A Gypsy Tale

[SarviaRose]

Caitlyn, Jasper, and Johnny continued to head toward where Caitlyn could feel Robert. They had set up camp off the road and Jasper was teaching Johnny how to create a fire without creating smoke and a small flame.

"Oh he is not happy about something" Caitlyn said as she return from hunting some rabbits for their dinner.

"How is he doing?" Jasper asked concern in his face.

"He has awoken new powers in himself. Just as a new power has awoken in me."

To this new both Jasper and Johnny looked at her with questions. "Cait?"

"Yes Johnny a new power."

"I might be younger than you but I figured that out. What new power sister?"

"Watch"

Both men watched was Caitlyn faded into nothingness. Jasper let out a shout and watched as Caitlyn rematerialized in front of them.

"Now watch this"

Caitlyn touched Jasper and they both disappear, this time Johnny yelped.

"Cait how? Oh never mind magic"

Caitlyn laughed as both she and Jasper reappeared.

"Yes magic I hope Robert will be able to feel it also it will help him now. I can't hold it very long but it will come in handy."

The trio finlly feel asleep after Caitlyn placed a ring of protection around them she knew it was risky for them all to sleep but they where to tired.

Durning the night Jasper woke up and reluctly left Caitlyn's side it felt like something was calling him. He left the circle and headed toward a stream where he could see a ghost of a young man about his age and looked a lot like him.

"Sir I need your help." the ghost asked.

"Who are you?"

"I am Vavrin"

"I am Jasper. Vavrin you should not be on this plane."

"I know I have been cursed to wander here. I have been wander more years than I can remember I have seen much change."

"What is it you need?"

"I am sorry dear Jasper but only you can help me. I have been waiting for you for a long time. I hope you can forgive me"

Jasper started to turn when he felt the spirit enter him.

"Jasper I am truly sorry"

Vavrin headed back to the small camp and because he and Jasper where now one it let him cross the circle and enter. He could feel Jasper trying to regain control and when he laid eye on Caitlyn he felt fear coming from Jasper.

"Don't worry Jasper I will not harm her, she will know it is not you. However I will tell you we are the same Jasper. I am you in a past life. I remember Caitlyn her was called Alzbeta do not worry I will take care of her."

Jasper felt anger like nothing he had ever felt before how was he going to be able to watch his spirit take his love and his life.

"Sh Jasper or I will have to put you to sleep."

"Vavrin how can you do this if we are the same why are you doing this?"

"I can not tell you if I do the powers that cursed me will kill Caitlyn not just her life here but her soul also she will never be reborn. Sleep Jasper."

Vavrin looked down at Caitlyn and smiled. He laid down next to her and smiled she he put his arms around her.

Caitlyn woke up a few hours later she turn to Jasper and felt something was wrong, but she shock it off and went to get some water. When she came back Johnny and Jasper where both awake and making some breakfast. She came to give Jasper a kiss but when she looked into his eye she could see it was not the Jasper she knew.

"Who are you?"

Johnny looked at her like she has lost her mind.

"I am Vavrin."

"What have you done to Jasper?"

"He is fine do not worry"

Caitlyn feel to the ground and Johnny ran to her. Johnny turned to look at Vavrin.

"I will kill you for making Cait feel like this."

"You can't do that or Jasper will die"

[NORSEMAN]

I must've spent the entire night siting beside this well in the ruins of the counts castle which presented a somewhat unusal picture with the massive walls intact but the buildings within crumbled too rubble, I still was wearing only my pants with no shirt and the morning cold was making me shiver extremely so I rose up and left through the main gates of this vile place but not even knowing which direction too actually head!.

I could see smoke rising in the near distance and assumed something was there if nothing else at least it would be a warm fire there, I staggered along with my feet hurting against the frozen ground and it seemed to take an eternity too reach this smoke but it turned out too be the village I'd entered when I had arrived but it was very early and cold so noone was about I felt that most were hiding within they're homes but my vengence was now past and I wouldn't take revenge on peasants who really had nothing too do with my troubles so I wandered through the small village and then I spotted the Inn where I'd been taken from and started toward it!.

