Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 27

 

27.

 

Elizabeth Muriel sat in the dark in the living area of her home, nursing the half-empty glass of wine. She was brooding on the sight of her grown daughter, whom she had ignored that day. She felt no remorse but an emptiness inside her.

“William…” Elizabeth muttered to herself. “She… could have been ours. Yet……. She is not. Yes, she held the blood of Frankenstein inside but not yours.”

Her thoughts were frayed, and she kept on muttering. She knew that she did not love Victor, but he was the last of the kins there. She had the consummation on desperate terms; she was alone. She thought she was until she met Agathe.

“I am not a witch and will never be one.” Elizabeth having told Agathe. “Mother was not one.”

“She wedded…no, consummated with the witch.” Agathe bit her words. “It was her legacy, as it was ours for generations.”

“Mother was in love.” Elizabeth had defended her mother. “It was……”

“Love? A funny term for myself. I bore your mother and aunt from the needs of the coven.” Agathe looked at Elizabeth. “No sons, but daughters, as you did. You may deny yourself to be a witch, but you are one inside.”

“No, I am not. My ……. Ailments are ……”

“Medicine could not cure you. Only the coven could.” Agathe looked at the lady. “Fine, you will not be one. But you are my granddaughter. Be that for me.”

It was how she reconciled with Agathe, but her bouts of madness were a concern to Agathe. She hid that from Victor, and he was too occupied with his tasks and had attributed her moods to the pregnancy. He let her have her avoidance of him, and it was then she found Agathe to soothe her with the medicinal herbs and comfort.

Medicine that Elizabeth was unaware of.

“Ms. Muriel, I will be in my chamber.” "Lilith the witch," said Agathe when she saw Elizabeth seated there.

“Stay with me for a while. Lilith,” Elizabeth told the other. “Turn on the lamps if you want.”

“I am fine with the darkness.” Lilith took to the other armchair there. She sat there and watched the lady of the house. She was dressed in the dark dress, with the tight bodice buttoned to the neck.

“Who …… I meant, tell me of yourself.” Elizabeth changed her tone.

“Myself? I am with the Wiccan. I had been since I was five years of age, orphaned and taken care of by the Wiccan. I followed her, was trained by her, and served only her.” Lilith smiled in the dark. “I knew no others outside of the coven.’ Why do you ask?”

“I am just curious,” Elizabeth replied. “I am a sheltered child, and when my mother died, I was raised by an aunt, and then I went on to be with… a man and have a child. All of these were discarded to return here.”

Lilith remained silent.

“I am unsure now of what I am to do,” Elizabeth sighed.

“You saw your daughter. You are unsure of what to do next,” Lilith said. “I am unsure of what to do if I am you.”

“What was Agathe ……. In the mother’s role?” Elizabeth asked.

“Wiccan? She …… She was… like any mother. Stern and loving at times.” Lilith said. “She taught me well.”

“Will you die for her, Lilith?” Elizabeth asked. The other nodded.

“Will she die for you?” Elizabeth asked in a different tone.

“I think so.” Lilith nodded. “Our responsibility is the Wiccan’s well-being.”

“Lilith, were you here before? With the other missing girls? Ten years ago?”

“I… I cannot say, Elizabeth.” Lilith turned to leave. “There are things ……. I will not say. Good night.”

“Wait, Lilith. Assist me in one task,” Elizabeth asked. “I know it is late, but do help me.”

It was also late and dark then when Victor and Doctor Abraham took to the lab to work on the generator. They carried the required components there and assembled it. Rudolf and Lauren, with Abel, chose to stay back in the cottage after having barricaded the windows and doors. Only Sven was missing then.

“I can assemble these components, but we need those other items to connect it.” Doctor Abraham looked at the silent machine. “Are we to start? Or shall we fortify the lab from the demons?”

Victor, who was standing there, looking at the once proud lab of his, was lost in his thoughts once again. He could recall the maid on the wall and Ernest pinned by the metal cupboard. It was coming back to him then.

“Victor ……” Doctor Abraham whispered to the other. “Are we ……”

“Yes. I need that generator to start the tasks.” Victor nodded. He was clouded in his mind.

