Beneath the Shadows of Evil... Treasured

by Jolynn Raymond

  If Hungary were to be invaded, the castle could come under siege by the Turks who wished to strip him of his lands and title. His minions could easily win any battle against humans be they Hungarian or Turks, but any kind of battle or siege close to the castle could prove dangerous to the women and the serfs who depended on him for safety, not to mention to Alliana’s family who roamed the countryside. Any change of power could threaten their way of life, and therefore Mikhal knew he and the minions needed to be part of any fight that kept the enemy far from the castle gates.

  Mikhal sat with his eyes focused on fingers that were tented and pressed together in front of him as he thought about the rider’s missive. When he glanced up, he found all eyes in the room upon him. Some of their gazes were full of fear or uncertainty, Alliana’s of course was one of these, and some held excitement. These belonged to the minion who had brought word to him, and to his son. The minions knew that war was a terror inducing bloody affair that gave them free rein to kill and maim without the worry of hiding their actions. In the past he had taken such a stance as well, going to battle under the cover of darkness and slaughtering both sides of the fight in the dead of night. Not caring to take a side, ripping out throats of all, leaving not a soul alive after a full night of bloodlust, but now he saw things through different eyes. It was clear Mikhalen was of the mind of his minions though, and thought only of the slaughter he could be a part of. The excitement on his child’s face made his heart ache, and Mikhal gave his son a stern look of reproach hoping the boy would calm his beast so his mother would not witness the anticipation in his eyes.

  “We shall send a garrison to aid the King and double the groups of riders who patrol my lands.”

  “My Lord, it is said that there are battles happening everywhere along the borders, and that the Turks are quickly gaining a foothold. The castles at Kom’adi and Sarkad are already under siege.”

  This new bit of information startled both Lucian and Mikhal. If Hungarian castles were falling under siege, then things had definitely taken a turn for the worst. The fact that the enemy was bold enough to make camp and openly launch an act of war on Hungarian soil changed everything. It was true the minions could defeat most any enemy who was fool enough to try and take the castle, but many were certain to run off to enjoy the blood and terror of the war. Mikhal had no wish to have the women be at a place where any fighting was taking place. The thought was unnerving, and a siege could mean a shortage of food for both humans and vampires.

  The feeding upon humans by his kind as was done in the castle kitchen, had to be spread out among those who fed them, or the humans would become weak and perish. He absolutely couldn’t leave the women here alone without the protection of either himself or Lucian, especially if the number of humans within the castle walls was small and the minions left to guard them large. Unlike many castles, Castle Arcos didn’t have many of the common folk living within the castle walls as well as a bounty of crops and livestock to feed a large group of humans who sought refuge. A long siege could prove devastating. Perhaps it was best for the women to go to the gypsy camp. They could travel deeper into the interior of the country, avoiding the border battles, and Katia’ magick would offer protection against any foe.

  “It seems as though war could soon be at our doorstep. Alliana and Natalya should go back to the Gypsy camp with Katia. They would be far from the fighting, and Katia can protect them all with her magick.”

  “No! You won’t send me away and go to fight in a war that isn’t even close to our home.” Alliana was shaking with fear and anger as she voiced her opinion of Mikhal’s declaration.

  Mikhal made a low growl of disapproval at his mate. “Alliana, as much as you seem to think otherwise, I make the decisions here. The fighting may not be near us, but we must make certain it stays that way. I have no desire to see Hungary come under Turkish rule.”

  “I cannot go to the camp, My Lord. I’ve been banished. The Kris would never allow it.”

  “Surely they would relent under the circumstances.”

  “No they would not, and I don’t care to ask them. Castle Arcos is my home. I have no other.” Natalya sat, back straight, chin held high as she looked at Mikhal. It wasn’t a look that was meant with insolence, just one that held a bit of pride, and said that she didn’t care if the Kris kept her from her childhood home. Their decree couldn’t wound her pride.

  Lucian reached out to take Natalya’s hand in his. He loved his fiercely proud mate, and knew she spoke the truth. Perhaps if Natalya went to the camp, fell to her knees, and begged them to reconsider, they would allow her to stay with them, but then again, perhaps they would not. Either way it didn’t matter because the castle they lived in would have to turn to dust before Natalya would ever beg the Kris.

  “She speaks the truth, Sire. Once the Kris ban a person from the clan, they do not allow them to return. Natalya’s crimes, as it were, were quite substantial.”

  “We both shall stay.”

  “You shall? I think you presume too much, wife. While it angers me that your people will not allow Natalya the safety of the camp, it doesn’t change the fact that you are going. We shall leave tomorrow at sundown.”

  “You can’t be serious. Mikhal please.”

  “Enough Alliana, you and Katia will be safest far away from the fighting. I won’t have a moment’s peace if I am filled with worry for my wife and child.”

  “You have two children! What of Mikhalen?”

