Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 33

 33.

 

Inspector Watson was all guard then with the loss of his constables and kept his vigil on the Wiccan. The latter had taken to the tavern and remained there. He had seen the Wiccan was accompanied by her entourage, Brown and Stefan. The lady named Lilith was not with them. He had messed up who was in his coven: ten of them besides the Dean, the Mortician, and the lady named Gertrude.

“All is ready, Warlock.” The Dean appeared next to the Warlock. “We have another three hours to reach the event time.”

“Get the place guarded. I do not want surprises.” The inspector told the dean. “I will be in town looking for the Wiccan. Find Gertrude. She is needed here.”

Meanwhile Gertrude had just risen from the soft bedding at her home. She stretched her body, pulling at her arms before she looked towards her latest catch. The figure lay there sound asleep with her upper body exposed to her stare.

“Not a bad catch.” Gertrude praised herself. The figure was a man in his prime and told her he was new in town. He was looking to get enrolled in the Uni there. She had convinced the man that she knew how to get him into the Uni and took him home. It did not take much convincing, and a later morning romp was called.

Gertrude had done her usual mind probe and learned that much from the man was what he told her. She smiled to herself that her thoughts were too far-reaching to assume a stranger to the town was a witch or enemy of some sort.

“Silly me…” Gertrude muttered and reached for the dressing gown, a gift she had bought from the city to indulge in. She stood up and slipped it on. She felt the wet hands around her waist and the familiar scent on the back of her neck.

“Ah…… I thought you were asleep.” Gertrude whispered out while the hands moved onto the front of her chest.

“I was up.” The point was proven to the lady by the man when he pushed himself against her. “Are you?”

“I am up for anything.” Gertrude reached back for the man on the head. She had loved his wild long hair that reached below his shoulder. She envied that, for her hair was kept short by the direction of the Warlock. Her hands rubbed into the thick hair and arched her back. She felt her gown pulled apart from her shoulders and resting on her arms. The gown slipped to her elbows, exposing her chest. She let the lips of the man nuzzle her shoulder.

“You have a huge head, my love.” Gertrude moaned while her fingers ruffled the hair there.

“Not as huge as what I hold there.” The man whispered, his voice hoarse yet muffled at her ears. He pulled apart the gown at the bottom; the sound of the tear was loud.

“Not my gown, please.” Gertrude protested weakly. “I like that ……”

Gertrude had never felt being forced before and was pushed to bend at her waist. She felt the hardness that was there and braced herself for the impalement.

“Yes…” Gertrude felt it all inside of her. At the thrust of it, she moaned out in pleasure, and then he spoke.

“This is how we do it with the others.” The voice came across not as a gesture of the act but as a caution to the tone. Gertrude’s thought was then taken over by the jarring pain at her neck when the fangs bit into her flesh.

“Argh…” Gertrude called out, but it was too late. She felt the spine at the back of her head was pulled back and then snapped. She fell forward onto the flooring and rolled into a foetal position. She looked up at the man who had injured her.

It was not a man but a werewolf. The muzzle and the thick fur.

“You ……” Gertrude mumbled weakly.

“I am Evan the Beast.  You are to die, witch.” The man-turned-werewolf snarled. “I am called that by the other she-wolves, for I am wild within me.”

“And we are not done yet.” The werewolf astride Gertrude was in her position. “I loved fresh kills.”

Gertrude, injured, was unable to fight back. Her learned spells were blank to her then but one. She sent out the message towards the Warlock.

Just as Sven conveyed his to Victor. He pleaded with Victor to restore Henry.

“He is all she could care for.” Sven looked to Victor. “I am getting older, and how many more days have I left? Please assist, young Master.”

“Sven, I am trying…….” Victor looked to the lab that he had built. “I am trying to restore the generator. It may be the …… item to bring back Henry, but I am unsure.”

“Unsure, Master Frankenstein?” Sven looked baffled. “You gave life to …… Mary. Why not, Henry?”

“Sven, I am unsure what was done. Maybe the ……. Electricity worked, or maybe not.” Victor sighed. “I am unsure why I am here. Was it for ……. This? Or for Elizabeth? Or Mary Annabelle?”

“God! I am so confused.” Victor looked at the lab again. “When I was back. I saw the place, and all I wanted to do was to relive my tasks.”

“Madness! Truly madness! I am a creation of God, and could I do what God does?” Victor sighed. “I am just a……”

“God created man… and woman…. To create life. That may be your call here too.” Sven looked at the young master. “Deny not that yourself. You created Mary Annabelle.”

“That was ordained by God, but what I did here was not. Please do not deceive yourself, Sven. I am not …… God.”

‘Deceived? I am not. One day, our mankind will create life from …… ourselves, not with another but in a lab. I believed in that. You did it once, and you could do it again.”

