Love, Blood & Brimstone Magic Awakening Read online

   Love, Blood & Brimstone

  Magic Awakenings

  Chapter one

  1445

  Baron Lucien Stanislavsky paced up and down outside his wife’s bedroom. He was forty years old, his hair was a sandy blond, it flowed over his shoulders like silk, and he had a neatly trimmed beard and a rugged yet handsome face. A face that at this moment contorted with a grimace as he heard his wife’s screams coming through the bedroom door. He turned to his young step-son Gabriel Van Helsing.

  Gabriel’s father was killed shortly after he was born he was now fifteen. He had collar length brown hair and huge brown eyes

  “What is happening in there? It sounds like your mother is being murdered. We have been waiting hours!”

  Gabriel shook his head at his step-father.

  “Do not worry. Mother will be fine,” he said sounding full of a confidence he didn’t feel.

  Lucien said nothing he wished he could be as confident as his step-son but his brother’s wife had died in childbirth, the baby had died too and his brother had killed himself shortly afterwards. If anything happened to Calandria he would have to carry on for Gabriel but his whole world would fall apart.

  Twenty five minutes later Verona Dracula came out of Calandria’s bedroom a huge grin on her face.

  “Congratulations Lucien you have a beautiful baby girl, Calandria is doing great. She is in pain but you may go in.” Lucien hesitated outside the door, for some reason he felt scared, he couldn’t’t think why it

  was only his wife in the room. He took a deep breath and walked in.

  Calandria was sat up in bed with the baby wrapped in a blanket. Lucien walked over to the bed slowly. Calandria smiled and held out the baby to him.

  “Here is your daughter, my darling!”

  Lucien sat down, took his wife in his arms and held her tightly. “I was so worried my love. Your screams were so loud, I thought you were dying.”

  Calandria laughed.

  “Birth is the most physical pain a woman has to endure but there was no danger. I am not ready to leave you yet.” She kissed her husband.

  “Your daughter was worth it.” She passed the baby to him.

  He took his new daughter into his arms. She thrust balled up fists at him. She was so tiny, a perfect little angel, big blue eyes, the colour of cornflowers. So like Calandria’s if she grew up half as beautiful as Calandria she would have men falling at her feet. A shiver of fear ran across his spine as he held her. He shook himself and held his daughter above his head just as his step-son walked into the room.

  Gabriel. My son I present you with our princess…” He said thrusting her towards him.

  “Elena!” Calandria stated.

  --------------------------------------------------------

  A week later Calandria was sitting with Elena on her knee. An artist was painting their portrait. Elgin their butler entered the room holding a silver platter.

  “A letter for you Baroness.” he said holding out the silver platter.

  Calandria smiled at the artist as she took the letter.

  “Will you excuse me a moment. It’s a letter from my sister.”

  The artist nodded. “I have the basic sketches now anyway Madame. I can finish the rest at the studio.” Elgin showed the artist out whilst Calandria retired to her room.

  ---------------------------------------------------------

  Later when Lucien returned Calandria came running down the stairs to meet him.

  Lucien smiled.

  “What a welcome sight, my love. What makes you so happy?”

  Calandria waved her letter.

  “From my sister she too has had a baby girl. It is wonderful we can teach them magic together.”

  Lucien did not look as happy as she expected.

  “You will not teach my daughter magic.” he shouted.

  Lucien I have to teach her magic she is a witch, all Raminaskov women are!”

  Lucien’s face darkened.

  “You will not teach my daughter magic nor will you ever let her know what she is!” he roared.

  Calandria opened her mouth to protest.

  “I am your husband Calandria and you will do as I say.” He walked into the drawing room leaving Calandria staring after him.

  He was remembering the Raminaskov legend.

  ‘Two girls will be born to two sisters, one will be a good witch bringing love and pleasure to all around her, the other will become unspeakably evil bringing death and destruction to those she loves.’

  How could he be sure which Elena would grow up to be? The fear he had felt entering the room when Elena was born was growing stronger. He loved his daughter but what if she was the evil one the legend spoke of?

  Chapter two

  1448

  Lucien was in his study, Elena playing at his feet. Gabriel entered.

  “Father I need to talk to you.” He announced.

  Lucien looked up. Gabriel was now taller than him and had grown a beard.

  “You can talk to me any time, Son.” Lucien replied.

  Gabriel cleared his throat he had never been scared to talk to his stepfather before but this time he knew Lucien would not like what he had to say. His mother would like it even less but he had to do it. He believed it was the right thing to do.

  “I want to join the army. The Turks are advancing on Romania and the army is desperate for volunteers.”

  Lucien knew the army needed more volunteers his life- long friend Count Vultan Dracula, The commander in chief of the Romanian army, had mentioned it to him. He had also mentioned that many soldiers were being killed on the frontline. Calandria would be devastated if anything happened to her son.

  “No way Gabriel.” Lucien commanded

  “But Father! I really want to do this. I feel it is my duty to my country.”

