CHAPTER FORTY -FOUR
It was a passion that I had never felt ever before. My Count was consumed with a hunger that even he thought that he could never satiate. His ardent kisses were wild, and I felt his famish when his tongue plunged deeply into mine. Never had I felt so wanted or needed. I reciprocated- of course I would because he was my desire over an eternity, and I waited centuries to be reunited. For the love of God, I took to the fire in my death to protect this precious man of mine. And yes, I will redo if need be. I held nothing back in my passion. I gave him my all and his needs were equally potent to mine. Once enfolded and encircled in my arms, he held nothing back. Kissing every inch of my body, he allowed for me take into every ounce of enjoyment. This was my ultimate pleasure and even when I felt his incisors grow, I was ready to accept my fate. He pulled back before his teeth could nail my jugular. I pulled him down onto my neck.
"Don't stop," I pleaded, evolved in a passion so rare, I was determined to accept any pain. I even would accept to become like him. That would seal our fate forever. He hastened away and kissed my cheeks. He exercised self-control and ensured that his teeth never protruded. I loved his skill in making me feel crazy and wanton. Our clothing dispensed, I rubbed my body against his and my nipples needed no invitation to awaken. It was a sensation of goodness and the more I rubbed myself against him the more impatient I got. My Count was equally eager for the consumption of my body and once he touched me, I could no longer hold myself back. I slipped underneath him; his weight was that of a stone boulder, but I took on the challenge. I spread my legs and pushed them over his shoulder. With one big groan he thrust hard into me. It was the most piercing pain that I had the pleasure and yes, I do say pleasure of experiencing two times in my existence. I felt my Count stiffen because he knew that he had ripped through my hymen. I could not let him feast on a guilt ride. I bit the bullet and pulled him back towards me. He had little choice but to drive into me and with every thrust I matched his with equal zeal. Once he had exploded into me, I fell onto the bed like a limp doll. It did not take him long to revive and once more he ravished me. I wondered if I would be able to keep up with my Count, but I knew one thing that I will try my utmost to give him everything I needed. The last thing that I remembered about our spectacular night together that I molded so well with Samsidion. He was definitely my soul mate.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
I awoke to a morning that was drooping with dullness. My body ached as though I was hit by a ton of bricks. I moaned and I felt Samsidion`s arm strengthen around me. I smiled and opened my eyes to see him gazing into my face.
"You are still here." I had remembered the first time he had disappeared, and I had felt so lost and incomplete.
He returned my smile. "I won`t repeat my mistake. He too had remembered and my heart swell open for love towards him. "Are you okay, my Lady." Forever the gentleman and his smile were replaced by a deep dash of concern. He eyed me with the tender longing of concern and while I felt torn, I hid it well and shook my head with positivity. From past experience, I knew that pain to be temporary and my body would heal soon.
"I do love you, Athena."
I smiled as I remembered that I had told him not to address me as Gabrelle and he took kind favor to my feelings. Something could be said Well about a man that had respect and integrity.
"My feelings are written on my face, Sam." My bladder was full, but I felt shy to go and empty myself into the pale. He grinned because once more he could read my mind.
"I will turn my head." He was conflagrant in laughter as he bawled his voice out. I gave him a mock punch and quickly went about my business. It took every ounce of courage within me not to scream from the burning sensation and once I was done, I joined him once more on the bed.
I had to spill some of the twenty first century secrets to him. "It is different in the life that I have come from." I informed him and he just searched my face. I needed to explain.
"We have a toilet system that flushes out the waste that goes out into a drain. It's all very sanitary." He was intrigued and I went on to tell him about bathrooms, movies, television and a host of other modern amenities.
"I would love to be part of your world someday Athena." He spoke with an easy softness and at that moment I just wanted to sob. It was going to be the toughest time when I said goodbye and fell back into the lake.
"It is not easy to say goodbye to you for the second time." His confession was bold and raw. He gave it a long thought. "At least this time I am assured that you will be going in peace." I took his hand and gently squeezed it.
"I could stay here forever." It was a spontaneous thought that I had no idea could be sustainable.