“Doctor, have you fought demons?” Victor asked. He changed the subject matter. “You seem to be……”

“Myself? I ……” Doctor Abraham hesitated to say. “I cannot … say. I have …… In my research at Metaphysics, I have explored many events, including the non-confirmative ones. I will say in my research, I will not disregard anything.”

“My question was, had you encountered… demons?” Victor pressed on.

“Had you?” Doctor Abraham asked back.

“I …… I have not till tonight.” Victor lied. “I never thought that demons existed.”

“Perhaps a monster?” Doctor Abraham probed the other.

“I am …… My creation was no monster, Doctor Abraham. It was a …… creation.” Victor blurted out in anger. “Maybe our collaboration will be a mistake.”

“No, sir. I do apologize. I would like to partake in your new experiment…. Perhaps a creation.” Doctor Abraham turned his tone. “I was…… I am just tired. And worried about the demons.”

Victor did not say anything. He stared at the generator. He could fix it, but with much work, as he was not with the knowledge on the machine. The doctor may speed up the repairs, and he could do his next creation.

A mate for Mary.

Loneliness is a sad feeling.

“Okay, let us wait for dawn and get the needed components. Steal if we must.” Victor begins to clean the lab.

Meanwhile, Sven stood there transfixed by the floating apparition, which was his mistress, Annabelle Frankenstein. He had encountered many unnatural forms and was fearful of what he saw. If it was truly his mistress, she will not harm him.

“Sven, stay with me. Do not fear me. I am back with my sister to assist Lauren. Is she safe here?” Annabelle asked. “Who did that?”

“That…… It was another.” Sven lied. “I know not whom it was.”

“You are not telling me, Sven. Be truthful, or I will read it from your mind.” Annabelle looked at the man. “Sven, I know you are a good man. I will help you.”

Sven resigned to his pain and explained it all. He told the mistress of Mary and his son, Henry. And, about Victor and Elizabeth and the granddaughter Mary Annabelle.

“My granddaughter… I am… why with her? I had……. I wished I was here. I could have stopped him.” Annabelle sighed. “Alf ……. Poor Alf. He came here because of me. Red too.”

Annabelle recalled the event that made her meet up with her lover. Carmilla was injured, and Annabell had a truce with Alf. She brought Carmilla to Alf’s home, and there she recuperated. Lissa had joined up with Rudolf. Alf bought the mansion then and held that as their home. It was all calm till Annabelle sensed the place was with its presence; the place held magical properties. She was alone and feared for Carmilla, who was injured.

Then came the Eastwick and Creek Circle.

They posed a danger to the sisters, and Annabelle had to act. Lissa was committed to her life with Rudolf, and with Carmilla injured, Annabelle held the challenge off from the other two covens.

“Annabelle, you are no match for me alone. Without sisters, I can defeat you.” William Katt had confronted the lady. “All I ask is you leave the area. This town belongs to the Circle Creek.”

It was a brazen challenge, but Annabelle was not to give it up. She challenged the other despite her condition and the child soon to be named. She fought hard against the witch but was too weak to continue.

“Give up, Annabelle. I will spare you and your unborn child.” William Katt told her. “I will spare your sister, Carmilla, who is in need of recovery, if she ever does.”

“I will accept defeat.” Annabelle surrendered. She returned to the mansion and met Carmilla. She told the other of the promise by William Katt.

“Lissa is selfish not to come to your call.” Carmilla sighed.

“No, Lissa had her reasons. She promised Rudolf that she will not practice witchcraft. It was her solemn oath to her lover.” Annabelle smiled. “I had no such pledge, and if I can give him a daughter, Alf will be contented.”

“You are hurt now, Annabelle. How sure are you that you could survive this pregnancy? It will take its toll on you.”

“Well, till death do we reunite once more, as spirits of the coven. And ……” Annabelle smiled.

“And a new witch will take on our powers and be the guardian of the Power of Three.” Carmilla affirmed their association. It did, and Annabelle passed on soon after the birth of Ernest.

“Sven,” Annabelle returned to the present then and asked of the other. “Where is this… Mary?”

“I do not know. She comes when she does. She is …… around.”

