Secret Of The Crest

by Demetra Gerontakis

  Secret of the Crest

  Demetra S. Gerontakis

  Chapter One

  Upon the foot of a gargantuan mountain range, somewhere in northern Greece, in a village called Terovo, was set a small old fashioned hostel made of timber that stood alone smothered by the deep forest and overwhelmed by the sound of the roaring waters of the Louros river that ran nearby. The main road that passed a couple of miles from the hostel through the village, was the only one and allowed civilization into these parts. The trout were abundant in the Louros River and gave reason to the villagers to become great sweet water fishermen. Although, few had stayed in this isolated village. Most of the younger men had moved to the city to pursue a life of excitement. Here the days went by slowly.

  In Terovo, the sky was seen briefly during the day because the two mountains that faced each other were so close together that the sun just peeked through for one perhaps, two hours a day. A place of isolation, where the sounds of nature became annoying to those who lived there in opposite of when they heard a passing car on the main road which was for them, a sweet melody. Terovo, a very beautiful but secluded village had many folk tales that had been told repeatedly through the generations. Many of those who had visited had heard the stories of old, about strange creatures and mysterious disappearances. Some visitors would stay at the hostel for a night or two to satisfy their curiosity about the stories or rumors that had been told for ages and others would stay just to enjoy the wilderness and nature's peaceful sounds. Others came to photograph the uniqueness of this terrain. This was the reason Cassie had come.

  She parked her beetle under the shady maple trees next to the river, got out of the air and took a deep breath of the fresh air whilst closing her eyes. Cassie was a beautiful twenty three year old student from west Yorkshire, England. Her complexion was dark and her black as night eyes gave the impression that she was from an exotic island or the Mediterranean. Her slender body was fully shaped in all its curves. She had long dark curly hair that fell over and barely hid her voluptuous bosom. Of course, the truth was that Cassie’s father was an Englishman from a long bloodline of Englishmen who were all very wealthy. Her mother was also from England, from a small province called Fobbing.

  Here she was though, appreciating her surroundings and taking in all that nature had to give her as she picked up her mobile phone to call her friends, who were meeting her. Realizing she had no service, she roamed around as to catch a stronger signal. It took her a while, but she finally got through and finally heard the ring tone. Just then, a car pulled up behind her. She recognized her crazy friend hanging half way out of the car window.

  ‘Were you calling us?’ asked her best friend, Sarah Holmes.

  Sarah was a twenty two year old, blonde, blue-eyed girl and Cassie’s friend since, the first day at kindergarten. They knew everything about each other. Her sister Rebecca and her boyfriend Sam accompanied Sarah. Where Cassie went, Sarah went. They were like sisters.

  Sarah was also, closely followed by her sister and Sam at all times. Therefore, as a result, they had all travelled to Greece to be with Cassie.

  Cassie studied photography at Sheffield University. She had entered a competition on wildlife and nature photos. Her father had mentioned that there was a beautiful place in Greece that was worth seeing and now here she was.

  ‘Of course I was calling you, who else I would be calling out here, I hardly have a signal’ she said.

  ‘It’s a surprise you made it on time, I suppose you stopped at every pastry shop you met on the road to try the Greek pastries?’

  Cassie knew Sarah’s addiction to sweets and that she could not control herself when passing a shop, she would no doubt stop to buy an assortment. Sam interrupted their warm glances and tight hugs.

  ‘How about a hug for me, dark eyes?’

  Sam had given Cassie that nickname from the moment they were introduced, three years ago.

  ‘Sure, hi! Sorry that I was so caught up with your fiancé, but I know her weaknesses, she could keep all of us waiting for hours, just to have a taste of heaven, as she, calls it! Now, give me some real sugar, you loveable teddy’ she replied. They gave each other a friendly embrace. The car door slammed; there stood Rebecca with a pale look on her face and quite out of it.

  ‘Becca, did you like the trip?’ Cassie asked.

