Silver Moon: The Complete Saga

Alpha Moon

Anyone who has ever heard it, when the land was covered with a blanket of snow and elusively lighted by shimmering moonlight, will never forget the strange, trembling wolf cry.

- Unknown

Chapter One

Colchester, England

November, 1569

A rebellion stirred in the north. The fight for the crown was ruthlessly elevated as Catholic nobles vied to overthrow Elizabeth I’s sovereignty and, in her place, position Mary, Queen of Scots, as their new ruler. Rumors and gossip abounded off the tips of every stanch Catholic tongue—Queen Elizabeth I was not the rightful queen. Nay, Henry VIII detached himself and his country from the Church’s power, allowing him absolute control. The majority of England believed Henry and Anne Boleyn’s daughter, Elizabeth, was not a suitable and legitimate heir.

Word spread quickly throughout England and into the lives of every commoner of the coming battle for the throne. Rebel forces sought to obtain aid from those who were willing, including farmers and land owners. The time to act was upon them.

Father, we have received a letter! Ulric shouted as he burst through the entrance of their homely cottage. The ceiling continuously dripped from melting snow, and wooden buckets were strategically placed across several rooms, catching each drop. Ulric and his brother, Alaric, had promised their father—who was too old to climb atop a thatched roof—they would patch up any remaining holes and absent straw. Conversely, summertime brought backbreaking labor in the fields by harvesting enough crops to sell for levy and storing the remainder for the upcoming winter months. A messenger just arrived.

Stand not like a blubbering fool! Hand it over, said Frederic, as a gob of spittle flew from his mouth. The fire was not supplying him with the warmth he would have preferred, and the bitter gust of wind from Ulric’s unexpected entry tampered with his disposition.

Pray tell me, what does it say? Ulric pressed, with widened eyes and strenuous breaths.

Frederic watched him over the rim of his spectacles. If ye would shut thy jaws for two blasted moments, I may very well be able to read!

Ulric immediately cowered. He knew his father had a temper; he always did, for as far back as Ulric could remember. Careful to avoid his father’s angry side, Ulric thought it best to do as he instructed.

Absentmindedly, his eyes perused the fields dusted with light snow through the lone window. Where was Alaric? He had been slipping out more and more lately, and his absence worried Ulric. What was his brother up to? There were a couple of girls in town who had their eyes set on Alaric, but surely he would keep his wits about him and focus on the farmstead.

Frederic grunted, still slogging over the contents of the letter. He said naught, though, which only made Ulric become restless.

Father, if ye do not mind me saying so... Ulric bit back his words just as Frederic glowered at him. His tongue was laden, his throat clogged; he felt as if he were choking. He just had to learn what information was in that letter. ’Twas not every day they received news.

Frederic twisted the paper into a ball and threw it into the hearth.

Nay! Ulric shrieked, pitching forward. He reached his hand toward the letter, but the blaze was too hot for his touch, and the fire had consumed nearly all of the parchment. Why would ye do such a thing? At least tell me what it said.

Naught in that letter pertains to ye. Best keep thy head fastened on and worry about the fields. ’Tis the only future ye have. Frederic stood from his stilted chair, the sudden weight change causing his seat to groan and creak in delight. And where is thy brother? Seems he cares nary for this house, his name, or the honor my family have brought to this town for so many years.

Ulric bit his tongue. Once upon a time, his father had not been so ornery and insufferable, though he was always quick-tempered. After his wife passed away two years prior, Frederic had lost the will to live. He only cared that he was fed every morning and night, leaving Alaric and Ulric to carry the burden of nursing the land. But with Alaric disappearing left and right, Ulric was the last man standing. Everything depended on him.

I-I know not his whereabouts, father. I wish I did.

Already wobbling down the hallway, Frederic waved off Ulric’s comment over his shoulder. His door slammed shut, and Ulric flinched. One of the few paintings remaining on their walls swayed at the impulsive jolt caused by Frederic’s exit. Ulric knew he must locate his brother. Mayhap he would know what tidings the letter held. He pulled his coat tighter against his chest, as he headed back out into the frigid weather.

In town, chickens clucked across the slushy lane, Mrs. Bartholomew tutted her children for their mud-covered faces and hands, and somewhere in the tiny cluster of houses and shops, bread was fresh and warm, no doubt cooling on a rack after baking in Mr. Dawson’s oven. Ulric’s stomach grumbled.

