| In the Beginning Genre - ?? Rating - PG Time-Line - ?? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Angus Develin was born on November 13, in the year of our Lord 1735, the youngest of three children born to William and Brigit Develin. William was a wealthy shopkeeper in the town of Galway, Ireland. Angus' entrance into the world was not an easy one. He was born two months before he was due. After delivering the tiny baby the midwife remarked to William that his new son would surely not live long. It was at that moment that his father's loathing for him began. William not wanting to accept the blame for the boy's early arrival turned cold toward his son and told himself that he could not have sired such a small and sickly child. Brigit didn't care what her husband felt for the little one, she had given him two fine healthy sons and God had given her this special little boy. Brigit gave her little son a name taken from old Celtic stories told to her by her grandfather. Her favorite stories always involved the beautiful and romantic god of youth, love and beauty known as Angus of the Brugh. Life was not easy for Angus being the youngest and smallest he was constantly tormented by his two older siblings John and Peter. John the oldest was always big for his age and dense as fog, but because he was so strong William made compensations for his lack of intelligence. Peter, the favored one, was tall, muscular and fairly handsome with the intellect John lacked and then some. It was Peter who would take over his father's business and carry on the Develin name with the honor it deserved. Angus was mostly ignored by his father unless he got in his way or made a mess of something for which he was severely beaten. William thought Angus to be cowardly and weak and too much of his mother's son. Brigit knew this was not true it was her plan to nurture him with whatever means it took to be a strong healthy man. During his tenth year his mother came down with the influenza and came very near death. The illness had weakened her so that she could no longer care for her family. The tasks of maintaining the household then fell on to Angus. Being used to hanging on his mother's apron strings William thought this to be a perfect vocation for young Angus and, therefore, saving him money in hiring help. For the next three years, Angus spent much of his time caring for his mother. William began to blame Angus for his mother's illness, repeatedly telling him how his poor mother had such a difficult time giving birth to him, and how he was to blame for her weakened condition. "Your mother was a hearty woman until you were born, boy," William would say. Brigit tried to console her young son by telling him that his father was really angry at God for her illness. He just wouldn't admit it to himself or anyone else for that matter. Angus found peace in caring for his mother. They would read from the Good Book every evening. The local Priest would come from the parish and hold mass just for them, knowing that she was too weak to attend church. At the end of the day, Angus would read wonderful adventure stories to his mother and she would smile and laugh. She loved the stories of knights and the Crusades, of Robin Hood and The Knights Templar. Brigit even secretly confided in him that she had once daydreamed of living the life of Lady Guinevere. Angus found a kindred spirit in his mother fore he too daydreamed of the adventurous life. But as good as her secret made him feel, it also depressed him. He knew that neither of them would ever know what true adventure was. Galway was where they were born and Galway would be where they died. On her death bed Brigit was compelled to tell her son of the true events of his birth. It seems that the day before he was born Brigit had been given news by a reliable source that William had been keeping company with a certain young maiden who worked at the local inn. Upon William's return that evening Brigit confronted him. A huge argument resulted with William denying all accusations of his unfaithfulness. Brigit would not accept his denials an continued the argument trailing her husband up the staircase as he was trying to get away from his distraught wife. At the top of the stairs he had heard all he was going to listen to turned abruptly placed his hand over her face and pushed her down the stairs. William was horrified at what he had done and ran to her side apologizing for his weakness. Brigit said she had long since forgiven her husband, but he had not forgiven himself. "It is his guilt that causes him to treat you so. You must be stronger than he and learn to forgive him and pray that one day he will accept his weakness and learn to forgive." With that said she slipped off the Claddaugh ring passed to her by her mother and placed it on his hand. Then closed her eyes and slipped away leaving him to cope with his father's bitterness without his dear mother as a buffer. Upon his beloved wife's death William decided that Angus' future was not to be as were his brothers, John and Peter, both apprentices under their dear father's tutelage. It was decided that Angus could just keep doing what he seem to do best---- taking care of the family and the home. By age sixteen, there was no hint of the small sickly boy he had once been. With each passing year, Angus had grown taller, broader and much more handsome than his brothers. Although Angus knew that he was growing taller and stronger, he never paid much attention to his looks; not until the young ladies of Galway began to notice anyway. William only allowed Angus to leave the family home when fresh supplies were needed. It was on these very special days that many of the single young woman of the town would gather in the marketplace in hopes of seeing beautiful Angus do his weekly marketing and making sure their feminine expertise was close at hand should he need any help choosing the best fruits and vegetables. There was even a secret code the ladies would use when they spied him coming into town. They would all whisper "Angelus is coming." Translated, Angelus means "the one with the angelic face". He was not oblivious to the commotion he stirred up, and it always made his heart proud to hear them whisper of