Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 24

 

24.

 

Mary Annabelle Frankenstein, passing the mood to remain in the chamber, decided to take a walk by herself. She had not seen the town, nor had her mother mentioned anything about it. She sneaked off when Howard, the tavern keeper, was preoccupied and walked down the street. She had on her yellow dress once worn by her mother but then fitted to her smaller size. She walked past the shops and, like any curious lady, stopped to look at the colorful items there. She spotted a café and stepped in. She was not without any money, for her father had given her some to use if she ever needed it.

“May I have tea and scones, please?” Mary asked the café operator, who was a lady with the apron on her waist. Mary sat there looking at the street outside. She saw the younger kids with their mother walking by the café.

“My young lady, may I join you?” Mary Annabelle looked to the person who addressed her. She was told to be wary of strangers.

“Watson, Inspector John Watson is at your presence. I am the authority on law and order. I do check on the welfare of anyone in town.” The man stood there by the table. “May I have a seat, please?”

“Sure.” Mary Annabelle nodded. The man took his seat and then asked her name.

“Mary Annabelle Frankenstein. I am …….”

“Frankenstein… Hmmm…. I am acquainted with your father, Victor Frankenstein.” The Inspector smiled. “We met earlier. May I ask why you are alone… here? It is quite safe in this town, but I much prefer to watch for everyone in the town.”

“I was bored. I came out to ……” Mary Annabelle was going to say to look for her mother, but she hesitated. “I was to look at the shops.”

“Unchaperoned? I am …… Not distressed, but allow me to say I am concerned. The town is new to you, and ……” Inspector Watson had his eyebrows squinted. “You are never too careless ….”

“I am not afraid. In the city where I lived, I walked every day by myself.” Mary Louise smiled. “It is not like I am afraid of the Big Bad Wolf or Honest John....”

“From Pinocchio? How wonderful you have read that tale. But yes, there are none here …… if they are, they lurk in the dark corners; perhaps they feared me.” Inspector Watson laughed. “I am a Big Bad ……. Inspector.”

Mary Annabelle laughed at the man. It was then the tea and scones were served, and she took to it with glee.

“Tell me, Inspector. Do you know of Elizabeth Muriel?”

Inspector Watson was stunned for a while and then asked.

“Who is she to you?”

“My mother,” Mary Annabelle replied. “I do want to see her ……. If she were to see me.”

“I ……” The inspector saw the arrival of the father, who was frantic in his search for the lady. He was accompanied by the imbecile named Helsing.

“Mary, are you ok?” Victor rushed to his daughter’s side. “Did he…”

“Absolutely not, Sir. I was merely talking to her as she was new in town, and it is my duty to know anyone new here.” Inspector Watson defended himself.

“I did not mean that, Inspector.” Victor snapped at the other. “I was to say if you ……. Had found her and brought her here. I was …….”

“A misunderstanding perhaps.” Doctor Helsing stood between them. “I am sure the Inspector had the good welfare of the lady. He is, after all, the authority here.”

“Thank you, Doctor. I am honoured.” Inspector Watson smiled at the doctor. Victor had then taken hold of his daughter to leave the café. “Please do take care of her, Sir. I will pay for the tea and scones.”

Victor nodded and walked out of the café with Mary, followed by the doctor. Once outside on the street, he bumped into an unexpected person.

“Elizabeth ……” Victor looked at the lady watching the young lady.  He hugged the younger lady closer to him.

“Mother?” Mary Annabelle muttered out.

“Victor, I did not know you were in town.” Elizabeth looked from the man towards the younger lady. “Is that my……”

“It is not that. She is our daughter, Mary Annabelle.” Victor was upset at the lady.

“Oh! I thought … it was another of your creations.” Elizabeth looked at the younger lady. “Whoever you may be, know this. Victor Frankenstein is a madman.”

“No!” Mary Annabelle screamed out. “He is my father. If there is any madness, then it is you.”

“How dare you ….” Elizabeth shrieked out in anger, but Victor stood in between the ladies.

“Elizabeth, please do not approach…us. We are not together anymore. I will leave now.” Victor led his daughter away. Elizabeth stared at the departing estranged lover and child. She was fuming mad then, and it was then Inspector Watson stepped next to her.

“Hold your fury, Elizabeth.” The inspector looked at the departing child. “We will……”

“Do nothing, William Katt. I will deal with Victor myself.” Elizabeth stared at the other. “I have my……”

“You do, my dear. Anyway, I am to do my task. My deputies are missing… one was discovered though.” Inspector Watson smiled. “Would you be ……”

“I do not ask if any of my members are missing, Inspector. I expect the same from you.” Elizabeth took a step forward and saw the Wiccan near the tavern. She will see the Wiccan for the next action. The inspector saw the Wiccan and looked away. He was approached by Gertrude then.

“I got your message, Warlock.” Gertrude said.

“Jeeves is missing.” The inspector turned and walked with Gertrude following. “Allen is dead. The Wiccan of Eastwick is in town. We need to prepare ourselves for war.”

“Are they here for the event too?” Getrude asked. The Inspector stopped in his walk. He turned to look at the lady.

“Were you up to your desires?”

“Yes, I was. I had the Helsing kid with me. I learned much from him. He is a member of the High Council, and here to investigate the town.” Gertrude smiled. “I have my abilities.”

“Most obvious. I know the Helsing are here for a purpose, but to know whom they are affiliated with gives me purpose. I have heard of the High Council, and to know they are interested in this town makes my task more interesting.” The Inspector smiled. “Call the others to meet. We have much to do.”

“I want the worship site preserved.” The Warlock reminded the witch.

At the tavern, Elizabeth met the Wiccan in the chamber. The latter was accompanied by Stefan and Lilith.

“Wiccan, the demon……” Elizabeth was about to say.

