Behind the Blue and the Silver

Copyright © 2015 by Gabriela A. Rodríguez.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Rev. date: 29/08/2016

Palibrio

1663 Liberty Drive

Suite 200

Bloomington, IN 47403

One of my many visions of home Yilankale in Adana, Turkey.

W hat a beautiful morning, the birds are singing, the sky is clear, just the perfect day to do house chores. Outside I can hear my father working on his iron, a smith by trade and Greek by birth, from the city of Aspendos. Every morning I wake up to the Clink! Clink! Clank! as he hammers his iron and silver. His dedication and love for his trade has taken the years for granted, they have passed him though not in vain. This hardworking man for whom the years have passed, has taught me how to smith, carve, and do jewelry. He has empowered me to read and write, with books that he collected during his many travels. Father often tells me that a woman should be prepared to always know her place around men but to speak her mind in injustice, for no man to falter my honesty and my better judgment, and when love comes my way to love with the heart, body, and soul. I remember his teachings well.

As far as I can remember it’s always been him and I, for I don’t remember my mother I was too young when she passed. Father tells me that mother was very dear to him, that she was the sweetest person around with a sense of humility and that I resemble her in many ways like her pale skin, freckles, and soft brown hair with curls. He mentioned that it was her fault for our home to be here in Anazarbos, as she fell in love with the place, she wanted to be away to form a family of her own. Father said that his parents and my mother’s parents were smiths; they met on an errand and soon fell in love with each other. But were not allowed to court or marry as my mother was promised to another man as a child. Father wanted to speak to her parents to ask for her hand in marriage but they refused to his proposal and my parents decided to run away.

They soon decided to move to another place and start a new life away from the Greek norm and standards of marriage that most families abided by. They decided to leave it behind by making a living as smith away from Aspendos and decided to go to the province of Anazarbos and after a long trip that took them to stay at an Inn House for travelers for a week they found a place on the outskirts of town. It was an area with a slopped rocky hill that had a river with fresh running water that sat about forty feet from it, with a couple of trees and scattered wild flowers.

They would travel back and forth to town daily for materials to build what is now our home and after a couple of weeks they built a big room out of wood, and a big furnace. They made their ironwork and sold it until they saved enough to build around the whole house with stone, to make what is now our main hall. Days after my parents settled they started to dig near the slope to make a wall to surround the stable and the property. As they dug mother started to dig on the side of the slope where it looked like the ground was sunken. She had dug no more than a couple of feet when the land gave in toppling her into a sitting position about three feet down. Father got scared as he saw mother go down that he ran to where mother was, as he got their mother stood up and kissed papa. He asked if she was hurt, to what she replied by pulling him inside; once in he could not believe his eyes for it was a mine with silver and other minerals. From then their life started to prosper they kept the cave a secret by building a horse stable on top of it and that is where it sits now. Father said I came along two years after they settled he often praises me by saying,

You were just a complete joy to mother and I, you made our marriage complete.

When I was two years of age mother went to introduce me to her parents, father could not accompany us due to his work and after a two-week trip on the way back the caravan ran into some travelers who had a sick person with them. The caravan offered to leave the man in town while mother and another woman cared for him, he seemed to have been badly hurt or wounded, and they tended to him by cleaning the wounds until they could get to a doctor. The caravan got to town shortly and father picked us up, mother however seemed weary and tired. When he asked what was wrong she told him she had cut herself at her parents’ home helping her father, she thought it was getting infected. Mother was not the same after that, she was unable to keep the food down, and had a thirst that no matter how much water she drank it would not cease. The fever made her hallucinate, and scream. Her bones ached and she would often pull on her hair to which my father would tie her so she would not hurt herself.

The doctor gave her medication but nothing would help her, she stopped being cheerful until her untimely death six months after the incident leaving my father with me to care. Making it rough on him, because I was still too small and a girl.

A few years passed until he rented a small shack he used to store hay to a Spaniard man and his wife, which was with child and had a son no bigger than myself. They became real good friends Emma his wife became of real help when Father had to leave for work. As time passed Emma helped father raise me along with her two sons Bernardo who was five and Samuel, who was a babe. Arthur and my father worked together while Emma, Samuel and I stayed home. Papa, Arthur, and Bernardo would travel to other cities or towns to trade or sell their goods. Papa with his cutlery sets, knives, swords, armor and jewelry. Arthur with his sheep, their wool, and their meat. Bernardo was often taken along to know the routes and the people, along with the trade.

Father said that one day when Arthur and him went hunting, something odd happened in an area with tall trees and shrubs at dawn near Tarsos. Father was plucking quail that they had hunted earlier, while Arthur picked berries and pinion nuts when all of a sudden he heard Arthur yell. Father ran to where he was as he reached his friend, he could see Arthur at the bottom of the shrub half way in yelling,

It’s got me! Damn animal has bitten me!

