The brotherhood of wolves

Chapter 16

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

The journey was in most of the time made in silence,each lost in his own thoughts. To make the time pass faster they exchanged a word here and there.
Unlike Radu who was sulking over the break-up with his lover boy which drived Vlad out of his minds in the mater of speaking, Vlad seemed to be blooming with happiness, the long-awaited moment has arrived, he had finally escaped from under the boot of turban-wearing bastards, although he had to admit it that they had did him a favour perfecting him in the art of war and military tactics, plus taking in consideration the high education received from Sultan's mentors and teachers in accordance with his royal status.

The evening settled down in deafening cricket song and scent of wildflowers and freshly cut grass, scythes mowed from the hills of Wallachia and pills up in haystacks by the peasants. From the people's attires and antics no other indication was needed, it was the sight of long lost home. Bonfires lit at almost every crossroad shone in the darkness of the night with thousands of fireflies swarming around the fire in a magical dance. The little luminous insects were paying the ultimate price, attracted by the flames that was burning their wings, perishing without mercy swallowed up by the greedy fire tongues.

Peoples are celebrating until late at night the Day of Pentecost.
According to an ancient tradition our world and the underworld meet on this day, the two worlds are in contact communicating with each other since Joimari. With the celebration of Pentecost the gates of Heaven and Hell will close in place.

This night Spirits of waters and forest named Rusalky, chained in a mad dance travels free, floating over waters and forests. Anyone who steps in their path is severely punished. Garlic and wormwood was worn around the waist and ear as a protection against them by superstitious peoples. Some of the man gathered around the fire where were safe from any wandering evil spirits .
You could feel a tension in the air, most of them seem to rush to the safety of their homes not risking for the night reach them on the roads.

Girls adorned with garlands made of wildflowers in their hair, dress like Rusalky, danced in each other's arms imitating them. Fascinated by young women's wild dance, Vlad with Radu in tow dismounted and approached the small crowd gathered around the bonfire.
Someone nearby offered them a flask of Pálinka, a local brandy. Vlad grabbed greedily taking a mouthful straight from it. The alcohol burned his throat as some of it maked its way down to his guts. Unaccustomed to the strength of Pálinka he choked by spitting half out, in the general laughter of those around him.Wiping his mouth with his shirt sleeve he handed over the flask to his brother who imitated him drinking.
A peasant girl fresh as a summer rain on a sunny morning , with her hair the colour of wheat, who wore on her head a crown made from wildflowers and red poppy skillfully woven together,  eyes as blue as chicory, was distributed rustic food to those present, offered them smoked bacon and a healthy slice of  cheese with fresh bread just out of the oven. The offered dinner although it was simple but filling, was fit for a king.
With a charming smile, Vlad accepted the maid's offering impressed by her beauty and freshness. Bewitched by the beauty of the peasant girl, with a sudden gesture he pulled her into his arms stealing a kiss from her. The girl taken by surprise with cheeks red with shame, broke away from his arms running towards the other girls who were looking at her with envy. He was roguish handsome with a bad-boy aura, his charm captivating both men and women alike.
Laughing, he took his place next to his brother on the still warmed ground floor by the sun's rays from the day that just set, together enjoying the view.
Radu rolling his eyes at the kiss scene shrugging nonchalantly,ostentatiously turned his back on his brother. Vlad who did not seem to be affected by Radu's moods who was jealous for the attention given qto him by others, with belly warmed up by alcohol and food, he was fighting sleep to keep his eyes open. After all tiredness had its say, they spent a good amount of time in the saddle with only few stops. Tiredness dominating him , he wrapped himself in his wide cloak, warmed by the heat of fire he fell asleep in a deep slumber without dreams.
Despite the fatigue he felt, Radu couldn't sleep. He disliked everything, from people to places. He would have given anything to go back, Wallachia was foreign to him and too uncivilized.
He had a mission to fulfill, he thought yawning, delicately covering his mouth with his hand.
"Why the hell he was formalizing for?", he thought chuckling to himself, "For these peasants?" But still good manners were not to be forgotten even in such a conjuncture as this.