Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 21

 

21.

The forests during dark yields its own sound; the chirping of the birds was replaced by the breezing leaves on the branches, with the specks of illuminance of the moonlight, or darker nights, the flash of the night owls nesting on the branches. The owls may shrill the eerie calls, or it could be the flapping bats that was out for its feast of fruits. It was ironic that many believed the bats were to feed on blood, which they do for those classified as vampire bats. The bats are also known as leaf-nosed bats currently found in Central and South America. Their food source is the blood of other animals, a dietary trait called hematophagy. The other breed feast on fruits.

Spielsdorf was hidden behind the bush, alongside with the Общий and Sven, the other member of the regiment. They had dressed in the dark garbs, to able to camouflage with the dark scene at the forests. They were armed with revolvers, while Sven had with him his old flintlock rifle, the original Potzdam muskets used by the Prussian Amy then in 1835, and was the standard rifle issued to the infantry under the Общий.

The barrel length of the Potzdam muskets varied between fifty-five inches and sixth over inches in overall length, weighed less than ten pounds The stock of the Potzdam was usually made of walnut. Stress-bearing parts of the Potzdam, such as the barrel, lock plate and firing mechanism were made of steel and sling-swivels made of iron whilst other furniture pieces such as the butt plate, trigger guard and ramrod pipe were found in brass. She was a heavy rifle to hold.

On that trip, the men were issued more ammo; silver dust alongside the cartridges in the side bags; believe to blind the vampires when scattered at their eyes.

The old officers of the regiment had roamed the forest at dusk, with Sven the guide for he was familiar with the trails. They travelled without any lamps and relied on the moonlighted trails. They found many peculiar activities in the forest; Daisy the cow was seen roaming the fences of the farm, Corny the Sheepdog was sowing his seeds with Danni, the collier in Derby’s farm; day activities were filled with sheep or Henry who was seen running naked at the creek. Sven was restraint from approaching his care.

“He needs the fun.” The master of the mansion told him.

“And I will tan his buttocks in the day.” Sven was furious but he became calm later, with the bottle of vodka.

That was not all.

“Three is the triple, we are the merriment.” The elderly trio was greeted by the trio of nymphs in the forest. Nymphs they were for they were young and buck naked then dancing round the fire that they lit there. The elderly men crouched by the bush and watched the girls danced. It may be a spectacle to watch but the girls were not of the ordinary ladies; they were before until they were reported missing.

“Madness, Общий.” Sven himself adhered to his faith well.

“No, Sven. It is a coven.” Spielsdorf whispered to Sven. “I have news of it, but this one is small in the numbers.”

“Coven?” Sven was not familiar with that.

“Yes, gathering of the witches.” Общий cut in. “We had encountered them before. Spielsdorf had told me of these activities. The missing girls in the other counties all were in trios, and there the common connection…... the elderly lady with the younger in tow. She was last seen here which was why he rushed here that day, but accident with carriage delayed his works.”

“I am …….” Sven was baffled.

“Do not concern yourself. We will get to the issue soon.” Spielsdorf assured the other. “Right now, we wait for the …….”

“I am here, ladies.” The voice was from the other side. It was the Constable himself. And he was naked. He paraded in with his intention seen protruding at his groin. The three ladies roared out in laughter.

“The lamb is here. The feast may begin. The merry shall rejoiced.” The girls converged on the man, and it was an offending sight to the elderly men, but they kept watched. The constable was lady handled with himself enjoying their ministrations on his body. He was in a trance like behaviour, lost to the echoes of pleasure then.

“He is ready. We will feast on his flesh. The sacrifice of the lamb it will be.” The frame of the constable hovered above the ground, and the girls took their position; one each at the stretched-out limbs.

“Mother is not here. Shall we wait or shall we feast?” The three girls looked at each other. “The call is nigh and we will not wait.”

The girls sank their teeth into the man’s wrist and the one at the leg was at the left ankle. They drew out blood and drank it there.

“I have seen enough.” Spielsdorf rushed out with the revolver drawn. He fired at the girl at the ankle, while Общий fired at the girl on the right. It was Sven who rushed in with the bayonet affixed to the rifle, that he stabbed the last remaining girl in the rear of the neck. The girls fell to the ground, with the dark blood oozing from their wounds.

“We will be avenged. We call upon mother. She will seek you.” The girls chanted. The Общий did not hesitate to shoot the next bullet into one of the girls’ faces. It was followed by Spielsdorf. Sven himself having reserved his shot took aim at the face of the third girl.

“They are abominations.” Sven cursed out. Spielsdorf examined the Constable, and found him alive but unconscious.

“Do we leave him here?” Spielsdorf asked.

“Let him be. And these girls too. We are to leave.” The Общий looked around. “We are not seen but the gun shots may be. We must leave now.”

