Prologue:

          In the Beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth… According to the Bible there are Four Realms, Heaven, Spiritual, Hell and Earth.  Mephisto has been planning to merge the earth and the spiritual realm together, with an artifact throughout the age of time…The Demons’ eye, Lover’s tear.

            THE CASTLE in Bourge was a mere glimpse of the castle projected in the Spiritual Realm. Jean-Paul stood on top of a tower looking toward Paris. He held in one hand a brass cup, the other one leaning against the rocky wall, He waited for something, and his anger would prove to be great and his pride much greater.

            Xathis slithered out to Jean-Paul.

Mephisto’s demonic voice rose, “Do you have it?” He asked.

            “No, sir.” hissed Xathis.

            “Well, what are you waiting for? Find it!” Mephisto gasped, “The sooner we find the artifact, the sooner I can put my plan into action.”

            “Yes, sir.” Xathis hissed again, “We are close, sir.”

            “Then, get on with it!”

            Xathis slithered back into the castle as Jean-Paul lifted his cup to the Heavens, “Soon, Ciel-Remi, you will die, and Paris will be mine.” He laughed greatly, “Once we find the artifact I possessed years ago, before Jesus came to earth. I will be able to merge the two realms.”

            Mephisto was determined to destroy earth, he had already assembled his army of demons, and he had his lost general restored from the pit. They would destroy and bring chaos and destruction to it, the great battle of the ages, but God secretly hid the jewel away where no one could find it…how would he find such an impossible artifact? And who guarded the great stone that would destroy earth to merge the two realms together? The story happened before the birth of Christ, during the time of the great Babylonian empire, and the capture of Israel, God’s chosen people. The first encounter with the great demon of darkness on earth…

~}------

            553 B.C.  In Greece, before the rise of the Greek empire, and the temple of Aphrodite, the Temple, as it would be called, was heavily guarded by an angel of the Lord. The magnificent walls, the marble layout of building, and the statues, was in line with the marble columns.  The glorious architecture was a marvel to behold.  The last room in temple was the main sanctuary of the goddess to come.  During this time, the artifact was the gate way to the spiritual realm, where God had sent Mephisto, Xathis, Trest, Charik, and Chord.  The demons lay in wait in the Abyss and would in some future time emerge from their capture, and reek chaos on the earth.

            The angel held a great broad sword, with brass angelic carvings on it; the sword was to prevent their escape. The angel had six wings, two covering his head, two covered his body, and two covered his feet. He had nothing better to do than guard them, and as he did he sang magnificent praises to the Lord.

            One day, a great portal opened up, a glow of blue and gold surrounded the temple’s structure. The angel stood in preparation for something to emerge, his eyes focused on the portal.  A glimpse of light and a shadow dragon’s head peeked out. The mighty winds blew the angel back onto the ground. He regained to his feet with his sword at ready and preparation for things to come. 

            The huge beast stood above the angel. The angel’s wings were now behind him to have better stability. The angel opened for a death blow, except nothing happened, for God didn’t want the terrible beast to come forth this soon. 

            The dragon was completely outside the Spiritual Realm. His eyes peered down at the angel, and then he turned back toward the portal, raised his hand and said, “Arise my minions, show your Master Satan your great power!” The demons began to emerge, one by one.  The generals stood there, but not moving.

            The angel fell to his knees, and began to glorify and pray to the Lord, “I have served my glorious God; You have made me to bring forth a guardian in the earth, please bring me great instructions to defeat these monsters.”

            As assurance, God’s spirit stood near the Angel. God’s spirit commanded and gave him great instructions to win the battle before him…but told him this also. “Don’t be afraid to die, you have served us well.”

            This gave the angel motivation and confidence to defeat the demons, and cast them back into the Spiritual realm

            The angel spoke, “Our God, The Lord, has commanded you to return back to the Spiritual Realm, Mephisto, Demon of Darkness, Your time on Earth was greatly determined by our God, return or die.”

            Mephisto glared into his face, his red eyes glowed, the angel didn’t stir, his sword was ready to chop off the demon’s arm, if need be.  Mephisto spoke, “Who are you to command us; we have come to bring to pass our Master’s plan.”

            “Not this day, Mephisto, I am an angel of God, you must return to your place, and cease your foolish plans.”

            “Never! Angels and Mortals both must die!” said Mephisto, ready to strike the angel dead, and even though the beast was taller than the angel, the angel was strong and muscular and he wasn’t going to let the demons get through him.

            The angel pointed back to the Spirit realm with his hand, “Go back! Now! Or Die!”

            “Never!” Mephisto howled.   

            As soon as this was said, the angel ran toward the dragon, he cut the demon’s arm off, it lay still on the ground. The demon peers jeered, “Fool, do you have a death wish?”

