A New Novel, Part 282 I am Willing to Marry You

13 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 282 I am Willing to Marry You

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.

Father Dobrushin provides Aksinya with new clothing and dinner.  He tells her he believes there may be a way to break her contract with the demon.  Father Dobrushin is speaking...

“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.”

A look of hope filled Aksinya’s face, “What should I do?”

“Do you remember the book of Tobit, from the Apocrypha?”

She nodded.

“This same demon pestered Sarah daughter of Raguel, and killed the seven men who had been affianced to her before they could consummate the marriage with her.”

Aksinya leaned her head in her upraised hands, “Tobit was helped by an angel, the angel Raphael.  There is no angel to help me.”

“When Tobias, the son of Tobit, and Sarah were in their bridal chamber, Raphael was not present.”

“I remember, Tobias took parts of a fish and burned it on the incense.  The smell caused the demon to stay away and it was bound by Raphael in Upper Egypt—I think.  But who would bind the demon for me?”

Father Dobrushin sipped his wine, “You forget the part that says they prayed together.”

“Who did?”

“Tobias and Sarah prayed together.”

Aksinya laughed, “So we must find someone foolish enough to marry me and confront the demon.  I am ugly and shaped like a boy.  I have no money, family, position, or goods.  No man would marry me.  Plus, I don’t have a magic fish, and my father is dead.  There is no one to find a husband for me.”

“Listen very closely to me, Princess Aksinya.  I am willing to marry you.”

She swallowed, “Why…why would you do that?”

He smiled, “I am foolish enough to marry you to confront this demon.”

“In spite of my ugliness?”

“Your beauty lies within your soul, but Princess, I don’t believe you are ugly at all.”

“If I marry, I don’t intend it to be for less than life.  Do you think you could put up with me for that long?”

I guess I should have reminded you again yesterday that this is a semi-allegory.  There is a strong metaphor in Father Dobrushin clothing Aksinya and feeding her.  It is a sign of repentance and of new life.  The dress I describe is white--it might be good to remember this.

Even if you forgot about the semi-allegory I mentioned, Father Dobrushin reminds you today.  Father Dobrushin give a fingernail sketch of the Book of Tobit.  If you read it, all the better, but this knowledge is enough.

The information about he angel is a foreshadowing.  The priest outlines everything necessary according to Tobit to be rid of the demon.  The ultimate point is that in the Book of Tobit, Tobias was willing to marry Sara and helped her be rid of the demon.  Therefore, Aksinya's question:  “So we must find someone foolish enough to marry me and confront the demon."  This is the point after all.

Father Dobrushin solves the problem by volunteering to marry her.  Orthodox priests marry--this is why Father Makar was married to Ekaterina.  I didn't lead you blind into this--if you have been watching Father Dobrushin carefully, he showed over and over again his interest in Aksinya.  Aksinya can't believe it, but remember, Father Dobrushin defended her in court, he paid her debts, he heard her confession, he bought her clothing, he took her to dinner, and he is willing to be like Tobias for her.

Aksinya isn't against the idea exactly, but she wants to know that Father Dobrushin is really serious.  In this age and knowing Aksinya's mind, any man who would love her and take care of her is right for her.  There is more since this man was willing to defend her, pay her debts, and care for her.  Tomorrow, the agreement.

A New Novel, Part 277 Are You Jealous?

8 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 277 Are You Jealous?

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 on trial in Wien, Austria.  Natalya told the court the reason Aksinya beat her was that she seduced Ernst.  She followed that with the statement that she never brought any charges against Aksinya in the first place.  This leaves Judge Richter with few options...

Prosecutor Trauen stood and tapped his glasses against his hand, “Your Honor, without any remaining charges, there is no reason to continue this trial.”

“I agree, however, in good order, I wish to confer with the other judges before we pronounce our judgment.  There is another issue in relation to this person that must also be decided.”

Father Dobrushin stood, “Your Honor, I beg you not to make any decision that might affect the freedom of the Princess without conferring first with me.”

Judge Richter nodded.  He stood and led the other judges back through their respective doors.

Natalya moved over to Akisnya’s table and Father Dobrushin gave her his seat.  Aksinya kissed her cheeks again and held her close, “Lady Natalya, I am so sorry for the suffering I caused you.  I do beg your pardon.”

“And, I you,” Natalya laughed, “Tears.  When did you ever shed tears for any reason Princess?  I am afraid that beyond this moment, we will not be able to see one another again.”

“Why is that?”

“You have no household and likely will have none, and I am kept by Herr von Taaffe.”

“And you wish to be with him?”

“I would rather be with you, but Father Dobrushin has recommended against it.”

“Does Herr von Taaffe treat you poorly?”

“No, just the opposite.  He treats me too well.  Almost as well as he treated you before.”

“I see.”

“Are you jealous?”