The trio of elderly men took off, and the forest was once again silent. The night creatures were listening then. It did not take long when the figure appeared there. It was a young lady.

“Ashes to ashes. Life to death is the two ends.” The lady said. “We are numbered. The lamb will follow. Neither will be found.”

The forest came alive then, when the carnivals spin the wheel, and traces of the remains were devoured. By then the lady had traced the trail taken by the elderly trio. She saw them took the road back. It was headed to the mansion.

“You had your fill today, old men. I will do mine soon. They will be accompanied.”

Once old folks held a saying that trouble befalls more trouble. The Frankenstein household was in roars when the villagers knocked on the mansion doors.

“Wiliam Frankenstein is dead.” The butler was told and the news spread from the sons to the maids. Alphonse Frankenstein was stunned by the news. He had collapsed at the doorway when summoned by the villagers and then found his feet gave way. He was helped to the library and was allowed an audience with the village head, and the butcher who stood in for the dead doctor. The butcher was admiring the furnishing there while the village head stood before the old man.

“We had report of William Frankenstein found dead at the road leading to the mansion.” The village head reported then. “He was not far from the Uni.”

“I am ……” The father of the dead man was baffled. “He was fine when I last saw him.”

“His body was found this morning. He was, we believed bludgeon and left to die.” The village head looked to the butcher. “Peter here can best describe the body.”

“Yes, Sir.” The butcher stepped up. “Bloody mess. He was ……”

“Please spare me the details. I will have his body sent here for examination. Were the authorities told?” The old man asked.

“The Constable …… he is missing this morning. I sent the wire to the city to one named Chief Constable Lestrade. We have no reply yet but the matter will be handed soon.” The village head replied. “Once Constable Brown is available, he will be here.”

“We will be on our way now, Sire. And our condolences.” Peters bowed to the old man. Both took their leave, and once out of hearing range, Peters spoke to the village head.

“Bloody reception we had. Brought his son back, and not a cuppa of tea offered.”

“Bloody well it will do for the village now. We are cursed with missing girls, and now a dead monster.” The village head cursed. “I am not with the Frankenstein. I was told that they are a family of monsters, and its deserving that their son died like one.”

“Do you think we shall warn the others?” Peters asked.

“I will think so. One of these outsiders comes in, we may be exposed.”

“My condolences, Общий.” Spielsdorf bowed to the host. “He may …….”

“The sins of the father have reached me.” The host sat back on the seat and looked to the portrait. “How many times, I have done the same to others? It was all done in the name of war. And when does war ever set the lines on killing to torture, and even murder. My son today pays that price. Monster which I was, and not monster descend on my children.”

“Do not put the blame on yourself, Общий. Like others, the …… acts we did was on the uniform. It was not our soul.” Spielsdorf looked towards the portrait. “Your actions had saved lives, many lives, and their gratitude to us was to the uniform we wore. We stopped their monsters, but we are not monsters.”

“With Doctor Mitchell dead, I will get Victor to examine the body. I will not let my son be butchered by what his name…...”

It was then Ernest walked. It was a rare event for the last son to be there then.

“Is it true, Tata? William is dead?”

“Yes, Ernest. He was discovered this morning by the road. He was …… killed by someone. I am getting Victor to examine his body. Till then, we will mourn his death here.”

“Find out who killed him. I will personally persecute the killer. I am well versed in the laws of this land, and it will be gallows I will commute on the killer.” Ernest was upset.

“Son, hold your emotions. The time now is to mourn and not anger.”

“Hell will freeze when I have my way.” Ernest stormed out.

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 20

 

20.

“Carmilla, is that you?” Lauren sat up on the bedding and whispered. The chamber may be lighted or darkened but to her, it was all the same. Her sights were failing, and with her ailing condition, she was bed ridden most days or nights, it does not matter at all. She got her meals served; taken but not tasted …… “Father, it feeds me, but I am not a fussy person on food.”

Her father had returned, and visited her often. She assumed it was morning, for the heat of the sunlight was in her skin. She will sit up and greet him. A peck on the cheeks was his way of saying I love you. Funny, that was how her mother told her then.

“Your father is a busy man. He has one lover, but many loves for his men. He cares for them more than me. He gives them orders and then the handshakes, but I get the kiss on the cheek and the hugs.”

“Are you here?” Lauren asked.

“Yes, I am. I am seated by the chair next to you.” The other lady, Carmilla replied.

“I can hear you. I ……” Lauren smiled.

“Can I sleep next you?” Carmilla asked. Lauren nodded. Carmilla climbed on the bedding and snuggled next to her.

“You are cold.” Lauren snuggled close to the other. She was comfortable with the other person; the last person who slept next to her was her mother. Father will not do so, but held her hands.

Lauren felt Carmilla’s left hand touched her bosom. She had felt uncomfortable initially, but gotten used to that. It was Carmilla’s request.