When I arrived there I found the door too be tightly shut from the inside and not a sound was made by my pounding upon the door so I knew they as well were hiding but by now the frost upon my feet and the cold in the air had began too tell upon me and I felt an anger arise and I stood back from the door and concentrated upon it and it began too melt as a candle too near a fire and I walked inside too find warmth of the large fireplace too revive myfeeling in my feet!.

But I was still angry and yelled for the inn keeper but he came not and I tired of this and went too the stairway coming upon the upper story I saw the door belonging too the girl which had been with me when those men arrived and likely betrayed me too them so with one kick I knocked her door off the hinges and it fell upon the floor in front of her bed.

I stood in the doorway and demanded my things back!, she cringed and said "They are gone, uuuh the men took them!".

I said more like you sold them too someone for gold!, now wench our bussiness is not complete! and she pulled back the covers too reveal her naked body!.

I said "No you stupid whore I don't want your poxy body!, give me my things, replace them or pay me for them, else you will regret your mistake shortly!".

She said, "there is gold in the chest take it!", I opened it too find a nice fat purse of gold much more than I'd lost but still my gear was not there and I demanded it for my feet freeze I want my boots!.

Suddenly she sprang from the bed with my very own arming dagger she had hidden under the covers, I raised my hand and grasped her in midair suspending her over the bed as I took my dagger from her hand.

I said "you'd have lived had you not done this but now my buxom wench you're goning too die and I guarantee your beautiful body will not remain when they come for your corpse!", I concentrated upon her and she flew over being pinned against the back wall and her skin began too sag and melt until her insides spilled out upon the floor but yet she still gasphed and with that I pointed my finger toward her gorey head sending a bolt of lightening into it and exploding her head over most of the room.

I took my dagger and searched the covers finding the sheath hidden under them and took her fat purse of gold but most else was now soiled with her bloody insides and I left this room and went back downstairs too the bar .

The tavern owner was still not too be seen but I could see a door back through the back I assumed was his and I wished that door tooburst apart and reveal the room too me which it did!.

He and his wife hid behind the bed and I walked toward them and demanded "Innkeeper I was robbed at your inn and I have good reason too believe you responsible for this, my gear was stolen ,my money, my boots, my horse and all I had now compensate me or I'll bring this cess pit down around your ears!".

He quickly scream "What sir name it and I'll get it if you give me a chance but I had no choice in what happened the Count controls everything I had no choice!", to him I said "This I believe but my things are still gone!.

He replied I cannot return your own items but give you my own things I can!, he fetched a shirt, moccassins, belt, a finely woven blanket and lastly threw a purse down upon it saying if this would appease you then take it but spare us!.

I told his wife too fetch me a bottle of maderia and dressed in his clothes, sticking my dagger into the belt with the two purses I'd managed too gain, then asked what of my horse? as his wife brought back the maderia.

He said theres more in that purse than would pay for a horse but sir I've no horse myself, please accept this and leave us in peace, so I wrapped the blanket around my shoulders and left the inn drinking my maderia and walking back toward camp, I could feel Caitlyn was near and I spoke too her "Dear sister you arrive after the work has been done! but do hurry my feet are tired and not used too walking!".

I could hear her laughing in my mind and she said "You brother are your own worst enemy!, I'll be there soon!", so on I walked getting quite a buzz upon the maderia on a very empty stomach!.

[NORSEMAN]

I actually enjoyed my walk down the road now withiut my freezing feet but I wondered what was taking Caitlyn and Jasper so long and then something called out too me in my mind like a sudden yell!, it was Jasper screaming! "Help me make him let me go!".

Jasper I said calm down what has happened why do you seem so frustrated has something happened too Caitlyn?.

Jasper said "No I was with her we were coming too get you and suddenly everything went black and now I'm in some kind of  room or something!, its very dark and I can't see how too get out!, I can hear Caitlyn talking very faitly and its my voice answering her but its not me!, Robert help me!.

Jasper I said I'm with you and your not alone!, I'm not sure what has happened but try and remember your not alone let me talk too the Hermit he can advise me now remain quiet your safe!.

Hermit!, Hermit!, Hermit!, I called with my mind and he appeared there before me eatting a chicken leg!, Robert what can be so absolutely awful that I can't finish my lunch?.

I forgot all the reasons I called him and said "do spirits need too eat?, he replied what do you think I am a ghost?, no I don't need too eat but I like too eat and I like chicken but surely you've called me for a better reason than too learn of the dietary habits of the other plane!.

