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.
We discovered yesterday that Natalya and the demon conspired to have Aksinya make a great enchantment to change Natalya's features so she appeared like Aksinya. Natalya then visited and seduced Ernst. We also know that Natalya took the sorcery books from Ernst and brought them to Aksinya. When Ernst came to get the answer to his proposal of marriage, he received much more than he expected...
Ernst pleaded, “I love you, Aksinya. I don’t love anyone else.”
“But you slept with her,” Aksinya thrust her finger at Natalya.
Ernst put his hands over his face, “I thought it was you. I only wanted you…”
Aksinya pushed him away, “You defiled her, and you defiled yourself. Do you think I would have slept so easily with you?”
Asmodeus voice was droll, “She would have.”
Aksinya barked at him, “Shut up, demon.” She whirled toward Ernst, “Get out, Herr von Taaffe. I don’t wish to see you again. I am not damaged goods, and I will not accept damaged goods.”
Asmodeus laughed again.
Aksinya ignored the demon. She scowled at Ernst, “Leave my house. You stain my honor by remaining here.”
Ernst ducked his head, “But, I didn’t know. I still love you. I want to marry you.”
“Do you think I could love you now? Do you think that after you took the virtue of my servant I could ever think of marrying you? I am not so low. You may have had her, but you will never have me now.”
Asmodeus gave a yawn, “The Lady Natalya had no virtue remaining to give. Others took it from her long before Herr von Taaffe. He was just one of many.”
Natalya bowed her head a little lower.
Aksinya stared at Natalya then jerked her eyes back to Ernst. She didn’t look in his eyes, “Herr von Taaffe, you disgrace my house. I already told you to leave.” She motioned violently toward him.
Ernst ducked his head and bowed, “I am sorry. I will leave. May I contact you later?”
Aksinya screamed at him, “Do not try to speak to me again. I will not entertain your letters or abide your presence again.”
“Very well. I do still love you. I am sorry.” He dropped to one knee.
Aksinya kicked at him and missed, “Take your apology and get out. Now!” She pulled back her hand and this time connected with the side of his face.
Ernst stood wide-eyed. He took one other glance at Aksinya then backed out of the door into the foyer. They heard the outer door open and close. The fire rose and fell among the coals.
There are small ironies throughout this scene. Ernst still loves Aksinya. He pleads with her. Notice a small irony here. Ernst was seduced. This is obvious, but if he had managed to not fall to the temptation of Natalya and Asmodeus, he wouldn't be in the situation he is at this moment. If Aksinya had not succumbed to luxuria and become drunk on Wednesday night, if sorcery were not her skill, none of this would be a problem. Although the main actor in this entire problem is Natalya, Natalya was tempted only to help Aksinya. We will find she did everything for Aksinya's sake. Irony upon irony. There is more.
Aksinya is a product of her culture as are Ernst and Natalya. The act of sex before marriage is prohibited for good reason in this culture--it is too easy to become pregnant. Sex outside of marriage is considered a great sin. It leads to cultural and social ostracism. It leads to religious ostracism. The reaction of Aksinya is part of this, but there is much much more. Aksinya feels that she was betrayed. Although Natalya thought she was doing Aksinya a favor, that is not how she views it.
The demon adds fuel to the fire. Aksinya would have slept with Ernst. We know that, she knows that, perhaps Natalya realizes that--maybe that was part of her reasoning too. Damaged goods refers to the culture's view of those who have had sex before marriage. Aksinya turns all her anger on Ernst: "You stain my honor by remaining here.” She calls Natalya her servant. Aksinya has called Natalya her friend and confident--she rejected calling Natalya her servant before.
We know Ernst is at fault here, but there are various levels of guilt. Aksinya has been pushed past the point of control and of reason. The demon is an equal opportunity tempter and offender: “The Lady Natalya had no virtue remaining to give. Others took it from her long before Herr von Taaffe. He was just one of many.” Poor Natalya acknowledges this. She was seduced and used, abused by many men. She only wanted to be free from the pain and suffering of her previous household. That means nothing to Asmodeus.