“I should be, but I am not.  I never loved Herr von Taaffe.  I loved the things he could provide me.  I suspect you never get drunk when you go out with Herr von Taaffe.”

“No, why?”

Aksinya smiled, “What does Herr von Taaffe plan to do since his father has rejected him?”

“He has business ventures of his own.  It is not as great as his family’s, but they are substantial.  He wishes to move away from Wien and pursue this work.”

Aksinya sighed, “So long as you are pleased and taken care of.”

Natalya laughed, “I have never been taken care of in my life.  I care for others, that is what I am called to do.  That is also what pleases me.”

The prosecutor agrees--there is no reason to continue the trial.  Judge Richter declares that he must confer with the other judges and that there may be another issue.  Do you remember, the other issue is that of immigration status.  This could send Aksinya directly into the hands of the red or the white Russians.  This is why Father Dobrushin makes his comment.  He is warning the court that he will not sit still and allow them to deport Aksinya without a fight.

The judges leave and that gives Aksinya time to speak with Natalya.  Aksinya apologizes again to Natalya and Natalya to Aksinya.  Then through the conversation of Natalya, I show you that Aksinya is crying.  I don't tell you--I show you through the conversation.  Then the clincher, Natalya tells Aksinya they shell never see each other again.  We learn that Natalya is being kept by Ernst.  In this culture, to be kept means to be a mistress in the household of.  This is a turn you might not have expected.  It also likely means that Ernst intends to marry Natalya.  Ernst's reputation in Wien and in Austria were destroyed by the revelations of the ecclesiastical court.  His only way to recover some of his honor is to marry Natalya.  The match is good and even with her issues, Natalya is a competent person.

Note that Father Dobrushin has been advising Natalya.  He recommended against returning to Aksinya's household.  You can guess the reasons for this.  The only way for Natalya to redeem herself in the culture is to marry Ernst.  Their marriage will make many things right.  Although Ernst may love Aksinya, and Natalya may love Aksinya, only a match between Ernst and Natalya can clear their social and cultural problem.

Aksinya's next question is how Ernst treats Natalya.  You know if he was cruel or abusive, Aksinya would rescue Natalya.  Natalya tells Aksinya that Ernst treats her almost as well as he treated Aksinya.  This is good and somewhat expected.  Ernst is a gentleman. 

Aksinya is not jealous because she knows she never loved him.  Aksinya has learned about love and she understands herself.  Note the statement about drunkenness.  Natalya was always in control of herself.  Note also that Natalya has been brought into the personal counsels and information of Ernst.

The final part of this is a kicker that characterizes Natalya:  “I have never been taken care of in my life.  I care for others, that is what I am called to do.  That is also what pleases me.”  Natalya is taking care of Ernst.  This is what she means.  She has not changed her love, but she is trying to transfer some of her love toward Ernst.  Tomorrow, the verdict of the court.

A New Novel, Part 236 I’m Here to Speak to the Prisoner

28 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 236 I’m Here to Speak to the Prisoner

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 in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery.  Aksinya is recovering from her experience in the cold cell under the house.  Frau Becker and Frau Mauer are her guards...

Aksinya finally woke again in the early afternoon.  Frau Becker and Frau Mauer both stayed with her and kept a close eye on her.  The moment Aksinya woke, she tried to get up, but she didn’t have the strength.  The room was bright and warm.  A coal fire burned in the fireplace.  The bed was large and beautiful.  Aksinya couldn’t see much more of the room than that at first.  Frau Becker had food and tea for her.  The two women helped Aksinya sit with some pillows behind her.  Then Aksinya could see the rest of the place.  It looked like a guest room in a fine house. 

The women fed her and gave her tea.  Aksinya tolled her rosary and then recited part of Matthew in Greek.  Frau Becker and Frau Mauer didn’t know what to make of that.  By the late afternoon, Frau Becker thought about calling for supper for them all when a knock came at the room’s door.

Frau Becker, at Aksinya’s side nodded toward Frau Mauer.  Frau Mauer went to the door, “This is a private room under guard.  Who is at the door?”

“This is the Inquisitor Esposito.  I’m here to speak to the prisoner about her defense.”

Frau Becker nodded, and Frau Mauer opened the door.

Aksinya is still under guard, but her surroundings are much more pleasant.  The Cardinal obviously decided that a dead sorceress would be difficult to explain to the inquisitors and to the Pope.  She is in a guest room in the Cardinal's residence.  They have provided her warmth and treated her so she will be alive for her trial. 

I give you details of the care of Frau Becker.  Frau Mauer could care less, but she doesn't want to lose her job.

Aksinya surprises her guards because she doesn't act like a sorceress.  They expected her to be evil, and she doesn't act evil at all.  She acts like a poor crazy girl who is caught up in something she can't fully understand.  Then the Inquisitor Esposito comes to the door.  He is here to speak to Aksinya about her defense.  Tomorrow, we will see exactly what the Church has to say to Aksinya.