Chapter Text
Landscapers trimmed the boxwood bushes and cleaned the home’s sparkling white marble walls as the raisin-like smell of fresh mulch wafted into the street. Soldiers milling around the mansion noticed the woman standing outside the open gate. Whether from the ravages of time on her memory or the overwhelming number of people working at the compound, she didn’t recognize any of them. Four years seemed like an eternity. Would anyone there recognize her? She changed so much in that time.
Her next step would take her back into a world she thought she left behind. Her trembling hand steadied on the rapier hilt while she fingered the dagger with the other. After a last long, deep breath she took that first step. Entering the compound felt like falling and once she passed the walls her breath exploded in a full body tension like smashing into ground.
“M’lady,” said Serpico putting his hand on her shoulder, “It’s not too late to go back.” Her breath returned at his calming touch. Once her pounding tension melted away, she continued towards the mansion. The landscapers watched her walk up the driveway with disinterest. More statues than she remembered dotted the cul-de-sac and lined the roof. A woman wearing robes holding laurel and an apple stood over the balcony from which she watched the carriages during her presentation. The smooth, beautiful face with featureless eyes vaguely resembled her mother. Young maidens holding stone fruit planters danced around the driveway. The clean white facade showed no scars from the fire. The idea that some things could heal in this place comforted her. A guard held out a hand as they approached.
“State your business,” said the gruff man. A green clover sigil adorned the top right of a shiny silver breast plate. Puffy, frilly sleeves stuck out of the arm holes. Brown trousers ran down to heavy boots with large silver buckles. The pointed steel helmet had an open face so she could look into his eyes. He seemed more suited to protecting a ball than guarding a nation at war.
“Summon Ms Ricci or Sir Carideo, I wish to speak with them,” said Lady Farnese. She slipped into her angry mistress pose as easily as a bird flies.
“Ms Ricci works in the estates now and Sir Carideo retired,” said the guard.
“Bring me the head valet then,” said Farnese.
“He is busy attending to the guests, please state your business,” said the guard.
“I wish to speak to Lord Vandimion,” said Farnese.
“Lord Vandimion does not entertain guests without an appointment,” said the guard.
“For once my father will see me,” fumed Farnese. The guards exchanged a look. “My name is Farnese de Vandimion, daughter of Federico Vandimion duke of Vritannis and…”
“Enough,” said the guard, “not a week goes by someone doesn’t come by claiming to be the missing princess…”
“Ugggg,” exclaimed Farnese, “I tire of this conversation. Get me someone of importance!”
“Wait here,” said the guard. The man walked up the stairs then disappeared into the mansion’s front door.
“Was that wise,” said Serpico, “to just blurt it out.”
“They don’t believe me anyway,” huffed Farnese. The gaurd reappeared with a maid. The woman held up her black frock’s bottom while walking down the stairs.
“My name’s Vanessa, head maid for the Vandimion estate. May I help you,” asked the maid. Farnese undid her belt then slid off her rapier before handing it to the woman.
“My name is Farnese and I wish to speak to my father, please show him this as proof of my claim,” said Farnese. The woman fingered the clover sigil then looked to the guards.
“Follow me,” said Vanessa before ascending the stairs then entering the foyer. The crystal chandelier threw sunshine drops all over the grand staircases. “Please wait here.” The maid walked down the hallway towards her father’s study. The clean white walls showed no signs of water or smoke. The paintings she assumed destroyed remained on the walls. Farnese paced the hall towards the ballroom entrance admiring the mansion interior which showed no signs of damage. A creeping shame dragged on her as she thought of the attempt to kill herself in the thrall of a hopeless love. How naive could one girl be? There was always hope, sometimes it took root in strange places but it was there all the same.
Footsteps echoed down the cavernous walls. Her father stared as he clutched her rapier. Farnese’s hands rested by her sides as her head bowed. She felt small all of a sudden. The tall man walked past Serpico then towered over the disappointment. Wrinkles creased his face more than she remembered.
“F… Fa…,” stammered Farnese.
“Why have you come here,” said Lord Vandimion. Her power of speech failed her entirely as her hands desperately tried to grasp something but only found each other. She looked up at him and the man raised his nose as though smelling something putrid.
“I heard about the Holy Iron Chain Knights,” said Lord Vandimion, “that they were destroyed by a Kushan invasion while guarding Albion. It would seem, you worthless girl, that you are a failure even at martyring yourself. I won’t say that was your indiscretion but figurehead or not you were in charge of a band of knights. For you alone to survive shamelessly and further, go into hiding… You will of course appear before the Holy City’s Court Supreme to receive judgment. It would seem that no matter where you go, the star under which you were born will see to it that you sully the honor of our Vandimion Name. Until I say otherwise you’re to abide quietly in this mansion.”