Aksinya loves Natalya. She doesn't love Ernst. Ernst is easy for her to reject and remove. Watch the techniques I use to escalate the situation. Aksinya is screaming now. She is gesticulating wildly. When Ernst falls to a knee, Aksinya kicks at him. Aksinya has been almost completely unphysical in the past. She has not reacted with physical attacks before. She is past the point of control. She finally connects Ernst's face with her hand. Ernst can't take anymore. He isn't a coward, but he isn't good with confrontation--don't you remember the incident in front of the tavern.
The buildup in this scene is important--I worked on it for a long time to try to get the exact strength and measured increase. It will likely take more work to make perfect. The end detail relates to the demon and to the times: The fire rose and fell among the coals. We will eventually see how important an incident this is, but for now, Ernst is gone and tomorrow, Aksinya turns her ire on Natalya.
Showing posts with label anger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anger. Show all posts
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
A New Novel, Part 160 I'm Drunk
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.
Ernst von Taaffe asked Aksinya to marry him--she didn't answer him right away. Natalya, Aksinya's chaperone, drags her back to the ballroom and the party...
They both returned to the ballroom. Until they entered the rooms Graf von Taaffe’s servants provided them, Natalya did not speak to Aksinya again that evening. She stuck close to Aksinya for the rest of the event. After Ernst rejoined the party, he did not let Aksinya out of his sight. Natalya watched Ernst with frosty eyes.
Aksinya sat beside the large fireplace closest to the dining room and outside the draft that blew constantly through the long room. She drank and stewed. She would not engage anyone in conversation for very long, but that didn’t matter, the party was winding down and the couples were primarily interested in dancing.
Near midnight, Graf von Taaffe stepped to Aksinya’s side, “Countess, would you honor me with this dance?”
“Why not?” Aksinya’s words were only a little slurred. Her Russian accent cut through the German. Aksinya had feigned weariness to fend off the other invitations she received that evening. She wished Ernst would ask her to dance again. She knew she could not beg off this offer from her host. She stood a little shakily.
The Graf took her hand in his and placed his arm around her back. He led her into the waltz, “I didn’t notice your Russian accent before, Countess.”
Aksinya tried unsuccessfully to pronounce her German words as she usually did, “I was not drunk before.”
“Drunk? You seem very steady on your feet for being drunk.”
“I’m used to it. I’m sorry, I should have said, I had drunk too much wine before and not that I was drunk.”
The Graf smiled, “I have happy news for you. I hoped you had as happy news for me.”
“I’m drunk.”
His smile slipped a little, “Yes, I understand. I didn't see the ring on your finger. Then your answer to my son was not an affirmative?”
“I have not given him my answer yet.”
Aksinya and Natalya return to the ballroom. Natalya is obviously very angry. We are not certain what or who her anger is directed toward. There is a hint, Natalya watched Ernst with frosty eyes. Ernst has made Natalya angry, but she seemed angry at Aksinya before. Just what is bothering her...we shall see eventually.
Aksinya finds a warm place. She is given the most comfortable space in the room. This was likely the place reserved for the lady of the house. She drank and stewed. Aksinya isn't happy either. So, Ernst isn't happy. Natalya isn't happy. Aksinya isn't happy. Is anyone happy? Aksinya certainly isn't a very pleasant guest either, but we didn't expect her to be--she is a countess.
Fortunately, the Graf comes to rescue Aksinya; he asks her to dance. Aksinya is drunk. She is so drunk she can't pronounce her German properly. We find that she wanted to dance with Ernst again, but Ernst was put off by Natalya--not Aksinya. Aksinya could not turn down an invitation to dance from her host. She is shaky--she's drunk.
