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, Natalya, and the Bockmanns are at Steiholtz, the estate of Ernst's Father. Ernst proposed to Aksinya, but she could not make a decision. Still, he kissed her and that excited her mind and body. She wakes on the first day of 1919...
When Aksinya awoke in the late morning, her first thought was the kiss that still excited her imagination and seemed to tingle on her lips. It tempted her and excited her. In spite of a headache, her body was much more responsive now, and she felt less frustrated afterward. She slowly fell back to sleep. Natalya finally woke her near noon.
Natalya had her hands full dressing and preparing the sleepy Aksinya for their departure. The two maids from the evening helped, and together, they assisted the Countess down to the dining room for breakfast. Everyone else had already eaten breakfast and luncheon, and Aksinya took her time. She insisted Natalya eat with her. Ernst was conspicuously absent.
When Aksinya finished her third cup of tea, Natalya was able to bundle her off to the front of the house where the Bockmanns and their coupe awaited them. All their small trunks had been loaded on the coupe and the driver stood ready to assist them into the cab.
Aksinya met the Bockmanns in the great foyer. Freiherr Bockmann bowed to Aksinya, and Freifrau Bockmann curtsied. She took Aksinya’s hand, “Good morning, Countess.”
Aksinya gave a slight nod. That made her head ache.
Just as they were about to pass through the main doors, the Graf von Taaffe came out of a side opening. He was followed closely by Ernst. The Graf tilted his head toward Aksinya, “Good morning, Countess. I pray you slept well.”
Aksinya cleared her throat, “As well as I could after drinking so much.”
The Graf smiled, “Do you have an answer for me and Ernst this morning?”
“I have not had the opportunity to put my mind fully to the question, yet. I will to give an answer in one week, on the Monday following this next.”
The Graf rubbed his chin, “Very good and very well said. I do like the way you plan, Countess. I still wish you would accept the ring.”
“Ring!” squawked Freifrau Bockmann.”
Aksinya raised her eyes to her aunt’s, “Ernst von Taaffe has made me an offer of matrimony. I am contemplating his proposal.”
Ernst stepped forward, “I have met my father’s requirements, and I hope I meet yours as well, Aksinya.”
Aksinya gave him a look that could melt any man’s heart.
Natalya scowled.
Ernst continued, “I’ll pick you up at our regular time for dinner on Wednesday evening.”
Aksinya asked, “What shall we see?”
“The opera is Tristan und Isolde by Wagner. It is a tragedy.”
Graf von Taaffe laughed, “You may kiss Ernst good bye if you wish.”
Aunt Brunhilda put up her hand, “She shall not. A handshake at this juncture is more than appropriate.”
Aksinya pursed her lips. Natalya smiled.
Ernst took Aksinya’s hand and bowed over it.
Aunt Brunhilda commented, “Yes, very nice, Herr von Taaffe.”
When she passed her aunt, Aksinya snarled, “I would have rather had a kiss.”
They stepped into the coupe and the driver started out toward Wien and Grossbock.
Setting the scene is the most important part of the beginning of any chapter. Just as important is setting the chapter. This is the beginning of chapter 14. I use some advanced writing techniques to set the scene for you. The first one, is that I use a direct comparison to place you back in the place we were at the end of chapter 13. At the end of that chapter, Aksinya was in bed trying to pleasure herself. At the beginning of this chapter she is in bed under the same circumstances. This immediately draws the reader back to the place with the new time marker--it is morning.
That's all I really need to set the place, time, and person--the where, when, and who. This single paragraph also sets the chapter. That is its ultimate purpose. You know from this paragraph that this chapter will deal with Aksinya' s passions and desires. There is more, of course, but the point is to give the reader a foreshadowing and foretaste of the chapter.
The next paragraph that describes taking care of Aksinya just reinforces both the scene and chapter setting. Aksinya is at her morning worse. This is a continual motif. Aksinya is acting like a brat, but it isn't just her bad habits--it is her position in life.
The next short transition uses description to show you that everything is ready for departure. While Aksinya slept, everyone else was preparing to leave. The Bockmanns still are courteous to Aksinya--she is a Countess. When Aksinya nods, that makes her head ache--this lets me show you that she has a hangover.
As Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns are about to depart, the Graf and Ernst make their appearance. The Graf is polite, but his second question is what he really wants to know: “Do you have an answer for me and Ernst this morning?” Aksinya has obviously thought much about this. She doesn't hesitate and tells the Graf that she will give her answer in one week.
The Graf's response to Aksinya alerts the Freifrau. She understands very well what a ring means. Aksinya fills them all in. I also remind you of Aksinya's diminutive size here also. Ernst can't help but remind Aksinya of what he has gone through to be able to ask her to marry him. Aksinya doesn't note any irony in Ernst's words, she accepts them as forthright--therefore the look she gives him. I can't let you forget that Natalya is not happy with any Ernst arrangement.
Ernst is still courting. He loves Aksinya. He will pick her up at their regular time on Wednesday. Aksinya asks what they will see. This is a set up for you. The opera is Tristan and Isolde. It is not only a tragedy, it is about a love triangle that was a precursor to King Aurther. Every opera and ballet they have seen that I mentioned were direct parallels to Aksinya's life. What shall this one be?
The Graf remembers from the night before that Aksinya wished to kiss Ernst longer, thus his words that Aksinya may kiss Ernst. This is too froward and Aunt Brunhilda reminds them. That makes Aksinya uphappy and Natalya happy. Did you get that?
Ernst acts the gentleman and that pleases Aunt Brunhilda. It doesn't please Aksinya. She wanted a kiss. The party heads back to Wien. Tomorrow, the arrival at Wien.
Showing posts with label Freiherr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Freiherr. Show all posts
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A New Novel, Part 144 Read to Me this Evening
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 and Natalya are at Grossbock. This is their usual weekend hangout. Ernst with the acceptance and help of Aksinya's aunt and uncle, has invited himself to dinner...
When Saturday evening came around, Aksinya did not greet Herr von Taaffe at the door. She read a book in the family parlor, and Natalya sat with her. Freiherr Bockmann wanted to use the formal greeting parlor, but Aksinya liked the large fireplace in the family parlor with its very warm wood and coal fire. She remained facing the fireplace when Herr von Taaffe entered.
Ernst came around to the blazing fireplace and stood in front of Aksinya, “Countess Golitsyna, good evening.”
Aksinya made a wry face, but didn’t look up from her book, “Good evening, Herr von Taaffe.”
“Sweet Lady, I told you, you may call me, Ernst.”
“Very well, Ernst.” She glanced up from her book. “Do not neglect my lady-in-waiting. She is not your servant, and you have been introduced.”
“I’m sorry, Lady Obolenska. Good evening.”
Natalya nodded.
Freiherr Bockmann pulled a chair over for Ernst. He put it close to the left side of Aksinya’s seat. Ernst sat down. Aksinya opened her book again, and Ernst pulled it out of her hands. He laughed, “You didn’t intend to neglect me, did you?”
“No, I did accept your invitation to dine and to the opera next week.”
“I received your post.”
“Then, you see I have no intention of neglecting you. In fact, I shall give you all my attention on Wednesday evening.”
“What about tonight?”
Aksinya scowled at him, “You did not ask my permission about tonight. You came to entertain my aunt and uncle. I certainly don’t want to get in your way.”
Ernst laughed again, “I warned you I was coming. I invited myself to your aunt and uncle’s for the purpose of seeing you again. Will you let me entertain you?”
“What? Entertain me in my own relation’s home? That is certainly pretentious.”
“With your and their permission, I will attempt to engage you in a pleasant evening’s conversation.”
“I intended to read this evening.”
“Then I shall read to you.”
Aksinya’s eyebrow rose, “You would?”
Ernst nodded.
Aksinya took the book from him and stuck it between her hip and the chair, “Perhaps after dinner.” She stood, “Ernst, you may escort me to table. Uncle, I am ready for dinner.”
They went together into the family dining room.
Aksinya was pleasant to Ernst during dinner and the rest of the evening. He left before the Freiherr and Freifrau retired for the evening. Ernst did not read to Aksinya that evening, they were all too busily engaged in polite conversation.