Mitsy, a young, fair-haired girl and daughter of Colchester’s one and only bread maker, dipped out of her family’s shop, meeting Ulric’s eyes. She blushed and quickly ducked her head, treading in the same direction. Ulric caught up to her.

’Tis a fine day, he said.

Mitsy pursed her lips to refrain from giggling. ’Tis as fine as any cold day in autumn.

Ulric narrowed his eyes playfully. Ye are jesting.

A giggle bubbled out of Mitsy’s throat, and her hand sought her mouth. Nay, none the slightest. Her actions betrayed her, and Ulric felt a smile of satisfaction sneak across his face.

I thought endlessly of one lady; she ensnares my dreams every nightfall. He turned to her then. ’Twould be a dream to spend a day with ye, he said. Just one.

Amused, Mitsy responded, And what do ye have in mind? Such weather is too chilly for company.

Ulric’s mind lit up with possibilities, but he kept to his original plan. We could steal thy sister’s ribbons and tie them to the horses’ hair. Mitsy chuckled again. Or we could set the chickens loose.

Seems that has already been done today.

Then I shall think about it and visit soon, milady. Ulric clasped Mitsy’s hand in his and bent down to press his lips against her gloved fingers. ’Til we meet again.

Mitsy blushed and hurried off. Ulric stared at her disappearing figure long past her departure, wondering if he would have the chance to marry her one day. He shook off the thought as two large oafs barreled out of Murdock’s Inn.

And stay out, ye ham-fisted thieves! I’ll not have the likes of ye takin’ what’s not thine! Mr. Murdock was obviously upset by the crooks, but more upsetting than seeing him that way was Alaric’s laughing face directly behind him.

Ulric started forward but stopped. What would he do in a tavern? He was naught but a scrawny boy, and he could not land a proper cuff if his life depended upon it. He had never been in a brawl. If he stepped foot into the pub, beasts of men would clobber him for trespassing into their lair, like trolls on a bridge when a passerby did not pay the toll.

However, if he did not separate Alaric from his wild ways, he would be the only person left to tend the fields, and he could not handle the work alone. Steadfast, Ulric had begun walking toward Murdock’s Inn. Though he barged through the entrance with as much enthusiasm as any man strutting into a tavern, he was not met with erratic punches from muscled men, nor the wary glares meant for a tenderfoot. Unpredictably, not a soul raised their eyes to look twice at him. ’Twas odd, indeed.

Few lanterns were lit, casting a dim glow across the wide-open room. Drunken men sloshed ale as they shouted over the noisy atmosphere, and most were so inebriated they either passed out at their table or slouched in a corner, unconscious. A tavern musician flitted around the pub, playing his fiddle and singing a song Ulric was not familiar with, but most other patrons were, as they hummed along or sang the tune.

In the corner of the inn, Alaric whispered in the ears of two wenches, one of which had a distinct mark on her neck, not likely from birth. As Ulric stood there, watching his brother, a tendril of irritation yanked at his gut. Alaric was not the person Ulric thought him to be; he was wasting his liveliness on women and ale. Where was the brother who diligently watched over the land, their cottage, and their father? ’Twas not the man before Ulric, for certain.

Carefully, Ulric approached his brother and cleared his throat.

Pray tell me my eyes do not deceive! ’Tis my one and only brother. My dear, dear brother, said Alaric.

Ulric was close enough to catch the scent of ale on Alaric’s breath, steady and strong. Judging by the smell and the amount of empty tankards on the table behind him, Alaric had been here since breaking his fast.

I have come to take ye home, Ulric said, his voice squeaking on the last bit.

Take me home? Alaric let out a boisterous laugh and slapped Ulric’s shoulder. No need. I am exactly where I want to be.

Ulric did not budge from his stance, and Alaric took this as a sign to wave off the maidens.

What is it, then? Alaric was perturbed his brother invaded his social outing and asked him to leave. He had no shame, honestly.

A messenger arrived; he had a letter. Father opened it and proceeded to toss it into the hearth, said Ulric. Have ye any idea of the contents?

Alaric paced back and forth across a five-foot span, pondering. Aye, my ears have heard news.