The Graf apparently doesn't notice Aksinya is drunk. His first words: “I didn’t notice your Russian accent before.” Can you imagine this. She tries to speak properly. We aren't certain of her success, but she is out drunk and truth telling Aksinya by this point. The Graf can't believe she is drunk. He doesn't seem surprised or upset. Aksinya makes the situation worse from one standpoint. Only those who drink a lot can handle alcohol so well. She tries to correct herself, but she isn't very successful.
The Graf gets to his point: “I have happy news for you. I hoped you had as happy news for me.” As to the Graf's news, you might guess it, we shall see it tomorrow. You know the news he wishes to hear from Aksinya. Her answer is perfect in perspective: “I’m drunk.” The reason she is drunk, she implies, is the reason she can't give the Graf a happy answer. The happy answer he expected, of course, was the Aksinya had accepted the ring and Ernst's proposal.
This whole party was put together by the Graf so Ernst could propose. He brought together his most important friends and retainers just for this very purpose. Now, the Graf isn't happy either. But there is still hope--Aksinya hasn't given her answer yet. Tomorrow, the Graf's happy news.
Ernst von Taaffe asked Aksinya to marry him--she didn't answer him right away. Natalya, Aksinya's chaperone, drags her back to the ballroom and the party...
They both returned to the ballroom. Until they entered the rooms Graf von Taaffe’s servants provided them, Natalya did not speak to Aksinya again that evening. She stuck close to Aksinya for the rest of the event. After Ernst rejoined the party, he did not let Aksinya out of his sight. Natalya watched Ernst with frosty eyes.
Aksinya sat beside the large fireplace closest to the dining room and outside the draft that blew constantly through the long room. She drank and stewed. She would not engage anyone in conversation for very long, but that didn’t matter, the party was winding down and the couples were primarily interested in dancing.
Near midnight, Graf von Taaffe stepped to Aksinya’s side, “Countess, would you honor me with this dance?”
“Why not?” Aksinya’s words were only a little slurred. Her Russian accent cut through the German. Aksinya had feigned weariness to fend off the other invitations she received that evening. She wished Ernst would ask her to dance again. She knew she could not beg off this offer from her host. She stood a little shakily.
The Graf took her hand in his and placed his arm around her back. He led her into the waltz, “I didn’t notice your Russian accent before, Countess.”
Aksinya tried unsuccessfully to pronounce her German words as she usually did, “I was not drunk before.”
“Drunk? You seem very steady on your feet for being drunk.”
“I’m used to it. I’m sorry, I should have said, I had drunk too much wine before and not that I was drunk.”
The Graf smiled, “I have happy news for you. I hoped you had as happy news for me.”
“I’m drunk.”
His smile slipped a little, “Yes, I understand. I didn't see the ring on your finger. Then your answer to my son was not an affirmative?”
“I have not given him my answer yet.”
Aksinya and Natalya return to the ballroom. Natalya is obviously very angry. We are not certain what or who her anger is directed toward. There is a hint, Natalya watched Ernst with frosty eyes. Ernst has made Natalya angry, but she seemed angry at Aksinya before. Just what is bothering her...we shall see eventually.
Aksinya finds a warm place. She is given the most comfortable space in the room. This was likely the place reserved for the lady of the house. She drank and stewed. Aksinya isn't happy either. So, Ernst isn't happy. Natalya isn't happy. Aksinya isn't happy. Is anyone happy? Aksinya certainly isn't a very pleasant guest either, but we didn't expect her to be--she is a countess.
Fortunately, the Graf comes to rescue Aksinya; he asks her to dance. Aksinya is drunk. She is so drunk she can't pronounce her German properly. We find that she wanted to dance with Ernst again, but Ernst was put off by Natalya--not Aksinya. Aksinya could not turn down an invitation to dance from her host. She is shaky--she's drunk.