  “And what about your duty to your family? To your mother and your sister? Your mother lost your Father to a war, what do you think it would do to her if she lost you too?” Lucien could understand how his stepson felt if it was not for Calandria and Elena he would join the army himself.

  “It is because of Elena I need to do this Father to save Romania for our Princess. So she can grow up safe and as a true Romanian. Please Father I will do this anyway but I would prefer your blessing. Vlad has Vultan’s blessing.”

  Lucien stood up.

  “Vultan is a soldier it is all he knows. Of course he will expect his son to follow in his footsteps. I will not give you my blessing and nor will your mother. Transylvania is our country not Romania. We are safe in the Carpathian Mountains. I do not wish to discuss this any further.”

  Gabriel took a deep breath his father was being unreasonable. He should be glad I actually want to do something with my life instead of drinking and gambling away his fortune as many other noble boys my age are inclined to do.

  “Then I must go without your blessing. You are the only Father I have ever known and I love you as a father. I am sure you have your reasons for your cowardice but I know and this pains me to say my real father would understand what I must do.” Gabriel’s voice was shaking with emotion.

  Elena looked from her brother to her Father she did not understand their words but she knew they were not being pleasant to each other. She stood up and hurried out as fast as her little legs would carry her.

  ‘Must find Mama,’ she thought. ’Must find Mama.’

  -----------------------------------------------------------

  Upstairs in her dressing room Calandria was dressing for dinner. Her maid was putting up her hair. Very clearly in her mind she heard her daughter’s voice. “Must find, Mama.”


  “Thank you Anna. That will do.” She said and hurried out of the room to find her.

  Elena was at the bottom of the stairs trying to climb up.

  Calandria picked her up.

  Controlling the mind was a power it took many adult witches years to learn. Elena had just used it without even knowing it. She would become a powerful witch indeed.

  “What is the matter my little one?”

  “Not nice!” Elena cried pointing at the drawing room.

  “Let us go and have a look then.” Calandria could hear the raised voices of her husband and son.

  She entered the drawing room.

  “What is going on?” She demanded. “You have upset Elena!”

  Lucian looked at his stepson.

  “Shall I tell your mother or will you?” he asked angrily.

  Gabriel shrugged. Lucien took the shrug as an answer and turned to Calandria.

  “Your son wishes to join the army and will do so whether we give our blessing or not. What do you think of that?”

  Calandria stared at her son.

  “Is this true Gabriel?”

  Gabriel looked at his mother with a mixture of pity and seriousness.

  “I must Mother!”

  “How can you do this to me, your Mother? I lost your Father to a war, I will not lose you too. I do not think my heart could bear it.”

  Gabriel looked sadly at his mother. If only they could understand. If his real Father was such a great Warrior and soldier, why was it so hard for them to accept he would want to follow in his footsteps?

  “The Turks are advancing on Transylvania. How do you think I would feel if anything happened to you and Elena? I could not live knowing I could have prevented it. Please understand Mother, I must do this.Iit is in my blood. My father would understand.”

  Calandria put Elena down and stepped towards her son with tears in her eyes.

  “I cannot accept this. I will not accept this and neither would your father. He made me promise to protect and guide you so you would not end up fatally wounded on a battlefield like him. If you must go I will do everything in my power to protect you but even I am not powerful enough to prevent death.”

  Gabriel wrapped his arms around his mother.

  “I would have preferred your blessing mother. I am going to join up but I promise you this I will return to you and Elena unharmed. Knowing that the people most important to me love me will keep me safe!” he kissed his mother’s head and walked out of the room.

  Lucien harrumphed and stalked out of the room.

  Calandria picked up her daughter.

  “It seems there is no way I can keep what you are from you anymore. You have the power of telepathy no one in our family has had that power since Anastazia and she was a very powerful witch, the most powerful the family has ever known and we date back to before Christ. I am so proud of you my darling.” she held her daughter close and kissed her.

  Elena did not understand what her mother was saying but she knew they were words of praise and she beamed all over her little face.

  Chapter three

  1455

  Gabriel had been away fighting for seven years. Lucien and Calandria were worried but they were determined to keep it from Elena as her tenth birthday approached. To Elena Gabriel was a distant memory, a man who used to crawl about the floor pretending to be a horse whilst she sat on his back. She knew her mother and father worried about him she could read their minds a gift that had grown since that day she brought her mother downstairs seven years ago. Not only could she read and control minds but she could move objects with her mind too.

  Her mother had made her promise not to tell her father of these powers. She was trying but it was so hard not to. So many times she had almost moved something with her mind right in front of him or told him what he was thinking.

  Lucien was planning a big party. He wanted Elena to enjoy herself and he thought maybe it would take Calandria’s mind off Gabriel for one night at least. He had invited all their friends and family. He had hired an entertainer, for Elena and her friends, and a troop of players for the adults. Calandria was having a dress made for Elena.