his approach. Angus enjoyed these days immensely and would take great care in noticing all of the young women and being charming to the older ladies. He made sure to learn all of their names. But for all the positive attention he received from the local female population, he received even more negative attention from the menfolk. The town always made fun of his station in life---being maid to his father and brothers, thus he was dubbed "The merry-maid of Galway." It was on one of his marketing days when a new face captured his breath. Shannon O'Conner was a dark eyed beauty with flowing dark hair whose family had been forced into the city by the loss of the family farm to a rich landlord who saw fit to own most of the farm land in Galway County. Her father, a stubbornly proud man, did not want to share crop on his own farm and instead took the little money he gained from his farm to begin his own livery business. Shannon like her father was a headstrong sort and saw in Angus everything she'd ever dreamed. Their love bloomed quickly and it seemed as if nothing could break the strong bond they held for each other, or so it seemed to Angus. Early that next spring Angus had made up his mind on what he truly wanted from life. He wanted Shannon and a place to call his own. He presented himself to Shannon's father and asked for her hand in marriage. Michael O'Conner was aghast that such a man of poor reputation would dare to ask for his daughter's hand. O'Conner refused to give his blessing contending that Angus had nothing to offer his only daughter and was sure she would only end up the slave maid for the rich shopkeeper William Develin. After hearing the news Shannon rushed to Angus and they vowed their love for one another and planned to run away together. They decided to meet that night under the large ash tree near the towns North entrance after their families were asleep. That evening at supper William amused his two sons with the humorous telling of Angus' visit to the O'Conner home as told to him by a very angry Mr. Michael O'Conner. Peter laughed, but it was John who fell from his chair reeling in loud bursts of laughter at the thought of ‘Angus' asking for the beautiful Shannon O'Conner's hand in marriage. Between breaths he spouted snide remarks about his young brothers ability, or inability rather, to satisfy a woman being that he was much more a maid than a man. William enjoyed the chastising a great deal and sat back in his chair enjoying what his story had created. When Angus could handle no more he threw the first punch landing squarely on John's huge chin and impressively knocking him to the ground. The fight that ensued was a brutal battle leaving Angus defeated, battered and bloody. And so began the deep-rooted anger and hatred that boiled within his soul. "One day they will all pay the price" he assured himself as he hauled his aching body from the ground. That evening Angus was able to sneak out just after his father and brothers had retired for the evening. His heart began beating fiercely as he caught sight of the old ash tree silently hoping his love had been able to sneak away early as he had. Upon his approach his heart sunk a little because she was not yet there. Angus waited for what seemed an eternity before Shannon finally arrived. She arrived carrying nothing but a small handbag. Rushing to her he asked "Where are your things?" "Angus I'm so sorry. I can't go with you." She confessed. Confused Angus stepped back from her saying nothing. In the half moonlight she could not see his battered face or the tears. "I love you. I want to go, but I must we must use reason. Neither of us have anything to our names. No money or property not even a horse." Shannon stepped closer, but Angus retreated farther into the dark shadow of the huge tree. Still saying nothing. "You could talk to your father convince him to let you apprentice then we could be wed with my father's blessing. We would then have money and the dowery to begin our lives together." Still silence. "Angus, you understand don't you? We can't...." Before she could finish Angus ran into the night. Returning home at dawn Angus vowed to never love again. The summer months went by quickly fore Angus put all his energy not only into his household chores, but cultivating a large garden behind the house. He did not want to have to venture into town for anything. He never wanted to see Shannon again. He doubted his heart could take ever seeing her again. Angus would bide his time until such an opportunity came to take his rightful inheritance and leave Galway forever. William took notice of his sons hard work in the garden and after eating the freshly harvested vegetables even offered a few words of encouragement. Maybe Angus would make a good farmer someday. Since the beating he had seemed much happier in his surroundings and William could see that his son was becoming a man. Maybe he would buy him a small farm if there was any land left to buy in Galway or maybe in a nearby county. William was growing older and restless as a shopkeeper and set his sites on more political aspirations. His first political venture was to run for constable which, of course, he was elected. As Constable William realized he must maintain an honorable appearance among the citizens of Galway and so finally hired a maid and brought Angus into the family business. Peter was put in charge of teaching his younger brother the business and found Angus to be very useful doing the dirty jobs he had always hated. Angus didn't seem to mind at least now he was an apprentice maybe his life would get better. One fall day the town was all a buzz with news of a beautiful noble woman who had moved into an old castle on the outskirts of Galway. She was brought there to be out of harms way, as France was becoming more and more a place of hostility. Lady Josephine D'Arcy quickly became the talk of Galway. She loved to entertain and would hold extravagant parties for those of stature. With her husband away in France, she found herself wanting the attention of the local gentlemen. She had picked up on the gossip of "Angelus." Curious as to his nickname, she sent a messenger with an invitation to the home of William Develin, inviting only Angus