+JMJ+
Being
the 2nd day of the Frosterdays,
I
Zeno being sound in mind and body, I do take it upon myself to write
an honest account of what is about to take place this year of my
life. This day being the 2nd of the Frosterday. I
being not a month past my twentieth year, and in spite of my youth,
have taken it upon myself several times to care for my six younger
brothers and seven younger sisters. The purpose of this diary is to
show proof of future actions, which were done out of care for them.
Namely sister Cassandra. She being but fostered into the family so as
to maintain the boy, girl, boy, girl pattern. Sister Cassandra has
been in her sixteenth year since the time of the colored leaves and
has become quite a lovely young woman. Her red curls make her more
noticed as that is a rare color near the Glittering cities. My father
being King of the Islands and quite stern, would not think twice
about punishing me if I was guilty of murder. This diary will provide
the facts of why I might be guilty of so hideous a crime. My recent
enemy, Lord Bluebeard, a captain and counselor of my father's court,
has taken to looking with favor upon sister Cassandra. She is but a
child yet and needs much counsel and care. Lord Bluebeard can give
her neither. Of my recollection, and an acquaintance of him. he has
been married twelve times. Before that I know not how many wives he
had buried. The saying is that no bride of Bluebeard has lived beyond
a month. It would seem that they are cursed mightily. I will not let
that be the fate of dear sister Cassandra.
Being the 7th
day of the Frosterdays
I have been watching sister
Cassandra with great care these past five days. I have shared my
concerns with none but my dearest sister Anne. She is wise in advice
and counsel.
“Have a heart brother,
Zeno.” she assured me cheerily, “Surely no man of such years as
Lord Bluebeard would care to have a child like dear sister
Cassandra.” but I could not take heart. When a man has married
himself a bride more then twelve times in two years. Then he can
hardly be too particular. Besides sister Cassandra holds a great
exotic foreign beauty. She would be the only woman in all the nine
Glittering cities with Red Hair. Curls are quite rare too. But I also
posses them. Blond hair is only a little more common then red hair.
My father is a conqueror, he seized lordship of Nile city the
foremost of the glittering city. My Madra is a local princess. I hope
to be a better king one day then my father on account of his
flattering tongue. Sister Cassandra seems to share his favor. I fear
the attention of the deceitful lord has flattered her far more then
it should. Little brother Tarek does not understand such matters. He
has only voiced complaints to Madra about eating in style every night
to entertain him. little brother shows no pleasure in silly court
procedures. He will be a wise man one day. Brother Xander, who is the
closest to sister Cassandra in years suspects something. He shows
great anger that sister Anne and I share no confidence in him.
brother Yaron and sister Beatrice have no mind for such thoughts.
Sister Deborah also seems fare jealous. She pulled sister Cassandra's
hair and threw a vase at her. It shattered over the cushions. I am
shamed of both sisters. The triplets are
violent. But sister Cassandra's temper angers them. I fear there will
be much more trouble.
Being
the 17th day of Frosterdays
Many
things can take place in ten days. I fear that I have not watched
sister Cassandra as close as I might have. My business elsewhere is
pressing upon me. I must seek more recruits for my father, the King's
army. Dearest sister Anne confides that sister Cassandra is far too
reckless. I fear she is right. Madra has spoken, but sister Cassandra
is far too impetuous. She heeds not the wise words of our Madra. Dear
Madra wishes me to speak. She feels sister Cassandra has great
respect for me. I think not. When sister Cassandra takes hold of a
thought, she will let it go for nothing. My good friend Rupert said
she could use a well placed spank. I fear he is right. I must
approach sister Cassandra today. I leave for the boarder tomorrow.
“You
wish to speak to me, brother Zero?” sister Cassandra asked as she
danced to my side. I would not smile at her. This is quite hard as
her smile is like a light in the dark.
“Sister
Cassandra, why must you encourage Lord Bluebeard's attention?” I
asked her sadly. Her smile soured like cold gravy.
“Brother
Zeno, Madra told you to speak to me?” she accused angrily. I could
feel the heat rush to my face. She was right.
“Sister
Cassandra.” I choked, “Madra is wise. Listen to her. Lord
Bluebeard has married twelve times in two years alone. Have a care
sister, who knows what fate could be in store for you.”
“You
would care if I continued seeking his attention?” she asked
thoughtfully. I nodded.
“Yes,
sister.” I said. Perhaps Madra was right and she did listen to my
counsels. Her eyes flashed.
“I
would understand now, brother. You are just jealous that I would be
married before you, Anne, Yaron, Xander and Beatrice.” she spat and
ran off sobbing. Such thoughts had never entered my mind. But I
paused to think them over now. Was I jealous? I was the heir to a
king. A lord of the Glittering cites. A captain in the army, since my
sixteenth year. I was fair and generous to the people. Any number of
the court ladies would vie for my attention. I truly could have my
pick of any girl. I was just not interested in marriage at the
moment. Sister Cassandra was wrong. I was not jealous of her. I was
concerned. I cannot pretend to know the minds of Brothers Yaron and
Xander and sisters Anne and Beatrice, but I can guess somewhat.
Sister Beatrice is jealous to the point of sickness at Sister
Cassandra's fortunes. Not of Bluebeard's attention, but that
Cassandra might perhaps marry before her. Brothers Xander and Yaron
mostly could not care less. Sister Anne is difficult. I cannot tell
what is hidden deep in her heart. She keeps her own counsel.
Being
the 18th day of Frosterdays
Being
a 2nd captain in my father's army, I was required to go to
the boarder and take command of my regiment. Brothers Yaron and
Xander accompanied me. Brother Yaron is fair and wise. He is a good
and steady soldier for being only eighteen years. Brother Xander is
but sixteen still. But he has earned the right to call himself a
warrior. Father appears to think he shall be a natural warrior in
time. I fear that he may be right. But not in the way my father the
King thinks. I have every reason to believe that brother Xander will
get himself killed, doing the most foolish thing he can think of.