            Then Mephisto raised his other arm toward the angel’s neck, he grasped the angel’s neck, and peered into the angel’s eyes, “Die!” Mephisto yelled as the angel took his sword and stabbed it into the demon’s torso. Mephisto yelled in pain, and threw him clear across the room. “Fool!”

            The angel stood up, “I warned you, Mephisto, return now!” He commanded, Mephisto relented, “Very well, I will return one day, if I do, you will die, remember that!”

            Mephisto commanded his minions who stood waiting to return with him into the Spirit realm, his side was bleeding.  After they all entered the portal, Mephisto looked back directly into the eyes of the angel, “Die!” was Mephisto’s last word before entering, and the portal was sealed again.

            The angel regained his composure and started walking toward a quiet area, but he forgot about the arm that had been chopped off. The angel’s back was turned away from the arm which became re-animated. The hand on the arm moved towards the angel’s neck. Before the Angel could figure out what was going on, the hand grasped the back of the angel’s neck and a finger slit the angel’s throat.  He fell to ground, his eyes lifted toward a beautiful voice, “Don’t be afraid to die!” His eyes peered toward Heaven’s gates, a beautiful angelic tear drop came from the angel’s eyes, and the Lord stood there. “You have served me well.” He reached his hand to the tear and crystallized it into a beautiful diamond like jewel and then let the angel die before hearing these words “For your brave fight, I will grant you life and make you guardian over this jewel, forever it will be known as the Lover’s Tear.” 

            A bright light filled the room, and the angel stood up again before the Lord, he was alive, rose from his death, and stood ready to guard the artifact.

            The Lord spoke again, “You must take the artifact from this temple to a well guarded place, for Mephisto will surely bring forth his destruction on earth.  Make sure he doesn’t find the Lover’s Tear, or the earth will be brought into a place of chaos and destruction.”

            “Thank you, My Lord.” The angel said,

            Before him a glow brought the demonic arm towards the angelic force, but God’s power shone around it, destroying it completely, He spoke to the angel. “Those who touch the Lover’s Tear and have darkness in their heart, it will be just a demons’ eye, for this will bring their heart’s desire, for much money, and wealth, but for one, it will bring destruction.  Be careful because those who touch this crystallized tear will know the truth about themselves and others around them.  Great are two who will touch it and have purity in both their hearts. The tear will become a symbol of one flesh and become two wedding rings.  And their love will brighten the heavens, and the earth.”

            “Again, thank you, Lord.”

            The angel left the room and headed to a secure place far away from the Temple. The Greeks would invade the Temple and name it the Temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

Many people would search for this tear, known to be a myth or perhaps a true story.  For Mephisto, Demon of Darkness, he knows the truth and will search endlessly for the Lover’s Tear, also known as the Demons’ Eye.

Chapter 1:

ALICIA Borjour stood outside the door on the Lebejioux tower, she held a note inside her sweaty palms, and the breeze was blowing through her long brown hair. The breeze was very fresh as she looked out toward the castle of Bourge, a mile away from Paris.

“Father, I will save you from the demon’s grasp.”

Alicia looked at the note, it was a thank you, appreciations letter to Ciel-Remi and Victoria Lebejioux for letting her stay there while they moved back to Corrine’s parent’s mansion after they had passed away. 

True, people still lived there as room and board for the Queen, but through Victoria’s training and other missionary worked in Paris. The Queen accepted their move there until Victoria was ready to fulfill her duties in the castle. 

Alicia was headed down the steps, as the wind blew strongly. The letter blew away right out of her hand. She ran quickly after the letter, and she stopped close to castle gate, the guard yelled “Good day, Mademoiselle.”

“Good day too you, Monsieur,” Alicia began, “Have you seen a parchment letter blow this way?”

“Yes, Mademoiselle, a parchment flew into the city down below.” The guard smiled with a pleased look in his eyes. “I will raise the gate for you.”

“Thank you.” Alicia said, hearing the creak of the iron gate rising.

“Be careful, my lady, Paris is a dangerous place right now.”

Alicia was confused by his statement. The city of Paris was under God’s protection and not dangerous. She passed through the gate into the city street. The sun was above her head.

“I have to get back that letter, it is very much important. Where did it go?” Alicia started walking out into the city. She decided to look back to see if the guard was still at his post. He waved at her down below and turned to watch for more people coming and going into the castle.

Suddenly Alicia got an impression to look back at the guard. A winged monster, the size of a dragon swooped down and clawed the guard in the chest. She was overtaken by the sight and bent down to the ground to pray.

Where was she? What was the dragon that attacked the guard? She decided to look again; the man’s body slumped over the wall. She couldn’t believe her sight, and then looking far into market place of Paris, bodies lined every block of Paris. 

