saint Sebastian the Rose

by Glover, Michael W.

  “Very well! The family tree of authors, teachers, and students is coming together nicely.”

  “It sounds like you may have found your story. Quick work!”

  “Well, my mother always said idle hands are the devil’s playground.”

  “I see your mother may have been much like mine. I think they are put on this earth merely to keep us on our toes. Always trying to steer us in our every action, whether we realize it or not.”

  “Yes, I believe you surmise correctly. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have much to get done,” Ridgeway said as he continued on to the Library. Father Donovan nodded politely and watched as their curious guest started another day.

  ***

  The twins woke late as usual. They made their way to the Grand Staircase Hall and started down the stairs, stopping in the middle to look out the window.

  “What do you think goes on in here at night?” Jessica asked.

  “What do you mean?” Her brother looked at her like it was a stupid question.

  “Father Lemoine said it was the most haunted room here. Do you really believe all the stories he tells about the castle?” Jessica asked excitedly. “I’ve never slept in a haunted castle before.”

  “I think they’re stories he tells to make it more interesting. And I believe he quite enjoys telling them as well, so that makes it more believable,” Jacob said.

  “Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”

  “But on the other hand …” Jacob added, and Jessica looked back at him.

  “These old places have had a lot of strange and traumatic events. I would guess they retain a little of these events, maybe just enough over time that there could be some significantly odd happenings,” Jacob said.

  “I wonder if our room has a history. I haven’t noticed anything, have you?”

  “No, but it would be kind of cool if we saw something,” Jacob said. “You know, our best chance of seeing anything would be in here.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I say we spend the night in here,” Jacob said.

  “Stay all night in here, after what Father Lemoine told us?”

  “Well, yeah. I think it would be just the thing to add a little excitement. It’s a grand opportunity.”

  “I’m not bored,” Jessica said.

  “Yet!” Jacob replied. “Come on. We can bring our sleeping bags and sack out in the corner. We’ll sneak down after Dad has gone to sleep. Don’t you want to be able to say that you slept in the most haunted room in the castle?”

  “All right … but you had better not plan to scare me!” Jessica warned.

  “Nah, I wouldn’t do that to you. Besides, nothing will probably happen.”

  ***

  That evening, after a day of more roaming around, the twins found themselves sitting with all of the old folks in the study, but for them it was like being in a zoo. The room’s walls were lined with mounts of various animals, and there was a fireplace and many comfortable chairs.

  Their father was enjoying some conversation with several of the monks they had come to know. All were enjoying tea. Even the twins seemed comfortable here.

  “Did you mount any of these?” their father asked.

  “We don’t ever hunt for trophies—just for the meat. Most of these are left over from previous tenants, as are most of the things in the monastery. You really should ask Father Lemoine for any of those details; he’s your expert,” Father Dagrun said.

  “Yes, I am not sure if you have had the pleasure of hearing Father Lemoine’s tales that your children have been enjoying,” Father Donovan said.

  “He is really good. He’s told us a lot about the castle,” the twins spoke simultaneously.

  Turning his attention to Father Lemoine, Ridgeway said, “Well, I must hear something from you with everyone raving about your stories.” He was looking around with his arms out. “I don’t feel like I am in a monastery but a private residence time has forgotten. Or maybe the monastery has forgotten time. Is that the right way to put it? There is a sense of time here that is misplaced somehow, but clearly it is not the present that I feel.”

  “You are somewhat right. There is a sense of time here, and I guess it really depends on what part of the castle you are in. There is a reason for that.” Father Lemoine had everyone’s undivided attention.

  “There is no record of the year when construction began or who began it. It is like the structure itself merely sprang from the earth. The closest date I can find is in the thirteenth century, and it only speaks of a tower. The reference is to a Lonely Tower or what we call the Grand Staircase Hall. Nobody knew who lived in it and nobody else went to it.

  “The history is hard to follow because written information is scarce. There is no mention of the Lonely Tower for some time except for a fire that gutted most of the structure, which has not been the only tragedy to strike the castle. There seems to be a history of reoccurring misfortune every so many years.” Father Lemoine hinted at the tone of his story.

  He got up from his chair and went to a desk, picking up a tome that seemed ancient by book standards. It was large, bigger than any encyclopedia the twins were familiar with. He came back over and sat the book on an ottoman in front of his chair in the midst of the group and ran his hand over the weathered leather binding, giving it a bit of a dusting. The parchment was quite old and had a distinct crackling sound. He came to the page he was looking for and turned it for all to see.

  “You see here some early sketches of what was supposedly the original building. This dates back to the fourteenth century going to the fire; there is no name of the artist, just a small number in the corner … assuming that is the year,” Father Lemoine pointed out.

  “From there we think some lord acquired the burnt tower and began some construction to renovate it; this is one of the many additions that came over time,” Father Lemoine continued.

  “But again this was not to last; at least the residents didn’t. The lord who lived there didn’t stay long, but there is no record of where he went. Once again the castle was vacant for an unspecified time.

  “The record again reflects the checkered history of the castle. The next reference of something important marks the second fire in the fifteenth century, which engulfed the entire castle, bringing a lot of the new construction down with it. There was not much that remained except for the original tower and some partial walls.

