Dark Celebration

There was another small silence. That is a good idea. I hadn't thought of that. I heard Destiny was nearly lost and this woman brought her back. Perhaps Juliette's sister would benefit from counseling as well. See to Riordan and if possible, come back before the party. I do not know if you were paying attention, but the word went out that there is a mage at work.

I have heard. He had seen Natalya do battle, and he'd stayed close to watch over MaryAnn. Now she was finally safe, back in Nicolae's house, and he could relax his vigil somewhat. Twice he had glimpsed the black wolf he knew to be Dimitri watching over young Skyler, and he felt sympathy for the man. Dimitri didn't have the choice to snatch a

child from the safety of her parents. Even Manolito would draw the line there.

He made his way back toward the inn, trying to get a feel for the mage who had attacked earlier. A mage spell such as the one that had been used wouldn't work on a hunter without a lifemate. They had no emotions to play on. This was directed at the women. And that meant all the women were in great danger. Urgency gripped him. He wanted to simply kidnap MaryAnn and rush her back to his ranch in South America. With his four brothers and their ranch hands available to help see to her safety, there would be no chance of anything-or anyone-harming her.

Away from Nicolae's house-and temptation-Manolito shifted into mist and streamed through the forest toward the cave of healing. He knew the safeguards had been woven, but with enemies so close, he wanted to take extra precautions. Maybe he was simply uneasy with so many other Carpathians around. The De La Cruz family was used to relying on one another, and he wasn't taking chances with his youngest brother's life. He had a nagging feeling that just wouldn't go away, and he never ignored those feelings.

He streamed into the cave through one of the narrow chimneys and dropped down to the main floor. There was a network of chambers and pools and instead of going directly to the chamber where Riordan and Juliette rested, he moved slowly through the others, trying to feel with every sense, wanting to rid himself of the plaguing feeling that something wasn't quite right. The mage knew Juilette was injured. He had set her up for the vampire to make the kill. He would know her lifemate would rest with her in the healing soil, and if he knew where the caverns were that were routinely used, wouldn't it be the perfect place to strike? That's what Manolito would have done.

He took his time, hiding his presence as he examined each chamber. He was adept at concealing himself, and he assumed his enemies would be as well. He looked for a small anomaly, a rift in the natural harmony, one small sign of malignancy. To his shock, as he entered the chamber where his brother lay, Mikhail Dubrinsky stood examining the walls and floor of the cavern, a small frown on his face. He turned his head at Manolito's approach, moving into a better defensible position.

Manolito took his human form, striding across the cavern floor, automatically checking on his brother as he did so. Riordan appeared to be resting peacefully beneath the ground with Juliette. «You should not be out here alone,» Manolito said. Already he was moving to protect the prince, reaching to Rafael, concerned that their prince was so exposed. «Where is your second?»

Mikhail gave him a faint smile. «I do not need a bodyguard to travel in my home territory, Manolito.»

«I disagree and cannot imagine that Gregori would want you traveling alone. What are you doing here anyway?»

«I began to worry that Riordan and Juliette might be attacked as they lay in their resting

place.» Mikhail raked a hand through his dark hair. «I suppose I second-guess our enemy far too much.»

«I had the same thought. I did not like that the dark mage has sent an emissary or come himself. He uses things we do not have adequate safeguards against.» Manolito studied the prince's face. He looked older than Manolito remembered him even the week before. There was sorrow in his eyes, and a trick of the light made him look as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders.

«We have certainly learned we have to protect below ground as well as above. Our resting places are no longer the safe havens we thought them,» Mikhail agreed. «How are you feeling? I know your wounds were quite serious. Has Gregori examined you to ensure that you are completely healed?»

«I'm fine. I have been wounded many times and will be again.» Manolito examined the walls of the cavern. «Do you believe Xavier has been able to unite the vampires against us?»

«Whoever has united our enemies, whether it be the Malinov brothers or Xavier and Razvan, doesn't really matter. They have come together and we have no choice but to deal with them.» Mikhail added a complicated weave to the safeguard already surrounding the couple in the earth. «I can find no evidence in here, or throughout the network of caves, that our enemy is lying in wait. Have you?»

«No.» Manolito admitted with some reluctance as he added his own strands of safeguard, peculiar only to his family, one that would be difficult-and slow-to unravel, with serious consequences if it were done improperly. Riordan would recognize his handiwork immediately. He had found no evidence, but he still wasn't convinced his youngest brother was entirely safe-and that didn't sit well with him.

The two walked together out of the chamber and started down the narrow passageway leading back up toward the surface. Manolito tried to move just ahead of the prince, still uneasy, still feeling edgy, in spite of his examination of the entire cavern.

«I have to see Falcon and Sara, and then head over to touch base with Gregori and my daughter,» Mikhail said. «I will be glad when this night is over. Did you check the inn? Skyler has indicated several times that she thinks the surge of power is coming from that direction.»

«Yes, but I will go back again. Falcon told me he was bringing the children there in about an hour. I want to make one more sweep before all the women and children arrive,» Manolito replied. «Just to be sure they are safe.»

His restless gaze moved over the ground, the walls, the roof of the cavern as they walked quickly through the passage. The sound of the water dripping was relentless. It seemed overly loud in the chambers, the endless rhythm blocking out any whisper of sound that

might alert him to danger. He tried to tone down the volume, but the sound only seemed louder, almost booming through the caves.

Manolito halted, placing his body between Mikhail's and the cavern. «I don't like this.»

«I haven't liked any of this for a long time,» Mikhail answered.

They both studied the passageway. They were only a few feet from the entrance. Light from snow and ice spilled along the opening for several feet as if in invitation. Small formations of ice had formed on the ceiling of the passageway, long, narrow spears of various colors.

Manolito shook his head, holding up his hand. «Let me go first. Just wait here and see if I trigger a trap, or perhaps we can move through as vapor and see what happens.»

«If they're here, we want to know it. Your brother lies asleep with his lifemate. One of our women is about to give birth. We have to know if our enemies have invaded our chambers as well.»

Manolito nodded and took several cautious steps, keeping an eye on the ice spears overhead. With each step he took, the ice rippled as if a vibration had gone through it.

«Go to mist,» Manolito instructed the prince, concern shadowing his mind.

Dirt and ice spewed into the air right at the prince's feet, a geyser of soil spraying high between the hunter and Mikhail, opening the earth where Mikhail would have stepped.

«Go! Get out of here,» Manolito ordered, swinging back.

The hole widened and deepened with blurring speed, a yawning crevice cracking beneath the prince even as he began to dissolve into vapor. A clawed hand reached from the dark hole and wrapped around Mikhail's ankle, talons biting deep into flesh. The hold prevented the change and the creature jerked hard, determined to drag the prince beneath the ground.

A collective gasp went up from the Carpathian people. It was Mikhail who connected them together. Mikhail who provided the common path of communication, and it was Mikhail who held the past and future together with the present for the Carpathian people. They all knew the moment he was in trouble-under attack.

Raven's soft cry of distress only added to the alarm and shock.

Manolito ignored it all, dissolved into vapor, sliding through the geyser of soil to the other side. Mikhail struggled to stay out of the gaping hole ripped in the floor of the passageway. The talons had torn two holes in his ankles. Mikhail could feel the razor tips of the vampire's claws meeting in his very flesh. The creature gulped his blood, teeth trying to tear at his flesh for more, all the while making hideous noises, as he wrenched at Mikhail's leg in an effort to drag him below to his lair.

Vampire, yet not. Mikhail sent to Manolito.

Manolito dove straight into the ground, aiming for the creature's upturned face. At the last instant before contact, he shifted form into that of a harpy eagle, the great curved beak, razor-sharp talons curved and wicked. He went straight for the eyes. As he entered the killing grounds of the unknown creature-a mixture of vampire and something hideously evil, he thought of MaryAnn. I am sorry.

For one brief moment he felt her awareness, bewildered and frightened. He touched her mind, one brief caress, and he let her go. Better not to have found her than to take her with him to the grave. And entering the burrow of an unknown enemy was tantamount to suicide. The prince had to be protected and there was no hesitation on his part. If his life was forfeit, his people would still go on.

The eagle ripped at the vampire's red-rimmed eyes, shredding skin over the throat and chest, digging deep and fast in an effort to force the creature to give up its prey. It had no choice, not if it wanted to survive. The abomination wrenched its claws from Mikhail's ankle and stabbed viciously at the eagle.

Go! Go! Get out of here! Manolito shouted at Mikhail as the dirt and rocks began pouring in over his head. One rock hit the eagle hard, knocking it sideways so one great wing crumpled. Manolito switched forms, trying to get a purchase in the soft dirt to get out before the rapidly filling dirt could close over his head. He used his hands to catch at roots to hold himself up as he kicked at the clawing creature with his foot. The dirt and debris rained on his head, filled his mouth so that he spat and closed his eyes, once more shifting to stay alive beneath the dirt.

Mikhail swore as the hole closed, trapping the hunter beneath the ground. He shifted to the body of a badger, plowing his way through the layers of soil, reaching for Manolito, all the while sending waves of tremors through the earth, hoping to disorient the monster.

Both hunter and hunted were blind now, the eagle having done its work. Manolito tried to utilize the senses of the giant mole he had become in order to find his way to the top. He heard the prince digging, felt the earth shake and knew Mikhail hadn't left him. He began frantically tunneling up toward the prince.

It was the mole that sensed the creature coming up behind it, but Manolito went silent, shrinking the mole to normal size, waiting until he felt the hot breath on the mole's face before he struck hard, leaping forward, ripping with his own claws, a savage attack that scored. He couldn't see it, but he could feel the blood burning through his body, heard the horrible howl of pain, and suddenly it was gone, dropping through the soil where Manolito had no hope of following it.

The dirt above him was nearly gone, thanks to Mikhail's efforts. He made short work of it and as he broke through the surface, he shifted once more, throwing himself across the top of the ground, breathing in fresh air.

«Your blood or his,» Mikhail demanded.

«Mostly his,» Manolito answered, desperately trying to regain his control. He couldn't afford for the prince to realize he'd regained emotion and for the first time in his life, he had experienced claustrophobia. «It feels like vampire blood, it burns like acid, yet he did not act as any vampire I have ever encountered. He didn't seem experienced in an actual fight.» Manolito sat up slowly, buying a little more time. «He laid a great trap, but he cannot really fight. He was relying on poison to stop us. It's in his claws.»

«Are Juliette and Riordan safe beneath the surface?»

«I don't think he can get to them. He cannot get past the safeguards. Don't you find that strange? He can do so much, yet he falls short when it comes to finishing.»

«I fear Razvan was not slain as we had hoped.» Mikhail reached out and circled his ankle, inspecting the damage. «He is good at the planning of a battle, but from what I understand he was unable to make up his own spells and safeguards. That would mean he could not unravel them.» I am tired, Raven. So very tired.

Gregori comes to you, my love. Her voice was a soft caress. There have been so many battles lately. This is my fault. I should not have insisted on bringing everyone together. The responsibility of their safety weighs on you.

Gregori tore into the passageway, a thundering cloud of vapor, already shifting. He came striding toward them, his silver eyes blazing, his long hair streaming behind him, his face a grim mask. Muscles ran like steel beneath his skin and he moved with fluid grace. He simply bent and ran his hands over Mikhail, looking for every scratch that could have opened a doorway for poison. «Our people are grateful to you, Manolito. We cannot thank you enough for your intervention.»

Ah, old friend. Must you treat me like a child in front of the children?

Do not make a joke. How many times is this now that our enemies have set traps for you? Raven and Savannah are both distressed, both in tears. For that alone I could tear out your heart. His hands were extraordinarily gentle as he examined the prince.

«Manolito has several burns and claw marks,» Mikhail said.

Gregori eyed his prince warily. Mikhail always responded to his outrageous threats, but this time he didn't even attempt a quip. Alarmed, Gregori went over his body a second time to make certain he had assessed the damage correctly. «I will take you home to Savannah to heal your ankle, if you do not mind, Mikhail. It will do her good to see you and I will be able to spend more time making certain I have all the poison out.»

«Whatever is best for you, Gregori.»

Gregori's dark brow rose and once again, his slashing silver gaze probed the prince. He

finally turned to Manolito and cleansed the burns from the acid blood, healing the few claw marks on his face and chest, checking to make certain he had pushed all the poison from his body. «You should rest,» he advised.

«I will go to ground after the celebration. I think every warrior should be close just in case,» Manolito said.

Gregori nodded. «Thank you again for your service to our people.»

«The allegiance of the De La Cruz family has always been pledged to our prince,» Manolito said. He sketched a small salute and left the two alone.

«Are you all right, Mikhail? Really all right?» Gregori asked.

Mikhail was silent for a few moments. «Yes, of course. I am just tired of so many of my people having to make a decision to exchange their life for mine. It is difficult to live with oneself after a time.» He didn't wait for Gregori to reply. He shimmered into mist and streamed from the caverns toward his daughter's home.

Savannah waited anxiously for them, her thick blue-black hair a long rope down her back, anxiety in her deep blue-almost violet-eyes. She threw her arms around Mikhail's neck and held him tightly. «Papa, we were all so worried.»

«I know, csitri,» he replied. «I'm sorry. I'm fine, just a scratch.»

«You've always called me your little girl, but now that I'm grown»-Savannah reached for Gregori, clung to his hand-«you only do so when things aren't very good. How bad are you hurt, really, Papa?» She looked up at her lifemate. «Gregori?»

Gregori framed her face with his large hands, thumbs brushing gently over her mouth. «You know I would never allow anything to happen to your father. He has a torn ankle and I'm going to take a good look at it.» His silver gaze slid over Mikhail.

«Do not look at me like that,» Mikhail snapped, his hand sliding down to his ankle. The pain was nearly impossible to block. «What would you have me do? Stand by and watch a man who risked his life for me die?»

Gregori waved his hand and a cushioned stool slid in front of Mikhail. «Yes. That is what I would have you do. I would not expect it of you, but yes, I would prefer it. One of these days, you are not going to survive these continual attacks on you. If you cannot think of yourself or your lifemate, perhaps you might think what would happen to your people.» His voice was mild as he delivered what was definitely a reprimand.

Savannah ducked her head, flinching a little, her protest dying under Gregori's slashing gaze. She brushed back her father's hair with gentle fingers. «It was courageous of you, but you could have been killed.»

«And what of the hunter, Manolito De La Cruz, who risked everything to save me? He went willingly into the burrow, knowing what it was, knowing he probably would die. I am to ignore that? I cannot, Gregori. I will not.»

Gregori shrugged his broad shoulders. «I suppose you could not. That is why you are the prince. But in truth, De La Cruz did his duty to his people. He has his honor and he can live with that. It is what we all do, Mikhail, and even you have to live within the rules of our society. We cannot exist without you.»

«There is Savannah.»

«We do not know if she is a living vessel for our people. And she is female. She is needed to provide children. If she ruled, we could not chance it.» Gregori bent to examine the wounds in Mikhail's ankle. «This is very similar to the attack on Natalya's ankle just before the big battle. Razvan attacked her from below ground and injected her with poison using the tips of his claws. How are you feeling?»

«Like he tore a hole through my ankle clear to the bone,» Mikhail admitted. When Gregori continued to look at him, he sighed. «The leg is weak and I feel sick.»

Savannah went to wipe the blood away, using a soft wet cloth. «This should help a little with the pain,» she explained. «I know you're having a difficult time controlling it and I put a soother in the water.»

Before she could touch her father, Gregori caught her arm and pulled her away from the wound. «I think we will treat this as if it is poison.»

Savannah glared at him. «You're going to go into his body and destroy the poison, aren't you? So big deal if I help my father feel a little better.»

Gregori paused, his black brow shooting up. «It is unlike you to snarl at your lifemate, Savannah. Perhaps you are more upset than you realize that your father has been injured. And you wept over that ridiculous dish your mother asked you to make.»

Color stained her cheeks. «I did not cry over it. I told you that.» She glared at him. Don't tell my father that. He'll tell my mother and then she'll feel bad. And stop giving me orders. I just don't feel like putting up with it today.

Gregori caught both her arms and pulled her into the shelter of his body. «You are near tears again. What is wrong with you? Is it the baby?» His hand brushed over her hair with exquisite gentleness.

«Baby? What baby?» Mikhail asked, shifting position so he could look at his daughter's stomach. Savannah was small, like her mother. Now that Gregori had spilled the news, he could see that she was definitely thicker around the waist and he found himself smiling in spite of the pain.

