Part 4: Cerubian

The finishing touches on the sword were completed, it was a beautifully crafted weapon. Cerubian studied the filigree on the blade, it glinted in the sunlight. A reflection of the engravings shone on the ceiling of the house. Oak leaves inlays, with majestic stags. The Cantacuzino family crest was very prominent in the design features.

Only Cerubian knew where to look for his own contribution. He chuckled to himself, his father never noticed. Tomas was to present the sword to the new magistrate, a great honour befitting an up and coming craftsman. Gosha was nowhere to be found, her sister informed Cerubian that a man came by the house that morning and asked her to come with him. 

She had no other information, hopefully he can see her at the ceremony. It was while he was talking with Masha the youngest sister was brought in. She was unconscious, her breathing was ragged, and her facial features were swollen out of proportion.

The man holding her yelled angrily , "get out of way you dumb oaf, the girl is dying!!"

Part 4 Lupin:

His jubilation stopped immediately when he saw the girl fall to the ground. She was having difficulty breathing, panic struck Lupin. Oh my god!!! I killed her!!! He ran over to her prone body, " I'm sorry!! I'm sorry!! It was just a joke meant to scare you!!"

She placed an arm around his neck, he lifted her in his arms. He knew the Abbot or one of the other monks could help. He also knew they would be attending the ceremony. He carried the girls frail body and ran to the location. Lupin cried out for help as he ran, "stay alive witch, life would be boring without you!"He spotted the Abbot studying the bible, he ran top speed towards him. Almost tripping and falling numerous times, his arms ached, but he would no stop. "Father!! Father!! Help!!"

"What happened Lupin?", there was a noticeable urgency in his voice.

"She was stung by bees!", he wisely omitted the details about where the bees came from.

"Lupin! Run to the monastery get brother Ricardo, tell him to bring his kit. Hurry! Her life depends on you!"

Part 4 Lebada:

The world became a blur, she began to have visions, there was a dancing wolf, laughing and wiggling its ass. Interestingly, the wolf transformed before her eyes into a handsome young knight.

The world turned upside down, she felt herself falling. The handsome knight was suddenly holding her, stroking her hair. It was just like a romance tale her sisters loved so much. She felt herself being lifted, the clouds were so fluffy today. 

She reached up to touch one, it felt silky. She watched as her arms sprouted white feathers, it was finally happening! She flapped her new wings, she leapt from the knight's grasp. She rose higher and higher with each thrust, looking down from her new vantage point. 

It was stunning, the emerald greens of the farmland. The waters of the river sparkled like flowing diamonds in the sunlight. Her heart felt whole at last....then came the darkness. Dark ominous clouds appeared on the horizon. Like a tsunami they rushed towards her, completely engulfing her tiny frame. All her beautiful white plumage was stripped from her by the maelstrom. She began to plummet.

Part 4 Sarpen:

  Like the epitome of dourness Sarpen's morose expression did not change throughout the entire ceremony. The plain unsophisticated village girls performing their traditional dances. All trying to catch his eye, no doubt with dreams of having  wealthy, powerful husbands. 

That girl from the monastery, she could barely contain the pleasure on her face. No doubt she was given the news of his offer. When the prideful blacksmith presented the ceremonial sword it was difficult to feign interest. But father always preached that blacksmiths we essential for control. You desperately needed their craftsmanship in times of conflict, and there was always conflict. 

So he accepted this trinket begrudgingly. Even when the man promised his son's fealty, Sarpen nodded and told him to come visit his retainer in a weeks time. Sarpen arrived at his waiting carriage, with the urgency to rid himself of the stench of the countryside. Finally back to civility, to his comfortable bed. The excited girl was waiting inside, she greeted his arrival with a beaming smile.

"Thank you my lord! I am very thankful for this opportunity. I hope I can serve your household and you personally to your liking"

The response was swift, his fist pummelled the girl's unsuspecting face repeatedly, bloodying her, each strike full of malice. The culmination of a month's worth of frustration, shame and loathing. The girl's pathetic whimpering brought a smile to his face, he finally felt like himself again.