CHAPTER THREE - SIX

CHAPTER THREE

I found myself pacing the stone floors until my feet could no longer take the icy whipping and then I plonked onto the feather softness bed just staring into space.

"Oh, Grams what fresh ill fate did I befall upon?" I wanted to cry out just for the sake of a vent for the frustration that was undermining me, but no tears would rise to the occasion. Just my bloody bad luck. This entire situation was just too unbelievable. Time travel was only fantasies written in fictional literature and here I was living proof that it does exist. Gob smacked would become an understatement for the day. I shut my eyes tight; perhaps hoping that this dream would fade away and I will be back in my parent's attic ready to go and greet them. As much as I wanted and needed to be in a safe and comfortable zone, I had to face the fact that I was needed here. This was a calling that was burning my dreams for almost a year now and I fully understood that if I would somehow walk away from this I will be scathed and scarred for the rest of my life. This place was polluted with secrets and lies but herein lay the truth to the demons that worried and disturbed my peace. My mind set was adamant, and I had to unravel the mystery. To be clear and concise, I had to own the truth as I knew I would be stuck in this realm forever if I do not fulfil the prophecy that brought me here. The serenity made me lethargic, and my eyes shut down to a deep sleep. The dream came on instantly; only they were not daunting and the frisson of a bullet grazing my mind was lost. Brightly colored meadows and happy families engineered my dreams to give me peace and I slept peacefully with a smile lilting up my lips. What more could a girl ask for? It would be hours before my sleep broke to me languorously stretching and enjoying the replenishing comfort that my body was enjoying after eons in years. It was dark, the curtains were drawn, and the only light was the soft glow that emitted off a lamp. I did not know for how long that I was out, but I would not question the sleep therapy that I just enjoyed. Now I was ready to face any complications that dared to place stumbling blocks on my path. My stomach growled and I smiled through the dim light. It was so unlike me to be so rapacious when it came to food. There was something about this county air and the outdated year that still had be boggled and rolling my eyes. At the end of the day, I would have to just embrace my circumstances and roll in the hay. I got out of the bed. There were no shoes to wear, and my feet felt icy on the stone floor. That was okay because I was still going in search of the kitchen, and I needed to speak to the devilishly handsome stranger that I had just met. It was obvious that he was the key to my dilemma and would open the door for me to make my way back home. Right now, the intrigue was consuming me like a fat girl in a room full of ice cream. I giggled churlishly at that ostentatious descriptive. Ice cream would go down now very nicely. I walked into the corridor, grateful that a kind of bamboo lamps were hung on the corners of the walls paving a light for me. The staircase was long and carved out from a metal that was cold like steel and the steps were made of stone like the rest of this massive house. I took my time going down the hazardous staircase. My feet were not accustomed to take the strains of perilous footing and the added penalty on falling into the lap of an early eighteenth century was that electricity was unavailable. I wonder what these people would say if they were brought into our century with all of our modern technology. They would marvel but judging from the simplistic life that was moving here, everyone seemed to be at a steady ease. I did not know in which direction to go but my gut guided me, and I was eventually in the kitchen. It was quiet and even though the descendent of darkness had not fully ripened, the kitchen was closed. I wrinkled my nose because if I estimated roughly, I would say it was about 6:00 pm. I was lucky to find a slice of bread, cream and a bit of white cheese to which I greedily helped myself. There was also a pitcher of milk which I gulped down noisily. Damn I would kill for some coffee right now even the instant brand would go down nicely. I tidied up after myself, helped myself to water from a huge barrel and decided to do some exploration of my own. There was another length of staircase that was going down and I decided what better place to start but right at the bottom. The entire house was softly lit by lamps so that made it easier. I could have gone back to my room but one I was not tired and secondly, I was not sure if I would find it. As I got to the bottom of the stairs there were less lamps and on impulse, I pulled one of the walls. I just hoped that I was not overstepping and overusing my welcome. These people seemed to be a bit stiff and starchy. The stretch of wall was endless and just when I had decided that it was time to turn back a faint sound of music teased my hearing. It was sweet melodious and inviting. Then it stopped and I heard a cranking sound only for it to restart. It beckoned me and as I briskly walked it became more devoting. It was then that the music became more prominent when I stood in front of a heavy set, wooden door that was slightly ajar. I was being guided to enter as the music cajolingly invited me and then I made the impulsive decision to just push the door open and walk in. It was a decision that I would regret ever making. The sight that greeted me was horrifying, horrendous and something that will degrade my mind to the loss of humanity. I stood frozen, my feet would not cooperate with my mind that was screeching and admonishing to run out of there. I was deaf, dumb and blind and stilted all at the same time. The music had stopped again, almost as an omen that something so sweet was stolen by the viscosity of evil. The girl whose eyes were closed, popped open and looked at me. It took seconds for her to digest that I had been witnessing this heinous crime. She let out a scream and then he stopped doing what he was obviously enjoying and turned to look at me. He was different, his eyes were shimmering and burning like fiery coals; his teeth were enlarged and protruded with undesirable fangs. Dribbling blood leaked off the corners of his lips and he wiped it off with the back of his hands. In disgust he pushed the girl hard off his embrace and she ran wildly pass me like a demented person. He then rose slowly to walk towards me and then I knew I had to get the hell out of dodge. The lamp fell out of my grip. I was still limp on the feet, but I willed myself to turn and walk calmly away. Only when I was out of the door, my heart beat quickened and I started to sprint in the semi darkness as fast as my tiny feet could take. If I did not run the hell out of this forsaken place then I was going to be the next one. It was then the reality sunk in and I understood the trauma of my nightmares. I was dreaming and now dealing with a VAMPIRE.

