Secret Of The Crest

by Demetra Gerontakis

  ‘Thank God there aren’t any flies this time of year or you’d all be choking by now!’ she said humorously. ‘So, what’s all the staring about?’

  Sam took the lead.

  ‘Well, for one, you look beautiful! ‘

  ‘Thank you Sammy, but I really had hoped that I look beautiful everyday.’

  ‘Not only are you beautiful but you are the spitting image of the woman behind you, so much so that it is eerie!’ Sarah added.

  When Cassandra turned she saw that the woman in the portrait was dressed in a blue dress exactly like hers and she was the same woman that was in the portrait that was in her room. She stared for a few minutes and then spoke.

  ‘What a coincidence, I never thought I would see my double!’

  Rebecca laughed and responded.

  ‘Come on; take a compliment like a lady! You are stunning! Now sit down and let’s order dinner!’

  Mrs. Marina set down the bread basket accompanied by a young man who brought a pitcher of water and clean glasses.

  ‘What shall we bring you tonight?’ she started. ‘We have fresh fish, steaks and of course today’s special which I am almost sure you have never tried anything like it!’ The woman stated with confidence.

  ‘What do you all say? Shall we be adventurous and try the special?’ Sarah asked.

  ‘I love surprises so, I’m willing to try it!’ said Rebecca.

  Sam looked at Mrs. Marina and smiled saying,

  ‘Who’s to argue with the ladies? I don’t mind trying something new either.’

  ‘You heard them, the special for all of us it is and bring us a bottle of wine that best suits the dish.’ Cassandra added.

  ‘Will that be all then?’ asked the waiter.

  ‘Yes, that’s all for now.’ Sarah answered.

  Marina stared intensely at Cassandra until finally Cassandra asked her.

  ‘Is something the matter?’

  ‘No, of course not my dear. It’s just that you are dressed so beautifully tonight that you have reminded me of my daughter.’

  ‘Oh, I meant to ask you about that. Is that her in the portrait over there?’

  ‘Yes, it is her; she was twenty years of age when she posed for that portrait. It is amazing how much you resemble her? So, please do not misunderstand my staring at you from time to time. Now, please forgive me, I must prepare your plates.’

  The woman left the table and the four friends sat comfortably joking around talking about the day’s moments. Cassandra decided at that point to share her experience with the wild boar.

  ‘When it was only a few feet away from my feet and I had become paralyzed with fear I heard a shot and the animal dropped right before my toes, I mean literally at my toes!’

  ‘I told you guys it was a gun shot we heard!’ Sam said.

  At that moment, as the rest of them were they all inquiring about who shot the boar, Madame Marina set down a platter of meat in a smothered in a savory tomatoes sauce and many tiny onions.

  ‘Fani, bring the plates!’ she ordered.

  ‘Here we are’ he said setting down a plate in front of each of them. ‘Like I said before, I believe you have never tried anything like it.’

  ‘It smells awfully good, what is it?’ asked Sam.

  ‘It is called stifado,’ Marina answered proudly, ‘and it is made with our own meats and fresh onions and tomatoes cooked in pure olive oil and the best red wine from our own vineyards. Also, this bottle of wine will bring out the best of this meal’s taste. Enjoy your dinner!’ she said walking away.

  ‘Thank you’ they all said in a voice.

  ‘Dig in, I’m starving!’ said Sarah.

  ‘Oh wow, this is absolutely delicious!’ said Rebecca. ‘The meat is so tender!’

  ‘Cassandra, are you just going to sit there or are you going to try the food already?’ asked Sarah.

  Cassandra took in a small mouthful and sipped some wine without any facial expression. After swallowing she looked at her friends faces on by one who were anticipating her opinion. Cassandra spoke in her lowest voice.

  ‘This is not the best that I have ever eaten, it is a taste of heaven itself. Yes this must be what heaven tastes like!’

