Chapter 2

Some people believe in fate. Some call it destiny. Some like to believe that we have no control over it while others seem to believe we all create our destiny. These were the questions Lark would ask himself many years later as he regretted the events set in motion that night. The events of one night created a path into the future, centuries ahead.

Lark thought he had made it. He thought he had not been seen when he left his place behind the tree and headed for the exit. The night was a success in every way he thought. And he had ended it on a high note with a kiss he could never have imagined getting from a girl he swore he would marry. He wanted to see her again before he left but he doubted it would be possible. How and when he would see her again he did not know but he knew he would make every effort to do so.

Lark really believed though that he was free and clear and so when he was suddenly stopped at the main door by a guard, he was surprised. He wondered immediately if someone had seen him pickpocket Eugene. It was all he could think of. He had been spotted by someone and now he would be arrested.

“Come with me,” the guard said. The guard took him by the arm and led him from the exit back into the courtyard. “Do not make a scene boy or things will be worse for you.”

The guard’s grip was firm and painful and Lark had no choice but to accompany the guard who showed no sign of letting up on the grip he had on Lark’s arm. The guard led him around the side of the immense castle and called to another guard who joined them and grasped Lark’s other arm. They led Lark through an archway and down some steps. When they reached the bottom, Lark realized by the dim light from the guards' torches that they were in a dungeon.

“What is this? Why am I here?” Lark asked as they pushed him into a cell. The door clanged shut and they locked it.

“Our master wants to have a word with you,” one of the guards said. Then they were gone.

Eugene nodded as the guard whispered in his ear. He nodded and then continued speaking with his guest as a small smile tweaked the corners of his mouth. Eugene continued to mingle with the guests until they had all left before he headed to the dungeons.

The guards unlocked the cell and let him in. On his instruction, they locked the cell again and left torches in the hallway so there was sufficient light.

Lark stood and watched as Eugene approached. Eugene could see the boy was afraid.

“My Lord, please tell me why I am here. If I have done something bad, I will do my best to right my wrong.”

Eugene stopped before Lark and studied him.

“What is your name?”

“Lark my Lord.”

“Where are you from?”

“Cage, my Lord.”

Eugene smiled at the imagery the boy’s name and the town he hailed from created in his mind. How apt, he thought.

“You were with the Lady Erin this evening am I right?”

Lark did not know what to say. He nodded after a brief hesitation, “I met her briefly my lord.”

“Why?” Eugene asked.

“She is a most remarkable young lady, my Lord. I would be lying if I were to deny being attracted to her.”

Eugene smiled. It wasn’t a pleasant smile. Rather it was a sad smile, a smile that portrayed disappointment, disapproval, dislike, contempt and so much more.

“And do you believe that she shares the same opinion as you?”

Lark knew he might be treading on dangerous ground. “I haven’t asked her, my Lord,” he replied.

Eugene nodded. “Then I shall give you the disappointing news young man. Lady Erin is intended for someone else. Someone who can provide for her and give her a home and keep her in the comforts she is accustomed to. That I am sure, is not something you can do. Am I right?”

Lark licked his lips nervously, “Please my Lord. I will do anything for the lady. If I could just have an opportunity to present myself to her, perhaps she can tell me herself if she would like to give me an opportunity… With your blessing my Lord, I could help you in your business. I am a fast learner and I promise I will work hard.”

Eugene held up his hand as he shook his head. “So, you would be a leech. A parasite sucking off my teat to support my daughter?”

“Please my Lord. I would honestly do my best. I will learn and I add more value to your business than you could ever imagine. I will be worthy. I am worthy.”

Eugene’s face hardened. “Worthy? You do not even know the meaning of the word, I think. You will never be worthy. You are not welcome in my house and I never want to see you here again. If I ever catch you on my property, I will have you thrown in this dungeon for the rest of your life, or worse. No-one will know you are here and no-one will ever find you. Do you understand me?”

“But my Lord, please…”

Eugene swung his hand and struck Lark with a backhand blow that sent him reeling and stars spinning.

“Do you understand me?” he asked again.

Lark struggled to his feet and looked at Eugene. He wasn’t going to leave here until Eugene heard what he wanted to hear.

He wiped his mouth and felt his cheek swelling. He nodded as he looked at Eugene. “Yes my Lord. I understand.”

“Good. Then you are free to go, I do not wish to ever see you here again.”

“Yes, my Lord,” Lark said.

Eugene called for the guards without taking his eyes off Lark. The guards unlocked the door and Eugene left.

“Show this boy to the gate. He is never to be allowed to return.” Eugene disappeared up the stairs and was gone before the guards led Lark to the gate.

Eugene entered Erin’s chambers.

“Father, you should knock,” Erin admonished him.

“I’m sorry,” Eugene said insincerely. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“What about father?”

Eugene moved around the room to the window where he saw the guards leading Lark across the courtyard.

“Do you know what a Scarlet Letter is Erin?” Eugene asked evenly.

Yes father,” Erin replied. “Why are you bringing that up now?”

“Would you like to have a Scarlet Letter?”

“No father,” Erin replied, fear creeping into her voice.

“You were fraternizing with a boy tonight.”

“Who? With Harold?” Erin asked feigning misunderstanding. “You introduced us.”

“The boy behind the tree,” Eugene said not turning around but watching Erin’s reflection in the glass of the window.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about father,” Erin lied. She realized her father was looking at her reflection in the glass. She knew he could not see her reflection blush though.

“You do Erin. Do not lie to me. I have had the boy removed from the castle. I have told him never to return unless he wishes to suffer dire consequences. If I should find you with him, you will have a Scarlet Letter, understood?”

Erin was silent as she absorbed her father’s remark.

“Do you understand?” Eugene repeated.

“Yes father,” Erin said sadly. “But I will not see Harold again. He is a bore.”

“You,” Eugene turned and came to stand before Erin tilting her head up to meet his gaze, “will do as I say when it comes to choosing a husband. Is that clear? You have demonstrated your poor judgment time and again when it comes to boys. You will do as I say.”

“I won’t father,” Erin said as tears filled her eyes. “I’m not some object that you can simply trade like your businesses.”

“You will do as I say for you will never have my blessing otherwise. Am I clear?”

Erin said nothing as tears ran down her cheeks.

“I’ll take your silence and your tears as a yes,” Eugene said before turning and leaving the room.