CHAPTER FOUR

I was just running; my chest was tightening, and I knew that I was coming to no staircase. I had lost my path and my feet could no longer take the beating of the roughened ground. I had to stop; my choices were restricted. I touched the wall for support and came to a halt. My shoulders drooped and I bent my head forward grasping onto the little breath that sustained me. Fear was knotting in my tummy, but I knew that I could no longer press forward. My breathing was staggered but giving myself a few minutes, I would compose and try to save myself. A lone tear fell nervously off my duct, and it was the first time that I found God in my heart and began a silent prayer. I did not want to go in this way with my blood being drunk by a monster. I was still assembling my thoughts when I felt iciness touch my shoulder. He had found me. I slowly turned around and faced this cold-blooded fiend. His eye color had diluted back to black and there was no coldness in them. Instinctively I brushed his hands of me.

"Take your damn hands off me." There was no terror in my tone and even I was amazed at the gut-wrenching confidence that I had mustered. I figured out if it was going to be my last day then I would have to go out with a fight. I had cheated death by not drowning so right about now I had nothing to lose.

"Please." Did I hear correctly. This terrible, evil stranger was pleading to me. "Please I am not what you think that I am." I was not dumbfounded instead a conundrum of words were coagulating to spill in disgust.

I will no longer stay quiet. "You are a monster." These words were roared and dragged out of the slide of my throat. "I cannot unsee what I have just seen. You are not human." The witch in me was blazing and this went against my craft. Witches and Vampires did not dial the same hotline as far as a social circle went.

He ran his hands through his charcoal-colored hair. This gesture was a clear indication of the forbearance that he was losing. "Do you think that I want to be living like this?" His demand was not to roast me, but it was more like a reminder to him. I remained quiet. "I do not live but I exist."

"You exist at the expense of others." I spat out at him. If he was looking for a smidge of pity, he was seeking in the wrong place. "I cannot condone the spilling of innocent blood." I cared nothing of the consequences that I would suffer. I needed to exhale and point out the dire drawbacks of his lifestyle. "You take lives to satiate your hunger and you care less about the innocent."

He was shaking his head in disagreement, but I did not care about his feelings. "Had I not walked in time that poor girl would have been a useless corpse. Dead so that even the buzzards would have nothing to eat off." I had to get all of this off my chest.

"I was not going to kill her."

"That is rubbish and even I know that the girl would not have had any chance of life once you were done with her."

He continued to shake his head. "No, no." He chanted grating on his teeth as his explanation was being degraded because he could not elucidate properly. This was my chance to get in another round of harsh words. "You should just accept the natural order of life and accept death as God intended.

"God," he spat out the holy name as though it was garbage. This angered me further. "Where was God when my entire family was fighting yellow fever?" He looked hard at me and for a fraction of a second my poise fell to give way to a smidge of fear. He then did a 360 degree turn about and switched his anger to a turmoil of pain. "Do you think that anyone would opt for a life that is so cruel. Food is no longer an appetizing nourishment. Water holds no value and even the air is a nonplus." He stopped speaking and allowed for me to digest his words. I swallowed hard; wondering if I was softening up to this blood sucking animal. There was just no way that I would allow myself to be that foolish. Dammit all in hell; this guy was never going to gain sympathy from any corner of my heart. He went against everything me, my granny and our ancestors stood for. We were healers and he was just a petty thief and destroyer.