She gasped and hit Gregori's shoulder with her clenched fist. «You weren't supposed to tell. I was going to tell them.»

«What is wrong?» Gregori demanded, catching her fist and opening it, to place a kiss in the center of her palm. He cast a swift glance at Mikhail. «I can always remove your father's memories.»

«Oh, I'd like to see you try that,» Mikhail scoffed. «And if you're making my baby girl cry, you're going to see what a prince can do when he's angry.»

«I'm having twins,» Savannah announced. «Girls.»

«We only heard one heartbeat, felt one life,» Gregori objected, giving her a narrow-eyed glance. «She's having a baby. A boy.»

«The other was there, hiding behind her sister. There are two of them, both girls and I'm going to be as big as a house. And you re going to be just awful, ordering me around. If you think he's bad about giving you orders, Papa, trust me, he's way worse with me.»

Gregori shook his head. «Not girls, Savannah. We need sons. Warriors. Daratrazanoffs guard the prince.»

«Well I'm sorry to tell you this, but they are definitely girls. Not sons. Daughters. I connected with both of them. There's no doubt.»

Mikhail leaned back with a satisfied smirk on his face. «And you so deserve this, Gregori. You cannot imagine how much I'm going to enjoy watching you survive, not one, but two little daughters.»

Gregori simply stood there looking as shocked as he was capable of looking. «How could I not know? I examined you myself.» He shook his head again. «You must be mistaken. I cannot be wrong.»

«She hid.»

His brows drew together. «That is unacceptable.»

Mikhail laughed. «I'm certain your infant daughter will do exactly as you command, Gregori. And as toddlers, they will really listen to you.»

«Savannah, I am serious. You talk to them,» Gregori commanded. «I cannot have one hiding from me when I make certain they are healthy.»

«Your manner was gruff and you frightened her.»

«I'm her father and I shouldn't frighten her.»

Mikhail sighed. «I'm bleeding and I have to be up and running in good form in a few minutes, so I suggest you get over your shock that the world doesn't do everything you dictate and get on with healing me.»

Gregori swung around, all cool elegance and danger. «You put her up to this, didn't you, Mikhail?»

«Put her up to giving you twin girls? If I had thought of it, I would have, but my imagination doesn't stretch quite that far.» Mikhail shifted his leg and tried not to wince.

At once Gregori was all business. «Savannah, stay away from the blood just in case it is as poisonous as I believe it to be.» He shed his body fast, becoming pure white light, a glowing energy that entered Mikhail's body and moved quickly to the wound. As expected, the poison was a problem. He was thorough, making certain to chase down every drop, push it out of Mikhail's body and heal his ankle from the inside out.

«It is done, but it will be weak for a while. Stay off it as much as possible until you can go to ground and allow the soil to rejuvenate you.»

«Of course.»

«I don't suppose you'd agree to lie down for an hour or two now and skip a small part of the festivities.»

Mikhail felt Raven's light touch brushing in his mind. Perhaps you should do as he says. She sounded anxious.

«No.» I am fine, Raven, just a little tired. I want to come home and hold you for a while. That will do me more good than going to ground.

Then come home.

Did you hear the news? Did Savannah tell you? She carries twin girls.

I heard. She is very excited. Raven didn't add anything more and he knew she was trying to sound happy and brave for her daughter. Carrying twins would be much more difficult than a single child and Raven was fully aware of that. She didn't want the sorrow of losing children for her daughter.

«I need to get home to Raven,» Mikhail said. «Savannah, sweetheart, as always you are so beautiful. I think pregnancy agrees with you. Have you kept this secret for long? To know if they are girls or boys you must be several months along.»

«We didn't want to say anything until we were certain I had a good chance of carrying.» She smiled up at Gregori and once again he leaned down to kiss her.

«Son,» Mikhail said softly, putting a hand on Gregori's back.

The Dark One stiffened and spun around, his silver eyes going molten. «Son?» he echoed. «Since when does my prince address his second in command and oldest friend in this manner?»

Mikhail's lips twitched. Inside, where only Raven could hear, he was roaring with laughter, but he managed to keep his mask intact. «You are family-my son-in-law, and I think of you as son upon occasion,» Mikhail said rubbing his temples as if they ached, looking as pitiful and tired as he could.

«Oh, you do, do you?» Gregori folded his arms across his chest and cast a suspicious look around the room. Colorful flies and beetles clung to the walls and windowpanes. Some crawled from beneath the door to join the others. He glared at the insects and swung his gaze back to his father-in-law. «There seems to be an inordinate amount of bugs invading my home. I think we need a particularly venomous pesticide. Your sudden paternal feelings don't have anything to do with the insects, do they?»

Mikhail groaned softly.

«Gregori!» Savannah scowled at him. «My father is in terrible pain. He's treating you like family and you re not at all being nice. Get him a pillow for his back.»

«Thank you, sweetheart, but I cannot really stay. I need to finish up the details for tonight. I'm certain whatever you made will be fine, and if it isn't, there will be plenty of other dishes.» Mikhail swung his legs back down to the floor and waited a moment for the pain to subside. Gregori was right. He had healed the wound as best he could and removed the poison, but it was tender and raw. He needed to go to ground to complete the process and until morning, he would have to live with the ache.

«Here, Dad,» Gregori said with heavy sarcasm, «let me help you up. Is there anything else you need?»

Mikhail allowed him to help him to the door. «Now that you mention it, son, yes.» He wrapped his arm around Savannah and kissed her cheek. «Congratulations, honey, I will look forward to having granddaughters.» He smiled at Gregori. «I'd like you to play the role of Santa Claus for the children tonight. It's a big responsibility and obviously you're the best choice for the job.» He pulled a red cap topped with a white knitted snowball out of the air and plopped it on top of Gregori's head. «I've brought along the costume, although there's some controversy over whether Santa wears red tights or not.» He waved the tights under Gregori's nose.

Gregori snatched the tights from Mikhail's hand and the hat from his head. «Mikhail…» His teeth came together in a loud snap of warning. «You wouldn't dare do that to me.» He looked around the room at the insects decorating his walls. «I see now why my brothers have decided to visit.» He waved his hands creating a wild wind that blew like a cyclone through the house.

The insects wavered, shifting into men, all laughing uproariously. Lucian clapped him on the back and Gabriel ruffled his hair. «Congratulations, little brother, you drew the short stick.»

«You all knew about this?» Gregori demanded. He made a grab for Mikhail, but the prince was already out the door with a cheery little wave.

Darius touched fists with Julian, the pair of them grinning at each other. The others whooped with laughter.

«Out,» Gregori ordered. «Every last one of you.»

«I wouldn't mind seeing the cap on your head again.» Darius wiggled his fingers as if Gregori should spin around and model for them.

«Put on the tights,» Jacques encouraged.

«Get. Out.» Gregori enunciated each word.

«Sure, sonny boy,» Julian snorted. «We'll leave you to practice for your command performance tonight.»

Another whoop of laughter filled the house, threatening to take off the roof. Gregori held open the door and simply pointed. The men filed out, large grins on their faces.

Gregori kicked the door closed and turned to his lifemate. «I'm killing your father. I've decided the Carpathian people can do without him just fine.»

Savannah pressed her hand tightly over her mouth. «It's really an honor.» The words came out muffled as she choked on her laughter.

He held up his hand. «Don't. Do not say another word.»

She slipped her arm around his waist and leaned into him. «Is it really so terrible?»

«You saw them. Every single male in the territory was here. Your father set me up.»

Savannah was silent for a moment. «Then I guess we have to figure out a way to turn the tables on them all, don't we?»

He wrapped a fistful of hair around his hand and stared down into her upturned face, always so beloved to him. «Just what are you thinking?»

A slow smile lit her eyes. «They want Santa Claus? I'm a magician aren't I? The great Savannah Dubrinsky? And you are Gregori, commander of earth, spirit, fire and water. You call down the weather and make the earth tremble. Santa Claus is going to be a piece of cake. I do wish they had given us a little more time to prepare. But we'll give them the best

Santa Claus ever. No child will be afraid of you and you won't be falling on your face like they all expect.»

«Are you certain it wouldn't be simpler just to do in your father and bury his body somewhere in the forest?» Gregori sounded hopeful.

She went up on her toes to press kisses against his mouth. «You are so bloodthirsty.»

He placed his hand over her rounded stomach. «There are really two little girls growing inside of you?»

She nodded, placing her hand over his. «Yes. We really managed to shock you, didn't we?»

«I'm a healer, ma petite. I should know what is going on inside your body at all times. How else will I keep you healthy?»

She brought his hand to her mouth, nibbling on his fingers. «I like that we can occasionally surprise you.»

«Oh, you do that, Savannah,» he assured her. «You always do that.»

Chapter 18

«Sara, I can't find my wings,» little Emma said, running down the hall, her curls bobbing. «I looked everywhere.» «Trav took them,» Chrissy volunteered. «He said Emma was no angel and he was going to throw her wings away.» Her too-large eyes were very solemn, waiting to see what terrible punishment the adults would mete out over such a crime.

Sara rolled her eyes when Emma started to wail. «I am an angel. I am! Trav is a bad, bad boy, isn't he, Falcon?»

Falcon scooped her up and whirled her around before her wail could turn into a serious crying jag. «I think Trav is a mischievous boy, not a bad one. What could you possibly have done to keep him from thinking you're an angel?»

«He always wants food and I took his sandwich and gave it to Maria's dog. Trav doesn't need the sandwich as much as Maria's dog does. Trav can just go in the kitchen any time. That's what Sara said, right Sara?»

«That's right, Emma,» Sara agreed. «There's always plenty of food to go around, but you shouldn't take Trav's sandwich. If you want to give Maria's dog something to eat, get it from the kitchen.»

Falcon cleared his throat. That could be downright scary. She's liable to give the dog a roast next time.

«What I mean, Emma, is ask Slavica or Maria before you take anything from the kitchen. They know what dogs should eat,» Sara hastily added.

Emma was four, and Sara was fairly certain the argument would go on forever if she didn't find a way to change the subject. «We have to hurry and get all of you children over to the inn. Everyone is waiting to see the show.»

«I need my wings, Falcon,» Emma declared. «I can't be an angel without my wings.» Her lower lip began to tremble.

«We'll find your wings, little one,» Falcon assured her. He looked across the room and smiled at Sara.

She had done this, created a miracle for these children. Now they were on the road to health and slowly beginning to believe they wouldn't have to steal for food and would always have a roof over their heads. It was never easy. Sara had rescued seven gifted children who had been living in the sewers in Romania and brought them to the Carpathian Mountains. Sara and Falcon rose as early as possible, and stayed up as late as they could in order to be with the children. They were lucky enough to find several human women willing to work for them, caring for the children during the hours they had no choice but to be asleep.

Falcon had never imagined he could love so much, but sometimes, like now, it seemed it spilled out of him and fill all the empty spaces in the room. He hugged Emma again, ignoring her squeals, and led the little group to the chair where Travis sat, trying to glare at the others. Falcon winked at the boy and held out his hand. «Let's go. This is a celebration dinner and the quicker we get the play out of the way, the quicker you get to eat. I know Corinne and Mrs. Sanders are fantastic cooks. You won't want to miss this meal.»

Travis sighed and stood up, dragging the wings out from under his bottom. «At least I don't have to be the angel.» He suddenly grinned up at Falcon. «I get to be king.»

Falcon dropped a hand on the boy's shoulder. Travis was the oldest and at eight, had carried a lot of responsibility over the others, picking pockets, trying to get food to feed them, always trying to protect them from the older, larger bullies on the streets and in the sewers. He was tall for his age and very thin, with a mop of dark hair he refused to cut. When Falcon had wanted to insist on having the hair cut, Sara had pointed out the boy was trying to be like him, so he left it wild and untamed. After that, Falcon spent time trying to give the boy a few pointers on keeping his long hair groomed. Tonight it seemed he had done a better job than usual. Even Emma didn't have anything to say about Travis's hair.

«You look great tonight.»

«Sara said everyone was coming from the church to the inn.»

«Yes, they went to midnight service and they will be coming for the dinner. Did you

want to go the service?» He glanced at Sara, trying hard to keep a straight face.

Travis scowled at him. «Not me. I'm not going.»

«I didn't think you wanted to, but figured I'd better ask, just to keep your options open. We'd better get going or we'll be late.»

«Falcon,» Emma asked as they headed out the door. «Is St. Nick really going to come? Will he have a present for me?»

There was a sudden silence, and he realized his answer was important to all of the children as he looked down at their upturned, expectant faces. Even Travis looked hopeful, although he tried to appear indifferent. They'd never had a Christmas tree, or enough food or even a roof over their heads, let alone a Christmas present.

«I certainly believe he is coming,» Falcon said, a lump in his throat threatening to choke him. He exchanged another look with Sara. It was easy to understand why she had needed to rescue at least these children. She could only save so many, and she had done her best to provide a good home for them.

«Come on, everybody, let's go. We're riding in a sleigh this evening,» Sara announced. «Make certain you have your hats and coats and gloves.»

«Like Santa's sleigh?» Chrissy asked. At five, she was the oldest girl and took her role very seriously. There was wonder in her voice, and Sara was instantly grateful Falcon had thought of a sleigh ride.

«Well, we'll have horses instead of reindeer,» Sara said, «but it should be fun. When you get in, pull the heavy blanket over you, so you stay warm.»

They couldn't put seven children in one sleigh, so Sara rode with the four boys so they could «take care of her» while Falcon looked after the three little girls. Travis took the reins and, looking very grown-up, gave the command to start the horses. Jase, the youngest boy, only three, gripped Sara hard and squealed with delight as they skimmed across the snow toward the inn.

Falcon scanned the area around them. He knew there had been several attacks on the women and one directed at the prince, and his apprehension grew as they proceeded through the heaviest part of the woods. A flutter of movement overhead pulled his gaze upward and he saw several owls winging their way overhead. The horses snorted, blew streams of vapor into the air, heads tossing as they eyed the wolves pacing along beside them, the leader running parallel, ice-blue eyes blazing.

«Our escorts,» Falcon called out, laughing. Warriors everywhere, flying above them, running beside them, watching over the children and Sara. He saluted them as the sleigh raced over the snow, runners gliding easily.

The sleigh bells tinkled with every step the horses took. The children's cheeks were red and rosy, eyes wide with excitement, and their laughter was music to his ears. I love you, Sara. Thank you for giving me life.

I love you right back, Falcon. Thank you for being you. No other would have taken on these children and embraced them the way you have. You are a remarkable man.

The inn was lit up, colorful lights shining from the balcony and around the door. The horses pulled right up to the entrance and the innkeeper, Slavica, one of the women who often cared for the children, came out to greet them. Hugging each, she took them into the huge dining room where they had set up the stage. Falcon and Sara took their seats, Sara gripping his hand hard, fingers crossed that the children would have fun putting on their performance for all the adults.

The pageant went off with only a few hitches. The play went well, although the angel kicked the king in the shins, and he jumped around the stage for a minute before remembering he had an audience. Josef sang a stirring rap song, his own Christmas version of «Jingle Bells,» which was actually quite good and had the audience clapping along until, in his enthusiasm, he nearly fell off the makeshift stage.

Falcon wrapped his arm around Sara's shoulders and put one hand over her stomach where their unborn child rested. «You are an incredible woman. How did you put this all together? The children are so happy and look at them up there. They're all little performers.»

Mikhail nodded his head. «It was a fantastic performance, Sara, I had no idea. You must have put in so much time preparing them.» He looked around him at the faces of his people, all smiling, the worn, grim faces of his warriors relaxed and happy, most of them saluting the children with a thunderous applause.

«Didn't they do a wonderful job?» Sara was beaming for her children. «What did you think of Josef's rendition of a rap Christmas carol? He really worked hard on that number. And Skyler sang beautifully. I was shocked when I heard her voice for the first time. Paul and Ginny did a great dance performance, and of course no one plays the piano the way Antonietta does. I'm just so happy about all of this.»

«And having the Dark Troubadours sing for everyone went over big,» Falcon added. «I think our guests were very happy with the show.»

«In all honesty, Sara, I never expected anything near this production,» Mikhail admitted. «When did you have time to put it all together? I knew you were practicing with the children, and even the teens, but this really was a far larger performance than I ever imagined.»

«It was fun, Mikhail. And the children really needed to feel a part of the event. I don't want them to feel different. Any of them. It's important that the adults see them and

acknowledge their accomplishments.»

