Secret Of The Crest

by Demetra Gerontakis

  Gregor lowered his head with a short smile on his lips. With one swift look at his father with his eyes filling of blood, the game had begun. Vasili attacked the ghouls closest to him. Maria held back the youngest who struggled in her tight clench to fight back. Gregor hit Alexander straight on taking his two eyes out of place screaming all the time that he would never let him hurt another one of his family members again. Being a dark ghoul for many years, Alexander had great strength even without his sight. His instincts gave him direction to rip his claws into Gregor’s neck making him bleed severely through multiple wounds.

  Gregor had his enemy up against a tree and using only his fists and fury, he punched at him mercilessly until he lost his consciousness. Gregor moved quickly to the next step as to put an end to the attacks once and for all. With one swift pull he ripped Alexander’s head right off, leaving his headless body to drop while he turned towards his youngest son and showed him his father’s bloody head as if it was his trophy.

  ‘No!’ cried Ares. He tried pulling himself out of Maria’s grip but still was unsuccessful. “What was Alexander thinking by bringing these new boys to and elder war?” Maria thought.

  ‘I curse you! I curse you and I will not rest until you are dead! You hear me? Until you and all your loved ones are dead!’ the young ghoul repeated himself many times.

  Gregor slowly walked over to face Ares up close. He looked deep into his eyes and said, ‘You unfortunate creature. Your father has turned you into a ghoul, like us, but he has also turned you into a freakish bloodsucking vengeful monster, unlike us.’ Finishing that sentence, he thrusted his claws into the boy’s chest pulling out his heart so quickly he hadn’t even seen it coming.

  Gregor stood there looking at the still beating heart and raged at all he had previously heard, he crushed it between his fingers. The rest of the ghouls all were taken down by Vasili. He was older, quicker and stronger and they had been no match for him. Now it was over.

  ‘Why did you kill him, Gregor? He was too young and it is not like you to do what you did.’

  ‘I won’t be threatened anymore and I won’t tolerate threats on me, my family or my friends. That is where I draw the line to my human feelings. I have lost too many years of happiness because of the tormenting of the ghoul legion; I won’t continue to live like that. I will become like them whenever it is called for.’

  ‘We should burn the bodies,’ Maria interrupted.

  ‘Yes, I will collect wood; you tend to your son’s wounds’ Vasili ordered. Maria and her son sat at the river bank. She tended to his wounds in silence as his facial characteristics gradually regenerated. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’ she asked him.

  ‘There’s nothing to talk about. I went against everything I believed in and became a monster myself only to protect those I love. Had father done the same, we wouldn’t be having this conversation now, would we?’ Gregor’s voice was filled with anger but his eyes with regret.

  ‘Son, you are of the same nature as your father. You have a good heart, no matter how much you try to cover it up, it will always reveal itself.’

  ‘I have no regrets about what I’ve just done. I want to have a family and live a normal life and I just won’t be threatened by our past!’ All the time he spoke these words, he pictured himself with Rebecca and a couple of children.

  Maria realized she could not mend her son’s biggest and deepest wound as she had the others on his body. This wound would eat at him through eternity. She remained silent.

  The bodies were burnt and finally an end was put to the deaths in Terovo. At least, for now, things would get back to normal again.

  Chapter Ten

  The sun rose and Rebecca woke up to the sound of birds chirping. A sound truly beautiful that had been muted the passed few days. A sign that once again everything was peaceful.

  ‘Wake up, sleepy head. You realize we’re running late. We should be on our way to the airport right now,’ Rebecca whispered into Gregor’s ear. He slept in her room the night before as he felt comfort in her company.

  ‘Is it going to become a habit?’

  ‘What, love?’

  ‘Waking me up by tickling my ears with your seducing voice.’

  ‘You bet it will! Now, up and at’em! We’ve got to run!’

  ‘I will meet you downstairs in ten minutes. I need to take a quick shower!’

  ‘What? With cold water?’

  ‘The only way to have one!’ Gregor gave her a little peck on the lips. Rebecca went downstairs.

  ‘Cassandra, good morning, love!’

  ‘Good morning to you too! Where are you off to so early? You’ve never been an early bird.’

