The song playing is The Long And Winding Road by The Beatles.
Chapter 3: Merrilin's Escape
Having the full power and men he needed, revenge would come swiftly. Within four years, he had worked himself up from soldier to the High Commander of the army. His dream of power had come true, and revenge was within his grasp. It was only a matter of time until he would meet up with Damon. And, Merrilin would be his. No matter what it took.
Word came in late August that Merrilin would be traveling to Valora. Much blood shed had taken place there, and medical help was needed. Merrilin, the Queen of Abriania, ran to help her people. She had been taught well as to the ways of Wicca and healing. Now, her people needed her.
It would be easy to ambush them, Jeremy thought. Damon would have most of his army fighting, with a few thousand defending Merrilin, and about twenty thousand defending Watermark. Their palace would be heavily fortified. That way, people would think that Merrilin was still there. The time had come to move ahead with his plans of revenge.
All fall, Jeremy readied his troops for battle. The first snow came, as the troops took their places deep in the forest. The caravan would be easy to spot from the high trees. Buzzard-hawks circled along the road, picking up the remains of animals smashed by carriages. Time passed as the troops grew restless. Finally, the signal was given.
A large tree was cut down, blocking the road. The procession came to it and stopped. Wildness flashed in men's eyes as they viewed the tree. They knew that this was a trap. The troops readied themselves for an ambush, concentrating on the side from which the tree had been cut. But, the attack came from the other side. The surprise plan had worked.
The battle lasted for mere minutes, as Jeremy's First Lieutenant took the reins of the horse-drawn carriage. Two other men jumped on to both sides of the carriage, making escape impossible. There was no hope for Merrilin, for she herself was unarmed. Jeremy had her right where he wanted her?trapped. He had his trump card for revenge.
As they entered the gates of Olympius, Merrilin clung onto her journal. She had to hide it. Slipping it down her ruffled gown, she prayed for safety. Just then, the guards opened the carriage door. Brutally, she was taken inside and to the dungeon. She did not see Jeremy or anyone else, except when a guard placed food and drink into her towering room. Time went by slowly as she thought of Damon, and of Watermark.
"As I write in this book, the wars rage on. Many lives will be lost in the end, as mine will. I am to die tomorrow at daybreak. Maybe it's best that way. I pose no threat to our faction and my kingdom. I will never tell them anything of our war tactics or of my beloved. The village will be shielded, at least. Damon will defend Watermark. But, I'm..."
Merrilin Tiara Davis stopped writing and closed her tattered book. Even as she looked out the window of the stronghold's turret, it felt hopeless for her to persevere on. Yes, she was terrified, but she also knew that she must stay alive. Just as she picked up her pen to write more, a rap came at the immense oak portal to her prison room. The great door opened and in advanced two guards, followed by a towering, ebony hared man.
Merrilin shifted back, for she knew who he was. Jeremy Kyler Evans was his name. He was the leader of the clan raiding her village, Watermark. And, he was Damon's kinsman. Never had she seen him, but they looked alike. The only real difference was that this man was pure evil. As he stepped closer to her, she quivered with fear. Then, he spoke.
"Guards, get her some suitable clothes. She need not be clothed in these rags. They're all ripped and caked with dirt."
Then, he ordered the guards out and turned to her. Jeremy stared at Merrilin for a few minutes. What was he thinking, she asked herself. What harm would he do? Merrilin felt a tear well up in her eye.
"I'm dreadfully regretful, your Highness. You will dine with me tonight. I did not know that you are a Queen. Why, this food isn't even apt for the rats! My guards will fetch you some more, um, appropriate clothing for the occasion. Ah! And here they are now." He said, circling around her.
The guards brought in a beautiful gown with gold trimmings, and a small diadem and necklace set. They gave everything to Jeremy and left.
"This tiara was my mother's. She gave it to me when she died. You will wear it. Now, get dressed and my guards will return in ten minutes to get you." He said as he placed the tiara on top of her head.
As the door slammed shut behind him, Merrilin turned towards the window. She looked out onto the courtyard filled with soldiers, ready to pillage her village at a moment's notice. The gates opened to carry in more prisoners. Her subjects. Most of them were badly wounded and would never see the day's light again. She looked away, not able to see the blood bath she faced before and could never face again. Tears filled Merrilin's eyes. How could this man be so cruel?