“Sven, you are forcing yourself to think I am the ……. No…… The witch said it so. She gave Mary the …… essence.” Victor said. “She is the one to do it.”

“The witch did say that, but you may have done it with her.” Sven looked at the other.

“Why, Sven? Why do you press on me?” Victor stepped back. It was then he heard the hum of the generator.

“It is working.” Victor's face lighted up. It was like he was given a new hope then. Doctor Abraham then appeared there at the doorway.

“Do you have any more diesel here?” The doctor looked at Sven. “The tank is low.”

The hum of the generator took the attention of the others in the cottage. Carmilla was seated then and looked at Annabelle.

“The generator is working.”

“Perhaps it augurs well for us.” Annabelle said. “Victor can resume his tasks.”

“Annabelle, it was not Victor’s achievement that triggered the creation but mine.” Carmilla reminded the other.

“Help Mary then,” Lauren interrupted them.

“Do not get involved, Lauren,” Rudolf cut in. “It is not our concern.”

“Carmilla, I can sense Mary’s needs. Please help her.” Lauren ignored the father. It was then Kane stormed in, holding the shovel he found at the mansion. He charged at Carmilla. She did not foresee the attack and felt the shovel swipe at her form. She in turn swiped her right hand at Kane, who was thrown back against the wall.

“He hurt me…” Carmilla called out. “The shovel contains iron.”

Annabelle rushed towards her sister and looked at the area swiped by the shovel. There was some damage done to the left shoulder. Even though the form was corporeal, the iron material could hurt them.

“You fool!” Carmilla in turn attacks Kane. She called on the spell, which will burn at his soul.

““Go povikuvam ognot na Hefest. Zapali go suštestvoto pred mene.” (I call on the fire of Hephaestus. Burn the creature before me.” Carmilla spoke of the spell of yellow fire, and the flame appeared in a narrow circle, and then the flames flared out as streaks of flame that lashed out like a fiery whip.

“No!” Lauren called on her own spell of the shield to protect Kane. The shield covered the injured Kane and repelled the fire spell.

“Why did you do that?” Carmilla was upset at Lauren.

“He is not the enemy. He is ……. Abel’s brother.” Lauren defended her action. “Please do not harm him.”

“Carmilla, I can feel it. The lunar event is taking place soon. We need to get there too.” Annabelle said. “Maybe without Lissa, we can garner the pinnacle of power to make Lauren complete.”

Carmilla looked at the young apprentice. Annabelle could be right. They are stretched in their spirit form, and training Lauten has sapped their powers. The pinnacle of power was their last option.

“No, you cannot take her.” Rudolf held the sword he was given at Lauten. “I’d rather see her die than be a witch.”

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 32

 

32.

 

The dean studied the arrangement of the stones and artifacts set at the base of the menhirs. He had spent over eight years collecting the items. It was on the instruction of the warlock, who claimed that he held the ancient scrolls written by the druids to call on the pinnacle of power.

Ancient Druids practiced the oral tradition and did not leave behind any known written holy texts, scriptures, or records. There were some second-hand accounts by Greek and Roman contemporaries, as well as later medieval Irish literature like the External Classical Sources (Roman/Greek), which provide the earliest, albeit biased, descriptions of Druidic worship, and Julius Caesar, who took an interest in druids and his commentary in ‘Commentarii de Bello Gallico.’ Others were Tacitus, who mentions the destruction of Druid groves on Mona (Anglesey).

Some scrolls, written in Ogham, an early medieval alphabet (4th-6th century CE), were found, but Ogham was also used to inscribe stones and wood, believed to reflect older, pre-Christian traditions. The Celtic literature has its forms in triads: three-part wisdom.

But the ones that were widely spoken of were the oral hymns.

The Dean had recovered many of these texts in the library, but none could meet the Warlock on his own findings.

“Mine are the true texts from the ancients. Its findings came from the works of divination of the elders.” The Warlock had reinforced his beliefs in the scroll. “It spoke of the incantations to yield the pinnacle of power.”

“For it to work, the circle must be formed with huge stones to collect the focus of the energy and the items to filter it so that I can channel it into me.” The Warlock had declared. “Once I hold the pinnacle of power, the supreme power will be mine.”

“Why his particular lunar event?” Carly, the mortician, asked. He is a witch of the coven, and with his official position, he was their source for bodily parts.

“Carly, you wished to mock me.” The warlock smites at the other. “I have been looking for the source. The lunar event, in which the ever-powerful sun could be shielded by the meek moon, was displaced as the alignment of the planets. I searched beyond that.”