  ‘Ah, this is very true, you know me well, Cassie. We’re picking up my parents in an hour or so.’

  ‘Oh, that’s right! Mr. and Mrs. Holmes will love it here! I can’t wait to see them.’

  ‘Would you like to come with us?’

  ‘I would, my dear, but I have a prior engagement with Mano.’

  ‘Really? Well then, as you see, my fiancé is coming down so see you later, sis! You don’t mind me calling you that since we will be becoming family, right?’

  ‘Call me anyway you feel comfortable. Now go you two, have a good drive!’ Cassandra said seeing Gregor at Rebecca’s side.

  ‘Good day, Cassandra’ Gregor said. Cassandra smiled and went to meet Mano. Gregor and Rebecca opened the door to depart as they heard Marina’s blessings echo through the room.

  ‘Thank you, grandmother, we will drive carefully!’ the couple walked the trail that led up the road to where the cars were parked. There were only two cars there. One was Gregor’s and the other Cassandra’s.

  Gregor opened the passenger’s door for Rebecca, helped her in and buckled her seatbelt.

  ‘You, my dear, are pampering me. You’re such a gentleman!’ Rebecca said enjoying every minute.

  The drive was over forty minutes of beautiful woodland scenery and not a soul in sight as they made their way towards the city. Soon they were at the airport, waiting for the plane to arrive.

  ‘Are you nervous, love? You’re pacing.’

  ‘Can’t hide it, can I? A little actually.’

  ‘Don’t be. They are going to love you.’

  The speaker announced two incoming flights from England and Corfu. There would be a short delay as they had arrived at the same time and would cause congestion if both were to exit the airplanes at the same time. The couple sat waiting for the exit update for England’s flight while the flight from Corfu began unloading its passengers.

  Before they realized it, the passengers from British airways exited the aircraft and took place in front of the luggage wheel. Rebecca’s eye caught her parents coming through the doors. She jumped up waving her arms as they came closer toward them.

  ‘Mum, dad, over here!’ she grabbed Gregor’s hand tightly and walked toward her parents. With broad smiles on their faces, her parents met them half way.

  ‘Hello, my darling Becca!’ her mother said embracing her. ‘Congratulations, my baby girl!’

  ‘Thanks, mum.’

  ‘Come here, Rebecca!’ her father opened his arms wide to hug her. ‘It’s so good to see you!’

  ‘You too, dad! Mum, dad, I’d like you to meet my fiancé Gregor, Gregor Dracopoulos.’

  Her father put out his hand and then drew it back coming close to embrace him instead.

  ‘Gregor, son, I am happy to finally meet you. Rebecca told us all she could possibly say over the phone, making me feel I already know you. Congratulations to you both!’ Mrs. Holmes also hugged Gregor and congratulated him as she gave off her wonderful warm smile that Gregor felt so familiar with since her daughter had taken that from her mother and showed it to him everyday since they met.

  ‘It’s a pleasure meeting the both of you and we are both very thankful that you came out all this way for us.’

  ‘It’s nothing, my boy! We’ve known your sister, Cassandra, from a baby. Practi
cally seen her on an everyday basis. We not only get the chance to see the two of you but her too and get some get away time. It was a wonderful idea!’ Mr. Holmes said.

  ‘Excuse me,’ interrupted a most beautiful woman dressed in an eccentric black dress. ‘Do you know how I can get to Terovo from here?’

  ‘What a coincidence. That is where we are going. You could follow us if you like?’ Rebecca replied.

  ‘I would only delay you because I need to rent a car. I suppose that will take a while.’

  ‘We are going to have some coffee before heading off so it won’t be any trouble to wait for you.’ Gregor said.

  ‘Alright then! Oh, and let me introduce myself. I am Katrina. Katrina Kostantis. How nice to meet you all.’

  ‘Like wise!’ said Rebecca and continued. ‘This is Gregor, my fiancé and my parents Mr. and Mrs. Holmes.’

  ‘English?’

  ‘Yes!’ replied Rebecca.

  ‘I’d love to visit England one day but for now I must settle with Greece. I’m here on business and work always comes before pleasure. Any tips for when I visit England? Where to go and what to see?’

