For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.
Aksinya was found not guilty and released to the custody of Father Dobrushin. Aksinya and Father Dobrushin make their way out into the streets of Wien...
They made it past the reporters and Aksinya only had to answer some simple questions. She was certain she was smiling every time a flashbulb went off. The worst question was what she would do now. Father Dobrushin answered for her. She thought he said something like she would spend time in quiet contemplation and study, but she was too busy holding to his arm while trying to smile for the cameras.
Once they were free of the reporters, Father Dobrushin hailed them a carriage and took her to a woman’s emporium where she could bathe and have her hair styled. The attendants fitted a new dress to her. It was very beautiful but not too extravagant. It was made of white wool with a lining of silk and very warm. She received two other dresses, a long coat, and a leather pair of shoes. The coat was wool. Father Dobrushin packed her extra clothing in a small case and they took another carriage to a restaurant that was not far from the Rathaus.
The maître d’ led them to a quiet table at the side. Father Dobrushin ordered for them both. He poured Aksinya a glass of wine from the bottle he ordered—only one glass. She had to nurse it through the entire meal. The quality of the wine wasn’t that good. It was thin and sour. The food wasn’t very plentiful or fine. Still, Aksinya ate everything with pleasure. It was much better than the food she had in the jail. Father Dobrushin didn’t say much until the Spartan meat course. Then he added an ounce to the remaining amount in her glass and lifted his, “To you Princess and our victory in court.”
“Thank you, Father, but I should be thanking you over and over. You believed me when no one else would.”
“I believed in you because of who you are.” He paused a moment then stated, “I think I have determined a means to break your contract with the demon.”
Father Dobrushin takes Aksinya out to get a bath, clothing, and dinner. We should be asking ourselves what is going on here. Aksinya doesn't ask because she is used to being taken care of. Father Dobrushin is truly taking care of her. He answers for her and takes care of her.
Notice that Father Dobrushin doesn't buy the finest clothing. It is still nice clothing, but it is nothing like Aksinya is used to. She doesn't complain, in the late winter, early spring, she is happy to have warm clothing. Their meal is not the quality that Ernst could provide. It is the best that regular people can get in Wien.
Father Dobrushin pours Aksinya a glass of wine--he is cautious of her problems and temptations. At the meat course, they begin their conversation, and he gives her hope: “I think I have determined a means to break your contract with the demon.” Tomorrow, the plan.
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