“I want to feel your heartbeats.” Carmilla told her. It was not their first time in bed together. It was soe weeks backs. Father was away, and she was lonely. The maids that came to her chamber to tidy up, or give her a wash was formal, and little conversation took place, with the meals served; warm it may be but she had it by herself. It was one evening; the window was opened; forgotten by the maid to close, and Carmilla was there. She must had climbed in and sat herself there. Lauren felt the presence of another but kept her silent. She laid there, listening to the person in her chamber. There was no conversation, and it was only the third visit, not daily but after certain nights, Lauren asked.

“Who are you?”

“Shh…... We must whisper.” Carmilla replied. “I am Carmilla. I lived …… down the hall. My name is Carmilla.”

“Lauren. Can you come closer? I can hardly hear you.” Lauren whispered back. It was to begin a friendship between them. A friendship of whispers in the dark, and sharing of girls talk. And some secrets.

“I like your heartbeats.” Carmilla whispered to Lauren’s ears. “It makes me happy.”

“You have yours too, right?” Lauren lay back with her friend. It was an uncanny relationship and Carmilla stated that she was lonely, left there by her mother, and no one speaks to her. It was the nice gentleman who allowed her to stay. She was still unwell, but the loneliness got into her. Hence, she went out to look for friends. She found it with Lauren.

“I do, but it is different when you hear others.” Carmilla whispered. “It is like …… bonding.”

“Are you? I mean bonded to me.” Lauren snuggles closer. “I do like you.”

“Me too.” Carmilla whispered. The two girls spoke of many issues as most of those at that age will do. They had a sworn oath not to tell them to others.

“Swear to die, we ever tell anyone.” Lauren had declared.

“Me too. Being lonely is already death to me.” Carmilla said. Till death do we part, was the oath taken by lovers. Carmilla departs when Lauren falls asleep.

It was sleep that eluded us on vigilance. Victor woke up that day at the off hour. Off was to Victor a term if he had awakened in the hours before dawn. He slept late but so was his walking hours in the morning. He had looked at his watch, and it was only half past three then. He was still at the working desk in the lab. He remembered last was coaching it to use the hands.

“Grip the ball.” Victor had motioned to the creation. “Not hold it.”

It took a while before the message was taken in, and the result was a flattened ball. Grip strength is a measure of muscular strength or the maximum force/tension generated by one's forearm muscles. It can be used as a screening tool for the measurement of upper body strength and overall strength. The measurement of the force was still under review. Victor got the creation to release the grip, and examined the ball. He was impressed, but was of concern. If the creation was not able to control grip force, it would be damaging. The hour was late then, and Victor called the day’s work to end.

“Please rest. We will do tomorrow.” That was the last Victor recalled that evening. He looked around, and could not see the creation. He stepped to the cold chamber, and saw the door was closed. He opened it and looked inside. The creation was not there. He stepped out to check the doorway form his lab. The door was closed but the lock was unlocked. He was to reach for it when the door opened.

“Where did you go?” Victor was looking at the creation.

“I was out.”

“How dare you leave here? I told you were to stay here…… inside, and not……” Victor lashed out.

“I was ……. Lonely. I …… uh, went to look for Henry. He was not there. We used to take walks.” The creation looked at its master. “I was …….”

“You could be seen. I had to9ld you not to go out. Not ever even with Henry.”

“I wanted to see Henry. I was ……. Lonely.”

“Come in now, and go back to the chamber.” Victor commanded the creation.

“Master, may I ask?” The creation looked at its master. “Can I have a name please?”

The creation intelligence was improving if one will to consider that the brain in the creation to be inert, but it did pose some queries which baffled Victor.

“Master has a name. Henry too. I would like one too.”

“Let …… tell you later. Go to the chamber now.” Victor instructed the creation. It was then; he began to think perhaps the creation needed some form of reference like a name.

It was then the banging was at the chamber of the dorm. Justine was awakened by the loud banging and put on her dressing gown to open the door. It was William and he looked drunk. His banging had rudely awakened the adjacent chambers.

“For God’s sake, William. What are you…….” Justine was upset at the intrusion. William did not wait for the invitation and barged in. Justine looked at the drunken man, and ordered him to leave.

“This is the dorm for ladies. You cannot stay here.” William ignored the lady and walked to the bowl where he emptied his bladder. Justine felt embarrassed and closed the door. She walked to the table where the jug of water was on it.

“Take a drink of water, William.” Justine offered the jug towards William.

“I do not need that. I want the ale.” William struggled to the nearby chair with his breeches unbuttoned.

“God’s sake.” Justine grabbed a shawl of hers and covered William half nakedness. “You are drunk, and need to go back. You cannot stay here.”

“Back? I am not wanted anywhere. Elizabeth do not want me back. Elaine does not want unless I give her coins. The maids will do bed me unless I have coins. The tavern will not serve me unless I have coins. I have none.” William looked towards Justine.