  “Then again, like before, someone took up the task of rebuilding. Out of the ashes a form came back to life. This time the building was to be much more elaborate than the previous design. The outside was not to be extraordinary because of the defenses that needed to be in place.” Father Lemoine turned to a new section in the journal.

  “From there you find the usual recordings of what goes on in the area. There were several attacks on the castle, which had been renamed the One Tower Fortress. Even though there were a couple of towers, the one that stood out was the original,” Father Lemoine said.

  “One major renovation that took place was the adding of a large moat around the castle. The construction was immense and took nearly five years to complete. The moat took so long because of how deep they went,” he explained.

  “Wait. There is no moat around the monastery. I’ve been all around the grounds and there is no sign of a moat,” Jessica said.

  “Don’t always believe what you see with your eyes,” Father Matthew added.

  “So what are you trying to say about the moat—there is one and we just can’t see it?” Jacob asked sarcastically.

  “Yes and no. There once was a moat, just as I said, and a grand one. The moat was said to be thirty feet deep and twenty feet wide with sides made completely of stone. Once the moat had been finished, it was filled only halfway with water so that no one could boat across. If one fell in they would only have sheer walls to try to grab onto and the water was well over their heads at fifteen feet. The book says that a few found their end in the deep water,” Father Lemoine said gr
avely.

  “So what happened to the moat? I think I missed that part.” Ridgeway asked.

  “You haven’t missed anything; that’s next. Much later on the moat was filled in but that wasn’t until about the eighteenth century, when the church acquired the land and figured the moat was not needed and too dangerous. That was a time of much turmoil in the area and is recorded in much detail by the residents of the time,” Father Lemoine said.

  Father Lemoine was flipping in the journal again, and everyone was patiently waiting when someone joined the gathering. They turned as Sebastian walked in and stood at the edge of the group.

  “Ah, I see our friend has decided to join the party,” Father Donovan said as he walked over to welcome Sebastian, putting his arm around him. “Our last introduction, I believe, for I do not believe you have been introduced, at least not properly.”

  Sebastian smiled a little; always gracious at how Father Donovan treated him. He made him feel special, and that reminded Sebastian of why he loved this man so.

  “I would like you to meet Sebastian. He is one of our wards. Sebastian, this is Mr. Thomas Ridgeway.” Father Donovan gestured toward Ridgeway as he rose and shook Sebastian’s hand.

  “And over here are his two lovely children, Jacob and Jessica.”

  Sebastian turned to face the twins sitting on the couch. When he turned, his face caught the light from the fireplace. Jessica was quite struck by his appearance. Jacob rose to his feet to meet Sebastian, pleased to note that he himself was the slightly taller of the two. There was some sizing up that took place as both nodded and shook hands. Even though Jacob was bigger than Sebastian, he was impressed by how strong his grip was and noted that his skin seemed cool to the touch.

  “You must have been outside; you should warm up next to the fire with us and listen to Father Lemoine recount the tale of the castle,” Jacob suggested.

  Next Sebastian turned to Jessica, who was staring right through him. She stood up to meet him, her eyes never leaving his. She stared at him, entranced. His eyes were dark, reflecting the flicker of the flames. The moment seemed to last forever and she was at a loss for words, drowning in his gaze.

  “Oh, they’ve met already,” Jacob said, smiling.

  “Jacob, I think I have had enough of you today, already.”

  “Sebastian, won’t you have a seat with us? I am sure my children would enjoy some company their age,” Ridgeway asked.

  “Rumor has it, Sebastian, you also work here with the monks; I hear you are quite accomplished,” Ridgeway continued.

  “I am constantly learning. I do what I can,” Sebastian replied.

  “Pah,” blurted Father Matthew. “Sebastian is as fine a historian and calligrapher as any we have. He’s too modest for his own good. Wouldn’t you agree, Father Donovan?”

  “I would say Sebastian could teach us all a thing or two when it comes to dedication to his work and learning. A fine student he is, and I must say as fine a teacher, as well,” Father Donovan said. “I think you will find that the best students also make fine teachers.”

  Sebastian smiled and nodded in appreciation for his dearest friend.

  “I can show you some work I have done recently if you’d like,” Sebastian offered.

  “How long have you lived here?” Jessica finally chimed in.

  “For most of my life. The most that I can remember, this has been my home,” Sebastian said.

  “Do you not have family nearby or anything?” Jacob asked.

  “Jacob, I think the questions are none of our business and are personal,” Ridgeway jumped in, knowing there would be more to the story.

  “It’s ok. It has been a long time. This is my family now. My family was killed when I was young,” Sebastian said, looking at Jacob.

  “You must have been very young,” Jessica said.

  “Yes, it was long ago but nearer in my mind than anything I know. Some things never leave you, no matter how much time passes.”

  “It was a tragedy for sure. Sebastian has come through it very well, but I am afraid it is still a painful subject. We have come to love Sebastian as one of our own and can only hope that we can come close to being the family he needs,” Father Donovan said, raising his glass. The rest in attendance raised their glasses respectfully. Sebastian got up after Father Donovan finished and everyone looked at him.

