Mystery of the Templars - Part 10

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

Abridged Freedom and Decisions on High

Dmitrii was released into the cell, and the heavy wooden door slammed shut… and the metallic scrapping of the bolt being secured echoed in the cell. Once again Dmitrii would be sequestered from what he deemed most important – freedom… Was he guilty of the transgression he was accused? Yes and No… Killing men, yes… Raasay guards, No !

In fact, it was the Illuminati who were the transgressors… as they killed the guards, took their clothes, and disposed of the bodies. Sir Robert Frail had his family held hostage until Willa Schleitz could be apprehended and turned over to the Illuminati…

Dmitrii and Willa were arrested, thrown into prison. While the guards waited on word from the Pope on what to do with them, the villainous Valisa sought her own agenda… as did Dmitrii.

It was he that was the fly-in-the-ointment… as he staged an escape and took Willa out of harm’s way. And in the days subsequent, it was Kaelyn Uruqhart-Raven, that had set upon searching for the missing Dmitrii, found Sir Robert’s family and freed them.

Now Willa and Dmitrii had found their way back to Turas Lan, only to have Valisa and her cronies reach Turas Lan and have Dmitrii arrested… but Willa’s quick reaction to the arrest sent her to the Griffin Castle in hopes of her beloved’s release. That act, in its self, saved her from capture…

Meanwhile, Valisa waits in the shadows, ready to apprehend Willa for her own use…

In the Blue Castle, Dmitrii paces the cell like a caged tiger… mere straw for a bed, and the skimpiest of food for the prisoner. Here-in-Lies the rub… With Dmitrii arrested for murder, a capital offense… Duke Aberdeen must preside over his trial… If he sentences Dmitrii to death, he loses a dear friend, brother-in-arms, and a loyal advocate to Skye… and fears the retribution Argania would have over killing its prince.

If Lord Aberdeen frees Dmitrii, then Lord William Maubrey would use that information against the Duke, and accuse him that freeing a friend who is murderer and going against the very law he instilled… thus promoting that the Duke adjusts the laws to deem his own agenda…

What will the Lord of the Isles do?

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

Valisa stood quietly as the guardsman came into the room. The woman had dressed herself in the somber colors of mourning as she stared out the window. Windows were such lovely things, they offered a sight beyond the mortal eyes and a manner of reflection into one's own soul. Odesus, otherwise known as Odis among those here within the lands of Skye, he had given his own life to protect those of a daughter that was now his own. Worse... she would be the one to have to tell the girl.

While the girl had run, disappeared for a time, it was heard that she was spotted running towards the Castle itself, in hopes of alarming the Duke and Dutchess. While Valissa would have dearly loved to watch that particular scene play out, it would end poorly. Drawing more attention of the Church to the Isle Kingdom. And they had their problems to deal with as far as politics and religions were concerned.

" Speak." She stated over her shoulder as she slowly turned to face the man. The guard snapped to attention as he reported. "We have the girl, My lady. She is sleeping in one of the guest rooms. She appears to be in good health, a bit hungry and thinner from the months of ordeals. The Templars were not kind. " The words were given with a deeper hatred of the false Knights of God. Or so he believed them to be.

Valisa nodded and pursed her lips. She kept the Illuminati a bit unbalanced with the death of one of their own by a guard that was one of their own as well. Whispering Spies in their midsts.. an easy enough ploy for men that were far too suspicious of everyone and everything. She set her pace towards the door as the guard smartly opened it for her. She knew it wouldn't be long before the man , Dmitrii came to look for his bride. Yet for as long as she could keep the girl hidden , she would.

The physician she had hired stepped out of the girl's room with a set expression on his face. " A few scratches and scars my lady.. nothing permanant. " He concluded as she gave a small nod and gestured for Victor to pay for the man's services and his silence. She waited a moment longer before stepping into the room. The small blond seemed to be swallowed by the large bed and the layers of down blankets. She moved close with the hushed whisper of her skirts to gilde along the polished floors.

"Well, my dear.. it is good to have you home. " She spoke softly as the gentle seat was taken at the edge of the bed.

"Aunt Valisa..." the smile was given as she sighed softly and seemed to sink a bit further into the bed. "Where's Da.. I gotta talks ta him. " She started as the comfort was tossed aside as she began to push her way to sitting up. The woman offered her help and placed pillows behind her. Willa couldn't help but feel a bit odd about all this as the pampering seemed terribly out of place. "Oh an gotta gits ahold o' da Duchess an Duke.. they gonna trys an hang Dmi.. " She blurted out a bit quickly as she sought to tug the blankets aside. That Valisa would not allow as she swatted the girl's hand.

"I will answer what I may." Valisa told willa as she lifted a bow... the conversation began in soft gentle tones but soon became screams from that tiny kitchen maid.