“You are the only one left. Victor and Ernest are locked in their own chamber. My father …….”

“William, stop it. Your family loves you.” Justine sat on the bedding. “I ……”

“Do you? I do not. I once loved Elizabeth but she jilted me. I ……” William sighed. “I have no one else.”

“William, you cannot stay here. You must leave. It is not appropriate.” Justine looked at the drunken friend. William was to her still a friend.

“Justine, I love you.” It was William’s words then; drunken but true. “I need you.”

“No!” Justine raised her voice. “I am ……”

Justine bit her tongue. She was to say that she was Victor’s but she was not. She liked Victor but love was out of the equation.

“I know you and Victor, but I am better. I do not look at cadavers. I feel for the …. Dead. I hold emotions, and above all, I hold emotions for you. You are the heart in my body.”

“Madness!” Justine called out.

“No! It is not madness. It is love.” William had his voice raised and those words rang in the dorm.

“Get out!” Justine had enough of it. She walked to the door, but William had intervened on her. He held her to the door. His drunken breaths were on her neck, while his body covered her at the back.

“Justine, I love you.” William roared out. “I ……”

Justine had broken loose and stepped back to her chamber. She looked around for something to fight off the man. She saw the jug and grabbed it.

“Come any closer, and I will kill you.” Justine held up the jug before her. William had then approached her, and she swung the jug at his face. It cracked on impact and cut a deep gash to William’s left side of the head. The man staggered from the blow, and Justine in her survival instinct lashed out with her right leg into the man’s groin. In her studies, besides the eyes, the groin was sensitive area for pain. William called out in pain, and then ran out of the chamber.

Justine was in shock, but she had to follow Willian in case he gets more hurt. She rushed out to look for him, unaware that she was still holding the broken jug.

 

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 19

 

19.

Its learning on the movement of its limbs was getting to be more fluid; clumsy but able to move better. It was a toddler learning to walk, but it learned faster than them. Hency gave it some of his old clothes, the loose shirt, and baggy pants with a set of shoes. He was dressing it to cover the nakedness that was disturbing him.

“Why do I need to have these? It asked Victor.

“Well, you looked like us then. We want you to be comfortable.” Victor lied then. He was equally uncomfortable with the creation parading naked. The earlier frock was disposed of when it was found to be cumbersome. They could not see the progress of motion by the creation.

“Is it what you call me?” It asked Victor. Those were the forthcoming queries from the creation.

“It. That is your name. I am Master, and he is Henry.” Victor explained.

“He knows now. He has that there. I do not.” The creation looked at Victor.

“Do you have one too?”

“I …” Victor found himself at a loss for words. He directed the creation to learn more on its movement. He had seen the creation was able to lift the chair with one arm, the left arm. Its’ right arm was less muscular. He attributed it to the original person not being that athletic.

“Master Victor, I have taken it for walks in the forests.” Henry looked like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“You what?” Victor was furious. He had only spent time with the learning. He had rested there while Henry took over the works.

“When?”

“When you were resting. It was looking out of the window and asked me questions.” Henry was not the smarter one. “I took her out. We went into the forests. Far from the mansion. To the creek.”

The walk to the creek was about an hour. “

Are you mad? What if someone sees ... it?” Victor shouted.

“No one did. We were very careful.”

“Yes, we were careful. He took me there to wash me. He made me feel good. Clean.” It said to Victor. “I washed him too.”

“Washed?” Victor looked at Henry. The latter nodded and looked away.

“I was angry. I have no friends. Only you and it. I wanted to feel differently. Doctor Mitchell told it was against the act of God with the sheep, or the dogs.” 

“Oh my God!” Victor sighed. He had known Henry was lonely, but he did not expect that. He knew of the sheep. Everyone in the village knew. They called him the monster. That was why Sven kept him at the mansion. He was forbidden to go anywhere near the village.

“That was what Doctor Mitchell said too. Later, he told me God will help.” Henry smiled. “God helps monsters.”

“Well, no more. I forbid you of that, Henry. It stays with me or remains locked here. No more walks.” Victor told the other. Somehow, it became agitated. It flung its limbs and shook its head.

“No! No!” Victor rushed to hold the creation. Stay calm. Henry, help me here.”

Both calmed down the creation and got it to sit on the chair.

“It must behave. You could damage the joints.” Victor removed the frock and examined the lacerations. It was almost healed, but the sudden movement caused parts of it to tear.

“I need to suture them back.” Victor told Henry. “Bring me the surgical case.”

But Henry was staring at the bosom.

“Henry, pull yourself together. I need help here.” Victor shouted.

Henry, shaken out of his stupor, then moved to get the case. Victor took over from there while Henry stepped to the far end of the lab.

“Henry is hurt. He likes to stare at me.” It told Victor.

“It will not move when he washes me.”