Father cocked his flintlock and shot, he said he saw something run maybe a big wild dog but could not see it right, as it was still dark. As he got to his friend and was cutting him loose from the shrubbery. He could feel something about watching them father stopped and cocked his pistol and shot one more time. By that time Arthur was trying to stand, as he was still all mangled. Father was able to help him back to where their horses and cart were. Arthur had been bitten pretty badly as daylight came he was able to see what was left of his leather boot and pant. He was surprised to see that his calf had been almost completely severed from his leg. Father applied pressure to the wound with leather strapping and rode him to town as fast as he could.

After the incident Arthur changed he became angry, unstable, and he would kill and skin the sheep with his bare hands. Father thought he might have felt bad that he was left with a limp and scarred, but worst was father catching him eating his sheep. Emma got concerned and afraid for herself and the children. Arthur seeing this grew depressed and stopped eating. He would have severe belly and bone pains, when he tried to eat and drink. Father mentioned he had an odd smell and a thirst that would not cease and would get angrier on the birth of the new moon. Arthur died in his sleep couple of months after Bernardo turned sixteen. This took a great toll on Emma and the children I know she still misses him even after seven years of the incident. Sometimes I wish papa could have married her, that way they would not be alone. He probably didn’t because of me perhaps he thought I would not have approved.

Life has been hard to endure I hardly remember mother and Arthur was such a sweet man its hard to believe they’re gone. I know it has been hard for father and Emma, first loosing mother, then Arthur, and then trying to maintain a steady work flow without any help since Bernardo was still learning.

It seems that everything has a purpose and it’s predetermined by destiny. I myself differ from other girls my age, I think and see things young girls my age don’t. Perhaps being alone aided me to conceive dubious illusions which are unheard for a child. Maybe because death has plagued us, and others who were close to the family, but for whatever reason I will always be grateful for their care. I often brag about father since he can craft anything from a small pin to a full armor, but his specialty is sword and bow making. Father is always busy for he has many clients, but he is devoted to one family of noble descent The Crowell’s. They are very fond of my father, Lord Maximilian Crowell hired my father when he became regent of Anatolia under the sultan’s regimen and has confided on my father for their weapon and armor needs for more than a decade now.

Bernardo and I help with the over load of orders. They do the heavy stuff I do the intricate patterns, and the detailing on the swords and armor. Not that I can’t craft one but father says all that hammering for me does not look good on my petite arms he rather have Bernardo do them.

Knock! Knock!

Ariadne are you awake child?

Oh! I hear Emma on the door, enough of me writing. Today is Saturday and Emma and I wash clothes and clean all day I’m late…!

Yes Emma I’m awake.

For a minute I thought you were still asleep child.

No, Emma I was tidying up.

Well come dear we have lots to do.

We walked outside toward the river the air was cool with a mild breeze it sure was a lovely morning. Emma talks away about how she would like for Bernardo and I to be a couple or maybe find somebody that we can love and marry, she refers to it every time she can. Poor dear Emma I do love Bernardo very much but as a brother not like a woman should love a man. I tell her every time and she tells me that love like that comes later. She says she tells me this because she cares, she does not mean to be pushy about it. She just thinks we will make a good couple. I reply to her that neither of us is ready for a commitment like that. I want to be of help for papa as much as I can, I’m barely nineteen going on twenty and past the marry age which is fourteen to sixteen, and she had Bernardo at sixteen. I’m not at that mentality yet I like to be free like a horse and maybe go places, and travel to different cities, and meet new people. Men don’t like women like me who speak their mind, I don’t follow any norms or wear a garb like most women of Greek descend who are not supposed to show their womanly attributes. I’m not girly I’m a bit tough for a girl since I grew up with two boys knowing boy games. I often wear leather leggings due to our work, which don’t make me look feminine but I don’t want my dress to catch fire. When we go to town I wear dresses at times but mostly leather leggings and leather vests. Which at times has gotten me confused with a libertine woman by foreigners since locals know our family well. I’m of a medium built to the slender side, pale skinned like a ghost with freckles, long light brown curly hair and pale blue eyes more like dark gray. You can say I’m smart for a girl my age I don’t just stay at home and sew. My reading of different cultures has helped me get acquainted with people, and do business with them though for a woman is prohibited to do business with men in other provinces. That is why I’m always with Bernardo (A voice interrupts my thinking.)

Hey ladies do you need help from a well built, intelligent handsome man?

Bernardo you silly boy! And handsome help your mother.

No my boy help Ariadne. Said Emma

No help Emma. (He smiles.)

Ladies, ladies please! Don’t fight over me I can help both of you.

He grabbed the baskets on each hand while we helped him on the end so that the weight would be distributed in three. When we got home Emma went inside while we stayed behind to hang the clothes.