“I barely knew. The demons are our foes and, at times, our friends. They do not have much we can sense unless we are focused on it. And that makes them an uneasy foe.” The Wiccan said. “The demons are not alone here. I can sense others in the area. They seem to be converging on Frankenstein’s mansion. There is a witch there, a powerful one but still in need of training.”

“Can we do anything for ……” Elizabeth resumed her request.

“Do not get emotional with the demon of yours. It will devour you just as easily.” The Wiccan cautioned the lady. “I am unsure but suspect the damages to the demon were not by another but…”

“The creature. I heard it is back,” Elizabeth called out. “Its master is back, and it will reappear.”

“Whatever, our task is the event. Stefan, find Brown and Marcos. Get to the preparation.” The Wiccan gave the instruction.

“What of Jae?” Stefan asked.

“Jae is dead. He was killed by a demon. He will be respected after the event.” The Wiccan then looked at Lilith. “I need you to be with Elizabeth for now. She could need some company. There you will remain hidden, but do your task to protect Elizabeth. Bring her before the hour of the lunar event.”

“Wiccan, what about ……” Elizabeth could not bring herself to speak the name.

“Mary Annabelle will be fine. Go home now.” The lady was told.

Just as Mary Annabelle was told when she faced her father in the chamber.

“I am putting you on the coach back to the city. You will stay with the Wilshire’s till I return. I will……”

“I am not leaving, Father. I saw Mother today and will meet her again. I have …….”

“You have nothing to ask of her, nor has she anything to talk to you about. You will leave tomorrow.” Victor was stern in his voice. “I have other work to do.”

Victor took leave of his daughter there and told the tavern keeper that she was to remain there till she leaves on the next morning coach.

“I will not stay in tonight. See to her safe departure.”

“Yes, guvnor.” Howard smiled. “I will have my eyes on her.”

Howard saw the man take his leave. He wiped his hands on the apron and then proceeded to the kitchen. He took the rear stairs to the next level and went into one of the chambers.

“You are lucky to be alive, young man.” Howard looked to the figure on the bedding. Kane opened his eyes and tried to move. His body felt strained by the weak muscles.

“She drained you well.” Howard smiled. “I am surprised a member of the High Council appointed hunters is so …… gullible to the charms of a witch.”

“I …… I ……” Kane found his voice was weaker than his muscles. “Who… are you?”

“I am Howard, the tavern keeper known to all who come to the town. The Merry Men is a good place to put over.” Howard smiled. “My other role is the Keeper of the High Council. I have been here for some years and kept an eye on the town. As of late, I have seen many guests like your family arrive.”

“If you are …… How come the others do not know of you?” Kane managed to find his voice. “How were we not informed?”

“I am a keeper, and not a hunter. One of my skills is the ability to keep hidden. I hold no real skills at hunting but to keep an eye on the tasks. Your family is not alone besides the Frankenstein and Spielsdorf. There is the Eastwick coven and the Creek Circle. Add to that the arrival of demons…. Or soon to be more.” Howard smiled. “Over the last two days, the town has gained undue recognition.”

“Why? Was it because of the ……” Kane asked.

“Not really, not the Frankenstein, but they have an influence on the gathering. More to it, the lunar event is taking place, and the apex of it is here… near this town, at about an hour after high noon.”

“Lunar event? The blood moon?”

“Total eclipse of the sun by the moon. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. This is a super lunar event. It happens only a few years apart. It may last a few seconds then. The sun is already starting to be covered as we speak.” Howard told the other. “It is tomorrow at noon.”

“I must warn my father.” Kane struggled to sit up.

“No, you will not.” Howard punched the other in the jaw. Kane fell back and was unconscious.

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 23

 

23.

 

Kane laid his head back on the soft pillow, with his stare on the ceiling. The idea of being stared at was, at best, wild, but to have your own face looking at yourself via the mirror there was then demeaning; pardon then, it was most humiliating. He had dragged the bed cover over his chest upwards, but his toes were seen at the end.

“Hello, lover. Are you up?” Kane looked to the lady who had stepped in, holding the tray with the pot of tea and scones.

“I am.” Kane replied, and his sight was the lady that had just seduced him two hours ago. She was not a pretty sight, but well, they had made love, so it must be desirable. She was unashamedly displaying her body loosely wrapped in the pink peignoir.

The lady placed the tray over Kane’s chest and climbed on the bedding next to him. He looked at the lady; if Abel ever knew that he was seduced by an older lady, that would end his reputation as a handsome man in bed.

“Tell me, Kane. That is your name?” The lady asked. Kane nodded and tried to recall what went right then. He was seated at the tavern, nursing the goblet served then. He was to keep an eye on Victor Frankenstein, but the latter had eluded his watch. He was to leave when the lady took her seat across from him. They had small talks, while her hands assured him of her interest in him. He had smiled and told her of his life.

“I would love to hear more of your adventures, Kane Helsing.” The lady smiled candidly. Her smile was most alluring, and soon, he was lapping at her voice like a pet on the leash.

“We… the town is small. Meet me at my home.” The lady handed the note to him. “We could get to be more acquainted there.”

Kane took to her suggestion and was given a lesson in the Kama Sutra, the ancient Sanskrit volumes.

“Tell me, Kane. What do you think of the town?”

“Huh? I am unsure. I just arrived and was to act on the request of my father.” Kane replied. “You……”

“Your father?” The lady smiled. There was a rule in the liaison of such nature: you do not disclose who it was.

“So, you helped the father and daughter yesterday. I have never met any demons.” The lady smiled. “Maybe not like you. You are demonic in the act.”

Kane smiled. His ego was flattered, and he felt his desire to display more. The lady saw his reaction and slipped her right hand beneath the bed cover. She reached out to him and held her grip onto him.

“I ……” Kane muttered. He was to reach for her when she took to leave the bedding. She slipped off the peignoir and reached for his clothes. She tossed the clothes towards the bedding.

“Get dress. I must leave now.” The lady picked up her strewn clothes. “I am needed elsewhere.”