There was a dull silence that followed and eventually I spoke up. "There is nothing that I can believe of you. All I ask is that you allow me to be on my way and I will tell no one of this." I could hardly believe the steadiness and pace of my tone. I showed him that there was no fear in me but in actual fact I did feel the strains of distress that was affiliated with a panic and terror that was inside of me. I was just grateful to the powers that may be for holding this curtain of courage before me.

"You look just like her." He eventually blurted out. I knew that he was speaking of Gabrelle St. James and I was also convinced that she was definitely on the line of ancestry. I also knew that I was very interested and curios about knowing about her. That has to go on ice because I needed to return home.

I shrugged, off handed and polished a look that I did not care. "Well, I am not her so that point is moot."

"Moot?" he questioned me reminding me that the times were still churning in the back water.

I slumped again. "That point is not necessary." I reiterated. "Look I have to go now. My family is probably worried about me." I know it was lame but that wall I had, and the already dim beams were losing their accelerant and it was getting scary darker. "I need to get back." I was lending insistence to my demand. I tried to walk away but he grabbed onto my hand. Oddly no fear ploughed me, and I sensed that he had no intention of hurting me.

"Do not go like this." His tone was wheezy and sad. "Let me explain to you please that I am not a monster." I was still. "I don't want to be a monster that sucks on the blood of human beings." Now he was making sense. I did not know much about vampires because in the world that I come from it is just a tall myth. I was however going to wing it from the books and the movies that provided me with a fantasy understanding. The lamps were being snuffed out one at a time. He was still holding onto my hand, and he pulled me. "Let`s go upstairs and sit down to an explanation." There was a pleading in his argument, and he was kind of offering an olive branch. "If you want to leave after that, I will not guard your gate. It was a reasonable request and I followed him meekly. Make no mistake my guard was still on but my subconscious who was the worst part of me still taunted me. If he wanted to have his way with me then nothing would stop him. I was ready for an explanation, but I was still apprehensive. I suddenly realized that I did not know his name and he did know mine. We got upstairs in the speed of lightning because the handsome vampire knew his way around. He took me directly into a huge room and judging by the array of books, I gathered that this was his personal library.

"Nice." Was all that I could mutter. Once we were seated, I lost no time in probing. "Start at the beginning."

He looked at me, eagerness saturated his features, and he was softened to which I knew that he was dying to offload his burden.

"You called out to me from the lake that night." He began and I watched him closely not uttering a sound nor did I want to interrupt. "When I got you out of under the lake, it was dark but once I brought you into my home, in the light I thought that Gabrelle was brought back to me."

This new information had me stumbling. "It was you," I whispered. "It was you that fished me out of the water." I was incredulous with shock and the awakening in me had the poor thoughts of this stranger diluted.

"Ai." He shook his head, acknowledging that he had saved me. My breath hastened and my heartbeat quickened. In an instant I knew that I was transported in time just for him, but I was confused, hurt that my craft was chosen for something evil.

"How do you know that I am not Gabrelle?" I demanded to know this.

"It`s simple. I watched her burn and die right before my very eyes."

Book of Gabrelle St. James

CHAPTER FIVE

It was a usual Friday midday as Gabrelle St. James stood out in the prairie and drank in every delectable morsel of Mother Nature`s Vitamin D. For the first time in months, she felt relaxed and a good reason to smile. It was a hard year for her laying her parents and her little brother to their final resting place but now she understood that the universe had a special plan for her and that is why she remained all alone in this tiny part of the world. Had it not been for good neighbors and friends who knew what demise she might have met. As she was ready to go back inside, she heard her name being called out and as she peered into the stretch of field it was her best friend Heidi clamoring for her attention. She had no need to look because the loud bellowing was all too familiar to her. She grinned as she watched the bouncy plump girl wad through the blades of grass and get to her. Heidi Sheary was the same age as her and at twenty-two they found their bond melded into shared common interests. They had become close when Gabrelle lost her family and the Sheary`s were the closest to family that she ever had. Of course, Heidi was the sister that she will always treasure. Her life was not great, but it is the small wonders that made it bearable, enough to smile.