“The ancients often interpreted the changing face of the moon, particularly during eclipses or full moons, as signs of cosmic, divine, or malevolent activity. The Mesopotamians viewed it as a direct assault on the king. The monarch was protected with a "substitute king," while the real king went into hiding until the danger passed. The Inca viewed it quite the same: the jaguar attacking and devouring the moon. For that, they feared the jaguar would then fall to Earth, so they made loud noises, shook spears, and beat their dogs to make them howl and scare the beast away. Many others had taken it as an omen of destruction.”

“What I was to learn, the coming event is not an omen but the channel of power. The learned covens had waited for this event. It also falls on the fifth day of the week and on the thirteenth Georgian date, at precisely the thirteenth hour. Truly the matching of the signs signifies its greatness.”

“It was not only the alignment but also the tools in which to focus the power.” The Warlock told the Dean. “You must not fail me. Get me the needed items for that event.”

The dean had spent his time sourcing the items via auctions, private sponsors, or theft when it was needed. The menhirs were the same; they were shipped in from the continent and assembled there. The Uni was proud to tell the peers that this was an alternative to Stonehenge, but many had refuted the claim of its mystic nature. The menhirs were paraded in the circular structure, but the smaller items were stored in the Uni’s storage till that day.

“Put that stone there.” The dean told the aide. He then looked at the shadow of the sunlight as it lay on the east side. There was little time left.

“Dean, are we ready?” Gertrude stepped up to the man.

“We will be. I have no reference to the …….”

“Trust the Warlock. He knew what was needed.” Gertrude smiled. “He gave you a list and……”

“It was done.” The dean nodded.

“Have you checked the alignment of the menhirs?” Gertrude asked.

“Do not tell me of my tasks, bitch. I know my tasks.” The dean was insulted to be questioned. “I do not intrude on whom you may suck of their vitality.”

“Obviously, I have my needs.” Gertrude smiled. “And yours is pathetic.”

Gertrude stepped away and walked to the exit of the faculty. She saw standing there was her next target. He was godlike standing there.

The Adonis for her desire.

It was not the desire then of Victor to pursue his task. He felt the tap on his shoulder.

“Move slowly, Frankenstein. I got you covered.” Victor heard the voice and with his side glance saw the rifle barrel aimed at Mary, still crouched there at the grave.

“Do not shoot, Doctor.” Victor whispered back. “She is not a threat.”

“Oh, doame” (Oh my God in Romanian.) Doctor Abraham uttered when he was asked for prayer. His religious master was a Romanian and taught him some good verses to say when in fright. “I thought I had seen all forms of monster.”

“Shoot the rifle, and I will make you a cripple.” Doctor Abraham felt the threat of the barrel at his spine. It was Sven who was standing behind him.

“Mary, leave now.” Sven called out. “They will harm you.”

“No, I will not. I want to be with Henry,” Mary said. “All of you leave, or I will……”

“Do not do that.” It was the voice of Carmilla. “Remember me. I was with you that night.”

“You……” Mary turned to look at Carmilla. The lady was with her sister, Annabelle, and flanked by Lauren and Abel with Rudolf. At the side to the right was Kane holding his frame against the cottage wall.

“Mother of God, what is that abomination?” Kane shouted. “Father, shoot it.”

“Silence, Kane,” Doctor Abraham shouted back. “Get back inside.”

“Let us not be ……. Hasty.” Victor straightened up. He looked at the creation; at that moment it was his creation once more, and not Mary's.

“That is my creation. My version of a living person, assembled from the body anatomies given to me. I had brought it to live, and ………. But how I am unsure.” Victor sighed. “God’s miracle perhaps.”

“Master, I am alive.” Mary stood up. “I am Mary.”

“Calm down, Mary.” Carmilla stepped towards the creation. “You are ……. Alive. I gave you my essence to reanimate you.”

“Do not come near me.” Mary held out her arms at Carmilla. “I ……. I am Mary. I want Henry too.”

“Run, Mary! Do it!” Sven called out. “Please……”

Mary gave one look at Sven and then turned to leave. She dashed off into the woods. Victor wanted to chase after her but was stopped by the doctor.

“Let her be, Frankenstein.” The doctor looked at the departing creation. “We got other tasks.”

The doctor led Victor to the lab. Carmilla looked to the skies and motioned to Annabelle.

“It is time for us to go inside too. The sunlight is upon us.” The witches retreated to the cottage. Rudolf followed suit, leaving Lauren with the lads.

“Abel, let us go back in.” Lauren assisted Abel, who was still limping. They were watched by Kane then. He was in disbelief at the turn of events. He looked at the departing duo and sighed. It was not his usual self to lose out to Abel on anything. Ever since he was young, Kane had been the elder one, calling the shots for his brother. He was unsure who was first at birth, but Kane was always deemed the eldest. They did not have any other siblings and grew up together, holding all others off from them with their fists. Kane was the brazen one with the flaring temper, while Abel was more the support. Where the fights were, Abel picked his opponents and delivered good blows, while Kane was the bull in the ring. Despite all that, Abel regarded his brother highly and followed him in all the quests.

