Casimer’s Brutality
I awoke late morning, missing breakfast and barely making the noon meal. As I dragged myself into the dining room, the servants stared at my tired eyes and I’m sure they wondered why I looked so haggard.
In the afternoon, I sent Rasul to my private investigator, Kieran, with the message that I would be unavailable to be contacted for a week.
When Rasul returned, he found me at my desk. I looked up as he approached.
Stopping before me, he said, “I gave Kieran your message. Also, Magic, the woman from the beggar’s district, was informed of your request. She is presently making arrangements to leave there and travel to your home on the Royal Palace Grounds.”
“Thank you.”
Rasul bowed at the waist, turned and left the room. Relief filled me at the news. Making Magic my new personal beautician in place of Duna gave me great pleasure. I looked forward to having a skilled woman at my service.
After a lengthy nap in the afternoon, Akiko and I headed back to Magdalon’s home and arrived on the Royal Palace Grounds close to the dinner hour.
The sky was growing dark and as we entered through the gate, I noticed strange activity on the Royal Grounds. A horse and a wooden cart, with bars and a roof, stood at one of the metal slat cages lining the pea graveled pathway. A beggarly man was removed from the cart, which held numerous men and women, all thin and emaciated, their clothes no more than rags. They were clearly all prisoners and slotted for punishment. The Royal Guards placed the man into the metal cage and locked it, his pleas of mercy ignored.
Pitiful cries of terror rose from the people within the locked cart, their wails filtering to me on the wind.
The horse and cart moved on to the next cage along the path and deposited another wasted victim into the metal prison.
Beside me, Akiko said, “I wonder what they do with them.”
“I can imagine.”
“Will they burn them alive?” she asked.
“Most likely.”
A somber silence surrounded us as the carriage made its way across Casimer’s vast grounds.
Our carriage stopped at Magdalon’s grand home and we exited, the Footman at the ready to assist us. I instructed Akiko to get settled and then to join me in my bed chamber.
Later, Akiko came and helped me change into an ostentatious red gown which plunged low at the neck and had lace detail at the edges of the sleeves, bodice and bottom hem. I chose some glittery gems to grace my neck, matching earrings, a diamond encrusted bracelet and some elaborate diamond rings for my hands.
Duna was summoned and she helped style my hair into a suitable design. Although she tried her best, her skill did not compare to my stylist at my own estate. Azubah was a skilled artisan. I looked forward to replacing Duna with Magic and hoped she’d arrive soon.
Dismissing Duna, I stood before the mirror and knew my appearance would surely get a response from my husband, especially since he’d been cut off from some of the women he normally frequented.
“You look stunning,” Akiko said.
“Wish me luck.”
Akiko smiled. “I wish I was a fly on the wall tonight.”
“I will tell you all about it later,” I assured her.
Dinner would be served in half an hour. I went to the sitting room to find Magdalon. As I entered, I noticed him sitting in his favorite chair before a fire with a mug of grog in his grasp. He looked deep in thought, troubled even.
I cleared my throat and he looked up. Shock and desire sprang to his face immediately. Placing his mug on the side table, he stood and came toward me.
“Tamasa, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight. What’s the occasion?”
“Do I require an occasion to dress seductively for my covering?”
With a crooked and fascinated smile, he said, “None.” Taking my elbow, he said, “Come with me.” He attempted to lead me back through the door and likely to his bed chamber.
Although I was intrigued, I pulled away. “I just dressed and beautified myself. What you have on your mind will have to wait until later.”
Leaning close to my ear and brushing his cheek against mine, he whispered, “You are an enticing and bewitching temptress tonight. I long to take you right here, right now and ravage you. Say the word. I’ll lock the door and no one will disturb us.”
I whispered back, “You tempt me.” I placed a hand to his chest and applied pressure. “Pour me a glass of mead. I’m in dire need of something strong.”
With a look raging with desire, he gazed into my eyes and studied me, trying to understand. Finally he pulled back, went to the drink table and poured me some mead. Handing the glass to me, he motioned toward the chairs.
I sat opposite him but allowed a small smile. I’d killed two of his love trysts in one night. I wondered whether he’d learned of it yet. Instead I asked, “The people in the metal cages, why are they placed there?”
“Yes. I took note of it as well. We will stay indoors tonight. There will be much action on the Royal Grounds this evening. Action we can do without.”
“Are you not in charge of the Royal Grounds?”
“I look after the gardens, shrubs, trees and vineyards. The prison guards, torturers and Tonrar will have a heyday tonight.”
“So those beggarly prisoners, what will become of them?”