Oh I'm sorry Hermit you just threw me!, but I did need your help Jasper is terribly afraid and something has happened he's is a black place he says!.

Black place mmmmh!, sounds like he's been possessed too me!, if he has serious it is you should hurry too Caitlyn she  will no doubt need your help but more I must find out of this spirit I hadn't senced such and that is unusual!.

But Hermit I said I've no horse how can I do more than run too her, have you learned nothing Robert he said?, you hadn't a weapon in the castle but destroyed the entire place you did!.
You barely use the power you are capabile of mow see Caitlyn in your mind and take yourself there!.

I said "But"

The Hermit replied no Buts, Concentrate and make it so!, then he disappeared so I closed my eyes and thought of Caitlyn and I could feel the wind blowing strongly and I felt like I was floating and suddenly I was there at her side!, she looked at me and laughed!, what on Earth is that get up your wearing?".

Its a long story little sister!, what has happened too Jasper!, I turned too see his body standing there but I senced it truly was not he who stood before us!.

[SarviaRose]

"Hello brother, meet Vavrin"

Caitlyn waved a hand to the man in Jasper's body. It didn't miss Robert's notice that Johnny hovered very close to Caitlyn and put him self in between Caitlyn and Vavrin. It also didn't miss his notice that Caitlyn looked upset and worried.

"Hello Vavrin, why have you done this to my sister?"

"Ah you must be Robert. I have heard Jasper talking with you only vaugely and I can't make out most of it. You are protective are you?"

"I've lived most of my life without my family and I am not going to lose them now."

"I miss my family also and my Alzbeta. How lives on in your sister."

"You can not force her and Jasper apart so you can hope that this Alzbeta come out. I know that even though they my be the same they are different people."

"I know that just as Jasper and I are the same and yet different"

Robert was getting frustrated with Vavrin.

"Don't worry Robert I haven't been able to get a straight answer out him either now why he has taken Jasper"

Anger flashed in Caitlyn's eyes.

"Caitlyn please I mean you no harm. I just want to be here again for awhile."

"How long is awhile?"

"I don't know yet. You will remember me Caitlyn I know you will just as the memories of the other Gypsy Queens are in you so are the memories of Alzbeta"

"What if I don't want to remember Vavrin?"

For the first time Vavrin looked sad. He took a step towards Caitlyn and as she backed up Robert and Johnny stepped in front of her.

"Vavrin if you harm her I will find some way to hurt you" Robert told him and Johnny nodded in agreement.

"Brothers stop. He has already taken the person that means the most to me he can't hurt me more than that. I know I can't kill you for it will ruin any chance at getting Jasper back. Lets head back to the caravan."

[NORSEMAN]

I'm sorry little sister!, I wasn't thinking of your feelings!.

But Vavrin!, you should sit down!, he looked strangely at me!.

Yes Vavrin sit down!, and he finally sat down then I put him too sleep!, Caitlyn looked at me and said "please don't hurt him!", I told her "never fear little sister we may not be able too disposess Vavrin but we can certainally make his stay unpleasant now can't we?.

I picked up pooe Jasper and placed him in the saddle of his horse, Caitlyn rode beside him and I racked my mind thinking "How can we handle this character?".

Then it came too me that Caitlyn said something about his love being in her memories and I thought perhaps I can use this against him!, "Caitlyn do you have any memories of his lover?", I think this may be the way we can contol him! for surely poor Jasper cannot handle such but you can easily kill her spirits memories and survive!, what do you think dear sister?.

[SarviaRose]

"I don't remember anything yet brother. But I have so many memories of past lives it is crowded in there at time. I don't even know if he is telling the truth."

Robert looked at his sister. "I think he is he knew you are a gypsy royal."

The traveled using magic to get back to Fenella hoping she had any ideas about helping them. They received odd looks when they came into camp with Jasper's body laying over the horse.

"Jasper is okay I think."

Caitlyn told people as they rushed to help with Jasper fearing him hurt. Everyone stared at her.