Merrilin glanced down at the dress she was holding. She slipped the burgundy gown on. She was thankful to be out of her old, blood soaked things. It fit her perfectly, although it was a bit showy and risqu� for her tastes. She was used to gowns that were made of thick, starchy fabrics. But, this one was made of silks and satins. She was just placing the necklace around her delicate neck when the guards returned to fetch her.
"Let's go. His Lordship awaits you."
The guards grabbed her as if she was a mere rag doll. Merrilin shouted for help, but no one heard nor cared about her cries. She was truly alone in this. No one could save her. She was taken down a long passageway to a huge golden door.
Another guard waited there to open it up, and revealed a large dining room. The room was completely black, except for candles that were scattered around the room and on the floor. They seemed to form some sort of a shape-a backward pentagram? Merrilin hesitated for a moment until she was forced into the room. The door closed behind her.
Merrilin looked around. Where was this Jeremy she was to dine with? Was he there in the darkness waiting for her? Panic struck in her mind. She had to get out of there, out of that castle, and...and...she had to do it now! With all her might, she threw herself at the door. It wouldn't budge. She was trapped! Merrilin looked around the room again.
No other doors or windows could be seen. She was alone, trapped with God knows what, or whom! Again, sheer panic struck her, filled every inch of her body to compasity. Then, movement. But she wasn't moving, something else was! She trembled, horrified. As the shadow came closer, she could see the outlines. Then, she saw the face.
"Don't be alarmed, my dear. I truly didn't mean to frighten you. Please, come closer. I assure you that I don't bite. At least, I don't bite hard." Jeremy laughed.
Come closer, Merrilin thought. Was he mad? She didn't dare! This brutally handsome man, whom she had come to hate, wanted her to come closer? For what purpose? No doubt to harm her. He has a sword behind his back. Or, maybe he poisoned dinner. She wouldn't eat. She'd rather starve herself to death!
But, she strangely was moving towards him. Something was drawing her closer. She found herself seated next to him at a large round table. As they ate wordlessly, she couldn't resist glancing upon him. He looked so much like Damon.
He was, in fact, very tall. His hair was black as night. His features, classic. But, what she could not keep from looking at, were his eyes. They were as blue as the ocean water she knew as a child. The same ocean around Watermark that was now red with blood and unfit to drink.
After they had finished eating, Jeremy took Merrilin back to her room. Her prison, she thought. The guard opened the door to the room and she walked in. Merrilin wondered if she would ever get home to Damon, the man she loved. It seemed hopeless. She was about ready to take off her shoes when she saw that Jeremy was still standing in the doorway. She had been too lost in thought to notice him. Why wouldn't he leave her alone?
"I have a proposition for you, your Highness. I could give you everything you've ever dreamed of and more. All you have to do is say yes."
"Say yes to what?" Merrilin asked slowly.
"Tell me that you will become my wife! Together, we could take over the whole world and..." Jeremy started.
"Never! I will die before I join the likes of you and betray my people!"
"You'll be begging me to marry you at daybreak tomorrow. A pretty head like yours would be a terrible thing to waste! So be it."
"The guillotine does not scare me. I would much rather die for my people than to break them down to slavehood! I will never marry you!"
And that was that. The door slammed shut as she burst into tears. Oh, if only Damon were there. But wait! She didn't have to stay there. She was a sorceress! She could escape. Why didn't she think of that two weeks ago when she first arrived? There had to be a spell somewhere that would help her!
She began to search through the Book of Shadows she had successfully hidden from them all when she had arrived. A spell for energy...for holding evil harmless...for strength...for invisibility...for...that was it! She could trick them all by sewing an invisibility cloak! But, her own cloak was torn from battle. She needed a new one. Hers couldn't be used. Then, an idea hit her. She shunned at the idea, but then knocked at the chamber door. A guard opened it.
"Go and fetch your leader. I wish to speak with him at once. Hurry!"
The guard shut the door and left. Merrilin sat down in front of the old vanity in her room. She picked up the tiara and placed it atop of her blonde hair. She hated what she was about to do. But, it was the only way to return to her people and Watermark. Damon would forgive her for what she was about to do. She had to. Jeremy stepped in as she wiped away the remnant tears on her cheeks. He grinned evilly.
"My guard said that you wish to speak with me. Do you change your mind to my proposition from earlier this eve, my dear? Will you become my wife?"