“Smoke and ash. Their burning carcasses will create a lighted pathway from the gate all the way to the Royal Palace. Casimer will be in his glory watching from his grand balcony. He relishes the suffering of his lowest subjects and will be drunk on their blood and death this night.”
“You’re saying he will make an appearance? We could actually see him?”
Magdalon’s face fell and his eyes took on a foreboding glare. “We will not go out to see him, not when he and his wraiths are in a killing mood.”
Magdalon was obviously afraid of Casimer. I should have been too but my utter hatred of the evil ruler dominated my thoughts.
“I’ve never seen him,” I said.
“Don’t wish for something you would regret, especially on a night like this.”
I took a few sips of the mead and studied the fire in the hearth.
Magdalon asked, “How have you been this past week?”
“I’ve been well. I accomplished much and was able to rest.”
“Have you reconsidered having children?”
I looked at him and said, “I will do what I must.”
He allowed a small smile. “Good.”
“And, have you considered my ultimatum?”
“What ultimatum?”
“No other lovers except for your coverling.”
“You are the only one I desire.”
He was not a very good liar. A bell rang out, signaling dinner was served. I stood, the half finished glass of mead in my hand, looked at him and said, “And I will be the only one you will ever desire.”
A concerned look filled his eyes but he didn’t answer.
We sat together toward one end of the large table and enjoyed a delicious feast. A servant kept filling our glasses until we were both quite tipsy. After the meal, Magdalon stood, helped me to my feet, took my elbow and led me to his bed chamber. The night was filled with love and release for both of us.
I awoke long before the sun came up and slipped from his room to my own bed chamber. I went to the window and opened it wide. The darkness of night still blanketed the grounds. A nauseous smell entered, one of smoke, burning flesh and death. Shedding my nightgown, I changed into a simple dark shift. Placing a dark green, elegant cape over my shoulders, I slipped outside through the outer door of my room. The back entrance led into a private garden. Meandering through the pathways, I came to the edge of the property and looked off toward the Royal Palace.
A few fires still glowed along the pea gravel path where I knew the metal cages to be. Many of the fires had fizzled out, the silence of death now permeating the atmosphere. I walked a little farther, past the trees that surrounded Magdalon’s home so I could get a better view of Casimer’s Royal Palace. Keeping myself concealed behind shrubbery, I looked to see if Casimer was still out on his balcony. A dark figure was silhouetted against the white washed surface, a big, hulking mass of a being. It appeared that he was standing, his hands gripping the rail before him, his eyes scanning the grounds. Attached to the outer surface of the palace walls were torches in holders that blazed with light. Similar torches were placed around the stone patio below and lit up the ground and general vicinity, a façade of cheerfulness against the macabre events that had just unfolded. He’d had a party tonight, one that had clearly brought him great pleasure
Just below him, hovering in the air above the stone patio area, teemed a black, churning cloud. Shrieks and growls of delight emanated from the ebony smog of Tonrar malice. The mass of evil wraiths all congregated into one pulsing, screeching, writhing heartbeat and it was a sight I’d never witnessed before. One of these vile creatures could do a great deal of harm to the populace but seeing such a large group of them all united as one took my breath away and caused terror to scurry down my spine.
The first impression I had was of a love affair between the two, the Tonrar singing a twisted love dirge to the one they served and adored. It was a perverse, gut-wrenching, nausea producing vision of servitude and wicked passion, both drunk on an amorous lust for death and blood. Casimer was clearly one to be reckoned with.
Shrinking away from the grotesque scene, I retraced my steps through the gardens and back into my room. I did not sleep the rest of the night but sat in one of the chairs in my room, stoked the fire in the hearth and tried to formulate how I would kill Casimer on one of these opportune killing spree nights.
The room slowly grew brighter as the night gave way to the sun’s first rays. Akiko came to my room and helped me dress into something sufficient for the day.
“Tell me what happened last night,” she demanded, as she placed an elaborate gown over my head. “Did Magdalon say anything about the murders of his mistresses?”
“Not a thing. He did not even mention their deaths.”
“So he does not suspect you?”
“I suppose not. Or else he does not want to admit that their deaths mean anything to him.”
“Hopefully he will never suspect you as the perpetrator.”
“I really don’t care if he does suspect my involvement, as long as he never knows the whole truth of the matter.”
“I could hardly sleep with wondering how your conversation with Magdalon would go.”
“I will not be the one to bring up the subject.”
“I understand but I am disappointed.”
When I was ready and presentable, Akiko left and I headed to the dining room. When I arrived, I learned Magdalon had already left for work. After a quick breakfast, I retreated to my day room where my desk and papers were located. Shortly, a knock came at the door.
“Enter,” I said,
A servant entered carrying a sealed note and handed it to me.
