A New Novel, Part 313 Do Not Be Afraid

13 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 313 Do Not Be Afraid

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.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They came to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien.  The demon, Asmodeus, appeared and attacked Dobrushin but mortally injured Aksinya.  With the destruction of Aksinya's surety, the demon disappeared and Aksinya's long hair returned to her head.  She lies dying in Dobrushin's arms... 

“Not innocent,” Aksinya coughed, “Only forgiven.”  Blood trickled from her lips down the side of her face.

“Please, dear God, she was forgiven.  She is your child.”

A bright light flashed in the room followed by a low tone like a bell, and another being stood near the fireplace.

Aksinya shuddered, “Did the demon return?”

The creature was tall and bright.  Its features were so bright they were difficult to discern in the darkened room.  Still the being seemed to smile, “Do not be afraid.”

Aksinya’s voice came lower, “It is an angel.  I can tell.”

The angel bowed to them, “Princess Aksinya, Dobrushin Lopuhin, I am the angel Raphael.  I’m sorry I’m late, but Upper Egypt is much further from here than it was from Ecbatana.”

Dobrushin cried out, “Can’t you see she is dying.  Heal her.  Please, in God’s name, heal her.”

Aksinya touched Dobrushin’s face again, “My love, angels can’t heal, only God can do that.”

Raphael opened his hands and smiled again, “Only God can heal.  Or that other thing.”

Aksinya’s eyes fluttered.  She whispered, “I have renounced sorcery.  I would rather die than ever use it again.”

Raphael glowed brighter, “In that case, I am allowed to reverse some of the actions of that demon in the world.  He should never have been able to harm you, Princess Aksinya.”  The angel stepped closer to her. 

Dobrushin raised his hopeless face to Raphael, “Please help her.”

All right, did you read Tobit.  If you did, you might have guessed what would happen next.  In the Book of Tobit, the demon Asmodeus was forced away by the incense and fish organs being burned.  The Angel in the story, Raphael, chased Asmodeus to upper Egypt where he bound him.  Thus, after a proper amount of time, we have a visitation.  The low tone and the flash are my own adds for the appearance of angels.  Seems like a worthwhile image to me. 

Aksinya can't see.  She wonders if the demon returned.  The first words of the angel are: “Do not be afraid.”  These are important words since the messengers from the Greek gods were "hagios" awful beings, it is good to note that in the Greek New Testament and the Apocrypha, Angels announced themselves with: "Do not be afraid." 

Aksinya gets this and thus her response: “It is an angel.  I can tell.”  The angel defered to them both.  Then, to break the tension, I introduce some light levity.  The reference is that from Austria to Upper Egypt is much further than from Upper Egypt to Ecbatana--Ecbatana was where Tobias and Sara were married.  I use Dobrushin's words to escalate the tension in the scene.

Then the end of hope from Aksinya's lips: “My love, angels can’t heal, only God can do that.”  This was one of the points made early on in the novel--demons can't heal.  Likewise, angels can't heal--only God can heal.  Or, if you remember, putting your trust in the world, that is, sorcery can heal.  The angel doesn't want to use the word.  You guess what it is.

The angel seemed to be waiting for Aksinya to denounce sorcery.  The point I am trying to make here is that it isn't enough to say it in your mind.  Words in this sense have power when they are pronounced--thus Aksinya's confession has real meaning.  The angel immediately responds.  We shall see tomorrow what the angel can do.

A New Novel, Part 312 Not Innocent, Only Forgiven

12 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 312 Not Innocent, Only Forgiven

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.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They came to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien.  The demon, Asmodeus, has appeared... 

The demon took a sniff.  He glanced around, “Your surety.”  He stared at the heart-shaped necklace in the incense and his eye twitched.  Already the flames licked around it.  Already it blackened and glowed.  Aksinya could detect a smell unlike the frankincense.  It was a smell like fresh caviar, but sweeter.  It was the sweetest scent Aksinya had ever known.

Asmodeus cried out, “I haven’t much time.”  He snarled again and took a step toward Dobrushin, “You, man, shall die.”  He raised his arm and rushed at Dobrushin.  Dobrushin stuck out his arms to protect himself.

At the last moment, Aksinya grabbed for the demon.  She jumped forward and interposed her body between the demon and the man.  Asmodeus claws bit deeply into her.  They cut across her thin body and through her dress, through her skin, through her bones.

A veil of blood rose in the air between the demon and the girl.  Aksinya gave a single gurgling scream and collapsed to the floor.  The demon cringed back.  He leapt again to the side of the fireplace.

