Chapter 21

The Shadow of Lord Barabus

Chapter Two: The Shadow of Lord Barabus Moonlight spilled across the Carpathian Mountains as Marishka and Prince Mihail rode toward Poenari Castle. The ancient fortress stood high above the valley, its stone walls glowing faintly beneath the stars while torchlight flickered along the winding road. Marishka's floor-length crimson hair streamed behind her as she guided her black horse up the mountain path. Beside her rode Mihail upon his magnificent white horse, his golden hair shining beneath the moon. Neither rider spoke for several moments. At last Mihail looked toward the distant fortress. "Something is wrong." Marishka's green eyes narrowed. "Yes," she answered quietly. "The castle is surrounded by magic." But it was not her magic. High within Poenari's oldest tower, King Mathias stood before a great stone window. His expression was troubled. He had received word that strange riders had been seen throughout the mountains, and several villages had reported mysterious lights moving among the forests. Behind him stood Lord Varabus. Varabus wore a magnificent black cloak clasped with silver. To anyone unfamiliar with him, he appeared to be a loyal nobleman. But beneath his calm expression was a dangerous ambition. "My king," Varabus said smoothly, "the sorceress has returned." Mathias turned sharply. "Marishka?" "She rides beside your son." The king's face became grim. "I know." Varabus stepped closer. "Then perhaps the time has come to decide whether she is friend or enemy." Mathias studied him carefully. "Be very careful, Varabus. I have known Marishka since she was a child. She has never betrayed this kingdom." Varabus smiled. "Not yet." Far below the castle, Marishka suddenly stopped her horse. Mihail reined in his white horse beside her. "What is it?" She dismounted and placed one hand upon the earth. The wind died. Even the forest seemed to hold its breath. "There is someone inside Poenari who has been calling upon an ancient power," Marishka whispered. "Someone who wants the castle—and the kingdom." Mihail's expression hardened. "Varabus." Marishka looked toward the castle. "Yes." Together they continued toward the fortress. Neither knew that Varabus had already prepared his trap. When the great gates of Poenari opened, dozens of torches illuminated the courtyard. Soldiers stood along the walls, watching silently as Marishka and Mihail entered. At the top of the stone staircase stood King Mathias. For a moment, father and son simply looked at one another. Then Mathias descended the steps. "Mihail, you have returned." The prince bowed respectfully. "I have, Father." Mathias looked toward Marishka. "And you have brought her with you." Marishka lowered her head. "I came because your kingdom is in danger." Before Mathias could answer, a cold voice echoed from the shadows. "Or perhaps she came because she intends to claim it." Lord Varabus stepped into the torchlight. Mihail immediately moved between Varabus and Marishka. But Marishka gently stopped him. "There is no need." Her green eyes fixed upon Varabus. "You have been searching for something beneath this castle." Varabus's smile disappeared. Mathias looked at his lord in astonishment. "What is she talking about?" Marishka pointed toward the oldest tower of Poenari. "Something was buried beneath these mountains centuries ago. Something powerful enough to destroy an entire kingdom." A distant rumble shook the castle. The torches flickered. Then, from somewhere deep beneath Poenari, came the sound of a tremendous stone door opening. Everyone fell silent. Varabus slowly smiled again. "At last." Marishka realized the terrible truth. Varabus had not been waiting for her. He had been waiting for the door to open. And whatever lay beneath Poenari Castle was now awake. King Mathias drew his sword. "Mihail, take the guards and secure the lower passages." The prince nodded. "And Marishka?" The king looked at the sorceress. "You are the only one who may understand what lies below." Marishka looked toward the dark stairway. "Then I will go." Mihail stepped forward. "Not alone." For the first time that night, Marishka smiled. Together they descended into the darkness beneath Poenari while King Mathias gathered his soldiers above. Behind them, Lord Varabus quietly followed. And deep beneath the castle, something ancient opened its eyes.