Being
the 20th day of Frosterdays
War
camp is hard. We are on the boarder over looking the divide. Enemy
ships blacken the water. Brother Xander has already expressed great
interest in being the sole posse to take on the ships. He would fight
this battle alone if I did not have the sense to let brother Yaron
advise him. They have been speaking these two hours. Battle master El
Tee is still listening patiently. Brother Xander dropped off to sleep
after the first two minutes. As long as he remains asleep I can drill
my men in proper procedure. Brother Yaron is wise, but to be honest
no one ever listens to him. My younger siblings the triplets call him
Captain Yawn. I can hardly blame them. I have taken to ignoring such
trivial comments. It would never do to discourage truth.
Being
the 3rd day of the Bleak Time
The
enemy has finally retreated back to their cursed land. We have no
ships, so we content ourselves by blasting the warheads after them.
Brother Xander
kept them firing much longer than was entirely needed. But in the
face of Victory I felt that he is entitled to indulge in his
happiness. I retreated to the command tent to fill out the paperwork.
Paperwork is so boring! I think it would be a most pleasurable idea
to hire someone to do the paperwork. But presently my flag bearer,
Rupert came into the command tent.
“Mail
arrived.” He said. He handed me a letter. I recognized the hand of
Sister Anne.
“Thank
you Rupert.” I said and waved him away. Once he was gone I slit the
letter open. I have enclosed a copy of the letter.
Dearest
brother Zeno,
Greetings
to you and our brothers, Yaron and Xander. I trust this letter finds
you and them in the kindness of health and that you are unsullied by
the War.
I
wish that I had kind news for you in these harsh times, but I bring
you an immediate concern of our family. Little Tarek, who has not
even reached his sixth year has vanished. Our Father, the king,
thinks little brother Tarek is a disobedient child. He also declares
that he will not recall any of the men to search for him. As the
seventh son, I fear our Father, the king, cares not about little
brother. I pray you Brothers Zeno, return swiftly to River City. I am
much afraid and seek your counsel. I fear little Tarek has run away
for good. Our dear Madra has not stopped weeping and little Greda
will not cease either.
With
all my Tenderest love, your dear sister,
Anne
You
can be certain that I was much beside myself. I would have rushed to
my Madra and sister's aide immediately, but I had a commitment to the
army. In view of our recent Victory, I have much hope that I will be
home before long. But I hesitate to share this havey news with my
brothers Yaron and Xander.
Being
the 4th day of Bleak times
Our
enemies have much deceived us. I fear a traitor is among us. Dear
friends of mine have been lost. Their blood spilled over the sands.
The enemy slipped around behind us, now we are trapped on the beach.
The enemy surrounds us on every side. I fear we may be ruined. Rupert
raised high our standard and charged unarmed at the enemy. His three
brothers followed close. They were killed, yet Rupert remained
unharmed. Xander mangled the enemy Flagship with a warhead. I shall
take note to honor both Xander and Rupert. But first we must defeat
these Barbarian Warriors.
Brother
Yaron counseled me to hold a Parley. My dear brother has a sound
advice. Rupert, El Lee and I took the white flag out. We met with the
Enemy Lords and discussed peace. I fear their demands are too steep.
They demand the hand of sister Anne for their prince and half the
kingdom. I told him our King will never agree to such harsh demands.
Now brother Xander is angry. He says that we should have made demands
too.
“You
make it sound like we are the ones surrendering!” He yelled. I made
no response. We were the ones surrendering.
Being
the 5th day of the Bleak times
Xander
has been confined to Barracks. He secretly parlayed With the Enemy
and told him that we would destroy them unless they gave into our
demands. He demanded all of the enemy Kingdom and the hand of their
princess for me. I was not happy with him. What would I do with a
princess? I was still pondering this, when I received another letter
from Sister Anne.
Dearest
Brother Zeno,
Greetings,
I trust this letter finds you in good health.
Oh
Dear Zeno, you must come soon. Little Greda has run away now. Our
father, the King, has called her a selfish impudent child, but does
not seem to have much concern. Oh dearest brother, I feel as if only
you can save them. I trust no one else to such a task.
In
haste your loving sister,
Anne
I
would give much to hasten home and relieve my frantic mother and
sister. I supposed little Greda to have more sense than to run away.
There was must be a deeper reason. Oh if only I were free to return
home.
Being
the 12th day of Bleak times
For
the last week my poor regiment has had no peace. The enemy oppressed
us mightily. Many of my soldiers have been taken prisoner or killed.
I have requested aide from the Glittering Cities, but received no
reply. I have much reason to fear that my father, the King, will not
grant me aide.
Today
brother Yaron lost his temper and called our Battle of adviser a
tarnal fool. I have been meaning to say that for some time now, but I
still rebuked my brother. It does not pay to insult the battle
adviser. The adviser was really angry, he told my brother to advise
the army himself. Of course I would never say this to the adviser but
brother Yaron has more advice of sense than he did. With my brother's
well-thought-out plans. We tricked the enemy into our camp. While
they were destroying it, we circled around and attacked them from the
rear. In the confusion many of them fled into the sea. We took more
prisoners and slew the rest. I cannot imagine the enemy will try
surrounding us on shore again. I believe this war is really truly
over.
