The Bathory Curse

by Renee Lake

  “No! I wanted him…the next morning he seemed so sad and angry with himself I just….well…I have seen my maids…I knew how to make him happy again. He showed up at the house that night and spoke to my parents. They were furious, but Gyorgy simply told them we would push up the wedding date.”

  “And now you are pregnant. Have you told anyone?” Nea asked.

  “No. I need your help…You’ve mentioned you know a bit about herbs and such…I tried by myself but it didn’t work…I have to get rid of it…I don’t want to be a bride and a mother right now.” She gripped Nea’s hands tighter.

  “What…wait...you already tried?” Nea was aghast; without proper guidance and knowledge her actions could have damaged her and the baby. She quickly took hold of Anna’s mind, as weak and fragile a state it was already in this wasn’t hard. The girl whimpered briefly as Nea laid her back on the settee and called for Ruxandra.

  “Bunica, what’s wrong?” Ruxandra burst in the room.

  “Get Valora,” she demanded, speaking of the housekeeper. A Strega’s magical gifts were great but what was greater was the staff that Bendis provided.

  Valora was the main housekeeper for Nea’s three homes. She travelled in between them making sure the minimal permanent staff was doing what needed to be done; like the ordering and seasonal cleaning. Valora was from 2003, she had been blinded in a freak accident. Bendis gave her back her sight and in payment she had come into service for Nea.

  Valora came rushing in, an abrupt woman, a little heavy set with a pale freckled face, her brown hair, threaded with silver, was long and kept in a braid. Almost tripping over her long black skirts she growled, “barbaric female customs” and was quickly at her mistress’s side. She had been a doctor in her other life. Stregas didn’t have a lot of power to heal. So along with new eyes, Bendis gave her enough magic to do everything she could have done in a hospital with thought and touch. It wouldn’t work miracles, but it was awesome to behold. Nea quickly explained the situation.

  “Damned girl, there are at least three good midwives in this town that could have given her the results she wanted.” She shoved the girls dress above her hips while Nea put her further into a sleep.

  “When I get back to the present first thing I’m going to do is buy a thong and some jeans.” she snarled, fiddling with the bulbous undergarments. Finally she could get her hands on the small budge of Anna’s lower abdomen. She closed her eyes and began to hum.

  Nea and Ruxandra watched with awe as she brushed her fingers over the girl’s pale soft skin and cooed at the tiny spark of life inside. After about ten minutes Valora opened her eyes, sighed and sat back on her heels.

  “Stupid girl,” she cursed again, “the babe lives, but it’s going to have problems. She’s done a good deal of damage. The thing’s kidneys probably won’t develop right and its mind will never be correct. In this day and age they’ll probably lock him away.”

  “Oh no.” Nea groaned.

  “Serves her right. All women know the dangers of taking herbs to expel unwanted babes. If it doesn’t work it does horrible things to the child.” Ruxandra had no pity in her.

  “Can you do anything else?” Nea asked Valora.

  “I’ve done all I can, unless you want me to abort it myself, which I can do, painfully, but quickly.”

  “No.” All three women spun around to stare at Bendis. She had the form of the maiden, a younger, spryer and perky version of the Goddess who had saved Nea so many years ago, she simply glowed with sexual desire and energy.

  “Really? Like I don’t have enough to deal with than your presence giving a boner to all my male staff.” Valora stood, “I’m going to find my boys something to do, if you need me yell.” Then she stomped off.

  “What do you mean no? She doesn’t want the baby.” Nea stood, facing the Goddess.

  “This is the path she has chosen, she has to keep it. She has been unwise and selfish.”

  “She’s only a girl! Shouldn’t she have a choice?” Nea exclaimed. Strigoi were not allowed to speak to the Goddess normally so Ruxandra cowered behind her grandmother.

  “Yes and this was the one she made. I wish I could change it Nea, but her path has unfolded. The curse almost missed her, but she is destined to become a selfish woman, only thinking about her own wants and desires. She will bare five children in total, three girls. That is where the focus must be now.”