The Graf apparently doesn't notice Aksinya is drunk. His first words: “I didn’t notice your Russian accent before.” Can you imagine this. She tries to speak properly. We aren't certain of her success, but she is out drunk and truth telling Aksinya by this point. The Graf can't believe she is drunk. He doesn't seem surprised or upset. Aksinya makes the situation worse from one standpoint. Only those who drink a lot can handle alcohol so well. She tries to correct herself, but she isn't very successful.
The Graf gets to his point: “I have happy news for you. I hoped you had as happy news for me.” As to the Graf's news, you might guess it, we shall see it tomorrow. You know the news he wishes to hear from Aksinya. Her answer is perfect in perspective: “I’m drunk.” The reason she is drunk, she implies, is the reason she can't give the Graf a happy answer. The happy answer he expected, of course, was the Aksinya had accepted the ring and Ernst's proposal.
This whole party was put together by the Graf so Ernst could propose. He brought together his most important friends and retainers just for this very purpose. Now, the Graf isn't happy either. But there is still hope--Aksinya hasn't given her answer yet. Tomorrow, the Graf's happy news.
Friday, March 11, 2011
A New Novel, Part 159 Kiss Me Again
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.
Ernst kissed Aksinya and confessed his love. He wants to give her an engagement ring and for her to accept his proposal of marriage. Aksinya doesn't know what to answer him. She wants to know if Asmodeus has been encouraging Ernst...
Aksinya stared out into the darkness and whispered, “This is a temptation to me. It is surely a temptation.” She spoke more loudly, “Did Anatov Aznabaev put you up to this?”
“Your courtier? I haven’t seen him in a long time.”
“Have you been engaging in sorcery?”
Ernst put up his hand, “Not since I met you. I realized then, I could not achieve any of it. I told you already, I don’t have the skills or the power to do it. I want to give you this ring.”
Aksinya raised her eyes to his, “I’m not sure of what I will answer to you. I’m not certain if I love you.”
“Isn’t it enough if I love you? I swear I will give you everything in my power.”
Aksinya cried, “Do not swear. Do not swear anything to me. Don’t use those words around me. Don’t you realize how dangerous that is?”
“Dangerous to swear what I am truly willing to do? I do swear it. I swear to Aksinya that I love her, will do anything I can for her, and will marry her.”
Aksinya pressed her hands over her ears, “Don’t swear. It is enough to say you will do it, but do not swear it.”
“Will you accept my ring?”
“I cannot—not yet.”
“Will you accept my love?”
“I must think on this—it is too difficult for me to decide right now. My mind is in turmoil.”
“Will you allow me to continue to court you?”
Aksinya sighed, “Will you kiss me again?”
“I will, but only if the Lady Natalya will not scream.”
Aksinya turned a little toward Natalya, “Lady Natalya, I wish to allow Ernst to kiss me again. Will you please let him?”
“Kiss him? You should hit him.”
“I wish to kiss him. Please allow me. I shall not ask for more than one tonight, but I would like to kiss him once more.”
Natalya’s anger was evident on her face, “I shall turn around for ten seconds. By the time I have counted to ten, I expect you to be at my side. If you are not, I shall certainly yell for your aunt and uncle.”
“Thank you, Lady Natalya.” Aksinya didn’t wait to see if Natalya turned, she ran to Ernst and put her arms around his neck. She clumsily brought her lips to his and lingered there in a measured kiss. He put his arms around her and held her tightly. They parted at eight seconds and Aksinya ran to Natalya’s side. Natalya noted Aksinya beside her with an impatient nod and began walking. Aksinya glanced back at Ernst. His eyes lingered on her. They did not leave her the entire time until she lost sight of him when she exited the parlor.