Emma is a good woman in her fifties, very hardworking her hair is long and shows some graying. She usually has her hair up or in a braid, long skirt or dress, and usually wears an apron. Emma is a very sweet woman who has aided my father with my upbringing; she is like my second mother. I can’t thank her enough for all she does for me. She does most of our daily cooking, if she is not available or has to do other errands I take care of the kitchen and or chores. At night I usually help with dinner if I’m not helping papa, or doing my many chores, as there is always something to do around the house.

In the evenings if I’m done with chores I like to go with my mare Molasses by the river and sit while I comb or braid her hair, or simply just sit with her. She is of a rich dark brown color with dark mane and tail. I have had her since she was a small foal Papa bought her mother a light golden brown mare from Arabic descend in Mersin and I called her Molasses. She is like me in so many ways besides her hay and grain she loves apples, and sugar squares. At times we are joined by Bernardo or my little brother Samuel he’s a cute kid that is totally blonde buckteeth and freckles, but mostly it is just molasses and I. Papa has joined me a couple of times but he says a woman is to have her space to think and to get things sorted out. For tonight it’s only molasses and I, she seems to understand everything I tell her, she nods or snorts at times, or pushes me with her head, and licks me which is kind of yucky. When I feel sad or feel like crying she gets close, and rubs her head against me making it all better.

Clink!, Clank!, Clank!, Clink!

I can hear the echo of my poor father still working, I’m glad we have Bernardo to help father. Bernardo is a rather handsome boy he is fair and young has long dark brown hair, a thin mustache and is medium to well-built he is not chunky, nor slender he is normal I guess. He has green eyes with dimples on his cheeks. He is very nice and respectful he cares about me, we can probably talk about everything and anything, for we understand each other well. We often go to town to bring goods at least every Friday or Monday depending on the needs since we are far from town about three hours. We also go further onto other cities to get goods and trade goods that you don’t find in town. Which are about six to eight hours from here, on those trips we need to plan and board somewhere, or camp depending on how the weather is. We leave those trips for about twice a month, and there is a trip that we do yearly and that is every January at midmonth to celebrate the New Year.

Papa would accompany us every time, but times change they are getting older his heart and legs are tired and so are Emma’s, to withstand so many hours by horse or cart.

Oh my! I get so much into my writing and thinking that I forget about time, I believe it is past supper. I got home and closed this big gate made of Iron and silver that encases most of the house, with tall walls of marble stone. Inside I wash up and go into the hall but before I get to the kitchen I can smell Emma’s delicious cooking when I hear papa say,

My child you got caught up in things?

Yes father sorry that I’m late.

Well the food is going nowhere honey.

I’m not really hungry Papa. I will just get fruit.

Are you feeling well Ari? said Bernardo.

Yes, I am.

Oh my! (Said Emma.) I’ll get a brew going.

I hope you’re not coming down with anything darling. It is the night air don’t forget we are almost at the end of summer, and those night breezes are getting cool dear.

Yes papa I’ll try to get my cloak ready.

Bernie when you are done son can you check and see how much wood there is, so that you can see if Ariadne has some, to get the furnace going?

Yes sir. Said Bernardo

Papa I can get the wood myself.

Yes my lady.

That meant that he has spoken in a very subtle way. I kissed my father good night and took an apple from the mantle excused myself and went to my room. When I got there I was hoping not to come down with anything I just felt a bit tired and achy. Probably because it is that time of the month when everything on your body changes. As I sat there on my writing table I heard a knock and said come in, it was Emma and Bernardo. She brought me tea and Bernardo brought wood and turned my furnace on.

Hey little lady it’s all done.

Thank you Bernie, I could have done it myself.

Don’t worry it does not bother me. Have a good night Ari.(He kissed his mother and left. Emma stayed with me and closed the door behind him.)

Emma you have much to do to pamper me.

Now, now I’ve seen you grow up in my arms and you don’t want me to worry, drink up, and make sure you drink all of it. We women loose most of our inner vitality once a month and you need to be warm, drink plenty of fluids, and eat. That apple that you are eating is not enough but we don’t need to force anything down, now try to rest honey.

Thank you Emma.

You are welcome good night I’ll see you in the morning.

Good night Emma!

She left the room while I got ready for bed. Bernardo also put water to warm, he knows me well. I bathed, and left the furnace on while I finished my tea and slept. Next morning I woke late and everything was silent. Emma’s teas are good but they always make me sleep for hours, I got up bathed and got ready. I went about our home, and could see that no one was in the house. I went outside and our carriage was missing, they went to church without me. I started to see if any cleaning needed to be done. I swept the main hall and started to cook so that food could be ready by the time they came back. It was past mid-day when I went out to leave the broom, and heard them arrive.

How are you feeling darling?

Much better Emma thank you for your teas.

Hey little lady it smells real good. said Bernardo.

Boy am I hungry. Father said as he came in.

Emma helped me serve lunch we had homemade bread, fresh okra, shredded beef in stew, and sweet potatoes. As we ate father asked me how well I felt to go to town early in the morning with Bernardo. I told him I was well to accompany him.