"Elle, Elle." Heidi was on a buzz about something, and Gabrelle was already smiling. The girl had reached her, and she stood holding her hips and desperately trying to grasp her breath. It took her a few minutes before she found composition.

Gabrelle could not help but laugh out heartily. "Are you okay, dear?"

Heidi motioned her with the gesture of her hands to give her a moment to grasp and catch up to the current atmosphere of breathing. It took a while and eventually Heidi spoke up.

"Elle it is the harvest festival tomorrow and you just have to come with us. Pa is busy getting the wagon in tip top shape so that we can all travel together." She was babbling but in her usual high-spirited self, she did not care that she always monopolized the conversation. "Oh Elle, please do say that you will come."

Gabrelle laughed out. It was always such a pleasure to see Heidi and the most she loved about the girl was her positive attitude.

"Well hello to you too. Take a breather why don`t you." There was a genuine affection as Gabrelle good naturedly rubbed her friend on the shoulder, helping her catch up to speed of normality. "Let`s get you inside for a cool cup of lemonade." That was enough invitation to get the other girl grinning.

"I shan`t be staying too long." Heidi spoke up and then went on to explain. "You see Pa does not know that I have left the homestead and if I asked then he would have surely refused." Then Heidi did the most ridiculous and went closer to Gabrelle, staring her deep into the eyes. "Say, do you know that with the sun rays, your eyes are no longer green, but it transforms to light shade of violet." That was news to Gabrelle and knowing that she was green eyed and red haired, she would have just to take the word of her friend.

"No matter, best we get inside quickly and get you on your way home soon." Gabrelle was concerned because she did not want Heidi to sneak out without her parent`s permission. She would not feel good if Heidi`s Pa would blame her on being a poor example to his daughter. The lemonade was ready and stood in a tin pitcher on the sad wooden table. Gabrelle poured them both a mug full and then decided that it would be best to be honest and get on with it.

It was tough but she could not mislead her best friend. "I don't think that I can come for the harvest festival," Gabrelle looked down into her milky colored drink as she spoke.

"Why ever not?" Heidi`s excitement was replaced with a drop of melancholy as her tone was dying to a softer plea. "It just won`t be the same without you and Pa says that you can ride with us."

Gabrelle could not bear the intensity of Heidi`s disappointment and she would not demean their relationship by telling her a poor lie. She opted to just be out with the truth. "You know the clergy people do not approve of what I do." Gabrelle tried to find the words, but they were dissipating into a mist of cowardice. She kept quiet.

Heidi knew exactly what Gabrelle was getting at and she also understood that it was the church that ran the town of Nottingham. Sure, they laughed and bragged and said to any out-of-town folk that would listen that they believed in equality, but it was not true. Gabrelle knew that whenever they saw her, they whispered amongst themselves that there comes the witch. In recent times the store selling fabric had refused flat out to sell her a piece of black cloth. Any other shade, the store owner had preached but not black.

"But you are just a healer."

Gabrelle smile at the naivete of her friend but she knew that was not how her craft was perceived. "Maybe next year." That was Gabrelle`s way of ending the subject and knowing fully that even next year shall bring the same refusal. "Besides, I don't have a pretty frock to wear, and I heard that the junior Count`s shall be present."

This brightened up Heidi`s features and her honey-colored eyes danced with excitement. "Ma says that the elder boy is off marriageable age and soon he will bring a Countess from overseas." Just like that the subject was closed and they drank up their lemonade and Heidi headed back home. Once she was alone Gabrelle got to baking a small loaf of bread in her wood and iron stove. That would do for the next two to three days. As much as she hummed to herself, her heart hurt with nostalgia as she recalled her mother preparing for the harvest festival and just like Gabrelle, her mother too was a healer. They worked passionately to help the poor. Never to dabble in anything dark and sinister because they too had God in their hearts. Once she had tidied up Gabrelle found herself opening an old clothes bag and retrieving one of her mother's old dresses. Without thinking about anything she went about fixing it to fit her.