Being
the 13th day of the Bleak Time
I
receive many letters from home Madra and Anne pleaded for help in
searching for our little lost Tarek and Greda. Anne also made mention
that Captain Bluebeard has grown much more serious towards our sister
Cassandra and that our father, the king, encouraged them. Sister
Beatrice complained about the lack of eligible men. She wanted me to
hurry up and complete the war so the men would return to the
Glittering Cities. Sister Cassandra wrote a silly gushing letter
about the many qualities of Captain Bluebeard. To heap insult on
injury, she offered to find me a pretty bride so I would not be
jealous of her. Sisters Beatrice and Cassandra really upset me. Here
I was shedding my blood for my people and they write foolish little
self centered letters. I have shed my blood too. I have a bad wound
on my left leg, just above the knee. It makes it most difficult to
walk. I have another wound on my right cheek, where I was grazed with
flying shrapnel from a war hammer.
I
was still seething from the last two letters, when I opened the
letter from the triplets. Waylan, Deborah and Varek are quite
naughty. Their letter was an amusing one full of pranks, silliness
and general cheerfulness. Nothing shallow. By the time I finished, my
temper had cooled and I was smiling. Easter sent me a letter. She is
worried about her twin sister Fiona. Fiona is our true sister, but
our father, the King, cast her out of the family because he wished to
maintain the boy, girl, boy, girl pattern. He could not adopt a boy
that could fall in place directly between the twins as he had done
with Cassandra. The only time Madra has directly disobeyed her
husband, the king, is when she hid Fiona at court instead of sending
her away.
The
last letter I received was from brother Uli. He confessed a terrible
crime. He said that Tarek and he had found a mirror and played with
it. The mirror had shattered and piece had struck Tarek in the eye.
The little boy had claimed to be unhurt, but he started acting
strangely. Only one day after that, he had run away. I was shocked
and horrified. What enchantments had laid upon that mirror? The
letter did not end there, but went on to explain that he had confided
in Greda and she had run away to find Tarek. Poor sweet loyal little
Greda. I must find her and Tarek
Being
the 14th
Day of the Bleak Time
I
left the camp under the direction of brother Yaron and the battle
master's joint command. I planned on returning as soon as was
possible. The return journey was painful. My leg ached. It was
starting to swell in the intolerable heat. I heard in the far North
it snows at this time of the year. I could use some snow to cool my
leg. I made a mental note to visit the doctor.
Being
the 16th
Day of the Bleak Time
I
arrived home and had my wounds treated properly, but my relief was
short lived. I had just stepped out of the infirmary, when sister
Cassandra approached and started bragging about the attendance of
Lord Bluebeard.
“He
has asked me to honor him by becoming his bride!” she sighed. My
temper snapped.
“Sister,
he is old enough to be thy father!” I cried, “Besides he is not
good!” Cassandra burst into loud sobs then ran off screaming. I
wish I was back in the war camp. I hope father has the intelligence
to realize the Captain should not marry Cassandra. She needs a real
man like the soldiers in the army camp. Someone who could smooth out
her spoiled nature.
Being
the 18th
Day of the Bleak Time
Captain
Bluebeard has officially asked for Cassandra's hand in marriage. Our
father, the king, has said yes and the engagement feast is planned
for tomorrow night, where it will be officially announced. My heart
is heavy. Sister Anne is worried, because she knows the Captain is
selfish and cruel. Beatrice is angry because she is jealous. The
triplets could not care less. Easter thinks the captain is too ugly
to be romantic. Uli thinks marriage in general is disgusting. I fear
this marriage will cause Cassandra to drift away from the family
circle forever. Captain Bluebeard already hates me and will not think
twice to turn my sister against me. I fear he may have already done
as much. Fiona of course has nothing to say as usual.
Being
the 19th
Day of the Bleak Time
Every
bite of food was bitter in my mouth. The only ones who seemed happy
about the engagement were father and Bluebeard's friends. The common
folk hate us all, so I fear they could care less. I shall return to
war camp soon. But I swear if Bluebeard ever harms so much as one
hair of my sister's head, I will kill him.
Being
the 21st
Day of the Bleak Time
I
am back in the camp. Things are slow. The enemy sits in their ships
and waits. Brother Xander wishes to do battle before they get
reinforcements. I think his idea is wise, but brother Yaron counsels
us to wait. I have much reason to assume he has a secret plan. I wish
he would see fit to confide in me.
Being
the 24th
Day of the Bleak Time
Today
would have been Little Tarek's sixth birthday. Wherever he is, I pray
he has a most pleasant day with many happy wishes.
This
day was marked in my mind. I led the army into the water. This is the
first time occupants of the glittering city entered the water.
Brother Yaron had sent for a load of trees. We set them afloat in the
dead of night and clung to them while we floated to the ships. The
enemy had not expected us, as we had never shown the inclination to
go in the water before. We really need to get our own ships. We burnt
all the ships but one and executed all the prisoners except ten.
These ten we chained aboard the ship. Tomorrow Brothers Yaron,
Xander, the rest of the captains and I will sail around the island to
the Glittering Cities. That ought to make an impression on my father,
the King.
Being
the 25th
Day of the Bleak Time
I
despise sailing. I spent all day kneeling by the rail heaving my
insides overboard. To be fair, so did all the others, except Xander.
He single handedly kept the prisoners sailing the ship towards River
City. We were met by armed men at the wharf. They looked shocked,
when we disembarked instead of the enemy. I swear that I shall never
set foot on a ship as long as I live and breathe.
Being
the 1st
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
It
is quite lovely to be home again with the whole family. No mention
has been made of dear little Greda or Tarek. I have this odd feeling
that people are afraid to talk about them. What really happened? Is
brother Uli's story true. Although he admitted writing the story of
the mirror to me, he refuses to talk about it. Has something else
happened? Am I not to know the truth? Surely even brothers Yaron and
Xander, who knew not the particulars said naught. I would think they
would at least comment upon the fact that their youngest siblings
were missing. I fear brother Xander was not even aware that they were
gone. He does pay much attention to small details. Brother Yaron
certainly asked discretely, but I have not heard what that reply
would be.