Dobrushin cried out.  He knelt beside Aksinya and lifted her head and shoulders in his arms.

Her lips trembled.  Her face contorted in pain, “There, demon, you are in default.  You cannot harm me, yet you have murdered me.”

Asmodeus brought his hands to his face.  His features displayed an appearance that had never been there before.  He glanced all around.

Aksinya’s breath came in whispers, “You must return my surety.  You must release me.  I am truly God’s now and not yours.”

The demon shrieked and was suddenly gone.  The incense sputtered then flared up.  The charm within it fell to ashes.  Aksinya’s hair suddenly became a single long braid down her back.

Dobrushin clasped her in his arms.

Aksinya weakly lifted her hand to the side of his face, “You need not shed tears for me, my beloved, because you released me from the demon.”

Dobrushin held her more tightly, “I can’t let you go so easily.”

“Don’t let go of me, just hold me until I breathe my last.  I’m cold already.”

Dobrushin put his face next to hers and sobbed into her hair, “Please God, don’t take this wonderful woman from me yet.  She is the only one of her kind on your earth.  She was innocent and betrayed by a creature of darkness.”

“Not innocent,” Aksinya coughed, “Only forgiven.”  Blood trickled from her lips down the side of her face.

“Please, dear God, she was forgiven.  She is your child.”

Many pieces in the novel suddenly come together in this part of this scene.  The surety is about to be devoured by the incense.  This is the means to force the demon away Dobrushin determined from his understanding of Aksinya's situation and the Book of Tobit.  The demon does seem to be affected by the destruction of the surety.  He sees it is burning and states: “I haven’t much time.”  Then he attacks Dobrushin.  The point is that Dobrushin was right, the destruction of the surety could force the demon away.  The problem is that the surety has not been consumed entirely yet.

The demon attacks Dobrushin, but Aksinya gets in the way.  In this moment, we see the resolution of one of the subthemes in the novel.  Do you remember that Aksinya was unwilling to give her life for her family.  She couldn't give her life for her friends.  The demon taunted her with this more than once and more than once, Aksinya acknowledged that she couldn't give her life for her friends or family.  In this moment, Aksinya offered her life for Dobrushin's.  She did gain the courage to put her own life on the line for another.  It is significant that he is her husband in name, but not in reality.  They are but friends and she offers herself for him. 

There is much more to this event.  The demon harmed Aksinya.  We saw before that he could torment her, but he could not let her come to harm--that was in the contract.  That was why he was so careful before.  He could not let her die or kill her.  He was very careful each time.  This time, the demon launched a killing blow against Dobrushin and hit Aksinya.  He has murdered her.  This was a direct breach of the contract--thus his reaction.

Aksinya realizes this herself and responds:  “There, demon, you are in default.  You cannot harm me, yet you have murdered me.”  Again, the demon reacts.  He realizes he has made a great mistake.  The moment Aksinya makes her claims, her surety falls to dust and the demon is gone. 

Her hair returns to her head.  This is the main evidence of the contract being broken that could be given.  I don't need to tell you what happened--I showed you what happened.  The contract is obviously at this point void and everything is back to the way it was at the beginning of the book--wait, nothing is the way it was.  The demon carved a great path through the lives of many many people.  He did it because Aksinya called him and because she was tempted.  She lies dying even now.  She will shortly breath her last.  This is the just punishment for her actions.

Note, I show you that Dobrushin is crying, but I don't tell you he is crying (advanced writing technique).  Dobrushin's response is a poignant prayer.  Can't you imagine the power of his prayer.  He now knows the truth that Aksinya gifted him.  He has seen a demon, therefore there must be a God.  Also, Aksinya's acknowledgement: “You need not shed tears for me, my beloved, because you released me from the demon.”

Them I give you the reconciliation of another subtheme in the novel.  Dobrushin cries: "She was innocent and betrayed by a creature of darkness.”  Aksinya's response: “Not innocent,” Aksinya coughed, “Only forgiven.”  That is an ultimate point.  No one is innocent or perfect--they can only be forgiven.  Thus with the threat of Aksinya's death, we have to wait until tomorrow to see what happens to her.

A New Novel, Part 311 The Surety

11 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 311 The Surety

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.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They came to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien.  The demon, Asmodeus, has appeared... 

Asmodeus took a step toward them, “You forget, puny man.  I have been here before—many times.  I killed Sarah’s seven betrothed one after the other so none were left.”

