Dandelions In the Garden by Charlie Courtland

Author:Charlie Courtland
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fiction, legends, historical romance, vlad tepes, elizabeth bathory, elizabeth, vampire legend, blood countess
Publisher: Charlie Courtland

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Over the long winter months Elizabeth penned a list of all the tortures Francis and his soldiers’ discussed. Elizabeth’s enthusiasm amused Francis and he indulged her during long walks or after dinner. Particularly, foreign techniques were most intriguing, bamboo under the fingernails, piercing flesh with needles and burning the bottoms of feet. In return, Elizabeth told Francis how she killed the two servants; she’d used only a common kitchen knife to slit their throats. In a most graphic manner, she described how the blood spurted high in the air and then fell down like a rain shower soaking the garden. Francis questioned how she’d learned to use the knife. She told him it was instinct, which he found remarkable.

Elizabeth’s instinctual character sparked Francis to offer sword lessons. She was a natural at wielding the broad weapon, but due to her weak upper body she could not match a man’s speed. Instead, she found ways to compensate using clever strategies of distraction. Many soldiers fell victim to her tactics. To their surprise, they found themselves disarmed and at her mercy. Francis bellowed loudly at his wife’s abilities while spurting humiliating remarks at his guards. Elizabeth insisted I learn as well. We were women often left alone, we should know how to defend ourselves in the event of a raid. I was too petite to wield a broadsword, preferring the lightness and concealment of a dagger. Francis showed me how to slice and stab, pointing out the fatal spots of human anatomy. During one of our lessons, I accidentally jabbed a guard in the hip, causing him to howl with pain. The wound was small, but to my surprise bled a great deal.

Finally, a break in the weather allowed the men to depart and return to their post near Vienna. Elizabeth and I were saddened to see our company leave, but spring was approaching and Elizabeth’s plan for a ball would commence. I sent letters to George begging him to visit Cachtice as soon as weather allowed. I endured a long and lonely winter and was eager for a reunion. I talked of the ball and of Elizabeth’s plan, telling him the improvements made and the guests we intended to invite. We worked diligently ordering all preparations and setting the castle to rights. The furnishings were old, but would do for now. Elizabeth hired local women to sew new tapestries and coverings, which greatly improved the interior. Gardens were tended, foods tasted and staff acquired from nearby villages. Felix posted invitations promptly, praising Elizabeth’s long list of noble families. All there was left to do was wait for replies. In a matter of weeks responses began pouring in, contributing daily to Elizabeth’s pleasant mood. Each day I thumbed through numerous correspondences hoping to find one addressed by George’s hand. Several weeks passed before I noticed the Drugeth seal stamped upon the back of a neatly folded envelope.

I retreated to the sanctuary of an empty drawing room to read my letter in private.

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