“We must protect Victor. He is all I have now.” Annabelle looked at Carmilla.

“And Lauren. She is the chosen one. We must protect her too.” Carmilla smiled.

 

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 26

 

26.

 
Kane regained his consciousness and then hobbled to the doorway. He made his way to the café downstairs and saw Howard there alongside several patrons. They were all drinking there at the tables.

“You…” Kane felt for his weapons, but there were none.

“Your crossbow is here with the arrows. I may suggest you rest some more. The witches’ act does have a profound effect on your strength.” Howard smiled. “Have a drink on me. It will give you some help.”

“Meat pie? No animals died but the sheep in the rear.” Howard added. “From Alistair’s farm here.”

Alistair was seated there holding his goblet. He was a huge man dressed like any farmer, overall, and weather-beaten boots. He has a scar on his left cheek.

“Sheep was mine. She strayed too near the woods. Wolf had her there, but I stopped the kill.”

“No thanks.” Kane grabbed his weapons and walked to the door.

‘Hold on, Kane Helsing. I will suggest more rest. The event is tomorrow at noon, and now is dusk. You cannot travel…….”

“I must find my father and… brother.” Kane took leave of the tavern. His horse was there, and he mounted it. He took to the road towards the mansion. Howard stood there by the entrance and then returned to the counter. He leaned over and spoke to one of the patrons.

“Jesse, alert the pack. We have our hunt soon.”

“Long wait, Alpha.” Jesse said, and then took leave to hunt the others. Victor was then hunting for the missing parts. Sven showed him the hidden parts, and with Doctor Abraham he was sorting out the needed components.

“Most of it looked good.” Doctor Abraham studied the disassembled components. “We need more of some ……. Perhaps from the university. They have a couple of generators there.”

Victor nodded and looked towards Lauren. She was tending to Abel’s wound there, watched by the concerned father standing by the window. Sven was outside the cottage scrummaging the ground for buried components.

“A few more fuses, cables, and some diodes, and I think it will work.” Doctor Abraham smiled. “I have to see the whole generator.”

“I need to step out for a while.” Victor moved towards the door. He saw Rudolf looking towards him. “Come with me. We can talk.”

Both men stepped out with the rifles cradled in their arms.

“I see you have Father’s ceremonial sword.” Victor began the conversation.

“Yes. Sven handed it to me.” Rudolf was unaware of the sword at his waist belt. For many years, he had worn one, and it was a part of him. “Do you want it back?’

“No, it belongs to you now. It is a military sword and should be worn by an officer. Father would not have minded.” Victor smiled. “William used to put it on when Father was not around or sleeping.”

“Yes, your father loved it.” Rudolf felt with the sword handed to him; the weight of the responsibility was greater. Alf had used the sword to slay his foes, like the witches and vampires.

“Why did you not …… stop me then?” Rudolf asked.

“Sven did. I was behind you.” Victor replied.

“It was your creation? Was it not?” Rudolf asked.

“I am not certain……,” Victor was to say.

“It is yours. You created it. Which was why you returned here.”

“I am not sure. I have not…”

“Do not deny it, Victor. We saw it then, ten years ago. It killed the demon then.” Rudolf had his voice raised. “Now, it is back because you are back. Was it the reason?”

“No…” Victor struggled to state his reason. “I came back to restore the mansion. I also brought my daughter here to see the place. I was not aware of the creation for years.”

“And it is here. So are the demons, and what else……. Perhaps the witches.” Rudolf sighed.

“What witches, Rudolf? I knew of none.” Victor looked towards Rudolf. “Tell me if I missed anything.”

“No, nothing missed out. I was just muttering.” Rudolf looked towards the trees. It was the same for Lauren, who was then peeking from the window. Abel hobbled over to stand next to her.

“It was not his fault that I got shot.” Abel assured the lady. “Anyway, I am shot.”

“No, I am not faulting my father.” Lauren looked at Abel. “You are a brave man to face the demon.”

“I was? I was more afraid then.” Abel laughed. “I am not as brave most times. Kane is the braver one. I cannot stand bats.”