More
news on Captain Bluebeard. He has taken to giving veiled insults
behind his flattery. Only our father, the king, and sister Cassandra
like him, so his insults were returned with far less veiling. I fear
once he takes my sister's hand a war will start. Brother Xander does
not think twice about calling him fat, big and ugly. He is very
indiscreet.
Being
the 15th
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
The
marriage of Captain Bluebeard and my sister Cassandra has begun. Now
is the time for the seven night feasts. Sister Beatrice has been
sullen and moody. She made little biting remarks about sister
Cassandra and her life before our father, the king, adopted her.
Sister Anne, brother Yaron and I took care that her remarks would
remain unnoticed. It would not do for sister Cassandra to throw a
tantrum at her wedding feast.
Being
the 16th
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
We
feasted again. I had the dubious luck to be seated by the other lords
of the other Glittering Cities. I know my father, the king, is not
well liked, but I am surprised that he has survived this long with
such opposition. People hate him. It is not a pleasant thought to
think that once I take my birthright I will be just as hated.
Being
the 17th
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
I
really am getting so tired of feasting and this is only the third
night. I am thinking that perhaps Sister Cassandra is in need of a
good spanking. I have this wicked desire to distribute it to her.
Being
the 18th
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
My
father, the King, is throwing a fit. Brother Varek saw fit to put a
live peacock on the table. The bird never hinted that it was
breathing until Captain Bluebeard attempted to sever the head. The
bird flew up into the air sending food and dishes flying in many
directions. Offended guests competed in volume with one another, to
see who could display their anger the best. My father, the King,
chased Varek throughout the palace with the platter, that the peacock
had reposed on. Sister Deborah and Brother Waylan howled with
laughter in a very naughty fashion. Brother Xander said it was a nice
change. Madra cried and Sister Cassandra threatened to murder the
culprit. I made certain I looked quite distressed. But I was secretly
quite pleased with the episode.
Being
the 19th
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
I
had to play Throne Winners with Captain Bluebeard. It is a game of
tack, deceit and luck. The winner gets the throne. I like to think of
myself as an honest man. My father, the King, was furious that I lost
the game. The whispers of the people are that I will never be king
now. But I will never let Bluebeard be king either. He would destroy
the entire Third World. Not to mention the game taught me that he is
terribly deceitful. What the Glittering Cities need is a king who
will unite all of the Third World under one banner of peace. Of
course the winner of the game Throne Winners does not really get the
throne. It is just a game.
Being
the 20th
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
It
is considered ill-luck to not feast seven nights before a royal
wedding, but if I stuff myself to bursting one more night, I am going
to be sick. Brother Xander threatened to drown Bluebeard and sister
Cassandra in rich pastry soup if it was served to him again. I fear
that I shall stand aside and do nothing. I am also beginning to think
this diary will be testimony of the deeds leading to sister
Cassandra's murder instead Bluebeard's murder. Perhaps she is well
suited to Bluebeard after all. Not a day has passed that she has not
whined that we are all jealous of her. How are we jealous of her? Not
even Sister Beatrice would marry Captain Bluebeard. Perhaps Sister
Cassandra has low taste because she is only adopted.
Being
the 21st
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
The
last night of feasting. I had to drink Bluebeard's toast and offer
him land. I have a plot of farm land on the southern shore. As the
eldest brother, I had to give it to Bluebeard as part of sister
Cassandra's dowry. I am furious. But I did my duty and no one would
have realized that I hate Bluebeard's guts with great intensity. My
speech was very flowery. But every word was underlined with hatred
and fury.
Being
the 22nd
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
Sister
Cassandra wedded Captain Bluebeard on this 22nd
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow. Rupert, Yaron and I accompanied
the groom. Sisters Anne and Beatrice accompanied the Bride. I refuse
to say anything else on the subject except that Sister Deborah put a
mud patty on the bride's cushion. Sister Cassandra did not notice,
but the rest of us took great satisfaction in the ugly brown stain.
Captain Bluebeard saw it and turned his terrible eyes on me. I
ignored him. He knows I hate him. I believe he would take more
satisfaction then necessary to squeak my throat.
Being
the 23rd
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
Sister
Cassandra is gone and tempers are flaring. Sister Deborah sassed one
of the advisers and our father, the king, slapped her. Sister Deborah
threatened to run away. I was called to smooth things over. But then
everyone was arguing except me. Then my father, the king, got angry
and started insulting my methods of fighting and leadership. Which
had nothing to do with the present conversation. I had been injured
in his service. I had never been so furious before. But I will not
argue with him.
Being
the 24th
Day of the Time of the Melting Snow
I
am returning to war camp for a little peace and quiet.
Being
the 2nd
Day of the Rainy Season
Ah
war camp where everything is peaceful and quiet. I could live here
forever, even with all the fighting. Madra sent me a letter saying
sister Anne has gone to stay with sister Cassandra and her husband,
the wretched Captain Bluebeard. She asked me to stop and see how they
were faring when I was not quite so busy. I have no wish to visit,
the Castle of Bluebeard, but I think I will do as Madra
wishes and go see how they fare. I do not look forward to this trip
in the least.
Being the 3rd Day of the
Rainy Season
I received a long epistle, sent by dear
Sister Anne. She called Captain Bluebeard's castle, the lodging of
evil and cemetery of darkness. The servants apparently look like
villainous thugs and the road to the castle is paved in blood stains
and death. Captain Bluebeard's palace sound loathsome. I shall leave
for the castle tomorrow. I cannot bare the thought of my sisters
living in such a pit of horror.