  Then she giggled and everyone started to laugh. The evening went by quickly. After the meal and a second bottle of wine they were all ready to retire. Just before they made their move to get up from the table the waiter brought a third bottle of wine and said, ‘Compliments of Mr. Gregor who would like you to accompany him in the lobby when you are finished.’

  ‘Oh, that’s right, I didn’t finish my story did I?’ said Cassandra. ‘Tell Mr. Gregor thank you and that we would be more than happy to accompany him in a little bit.’

  ‘Well, what about the boar, what happened, who shot it down?’ asked Rebecca.

  ‘I think we should finish this story a little later, be patient, I promise to tell you the rest. Let’s go to the lobby, it isn’t nice to keep someone waiting you know.’ Cassandra said and took her last sip of wine emptying her glass.

  ‘Easy does it there lassie! It seems you’re getting all zippy’ said Sarah.

  ‘Oh don’t be an old maid! I get to have some fun once in a blue moon! Besides, I’m not drunk, I’m just in a good mood. Shall we go now?’

  ‘By all means!’ answered Sam as he took the complimentary bottle of wine with him. They walked over to the lobby only to find that no one was there. They all sat on the very comfortable old sofas. All except Cassandra, who sunk herself into the giant armchair that was so big her legs hung many inches off the floor as she sat all the way back into the chair. The friends all waited patiently for Gregor while they observed the beautiful paintings and light fixtures and conversing amongst each other.

  Madame Marina came into the lobby and asked them if they had enjoyed the meal. They all complimented her on her home cooking. Cassandra then asked.

  ‘The meat was not only delicious but also tender. Who is your butcher?’

  ‘That would be me!’ exclaimed Gregor who had just come in.

  ‘Excuse me?’ said Sam.

  ‘I hunted, shot, skinned and cut up the animal before my grandmother made it your supper. You could ask Cassandra if you don’t believe me. She was there, she saw it.’ Gregor said proudly.

  ‘What? Is this the story you were telling us about, the one with the wild boar that almost attacked you?’ Sarah inquired with a very surprising look on her face.

  ‘So this is your hero who saved you from the wild animal? Nice to meet you Sir!’ Sam joked.

  ‘He sure is! Gregor gallantly crossed my path and saved the day!’ Cassandra answered.

  ‘A moment later and I would be the animal’s dinner but thanks to Gregor it became ours’ she continued. ‘So, dear friends, not only I but you too all owe gratitude to Mr. Gregor!’

  Gregor came closer, set his oil lamp on the table and sat in the armchair opposite of Cassandra.

  ‘We are all so very grateful to you for saving our little Cassie Mr. Gregor.’ Sarah said and continued. ‘I could not imagine life with out her!’

  ‘I believe Sarah has exaggerated a bit. It wasn’t that big of a deal.’ Gregor said.

  ‘No matter! We are all glad that you were there.’

  Gregor got up out of his chair and picked up an old wooden box that was beautifully relished with the most unusual carvings. He opened it and offered a top quality cigar to his guests.

  ‘No thank you.’ said Cassandra.

  ‘Me neither.’ answered Rebecca before Gregor even got to her.

  ‘I won’t say no. Thanks!’ said Sam.

  ‘What the heck, why not?’ said Sarah.

  Gregor lit their cigars and his own and sat back down. He looked at Cassandra with a deep dark sorrowful look. She in turn hadn’t noticed she was too busy looking at Sarah and thinking how silly she looked with that cigar in her mouth. Eventually, she turned her attention to Gregor and began asking him questions.

  ‘Gregor, I have a p
ainting in my room depicting a woman with a newborn and a little boy at her side. Is that boy you?’

  ‘It is’ he answered without looking at Cassandra. Instead he watched as the circles of smoke his cigar made swirled into the air over his head.

  ‘In the portrait that is in the dinning area I noticed that your mother wore an identical dress to the one I am wearing right now. Do you know the designer of the dress or where it was made? Mine was a gift and I am pretty sure it is a great imitation but of which designer I do not know.’