  ______________________________________

  Gabriel wished he could go home for his sister’s birthday he had missed seven years of her life so far.

  He was reading his mother’s letter. She had written it three months ago but he had only just received it.

  Vladislaus Dracula entered the tent.

  “Another uniform ruined. “ He said as he started to pull it off. “I hate the stench of blood and death. No matter how carefully you bury them you still get blood on your uniform.” He pulled on a clean tunic.

  “Are you coming into the village tonight? I need a drink and a woman and not necessarily in that order,” he laughed.

  Gabriel looked up.

  Vladislaus was slightly taller than Gabriel, with large deep green eyes; his long black hair was pulled back from his face secured at the back with an ivory clip. He oozed nobility from every pore, he was every bit the count in waiting. He wore a single gold hoop in each ear, a symbol of the gypsy blood that ran through his veins he claimed. Gabriel was sure it was more like a symbol of rebellion against his father. He was extremely attractive to women they swarmed around him like bee’s around a honey pot.

  “Why not?” Gabriel agreed. “If I cannot be there for my sister’s birthday I can at least celebrate it. A week early but so what.”

  “She must be what? Six, seven?” Vladislaus muttered not really interested. He was only interested in four things. Power, Women, drinking and fighting,

  “She’s ten a week today and getting more beautiful by the day. Mother says her powers are growing by the day too.” Gabriel replied proudly.

  Vladislaus looked up suddenly interested.

  “Ah yes the little witch. What powers does she have?”

  Gabriel looked down at the letter.

  “Mind reading that developed just after I left. She can also…”

  He stopped in mid -sentence as their commanding officer Vladislaus’s father Count Vultan Dracula entered the tent. He was tall and imposing with green eyes like his sons. His black hair was cut short and unlike his sons clean shaven features he had a goatee beard.

  “We will cross the border into Bulgaria in six weeks. “ He announced “The Turks have a stronghold in Pleven. We will surprise them and take control of it.

  “If you wish to see your family Gabriel this may be your last chance. Vladislaus and I will be leaving first thing tomorrow morning. We should arrive home in about a week’s time. You are welcome to ride with us.”

  I would be honoured to ride with you Sir. I will be home just in time for my sister’s birthday.” Gabriel bowed.

  “Very well.” the Count replied. “We leave at first light.” with that he swept out of the tent.

  Vladislaus bowed mockingly. “Of course Sir. I would be honoured Sir! Would you like me to lick your boots Sir?”

  “You should not hate your father Vlad. “ Gabriel said trying not to laugh at his friend. “At least you remember him.” He added quietly.

  Vladislaus laughed.

  I don’t hate my father, just the way he acts. Now are we having that drink or an early night?”

  “That drink and that girl.” Gabriel laughed. “Not necessarily in that order.”

  _______________________________

  A week later Calandria led Elena down the stairs. They were both dressed in identical dresses. Lucien stood at the bottom of the stairs. The guests were assembled in the ballroom.

  Lucien smiled proudly.

  As they approached the bottom stair Elena stopped and looked up at her Mother.

  “Gabriel is here!” she announced.

  Calandria stared at her daughter. She had thought that Elena had forgotten about her brother.

  “Do not be silly darling. Gabriel has gone to fight the bad Turkish men.”

  Lucien bent down to talk to his dau
ghter.

  “What is the matter?” he asked.

  “Gabriel is here!” she repeated.

  Lucien looked at his wife. He too had thought Elena would have forgotten about Gabriel.

  “No my dear.” he said. “Gabriel is not here. All your guests are in the drawing room. Gabriel cannot be here.”

  Elena looked at her mother and father as if they were stupid.

  “I am telling you! Gabriel is here!” she shouted stamping her foot.

  A knock on the door made them all jump.

  Elgin hurried past to open the door. When he opened it Lucien and Calandria stood staring at the door with their mouths open. Whilst Elena ran into her step-brothers waiting arms. Gabriel spun her around.

  Happy Birthday! Princess.” He said pulling a package form his coat pocket. He put her down and held his arm’s out to his mother.

  “You are looking great mother!” He smiled.

  “No thanks to you.” Lucien snapped.

  Calandria looked at her husband.

  “It is Elena’s birthday Lucien. Please, let us not have a scene. We can talk tomorrow.” She turned to her son.

  “That is assuming you are staying Gabriel.” She asked hopefully.

  “Yes Mother. We will be staying a week. Vlad and Vultan are here too.”

  “Verona will be pleased.” Calandria smiled as she threw her arms around her son.

  Vladislaus and Vultan entered the house as Verona came out of the Ballroom to see what was happening.

  “Darling!” she shrieked.

  Elena’s birthday became a double celebration.

  ________________________________

  During the following week Gabriel and his step-father avoided each other as much as possible.

  Vladislaus came round almost every day, when Elena saw him she would either run away and hide or go bright red and hide her face.

  On the day they were due to leave Lucien warned his step-son, that if he went back to the front, he would not be welcome in the house again.