Well tomorrow we have visitors, and I need to handle this matter personally, Lord Crowell is coming to pick up the swords we have been working on, and he will take most of the armor we have for him. He needs twenty-five more swords, and fifteen pieces of armor. I need for you and Bernardo to bring some leather belting and riveting since what we have is not enough for their cuirasses.

Yes father we will leave at dawn.

As we ate I thought of Lord Crowell, I had not seen him lately. I’m always busy when he comes or not here, he is very dear to papa. Father always does his best for him; Lord Markus Crowell is the son of Lord Maximilian Crowell very wealthy. Though quite generous he is humble not like other noble and wealthy men we know, which spend too much time in the gutter. He is often traveling like an Ambassador for he is now the Regent of Anatolia with an army at his command. By the way he is very handsome, with deep blue eyes, tall and with gorgeous hair hmm.

Ariadne! Ariadne!

Yes! Were you saying something? (Bernardo smiles and shakes his head.)

Again caught on your thinking my lady?

I’m sorry Bernie. (By the time I was back to reality everyone was getting up from the table.) I helped Emma pick the dishes up and tidy up the kitchen.

I’m going to brew some cinnamon with aniseed so you can rest a little better Ariadne since tomorrow is going to be a long day.

Thank you Emma.

Ariadne come with me to the stables and talk about our trip tomorrow?

Sure Bernie, but let me get a shawl. (We went outside and sat on the haystack, the night was cool and we were talking when Bernardo asked me.)

Ariadne what do you feel for me?

What do you mean?

Well do you have feelings of love for me?

I do, but as a brother and I love you dearly.

Will you ever love me more than a brother like a man?

I don’t know Bernardo, I have not thought about you that way. I’ve always seen you like a brother, come lets have some tea. Remember we leave at dawn. (Inside as we got to the kitchen we saw Emma sitting at the table drinking some tea.)

My young ones you both need to get to bed.

Yes Emma but we wanted tea.

Well take some there is plenty, good night kids.

She gave us a kiss and went to her room. We stayed preparing our teas when Bernardo got close and said,

Have a good night Ari, sleep well, and don’t forget our talk tonight.

Rest Bernardo I won’t.

He picked his cup up and left while I blew the kitchen candle off. I left the kitchen and passed the hall candle to my room, went inside and lit the candle. I put the teacup on the vanity and closed the door to my room. The inside was cozy and warm since the furnace has been on since last night. I got ready for a bath and sat a while on the warm water sipping my tea. The thought of him came back to my mind. I had met Markus Crowell as a child, he would come with his father to pick up goods he had my father do for them. They often would bring us fruit and vegetables that they grew; he still does. As far as I can remember he has always been quiet and observant like if thinking, although at times he is playful. I just to love when we played hide and seek, or the time where I touched his hair because it’s so red. He used to sit around the fire and tell us spooky stories that would frighten us to death. We were smaller than he was and I would scream and he would laugh along with Bernardo. Now I don’t really see him I probably have seen him smile about three times for he has the most gorgeous set of blue eyes I have ever seen, and his hair like a flame that enacts with his pale skin.

I better get out my fingers are wrinkled and my water cold. As I finished bathing I got the chills it sure is getting colder. I got into my nightgown put another log into the furnace, dried my hair and went to bed. As morning came I heard a knock at the door it was about five. I got up and opened my door it was Emma.

Good morning my child how are you feeling?

(I hugged her) Good morning I feel great thanks to your caring.

Will you eat something before you leave?

No Emma, I will just probably take something to eat on the way.

Alright, I will have your list on what we need at the kitchen.

As she left I got ready I wore black cloth leggings a dark blue riding dress, with a thick leather brown belt, and boots to match. Braided my hair, and wore my brown leather cloak. I got my coin ready and my list of things to buy and stuffed them on my leather pouch. Got molasses pouches to bring more delicate goods such as, crystal beads, jewelry and things that I needed for my handy work. As I was coming out of my room I found Bernardo coming down the hall.

Good morning how’s my little lady feeling?

Fine Bernie thank you and you?

Good! I had a good sleep. Ari the horses are ready do you want me to put those on molasses?

Yes please. Do you know if father is awake?

Oh yes he told me for you to go to the main hall, he will give you a list of what he needs and by the way Lord Crowell is here.

Oh! He is rather early I wonder if papa even slept?

I don’t know but I’ll wait for you at the kitchen.

All right I’ll see you there.

I walked to the main hall where I could see Lord Crowell looking at some swords mounted on the wall. I walked in, kissed papa and said, Good morning.

Good morning my lady. (He got closer.)

You remember my daughter my lord? Father said,

But of course I do. He reached for my hand and said,

I have not seen her since she was a child, she is now quite a lady.

Indeed she is my lord.

How do you do my lady? (He bowed, kissed my hand, as he let it go slowly)

Fine thank you my lord you look…So tall and different than I remember you. (I was bemused on how he looked he was indeed a handsome man so fair.)