Oh my God! What was she doing? She couldn't deceive him, the most powerful man in Dantucket! But she had to try. She would succeed in it if she believed she could. You just have to pretend to love him, Merrilin thought. Just for one night. You can do that. Damon will forgive you when he knows the reason why. She took one last breath.
"Yes. I will become your wife. I have no other choice. I would serve my people better if I were alive. And, I could possibly come to love you. I do, however, require one thing. I want material to make a cloak, some thread, and a needle."
"But," Jeremy argued, "we have tailors to make all of your clothes for you."
"Yes, but I enjoy making my own. You would not wish to take away my joy, would you? It makes me happy." Merrilin pleaded.
"No, your Highness. I will get you these things. I will leave you now. My guards will fetch the material tomorrow."
He turned from her and headed towards the door. Then, he stopped. Slowly, he turned to face her again. He smiled as if he knew of her plan to escape. Was he reading her mind? No, he couldn't. But if he did know how to, he would.
"We shall be married at daybreak tomorrow. I will send word to your village tonight. Good evening."
And, like that, he was gone. Merrilin began to weep. He did know, that bastard! And, he had made sure that he would get the best of her. She wouldn't have time to escape now, or a way of doing it! Merrilin and Jeremy would be married at daybreak. No way out. And, worse of all, Damon would never forgive her.
Last resort, Merrilin thought to herself. What can I do? Poison! I could poison myself! Oh, but what good would that do? She wouldn't have to marry Jeremy. But, there had to be another way.
Think, Merrilin, think! You'll be fine. All you have to do is use your mind and... that's it! Merrilin, you're a genius! Send a message to someone using your mind! You're a clairvoyant! It's your last hope! But whom? Not Damon. He wouldn't pick up the signal. He wasn't like her. Dina wouldn't know what to do. She was too scatterbrained! Jayson! She would contact her half-brother!
Jayson was her only hope! If she could contact him, he would come for her. She'd get out of there. All she had to do was clear her mind and think! Easier said than done. You can do it, she told herself.
Merrilin cleared her mind as best as she could. She thought deeply of her half-brother. With him pictured in her mind, she pictured his sky blue eyes and jet-black hair. His vampyre charm. Then, she sent the message.
"Jayson, please hear me! It's Merrilin. Jayson, listen to me! I'm in trouble! I was captured, and I'm being held captive by Jeremy Evans! He plans to make me his wife at daybreak! You're my last hope! You've got to get me out of here!"
Merrilin glanced out the window and took off the tiara. For three hours, she sat there watching the soldiers stumble around. Drunk, she thought to herself. There was a knock at her door. Now what?
The door opened and in stepped Jeremy. He looked very handsome in his clothes. His black pants and black silk shirt. Stop it, Merrilin! You must control yourself. He's completely evil! You mustn't fall for his charms! Be strong and think of Damon! It's your only hope. She glanced up and smiled at him.
"My beautiful wife-to-be, you can't stay in this room. It's very...peasant-like. You will be a queen! You deserve better than this. Tonight, you will stay with me. We can begin our honeymoon a bit early." Jeremy smiled.
Merrilin couldn't believe what had just happened. She was going to have to pretend that she loved him. But, she couldn't go that far! Not with a man she didn't love. She couldn't sleep with him! She was saving herself for her wedding night with Damon! What had she talked herself into? This was something she couldn't get herself out of. Merrilin, you're never going to get away with this one. It's hopeless!
She looked out the window again. She imagined seeing lights coming towards the castle. But, she wasn't imagining it! They were real! A glimmer of hope flashed in her violet eyes. Jeremy saw it, too. Jayson had gotten her message and hadn't wasted time! Suddenly, Jeremy grabbed her and dragged her out of the room. No! She couldn't leave! Desperately, she pushed herself towards the window. Then, pain. Her arm was cut. Jeremy had cut her, and she couldn't get away.
"Oh no you don't, you bitch! I own you!"
"You're mistaken, you stupid jerk! I could never love anything as evil as you! Let me go, you pathetic loser! I love Damon!"
Jeremy whirled her around maliciously. He held the dagger up to her throat. Merrilin struggled to get free. What was he going to do to her? She wasn't a slave! She would never marry him! He did not own her. Jeremy tightened his grip around her delicate wrists and put the dagger in his sheath. Where was he dragging her off to?
Jeremy ran with Merrilin down the long hall to a staircase hidden by a mirror. It was dark in there, lit only by candles. They reached the end and went through another hidden door into a large room. A bed room! No! Jeremy threw her onto the bed of black satin. No escape.