“Huh?” Kane was stunned by the sudden change of the lady. He pulled the cover off and pulled on his clothes. He turned to look at the lady who was half dressed; her upper body was uncovered, with the breasts seen there. He had a fascination towards it. She noticed him looking.

“Nothing personal, Kane. I liked our act, but my commitment to my task overrides all.” The lady smiled. “You may admire it for your night musings. I may have yours then.”

Kane turned his back towards her. He did not see her leave, but the slamming of the door was a tell for all. He picked up his personal items and walked to the door. It was then he noticed the table in the living area. His eyes rested on the small cauldron there, next to the athame, and there was the chalice with crystal inside.

Kane shuddered in him. He knew those were the items used by witches. He rushed out of the house and felt then that his body was weaker than before. He knew that he was bewitched and probably sap of his life force by the lady. Unlike his father, Kane had not learned the spells on how to self-protect his body from witches.

“I am a fool.” Kane cursed at himself. He felt tainted in his soul and rushed back to the tavern.

“Father will know what is needed.” Kane kept on muttering to himself while he took the walk back. He saw the chaise stopped by him.

“Get in, Kane.” The voice belonged to a person unknown to him. He was to refuse when he then felt the darkness overcoming him.

Darkness was what Carmilla felt in her heart when she told Annabelle of her granddaughter and Elizabeth Muriel. Annabelle had taken to seclusion in the corner, and the attack on the mansion was silent. It would have seen that the demons had taken to retreat then. She retreated to the main hall and collected her personal artifacts.

Carmilla then took to the cauldron of hers and called on the spell to create a vision of the mansion. The rounded cauldron has the four gargoyle creatures perched on the side of in the four directions facing into the cauldron, and the sides of the cauldron has the ancient texts carved into it. She called on the spell to create the vision.

“Послушај ја моќта на циклопите, отвори ми го погледот на визијата што ја сакам (Heed the power of the cyclops, open the sight to me of the vision I want).”

The vision formed in the cauldron, and it was seen that the once-grand home of the Frankenstein had fallen into severe disrepair due to neglect. Its once white walls were covered with dirt and encroaching shrubs. It had become uninhabitable but retained its architectural beauty—a decaying monument.

It was then that Carmilla saw the fleeting figures of demons that were there.

“They have gone after Lauren.” Carmilla told Annabelle. “We have to do something.”

Annabelle rushed forth to look and sighed.

“If we are to do it, we have to abandon the mansion here.” Annabelle looked at the other. “Do we, or can we?”

“Lauren is our hope to win the war,” Carmilla said. “If she can harness the power of Three, she will win.”

“But she has not reached that level.” Annabelle looked around. “Without …… In our spirit form, we are limited in our powers to assist. Even if Lissa is here, she will need the ……. Last enchantments.”

“The runes are still missing.” Carmilla sighed. “If only……”

“We cannot abandon her.” Annabelle cut in. “There may be a way to preserve here while we move to help.”

“You mean for one of us to stay back?” Carmilla asked. “I can work on that.”

“It will be dangerous for either of us. Or we may fail entirely. I will suggest we leave together but leave a spell to protect the mausoleum.” Annabelle gave her thoughts. “We have to work fast on that.”

At the other mansion, Sven led his guests back to the cottage. He barricaded the doors and windows and placed the rifle within reach. He looked at the younger lady, who was still recovering from the attack. The other younger man was doing his part, standing by the window, holding his crossbow.

“Sir, I think we need to plan our defence here.” Sven looked to the man who was the cause of this attack. “I have two pistols in the kitchen and some ammo. We could last the next few days but not the week if the attacks persist. I will suggest…”

“Make a run, Sven. I doubt we could outrun these demons.” Rudolf sighed. “I had an encounter with one. I shot it, and yet it returned to attack me.”

“Sir, we have encountered these before.” Sven reminded the officer of their past events. “It can be done.”

“True, we encountered many demons, but these are different. They are more powerful.”

“Perhaps, fire may thwart their attack.” It was suggested by Sven. Fire have been a deterrent before for some of the demons they met. “But I am unsure.”

“Where is Victor? He was here.”

“Master Victor left for the town. He ……. may return, but I am unsure when.” Sven looked to the window at the direction of the lab. “He wanted to fix the lab but it will need time and money.”

“Is the lab damaged?” Rudolf asked.

“Yes, but it can be fixed. I had taken some of the parts that I deemed essential and hit it. The authorities… the Uni’s were like scavengers, but I stopped most of them. It was the other lads that did some damage.”

“Sven, what about the creature?” Rudolf asked.

“Why does everyone ask about… Mary. She is ……. Missing.” Sven blurted out. “From my life and ……”

“I am sorry, Sven. I was just asking.” Rudolf then turned to his daughter. “I need to attend to her now.”

At the home of Elizabeth Muriel, for once, the lady turned her role and tended to the demon. Beezer had regained consciousness and looked at the mistress it was serving. Its frame felt tortured, and there were parts of it bandaged.

“Thank you, mistress. I will be fine.” Beezer pulled away at the bandages. “These will not help at all. I am a demon, and…… well, the frame will recover in time.”

“Who did it to you, demon?” Elizabeth asked.

“The creature. It surprised me then.” Beezer sighed. “I was to……”

“The creature? The one that Victor created? My god, it is still there.” Elizabeth stepped back. “It must be destroyed.”

“It will be but not now.” Beezer looked at the mistress. “Not by us alone, but with their help.”

Beezer motioned to the figure chained to the wall.

“The Warlock can assist.” Beezer mumbled.

“No! You will not contact the Warlock. I will get Agathe to assist us.” Elizabeth raised herself up. “Stay here and recover first.”

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 22

 22.

 

Brown saw Victor Frankenstein take the direction towards town and chose to follow. Marcos was left there to observe the mansion. He was surprised that the man he was tailing took off from the road and into the woods.

