and swung her around. “Of course it will be fine, pigeon. Twill be a grand adventure. I will wish to see what you have learned when we see you next. Katia the all-powerful.”

  “Now don’t go putting thoughts like that into her head, Mikhal. There are many responsibilities that come with her magick.”

  “I am well aware wife, but with or without, Katy is our special girl and she will always be.” Alliana held her arms open and the small family hugged once more.

  “You shall tell Mika I miss him won’t you maman.”

  “Every day, sweet. I will tell him you miss him and that you love him very much. Now go to Sabina, love. Tis time for us to go.”

  Mikhal put his baby girl down, his face stoic, his heart breaking. “Go on, poppet.”

  Katia went forward into the welcoming arms of Sabina, as Alliana’s maman and papa knelt down to kiss and welcome the little girl into their fold. Alliana stood watching, torn, bleeding inside, pain filling her at leaving her child.

  “She shall be well, Alliana. I swear it.”

  Alliana nodded then turned to allow Mikhal to lift her unto the horse. Once up she made a move to dismount but he held her fast, shaking his head.

  “Maman will miss you Katy. I love you.”

  Katia was staring at them both, her lower lip trembling, but her eyes dry. She was doing her best to be brave. “I love you mama, you too papa.”

  “Be a good girl. We will see you soon. Papa loves you.” As he said the words his eyes met with Alliana’s father, his stating clearly that the clan had better reside in the area of the castle in three month’s time. Her father nodded; the Kris had agreed on all that Mikhal had requested for his daughter.

  Mikhal mounted up behind Alliana and slipped his arm around her, but hesitated before turning the horse.

  “All will be well.” Sabina assured them once again and Mikhal finally turned the horse. The time had come; goodbyes had been said. Katia would be well and loved and Mikhalen would grow into a young man who could
control all his demon urges. In time the family would be reunited again. So it had been foretold and so it had to be done.

  Alliana made a sound of pain and Mikhal held her closer. Fate had spoken. They rode away, Katia pulling at the arms that held her as her mama and papa disappeared from sight. Her life had taken a new turn, one that held mystery and promise along with the sorrow of loss.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The first months of separation were near agony for both Alliana and Mikhal. Katia’s cheerful spirit lingered in the castle long after the little girl had gone. This was both a comfort and a curse to the parents and brother she had left behind. Mikhalen missed her dearly; he felt as if half of him had been torn away, and though his parents doted on him and presented a happy and content front, little Mikhalen could see the underlying sadness in his mother’s eyes.

  To look at her son brought her great joy, but it also reminded her of her other child, the one who had been sent away to keep her from harm. Seeing Mikhalen as he played, feeling him near her heart as he snuggled in her lap, smelling his sweet child scent as she kissed him was a comfort and a curse. Alliana couldn’t stop her heart from yearning for what she did not have, even as she felt blessed by what she did.

  The visits with her daughter were also a mixed blessing. It was wonderful to see her; she was growing so fast. Sabina and her parents always raved about Katia’s talents. She was smart, she was a good girl, and she was oh so sweet. All the things to make any parent proud, but as they heard of her accomplishments, they also felt the pang of sorrow because they were not there to see her as she grew and changed day by day.

  Alliana and Mikhal had tried to take Mikhalen with them on one of the visits to the Gypsy camp, but the boy had refused. He knew why Katia was gone, knew it was his fault though no one thought that or ever dared say such a thing. Still he knew, and the sadness he caused his family kept him from wanting to see the sister who had been whisked away. Mikhalen thought Katia must think it was his fault she had to live with her grandparents. He suspected that if she were able to, she’d yell at him and tell him she hated him, so he refused steadfastly every time his parents spoke of him traveling to the camp with them.

  His demon side grew as he did, and he fought hard not to give in to the animalistic instincts that dwelled deep inside him. Lucian and Natalya were his main caretakers when his parents were absent, and they did a wonderful job handling the boy’s tantrums, but the rest of the residence in the castle did not. He flew into rages, eyes spitting fire, fangs gnashing, and beast roaring if what he wanted was not given. Those around him, especially the humans, wanted little to do with the child because he was so unpredictable. At times no one could calm him but his father, and in his absence, Lucian still had the ability to make him cease the explosion of fury that accompanied his fits.

  Mikhalen tried to be a good boy. He desperately wanted to be one, especially for his mother, but it was a task of monumental proportion. He sought to please his father by suppressing his demon half, but it was not easily done at the will of a young child. He had been taught to feed kindly, to battle the rage that overcame him with little warning when something didn’t go as planned, but it ate at him, and every night he dreamt savage violent dreams full of terror and blood. Things his demon craved, things his demon screamed for. By day he was a gentle soul, he forced himself to be, but at night, at night alone in his bed, he would wake from what to others would be horrid nightmares, his demon self fully upon him, clinging to the last vestiges of his dreams like a drowning man clings to a branch. It was his only salvation, his only escape, and he reveled in it.

  Life fell into a pattern at the castle, Alliana and Mikhal would spend their time with their son, teaching him, encouraging him to strive for goodness, telling him of feelings and love which he couldn’t quite grasp. Oh it wasn’t that he didn’t love his parents, he did. There was a deep bond, but he had trouble in how he dealt with others. Mikhal did his best to teach Mikhalen kindness and compassion, but though he listened and understood what his father told him, inside he felt a deep well full of nothing for those around him. The feeling that was front and center in his life was satisfaction his demon felt during the dreams of reeking terror.

