The Night Before

Anticipation can come before or even in some cases after the event, I suppose it's how you interpret things and what you are brought up to believe.

Christmas Eve was a time of such. When I was a small child living in a small Latvian village, along with my Mother and Father we would always prepare for the big event a few days before the coming of The Winter Solstice. We would shop for food and decorations and of course presents.

I was seven at the time and remember holding my Father's hand whilst he took me shopping so we could both enjoy the Christmas Markets; That one particular year I remember the streets were covered deep in snow. The decorations were out in the city of Riga, the capital of Latvia, which has three Christmas markets, all packed with shops selling food and decorations. My Father would buy me a non alcoholic blueberry drink, and one for himself, and then together we'd raise our cups in good cheer. My Mother however chose to stay at home, and arrange things with our neighbours, since we were a rather close, yet isolated village, and we all celebrated Christmas day in a some would say family rather than community tradition.

Although I would like to indulge you in the traditions of a Latvian Christmas, seeped incidentally in Pagan virtues although we were a Christian family and therefore I must explain to you the significance of her presence, and the effect over the next few days she was to have on us all. My Father was engrossed in what to buy, for our guests and no doubt himself and his family. The Markets were crowded to say the least, and I felt someone unintentionally touch my shoulder with there arm, as they reached for a bag of roasted Cinnamon Almonds. “I'm sorry, stated a gentle female voice, are you alright? I didn't make you spill your drink did I? I'll buy you another one if could, although I'm afraid I have very little money at present'.

“No, I stated, showing her the cup, I've already finished.”

She was one of the most beautiful women I'd ever seen. Beautiful that is in an earthy peasant sort of way, Her hair was straight black and came down past her ears, her face was of an Eastern European complexion, and her eyes were bright green, Her face was somewhat elfin yet when I looked at her it had a somewhat engulfing appearance. She had long slender fingers and reddened nails that she had kept short. She smiled at me and placed a hand on my shoulder, I remained motionless succumbed by her beauty rather than apprehension, my name is Jelena; she stated, what's your name?

“Davis” I said, noticing her smile.

“Almost like the Shepherd boy. I mean the one in the Bible, whom looked after the sheep.”

“We have sheep; I replied, I live on a farm with my Parents;

“Do you know where I can stay? She inquired, I've been traveling a long while and all the places seemed to be full this time of year.”

I could sense the desperation in her tone, “and I could see that despite her smile, she was looking weary and needed somewhere to replenish.

It was then an idea came to me, one that somehow I believe was not really my own, as if it was another making this suggestion, yet I could not see what harm it would do, and although I had no intention of telling my Parents, it was the season of goodwill, and being godly, I convinced myself they would not mind.

The dark clouds indicating rain above the crescent moon, made me even more determined. Smiling and daring to touch her hand I stated:

“We have a barn. I can let you stay there. I can bring you food. Please go not tell my Parents or anyone. It is the best I can do, however if you would rather-”

No, she said, clenching my hand in response, I will accept your kind offer, it is going to rain and I need shelter,.In a few days the moon will be full and I dare not be out on such a night.

“I then gave her instructions to wait by the old tree, that was directly yet a distance from my bedroom window, and told her that when my parents had gone to visit their neighbours to exchange gifts I would let her stay within., “You can sleep on the straw, I whispered, it will shelter you from the rain. I then gave directions, our house is very easy to find” She thanked me with a kiss on the left side of my face. I watched her leave and my Father, having been busy buying gifts was none the wiser. I remained silent, and on the way home I held his hand tightly, as we sang a Christmas song to keep up our festive spirits on this cold night.

Despite it being cold and snowing, even worse than other times, I knew my parents would still keep their promise to their neighbours and I would keep my promise to Jelena, whom I loved with an innocence that only I could. When she held my hand, her fingers felt different. they were more slender, though gentle and yet somehow more even, they had seemed to wrap around more accurate, perhaps it was because my Father was getting old and his grip was beginning to falter. Yet I knew there was something unusual about Jelena, that I could not yet describe.

I told her that my Parents along with the other community members, attended church around 6.0 and returned around 10.0. “The Service ends about 9:45 I stated. My Father never checks the barn and I will leave the door open so you can leave without being seen.”

She smiled and then she was gone. I had doubts she would come, perhaps she was just being polite, humouring the self-authority of a small boy, whom was trying to take control of the situation. Yet I felt I had done what she wanted, and I was pleased.