“Me too.” Lauren laughed. They carried on their conversation watched by Doctor Abraham. The older man was seated there when Victor left the living area. Doctor Abraham smiled to himself. He was amused that Abel was talking to a lady besides the ones he knew at home. His son was not much of a man compared to Kane. Abel tends to be silent when he is with the elder brother. He recalled Abel was still under training, but Abraham decided to bring him along.

“Demons!” Doctor Abraham heard the warning from outside. He rushed out with the rifle ready and saw both men looking at the trees.

“I saw some movements.” Rudolf told the others. “Sven, where are you? He walked to the trees earlier.”

There was no reply then.

“Wait here. I will check.” Rudolf set off on his own. Doctor Abraham stepped up next to Victor.

“Did you see anything?” Doctor Abraham asked.

“No. It was Rudolf who called out. Where is Lauren?”

“Inside with Abel,” Doctor Abraham replied. He then heard the scream, and then Abel was seen flung out by the window. Both men rushed in, but they were stunned by the flash of light from inside. More sounds of clashes were heard, and then total darkness. Rudolf was then rushing past them into the cottage. Doctor Abraham and Victor attended to Abel, who was on the ground outside.

“Lauren!” Rudolf called out when he stepped in the cottage. The place was a mess with strewn furniture and marks of burns. “Where are you?”

“I am here.” Lauren called out from the corner. “The demons were here. Two of them grabbed Abel. He was thrown out. I had to…….”

“What did …… Oh, no. You used your spell again.” Rudolf sighed. “Are you hurt?”

“No, I am fine. I …… killed them.” Lauren pointed to the wall in front. Rudolf looked at it and saw the burnt marking that resembled two figures. “I did not mean to.”

“It is fine, Lauren. You did well.” Rudolf hugged his daughter.

“The spell was …… powerful. More than I had done before.” Lauren sobbed into her father’s chest. “It was horrible.”

Suddenly, Lauren pushed away and asked about Abel. They walked out to the outside and saw Abel being helped up by the father.

“He is shaken but fine. Maybe some aches to follow.” Doctor Abraham told Rudolf. “What happened inside?”

“We do not know. For instance, there was an explosion, and when I went in, Lauren was at the corner with her head held down,” Rudolf said. “It could be an explosion.”

“I may suggest we move to the lab. There we could secure the place.” Victor said. “I will leave a note for Sven.”

Sven, who was nearby, saw the explosion and was at the other side of the cottage. He had seen such explosions, not of the explosives deployed by man, but of the magical spells of witches. He sat the trio of demons, and two went in while the third one stood guard outside. The explosion came soon after, and the demon outside took off. Sven followed the demon trail and saw it went towards the creek. There it was met by two others.

“Tareek, the witch terminated Turo and Nyet.” The demon who escaped said. “I was outside.”

“It cannot be. She is not a witch yet.” The demon called Tareek hissed. “She is still ……. Who is there?”

Sven turned to run but was faced by another demon.

“A mortal who has decided to be immortalized.” The demon standing before Sven hissed out. Sven thrust his rifle at the demon but was deflected from his move. He turned to run in the other direction and found himself surrounded by four demons.

“You are to die, mortal.” Tareek snarled at Sven. “I…”

The first demon who escaped the cottage found its head smashed open. The blow cracked the skull of the demon into two halves, and then its spine was pulled out. The other three demons stepped back, but the second demon was grabbed by its left upper limb and tossed against the oak tree.

“Flee!” Tareek called out and turned to leave. It felt the strong grip on the back of its neck; the grip pressed deep onto the back, and then the flesh gave way. It was then the spine gave way and was removed from the frame. Tareek screamed out, but its soul was leaving the demon.

The remaining demon fled into the woods while Sven was stunned by the attack. He stood there staring at the bloodied ground and saw the roots of the tree claimed the dead demons.

“Mary ……” Sven uttered. Mary stood there looking at the roots that devoured the demons’ remains. The dark blood dripped from its hands.

“Mary, for God’s sake.” Sven fell to his knees. “What are you?”

Mary had then taken off back to the woods. It was then Sven heard the voice.

“A creation, Sven.” The voice was familiar, yet Sven was unable to make out the two figures standing before him, or rather floating there.