His eyes grew vicious but not at me. "The vultures will hunt you down like an animal and burn you again." He grimaced because that thought shredded his expectation of humanity. I wanted to reassure him that it would not be the same as the last time but even I knew that to be a cheap lie.
I needed to cry but decided against it. There was no way that I wanted Count Samsidion to feel distressed. "Let`s think happy thoughts." I refreshed the room with my brightening words. To this he smiled and ravished me once more. It would take two more hours before we rose from our bed. I took a luxurious bath and feasted on sweet rolls and tea. I needed to get my head into the game and come up with a solution soon. Count Thaneus was counting on me to heal him. My husband had received a visitor and I was not sure as to what was happening behind closed doors. I waited rather impatiently for him to join me in the parlor. When he did come back, his expression was withdrawn and stamped with fatigue. It was not in the nature of a vampire to wear a defeated expression but here he was standing before me forlorn and beaten. I got up from the sofa to stand in front of me. As I was much shorter than him, he bent over to look into my eyes.
"What news begets you to look so sad my husband?" He was taken aback that I addressed him in such an endearing term.
"My brother is not receiving his injuries well." He was troubled and I could not blame him. I needed to think of a way.
"Are you sure that my grandmother`s book has been destroyed?" It was impertinent but I had to ask him.
He gave me a look that drained him of all hope. Now I was certain that the pressure was on. The day had raced by altogether too fast. That night my husband held me as I slept but I could feel him shifting about. I had to apply myself and delve into the witch inside of me to come up with a solution. It would be a trick of fate that I dreamt well but it was destiny that forbade me from remembering the dream. When my eyes opened the next morning, I had a clear vision of what we needed to do. I looked at Samsidion and spoke in clear terminology.
"Take me to Count Thaneus. Even my time is running out."
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
The journey was of hard terrain and tedious. For me my body was worse for wear, but I allowed myself to remain strong. I had heard of tree found in India with healing powers. The Sanjeevani plant would be the answer. I was told in my dream that it`s opulence could only be seen by one that desired it to use it only for good. My defiance to be beaten was strong and adequate enough to ensure that I shall succeed. As we left quite early and the day was progressing rapidly, I asked Samsidion if there were much more miles to go.
"We will have to break for the day in a little village called Somanique." He informed me and I had little choice but to shake my head in agreement. I did not want to tell him that my bones feel as though they might shatter from the rugged ride. I also tried my best to disguise my thoughts so that he may not be worried about me. It was amazing that plant I had read just in passing but it had come to me so vibrantly. That is what ensured me of its value. I needed to find that plant if I were to help the Count. My grandmother was with me, and I felt her presence. As she had guided me to the cauldron, she was guiding me through this journey. If I was sent to help Count Samsidion and his brother, then I was 100% assured that the guiding path shall allow me to see the light. The little village that we stopped to spend the night was sparse and I fully understood that my Count had chosen in accordance so that very few eyes will be upon us. The little inn was rustic but charming; a far cry from the castle that even I had become so accustomed to. The room was tiny; adequate for a little bed but it would be sufficient. I was exhausted and my body was falling apart. I partook in the stationary basin that they provided to just swab my body down and I drank up the soup greedily before falling into an exhausted sleep. I knew that my Count was uneasy and while he did not lie beside me, he was very much present in the room. That night I dreamt of grams. She was smiling, beckoning me and the most important thing was her outlook oozed positivity. I knew that my decision was correct because time was flying. Something told me that even though I wanted to stay and even if it was made possible to stay, destiny would draw me back to my current life. I called out to gram as she was turning to make an exit. At first, she ignored my plea and an invitation to talk. Once I had practically begged her, she turned around and smiled.
"I need help grams." There were many needy notes in my plea and while I knew Grams despised weakness, this time it was a matter of saving Count Thaneus from hell. At least he existed on earth then he would be saved from that monstrosity.
She kept smiling and I had to admit that my nerve endings were getting shorter. Sometimes Grams could be so frustrating. She just smiled and waved ridiculously at me.
"Grams wait." I was almost sobbing and begging at the same time, but she listened to nothing. Sleep was there for me, but peace had evaded me big time. I was locked into the dark breeches of sleep and this time I could not see the pictures of my dreams, but I was whimpering which told me that I was hurting.