to join her for dinner. For the one and only time in his life, his father gave him a great deal of attention. William had an expensive suit tailored for his young son in hopes that he would impress the very rich and influential Lady D'Arcy, for his own namesake rather than for Angus. For a week before the dinner, William relentlessly tutored Angus on how to speak, stand, bow and eat in the presence of royalty. He drilled him on manners and proper use of the English language. Surely the Lady would not lower herself to speaking the common Celtic gibberish of Galway. Before he left, William imparted to Angus the importance the Develin name. He reemphasized the possibilities for the families improvement in financial and political stature within the County, and that it rested on the impression he made at this prestigious dinner. Angus realized he was not to become a source of pride for his father as much as a source of income and social status. His hatred grew. Lady D'Arcy was very taken with the striking young gentleman. She found Angus to be charmingly boyish and eager to please. Josephine, being a bold and independent lady, took Angus into her life disregarding the rumors their relationship generated. She moved Angus into a lavishly decorated room on the same floor of the castle as hers. Lady Josephine pampered and educated her sweet "Angelus" with the best her money could offer, but it was not her money Angus truly wanted. It was her heart. His 18th birthday came and went. The town of Galway had suffered a long and arduous winter; the worst any could remember in recent history. Spring came, and Angus grew weary of trying to attain the love he so wished from his Lady. He decided to go back home, only to find that William had completely disowned him from the family because of his liaison with Josephine. Upon his return to Josephine, he discovered her husband had returned to spend a much needed holiday with his adoring wife. Josephine had left his things with a servant with orders to give Angus enough money to live on his own until her husband's departure. Alone, with his heart quickly turning to stone, Angus headed for the nearest pub and lavished his good fortune on all its patrons. Three days later, he was still in a drunken stupor. Having sold all his belongings, with the exception of the antique Claddaugh ring handed down to him by his beloved mother, Angus and a newly found friend were physically thrown out of the town pub. The mysterious woman had watched from the shadows of the pub as Angus spent his last gold piece. He was perfect. Exactly what she had been searching for. Tall, strong and handsome. Yes, he would be a perfect match for her. With him at her side, she could become the new Master! Leaving the pub before Angus' escorted exit, Darla waited in the alley for her prize. Now, just to catch his eye, she stood in the alley dressed in her best coiffure. She batted her eyes at the pretty one. She could smell the anger in his soul as he approached her, leaving his drunken friend lying on the cobblestones. "Oh, so much the better," she thought. His anger would serve her well. "Angelus, wake up dear one. It's time to go hunting." Darla purred in his ear. Was he dreaming? Was it real? The hunger, the smell of blood, and the almost overwhelming feeling of supremacy all hit him as he slowly became fully aware of his surroundings, now aware that he was in his very own room at the Lady D'Arcy's castle. The young lady from the night before standing over him. "Darla, that was her name," he thought. She had changed him. He still didn't comprehend all that had been bestowed on him. "Come my sweet, it's time to feast." Now it was coming to him. The events of the past hours. The pain and agony his body suffered during the change. His body dying. His soul gone. All that was left was the anger. Angus decided that since he was no longer the same man, he no longer needed the same name. He made his decision. He was now to be called "Angelus". It was all flowing back to him; the strong hunger and the POWER! He was not the weak man he'd been only yesterday. His first kill was the Lady D'Arcy. How good it felt to take her life's blood after the way she had used him! Now he would show is father and brothers who was stronger and who was weaker. He would have them begging for their lives and then feed on them as lions feed on deer! Ignoring her protests Angelus left Darla. It was his moment to bask in the glory of sweet revenge. Quietly he slipped into his father's house. First he would confront his dear brothers. As he fed on both Peter and John he awakened them announced himself then savagely ripped into their throats feeling greatly satisfied as their hearts beat furiously with fear and then faded out of existence. He found his father awake, sitting quietly by the fireplace reading the "Good Book." "Hello William," Angelus spoke calmly, keeping the anger out of his voice. Startled his father jumped to his feet, dropping the book to the floor. "Who are you? How did you get in?" cried William. Angelus stood in the shadows. "You don't recognize your own son?" he responded. William squinted to try to see the face better. "Angus?" Stepping into the light of the fireplace, Angelus responded "Father", with a slight crack in his voice, eyes down as if pleading for his father's forgiveness. William's fear left him and he approached his son. "Angus you are no longer needed here I've hired a maid. And how dare you come back here. You have brought nothing but shame to the family name." Angelus looked up staring deep into his father's eyes, he changed. William stood in awe and fear at the horrible figure transforming before his eyes. He began to tremble uncontrollably too panic stricken to flee. Grabbing his father's head in his hands, Angelus looked deep into his father's eyes, revealing the anger and hatred that now consumed him, then kissing his father gently on the forehead and spoke in the icy voice of Angelus, "I wouldn't worry about your precious family name, Father! All your sons are DEAD!" With that said Angelus twisted and snapped his father's head as if it were nothing more than a twig, then stepped back, watching with great joy as his father's limp body fell to the floor. The End |