  Another growl rose from deep inside Mikhal. He loved his wife’s fiery spirit, but sometimes she went too far with her questioning of his commands. Alliana closed her eyes upon hearing her mate voice his disapproval once again, and their blood bond made it impossible for her to resist further. He was the alpha male, and she the female mate who must obey. She bowed her head silently in deference, but vowed inside to continue their discussion in private. Though he held the upper hand, she would not submit completely until she exhausted all of her arguments. It was best done while they were alone though. Alliana knew she’d gone too far and was willing to concede to Mikhal, for the time being.

  “Mikhalen will remain here and go with Lucian to scout the edges of my land each night. I will join them when I return. He is more than able to take care of himself until I come back home. Even if he were not, either Lucian or I will remain with him at all times. He will be quite safe. We all know he doesn’t belong at the Gypsy camp.

  “Now if you will excuse us, Alliana and I are retiring to our camber. Lucian, I trust you will make things ready for Alliana and Katia’s journey and make the preparations for your journey with Mikhalen as well. I will meet up with you after I take Katia and Alliana. I also trust you will do what you think is best for Natalya. Perhaps you can return to the castle to protect the serfs and your mate after I join up with you and Mikhalen.”

  “Thank you, My Lord. I will see to everything. Perhaps if the fighting is a good distance away, I will be able to remain. Whatever you decide shall be done of course.”

  “If Lucian is going to stay why…”

  “Enough! Come with me now Alliana.”

  Mikhal rose quickly, his large chair scraping loudly in his hurry to retrieve his wife and take her back to their chambers. Her defiance needed to be put to an end.

  “Katia, you have received a reprieve from you punishment. You are to go to your chambers and collect your things. Do not get it into your head that you will now be free to resume relations with that boy. I’m certain the Kris will wish you punished, and I won’t stop them. It soothes me to know that you will have the eagle eyes of your maman as well as Sabina on you when you return to the camp.”

  “Yes, papa.” Katia knew it was best to be meek. Her father was still angry about what she’d done, and now he was worried about the war and upset with her maman as well. Mikhal gave her a kiss on the cheek, and then nodded his head at the rest of them as he took Alliana’s arm.

  “I shall see you all tomorrow. Mikhalen, we will din
e together before sunset. Listen to what Lucian tells you. He knows what you need to take with you.”

  “Yes, father. Goodnight maman.”

  “Goodnight Mikhalen. Katia.” Alliana said no more. The bright spots of color on her cheeks were a testament of her inner turmoil, but she gave it no voice. She knew Mikhal had already made his decision, and she didn’t have any intention of spending her last truly private day with her husband throwing angry words at him. Life had suddenly been turn upside down, and she had no idea what the future would hold. They would spend a few days riding to the camp, and then he would rush off to war. She had seen the stark worry in his eyes when word had come of the sieges not more than two days ride from their home. The danger was not at their doorstep, but it could be knocking very soon.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  It had been over a year since the rider had come telling them that the Ottoman Empire was on the verge of invading Hungary in full force, changing all of their lives. While it was true they’d come before, never had they been so close to the castle. The danger had changed everything. Mikhal had decided to defend his country and home once he knew Alliana and Katia were safe in the Gypsy camp, but all that changed when he returned to the castle to find Lucian still there and Mikhalen gone. The master’s son had slipped from the castle.

  Lucian had ridden out each night to search for Mikhalen but always returned before sunrise. He was well aware that the boy most likely fled further and further from the castle with each passing night while he on the other hand went home, but Lucian felt he had no choice. He came back each day to be with Natalya. She was his love and his mate. He simply couldn’t be certain the minions who remained at the castle would protect her if he were gone for an extended time. Natalya was human, and without him or Lord Arcos to answer for, Lucian couldn’t be sure she’d be safe.

  The fact that Natalya was banished from the safety of her clan’s camp clawed at his guts because he knew he was the cause, so even though the young master had run off to do battle or at the very least enjoy the blood and terror of war, he continued to return to remain by her side when the first hues of dawn tinged the sky. Lord Arcos could take the skin off his body bit by bit for remaining while Mikhalen put himself in danger, but he hadn’t cared. His mate came before all others.

  And so Lord Arcos had gone to do battle and to find his son, but if he’d found the boy, Mikhal hadn’t brought him back to the castle, and news never reached them about either of them. Lucian supposed it was a better place along the battle lines even with the danger for the young vampire. Mikhalen had been losing the fight with his demon. Blood and lust had been consuming him, and there was nothing like war for satiating his primal needs.

  That seemed a lifetime ago, one far removed from how they lived now. War had a way of doing that. Men spoke and wrote of it with words full of bravery and glory, but Lucian had seen too many battles in his long time upon the Earth. He knew the truth of it. War left its savage footprint on all it touched, both near and far from where the fighting took place, and no matter if one was rich or destitute. The dire situation at the castle was proof of that.

  He now sat before the hearth in his chambers and pulled off a boot, his foul mood having made him shoo the servant girl away. He was tired, bone tired, though he’d risen only an hour ago at dusk. During that hour he’d walked the castle grounds inside and out, assessing their defenses, talking to the minions, looking over their food stores, and then taking note of how many sick serfs were now confined to the south wing of the castle, as well as how many new graves had been dug in the yard beside the keep.