Victor had no intention to return to the town but was in search for Mary. He knew that the only person—ironically, then he thought of the creation as a person—who may assist him in fighting off any demons or witches. He had seen it in action and gave it some thought.

His creation wanted a mate.

A unique request, but was it not what Adam asked of God then.

“I am not God,” Victor mumbled to himself. “How could I create a mate … when I am unsure how it was created?”

Victor reflected on himself. He was lonely after the death of his brothers, and Judith. He thought he found love with Elizabeth, and the child was their blessing, but he was wrong. The mother decided to leave the child and him. He thought hard on it. He left his creation without checking if it was…… alive or perished. He took to the city, and never looked back for ten years. While he was in the city, he ignored the queries on the creation or even scant words of it from the rumours. He was done with the creation as Elizabeth was with Mary Annabelle, and yet he returned.

“I must be mad.” Victor mumbled to himself while he looked at the trees and bushes. Familiar sights to him from his younger age, but during then, it was like a new scenery.

“Mary ……” Victor called out. “Meet me. Do you want a ……, Henry?”

His voice reached beyond the trees, and unexpectedly, Victor found himself meeting another.

“Hello, Mr. Frankenstein. My name is Inspector John Watson.” The figure appeared from behind the tree. “We ……”

“Have I seen you before?” Victor looked at the man. He was in the woods and a distance from the road.

“You may have. I was the constable then, Watson. I replaced Constable Brown, who went missing. Under Inspector Lestrade.”

“Oh, I cannot truly recall, but you did look familiar.” Victor smiled. “I am surprised to… see you here.”

“Oh, small town here. Not that small like when you left here ten years ago.” The Inspector smiled back. “I do take long walks in the ……. woods and heard your voice.”

“Was it Mary you were looking for?” Inspector Watson asked. “Who is Mary?”

“Oh, that was ……. Not whom I was looking for. I was singing an old song. ‘Mary had a little lamb.’ I sing it to my ……. Daughter. We …….”

“Yes, you arrived yesterday. With the young lady. I was told.” Inspector Watson smiled. “The town is still small. Words get around fast. Will you be staying long? The mansion……”

“Lots of questions, Inspector.” Victor smiled. “I……”

“A peculiar habit of my profession. My apologies. Please do wander on.” Inspector Watson smiled. He watched the man take back to the road. He then took off on his own trail; to find a member of his coven. It was not too far when the Inspector came upon the golden oak tree.

“Golden Oak, I can tell you have something to tell me.” The inspector looked at the oak tree. It was from the ground; the roots sprouted out, and then the remains came out. The inspector looked at the remains and then sighed.

“Two of them. I wondered who they are.”

“One is yours, William Katt. And the other mine.” Wiccan Agathe appeared there. She was with two others: novice witches.

“Finally, the Wiccan reveals itself.” The Inspector looked at the other. “How many years was it? Ten or more……”

“Ten years, Warlock. We were both not that ranking, but you took over my town. My coven dispersed ……”

“Why, Wiccan or ……. Was it Mildred of Eastwick then? Why the change of name?”

“Nothing unusual. As Mildred, I was not ready to battle you. I am now Wiccan, and Agathe is my maiden name. Unlike you, I reverted to my real name and not retained a …… nickname.”

“William Katt held a history here, while John Watson was a refreshing new start.”

“Like you, I was in search of others to enhance my powers.” Wiccan Agathe smiled. “The ones who bids their time, will win in time.”

“So, who is here? Besides my own.” Inspector Watson asked.

“Mine is Jae, a young aspiring witch. And yours?”

“Mine is Allen. A fool but obliging to listen to my commands.” Inspector Watson studied the remains. “Mine was killed by …….”

“A demon, I could tell.” Wiccan Agathe said. “Looks like they are back.”

“And yours was … by an Enforcer.” Inspector Watson looked at Stefan. “Not him. He does not look like he is ready.”

“Why are you, Warlock?” Wiccan Agathe moved the subject matter.

“A spell was cast near here. I… and you probably did, sensed it. If it is not ours, then another coven is here…. Or nearby.” Inspector Watson looked at the Wiccan. “It is …….”

“The event is near, Warlock. You knew of it. More covens may turn up. Whoever can harness the power then will be a Lord of the Covens.” "Wiccan," Agathe said. “I am not surprised if you had done this.”

“I do not perish the witches of the coven except it’s Wiccan, for the leaderless members can be mine.” Inspector Watson smiled. “You would have done the same.”

“Let me at him.” Stefan rushed at the Inspector but was thrown back onto the tree trunk by the latter with the spell.

“Foolish of him.” Inspector Watson looked at the Wiccan. “I do not wish to hold battles with you. We have another threat here.”

“More than that, Warlock. You tend to ignore the creature. It lurks around here.”

“The creature has been… non-existent for many years.” Inspector Watson snapped back. “I will focus on the covens that have arrived.”

“You are still narrow-minded, William Katt. It may be your downfall.” Wiccan Agathe smiled. “Your coven here is under threat too.”

“As you have killed my member? Or maybe Jeeves too?” Inspector Watson confronted the Wiccan.

“Our battle has yet to be resolved. We need to counter the new coven here.” Wiccan Agathe replied. “Conserve your energy for that. The event drew near.”

“We will leave now.” Wiccan Agathe turned to leave with her members. Inspector Watson stood there looking at them, and then back to the remains. He took on the spell that created a flame over the remains and burned it all.

“Who is there?” Inspector Watson's instinct told him that he was not alone. He looked around at the trees and felt the movements on the trees displayed signs that the spirits in the woods were protecting that one who was hidden there. He was not ready to battle the woods spirits yet.

“I will return.” Inspector Watson then turned to leave. The roots of the tree were returning to the ground with the ashes of the remains. It will be their nutrient there.

