Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 8

 

8

“Rudolf Spielsdorf, it had been a long time since we met.” The Общий greeted the old friend at the library. “You looked very much like when I left you at the regiment.”

“It has been a long time, Общий.” Spielsdorf snapped to attention before the senior officer he once served. “I have been given a good regiment and better men who were shaped by you. I merely continue the works.”

“And I was told, you did. When did you retire?” The two officers squared off against each other. Spielsdorf was taller and slim and had dressed in the tweeds that fitted him like his uniform.

“It was over ten years now, but the situation at home needed fixing.” The guest reported. He then stepped aside to introduce his daughter.

“Lauren Bertha Spielsdorf. My daughter.” The officer led his daughter to meet the host. “She is …”

“I was informed.” The host nodded. Lauren was afflicted by a disease that robbed her of sight. What she could make out were blurred images. It was said to be an accident, which also took the life of her mother.

“My condolences for Lissa Bertha.” The host bowed to the other. “She was a fine lady and devoted wife to you.”

“Yes, and thank you. It had been such a long time since her passing. She used to talk to me about you and Annabelle. I heard of Annabelle too.”

“Both our wives are looking at us now; two old men standing when we should be seated.’ The host led his guest to the fireplace. Lauren was led by the maid in attendance to the seat on the side.

“I always admired your portrait.” Spielsdorf looked at the frame above the fireplace. “You looked grand in it.”

“I was, and now all that reminded me of then was this and, of course, yourself. Was there no portrait of you done?”

“None. I did not want one. I had a picture of me with Lissa, but it was so strenuous to remain still for a long time.” Portrait photographs then required subjects to sit motionless for exposures often lasting twenty to sixty seconds.” We agreed not to do it again.”

“Ha! I remembered then. You had the photo stashed away.” The host laughed.

“Yes, my remembrance of Lissa remained in my memory.” Spielsdorf laughed in return. “She was a splendid lady.”

“I know.” The host smiled. Lissa Spielsdorf was the perfect wife for the military man. She was ever supportive and never once stopped her man from going to battle. All she ever asked was for him to return from it. Sadly, she died in an unexpected way, as related then.

“She should not have taken to the road that night. She insisted because I was in the infirmary; for heaven’s sake, it was a wound. The surgeons were insistent I stay there, and my family was informed.”

“It was the regiment’s call, Spielsdorf.”

“I know, but many of my officers… our officers, Общий… had worse, and their families were not informed until much later.”

“True, but you are the Общий.” The host smiled.

“Acting Общий then. It was fated. She was traveling with Lauren, then only ten, and with her concern for me, she was unescorted. The carriage was hit by another, as they claimed, and she died.” The word of death to the two senior officers was casual for they have seen many of it.

“I mourn her death as it was with every officer who had served with me.” The host sighed. “Tragic, but it was then.”

“Yes, but the rumours then…... were unflattering.” Spielsdorf looked to his daughter.

“Father, may I be excused? I need to go to the powder chamber.” Lauren had stood up then. The maid in attendance stepped up to the lady. Spielsdorf nodded, and the maid took the hand of the lady to lead her away. They were out of the door when Spielsdorf continued.

“The rumors hurt her hard.” Spielsdorf sighed. “I do not know what was to trigger it then.”

“I heard of it even from here.” The host sighed. “It is sad. They are monsters to accuse you. And her.”

“Yes, Lissa had nothing to do with dark arts or whatever else it was. She was a good wife. They said that she dabbled in that art, and the witches took their toll on her and … Lauren.”

“Spielsdorf… ease your pain. Please rest here.”

“No, I must talk, or I will go mad. They link her to the Countess Mircalla Karnstein. They were related, but she was a distant relative, and they had never met. The countess had died a hundred years ago. She was last seen walking by herself to the forest and was never seen ever again. They found her left shoe.”

“Spielsdorf, it was a long time. I was there with you but that is over. In our career, we have encountered many things. If you recall, once we hunted werewolves, but it all turned out to be wild dogs. Or the wild men, who were scavengers who were demented in their behavior. We are experienced in the works of the mind. What was a monster? Were living creatures like other men or women?”

“We were called monsters by many.” Spielsdorf sighed. “We were then. The many we killed. They were…”

“They were not all innocent. There was someone who was killing our people. Those who were … innocents were … collateral damage. It was to be seen.”

“True, Общий. We had seen it all.”

“Call me by my name, please. I am not your Общий anymore.” The host smiled. “We are among friends now. No more regiment.”

“Yes, Alphonse. Please call me Rudolf.”

“No, I much prefer you as Red.” Red was Rudolf's nickname then, from Rudolf the Reindeer. “Just call me Alf.”

“That was your name then at the mess hall when you were not around. It was Alf here and Alf there, like the barking of the dog.”

Both men laughed.

Across the corridors to the East Wing, there was concern displayed.

“Carmilla looks fine.” Doctor Mitchell approached the elderly lady who was traveling with her. “Her bruises are healed. Surprise to me for the maids mentioning deep gashes…”

“They could be exaggerating.” The elderly lady smiled. “Carmilla has been a strong girl.”

“She is.” Doctor Mitchell turned to look at the patient of his. “She looks fine to me. How may I address you, ma’am?”

“Stephanie, Stephanie … Karnstein. We were just traveling through.” The elderly lady smiled.

“Karnstein? Like Frankenstein, huh? Old country folks, and truly a coincidence to meet the two of you here.”

“Coincidence? Perhaps, but we do not know the... Frankenstein. We are traveling north… to see a friend there. We had an accident and the staff here assisted us.”

“Most unfortunate to have the accident, but you are fortunate to be near here. The Frankensteins have a huge mansion with lots of chambers, but they are on the quiet side on the social circle. Alphonse remains a recluse, but his sons, William, and Victor… well, they are better.”

“We will be moving on soon, Doctor.” The elderly lady smiled. “Carmilla will be fine to…”

“No, Carmilla shall stay in rest for a while. She looked frail, and there are some tests I want to do to make sure she can travel. I will put in the good word to Sven.”

“But, Doctor. We need to be on the road.”

“Soon, my dear. Soon after, Carmilla is recovered.” Doctor Mitchell then stepped out of the chamber. Lady Karnstein approached Carmilla at the bedding.

“We need to …”

“No, Stephanie. I am fine here. I can feel there is something here I may need.” Carmilla addressed the other. “You may proceed on while I stay on. Go to the village and prepare the needed.”

“Yes, Countess. I will obey.” The elderly lady stepped away. She then turned to look at Carmilla.

“You must ….”

“I will be careful. You too. Speak to no one of me. Just send me the messages when it is needed.”