What happened? She stood and ran toward the square. She looked far into the north side of town.  The north gate which lead out of the city was barred off, nothing could have prevented an attack by her father.

She was stunned, now the guard on castle guard tower was dead. She was trapped overlooking everything around her. The churches and buildings were starting to turn from their color to black and white, and shades of gray lined the streets.  “My word, whatever could have happen?”

 Alicia became worried and headed toward the mansion. Down the street, she saw a body, and she knew it all too well.  The body had a gun bullet in the chest area, and supposedly should have been buried in its’ grave, for it was the body of King Henry. 

Alicia gasped a breath. The body was as though it was fresh and killed recently and started decomposing; she put her hand over her mouth, so she would not give into the nauseous feeling in her stomach. She couldn’t believe his body was exposed for everyone to see it.

”Die! Alicia” She heard a voice behind her, a greenish monster started toward her, she ran down the street. On the west side of city where mansion was located, the guard was lying dead with a sword in his back.  She was almost out of breath and she ducked  down a moment before the monster’s claws could kill her.

“What is going on in Paris? Did God drop his protection? Why was King Henry’s body dug up, and completely fresh, like no years had passed?” Alicia mumbled; as the tears ran from her eyes. “Hopefully, Victoria, Marie, Ciel-Remi and Corrine are alright, and they have survived this terrible nightmare.”

Alicia regained her composure, stood up, and headed into the courtyard of the new LeChat Mansion. The grass was slowly becoming blue, and building was turning gray. The bushes that surround the mansion were also blue. She looked up at the sky, it was turning a pink color.  What is going on? This world is merging somehow with another.

She was deeply concerned for her friends. She saw a man lying face down, the purple, never worn out clothes, suggested it was Ciel-Remi. She couldn’t believe it; a sword had slashed through the nice clothes, torn and shredded. She quietly approached the body, and bent down to check it out. A tear slowly rolled down her cheek, she rolled the body over and she gasped at Ciel-Remi’s cold face. She shook her head in disbelief, her throat constricted and her tears kept following. She leaned over Ciel-Remi’s body and shut his eyes, “Rest in Peace, my friend and brother.” 

Alicia couldn’t stay long, she couldn’t even mourn, and she had to know what was happening with the others in the mansion. She yelled out through her tears, “Victoria, Marie, Corrine, are you alright?”  Nothing but silence, she stood and walked toward the left open mansion door. 

The wind blew fast and furiously through the courtyard, everything around had turned colors or gray scale, black and white. She didn’t know what to do. She ran to the door. The inside of the mansion was different in colors, The place was all gray scale, black and white, the carpet was dark gray, and no candle to light. She was going to have to find everything in the dark or the light coming from the pink sky. The moon was red, not white, which made things difficult to see in the dark mansion. 

Alicia headed up the stairs to check the bedrooms and the place around the quiet sleeping mansion.  No one, Nothing, What’s happening?  She was troubled in her mind, she thought, she was more puzzled. It seems Victoria was no where, but she wasn’t going to give up the search for her friends that she grew to love.

She came into the bedroom. A beam had fallen down onto the bed. Corrine was lying on the floor. The dresser was shattered, and torn completely apart, “Corrine, Is that you, Hun?” Alicia carefully went toward the body of Corrine, again looked like she had been killed by a sword which had slashed through her dress.

This was becoming too much for Alicia to handle. Seeing her friends dead, already was about to make Alicia seem like she was going crazy. She only looked to God for her answers; “Lord, What is happening to Paris? Did you not promise protection?”

You’ll understand everything in time, I have not left you or nor forsaken you, keep going, everything will be revealed.

Alicia obeyed God’s words and stepped outside back into the hallway. Down the hall was another body, a female’s, blonde hair, yellow satin dress. The death didn’t seem as gory as though a sword or gun shot, but she lay faced down, her hand clenched, as though she was holding something in it.

Alicia approached slowly, a voice going through her head, she knew the female, and it wasn’t Victoria, but Marie LeCouer. She didn’t move it, she examined the body, and Marie had died of a broken neck. Alicia was now crying more. Depression came over her frozen face. She couldn’t take anymore, if she found Victoria dead, she would also have killed herself, just to be with her friends.

Alicia ran down the steps to the eastern side of mansion, near the door Jean-Paul and Renee looked alive with peace in their eyes. Alicia got angry and started accusing them, “Father, and Mother, Why wouldn’t I be surprise to see you, and you are the ones who are doing this!”

She barely tapped their shoulders when they fell face down to the floor, a knife sticking through each of their backs; like a bad horror film. and Alicia jumped back to miss them from falling on her. The bodies lay on the ground, she was deeply in sorrow and hurt. She was puzzled and confused, and she didn’t know whether to kill herself or let the monsters outside kill her. 