  ‘Cassie love, the view I would say was breathtaking if I had seen any of it’, she replied. ‘I took a nausea pill after the first couple of miles of the twisting and turning road and slept the whole way here. I’m sure you’re going to show me every point I missed in your photo series of these parts.’

  ‘You betcha!’ Cassie replied. The four of them stood there a while enjoying the sounds of nature and looking at the majestic mountains that engulfed them. ‘Shall we get started?’ Cassie asked. ‘We have a long way to the hostel from here and it will be getting dark soon.’

  ‘What do you mean; can we take the car there?’ Rebecca asked.

  ‘Sorry, this is where the road end for wheels, we on the other hand, will be walking a half hours way along the river bank trail that you see down there. That leads to the hostel. I told them that we will be there by eight so let’s get a move on.’ The sun had set and the small group loaded their baggage on their backs and was finally on their way. While walking along the river trail, Sarah began speaking.

  ‘What made you choose this particular setting for the competition?’

  Cassie smiled, ‘Daddy told me that he had visited this village with mum the year before I was born. It was the last trip they took together before having a family and settling down. He said he had the very best memories and that the scenery was unforgettably lovely. He also told me that the pictures I would take here would probably win the competition.’

  ‘So tell us, what will the reward be for winning the competition?’ Sam asked.

  ‘First price is a scholarship in New York’s most famous photography studio school where the professor of high tech photography will work with the winner for a year, teaching, promoting and introducing the winner to famous people and famous magazines’ Cassie replied.

  ‘Now I see why you have been so enthusiastic about this trip. It’s your dream come true’ Sarah, noted.

  ‘It sure is. I have been waiting for a break like this since we were in senior year of high school, when I had made up my mind about becoming a professional world known photographer. Besides, this isn’t only a perfect place to show my skills but from what I’ve seen so far it’s the perfect place for short holiday, God knows we all need it.’

  As they kept the conversation going strong the whole way with all kinds of subjects, they scanned the woods they were walking through with great enthusiasm. Looking to their right and left, they noticed beautiful wild flowers between the bank’s rocky trimmed side and the squirrels peeking from behind the tree holes. The fish jumped in and out of the river waters and made splashing sounds making them think that someone was throwing stones into the water. It had become dark and just ending their conversation Cassie announced in a voice full of satisfaction.

  ‘Well, there it is!’

  Everyone looked ahead of them deeper into the trail where it abruptly ended at the dark log cabin hostel veiled by climbing greenery that entwined in complete disorder with each other camouflaging the small inn. The lights within the hostel were very dim looking from their view afar.

  ‘Are you sure that is it?’ Sam asked.

  ‘Oh, I’m very sure.’ Cassie replied. ‘Dad said that I will know it when I see it because there is no where to go after that.’

  At that moment, a very old woman came out of the inn holding a lantern in one hand and a crooked wooden stick in the other to help herself along
the pathway. She slowly moved toward them. She slouched awfully and wore a long black dress and a black headdress that all gave her a witchy look. When she came at a distance, she thought was close enough she stopped abruptly pulled up the lantern to her face and asked.

  ‘Which one of you is Cassandra?’

  ‘I am Madame’ replied Cassie with a great big smile.

  ‘Come closer, let me see you better child.’

  The old woman put down her stick lifted out the lantern to Cassie’s face and with her other hand stroked her face gently. She was not witchy at all; on the contrary, she seemed quite gentle and full of affection. A tear started to build in the corner of her eye as she quickly lowered the lantern to her side and bent over to retrieve her stick.

  ‘Please don’t be frightened,’ said Cassie.

  ‘I know you must be afraid in this secluded region but we really are the ones you have been waiting for.’

  ‘That you are!’ said the woman. ‘Follow me; I will lead you to your rooms. My name is Marina and if there is anything I could do to make your stay a better one don’t hesitate to ask.’ She said in a deep accent. The woman then led them up the narrow trail and into the hostel. Upon entering all of their eyes rolled around on everything that was before them. It was a large room, full of antique furniture, which was from a few centuries back in time. It was embellished with priceless pieces of art. The colors that decorated the room were brown, burgundy, and highlighted with black wrought iron candleholders and chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. They were not the electric type but instead supplied with thick candles.