«Don't they do that?» The smile faded from his face. They didn't do that. As important as the children were to them, as treasured and as precious, the rest of the Carpathian community saw to their health and safety, but not necessarily anything more. It hadn't always been like that.

«Not just their parents,» Sara said. «Carpathian males have struggled alone for so long without families they've forgotten what it is like to have them. Their life is war, not home, not wife and children. There is education, not just books, but teaching them the ways of the Carpathians, how to shapeshift, safeguards and even battle. Who does that? We've never established that. The children are so few and no one thinks to bring them together like this where they can all get to know one another, become friends and have adults accept them.»

Mikhail remembered his own youth, the warriors stopping to give him a word of advice here and there, a gem caller taking him into the caverns to show him how it was done, others working with him on shapeshifting and even battle tactics. Sara was right.

«I will give what you say some thought, Sara,» he said. «It makes sense. The children look happier than I have ever seen them. I had a brief visit with Joie's mother, Mrs. Sanders, and she mentioned that you hand-sewed those costumes. I would have provided help had you asked.»

«I had help. Corinne sews as well. And we wanted to sew by hand rather than the Carpathian way in order to show my girls and boys how it can be done. Falcon and I try to integrate the two worlds as much as possible. Colby De La Cruz told me she and Rafael do the same thing for Paul and Ginny.»

Mikhail took Raven's hand and brought it to his mouth, teeth scraping gently back and forth over her knuckles. «There seems to be many things I haven't considered. We've learned a lot from your party, Raven. Several of our people do have to incorporate the human ways along with the Carpathian ways. As more of our warriors find mates among human women, it will happen with more frequency. It's best if we learn how to integrate human and Carpathian families now.»

He drew her away from the others over toward the tall Christmas tree. Several people had made ornaments to hang on it, bringing them to Slavica from all around the village. He leaned over to brush the corner of his lifemate's mouth with a kiss. «Look around you, Raven. You did this. It is the first time in centuries I have seen so many Carpathians gathered in one place with our neighbors. The children are laughing and running around, all excited, and the men are relaxed. Well,» he amended, «alert as they should be, but so much more relaxed than I have seen them.» His gaze went to Lucian. «Look at him, Raven. That man has spent his entire life in battle, yet now, he is at peace.»

Raven's answering smile was gentle and filled with understanding. «Of course you needed to see this. You have to be reminded occasionally what you're fighting for, Mikhail.

All the effort you make is for them. If you never see a payoff, the workload begins to weigh far too much.»

He felt the ache in his throat as he stared around the room. There were so many of them, his warriors, tall and straight with their signature long black hair, eyes restless, but laughing now. He looked beyond them to the other males, some in the dining hall, a few in the bar, most outside where he could feel them. On the edge. No lifemate to bring them out of their barren existence. Would this help them? Give them hope? Or would the gathering only accentuate their loneliness?

Raven leaned against him, sharing the warmth of her body. «We're not just a people, we're a society. But how can we be a society if we never interact with one another?» She reached up to touch his face, so lined with worry. «The old ways are gone forever. They are, Mikhail, as sad as that is. We have to find a way to bring these people together with new traditions. We have to make our own history now. We have enemies, yes, but we have this.» She swept her hand around the room to encompass all the Carpathians as well as their human friends. «We have so much and you've done that. Gregori used to snarl about your friendship with your priest, Father Hummer, yet now, one of his best friends is Gary Jansen.»

The mention of his longtime friend, a priest murdered by members of the society for his association with Mikhail, saddened him. He forced his mind away from the past.

«Sara mentioned that we've fought so many battles and been so long without children, we are not giving them the proper tools they need. Do you think she's right?» Mikhail's black eyes rested on Raven's face. Lifemates did not lie to one another, even if the telling was painful. He saw the answer in her face, the way her fingers tightened around his and she looked momentarily distressed.

«You cannot think of everything, Mikhail.»

«I have no choice, Raven. That is my duty, my responsibility. These children are all Carpathian, and those who are not yet-soon will be. You are right in saying we're not just a people. We are a society and we need to start acting like it. Our enemies have managed to keep us focused on them, instead of paying attention to the details of our lives that are important. Our children are everything. Rather than be annoyed by their antics, as I have been with Josef, we should all be helping them learn.»

«Honey,» she said softly. «Josef would try the patience of a saint.»

A small smile flirted with his mouth. «Okay, I'll concede that point. That boy is so old in some ways and so young in others. None of us have dealt with children, not in centuries, and trying to find the tolerance and patience is going to have to become a priority, especially now that some of our women are pregnant.»

Raven nudged Mikhail as Jacques and Shea entered the room. «She looks strained. Do

you think she's in labor?»

«Jacques told me she's been fighting it. I asked Syndil to choose a birthing place and to enrich the soil for Shea and the baby, hoping that would help Shea relax enough to give birth.»

«I'm surprised she came.»

«She was to meet an online friend here tonight. One of the guests. Eileen Fitzpatrick is her name. Have you met her?»

«No, but Slavica mentioned her. Apparently, right before she came she had an operation for cataracts and she's spent most of the time in her room. She only came to meet Shea and would have put it off, but she's up there a bit in age and was worried this might be her only chance.»

«Jacques told me Aidan investigated her. She's supposedly legitimate, but I want to take extra precautions with Shea. At this point, I do not trust anyone near her-not even harmless old ladies with cataracts.»

Shea and Jacques made their way slowly through the crowd toward Mikhail and Raven. Mikhail stepped forward to greet his sister-in-law with a kiss on the cheek.

«You are certain you shouldn't be resting?» he asked, looking at Jacques, one brow raised in inquiry.

«I'm definitely in labor,» Shea admitted. «This baby has decided he will come tonight whether I want him to or not. It's easier and faster if I stay on my feet as long as possible. I wanted to see the performance, but I moved a little too slow.»

Raven hugged her. «I can show it to you in my mind, every detail, especially the fun parts. The little ones were so cute and I had no idea the teenagers were so talented. Josef really does have a good voice and he's always so inventive.»

«Josef sang? And I missed it?» Shea asked.

Mikhail sighed. «If you call what he did singing. He does have a good voice, and I cannot understand why the boy doesn't sing a song one can actually understand. And what were all those gyrations he was doing up there?»

«Gyrations?» Jacques echoed, looking to Raven for an explanation.

«He looked like he was having a convulsion,» Mikhail explained.

«He was dancing,» Raven said, sending Mikhail a quelling look.

«Is that what it was? I couldn't decide whether he was doing striptease without stripping

or needed medical aid immediately. As no one raced to his aid, I remained in my seat. He spun on the floor and threw his body around like a caterpillar on the floor.»

«Break dancing,» Raven interpreted for Shea.

«And the striptease?» Shea asked.

«That would be freak dancing without a partner, I think,» Raven said. «I'm not exactly up on the terms, but he did look as if he was… er… Well, you know.»

«I don't know.» Mikhail shrugged. «He nearly fell off the stage at that point.»

Shea laughed, one hand pressed to her stomach. «I knew I should have been here, just for that.»

«It was worth seeing,» Mikhail agreed, «although I didn't understand a word he was saying or why he was spitting and grunting while he sang.»

«You're not with it,» Jacques stated.

Raven and Shea laughed together. Mikhail looked injured. «With what? I'm with it. I happen to know that is not dancing. Paul and Ginny were dancing and Antonietta played real music and Skyler sang like an angel. The Troubadours sang a couple of wonderful ballads and no one, not even Barack, spit while they did it.»

Jacques shook his head sadly. «There's no hope of modernizing you, bro.»

Shea pressed one hand to her stomach and reached for Jacques's hand. «The contractions are really beginning to strengthen. Laughing is making it worse.»

Both men looked so panic-stricken Raven had to hide a smile. «She'll do fine, Jacques. You're so pale. You did feed tonight, didn't you?»

«He's just being a baby,» Shea said. «He fed. He wanted to be prepared in case I needed blood.» She smiled at him. «Which I won't. Everything is going well.»

«Not for me,» Jacques admitted. «I have no idea what it feels like to give birth. Sharing the experience is plain frightening.»

Mikhail nodded in agreement, but he was looking to his warriors, the unattached Carpathian males. They were the guardians tonight, as they so often were in foreign lands, only this time, they had the responsibility of guarding one of their women about to give birth. The men moved through the room, probing and scanning and searching the surrounding region for enemies.

«I actually am very excited to meet one of the guests who flew in from San Francisco. Her name is Eileen Fitzpatrick and she may be a relative of mine. We're both interested in

genealogy and since I don't really have any relatives from my side of the family, I'm really hoping she is related to me,» Shea said. «She sent word through Slavica that she wasn't feeling very good tonight and wanted me to meet her up in her room so she wouldn't have to be down here with all the chaos. I thought it was a very good idea.»

«Absolutely not,» Jacques said.

«No!» Mikhail was adamant.

Shea made a face at them. «I'm not made of porcelain. She's elderly and she just had an operation and she came all this way. The least I can do is climb the stairs and go see her.»

«Not alone. She'll be here more than one night, Shea,» Jacques coaxed. «You do not need to see her tonight.» He placed his hand over her stomach, rippling once more with a contraction. «You have other things to do tonight. Raven, if you would be so kind as to ask Slavica to send word that Shea is in labor and will arrange a visit in a day or two.»

«Well, I'm not going to miss out on Gregori playing Santa Claus,» Shea said firmly, aware that the stubborn set to Jacques's jaw meant he wouldn't change his mind. «So don't think you can hurry me out of here.»

Gregori. In spite of the gravity of the situation with Shea so near her time, Mikhail couldn't keep the taunting laughter from his voice. Shea is close to her time and she wishes to see you parading around in your jolly red suit before she has the baby. So get on with it, my son. Mikhail gave the order on their private mental path established centuries earlier through a blood bond.

You cannot rush St. Nick. This is a busy night for him, Mikhail. Even you, my prince, cannot command his time.

Mikhail flashed Jacques a small grin and tugged at Raven's long hair. «I need to speak with some of my men. It will not take long. You can walk around with Shea and see that she behaves herself.»

«As if I could do anything else,» Shea replied.

Mikhail sauntered away, moving through the villagers, guests and his people to reach the ancient he had spotted. Dimitri was in the bar, in the shadows, his cold eyes following Skyler's progress as she moved around the room.

«How are you doing?» Mikhail asked.

«I am better. She is not so distressed and it helps. I thought I would torment myself for a few minutes and then go back to my patrol. If I can do nothing else, I know I can keep her safe.»

«If she is Dragonseeker as Natalya suspects, she is much more than a powerful psychic.

It would explain the things Francesca says she can already do.»

«And it also means she suffered far more trauma even than we already know.»

Mikhail clapped Dimitri on the back. «You are an honorable man, Dimitri, and more than deserve a rare gem as no doubt our Skyler will be.»

«Let us hope you are right.»

Mikhail left him alone, standing in the shadows where he lived most of the time. Sadness seeped into the prince, sorrow for his warriors, so alone, most without much hope, but living their lives to the best of their abilities.

Manolito De La Cruz was standing just inside the door, and Mikhail approached him. «Do you suspect any of these men of being the mage? You came closest to him, entering his burrow and possibly finding his scent.»

Manolito shrugged his shoulders. «I cannot find a single man who could be the mage we seek. All of us have been through the rooms, listening and scanning and even probing, but all the guests appear to be legitimate.»

«What do your instincts say?» Mikhail asked.

«That the enemy is close,» Manolito answered.

«Mine say the same thing.» Mikhail shrugged. «Keep looking. Tell the others to do the same. We cannot afford any mistakes.»

Manolito nodded and made his way once again around the room, giving the prince's message verbally to the warriors present. He didn't trust their common path of communication not to be overhead if the mage was in league with a vampire. As he neared Nicolae and Vikirnoff with their lifemates, he risked a quick glance at MaryAnn.

The sight of her took his breath away. She sat at a table near Colby and Rafael, talking to Ginny, Paul and Skyler, laughing at something they were telling her, and she looked so beautiful it hurt his eyes. Her skin seemed to glow and he was mesmerized by her mouth and eyes. The sound of her voice played down his spine. Need slammed into his body, tightening his muscles, hardening his groin so that he stopped moving and stood still, forcing his gaze away from temptation. It wouldn't do to be caught staring at her, or even thinking about her. He had to keep his mind fixed on his objective-ferreting out the dark mage.

«Mikhail still feels the threat is very real with Jacques's woman so close to her time. He asked that you both remain on high alert.» He delivered the message, keeping his mind in battle mode, knowing both would test him. They had been probing the minds of as many of the unmated males as they could. Several times they had touched his thoughts.

Colby looked up and smiled at him. «Are you all right? Rafael told me you were injured defending the prince.»

«It is nothing, little sister, a scratch, no more.» He had felt nothing for this woman other than through his brother when Rafael had first brought her home, yet now he could remember all the little things she did for him and his brothers. She often shared her thoughts of laughter and warmth with them and the antics of Paul and Ginny, hoping to make their existence a little brighter. Now he could feel real affection for her.

He casually dropped his hand onto Colby's shoulder. «I checked on Riordan and Juliette. Nothing has disturbed their slumber.» His gaze flickered to Paul and Ginny. «Juliette would have loved to see you two dance. She always mentions that her sister used to enjoy dancing so much. Hopefully she will get a chance to see you perform.» He glanced at MaryAnn, gave a slight bow and walked away without a flicker of expression on his face.

MaryAnn stared after him. «My God, that man is handsome.»

Colby nodded. «He is, isn't he? All of the De La Cruz brothers are. There are five of them and when they're all together they are quite the sight. Most women just drool around them.»

MaryAnn stared after the man, feeling a little jealous over the missing women. Manolito certainly had the attention of the single women in the room, but he never so much as glanced their way. It wasn't that she wanted a man of her own, but she wouldn't have minded being noticed by him. «What did he mean about Juliette's sister? Why doesn't she dance anymore?» She wondered if Manolito had ever seen Juliette's sister dance. And she wondered why it bothered her to think that maybe he had.

Colby sighed heavily. «Juliette's younger sister, Jasmine, was kidnapped by a group of jaguar males. They…» She broke off, looking at her brother and sister, and shook her head. «Did things to her. She won't come out of the jungle or come near the ranch. She refuses even to see Juliette if Juliette is with Riordan. Juliette is so distressed she's been talking about leaving the ranch, our home, to try to help her sister. Rafael was just saying to me that you'd helped Destiny so much and maybe we could find Jasmine a counselor. Although, out where we live, that might be very difficult.»

MaryAnn found herself watching the tall Carpathian as he glided through the room with utter confidence stamped in the very line of his body. He was fluid and graceful, almost elegant. The spot over her breast was aching again and she pressed her hand tightly over it. The sensation spread, making her breasts tingle and her nipples tighten. Warmth spread down her belly and between her legs. She swallowed hard, trying to tear her gaze from the sensual mouth and the image of it moving over her body. «I guess there aren't too many counselors near your ranch.»

«No.» Colby frowned. «From what Juliette says, Jasmine was never a strong person. And they have a cousin, Solange. She detests men and Juliette hasn't been able to combat her influence. It's all very sad.»

«Perhaps I'll have a word with Juliette when she rises,» MaryAnn ventured.

«Would you? That would be so helpful. Maybe you could just try to give her some advice on how to approach Jasmine to at least accept the men in our family. They would die to protect her. That's just the way they are.»

«I'll be more than glad to help,» MaryAnn said, her gaze once more straying to the tall, handsome Carpathian who was obviously on guard.

«Excuse me, Colby,» Paul interrupted, «but you promised to introduce me to Gary Jansen. After all, he could be my uncle.»

Colby squeezed Rafael's hand. «I did, didn't I? Let's go talk to him and see what he has to say.» She led her brother over to the table where Gary Jansen sat with Gabrielle Sanders, her brother Jubal and her sister Joie. Joie's lifemate, Traian, rose when she approached, as did the other two men.

Gary stared at Colby, shaking his head. «You look so much like my sister it's amazing. She was older than me by quite a few years and left home when I was about ten. I never saw her again. But I swear, you look just like her.»

Colby sank down in the chair beside him after introducing Paul. She noticed Gabrielle's mother walked away quickly, a small scowl on her face. «I'm sorry, did we upset her?»

«No, I'm afraid she doesn't like anything jaguar, although in all honesty, I don't believe I am,» Gary said. «I never heard that we had jaguar blood. In fact, I never heard of the jaguar race until I became friends with Gregori.»