That evening after we had eaten, my Mother kissed me goodnight, and told me to brush my teeth and wash my face before changing into my Pyjamas. She told me my Father would be up soon, no doubt to give me my customary near Christmas dessert, that she pretended she did not know about. I did as I was told and knew they would soon leave for the sermon. I attend church on early mornings, needing my beauty sleep as my Mother put it. My Father always joked I had too much energy. “Just like me when I was a boy.” He would say.

When I had prepared myself for bed, he came in. Usually he seemed jovial in his appearance, yet this evening he was more solemn as he sat on the chair he had gotten from the corner and stated:

“You know your Bible Davis.”

“Yes Father.” I said.

“Show me where you keep it.”

I leaned across and opened the drawer of three, the first for the holy scripture the second for my clothes and the third for whatever I chose, usually sweets and snacks. I handed it to him and he stated: “Our Saviour was born on Christmas day, yet there are those, that were born on Christmas Eve, and they are unfortunate; When I say they, I do not mean all, only those whom have been cursed with the power of change. To scorn the holy birth, it is said that the Devil, gave those innocent ones, a possessive spirit of change, that takes over on certain nights, when the Moon is full. “Do you know of, Vilkackis?”

“Yes Father.”

Have you read what it says in Mathew Chapter Seven verse fifteen.

“Yes Father.”

“What does it say?”

:Beware of false prophets whom come to you as sheep-” For some reason I thought of Jelena and I paused.

“My Father finished the quotation, believing perhaps I was exhausted after our excursions to The Christmas Markets, “But inside are ravenous wolves,” There has been attacks in the village. So far we have been fortunate, yet others with farms have lost sheep, and that is why we must keep our doors locked, You must not let anyone in; Is that understood?”

“Yes Father.”

“It is important, you do not let anyone deceive you by appearance; You must remain safe, we all must at this time of year, more so than on other nights when the Moon will be full.” Now, your Mother and I must leave for church, you will remember what I told you, won't you Davis?| He stated kissing my forehead as he always did.

“Yes Father, I promise you I will not let anyone in'

“Good; he glanced at the window, tiny drops of rain were beginning to appear. “I will need my coat; he stated, I will get your Mother's.”

I did not consider myself deceitful as I watched him leave, closing the bedroom door. I was not letting anyone in, and I had promised Jelena I would help her, so although debatable, I was truthful?

The rain came down harder, and when I was certain my parents were out of sight, I got out of bed and stared out at the window. In the distance I could see a solitary figure of a woman cutting across the field. In the distance were sheep, I was surprised when they began bleating and seemed to run from her presence, as if something had disturbed them. I went to the wardrobe where my large coat was kept, and placed it over my pyjamas, then putting on my shoes, I opened the window and amidst the icy rain and snow I called out her name:

“Jelena; I shouted. My reply was met by the sound of howling. The wolf, my Father had warned me about' I knew I had to protect Jelena, knew I had to give her food and shelter. I opened the door and she was stranding there. Her black hair and Rumanian complexion covered by a make up of rain and strands of snow. She smiled and staring into her green eyes I found myself even more overcome by her beauty than I ever was before.

“You do not need to come out on such a night Davis' She confirmed, bring me food here, and I will go to the barn; it is best you stay in, for soon the night will come and I want you to be safe.”

I insisted she come in and wait, but she politely refused. I hurried to the kitchen for some food and drink. There was the remains of a pork casserole, filled with mushrooms, and red cabbage, on the stove, I insisted that Jelena come in and for a moment, she seemed to hesitate but then she agreed. Instantly I could tell the warmth was affecting her in a good way. Already her cold reddened hands were beginning to warm up. She waited at the kitchen entrance as I prepared a bowl for her to take to the barn.

“Would you like to see our Christmas tree? I suggested, Most people in Latvia decorate the tree on Christmas Eve but we do ours earlier.” I handed her the bowl of food and taking her hand that still felt different, like an exaggerated child with a new friend, a beautiful new friend, I led “:Almost dragged her into the Dining room' To see our Christmas tree, decorated with lighted candles, freshly made cookies and pine cones, as well as more traditional decorations., including a decoration shaped as a nail, a Latvian tradition to remember the love of God, whom sent his son to be born on Christmas day.

“It's lovely.” she said, clenching my hand in gratitude. You look tired, she said, I think you best get your rest; Why aren't you in church?”

“I go Christmas Eve, all the people in the village go, Then I added as if she doubted, “I won't let you down Jelena, I promise.'

“I know, you are my friend; she said.