Aksinya is being a real stinker, but in the culture, her actions are considered reasonable. Ernst wants her attention. She is not ready to give it so readily. You can imagine Aksinya's mind. She wants her books. She is just getting comfortable with Ernst, but she would never admit that. She snubs him, but he treats her as a friend. Aksinya, at this point, is without any help. The Freifrau and Freiherr, and Natalya are all happy to see her a friend with Ernst.
Ernst places himself where he can't be ignored. Aksinya snubs him, but acknowledges his precense. In this culture, that is a step ahead. Ernst announces before the "family," Aksinya may call him by his given name. That is very intimate. Because she does would be a reason for her aunt and uncle to rejoice. Aksinya bursts Ernst's bubble by reminding him of his manners. She does it in a very strong way that lifts up Natalya.
The Freiherr is encouraged by Aksinya's intamacy and brings a chair for Ernst. Ernst, likewise, acknowledges his closeness by taking the book out of Aksinya's hands. He reminds her of her responsibility as a member of the host's family, and she turns it around at him. We also get that Aksinya responded to Ernst's letter. I don't show you the letter, but let you know it was. Then, we get to the whole part that is iritating to Aksinya--tonight. Ernst didn't ask her about this evening. She's right, Ernst used his influence on her uncle. Aksinya is quite proper in her response. We get a dialog give and take about this very point. It is a verbal contest that Ernst wins by giving everything to Aksinya. Aksinya likes this in a man. She does want a man she can control. The evidence of the action is that Aksinya places her book away--it doesn't get taken out again that evening. She allows Ernst to escort her to dinner. This is a huge change from ignoring him to taking his arm to dinner.
The end is a small kicker--he didn't read to her because they were engaged in polite conversation. Aksinya is indeed warming to Ernst von Taaffe. Tomorrow, a small transition and dinner at Sacré Coeur.
Aksinya and Natalya are at Grossbock. This is their usual weekend hangout. Ernst with the acceptance and help of Aksinya's aunt and uncle, has invited himself to dinner...
When Saturday evening came around, Aksinya did not greet Herr von Taaffe at the door. She read a book in the family parlor, and Natalya sat with her. Freiherr Bockmann wanted to use the formal greeting parlor, but Aksinya liked the large fireplace in the family parlor with its very warm wood and coal fire. She remained facing the fireplace when Herr von Taaffe entered.
Ernst came around to the blazing fireplace and stood in front of Aksinya, “Countess Golitsyna, good evening.”
Aksinya made a wry face, but didn’t look up from her book, “Good evening, Herr von Taaffe.”
“Sweet Lady, I told you, you may call me, Ernst.”
“Very well, Ernst.” She glanced up from her book. “Do not neglect my lady-in-waiting. She is not your servant, and you have been introduced.”
“I’m sorry, Lady Obolenska. Good evening.”
Natalya nodded.
Freiherr Bockmann pulled a chair over for Ernst. He put it close to the left side of Aksinya’s seat. Ernst sat down. Aksinya opened her book again, and Ernst pulled it out of her hands. He laughed, “You didn’t intend to neglect me, did you?”
“No, I did accept your invitation to dine and to the opera next week.”
“I received your post.”
“Then, you see I have no intention of neglecting you. In fact, I shall give you all my attention on Wednesday evening.”
“What about tonight?”
Aksinya scowled at him, “You did not ask my permission about tonight. You came to entertain my aunt and uncle. I certainly don’t want to get in your way.”
Ernst laughed again, “I warned you I was coming. I invited myself to your aunt and uncle’s for the purpose of seeing you again. Will you let me entertain you?”
“What? Entertain me in my own relation’s home? That is certainly pretentious.”
“With your and their permission, I will attempt to engage you in a pleasant evening’s conversation.”
“I intended to read this evening.”
“Then I shall read to you.”
Aksinya’s eyebrow rose, “You would?”
Ernst nodded.
Aksinya took the book from him and stuck it between her hip and the chair, “Perhaps after dinner.” She stood, “Ernst, you may escort me to table. Uncle, I am ready for dinner.”
They went together into the family dining room.
Aksinya was pleasant to Ernst during dinner and the rest of the evening. He left before the Freiherr and Freifrau retired for the evening. Ernst did not read to Aksinya that evening, they were all too busily engaged in polite conversation.