Aksinya yelled, “But you couldn’t murder Tobias.”

The demon snarled, “Do you think this man is like Tobias?  Tobias had an angel to help him.  This man is nothing.  I will kill him as easily as you crush an insect under your foot.  As easily as you beat the Lady Natalya.  As easily as you tried to seduce, Ernst von Taaffe.”

Aksinya put out her hand, “I am forgiven those sins, and you may not murder my beloved, because he is innocent.”

Asmodeus howled, “No man is innocent.  Especially one who is about to rob you of your virtue.”

“He is my husband.  I gladly give him everything.”

“Your betrothed until he takes your virginity.  But he can’t have you because you are betrothed to me.”

“My surety…”

The demon took a sniff.  He glanced around, “Your surety.”  He stared at the heart-shaped necklace in the incense and his eye twitched.  Already the flames licked around it.  Already it blackened and glowed.  Aksinya could detect a smell unlike the frankincense.  It was a smell like fresh caviar, but sweeter.  It was the sweetest scent Aksinya had ever known.

The demon threatens Dobrushin.  We can only imagine what is going on in his mind--because I certainly won't tell you.  Aksinya responds to the threat:  “But you couldn’t murder Tobias.”  The demon has a very good point, Dobrushin has no angel to help and protect him.  Then the demon begins to taunt Aksinya.  He brings up Natalya and Ernst.  If the demon can't shake Aksinya, he will try to destroy Dobrushin's trust in her.  That's why he reminded them of her sin. 

This is when we begin an argument in logic between Aksinya and Asmodeus.  Aksinya knows the rules that govern this demon--at least, she thinks she does.  The argument is about innocence, virtue, and punishment.  We know, or we believe we know the demon is bluffing.  He told Aksinya he could not murder the innocent, but he perhaps can murder any person because no one is truly innocent.

Then comes the point, I made this before, Aksinya is bound to the demon.  The surety binds her.  The demon gives every indication that the destruction of the surety might have some effect.  At this point, I use description to bring in your senses.  The scent of the burning surety is sweet and yet like caviar. 

Tomorrow, the response of the demon.

A New Novel, Part 310 I Claim Her

10 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 310 I Claim Her

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.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married--this is part of the plan Dobrushin believes will rid Aksinya of the demon.  For better or worse, they are bound together in this.  We are not sure of the outcome.  They have come to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien... 

Dobrushin pulled her to him and kissed her again.

Suddenly, a great roar filled the small room.  A hot sulfurous wind rushed through the place.  There was a dark flash then a scream like the sound of metal cutting metal, and across the room, beside the fireplace stood a large black shape.

Dobrushin clasped Aksinya closer, and she could feel him tremble.

The demon looked them both up and down and laughed, “Be very afraid."  He sniffed, "What do we have here?  I should have guessed as much.  The contract called me because of this.  I knew your lust would eventually be your undoing.”

Aksinya pushed back a little from Dobrushin, “There is no question of lust here.  This is my husband, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin.”

“Your husband?”  The demon cackled.  “He is not your husband yet.  Not until he beds you.  Haven’t you heard what Solomon wrote about me?  That I am always hatching plots against newlyweds; I mar the beauty of virgins and cause their hearts to grow cold.  Plus, you are contracted to me.  You can’t be the crown of any man while I hold your surety.”

Dobrushin’s voice was strangely calm though Aksinya could feel his hands shake as he held her, “Demon, the surety of the Princess Aksinya is being consumed.  You must return hers and release her to me.  I claim her in the name of the Lord God Almighty.”

Asmodeus spat, “That isn’t that guy’s name.  I know that guy’s name.  You must properly invoke it or your claims are void.”

“You lie, Asmodeus.  I know God.  The hearts of men cry out His name because he is just and merciful.”

Asmodeus took a step toward them, “You forget, puny man.  I have been here before—many times.  I killed Sarah’s seven betrothed one after the other so none were left.”

We knew this would happen--didn't we?  The demon had to appear again.  For there to be a resolution in this novel, the demon had to make another appearance.  We also needed a second climax.  The first climax brought the plot and theme of the entire novel to the tipping point for Aksinya's great change.  This second minor climax brings a completion to another idea in the the novel--the demon himself.

It is proper that the demon appear while Aksinya and Dobrushin share a kiss.  If you note, the description for his appearance is almost the same as when Aksinya first called him.  I did this intentionally.