  “I can’t accept that.” Nea said, looking at the pale girl she had known for years.

  “You must, if you try to interfere more it will make her worse.” Bendis warned, and then she was gone. Nea hung her head, she could hear Sabine’s words in her mind from years back, “Lesson 11: Sometimes messing with stuff just makes it worse.”

  Nea righted Anna’s clothes and sat her back up, slowly she woke her, releasing her mind, and the girl blinked, a little dazed.

  “What happened?”

  “You fainted.” Ruxandra thrust a glass of wine in her hand, “sip slowly.”

  “It was probably the baby.” Nea explained.

  “I am so sorry, but Nea, will you help me?” Anna drank, lips quivering, her hands were shaking but it slowly subsided.

  “I’m sorry Anna, I can’t. If you already tried and it didn’t work all I could do is make it worse and the baby wouldn’t be expelled, just damaged. Next time go see a midwife, or come to me first.” Nea gently reprimanded.

  “I can’t be a mother yet!” Anna wailed, clutching her stomach.

  “I’m so sorry, but I’ll be here. I’ll help you…You can name me the baby’s Godmother!” Nea pretended like it was the most exciting news ever. Anna stopped sniveling.

  “You’ll help me, be the Godmother?”

  “Of course, we can plan such a party announcing the birth; you will be envied by all women with your rich handsome husband and brand new son.” Nea gave the girl’s mind a gentle push in the right direction and watch gladly as Anna lit up a little.

  “A son. Providing Gyorgy with a son would make me the envy of many. Do you think he will let me hire a wet nurse, a nanny and a governess, so I don’t have to do anything?”

  “I am sure he will want to keep you happy,” Nea agreed, melancholy in her words almost betraying the smile on her face.

  “I guess so, but I still would rather be able to just get rid of it.” Anna said color filling her cheeks.

  Poor Istavan was born five months later, he didn’t learn to walk until he was almost two and didn’t say a work until he was four years old. Over time Anna’s husband learned to despise her over indulgence, spending and selfishness. By the time her first daughter, Elizabeth was born in 1560 she had given birth to another son; Gabor. Elizabeth was soon blessed with two sisters Klara and Zsofia.

  Nea was present at each child’s birth, hoping the extra blessing from a Strega Godmother would be helpful. She attended every birthday, sent presents and used magic to age herself right along with Anna. She loved each child like she would her own. So it was with a heavy heart she received a missive from Anna that at 14 Elizabeth was pregnant and the family urgently needed Nea’s special brand of help.

  Chapter 5

  1574

  “Anna, what exactly is it you think I can do?” Nea asked, standing in the shadows of the hallway of the large estate. She had been notified a month before to come at once to Nyirbator as there was a family emergency. When she arrived it was to discover one of her goddaughters, Elizabeth, at 14, was pregnant and due any day.

  “I need you to take the baby away, kill it, sell it…I don’t care. I am going to tell her that it died.” Anna had her arms crossed over her chest, eyes cold. Over the years Nea had seen that coldness infiltrate her old friend’s heart and mind. She cared little for those around her, including her children. At 35 she looked old, much older than Nea even with a bit of age magic. Jaded and tainted by drink and that life hadn’t turned out quite as happily ever after as she had wanted.

  “Why didn’t you call for me sooner? We cou
ld have handled this earlier.”

  “Because my spoiled daughter wanted the baby, refused to even think about getting rid of it and hid it until a few weeks ago.” Anna’s mouth turned into a sneer.

  “Why do you care about this at all? Just let her keep her baby.” Nea said, leaning against the wall. Elizabeth was in her fourth hour of labor, and her hips were almost too narrow at such a young age to withstand the size of the babe within her. Nea had brought Valora to help and hopefully they would not lose either mother or child.

  “Because she is betrothed to Count Ferencz Nadasdy and will be leaving us within the year to marry him. It is a great alliance for our family, especially since…” There was a moment of silence when the ice around Anna seemed to melt, then she straightened back up, “Since her father passed away.”