Victor at that moment stopped in his tracks when he saw the chaise pulled up next to him on the road. It was the doctor who met him at the tavern.

“Hello, Doctor Helsing. Are you meeting someone?”

“No, Master Frankenstein. I was just riding around.” Doctor Abraham smiled. “Care to join me if you are in town?”

“I …… Okay. I am to go back to the tavern.” Victor took the offer and climbed onto the chaise. “Are you familiar with the use of electricity?”

“Me? I will not deny that I am a man with scientific learning. When I spoke to you on the works of galvanising, I was ……. Should I state that as experimenting with it”? Doctor Abraham smiled. “Why do you ask?”

“I am……” Victor was struggling to find his thoughts, and Doctor Abraham cut in.

“Animal electricity, or shall I say tissues from the living, held that in it. ‘De viribus electricitatis in motu musculari,’ the provocative theory, set the world of science abuzz.” Doctor Abraham assisted there. He knew something was in the conversation. “Alessandro Volta disputed it, but it was debatable. As I debate with you on your ……. creations.”

Both men laughed.

“What if…” Victor drew on the subject. “If… assuming that I will resume my experiments, perhaps you could…”

“Assist you? Yes, I could. I am to state on the record, I am not a true inventor, but assistance could suffice here.” Doctor Abraham laughed. “Like Pinocchio to what his name … Geppeto.”

“You are not a wooden construct, and I am not …” Victor smiled.

“No, but Pinocchio was a construct and came alive soon after.” Doctor Abraham laughed. “He had a Godmother.”

“Look, Doctor. If you do not take this seriously, I may be ……” Victor sounds stern.

“No……. No……. It will be an honour to work with you, Associate Professor. How… when do we start?”

“Soon. I need to ……. Do you know how to assemble a generator?” Victor asked.

“I have some skill sets there. Perhaps I could.” Doctor Abraham smiled. He did have a hand in assembling electrical parts, a side hobby of his when needed to repair the electrical machines. “I worked with Nikola Tesla for a while.”

Abraham’s work with Tesla was on the command of the High Council, who felt that Tesla’s work was on some projects involving energy rays. He was a futurist in the view of many but troubled by his experiments. Abraham was then younger and attached himself to Nicola as an apprentice.

“What did you do then?” Victor was amused that the doctor was experienced in various fields.

“Oh, experiments and most failed but the man himself, Nicola Tesla, younger then was always looking forward.” Doctor Abraham smiled. He reported his findings to the High Council and was taken off the task.

“And how did you get into metaphysics?”

“Well, metaphysics had relevance to electrodynamics. It explores the fundamental nature of electric and magnetic fields, questioning if they are real entities or just mathematical descriptions, their relationship to reality, and how concepts like space, time, and reference frames affect them …….”

“Doctor Abraham, you are the man I am looking for.” Victor laughed. “Now, let me share with you something personal.”

“The creation?” Doctor Abraham uttered.

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 21

 

21.

 

Abel stood at the corner watching Lauren. She dressed in the travel clothes, the dark dress with the boots, and the hood over her head. She was trembling in fright, and her father was trying to comfort her. He looked around and saw nothing there in the chamber that could assist her. The other elderly man had taken what was left of the demon creature outside.

“Sir, may I offer …….” Abel asked and was turned down.

“No, she is fine.” Rudolf looked at his daughter. Lauren has the glazed expression on her. “Are you okay?”

“I used my power… my spells,” Lauren muttered. “I was told not to.”

“You did for me. The demon was to attack me,” Rudolf said. “My ……. Weapons are not useful.”

“Sir, can I…?” Abel looked over but was turned down by the father.

“Do be silent. I am trying to talk to my daughter.” Rudolf turned to glare at the young man. “Be silent.”

“Yes, Sir.” Abel turned to the window. He wanted to help, but he hardly knows the man and lady. He wished his father was there. He heard then the return of the other man.

“Sir, I am back. I brought weapons.” The elderly man appeared with the guns and other weapons. “Do you remember the days when you were in the army?”

The elderly man held three rifles with bayonets and a bag of bullets. Rudolf nodded. It seems like a long time ago when he was in the uniform. He recalled the first time they met the Tsar. They were a unit of soldiers under the Общий, given the special task of eliminating the special reference stated in the order by the Field Marshal, under the direct order of the Tsar.

“The Tsar have expressed concern on the development of the unnatural beliefs.” The Field Marshall met his guests in the official office of the Military Branch.

“Literature of such.” The field marshal slammed his fist on the table. The table was stacked with books and other newsletters there. “We are in the 19th century and soon the 20th century, and yet our beliefs slid to the yesteryears of ancient Slavic folklore …… and these growing influence of Western Gothic what you may termed as romanticism in literature.”

On the table were seen the volumes of Domovoy, Leshy, Bannik: Household, forest, and bathhouse spirits, long considered the "hidden people" or ancestors/the dead, connected to "unclean force"; Baba Yaga and Koschei the Deathless: Powerful, baleful figures of folklore. Baba Yaga is a witch who lives in a hut on chicken legs, while Koschei is an evil, immortal sorcerer who menaces young women, his soul hidden in an egg far away.

“All these are blasphemy of the ……. Mindless.” The Field Marshall sighed. “My own ……. Daughter is reading it.”

“Field Marshall, the ……” Общий stood to attention. “We cannot dispute that the folks are ……. uneasy. The current famine in the provinces of Nizhni-Novgorod, Riazan, Tula, Kazan, Simbirsk, Saratov, Penza….”

“The Volga basin…… I am aware. It affects all of us, but the concern here is not the famine but the mindset of the folks. Their minds are plagued by reading these.” The field marshal slammed his fist once again on the books. The senior officer is known for his orthodox views. “These activities prompted the bourgeoisie of various nationalities in the Russian Empire to develop a host of parties, both liberal and conservative. Some fuel by these unorthodox thinking.”

“Sir, we must not ……” The Общий pressed on.