Alicia broke down, and knelt to the floor, “Why? Why? Why?” The only words she could ask or say. She was in total shock.

A voice came from the middle step. The voice was of a young man, about thirteen, and with gorgeous blue eyes. He was alive and stood on the steps. Alicia stood and slowly walked toward him. His eyes melted her heart like butter and her breath was totally taken away. She ran toward the handsome fellow and started kissing him.

“What is your name?” She asked

“You do not know, Alicia,” He bravely spoke, “I am Jean-Pierre.”

“No.” she stepped back in haste. “I am truly sorry Jean-Pierre.”

“For what, my love?” He asked, brushing his hand through her hair. “I am your husband.”

Alicia was stunned and puzzled. She felt a great joy and happiness, and love for this man, but Jean-Pierre loved Victoria, where was she? Why wasn’t she in the castle?

“What about Victoria?” Alicia asked, “Do you not love her still?”

“I have loved Victoria since I was a child, but no one seems to know where she is, I could not pretend to love someone who was not here, I had to go on with life.”

The kiss seemed magnificent to her, she never once kissed a man that passionately. Except to her, this had to be a great dream or her worst nightmare. Friends gone, but a loved one standing before her, and where did Victoria go? She was still was puzzled.

They started walking toward the door. A man in white dragon armor stood there, beside him woman in gold plated armor with a ghoulish look on her face. Mephisto’s voice rang out throughout the mansion, “Ah, my dear, we have found you.”

The woman ordered, “Kill him!”

Alicia turned quickly around to see another woman, stabbing Jean-Pierre, her eyes wide, this had to be a nightmare, “Now, My dear, you are next!”

“No!” She yelled running down the steps to the doors. The demons were closely following behind her, “Foolish girl, you are resisting your enemies, I will stop you like I did your father. I will pursue you, plus, you have no way outside the city, the walls are still here and you are trapped. Do not resist your death, Alicia. It will have to come one day.”

“No!” Alicia started speaking her prayer language. The demons couldn’t accept the noise. She pushed them to the ground and rushed out the door of the mansion. She ran with all her might, she was almost out of breath, and she wouldn’t stop. She was determined to get out of city or back into the castle, she heard Mephisto order behind her, “After her, my minions!”

“Great! Not more monsters!” Alicia said, under her breath, “I have escaped these guys before, I will escape them again.” she knew Jean-Pierre’s house was abandoned and ran toward the house. On the side of the house she found a rope and grappling hook, and continued back to the castle wall. The demon approached her trying very hard to claw her.  She found a bloody sword lying on the ground next to some people, “This will do nicely, I will have to fight the monsters, no way are they going to kill me.”

Alicia grabbed the rope and quickly knotted the grappling hook to the rope. She found a quiet place near the wall. I have to get up this rope, but fight the monsters, as well. She held the sword and put the rope around her shoulder; alright, Alicia you can do this.

She ran into the open-wide area, took the rope and threw it onto the wall. The pressure was enough and she knew it would make it over the wall. She had to have survival tactics or die trying them.

The demon monster started toward her at a fast pace, one monster missed her; another one tried, and missed also. She was agile and too quick for these beasts.

“Mephisto will not give up, and neither will I.” She yelled throwing the hook onto the castle wall, and then strapped it around her body. She started pulling herself up the rope, being hard for her, she was still determined. She slipped a bit, when monster came for her, she jumped across the wall and they crashed into it. The monster fell to the ground.  After five monsters destroyed the wall, the castle wall was easy to climb. She didn’t give up, and continued climbing the wall. Her lithe body would support anything, and the grappling hook was firm grasping the top.

Again, another Monster started flying toward her. She quickly jumped and the monster’s head shattered against the wall and it fell to the ground below.  She was close to the top of the wall, no way was she daring to open the gate, she was going to have to repel down into courtyard of the castle, and hopefully it wasn’t too late, and Queen Marie was not killed.

She was at the top of the wall and exhausted from the climb. She wanted so much to await the monsters and catch her breath; but she grabbed the rope up and grappling hook. She moved over to inner part of the wall, latched the hook on a firm location, she then threw the rope to the ground. She started to climb down the rope and she grabbed the sword and started repelling to the bottom of the wall. No monsters tried to kill her.  Soon she came to the courtyard ground, and the bushes were green, not blue. She couldn’t understand what had just happened, was she in the spiritual realm or what?

Alicia walked into the courtyard, looked up, the guard said, “Welcome back, Mademoiselle, Did you find your letter?”

The guard was alive, she ran quickly into the throne room to confront Queen Marie of the mystery before her. She looked at the tapestry of the lion and the lamb, it was whole and not torn, and she looked up at the beautiful blue sky.

