Jorvik (York), England
October 1st, Year of our lord 1071
Johanne had been an immortal, as her love called it, for three years. It didn't feel like it had been three years since she had come to this land and become like her husband. Yet it had, she sighed in comfort at the memory. She was going to enjoy him far longer than she had planned. To think she and Gerold would be alive for centuries! It still caused her to smile. The link had expanded her understanding of her husband. She loved him more because of it, not less.
Her handmaid a local girl was her thrall. She was quiet and loyal and did not reveal Johanne's secret. What Gerold had not really explained was just how loyal a thrall was. For him it was second nature to expect total loyalty from a servant. But that wasn't really true, with thralls however it was. Johanne had observed the girls will was totally bent to her own. A woman of lesser moral fiber would take extreme advantage. Yet the nobility did this every day, and without the power Gerold and her wielded. Johanne however was different; she would not see her thrall threated so dreadfully. Johanne made a point that taking care of this thrall was important. So, in their household the girl would be considered more than just a servant. Johanne was intent on providing for her future. One day she would want to be more than just a vessel in which to be fed on. Johanne was intent on finding a young man to induce towards a loving marriage for her. Even if the girl served her for a lifetime, she still deserved her own life.
Gerold had taught her how to link and how to deal with other powers he hadn't explained that first day. She was far stronger than ever before, more than any man. And her eyes proclaimed what she was to any who could see. But Gerold and her were the last immortals to exist, so there was none to know. At night Johanne's eyes projected light enough for her to see and move comfortably. She no longer feared the night. And when Gerold was close, the two of them marveled at each other, drinking in that light. Something about the nature of what they are. It didn't change them per say as much as it heightened elements that was already there.
The day after becoming a vampire they had run through the wood in the dead of night. Unafraid of what lay there, unafraid of any man. They ran faster than any human could, lept great distances and traveled unbelievable distance without growing tired. That night she had pursued her lover with more than just passion. They played as children chasing each other. The last time when he caught up with her they made the most passionate love of her life. That was a night she would never forget. The first time she felt truly alive, nearly invincible in every way. From that time on, she was changed and saw herself no longer as human. Gerold was clear that indeed they were not. He hinted that in olden times there were other vampires. With other eyes who had even more fantastic powers. But he claimed it had been hundreds of years since he had seen one. He theorized that perhaps they two were the last of their race.
Because of this both deeply desired to have more children. Adelard was still their only child, and this would have to be. They would only be able to stay in this place another decade, perhaps less before questions were raised. Gerold and to a lesser extent Johanne's youth could be passed off as good fortune for a time. But eventually the tongues would wag, and eventually those that disliked them would accuse them of unnatural behavior. They would have to wait until their next life to have more children. Something that disappointed her.
And yet with all these changes her love was very right. She was still the same woman in the most important ways. She still practiced her faith and she still valued all the same things. Save the thrall and her powers she was still Johanne. Gerold had been making plans for the future. She knew he was scrimping every coin he could, and using some of that to buy connections for their next life. The only real contention they had was poor Adelard. Now that he was nearly 10 she rarely saw her son. He often rode with the men and was learning quickly what he would need once he was lord. By the time he was 15 or 17 he would have to be ready. Gerold's former squire was now a knight serving them. Gerold had entrusted the training of Adelard to him. By the time Adelard would be ready to assume real responsibilities. It would be time for Gerold and her to pretend to die. Johanne despised this plan, she wanted to take Adelard with them. There was still a chance, if however small, that he would become like them, an immortal. Gerold however had said it was very unlikely. In any case it should show itself before his 16th birthday. That was still some years away, perhaps soon he would change to be like them and then he could travel and disappear. Johanne knew if he didn't change and he stayed as he was then he could never know. If he knew, and wasn't like them then it could be devastating.
"My lady, would you care for me to bring you anything?"
Johanne smiled for her thrall and told her no. She was tempted to feed early today, as there was no one about. But her husband had taught her never to do this in public, ever. They had to stay hidden, alone, unknown. She thanked her and smiled for her friend.
"I heard the priest say the other day how blessed you are. You are my lady; I am sure God will keep them safe for you."
The thrall left a moment later. She knew her vampire was lonely again. She was of course, Gerold had been summoned to the Kings side. The Earl of Chester was the king's man in England, and ruled as regent. That was until the North rose up yet again against his rule. Jorvik remained strong with its large garrison that Gerold maintained. But much of the countryside was in turmoil. Word had arrived that William had arrived personally from Caen to deal with things. The message had been for Gerold to come at once. Gerold did not need encouragement, his King had called. So Gerold had left twelve days ago with a large contingent of his knights and their son.
It was the first time the boy was riding with his father in a time of war. He was acting as squire to his father, something he was immensely proud of. He was excited at the prospect and of course to be needed. Still Johanne feared for both of them and their safety. The people of this dreadful island never seemed to bend to the Normans will. Johanne's mind was full of thoughts when her handmaid interrupted her contemplation again.
"My lady the Earl of Hull is here to see you."