  At the desk there were oil lamps standing in line waiting to escort visitors to their rooms. To the right of the reception desk was a wooden staircase that led to the very few rooms on the upper floor that accommodated guests for centuries. To the left was the dining room.

  ‘This place must be from before my grandmother was even born’ Rebecca said.

  ‘This inn is very old, I can assure you my dear that it out ages even your great great grandmother!’ Marina said. ‘It was built before the ottoman invasion and the battle of Preveza, that was about 1538 I believe. Almost two decades before that around 1518 would be approximately accurate.’

  They had reached the top of the stairs and were led to their rooms.

  ‘Here we are,’ said the woman once more, ‘this is the couple’s room. It is quite dark because back in the day, the windows that were put in were very small as to be safe at times of war. Still you will find the room very comfortable; there are more oil lamps on the nightstands and in the bathroom.’ She paused. ‘If you should need, anything there is a rope over your bed, just pull on it the bell will sound the desk and we will soon be up to accommodate you. You see, we do not have electricity most of the time that rope is attached to a bell downstairs.’

  Sarah and Sam both spoke at once,

  ‘Thank you, we’ll be fine!’

  ‘As for you my dear girl,’ the woman continued looking at Rebecca, ‘you will be in joining rooms with Cassandra because the others are being renovated at the moment. The only thing separating the two of you, are the doors to the one boudoir you will be sharing. I hope that is all right with you.’

  Rebecca stared at Cassie intensely; her eyes were telling her she did not want to be alone. After all, they had reserved a room with two beds, over the phone but were now, being separated. Cassie smiled her wide smile and replied.

  ‘We will just fine and if one of us gets lonely we will bunk! Right, Becca?’

  ‘Right love’ a soft voice answered.

  ‘Well then, I suppose you should retire from your long trip’ said Marina as she approached the door. ‘Breakfast is served at eight and if you should want to take a warm bath, you must notify me an hour ahead so that the hot water is prepared and brought up to you. The inn is very old and the pipes were not made to warm the water back then. Now, I’ll leave you be have a pleasant night!’

  ‘Cassie, this is a nice secluded place you chose, with a great natural view all around, but I don’t think I’m willing to sleep alone across from you because, lets admit it, it’s an eerie place here’ Rebecca noted. ‘All these dark colored walls, no electricity, small windows which the sun can’t really shine through, because they are also tinted and to top all that off, that woman Marina… well, she just gives me the creeps, love.’ Rebecca finished with an expression of wonder.

  ‘Come on Becca, you’re exaggerating. Let’s go see the other room, give it a chance. You can choose whichever you like and if you still feel the same then you know I meant what I said about sharing the room.’

  The girls opened the door that led to the small old-fashioned bathroom, which had a mirror that looked older than the inn itself. They could barely see their reflection in it. Upon opening the second door of the bathroom, they came into the larger room of the two. It had a dark wooden ceiling but the walls were done in a lovely floral print wallpaper that at some parts of it, it was so worn out the pattern could not be seen. This room was no doubt, more comfortable than Becca had expected.

  ‘I call this room!’ she exclaimed.

  ‘Ok then, it’s settled,’ Cassie replied. ‘I told you, you might like it.’

  ‘Are you sure you don’t mind? We can stay here together, the bed’s big enough.’ Rebecca said showing off the bed.

  ‘I’ll be fine next door, besides you know me Becca, I’ll be up till all hours of the night analyzing my photos. I wouldn’t feel comfortable if I kept you up too!’ said Cassandra. ‘Let’s go get your bags from the other room, get you settled in.’