“Y-yes,” stammered Farnese. Her chin hung low on her chest. Lord Vandimion turned down the hallway. Her strength completely failed. She wanted little more than to run up to her room and curl under her blankets and hug her dear rabbit doll. But it was gone as was every other thing she clutched for comfort.
“Lady Farnese,” called Serpico. His voice broke her from the negative thoughts.
“F-FATHER,” she yelled. The man continued without acknowledging her.
“S-ship,” she said so quietly Serpico couldn’t hear, “I… Friends… A ship…” The man stopped for a brief moment to look over his shoulder then continued. Vanessa approached Farnese then bowed her head.
“M’lady,” said the maid, “we need to bathe and dress you properly.” She dragged Farnese down the hallway. Serpico talked to her brother, Magnifico, by the grand staircase but Farnese couldn’t make out their words as she traveled towards the bathroom.
A stone woman poured steaming water from a vase into a small pool overflowing into a large one. Three young women greeted her at the door. They chattered and, before she knew it, her clothing laid in a pile on the floor. The girls seemed particularly impressed with her silver chain-mail shirt and dagger.
“How exciting, M’lady,” said a young woman with sandy blond hair and dimples. “We’ve heard so much about you!” The head maid scooped up her clothes as the blond girl brought her into the warm water. A woman massaged lavender soap into her scalp while another cleaned her finger nails with a pick. The third scrubbed her body with a cotton cloth. “You’ve been all over the continent! What was your favorite place?”
“Oh,” said Farnese. Her constant state of tension melted away in the relaxing waters. The girl continued asking questions, talking about knights and battles and war with heretics but Farnese was in no mood to humor the conversation so she just talked on her own. She would trade every servant in this room for five more minutes fighting with Casca over cleaning behind her ears. The way she whimpered like a puppy when she got soap in her eyes. How Farnese always seemed to win their fights after much struggling unless Casca grew serious then it would be over in an instant. How peaceful were those moments of chaos and how chaotic was this peace? Money, status, happiness, they were all an illusion. These servants did not long to serve any more than those people she murdered longed to be burned alive. A whole system where every person lied worse than the person below them until you climbed to the heights of delusion and grandeur to find the biggest liars of them all.
“Did you meet the pontiff,” asked the blond maid cleaning her hands.
“Leave me,” said Farnese. The girls looked at each other then retreated. She slumped into the water and blew bubbles that reminded her of her ward. Who will give Casca a bath now or hold her hand when she is scared? Who will keep her safe when the tide of battle threatens to swallow her? She missed Isidro and his scampish ways. Guts acted as though he needed no one, but his wounds were not healing and his thoughts were troubled. Schierke liked teaching her magic as much as she liked learning. How can Farnese drown in loneliness again having tasted the sweet wine of friendship? What will become of their mission with her gone? Serpico would take care of them, she was sure of it. He was always so dependable. They can do without her, at least.
“M’lady,” said the young maid, “Your change of clothes is prepared.” Farnese dunked her head under the water and held her breath. The tension filled her lungs as she tried to remain underwater as long as possible. A young face looked down as bubbles popped from her mouth. The tension and pressure mounted until she couldn’t take the pain and reemerged from the water with a gasp.
Farnese stepped out of the pool before extending her arms. The three women patted her dry with towels as she looked around the room. She put on pantaloons. A maid dragged a slip over her head then two women fixed a corset on her body, tying the strings so tight she could hardly breath. The garment made the heavy silver shirt feel almost pleasant.
“Where are my dagger and shirt,” said Farnese.
“They were damaged, so we thought we would dispose of them,” said the blond woman. “Should you require, we will prepare new ones.” They could not so easily replace gifts from her mistress. Farnese marched out the door. “M’lady, you are not decent! P-please wait! Your clothes!”
The three women ran after her. One held out a dress as though seeing her prison uniform would entice her back into the cage.
“Lady Farnese,” called Serpico from the hallway by the store house. “I…” He closed his eyes then turned red. Farnese followed a maid carrying a basket into the store room.
“You, wait right there,” she called and the woman turned. Farnese grabbed the moon hilted dagger and heavy silver shirt then clutched them to her chest feeling like that little girl again. Magnifico’s dirty blond hair had a brownish hue unlike her father’s. A large overcoat with puffy shoulders covered his intricate gold accented tunic tapered around his waist where it met trousers of a similar fabric. A jade ring hanging on a leather string around his neck matched his belt buckle and the buckles of his boots. The outfit cost more than most estates.