The most important question for Aksinya is the part Asmodeus has played in Ernst's confession and proposal. You know why this is so important to her. She realizes that Asmodeus has been setting her up to accomplish evil--that is his purpose. In every case, in every thing that has happened since Aksinya called the demon, he has tempted or manipulated her to evil. Even when she succeeded in thwarting him, Aksinya still ended up doing the demon's ultimate will. She hopes this is not the case now. We know how this situation must work out, but we are waiting for the other shoe to drop. We hope Aksinya can find happiness with Ernst. We hope everything can work out well for her and for him. We can hope...
Aksinya knows. She tells us and herself, this is a temptation. Still, she is reassured by Ernst's reply--he hasn't seen Asmodeus in a while. She asks about sorcery--he hasn't been attempting it. His reaction to a person who has mastered such a skill is reasonable--he has given it up. He still wants to give (tempt) her with the ring.
Aksinya can only tell the truth at this moment. There is no reason for her to lie. She isn't certain if she loves Ernst. Ernst is lovestruck. His answer is the one sided loves eternal answer--isn't it enough that I love you. He then swears. That is a mistake. Aksinya tries to prevent him from continuing, but Ernst doesn't understand. He swears to her. Do you remember, the demon always attempts to illicit a promise. To swear is to make a contract. That would be okay with anyone else in the world, but around Aksinya, spiritual forces battle (or perhaps the forces of evil dominate). To swear around Aksinya is tantamount to a red flag in front of a bull. Remember each of the promises made in this novel. Remember everything that was sworn. They will not stand--they cannot stand.
Aksinya realizes all this, but she won't give up hope. She won't give up hope because she is tempted and she has great desire. She wants Ernst to love her and to give her luxuria. She really would like to love someone. She would like to indulge her desires. But...she is afraid to do any of that because she knows the demon is behind everything. Thus, her answer: “Will you kiss me again?” Aksinya wants to indulge in her desire. She thinks she can get away with this luxuria, with this small indulgence.
Aksinya asks Natalya if she may kiss Ernst again. Listen to Natalya's response. The power is in the hands of Natalya now. For some reason, the control has shifted to Natalya, and her animosity is obvious. We would have expected Natalya to applaud Aksinya's courting, but at this moment, for some reason, Natalya is bothered by it. In spite of her discomfort and her anger, Natalya allows Aksinya to indulge herself in this temptation.
Aksinya kisses Ernst, and she and Natalya exit the parlor together. The lovelorn Ernst watches Aksinya until she is out of sight. Tomorrow, the Graf gets involved.
Ernst kissed Aksinya and confessed his love. He wants to give her an engagement ring and for her to accept his proposal of marriage. Aksinya doesn't know what to answer him. She wants to know if Asmodeus has been encouraging Ernst...
Aksinya stared out into the darkness and whispered, “This is a temptation to me. It is surely a temptation.” She spoke more loudly, “Did Anatov Aznabaev put you up to this?”
“Your courtier? I haven’t seen him in a long time.”
“Have you been engaging in sorcery?”
Ernst put up his hand, “Not since I met you. I realized then, I could not achieve any of it. I told you already, I don’t have the skills or the power to do it. I want to give you this ring.”
Aksinya raised her eyes to his, “I’m not sure of what I will answer to you. I’m not certain if I love you.”
“Isn’t it enough if I love you? I swear I will give you everything in my power.”
Aksinya cried, “Do not swear. Do not swear anything to me. Don’t use those words around me. Don’t you realize how dangerous that is?”
“Dangerous to swear what I am truly willing to do? I do swear it. I swear to Aksinya that I love her, will do anything I can for her, and will marry her.”
Aksinya pressed her hands over her ears, “Don’t swear. It is enough to say you will do it, but do not swear it.”
“Will you accept my ring?”
“I cannot—not yet.”
“Will you accept my love?”
“I must think on this—it is too difficult for me to decide right now. My mind is in turmoil.”
“Will you allow me to continue to court you?”
Aksinya sighed, “Will you kiss me again?”
“I will, but only if the Lady Natalya will not scream.”