  “Where is the babe’s father? Why not just send him away with the child?” Nea had been there only a few days, but had not seen the man who impregnated Elizabeth, nor heard a word about him. Every time Elizabeth tried to mention him someone hushed her. All Nea had gathered was it had happened very much like when Anna had become pregnant. Except the boy was young and not good enough for Anna to even consider letting them marry.

  “I took care of him; I couldn’t have him spreading rumors.”

  “Oh Anna.” Nea passed a hand over her tired eyes, “I wish you hadn’t.”

  “Killing him was the only way, not like anyone paid attention. His family is a bunch of paupers. Just a little poison.” Anna bragged.

  “You could have come to me, we could have figured it out together.”

  “And had you turn me away like when I got pregnant with Istavan? I think not.” Rage laced Anna’s words.

  “You know there was nothing I could do. I have been paying penance for that ever since.”

  “I know. Now will you take the little monster or do I need to kill it myself?”

  “I will take the babe.” Nea heard herself say. What choice did she have? She couldn’t allow the child to be killed, and maybe she could find a nice family to keep it until it was old enough to become a problem.

  “Good. Elizabeth doesn’t need a constant reminder of one mistake.” Anna’s voice was harsh, memories of her own past crowding her mind.

  “How is Istavan?” Nea asked. She had not seen the boy since he was married two years ago. He left home as soon as possible, Gabor had done the same thing.

  “I have no idea how his insipid wife puts up with him. He needs constant handling,” was all Anna said as she led the way back down the hall towards the birthing room.

  “I think you should send Klara and Zsofia away for a while Anna, Klara is 11, she could start an early season at court. I could help you. Zsofia is too small, but maybe some schooling at the convent.” Nea was desperate to get the other two girls away from their mother.

  “Why would I spend the money? They are worthless to me until I can marry them off like their sister.” They stopped in the hall and froze as they heard a weak baby’s cry. Anna took off, running into the room to see Valora wrapping a small squirming pink bundle in a linen blanket and preparing to hand it to Elizabeth.

  “No, give it to me.” Anna grasped the baby. Nea went over to an exhausted, sweating Elizabeth. The girl had golden hair, thick and curly with large beautiful sapphire Bathory eyes. She was gorgeous, even covered in perspiration and tears.

  “Aunt Nea, is the baby all right? What is it? Can I hold it?”

  “Perhaps. Let Valora finish up, you still have to expel the after birth.” Nea stroked her forehead and followed Anna as she took it out of the room.

  “A girl, at least a boy would fetch a better price.” Anna shoved the bundle into Nea’s arms just as it started to cry.

  “Shut it up, I can’t have Elizabeth hearing that.” Anna barked.

  “Just let her hold it, you don’t have to tell her it died, just tell her she can’t possibly keep it. Not with the father missing.” Nea begged. But there was only so much she could say, could do. She could feel the curse wrapping around this scenario and warping it to its own need. Sometimes being helpless, especially with magical powers, was a horrible feeling. She wanted to use mind magic on Anna, but there was a chance it wouldn’t work, or could do more damage than good. Lesson 13: You cannot always fix everything.

  “No. Take it, or I will kill it myself.” Anna turned and went back into the room. A few minutes later Nea heard a sharp intake of breath and then Elizabeth began to wail. Valora came out grimacing.

  “That woman is colder than an iceberg.”

  “Yes, something must be done,” Nea agreed. “Get the wet nurse and take her and the babe back to Ruxandra. I will meet you there.” She handed the bundle to Valora who tenderly kissed the baby’s head.

  “She should be fine the birth was easy and she handled it well. If there are any issues call me. I left some herbs and such just in case.” Valora cuddled the baby and rushed away. Nea went back into the room to see Elizabeth sobbing and Anna standing as far away from her as possible.

  “I am so sorry Lizzy.” Nea crooned, sitting next to the girl and holding her. She didn’t like this particular lie, but knew that the truth would be worse. She could not raise her child, not alone in this day and age, especially not with her family working against her. Nea was worried if she went against Anna’s wishes it would make things worse, if that was even possible.

  “I don’t understand. I heard the cry.” Elizabeth sobbed.