«Don't worry about Mom,» Gabrielle added. «She'll come around. She just has to get used to all of this.»

The double doors from the dining hall leading to the balcony suddenly swung open, and a short woman dressed as an elf with pointed ears and a wealth of blue-black hair stood in the center of the open doors. «Ladies and gentleman, may I have your attention, please? Many of you may not know this, but I happen to be a magician. Come here to me children. May I have the children here on the balcony? I'm about to show them one of the greatest magicians of all times. He is a well-kept secret.»

All the children, both Carpathian and from the village, pushed forward and the adults crowded behind them. Paul lifted Emma onto his shoulders, and Skyler took Baby Tamara while Josef lifted young Jase up. Travis grabbed Chrissy by the shoulders and held her close, while Ginny held the hands of Sara and Falcon's other two young boys. Josh, feeling quite grown up, had the responsibility of the last girl, young Blythe.

As she spoke, small pulses of colored lights twinkled all around her and snow drifted down without ever touching her. The world around her appeared dazzling and majestic, swirls of fog covering her feet as she danced along the balcony railing with her little elf

boots, her hair swinging around her like a cape, her face a little fey in the silver moonlight. Crystals hung from the eaves and pulsed with the same colors, soft reds and greens and blues and yellows, turning the night into a light show.

A collective gasp went up from the children, and Travis had to grab Emma as she wandered out onto the balcony, staring in awe up at the lights. Savannah turned in a little circle and jumped back down in front of the children. «Oh, dear, I think I've forgotten my wand. I need it to reveal St. Nick to you.» Her voice lowered dramatically and she looked right and left as if confiding only in them. «He always comes in under cover of the cloak of night using storms like this one to keep children from spotting him.» She looked around again. «If only I had my wand.»

«But Savannah,» Chrissy ventured, «it's in your hand.»

«It is?» Savannah managed to look surprised and she raised the glowing wand, swiveling it in a small circle. It rained sparkling pixie dust all over the snow-covered balcony. «Oh, good. It's working. Let's see. Look up to the sky and I'll try to remember how to do this. I've only done it once, you know, but for you, I'll try again.»

Savannah waved the wand in a sweeping gesture as she danced across the railing again. The falling snow drew back like a curtain. A large snowman with coal for eyes and a carrot for a nose whirled around, looking guilty, and raced away over the ground into the village.

«Oh, dear, that's the wrong one. That was Frosty the Snowman. Let me try again,» Savannah said.

The children laughed as Savannah brought back the snow, did another whirling dance and once more sent pixie dust flying as she opened the curtain of snow.

The children-and even most of the adults-gasped again, some of them putting their hands over their mouths, in an effort to stay quiet. Up in the sky, where the stars twinkled and the moon shone, a gleaming sleigh raced across the night, drawn by reindeer. A man with a white beard dressed in a fur-trimmed red suit commanded the deer. In the sleigh was an enormous bag bulging with toys. Bells on the sleigh chimed softly, and the pulsing lights that lit the snow now lit the sky around the reindeer-drawn sleigh, so that one moment Santa's jolly face could be seen clearly, and the next it was softened by a pale pastel strobe.

His eyes appeared to be as black as coal. There was snow in his beard and on the fringed and silver-studded red saddles of the reindeer. The sleigh circled above their heads. A hush fell on the crowd as the deer descended lower and lower in a wide circle to finally settle to earth on the roof above them. No one moved. They could hear the sound of hooves prancing above their heads. Silence. Then heavy boots walking.

Everyone turned their heads to see Santa by the tree, piling presents everywhere. He stopped once to grab a handful of cookies as well as some carrots Sara had her children set out for his reindeer.

Emma was the first to move, wiggling until she was put down to race across the room to Santa Claus. She halted, rocking back on her heels, staring up at him. «Did you bring me a present?»

Santa rummaged in his bag. «I believe I did. Now where did that go? Elf! I need you to help find Emma's present.»

Savannah put her finger to her lips. «Santa Claus thinks I'm a real elf,» she whispered to the children. «I'd better go help him.» She tiptoed through the crowd, her elf hat bobbing, her little green boots making no noise on the floor.

Santa sat down and beckoned to the children forming a line. As little Tamara was placed in his lap, yanking at his beard, Santa sent a smoldering glare to the elf. I'm so getting your father back for this.

Chapter 19

Shea leaned against Jacques, turning away from the crowd gathered to watch Santa distributing the presents to the children in the dining hall. Her fingers gripped Jacques's arm as she breathed her way through the contraction. «You know how we can set aside pain most of the time? This is like the conversion. There's no setting it aside. You just have to go with it. I was hoping, as a Carpathian woman, it would be a little easier.»

A burst of laughter captured her attention and she turned to see Baby Jennifer spitting up on Santa's pristine, white beard. For a moment the coal-black eyes glinted silver, like a wolf, and rested on Mikhail. Just as quickly Santa recovered his jolly state and handed the baby back to Corinne.

Shea smiled up at Jacques. I wouldn't have missed this for the world.

If I were Mikhail, I'd be expecting lightning to strike. «Let's get you to the birthing chamber,» Jacques said aloud, wrapping his arm behind her back to support her. He could feel the pain rippling through her body, growing stronger with each contraction. Stronger– and of longer duration.

Shea brushed her fingertips over his strong face. «Don't look so anxious. Millions of women have done this.»

«But not you, little red hair,» he whispered, leaning down to brush kisses on the top of her silky head. «Not us. You're my world, Shea.»

«We'll be fine. Look.» She indicated the back of the room with her chin.

«Oh, they've done this little show for the children right. Trust Savannah to know how to work a crowd with her magic. Before Gregori claimed her she was a mistress of illusion, working magic shows all over the world, and she certainly hasn't lost any of her skill. She has the crowd in the palm of her hand. Now the children will never believe, for a single

moment, that that is Gregori in that sleigh.»

Even as «Santa» finished handing out presents, Gregori appeared at the back of the room, frowning at his lifemate. «Savannah! Why in the world are you dressed like that? What do you think you're doing?»

Children giggled when Savannah turned around with a mock guilty look on her face. She held a finger to her lips and made a little face. «I've got to go, and I'll have to bring down the curtain on St. Nick before I do. We wouldn't want to reveal his secrets to the entire world.»

Santa Claus gathered up his sack and hurried over to the fireplace. Although the flames burned hot, he simply disappeared up the chimney. Another gasp of awe spread through the room.

«Savannah makes magic wherever she goes,» Jacques agreed. «Those children will never forget this night.»

Savannah waved her wand just as the footsteps overhead indicated St. Nick was climbing back into the sleigh. He swung his black boots expertly over the edging and picked up a long whip, cracking it over the head of the reindeer. They took to the air. The sleigh and bag of toys, now considerably less filled, lifted into the air and glided away to the sound of Santa's laughter.

Another ripple of pain slid maliciously through Shea's body. Her fingers clamped down hard around Jacques, even as she breathed slowly in an effort to control it. This time the pain was hard enough and lasted long enough to make the other Carpathians in the room fully aware that she was in active labor. Heads turned. Warriors, lifemates and even some of the children turned their attention to her.

Shea tried a small smile and nodded. «It is time. Where is Slavica? I must thank her for such a wonderful evening. It was filled with delightful surprises.»

Francesca and Mikhail with several others closed rank around Shea.

«We need to get you to the birthing chamber now,» Francesca declared. «We can do this, don't be afraid.»

«I'm anxious, but not afraid. Jacques won't let anything happen to us, will you?» Shea asked, holding her lifemate's gaze.

«Not a single thing. This is going to be a beautiful, unforgettable birth,» he assured her.

Shea took a few more steps toward the door and stopped, one hand pushing at her hair to get it off her brow as the swelling pain tightened across her stomach and down through her back. «Do you realize the latest report on babies is that they are sitting in a terrible chemical brew, just the way the animal and bird young have been doing, which is what is putting so

many species on the endangered list?»

«Shea,» Jacques cautioned. «Now isn't the time to think about that.»

«No, Jacques. We all have to think about it.» She gasped as the pain rushed over her, stealing her breath. She grit her teeth and recited statistics. «Cord blood reflects what the mother passes to the baby through the placenta. Of the two hundred and eighty-seven chemicals detected in umbilical cord blood, one hundred and eighty of them are known to cause cancer in humans or animals, two hundred and seventeen are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and two hundred and eight cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests. And I'm quoting a report done by an environmental group out of Washington,» Shea added, taking a breath as the pain subsided. «Everyone should be paying more attention to it. Among the chemicals found in the cord blood were methylmercury, produced by coal-fired power plants and certain industrial processes. People can breathe it in or eat it in seafood and it causes brain and nerve damage.»

«Shea, our baby isn't going to have brain or nerve damage.»

«You haven't read this report. The researchers also found polyaromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which are produced by burning gasoline and garbage; flame-retardant chemicals called polybrominated dibenzodioxins and furans; and pesticides including DDT and chlordane.»

«I don't know what half those things are,» Jacques said, trying to soothe her. He ran his hand over her arm, but she shrugged him off.

«That's exactly why no one listens. Because they don't know what it is, they figure they don't have to pay attention.» Panic filled her voice. «I know that's what's been happening to our children. We're so connected to the soil and the earth has become so toxic that we're now on the endangered species list as well.»

«It's time to go,» Jacques urged.

Get her out of here now, Mikhail ordered his brother. We cannot afford to have her overheard by the villagers.

It is her way of coping with pain and fear, Mikhail.

I am aware of that, Jacques.

«I have to thank Slavica first,» Shea insisted, fighting back another swelling pain.

Mikhail leaned down to whisper to Raven. «Find her fast. We need to take Shea out of here before anyone else figures out what is happening.»

«She's coming now and she has that older woman from San Francisco with her,» Raven said, relief in her voice.

Mikhail swept his hand to help part the crowd, making it easier for Slavica and the woman to make their way across the room.

Raven hurried to them. «Shea has gone into labor and we need to take her home. She wants to quickly say good-bye and thank you for the lovely evening, Slavica,» she said. «And of course, say a quick hello to you, Ms. Fitzpatrick. She's been waiting to meet you.»

«I'll just wish her good luck, then, dear,» Eileen said, leaning heavily on Slavica, using her cane to feel her way, her body bent slightly as she hobbled toward Shea and Jacques.

Aidan, standing across the room, frowned as the woman halted in front of Shea and stretched out her hand toward her.

«Finally. It is so good to meet you, my dear, and at such an eventful time.» She tapped the floor with the cane twice, judging the distance between them. «I'm afraid I have to wear these terrible dark glasses and I'm having trouble seeing you. I was hoping you would have an unmistakable family resemblance.»

Warriors. Using the common link of communication, Aidan called out to the others, his voice echoing his alarm. This makes no sense. The woman I met in San Francisco is the same as this one, but different. Old, yet not elderly. She walked spryly with a spring in her step and not at all bent. He was already moving, trying to use his speed to get through the crowd to Shea.

At once there was a stir as the men rushed toward Shea.

Jacques stepped in front of his lifemate as Eileen swung the cane straight up from the floor, stabbing at Shea's rounded stomach. Manolito, who had positioned himself closest to the couple, shoved Jacques aside and took the sharp needle buried in the cane deep in his abdomen. He stood for a moment staring at the mild-looking old woman, noting the nearly blind eyes and the wrinkled face. For a moment she wavered in his vision and he could see another face superimposed over hers, a face bearing long rake marks and torn eyes from a harpy eagle.

The creature from the burrow. She has been possessed. Manolito gasped. The mage dwells within the same body as the old woman. His body had already gone numb, and agony ripped at his chest as his heart seized. Blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, his eyes glazing over as the air stilled in his lungs and his heart ceased to beat.

Across the room, MaryAnn grabbed her chest with both hands to still the sudden twisting pain spreading through her body. Her legs went out from under her and she sat down abruptly. As suddenly as the pain started, it ended, leaving her feeling empty and lost, grieving, but for what-she didn't know.

Rafael leapt to his brother's side, crouching over the dead body, reaching with his spirit to force air through lungs, and blood through an uncooperative heart.

Mikhail and Jacques dragged Shea back, thrusting her behind them. Other hands caught her and thrust her even further away so that they made a wall of warriors around her. The cane arced toward Raven.

«Mother!» Savannah screamed and rushed toward Raven.

Gregori was there first, wrenching the cane out of the withered hand. Natalya! He kept his body between the old woman and Raven and Mikhail.

Natalya was already weaving a complicated sign in the air, murmuring softly, insistently. Vikirnoff picked the chant from her mind and added the power of his voice. Nicolae and Destiny joined with him, pouring their combined strength into Natalya through Vikirnoff.

They used throat chanting and mage spell, a combination of Carpathian and mage power. Eileen's mouth drew back in a snarl as the mage fought to maintain his shield. They could not attack him without killing Eileen. Her body bent almost double. The warriors ringed her, watching as her face contorted, showed a mouthful of teeth, elongated, and then went back to that of an older, refined woman.

Shea's pain swept through the Carpathian people, nearly paralyzing the men. Jacques, take her to the birthing chamber. Gregori commanded. Francesca, we must go now. She's too close. We cannot wait.

Mikhail took Syndil by the elbow and pushed her toward Gregori. They need you there as well. We will join you as soon as possible. Get the children home. The Von Shrieders will deal with this mage.

Eileen will need a healer, Gregori cautioned, even as he bent to lift Manolito. Rafael was keeping his brother's heart beating and he remained close to the master healer as they all moved into action.

I will see to her, Darius volunteered.

It is done then, Mikhail said as Jacques swung Shea into his arms and strode from the inn, Francesca close on his heels. Gregori and Rafael followed with Manolito.

Natalya's voice grew more commanding, more insistent. She pointed to the floor, ordering the mage out of the body and onto the floor, to crawl like a dog.

Eileen's body rippled with unease, stretched and twisted until it appeared warped. Her throat bobbed and undulated as growls swelled in volume and spittle ran down her face. She slowly turned her head until she was staring straight at Natalya, the eyes deep pits, wells of hate. The mage stared out at her, the wide, distorted mouth shaping one word. «Traitor,» he accused, the voice a demonic rumble.

Her voice never faltered, although Vikirnoff put his hand on her back to steady her, a gesture of complete solidarity.

A shadow slid from Eileen's body, a dark oily substance, insubstantial, impossible to hold in one's hand or to kill. Several warriors tried, punching through the shadow to try to find a heart, even stabbing at it, but it continued to slink along the floor toward the door. Darius caught the elderly woman before she could hit the floor and lifted her into his arms, taking her back up the stairs to her room.

How do we kill it? Vikirnoff asked Natalya.

I don't know. It isn't a shadow warrior so I cannot send it back to the realm of the dead. It is a lost soul doing the bidding of the mage. Only he can really control it, give it peace or send it away. I have never run across a spell to kill one. I tried a few and maybe, over time, I can come up with something, but it is going to go back to its master.

Dimitri returned from escorting Gabriel with Tamara and Skyler back to their home. «I can try to follow it, see if the mage is close.»

Natalya nodded. «Do not let them see you. The mage is strong and his knowledge is very ancient. I remember some of these spells, but they are faded from memory.»

Natalya watched the Carpathian male shift on the run, a fluid, easy change almost in mid-stride. One moment he was walking tall; the next he was running on all fours as a shaggy, black wolf. «Good luck to you,» she whispered, pressing her hand to her stomach as another wave of pain hit them all. «We'd better get to the birthing chamber if we're going to be of any use to Shea.»

Deep below the ground in the warmest chamber of the cavern, Syndil called to the Earth, singing softly to enrich the soil, preparing it as Shea settled down into the soft bed of the richest loam, her head pillowed in Jacques's lap.

Several feet away, Gregori and Rafael worked on Manolito, trying to draw the poison from his body and at the same time, keep his heart beating and his lungs working.

All around them, candles sprang to life and the soothing aromatic scent of herbs and spices filled the air. The great healing chant swelled in volume as Carpathians everywhere, including Shea and Jacques, sang to keep the great warrior from slipping away, while Gregori undertook the journey to recover his spirit and escort him back to the land of the living.

Shea breathed through the contractions, using Jacques as her focus. She simply crawled into his mind and stayed there as contractions increased in duration and strength. In between she chanted with the others, feeling the camaraderie, being part of something so much larger, in harmony with the earth around them. Sisters and brothers coming together as family to heal one of their fallen-a warrior who had voluntarily given up his life to keep Shea and her unborn child safe.