Yes indeed you were quite a child when my father used to bring me here years ago.

Yes those were the days. How time passes Markus.

Indeed my friend. Lord Crowell said to my father.

Excuse me my lord it was a pleasure seeing you again, but I need to get going. I’ll leave you two with your affairs. (I curtsied and he bowed.)

The pleasure was all mine my lady.

Papa handed me the list and I asked if his medication was included on the note, to which he nodded yes. I left the room with his stare. As I walked to the kitchen I could not shake off his beautiful blue eyes, and long dark red hair. He looked very handsome though his nose was rather piercing not ugly but makes him look more intense, and dominant. I got to the kitchen where Emma was fixing some take along nibbles for us, and Bernardo was eating. He could eat all day and still be hungry.

I’m almost done Ari.

That is fine finish Bernie. Are there any more apples Emma?

No my dear I believe you took the last one.

Oh no! No apples. (When I heard a voice.)

Good morning ye fellow friends?

Emma got up as she said good morning she was facing the door and Bernardo just looked up as he was eating. I had my back to the entrance but I knew the voice well.

I brought some fruit I really think you might enjoy.

He had two sacks of red delicious apples Bernardo got up to help him.

Thank you my lord you’re a real lifesaver.

Why is that my lady?

You brought apples my lord.

Yes my lord that is all she wants to eat…Apples. Said Emma.

Ahhh! Is that so?

Yes thank you my lord.

I’ll bring you some more next time my lady. (He smiled and left.)

Oh! He has turned into a fine young man I remember him as a child. Emma said and continued.

I’ve seen him a couple of times when he comes with your father but he always sends one of his soldiers with the fruit or with goods he brings to us. He is such a handsome man, you know the last time he was here he was rather young, and he sat serious and wet eyed when they came to pick his mother up. It was quite a terrible day for all such a wonderful lady, such a terrible loss.

She stood quiet as she probably went to that moment in time then she looked at us and said,

Well get going you two it is going to be six!

We went out and Bernardo helped me up on my horse then as we were leaving we saw Markus’s caravan just outside our patio doors. On our way I asked Bernardo,

You are rather quiet is there something wrong Bernie?

No, well yes remember what we spoke of last night?

Yes I remember.

Did you think about it?

There is nothing to think about I don’t feel like you do. I’m sorry. (He stopped the horse and got down.)

Isn’t there a small chance you would feel as I do Ariadne?

Bernardo look. (I got down close to him and asked)

What do you see in me?

I see a very pretty girl you are everything a man can want.

He came close hugged me, and kissed me. I pushed him and gave him a slap.

Why did you do that? Are you mad?!

Bernardo we’re supposed to be like brothers!

Yes Ariadne but we are not! And I feel for you very deeply. By the way that hurt.

Well that is so you can learn that, I can’t love you in any other way. Because I love…

What? Who do you love Ariadne?

Nobody! (I got on my horse and rode off.)

Wait! Don’t be mad it was bad of me to kiss you without asking, forgive me please! Please! Please!

Yes I forgive you. I can’t be mad at you.

I’m sorry. What do I do with what I feel?

Look I know it’s hard but you need to start paying attention to other girls don’t get your feelings confused, we have grown up together we know everything about each other. I would give my life for you, but I can’t love you like a woman should, and for all that its worth I’m the one who should be sorry. If I ever gave you any type of hope, it was not my intention.

No it was me who thought wrong.

We were quiet for a minute and I said,

I know who likes you.

Hmmm what do you mean?

I know someone that likes you.

And who might that be?

Guess?

No, c’mon tell me?

No, no guess?

Alright! Hmmm! Matilda, Odra?

Nope!

Hmmm Petrona? The Italian girl that sells cheese and honey cake?

No, you’re funny she is cute!

Yeah but she is too serious. Hmmm I don’t know anybody else wait, wait, is it Marianna?

Yes! You guessed correctly.

Are you sure she is rather quiet and very pretty. She is also your best friend.

That she is.

Don’t be mean you are lying huh?

No Bernardo why would I lie?

To get back at me for the kiss right?

You really think that?

No not really. How do you know?

She said it to me.

When?

Last time we were here

Why did you not tell me?

She asked me not to tell you.

Then how am I supposed to know she likes me?

Bernardo she throws hints at you every time we come, and you don’t even notice.

She is awfully nice to me, she gives me things, and tells me how nice I look. Hey you are right!

You see dumdum!

We got to town late it was already nine there were some traders, and vendors not as many like at the end of the month. We got down from our horses and tied them while we went to buy our goods. We went to Bernabe and bought the iron rivets; from there we went to the leather goods for the belting at Akan’s leather goods. Then to Maurice’s for some clothing I ordered. And last but not least to Julius who is the apothecary in town for my father’s medicine, as we walked in he came and greeted us.

How’s your father dear Ariadne?

He is doing well for now until winter comes since his bones hurt more in winter.