Aksinya turned a little toward Natalya, “Lady Natalya, I wish to allow Ernst to kiss me again. Will you please let him?”
“Kiss him? You should hit him.”
“I wish to kiss him. Please allow me. I shall not ask for more than one tonight, but I would like to kiss him once more.”
Natalya’s anger was evident on her face, “I shall turn around for ten seconds. By the time I have counted to ten, I expect you to be at my side. If you are not, I shall certainly yell for your aunt and uncle.”
“Thank you, Lady Natalya.” Aksinya didn’t wait to see if Natalya turned, she ran to Ernst and put her arms around his neck. She clumsily brought her lips to his and lingered there in a measured kiss. He put his arms around her and held her tightly. They parted at eight seconds and Aksinya ran to Natalya’s side. Natalya noted Aksinya beside her with an impatient nod and began walking. Aksinya glanced back at Ernst. His eyes lingered on her. They did not leave her the entire time until she lost sight of him when she exited the parlor.
The most important question for Aksinya is the part Asmodeus has played in Ernst's confession and proposal. You know why this is so important to her. She realizes that Asmodeus has been setting her up to accomplish evil--that is his purpose. In every case, in every thing that has happened since Aksinya called the demon, he has tempted or manipulated her to evil. Even when she succeeded in thwarting him, Aksinya still ended up doing the demon's ultimate will. She hopes this is not the case now. We know how this situation must work out, but we are waiting for the other shoe to drop. We hope Aksinya can find happiness with Ernst. We hope everything can work out well for her and for him. We can hope...
Aksinya knows. She tells us and herself, this is a temptation. Still, she is reassured by Ernst's reply--he hasn't seen Asmodeus in a while. She asks about sorcery--he hasn't been attempting it. His reaction to a person who has mastered such a skill is reasonable--he has given it up. He still wants to give (tempt) her with the ring.
Aksinya can only tell the truth at this moment. There is no reason for her to lie. She isn't certain if she loves Ernst. Ernst is lovestruck. His answer is the one sided loves eternal answer--isn't it enough that I love you. He then swears. That is a mistake. Aksinya tries to prevent him from continuing, but Ernst doesn't understand. He swears to her. Do you remember, the demon always attempts to illicit a promise. To swear is to make a contract. That would be okay with anyone else in the world, but around Aksinya, spiritual forces battle (or perhaps the forces of evil dominate). To swear around Aksinya is tantamount to a red flag in front of a bull. Remember each of the promises made in this novel. Remember everything that was sworn. They will not stand--they cannot stand.
Aksinya realizes all this, but she won't give up hope. She won't give up hope because she is tempted and she has great desire. She wants Ernst to love her and to give her luxuria. She really would like to love someone. She would like to indulge her desires. But...she is afraid to do any of that because she knows the demon is behind everything. Thus, her answer: “Will you kiss me again?” Aksinya wants to indulge in her desire. She thinks she can get away with this luxuria, with this small indulgence.
Aksinya asks Natalya if she may kiss Ernst again. Listen to Natalya's response. The power is in the hands of Natalya now. For some reason, the control has shifted to Natalya, and her animosity is obvious. We would have expected Natalya to applaud Aksinya's courting, but at this moment, for some reason, Natalya is bothered by it. In spite of her discomfort and her anger, Natalya allows Aksinya to indulge herself in this temptation.
Aksinya kisses Ernst, and she and Natalya exit the parlor together. The lovelorn Ernst watches Aksinya until she is out of sight. Tomorrow, the Graf gets involved.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A New Novel, Part 121 Another Book of Sorcery
At her aunt and uncle's Advent party, Aksinya is approached by a young gentleman who claims to have her book of sorcery, and who claims to have observed her make the great enchantment outside the Golden Adler Gasthaus. He has her book and knows her secret--he offers her another temptation...
But I have another temptation.”
Aksinya stared at him. An angry scowl set her features.