Alicia approached the guard standing near the door, “Good day, Mademoiselle, the Queen is busy today with her friend, Ciel-Remi.”

Alicia was shocked. Ciel-Remi was still alive.

“Thank you, Monsieur.” Alicia said grateful.

As she was ready to leave the entrance hallway, Victoria approached her, “Alicia, What are you doing here? Did we not have plans today?”

“Yes, Victoria, I have lost the letter.”

“What letter?” Victoria asked.

“It was a thank you letter to your parents.”

“My father is away, I have received the letter.” Victoria began, “Mama asked me to deliver you a very polite ‘you are welcome.’”

Alicia was puzzled, but happy; Victoria was here. Ciel-Remi and Corrine were alive; Victoria and Alicia started toward the castle gate. Alicia knowing Victoria being with her, the same horror couldn’t happen again.

The dream ended as peaceful every time; Alicia was greatly blessed and woke up with a smile on her face, what seemed to trouble Alicia as to why Jean-Pierre was her husband and not Victoria’s. She did love Jean-Pierre, she liked him greatly and the dream seemed to flow with years. 

Alicia was puzzled, but not confused. She was refreshed, and changed into some clothes and went on with her day. 

One day, I will know the meaning of the dream, and when that day comes. I will be ready for whatever comes my way.

~}------

            Complete blackness surrounded the area, the darkness was strange for Victoria, as she stood there looking through it. She walked toward a light, which she couldn’t describe. The light was mysterious and a long ways away from her.

            Victoria continued to walk through the darkness toward the light ahead. She was puzzled, but she continued walking, but the darkness didn’t get any smaller. The light was smaller and she knew it was still a distance to go to reach it. As she walked, she heard a different noise, noise like the music of great praise to God.  Other noises were different things around the world.

            Do not look back, Victoria, Keep moving toward the light.

            “Yes lord.” She quietly said under her breath.

            Victoria was nervous as the sounds started getting more intense. A voice came through, “Father! No!” A shot rang out, and body dropped to the ground. She knew the story behind that, the voice was Alicia’s and the body was that of King Henry.

            She was able to withstand the darkness of that day. It was hard on Queen Marie, and Prince Louie became bitter toward her father because it.

            Victoria walked toward the light, again something else happened, the voice was recognizable, and “You cannot leave me, Father! You hear me, you cannot!”

            She wanted to look back, but couldn’t. She walked faster toward the light. Victoria knew the voice was hers, and the death was her father’s death, only came from the dream she had when she was a little girl.

            Victoria heard again another event, “Mephisto, you have brought shame upon France, because you have used a great man of God.” The next voice said, while waiting for a response, a deep voice said, “France, I will rule France, and the world!”

            She started not to understand the events, the events were in the future and she needed just go forward, the next event started, The voice said, “Victoria, I have some bad news, please do not get angry, but get out of France.”

            “What is the news?” the next voice said.

            “Your mother is dead, and they say you have killed her, please don’t do anything, leave France immediately.” The first voice said.

            Victoria was new to these events, she couldn’t explain, she only recognized Alicia’s voice with her ears.

            This began to enlarge as the events unfolded. Victoria was starting to understand the events were of her future and had not happened yet, what more and how much goes before she gets to the light, and now the darkness started fall away from the place she started.

            Another voice spoke, “My Queen, We request going back to England, we have nothing here after our daughter…”

            Victoria voice began to break, “Marie, no, not Marie.”

            She knew it was Diana LeCoeur’s voice, for only England was known to the LeCoeurs.

            Victoria walked a few more steps toward the light; it was brighter now, but more to come, the past was falling behind and Victoria was greatly there.

            Another set of voice started through the darkness, A battle took place and sword were clashing through each other, one voice said, “Samantha, No!” footstep ran over to the person, “Please take care of my daughter.”

            Victoria knew for sometime in future that Samantha would die, and Alicia was by her side, she continued down the road to the light. She was almost covering her face the light shone so brightly.

            The next voice came from behind, “I have run my race with gladness, I must leave this earth and rejoice with my father in Heaven.” She heard cough and more coughing, and then silence. The voice was an old woman; she was ready to leave earth. Victoria finally reached the light, as it brightly shown in her face, God stood before her.  Well done, Victoria, even though death happened, you didn’t look back and you are my servant, but this is only the beginning, not the end. You have much more to experience and learn before you can come join Me.

            Victoria was sorely confused by the Lord’s statement. She wanted to ask, but couldn’t, all she could do was walk into the light, and she woke up.

            Victoria was now thirteen years old, a young adult, and loving God greatly. She had much to learn, and she was so confused.