  As he grew, Mikhalen learned to suppress his demon. Outwardly he behaved as a human child, he controlled his discontent, managed his tantrums, did what pleased his parents, but it came at a high cost. His demon fought against every kindness he showed. It was there inside him, roaring to emerge, and so the dreams became more vivid. They were scenes of mayhem painted blood red, scenes where he was free to act as he needed to, to harm, maim, destroy, and instill terror in his mother’s kind, but more and more they were just that, dreams, and the pleasure he once took in them was fading for want of the real thing.

  He was well schooled in his history and that of the world. He had been taught about his lineage, his mother’s people, about the royalty of his and other countries, ancient empires, the skills he needed to become a Lord capable of commanding a castle and the serfs. His father brought in a tutor, an elderly man who spent a few hours a day teaching him Latin and other scholarly things that Mikhal had forgotten and Alliana never learned, and it was this man who would eventually start young Mikhalen on his downfall into the realm of the beast within that would refuse to be denied any longer.

  When he was at the age of twelve, on the verge of becoming a young man, Mikhalen was in the hall of portraits with Jonas, his tutor, learning about his ancestors while studying the portraits on the walls. Jonas had read the book of registry, had schooled himself in the history that was the Arcos family, and strived to pass that knowledge onto the boy. However, there was one member of the family he was forbidden to talk about, and it was the woman whose painting they were standing in front of now.

  “Who is she?”

  “Mikhalen, you know this is your Aunt Marishka. You look just like her.”

  “Yes, I know that, but I mean tell me about her. Every time I try to learn of her, no one will tell me. I have been taught of my father and his father before him. I have been taught of my mother and her people, of how my family began long ago and rose up to be Lords of Hungary. I know my mother was the Golden Child of Nicolae and that now Katia will carry on in her place, but of Aunt Marishka I know nothing. Why is it that this woman I look so much like, is one who is secreted in shame and evil? There are two sides of me, and yet when I ask about Aunt Marishka I am told nothing.”

  Jonas looked at the boy carefully. A child’s interest was something that was not easily squashed once it was piqued, but the Master of the castle had told him that he preferred the boy not to know of Marishka Arcos. Should he quench young Mikhalen’s need for information as was his wont being a tutor, or should he take the matter to Lord Arcos?

  “I don’t know much.” This statement was a lie. Stories of the terror that Marishka had rained down upon those around her including the Master and Mistress of the castle were still whispered by the servants. Time had passed since the castle had gone from a place of terror to a place of happiness, but the memories coated in blood couldn’t be buried.

  “You do. I can see it that you aren’t telling me any of what you know!” Mikhalen’s eyes took on just the hint of a feral glow. The demon inside him connected with the woman in the portrait, it was pulled to the beautiful dark haired woman whom he took after. It craved to know what she had done to make his father silence his tongue whenever he had questioned him about her. His family abhorred rage and violence, but the inner demon in Mikhalen craved it.

  “Now Mikhalen, it won’t help to become angry with me. I must do as your father requests.” Jonas knew full well the nature of his student. The facts of the child’s lineage and that of his father could not of course be hidden, nor did Mikhal wish them to be. There was both terror and goodness in his past, and it was important for his son to know how he himself had overcome the demon who was still very much a part of Mikhal.

  Mikhalen’s eyes continued to change, a
n unholy light was filling them try as he might to keep his demon at bay. He wanted to know of Marishka. Why was his father so ashamed of the demon that dwelt inside him? It was both frustrating and maddening how his father never seemed to be overcome. Didn’t he feel the need? Didn’t he ever feel as if his mind would leave him because of the tormenting voice of his ‘other’?

  Mikhalen knew his father was older and had more self-control, but his father wasn’t even part human any longer, and yet he still banished the devil in his very core with seeming ease. Perhaps if Mikhalen was allowed to understand his other half, to learn of the woman he seemed so like, he could master the voice that cried out for terror and brutality every time he fed.

  Knowing he couldn’t maintain control any longer in the presence of Jonas who simply could not understand the desperate need inside him, Mikhalen turned without a word, the desire to rip his tutor’s throat out coursing through him, and went to seek out his father. This indecision, this constant war, this… agonizing battle between his human self and his demon had to be put to an end. Thank goodness his parents were not away visiting Katia, for he needed answers only his father could provide.

  As he thought of his sister, the one he barely remembered but still felt guilt over, the one who his parents, especially his mother yearned for, the demon inside screamed louder. It wanted him to let go, to forget, to cast aside the guilt his human half felt and to revel in the power and hideous joy that would be his if he just stopped fighting and let go. The temptation to do so was driving him mad, and only his father could calm the beast inside him at times such as these. He needed his father, even though part of him urged him to forgo all he had been taught and surrender to his animalistic nature.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Mikhalen stormed into his father’s chamber unannounced, the door slamming back against the wall as he flung it open, barely concealing the rage boiling up inside. Alliana and Mikhal were engaged in a game of chess, nothing private at all, but still his father stood up, a fierce scowl upon his face. When Mikhal saw it was his son, his mood calmed somewhat, but his ire at being so rudely interrupted was still evident.