I could feel strong hands consoling me and whisperings of "Be easy, it's only a dream." My husband the Count had come to my aid, and he was soothing me into comfort. As I felt his sturdy presence, I was able to go into a relaxation mode. The powerful rays of a golden sunlight came all too soon and while I knew that Samsidion wanted to leave at the smidge of light, he allowed for me to take an extra time to sleep.
"You should have woken me up." I gently admonished him. "Time has suddenly descended upon us in wry limitations." Listen to me getting all poetic in the Victorian era. He gave me a gentle smile, but I was no fool while he tried to command a peaceful happy attire, worry and concern was streaking him in discernment.
"You needed to rest too my love." Just like that in a flash of a moment, I melted into words. He was no longer upset with me. The morning start made me feel inefficient and queasy. I sipped on water which seemed to appease my tummy a tad. Once again, we took to the trail that was just bumpy and nasty. I remained quiet as a church mouse because I knew that my Count was not up to any conversation. He was wholly consumed by the worry that Count Thaneus might not be able to fight off the poison that the son had inflicted upon him. My mind went to work. If the Sanjeevani plant was indigenous to India, then how was I going to get it on time? Even if I time travelled back, I won't make it in time to fly to India and get back to save Count Thaneus. I needed to see him and then perhaps an epiphany may jolt me into fast action. I had the confidence to understand that if I was summoned here then if not to heal Count Thaneus, I had also united peace to Samsidion. I knew him to be eaten by guilt when I as Gabrelle was tarnished with so much disrespect but now, I knew he had found it easier to lay those ghosts to rest. He sat from across of me and I smiled at him; my love for him was on over boil and I watched his forlorn expression reciprocate to me I knew that just for him I will find a way. Finally, we entered the deep thicket of the forest.
"Not too much further now," I was informed by Samsidion and my heart did a jerk. A chunk of me was heinously afraid of facing Count Thaneus but I had to brave myself into helping him. The sun was dying, giving way to an afternoon shower of rain. In some myths it is believed that the sign of rain becomes fruitful to transformation. I was so hoping that this was true in the case of Count Thaneus. The carriage came to a halt, and I wondered if the carriage had managed to sustain the bad conditions and if it will be able to carry us back to the castle.
"It will," Samsidion chose this moment to read my head. I was not sure as to whether I liked it that he was getting into my head so often. "The portal is at the castle." That was the loaded statement that ought to anger me but I knew better. Count Samsidion loved me as Gabrelle and now he loved me as Athena. He only had the best intentions to keep me safe and I do so appreciate him. He helped me off the carriage.
"You ready." I nodded but that smidge of fear was escalating. My family was counting on me and the only fear that I contained was that of letting them down.
"As ready as I shall ever be." It was best that I conduct myself with confidence and showing my Count a weakness would counteract his reserve. I lifted my head and forward marched only to have Samsidion grab me a little roughly on my wrist. My head whipped back in surprise.
"More!"
"What?"
"I love you much more now than before." He went gruff on me because as an aristocrat he was not allowed to be mush. I wore a neutral expression and nodded my head. It was all right. I turned on my heel and only then did I break out in a huge grin.
The cabin was pastoral and had no articulating qualities that would draw any attention to it. But then again it was buried in the forest. I did not bother knocking because Samsidion walked past me and opened the large wooden door. The windows were huge to amass a ray of sunlight but given the circumstances they were covered.
"Brother. It is I, Samsidion." The Count called out, but he did not raise his tempo. He limited his normally booming voice to a minimum. I followed Samsidion as we heard a weakening tone call out to us. Count Thaneus did not sound good at all. As we stepped into the room that homed him, I gasped and then instantly regretted it. He had been reduced to a scary scarecrow that had no resemblance to the once handsome Count that I had once known. He was laying covered. It was Samsidion that went and pulled the cover to expose the most awful sight ever. I looked at Count Thaneus. He looked away but I don't think he could understand what was going on inside of him. I stepped out and my Count followed me.
"I am afraid that the infection has speeded up and it is moving fast."
I wanted to collapse but I held it together. "How did this happen?" I gasped. "I made the amulet solid to prevent this from happening."