Aksinya is being a real stinker, but in the culture, her actions are considered reasonable. Ernst wants her attention. She is not ready to give it so readily. You can imagine Aksinya's mind. She wants her books. She is just getting comfortable with Ernst, but she would never admit that. She snubs him, but he treats her as a friend. Aksinya, at this point, is without any help. The Freifrau and Freiherr, and Natalya are all happy to see her a friend with Ernst.
Ernst places himself where he can't be ignored. Aksinya snubs him, but acknowledges his precense. In this culture, that is a step ahead. Ernst announces before the "family," Aksinya may call him by his given name. That is very intimate. Because she does would be a reason for her aunt and uncle to rejoice. Aksinya bursts Ernst's bubble by reminding him of his manners. She does it in a very strong way that lifts up Natalya.
The Freiherr is encouraged by Aksinya's intamacy and brings a chair for Ernst. Ernst, likewise, acknowledges his closeness by taking the book out of Aksinya's hands. He reminds her of her responsibility as a member of the host's family, and she turns it around at him. We also get that Aksinya responded to Ernst's letter. I don't show you the letter, but let you know it was. Then, we get to the whole part that is iritating to Aksinya--tonight. Ernst didn't ask her about this evening. She's right, Ernst used his influence on her uncle. Aksinya is quite proper in her response. We get a dialog give and take about this very point. It is a verbal contest that Ernst wins by giving everything to Aksinya. Aksinya likes this in a man. She does want a man she can control. The evidence of the action is that Aksinya places her book away--it doesn't get taken out again that evening. She allows Ernst to escort her to dinner. This is a huge change from ignoring him to taking his arm to dinner.
The end is a small kicker--he didn't read to her because they were engaged in polite conversation. Aksinya is indeed warming to Ernst von Taaffe. Tomorrow, a small transition and dinner at Sacré Coeur.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A New Novel, Part 143 Ernst von Taaffe is Coming on Saturday Night
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 is recovering from her evening with Ernst. She had a hangover, and Natalya assured her that Ernst would ask her to dinner again...
Indeed, a letter came to Aksinya’s house the next day.
Ernst Franz von Taaffe
Stal Straße
Wien, Austria
19 December 1918
Dearest Lady Golitsyna
Thank you for attending the ballet and dinner with me last evening. Your presence was dazzling. You lit up my evening the same way the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz lights up the night sky. You made me so happy, dear Countess, I would like to see you again this weekend, and I wish to invite you next week to dinner and the grand Christmas performance of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. We shall work out the details when I see you at Grossbock on Saturday. Until then,
Sincerely,
Ernst Franz von Taaffe, heir to Graf von Taaffe”
On Friday evening, Aunt Brunhilda greeted Aksinya and Natalya when they arrived at Grossbock. She curtsied and took Aksinya’s hands. Her first breathless words were, “Dear Countess, Ernst von Taaffe has asked to dine with us on Saturday night…”
Aksinya frowned, just a little, “Did you accept?”
Aunt Brunhilda stared as though Aksinya had lost her mind, “Of course we accepted.” She smiled and shook Aksinya’s hands, “He is the perfect match for you.”
Aksinya rolled her eyes, “I’m cold. Could we retire to the family parlor?”
“Even better, we can have aperitifs in my sitting room until dinner.”
Throughout dinner and Saturday, Aunt Brunhilda wouldn’t stop talking about Herr von Taaffe. Aksinya wondered if she would be able to put up with her Aunt for the rest of the weekend. Ominously, Asmodeus did not make an appearance Friday evening. Aksinya had not seen him for a long time. She had not attempted to contact him, and she had not called him. She had a very bad feeling about his lack of appearance and speculated that the demon was either preparing something very unpleasant for her or that she was accomplishing everything he desired her to do. The later worried her the most.