"Take him to our wagon. Fenella can you meet us there? I want to spend some time alone. Robert will be able to feel you in on what has happened"

Grabbing a change of clothes Caitlyn headed to woods beside the camp and called up water and once she had created a pond she jumped in and swam trying to think about what to. She was starting to relax when visions of Vavrin and Alzbeta started to crawl into her head. The couple looked very much liked Jasper and her but not quite. Caitlyn swam to the surface and laid down on the shore and closed her eyes hoping to get information that might help them get Vavrin to leave.

"Caitlyn?"

"Yes this is her. Who are you?"

"Alzbeta."

"You're her? Why has Vavrin done this?"

"He was cursed to wander this world until he found me again. The men of our village did not like him they cursed him as a witch and evil. He was not he was kind and gentle and protected us. They where jealous of the powers he had. They killed me and than accused him of it so they could kill him. He was in such grief he did not fight back."

[NORSEMAN]

Johnny and I watched as the men carried Jasper into the wagon, he asked what I could do and I replied "The firest thing that comes too mind is hang the arrogant little prince up by his feet and give him an enema! but Caitlyn would myrder both of us!, no I think we should just let him sleep until she returns then she can revive him if she wishes!.

As for now its best too just let him sleep for if he holds Jasper prisoner within his body we can easily hold him there as well!.

I turned too Johnny and asked "Now tell me this girl that makes you so happy!, who is she?".

Poor Johnny turned red and stomped away saying "why is it that you and Caitlyn get all the powers and I don't!", I laughed but I really knew if I embarassed him he'd leave me alone and I had something new too try!, this time instead of calling the Hermit I was going too try and visit him where ever it is he goes!.

I walked too our own wagon and sat down upon the bunk and began too concentrate and look in my mind for the Hermit and then at long last I could feel his presence and it was too that I went too!.

Once there I knew this place "its the cave in which he lived!, then I was startled too hear him call my name", Robert he yelled!, how did you mmmmh well actually I know how you did that I just didn't think you were capabile of it as yet but it was inevitable  you eventually would show up here!, come see my home!.

I said but isn't this the cave where you lived?, he replied "mmmh still can hide somethings from you I can!, this is the cave its just the cave in a different plane of existance!, but I warn you NEVER go outside of this cave here least your with me for what lies beyond this cave is much different than anything you've ever experienced!".

I agreed for I knew by his countanence that he wasn't kidding!, there must be things out there that time has not seen in generations and things left best unseen!,  I asked him what can you tell me of this Vivran?, he seems not evil but he's quite a nuisance too Caitlyn, personally I'd simply scatter whats left of the human body over the four corners of the Earth and find another but it seems my sister hasn't the same inclinations as I do!.

The Hermit replied "I told you that she was the light, you were the dark, where you'd simply destroy the shell of Jasper and move on too another one of your discusting wenches she cannot do this!, she has strong inclinations too save things and she loves this mortal Jasper, you must help her and not hinder her with your vile suggestions!.
I've not found out much of Vivran other than he existed once and was killed as a witch but Caitlyn should know much more than I for she holds greater powers than I she is just still learning how too use them as you are and now Robert go back too your wagon!.

Suddenly I was back at the wagon!, damned Hermit!, I just have too wait for Caitlyn!.

[SarviaRose]

"Alzbeta I just want my Jasper back. Vavrin knows how it feels he saw you taken from him why?"

"Oh Caitlyn I don't know what to tell you. It must be part of the curse and he feels that only you can do to make his spirit to rest"

"But what is it?"

"I don't know Cait. Let me send out my memories of us. They might help, but I suggest you head back to camp for I don't know how it will effect you."

Caitlyn got up and changed into the dry clothes she had brought with her and changed the land back to the way it was. As she neared the camp she thought about what she had learned. Instead of heading to her wagon she went to find Robert.

"Brother, I remember Alzbeta she was killed by the town she and Vavrin lived in they did not think he was worthy of her and than blamed him for her death and killed him."

"I know a little of this I visited the Hermit"

"She is going to give me her memories tonight well I sleep. She doesn't know why he is doing this either she says he was cursed but did not know what it all included."

"Do you want me to put sleep on you tonight?"

"I haven't decided but I think I will. I am going to talk with Vavrin"

Caitlyn left her brother and headed to her wagon it surprised her that Johnny and her father where guarding it.

"Dear daughter are you sure you want to go in there?"

"Yes father I know he won't hurt me."

Without another word entered the wagon. Vavrin was still sleeping, Caitlyn pulled the sleep from him.