“Hello, Sven. It is me, Annabelle.”

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 25

25.

 

“Ride hard, Doctor.” Victor called out to the other, who was holding the reins to the chaise. The chaise sped down the road past the woods. They were headed to the mansion when they were attacked by the demons.

Victor had seen his daughter facing his daughter. He told the doctor who was riding with him to wait at the tavern. He approached his daughter and then led her away. He was upset at her meeting the mother and had her kept at the chamber. She told Howard that she was to put on the next coach back to the city. He then rejoined the doctor and said that they will return to the mansion.

“The mansion? Why?” Doctor Helsing asked.

“We have work to do. We might as well start tonight.” Victor replied. They rode on in silence, and near the mansion, they were attacked.

“What are they?” Victor called out. The demons numbered three; one of them flew by the chaise and startled the horse, which took off in a gallop. The doctor held onto the reins to manage the mount, but it was frightful of the flying dark figures.

“Demons, Victor. I see them before.” The doctor replied. “I am without a weapon.”

“I have none. Let us ride for Sven’s place. He will have guns.” Victor called out. They rode on feverishly and took the turns sharply.

“We are almost there.” Victor called out when he saw the familiar sights. It was then the axle of the chaise gave way, and it went sideways. The chaise was overturned, and the horse was on its side with its legs flaring to get upright. A demon flew at the horse's neck and stabbed it there with the right fist. The horse neighed in pain while blood spurted out.

“Climb out, Victor. We need to make a run to the mansion.” Doctor Helsing climbed out and then pulled the dazed man from the overturned chaise. “Let us run now.”

Victor, despite the pain in his legs, took to running and was behind the doctor. He then felt himself lifted and struggled to get free. He looked up and the demon had grabbed him by the lapels of his coat. He reached up and pulled at the left lapel of his coat.

Then a shot rang out.

Victor was falling and landed on his back. He saw the demon flying away holding the left side of its head.

“Come on up, younger man. We are almost there.” Doctor Helsing pulled the man up. More shots rang out, and they reached Sven’s cottage. They saw Sven there with the younger man, with their rifles levelled at the demons who were fleeing away.

“Thank you….” Victor struggled to the cottage. Inside he met Rudolf and the dear lady named Lauren. “Thank you.”

“What are those?” Victor asked.

“Demons,” Lauren said. “They are here for… me.”

“Lauren, do not say that,” Rudolf cut in. He then looked at the young Frankenstein. “How are you doing?”

“Fine. I may have sprained my left leg, but I am still fine.” Victor replied. Abel had then approached his father.

“Father, I saw the chaise overturned.” Abel said. “We stepped out to help.”

“Fine task there, son.” Doctor Helsing smiled. “Now I need a drink.”

In the town, Inspector Watson stood there holding the glass of wine before the remaining key members of his coven. He was without Jeeves and Allen, but he still has Allie, Carly, and Dean Joseph Haller with Gertrude Miller. They were in the university library.

“Seven we were, but now down to five.” The inspector said. “Five it will be, as the fifth occurrences this year. It is a rarity, but it does happen, but the more significant part of this one is it will be over this town. Maybe the five of us were meant to be.”

“Joseph, are the artifacts ready?’ Inspector Watson asked.

“Yes, Warlock. We have been accumulating the artifacts over the years. The Uni held its unique position to acquire the items with the name of the establishment. And more to it, our faculties of learning on the subject drew sponsorship and contribution.”

“I am aware. Your latest guest affirms it.” The warlock nodded. “Earth, air, fire, and water are the foundational building blocks of our world, which form the core corner blocks, and by extension, of ourselves; we are the fifth block. We formed the pinnacle of the blocks, and through us the core energy will be directed towards the moon.” The warlock explained. “It is our moment of true form. The new form will surpass all others, whether they are warlocks or Wiccans.”

“Hail the Grand Warlock!” Gertrude called out and was echoed by the others.

“Beware, my coven. The others are here. They will convene on us then and snatch our form. Summon the others to be prepared for war.” The Warlock called out. “Unveil their presence and be alerted.”

“What of the Helsing?” The dean asked.