Being the 6th Day of the
Rainy Season
I have never been so horrified in my
life. The village under Captain Bluebeard's castle is dark and
gloomy. Peasants in rags and covered in bloody scars stared at me
silently as I rode past. They might not know who I was, but they
still glowered. This people had the look of those that would be glad
to murder their overlords. I hurried out of the dark village praying
that I would never have to return there. Sister Anne wrote the truth.
The bricks on the road leading from the village to the castle were
covered with brownish red stains. I shuddered. About a kilometer from
the castle the ground fell away around the road. Cages hung on stout
poles along the cliffs. Cages with skeletons in them. I grimaced.
Black crows were pecking at bits of flapping cloth. Wild dogs gnawed
on anything fleshy that stuck out from the bars. My stomach twisted
painfully. This was gruesomer then war camp.
As I approached the ugly iron gate of
the bleak threatening castle, I saw a figure swathed in red blocking
my path. It was a woman. She was wearing baggy red silk pantaloons,
and many veils. She was not from the Glittering Island. Only the
poorest peasant women still wore pantaloons there. The silk cloth
obviously did not belong to a poor girl. The woman was alone,
standing in the rain. Her eyes stared at me forlornly over her face
veil. I dismounted and bowed. Why was a woman alone outside Captain
Bluebeard's castle. I wondered if she was a lady in waiting or
something of similar nature.
“No one answers my call!” the woman
said stiffly as I approached her and the threatening gate. I stared
at the smooth iron. No guards, no knockers, no nothing. I drew my
scimitar and pounded the hilt against the door.
“Sister Anne?” I shouted, “Sister
Cassandra?” I glanced at my companion. She was not looking at me.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, as I kept knocking.
“I have not heard from my sister in a
year.” she said stiffly, “I came to discover her fate. She is
Lord Bluebeard's lady.” I choked. She stared at me.
“Impossible!” I squeaked, “My
sister-” the gates swung up and a big sullen dark haired man glared
at me. I shuddered.
“What do you want?” he demanded.
“I am Zeno!” I said.
“Who cares?” the man snarled and
spit in my face. The girl gasped. I felt my face growing hot with
anger. I slapped the man's hand with the flat of my blade.
“Hands down dog!” I cried, seething
in anger, “Take me to the captain or I will run you through!” no
one spit in my face in front of a woman.
“Oh you are that Zeno.” the
man said sullenly as he moved away from me, “Who is the other one?”
he jerked a dirty thumb at the girl.
“I am Mistress Giselle of Sandstorm
Lodge!” the girl cried, “My business is with-”
“I care not!” the guard shouted,
“Be off both of you!” the man knew who I was, yet he was still
throwing me out. I tightened my grip on my scimitar and pushed my
damp hair out of my face.
“Brother Zeno?” sister Anne's
familiar voice cried, “Come inside before you drown!” I gallantly
took Mistress Giselle's arm and escorted her triumphantly past the
guard. The guard glared at us. He should be expelled from the court.
Sister Anne did not know who Mistress
Giselle was, but she tried to make her welcome. The poor lady was
looking for her sister Alia, who she claimed was Captain Bluebeard's
wife. It was a terrible shock for her to discover that her sister has
been long dead and my sister Cassandra is now the wife of Bluebeard.
Poor Mistress Giselle. Sister Cassandra was not very welcoming to
either of us. Perhaps she is ashamed of the castle and the gruesome
road. I know I would have been.
Being the 13th Day of the
Rainy Season
It has been a full seven days since I
last picked up my pen. Captain Bluebeard is not often at the castle.
Sister Cassandra spends her time bossing around the sullen servants.
I have the uncomfortable feeling that she does not want me to be at
the castle at all. The castle is strange. It is dark and gloomy.
Twisting narrow maze like passages filled it. They seem to change all
the time. Evil looking statues and suits of armor fill the rooms. One
could almost think that they were real and ready to slit once's
throat. I think sister Cassandra should spend less time bossing and
more time redecorating. My curiosity has been aroused. I have seen
every inch of the castle but one room that is kept locked. Sister
Anne told me that it is Captain Bluebeard's secret chamber. I wonder
what horror he keeps in there.
Being the 18th Day of the
Rainy Season
I was seated at dinner with my two
sisters, Mistress Giselle and Captain Bluebeard, when a servant
brought in two letters. One for Captain Bluebeard and one for me. It
was a summons. The enemy had returned. They were ravaging the
villages along the divide. I am surprised, my father, the king, who
usually cares nothing fro the discomfort of the common folk has
ordered us to relieve them.
“We could leave tonight.” I said
quickly, “We could reach the camp by early morning.” Captain
Bluebeard took a large ring of keys off his belt and handed it to
sister Cassandra.
“Dearest.” he said in an oily
voice, “I leave the castle in your tender care.”
“Oh my lord, must you go to battle?”
Sister Cassandra gushed. I ate some more chicken. I saw no sense in
getting choked up about the possibility of getting killed.
“The cruel king has decreed it!”
Captain Bluebeard said smartly, as if three of the “cruel” king's
children were not sitting with him. I stopped eating and frowned at
him. He took a small key out of his pocket.
“This key opens my secret chamber.”
he said, “I leave the key with you, but you must swear by the bones
of your ancestors that you will not enter.”
“I swear!” sister Cassandra said
solemnly.
I wiped my face, tossed aside my
napkin and stood up. The others all turned to look at me. I hitched
up my belt.
“Well I am off to pack.” I said
cheerfully. If I staid I feared that I might strike the wretched
Captain.
“Zeno, brother.” Sister Cassandra
wailed, “How can you smile? My beloved may die.” I will not
regret that! I thought disrespectfully.