“Stop it.” Victor forced himself to focus on replacing the damaged sutures. It has been half a season, and the joints are well into formation, but it still has some weakness. He could not avoid looking at the naked torso. It was beautiful there.

“Are you …?” It asked of him. He looked to his groin and saw the telling sign.

“No, I am not. Let me finish the work here.” Victor shifted his body to hide his embarrassment.

There were moments in life when he felt embarrassment, and one of those moments was for Elizabeth.

“Stop it, William!” Elizabeth pushed the other off her. They were in the living area of Elizabeth’s home. She was back, and William came over. They were alone in the living area when William could not help himself but leapt at the lady. After she pushed him over, she got up and walked to the door. Her aunt was in the kitchen then.

“William Frankenstein, please behave yourself. This is my home…”

“I miss you very much.” William stepped up to the lady. “I was lonely, and now that you are back…”

“I am, but I am not to be trampled or mauled by you.” Elizabeth cautioned the other. “Please restrain yourself.”

“Liz, it has been weeks. I feel the need to …”

“And you are mad. This is my home, and….”

“Our home soon. We will be engaged. I mean to say it will be one of the homes we can stay at.” William smiled.

“William Frankenstein, do behave, or you will leave now.”

“I … I want you.” William unbuttoned his breeches. “He wants you.”

“Oh my God!” That was not from Elizabeth but the aunt who had returned to the living area. “It is not as I expected.”

“Aunt Muriel! I can …” Elizabeth in turn looked towards William. He had turned his back to button his breeches. The young lady turned to look at her aunt.

“I am …….  can explain.” Elizabeth her embarrassment.

“No necessity. He does have that, but it was not my first scene.” The aunt was blunt with her expressions. “You better catch him. He is leaving at the front door.”

Elizabeth did not chase after William, for she was upset then. William was too when he exited at the street. He took to the nearby tavern and had his drink there. It was early in the day, and the place was empty of patrons. He took his eye, and then looked at the maids.

“Fancy a dipper, huh?” The maid walked up to him. She was not exactly what he wanted, but the need to release was on.

“I am, but do you have any friends?” William asked. “I could pay.”

The coin purse was shown then. The maid smiled and then said, “I do not think you lack any of either. Me too. I can call up Mary. She was without any dipping of late.”

It was agreed, and the room at the next level was taken on. It was past an hour when William was still humping before he turned over

“Sire, are you tired? I could. ride you.” Emily looked to the young man who was having trouble releasing his pent-up desire.

“No. I am done.” William got up to dress. He paid his dues and left. His waning performance was not because of the ladies, but his mind was on another.

Justine.

“Madness!” William shook his head. He found himself desiring the lady. “I am a monster to desire her.”

“Is there any monster there?” Spielsdorf watched the constable giving him an update on the death of Doctor Mitchell. They met at the library in Frankenstein’s mansion at the request of the host.

“Monster was the speculation told to me by Chief Constable Lestrade. I say no, we do not have any. As I am telling you now, we do not have any monster. Mr. Spielsdorf, please do not embarrass me with that. Chief Constable Lestrade had me there.”

“I have reported to Chief Constable Lestrade, and without any new evidence, I am at a loss here. I have visited Mrs. Hudson’s house and found no Ms. Katherine as reported by you. The neighbours did say that there was a lady there, but soon after—or was it before the death of Mrs. Hudson? —the lady was not seen.”

“I had searched the village and the forests, but there was no trace of the lady. It may be circumstantial to assume the worst for the lady, but honestly, there is no relevance of her to your case, the death of Doctor Mitchell.”

“Constable Brown, I spoke to Mrs. Hudson on the lady, and to my suspicion, she may be linked to the death of Mrs. Hudson and also Doctor Mitchell.” Spielsdorf made his opinion known to the constable.

“She …”

“The only conclusion is about you. You met Mrs. Hudson prior to her death; you also were with Doctor Mitchell prior to his death. You were found at the side of the doctor….”

“Unconscious, Constable.” Spielsdorf reminded the constable. “I was … I am unsure, hit from behind or how. I was hit.”

“An obvious conclusion, but by whom, and why?” Constable Brown looked at the other. “Chief Constable Lestrade held the same questions.”

“I will not know. I was …”

“Unconscious then. I have that in the report. You were not hurt, but the doctor was with bruises. You had none. So, probably you were… clubbed, and then the attacker punished Doctor Mitchell, hence the bruises. The doctor probably died of those injuries.” Constable Brown looked over. “That is my conjecture of the event. You are a lucky man, sir.”

“But…” Spielsdorf was dissatisfied, but the host intervened.

“Thank you, Constable. I trust you will find the killers. Mr. Spielsdorf will, however, stay for me till further notice. The meeting ended, and Constable Brown left.

“Do not …” Spielsdorf was upset.

“Embarrassed you? I was saving you. The constable cleared your involvement.”

