Love, Blood & Brimstone Magic Awakening

by Helen Rosalyn

  __________________________

  Vladislaus opened his eyes.

  Elena pushed the bowl with what was left of Enkillian’s blood to his lips.

  He sipped at it at first, and then drank it hungrily. When he had finished Elena shook her hand and the bowl disappeared.

  She smiled down at Vladislaus, tears of joy pouring down her cheeks.

  “Hello.” she whispered.

  Vladislaus smiled back slowly

  “Hello my little witch. What are you crying for? I am not dead yet.” he said stroking her hand with his fingers.

  She closed her eyes, her hand felt like it was on fire where he touched it and silently she thanked Enkillian.

  “I must go and tell your mother you are alive. We all feared the worst.”

  “Yes of course you must tell my mother but not just yet. I want to look at my beautiful little witch a while longer. You have become so beautiful since I left.” He held her hand tightly.

  She did not want to leave him. She felt so safe and happy with his hand on hers.

  “Vlad there is something I must tell you!”

  Vladislaus put his finger on her lips.

  “I know you love me. I heard every word you said and looking at you I know I could love you too so be quiet and kiss me.”

  Slowly she bent her head and kissed his cheek.

  “No not like that, like this.”

  He put his hand on the back of her head and gently pulled her down towards him. Meeting her lips with his.

  His kiss was long and passionate; as he kissed her he stroked her pale blond hair. Elena felt like her whole body was on fire. She never wanted the kiss to end this was what she had been dreaming about for the last five years.

  After a few minutes Vladislaus let her go.

  “Now you can fetch my mother” he said simply.

  Elena stood her legs felt like jelly and she felt light headed as she walked out to find Verona. By the time she found her mother and Verona she was sobbing uncontrollably she was so happy.

  “He’s alive, he’s alive.” she yelled.

  “Thank god.” Verona breathed.

  Calandria hugged her friend.

  “I am very pleased for you. Go to your son. We will see you later. Your miracle has happened.” Calandria took her daughters hand and they walked away leaving Verona to go to her son’s bedside.

  ‘I must make him love me with all the power I have good and evil I will make him love me, I want more kisses like that. We will be together forever. Nothing will destroy our love.’ Elena thought as she walked by her mother’s side

  Chapter seven

  Two weeks later Elena and Vladislaus were walking hand in hand through the gardens of Castle Dracula.

  “Alright what is the matter my little witch you are unusually quiet.” Vladislaus asked.

  Elena sighed.

  “It’s my aunt Anna and her daughter Marishka they are coming to stay. Aunt Anna’s husband has been killed in the war. I really do not want them to come. I will have to entertain Marishka and therefore I will not be able to spend time with you.”

  “Then we should make the most of the time we have together.” he said stopping to kiss her.

  He could not get enough of Elena; her lips were so soft and inviting. She was so innocent and pure on the outside, yet she was a witch and according to Gabriel she had the potential to be a very powerful evil witch. That thought was intoxicating.

  He could have any woman he wanted with his looks and title and he had, had many women not just the whores and barmaids he met in taverns either. He had seduced several of his fellow soldiers wives but after several nights of elicit passion they all bored him. He was twenty eight years old it was time he settled down and he was sure Elena was the girl for him she would never bore him. She was interested in the war with the Turks and the politics of war. No other woman seemed to care.

  Elena wrapped her arms around his neck and looked into his eyes.

  “They arrive tomorrow and this afternoon Ivan is coming to see me. I do not want to see him but my father keeps inviting him.”

  “Do not look so sad. We will think of a way to see each other when your cousin arrives and as for Ivan I will challenge him to a duel. Show him who you belong to.” he said stroking her face.

  “No Vlad you are not fit enough to fight anybody. I will deal with Ivan. I will turn him into a spaniel he acts like one the way he follows me around.” Elena giggled.

  Vladislaus laughed.

  “I do not think that would help my love. He would just follow you around even more. I will fight him. I feel fitter than ever and with you by my side I feel invincible. I do not know what you are doing to me but I feel as if I could take on the entire Turkish army and love every damn minute of it.”