I nodded and said, “Thank you.”
I waited until he left before opening it. The missive was from my private investigator, Kieran.
It said, ‘I know you mentioned that you would be unavailable to be contacted but I felt this information was vital to your peace of mind and the knowledge you so desire. After some digging and interviewing of some key informants, I have discovered that Magdalon has more love trysts than most. There are actually quite a few women that work on the Royal Palace Grounds that visit his home on a regular basis. They slip into his bed chamber from its outer door quite frequently, three to four times a week. And there are other women of High Society that he helps himself to. When you return to Krishay Manor I can pay you a visit and relay which women are involved. I would warn you though, that getting your hands dirty with ridding the world of his mistresses might get you into a heap of trouble, especially with those of High Society. There is always a price to pay for insurrection, especially for a woman who gets involved in such mutiny. High Society does not tolerate its women exerting any power such as this. I warn you out of concern for your safety. I also warn you that I will not share in your demise. Yours in service, Kieran.’
“He’s a coward!” Breathing deeply and deciding what should be done with him, I knew in that moment that he would betray me to save his own skin.
His concerns told me that he’d heard of the killings and knew that I had done it. I knew that I may eventually need to end his life too.
Magic arrived that afternoon and I was glad to see her. She’d found some good clothes that allowed her to blend into High Society. I made sure she was given more clothes that were more befitting the servants of this home. I called for Duna and told her that her services were no longer needed. The look on her face was one of complete shock.
“You don’t realize what you’re doing,” she warned.
“And what am I doing?” I asked.
“I was given as a gift to you.”
“A gift from whom?”
“Magdalon’s mother gave me to you as a wedding gift. She will hear of it and be outraged.”
I’d never met his mother and wondered why. “Surely there is another home of distinction that will hire you.”
“No one would dare. Everyone knows that I was Thora’s beautician and that I was gifted to you. No one will hire me now.”
Staring at her and wondering what should be done with the woman, I finally asked, “Do you have any other redeeming qualities, any talents that could be useful?”
A moment of silence stretched between us. “I am also a seamstress. I make intricate undergarments, mostly for myself. I can show you my work.”
“Yes. I’d like to see your craft. Go get them and bring them to me.”
She nodded, backed to the door and left the room. Another servant, a young teenaged boy, entered with a tray of drinks and delicacies for my afternoon snack. He prepared a mug of hot mazagran and placed it on my desk before me. He also set down a plateful of various pastries. I picked up the mug and sipped the bitter liquid and it soothed my nerves. What to do with Kieran was still uppermost in my thoughts as the boy left the room.
There was a knock at my door and I gave permission to enter. Duna stepped inside with a woven basket in her hands. Coming forward, she set the basket on the edge of my desk. Lifting an item from her stash, she held up a lacy, finely crafted undergarment.
I sprang to my feet and swiped it from her hand. Studying it carefully, I was awestruck by the delicate and frilly piece of necessity. The article was clearly a bloomer but like nothing I’d ever seen before. On my farrin I had the most basic items to wear, mostly made of sheep’s wool or rough textile.
I asked, “What other items do you make?”
Duna showed me garment after garment, each one finely crafted and hand sewn with elegance. She even had nightgowns in ornate, gauzy fabrics adorned with lace and frills. Her skill was astounding.
After studying her items carefully, I finally said, “I assure you, you still have a position in this household but your requirements will now shift to making these garments for me.”
She nodded, a look of appeasement in her eyes, gathered up the undergarments and seductive nightwear and placed them into her basket. “I will need to measure you to get the dimensions correct.”
“You may come to my bed chamber when I’m dressing for dinner. You may take my measurements then.”
She nodded and left. I felt relieved that I did not need to bring further scrutiny on my managing of things here in High Society. I had no desire to bring on the wrath of Magdalon’s mother.
That evening, after dinner, Magdalon made an excuse to retreat to his room and I hurried to my bed chamber, changed into a dark shift and cloak and entered the gardens outside my door. I took a weapon I had not used in a long time, a small bow with hair-thin arrows which could be laced with a special type of poison. I waited in some shrubbery that was well hidden but in view of Magdalon’s outer bed chamber door with access into the garden.
I did not have to wait long. A maiden entered the gardens from the corner of the house and meandered through the pathways until she reached Magdalon’s door. She stood silently for a moment, then lifted a hand and knocked lightly on the wooden frame.
The temptation to release the arrow at that very moment goaded me but I restrained the urge. I would settle in to wait like any good warrior would do. Timing in this matter was vital. Although my heart raced crazily in my chest and the desire raged to enter his room and kill the tramp before his very eyes, I seated myself on a log behind the veiled spot and waited.