The healing was difficult and slow, Gregori struggling against a poison meant to give a

quick death. Twice he had to stop, pale and swaying with weariness, to be rejuvenated by Rafael and then Lucian. Darius joined them, indicating Eileen was sleeping comfortably. Vikirnoff and Nicolae, Destiny and Natalya entered the chamber, reporting Dimitri was trying to follow the shadow back to its master.

Through it all, Shea remained quiet in Jacques's arms, breathing through each contraction until she gasped and gripped Francesca's hand. «He is coming soon,» she whispered.

«We're ready,» Francesca assured her.

Shea's gaze went to Gregori, already back in the warrior's body. Francesca swept her arm to encompass all the Carpathians in the chamber and without. «You are not alone. The child will be helped into the world, assisted by our people, welcomed by all and protected by all. Gregori will join us the moment he is able. Let your baby into our world, Shea.»

Shea nodded and waited for the next contraction before pushing.

Gregori stepped away from Manolito. «He needs blood,» he announced softly, «and several risings in good soil, but he will live.»

It was Mikhail who stepped forward to offer blood to Manolito, an offering from the prince in respect and honor for Manolito's sacrifice. It was Rafael who opened the earth to receive his brother, weaving safeguards to ensure Manolito's rest would be undisturbed.

Gregori brushed his hand over Shea's head in a gesture of affection. «So, little one, you are, at last, bringing your son to us.»

«I waited for you.»

He smiled at her. «I am here now.»

«Can you feel him? Are you touching him, making certain he is okay to breathe on his own?» She looked anxiously from Francesca to Gregori, her hands gripping Jacques tight.

All around her she could hear the birth chant, and the beautiful sound nearly overcame her fears-nearly. «You checked him for pollutants, Gregori? You made certain his blood is strong?»

«It is done and all is well. Give him to us and then you can rest. You have been too long worrying. Let him come so you can hold him in your arms.»

Her gaze clung to his glittering silver one, and he gave her another nod of encouragement. «Trust me, ma petite, trust in your people and your lifemate. Release him.»

She turned her head and looked up at Jacques. «I love you. Whatever happens, no matter what. I love you and I've never been sorry, not one single moment.»

He blinked back tears and moved so she could stay looking him in the eye. Mind to mind, they reached for their son. They took a breath and she pushed, never looking away from her anchor-away from Jacques-the love of her life.

«Stop. That's good. Just breathe through it, Shea. He's looking around, take a look at him. He's excited to see his new world,» Francesca encouraged.

«Not yet. Tell me he's breathing and he's healthy,» Shea panted, still clinging to Jacques's mind, afraid if she let go she would simple shatter with fear for her child.

«Push again,» Gregori instructed. The baby slipped out into his hands and he cradled the child to him, immediately leaving his own body to examine the child thoroughly in the way of their people.

Francesca clamped off the cord and Jacques cut it, separating mother and child.

Silence fell in the cavern. Candlelight flickered over their faces, as everyone stayed very still waiting. Suddenly, a squalling cry split the air.

Gregori smiled at Shea, held the baby high, out toward the prince. «Welcome our newest member into our world. A son for all to cherish.»

Mikhail stepped up and laid his hand on the child's head. «A fine healthy boy. He couldn't be more beautiful. Welcome, son. Nephew. Warrior. Your life is linked to our lives for all time. We live as one and we die the same way. When one is born, it is cause for all to celebrate, and when one dies, we all feel the loss. You are brethren. Carpathian. It is an honor and privilege to welcome you.»

Gregori held the boy above his head, and a cheer thundered through the birthing chamber. He turned and slowly, gently, put the infant in his mother's arms. She looked down into her son's face, tears in her eyes, one hand clinging to Jacques's. «He's so beautiful. Look at him, Jacques, look what we did.»

Jacques leaned down to brush kisses over her face, his lips tasting her tears. Tears of happiness. «He's perfect, Shea.»

Mikhail swept his arm around Raven and looked around the cavern at the happy faces of his people. Even Dimitri had returned to get a peek at the baby. Many of the unmated warriors crowded close, wanting to see what they had been fighting so many centuries for. They were together again after so many years and so much struggle. He kissed his lifemate, happiness sweeping through him. «We have every reason to celebrate, Raven. And all of it is right here, in this chamber. Were not only celebrating life, but hope. There is hope for our people again.»

Dark Desserts By Readers

Walnut Moons

Submitted by: Slavica G. Kukich-Ostojic

Phoenix, AZ

This recipe has three layers, the first layer is the cake layer, the second layer is the egg yolk icing, and the third layer is the chocolate glaze icing.

FIRST LAYER, CAKE 8 egg whites

1 cup sugar

2 1/2 sticks butter 4 cups finely ground walnuts 2 1/2 cups flour powdered sugar

Take 2 1/2 sticks of butter and 1 cup sugar and mix well in the electric mixer. When that is done, add the egg whites, 2 at a time, until you have all 8 egg whites mixed in. Mix well. Next, add 4 cups of ground walnuts and mix in using a wooden spoon. Add 2 1/2 cups flour mixing well with the wooden spoon. When the cake batter is well mixed, take a large rectangular cake pan and grease it well with butter. Pour the cake mix into the pan and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. When done baking, let it cool. When cooled, top with egg yolk icing.

SECOND LAYER, EGG YOLK ICING

8 egg yolks

l 3/4 cups powdered sugar

Take the 8 egg yolks and l 3/4 cups powdered sugar and mix well with electric mixer. Then pour over the cake. Place it back in the oven at 250° until dry. Keep an eye on the icing and check it periodically. When dry, take it out of the oven and pour the chocolate glaze icing over it.

THIRD LAYER, CHOCOLATE GLAZE ICING 1 cup milk

1 cup sugar

4 chocolate squares (for cooking) 3 cups ground walnuts 1/2 stick butter

Take 1 cup milk, 1 cup sugar, and 4 chocolate squares for cooking. Place all ingredients together and cook on top of the stove for about 15 minutes until blended, smooth and thickened. When thick, add 3 cups of ground walnuts and 1/2 stick butter. Mix well, and while still warm, pour over the cake on top of the egg yolk icing. Let cool and let chocolate become firm. When cooled, cut with half-moon cookie cutter into moons. Serve cooled.

Love Bites

Submitted by: Stephanie Schmachtenberger

Riverside, CA

2 cubes butter, softened

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 (1-lb) boxes powdered sugar

1 (16-oz) bag coconut

2 cups chopped walnuts

1

3/4 stick parowax

32-oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Combine butter and milk, add powdered sugar, coconut and nuts. Roll into rounded teaspoon-size balls and refrigerate 12-24 hours until firm.

2. Melt wax and chocolate chips in top of a double boiler. Turn flame down to a simmer. Dip balls in chocolate (one at a time) and set on wax paper. It is easier to dip with a 2-pronged fork.

3. Refrigerate 6-8 hours until chocolate has set.

Carpathian Reading Snack

Submitted by: Tempe Hembree

Murphy, NC

1 package of dark chocolate chunks dried sweetened red cranberries (Craisins) lightly salted peanuts

Mix equal portions into a lidded container and scoop out about a cup. This is a good serving and is so delicious together. For some reason, the chocolate doesn't melt… maybe because of the dryness of the peanuts and cranberries.

For those of us who: love to snack and read, love the salty and sweet together and want to be healthy at the same time. Enjoy!!!!!

Chocolate Trifle

Submitted by: Kim Smejkal

Sugarland, TX

1 box Duncan Hines Devil's Food Cake 8-10 tablespoons Kahlua 3 small boxes instant chocolate pudding

2 tubs Cool Whip 6 Heath Bars (frozen) 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Bake cake in 9 x 13-inch pan as directed and let cool. Make the pudding and set aside. Break up the frozen Heath Bars into small pieces. Crumble the cake into a large bowl. Start layering into a trifle bowl in order of: cake, drizzle Kahlua, Cool Whip, and Heath Bar pieces. Your last topping should be Cool Whip, and then top with more Heath Bar pieces and chopped nuts.

Dark Sun Cheesecake

Submitted by: Sabine Reichelt

Wiesbaden, Germany

Before you can take the cake out of the form, make sure it is cold. Use a plastic knife to loosen the cake from the form edges.

5 eggs (separate yolks and whites)

125 grams (1/2 cup) margarine

250 grams (1 cup) sugar

100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar

1,000 grams (4 1/2 cups) cream cheese 20 percent rich (Quark)

100 grams (1/2 cup) wheat semolina (Weizengries)

1 level tablespoon starch

1 level teaspoon baking powder

1/2 glass lemon aroma juice from 1 lemon

1. First, put the white of the eggs and 100 grams sugar in one high bowl. Use a mixer (liquidizer) to stiffen it. Stand it apart.

2. Put 125 grams margarine and 250 grams sugar into a big second bowl and beat it until frothy. One by one, put the 5 egg yolks into it. It looks bright orange like the rising sun.

3. With a wooden spoon, stir the cream cheese under. Now is the time to add the rest of the ingredients (NOT THE EGG WHITES). Stir it all thoroughly. Carefully stir the egg whites under it.

4. On the bottom of a springform pan, lay down a piece of baking paper. After baking, its easier to take the cake out of the form. Fill the spring-form pan with the dough and lay another piece of baking paper on top of it. Bake at 200° C (390° F) in oven for 60 minutes.

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Bon Bons

Submitted by: Julie Badtke

De Pere, WI

If the cherries haven't all been eaten the first day, I put them in pretty tins and store them in the refrigerator. This is one of my family's favorite traditional chocolate Christmas recipes. It has been in our family for the last 3 generations that I know of and is now being passed on to the 4th generation, as I am teaching my daughters how to make them! Enjoy!

2-pound bag of powdered sugar 1 teaspoon real vanilla 1 stick butter

1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 large bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips 2/3 bar of paraffin wax, broken into small chunks

2 (10-oz) jars maraschino cherries (with stems) drained

In a double boiler, melt wax and the bag of chips over hot water until smooth. Reduce heat. Cream the sugar, vanilla, butter and condensed milk until well blended. Roll sugar mixture into l/2 inch balls and shape it around each cherry until covered. Holding each cherry by the stem and using a spoon, dip and coat the cherry with chocolate until it is completely covered. Set the cherries on wax paper until chocolate is cool and firm.

Dark Hedgehog Slice

Submitted by: Elizabeth Woodall

Melbourne, Australia

SERVING SIZE: 10 OR MORE PIECES COOKING TIME: ABOUT 15 MINUTES

Slice can be made up to four days ahead of need. It stores well in a sealed, airtight container in your refrigerator.

Approximately 300 g (1 1/3 cups) graham crackers, coarsely chopped

1 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup desiccated coconut

250 grams (1 cup) butter, chopped

1 1/4cups caster sugar

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 egg, lightly beaten

150 grams (2/3 cup) of DARK chocolate, melted (or more to taste)

1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil

1. Grease a 20 cm X 30 cm (8 X 12-inch) pan; line base and two long sides with baking paper, extending paper a small amount (say 2 cm) (1 inch) above the edges of the pan.

2. Combine graham crackers, walnuts and coconut in a large bowl.

3. Place butter, sugar and sifted cocoa in a medium saucepan and stir over medium heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Remove saucepan from the heat and whisk in the egg.

4. Pour the melted butter/cocoa mixture over the dry crackers/nuts mixture and mix them together well. Press combined mixture into the prepared pan.

5. Cover with cloth or paper and refrigerate overnight.

6. Turn slice out onto a chopping board and cut into pieces. Spoon combined warm, melted chocolate and oil in a small snap lock bag. Squeeze chocolate into one corner, twist the bag, then snip the tip off. Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the slice and refrigerate for another 15 minutes, or until chocolate is set.

Evil Indulgence

Submitted by: Wendy Ellis

Limerick, PA

1 package regular Oreo cookies

1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 package dark chocolate chips

1. In food processor, crumble cookies and add cream cheese until blended. Remove from

food processor and roll into small balls.

2. In saucepan, melt dark chocolate on low. Dip each rolled cookie into chocolate and let cool on wax paper.

3. Sprinkles, powdered sugar or any other decoration can be added before chocolate cools.

Sinfully Sweet Bouillie

Submitted by: Suzanne LeBlanc

Terry town, LA

This old-fashioned Cajun custard is a family favorite. Served at all family gatherings. It never seems to be left alone.

2 (12-oz) cans evaporated milk, any brand 1/2 gallon milk, any type

5 tablespoons cornstarch, heaping 1/2 cup water

6 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract 1 angel food cake

1. Cut the angel food cake into chunks in a large serving bowl and set aside for later.

2. In a large saucepan, put evaporated milk and milk to boil.

3. In a blender, add sugar, eggs and vanilla. Blend until smooth.

1.

4. In a medium bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water. Make sure that the tablespoons of cornstarch are heaping.

5. Once milk begins to boil, add blended mixture and stir until thoroughly mixed. Then, add water/cornstarch mixture to saucepan and cook on low heat, constantly stirring until mixture thickens. As you stir, the thickness will feel like the consistency of custard or porridge.

Pour mixture over angel food cake; best served hot.

Optional: Add 2 cups of fruit, mixed nuts or some other additional ingredient to give bouillie that lagniappe. Use without angel food cake as a pie filling or, sweet tart filing. Add bananas for banana pudding or other confections.

Le bon bouillie du tout la mond

Dark Decadence

Submitted by: Felicia Slack

Almont, MI

SERVES FOUR

4 packages hot chocolate mix

4 shots Kahlua

1 (2-oz) semi-sweet dark chocolate bar, grated

4 tablespoons Cool Whip

Make cocoa as directed. When hot, add 1 shot of Kahlua, top with 1 tablespoon of Cool Whip. Sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings.

Dark Delight

Submitted by: Anita Toste

Ukiah, CA

1 box dark fudge cake mix

1 box chocolate pudding mix

4 eggs

3/4 cup oil

3/4 cup Kahlua powdered sugar

Combine cake mix and pudding; add eggs and oil, mix for about three minutes. The batter will be thick. Then add Kahlua, make sure to mix well. Pour mixture into Bundt pan that has been greased. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Let cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

German Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies

Submitted by: Marcella Brandt

Federal Heights, CO

I rarely make a single batch of these brownies. Because of the divided amounts, I write the doubled amounts in parentheses beside the divided ingredients both in the ingredients list and in the recipe.

1 (4-oz) package German chocolate

5 tablespoons butter (divided)

1 (3-oz) package cream cheese

1 cup sugar (divided)

3 eggs (divided)

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour (divided)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla (divided)

8 to 9-inch square pan

1. Melt chocolate with 3 tablespoons butter over low heat. Stir occasionally, and let cool.

2. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and 2 tablespoons butter. Cream until smooth. Add 1/4 cup sugar. Beat until fluffy. Blend in 1 egg, 1 tablespoon flour and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside.

3. In larger bowl, beat 2 eggs until light colored. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar. Beat until thickened. Add baking powder, salt and 1/2 cup flour. Blend in chocolate mixture, 1 teaspoon vanilla, almond extract and nuts.

4. Grease pan. Spread 1/2 chocolate mixture in pan. Spread white mixture evenly on top. Drop remaining chocolate by spoonfuls over chocolate and cut through with a knife to marbleize.

5. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Brownies will be very moist. Cut into squares as soon as removed from oven. Remove from pan and cool on a rack.

Chocolate Passion Bowl

Submitted by: Kelley Granzow

Reynoldsburg, OH

MAKES 16 SERVINGS, ABOUT 2/3 CUP EACH

My husband likes this with all chocolate but it makes it very rich. But hey, a dessert even I can make!

3 cups cold milk

2 packages chocolate flavor instant pudding (4-serving size)

1 tub (8-oz) whipped cream french vanilla topping (or chocolate) thawed, divided

1 baked 9-inch square brownie layer, cooled, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 pint (2 cups) raspberries (or strawberries; if you use strawberries, cut them)

Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. Gently stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping.

Place half of the brownie cubes in the 2-quart serving bowl; top with half of the pudding mixture, half of the raspberries and half of the remaining whipped topping. Repeat all layers.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until ready to serve. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

Dark Moist Chocolate Cake

Submitted by: Brenda Edde

Englewood, CO

2 cups sifted flour

1 cup sugar

5 tablespoons cocoa 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 cup water 1 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon vanilla

Sift together all dry ingredients. Mix all liquid ingredients. Pour liquid into dry mixture and blend thoroughly. Pour batter into 9 x 11-inch cake pan. Tip: You should pound pan on counter a couple of times to get air bubbles out. Bake 30 minutes at 375°. I like to frost cake with powdered sugar frosting.