Dobrushin is afraid.  I show you this--he trembles against Aksinya.  Do you remember, Dobrushin was not certain of his belief--what do you think he feels now?  I also used these words in the mouth of the demon before.  Do you remember the words an Angel almost always speaks in the Apocrypha and the New Testament?  An angel's greeting is, "Do not be afraid."  Therefore, I make the demon's greeting, "Be very afraid."

The demon says the contract called him.  He thinks it is Aksinya's lust that has brought him.  There is an implied point here.  Do you remember, the demon claimed to know her mind?  This shows that he does not.  In fact, Satan and his minions can't read minds--they aren't like God.  Therefore, we see the bounds on the demon in his own confession.

Dobrushin is indeed not Aksinya's husband, yet--I told you for the marriage to be fulfilled, it must be consummated.  This is what the demon is talking about and this is the truth of the ancient world--this is what marriage meant in Tobit.  Then the demon gives us a quote from a mythic medieval book that was pseudographically attributed to Solomon.  The demon's allusions are to the crown of marriage and his claims on brides.

Dobrushin shakes, but he boldly speaks to the demon.  He claims Aksinya as his own.  This claim goes back to the metaphor before.  Dobrushin bought her at a great price.  Aksinya is his pearl of great price.  He gave his all for her.  Dobrushin makes his claims in the name of the Lord God Almighty.  The demon's comment is because that is not the true name of God.  God's true name is YHWH and the pronunciation is lost.  Asmodeus likely knows the true pronunciation, but there is no way Dobrushin could know it.  The demon is baiting Dobrushin.  Dobrushin's answer is right on--the name doesn't matter, the invocation does.

The demon threatens Dobrushin.  Tomorrow, more of this confrontation.

A New Novel, Part 309 Kiss Me, I Want You to Kiss Me

9 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 309 Kiss Me, I Want You to Kiss Me 
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.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married--this is part of the plan Dobrushin believes will rid Aksinya of the demon.  For better or worse, they are bound together in this.  We are not sure of the outcome.  They have come to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien... 

Dobrushin pointed to the door on the left in the room, “There is the bath.  It has a toilet.”

Aksinya nodded.

At the last, Dobrushin took an open container of incense and placed it before the fireplace.  He lit it with the taper then fished in his vest pocket for Aksinya’s surety.  He glanced at her and then placed the necklace and locket on the smoking incense.  Aksinya could already smell the gentle bite of frankincense.  Dobrushin returned to the door.  He returned the taper to its holder.

Dobrushin took her hand and blushed, “I’m sorry.  I forgot to get you any nightclothes.”

Aksinya trembled, “I won’t need any.”  She raised her face to his, “Kiss me.  I want you to kiss me.”

Dobrushin took her in his arms and put his lips on hers.  Aksinya threw her arms around his neck, “I don’t understand what this kind of love is, but I want to know it with you tonight.”  She pressed her lips to his and wouldn’t stop kissing him.

Finally Dobrushin finally disentangled her arms from his neck.  His face was red, “Come, my love, we need to ask God to show us mercy and keep us in safety.”

Aksinya’s breath released in gentle pants.  She nodded.

They knelt at the side of the bed, he took her hand, and Dobrushin prayed, “We praise you God of our fathers.  We praise your name forever and ever.  Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever.  You made Adam and also Eve his wife, who was to be his partner and support; and those two were the parents of all human beings.  This was your word: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; let us provide a partner suited to him.’  So now I take this my beloved to wife, not out of lust but in true marriage.  Grant that she and I may find mercy and grow old together.  Amen.”

“Amen,” Aksinya replied, “Do you love me?”

“I love you.  I married you.”

“Help me take off my clothes.”

Aksinya stood before him expectantly.  Dobrushin took off his coat and unbuttoned his shirt.  Aksinya reached up and fumbled with his buttons.  She smiled, “I’m not very good with buttons.”  She undid one after the other.  A golden cross lay against his chest.  It depended from a necklace.

Dobrushin pulled her to him and kissed her again.

Dobrushin gets out the details that are very important to a woman first--perhaps he was coached by Ekaterina.  Then he prepares the protection against the demon.  Do you remember, in Tobit, Tobias burned the part of the fish in the incense?  Now, Dobrushin burns Aksinya's surety in the incense.  I use some advanced writing techniques to bring in all your senses. 

Once the incense is burning, they take the next step--they are going to bed.  Do you sense the usually well prepared and mature Dobrushin's nervousness and inexperience.  He forgot nightclothes.  Aksinya doesn't care--she may be inexperienced, but she understands what is supposed to go on (or at least she imagines she knows).  She demands to be kissed.  That's when I get to make a statement through her about love.  This is one of the major sibthemes.