“He is ……. sympathetic,” Kane muttered to himself. He had envied the younger brother, smaller in frame compared to himself, but held his own in the fights.

Kane then looked to the grave.  The hand that was protruded there had withdrawn back. He asked himself what the abomination was there. He had not seen any corpse climb out of the grave, although there were rumors of it; his father had dismissed them as tales. He stepped over and looked at the spot where the hand had appeared. He found some soil that was moved, but no hand was seen there. He looked towards the glass vase and saw a dead man’s face. He had seen his share of dead persons and even exhumed graves, but nothing was to prepare him for the sight. The figure in there was staring at him.

Kane stepped back in fright.

“His name is Henry. He is my… or was my son.” Sven spoke from the side. “Who are you?”

“Huh… Kane Helsing. I am here with my father and brother.” Kane, still in shock, looked at Sven. “How long were you there?”

“Long enough. I did not join them if that was your question. I am to be with my son.” Sven stepped up to the grave. He smoothens the soil at the spot where the hand was seen.

“I may suggest that you rejoin then.” Sven looked at Kane.

“Who? My brother or my father?” Kane asked while he glanced at the cottage. “I……”

“Whichever makes you comfortable.” Sven smiled.

“No, I want to go back to the town.” Kane turned to walk towards the town. Sven proceeded to the lab and saw the doctor was busy at work, watched by Victor. He approached Victor and asked to speak to him outside.

 

 

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 31

 31.

 

The break of dawn was welcomed by Elizabeth, who had then prepared breakfast for her daughter. Mary Annabelle had slept on the armchair in the living area, watched by the mother. Lilith had taken to the outside to keep an eye out for any wolves. Dolores, the maid of hers, arrived with the surprised expression that her mistress was there early.  The maid was in her working attire with the apron over the chest.

“I was away ……. At work,” Dolores replied.

“I could tell. Was it unexpected?” Elizabeth asked. “What did they take, Dolores?”

“Unexpected? No, it was as you said. They took the stones.” The maid replied. “I was surprised by the arrival of …… Victor Frankenstein and one other. They also took some items from there.”

“Items? I am surprised. I was expecting the …… Dean, but do keep watch. Have you advised the Alpha on this?” Elizabeth looked up from the tea she made. “My daughter will be waking up. I will serve her.”

“I will ……” The maid offered to assist.

“No, you will stay here and watch Lilith. I do not trust her.” Elizabeth looked at the maid. “You will not act unless … needed.”

“Understood, Mistress.” Dolores proceeded to do her task as the maid. She was not just a maid but the protectorate of the mistress of the pack. She was assigned by the Alpha when Elizabeth felt she was threatened.

Elizabeth took the seat she was on, watching Mary Annabelle; she smiled. She took the pain of leaving her daughter. She had no regret about leaving Victor; he was a means to an end. She took her role to return there, on the advice of her grandmother; your vengeance lies at home.

“For your mother, William Katt must die, but not too soon. Wait for the right moment.” Elizabeth heeded, but the turn of events was that William Katt sought her out. She played her part well, feigning alliance and holding back on her affection. What was unforeseen was the meeting with Howard or his namesake, Alpha of the Creek pack.

“Ms. Muriel, I thank you for harbouring me and tending to my wounds.” The alpha was wounded in a fight for the leadership; he won but was seriously wounded. He had reached Muriel’s house before collapsing. Next, he knew his wounds were tended to and had his recovery there tended by the maid, Dolores. She had dragged him in, and was later discovered by the mistress. She pleaded for his condition and requested silence on the mistress.

“He cannot be told to the authorities. They will …… kill him.” Dolores explained. For some reason, Elizabeth agreed. She was not to know of the werewolf connection until Beezer told her.

“He is a werewolf; an alpha one.” Beezer said. She was disbelieving until the night the moon set, when she saw the transformation of Howard and Dolores. She was fearful initially, but the wolves made no attempt to harm her. Later, when they had transformed back, Elizabeth was told.

“I owe you my life, Ms. Muriel. I will not harm you. I knew of your connection to William Katt. We avoided each other as it was arranged years ago. However, if you ever need my assistance, I will come. You will need a friend against William Katt… a powerful friend.”

That was how they remained as friends.

“Ms. Muriel. Do I serve your guest downstairs?’” Dolores asked. Elizabeth looked at the maid. It was obvious that she knew of the going-on at the basement, but she didn't say anything.

“Leave him be,” Elizabeth replied. In the basement, Beezer dragged its form across the flooring towards Jeeves. The other looked at the demon and then cursed at it.

“Hold your tongue, witch.” Beezer, still in pain, looked at the chained witch. “I could tear out your tongue.”