Then I poured her a large glass of blackcurrant juice and she thanked me and I showed her to the barn. She seemed to stare at the upright pitch fork in the pile of hay, it's silver prongs glistening. I could tell she was concerned. “Don't worry, I said, you can sleep in the corner. My Father uses it for his farming. There's nothing to worry about.”

“I don't like sharp things made of silver.” She replied, but thank you, I will do as you say,

I watched for a moment as she settled down with her food and drink in her bed of straw, and then I left, closing the door before retiring for the night.

I was awoken earlier than usual, by sounds and familiar voices of those in our community. My Father came in looking concerned and at first I thought something had happened to Jelena, and I wondered how my Parents would react. However he merely sat down incongruous to the outside commotion and inquired: “Did you go out last night Davies?”

“No Father, I lied.

“There has been an incident, a woman traveling home was found dead; They say she was savaged by a large animal, they think it was a wolf. You must take seriously our traditions; Although we are Christian, we must never forget the legend of Christmas Eve, that states there are those destined to become wolves whom were born on that day.

“I do Father, I know all about those born to change with the full Moon. This woman, what did she look like?”

He found no suspicion in my inquiry and stated, she was blonde, Middle-aged, the Police are no doubt checking for identification so her family can be notified.”

“What time is it?” I inquired.

“It is 5.0, I am sorry to wake you early, your Mother and I we both felt it was important, you understand why don't you?

“Yes, I promise I will be careful. Would you like me to help with breakfast' I inquired, mainly to change the conversation.

“Get some more rest, your Mother will call you.”

He left shutting the door, and I turned on my side, staring out at the snow covered window, longing for my friend Jelena to visit me again. For it was only two more days till Christmas Eve and on that night the Moon would be full.

When I had washed and gotten dressed, I made the excuse of going outside to see the snow, though in truth to c heck on the barn and Jelena. She was gone. Her footprints had left a faded trail, across the farm where the sheep grazed. Then I entered and my Mother smiled at my Father in response to the snow on my coat.

“You'll have plenty of time to play in the snow later. he said, it looks like we're going to have a white christmas;

“I like snow, but it's very cold. said my Mother, that's why it's best to stay in; I certainly would not like to be out on a night like that, especially with what's happening.”

“According to local Police findings, they believe the tourist in question was murdered a few days ago during the full Moon. Apparently it's believed the creature dragged it's victim into the forrest,

that's why it took so long to find.” Concluded my Father.

“But don't worry, concluded my Mother, leaning across and touching my face in reassurance, the whole village will be together on Christmas Eve, so we have nothing to fear.”

She smiled, leaving her hand where it was, as if she needed me to confirm this matter. Instead I smiled, and she did so, before removing her hand, and we all had breakfast, yet I was worried about Jelena, I wanted to know she too would be safe;

Jelena came again, that night, one more before it was Christmas Eve. She stood waiting by the huge tree, smiling in anticipation of my invitation. I waved at her from my window, opening it as I did so. Jelena waved at me, I could see clearly now that she was deformed, her middle finger was longer than her second. Was she being persecuted? Did she have to flee from those whom she feared? I called out quietly, mouthing the words, “I” m coming Jelena, please wait there!

I put on my coat. My parents were out visiting our neighbours, delivering and receiving presents, I trudged through the snow, Jelena held out her hands to steady me, her beautiful smiling face so welcoming. The snow scattered like a jeweled tiara in her long black hair. I clenched both her hands as if in a dance and she drew me closer and kissed my forehead as a friend.

I loved Jelena, she was my friend, and I wanted to keep her safe.

I led her into the barn, yet for some reason she seemed disturbed. She was staring at the silver pitchfork, it's points glistening in the moonlight. She clenched my hand and said, “Davis, is it alright if I come early tomorrow, before the full Moon is at it's most radiant? Please Davis, it is important you agree to this, one more night then in will leave you. “

I paused in thoughts unclear.

“If you can find away.” She pleaded.

“Yes, I will leave the door unlocked, my Parents and I have our dinner about four, will that be early enough for you?

“Yes, I will come at five. Now listen carefully, you are not to enter during the full Moon. It is not that I do not enjoy the presence of your company, it is just that I am different from other people. She clenched my hands and stated: Please, tomorrow is my Birthday, and if you can bring yourself to understand you will do this one thing for me, and in the morning it will be Christmas day and we can rejoice.'

I did not fully understand or perhaps a part of me did not want too, however I agreed.

I awoke the next morning in anticipation of the celebration that would lead us into Christmas.

