Chapter 1: The Red Rose of the Shadows
Count Gonzalez De Lama was striding the narrow street with urgent steps. You can tell by the funny dance of his thick moustache that he was angry. It was not very wise to speak with Count De Lama when you see his moustache dancing. He entered the Tavern of the Big Rooster and caught sight of his two men sitting on a table.
"Can someone tell me what the fuck is this?" He dropped a crumpled rose on the table.
"But why my Lord, it's a red rose!" answered Sanchez the Fourth. He was one of the best among Count De Lama's men if you were kind enough to overlook his celebrated thick head. No one really knew on what basis he chose to call himself Sanchez the Fourth.
"I know it's a rose, idiot. Can someone explain to me why there was a rose on my bed?" Count De Lama snapped at them.
"Maybe it was left by one of the Count's many beautiful mistresses," Diego said, while playing with his dagger.
"Ha..ha..ha, very funny Diego," Count De Lama answered dryly. It was not a secret that Count De Lama was gay. Everyone in Madrid knew about this particular fact.
Diego picked up the rose and sniffed, dreamingly. Count De Lama pulled a seat and joined the two men. He was waiting for his ill-tempered man, Diego Rotten Heart, to speak. It was useless to ask Diego to hasten his work or speech. You need to sit down and wait patiently until he enters one of his good moods. For Count De Lama's sheerest luck, the rose helped Diego to enter such a mood today.
"Have you ever heard about the Red Rose of the Shadows?" Diego asked Count De Lama. His dreamy tone irritated the Count more than anything.
"I thought it's a folks' tale. One of those stories demented grandmothers used to tell children in a cold day" Answered Count De lama wryly.
"Think what you think about it, it's a well known story. Everyone speaks about it nowadays. What I know for sure, she always leaves a red rose after she goes as a sign of vengeance. A red rose signifies blood, you know that, Count Gonzalez?"
A shiver ran along Count De Lama's spine. Sanchez the Fourth smiled, adding, "It also signifies beauty."
Count De Lama was very irritated by now. You can tell from his mustache. But, he was a very practical man. Whenever he decides to do something, he never leaves it until it ends. He couldn't help but asks, "Tell me more about her."
Diego Rotten Heart drew a mocking smile on his face. He rapidly changed his expression to a serious one and started telling what he knows in a hissing voice like snakes:
"They say she comes with the shadows" He started. You can tell from the excitement in Sanchez's face that he knew the story.
" ..in the moonless nights. They say she has a very long, gypsy-like hair and rosy lips. Her skin is the color of olives. He eyes are blue and deep. Her bosom is as smooth as ivory ..."
"This doesn't sound bad to me," Count De Lama interrupted unwisely. Diego gave him an angry, ugly look.
He continued, "They say she carries a heavy sword of steel made by death itself. When she comes she brings pain with her. When she goes, she leaves blood and a red rose. What really disturbing about her ..."