            “It was another dream.” Victoria began, “What did he mean the beginning not the end? Maybe my father will know the interpretation. I will ask after training, and before he leaves for on the mission trip to England.”

            She freshened up, got dressed into her beautiful pink dress, as she left the room to join your family for the day ahead. She quickly said a prayer to God, “Thank you, Lord for your loving kindness and righteousness, help me understand the dream, in your beautiful name, Amen.”  

Chapter 2:

            THE YEARS have come, and they have gone, five years of training Victoria Lebejioux was enough for Ciel-Remi. He taught her the Bible and she learned much. Ciel-Remi is now teaching her to sword fight, with not real swords, but with rough wooden sticks.

            The morning sun arose, awakening him. He freshened up and dressed in his clothes given by God, the same cloth he wore during the time of his imprisonment by Jean-Paul Borjour.

Victoria was ten years old when Corrine’s parents died, besides King’s Henry death, Ciel-Remi had mourned their great loss. Queen Marie asked them to stay in the newly remodeled LeChat Mansion. It would give better room for training Victoria in combat, and a comfortable home. 

            Alicia decided to stay within the castle tower, while they moved there. She loved living there and Ciel-Remi had no complaints.

            Everyday Marie, Alicia and Victoria would spend time with each other, while their families were away at work and they educated themselves.

            Alicia became best friends with Corrine. They spent time some days at the market and she helped cook their meals, they had become like mother and daughter. Corrine also taught her daughter how to cook and sew and all those things that make women great wives and mothers.

            Ciel-Remi loved his family, they all got along, and they were greatly loved by God. No way was anything going to come between this family, yeah right.

            Corrine was downstairs preparing the meal when Ciel-Remi entered the room. He was still barely awake, rubbing his eyes. He walked over to Corrine and kissed her on the lips, they still loved each other after all these years.  Ciel-Remi sat at the table, and Victoria was outside catching the breeze, “Breakfast is ready dear.” Corrine said.

            “Thank you, Mama, One moment.” Victoria’s voice rang out in the doorway.

            To Ciel-Remi it seemed like yesterday his daughter was just child trying to understand what God’s plans were for her life. Now he looked at a beautiful young woman, ready for an adventure, except he was leaving them again. 

            Victoria came into the mansion laughing and sat down across from Ciel-Remi. He spoke up, “Are you ready for today’s lesson, my angel.”

            “Yes, Papa.” Victoria nodded.

            “That is very good.” He said

            “I am going to miss you, Papa.” Victoria said.

            “Yes, we are both going to miss you.” Corrine said, putting down pancakes on his plate and hand on his shoulder.

            Ciel-Remi laughed, “You two act like I am going away today, I have another two days to get ready and I still have to train you physically.”

            “Yes Papa, I know.” Victoria acknowledged.

            “Please eat, Vic, your father does not have all day to train you. He still has his work and duties in the castle.”

            “Yes, mama.” Victoria acknowledged again

            They all sat there talking amongst themselves, and eating the golden brown pancakes. After they were finished, they got up and walked outside. Ciel-Remi held Corrine, as Victoria ran in the yard, the breeze flowing through her hair. 

            “My angel is all grown up.” Ciel-Remi told Corrine, a bit worried.

            “Yes, dear.” Corrine said a tear ran down her cheek. “It was not too long ago we fought the evil in our lives.”

            “Why are you crying, my love?” He began, wiping away a tear. “This missionary trip to England is more preparation for the battle that lies ahead of us. God will still protect me from the dangers in England.”

            “I know, darling, I am just happy for you and Victoria.” Corrine said

            “Everything will work out fine.” He said.

            “Yes, my love, it will.” Corrine began, “One day, I will lose you---“

            “---yes, Corrine, when God’s plan is to take me to Heaven, you will know. I will have won this hard race I have been on.” Ciel-Remi interrupted.

            Ciel-Remi brushed his hand through her hair, “You are still as beautiful as the day I met you, and you are treasure to me.”

            “Yes,” she told him even though she was depressed a little while they kissed each other, “I love you.”

            “I love you too, my love.”  

            They held each other in their arms for awhile, before he set out to teach his daughter the training lesson of the day.

~}------

            Two wooden fencing sticks clashed with each other.  The sticks were thick and wouldn’t break like that of a small thin twig. The ends were wrapped away with a cloth so that Victoria and her father wouldn’t burn there hands or get splinters pressed into them. The training was intense, but it needed to be done. She basically had the skills to kill over five monsters, but an army would take much more skill, and she learned it well.

            Victoria pushed hard at Ciel-Remi’s stick. He was almost out of breath. The stick was bearing with hers. Ciel-Remi barely regained his composure and repositioned his steps, “Do you yield, Papa?” She asked.

            “Yes, Vic, Yes!” Ciel-Remi gasped.