  Elena hugged him tightly.

  “I do not want you to get hurt. I love you so much. Ivan is nothing but an annoyance and Marishka is more important. She is the one who will stop us seeing each other.”

  “Forget them both. Let us sit for a while and enjoy each other’s company.” Vladislaus waved his hand towards a bench below a weeping willow tree.

  Elena sat down and pulled him down beside her. For a while they sat together and kissed nothing else mattered, not Marishka and Ivan or the Turks invading Romania all they needed was each other.

  Eventually Vladislaus reluctantly pulled away.

  “It is time you went back my love your mother will be waiting to go home.”

  Elena put her arms around his neck and pulled his lips back on to hers.

  After another lingering kiss he pulled away and laughed.

  “Elena please! You must go. I am a gentleman but even my resolve may break if you stay any longer and I wish to do nothing to spoil your honour and soil your reputation.”

  He pushed her gently away from him.

  He was finding it hard not to go beyond kissing but Elena was still young with an unspoilt reputation.

  “I want to stay here with you forever” she stated passionately.

  “Me too.” He said “but life interrupts us. Go tell Ivan to visit around noon tomorrow. I will challenge him then. I promise not to kill him only teach him a lesson. Marishka can have what is left that way we kill two birds with one stone. Now go please.” He kissed the top of her head; she smiled at him and started to walk away.

  “Elena he called. She turned to look at him. ”You have your wish little witch I am falling in love with you.”

  She blew him a kiss and lifting her skirts ran towards the castle.

  ______________________________

  Marishka sat at Elena’s dressing table brushing her hair. She picked up a charcoal drawing of Vladislaus.

  “Who is this? He is so good looking.”

  Elena smiled.

  He is the man I am going to marry when he asks me. His kisses are so exciting too. When he kisses me I feel like we are the only two people in the world. He makes me feel so special.” She said dreamily.

  Marishka giggled. “He has kissed you? I have never been kissed by a man unless you count your brother kissing my hand at your tenth birthday party. Mother says a Lady must save herself for her husband.”

  ‘I am not surprised no man has ever kissed you, you are not exactly what I would call pretty’ Elena thought.

  “Do not worry. One day I am sure you will meet the man for you.” she said out loud.

  “I very much doubt it. “ Marishka sighed. “I am so plain. Look at you, you are beautiful, a powerful witch and now you have found a man who loves you as much as you love him. Mother cannot wait to marry me off.”

  ‘Poor man.’ Elena thought.

  “Have you ever thought about conjuring up your Mr. Right.” she asked instead.

  Marishka giggled

  “I did think about it once but mother said that for every magical action there is a counter action and we must never use magic for personal gain.”

  “Rubbish!” Elena muttered under her breath.
>
  “Does your father know about this man?” Marishka asked waving the picture of Vladislaus at her.

  Elena shook her head.

  “No and anyone who told him would pay dearly as you said I am a powerful witch. My Father wants me to marry a wimp named Ivan. He is visiting tomorrow afternoon you will meet him.”

  “Is he rich?” Marishka asked.

  “Who Vlad or Ivan?”

  “Vlad is that his name?” Marishka asked pointing at the picture.

  “Lord Vladislaus Dracula.”

  Marishka gasped.

  “Then he is rich!”

  “Richer than poor little poet Ivan.” Elena replied wickedly.

  “Money is not as important as love.” Marishka stated.

  “Money is just as important as love. Money is power, power is everything.”

  “I don’t mind if he’s rich just so long as he loves me. You have two men fighting for your love. You are really lucky.” Marishka said giggling.

  Elena grinned.

  “You are right. I am lucky. Two men, fighting over me, literally. Vlad is determined to challenge Ivan to a duel.”

  Marishka grabbed Elena’s arms.

  “Wow! He must love you

  Elena disentangled herself…

  “Goodnight Marishka. If you repeat anything I have said tonight you will be sorry. I promise.” Elena growled as she lay down to sleep.