  ‘No, I am sorry. I do not know. It is probably an imitation as you mentioned. Although I am no expert in fashion’ he paused. ‘My mother died when I was very young. In the portrait I am only three years of age. There is no way I could have known where her dress was made or where she got it from. Let it be noted though imitation or not that dress looks lovely on you. You wear it extremely well.’

  Gregor was a gentleman and he knew how to make a compliment. Cassandra blushed.

  ‘Thank you, how nice of you to say.’

  ‘What happened to your parents? If you don’t mind me asking.’ said Sam.

  ‘It’s a long story but if you don’t mind me depriving you of your sleep I would be glad to share it with you.’ replied Gregor.

  ‘Yes, please do!’ said Cassandra. All the others nodded affirmatively.

  ‘Bring the wine, Fani!’ Gregor said. Another bottle of wine was brought to them and Gregor filled their glasses. They all waited patiently for the story to begin. Cassandra went over to the sofa to be closer to the rest of them and next to Gregor. She began observing him closely. She noticed he was a clean cut man with very handsome features but he looked nothing like what someone would expect the boy from the picture to grow up and look like.

  She thought to herself ‘That little boy became so masculine and so mysterious.’ It was in fact true. When Gregor looked at someone his glance was not only mysterious but also very dark. Not devious or mean in any way but it seemed his heart hid much pain. Her thoughts stopped as Gregor began to speak.

  Chapter Two

  ‘Twenty two years ago, when I was almost five years of age, we were going to have a party here in this very room. My mother and father, whose names were Eleni and Giorgo, had made all the preparations on the very same day that my baby sister was to be baptized. She was two months old and after the ceremony we were going to celebrate both events with all our relatives and friends, even our customers who were visiting were all invited to take part in our splendid feast at nine that evening. It was the 25th of August and I remember that it became dark much earlier and the sky was dimly lighted by a huge bloody red full moon.

  After my sister’s christening at St. Giorgio’s church which is at the very top of the mountain and still stands today, we all took our horses and donkeys and made way back here. I remember my mother asking me to watch my sister a moment so that she could go down to the basement and bring up the wine. By that time most of the guests were already here and the room had become asphyxiating. The music took flight. Everything was perfect. I stayed with my sister who had fallen fast asleep and as I looked up and around at everyone who was in the room and I noticed that I did not recognize all of them, there were mostly strangers. Before I knew it mother had returned with the wine and asked me to quickly take it over to my father so that he would serve it to our guests.

  The evening celebration had finally gotten on its way. The music played endlessly the wine was consumed rapidly and all the guests ate and danced until their feet swelled. Most of them could barely stand let alone walk after so much dancing and drinking.

  It was way passed midnight when everyone froze at the chilling screams of a woman whose voice exceeded through the music. The music was ended at once and all who were there seemed to be holding their breath as they waited to find out where the sound came from. There was no other scream only a loud thump right outside the front door. I remember very vividly, my father running out of the front door.

  My mother held her hand over my eyes to protect me while she herself turned her head the other way. The sight was horrific some of the guests said. Others were throwing up. One of our lady tenants had had her throat ripped open and had bled to death outside the inn as she tried to make her way for help. She had fallen two feet away from the door.

  My father got to her too late and he asked for a sheet to cover the bloody body. Then he asked one of the guests who was also a doctor to come see the body and tell us what animal it might have been that attacked the woman. Spiros, the doctor told my father he had never seen such an animal attack before and that we couldn’t be sure it even was an animal. He then suggested that my father call the police. Dr. Spiros told us with certainty that the attack could have been done by someone human and that it could even have been done by one of the guests. Why he said that, we didn’t understand. My father looked deeply into his friend’s eyes and said, “What do you mean Spiro? That one of the guests could…” and then his question was silenced by his friend’s affirmative nod of the head. My father called out to my mother, “Eleni, it’s happening again. Everyone, go home quickly and lock yourselves indoors!” he shouted to his guests.

  They all had a look of terror in their eyes and it seemed that they knew what was happening because not one of them asked questions. I, on the other hand had many even though I was so young. Then my dad asked my mother to keep Cassandra and me in eye’s sight at all times.’