  Their defenses were strong despite the low number of minions and human men who could fight the enemy. Their walls were high and thick, the portcullis never raised except to let a patrol or hunting party out, and the drawbridge never lowered except for the same. The moat held spikes made from tall pines that jutted up just below the surface of the water. Stores of arrows along with crossbows lay waiting for the archers next to all of the arrow slits; even a catapult had been made and lay ready to fling burning casks of pine pitch upon any who tried to attack. Still, without the force of the hundreds of minions who used to reside within the castle along with their master, Lord Arcos, their safety couldn’t be guaranteed.

  The state of their food stores was much more worrisome. Though they’d grown enough wheat to sustain them with bread, and fodder to feed the livestock, the barrels of dried meat put up for a siege needed to be increased, and the vegetables that could be stored throughout the winter were not as plentiful as he would have liked. He’d sent a hunting party out as soon as he was done taking stock. They simply had to have more food. If they were surrounded by an enemy or the winter was especially harsh, the humans including his mate, would starve, and the minions along with them. If the humans died, there would be no one to feed from, and Lucian knew he’d kill any minion who tried to leave during a siege. Hungry or not, their defenses wouldn’t be opened.

  Upon his visit to where the sick were being tended, Lucian was filled with dread. It seemed as if new men, women, and children joined those already sick each day. It worried him that Natalya insisted upon tending them. The thought of her lying abed, burning with fever, coughing so hard she gasped for breath was unthinkable, and yet he hadn’t forbid it. She’d been the only healer these people had for many a year, and she wouldn’t turn her back on them now.

  Thalia had informed him that he’d just missed his mate when he’d arrive to assess the ill and count how many were now afflicted. He was sure she’d gone to wash before dinner and make notes in the book she was keeping to help her make sense of the mysterious sickness that was ravaging the castle. She had seen the symptoms the serfs displayed often enough, but the rate at which the disease spread was alarming as was the fact that many perished instead of responding to the herbs tonics and bed rest.

  The year since Lady Alliana and Katia had left for the safety of the Gypsy camp, and Lord Arcos had gone to find Mikhalen, hadn’t been kind to them. Most of the minions were gone to fight the Turks. The castle’s food stocks had been laid low by the burning of their crops and the serf’s village the fall before this one, and the sickness that plagued them decimated their numbers. All of it put together rendered them weak in terms of defense and labor. Lucian had brought all of the villagers inside the castle walls to keep them safe from the marauding bands of Turks, but not even vampires who were well versed in killing and terror could beat back the ravages of illness.

  Lucian removed his other muddy boot then ran a hand back through his hair, fighting the weariness. It was time to wash and get down to dinner. Natalya’s absence in the chambers they shared meant she must have already gone to the great room, most likely in search of him, and he didn’t want to keep her waiting. He rose and splashed water from the basin upon his face, rinsing off the dust left by his inspection of the castle, quickly dried, and then pulled on a pair of clean boots. His garments were passable for dining with his mate. They were far from formal when they supped, though Natalya often wore one of her nicer gowns because she knew he appreciate the sight of her in one of the low cut dresses.

  Descending the stone staircase, he spied her waiting, her fiery red hair shimmering in the glow of the candles and wall torches. Her beauty hadn’t faded a bit in his eyes though they’d been together over fifteen years. Her head was lowered yet he spied nothing to take her attention to her lap, and he saw she was still dressed in one of her sturdy woolen gowns. Though it was becoming cold outside it was warm within, and the fact she hadn’t changed surprised him.

  Natalya finally looked up when the heels of his boots clicked upon the floor, signaling his arrival. He immediately took in how tired she looked. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her lids drooped, even as she smiled at him.

  “There you are. I’d given up hope of filling my belly.”

  “Fear not sweet wife. I’ll not let you starve.” Though his words were meant in a chivalrous manner to keep the smile up
on her face, they had the opposite effect, reminding them both that they could run out of food during a siege or the coming winter. Choosing not to dwell on the unpleasant thoughts, Lucian instead bowed low before Natalya and took her offered hand, kissing the back, then the palm, and then placing a small kiss on her pulse point, the action making them both keenly aware of their blood tie.

  “You look ravishing, my love.”

  Natalya looked down at her woolen gown then back and him, raising her eyebrows. “I’m sure you would have preferred a gown that displayed more of me, but I hadn’t the time. One of the servants came for me after I had washed to tell me of another woman who has become ill. Lucian I worry so for them. I gave her the elixir but she needs more to eat, they all do. They can’t fight the sickness when their bodies are weakened from hunger.”

  “Natalya I know they do, but we simply cannot let them have more. The vegetable rations I have ordered and some of the fresh meat brought back from the hunting party must do. All get a good ration of bread. I send a hunting party out daily and will have the guardsmen take a few of the women to gather more berries in the forest, but that is all I can do. The apples have been harvested and dried, but you know most of the orchard was burned along with the grapevines. There is wheat for bread, but I simply must ration it. We can’t grow more during the winter, and I have to be sure we can withstand a siege. I’m sorry, my love, but they get as much food as I am able to give them.”