  ‘Sure,’ Mrs. Holmes answered.

  ‘So, we will be at the cafeteria,’ said Gregor in a very deep tone of voice. ‘Whenever you are ready, you will find us there.’ Gregor pulled up the baggage cart and helped the Holmes’ put their luggage on it. They rolled it to the cafeteria where they ordered coffee and got to know one another.

  Gregor was just a little preoccupied as the women took over the conversation. He wondered why that woman, Katrina, reminded him of someone so intensely. Had he met her before? They hadn’t finished their coffee when the woman came to the table with a grand smile on her face. ‘All set! I didn’t know it was such an easy procedure to rent a car here. In Corfu it takes at least an hour to get all the credentials through.’

  Rebecca asked her if she wanted a cup of coffee.

  ‘No, thanks! All I need is some rest. I know a nice hostel in Terovo where my parents and I stayed during the Christmas holidays when I was a child. I’m hoping to find a vacancy there and get a good night’s rest. If it still exists that is.’

  ‘I guess it’s a very small world. I own that hostel and yes there is a vacancy room.’

  ‘Really? That’s marvelous.’

  ‘What is your family surname?’ asked Gregor. ‘You look familiar but I don’t remember you being at the hostel and I’ve been there all my life.’

  I am daughter of Alexander Mantaris. My father and brothers have been here since last week on a fishing trip a few villages away. I am to book rooms and meet them at the hostel.’

  Gregor turned pale when he heard her name. It wasn’t over yet. What would happen when she didn’t find her family? ‘Shall we go?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, of course! Lets be on our way!’ Rebecca answered.

  Gregor turned to Katrina. ‘We have the black jeep. We will drive slowly so you can keep up. After the drive back, Rebecca decided she would question Gregor about his silence the whole way back. It wasn’t like him. Just as they got out of the vehicles and she was ready to ask him, she was interrupted by the sounds her parents and Katrina made as they got the first breath of fresh air outside of the parked cars. Their eyes scanned nature.

  ‘I had forgotten how beautiful it was here.’ Katrina said.

  ‘You’re absolutely right!’ Mr. Holmes added. ‘It has an amazing view. I understand why Becca is willing to give up London.’ The group walked to the hostel and upon their arrival, Cassandra came running out to greet them. Behind her came Mrs. Marina greeting them.

  ‘Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, welcome! It’s so good to see you again!’

  ‘Cassie, you’re more beautiful then ever! You’re glowing actually,’ Mrs. Holmes pointed out.

  ‘I’m in love with my home town and with a very handsome gentleman I met here.’

  ‘Where is this man who has swept you away?’ Mr. Holmes asked.

  ‘Here he is now!’ Mano came out to welcome the couple.

  ‘Mano, this Rebecca’s mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes. They are also my second foster parents since I basically grew up at their house.’

  ‘Nice to meet you both,’ Mano said shyly. He wasn’t one for socializing.

  ‘And who is this?’ Cassandra asked looking at Katrina.

  ‘This is Katrina from Corfu.’

  ‘Nice to meet you too, Katrina. I am Cassandra, Gregor’s sister and this is my companion, Mano.’

  ‘It’s very nice to meet all of you.’

  Gregor was on edge. ‘Rebecca, could you and Mano accommodate your parents and Ms. Mantaris to their rooms while Cassandra and I go through some detail for the upcoming convention.’

  ‘Sure love. I’ll take mum and dad up and Mano, you can escort Ms. Katrina up but ask Mrs. Marina which room is prepared.’

  Gregor took Cassandra into the back room as everyone scattered. ‘I don’t know you that long brother but I’ve known you long enough to know that troubled look on your face. Now what is going on?’

  ‘Katrina is the daughter of the ghoul we took down. The rest of them were her brothers! She claims they were here on a fishing trip and then meet her here but I’m pretty sure she’s lying. I believe she’s actually here to feed as they were. I have to take her out!’

  ‘Don’t be hasty to make your move. Let’s wait and see what her intentions are, at the same time keeping an eye on her every move. Perhaps if she sees that she can’t find them she will be afraid to make a move on her own and she will go.’