“Derailed in our thoughts.” The field marshal glared at the officer. “Do you know who stands beside the Tsar now? Alexander III, our Tsar, is …… Well, he is getting ready to step down. Nicholas II will be the new Tsar.”

“I am aware, Sir. But that……”

“Nicholas II… he is not our friend.” The Field Marshall sighed. “He is focused on other matters like his confidante, the monk Rasputin. That man is mad. But the concern I hold is this.”

“Do you recall the Dark Ages, the Black Plague… It is not the work of God but of the devils and its worshippers. I am told that the dark age will once more return. We must be prepared.”

That was not a statement but an order from the Field Marshall.

“Общий, you are a member of the Order, the Order of the God’s creation.” The field marshal looked at the other. “You swore an oath to protect God and his teaching.”

“It is …….” The Общий held his belief from the oath of his duties.

“I am not asking you forsake God. I am asking you to lead the way forward. I heard of the chaos that the worshippers have inflicted on the world. You are the next best person to ……”

“I declined, Sir. I am …… personally …….”

“Personally affected? I am aware of your affection for the lady, Annabelle … her name.” The field marshal paused to remember the name. “You are aware of her……affiliation to the coven. Witches they are all. Yet you immersed yourself.”

“She is with… our child.” The Общий stated his commitment.

“And how many have you sired besides her, Общий? I am sure a man of your standing does not hold a stable but a huge corral of mares.”

“None, sir. I am ……. Faithful. My aide, Rudolf, will attest to that.” The Общий motioned to his aide, Rudolf Spielsdorf.

“He is your aide and follows you regardless of what is right or wrong. As you would now, as my officer.” Field Marshall stated his order. “You will lead a company of good soldiers; devoted men who have one thing in their heart, God. And they will be armed with the weapons that will give you an edge over the worshippers. You will hunt and terminate them who are, in the view of God, deviants.”

The company was formed, and they took their order from the field marshal. They hunted the ones identified as unorthodox, and crossed the land from the steppes to the frozen woods of Siberia. Sven Ducard, then a recruit, worked his way to be the messenger/personal valet of the Общий.

The personal lives of the Общий and Rudolf were tested when they assaulted the mansion where the coven was situated. They assaulted the mansion and killed many of the witches there till they reached the huge chamber. In the chamber was the mausoleum for the departed coven leaders. The Общий and Rudolf with Sven entered the sacred chamber. They were surprised at whom they met.

“Annabelle?” The Общий was stunned. It was his lover there. The lady was with Lissa and one other unknown.

“Yes, my love. It is me.” Annabelle stood there with Lissa, who was known to be involved with Rudolf. “We are ……”

“You promised me that you would leave the coven.” The Общий cut in. “For our family…”

“Lissa, you too?” Rudolf stared at his own love.

“We are part of the coven. We cannot leave them at their moments of need.” Annabelle said. “Let us be. You have done your part. We are ……. defeated. Let us go.”

“I ……” The Общий sighed.

“Not for me, but our children please.” Annabelle sighed. “For William, and Victor…… please.”

“Red, do it for us too.” Lissa stepped forth. “For us.”

Rudolf was stunned. He had acted on orders, but to see his love there was unexpected. The end was stated, and Sven sworn to secrecy. His loyalty was extended to the day he arrived at the Frankenstein’s mansion.

“Sir, the weapons.” Sven interrupted the other in his thoughts.

“Thank you, Sven.” Rudolf held the rifle in his hands. The Berdan II was produced in four variants: an infantry rifle issued with quadrangular socket bayonets. The bayonet used by the company was special, with the serrated edge, and the steel was mixed with silver. The metal silver is generally not something that is feared in witchcraft or by vampires to werewolves; rather, it is often considered a powerful tool against various supernatural entities.

“Where is Victor?” Rudolf asked. During the battle, the other stood by the side, unmoving and after it, he took off.

“He went back to town,” Sven said. “He was concerned about his daughter.”

Rudolf looked to his own and wished there was a way to end all the concern there

“Sir, the Общий’s sword.” Sven offered the sword once wielded by the other. “After his death, the ……. No one wanted it and I kept it. You can keep it.”

“Thanks Sven.” Rudolf took the sword. It was a gift from the Field Marshall to the Общий. It felt heavy, but that sword had served the Общий well. It will do the same for him.

“Sir,” Sven kept the rank Общий only for the other officer. “If we are under threat of attack, we must reinforce the mansion.”

“I know, but it is huge. We need to reinforce only certain chambers for ourselves,” Rudolf said. “Any news on Victor Frankenstein?”

“I can help, Sirs.” Abel offered his help. He was ignored by the two older men for some time. He tried to talk to Lauren, but she seems to be in shock.

“I could bring my brother here. Maybe even my father….”

“I do not need your entire family, son. We will do fine here.” Rudolf cut the other off. He then looked at Sven. “I think we are better off at your place. It is easier to defend.”

“What about the runes, father?” Lauren spoke up.

“Soon, after we fight off the demons,” Rudolf replied. “If one is here, the others will come.”

“As I have said, sir. I can get help.” Abel approached the man. “Let me get help.”

“No, son. You have done enough.” Rudolf looked at Abel. “You may go. We can defend ourselves.”

“I am not leaving, sir. I can ……” Abel looked towards Lauren. “I……”

“Father, let him stay. He will…….” Lauren pleaded to the father. “I am scared… of being alone.”

“Take a rifle here, son.” Sven offered one of the rifles. “You do know how to shoot them?”

“Yes, Sir.” Abel took the rifle offered. He does not use one, for there was the crossbow and the iron arrows.

“These are special. The bullets will stop a vampire or werewolf any night.” Sven handed the pack of bullets from the bag.

“Werewolves? Are there any here? I have not seen any yet.” Abel said. “Kane may……”

Abel was cut off by Rudolf.