The worst was telling the girl her father had died. The older woman sat calmly as the girl had taken herself out of bed and stormed about the room. The sober brown eyes watched as the rants turned into racked sobs of pain. Valisa had already shed her tears for Odis. More then anyone here would dare to understand. One of the guards slipped in and spied the girl crying as Valisa shook her head.

"Go, tell the Duke and Duchess there must be a meeting. " She spoke softly as she slowly stood up and gathered the brokened hearted girl up into her arms and moved her again towards the bed.

"Willa... Wilhemia..." She spoke the first time softly, then.. the full name with the sharp tone. " girl you do not have time for this. Your beloved faces death himself , while there are people that would slice your throat as to remove you from history altogether. " She stated firmly. " You are the daughter of the Pope, there is nothing to be said of that. Your mother was a courtsian assigned to his needs. Though she believed if she gave him a child, he would renounce himself and take her as his bride. The stupid little bytch that she was. " Cold. and abrupt but she needed the girl thinking, not wallowing in a well of pity and guilt. " It was Odis that stepped forward at the command of the Pope to take her away from Rome. Hide her among the common people.. to love her as he had always done. You're father did this, Then your mother sent a letter to me,when you were a child.. begging for a way to end her torment. " The girl wanted the truth.. so be it. " Your mother was a selfish arrogant woman.. "

" That perfume... " Willa whispered as Valissa gave a curt nod. No other words needed to be said as Willa threw herself from the bed and wrapped her hands around Valissa's throat. The woman was taken back, obviously by the fierce nature of the girl, but mingled with grief and anger , and no small amount of guilt.. it was not unexpected. The guard came into the room and finally pried the screaming girl from atop of his mistress.

" Bind her to the bed so she does not harm herself. " Valissa stated crisply, a hand to her throat as the tender skin would bruise but it was all of no real matter. Three other men came and saw to Willa's binding as she stood and watched.

" I will speak with the Duke and Bess.. I will do what I can to see you safe. " She spoke in the removed tone as she nodded to the men to depart the room.. and as she stepped out she pulled the Key from her pocket and sealed her within.

There was still much to be done.

Dmitrii had been behind the heavy wooden doors for days now... not knowing what was happening was worse than anything he could imagine...

What was taking Willa and the Duke so long? Why hadn't he been released by now?

Of course, there was no way for him to know that Sir Simon Ward, a cohort of Lord Maubrey, now ruled Raasay... and Raasayan Royal Guards now secured the west wing of the Blue Castle... the dungeons...

Furthermore... there was no way for him to know that Willa was captive of Valisa and her cronies... nor that Valisa was now under arrest, as proclaimed by Lady Aberdeen... nor that Lord Adam had Lord William Maubrey under arrest...

It was a smorgesboard of VIPs that now inhabited portions of the Blue Castle Dungeons... but Dmitrii only knew his own predicament... charge with murder... and he knew he was guilty...

[King Adam Aberdeen I]

Dmitrii Zurban spent days in captivity awaiting sentencing and eventually the transfer back to Raasay… the decree handed down by the Duke, Lord Aberdeen, that Lord Zurban had committed no crime against Skye, nor her people, especially since Raasay had excommunicated itself from the Isles under the control of England.

It was a desperate move for Adam, and Dmitrii was in the middle. In the midst of an agressive trial, Adam would declare Dmitrii innocent of charges in Skye, and ordered his return to Raasay to stand trial.

Word travelled fast about Valisa’s escape… and in that same evening Raasayan Royal Guards, took Dmitrii from his cell, bound hand and foot to an awaiting ship. But before he could board, Skye Black Talon guards, the Duke’s own men, 30 in all, surrounded the docks… Skye bowmen stepped forward, aiming their arrows at the Raasayan Guards. Lord Dmitrii was free. The Duke had arranged near perfect timing.

About the same time, on Raasay, a small army of Skye light cavalry wreaked havoc upon the Isle of Raasay while the bowmen and Infantry stormed the walls and gates of Lord Simon Ward’s castle… In a swift and violent dawn attack, those opposed Skye's army, died… those that surrendered freely, was allowed to swear fealty to the Lord of the Isles and was released. Sir Simon Ward was not to be found. It was a well coordinated plan and the attack went as planned.

While Adam’s army secured Raasay back under Skye’s reign, Dmitrii was taken back to the Griffin Castle… his freedom granted and all charges erased from the annals of history. A free man, Dmitrii was given his swords, and his position as Weapons Master under the Lord of the Isles. He was also assured his beloved was safe, secure, and close by.

Desiring to return home to rest a few days before assuming his duties, he bade the Duke’s leave… and as granted as such, Adam asked Dmitrii to stop by the kitchen.