He took a moment, almost ashamed to explain. "My brother foolishly trusted a wench and fell in love. She unfortunately was more interested in the gold that he had." He did not need to say anymore because I caught the gist. "A long story short, the thief that she was, she took the amulet."
"Let me guess, he did not realize that it was gone and stepped into the sun." A wave of sadness absorbed my soul. "Where is the spare one?" I had to ask but even I knew that it would have been futile because the damage had already been done.
"My mother had kept it away safely so that even she could not remember in the end." He was dripping with sarcasm, but I said nothing. If I was vindictive, I would have said an amazing twist of fate, but I wish no bad for no one. Especially Count Thaneus who showed me nothing but respect. It was so sad to see him withering away like a cabbage that was ready to go back into the earth as compost.
"We need to get calendula leaves to stall the infection." I blinked and felt amazed that the name had popped into my head. I was very familiar with that leaf. In my time it was known as the marigold, and I also had an instant thought to make the flower into a salve. Eventually it would be the Sanjeevani plant that will become the ultimate restoration. "Once we can slow down the infection, only then can we concentrate on making another amulet." My tone was somber but this time there was hope planted in the seed of my thoughts."
My Count was not leaving anything to chance. "This plant that you think of. Where will we be able to find it on short notice." That was the one challenge that was plaguing my mind. I took a moment to think. There was only blankness. I did not want to demotivate my optimism so I answered as self-assuredly that I could.
"All in the timing. Let me first try to get the infection to stop spreading or at least to slow down then I can try and see about the plant." It was then my mind shut down to the present and I was being pulled into the forest. I could hear Samsidion speaking to me, but no words could be understood. The pull was gripping, and I wondered if Grams was up to her old tricks. A voice was humoring my desire to find a cure and was calling out to me. I was just a sheep to a shepherd, and I found my feet quickening the pace. I think I heard Samsidion following me, but his voice was just a drone. It took a while and the sun had fallen asleep. I turned to Samsidion and the viper in me hailed. "Go to your brother now." I hissed out my command. "You do not belong here." I could hardly make out my own voice and I knew that I was no longer Gabrelle or Athena. A higher power had latched onto me. My hair became stiff, and my eyes increased in size.
"GO!" My command was voluble and booming. Samsidion was intellectually sound and bowed to my abiding. I walked freely into the dusk of the forest as though I knew my destination. Eventually I came to an opening that was cleared away especially for me. I was no longer just a healer. I was a freaking WITCH!
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
My cauldron that was passed down to me from my Grams stood waiting for me and I did not need a second invitation to bind myself by the sweet welcome. I was in a trance; my faculties were dilapidated from sensibility as I made my way forward. It called to me; even sung my name and me being the faithful servant to the black pot I went, practically sprinting. As I peered into the bottomless pit, I saw my reflection. Ethereal and coy; my face had adorned a mask of porcelain, the color of my eye paid tribute to an amethyst. My glow was of perfection, and I knew that I was in my element. Seemingly I was a character that had just jumped out of a fairy tale book. I waited for further instructions, and I knew that the cauldron would speak to me. My reflection became ambient as though I was in a jig saw puzzle. Mesmeric litter of light dazzled the cauldron. Day light had fully stepped aside and the bitter fringes of darkness covered me as a threatening murky cloud. Fear would become my archenemy that I would just brush away as a non-entity. I embraced myself wholly, leaving judgements for the ignorant. I was the power of a witch that was feisty and determined. Born to her kin on two separate journeys of life, I am triumphant in strength. My partner: my mate is counting on me, and I shall not fail him. The pot had spoken. It beckoned me with an awakening of majestic filtration. I knew that I had to step into the parlor of a magical ride. My feet did not wait for any permission that my mind would give. They moved forward, gliding easily to step up and eventually I was pouring down a hole of something enchanted. This time I felt no pressure of water. The never ending, pit less pot just helped me glide. I closed my eyes; then opened in the fear of losing out on this amazing adventure. No fear ploughed me because I had surrendered to the universe with trust and anticipation. Destiny was a foe to many but to me she was my best friend. The gliding was long but there was no strain of fatigue. As the tunnel was coming before my sight, there was a shift in color. Rainbow robotic immersions swam before me as