“Sister Cassandra.” Sister Anne
said reproachfully, “Brother Zeno is going too.”
“But my beloved may die.” Sister
Casandra wailed again, “Do you think a brother is more important
then my beloved?” Captain Bluebeard flashed his white teeth at me.
I was stung. Not just by Cassandra's silly selfishness, but
Bluebeard's cruel triumphant smile. Mistress Giselle, who sat at
Sister Anne's side frowned at my red haired sister.
“Why should she be worried about you,
Lord Zeno?” she said quietly, “She knows you are such a estimable
warrior that you could not possible get hurt.” I smiled at her
gratefully, but I still felt angry at my sister and brother-in-law.
Being the 23rd Day of the
Rainy Season
For the first time in my twenty years I
want to leave war camp for good. There was plenty of fighting. We
were winning. We even captured a lot of marauders. But Captain
Bluebeard usurped my authority, spread discord through the soldiers
and forced me to punish Rupert. I never had to punish one of my men
before. I may have been young for a leader, but I had earned their
obedience and respect. Now Bluebeard's barbed comments, veiled
sarcasm and patronizing words were rubbing off onto my men. The men I
had fought and bled beside. To make matters worse, it was it was
Captain Bluebeard's plans that were helping us win. He was making me
out to be incompetent and him a hero. I admit to the whole world that
I despise the wretch!
Being the 25th Day of the
Rainy Season
We had a meeting with the enemy
leaders. Once more they demanded a princess and half the kingdom.
Before I could say no, Bluebeard started arranging a marriage between
Sister Anne and one of the enemy princes.
“What?” was the only thing that
came out of my mouth. Rupert whacked Captain Bluebeard over the head
with the standard. Then Brother Xander kicked the captain. A fight
broke out between Bluebeard's friends and the rest of my soldiers.
“Never mind.” the enemy leader
said, “We do not need to parley. You lot will kill yourselves.”
Feeling humiliated, I hastily waded into the fray and wrenched Xander
and Captain Bluebeard apart.
“You two are both confined to
quarters!” I snarled, “Rupert, El Lee and myself will finish this
conversation. The rest of you return to the camp! My brother Yaron
has control of everything while I am here.” Captain Bluebeard
showed me a hateful look. But he left. Once he was gone. I discussed
peace in plain words. I suggested a royal wedding. I agreed to marry
the princess of their choice in exchange for three ships. My father,
the king, would give them thirty cattle of his choice. Once the plans
were concluded in writing, I felt a little pang of regret. It would
have been nice to marry someone I actually loved. Not someone I met
for the first time at a wedding feast.
Being the 26th Day of the
Rainy Season
Captain Bluebeard is gone along with
thirty of the men. His special cronies. I will have a bad report for
Father. Captain Bluebeard's behavior is treacherous.
Being the 27th Day of the
Rainy Season
The enemy have selected the Princess
Giselladona to be my bride. Three sturdy ships called the Sea
Snake, the Crown Destroyer and the Minotaur have
been selected as her gift. We now only wait for my father, the king
to send the cattle. I wonder what Princess Griselladona looks like? I
have no doubt that I will hate her.
Being the 28th Day of the
Rainy Season
Brothers Yaron, Xander and myself have
each received letters from sisters Anne and Cassandra, they bid us
come in haste as sister Cassandra is in terrible danger. She entered
Bluebeard chamber and now fears her life is in danger. Surely
Bluebeard would not kill her. Would he? I cannot help remember those
terrible cages along the road. I have no doubt he would kill her.
Being the 29th Day of the
Rainy Season
The three of us have been galloping
through the night. I would have gone on with no rest in spite of my
weary bones, but I had to have consideration for my two brothers and
the horses. We took two brief rests in the night.
Being the 30th Day of the
Rainy Season
Dawn was just beginning to unfold when
we galloped up the gruesome road to Bluebeard's castle. Sister Anne
stood at the tower and waved frantically to us.
“Sister Cassandra, they are here.”
she was yelling. I was off my horse before it had even come to a
halt. My two brothers were right behind me. But when I tried to open
the gate, we were dismayed to discover that it was locked. I pounded
on the gate.
“Bluebeard, you coward, let us in!”
I yelled. He deserved to respectful title. Sister Anne disappeared
from the wall. Brothers Yaron and Xander hurled themselves against
the gate, but it would not budge. I drew my sword. “Bluebeard!” I
thundered, “I have the power to arrest you for deserting.” of
course this was a threat I never planned on carrying out for the
scandal it would cause my sister.
Suddenly the door opened. It was
Mistress Giselle. In one hand she clenched a large black iron
candlestick. The thuggish gatekeeper was lying in the mud
unconscious.
“Quick sir.” Giselle cried, “I
believe my sister's murderer is about to kill your sister!” not
stopping to ponder the young lady's words, I dashed towards the
palace.
“May the Heavens bless you, lady.”
Brother Yaron said as he rushed after me. We burst into the palace
and found Sister Anne trapped in the arms of one of Bluebeard's
thugs. Sister Cassandra knelt on the floor clutching the small
chamber key. It had turned red. Bluebeard had her red curls grasped
in his hand and a knife at her throat.
“Drop your knife, foul traitor!” I
shouted. Sister Cassandra cried out, and a drop of blood appeared on
her throat. I froze.
“Well, well Lord Zeno!” Bluebeard
hissed, “For all your nosing and prying it was your foolish sister
who discovered my secret.” Sister Cassandra cried out again.
“Oh brothers.” sister Anne
screamed, “He has got a closet full of-” her captor struck her.
Anger washed over me and I tightened my grip on my scimitar.
“You cowardly-” I got no further, I
heard several voices screaming at me to look out. Then something
stuck me in the head. The last thing I remember was the clatter of my
scimitar as it struck the floor.
