Consequences Unforeseen

Istanbul 1991 and Constantinople 1452-53

Istanbul May 1991 and Constantinople 1452-53

He came awake abruptly, the sound of an ecstatic yell of satisfaction ringing in his ears. The lights came on at the slap of his hands and his eyes searched the chamber for who in God’s name had given him the rude awakening.

He would have been more than surprised if anyone was actually there, and he needn’t have registered this thought because there was indeed no evidence of a human presence at all.

There was however an unmistakable scent in the air. Not Heather’s subtle perfume, but the undeniable and musky aroma of recent sexual activity.

Now wide awake and perplexed Bill Douglas got up, crossed the chamber and began the eighteen foot climb up the spiral stairway to the door which opened onto the castle roof.

The smell was weaker the higher he got and he was enthusiastic about the fresh air available just a few more steps away.

He was not disappointed. The air was now clear and free from visible moisture and the night was alight with a full and silver moon bathing the city and Bosporus below in a glorious glow. The bridges crossing the Straight glistened in lights of their own making. The entire view was breathtaking and unique.

He became so engrossed in the panorama stretching three hundred and sixty degrees around him that he forgot why he had come out here in the first place.

It took the familiar voice of his Uncle John to bring him back to the moment.

The little voice in his head said “Laddie there are ghosts here, in this place, which only you an’ me can hear. Ye’ll hear them speakin’ in yer head. Ye’ll smell them like they’re there wi’ ye and ye’ll feel their triumphs an’ fears like they’re yer own.” His Uncle said this on this very roof almost thirty years ago and it seemed to Douglas that it was but a ripple in time.

His Uncle continued, “You an’ me, ma boy, are too alike. Ye look like me, ye sound like me and one day ye’ll kill like me. It is in your blood. I feel our ancestors everywhere I go and I know that you will too. It’s not reincarnation like the good reverend goes on about, because you an’ me boy are standin’ here livin’ an’ breathin’, but I tell ye now, ye’ll hear me long after I’m gone.”

The Douglas felt that his Uncle and several others of his Clan had now joined him on the roof and he fought the urge to turn around and look.

John continued, “Don’t fear them when they speak. Don’t criticize them for their deeds, because as ye’ll learn, times change. Think back to Dunnottar Castle an’ the secret steps an’ tunnel ye discovered as if my magic. The steps that allowed ye to save yer cousin Janice. Mark my words; we have been connected for a thousand years or more.”

Bill Douglas continued to stand there looking over the city until the sun started to show over the eastern horizon, bathing the Bosporus Bridge in a golden light. In the time spent he recalled the story of his ancestors here in this land of intrigue…

Constantinople 1452 - '53

Archibald Douglas, Earl of Moray, lay naked and flat on his back. Standing looking down on him and with feet planted on each side of his torso was a girl so beautiful he was tingling in anticipation.

Her face was lightly veiled but he could just make out her fine features and opal eyes looking down into his. Her body though he could see very clearly, every curve and secret crevice. She was perfect. Muscled, well defined breasts with strong hips and thighs. She smiled at him as she continued stroking herself sensually back and forth. Teasing him with great and slow deliberation. He couldn’t resist and reached up for her but she brushed his hands away, touching him intimately as she repositioned herself.