He didn’t seem to notice Aksinya’s very dangerous appearance, “I have another book that your courtier told me you would desire. It is one you have not seen before.”
Aksinya trembled, “Which book is it?”
“It is the book of Heka…”
“That is ancient Egyptian. It isn’t effective.”
“The Heka I have is Greek. It isn’t death sorcery of the Egyptians but the practice of light. I know you are interested.”
Aksinya took a breath, “If it is a Greek Heka…”
“It is a Greek Heka.”
“What about my book. You stole it.”
“Those are strong words, Countess. You dropped it in the street. I picked it up for you. Who’s to say who such a book belongs to?”
“It is mine, and you know it.”
“I also know that you are a marvelous sorceress, and I wish to entertain you.”
“I will not accommodate any lewd behavior.”
“Lewd behavior? Countess, you mistake my intention. I wish to woo you. I do not wish to seduce you.”
“How can I trust your intentions?”
“I have your book,” he laughed.
“And you blackmail me with it?”
“I only want to take you to dine and to a play, the ballet, or to a concert. Surely that is not lewd.”
“I will bring my lady-in-waiting as a chaperone.”
“You may bring your guardian nun as well.”
Aksinya sat back, “Pardon me then. I did not understand your intentions.”
“My intentions are pure, but I would like to know much, much more about this enchanting sorceress who came to Wien. The moment your courtier described you, I had to meet you.”
Aksinya stared suspiciously at him, “Just where did you meet my courtier?”
A puzzled look crossed Ernst von Taaffe’s features, “I don’t entirely remember, Countess, but wherever and whenever it was, I am thankful for it because that meeting led me to you.”
“You don’t think me plain, diminutive, and unwomanly.”
Ernest von Taaffe bowed his head, “On the contrary, I find you mysterious, powerful, and exciting.” He glanced up, “I will contact you at your house. Please make an evening open for me next week.”
Aksinya sighed, “I will entertain you when you visit. Please return my book.”
Ernst rose, “Not until you attend a dinner and an evening event with me. Then I will discuss the return of your book. It is late or I would ask you to dance. Countess,” he bowed deeply and wandered back to the ballroom floor.
Aksinya slumped in her seat. When Natalya finally returned, Aksinya drank the whole glass of wine and sent Natalya back for more.
Ernst von Taaffe has obviously been conversing with Asmodeus. He knows a lot about Aksinya, and he is infatuated with her. He also is prepared with ammunition to force her to accede to his demands. Aksinya is sensitive to temptation, but she can't fight against it--not against the right kind of temptation. This temptation is a new book of sorcery. If you didn't figure it out already, Aksinya is extremely tempted about new knowledge of sorcery. Ernst knows this is the cap on the temptation. Already he knows her secret, he has her book, now, he tells her he has another book. It is a book she covets.
The conversation continues to details about Aksinya and then turns to Ernst's desires. He wishes to entertain her. Ernst wishes to woo her, and he tells her that because he has her book, she must do as he wishes. He offers to take her to dinner and the theater. Aksinya tells him, she will bring Natalya, and he ups it. Aksinya may bring Sister Margarethe if she wishes. Notice, this is significantly private information that Ernst knows. The depth of his information and his response brings about Aksinya's reply about his intentions.
Aksinya asks where Ernst met Asmodeus, and the young man can't remember. The demon has been busy. This is the point of the demon's work. He works all the time. His plans are insidious and pernicious. Aksinya may realize how powerful they are, but can she really fight against them? Is there any hope for her?
Aksinya counters with a list of her perceived physical issues. He calls her mysterious, powerful, and exciting. We know she is. He makes the date, and Aksinya agrees. She just wants her book--she realizes how dangerous it is in anyone else's hands. He honors her again and explains why he won't ask her to dance--it is too late.
Aksinya drinks the remainder of the evening. Tomorrow, we begin chapter 11.
But I have another temptation.”
Aksinya stared at him. An angry scowl set her features.