  The girls made themselves comfortable, Rebecca began reading a book after saying goodnight and Cassandra unpacked her bags checking all her camera equipment so that it was in perfect condition for the next day’s excursion. Sarah and Sam had already fallen asleep; the trip had been a long and exhausting one for all of them. Cassandra finished her camera maintenance and prepared herself for a good night’s sleep. While brushing her teeth she thought about what a wonderful place it was that her parents had visited and sent her to photograph, she was sure she would be back later not for work but just to relax. She felt different than Becca did about the old woman Marina. She had a feeling of warmth, comfort and everything one feels at home. Something about this place was alluring to her.

  Cassandra was lost in her thoughts for a while but snapped out of it and decided to check on Rebecca before turning in. She quietly opened the door to the joining room and saw Becca sleeping with a book set upon her chest and her oil lamp still shining bright. Cassie tiptoed into the room, gently lifted the book and set it aside. Then she put out the lamp, drew the covers well over Becca’s shoulder and went back to her room.

  Returning to her room Cassie felt a draft as she looked around for an open window but scanning around the room saw that they were all closed. Her eyes caught the closet door which was almost half way open and released a cool breeze. Cassie fully opened the closet door but the only thing she found were a set of pillows and a blanket along with many empty clothes hangers and her suitcase. She noticed the draft had stopped so she closed the door tightly and went to bed. All through the night Cassandra tossed and turned, she woke up once or twice with the feeling of dread but remembered nothing the next morning. She woke up to the sound of running water coming from the bathroom; Becca was up and about.

  Becca knocked on her door.

  ‘Are you up sleepy head?’

  ‘I am now’ she replied.

  Becca poked her head through the door.

  ‘Come in, Becky.’

  Rebecca went in to the room and jumped onto Cassie’s bed like an eight year old would.

  ‘I had the best rest ever. That Marina lady was right, it’s a really comfortable room, I slept like a log the whole night through and believe me that is a first! It usually takes me a couple of days to get used to my surroundings!’ Becca stated.

  ‘Can’t say the same, just the opposite’ Cassie replied. ‘I usually fall
asleep easily wherever I go but tonight was weird, I fell asleep and I can’t recall anything in particular but I am extremely exhausted as if I haven’t slept at all.’

  ‘Well I can’t imagine why, it’s obvious you got the room with the better mattress, this is so soft and comfortable’ Becca said pressing down on the mattress with her palm.

  ‘Yes I know, right?’

  A knock at their door got their attention. The voice was distinctive. Sam called to them.

  ‘What’s it going to be girls, are we going down for breakfast?’

  Cassandra opened the door.

  ‘Good morning to you too!’ she said

  ‘Wow, you look like hell! Were you cleaning lenses all night long?’ Asked Sarah.

  ‘No, I just didn’t sleep very well but I’ll be fine after a good breakfast, go on ahead, we’ll meet you in ten.’

  ‘Alright then, we’re off’ Sam said.

  Cassandra and Rebecca got ready while the others went down the stairs to the dining room, where to their surprise found themselves to be the only ones there. The buffet table was long and lavishing with a wide variety of breakfast choices. Everything was fresh and savory.

  ‘Hey Sarah,’ Sam began, ‘what do you think they do with all the left over foods? We are the only ones here, I believe.’

  ‘Sammy, honey, I know you are an inquiring mind, but I can’t put myself in a position to answer that question unless I’ve had at least two cups of tea to wake up and a good breakfast’ she replied.

  ‘Ok, then let’s get eating! I am going to try the domestic cuisine too!’ Sam affirmed.

  There was a platter of dumplings that were plain flour dough mix, fried inn olive oil, smothered in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. These were a traditional dish in all of Greece. Another platter had cube cut pieces of spanakopita (Greek spinach pie), cheese pie puffs, etc.

  Sam put many different foods on his plate, wanting to taste everything he possibly could. He poured a glass of goat’s milk and a cup of mountain tea. Sarah, on the other hand took a regular English breakfast with some toast, jam and some juice. A cup of Greek coffee was what she would be trying for the first time today. The couple chose a table in the corner and sat down to breakfast.