“Stop gapping there. Stay then, son. Let us move to the cottage now.” Rudolf gave the order. Abel moved towards the lady.

“May I assist you, my lady?” Abel asked when he slung the rifle over his left shoulder.

“It is Lauren. Yes, please. I am still ……” Lauren smiled weakly.

“I will take care of her.” Rudolf stepped in. “Hold the rifle firm. Follow behind us. See if there is any … demons there. They do creep up.”

The tone taken by Rudolf was sarcastic, but Abel was complying there. Sven had taken the lead and was focused on how to accommodate them all.

 

Hello all, and Happy Easter

 Pardon me, readers. Life took on some battering of recent dyas.....work, stress, and more works......

But, as my mind still works, I am still writing. I was doing some read up, and found a couple of older unfinished tales back to 2021, and dragged them out and read them, and then re-write some. An excerpt here, may subject to more editing in the final draft.

Heroes Return IV.

“Holmes, I placed the shoes there because the rugs looked clean, and Mrs. Hudson gets all clammy when she must pick up the ashes of your tobacco. I was relaxed and fell asleep seated here; it is my old chair. And I came here because I was in London to pick up supplies… for my patients too.” Watson looked at Sherlock. “Shelly, you are getting……. Complacent if I may diagnose.”

Shelly was the nickname of Sherlock from Mycroft.

“And more to that, I came because Mrs. Hudson asked me to come up. I do pay my share of the rent here. The……"

“A convenient mode. I told Mrs. Hudson to do it for me.” Sherlock took the credit from Mrs. Hudson. “She may be a…"“So, she is now you, a part of the Baker’s Boys, or rather lady.” Watson smiled.

"Boys, or rather, I will call you, darnedest of the males. Both of you are the au pair in this world." It was the fortunate timing of the housekeeper, who had arrived with the tray of tea and scones. She had changed from her formal attire of the dark suit and boots into the drabby white frock and apron with the deep pockets.

“Mrs. Hudson, you are a delightful sight.” Watson quipped up. “And thank you for the tea.”

Watson took the tea offered and saw Sherlock had not moved from his seat despite the cup of tea served onto his side table. It was typical behavior of Sherlock when he was in sleuth mode.

Watson then decided on the matter, but Sherlock read his mind.

“An hour ago, the minister of the Exchequer country retreat was intruded on, and the household with the guards was killed; all six of them in a ghastly mode, but the personal assistant, Mindy Kewala, was not found. Perhaps kidnapped or, at worse, killed somewhere else. They are still looking after her. Do you know her?” Sherlock held the telegram he held.

-----

It was to the end of Commercial Road before the duo stopped their running. Charlie Song found his pace to do the run despite his middle-age limitations. He leaned on the wall by the corner of the shop offering daily catch seafood.

“Nayland Smith, what on earth provoked you to meet there? We could have done it at Piccadilly or at Shaftesbury.” Charlie heaved in deep breaths. “Simplicity is difficult to achieve?”

“Nay, Charlie. I wanted to be in the depth of the place. Fu Manchu is a devious man. “I never believed him to be dead. He's cruel, callous, brilliant, and the most evil and dangerous man in the world."

“Famous words of yours there, Nayland Smith, and yet you are screwing his daughter.” Charlie smiled. “He is technically your father-in-law.”

“Fa Loh Suee is…. We eloped, and technically, we are not screwing each other. We make love, and for info, she is in America to see some friends. You can call it sabbatical leave period.” Nayland explained.

“Call it what you may want, Nayland Smith. We were fucked just now.” Charlie leaned out to see if they were pursued by any. 

“I thought you were comfortable there.” Nayland Smith smiled. “I was. I do miss the mainland.”

Nayland Smith was an operative of the Foreign Ministry assigned to the Far East for some years. His role there was to do clandestine tasks on the criminals there, where he met the daughter of the Mandarin crime lord, Fu Manchu. He had a few run-ins with the man and barely escaped with his life. He did, however, win the heart of the daughter and, at his request, gave her sanctuary in London, but his works were still in the Far East.

“After dinner, who cares about the spoon?" Charlie mocked the other on having gotten the daughter; why bother with the father?

“In your society, or rather in my mind, the extended family still matters.” Nayland smiled. “Even though my father-in-law would like to serve me to his tigers.”

-------

Yes, it is one of my fav here; involving at least seven heroes, if I may term them as such, and blend them into the long tale.....hopefully long, and see the result. I am a fav of Holmes, and my own version of Watson..... 

The HEROES RETURN Series had run on three tales, and this is the fourth. In my directory, there are six of it, of which two more are unfinished. 

Why SHELLY? I am a fan of SHERLOCK HOLMES. Read (and re-read) every book I could find.

Like EASTER, you never know what the Easter eggs may have inside. Mine is turning up wonderful.

Oh, I will be away this week, and please read on.

Tally Ho.

=

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 20

 

20.

Victor stepped towards the generator looking at it outside the lab. It was covered with the wrap there. He had not looked inside but stood there.

“The great interest in electricity as well as the effects of electricity on bodies—whether electricity might be the ‘spark of being’ that animates life.”  Victor was told by numerous mentors of the works. “We need to explore it more. The electricity currents work like our blood flows; it animates other workings.”

“Mary?” Victor mumbled to himself. He then shook his head. He felt himself drawn to the creation. He had called it his creation before; no name was given. It was Henry who named it. Henry loved it.

Henry, his aide, who was a simpleton and yet displayed more humanity in his works.

“Was I ……. The innate being here? I had life brought to it.” Victor asked himself. He was trying to do God’s work, and yet he was distancing himself from the real purpose of the work. Life was created by God, and yet with life, God did not forego its creation. It gave it life, and with life, the purpose of living it, with the mind to decide its action.

“I did that?” Victor pondered his thoughts. “When I created …… Mary, did I create life? Or was it a machine to be handled with the power on and off function? God… I am a monster if it was.”