All the villagers would be there, holding high their traditional festive decorations, and burning torches to see their way on this cold December night, the snow coming down even faster. I feared for Jelena's safety, yet knew I had to keep my word,

Latvian children along with their parents would take part in many traditions on that day. We the children would sing Christmas songs, we would have to recite a short poem, or even dance, to ward off evil spirits. This was caused mumming and was done by wearing animal masks that had been especially brought or made.

I however chose merely to dance, although I knew I would also recite a poem. It was on that evening as agreed, that I left the house at four on pretense of enjoying the snow. In fact it was to unlock the barn, so Jelena would be safe inside on this night. I had told her earlier of my intentions, and had told her I would leave a few strands of hay outside, to indicate it was safe. My Parents knew how messy I could be and they would not suspect our true intentions.

The whole village now stood before the church, waiting to enter for mass. Yet I noticed that on this night, one of our neighbours, had brought his rifle. Jurgis was a Farmer, just like my Father, they were very close friends and he often came round to see us, and we him. However for some reason this had not been so. As my parents acknowledged him and I followed suit, I was to learn why this had not occurred. He explained the wolf, had attacked his sheep, a few days ago when the moon had been full. He also mentioned seeing what he described as the creature at one point seemingly running as if on it's hind legs.

“It is the Vilkacis! he muttered, it is not an ordinary creature we are dealing with, we must all stay safe.”

The snow was coming down even harder, a storm was gathering. My Father mentioned something about the farm, and whether the barn would sustain in this weather, and I feared for the safety of Jelena, not only from the storm that could easily tear down her only protection on this cold Christmas Eve soon to become a new evening of celebration, but from the Vilkacis the one whom is transformed when the moon becomes full. I feared even more as my parents and all of the village talked of what was occurring, and what had to be done. I knew this was even more serious when I saw that State Police Officers, some male and some female from The Ministry Of Interior had arrived discretely, “As much as necessary” in cars, to gather information so the incident could be dealt with.

The entire village enchanted by the season, and the incident, did not see me as I turned and left, walking slowly at first, then faster as if trying to avoid the oncoming snow, desperate to get to Jelena and to know she was safe.

I cannot explain clearly what happened next, although I assume they had learnt more quickly than I suspect of my disappearance. For I could hear the distant sounds of voices, as I reached the barn the snow now covering not only the ground, but also roof, the wind becoming more aggressive, I could hear strange sounds coming from the barn mixed with the gentle voice of a woman, as if there was not one person but two in some ancient struggle that was soon to reach it's conclusion.

'Jelena, I called, are you alright?”

I opened the barn and saw she was on all fours, her was was contorted and her back had began to arch like an animal about to attack it's prey. Her face was in a snarl, though not it seemed of her own making. At first I considered this natural, if not disturbing, then I saw her face becoming elongated, her teeth began to extend to sharpened fangs, her ears grew pointed, her nails became longer, fur began to cover her body, and her clothes were ripped apart, to reveal not a woman I considered to be my friend, but a large snarling wolf. The Vilvackis.

I gently spoke her name, more out of fear than acknowledgement. Yet their was no response. She snarled recognising me no longer as a friend, and growling with intent, I knew I had to remain completely still, less she struck, although it was only a matter of time before the attack took place.

\

The barn door was still open and I was in front of it, however I knew there was no way I could run out to safety. I then heard the voice of my Father whom came rushing in with Jurgis, they had come to the side and fearing an attack Jelena turned her attention from me and leapt at Jurgis, Instinctively my Father pushed him out the way only for the wolf to strike my Father's shoulder causing him to be almost literarily thrown across the room. Jelena spun in a somewhat semi-circle as if doubling back on her prey. My Father was now half up, and that's when I heard my Mother scream “Shoot it”

There was a silence and then she heard a click followed by the reply she feared.

“:I can't it's jammed.”

As if sensing her chance Jelena leapt at my Father. Instinctively he grabbed the large upright silver pitchfork. He held it high and through gravity Jelena came down. The wolf that is Jelena plunged into the silver prongs, the sharp edges going through her huge fur covered body, coming out the other side soaked in reddened blood. The silver somehow glistening in the moonlight. Forcing herself through the pain, Jelena the wolf edged herself nearer and nearer towards my Father, her snarling face and hot breath getting closer and closer, her teeth inches away from tearing his face apart. Her voice however did not become louder, instead it became softer with the falling of the snow and then I heard the gentle voice of a woman mutter, “I am sorry, and then “Thank you.”

We buried Jelena. The whole village said prayers for her, and the local vicar told us he had asked for her salvation. I know now that Jelena is at rest. Christmas is a time of forgiveness and Jelena is my friend.

The End