beauty can never define the sight. Music was an emblem of encouragement. I knew where I was heading as the scented aromatics evaporated through the air. Sublime Aquatic colors of sea green, blue waters and waxy teal blinded me in excitement. This was totally different from the time that I was transported from my world into Samsidion`s. I really could not count the minutes that it took for me to reach my next destination, but I sure hoped that it would be easier than the last one. Just like that I was flown into meadow and instead of my butt getting bruised I slid out of the makeshift time travel tunnel right into the grassy meadow. My head was spinning, and my heart was pounding. I just hope that I would be able to accomplish my mission and find my way back to Samsidion and his brother in time. I found quick composition and walked down the hill steadily. I know my dress sense was a bit outdated, but I was not sure as to where I had arrived and what year. The walk was fluid and with no hiccups along the way. Just when I thought that this was going to be a never-ending journey, a little village popped before my eyes. My legs could be got on bullet mode and could not wait to reach there. As I reached the village, the beauty part was that I felt no fatigue. The village was rustic, quaint and judging from the dress code this was not during modern times. This definitely was India because there were only brown people to be seen. As I entered, I was eyed with curiosity. I wanted to be afraid, but no fear was plunging into me; not even a light tip grazed me. It was strange. How was I going to explain my presence? I guess that I will be crossing that bridge when I got to it. This village looked acclimatized to simplicity the people where humble. Woman had their heads covered and men wore loin cloths as dress. I was amazed to see the length of some of the beards and the turbans wound around their heads were fascinating. Curiosity was good for me because every person that looked at me, I asked just one question "English?" There was no response except that they grinned at me and shook their heads from left to right. The one thing that I loved was that the people of this village was over friendly and now if they could just speak English, then I could conduct my business and go. After a while I felt the wrath of the sun beating against me and thirst was overpowering my senses. I felt weak and faint and I wished for a drink of water. I found a corner and slumped down; beaten by the powerful rays of the sun. A lady dressed in a plain saree; head covered bent to look at me.
"Pani?" She asked me but I was not understanding her. It would be later that I would learn that the word pani actually meant water.
I stretched out my hands to her. "Please," I was slurring. "Water, please." She shrugged because we both were barricaded by the language barrier. And then she walked away, leaving me desolate and in vain. As my head twirled in a tizz of pain I wondered if this would be the last of me. Panic made me retarded all except for the thought that I had failed in my mission, and I would never get to see my Count again. There was no one that I could speak to. No one to beg to and no one that would be able to help me. I gave in to tears as my dam of resistance finally broke. As I handed in my resignation to the world, I felt the bleak hit me as darkness drove me onto the edge of finality. Death was not as I had imagined it and yet I had experienced the serenity and joy of it once more. This time I was encapsulated by emptiness; no candle of peace could be felt. My mouth remained parched, and the nectar of heaven did not satiate me. My eyes flew around to pick out my people in a crowd, but no one deemed fit to come and receive me. The clutches of death had moods of nepotism. This time I had been short changed. My Grams had let me down and the witch in me had been led astray. My instincts nor did my third eye give me a smidge of a warning that I would die without fulfilling my duty. In
this case the prophecy was that I would bring my Count into the 21st century for something magical to happen. I don't know why I remembered that vital piece of information now in my afterlife. This was all so frustrating considering that I was already dead. My head ached something bad and my confusion increased. The last time after such a heinous finishing off, my afterlife was so peaceful and angelic. Something was afoot. Grams came to me and smiled. She waved her forefinger at me and shook her head.
"Not today pumpkin patch." She used to call me that when I was spreading all my toys on the floor and throwing tantrums when my mom used to move them away. Truly I was so blessed to have my family. As Gabrelle I had lost my family at such an early age, but Athena was cocooned with so much love. I had to go back. There was so much more that I needed to accomplish and put right. My eyes flew open, rushing around my surroundings and while I was displaced, I knew what had happened.
"Welcome back." The voice was smooth but chipped with an accent and I registered in sight of a young man wearing a white coat and stethoscope around his neck. Thank the universe for I was saved.