Dobrushin is getting worked up too.  Aksinya is just too cute.  She is filled with desire.  He knows what must be done, however, do you remember the scene in the restaurant?  They must complete each step like in the book of Tobit.  The next step is the prayer from Tobit.  If you will note, this prayer is whole in the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  It is a simple prayer.  The prayer, like the Book of Tobit is a turning point in Hebrew thought about the nature of God.  The God of Tobit listens to the cries of his people and answers their prayer.  If you look closely in the Old Testament, the prayers are almost always generic and not directed.  There are a few examples that are, but most are not.  In the Apocrypha, we see prayers to God that are direct and answered directly.  These are very much like the prayers we find in the New Testament.

Aksinya's question to Dobrushin: “Do you love me?”  Then with his answer, she wants to get down to business.  Do you remember that Aksinya seldom took off her own clothing or dressed herself.  She asks for help for more than reasons of sensuality.  Dobrushin doesn't care.  Aksinya begins to help him unbutton his shirt.  Do you remember, she has problems with buttons?  With these writing techniques, I want to build the tension and the excitement but for another reason--you will see why tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 284 I Have the Surety the Demon Gave You

15 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 284 I Have the Surety the Demon Gave 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 took Aksinya to dinner.  He told her he is willing to marry her to help her be rid of the demon.  Aksinya is speaking...

“If I marry you, I just want one thing.”

“What is that?” 

“You know how I desire.  You must swear to give me all the physical attention I want.”

He shook his head, “Is that all you really wish from me?”

“I always wanted to be held by my mother, she did not hold her children.  My adopted father was affectionate but my mother disapproved.  I have never had enough attention from anyone.”

“That’s all you want—attention.  Doesn’t love concern you at all?”

Aksinya lowered her eyes, “I know you have agape love for me or you wouldn’t have spent so much effort to help me. Ekaterina told me that the love of friends can grow by getting to know and spending time with each other.  I’m not certain we are friends yet either, but I would like to be your friend.”

“We are already friends.”

“Do you realize what could happen to you if what you propose doesn’t work?”

“I do realize the danger.”

She gave him a sly look, “How will you chase off the demon?  Do you have the special parts of a fish?”

“I have this,” Father Dobrushin stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out a heart shaped necklace.  “Is this the surety the demon gave you?”

Aksinya’s mouth fell open.  She squeaked, “That is it.  Where did you find it?”

“It was inside your jewelry box just as you described it.”

“You bought it back?”

“I did indeed.  All the merchants to whom your goods were sold were listed in the court documents.  When I paid off the claims against you, I found the jeweler who bought your jewelry.  If you notice…” Father Dobrushin scooted his chair closer to her and Aksinya leaned her head toward his, “If you notice, there is the design of a fish on the pendant.”

My daughter tells me I shouldn't write so much about aggressive women characters.  I tell her I am writing about the unique and there really are people with personalities like Aksinya's.  Aksinya is a young woman who is driven by desire.  This isn't so unusual.  What is unusual is for a person to be so forthright in their desires--especially in this culture and time.

The reason Father Dobrushin knows about Aksinya's desires is because he was her confessor.  He is surprised that this is all she asks of him.  Aksinya then explains more about her life and what she wants.  We could have guessed this from her past. 

Father Dobrushin asks a question that is very important to him.  He obviously wishes Aksinya to love him.  He is more concerned with love than she is.  Her explanation is simple and very specific.  She is willing to get to know him.  Listen to his immediate response: “We are already friends.”  Aksinya is willing to be his wife and lover with the hope they will be friends.  Father Dobrushin wants her to love him.  He doesn't tell her, but isn't it obvious that he loves her.

The part about loving her is wrapped in the next few statements.  Aksinya asks: “Do you realize what could happen to you if what you propose doesn’t work?”  The answer is that the demon could kill him.  This was the danger for Ernst that Asmodeus explicitly told Aksinya at the climax of the novel.  The man who weds and tries to bed Aksinya will die.  The only reason Tobias was not murdered by Asmodeus was he had the help of an Angel who gave him part of a fish to burn in the marriage chamber.

Father Dobrushin has the surety the demon gave Aksinya.  It has on it (from the beginning of the novel) a fish.  Then we see another proof that Father Dobrushin loves her.  We know he paid off the merchants for her.  In addition, be bought back her surety.  We get the details about how he could find the necklace and the merchants.  Tomorrow, there is more to this very important conversation.