He didn’t seem to notice Aksinya’s very dangerous appearance, “I have another book that your courtier told me you would desire. It is one you have not seen before.”
Aksinya trembled, “Which book is it?”
“It is the book of Heka…”
“That is ancient Egyptian. It isn’t effective.”
“The Heka I have is Greek. It isn’t death sorcery of the Egyptians but the practice of light. I know you are interested.”
Aksinya took a breath, “If it is a Greek Heka…”
“It is a Greek Heka.”
“What about my book. You stole it.”
“Those are strong words, Countess. You dropped it in the street. I picked it up for you. Who’s to say who such a book belongs to?”
“It is mine, and you know it.”
“I also know that you are a marvelous sorceress, and I wish to entertain you.”
“I will not accommodate any lewd behavior.”
“Lewd behavior? Countess, you mistake my intention. I wish to woo you. I do not wish to seduce you.”
“How can I trust your intentions?”
“I have your book,” he laughed.
“And you blackmail me with it?”
“I only want to take you to dine and to a play, the ballet, or to a concert. Surely that is not lewd.”
“I will bring my lady-in-waiting as a chaperone.”
“You may bring your guardian nun as well.”
Aksinya sat back, “Pardon me then. I did not understand your intentions.”
“My intentions are pure, but I would like to know much, much more about this enchanting sorceress who came to Wien. The moment your courtier described you, I had to meet you.”
Aksinya stared suspiciously at him, “Just where did you meet my courtier?”
A puzzled look crossed Ernst von Taaffe’s features, “I don’t entirely remember, Countess, but wherever and whenever it was, I am thankful for it because that meeting led me to you.”
“You don’t think me plain, diminutive, and unwomanly.”
Ernest von Taaffe bowed his head, “On the contrary, I find you mysterious, powerful, and exciting.” He glanced up, “I will contact you at your house. Please make an evening open for me next week.”
Aksinya sighed, “I will entertain you when you visit. Please return my book.”
Ernst rose, “Not until you attend a dinner and an evening event with me. Then I will discuss the return of your book. It is late or I would ask you to dance. Countess,” he bowed deeply and wandered back to the ballroom floor.
Aksinya slumped in her seat. When Natalya finally returned, Aksinya drank the whole glass of wine and sent Natalya back for more.
Ernst von Taaffe has obviously been conversing with Asmodeus. He knows a lot about Aksinya, and he is infatuated with her. He also is prepared with ammunition to force her to accede to his demands. Aksinya is sensitive to temptation, but she can't fight against it--not against the right kind of temptation. This temptation is a new book of sorcery. If you didn't figure it out already, Aksinya is extremely tempted about new knowledge of sorcery. Ernst knows this is the cap on the temptation. Already he knows her secret, he has her book, now, he tells her he has another book. It is a book she covets.
The conversation continues to details about Aksinya and then turns to Ernst's desires. He wishes to entertain her. Ernst wishes to woo her, and he tells her that because he has her book, she must do as he wishes. He offers to take her to dinner and the theater. Aksinya tells him, she will bring Natalya, and he ups it. Aksinya may bring Sister Margarethe if she wishes. Notice, this is significantly private information that Ernst knows. The depth of his information and his response brings about Aksinya's reply about his intentions.
Aksinya asks where Ernst met Asmodeus, and the young man can't remember. The demon has been busy. This is the point of the demon's work. He works all the time. His plans are insidious and pernicious. Aksinya may realize how powerful they are, but can she really fight against them? Is there any hope for her?
Aksinya counters with a list of her perceived physical issues. He calls her mysterious, powerful, and exciting. We know she is. He makes the date, and Aksinya agrees. She just wants her book--she realizes how dangerous it is in anyone else's hands. He honors her again and explains why he won't ask her to dance--it is too late.
Aksinya drinks the remainder of the evening. Tomorrow, we begin chapter 11.
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