Chocolate Caramel Diamonds

Submitted by: Eddie L. Thacker

Kerrville, TX

Estimated Times:

Preparation, 45 minutes

Cooking, 20 minutes

Chill, 30 minutes

YIELDS: 42 SERVINGS

CAKE

4 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

1/4 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

GANACHE

5 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup heavy cream

CARAMEL TOPPING

1/4 cup sugar, MELT SLOWLY

MAKECAKE

Preheat oven to 375°. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan and line bottom with wax paper. Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, melt chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth. Remove top of double boiler or bowl from heat and whisk sugar into chocolate mixture. Whisk in eggs 1 at a time until combined well. Sift flour and cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined. Pour batter into baking pan and bake in middle of oven until a tester comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool cake completely in pan on a rack and invert onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

MAKE GANACHE

Chop chocolate. In a dry heavy saucepan, cook sugar over moderate heat, without stirring, until it begins to melt. Continue to cook sugar, stirring with a fork, until a deep-golden caramel. Remove pan from heat and add cream (mixture will bubble up and steam). Simmer mixture, stirring, until caramel dissolves. Remove pan from heat and add chocolate, stirring until mixture is smooth. Pour ganache over top of cake and smooth with a spatula. Chill cake, uncovered, at least 30 minutes and, covered, up to 3 days.

MAKE TOPPING

Lightly grease a baking sheet. In a dry small heavy saucepan, cook sugar over moderately low heat, stirring slowly with a fork (to help sugar melt evenly), until a pale-golden caramel. Continue to cook caramel, without stirring, gently swirling pan, until golden. Remove pan from heat and pour caramel onto baking sheet. Cool caramel completely. Pry caramel from baking sheet with your fingers and in a food processor pulse caramel until coarsely ground. Sprinkle the ground caramel evenly over top of cake and with a sharp knife cut cake into 1 1/4-inch diamonds.

Black «Carpathian» Forest Stuffed Cupcakes

Submitted by: Tammy Taylor

Nashville, TN

Preparation time, 10 minutes Total time, 45 minutes

MAKES 2 DOZEN CUPCAKES

1 package (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix (the darker, the better) 1 package (8-oz) cream cheese, softened

1 egg

2 tablespoon sugar

1 can (20-oz) cherry pie filling, divided 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip, thawed

Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare cake batter as directed on package and set aside. Mix cream cheese, egg and sugar until well blended. Remove 3/4 cup of the pie filling for garnish and set aside. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cake batter into each of 24 paper-lined medium muffin cups. Top each with 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and remaining pie filling. Cover each evenly with remaining cake batter. Bake 20-25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes and remove from pans to wire rack. Cool completely. Top cupcakes with Cool Whip and remaining pie filling to garnish just before serving. Cupcakes should be stored in tightly covered container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Great substitute-use Cool Whip Chocolate Whipped Topping.

Per cupcake: Calories, 220 Carbohydrates, 25 g Total fat, 13 g Dietary fiber, 1 g Saturated fat, 4.5 g Sugars, 18 g Cholesterol, 45 mg Protein, 3 g Sodium, 240 mg

Jaxon's Jell-O Cake or J axon's Blood Cake

Submitted by: Su-Pei Li

Hilliard, Ohio

Enjoy! If not completely enjoyed in one sitting, cover loosely and refrigerate.

1 box white cake mix, prepared per package instructions

1 large package (6-oz) Jell-O mix in a red color (raspberry is my favorite)

1 tub Cool Whip

1. Make and bake cake in a 13 x 9-inch pan.

2. Add 2 cups boiling water to dry Gelatin mix. Note that this is only half the water called for in making regular Jell-O. Do not add the 2 cups cold water, only hot.

3. Cut slits all the way to the bottom into warm (just slightly cooled) cake every few inches with a butter knife.

4. Pour warm gelatin liquid over warm cake.

5. Refrigerate to cool completely.

6. After completely cooled, top with Cool Whip.

Dark Chocolate Profiteroles

Submitted by: Nancy A. Staab

Saint Albans, WV

Profiteroles are little puff pastries filled with ice cream. They are surprisingly easy to make and are guaranteed to dazzle your guests. First, prepare the pate a choux (puffpastry):

1/2 cup water

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

3 large eggs, room temperature

1 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate, broken into small pieces 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly butter the paper.

2. Heat the water, salt, chocolate and butter. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.

3. Immediately add the flour and stir quickly with a wooden spoon until smooth.

4. Set the mixture over low heat and stir for about 30 seconds. Remove and allow to cool for a few minutes.

5. Add 1 egg and beat it thoroughly into the mixture. Beat in the second egg until the mixture is smooth.

6. In a small bowl, beat the third egg. Gradually add enough of this egg to the dough until it becomes shiny and soft enough to just fall from a spoon.

7. Shape the dough, while warm, into mounds of about 1 1/2 inches.

Gently push down any points, because they will burn. Bake 30 minutes or until puffed and brown.

8. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. The puff pastry will have a hollow center.

9. When you are ready to serve, open the pastry by making a small opening and fill with a quality chocolate ice cream, drizzle with raspberry sauce and garnish with a few raspberries.

Dark Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies

Submitted by: Soemer Simmons

Normal, IL

MAKES APPROXIMATELY 4-5 DOZEN COOKIES

1 German chocolate cake mix

1egg

1 (8-oz) container of Cool Whip, thawed powdered sugar

Put several cups of powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Put aside. In a separate bowl, beat together dry cake mix, egg and Cool Whip as well as possible. Take 3/4 batter and roll it into a ball in the powdered sugar. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 11 minutes.

Midnight Delights

Submitted by: Marie Ohngren

Croswell, MI

1 cup washed blueberries

2 cups sliced strawberries mixed with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup grenadine 2 cups cubed angel food cake

4 ounces shaved dark chocolate 1 carton Cool Whip

Alternate berries with cake, in 4 glass goblets, ending with strawberries. Top with Cool Whip. Drizzle with strawberry juice and finish with shaved dark chocolate.

Sinful Confections

Submitted by: Deborah J. Macklin

Biloxi, MS

1 jar smooth peanut butter

1-2 boxes of powdered sugar 1 package of chocolate chips 1/2 bar of paraffin wax

Mix peanut butter with powdered sugar-enough to form mixture into 1-inch balls. Melt package of chocolate chips and 1/2 bar of paraffin wax in a double boiler. Dip peanut butter balls into chocolate and set on waxed paper to dry.

Festive Punch

Submitted by: Stephanie Azmoudeh

Tampa, FL

12 cups brewed vanilla nut coffee

1/2 cup sugar

1 gallon vanilla ice cream

1 gallon chocolate ice cream

3/4-1 cup Frangelico liqueur

1 can Redi-Whip cream

Hershey's special DARK syrup

Brew coffee; add 1/2 cup sugar while hot. Make sure that the sugar is dissolved. Cool coffee.

Thirty to forty-five minutes before serving, put both ice creams in punch bowl. Add coffee over ice cream. Add Frangelico (can use Kahlua or Bailey's Irish Cream instead). Top with whipped cream. Drizzle chocolate syrup over top.

Prussian Dark Chocolate Cherry Cake Submitted by: Margee Ott, great-granddaughter of Prussian immigrant

Baldwin, WI

From my German immigrant great-grandmother Magdalana Von Krusemark. Due to DARK chocolate and little sugar, this dessert has a BITE!

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup cacao powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup butter (or shortening) 1 (20-oz) can cherry pie filling 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Mix all ingredients well and pour into greased baking pan(s). May use rectangle 8 x 12-inch, or two round 9-inch pans. Bake 40 minutes at 350°.

FROSTING

Frosting is made from melting 16 ounces of DARK or bitter chocolate and then gently pouring over the cake, allowing liquid to freely flow. May garnish with maraschino cherries. The red tones from pie filling and food coloring add rich tones to the dark brown chocolate cake. Very appealing in layered effect, using cherry pie filling between layers.

Blackberry Wine Cake

Submitted by: Cathy Smith

Lynnwood, WA

1 package white cake mix (has to be white)

2 small packages Raspberry Jell-O 1 cup oil

1 cup blackberry wine 4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350°. Generously grease a Bundt pan. Pour mixture in and bake for 50-55 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to partially cool before removing from pan.

FROSTING INGREDIENTS 1 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup blackberry wine

Mix together and drizzle over cooled cake. Allow cake to stand and cool all the way before covering (this will give the outside a crust).

Heaven and Hell on Earth Torte

Submitted by: Cindy LaFrance

Phoenix, AZ

1 1/2 cups well-chopped cashews

1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafer cookies (38 cookies)

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup butter or margarine, melted

Dark Cocoa Cake (see below)

Heaven and Hell Mousse (see below)

Natural or Chocolate Glazed Leaves (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350°. Place cooking parchment paper or waxed paper in bottoms of 2 round pans, 9 x 1 1/2 inches. Stir together cashews, crushed cookies, brown sugar and butter. Spread about 3/4 cup mixture in each pan; reserve remaining mixture. Make Dark Cocoa Cake (below). Pour about 1 1/4 cups batter in each pan; refrigerate remaining batter.

2. Bake about 20 minutes or until tops spring back when touched lightly. Immediately remove from pans to wire rack and peel off paper. Repeat with remaining cashew mixture and batter. Cool completely.

3. Make Heaven and Hell Mousse (below). Place 1 layer, cashew side up, on serving plate; spread with about 3/4 cup of the mousse. Repeat with remaining layers and mousse. Or place mousse for top layer in decorating bag; choose a design you like for fancier decorating; garnish with natural or Chocolate Leaves (below). Cover and refrigerate about 4 hours or until chilled. Cover and refrigerate any remaining torte.

DARK COCOA CAKE INGREDIENTS

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 2/3 cups sugar

2/3 cup baking cocoa

3/4 cup shortening

1 1/4cups water

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

Heat oven to 350°. Beat all ingredients in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.

HEAVEN AND HELL MOUSSE INGREDIENTS 12 ounces cream cheese

1 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar

2 cups peanut butter 3/4 cup heavy cream, at room temperature, divided use

In a bowl, with an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese until light and creamy. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar, then the peanut butter. Continue beating until thoroughly incorporated and fluffy. If mixture looks lumpy, add 2 tablespoons of the heavy cream. It may not smooth out, but it will be easier to blend. Set aside. Place the remaining heavy cream in another bowl, and using an electric mixer, whip until stiff. Being careful, combine both mixtures thoroughly. Set aside.

CHOCOLATE LEAVES INGREDIENTS

5 to 6 nonpoisonous (unsprayed) leaves (lemon, grape or rose leaves work well) or pliable plastic leaves

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or 1 ounce semi-sweet baking chocolate

1/2 teaspoon shortening

Wash and dry leaves. Melt chocolate chips and shortening. Brush chocolate about 1/8-inch thick over backs of leaves using small brush. Refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm. Peel off leaves, handling as little as possible. Refrigerate chocolate leaves until ready to use.

My thoughts on the top design are finishing off with a layer of mouse, then covering it with dark cocoa cake crumbles (to represent the earth). Add well-placed leaves of choice and a possible design or formation of some sort with any leftover mousse. I know your wonderfully creative mind can think of something.

Or:

Keeping it DARK, with the dark chocolate glaze on top of a layer of mousse, finishing off with optional garnishes done in mousse with a decorating bag and chocolate-covered leaves.

DARK CHOCOLATE GLAZE INGREDIENTS

4 ounce dark chocolate

3 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon milk

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1. In a small, heavy saucepan or microwave oven on medium, melt broken chocolate with butter. Stir frequently until smooth. Remove from heat.

2. Stir in milk, syrup and vanilla. Place cake on rack over a baking sheet. When glaze is cool, pour onto center of cake. Let glaze run down sides. Chill about 10 minutes to set glaze.

The Next Best Thing to… Feehan Novels Submitted by: Diana M. Dennison

3 whole eggs

3 egg yolks raspberries (or other fruit)

Preheat oven to 425°. Grease 6 (6-oz) custard cups or souffle dishes. Place on baking sheet.

Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwaveable bowl on medium (50 percent) for 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir with a wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted. Add powdered sugar and flour; mix well. Add whole eggs and egg yolks; beat until well blended. Divide batter evenly into prepared custard cups.

Bake 14 to 15 minutes or until cakes are firm around the edges but soft in the centers. (Centers should be oozy.) Let stand 1 minute. Run a small knife around cakes to loosen. Carefully invert cakes onto dessert dishes. Sprinkle lightly with additional powdered sugar and garnish with a fruit, such as raspberries. Drizzle with hot fudge or add to the side.

Serve immediately, best when warm.

Sunset Pumpkin Bars

Submitted by: Liz Kreider

Fargo, ND

BAR INGREDIENTS 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup oil

4 eggs

1 can (15-oz) pumpkin

2 cups flour 2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt

1

3 teaspoon cinnamon

FROSTING INGREDIENTS

8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup butter

2 teaspoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring

1 cup powdered sugar

Mix bar ingredients together and bake in a 9 x 13-inch pan at 350° for 20-25 minutes. Let cool. Mix frosting ingredients together and frost before cutting into sunset bars.

Chocolate Cherry Bars

Submitted by: Peggy Barker

Suquamish, WA

MAKES APPROXIMATELY 3 DOZEN

My grandmother used to make these yummy bars. She died in 1997 and I just recently found the recipe again. They are even better than I remembered them.

BAR INGREDIENTS 1 package fudge cake mix

1 can (21-oz) cherry pie filling

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 eggs, beaten

FROSTING

1 cup sugar

5 tablespoon butter (no substitutions)

1/3 cup evaporated milk

1 (6-oz) package chocolate chips

Grease and flour 13 x 9-inch pan. In a large bowl, combine first four ingredients. By hand, stir until well mixed. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

In small saucepan, combine sugar, butter and milk. Boil, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate chips until smooth. Pour over bars.

Dark Chocolate Tapioca Pudding with Strawoerries

Submitted by: Amanda Brown

Utica, MI

MAKES 8 SERVINGS OF 1/2 CUP EACH

1 egg

2/3 cup sugar

3 tablespoons Minute tapioca

3 1/2 cups milk

2 squares of DARK baking chocolate 1 teaspoon vanilla

4 large strawberries (cut into slices)

Beat egg lightly in medium saucepan with a wired whisk. Add sugar and tapioca. Mix well and gradually add milk, beat well after each addition. Let stand 5 minutes. Add dark chocolate. Bring to a boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until chocolate is completely melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Cool 20 minutes. Then stir. It starts to thicken as it cools. Serve warm or chilled. Put a few slices of strawberry on top of each serving of pudding.

Dark Devil Chocolate Cheesecake

Submitted by: Franny Armstrong

Brighton, Ontario, Canada

This cake is very rich and will make about 10 servings. You'll definitely want to «sink your teeth» into this one!

FILLING INGREDIENTS

12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1 cup sugar pinch of salt

1 tablespoon chocolate liqueur (having a drink of it on the side is optional)

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

4 eggs, separated

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cocoa

1/2 cup whipping cream

CRUST INGREDIENTS

1 (8-inch) chocolate Oreo crumb crust mix

2 tablespoons margarine or butter

DECORATE WITH

whipping cream cherry pie filling shaved dark chocolate

Preheat oven to 325° F (165° C)

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, liqueur and lemon peel together.

2. Beat egg yolks into mixture one at a time.

3. Beat in the flour.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form.

5. Fold whipping cream into the mixture.

6. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until they are stiff.

7. Beat in the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar into the egg whites, 1 tablespoon at a time. Keep beating until stiff and glossy.

8. Fold the egg-white mixture into the cream cheese mixture only until mixed. Do not overwork it.

9. Oreo crust: melt the margarine or butter and mix with the crumbs.

10. Using either an 8-inch springform pan or a Bundt cake pan, grease the pan and press

the Oreo crust mix into the bottom. Leave the greased sides of the pan clean.

11. Pour filling over crust and bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

12. Cool and let sit for about 4 hours before serving.

13. Spoon the whipped cream or use a cake decorating kit to create a circle on the top of the cheesecake. Spoon the cherry pie filling in the center and shave dark chocolate over the whipped cream.