  “It wasn’t meant to be, get over it and be glad it wasn’t alive to torment you like Istavan.” Anna growled.

  “Was it a girl?” Elizabeth asked, eyes swimming with tears.

  “Just another in the long line of cursed Bathory women.” Anna spat out.

  “Yes dear heart it was…Would you like to name her?” It was the least Nea could do.

  “Yes… Anastasia… will we have a burial?”

  “Of course. We are not barbarians; it was the first grandchild after all.” Anna came over and placed a hand on Elizabeth’s arm, Nea noticed the girl flinched away, “now enough of this, you must get better and fast for your upcoming nuptials.”

  “I can’t get married after this, mother,” the girl started to protest.

  “It was your father’s dying wish to see you married well. No argument.” Anna stormed from the room as a couple of maids came in to help clean up and move Elizabeth back to her bed chamber.

  “Help me Aunt Nea.” Elizabeth begged.

  “I can’t Lizzy…if I could I would, but she is your mother. I will try talking to her again. You rest and heal.” Nea kissed her forehead and followed Anna from the room, hatred swirling inside her, she thought about talking to Anna again but it would do no good. Anna’s heart was so frozen it would take a volcano to melt it.

  As she left the house, she overheard Anna shrieking at one of Lizzy’s sisters and her heart hurt. Anna had so much potential as a girl, bright and interesting; she would have been a good wife and a good mother. Now she was destined to destroy the lives of her own daughters. Nea didn’t know what to do. If she left Anna with Klara and Zsofia it would ruin them, they would turn out just like her, if not worse.

  Nea was afraid the only possibility was to kill Anna before any more damage could be done. The thought made her head hurt. She was Anna’s friend, like family. She had watched her grow up, get married, have babies. Wouldn’t it screw up the little girls to grow up without a mother just as much as the opposite?

  Stopping at the market she bought some dried currants and figs as a gift for another little girl she knew. Looking down at the dark purple, almost black dried fruits she knew that she had to take the risk. If Klara and Zsofia stayed with Anna the curse was certain to take them. If they grew up in a more loving, forgiving household, perhaps they stood a chance. Decision made, she hurried off, but the weight in her chest was a heavy thing.

  Nea had one more stop to make before she took care of Anna. Anna’s older brother Christopher had a daughter as well. She was
five and Nea always tried to peek in on her. She wasn’t as welcome in Christopher’s home, having been Anna’s best friend, but he did allow her to leave presents and such. The side trip took no less than an hour as she used magic to make little Gryzelda’s dolls dance for her and present her with the dried fruits, a special treat she didn’t get at home often. The little girl was adorable, precious even, and Nea hoped she could keep the curse from her and Anna’s daughters. Too soon she had to leave; there was much to be done before the night ended.

  She walked into her front door and called her granddaughter. She didn’t like the dark thoughts in her head, she didn’t want to sign the death sentence of another Bathory female, but she had no choice. Anna was like venom, in that she would seep in and ruin those little girls if Nea let her

  “Yes, Bunica?” Ruxandra appeared.

  “I need you to find Imre,” she said, talking about one of her nastier Strigoi, he hadn’t quite turned dark enough for her to kill him, but he enjoyed feeding off fear and didn’t care if he created the terror to feed from. She had made him ten years before and he had skirted a fine line the entire time. She had chosen him on a whim, enjoying his dark humor. She had come across him after delivering supplies to a local doctor. He had been dying from too much drink. Normally she would not have cared until the doctor told her he was a single father and had just recently sold everything he owned to pay for his daughter’s way to court and a better life.

  Ruxandra left and Nea set about putting Valora, the wet nurse, and babe into her coach, “Dismiss the wet nurse as soon as one of our kind can be procured and sent to the castle.” Nea instructed as she escorted Valora and the baby to their transportation.

  “Won’t she tell tales?”

  “Mihail is at home, he will take care of her memory. I will follow in a week or so. I know it’s not your job to take care of a baby and I appreciate the help. When I get there you can come back here or to the other house, whatever you want.” Nea smiled.