Castle Dracula, Transylvania, December 20th, the year of our Lord 1534. – Eventide.
Vladimir and Maria – Elina sped down to the kitchen where Abigail was getting ready the ingredients for the traditional cake. There were always lovely smells coming from her kitchen, and she ruled it with an iron hand that would not allow even the children to take liberties. As they entered the kitchen, they could hear her shouting.
“Oh, and now you tell me we have no mace? How am I going to mull the wine for the cake when I only have an hour to finish? ”
Maria jumped into the kitchen from outside and grinned.
“Abigail! Dear Abigail! Is there anything we can do?”
“Ah! Lady maria! It is good to see you! Yes, as a matter of fact, there is…could you please go into town and get me some mace for the cake? You know what your father is like…if the cake isn’t perfect..”
“..Then heads will roll!” Vladimir jumped in from behind Maria.
“That is not funny, Lord Vladimir when you consider that it is my head on the block!” retorted Abigail.
“we will go. We want a ride as it is before stuffy Uncle Igor and his rotten family arrive.”
“They are coming today? I thought it was tomorrow.”
“Today, tomorrow…anytime would be too soon…” Vladimir grimaced.
“Yes…” mused Abigail. “the last time they were here, that gypsy of his demanded special food…not going to happen this time.”
“I would hope not…”
Vladimir wanted to be a lot more pointed about it, but a swift kick on the shins from Maria silenced him in no short order.
Five minutes later, the two were riding through the forest towards the town to get Marga’s mace. The forest was strangely quiet for a Saturday afternoon…that in itself was odd…too quiet, Vladimir mused, as they rode through the snow-covered woods…Suddenly, there was a loud rattle of carriage wheels, and an ostentatious coach and four swept around the corner, making straight for them. The two wheeled their horses to the side of the road to avoid the speeding carriage.
“It’s Uncle Igor and family.” mouthed Maria.
Vladimir looked horrified.
“Oh no…father will be furious…We are supposed to be there to meet them.”
“never mind…we won’t be long. I am sure that father won’t even realise we are gone.”
They resumed their journey, reaching Bukovina town without further incident. They found the spice shop, bought the mace and started to head back. The snow was starting to fall, and soon the road through the forest would become harder to see. As they were going towards their horses, they heard a familiar and much-loved voice calling them. They turned to se Don Anselmo Almeida Di Cappodochia, their local and much-loved priest, walking towards them.
“Children! It is good to see you again. Soon we will be celebrating Christmas at the castle chapel as always. Count Vladimir is always most generous, with inviting the flock to his castle and sharing gifts and food.”
” Yes, we always look forward to that, father,” answered Vladimir.
The castle chapel was very big, and it was a gesture from count Vladimir to his people to have them celebrate Christmas with him and his family.
“I see your visitors have arrived. They passed from here not long ago.”
“We saw them. Their coach nearly ran us down in the forest…I can’t say that I am happy about their arrival.”
Don Anselmo smiled.
“Come now, Vladimir…This is after all, the season of love, goodwill and forgiveness. Wjere is that Dracula hospitality that your family is so famous for?”
“It sort of got up and went away, father…I cannot readily forgive their son’s attitude towards my sister. It is a nightmare for her whenever they are at our house.”
“God will find a way, my son. He knows what must and will happen. he will not forsake maria in her time of need. By the way, Rosario will be home for Christmas, and Antonio.The bishop will come and ordain Rosario Christmas Eve and we will celebrate mass together Christmas day.”
Vladimir’s spirits rose. He smiled bradly at the old Priest. Rosario was two years his junior, and had been his best friend at school. He was a quiet boy, frequently the victim of school bullies, most of whom wound up with a concussion after connecting with Vladimir’s fists….they only tried bullying Rosario once, the pain for doing so was much more than they could handle. After five long years study at the Monastery of St. Stephen’s, he accomplished his dream of following in his father’s footsteps….Don Rosario Almeida Di Cappodochia….Vladimir would be very happy to see him again.
” I will send word when he arrives. He will be very happy to see you.”
“Thank you, Don Anselmo. I will be waiting.” Vladimir smiled, mounted his horse and turned to follow Maria home, waving goodbye to Don Anselmo as he left. Ever since his wife died, Don Anselmo was a regular visitor to the castle…He and Count Vladimir had a lot of history between them. Don Rosario had not found a suitable wife yet, and Vladimir did not think that he would ever get married….He was too committed to God, and would probably take vows of Chastity and stay a monk…he was a good soul…and Vladimir had many occasions that he was thankful for having Don Rosario by his side.