I awoke to find myself in a place I
first mistook for Hell. The floor and walls of the narrow room were
splattered with dry blood. Skeleton bodies of dead women hung by
their hair or arms from the wall. Axes hung from beams. Bloody knifes
littered the floor. I counted twelve dead bodies. Then my senses
cleared and I realized that I was very much alive. Mistress Giselle
knelt at my side.
“Do not kill him.” she was
screaming, “I will be your fourteenth wife if you do not kill him!”
I closed my eyes to thin slits and feigned unconsciousness. Then I
noticed Bluebeard. He still had sister Cassandra by the hair. He was
going to kill my sister and hang her up with the other dead wives.
For that is what the dead bodies could only be.
“Oh it is for to late for that, my
little Giselle.” Bluebeard sneered, “I asked you once before and
you stuck up your nose. Your sister was murdered because you refused
me.” Bluebeard laughed uproariously, “Besides I will take great
pleasure in killing this man. Is he your lover that you would be
willing to marry the man who murdered twelve wives and one of them
your own sister for him?”
“he is nothing of the sort!”
Giselle spat, “But he is a more honorable man then you!”
Bluebeard struck her. I had to brace myself so that I would not to
reach for his throat.
“Mercy lord.” sister Cassandra
whispered, “I disobeyed you so kill me, but spare my brother.”
Bluebeard laughed again.
“But my little wife, you do not seem
to realize that you all must die since you know my little secret.”
“You monster!” I heard brother
Xander yell from behind me, “You sick monster!”
“Then kill us quickly!” brother
Yaron said calmly. I wandered what his plan was.
“Not until Zeno wakes!” Bluebeard
spat, “I will kill the three ladies in front of him. That will hurt
is pride the most.” I felt sick all over. Bluebeard would no doubt
torture them well, because he knew I believed in chivalry.
“Oh brother Zeno, I pray that blow
killed you.” Anne whispered softly. She knew me well too.
Slowly I inched my hand towards
Giselle. Her eyes widened briefly, then she fixed her eyes on
Bluebeard and arranged herself so she was blocking Bluebeard's view
of my hand, the same time she kicked one knives in my direction.
Bluebeard barely glanced at the clattering blade. Giselle began to
sob loudly.
“Oh if only I had said yes. Alia
would still be alive.” my hand closed over the knife.
“Zeno has slept long enough, someone
wake him up!” Bluebeard growled. I bucket of questionably clean
water cascaded over my head. I sat up spluttering and hurled the
knife. It shot over sister Cassandra's head and into Bluebeard's
heart. He gasped. I leaped to my feet, pushed sister Cassandra aside
and hurled myself in to the murderer. We hit the floor, then two
knives stabbed Bluebeard. My brothers had taken advantage of the
distraction to throw their hidden daggers at our enemy. I sat up
rubbing my aching head. Sister Anne had her arms around the fainting
Cassandra. Brothers Xander and Yaron were writhing with their
captors. I stole Bluebeard's scimitar and approached them.
“The fight is over.” I said coldly.
My brothers were released and the guards backed away.
Being the 1st Day of the
Blossom Time
Flowers are beginning to bloom on the
miserable scraggly black trees. How is it possible for any beauty to
appear near so horrible a place. Everything still seems so bleak.
Brother Yaron took Bluebeard's servants and friends to the village
prison. They will remain there until someone comes to take them away
to River City. They have to face heavy charges. Mistress Giselle,
brother Xander and I put together makeshift coffins for the remains
of Bluebeard's wives. Poor Cassandra sits all pale and broken. The
spark has gone out of her and she droops dejectedly. I pity her.
Mistress Giselle's sister Alia was Bluebeard's twelfth wife. He had
not told her family that the poor woman was dead.
“The monster asked me first.”
Giselle admitted, “My dearest Alia would be alive today if I had
said yes.”
“How can you regret your decision?”
brother Xander protested, “That man would have murdered you!”
“But Alia would be alive.” Giselle
whispered, “I am doomed to never find a good man. But what do I
care? They are all criminal anyway.”
“Yaron could marry you.” brother
Xander suggested, “He is a very good man.” I did not like what he
was saying and told him to be quiet. Giselle smiled.
“Yaron is such a boy.” she said
with a laugh. I am certain why I felt so relieved.
“Oh good!” brother Xander said,
“That means you would not have me either.” he flashed a grin.
“Now that this conversation is ended,
lets dig holes-” I got no further.
“Would you marry Zeno?” brother
Xander interrupted. I felt my face burning. If only the ground would
remove me from their sight. Giselle twisted her veil.
“I believe I could have been happy
with your brother.” she said softly and avoiding my gaze. My heart
lurched wildly, could it be possible? “But I cannot be.” Giselle
continued. I remained perfectly still. “Your brother is an heroic
man. If I were to marry him I would live in misery. I have been
promised to another. I am weak and cowardly. But now I will go back
and act like a true lady. I came here for more reasons then to find
my sister. Your brother taught me that it is the small things that
make real heroes.”
“Oh.” brother Xander said flatly.
“If he were to treat you as Bluebeard
did to Alia, Cassandra and the others I will kill him for you.” I
offered stiffly. I wanted to kill him, whoever he was anyway. Giselle
laughed bitterly.
“He would be to proud to treat me
ill.” she said, “But I hate him.” She got up and walked stiffly
back to the castle. I snatched up a pickax and attacked the ground
with vengeance. My heart cursed the pompous man who claimed Giselle.
Then I laughed wildly. I had forgotten my own engagement. I could not
have married her anyway.
“Zeno?” brother Xander cried, “Are
you ill.”
“No.” I said bitterly, “But I am
also engaged to someone I do not care for. Ironic, if you ask me.”
