The son of the devil

Slow way to recovery

Vlad was in and out of consciousness as he was being fed and his wounds were checked, cleaned and bandaged once again. Tanase was always by his side, his face appearing in his field of vision whenever he looked around. From his pleased smile whenever their eyes met, his state was improving, even though he felt too weak to even lift his head from the pillow.

A few days passed like that before strength started returning in his body bit by bit. After another week, he was able to sit by himself on the bed without the fear of the wound reopening from his straining. Tanase was excited when he helped Vlad take a few tentative steps around the room. His good mood was starting to affect Vlad too and soon he was smiling while taking steps leaning on the old man’s shoulder. He still had to stop every few steps to catch his breath, but his body was recovering.

He learned from Tanase’s usual talking that soon will be time for the harvest. Tanase was certain now that Vlad would be recovered by then.

“Old man, stop that! I can barely walk a couple of steps before I need to stop to recover my strength. And you think I’ll be running in what, a month? Stop dreaming. It took more than two weeks just to be able to sit in the bed and another four days to be able to get out of bed. Trust me, there’s nobody more willing to get out of this room, but let’s be real. It’s going to take some time.”

“Yes, master. It will take time, but what was the hardest has passed. Now, if we could get you out, you might recover faster.”

“Yes, I could. But remember what the doctor said this morning? No leaving the room for at least a week.”

“Ugh. That doctor. If he weren’t to save your life, I would have strangled him by now! All those damned rules. He shouldn’t forget that you’re not just another patient for him. You still have a country to rule over. And while you’re isolated here, the others are strengthening their forces, readying to strike once again.”

Vlad’s face grew dark once again. Every day since he was awake, he was pestered with all kinds of demands from the Divan. Whenever he saw the boyars from the council stepping in his room in his room with greetings, he knew there would be another request he would be forced to accept. All those fake smiles and greetings were making him sick. Well, sicker.

He learned their faces these faces and knew their interests were not aligning with his or the people. True, he had no idea how to rule, but at least he was trying to get a grip over what was happening. If it would continue for long, he would end up isolated. In the best case scenario, he would lose the throne and end up exiled. In the worst, he would end up dead before his time. Like how, in Tanase’s words, his father and older brother ended. Honestly, he didn’t care about their deaths. They were just strangers to him. What he cared about was his life. He didn’t fear losing it. He was just fearing dying without knowing why he was living this new life. Why in this current situation?

“Tanase, tell me. Honestly what are the chances for me to keep my throne when the Divan is trying everything in their power to strip me of any strength I have left. This morning they came asking me to dismiss my army. They said there’s no need for the men to be kept under arms. It’s draining the treasury and soon will be time for the harvest and they are better suited in working the fields. Like five thousand men are too much for keeping under arms. But if I dismiss them, will they make a difference elsewhere? Tell me this. Are they always like this? Always with their blindfolds thinking only about their immediate interest? What about my interest? What happens if I disperse my men and we’re attacked? What then? I start to wonder at the sanity of the previous rulers. Letting this cancer grow out of control.”

Vlad walked slowly towards the bed while talking and sat on the edge, helped by Tanase, looking at his open right hand with its slightly trembling fingers.

“Indeed, master. When your father and older brother tried to diminish the Divan’s powers, they were assassinated. It wasn’t for lack of trying to corral them. It’s simply because the princes’ power was too small compared to the great boyars of the Divan. They’re the real rulers, or so they like to believe themselves to be. Not everyone is like that, but those that are still honest are too few and they’re overwhelmed by the others.”

“Oh!” Vlad looked up once again. “So you’re telling me there are still people in the Divan we can depend upon?”

“Not many, but yes.”

“And if I would need them soon, who might they be?”

“One of them is the Great Ban of Craiova. He always supported your father’s rule and could be further bound through his daughter’s marriage to your cause. Plus, his troops are always welcome and, from what I heard, she’s not bad looking. You should consider this option.”

Vlad looked at Tanase open-mouthed. Finally when he could get over it, he mumbled.

“Marriage? Now? Where did this idea come from? I’m still bedridden and you’re concerned about my marriage?”

“Well, you’re eighteen already, master. You’re already behind in that aspect. When I was your age…”

Tanase’s words stopped suddenly as his scarred face trembled. Vlad looked at him, unable to see the face hidden under all those lines intersecting and overriding each other.

“Anyway, that was a long time ago… what would you like to eat tonight? The doctor said you can try new food, not only meat soup as before.”

“Whatever is fine by me. As long as I’m not hungry, I don’t care.”

Tanase nodded and left to give the orders. While alone, Vlad took out from under his shirt the little gold pendant hanging around his neck. It looked familiar and he was trying to remember where he saw it before. Tanase told him he didn’t remember him ever wearing it until after the battle. He said it was tightly pressed against his chest when they undressed him to check his wound. They had to pry it with pliers it was so hot. It left a burn mark on his skin. He tried to remember what happened before he found himself here. The last thing he remembered was the phone call from Robert, who said he had a new target for him. He said this one was a sensitive case. He was still wondering about that case when Tanase returned carrying a tray of food. Looking on it, he sighed. The meat soup was still on the menu, apparently. He didn’t ever think he would ever hate a dish, but this one he reached a stage in the past days where he loved to hate it. Plain water in which were pieces of meat boiled with no salt, no nothing. The doctor’s orders. Bleargh!

His forced smile was saying everything and Tanase simply shook his head.

“Sorry, but for today you’ll have to accept it. Doctor’s orders.”

Vlad looked at the plate from which steam was rising, his lips curled in distaste.

“Remember me when I’m recovered to stab that bastard and force him to eat this delicacy he’s forcing me to eat for weeks.”

His mood was further soured by the giggle coming from the door. He didn’t even lift his eyes. He knew who the man who entered his room was. He came each day for the last week since he said he was repentant for his past actions.

“Great Logofat Albu! What a pleasure for me to see you again. How is your son, by the way? I missed him. Last time he was in a hurry and we couldn’t catch up. I hope next time we’ll be at our leisure.”

The man stopped his giggling, glaring at Vlad.

“He’s fine, your highness. Thank you for asking. It shows your concern for his health. He promised to give you all his attention and time next time.”

“Good, good. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have food to eat and stuff to not do. Hop along on your way. Oups! Sorry for my poor choice of words.”

The man’s face first turned pale, then slowly turned to purple as he started retreating towards the door, while throwing furious glances over his shoulder towards Vlad.

“He’s not going to forget this slight, master.”

“I’m tired of playing by their rules. Besides, we’re already irreconcilable enemies. One slight more or less makes no difference.”

Tanase looked at him smiling while he ate/drank his meat soup. The prince started to finally grow recently.