Chapter 1

Progress in modern civilization is incessant as advancement in man 's knowledge specifically in science and technology continues to grow at a tremendous pace. However, there are still many things in this world that have become myths and could hardly be explained by men and the amazing wonders of science. These unexplained things are most often than not are abandoned and forgotten as time flies by. Hence, the traces of popular myths of places and figures of the past events have been encrypted in the minds of many as an impression is alive and remembered to this day.

Present day Rumania.

It was 9 o'clock in the evening in Belefalva, an old county in Rumania. Life here was peaceful and pleasant to live in. The tranquil life of the residents began as early as 7 o'clock. No person could be seen loitering around except those coming home from their day's toil.

The flickering post lamps that called for more hovering leeches illuminated the pathways of passersby and only the noise of cicadas could be heard in the surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, a gold-brown sedan stopped in front of an old semi-concrete two-story house and just in front of the gate a shabby-looking man in his crinkled-tucked out polo and crumpled trousers went off the car.

He would almost step on his own shoes when he extended both legs out of the car. He walked awkwardly as a drunkard did.

" See you tomorrow, Amadeus ! " his friend said.

" Have a sweet dream and get to work early Amadeus ! " the other guy insinuated.

Amadeus ( known also as Dude) hollowed face and murky eyes made him looked far from his youthful age. As usual, his 64-year-old mother would reprimand him for his unwanted habits, while his 68-year old paralyzed father whose fingers and callous hands forbade him to hold anything steadily had been on the wheels for years as he remained speechless whenever an atmosphere of conflict would spark a heated discussion. He had not been so well since his last stroke but in normal condition did he forget the consequences of his lifestyle.

Nancy, Amadeus's 28-year old sister was still single and living with them but most of the time out of town for her job assignments.

Very often habitual indulgence in hard drinks would fail him to stay long with the job which he eventually loses or quit due to pressure. Again, reiterating words of accusation would break the silence of the home.

" You'll not get early tomorrow 'coz of your awful scent, or you'll get fired again!"

" Don't worry. I will make early today "

Amadeus in his early 30's was fickle-minded and emotionally unstable but in fairness, he was an extrovert. His girl named, Sarah, a pretty and mature –minded maiden in her tender age was one year younger than he wanted to settle down for good. However, his negative attitude and misconduct were bleakly contributory obstacles in his failures. But the lighter side of him was that he was one –woman man. It looked like his girl was so insecure with other girls around when they initiated an amiable conversation but never did she raise an issue about it and yet she would remain civil and understanding, likewise she was hopeful that he would change for the better.

In other words, she had accepted what he was. The lighter side of her was being responsible and decent. In most bonding situation, the girl would find leeway for a personal issue.

"We 're not getting any younger. Do we have to wait to chase our time?" Sarah asked.

" No. It's not that easy. We have to be prepared before we get into trouble. I believe that you know that my finances are just one of my problems. " he replied.

"You'll never be financially prepared unless a miracle works in you. It 's up to you. We'll never know what lies ahead"

" Give me enough time to save some money. "

" You will never save some money because of your peers and wines"

" No. Believe me I am saving some for our future ."

"Really? How can I be sure?

" I will show you my bank account later"

" Promise? Why don't you borrow some money from your brother? Anyway, he's rich and single." She insinuated.

" You're wrong. He's supporting a girl in her studies. The only problem is that he does not want to be tied with her yet" he said.

" Who's that girl?"

" Who else? But her girlfriend. We just don't know her nor seen her."

" But why?" she asked.

" That's what I don't know. I don't want to meddle in his personal affairs." He added.

" Where do you want us to settle in when we get married?" she asked inquisitively.

" Can we discuss that later? We'll cross the bridge when we get there, okay ?" he said.

Red, his elder brother, was a successful trader in his late 40's. He chose to maintain an affair with a separated woman with two kids than take a girl for life. He stayed alone in his newly-acquired property in a plush village just a kilometer away from their house.

" It will be more convenient that you and your wife stay with mom now. She's alone and needs someone to live with." Red urged Amadeus.

" That would be fine, bro. I will be more confident seeing Sarah helping mom in household chores while I am away."

A well-prepared and settled marriage were not fulfilled but yet the two got married by the support of Dude's brother, Red who knew about Dude's personal affair and grievances. Dude never expected that a dazzling and somewhat glamorous wedding day had come. He found himself with Sarah in front of the altar for a wedding ceremony. Sarah and Dude's family thought that a miracle had worked for Dude as they noticed a sudden change in his ways.

" I believe that you will get busier now that you are a father seven months from now. " Sarah said.

"Really? Yes, and I am happy to hear that " he replied.

When Sarah gave birth to their first baby boy, Dude showed a more positive improvement in his work attitude. Sarah committed to finding an income-generating job while her mom and a babysitter took care of the child.

In one family occasion, Red would be more generous offering him a caretaker of his estate in the village with the encouragement of their parents since their younger sister would be getting married.

" It would be more convenient for you while I am away for a business trip. Our family home is big enough to accommodate me, Nancy and his husband." Red urged.

" At least we will be able to take care of our Mom and Dad, " Nancy said.

" Your brother is right, Amadeus. It is for your convenience to live as a family alone while you have not yet acquired property of your own" his Mom said.

" How I wish to have a house and parcel of land of my own in the future," He said.

" Why not? You can make it too if you strive hard" Red replied.

" Why Bro. aren't you getting married ?" asked Nancy.

" Not now ?" Red replied.

" We just don't want to meddle in your personal affair, Red, but we would like to know if you are getting steady with a girl? " Mom asked.

Red kept silent and smiled. " Not at this point in time Mom, maybe later."

" We don't care if she isn't well off provided she is learned, decent and of course, readily available" she added.

" I know, I know Mom your ideal girl. Come what may " he insinuated.

" We hope to see that day, Red," she said.

Amadeus was not so concerned about Red's personal affair for his principle was, to each his own. Living solely in a well-furnished dream house like Red's was a great privilege to enjoy.

However, the thought of Red's getting married would be a distressful deprivation of their comfort. Amadeus and his wife Sarah were thinking of many ways to generate more income for their own savings while there was enough time.

" The idea of working abroad makes me feel we 're sure of making money" he insinuated.

" Wouldn't you find it difficult to find another job when you get back?" Sarah asked.

" Nobody knows tomorrow. Nothing is impossible to those who persevere"

" Assure me" she added.