Yes his knees are already tired and the rest of the bones, due to the heat and hammering he’s done for years. Well here you go give him my best regards.

Thank you Julius I will.

We left his store and went to get some candles at Sariah and Hamir’s store. They are Marianna’s parents, when we entered Sariah and Marianna greeted us.

How are you doing my dear Ariadne and Bernardo you keep on getting so handsome? said Sariah

Fine thank you Sariah missing your hospitality.

Thank you for your extol my lady we have been good. Said Bernardo.

Marianna hugged us and said,

It’s good to see you both.

It’s good to see you too and your father Marianna?

Oh, he went to Ankara. He needed some things, and could not hold of till months end.

Well please give my regards to him.

After welcoming us we sat and visited for a while they offered us Qasab, which is sugar cane juice. Then I asked Marianna if she could get me some candles we needed.

Marianna dear I need twenty-five candles, then I want to see your stones and crystals.

But of course I have some flawless agate, carnelian, garnet, and some deep purple and pink crystals those I believe are amethyst.

I bought all of her eight pieces of garnets, one agate, and four purple and pink crystals.

I knew you would like the garnets Ari.

Yes, I really love that stone hopefully you will have some more by the end of the month when we come again.

We probably will my friend.

Sariah are you very busy?

Not much child why?

Can we take Marianna from you? We just need to buy some meat from the Vilka brothers please, please?

Sure, Ariadne go ahead take Marianna she hardly gets out, go on kids.

As we walked out, we talked about how lonely she had been and how she missed us. Hoping for her parents to let her stay with us sometime. But we know they would not because she helps her parents just as we help ours. We arrived at the Vilka’s stand and Darius was with some friends, and as soon as he saw us he came and greeted us.

Hello Bernardo how are you? said Darius

Fine and yourself?

I been well my friend.

Marianna how good to see you my lady. he bowed to her.

Then he turned to me and said,

My dear sweet Ariadne. I had not seen your pretty face lately He kissed my hand and bowed.

It’s nice to see you to Darius.

No, How nice to see you all. What can I offer to you today? Peppered, salted, garlic, curry, or natural beef.

Let me have two pounds of natural and one salted please.

Sure dear. as we waited for the meat I heard a voice say,

My dear Darius who is this gorgeous creature I’m seeing?

Malakay this is my friend Ariadne, her brother Bernardo and my friend Marianna.

It’s nice to meet you Malakay Vilkaraus, at your feet.

He greeted Bernardo, kissed Marianna’s hand, and kissed my hand and held it as he said,

I’m so stunned by your rare beauty, if I may say you are just a doll.

Malakay measure your words cousin you may offend Ariadne she is not used to your gallantly! said Darius followed by Malakay.

I’m sorry if I have my lady. But you have made an impression on me.

Thank you Sir

You are quite welcome.

He bowed and I retrieved my hand as he still held it. Darius got close to give us the meat and his cousin did not stop staring at me. There is something about his deep dark brown eyes that I don’t like, and about him, he made me feel uneasy. He is quite a tall fellow, medium in built with shoulder length straight black hair with a streak of graying. He portrays a rough way of being.

Let’s go ladies, good day gentlemen. Said Bernardo

As he grabbed the meat box from me, and took me by the hand followed by Marianna then we said good-bye to Darius and Malakay.

Are you feeling alright Ari you are shivering?

Yes I believe so he made me very nervous, there is something about him it’s like an uncanny feeling, his cold stare makes me feel afraid.

Are you sure you feel alright? Bernardo stopped me and got me by the shoulders.

Yes I’m all right really. As we walked Marianna home we entered, packed our goods and said bye to Sariah and Marianna.

Please come soon my friends I really miss you all.

Don’t worry Marianna we will be back at month’s end we hugged, kissed and left. We went and fixed our goods. When we got things ready, we started our way back home. There are three main roads that fork on the towns entrance one to Anazarbos; the others go to Karatepe and Kastabala. They are about two hour’s far one from each other. Which makes them five hours from where we live to the west, if we go east we encounter two main roads one that reaches Tarsos and the other that goes to Mersin a large sea port then to, Ankara capitol to Adana which are about six to seven hours depending on weather conditions. On the way we see neighbors, travelers, traders and soldiers. Roads tend to be busier at months end or when winter is approaching, due to climate changing radically.

Ariadne how are you feeling now?

Good thank you, I just needed to get out his sight.

He seemed rather impressed he didn’t take his eyes off of you, I did not like that.

He might be nice but something about him that makes me feel very nervous. Bernardo have you ever felt like despair, or anguish, or just an immense sadness?

Well Ari only when papa passed.

Well that is how he makes me feel. I’m sorry I made you remember your father. Which reminds me do you remember that incident that happened with Lord Crowell’s mother? I was around six years and you were ten, remember that you, Arthur, papa and, Hamir were coming from a three day trading and hunting trip?