"Oh remind me not to anger your brother."

"As long as you give me Jasper back and don't harm me you have no reason to fear Robert."

"You and your brother hold great power. I can feel it in you and in him"

"We are still learning. The hermit says I am the light and he is the dark."

"You are lucky your family and friends have accepted you. They did not accept it from me or Alzbeta."

"Robert and I grew up apart from each other and our family. I was married before to an awful man who Jasper killed and is now a side show act"

"This man angers me. I can hear the pain."

"Stop Vavrin, I have no love for you. Alzbeta even doesn't understand why you are doing this."

Vavrin stopped and stared at her.

"She visited you? Is she okay?"

"She is fine but doesn't know how to free you and bring your spirit to rest. Tonight when I sleep she is going to give me her memories"

[NORSEMAN]

Caitlyn had come too me once she returned and said she was going too recieve in her dreams Alzbeta's memories!, then something suddenly dawned upon me it this spirit was about here that possessed Jasper then its likely his life was once around here so Johnny and I saddled the horses and started looking around the small villages in this area for anyone who might have heard of the story!.

Most claimed no knowledge of it and I used my powers too see they were telling the truth, but we moved on village too village and finally far too the East of our camp in a little township as we entered I could see the ruins of a castle and this I felt too be Vavrins home!.

We rode in but you could see imediately this town wasn't friendly and the shutters on most homes slammed shut once they saw strangers in town but we rode on and come too the local tavern there once inside I asked several men of the story of the castle on the edge of town and all claimed its always been there but they knew nothing of its history, then they began too amass in one corner talking lowly among themselves and looking our way Johnny became frieghtened but I assured him these men could not harm us even though they might think they could!.

Finally the biggest of the group drank enough grog too bolster his courage enough too come tell us too leave!, they were even more aamazed when he stopped in midentence and began telling me the story he knew of Vavrin!.

The fool went on too say the castle isn't Vavrins at all!, but belonged too Alzbeta's father, Vavrin was just a local woodsman and believed too be in league with the devil and we killed him , we killed them all!.
I asked him more but this wretch knew no more this had all happened along time ago during the times of they're fathers and this is all he knew!.

Just for fun I took possession of his feeble mind and sent him too the bar too pay for our drinks then turned him toward his astonished friends and ordered him too throw them out while we finished drinking which he did!, then once finished he returned and I told him "You forgot one!, yourself!", so he suddenly turned and threw himself through the large window in front and they all scampered away!.

This is an evil place I thought but maybe I should go get Caitlyn and let her see this castle!.

[NORSEMAN]

Johnny and I started back toward the camp, he wanted me too use my powers too take us there but I don't know why I've never really liked too use magic and besides I like the cool fresh air blowing in my face as we ride the country backroads its so enjoyable too me, finally Johnnies complaining becaome intollerable so I sent him back too camp, well not really back too camp just about 15 miles North of it on the main road!.

He was crushing my good mood!.

I rode on quietly enjoying myself not far from the village when suddenly I could hear screaming!, distant but it was screaming, ,yelling and sounded like a battle.

I rode up the embankment and through the thick brush towards the noise which grew louder as I moved toward it, finally after working my way threw this brushy maze I found myself on a small ridge over looking the castle that we'd seen when entering this village, the sounds were coming from there and it was a battle!, poor tortured souls from long ago forever locked in the last deadly moments of they're existance fighting forever, never dying, never finishing the battle!.

I felt a wave of saddness sweep over me and I wanted too help these poor wretches but I knew I hadn't the power or the knowledge it took too free them for there are things upon this Earth which are without explination and I knew this too be one!.

I turned my horse and slowly rode away hoping that when my end comes it shall be more peacefull than this, I turned and looked back but now the spirits had gone back into the shadows of time, it was now I felt that my powers were justified and I used them too return too our camp, I even brought Johnny back, there has been enough suffering this day!, I must consult Fenella or find something very strong too drink!.

[NORSEMAN]

I felt bad about the ghosts from the castle and decided too return too the wagon and get something too drink this done my mood improved vastly! so I went in search of Fenella!.

I went too her wagon and I suppose being a little tipsy I opened the door too yell to her and too my surprise I found the Hermit!, inside upon the bed tied too the bed posts!!!, mmmh so this is where he has been hanging out I thought!.