Ernst is a gentleman although a gentleman who could use a little more polish. He sends a note to Aksinya the next day. The letter is a little overwrought and a little romantic, but that's Ernst. It is obvious he invited himself to Grossbock for the weekend. If you remember that Ernst and the Freiherr have an arrangement about Aksinya, then you know Ernst won't be turned away. The Freiherr and Freifrau are very must in favor of Ernst and his suit. All this is confirmed to us when Aunt Brunhilda greets Aksinya and Natalya. Aksinya does everything she can to deflect it, but the Freifrau won't let thoughts about Ernst go.
The real issue troubling Aksinya is while she is embroiled in this wonderful little love affair, Asmodeus is nowhere to be found. She hasn't tried to call the demon for obvious reasons. Aksinya knows things are not right, but she doesn't want them to stop. She loves everything that is going on. She is warming to Ernst and falling into the temptation before her. Aksinya knows what is going on, but she won't admit it to herself. She is willing to let everything play out in spite of the possible tragic ending, because she can't imagine any tragedy. Not at this point. Tomorrow, Herr von Taaffe.
Aksinya is recovering from her evening with Ernst. She had a hangover, and Natalya assured her that Ernst would ask her to dinner again...
Indeed, a letter came to Aksinya’s house the next day.
Ernst Franz von Taaffe
Stal Straße
Wien, Austria
19 December 1918
Dearest Lady Golitsyna
Thank you for attending the ballet and dinner with me last evening. Your presence was dazzling. You lit up my evening the same way the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz lights up the night sky. You made me so happy, dear Countess, I would like to see you again this weekend, and I wish to invite you next week to dinner and the grand Christmas performance of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. We shall work out the details when I see you at Grossbock on Saturday. Until then,
Sincerely,
Ernst Franz von Taaffe, heir to Graf von Taaffe”
On Friday evening, Aunt Brunhilda greeted Aksinya and Natalya when they arrived at Grossbock. She curtsied and took Aksinya’s hands. Her first breathless words were, “Dear Countess, Ernst von Taaffe has asked to dine with us on Saturday night…”
Aksinya frowned, just a little, “Did you accept?”
Aunt Brunhilda stared as though Aksinya had lost her mind, “Of course we accepted.” She smiled and shook Aksinya’s hands, “He is the perfect match for you.”
Aksinya rolled her eyes, “I’m cold. Could we retire to the family parlor?”
“Even better, we can have aperitifs in my sitting room until dinner.”
Throughout dinner and Saturday, Aunt Brunhilda wouldn’t stop talking about Herr von Taaffe. Aksinya wondered if she would be able to put up with her Aunt for the rest of the weekend. Ominously, Asmodeus did not make an appearance Friday evening. Aksinya had not seen him for a long time. She had not attempted to contact him, and she had not called him. She had a very bad feeling about his lack of appearance and speculated that the demon was either preparing something very unpleasant for her or that she was accomplishing everything he desired her to do. The later worried her the most.
Ernst is a gentleman although a gentleman who could use a little more polish. He sends a note to Aksinya the next day. The letter is a little overwrought and a little romantic, but that's Ernst. It is obvious he invited himself to Grossbock for the weekend. If you remember that Ernst and the Freiherr have an arrangement about Aksinya, then you know Ernst won't be turned away. The Freiherr and Freifrau are very must in favor of Ernst and his suit. All this is confirmed to us when Aunt Brunhilda greets Aksinya and Natalya. Aksinya does everything she can to deflect it, but the Freifrau won't let thoughts about Ernst go.
The real issue troubling Aksinya is while she is embroiled in this wonderful little love affair, Asmodeus is nowhere to be found. She hasn't tried to call the demon for obvious reasons. Aksinya knows things are not right, but she doesn't want them to stop. She loves everything that is going on. She is warming to Ernst and falling into the temptation before her. Aksinya knows what is going on, but she won't admit it to herself. She is willing to let everything play out in spite of the possible tragic ending, because she can't imagine any tragedy. Not at this point. Tomorrow, Herr von Taaffe.
Friday, November 5, 2010
A New Novel, Part 33 Uncle Bockmann plus threats
The arrival in Wein. We see the initial interaction between Aksinya and Asmodeus. The purpose for their coming to Wien isn't clear. Let me explain it to you. The demon wishes to degrade Aksinya as completely as possible. In Russia, he can only see her death. The Bolsheviks murder the aristocrats. In the west much more effective means of degradation are possible. We will see examples very quickly. You can begin to imagine yourself. In Russia, we would get a show trial, some torture, and death. In the west, there are excruciatingly long term means of causing suffering. The courts with a accusation. Ecclesiastical courts with their taint of true evil. Just keep in mind that the purpose of the demon is to do evil--to and for Aksinya.