Yes we were coming from the New Year Fair at Antiokheia and we had stayed near Iskanderum pass. On the way back we heard at a distance like screams and people fighting it was still dark as we approached the area. We could see that it was a caravan of some noble people it had guards and soldiers, but it was a total lunacy.

Why lunacy Bernardo?

There was blood all over like a carnage like if they had been butchered by some kind of animal, the bodies had big gashes, on them. Father did not let me get down but from where I was; I could see clearly as light was coming in, your father got his pistol cocked it once and shot at the air and he repeated two more times. He did it to scare whomever had done this; they all got down with swords. My father and Hamir checked the bodies to see if any were alive. Then your father approached the carriage inside there was a man and a woman whom your father spoke a few words to my understanding then he called Hamir and my father to help carry the man out. Then they came to the carriage to undo some skins and place them as if to lay someone. On the mean time I could see your father carrying a woman from their cart to ours.

I was afraid thinking that the animals or whomever did this might come back. Then my father said,

While Erasmus drives home you stay in the back with the lady and see that she keeps warm we will stay here, so scavengers don’t take the bodies.

I rode with her all the way home she looked quite pale and in bad shape. As we got home your father carried the woman to the guest room, and called my mother.

I remember Emma and I were on the kitchen waiting for everyone to arrive, when all of a sudden I heard papa call Emma to open the room, she told me to get some clean clothes and a pail of clean water, as she ran to help my father. I went into the room and father said,

Ariadne help tend to Lady Crowell. Emma and Bernardo are going for the doctor to town. I need you to be extra nice don’t move from her bedside give her water, keep her warm and aid the wounds. I’m on my way to get her family.

I said yes to him and he left on his horse. I got close to her she was in pain and sweating, she asked for water and I slowly gave her some, she looked at me and said,

My girl you are so young, so innocent of many things. May God keep you safe, for our blood has marked your family to such fate, I thank you and your family for helping me.

As I was cleaning her wounds she kept on looking at me and smiled.

I came across a heavy set silver chain I had helped papa design, which held a stone that looked like crystallized blood. I tried to clean the wound but the chain was mangled with her skin. I told her that I needed to remove her jewelry to prevent infection in her wound. That it may hurt a bit, she said yes by slowly moving her head. As I took her jewelry I promised her it would be safe. I put it right next to her so she could feel it was there. She said,

That my child belongs to you now it’s yours, keep it safe till you can return it to m…

But my lady…

She fainted probably because of the pain. I kept the wound clean she was sweating profusely; I tried to keep her comfortable. I went hurriedly outside to change the water when I came back, she asked for water, but she seemed weaker. She was very pale, I also noticed she was a very pretty woman, she had long honey brown hair not blonde in color, and deep blue eyes, just like Markus. By now she had stopped bleeding, and she was shivering, probably because of the fever and her wound. I left a thin blanket on her and kept on putting a wet cloth on her head to stabilize her temperature. It must have been hours for it was night already before I started to hear horses and people. I saw torches outside from the window. By then the doctor, papa and the ladies family had arrived. I had locked the door to the room when I heard papa say,

Open the door honey. I ran and opened the door the doctor, and Lord Crowell senior came in, he looked at me and said

Thank you my dear. Then he approached the bed and looked at his wife and said,

My dear Eliza! then cried.

Father called me and I went to him. He said,

You have been a very good girl I’m very proud of you, now go with Emma to the kitchen.

When I entered the kitchen, I saw him he was young in his teens tall with his long reddish hair, sitting on the table. He looked at me with his sad blue eyes, then saw my dress with blood, he smiled and looked down. That is what I remember Bernardo, then you took me to the bench on the hall.

Yes I remember, you mention you were scared.

I was very scared Bernie.

Then we saw that Lord Crowell called his son to get the coach closer to the entrance, then minutes later he carried his wife to the carriage.

Yes, then I went to get the water and the cloth I used to tend to her wounds and washed them in the patio. I remember I was crying. When Emma came outside to see if I was all right, and she told me,

Let me take that dress, blood does not come out don’t wash those sweetie we burn them, and come inside. she grabbed my hand.

Once inside she said, I will take care of that room and you go bathe.

You know Bernardo while I was outside, I could see bodies on the carriages, and those were probably the bodies that your father and Hamir were taking care of. I also remember that as I was going to my bedroom, I heard voices down the hall. It was papa talking to Lord Crowell, he was telling papa something about being careful, your fate has been sealed and if he could, he should make a tall iron fence around the house with silver spears on the top, to prevent any trespassers Lord Crowell was trying to pay papa and father refused, he told Lord Crowell he was very appalled and sorry. That he wished he could have been there sooner, to which Lord Crowell relied,

It was better this way my friend, because you might have suffered the same fate. But I would leave some of my men tonight. I hope your family is safe, thank you again my friend please if there is anything you ever need and if it’s on my power please just ask, as my life is in debt with you.