“Do it, demon. I do not fear you.” Jeeves laughed. “For me, death is ever welcomed. Who disfigured you?”

“Stop talking.” Beezer felt the humiliation in its injuries. It dragged itself upright and snarled. It never saw the blow that landed on the back of its head. The one item that demons feared was the iron bar that caused them great pain. Beezer went down on its knees and received a second blow on the head. Repeated blows terminated the demon of its soul.

“Who are you?” Jeeves asked.

“Your saviour.” The voice belonged to Lilith. The lady approached the other witch and swung the iron bar on the face. “I am here to end your existence.”

Lilith followed through with several blows and then walked away.

“You are messy in your kill.” Lilith heard the voice and looked towards it. “I could not have done such savagery.”

“Stay out of my way, Brown.” Lilith did not turn to the voice. “I have to cull the numbers.”

“Yea, Lilith. I am just here to tell……” Brown stepped out of the shadows.

“Go back to the Wiccan; she will look for you.” Lilith told the other. “We must be ready to take over the coven.”

“We will be, but not the others. I was told that Willian Katt is also massing his coven there.” Lilith stepped to the stairs leading up. “It will be a bloodbath. A worthy sacrifice to the master then.”

“Oh, there is another in town. I was told the sisters are here. They came to rescue their apprentice, the Spielsdorf lady.” The voice said. “Unforeseen, but we are ready.”

“Do be ready, Brown. I will be there soon after I contain the lady upstairs.” Lilith took her leave of the basement.

“Lilith, you are a brave witch, but I am more superior.” Brown looked at the departing witch. “When the Wiccan dies, I will be the new……Warlock.”

Meanwhile at the cottage, another standoff was taking place. Doctor Abraham walked into the cottage and saw his sons there. Kane was nursing a sore shoulder when he slammed into the tree; his brother was supported up by Lauren. Rudolf, the father, was brooding at the corner, and there was Sven looking solemn. It was a solemn day.

“Who are you?’ Doctor Abraham looked at the figures there. “Or what are you?”

“Witches, Doctor Abraham.” Carmilla smiled. “We are dead witches physically, but we exist in the spirit form. It is our power to do so for a time… far too long while we trained up the new coven leader.”

“You are dead. I have heard of the power that was with a few covens, and this is my first time ……. Seeing it.” Doctor Abraham smiled. “In all my years of serving the High Council, this is a rare moment.”

“Your efforts are well noted, but we are surprised that you are here. Rather out of your home continent, and ……”

“I go where I am to do my tasks. During my stay here, I am well occupied. Your aisles are beaming with ……. The ……”

“Livestock, Doctor Abraham. For your culling, if I may be crude.” The other witch spoke out. “I am Annabelle … Frankenstein. I was with the Общий.”

“Hallo, Fraulein.” Doctor Abraham bowed to the lady. Annabelle was born into a German family.

“I am no more German, Doctor Abraham.” Annabelle smiled. “I am a witch of the sister’s.”

“Your tasks were recorded by the High Council, and from the last entry, you have…retired.” Doctor Abraham smiled.

“Yes, soon after I was with the Общий. As it was with my sister, Lissa,” Annabelle said. “We are dead… technically, but the sisters will resurface with a new witch… a more powerful one.”

“Yes, the sisters were powerful. So, you are to get the pinnacle of power as it will be in some hours from now.” Doctor Abraham smiled. “I am tasked here to monitor the event too.”

“And cull… destroy will be the definition.” Annabelle said. “We are not here for the power. We are here to assist Lauren, for she is besieged by demons. Do yours, Doctor. We will do ours.”

“Why was that?” Doctor Abraham asked.

“Her mother, Lissa, is held captive by the demons. They also want her.” Carmilla replied. “We will stop them.”

“Your mother is a witch?” Abel looked at the lady. Lauren nodded.

“It gets more complex as the day unfolds.” Doctor Abraham smiled. “And what of the man outside at the grave?”

Victor Frankenstein was forgotten then. The man had returned and saw the grave was disturbed. A figure was crouched there.

“Mary……. Is that you?” Victor approached the grave. The creation nodded without turning.

“Hello, Master. Henry moved just now.” Victor saw that Mary was holding onto what was a hand that protruded from the grave.

“Henry……. How could it be?” Victor shook his head and stepped back. “He is… was dead.”

“No, Master. He is…… alive. I can feel his …… I am touching his hand.” Mary sighed. “I am holding him.”

Mary sighed because of all the time she had spent with Henry; she loved him, but she felt nothing of him inside of her.

“Master, can you bring him back to me?” Mary looked to her creator. “I loved him. I need him.”

“I ……. I am not sure.” Victor stood there. “I can …… try. I am trying… No, I will try.”