“Your behavior is as unprecedented as ever, little sister,” said Magnifico. Serpico stood in the entrance looking at her behind his stoic wall. “No wonder Father’s amazed.”
“Magnifico, brother,” said Farnese. She perked up suddenly aware of her impropriety then tried to hide behind a smile.
“Would you mind joining me for a constitutional around the maze,” asked Magnifico.
“Of course, just let me dress first,” said Farnese. “Can you keep these safe for me?” She handed Serpico the knife and shirt without waiting for an answer then disappeared into the bathroom. The maids pulled a formal gown over her head. One laced the dress while another brushed her hair. The girl tried to knot Farnese’s hair into a bun but it was too short so she pinned a lace head covering embroidered with flowers onto the short blond mess. Frilly silk sleaves extending past Farnese’s hands hindered her ability to do fine actions. Pointy leather shoes completed the outfit. The dysfunctional clothing made walking difficult. A silk train dragged behind her so she lifted up the dress.
“Ahem,” said a maid who looked at part of her slip sticking out the bottom. Farnese dropped the garment enough to cover the slip. She felt like a bow legged pirate waddling down the hallway to the warehouse but Magnifico smiled all the same.
“Much better,” said Magnifico. Was it? Was it really? Farnese frowned, sighed then followed him into the northern courtyard. “Have you met with our other brothers?”
“No, I have only met with you and father,” said Farnese. Magnifico’s smile exposed his unnaturally white teeth.
“Naturally,” said Magnifico as he took the eastern branch towards the maze entrance. “The Vandimions aren’t very tightly knit. How long has it been? We’ve not seen each other in years, since before you were sent to the convent. But much regarding you has reached my ears. Your work with the Holy Iron Chain Knights and the unfortunate troubles that followed.” Farnese watched the ground as her brother spoke both out of shame and for the curious accumulation of snow pocketed against the hedge maze. A thin frost twinkled off the green walls. The hedges opened into a small pool with a clover shaped fountain bubbling water. The cold prickled the exposed skin on her neck and cheeks. “A pity that, but lift up your eyes.” A hand pulled up Farnese’s chin then directed her gaze to Magnifico’s. “There’s no need to worry. No fault lies with you. Instead, father deserves the blame. He gave his tacit consent when the Holy See’s priests made you the leader of the Holy Iron Chain Knights, though you know nothing and now see how he speaks to you.”
“Was he raising a pure flower in a greenhouse to protect it from the uncleanliness of the outside world,” continued Magnifico. “That’s hardly what that was. He just aimlessly left you to yourself. He did nothing short of abandoning his responsibilities as a parent. Even when you set fire to the mansion, father was the one to blame for goading his only daughter that far. Even if the words Vandimion Devil Child passed people’s lips, that is not your own indiscretion.”
The thought, naturally, crossed her mind as well. How sweet it was to blame her parents and the rotten job they did raising her but most grow up in worse circumstances and become perfectly functional people. Her father did not earn her the title of ‘Devil Child’. Her father did not instruct her to enact great evil. The shame belonged to her. The guilt would dwell within her mind until her final days.
“I, too, have sought comfort in thoughts of blaming others,” said Farnese. “Mother was neglectful. Father uncaring. I told myself, I was too weak and young and useless to be held accountable. It’s not that I don’t understand how you feel…”
“Eh,” interrupted Magnifico as his angry face stared at his reflection in the fountain, “that BASTARD thinks of his family as nothing more than cogs in the giant machine called Vandimion! Inferior products that don’t meet his approval are cast off without hesitation or any show of concern! Just as if they were stones by the wayside!” Magnifico… the black sheep of her family. Giorgio was born to be the head of the Vandimion Bank. Pontifico was born to be the next pontiff. Magnifico had no such purpose when he was born like a third rook with no spot on the board. Father whisked him away to a boarding school then college and finally to lead trading operations in a remote outpost to the north. Farnese looked at her forlorn visage in the water next to his angry one and realized they were not so different.
“So,” said Magnifico, “what brings you here?”
“I had hoped father could use his influence to secure a vessel for me and my friends to travel across the great ocean,” said Farnese.
“A journey to the west, by ship, with companions,” asked Magnifico. “For a woman, you… No. Rather I guess this is like you.”
“We talked with traders throughout Vritannis, but every ship was engaged with the war effort so I thought to see if father would use his influence,” said Farnese.