  Chapter eight

  The following day at noon Ivan and Vladislaus arrived almost at the same time.

  Ivan had been in the drawing room a few minutes when Elgin showed Vladislaus in.

  He hoped Elena had invited him here to tell him she loved him as much as he loved her.

  He looked up as Vladislaus entered the room and gulped if he was here to see Elena Ivan knew he was in trouble.

  Vladislaus walked over to the fireplace and leaned elegantly against it. Ivan stared at him. He was tall noble and distinguished. Ivan was determined not to give up Elena but the thought of fighting this man made him feel weak and sick.

  Vladislaus stared at the young man already in the room, he must be Ivan. Elena was right he was a wimp. This was going to easy. Vladislaus almost felt sorry for him, almost but not quite. He was going to enjoy this.

  Elena entered the room followed by Marishka. Both men stood up, turned to Elena and bowed. Completely ignoring Marishka.

  Ivan took Elena’s hand and kissed it.

  “Ssso nice to see you again Elena.” he stuttered.

  Vladislaus opened his arms.

  “Come here my love.” he said seductively.

  Elena walked over to him and let him wrap his arms around her. He bent his dark head down to her pale one and kissed her passionately.

  Ivan watched in disbelief and shock as Vladislaus kissed her his hand moved down her back to her backside pulling her hard against his body.

  “Stop!” Ivan found himself yelling.

  Vladislaus stopped kissing Elena and turned his head to look at Ivan, his hand still on Elena’s backside.

  “Do you have something to say?” he asked. His voice was strong and commanding and very slightly annoyed.

  “I thththink you are out of order groping Elena like that.” Ivan replied. His voice was weak whiny and pathetic.

  Vladislaus laughed, let go of Elena and walked over to Ivan.

  “You do, do you?” he seemed to tower over Ivan even though he was only a couple of inches taller.

  “And exactly who do you think you are to question my actions.” he demanded.

  “I lllove Elena I cccan not allow anybody to abuse her.” he said trying to look menacing and failing miserably. “Anyway who are yyyou sssir?”

  I am Lord Vladislaus Dracula commanding officer of my own Platoon, Youngest son of Count Vultan Dracula, Commander-in-chief of the Romanian army therefore I may do as I wish. If you think you are capable of taking me on. Then let us fight a duel. The winner will get Elena’s hand and the loser will keep his life. What do you say Ivan are you up to it?”

  Ivan nodded.

  “Fffor Elena’s honour.” he stated firmly.

  Vladislaus drew his sword.

  “There is no time like the present!”

  “I dddo not carry an sssword so we will hhhave to put it off until another day.” Ivan was pale and shaking.

  “Never fear Ivan. I have a spare sword in my carriage. Now is the right time.”

  Marishka looked shocked.

  Elena was smiling two men fighting over her was exciting.

  ___________________________

  Fifteen minutes later Ivan and Vladislaus faced each other.

  “Let me see your swords.” Elena requested. “Just to make sure neither of you is cheating.” she added.

  The two men held out their swords to her. She took Vladislaus‘s hand first, held it and chanted, complete rubbish. Only Marishka realised and she chose not to say anything, she was sure Elena knew what she was doing.

  Elena handed Vladislaus’ sword back to him and took Ivan’s this time her chant meant something.

  ‘She really does love Vladislaus.’ Marishka thought ‘I wonder what Ivan thinks of me. I think I could fall in love with him. He is so sweet.’

  “Stand close together and when I drop my handkerchief you will fight.” Elena gushed excitedly.

  The two men bowed to each other.

  Marishka looked at Ivan. He was still pale and shaking.

  “Elena stop this please. Vladislaus is a professional soldier. Ivan is not.” She screamed.

  Elena looked at Ivan.

  “Do you want to stop this Ivan?” she asked.

  Ivan shook his head and stared at Vladislaus. Vladislaus held his stare.

  “Ivan…” Marishka got no further; Elena waved her hand in the direction of her cousin. “Silencio!” she shouted. Marishka found she was unable to speak.