“You ought not to have done that.”
brother Xander said soberly, “You of all people deserve a happy
life.”
“For the kingdom I had too.” I said
angrily. For the first time in my life, I felt overwhelmed by the
unfairness of everything. I had spent twenty years serving my country
and king. Never once had I asked for something for myself. Now that I
finally wanted something, I could not have it.
Being the 2nd Day of the
Blossom Time
Giselle is gone. We did not realize she
was gone until midday. Cassandra admitted that she left in the night.
It took me great control not to shake her. I will write no more on
the subject. We laid the bodies out in their coffins. Sister Anne
covered them in what fine cloth she could find. Then we buried the
coffins. Tomorrow we leave this place of horror. Yaron would be home
by now with our sad story.
Being the 2nd Day of the
Planting Season
I have not written in a full month.
There has been much going on between Glittering Cities and the
Dividers of Kildimere. I am to be married on the first day of the
Green Season. A day less then a month. I have put aside all thoughts
of Giselle and thrown myself whole heartedly into court duty. I am
determined to learn how to sail a ship. Even with a royal wedding to
seal the truce, I do not trust the Dividers to sail our ships for us.
With every sail I take my stomach becomes more accustomed to the
terrible pitching and rolling. But I would still prefer to seat
myself upon a horse.
Sister Cassandra never smiles. She has
grown thin and pale. She barely eats and hardly sleeps. Not even our
father, the king, could scold her into coming to her senses. He has
washed hands of her. I told Rupert that Sister Anne and Madra both
thought she would get better if she staid in the country near the
Divide, but away from Kildimere.
“Maybe she could do some work to
occupy her mind, and push away her dark memories.” I added. I did
not care how noble a person's blood was. They were never above common
work in my opinion. Rupert listened silently then nodded.
“But she cannot go alone.” he said.
“Of course not.” I said
impatiently, “In her current condition she will certainly walk into
the divide and never come back!”
“Give me your sister as my wife.”
Rupert argued, “I knew her since she came here and even before. I
can give her the care she needs.”
“But you don't deserve her.” I
gasped in horror, “You cannot tie yourself to a mad woman.”
“I can and I will.” Rupert
objected.
“I have no objection.” I said
slowly. Actually I did. Cassandra had proved herself weak and
foolish. Rupert was better then her.
Being the 3rd Day of the
Planting Season
Father and Madra had no objection to
Rupert marry Cassandra and removing her from court. They will be
married quietly in a fortnight. Beatrice is very bitter. Cassandra
will have been married twice before her. But even she has voiced no
objection. I think my family is ashamed of Cassandra and want her
gone. I believe our father, the king, has even placed her below
Fiona. But he still does not seem to notice that Fiona is still at
court.
Being the 17th Day of the
Planting Season
Cassie married Rupert and now they are
gone. Rupert was honorably discharged from the army. I gave him a cow
and some chickens. Cassandra made no objection to anything, but she
would not eat during the wedding feast. We did not hold a seven night
feast. I am glad. That would mean two seven night wedding feasts this
month. I could not have stood it. Especially since one is my own.
Being the 23rd Day of the
Planting Season
Tomorrow starts the seven night feast
for my own wedding. My father, the king, bade me ride down to the
Divide and see if it would be fit to invite Cassandra and Rupert. I
intend to invite then whether they are fit to come or not. I was
eager to go, as I did not want to be there to greet Princess
Giselladona. I would wait to see her when we started feasting.
Cassandra, her wild curls blowing
free, was kneeling barefoot in a garden pulling weeds. Her face was
browned and she was no longer thin. Rupert was on the ridge pole of
the cottage trying to grab a rooster who was perched on the chimney.
He was also barefoot. Rupert saw me first. He waved wildly and slid
off the roof.
“Zeno?” he shouted, “What brings
you here?” He picked himself up and rushed up to greet me. I
dismounted and clasped hands with him.
“I am getting married in a week's
time.” I said dryly.
“You?” Cassandra gasped.
“You look well, sister.” I said as
I turned to greet her. I realized that no one had ever told her about
my marriage. I had just assumed she knew. I supposed Rupert had
thought the same.
“We will be there.” Rupert said
cheerfully.
“Must I?” Cassandra whimpered.
“Yes you must!” Rupert said firmly,
“No more feeling sorry for yourself. If Zeno can make a sacrifice
for the country, so can you.”
“Yes Rupert.” Cassandra said
meekly. I felt embarrassed. I doubted Cassandra would ever be the
same again. But Rupert had obviously been good for her.
Being the 23rd Day of the
Planting Season
I dreaded the moment when the feast
would begin. I knew I could not avoid Princess Giselladona any
longer. I arrived at the feast hall early and sat for about an hour
in secret terror. Every time the door opened I jumped slightly. I was
ready to write this day down as the worst I ever experienced. Then
she arrived. She was
draped in red veils, when she entered the feast hall. Her handmaids
and guards surrounded her. I could not see her face. I was glad. I
will not deny that I had no wish to see it. The lady stopped, then
leaving her courtiers behind, she marched up to me. It was the most
out of place thing I had ever seen at a seven nights feast. Unless
you count the peacock from Cassandra's feast.
“You?” she said. It was Giselle. I
felt like a fool. I should have realized Giselle was short for
Giselladona.
“Why did you never tell me that you
were a prince?” she yelled. Now everyone was staring at us. I never
told anyone I was a prince. I always assumed people knew. I stood up
and went to her.
“I supposed you knew.” I said
completely oblivious to everyone else, “But if you would still have
me, I would be honored.
“How do you refuse a man who saved
their life?” Giselle said softly, then she took my hands in hers. I
drew her close and kissed her. I had my reward after all.
The End
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