“Why, Master? Why bring me alive and not him too?” Mary asked. “Is it because he is… dead?”

“No, Mary.” Victor found himself relating to his creation by the name. “I am unsure of how it was done…….”

“Please do, Master,” Mary pleaded. Victor went down on his knees. Hours ago, he was keen to resume the work, the creation of a life, but watching Mary at the grave, he was lost. His last ten years of effort had yielded no results but failures.

“God!” Victor looked to the skies. “Why do you torment me? I am not you, and ……. Cannot be you.”

 

 

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 30

 30.

 

At the Uni’s, Victor opened the door to the generator’s chamber. He looked in and counted the number of generators there. There used to be three sets when he was there, but now the numbers have increased to six units.

The electric generator stood over the height of a man; the oil reservoir was at the end, and seated above it was the main electric generator, controlled by the solenoid mounted above it. The rotating power from the turbine was activated by the steam condenser, which pushes the steam power towards it.

“It’s a beauty.” Victor stared at the generator. “So much power compared to the one I have.”

“Stop gaping, dear Frankenstein. We are to get the needed parts to fix yours.” Doctor Abraham proceeded to the store. “We must find the spares at the store.”

“I do not ……. Know where it is.” Victor shook his head.

“I do. One of my early walks before my talk was to explore the university’s grounds. The dean was kind enough to show me. The store is here to the left.” Doctor Abraham entered the store. There were shelves, and on them were the spares: discarded and new ones. And some older ones.

“Ah, the needed parts. I had seen it before.” Doctor Abraham rummaged through the parts there. “They marked your spares in the two boxes.  Take that one.””

“What are you doing here?” It was Dean Joseph Haller. He was there with two others. They were holding what appeared to be a wooden coffin; simple rectangle design. When they saw the doctor, they placed the coffin the flooring.

“We are here to… visit. Why are you here? Moving the dead?” Doctor Abraham smiled. “And… pardon me, is it too early for you to move things here at this hour?”

“Get out, Doctor. This is my domain.” The dean shouted.

“Domain? What is that? Your …… domain sounded like your …… territory.” Doctor Abraham challenged back. “This is the Uni’s ground, and not some …… domain.”

“We must not be delayed. Attack him!” The dean called out. The two men rushed at the doctor and Victor. The latter retreated and looked for anything to defend themselves.

“Take to the right. I will go left.” Doctor Abraham held onto the spares needed and ran. Victor ran towards the generators and tried to find a spot to hide.

“Stop!” The one who was pursuing Victor called out. The two men had chased after Victor. One of the men tossed a metal piece towards Victor and missed. Victor picked up the metal piece and faced the man.

“Come any nearer, and I will smash your head with this.” Victor challenged the other.

“The hell you will.” The man advanced towards Victor. A dark shadow was seen landing on the man from above the generator. The dark figure brought the man to his back, who then screamed out in pain.

“Get it off me!” The man screamed with the arms and legs kicking out. The dark figure backed towards Victor. It was a huge wolf, and it was snarling at the man.

“Keep away, or I will……” The man did not get to complete his threat and was pounced on by the wolf. The wolf’s fangs sank into the man’s left shoulder, and its head swung to the side, pulling the flesh there.

“Со пламенот на пеколот те протерав... (With the flame of Hell, I banished thee...)” The dean at the rear called on the spell to disperse fire on the wolf. The wolf retreated from the flames and then proceeded to escape through the gaps in the generators.

“You are trapped, Frankenstein.” The dean looked at the other. “I will……”

The shot came from the rear of the Dean. He fell forward onto his knees, clutching his chest.

“Step over, Frankenstein.” It was the doctor. “I will cover you.”

“You have a gun?” Victor was surprised at the doctor. “How ……. You shot him in the back?”

“Well, whatever it may take.” Doctor Abraham nodded. “I was to shoot out of necessity. Among the many things you may not know of me. Now move it. We must leave now.”

Victor moved towards the doctor and saw the two men in his path move aside. 

“And for you, take care of your friend.” The doctor looked to the injured man. “I am no medical doctor, but I know what the wolf’s bite feels like. It is deadly.”

Doctor Abraham followed close behind Victor, grabbing the boxes that he had come for.

Meanwhile, Kane made his way to the mansion where he knew his father was headed. It was near dawn. He was by the creek when he saw the two wolves there taking their drink at the stream. He backed his walk and looked for an item to defend himself. The two wolves were huge.

The wolves looked to the sunlight seeping through the cover of the leaves, and then they ran past the creek. Kane hesitated to run; he wanted to be safe, knowing that the wolves had left the creek.  He made his way to the mansion and saw it was quiet there. He heard some voices from the nearby cottage.

“Carmilla, leave Lauren alone.” Rudolf was there holding his daughter. He faced the two witches, and to the left were Abel and Sven, standing there holding the rifles. Abel was eyeing Lauren as if waiting for the signal to act.