The Hermit screamed at me "Shut the door you heathen can't you see I'm rather tied up right now!", thus in shock I slammed the door finding my buzz too suddenly be knocked from me! and I turned to find Fenella half dressed coming back through the bushes carrying a honeycomb from a beehive!.

I asked no questions for I liked hiney and didn't want too loose the pleasant thoughts I had of it!.

Fenella looked too me and grinned nervously and said "Well sometimes I get lonely!", I stopped her and said no explination needed! and immediately returned too my wagon for something much stronger too take those memories away! far far away!.

[NORSEMAN]

Well considering I can do nothing else too help Jasper I thought I'd put my time into something destructive as usual!.

Since we had been at this camp I have not scouted out much of the locality and since it was a new day I decided it was a fine day for exploration, Johnny refused too go with me today for he was still upset over my trick on him yesterday so I ventured out alone which is actually the way I like it.

The forests in this part of the Italian countryside are breath taking, the rolling hills we are in that lead out of the Alps are very abundant with game and this is a very old region, I continued down the small country road we were camped near and soon came toward an even smaller lane heading back through the trees this lane was much covered with vegitation but still clearly once a fine Roman road and I followed it many miles eventually coming too the ruins of a very very old Villa, the walls were still standing in places but were long collapsed in others and it appeared the locals had reused much of the stone too build they're own things.

I rambled around this old foundation going as I could from what would have been room too room until I came too the part of the villa which was still somewhat intact, I used my sword too hack my way through the thick viney growth covering the door and as I hacked my way through I noticed the construction of the flooring seemed too change it was harder and firmer than the other so I took an old board and began too dig through the years of litter built up upon it both natural and much of it appearing too be pottery the locals had broken by throwing into this room.

Kids I thought!.

But I continued scraping around and noticed a sparkle upon the floor and as I uncovered more and more of it I found this wasn't a single sparkle but a large mosaic of a very beautiful woman!, I became entranced with this beauty and uncovered almost all her portrait, she had an almost unnatural beauty and I found myself longing too have met this comely wench when I heard a rustle behind me.

I turned too see her standing there her long curling hair sort of a sandy blondish color waving in the slight breeze, her face was exactly like the face upon the mosaic it was made by the very hand of God himself!, her body was curvy and the white satin dress she wore did little too hide her full breasts or womanly charms, I feel in love with her at once!, she smiled as thought she loved the attention I showed for her in my eyes and seemed to float backward motioning too me to follow her.

It took me several seconds too manuver through this maze of thorny brambles and vines and upon exiting the room all I saw of her was a satiny blur moving around the corner beyond the room I'd just entered and I ran toward her too behold her beauty just once more and she disappeared into the next room I followed too find it completely changed!, what had once been a ruin was now a beautiful villa, there were servants shuffling back and fourth and inside this plush room upon a couch lay the gorgeous woman I started toward her when I saw another form in the shaded room ,it was a Roman officer and he looked insane and sneaked up behind her with his dagger posed and ready!.

I called too her a warning but it seemed not too pass my lips and I seemed almost frozen watching the death of my beautiful woman as the Roman officer plunged his dagger deep into her breast!, I realized like a fool that what I was seeing had happened long ago and it was a ghostly play being reenacted for my benefit!.

The officer made sure shr was dead and then set this magestic home upon fire running the servants outside before him and refusing too let them fight the conflaguration within they're once home!, the fire burned all around me and the beautiful woman crumpled and burned as a beautiful poem when thrown into the fire!.

I shut my eyes thinking what had she done too deserve this then I reopened my eyes too find the villa back in ruins!, I walked toward the corner where her couch once was, it was covered with burned beams and piles of burned debris but I dug threw it and found a bone then another.

I took off my own cloak and laid it neatly upon the floor, upon it I placed the beauties bones and carefully laid her dainty skull, I even found a scorched remnant of the dress she'd wore when she appeared before me and I placed it also upon the cloak, desperately I dug through the rest and uncover several things she had a bracelet, several rings a necklace, belt and some combs, all I placed upon this pile with her remains.