Joyous, Ulric could hardly contain himself. Pray tell! He chose a seat on a wooden bench near Alaric, excitedly waiting for his brother’s words.

Men spoke of the messenger this very morning. A rebellion is brewing in the northern lands, one which has cause to dispel the queen.

Saints almighty! Can they not leave the crown alone? ’Tis all those bulbous poachers do when somebody new sits upon the throne. Ulric glanced up at his brother. Are we being asked to serve and aid their ridiculous rebellion?

Aye, ’twould be the most logical explanation. Alaric pondered traveling north for a while, so he could disappear from his father and the farm. Regrettably, this would leave Ulric in a dreadful arrangement. Do not worry, brother, Alaric said, slapping Ulric’s shoulder yet again but leaving his hand in place, our destinies lie here, I am afraid, with the sweat on our brows and the tender blisters on our palms.

And rightfully so, said Ulric. Who else would take care of our bloody father?

Alaric threw his head back and laughed vociferously. Indeed, my brother. Indeed. Come, open thy pockets and drink with me.

’Tis only noon.

Alaric smiled. Then the day has just begun.

Chapter Two

London, England

Daciana! We have no time to lose. Angelica had been calling her daughter for nearly ten minutes.

Daciana languidly entered her mother’s bedroom two doors down, standing in the large, ornately-crafted doorway with her hands firmly planted on her hips. Is father as adamant as thee about packing our possessions?

Angelica bristled and pursed her lips. Men care not for such small matters; this is a woman’s job.

It took great effort for Daciana not to spit on the floor. After all, this was her father’s doing; he created the grim financial circumstances they were in, and now they had to flee London before scandal caught up. Had her father stopped his gambling, they would still be living a life of luxury, complete with silken frocks, dazzling jewels, and the finest delicacies the world had to offer. Now they were naught more than peasants.

I daresay, mother, he should be the one to stuff trunks and swallow the shame he caused, not us. A swell of raw emotions rose into Daciana’s throat, constricting her airflow. She contained her feelings by thinking of her escape; she had been planning this for a fortnight. Once her family was properly situated in their new country cottage, she would gather what few belongings she owned and run far, far away. Mayhap another town would bode well, even improve her outlook. She was fearful of the consequences, however, should she be caught.

We are a family, Daciana. And, as a family, we must stick together. We are all we have left. When all is said and done, none of our material possessions matter. Angelica waved her hand over the lace-and-fur embellished dresses lying atop her duvet, ready to be set into a chest.

Thou art married, so ’tis easy for thou to say. As for me, my debut would have been next week had the most recent turn of events not taken place.

Angelica continued folding her gowns and arranging them on her bed. Thy debut shall continue. We are not postponing it because of our travels.

How was that possible? They would be leaving London tomorrow. What dost thou mean? Daciana asked, stepping twice toward her mother.

What I said, dear. Thy debut shall be next week...in Colchester.

Daciana nearly fainted. Col—? Naught but peasant boys wait for me there. I cannot and I will not marry some poor man so I shall birth children and work from sunrise to sunset. Her fists clenched at her ruffled skirt, all but ripping the fabric from its seams. The tears from moments earlier, when speaking of her father, threatened to spill. Father knows about this?

Upon seeing her daughter’s distraught face, Angelica contained her smile. Dearest Daciana, do not fret over such petty matters. This shall be our new life, our new home, and we cannot change that.

"He has ruined everything! My future, my dreams, my life here in London—all of that is now gone. He stole from us. He is naught more than a thief of our very existence." Daciana stomped off, fists balled. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks, and she angrily wiped at them. Slamming the oversized, mahogany door as she entered the room, she ran over and leapt onto her feathered bedding, face down.

Three quiet knocks sounded outside the entryway.

Go away! she cried. I am not in the frame of mind to speak now, mother.

’Tis me, miss Daciana, said the small voice on the other side. ’Twas Daciana’s maid, Frida.

Daciana sniffled. Come in.

Gradually, the heavy door slid open and Frida’s slender figure emerged, her face full of concern. Daciana watched as Frida padded over to the water basin and dampened a strip of cloth. She hesitantly turned toward Daciana and raised the fabric like a white flag. Swiping away the last remnants of her tears, Daciana sat up and held out her hand, beckoning Frida to step forward. Though Daciana wanted to wipe her face with the cool rag, Frida clucked her tongue and insisted she do it herself.

