Castlevania Nocturne: A Sneak Peak

Sneak Peak: A Rat's Eye View

" You do an incredible kindness and I can't thank you enough." Amalie held the large basket of food and blankets. "But you shouldn't risk your lives and reputation for me."

"It's a risk worth taking." Francis insisted. "Emma saved my life and I have to repay her for what she did,"

"We could not stand back and leave you to be shunned." his mother insisted. "We know you're a wise woman, not a witch. You helped one of our own, let us help one of hers."

Amalie smiled. "You're good people. Stay safe and stay out of town. This vampire 'Messiah's got a thrall on Machecoul that can't be shaken off. I don't want you hurt."

"We'll avoid the disbelievers." Francis's father promised. "Those turncoats were bad enough, now we have a she- demon corrupting the common people? This never would have happened if the king wasn't overthrown."

"Why didn't Emma make the army go away?" asked Francis.

Amalie smiled and put a hand on the preteen's shoulders. "Because she's on a quest to set things right."

"Will she come back?"

Amalie didn't have the heart to answer that. If Emma did return, it wouldn't be for long. Machecoul became too dangerous for all of her family. Amalie doubted she had any supporters left. She was surprised to find Francis's family at her house when she traveled back for more supplies.

"We must put faith that she will." Mizrak answered for her. "God bless you all. Your kindness won't be forgotten." He carried the basket for Amalie as they returned to the ruins."It's good to know there are some who still keep you in good faith."

"Emma rescued their son from being trapped in a cave three years ago. If anyone would still think of me favorably, it would be them." Emma walked beside him holding her staff. I'm glad that kindness eventually paid off, not that you should expect it to be paid off."

Mizrak nodded in agreement. His eyes caught the ring on Amalie's finger. "You are married."

"I am." Amalie smiled wiggling her fingers. "Over three hundred years! But this ring is recent, Alucard bought it in his travels. I think it's really pretty."

"But you're an angel."

"So?"

"I thought angels were chaste." Mizrak admitted. "Like monks and holy men. They do not marry." At least, that was what he once believed.

"Mizrak." Amalie patted his shoulders. "Earthbound angels are anything but chaste. We follow our hearts and let our bodies take part, it deepens the bonds we establish with each other." She wisely refrained from telling him about Jocasta, or her very passionate tryst with Alucard before he left for Paris. The poor monk's mind must've been boggled enough already.

Indeed Mizrak's mind reeled, yet he felt peace. If angels, the intermediaries between man and the divine saw no sin in it....

"But marriage, yes, marriage is a human construct most don't follow." Amalie continued. "Alucard's the one who proposed to me, and I married him."

"I see." Mizrak blushed. Somehow, this all felt a relief to him.

Returning to the ruins, they heard music playing from inside the shed. "Strange." Amalie placed a hand on her hip. "I don't remember having a violin."

"It's your grandson." Juste grumbled leaning against the shed with his arms crossed.

"What is he doing?" Emma wondered.

"Hell if I know." huffed Juste. "He told me not to disturb him, and set this flea bitten beast at the door to deter me. " He pointed to the goat-like animal guarding the door. It bleated at Juste aggressively.