“No, Общий. It has to do with the lady I met. She is …”

“Stop your witch hunt, Rudolph.” The Общий used his stern voice as the commanding officer. “I was to … say that we will not involve the authorities in the hunt. We will do so ourselves.”

“You believe me then?”

“I do, Rudolf. We are the few who can be trusted. The others are imbeciles or ... monsters.” The Общий then got up to approach the cabinet nearby. He retrieved two cases there.

“I had these prepared and kept here.” The Общий displayed the contents. It was a pair of Webley pistols with two boxes of cartridges. “They were made by an expert I consulted. He is an expert in the design of the pistol and is an avid hunter of the occult. He suggested I use silver-tipped cartridges. Silver was claimed to hurt the vampires and witches. You can hold one set and do not embarrass me by shooting yourself in the toe.”

“That was a long time ago, Общий.” Both men laughed. “And I miss. Toes are still there.” 

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 18

 

18.

The elderly lady stood there by the tree trunk, using the shadow there to conceal herself from the prying eyes. She had failed not once but several times for the mistress. She feared for herself if she was to fail once more.

“You are early, my servant.” The voice came from above, an elderly lady high up on the branches. “Do not look up.”

“I am here, mistress.” The elderly lady's voice was quivering. “I did not know there were others.”

“You are getting careless. I have lived my existence in the shadows. When Vlad knew me, she knew me as the countess with a hidden past. He knew of my family's past but was unsure. My lineage of fore kept our existence within the family only. He has suspected that I am a witch, but our coven was family-knitted. We did not invite outsiders.”

“Vlad’s widow, Justina, was his second wife, but he took her for his primary love. He had married Corvinus’s half-sister, but he truly loved Justina. She told me herself when we met then. She was so much in love with him, and it hurt me. It still does, for I was in love with Justina since we were young girls.”

“Justina was my first love. Soon after Justina married Vlad, my family moved away to a safer place. The wars with the Turks have ravaged our homes. I lost touch with Justina, but the events were to unfold when I was to meet Vlad once again. He was estranged from his wife and became a martyr to the cause. People flocked to his side, and foes fled for fear of death.”

“Undead death was the curse.”

“I was not his foe, but an ally. An ally that needed his protection. He approached me and declared his protection over me, but there was a condition. I was to be his. He had needed brides, but I declined. I am who I am, and no one shall own me. I told him no, but he was not giving up. He then offered me an alternative.”

“Be with me with the gift of immortality. I offered you that, and you will stand beside me as an ally. I then confessed to him about my heritage, and he nodded.”

“I know. He said to me. I have battled witches, sorcerers, and what else. They opposed me, for I am a deviant. I am not. He was just like them with the knowledge or skills of something new. He detested them, but he felt that if he could not be a part of the coven, he would join with mine.”

“It was unspoken in my coven. I deferred my ply, but the hunts on us were wide and far. I lost many of the coven. I approached him for protection, and he offered me one last chance.”

“I was to be one like him, but as his ally and not a bride.”

“I agreed. I was a fool. I was not to know that with his gift, I was beholden to him. It was not an ally, but a seduction of my innocence. He had me for his lust. He wanted a child to carry his name. His brides were barren, and I was the chosen one.”

“Due to my lineage, I held on to the challenges to his seduction. I was weakened but without any resistance. His seeds were expunged by me through my blood. He found himself at a loss and confronted me. I told him of the spells to repudiate the seeds of his inside me. He was furious, and we fought. I expelled him from my life and began to live my own. I was to become the vampire witch and form new covens.”

“I turned a curse into a cure, but I was restrained by my affliction. I found my need for blood was ravenous. Vlad found me at the mansion, and we went at each other’s jugular. He was the king, but I was still the mistress in my realm. It was unforeseen that we had the audience of two mortals. Vlad got me on the acts, and I fled.”

“Fleeing was to return, but Vlad caught my essence then. I was to flee without my soul but my heart beats remains.  I had the mirrors to escape, but it was not total. I have been looking for my heart since then.”

“My mistress …” The elderly lady meekly voiced out.

“Silence, Servant. I had you among others to assist me. Our journey may be ending. I found my heart. I will get it back, but you are a loss now. A loss of trust, and your worthy ends now. Return to myself.”

The elderly lady felt her soul drawn from her vessel. It was pulled out by the mistress, and the vessel shell fell to the ground. The mistress lowered herself to the ground.

“Vlad had his way, but we have ours. The coven knew the spell to pull the soul. I will store the soul in me till a worthy one can be found.” The mistress was in the form of one named Carmilla.

Carmilla looked at the discarded vessel, survived by the dead skin cells.

“You were loyal, Stephanie. Rest well for now. Go back to the mansion. I am to end my quest soon.”