“Vritannis is now literally overflowing with anchored ships,” said Magnifico, “but its no exaggeration to say nearly all of them are involved with the war. The idea of finding a ship to carry personal travelers at a time like this, even if you did ask father he would never consent to such a request that held no personal interest…” Magnifico stared off into the water as if he were a sooth-sayer gazing into his crystal ball. The man folded his hands behind his back then walked away from Farnese. “A single ship… That would not be beyond my power.”
“W-what,” asked Farnese.
“But in return, I too have a request to make of my sister,” said Magnifico.
“A request,” asked Farnese.
“I have come to town accompanying an old friend from college, Roderick, The Sailing Prince of YS, on a mission to deliver a statement of neutrality to the Holy See,” said Magnifico. “YS is not like the rest of the continent, being an island nation cut off by a raging channel. They developed a culture where women of strong character are viewed positively. Being of seven children in a prestigious family he very much understands our neglect, having been shoved to Sea at an early age and forgotten.” A serious Serpico watched them by the entrance. Her sense of foreboding came back as her eyes connected with the bodyguard’s and he could only look away. “You would be expected to bare many children, lead your house hold and raise them as you saw fit, as is custom in YS. Unlike any political match our father would dream up, you have a real chance at happiness.” Marriage, a prison with golden bars by another name.
“I would consent, if it means securing passage for my friends,” said Farnese, “When would I get to meet him?”
“Wonderful! Right now,” said Magnifico gesturing for Serpico to join then. The solemn bodyguard walked to the pool. “The matter is settled.” Serpico bowed then turned to leave but she grabbed his arm.
“Please, return my shirt and dagger to Schierke,” said Farnese.
“Yes, M’Lady,” said Serpico. She stood from the fountain then dusted herself off.
“May I have a minute,” asked Farnese.
“By all means,” said Magnifico, “When you have composed yourself, please meet us at the greenhouse by the entrance. I must warn you, Roderick is the most deplorable romantic.”
The woman exited the maze where the enameled greenhouse sat like a tomb. She hurried to the forking path then walked towards the cemetery. Her dress bottom dragged through the muddy ground half covered in snow past the open gate into the graveyard. Gargoyles stared down at her from Lucrezia’s monument. Her Great-Great Grandmother must have been an exceptional women. Her grandmother’s legacy echoed through the generations while Farnese’s worth didn’t exceed a boat passage for three. She continued north down the path to her sacred tree.
The black, charred husk of her holy tree jutted out of the healthy forest that had healed from the fire she set burning her dress. A fire licked idol laid among the thigh high burnt stump. Her knees connected with the soft muddy ground. Tears burst from her eyes as a whaling, gasping sob closed her throat and chest. Her destiny was the same as when she was a child: to be sold to a nobleman like chattel. Fate was a circuitous path leading back to itself. She would allow herself this one moment of sadness and reflection and would cry no more as there was soon work to do. A women’s work of pretending and appearances, of being what everyone else wanted her to be. Of taking the voice within her that wanted to scream forth and choke it into a whimper. But in this moment she could just be the thing she had always been: a hurt, scared little girl struggling against the darkness. The darkness of night, the darkness in her own soul, and now the darkness of the future.
Farnese found a measure of contentment by the time the last tear wrung from her eyes. Her over-sized silk sleeve wiped the snot from her face. Her breath was calm and clear again. She stood, dusted herself off then walked through the cemetery, down the forking path and back to greenhouse.
A sweet floral smell filling the tiny glass building wafted from red roses occupying every planter. There was no way this was done just now. They had been planning this meeting for quite some time. How did Magnifico know she was coming? Everything was so very convenient, all of it. Roderick was everything she wanted in a husband. Everything she ever wanted… Serpico’s smiling face entered her thoughts. Serpico directed them to Vritannis. They could have much more quickly gone north or east but instead they took the long route south. He disappeared often to gather firewood, forage, or buy supplies. He apologized for not being able to let her go. He was the one who talked to all the ship captains, couldn’t find passage and didn’t want her involved in the matter. They spent many nights together in the mess hall at Albion talking of her dreams of getting married and having a big family. A man as unchanging as Serpico could not understand that people change. Dreams change, Serpico.
A tall, handsome ship captain wearing a breast plate adorned with nautical themed enameling entered the green house behind Magnifico. Calm blue eyes greeted her between thick black hair and a handsome square jaw. The muscular, tan man was a full head taller than her. By most standards he would have been considered quite imposing but the monstrous Black Swordsman still dwarfed him.