They exited the train near the locomotive and immediately a carriage with a pair of white horses pulled up to the platform. Natalya laid Aksinya’s heavy mink coat over her shoulders. Aksinya pulled it close, and Natalya tied the clasp under Aksinya’s chin. Natalya pulled her own black woolen cloak over her shoulders. She buried her nose in the thick fabric for a moment, smiled in a very reassured way then tied the clasp.
Asmodeus pointed with his open hand. The carriage driver was overdressed in fine aristocratic livery. He helped Aksinya then Natalya up into the carriage. He put out his hand to Asmodeus, but Asmodeus instead made a gesture toward the driver’s seat. The driver climbed up to his seat and the demon took a place across from the ladies. He faced the rear.
When the driver was in his place, Asmodeus put up his hand and spoke in perfect German, “Proceed driver.”
The driver responded, also in German, “Yes, sir.”
After they exited the station, they were quickly surrounded by tall buildings. When they were well away from the station, Aksinya asked, “Where are we going, demon?”
“You should be able to guess, countess.”
Aksinya glared at him, “You planned this trip. I had no part in it.”
“The answer should be simple, especially for you. I told you, you could not remain in Russia. There was too much danger for you. I also told you I would convey you to a safe place where you could find relatives who would take you in.”
“So where are we going?”
“You don’t remember?”
“This isn’t a game.”
“But it is, countess. It is a great game.” The demon leaned closer to her, “We are enroute to your Uncle’s house. He is a Freiherr of the Austrian realm… and within the aristocracy of not much account. A Freiherr is a baron in Russian.
Aksinya crossed her arms and replied in German, “I understand very well what a Freiherr is.”
The demon continued without a pause, “His name is Freiherr Herman Bockmann. He is your father’s brother.”
Aksinya’s response was tart, “I know who he is.”
“So everything comes back to you now.”
Aksinya glared, “I understood from the beginning.”
“I know you did. Your uncle will love to take care of you. He will be pleased to invite a real Russian countess into his home and society.”
“I don’t like him, and I will not do as you ask.”
“Why don’t you like him? He is upright in his life and his business. Too upright for my tastes, but he is driven by the idea of nobility and aristocracy. He is tempted to it in much the same way you are tempted to touch yourself.”
Aksinya glanced at the lady at her side, “Shut up, idiot demon. Natalya…”
“The Lady Natalya hears what I wish her to hear.”
Aksinya leaned back and put her hand under her chin. She looked out the side of the carriage.
“Listen very carefully to me, Countess.”
Aksinya scowled.
“Whatever your Uncle proposes, you will accept it.”
“And if I don’t?”
“You have already faced that before,” the demon smiled.
“I doubt you will take my clothing off of me in front of my uncle. I don’t think you will harm my servant before him. What do I have to fear from you?”
“If you use your mind, I believe you can imagine many ways that I might make your life miserable. Chiefly, your Uncle thinks of himself as moving in the highest strata of culture, society, and nobility. He is absorbed by it. He celebrates within the church because it separates the common from their betters. What if his niece were reveled as an ugly and common girl who is involved in sorcery? What do you think would happen to his place in society? A countess from Russian is one thing. A countess can be a pathetic being, deserving of pity and love. This specific countess who was chased from her home and lands by the communists and Bolsheviks is especially deserving of pity. Her family was murdered as she watched. On the other hand, an ugly girl who practices sorcery and might have used her curses to escape while she left her family alone to die, is one deserving of only rebuke and punishment.”
“You would reveal yourself…”
“Perhaps, but I am a demon. My position in society is meaningless. To your uncle, his position is everything. The shock might kill him. It would certainly ruin him…and you.”
Aksinya wouldn’t look at the demon, “I won’t promise you anything.”