“Mary was not the creation. It is not a machine. It was the work of … God through me.” Victor was shuddering in his mind. “I was given the opportunity to do it, and yet I did not see it.”

“God, I am …… God, am I mad? I am doing what is yours. I am truly the ………. monster here. It may be why I was unable to do it again.”

“God, I am sorry. Please accept me back into your fold.” Victor fell to his knees then. “I am a ……. Monster.”

“Master Victor, what is wrong?” It was Sven who saw him his knees there. “I heard you call out. Are you alright?”

“No, Sven. I betrayed God. I was …….” Victor looked at the man who had served his father for years. “I am a …….”

The scream echoed then, and Sven looked towards the mansion.

“The girl! She may be in trouble.” Sven rushed off to the mansion, leaving Victor still on his knees.

“Wait for me, Sven. I am coming too.”  Victor pushed himself up and followed Sven. They ran into the mansion and heard the eerie shrieks. It from the chamber upstairs. They rushed up and saw a dark figure floating out in a hurry. The duo made their way into the chamber and saw Rudolf standing there holding the young lady. Sven saw the man crouched there picking up what looked like a mass of flesh. He was without his rifle, but his part training taught him to charge forth.

Sven caught hold of Abel who was crouched there by the back of the neck and swung the other across the chamber. He was elderly, but his strength was still very much in him.

“Bastard!” Sven rushed after the fallen younger man when Rudolf stepped in between them.

“Sven! He is a friend.” Rudolf called out while he restrained the man. “He saved our lives.”

Sven stopped in his tracks and looked at Rudolf.

“What happened here?” Sven asked. “Are you okay, Sir?”

Brown stood there by the trees and watched the mansion. He heard the scream and then saw the two men running to the mansion. Part of him wanted to rush there, his constabulary training told him, but he stayed back. He stood there and saw another figure had rushed out from a distance. He recognized the figure as one of the constables.

“You are well trained, Sir,” Brown hollered out. Allen, who was the one seen by Brown, stopped there. He then approached Brown.

“Who are you? Wait, I know you. You were with the ……” Allen had stepped too close towards Brown and did not have any chance to avoid the other from grabbing him at the throat. Brown, with his enhanced strength, was to crush the windpipe of the other before any sound could be called out.

Allen fought free of the hold. He stumbled back and crouched there.

“Not so fast, Enforcer. I am a witch too.” Allen looked at the other. “I am not easily defeated.”

“Pardon me. Impudent pup.” Brown kicked at Allen at the face. “Marcos, grab him. Put a spell on him.”

“Huh?” Marcos called on the one spell he recalled. “Со врските на Тора, запрете го човекот. (By the binds of Thora, stop the man.)

Allen felt the muscles in his body tighten and was unable to counter the spell when Brown stomped on his face. The stomp broke his jaw and then his air passage.

“No incantations, witch man.” Brown pressed down on his feet. Allen slumped on his frame, and then Brown dragged him into the woods. Brown felt good then. The kill gave him an elated feeling.

“Was it needed, Enforcer?” Marcos asked when he saw the other dragged the body into the woods.

“Do not question my work, Novice.” Brown cautioned the other. “I knew of your spells. Do not try to hit me from the back. I know how to counter them all. We will meet now with Jae.”

When Brown arrived at the spot where Jae was last seen, he felt the uneasiness in his mind. He smelled blood there, and looked around. He saw the specks of blood and flesh. He looked at the oak tree and sensed it.

“Jae…” Marcos called out.

“Dispose of the body here. He is not one with us.” Brown turned toward Marcos. “There is danger here.”

“How?” Marcos asked.

“The woods are haunted.” Brown had used the term that others have said. He was not like any other. He was a witch man too. The witches worked with the spirits of the woods. He looked to the oak tree.

“Pardon us, golden tree. We have tasks to do.” Brown turned to look at Marcos.

“Used your skills again, Novice.” Brown told the other. “Or covered it with the leaves. The creatures here will devour the body. The task had become……. Hazardous.”

At that moment, Elizabeth stood at the corner, watching the others chain the constable to the clamps at the wall. Lilith had done her task as required.

“Constable, I think I saw a lady hurt there.” Lilith had approached Jeeves. “Please hurry.”

“I……” Jeeves was reluctant, but his call of duty made him follow her. His training as a witch was still the learning stages. Their walk was long but soon arrived at the alley. Jeeves was getting impatient and stopped the lady.

“Where are we going? Do I know you form somewhere?” Jeeves asked. He had tried to read the lady, but something was blocking him. He was a witch by training, and much he had to learn from the Warlock.

“We are there.” Lilith turned towards the constable. “You knew me before.”

Jeeves felt the hand on the back of his neck. The pressure there caused him to black out. Next thing when he was aware, he was chained to the wall. The place was damp and smelled of blood.

“Where am I?” Jeeves asked. He saw then the lady before him. She was Ms. Muriel.  “Ms. Muriel? Let me loose, please.”

“I cannot,” Elizabeth said.

“I will ……” Jeeves tried to contact the Warlock. “I……”

Jeeves was to call on the spell to break free but nothing happened. His voice was soundless.

“Your spell, witch man? I am afraid that is not possible. The Wiccan have placed a binding spell here in the basement. You are …… all alone.”

“Why, Ms. Muriel? I am not a threat to you.” Jeeves pleaded. “The Warlock will find me. He can reward you. Please release me.”

“Where is the lady I met?” Jeeves recalled meeting the other witch.

“She is not here. And I disliked witches. And especially the Warlock, well... I do not dislike you now. Maybe soon, then it will be hell to pay then.” Elizabeth smiled. “I wondered, where is my demon?”

“Beezer!” Elizabeth called out. “Where are you?”

“Here, Mistress. I am here.” Beezer appeared with the ragged look. “The creature got me, but I have not perished yet. Not yet…”

Beezer then collapsed on the flooring.