A quest it was for Elizabeth. She took it with her aunt to visit some faraway lands, but to her it was a quest to get away. She used the trip to search within herself for her soul. It was ironic that she, a trained psychologist, needed therapy. She was, after all, a living person.

According to psychology, "love" is a complex emotion characterized by strong affection, intimacy, commitment, and passion, often involving a deep connection with another person, where feelings of care, trust, and desire are present, with the brain releasing chemicals like dopamine that contribute to feelings of pleasure and reward when experiencing love.

Was it love when she was with William? She felt herself able to utter the words, I love you, but did it carry her feelings? Was love mere words? She knew that during then, many marriages were arranged by convenience or paternal callings. Princes and princesses were betrothed by their kings and queens. The solemn vow of ‘I do’ was merely words, or to some, brave words to say then. The solemn vow is a serious promise made to someone or something, often in prayers or towards God, and most times in a formal setting.  It can be made to oneself or to others. That was followed by the consummation of the couple, which was feared by Elizabeth.

“I do not fear sex.” The lady whispered to herself. “I can … enjoy it.”

There were some boys before William, but she never went all the way. It was kisses and some touching, but she stopped them if they went further down. It was the same with William, but okay, he did explore further. As she did, but they were grownups then, but she did not yield her chastity. She knew it hurt William, and he had a bigger ego than his tool, but she was adamant about being chaste to the last day.

Elizabeth did once confer with Justine; a girl’s talk. She mentioned that she was unsure of William and whether he will be faithful like Victor.

“Victor? I think you got it wrong. Victor is devoted to only himself. He held no other feelings at all.” Justine had laughed.

“He must have. For you, for instance. He seems close towards you.” Elizabeth hit the point forth.

“No, we are friends. Working colleagues, but lovers, I will say nay. If we do have sex, he will measure, weigh my body parts, and complain if they are not perfect.”

The ladies laughed, but Elizabeth pressed on.

“He could be your mate.”

“Nay, I am also in love with my works.” Justine smiled.

“Were you ever in love?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes, once. I was in love with ……. Swear it will never be mentioned this ever again.” Justine looked hard at Elizabeth, who nodded.

“It was a boy when I was in Belgium. We were younger then, but we went apart.”Justine lied.

The boy died then, mysteriously, and she was packed to the uni. She never knew why he died.

“Okay, I will not tell Victor.” Elizabeth laughed. “I may let it out as flatulence. Am I a monster to say that?”

“I do not think so. If you are one, you are a lovely monster.” Justine mimics the monster. That was also how Elizabeth felt about her feelings towards William. Her thoughts shifted to Victor.

“Nice……” Elizabeth smiled. He was flattering when he was not at his work, but he was a total gentleman when it was towards the ladies. She may have another choice after all. He was not a monster. 

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 17

 

17.

William met Justine at the Uni and inquired from her about her well-being.

“I did not know you moved out till the next day. The maids were all silent on it.” William invited her to the café to have a drink.

“I had told Sven to keep it quiet. Your father knew, and I had my goodbyes with him.” Justine sipped at her tea.

“Did you tell Victor about this?” William asked.

“Yes, I did. He met just when I was packing. I was to tell Ernest, but he did not reply to my knocks.”

“So, you told everyone but me. What am I to you? A stranger? You lived in my mansion and did not have the courtesy to tell me.” William raised his voice. The others seated nearby looked over.

“It was not your mansion. It was your father’s. I told him, and Victor happened to walk by my chamber. I…”

“Justine Moritz, we offered you a shelter, and you took to stay there for how long? Almost two years, and you left on a sudden note. The mansion belongs to the Frankenstein’s. I am one. You are not. And never will be.”

“What is it with you? I have found my board here. It was part of the grant.” Justine looked at the ones who were staring at them.

“I offered fees for my board at the mansion, and your father said no. I bought food for the kitchen. I was paying for my stay. Have you done any?”

It was brewing to an argument.

“I am his son. I am also the benefactor of his estate. How will I be dispersed on the estate, and if I do, it is none of your business.” William got off on the wrong footing. “And I was not fucking my way through the back door.”

“Fucking? Whoever gave you that idea?” Justine was upset then.

“Oh, that day when you saw with Victor. He was in pain, and I held him. That was it. I have ... and will not be fucking you. Or even Ernest the cripple.”

“Hold your tongue, Justine Moritz. Those are my family.”

“They were mine once before but not anymore. Go and fuck Liz. It looks like you needed that.” Justine got up and then grabbed the cup of tea.

“Get a new life, William. Liz is not coming back to you.” Justine tossed the remaining tea at William.

“She told me she was fed up with your advances.”

“Fuck you!” William roared back.

“Never in this lifetime or any others.” It was a blatant reply, and she lied about Liz. She never said anything bad about William.

Justine walked off, leaving Victor embarrassed. It was hard for anyone to be insulted in public.

Or in private. Spielsdorf met the Общий for a private breakfast at the library. They sat before the fireplace.