  “Let us do it!” Vladislaus demanded.

  “Yes now!” Ivan agreed.

  Elena dropped her handkerchief and stepped back to watch the duel.

  Marishka sat down and closed her eyes tightly. She did not want to see what happened.

  Vladislaus moved forward. Ivan lifted his sword just in time to stop Vladislaus‘s attack. Sparks flew as the blades crashed together time after time.

  Ivan it seemed knew how to wield a sword a shock to everyone none more than Ivan himself.

  Vladislaus was the better swordsman and eventually managed to cut Ivan on the arm.

  “That hurt.” Ivan shouted angrily too angry to stutter.

  The two men stamped and lunged. Back and forth. Whenever Ivan‘s sword touched Vladislaus it seemed to bounce off him.

  Elena watched the two men cutting and thrusting. Ivan seemed to be tiring faster than Vladislaus his back and sword arm ached from constantly blocking Vladislaus‘thrusts.

  Both his arms were pouring with blood where Vladislaus had slashed him.

  He staggered. He could not take much more of this. Vladislaus lunged and slashed at Ivan’s thigh.

  “Stop! I yyyield.” Ivan gasped as he collapsed to the floor.

  Vladislaus stuck the point of his sword against Ivan’s throat.

  “Give me one good reason why I should not kill you!” he growled.

  “Elena is yours.” he whispered before passing out.

  Elena walked over to Vladislaus and slipped her arm around his waist.

  “Is he dead?” she asked.

  “No he will live; I have not cut any main arteries. He is just out cold.”

  “You put a spell on Ivan’s sword little witch do not deny it.”

  Elena giggled.

  “Who is denying it.” she put her arm’s around his neck.

  “The way you held me before was that just for Ivan’s benefit?” she asked seductively.

  “I had to do something to get him annoyed.” he laughed.

  She twisted a strand of his hair around her finger.

  “Will you do it again? I enjoyed it” She
grinned pressing against him.

  “Elena Stanislavsky! You little whore!” Vladislaus pretended to be shocked. “I have created a monster. I am tempted, you make me want to do things a gentleman should not do to a lady unless they are married.”

  She ran her fingers over his chest.

  “Please show me!” she begged.

  Vladislaus kissed her. If any other women had said and did what Elena was doing right now he would have thrown them to the floor and had his way with them. Fighting was a powerful aphrodisiac to him, but instead he found himself dropping down on one knee. He took her hands in his.

  “Elena this fight has proved I am fit enough to return to the front. Will you agree to be my wife when I return?”

  “Yes, yes, yes.” Elena yelled kissing his hands.

  “You don’t want to think about it?” he laughed as he stood up.

  “No.” She stated. “I have been waiting five years for you to ask me.”

  Vladislaus put his arm around her.

  “You better give her, her voice back.” He said waving towards Marishka who was sobbing silently over Ivan. “Then I better go and ask your Father’s permission.”

  “Do I have to give her, her voice back?” Elena asked half serious.

  “Yes!” Vladislaus replied. “Look she is all over Ivan. You are rid of him.”

  “I better do something about him too I suppose.”

  She held out her hands palms up and called for bandages and ointment.

  Her hands shimmered for a second, then bandages and ointment appeared and she threw them at Marishka.

  “Here take care of him. Oh and I give you voice.” she waved her hand over Marishka’s head then she and Vladislaus walked away arm in arm to talk to Lucien.

  Chapter nine

  “Lucien the time has come for me to take a wife. Elena has grown into a beautiful and intelligent young woman. In the time I have spent with her whilst recovering from my injury I have fallen in love with her and cannot imagine spending the rest of my life with any other woman. In short I am asking you for your daughters hand in marriage.” Vladislaus sounded a lot more confident than he felt. He was a soldier a commander of hundreds of men. Yet the speech he had just made was the hardest he had ever made. He was never nervous yet now he could feel sweat trickling down his back, his palms were sweaty and his heart was pounding.