“Red, you did not stop us then.” Carmilla called Rudolf by his nickname. “Why now?”

“I …… I could not tell then. But now maybe it was better for Lauren not to be like you ……” Rudolf sighed.

“Or like Lissa? Red, you knew of us then. When you came to remove us as witches. We are one with the coven and will be forever, even in death.” Carmilla said. “Lauren is…”

“Lauren is our only hope to get Lissa back,” Annabelle cut in. “We left the mansion to assist Lauren. Our mansion is under attack, but we placed a protective shield over the mausoleum. It will hold, but we cannot delay too long here.”

“Father, let me be. I must save Mother.” Lauren looked to her father. “We discussed this before. I cannot deny my true existence.”

“Lauren, I am …… When I was with the army and took the task… volunteered to… eliminate the unnatural ones, I had committed myself to the cause. My cause had given me ……. Casualties within my family. Casualties that I had inflicted … no … it welcomed my love … and with it the cost to be borne.” Rudolf sighed. “I am unsure if I can take it anymore.”

“Deny not … not your daughter’s destiny, Red. She must be complete to save your lover.” Carmilla said. “She is the epitome of our coven’s might.”

“She may die!’ Rudolf cried out.

“She will not.” Carmilla looked at Lauren. “We will……”

“Witches! I will kill you all.” Kane rushed at Carmilla, and was shoved to the side with the wave of the hand. He fell at the side and was assisted by Abel.

“Abel, how could you stand there? They are witches.” Kane sat up from his fallen position. “We……”

“I cannot.” Abel looked towards Lauren. “She is……”

“Are you possessed?” Kane reached for the rifle held by Abel, but the latter backed off.

“Do not do it.” Abel looked at his brother. “We need them to fight off the demons.”

“Oh, God. You are possessed.” Kane looked at the ladies. “Tell me which one of you had done it to my brother. I will kill you.”

“Kane, I am not possessed.” Abel stepped back towards Lauren. “I am sane. Please let go.”

“You are all mad.” Kane stood up and turned to leave. It was then he was struck in the face by the demon that flew past him. He fell onto the ground with his left face bloodied. Sven reacted fast and shot at the fleeing demon. He saw then more of the demons flying towards them. 

“Get into the cottage!” Sven called out. Rudolf grabbed his daughter and ran, followed by the sisters, while Abel helped his brother. They barricaded the doors and manned the windows. Kane was attended to by Lauren, who bandaged his wound.

Five demons stood outside the cottage by the grave and sneered at those inside the cottage.

“There are five of them,” Rudolf said when he looked out. “Check the other side.”

“Three here.” Abel hobbled over towards the window. “We are surrounded.”

One of the five demons kicked at the headstone at the grave. It kicked out at the ground there. It was to kick the glass vase that was embedded at the grave when it stopped. It leaned down to look down and sneered once more. It was then the glass vase exploded out, and shards of the vase impacted on the demon’s face.

“Arghh…….” The demon reeled back in pain, and then a set of hands broke through the ground at the grave and grabbed the demon by its left lower limb. It dragged the limb to the ground, and the sound of cracks was heard.

“I ……” The demon screamed when its left lower limb sank into the ground. Two of the other demons reached out to pull the demon from the ground. The demon came out of its predicament but lacked the lower left limb. It limped to the side, clutching the missing limb area.

“Kill!” The wounded demon shrieked. The other four demons went into a frenzy of digging the grave. It was then Mary appeared from the side and charged at the demons there. The creation grabbed the nearest demon by the head and used it as a swinging club on the others. The three demons fell to the side and then crouched to stare at the creation.

“Abomination!” They sneered.

“No, I am not. I am Mary.” The creation slammed the demon held by it on the ground, shattering the spine of the demon there. It then tossed the terminated demon to the side and looked at the grave.

“Henry……”

 

 

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 29

 29.

 

Lauren approached the grave and stood there looking at the stones that lined the grave. She was attracted to the gleaming stones there, basking in the moonlight. It was near dawn, and her father was asleep, seated there by the window. Doctor Abraham and Victor have taken off to the town, citing that they need to get some supplies. Abel was at the other side of the cottage, standing guard or sleeping, for he was still recovering from the wounds.

“Hello, Henry. That is your name, I was told,” Lauren said. In all her training, she was told that the dead have a soul, like their spirit, who may stay on near the body till it has released all its obligations. She figured that Henry may have his unsettled obligations.

“I am Lauren.” The young lady said.

“And I am Mary.” The voice was from the trees. “Please do not scream. I am not here to harm you.”

Lauren held back her fear and looked towards the voice by the tree. She saw then the appearance of the figure. It was the creation, dressed in the shabby shirt and pants, and the hair dishevelled by the appearance.