If I may be so honest, milady, Frida started, looking to Daciana for approval. Daciana nodded for Frida to continue. Thou should not worry over this new change in thy life. Thou may think me odd, but I believe this trip to Colchester will be for the best.

Oh, how can thou say such a thing? My life is here, not plowing fields like a commoner.

Frida bit her lip in an attempt to figure out how best to approach the subject. Instead, she decided to be outward with her thoughts. Thy future husband awaits there.

Daciana stopped breathing for mere seconds. How dost thou know such a thing? She eyed Frida warily.

Licking her lips, Frida asked, How well dost thou trust me, milady?

With a hand planted over her heart, Daciana replied, I trust thee as I would a sister, if I had one.

Frida leaned closer to Daciana’s face, so near the exhaled air from their lungs merged. Promise me thou will tell no one of this conversation.

Noting the seriousness of Frida’s face, Daciana’s stomach sunk in fear of what her maid would tell her. But, out of curiosity, she nodded in compliance.

"I have ears and eyes in other places of this world. An ally in Colchester sees many things, and thy future has already been written in the stars. On the full moon of the following month, thou will change—and not for the better. The world will tremble at thy feet. The forests will speak thy name in harsh whispers and cruel tongues. Thou shall be immortalized under the silvery moon, and the bright sphere in the night sky will become thy fatal enemy. Speak not of this curse to a soul, for if thou dost, ’twill be passed along to thy children and theirs. Thou must live with this blight in silence.

Fear not, though; thou shall not suffer alone. There will be another, one who gives his whole heart to thee. One who will move mountains and turn everything to gold. Thy hearts will be connected as one and shall always remain so. Even in times of darkness, when the world has turned its back on thee, the coupling of thy souls shall endure. Forever.

Daciana remembered to breathe, but she suddenly felt lightheaded. I-I think I must lie down for a while.

My intentions were not to scare thee, said Frida. I am only keeping thy best interests at heart.

Best interests be damned! Frida spoke in riddles, explaining that Daciana would be cursed. Daciana knew not what to believe. All she knew was that she needed to stay away from Frida until tomorrow, then she would never see her again.

Dutifully, Frida dismissed herself. As the door closed behind her, Daciana could not help but wonder if she stood corrected. Frida had always been a trustworthy and loyal servant, and Daciana would bestow absolute confidence in Frida, should the need ever arise. Yet her claim of Daciana’s future was eerie. Depressing. Any talk of a curse was nonsensical, and Daciana knew there was only one way to prove it untrue—she would flee and never look back.

Chapter Three

Stealing one final glance toward the only place she knew as home, Daciana suppressed her emotions. If her mother or father saw her weeping, they would think it utter nonsense. She did not understand her father’s temperament toward the situation. How could he be so cruel? How could he put his family through this? He should have thought of these questions before he gambled their lives away.

Settled into their seats, the Lowell family glanced past the curtains in their carriage as the coachman whipped the horses to a start. By Daciana’s best estimate, they would arrive in Colchester sometime tomorrow afternoon. This would give her plenty of time to gather what few belongings she could carry and run like the wind. Her parents would be none the wiser of her departure until ’twas too late. Inwardly, she smiled.

I sent correspondence to an inn last week. We shall stay there tonight, said Daciana’s father. His gruff voice irritated Daciana. Even his bulging waistline was disgusting. She could not tolerate a glance his way. Of course, ’tis hours away, and we have a long road ahead of us.

Angelica patted her husband’s arm. We will not be fully rested for another week, I suppose. Traveling never was my forte.

Never was mine, either, he said. Daciana could feel his eyes upon her. And thee, daughter? Dost thou travel well?

Daciana did not return an answer; she did not think her father deserved air from her lungs. He did not deserve any good of this world. So she remained silent as the carriage bounced and creaked with every new pothole they came across.

As promised, hours later, they stopped for the night at an inn. The tavern below was loud and alarming. Men upturned tankards of ale like water, and Daciana could hardly contain wrinkling her nose at the overbearing, sweaty odor. She and Angelica waited as Theodore spoke with the innkeeper, and a couple of their trunks were moved to the upper floor by the coachman and footman.

This is thy room, said Theodore, as they topped the stairs.