Carpathian Moonlight Blood Fruit Pizza

Submitted by: Elaine Kollias

Castro Valley, CA

This unusual and gorgeous dessert is not too heavy and terribly easy to make. When made with all berries, it sparkles like a ruby or garnet jewel, or perhaps even like Carpathian blood in the moonlight!

CRUST INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup butter

3 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 1/2 cups flour

FILLING INGREDIENTS

8 ounces softened cream cheese

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla assorted fruit: raspberries, strawberries, cherries (pitted and halved), blueberries, and/or sliced bananas, kiwis, peaches, and grapes (halved)-fresh preferred.

GLAZE INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup pomegranate juice (for dark berry fruits) or orange juice (for lighter fruits)

2 tablespoons lime juice

1. Crust: Heat oven to 350°. Melt butter, add sugar and flour and mix well. Pat crust onto a 12-inch round pizza pan. Bake until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

2. Filling: Cream together the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla and spread over the cooled crust. Slice the strawberries and arrange fruit/berries in concentric rings, alternating colors and textures for a striking design.

3. Glaze: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and boil until thickened. Cool before spooning evenly over entire fruit pizza. Chill 2-6 hours to set before serving. Cut into wedges with a pizza cutter and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and optional shaved bittersweet chocolate.

Chocolate Cups

Submitted by: Jill Purinton

Lamar, MO

I used these for a baby shower. No leftovers. :(

dark chocolate cups key lime yogurt fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries or strawberries)

Fill chocolate cups with key lime yogurt. Top with fresh berries. Serve.

Delectable Darkness

Submitted by: Susan Schreitmueller

Elon, NC

CRUST INGREDIENTS

1 (8 1/2-oz) package chocolate cream-filled cookies, finely chopped (2 1/2 cups)

2 tablespoons melted butter 1 teaspoon Chambord

Combine and press into bottom and 2 inches up sides of 9-inch spring-form pan. I usually use a food processor to crush the cookies.

FILLING INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

6 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped, melted and fairly cool

1/2 cup Chambord

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

4 large eggs

1/2 cup whipping cream

1 cup strained seedless raspberry jam

Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add sugar, chocolate and liqueur and beat until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating each addition until just combined. Mix in cream. Swirl in seedless jam. Pour into crust. Bake in preheated oven at 350° until filling is almost set but center still moves slightly when pan is shaken (about 55 minutes). Place on a rack and cool completely.

TOPPING INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons Chambord

6 ounce melted/cooled chocolate chips

Chocolate curls or fresh raspberries rolled in cocoa with mint leaves (optional) Combine thoroughly and pour over completely cooled cheesecake and then chill to set.

Old Fashion Dark Fudge

Submitted by: Amy McKinney

Vincent, AL

MAKES 1 POUND

2 cups sugar 1/3 cup cocoa

1 small can (5-oz) evaporated milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract walnuts (optional)

1

In a heavy 3-quart saucepan, mix together sugar and cocoa. Add milk and cook over medium heat until mixture reaches Softball stage (236° on a candy thermometer), stirring as necessary to prevent sticking.

Take off heat and add butter, vanilla and nuts if desired. Put boiler in a pan of cool water and stir until it starts to firm up. Pour into a buttered pan. Cut into squares.

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Submitted by: Susan L. Farrell

Pine Grove Mills, PA

2 small packages of Vanilla Jell-O Instant Pudding 1 tub of EZ-Spread Chocolate/Fudge frosting 1 (16-oz) tub of Cool Whip

3 cups milk graham crackers 9 x l3 x 3-inch pan (a pan this deep lessens the loss of the frosting)

1. Mix packets of pudding and milk. (Easier if done with mixer, but whisking/stirring by hand works too.) Then slowly mix in Cool Whip.

2. Line bottom of pan with graham crackers. Pour half of mixture over crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers. Pour remaining mixture over crackers. Add final layers of crackers.

3. Remove foil from frosting tub. Microwave frosting tub 15-25 seconds. Spread frosting over final layer of crackers.

4. Cover and refrigerate for four hours or overnight for best results. Enjoy!

Christmas Mice Submitted by: Susan Maluschka

Houston, TX

YIELDS 70 MICE

1 package chocolate almond bark 1 large jar cherries with stems, drained 1 bag Hershey's Kisses 1 small bag almond slivers

1. Put water in the bottom of a double boiler.

2. Spread out foil on the countertop next to stove.

3. Break chocolate almond bark into pieces and melt in double boiler.

4. Pat cherries dry on paper towels and unwrap the Kisses.

5. Hold cherries by the stems and dip in chocolate until cherry is covered. Lay cherry on its side on the foil (forms body and tail).

6. After dipping 4 or 5, prop up a Kiss with the flat part of the Kiss against the bottom of the cherry (forms head with pointed nose).

7. Then go back and place two almond slivers between Kiss and cherry (forms ears). If the chocolate has dried too much already, put a little chocolate from the double boiler on the almond slivers and hold them in place until they stay.

Appendix 1

Carpathian Healing Chants

To rightly understand Carpathian healing chants, background is required in several areas:

The Carpathian view on healing The «Lesser Healing Chant» of the Carpathians The «Great Healing Chant» of the Carpathians Carpathian chanting technique

1. The Carpathian view on healing

The Carpathians are a nomadic people whose geographical origins can be traced back to at least as far as the Southern Ural Mountains (near the steppes of modern day Kazakhstan), on the border between Europe and Asia. (For this reason, modern-day linguists call their language, «proto-Uralic,» without knowing that this is the language of the Carpathians.) Unlike most nomadic peoples, the wandering of the Carpathians was not due to the need to find new grazing lands as the seasons and climate shifted, or the search for better trade. Instead, the Carpathians' movements were driven by a great purpose: to find a land that would have the right earth, a soil with the kind of richness that would greatly enhance their rejuvenative powers.

Over the centuries, they migrated westward (some six thousand years ago), until they at last found their perfect homeland-their «susu»-in the Carpathian Mountains, whose long arc cradled the lush plains of the kingdom of Hungary. (The kingdom of Hungary flourished for over a millennium-making Hungarian the dominant language of the Carpathian Basin-until the kingdom's lands were split among several countries after World War I: Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Yugoslavia, Austria, and modern Hungary.)

Other peoples from the Southern Urals (who shared the Carpathian language, but were not Carpathians) migrated in different directions. Some ended up in Finland, which accounts for why the modern Hungarian and Finnish languages are among the contemporary descendents of the ancient Carpathian language. Even though they are tied forever to their chosen Carpathian homeland, the wandering of the Carpathians continues, as they search the world for the answers that will enable them to bear and raise their offspring without difficulty.

Because of their geographical origins, the Carpathian views on healing share much with the larger Eurasian shamanistic tradition. Probably the closest modern representative of that tradition is based in Tuva (and is referred to as «Tuvinian Shamanism»)-see the map

above.

The Eurasian shamanistic tradition-from the Carpathians to the Siberian shamans– held that illness originated in the human soul, and only later manifested as various physical conditions. Therefore, shamanistic healing, while not neglecting the body, focused on the soul and its healing. The most profound illnesses were understood to be caused by «soul departure.'» where all or some part of the sick person's soul has wandered away from the body (into the nether realms), or has been captured or possessed by an evil spirit, or both.

The Carpathians belong to this greater Eurasian shamanistic tradition and shared its viewpoints. While the Carpathians themselves did not succumb to illness, Carpathian healers understood that the most profound wounds were also accompanied by a similar «soul departure.»

Upon reaching the diagnosis of «soul departure,» the healer-shaman is then be required to make a spiritual journey into the nether worlds, to recover the soul. The shaman may have to overcome tremendous challenges along the way, particularly: fighting the demon or vampire who has possessed his friend's soul.

«Soul departure» doesn't require a person to be unconscious (although that certainly can be the case as well). It was understood that a person could still appear to be conscious, even talk and interact with others, and yet be missing a part of their soul. The experienced healer or shaman would instantly see the problem nonetheless, in subtle signs that others might miss: the person's attention wandering every now and then, a lessening in their enthusiasm about life, chronic depression, a diminishment in the brightness of their «aura,» and the like.

2. The Lesser Healing Chant of the Carpathians

Kepa Sarna Pus (The «Lesser Healing Chant») is used for wounds that are merely physical in nature. The Carpathian healer leaves his body and enters the wounded Carpathian's body to heal great mortal wounds from the inside out using pure energy. He proclaims, «I offer freely, my life for your life,» as he gives his blood to the injured Carpathian. Because the Carpathians are of the earth and bound to the soil, they are healed by the soil of their homeland. Their saliva is also often used for its rejuvenative powers.

It is also very common for the Carpathian chants (both the lesser and the great one) to be accompanied by the use of healing herbs, aromas from Carpathian candles, and crystals. The crystals (when combined with the Carpathians' empathic, psychic connection to the entire universe) are used to gather positive energy from their surroundings which then is used to accelerate the healing. Caves are sometimes used as the setting for the healing.

The lesser healing chant was used by Vikirnoff Von Shrieder and Colby Jansen to heal

Rafael De La Cruz whose heart had been ripped out by a vampire in the book titled Dark Secret.

Kepa Sarna Pus (The Lesser Healing Chant)

The same chant is used for all physical wounds, «sivadaba» note 1 would be changed to refer to whatever part of the body is wounded.

Kunasz, nelkul sivdobbanas, nelkul fesztelen loyly.

You lie as if asleep, without beat of heart, without airy breath.

note 2

Ot elidamet andam szabadon elidadert. I offer freely my life for your life. note 3

O jela sielam jorem ot ainamet es so?e ot elidadet.

My spirit of light forgets my body and enters your body.

note 4

O jela sielam pukta kinn minden szekmeket belso.

My spirit of light sends all the dark spirits within fleeing without.

note 5

Pajnak o susu hanyet es o nyelv nyalamet sivadaba.

I press the earth of our homeland and the spit of my tongue into your heart. note 6

Vii, o verim so?e o vend andam.

At last, I give you my blood for your blood.

note 7

To hear this chant, visit: http://www.christinefeehan.com/ members/.

3. The Great Healing Chant of the Carpathians

The most well-known-and most dramatic-of the Carpathian healing chants was En Sarna Pus («The Great Healing Chant»). This chant was reserved for recovering the wounded or unconscious Carpathian's soul.

Typically a group of men would form a circle around the sick Carpathian (to «encircle him with our care and compassion»), and begin the chant. The shaman or healer or leader is the prime actor in this healing ceremony. It is he who will actually make the spiritual journey into the nether world, aided by his clanspeople. Their purpose is to ecstatically dance, sing, drum, and chant, all the while visualizing (through the words of the chant) the journey itself-ever)' step of it, over and over again-to the point where the shaman, in trance, leaves his body, and makes that very journey. (Indeed, the word «ecstasy» is from the Latin ex statis, which literally means «out of the body.»)

One advantage that the Carpathian healer has over many other shamans, is his telepathic link to his lost brother. Most shamans must wander in the dark of the nether realms, in search of their lost brother. But the Carpathian healer directly «hears» in his mind the voice of his lost brother calling to him, and can thus «zero in» on his soul like a homing beacon. For this reason, Carpathian healing tends to have a higher success rate than most other traditions of this sort.

Something of the geography of the «other world» is useful for us to examine, in order to fully understand the words of the Great Carpathian Healing Chant. A reference is made to the «Great Tree» (in Carpathian: En Puwe). Many ancient traditions, including the Carpathian tradition, understood the worlds-the heaven worlds, our world, and the nether realms-to be «hung» upon a great pole, or axis, or tree. Here on earth, we are positioned

halfway up this tree, on one of its branches. Hence many ancient texts often referred to the material world as «middle earth»: midway between heaven and hell. Climbing the tree would lead one to the heaven worlds. Descending the tree to its roots would lead to the nether realms. The shaman was necessarily a master of movement up and down the Great Tree, sometimes moving unaided, and sometimes assisted by (or even mounted upon the back of) an animal spirit guide. In various traditions, this Great Tree was known variously as the axis mundi (the «axis of the worlds»), Ygddrasil (in Norse mythology), Mount Mem (the sacred world mountain of Tibetan tradition), etc. The Christian cosmos with its heaven, purgatory/earth, and hell, is also worth comparing. It is even given a similar topography in Dante's Divine Comedy: Dante is led on a journey first to hell, at the center of the earth; then upward to Mount Purgatory, which sits on the earth's surface directly opposite Jerusalem; then further upward first to Eden, the earthly paradise, at the summit of Mount Purgatory; and then upward at last to heaven.

In the shamanistic tradition, it was understood that the small always reflects the large; the personal always reflects the cosmic. A movement in the greater dimensions of the cosmos also coincides with an internal movement. For example, the axis mundi of the cosmos also corresponds to the spinal column of the individual. Journeys up and down the axis mundi often coincided with the movement of natural and spiritual energies (sometimes called kundalini or shakti) in the spinal column of the shaman or mystic.

En Sarna Pus (The Great Healing Chant)

In this chant, eka («brother») would be replaced by «sister,» «father,» «mother,» depending on the person to be healed.

Ot ekam ainajanak hany, jama.

My brother's body is a lump of earth, close to death.

note 8

Me, ot ekam kuntajanak, piradak ekam, gond es irgalom ture.

We, the clan of my brother, encircle him with our care and compassion.

note 9

Opus wakenkek, ot oma sarnank, es ot pus funk, alnak ekam ainajanak, pitanak ekam ainajanak elava.

Our healing energies, ancient words of magic, and healing herbs bless my brother's body, keep it alive.

note 10

Ot ekam sielanak pala. Ot omboce palaja juta alatt o juti, kinta, es szelemek lamtijaknak.

But my brother's soul is only half. His other half wanders in the nether world.

note 11

Ot en mekem ?ama?: kulkedak otti ot ekam omboce palajanak.

My great deed is this: I travel to find my brother's other half.

note 12

Rekature, saradak, tappadak, odam, ka?a o numa waram, es avaa owe o lewl mahoz.

We dance, we chant, we dream ecstatically, to call my spirit bird, and to open the door to the other world.

note 13

Ntak o numa waram, es muzdulak, jomadak.

I mount my spirit bird and we begin to move, we are under way.

note 14

Piwtadak ot En Puwe tyvinak, ecidak alatt o juti, kinta, es szelemek lamtijaknak.

Following the trunk of the Great Tree, we fall into the nether world.

note 15

Fazak, fazak no o saro.

It is cold, very cold.

note 16

Juttadak ot ekam o akarataban, o'sivaban, es o sielaban.

My brother and I are linked in mind, heart, and soul.

note 17

Ot ekam sielanak ka?a engem.

My brother's soul calls to me.

note 18

Kuledak es piwtadak ot ekam.

I hear and follow his track.

note 19

Sayedak es tuledak ot ekam kulyanak.

Encounter-I the demon who is devouring my brother's soul.

note 20

Nenam coro; o kuly torodak.

In anger, I fight the demon.

note 21

0 kuly pel engem.

He is afraid of me.

note 22

Lejkkadak o ka?ka salamaval.

1 strike his throat with a lightning bolt.

note 23

Molodak ot ainaja, komakamal.

I break his body with my bare hands.

note 24

Toya es molana.

He is bent over, and falls apart.

note 25

Han ca?a. He runs away. note 26

Manedak ot ekam sielanak.

I rescue my brother's soul. note 27

Aladak ot ekam sielanak o komamban.

I lift my brother's soul in the hollow of my hand.

note 28

Al?dam ot ekam numa waramra.

I lift him onto my spirit bird.

note 29

Piwtadak ot En Puwe tyvijanak es sayedak jalleen ot elava ainak majaknak.

Following up the Great Tree, we return to the land of the living.

note 30

Ot ekam ela jalleen. My brother lives again. note 31

Ot ekam wenca jalleen.

He is complete again.

note 32

To hear this chant, visit: http://www.christinefeehan.com/ members/.

4. Carpathian chanting technique

As with their healing techniques, the actual «chanting technique» of the Carpathians has much in common with the other shamanistic traditions of the Central Asian steppes. The primary mode of chanting was throat chanting using overtones. Modern examples of this manner of singing can still be found in the Mongolian, Tuvan, and Tibetan traditions. You can find an audio example of the Gyuto Tibetan Buddhist monks engaged in throat chanting at: http://www.christinefeehan.com/carpathianchanting/.

As with Tuva, note on the map the geographical proximity of Tibet to Kazakhstan and the Southern Urals.

