Impaler

Concern

Angelina screamed in horror at seeing Minah's mangled body; parts of her brain and head were apparent. Minah's right arm had a bone broken so terribly that it ripped through the skin. Memories of her motionless eyes were ingrained in Angelina's mind.

The trauma of seeing Minah's suicide was powerful enough that Angelina didn't hear Mihnea's crying. Bioan tried to soothe the child, but it was to no avail. He didn't notice that his arms and hands were trembling. The midwife immediately went to him. "Thank you, kind man. I can take him to his room now." Bioan wanted to give her the child, but it was difficult for him to lessen his muscles. The midwife couldn't blame him; he saved Mihnea's life, but it came with the consequence of seeing a person taking their own life. "Find strength in yourself and try to let the child go."

Bioan took a deep breath and eventually let go of a crying Mihnea. "I-I am so sorry...I-"

"Do not give an apology. We are all indebted to you for saving Lord Mihnea. I am to apologize to you and everyone for not being strong enough to stop Lady Minah from taking her child." The midwife held onto the child and eventually soothed him. "I will take the child."

Bioan nodded as he watched the midwife walk away; his focus then turned to Angelina, who dropped herself to the floor. Ioana and Sorina knelt beside the young woman and tried to motion her to stand; it was futile. Angelina breathed heavily, causing concern for everyone; Bioan knew he had to act. He went and knelt before her, gently holding her hands. "Angelina, what's done is done," Bioan said in a whisper-like tone. "No one, not even you could have stopped her. Lady Minah was determined to go through what she had planned."

"It was the greatest of sins. How could have she taken her own life if it goes against God and all of his teachings?" Ioana asked. 

"She was tired..."

The trio looked at Angelina, who was slumped by the castle wall, traumatized. "I saw it...in her eyes. She lived such a lonely life; a life that was never hers to begin with."

"Angelina, it still doesn't excuse-" Sorina was interrupted when Angelina slapped the concrete floor so hard that parts of her skin peeled off, making blood slowly drip down. "A-Angelina, y-you-!"

"If God is real, then it can pick and choose how one will live their life, but will punish those who make their own decisions on what to do with their lives!? That is utter bullshit!" Angelina was breathing heavily and was having difficulty calming herself down. "God was cruel to Minah, to Vlad, and to everyone who wasn't fortunate enough to have a good life! How can God be just if he lets suffering happen among the creation he created!?"

"Angelina, calm yourself," a firm voice said.

Everyone looked at where the voice came from; Vlad the Monk appeared with a couple of guards behind him. Bioan soluted as Vlad the Monk, slowly walked toward the group and then to Angelina, who looked down at the ground. He stood before her as Ioana and Sorina slowly stood up, but were on guard, not knowing what Vlad the Monk had planned. "I was told what happened and heard the screams. Minah took her life."

"Yes, my Lord. She was going to take Lord Mihnea with her, but Bioan saved him before she could," Ioana explained.

"Indeed, Angelina, get up. You did everything you could to give Minah mercy. I understand that my brother has a significant responsibility for Minah's suffering, but one can no longer change the past. We must focus on the present and the future." Vlad the Monk then motioned with his right hand to her without speaking. 

The young woman slowly looked at Vlad the Monk; he spoke with firmness but with a hint of gentleness. She was angry that she couldn't do anything to save Minah, but Angelina began to believe that the noblewoman's mental health was beyond repair. She slowly held his hand as she was assisted to stand. He gently squeezed her hand. "There is something else we need to discuss." The Lord looked at everyone. "I will take her to her chambers. Ioana, Sorina, please prepare Angelina's bath. She needs to be soothed. Lieutenant, please gather some soldiers to retrieve Minah's body. My brother must know what happened before she is buried."

The women looked at one another and decided not to go against orders; they went on their way. Bioan looked uncertain about leaving Angelina alone with Vlad the Monk, but he believed he would care for her. Bioan bowed and motioned the other men to follow.

Angelina and Vlad the Monk were alone. "I will take you to your room. You must rest and think of your child." He led Angelina inside the castle, where they walked silently. Angelina calmed herself after the shock, but seeing Vlad the Monk relieved her; however, she thought about his plan. "V-Vlad, did you send the money and letter?"

Vlad the Monk was quiet. When looking at him, Angelina couldn't help but think he was hiding something. She stopped in her tracks and let go of his hand. "Vlad, you and your brother have been gone for a while. You were determined to follow through with your plan. Did you change your mind? Did you get caught?"

The Lord turned his back on Angelina and momentarily stayed silent. He slowly turned and looked at Angelina, his eyes softening with concern. I followed through with my plan, wrote and sent the letter, and money.

"That's good! I must imagine that it can take a while to get a message."

"No, it doesn't take too long to get a response back. It would take at least a month."

Angelina felt her heart skip a beat. "A month...? But, does that mean...?"

"I have received no response. Indicating that we have run out of options. The Sultan did not want peace."