I went back to the room where the lady was to tidy up then to my room.

That is what you heard Ari?

Yes, and that is why we have a curfew Bernardo.

We got home at around mid-day. We were getting things down father and Emma came to help us.

How were your trip kids?

It was good we both answered.

Wash up come and eat.

Ariadne did you find the rivets and leather strapping?

Yes, papa and I also have your medication.

I got to the kitchen and asked Emma if she thought there were monsters out there? (Bernardo was right behind me.)

Heavens child what kind of question is that? What have you kids been talking about? Stop laughing Bernardo!

Well Emma it’s just that I was thinking of Lady Crowell.

Oh yes, poor woman what an unfortunate incident.

Do you think a monster did that?

Did what? father was coming into the kitchen. Emma stood quiet. Papa I was asking Emma about Lady Crowell, if she thought that a monster had slain all her caravan?

(He stood sternly quiet and said) Maybe, maybe there are things out there that we are unaware of, and those poor souls ran into it that night. All I know, is that those wounds were not done by a human, they were done by an animal. Child you should not worry about things that passed long ago.

Papa is that why we are not allowed after midnight outside the gates?

Yes! and no, I don’t want you two to get things on your heads understood?

Yes sir! said Bernardo.

Yes papa.

Now, now you two sit down and eat. Emma was staring at papa. As he stood there probably remembering then grabbed a fruit and left.

Bernardo and I just stared at each other, and ate quietly. After we were done with our food we picked up the kitchen.

I’ll go see what your father needs.

Sure I will meet you there let me go change.

He kissed my cheek and went outside and I went to my room. I took my dress and my boots off, and wore something more casual put on sandals and went to the main hall to see papa. I walked into the hall he was there quietly doing the small holes on the leather straps.

My dear Ariadne what are you up to? Helping you. What do you need me to do? I see you have seven armor casings and twelve swords; do you want me to check how many of the woolen vests fit and do the riveting on the straps?

Well dear; Bernardo is ahead of you with that, but you can start to engrave the swords and work your velvet and leather on the handles.

When is Lord Crowell coming to pick them up?

He will be here by the end of the month, and he wants at least ten more sets, that include top armor with reinforced pauldrons and bottom greaves, and twenty five more swords.

Oh my! How many swords on the raw do we have, papa?

About sixteen.

And gauntlets?

Those we have twelve pairs that were left in iron they need to be laced in silver and need polishing, they already have the leather linings.

How about armor casings?

"Hmmm, Bernardo how many casings are there? (Bernardo was coming with the woolen linings)

If I’m correct there are seven pairs and three in the making, and there are twenty more swords on stock.

If we organize each other papa then we just need five more swords, three armor casings and ten bottom greaves.

No, Ari I believe I saw six pairs you will need four.

That is less papa!

Okay! If we are getting organized. said Bernardo. I will work on the armor casings, the five swords and the matching greaves.

Papa I will do the gauntlets, and the sword detailing.

"Okay are you kids planning to leave this old man something I will work on the wool inlays all the riveting and polishing. (We were talking as Emma was coming in with tea.)

And I will help with bringing you tea and crackers. (We laughed.)

As the days passed we worked hard dawn to dusk every day to maintain the quota we had set ourselves for Lord Crowell so that father could be done before winter. Since he could not work long periods outside on the cold air due to his heart illness and bone aches. Bernardo and I tried to do the hard work and the hammering, papa was either sitting with the riveting, or polishing. Sometimes he just did the woolen inlays. We had about three days to reach our goal before the end of summer came.

Finally the last days of the month were here and the next five days to follow are Trading Days we needed not to finish but also have our work to sell and trade. I needed to work on some pieces of jewelry and daggers. Papa needed to make some handy tools and extra swords, because people would come and buy from him at home since he is the only smith for miles. Bernardo would sell and trade skins, and our poor Emma would make her delicious pies to sell. Made from sweet potato, rhubarb, apple, and pumpkin. We all had something to do. But most of all Samuel will be with us, he goes to a border school that imparts classes at the church three days a week Monday, Thursday, and Saturdays but it’s about six hours from here. He stays at his grandparents’ home near Kastabala. I really wish he could stay with us but he needs an education and there are no schools in Anazarbos.

Today is the last day of summer we have not only finished, Lord Crowell’s request but we finished our trading goods as well. Mmm, mmm! I smell something sweet and delicious the house is just filled with the aroma of pies. I love pies but we can’t eat any now bummer! Usually when we do everything at a slow pace without worries Emma usually bakes three pies for home but right now she has to finish in order to sell since we leave tomorrow at dawn for two days. We usually do very well, and the best thing is that we all go by cart except for Bernardo and I we take our horses. As we are getting everything ready for the trip I went to the stables to cut some leather when I heard the bell at the patio gate.

Someone is here Bernardo!

He runs to the main gate, and then I see Bernardo come and tell something to my father. He stood up and walked toward the gate. By that