CHAPTER SIX

Early Saturday morning brought light rain falls and once the morning bloomed in fully the rain had gone and the sun shined beautifully. Gabrelle had already finished altering the dress and it hung on the back of the chair, awaiting her decision as to whether she would wear it or not. The more Gabrelle was tempted to attend the harvest, she had to keep reminding herself that she did not need to invite any attention to herself that would make her a reason to have future problems. At midday, her decision was set in stone. She would curb her temptation and just remain at home. She took out her washing to hang up for drying when in the distance she saw a carriage coming her way. It was too far for her to fathom who was seated in the closed carriage. As it approached, Gabrelle marveled at the exquisitely designed carriage. This obviously belonged to someone that was affluent in society with assets to burn. Gabrelle felt a trite nervous. Lately there were too many subtle hints being dropped about her and the whispers behind her back were becoming noticeable. Gabrelle bit her lower lip hard, drawing blood and the acrid taste did not bother her as much as this carriage that was heading straight in the direction of her homestead. Her mind was working on overtime, emanating all different and scenic reasons as to why the fancy buggy was approaching her home. Fear was one of the evolving factors that was making her sweat. The clergy man had tried to have a subtle talk about a working woman bringing disrepute to the society but he failed to enlighten her on how an orphan Annie such as herself would be able to survive and it was not as though she was doing anything wrong. She looked at her tiny hands, proud of the fact that she wore her nails short and hygienically she was on top of her game. The buggy stopped a few meters away from her. It was even more handsome up close than from afar. This was definitely not a buggy that any resident of Nottingham could afford. She allowed for a humongous sigh of relief. Perhaps a weary traveler had lost his way. Best for her to go inside and save herself the uncomfortable drama of explaining direction when Gabrelle was the worse in finding anything. She was turning to go back inside her humble abode when the horseman stepped down and opened the carriage door. Gabrelle`s curiosity was piqued. If this carriage had lost its way, then surely the footman would have enquired directions. Her feet were planted firmly on the ground as she watched with interest a real lady decked in garb fit for royalty stepped down with the aide of the footman. She was stealthily proud but as she stepped forward, Gabrelle watched her aristocratic nose flair in distaste at her surroundings. This Lady, built on claws of snobbery was obviously not used to poverty. Yes, she had her nose in the air but her flowing skirt of maroon velvet was still sweeping over the cow dung. Gray strands of her hair fled out of the capped bonnet of the same color hair. This Lady was definitely of noble blood. Gabrelle fidgeted with her humble presence and no matter how much she straightened out her frock, she remained that frumpy girl that had no two copper coins to rub together. The presence of aristocracy was enough to make her go wobbly at the knee. The sun burned brightly but Gabrelle felt a cold chill run through her back.

"Is this the house of the witch?" The tone was inflicted with a biting gruffness and the notes of her words told Gabrelle that this woman felt that it was beneath her dignity to visit a house of such poor standings.

Gabrelle sniffed and mimicked the Lady. "There is no witch here." She had to elaborate but she kept still awaiting a response.

"What rubbish?" More snobbery. "I was told that this place was the haven of a witch." She looked at Gabrelle with disdain; almost offended by Gabrelle`s very presence. "My lady in waiting assured me that the witch Gabrelle lives and works here. Do not waste my time child as I am in a dilemma that only a witch can be of helpful."

The nerve of the woman, Gabrelle felt her heart pounding from the exhaustion of dealing with such arrogance. "This is the home of Gabrelle but she is not a witch." Gabrelle mustered her courage to speak up and own her position. She had nothing but the truth to lose. The aristocrat raised her disappearing eye brow; a silent maneuver on her part to question Gabrelle further. Perceptibly she did not love the fact that Gabrelle was giving her a chase around. Her lips clamped tight together, whitening as frustration that was hidden would soon rear its ugly head. Gabrelle decided to cut her a break. After all she was not about to succumb to the ways of the privileged. "Gabrelle is not a witch. She is a healer." There was a flicker of something that flew across her beady and diluted grey eyes. For an instant she could not understand but after a quick composition`s she adapted to feign understanding.

"Is the witch…I mean healer Gabrelle here." She was starting to show her impatience. Her fingers were balling until her knuckles gleamed.

"Come now child. Soon the sun will be down." Gabrelle did not understand her own feelings and why she was trying to be difficult. It was not as though she had had a mean bone in her body but the way the rich thought that they could just snap their fingers and all will be well somehow irritated her. In the end she decided it was best to get on with it but whatever this aristocratic dame was selling, she isn't buying.

"I am Gabrelle." It was a snap but that did not bother nor deter the old lady. Even though a glimpse of surprise could be read from her eyes but her composition was composed.

"Come child, if you are Gabrelle then we have much to talk about." As Gabrelle led her into her home, she felt mighty uneasy.