Gently I folded the corners of the cloak over her and tenderly carried her outside too a small clearing that somehow I knew she'd loved it still had grape vines and what was left of once beautiful stone work and there I dug her a grave with my own hands, this rich soil dug easily and soon I had a place prepared for her and after the simple cermemony I could preform over her remains I buried her still wrapped in my own cloak as best I could and mounded the dirt up, I noticed some wild flowers growing nearby and I gathered her a bouquet and placed it upon her grave.

I felt bad that I had no stone of worthyness too mark such a beauties grave and simply lines the edges with pieces of the polished marble I found about the ruins and sat with her for a very long time when she showed me her life and how this all once looked then she smiled at me the most beautiful smile I've ever seen and faded into the golden light of the dying day, I gathered my things and walked back toward the horse tied in front of the ruins and there upon the marble post where I had tied my horse lay a dainty handkerchief of silk and upon it lay a golden ring!, she had left this for me as a gift and I thought of her and her beauty as I folded it and placed it into the leather pouch upon my side and began the ride back too camp but I'd never forget the beautiful Roman lady!.

[NORSEMAN]

I was suddenly awaken in the middle of the night by the Hermit yelling "I want too try something!", it took me a while too assertain if this was a dream or he was really there but I soon too my dismay realized he was very much standing there inside the wagon and now even Johnny was awake!.

The Hermit exclaimed I believe I have something!, do you remember the castle ruins where the ghostly soldiers fought forever in time?, I replied "Yes".

He said then that just may be the key you see this all works rather magnetically too put it in laymans terms!, they may or may not be of the same era that this Vavrin is from but the extreme magnetic field they generate might be strong enough too pull him out of poor Jasper!, but then the problem you see is confining him afterward!, we simply cannot get him into a cell and lock the door as you already know!.

He went further too claim that if nothing else he might be able too be drawn  out enough too let poor Jasper regain control with Caitlyns help!, you see if she could use her powers something like a whirlpool drawing him into it and depositing him inside a special bottle that I had engraved with spells upon the inside so that a spirit even him cannot get free of this bottle least you set him so!.

Still being half asleep I nodded but still comprhended little of what the Hermit said!, but I did go too Caitlyn and tell her and she was even more apprehensive claiming the fragility of a spirit even Jaspers could be damaged leaving him a vegtable but she said she'd worked long hours with Fenella and had no luck dispossessing this nuissance from Jaspers body so she said if Fenella agrees then so do I!.

So once again during the middle of this strange night we went too another wagons door and pounded upon it awakening Fenella and we told her the story!, she said it sounded right but shes not sure!, Caitlyn said she wanted too try so we all gathered our gear and set out toward the old castle!.

Vavrin complained greatly of being awaken at this hour but I appeased him by giving him a bottle of wine and he drank as he rode exclaiming he'd not tasted spirits since his death! and then became quite agreeable.

I had my doubts but if it would free this troublesome spirit from my little sisters lover then I would try!.

We arrived very early before dawn at the castle and found everything quite!, no ghosts about so the Hermit claimed all we can do is wait for a portal too open before we can go further!.

I built a fire and we all settled back down around it and soon fell asleep, now we must wait!.

[SarviaRose]

"Robert how much longer do we have to wait do you think?"

"I don't know little sister. The hermit should be back soon with news"

"Vavrin is getting drunk off the spirits you gave him. Something is blocking Alzbeta from sharing her memories with me, she is getting frustrated with it all also"

"What is she like? When I was visiting the villages the other day they claimed it was her families' land not his"

"She gives the same story he has given us my guess is the villagers where jealous of him and got some untrained or evil witch or wizard to curse him after they killed him. I am sorry to say her father was not a nice person very close to Harrington"

Robert watched a shiver go through her as she said his name.

"Evil lives in every time not just or own. History only remember the winners not the truth sometimes."

"I just want Jasper to be free as Alzbeta wants Vavrin to be."

"Little sister why don't you go rest I set up a tent. You look tried"

"Keep an eye on Vavrin and let me know when the portal opens."

Caitlyn headed towards the tent, as she walked in she was greeted by an image that looked very near like her own but softer and more innocent.

"Oh Caitlyn my dear do not be afraid you know me."

"Yes I know you Alzbeta. I wish I could hug you. I know you want him back but the portal hasn't opened yet and we aren't even sure it will work."