"I will have you one way or another, Merrilin. If not by marriage, than I shall do it by force. You know, it didn't have to be this way. You had to try and trick me, you bitch!"
How could he be so mean? Merrilin began to cry. Then, she noticed something. She was alone again. Where had Jeremy gone?
Merrilin looked around. She listened for movement, but all she heard was shouts from outside. She, however, knew that Jeremy was inside the room somewhere. She had to find out where he was hiding, but how? Her copper and peridot pendant could be used to find him! Ripping it from her elegant neck, she held it in the air and took a deep breath. The incantation flowed through her body like a familiar song.
"Earth and fire, wind and sea; show me what I wish to see!"
Merrilin held the necklace in her right hand. The pendulum started to swing around in a circle. Then, it began to swing back and forth, towards the left corner of the room. Jeremy was hiding there. Merrilin sensed him now. She could feel the warmth of his body pulsating out towards the bed. He stepped forward, sensing that his presence had been found. As he appeared, Merrilin noticed the two goblets Jeremy held in his hand.
"You will drink this wine. It is to celebrate tonight and to bind us together for all eternity."
Jeremy pushed a goblet towards her. No, Merrilin thought, I must not drink any. She turned her head away from it and closed her eyes. He only pushed it closer to her.
"No! I will not drink to that. You will never have me. You're fooling only yourself!"
Merrilin turned to face him. His blue eyes sparkled as she looked into them, entrancing her. She couldn't help herself as the goblet came closer to her rose-colored lips. Jeremy tipped the goblet, his eyes entrancing her as she drank. Suddenly, Merrilin felt a bit dizzy. What was this stuff? It didn't taste like wine. She looked up at Jeremy, bewildered.
"Merrilin, why couldn't you just love me? I didn't want this to happen like it is! But, you've left me no choice."
Jeremy started sobbing. Merrilin felt even dizzier than before. What herb was in this wine to make it so strong? Poison? It had to be poisonous. She felt so weak...and tired. Her vision blurred as she slipped slightly into unconsciousness.
Jeremy took off his shirt and climbed onto the bed. He ripped off Merrilin's dress and slipped it off of her body. Then, he took the tiara off her head and set it down on the table. No, Merrilin thought. She tried to yell for help, but no words came to her mouth. Jeremy softly caressed her body, familiarizing himself with every inch of her flesh. Delicately, he kissed her tender lips and neck. He moved up and down her as he undid his pants. Merrilin cried as she slowly came to.
"You will mother my child, Merrilin." Jeremy whispered into her ear as he climbed on top of her. "I know you could never kill a child, even mine. Our child will link us together forever. We will be so happy! You can't stop this from happening, Merrilin. Damon will be too late and he won't want you. You are nothing more than a slut!"
Jeremy continued to kiss her as he entered her body. Merrilin cried even louder, from pain and betrayal to Damon. Her voice was back! She started to scream. Voices could be heard outside the room! They were familiar voices.
Merrilin continued yelling as Jeremy tried to quiet her down. It was no use. Merrilin bit his finger and he let go. The voices belonged to Damon and Jayson! They had come to rescue her. The door burst open. She would be fine now.
Damon Evans was the first one through the door. Jayson closely followed him. They were both heavy with sweat, blood, and fury. Damon's right leg was cut and he had blood caked onto his left arm. Jayson's forehead was bleeding and a large sword cut was noticeable on his thigh.
Damon ran to the bedside and grabbed Jeremy off of Merrilin. Jayson helped his half-sister dress in her now torn gown. Merrilin hugged him and wept. She was thankful that this ordeal was almost over. Now her and Damon could be together and she could return to Jayson and the rest of her family, or what was left, for good.
"Brother, you will pay for all you have done. Be warned now that I will not be kind in your punishment. I will be just."
Damon drew his shortsword and assumed battle stance. Jeremy did likewise.
"My dear brother Damon, if it is a duel you want, than let's up the ante a bit. If you win, you can kill me. If I win, I get to kill you and take Merrilin for my own beloved!"
"Over my dead body, Jeremy! You'll have to go through Damon and I both before you lay a finger upon her ever again!"
"That can most certainly be arranged, Jayson."
"Jeremy, you leave Merrilin out of this! She has nothing to do with this war!"