  ‘You may be right! But warn Mano and keep a lookout for anything that might seem strange to you. I’ll tell the rest of them,’ Gregor said.

  Later that afternoon, all of them came down and were served lunch. Gregor wanted to accommodate everyone as best he could and forget about the unexpected guest. He had bottles of champagne brought to the tables and called for everyone’s attention.

  ‘I would like to propose a toast.’ He lifted his glass and continued. ‘Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, first of all, I would like to welcome you to our hostel and home on behalf of my grandmother, Cassandra, and myself but I would most importantly like to ask you formally for your daughters hand in marriage. May I have your daughter as my future wife? I would not be able to engage in marriage without her parents’ blessing.’

  ‘You have our permission and our blessings but only if you call us by our names, William and Liz, or even mom and dad if you like,’ William replied all teary eyed.

  ‘You’re the finest young man we’ve ever met and you’re perfect for Rebecca,’ added Liz. ‘We’re more than happy to give our blessings to both of you. Congratulations! And welcome to our family Gregor!’

  Gregor hugged Rebecca and they both thanked them. Everyone celebrated the event with plenty of wine and good food. They got to know one another as the time passed pleasantly. Gregor saw his grandmother slowly walk away from the table. He asked her where she was running off to so soon.

  ‘Gregor, my boy, the tenant is waiting to be served.’ He turned to see Katrina sitting in the corner table observing them. He felt invaded, stalked. What was she really here for? Gregor wasn’t going to wait to find out.

  ‘Please excuse me for interrupting. Would anyone mind if I invited our new tenant to have a glass of wine with us?’

  ‘Go ahead, love! One more to celebrate with us!’ Rebecca replied. She was always so loving and positive that’s one of the first things Gregor saw in her. She got up out of her chair. ‘Come on, let’s go over together and invite her.’

  ‘Good evening Ms. Mantaris! We are celebrating our engagement and we thought perhaps you would like to join us for a glass of wine, if of course you don’t have plans.’

  ‘Thank you, I shall. Can not turn down a celebration of love!’

  Gregor lifted her place settings and took them to their table. He was surprise at the initiative that Rebecca took. He could tell that she was being cautious of Katrina’s every move.


  Katrina sat comfortably and toasted to the newly engaged couple. ‘I wish the both of you a very happy life together, however long or short, till death parts you and after!’

  ‘Here, here!’ said the others as they all lifted their glasses.

  Gregor’s deepest dark thoughts came to his face as the rest of them toasted over other things. He sensed with Katrina’s words that it had begun. That wasn’t a wish, that was a message. A message that they would be in danger soon enough. Gregor jumped back from his distractions and joined the rest as they took photos and started to dance. It was a wonderful evening in which they made their first family memories. After hours of celebrating tired and intoxicated they all wearily turned in.

  Chapter Eleven

  Early next morning, Marina was preparing breakfast when she heard the front door open and then slam shut. She rushed over to the window with the help of her cane but the figure was already too far for her to recognize it.

  ‘It was Katrina, grandmother,’ Gregor informed. ‘I have my eyes on her; I will follow her and find out what she is up to. If anyone asks, you didn’t see me this morning.’

  ‘Yes, go now, you will lose her!’

  Gregor followed her close behind. He watched her as she climbed up tall trees, looking down from them, searching for something or someone it seemed. As she continued jumping on and off tree branches, over river banks and large boulders, she slaughtered small animals for food all of the way. She leaped from branch to branch for hours with a certain assurance. It seemed as if she was showing off; as if she knew she was being followed. And she was showing off.

  Katrina had the most heightened instincts of all her family members. She not only knew she was being followed but she also knew who was following her. Gregor’s cologne was in her nostrils. The wind had picked up and howled, making the animals of the woods find quick shelter. Danger approached but it wasn’t a storm.

  Gregor stood tall on one of the mountain edges although now he couldn’t see Katrina. She had disappeared. She didn’t want him to see her. Now she wanted to observe him carefully from a very close distance. She was toying with him. Gregor wasn’t the hunter anymore, he had become game and she enjoyed every second of it.