"It will work Cait do not worry but before it will Jasper is going to have to be able to fight Vavrin's control. Please to not hate him he just wants to be with me but he doesn't know how to get to me and thinks that you and I are the same; which is partially true but you and I know for as much as we share we are different."

"Do you have any idea how to help?"

"I have one idea and I pray you forgive me for it. But first you must go to sleep and rest."

Caitlyn laid down on the furs and blankets and before long she was fast asleep. Alzbeta watched over and prayed that Caitlyn would forgive her for what she was going to do. Alzbeta called to Vavrin asking him to come to her and join her in the tent where Caitlyn was sleeping. Robert noticed a voice in the wind and was not sure what to do he turned to the hermit who had returned.

"Hermit what is that?"

"It is Alzbeta calling to Vavrin. She has a plan and I pray you let her try though I know you will not like it."

"What is she doing Hermit?" Robert almost yelled.

"She is going to try and force Jasper to gain control well she makes Vavrin think Caitlyn is really her."

"What? No Hermit not after what Harrington has done to her. If Cait wakes up to find Vavrin laying with her she will kill him and that would kill her."

"Alzbeta has thought of that she is going make Cait think it is Jasper but she knows she can not fool Cait for more than a few minutes because of her powers."

"I don't like this hermit."

"Nor I but is the only thing we can think of to make Jasper gain control. It is an evil trick Robert to cause her pain and hurt but I think that is what will bring Jasper back. And besides it has already started."

Robert looked around frighted as he saw Vavrin enter the tent where his sister slept. He also head Alzbeta asking him to forgive her. The hermit had to force Robert to stay. 

"Please Robert we are close that if it does go to far we can stop it"

"Hermit I hate this plan"

Caitlyn was dreaming to being held by Jasper of his kisses, it felt so real to her. She slowly opened her eyes to see Jasper. She smiled and kissed him.

"Oh Alzbeta I have missed you."

This caused Caitlyn to freeze it was Vavrin not Jasper.

"Stop Vavrin, I'm not Alzbeta."

"Of course you are."

"Robert!" Caitlyn yelled

Outside the tent the hermit had to hold him back. "Just a little more time Robert."

Jasper could see the frighted look in Caitlyn's eyes as Vavrin tried again to kiss her again.

"Vavrin stop this. I will not allow you to hurt her like this"

Vavrin didn't answer back all Jasper could see was Caitlyn trying to fight him and than she called out for him.

"Please Jasper help me"

This was what Jasper needed he called on the power he knew he had and on Caitlyn to help him.

"Cait!!"

Caitlyn looked up at the sound of Jasper's voice.

"Jasper you can do this I'll help you somehow."

"And so will I" Alzbeta said.

[NORSEMAN]

Somehow the Hermit had cast a spell too lock me in place as he dashed over toward the tent where Caitlyn was, I could see it all but was helpless too do anything about it.

Jaspers body started too vibrate very very quickly from side too side and it began too look as if he were becoming two but then I realized this was Jasper and Vavrin fighting one too stay and the other too seperate this demon, Caitlyn used her powers and Alzbeta begged Vavrin too release him but yet he held on dispite all the power against him finally the Hermit began too run toward and grabbed at Vavrin and appeared too be holding him.

It was now that I noticed the Vortex had opened up nearly at the edge of our camp and its power was drawing things towards it!, small objects like pots, sticks, leaves, dust but it was becoming stronger and then I noticed inside the vortex you could see the men who fought the battle that went on forever standing still watching this scene unfold.

The tent started coming loose at the bottom and flapped hard against the pull of the vortex as it became ever stronger and suddenly the Hermit turned toward me and said "You my son have learned all I can teach you so now I give you this last gift, use it wisely!".

The hermit struggled against Vavrin as the Vortex began too draw them near it, then he raised one hand and pointed toward me and suddenly I was knocked too the ground as though lightening itsself had struck me!, he passed his knowledge too me! and suddenly I had the power too break his own spell that locked me in place but it was too late too intervene for I knew now that when Vavrin and Alzbeta were drawn into the Vortex the Hermit would as well!.

But he spoke too me in my mind and he said "My life has been since near the beginning, I'm tired and I want too traverse the other plane of existance morn not for me for an adventure I seek, yours was a good company but now is your time!, mine is at an end!, goodbye my son!".