            Victoria reached out her hand, he grabbed a hold of hers, and he slipped behind and put the stick up near her neck, so she drove her elbow into his rib cage knocking him off balance. She moved in defensive position and turned around. Ciel-Remi brought his stick up and struck his daughter’s stick again, “Hey, you tricked me.”

            “Yes, Vic, I did trick you. The enemy would have used the same tactics. They are cunning, unpredictable and you will never know what they will do next.” Ciel-Remi began. “You have to show great defense for every trick, but do not trust your friends too well, they can also double-cross you.”

            “Thank you, Papa.”

            “You are most welcome, my daughter.” Ciel-Remi said,

            “Are you ready to go again, should we quit for today?” Victoria asked.

            Ciel-Remi stood almost out of breath, “That is all.” He began, “You really know how to wear out your father.”

            They laughed, as they walked back to the mansion. Victoria spoke up, “Papa, I had another dream last night, may I explain it to you?”

            “Yes, Victoria.” Ciel-Remi answered, almost out of breath. “You may.”

            Victoria told her father the dream as they walked up to the mansion. She went through every detail of it, as they finally reached the doorway.

            “The dream can be interpreted, but first let us go in and sit down.”

            “Yes, Papa.” Victoria said, as they opened the door.

            As they opened the door to go into the mansion, Alicia and Marie approached them. “May we come in too, I have something for you.” Alicia asked politely.

“Yes.” Ciel-Remi said, “Feel free to join us inside.”

“Thank you.” Alicia told him as they began walking inside.

Once inside, Victoria announced to Corrine that they were back, and had company to join them, “Hello Alicia, Hello Marie.” Corrine polite greeted them.

Corrine sat next to Ciel-Remi, Victoria, Marie and Alicia sat on the other side of the room on a comfortable couch.  

Alicia sat quietly holding the letter. Marie twiddled her thumbs, as though she was nervous.

“What did you have to give us?” Ciel-Remi asked Alicia.

“This letter, except, It can wait until after you are finished explanations of your daughters dream.” Alicia showed them the letters.

“Thank you, my friend.” Victoria said, quietly awaiting the explanation.

“You are quite welcome.” Alicia politely said, then waited with her.       

Victoria repeated the dream to all that sat in there in the room. When she had finished, they all sat there in amazement of the dream, except Ciel-Remi didn’t have the same reaction, he knew its meaning.  

            Therefore, Ciel-Remi began to interpret the dream, and Victoria and the others listened intensively.

“All of you know Paul suffered throughout his life, He did not regret his past or his mission, but kept going even though his suffering with great expectation.”

            “Yes.” They agreed simultaneously.

            “The interpretation of this dream is found in Philippians 3:12-14; I don’t mean to say that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.  No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” Ciel-Remi quoted, “Your dream, Victoria, follows this verse. You will have events of pain and suffering in your life. God wants you to focus your energy on his guidance in your life, look ahead, and not behind you.  Many friends and family will come and go, but you must stay toward the Light which is Jesus, God’s only begotten son.”

            “When trials and tribulations come my way, I must pray, obey and keep looking forward to Heaven’s gates.” Victoria commented.

            “Yes, Victoria, I have already been imprisoned. I am broken for a friend’s death, except, I have had to fight a battle to protect your mother. You have a long life ahead of you. Please, take care, and do not give into the enemies’ tricks, and always look forward to the reward in Heaven.” Ciel-Remi explained

            “Thank you, Papa,” Victoria said.

            After Ciel-Remi was finished with the dream, He turned his gaze to Alicia, while she kept her focus on him. “Alright, Alicia,” He began to ask, “What do you have to give us?”

~}------

In the last five years Alicia had many changes in her young life.  All of which were according to the plan which God had for the people of France.

            Alicia knew very well how things were in the castle since the Lebejiouxs’ left for the mansion. She would stay there to keep Ciel-Remi informed about Prince Louie’s anger and discouragement in light of the circumstances of his father’s death. Since Princess Anne would come and go to Spain many times during the last few years, and Samantha would go with her parents back to Spain, Victoria, Marie and Jean-Pierre was there to be Prince Louie’s friends. He had a deep love for Samantha, not Princess Anne, and this truly kept them from being the best of friends.

            Prince Louie still blamed Ciel-Remi for the death of his father. After he started to grow up, the troubled and bitter young man could destroy Paris one day, except Alicia still served the royal family, as did Ciel-Remi’s family.

            The beautiful morning had Alicia taking in the fresh breeze, her hair flowed perfectly with it and she enjoyed the day.  She stood on the tower ledge over looking the mansion in Paris. She had a letter of appreciation in her hand, unlike her dream the winds weren’t as strong to blow it out of her hands, and she would deliver the letter to Corrine’s family today before they went shopping in the market.