The beginning part of the Tibetan chant emphasizes synchronizing all the voices around a single tone, aimed at healing a particular «chakra» of the body. This is fairly typical of the Gyuto throat chanting tradition, but it is not a significant part of the Carpathian tradition. Nonetheless, it serves as an interesting contrast.

The part of the Gyuto chanting example that is most similar to the Carpathian style of chanting is the mid-section, where the men are chanting the words together with great force. The purpose here is not to generate a «healing tone» that will affect a particular «chakra,» but rather to generate as much power as possible for initiating the «out of body» travel, and for fighting the demonic forces that the healer/traveler must face and overcome.

Appendix 2

The Carpathian Language

Like all human languages, the language of the Carpathians contains the richness and nuance that can only come from a long history of use. At best we can only touch on some of the main features of the language in this brief appendix:

The history of the Carpathian language

Carpathian grammar and other characteristics of the language Examples of the Carpathian language A much abridged Carpathian dictionary

1. The history of the Carpathian language

The Carpathian language of today is essentially identical to the Carpathian language of thousands of years ago. A «dead» language like the Latin of two thousand years ago has evolved into a significantly different modern language (Italian) because of countless generations of speakers and great historical fluctuations. In contrast, many of the speakers of Carpathian from thousands of years ago are still alive. Their presence-coupled with the deliberate isolation of the Carpathians from the other major forces of change in the world– has acted (and continues to act) as a stabilizing force that has preserved the integrity of the language over the centuries. Carpathian culture has also acted as a stabilizing force. For instance, the Ritual Words, the various healing chants (see Appendix 1), and other cultural artifacts have been passed down the centuries with great fidelity.

One small exception should be noted: the splintering of the Carpathians into separate geographic regions has led to some minor dialectization. However the telepathic links among all Carpathians (as well as each Carpathian's regular return to his or her homeland) has ensured that the differences among dialects are relatively superficial (e.g., small numbers of new words, minor differences in pronunciation, etc.), since the deeper, internal language of mind-forms has remained the same because of continuous use across space and time.

The Carpathian language was (and still is) the proto-language for the Uralic (or Finno-Ugrian) family of languages. Today, the Uralic languages are spoken in northern, eastern and central Europe and in Siberia. More than twenty-three million people in the world speak languages that can trace their ancestry to Carpathian. Magyar or Hungarian (about fourteen million speakers), Finnish (about five million speakers), and Estonian (about one million speakers), arc the three major contemporary descendents of this proto-language. The only factor that unites the more than twenty languages in the Uralic family is that their ancestry can be traced back to a common proto-language-Carpathian-which split (starting some six thousand years ago) into the various languages in the Uralic family. In the same way, European languages such as English and French, belong to the better-known Indo-European family and also evolve from a common proto-language ancestor (a different one from Carpathian).

The following table provides a sense for some of the similarities in the language family.

Note: The Finnic/Carpathian «k» shows up often as Hungarian «h». Similarly, the Finnic/Carpathian «p» often corresponds to the Hungarian «f.»

2. Carpathian grammar and other characteristics of the language

Idioms. As both an ancient language, and a language of an earth people, Carpathian is more inclined toward use of idioms constructed from concrete, «earthy» terms, rather than abstractions. For instance, our modern abstraction, «to cherish,» is expressed more

concretely in Carpathian as «to hold in one's heart»; the «nether world» is, in Carpathian, «the land of night, fog, and ghosts»; etc.

Word order. The order of words in a sentence is determined not by syntactic roles (like subject, verb, and object) but rather by pragmatic, discourse-driven factors. Examples: «Tied vagyok.» («Yours am I.»); «Sivamet andam.» («My heart I give you.»)

Agglutination. The Carpathian language is agglutinative; that is, longer words are constructed from smaller components. An agglutinating language uses suffixes or prefixes whose meaning is generally unique, and which are concatenated one after another without overlap. In Carpathian, words typically consist of a stem that is followed by one or more suffixes. For example, «sivambam» derives from the stem «siv» («heart») followed by «am» («my,» making it «my heart»), followed by «bam» («in,» making it «in my heart»). As you might imagine, agglutination in Carpathian can sometimes produce very long words, or words that are very difficult to pronounce. Vowels often get inserted between suffixes, to prevent too many consonants from appearing in a row (which can make the word unpronouncable).

Noun cases. Like all languages, Carpathian has many noun cases; the same noun will be «spelled» differently depending on its role in the sentence. Some of the noun cases include: nominative (when the noun is the subject of the sentence), accusative (when the noun is a direct object of the verb), dative (indirect object), genitive (or possessive), instrumental, final, supressive, inessive, elative, terminative, and delative.

We will use the possessive (or genitive) case as an example, to illustrate how all noun cases in Carpathian involve adding standard suffixes to the noun stems. Thus expressing possession in Carpathian-«my lifemate,» «your lifemate,» «his lifemate,» «her lifemate,» etc.-involves adding a particular suffix (such as «=am») to the noun stem («palafertiil»), to produce the possessive («palafertiilam»-«my lifemate»). Which suffix to use depends upon which person («my,» «your,» «his,» etc.) and whether the noun ends in a consonant or vowel. The following table shows the suffixes for singular nouns only (not plural), and also shows the similarity to the suffixes used in contemporary Hungarian. (Hungarian is actually a little more complex, in that it also requires «vowel rhyming»: which suffix to use also depends on the last vowel in the noun; hence the multiple choices in the cells below, where Carpathian only has a single choice.)

Note: As mentioned earlier, vowels often get inserted between the word and its suffix so as to prevent too many consonants from appearing in a row (which would produce unpronouncable words). For example, in the table above, all nouns that end in a consonant are followed by suffixes beginning with «a.»

Verb conjugation. Like its modern descendents (such as Finnish and Hungarian), Carpathian has many verb tenses, far too many to describe here. We will just focus on the conjugation of the present tense. Again, we will place contemporary Hungarian side by side with the Carpathian, because of the marked similarity of the two. As with the possessive case for nouns, the conjugation of verbs is done by adding a suffix onto the verb stem:

As with all languages, there are many «irregular verbs» in Carpathian that don't exactly fit this pattern. But the above table is still a useful guideline for most verbs.

3. Examples of the Carpathian language

Here are some brief examples of conversational Carpathian, used in the Dark books. We include the literal translation in square brackets. It is interestingly different from the most appropriate English translation.

Susu.

I am home.

note 33

Moert?

What for?

csitri

little one

note 34

ainaak enyem

forever mine

ainaak'sivamet jutta

forever mine (another form)

note 35

sivamet

my love

note 36

Sarna Rituaali (The Ritual Words) is a longer example, and an example of chanted rather than conversational Carpathian. Note the recurring use of «andam» («I give»), to give the chant musicality and force through repetition.

Sarna Rituaali (The Ritual Words)

Te avio palafertiilam.

You are my lifemate.

note 37

Entolam kuulua, avio palafertiilam.

I claim you as my lifemate.

note 38

Ted kuuluak, kacad, kojed.

I belong to you.

note 39

Elidamet andam.

I offer my life for you.

note 40

Pesamet andam.

I give you my protection.

note 41

Uskolfertiilamet andam. I give you my allegiance.

note 42

Sivamet andam.

I give you my heart.

note 43

Sielamet andam.

I give you my soul.

note 44

Ainamet andam.

I give you my body.

note 45

Sivamet kuuluak kaik etta a ted.

I take into my keeping the same that is yours.

note 46

Ainaak olenszal'sivambin.

Your life will be cherished by me for all my time.

note 47

Te elidet ainaak pide minan.

Your life will be placed above my own for all time.

note 48

Te avio palafertiilam.

You are my lifemate.

note 49

Ainaak'sivamet jutta oleny.

You are bound to me for all eternity.

note 50

Ainaak terad vigyazak.

You are always in my care.

note 51

See Appendix 1 for Carpathian healing chants, including both the Kepa Sarna Pus («The Lesser Healing Chant») and the En Sarna Pus («The Great Healing Chant»).

To hear these words pronounced (and for more about Carpathian pronunciation altogether), please visit: http://www.christinefeehan.com/members/

4. A much abridged Carpathian dictionary

This very much abridged Carpathian dictionary contains most of the Carpathian words used in these Dark books. Of course, a full Carpathian dictionary would be as large as the usual dictionary for an entire language.

Note: The Carpathian nouns and verbs below are word stems. They generally do not appear in their isolated, «stem» form, as below. Instead, they usually appear with suffixes (e.g., «andam» «I give,» rather than just the root, «and»).

aina-body ainaak-forever

akarat-mind; will

al-bless, attach to

alatt-through

ala-to lift; to raise

and-to give

avaa-to open

avio-wedded

avio palafertiil-lifemate

belso-within; inside

ca?a-to flee; to run; to escape

coro-to flow; to run like rain

csitri-little one (female)

eka-brother

ela-to live

elava-alive

elava ainak majaknak-land of the living

elid-life

en-I

en-great, many, big

En Puwe-The Great Tree. Related to the legends of Ygddrasil, the axis mundi, Mount Meru, heaven and hell, etc.

engem-me

eci-to fall

ek-suffix added after a noun ending in a consonant to make it plural

es-and

etta-that

faz-to feel cold or chilly

fertiil-fertile one

fesztelen-airy

fu-herbs; grass

gond-care; worry (noun)

han-he; she; it

hany-clod; lump of earth

irgalom-compassion; pity; mercy

jalleen-again.

jama-to be sick, wounded, or dying; to be near death (verb)

jela-sunlight; day, sun; light

joma-to be under way; to go

jorem-to forget; to lose one's way; to make a mistake

juta-to go; to wander

juti-night; evening

jutta-connected; fixed (adj.). to connect; to fix; to bind (verb)

k-suffix added after a noun ending in a vowel to make it plural

kaca-male lover

kaik-all (noun)

ka?a-to call; to invite; to request; to beg

ka?k-windpipe; Adam's apple; throat

Karpatii-Carpathian

kasi-hand

kepa-lesser, small, easy, few

kinn-out; outdoors; outside; without

kinta-fog, mist, smoke

koje-man; husband; drone

kola-to die

koma-empty hand; bare hand; palm of the hand; hollow of the hand.

kont-warrior

kule-hear kuly-intestinal worm; tapeworm; demon who possesses and devours souls

kulke-to go or to travel (on land or water)

kuna-to lie as if asleep; to close or cover the eyes in a game of hide-and-seek; to die

kunta-band, clan, tribe, family

kuulua-to belong; to hold

lamti-lowland; meadow

lamti bol juti, kinta, ja szelem-the nether world (literally: «the meadow of night, mists, and ghosts»)-crack, fissure, split (noun). To cut o hit; to strike forcefully (verb).

lewl-spirit

lewl ma-the other world (literally: «spirit land»). Lewl ma includes lamti bol juti, kinta, ja szelem: the nether world, but also includes the worlds higher up En Puwe, the Great Tree

loyly-breath; steam, (related to lewl: «spirit»)

ma-land; forest

mane-rescue; save

me-we

meke-deed; work (noun). To do; to make; to work (verb)

minan-mine

minden-every, all (adj.).

moert?-what for? (exclamation)

molo-to crush; to break into bits

molana-to crumble; to fall apart

mozdul-to begin to move, to enter into movement

na-for ?ama?-this; this one here

nelkul-without

nena-anger

no-like; in the same way as; as

numa-god; sky; top; upper part; highest (related to the English word: «numinous»)

nyelv-tongue

nyal-saliva; spit (noun), (related to nyelv : «tongue»)

odam-dream; sleep (verb)

oma-old; ancient

omboce-other; second (adj.)

o-the (used before a noun beginning with a consonant)

ot-the (used before a noun beginning with a vowel)

otti-to look; to sec; to find

owe-door

pajna-to press

pala-half; side palafertiil-mate or wife

pel-to be afraid; to be scared of

pesa-nest (literal); protection (figurative)

pide-above

pira-circle; ring (noun). To surround; to enclose (verb).

pita-keep, hold

piwta-to follow; to follow the track of game

pukta-to drive away; to persecute; to put to flight

pusm-to be restored to health

pus-healthy; healing

puwe-tree; wood

reka-ecstasy; trance

rituaali-ritual

saye-to arrive; to come; to reach

salama-lightning; lightning bolt

sarna-words; speech; magic incantation (noun). To chant; to sing; to celebrate (verb)

saro-frozen snow

siel-soul

sisar-sister

siv-heart

sivdobbanas-heartbeat

so?e-to enter; to penetrate; to compensate; to replace

susu-home; birthplace (noun), at home (adv.)

szabadon-freely

szelem-ghost

tappa-to dance; to stamp with the feet (verb)

te-you

ted-yours

toja-to bend; to bow; to break

toro-to fight; to quarrel

tule-to meet; to come

ture-full, satiated, accomplished

tyvi-stem; base; trunk

uskol-faithful

uskolfertiil-allegiance

veri-blood

vigyaz-to care for; to take care of

vii-last; at last; finally

wake-power

wara-bird; crow

wenca-complete; whole

wete-water

M

Christine Feehan

I live in the beautiful mountains of Lake County, California. I have always loved hiking, camping, rafting and being outdoors. I've also been involved in the martial arts for years-I hold a third-degree black belt, instruct in a Korean karate system and have taught self-defense. I am happily married to a romantic man who often inspires me with his thoughtfulness. We have a yours, mine and ours family, claiming eleven children as our own. I have always written books, forcing my ten sisters to read every word, and now my daughters read and help me edit my manuscripts. It is fun to take all the research I have done on wild animals, raptors, vampires, weather and volcanoes and put it together with romance. Please visit my website at

www.christinefeehan.com .

"into your heart"

Lie-as-if-asleep-you, without heart-beat, without airy breath.

Life-my give-I freely life-your-for.

The sunlight soul-my forgets the body-my and enters the body-your.

The sunlight-soul-my puts-to-flight outside all ghost-s inside.

Press-I the homeland earth and the tongue spit-my heart-your-into.

At-last, the blood-my to-replace the blood-your give-I.

The brother-my body-his-of lump-of-earth, is-near-death.

We, the brother-my clan-his-of, encircle brother-my, care and compassion full.

The healing power-our-s, the ancient words-of-magic-our, and the healing herbs-our, bless brother-my body-his-of, keep brother-my body-his-of alive.

The brother-my soul-his-of (is) half. The other half-his wanders through the night, mist, and ghosts lowland-their-of.

The great deed-my (is) this: travel-I to-find the brother-my other half-his-of.

Ecstasy-full, dance-we, dream-we, to call the god bird-my, and open the door spirit land-to.

Mount-I the god bird-my, and begin-to-move-we, are-on-our-way-we.

Follow-we the Great Tree trunk-of, fall-we through the night, mist, and ghosts lowland-their-of.

Feel-cold-I, feel-cold-I like the frozen snow.

Am-bound-to-I the brother-my the mind-in, the heart-in, and the soul-in.

The brother-my soul-his-of calls-to me.

Hear-I and follow-the-trail-of-I the brother-my.

Arrive-I and meet-I the brother-my demon-who-devours-soul-his-of.

Anger-my flows; the demon-who-devours-souls fight-I.

The demon-who-devours-souls (is) afraid-of me.

Strike-I the throat-his bolt-of-lightning-with.

Break-I the body-his empty-hand-s-my-with.

(He)bends and (he)crumbles.

He flees.

Rescue-I the brother-my soul-his-of.

Lift-I the brother-my soul-his-of the hollow-of-hand-my-in.

Lift-I the brother-my god bird-my-onto.

Follow-we the Great Tree trunk-its-of, and reach-we again the living bodie-s land-their-of.

The brother-my lives again.

The brother-my (is) complete again.

"home/birthplace.» «I am» is understood, as is often the case in Carpathian.

"little slip of a thing», «little slip of a girl"

"forever to-my-heart connected/fixed'"

"of-my-heart,» «to-my-heart"

You wedded wife-my. «Are» is understood, as is generally the case in Carpathian when one thing is equated with another: «You-my lifemate."

To-me belong-you, wedded wife-my.

To-you belong-I, lover-your, man/husband/drone-your.

Life-my give-I. «you» is understood.

Nest-my give-I

Fidelity-my give-I.

Heart-my give-I.

Soul-my give-I.

Body-my give-I.

To-my-heart hold-I all that-is yours.

Forever will-be-you in-my– heart.

Your life forever above mine.

You wedded wife-my.

Forever to-my-heart connected are-you.

Forever you I-take-care-of.