  “I think that I will go to bed now; it’s late.”

  “I will also have to leave. The morning comes early,” Father Matthew added.

  Everyone wished the two a good night as they made their way from the room.

  “I hope we did not upset Sebastian,” Ridgeway said to Father Donovan and then looked towards his children.

  “Well, the subject is never easy but I think you will find that Sebastian has a strong resiliency and forgives easily. The tragedy has been a life-forming event for him and is never easily shaken,” Father Donovan said.

  “He said that his family was killed. What happened to them?” Ridgeway asked hesitantly.

  “Sebastian’s family was on vacation—his mother and father and his brother with him—enjoying a holiday near here. They were camping, sitting around their fire, when a band of wanderers came upon them. The killers played with them, held Sebastian and his brother in front of their parents and asked how they should be killed. Their father tried to do what he could to set his family free but they killed him as he fought. His mother was stabbed repeatedly in front of them and dragged into the woods.”

  “That’s horrible! What happened to him and his brother?” Jessica asked.

  “They separated Sebastian from his brother and dragged each into the woods to be beaten. Sebastian could hear his brother’s cries. He fought with all his might and knocked his attacker off balance, inadvertently killing him when he landed on some rocks. Then Sebastian ran away from his attackers,” Father Donovan explained.

  “Did he escape from them? What happened to his brother?” Jacob asked.

  “Sebastian ran and hid from them but he was badly injured. He had been beaten and stabbed and had lost a lot of blood. He passed out in the woods. He was found by monks of our order who cared for him. His brother was never found, nor the bodies of his parents.”

  “Is that how he ended up in your care?” Ridgeway asked.

  “Sebastian was orphaned with no family left. The orphanages are all overloaded and the monks had come to be quite fond of Sebastian while caring for him, so it was natural they took him under their wing,” Father Donovan said.

  “I’m afraid he is a hard one to reach sometimes. He spends a lot of time alone and works extremely diligently; it gives him focus. But there are times that he is quite fun to be around and I love those times,” Father Donovan said with a smile.

  chapter ELEVEN

  FATHER MATTHEW CAUGHT UP with Sebastian as he reached his room. Sebastian stopped and turned to him.

  “Do you want to play chess or something?” Matthew asked, hoping to lighten the evening and have some fun. Sebastian smiled and put his hand on the shoulder of his friend.

  “You always try to make things right. I think that is why I like you so much,” Sebastian said genuinely.

  “We can sit and play and have some fun; you need that,” Father Matthew pleaded his case. “We haven’t had a good game in a while and I’m ready for another beating.”

  “I want to, but something else requires my time tonight.”

  “Requires. What’s going on?” Father Matthew asked curiously.

  “Something … I am not sure yet … maybe nothing,” Sebastian said.

  “Do you mind if I stay?”

  “Please, stay. Maybe I’ll take you up on that game when I return,” Sebastian said.

  Sebastian grabbed his pack and his jacket and left the room in a rush, disappearing into the dark as Father Matthew watched, hoping he could accompany Sebastian sometime to see what happened on his nights out.

  ***

  It was late when the Ridgeways made it ba
ck to their bedchambers after the night in the study. The twins were in their room listening closely for any activity from their father. Once they were sure he had fallen asleep, they gathered their things and walked carefully across the common room for the night of their adventure.

  “Do you know your way in the dark?” Jessica asked.

  Jacob turned on his flashlight under his face to make a scary shadow effect to answer his sister. Jessica hit Jacob on the arm, annoyed that he was already trying to scare her.

  “Trust me, I have things under control.”

  The twins made their way down the darkened hallway, with only the thin outlines of doors guiding the way. Jessica’s finger was hooked into a belt loop on Jacob’s jeans so she would not lose track of him in the dark.

  “Are we here?” Jessica asked.

  “Yes,” Jacob said with a wide smile that Jessica was just able to make out as her eyes adjusted to the dim light.

  Jessica’s eyes widened with anticipation as Jacob turned the handle on the door, and it made a slight creak as it opened. A sliver of light, which seemed like a spotlight, broke through the crack as the door opened. Both of their heads eased out to get their first glimpse of their destination.

  The room did not disappoint; it was much different than it appeared during the day. The dull light that came in from the large windows across from the stairs lay in the room like a haze.

  The twins moved out onto the large landing at the top of the stairs, now bathed in the soft glow. The room seemed alive compared to the rest of the castle, almost as if it were breathing. The moment lasted on and on until Jessica thought she saw something move across the stairs below them and let out a little muffled yelp.

  “Shhh!” Jacob sounded, turning to his sister. “It’s only the shadows from the trees moving outside.”

  The siblings quietly made their way down the steps, reaching the floor of the great room. They found themselves in a corner next to a large cabinet with a view of most of the room. The twins settled down and looked at each other with one thought: What are we doing here?

  Time passed, but it was impossible to tell how much. The twins were keenly aware of every sound, and there were many. The building was ancient, and it creaked and moaned with regularity. The trees from across the yard swayed in the night breeze, and the moonlight reflected off the snow covering the ground.