Alicia walked down the steps of the castle eastern tower. She stopped by the LeCoeurs, where she knocked on the door.

            Marie answered the door. While washing her hands from the soap dish water, she asked, “Alicia what brings you here today?”

            “I was heading to the mansion to bring Victoria’s family letters of appreciation, for letting me stay here during the time they moved into the mansion.  I was wondering if you would like join me and say ‘hello’ to Victoria.” Alicia explained.

            “Yes, I would be glad to join you, would you please give me one moment.” Marie said, as she went into the room to place the towel down on table. She didn’t need to tell her parent she would be away, since they weren’t home.

            “Where is your family?” Alicia asked curiously

            “They are away from Paris, getting ready for the trip to England.” Marie answered

            “Are they in danger? She asked, “The darkness must have taken its toll on them already, you must be praying for their safety.”

            “Yes, I pray much for their safety of my parents.” Marie said, as they exited the house and began walking down the steps. “Even though, Jean-Paul does not seem to be doing much to get Paris at this present time.

            “Yes, I know.  My father has not stirred up trouble in France since the time he shot the King.” Alicia told her, and then asked. “And since you are not needed here, are you going with you family to England?”

            “Yes, Alicia.” Marie quietly said, “I will miss you.”

            “I will miss you, as well.” Alicia said, they finally reached the bottom of the steps, and began walking through the castle courtyard until they reached the castle gate.

            The guard saw them walking that way. Alicia motioned to open the gate. “Good day, Mademoiselles, Where are you off to today?”

            “The Lebejioux mansion.” Alicia replied. “We are going to give a letter to Ciel-Remi.”

            “Ok, Have a great time, do say ‘hello’ for me.” The guard said with a positive attitude.

            “Ciel-Remi will be along in a short while for the days work, you can tell him at the given time.”

            “Yes, thank you.” The guard acknowledged her.

            The gate made of iron opened and they began walking down the road toward the market place. They came to the sign that read: Market: Ahead, Lebejioux Mansion: East, Norte Dame: West.

            Alicia and Marie walked down the road a bit further when Jean-Pierre bumped into Alicia, their eyes met. “Good day, ladies.” Jean-Pierre said, the young man was more handsome every day. “Where are you off to?”

            “We are going to Lebejioux Mansion, Would you like to come?” Marie asked,

            “I can not, I have to go to work. I will be sure to visit Victoria’s later today.” He said.

            “Ok, then.” Alicia agreed, “You should be more careful where you run.”

            “Nah, I like bumping into you, Alicia.” He said jesting. He began to run toward the blacksmith shop.

            Alicia and Marie laughed. They continued down the road until they reach the mansion. On a quiet hill, the newly remodeled mansion looked the same as the one which was destroy in Chameceaux, which still stood lay in Chameceaux in ruins. The Lechats had a beautiful design and exquisite taste to the building, like a temple or church. The newly remodeled mansion was just a beautiful as the old one.

            At the gate to mansion, the guard watch them approach and said, “Good day, Alicia and Marie, What may I do for you?”

            “I came to see Ciel-Remi’s family and give them this letter.” Alicia said with joy and smile.

            “Yes, and I am just here to see Victoria.” Marie replied.

            “Alright, you may go in, and have a great day.”

            “Yes, sir. You have great day, as well.” Alicia told him as he opened the gates.

            Alicia and Marie began to walk up the long path, to the door.  They approached it Alicia saw Victoria and Ciel-Remi coming from the eastern hill side, they arrive about the time.

            “May we come in?” she asked politely, “I have something to give you.”

            “Yes.” Ciel-Remi said, “You may join us.”

            “Thank you.” Alicia said, stepping into the mansion. 

            The inside of the mansion was more beautiful and gorgeous. The vase looked expensive, and there were three stairways. One was on the left, the other one the right and a middle set of stairs. Alicia remembered what her dream had and the mansion’s interior matched.

            Corrine came out from a large doorway by another part of the house, when Victoria announced they were there. “Hello, Alicia, Hello, Marie.” She said giving both of them a hug.

            “Hello, Corrine.” Alicia replied back.

            “Lady Lebejioux, you always make us feel so welcome.” Marie commented.

            “Thank you.” Corrine said, as she joined them.

            Ciel-Remi sat on a couch overlooking the three ladies; he had his arms around Corrine.

            “What do you have to give us?” He asked,

            Alicia felt as though Victoria’s dream was important.

            “This letter, except, It can wait until after you are finished explanations of your daughters dream.” She showed them the letter.

            “Thank you, my friend.” Victoria said gratefully.

            “You are quite welcome.” Alicia said politely.

Victoria explained her dream to eve