“Rudolf,” The host greeted the old friend. The other knew that this was to be a personal discussion. He smiled and looked at the spread on the table.

“Black tea, and… blini? (Small, yeast-risen pancakes that originated in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.  They are a traditional Slavic dish. I have not had that for a long time.” The guest said.

“I know. I got Sven to prepare for us. No more tea and scones or eggs.” The host laughed.

“Thank you, Общий.”

“It is Alf now. Call me that. I have the same served to Lauren.” The host laughed. “She will like it.”

“She will. What about the boys?”

“William is back at the uni. Victor, as I was told, sleeps in the lab. Ernest, he is more local to the meals here.” The host smiled. “I want to see you in private to talk about your recent travel.”

“There is not much to tell. I had stopped by here and….”

“Leaving your daughter to my care. She looked frail. How long were you on the roads?”

“Long and longer.” Spielsdorf sighed. “We left our home three summers ago.”

Soon, Spielsdorf narrated the journey he had undertaken, including the accident, and then his personal trip soon after until he was hit from behind.

“Did you see anything?”

“No. I was blindsided, and next, I was here. I did not kill the doctor.” Spielsdorf sighed. “It could have been the …”

“Countess Carmilla Karnstein? It cannot be. She was defeated by the Count then.”

“Defeated? No, she was not. She escaped then. Count Dracula could not pursue her then.” Spielsdorf looked at his commanding officer. “She may be back. She had harassed my family for many years, caused the death of Lissa, and blinded Lauren.”

“Assumption, Spielsdorf. You have no proof. Count Dracula said that she may take a long time to be resurrected.”

“Not really in those words, but resurrected she will be, but how we were not told.” Spielsdorf looked at the portrait. “You were given the jewel. Her blood in it. You were told that it may be the thing to stop her.”

“Yes, but again not in many words. The Count did not say how, but it was to do it. And I have no idea how.” The host held out the cane. “If it will work for you, please take it.”

“No, Общий. The jewel was given to you by the count, and it shall be yours to hold. I have battled her, if I assumed it was her, and still survived. Let me be.”

“No, Rudolf. Your battles are mine too. We will destroy the countess together.”

Togetherness was what Victor was trying to create. He wanted to create not any entity but a creation of togetherness with the living. He had spent hours teaching the creation.

“You can walk now.” Victor was proud of creation.

It was taking small steps across the lab. He had dressed the creation in a simple frock to cover the anatomies. It was distracting then; the creation was not perfect. The left leg was slightly longer, and the right foot was bigger. The arms were fine; muscular in the forearm, but the hands were perfect. The torso was fine; it was the original part, and the head was too. The creation lacked hair, but that was not an issue. The laceration caused by the sutures was hardly seen. It was the nakedness that was distracting. The creation held a set of breasts that were perfect; perky and handful with the pouty lips on the mouth.

“Henry, stop staring.” Victor found his aide staring at her. He was but averted the gaze when he could.

“Can we name her?” Henry asked.

“Why her? It is a creation.”

“It is a woman. She got …”

“Stop the generalization. The creation had some attributes, but I could change that.” Victor was confident that his creation was his to change.

“I… am a woman?” The creation spoke.

“No, you are not a woman. You are mine. You are my creation. I created you.” Victor found himself explaining to the creation.

“I am a … creation.” The figure looked at Victor. “What is he?”

It was the first query raised by the creation. Victor was shocked by the query.

“He? He is Henry. He is… he is mine too.” Victor said.

“Am I?” Henry asked. Victor did not reply. Instead, he told the creation to learn on the walks.

Henry approached his master. He leaned over and asked. “Am I yours too?”

“Yes, you are. I am your master.” Victor replied.

“Master, please hurry.” Elaine called out. She felt every thrust by the young master. He was getting tough in his acts. He wore the sheath made from the animal intestines, the sheep, or the calf. It was secured by the ribbon string at the base. He had insisted on wearing that, for he was afraid of the disease or being claimed as the father. It was Doctor Mitchell’s introduction, and he wore that only for the whores and unnamed ladies. He was more careful ever since he had sworn his faithfulness to Liz.

“Soon…” William grunted. He felt the dryness in the passage and then gave up. He pulled out and stepped back.

“Is it over, Master?” Elaine looked at the man and saw it was not.

William withdrew the sheath and lay back. Elaine knew her task ahead and enveloped him with her mouth. It did not work either.

“Stop!” William swung his legs off the bedding.

“Get dressed and leave.”

Elaine felt disgusted to be discarded then. She knew she had no option. She was, after all, the maid. She will take her dues in other means.

“Master William, can I have some coins, please?”

“Yes, take what you need but leave me some. I will collect later from Sven.”

William walked to the window. He heard the maid took her dues, and his ordeal was not over.

“Justine….” William's thoughts went to the lady.