“I am Mary. I am Henry’s …… lover.” The creation approached Lauren. “I’ve seen you before, but……”

“I am Lauren. Lauren Spielsdorf,” Lauren said. “I have seen you too, but……”

“I am a monster, which is why you screamed.” Mary stopped before the lady. It stood at almost twice the height of Lauren. “They have called me a monster.”

“Monster? No, I was not ……. Prepared to meet you. I am now.” Lauren looked up the creation. Somehow, her courage shouldered up, and she was not afraid then. “I …… I was not used to your appearance.”

“Am I not ……. Pretty?” It looked at Lauren.

“No…… I meant to say, not that you are not. You are like many of us, perhaps larger than most of us. And… you look untidy.” Lauren bit her lips. “Pardon me, if I am……”

“No, Lauren. I hear you and am not upset. Henry once told me I am ……. Simple, and he likes it that way.” Mary proceeded to sweep her hair back from her ears.

“Let me help you. I have a comb.” Lauren rushed back to the cottage and emerged with a cloth and basin with the comb in the other hand. “Here, sit yourself by the side.”

Mary sat by the grave on the root of the tree there, while Lauren fetched water from the nearby well. Lauren then sat behind Mary and combed the hair. She combed the dirt and leaves or whatnot that was there.

“You may wash your face with the towel. Wet it first,” Lauren said. Mary did the task while Lauren straightened the hair. She moved the strands of hair at the back of the neck and saw the stitches there that attached the head to the neck.

“My master created me,” Mary said. “I am …… glad towards him.”

“Master Frankenstein created you……. But how?” Lauren asked.

“I do not know. All I could remember was waking up and then meeting Henry. He understood me well.” Mary lowered her head. She was emotionally sad, but tears were not seen in her eyes. “Henry likes me…… No, he loved me. I want him here.”

Mary held her hands to her chest.

“I told Master to get him back. I am lonely and want Henry,” Mary sighed. “Why did they take him away?”

“I would not know. I was……. Away. I came back to find something of my own. Did you place those stones here?” Lauren asked.

“Yes. I got them from the creek. Henry likes it there.” Mary looked at the grave. “I also took from the other places.”

“The mansion? My chamber?” Lauren asked.

“The… I do not know.” Mary said. “If it is pretty, I will place it here.”

It was then Lauren heard the loud voice.

“Stay away from my daughter!” Rudolf had awakened and stepped out to the rear of the cottage. “I will kill you, abomination.”

Rudolf levelled the rifle at the creation and pulled the trigger. Mary had moved to the left side and then crouched up to run. The man struggled with the loading of the rifle, and it was then Abel arrived. He was hobbling on his good leg towards the grave. He had his crossbow and released the arrow there at the creation. The arrow pierced the left forearm, but the creature managed to run into the woods.

“Stop it, Father. She was ……. Not hurting me.” Lauren rushed at the older man. “You could have……”

“It is not ……. It is a monster.” Rudolf reached out to his daughter, but she stepped away.

“I hate you. She was to…….” Lauren turned to the grave. “The stones……”

“Are you hurt, Lauren?” Abel approached the lady. “I……”

“You rushed in like the fool you are.” Lauren hit her hands on the younger man. “Why are you so ……”

“I am sorry.” Abel took her blows on his chest and then reached out to hold the lady. Lauren took to his arms and sobbed her tears. Rudolf stood there looking at them and did not say anything.

“Lauren, I……” Rudolf tried to say some good words.

“Rudolf, you have done your part.” Rudolf heard the voice and turned to look. What he saw was disbelieving then. There was Sven, and behind him were the two ladies he once met.

“She needed another to hold her.”

“Annabelle…… Is that you?” Rudolf said.

“Yes, Rudolf. I am with Carmilla. We are here now.” Annabelle approached the man. “Hello, Lauren.”

“Annabelle. Carmilla.” Lauren greeted the other two figures.

“You ……. Both of you are ……” Abel was lost for words. He saw the ladies were dressed in the white gown laced at the front.

“Dead? Yes, we are. We are here in our other form. Our physical is at the other mansion.” Carmilla approached Abel. “We are Lauren’s mistresses. We are here to protect her.”

“Stand back, Lauren.” Abel rushed forth with the branch he picked up on the ground. He swung the branch at Carmilla, but she had deflected it with the wave of her right hand. Abel maintained his charge at Carmilla when Annabelle impacted on Kane’s face with her magical blow, causing him to fall to the side.

“Stop it, Abel,” Lauren called out.

“Are you mad to… protect them? They are demons.” Abel stood up. “I will kill you.”

“No, they are not demons. They are witches and ……” It was Lauren who stood in between the brothers. “They are my mistresses. I am to be a witch like them.”