"Oh, but she does, brother. Her grandmother killed our father, Braden. The bitch seduced our mother's beloved, Vincent. The first night that she met him, a child was conceived. A child was born the next year. This child was married at the tender age of sixteen, and she bore Merrilin at seventeen. Now, Merrilin carries my child inside of her, not yours. She is forever linked with me."
"Jeremy, you god damn..."
Damon rushed at Jeremy, only to find his sword-piercing nothing and Jeremy laughing behind him. Damon tried again, but found his brother floating high above him.
"Jeremy, stop this vampyre trickery! You forget that we are brothers and are alike! Merrilin is pure. You can not tarnish that that is pure by vampyre tricks! She is not yours eternally. She's not a vampyre."
Jeremy circled around Damon. His blue eyes stared sharply and venomously into Damon's green eyes. Both of them knew that only one vampyre would survive, one brother would conquer.
"Damon, my dear sweet and stupid boy, you are confused as to what I am capable of doing. Like you, I have the gift of seduction. But, unlike you, I use my power to benefit me, no one else. Each night I have come to her chamber as she sleeps in her shackles. You see, she was too weak to awaken by the herbs I slip into her water. I have drunk her youthful blood thrice. Tonight, she drank what she thought was wine. I fear to say it was my blood in the goblet. The blood of a vampyre! Now, she will become as I have, immortal."
"No! She isn't! You bastard, leave her be!"
Jeremy laughed as Damon went into a mad rage. As Jeremy raised his sword, he could feel his fangs grow with the anticipation of battle. Damon felt his fangs grow, also. He had to kill Jeremy now. There was no way around it.
Merrilin watched in horror as she held on tight to Jayson. Was what Jeremy said true? She had to do something. She had to slay Jeremy. But, how could she do that? Then, she noticed Jayson's broadsword at his side.
Damon and Jeremy fought for what seemed like hours. All Merrilin could do was watch as she held on to Jayson. Damon's lip was bleeding, as was his upper arm. Jeremy was out of breath and holding on to his left hand. Damon took advantage of the situation, swung the sword around, and caught Jeremy in the chest.
Blood gushed out of the cut like a waterfall. He fell to his knees and clutched the sword by the hilt. Jeremy's sword crashed to the ground. Damon turned towards Merrilin and started running to her. As he came closer, Jeremy was stumbling to his feet, making a final attempt to prevail. Merrilin noticed it and instinctively seized the sword from Jayson. She pushed Damon out of harms way just in time.
As Damon fell to the ground, Jeremy was rushing forward with his last dying strength. The sword pierced Merrilin, and she gasped. Her sword came down upon Jeremy's skull with a thud of solid steel. Jeremy fell to the floor, his eyes closing. He didn't awaken.
Merrilin stumbled backwards. Damon grabbed her and gently laid her down on her back. Jayson rushed over, and turned his head as he saw the laceration. Softly, he began to weep. Damon pulled the sword out of Merrilin's stomach as tears streamed down his blood-soaked face. Merrilin was barely breathing.
"Why her? She did nothing to deserve this! God, don't let her die now!" Damon cried upwards. "That sword was meant for me!"
Merrilin was deep in slumber. Her mind, however, wasn't. She tried to move, but her body wasn't responding. She had to do what she did. Damon would have been killed, and she would have given birth to Jeremy's child. She had to risk her life to save her village. Now, she had to concentrate all her might on witchcraft to heal herself.
Slowly, she gave full concentration on healing and less on the tremendous pain surging through her body. It was a long and draining procedure, but she had to endeavor. Damon was waiting for her on the other side. She pictured her wound becoming smaller and smaller, pulsating with every beat of her heart. The blood, she pictured, drained out corrupt and kept the virtuous. Jeremy would not make her a vampyre. She would win.
As Damon and Jayson watched, her wound grew shut. She had been taught well in her youth. Merrilin slowly regained consciousness. Damon squeezed her delicate hands in his as she opened her eyes. Soon, she would be able to walk around. She would be fine now.
Damon swept Merrilin up in his arms and carried her out of the castle, Jayson by his side. The other villagers cheered as they passed by, glad to be free of the tyrant that had ruled over them. Damon handed Merrilin over to Jayson as he mounted his great white stallion. Jayson helped her up behind Damon onto the horse. As the stallion galloped towards the scarlet horizon and Watermark, Merrilin held on tight to her man. They would not have trouble with Jeremy Evans ever again. And that night, her and Damon would be together, uniting their souls, and their bodies.