“There you are, Farnese,” said Magnifico, “Excellent. I’m pleased you accepted my request. No need to worry, I won’t steer you wrong. Go on and introduce yourself my old friend.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Farnese de Vandimion, I am Roderick of Schtauffen, an officer of Ilth navy,” said Roderick. Despite his rugged handsomeness the man had a quiet, melancholy way. Farnese looked into his eyes but Roderick couldn’t maintain the contact instead looking over the flowers. Did he regret this decision so soon?
“Greet him,” said Magnifico, “he’s your fiance!” Farnese held out a listless hand that Roderick took with an enthusiasm matching hers.
“Your Lordship,” said Farnese. He bent to kiss her hand.
“I would be honored if you would call me Roderick, Lady Farnese,” said Roderick.
“How do you do, Roderick,” said Farnese courtesying. “Then likewise call me Farnese.”
“Roderick is an old friend from my college days, he’s third in line to the royal throne of Ilth and a ship’s captain in the Ilth Navy. It’s said…,” said Magnifico.
“I have heard much about you from your brother,” interrupted Roderick, “about the Vandimion devil child and the wandering princess.”
“Uh, Roderick, that’s kind of abrupt,” said Magnifico.
“Yes, that is correct,” said Farnese. Her brother looked like he had a stomachache as a bead of sweat leaked down his face. “I am sure you did not hear the worst of it.” Roderick laughed a hearty belly laugh then leveled a smile at her that would have made most women weak in the knees but immediately put her on her guard. Roderick put his hands on her shoulders then brought his eyes an uncomfortable closeness to her own.
“You ARE interesting,” said Roderick. What a polite choice of words.
“Look around Farnese, at the roses spread throughout this greenhouse,” said Magnifico. “Roderick’s given them all to you.” The man smiled and leaned back his head as though proud of himself despite the fact that the gesture gave away the whole plan.
“All these, that’s incredible,” said Farnese.
“It was a bit of an effort making it worthy of the daughter of the esteemed Vandimion family but do they please you,” asked Roderick. The man reminded her of every suitor who came to balls in her youth seeking to curry favor with house Vandimion.
“They do, thank you very much,” said Farnese. The man held two hands in a square looking at her as though framing her in a picture.
“Oh yeah,” said Roderick, “well, you make for quite the picture surrounded by roses. But you know, for my part, I just can’t bring myself to roses. Roses are said to be ladies among flowers. A symbol of evident nobility, they bloom fully and haughtily. All other flowers look like mere window dressing. Yes, indeed just like noble women. Competing through dress and showiness inside the greenhouse that is noble rank. But even when roses are gathered by the hundred or the thousand, you can’t tell one from the next. These roses are a fitting adornment for you. A white lily of the field which scatters not even when struck by a strong wind.”
The speech felt so rehearsed and fake. Farnese knew she was not worthy of such fine words but that was just the currency by which he tried buying the affections of Lord Vandimion’s daughter. The happy man smiled. She felt a great sadness as her hands longed to clutch something. Her rabbit, her page boy, a gauntlet, Guts’ arm, the silver dagger.
“I need a moment,” said Farnese as she rubbed her hands.
“That is fine,” said Magnifico, “but we are attending a ball and you need to come so others may see you and Roderick in public together.”
“That would be my pleasure,” said Farnese. Her head bowed to Roderick then she hurried out the door. The south path brought her to the mansion. Late afternoon already threatened a cold evening as the sun started its nightly descent. She found the apple bin in the storeroom then ran back towards the maze where Roderick and Magnifico talked within the green house. She zig-zagged down paths until she hit the river. A small bench sat in a large square before a bridge. Her breath puffed out in white clouds as she sat. A snow flake fell.
Farnese stared at the apple until her eyes burned from the effort ingraining it’s image on her vision. Her breath lightened. Calmer. Calm. The scent of spring filled her mind. The taste of apples danced on her tongue. To understand the essence, she must be the essence. Align her thoughts and feelings with the energy contained within the fruit.
The stress and negativity which just flooded her thoughts disappeared as she concentrated. Her eyes closed onto a dense red mist swirling around yellow lightning streaks of energy. The blackness darkened. A bird tweeting in the distance grew quieter as the hum of vibrating energy rattled in her hands. The coldness on her skin faded away. All senses disappeared as though she were now nothing but darkness. The red mist formed a red ball that pulsed with so much energy she could barely hold it. The object exploded with energy like a galaxy churning in the palm of her hand. The red blob pulsing with the mysteries of the universe took the shape of an apple. At the bottom of the apple, this sunburst within her palms, she could see her small white finger tips. Her luminous body gazed on the essence of the apple and somehow it was staring back at her.
End Book 3