A New Novel, Part 269 Where is Anatov Aznabaev?

30 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 269 Where is Anatov Aznabaev?

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.  The presiding judge decided to try Aksinya's fraud case first.  He has called for the first witness, Herr Tauber.  Herr Tauber has just testified that Anatov Aznabaev contracted the house in Aksinya's name...

Judge Richter made a sign with his finger, “Captain Gerber, you have my permission to leave the court and alert your force to apprehend this man Anatov Aznabaev.  If at all possible, I wish him as a witness.  In any case, I want him arrested for fraud.”  Captain Gerber stepped to the bench and Judge Richter handed him an official paper with the judge’s seal on it.

Aksinya spoke, “It will do you no good.”

Captain Gerber paused.  Judge Richter paused, “What will do no good, Princess?”

“Anatov Aznabaev is the name my demon, Asmodeus, uses.  Because he is a demon, he will be impossible for you to find.”

Judge Richter smiled, “Let us try, Princess.  That will keep all things in good order for my court.”  Captain Gerber conferred with the judge for a moment.  Judge Richter raised his head, “Herr Tauber, do you have any idea where Anatov Aznabaev may be found?”

“Herr Tauber shook his head, “I thought he lived at the house I sold.  It is empty now.”

Captain Gerber nodded and exited the courtroom.

Judge Richter glanced back at his notes, “Herr Tauber, was the house damaged?”

“No.”

“You have it back in the same condition you delivered it?”

“Yes, but I lost three months interest…”

“I see that is your claim.”  The judge glanced to the left, “Prosecutor Trauen, do you wish to question the witness?”

“No, Your Honor.”

“Herr Lopuhin?”

Father Dobrushin jumped up.  He spoke quickly, “Herr Tauber, the Countess had the use of your house for less than three months, but you had a surety of earnest money that is greater than the interest and you received the house back without loss.  As far as I can tell you came out positive in this venture.  What actual claims remain that you wish to make against the Countess?  It seems to me, that you owe her money.”

“But the contract…”

“Herr Tauber, this is a criminal court.  The question is one of theft.  It appears to me, that the Countess did not legally make a contract with you.  That rather your contract was with this person Anatov Aznabaev.  In any case, you should return the surety and be paid the interest.  How much would you then owe the Countess?”

Herr Tauber’s lips quivered, “I suppose a thousand Marks.”

“There is no indication of theft here at all, that is theft by the Countess from you, rather you have potentially conducted a theft from the Countess.  If I were her, I would sue you in civil court and ask that you be tired for criminal theft.”

Prosecutor Trauen stood, “I object to the questioning of the witness.”

Judge Richter seemed surprised, “I’m not certain Herr Lopuhin is not correct.  This is a criminal trial against the Princess, but the actions of Herr Tauber are close to criminal and civil fraud.  It does not seem to me that there is any indication of theft, in this case, by the Princess.  Herr Tauber, you are dismissed.”

The house owner stood on shaking legs.  He bowed to the Princess and exited the courtroom.

At this point, the trail seems to move slightly in Aksinya's favor.  First, the judge sends Captain Gerber to arrest Anatov Aznabaev--you remember the good Captain.  He was sent to arrest Aksinya in the first place.  Of course, they will not find Aznabaev--he is a demon.  Aksinya tells them, but they don't believe her.  It is evident that the judge has determined that Aksinya is not wholly guilty of fraud.

Second, we find that Aksinya's house was returned in the same condition it was received.  A loan had been taken out on it.  The judge makes this point.  We also find out that the claim of Herr Tauber is the loss of interest.  The prosecutor has no questions--the point about the use of the house has been made.

Third, who made the contract and who is responsible?  Father Dobrushin has many questions about this.  The main one is the surety versus the interest.  In a contract, a surety is paid and if the owner defaults, the surety goes to the holder of the loan.  Technically, the one who takes out the loan must pay all if they default.  If Aksinya didn't make the contract, then she does not owe the surety or the interest.  The claim of interest against her would be frivolous.  Father Dobrushin is pointing this out.  The judge pulls the points together that Aznabaev is the one who is guilty and owes the surety and the interest and not Aksinya.

This is also a metaphor for the demon's contract with Aksinya.  Aksinya gave a surety and the demon gave a surety.  The question of default is similar to the question of default on the house.  Aksinya's contract was not for her soul.  Her soul now belongs to someone else, and she is no longer free to release it.

Tomorrow, more questioning.