  ‘Who was Cassandra?’ asked Sam taking that very question out of everyone’s mouth.

  ‘My sister was named Cassandra that day, after my mother’s mother’ replied Gregor. ‘Cassandra was only a baby and my mother ran quickly into the other room took her and then me by the hand and told me to run quickly into the sala (lounge). We sat together the three of us while watching my father lead out every last guest. He also led the tenants that were staying at the inn to their rooms after checking each one thoroughly. The strange thing was that before he took each one up he asked to look into their eyes. I had no idea why. I would soon find out though. When everybody was finally in their rooms, my father came to where we sat and embraced us and said, “You must all stay here together while I search the entire inn and grounds so that I can be sure it is safe. Do you understand?” My mother replied, “Yes” as I nodded my head.

  My father went up and down the entire inn opening and closing doors, looking inside of closets, the basement and the outer premises. He took a long time. Cassandra, just a baby was awake and cried endlessly as it was passed her feeding time. Our mother rocked her back and forth and hushing her hoping all the time that she would fall back asleep but nothing of the kind would happen any time soon. Cassandra cried even harder. Then mother sat down and began to feed her while she looked up at the windows and again to the front door anxiously waiting for father to return.

  My sister had at last fallen asleep. I remember falling asleep myself in the large armchair. I woke up to the sound of the slamming door Father came in concerned and disappointed. He had found nothing. His eyes bled with anger. We all slept together in the lobby that night along with our tenants who were called to come back down. Father explained that it was better that we all stay together until things were back to normal. The guests asked questions but my father told them it was much better that they were informed by the authorities after they put the pieces together. He also told them that upon their departure they would not need to pay for their stay due to the inconvenience. We were all taken to a better place by Morpheus as we dosed off in the early hours. That morning I was awaken by loud conversation at the front desk.

  Mother begged a couple to take my sister with them as they were leaving the inn that day. I remember her tears distinctly as she wrote on a piece of paper that she was giving her daughter to a nice couple because she was unable to protect her. I know this because she read it a loud as she was writing it. Soon after that, mother disappeared and my father who went looking for her never came back either. Story tellers said that h
e went mad after loosing both his wife and baby girl. My grandmother didn’t find me until three days had passed. She told me that I was in the woods sleeping under some bushes. I couldn’t recall how I got there. She brought me back home and nursed me to good health again.’

  ‘So, in reality, you really don’t know what happened to your parents or if they are alive somewhere?’ asked Rebecca.

  ‘Yes, we cannot be sure since, traces of them were never found.’

  ‘Who was your father looking for that night, who did he think was in the house?’ asked Sam.

  ‘There is a legend in these parts and perhaps in some other parts of Greece about the undead.’ Gregor said.

  ‘You don’t mean zombies?’ Sarah asked giggling.

  ‘He probably means vampires.’ said Sam. ‘Right?’

  ‘Not exactly, the best word for them in English I guess would be ghouls.’ Gregor’s eyes had become dark and mysterious.

  ‘What exactly is a ghoul? I’ve only heard of them during Halloween.’ Sarah asked with the sound of tease in her voice.

  ‘Ms. Sarah, not everything of folklore and myth are make believe. Many stories are quite true or partially true. Ghouls just so happen to be one of them.’

  ‘So tell us about them!’ said Sam.

  ‘A ghoul is originally a once human returning from their eternal sleep. Unlike vampires who make victims only to survive, ghouls show up to torment the lives of those they come to. Jealousy and rage control them for having lost their lives while others go on living. They are devious, nasty entities who walk the earth with a burning hunger for human blood and souls. That night, when the doctor examined the woman who had been attacked he noticed some very distinctive details about the attacker. First of all, the scratches found on the woman’s body were full of soil. We could have concluded right then and there that they were made by a wild animal but that wasn’t all. The marks were purposely made into the shape of a cross and then were bitten into with sharp teeth draining a small portion of blood from the unfortunate woman.’