The demon smiled, “…but you will do as I ask. That’s the answer I wanted from you…”
The demon again gets Aksinya's acquiescence without anything but a threat. He will increase his attacks, but as long as Aksinya doesn't fight back, he will dominate her. If she fights back, she will gain little relief.
They exited the train near the locomotive and immediately a carriage with a pair of white horses pulled up to the platform. Natalya laid Aksinya’s heavy mink coat over her shoulders. Aksinya pulled it close, and Natalya tied the clasp under Aksinya’s chin. Natalya pulled her own black woolen cloak over her shoulders. She buried her nose in the thick fabric for a moment, smiled in a very reassured way then tied the clasp.
Asmodeus pointed with his open hand. The carriage driver was overdressed in fine aristocratic livery. He helped Aksinya then Natalya up into the carriage. He put out his hand to Asmodeus, but Asmodeus instead made a gesture toward the driver’s seat. The driver climbed up to his seat and the demon took a place across from the ladies. He faced the rear.
When the driver was in his place, Asmodeus put up his hand and spoke in perfect German, “Proceed driver.”
The driver responded, also in German, “Yes, sir.”
After they exited the station, they were quickly surrounded by tall buildings. When they were well away from the station, Aksinya asked, “Where are we going, demon?”
“You should be able to guess, countess.”
Aksinya glared at him, “You planned this trip. I had no part in it.”
“The answer should be simple, especially for you. I told you, you could not remain in Russia. There was too much danger for you. I also told you I would convey you to a safe place where you could find relatives who would take you in.”
“So where are we going?”
“You don’t remember?”
“This isn’t a game.”
“But it is, countess. It is a great game.” The demon leaned closer to her, “We are enroute to your Uncle’s house. He is a Freiherr of the Austrian realm… and within the aristocracy of not much account. A Freiherr is a baron in Russian.
Aksinya crossed her arms and replied in German, “I understand very well what a Freiherr is.”
The demon continued without a pause, “His name is Freiherr Herman Bockmann. He is your father’s brother.”
Aksinya’s response was tart, “I know who he is.”
“So everything comes back to you now.”
Aksinya glared, “I understood from the beginning.”
“I know you did. Your uncle will love to take care of you. He will be pleased to invite a real Russian countess into his home and society.”
“I don’t like him, and I will not do as you ask.”
“Why don’t you like him? He is upright in his life and his business. Too upright for my tastes, but he is driven by the idea of nobility and aristocracy. He is tempted to it in much the same way you are tempted to touch yourself.”
Aksinya glanced at the lady at her side, “Shut up, idiot demon. Natalya…”
“The Lady Natalya hears what I wish her to hear.”
Aksinya leaned back and put her hand under her chin. She looked out the side of the carriage.
“Listen very carefully to me, Countess.”
Aksinya scowled.
“Whatever your Uncle proposes, you will accept it.”
“And if I don’t?”
“You have already faced that before,” the demon smiled.
“I doubt you will take my clothing off of me in front of my uncle. I don’t think you will harm my servant before him. What do I have to fear from you?”
“If you use your mind, I believe you can imagine many ways that I might make your life miserable. Chiefly, your Uncle thinks of himself as moving in the highest strata of culture, society, and nobility. He is absorbed by it. He celebrates within the church because it separates the common from their betters. What if his niece were reveled as an ugly and common girl who is involved in sorcery? What do you think would happen to his place in society? A countess from Russian is one thing. A countess can be a pathetic being, deserving of pity and love. This specific countess who was chased from her home and lands by the communists and Bolsheviks is especially deserving of pity. Her family was murdered as she watched. On the other hand, an ugly girl who practices sorcery and might have used her curses to escape while she left her family alone to die, is one deserving of only rebuke and punishment.”
“You would reveal yourself…”
“Perhaps, but I am a demon. My position in society is meaningless. To your uncle, his position is everything. The shock might kill him. It would certainly ruin him…and you.”
Aksinya wouldn’t look at the demon, “I won’t promise you anything.”
The demon smiled, “…but you will do as I ask. That’s the answer I wanted from you…”
The demon again gets Aksinya's acquiescence without anything but a threat. He will increase his attacks, but as long as Aksinya doesn't fight back, he will dominate her. If she fights back, she will gain little relief.
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