That was very unusual Johanne thought, he was a minor lord to the south of them. While Hull was tiny it was a beautiful village by the sea, with charming meadows. Johanne and Gerold had been guests of the Earl several times. She smiled for her friend and welcomed him to her home. The Earl had been here as their guest several times. He had been William's oldest knight who had fought at Hastings. Already a man of nearly 50 at the time of Hastings, he had long since buried his wife back in France. His son would be ruling Hull in the not-too-distant future. Something both Gerold and her would be sad for.
"My good sir, what do I owe this pleasure?"
She noted at once his countenance was dark and Johanne worried for his lands and his family. She inquired at once if they were well, worried that the locals had burned it. As had recently happened all along the north.
"No good lady I am comforted to know that Hull is not like Upton, my people are not in rebellion. My family is well as is my eldest son who rides with the King. I am afraid I am here to relay ill tidings my Lady. Your husband the Earl of Jorvik, and your son Adelard are dead. They died three days ago near Newcastle."
Johanne didn't react, she couldn't. They could not possibly be dead. They…..
"My Lady it pains me to bring this to you but I must. I am afraid that is not the only sad news I have to relay. There is far more, your life is in grave danger. The King has announced that Gerold's claim was forfeit before his death. He has appointed a new Earl of Jorvik, and once he has completed his campaign against the rebels, he will turn towards you."
Johanne was trying to think but she could not. Her hand shot out and her thrall caught it before she lost her balance.
"You woman, fetch some water for your mistress she is unwell!"
Johanne stopped the thrall before she could leave. She would much rather have her hand than a damp cloth. First her family was gone, and now her life was in danger? Why would the King do this? How could that be, William always admired her and her husband. Isabe had been the teachers to his children. She inquired why she should fear the King? Why would he kill her family, Gerold was loyal? She clutched at the rosery she had, thinking of her son, just now processing that her young son was gone too. She fought hard at her emotions, less they scream from her lungs.
"Gerold was declared a man with unnatural affections. The King has written to the church declaring your husband a reprobate. As his wife you will share in his sins. If the church finds you this way… we both know the fate in store for you."
Johanne had to push down her own fear, her sorrow, and her disbelief. Their friend had always been a true one, but he could be lying to her. So, she asked how he knew.
"My youngest son was traveling with the King as a messenger. He arrived today with a request for men from my garrison. I have sent the men on to the King, but I wished to alert you. Also, my son was able to retrieve young Adelard's body for you. The King asked for Gerold's body to be destroyed so he was not able to retrieve that for you my dear."
The Earl led her outside to a cart which contained the lifeless body of her son. He had been brutalized and killed. The young man who had done this kindness for her was standing close with anger. He was only 14 himself and had known and trained with Adelard. Johanne summoned the courage to thank the young man, even though her only real thought was to scream.
"My lady I am sorry for your loss, Adelard…. He fell with his father from what I could tell. It's not right...he…."
Johanne looked up and saw the anger on his face was shielding something else. The boy was emotional and the Earl made it clear he wasn't the only one.
"It's a wicked thing that has been done to your family my lady. Gerold was a kind master and a good friend. My family mourns with yours, even if the King would not wish it. With your permission my lady my son and I will take the body back to Hull for burial. The priest there is a man under my patronage, he will not deny my request to have him buried in holy ground. At least that way your son can see you again one day. Even if your beloved husband cannot."
Johanne was still in shock, not knowing what to do. She asked why he could not be buried in the local church. She would want to visit him, and this was her home. At saying it the young boy looked perplexed and then turned towards his father, who just looked broken by the statement.
"My lady your mind is not right, and no one could blame you for that. But the King has voided your husbands claim. As of now you are a trespasser on this land. As soon as word arrives with the priest, your son's body will be denied burial. The local guard will evict you from this place. You have a small window of time to flee if you wish to. Take whatever you can that's valuable, come with us and then purchase travel on a ship. Will your father protect you, if you would return home?"
Johanne's mind caught up just about then to all of it. Gerold had been labeled a reprobate, an impure man. That meant his faith and his actions were in question, and that of his house. If she returned home her father would have to face the church. She needed protection, and she could not stay here another day. At once her mind settled on a solution, one that greatly troubled her. But there wasn't time for delay. In her adult life she had seen the actions of the state and how powerful they could be. There was but one card to play here, and a single throw of the dice. This morning, she had been happy, complete with a beautiful home and a loving family. All of that was in the past now. A lesser woman would break down, cry uncontrollably. But Johanne wasn't one of those, she had a small window to save herself, and she would do precisely that.
A small voice asked if it was really necessary, and if all of this was just some misunderstanding. But she knew in her heart it wasn't. Gerold had warned her how the world would react if they knew. He was preparing for today and had been for some time. But he wasn't ready, and he had been caught and paid the price for it. Johanne couldn't dawdle, only swift action would save her. Seeing her son's body was the only confirmation she needed.
"Your kindness to me knows no bounds my friend. Yes, my mind is troubled I have lost much. May I have a short time to gather some things?"
The Earl told her that he would personally take the body now for burial. The quicker it went into the ground the safer it would be. The young courier would say a bit longer to see Johanne safe on the road to Hull. Johanne found her handmaid and gave her the orders she knew that she would follow. The money that Gerold had put away could not be touched now, or ever. Only he knew where it was and it wasn't likely in Jorvik. The only things of value she had was a small sum that she had set aside for emergency and the Orb. An hour later her and her thrall were riding for their lives for Hull.