“He will be taken care of. His concern is Frankenstein. We will look to him after the event.”

The Wiccan was not taking it low. She had gathered her coven and looked at them.

“We lost Jae today, but we also inflicted on them. One is dead, and the other interned.” The Wiccan looked to the gathered. “They are down to five but still formidable. We must split our own to battle them. We are in their domain.”

“Brown, you have done well. You will be our foremost member to hold the others. They will surface and stop us. I will attack the event tomorrow. Marcos, you will back Brown in the task. Do not despair me.” The Wiccan looked then to Lilith. “My granddaughter may be in danger.”

“She is……” Lilith was cut off.

“She is alone. Vulnerable but needs to be protected.” The Wiccan glared at Lilith. “You had been my recruit but untested. Do me well, and I will have you as a full witch.”

“Yes, Wiccan.” Lilith bowed to the elderly lady.

Back at the cottage, Abel took to his watch duty outside the cottage. He spotted no demons but kept his vigil.

“Are you in need of anything, Abel?” Abel turned to look and saw it was Lauren. He loosens his grip on the rifle, a weapon he had trained on but was more familiar with the crossbow. He smiled at the lady.

“No, I am fine. You should go in.” Abel motioned to the lady. “They are still here.”

“I am fine. Father and Sven are busy discussing the works here, while Master Frankenstein is checking the components of the machine. I am bored and stepped out.” Lauren stood by Abel.

“Well, stay close to me.” Abel turned his focus on the trees.

“Tell me about yourself, Abel,” Lauren asked.

“Well, I am who I am.” Abel smiled. “Pardon me. I meant to say I am Abel Helsing, the younger of the two. I have been with my father; my mother passed on years ago, and we trained to hunt the demons and others. We……”

“Witches too?” Lauren asked.

“Yes, we do. Our tasks are assigned by the High Council.” Abel nodded.

“Have you… hunted any?” Lauren asked.

“Yes, but I have not killed any. Vampires I have.” Abel smiled. “They are evil. But killing is ugly.”

“So, what is evil, Abel?” Lauren’s voice took on the serious tone.

“Well, evil comes from their action. They ……”

“Are all actions evil, Abel?” Lauren cut in. “Maybe a witch may do good, like protecting the others.”

“I would not know. I have not met any.” Abel smiled sheepishly. “My father could tell you more. He has seen more.”

“What is that?” Lauren suddenly asked. She was motioning to the grave.

“What… I cannot see anything.” Abel looked at the grave. All he could see then were the flowers and laid stones.

“No, it is glowing… the stones.” Lauren walked towards it. “It may be ……. It is calling me.”

Abel watched the lady walk to the grave, and before he could stop her, he saw the moving shadows.

“Demons!” Abel called out and aimed his rifle at the trees. “Come back, Lauren.”

Lauren was mesmerized by the stones and walked towards them. She stopped there and looked at the grave. She did not see the demon that was approaching her from the tree branch. Abel fired the rifle but missed the demon. It landed on the ground next to Lauren and snarled at the lady. Lauren screamed out, and when the demon leapt at her, she stepped back.

The demon did not make it towards Lauren. It did jump towards the lady but felt the blow to its left ribs. The demon was flung to the side. It crouched up and looked at the attacker.

“Who…. What are you?” The demon shrieked. It was met by a kick in the face and was flung back several feet. Lauren looked at her saviour and screamed. It was the creature there; all covered in dirt. Her scream drove the others from the cottage.

“Lauren!” Rudolf called out and levelled the rifle he was holding. He pulled the trigger, but the rifle was pushed to the side by Sven.

“Do not shoot!” Sven called out. “It is Mary.”

The shot fired by Rudolf missed the creature but hit Abel in the left thigh. He went down in pain, and the doctor rushed to his side. Mary, meanwhile, had disappeared into the woods.

“Why did you ……” Rudolf was furious. “It could have hurt Lauren.”

“No, it was Mary. She was to protect your daughter.” Sven defended his action. “The demon……. Where is the demon?”

The demon had escaped during the chaos.

“Abel, are you able to move your leg?” The doctor looked at the wound. “I cannot tell from here. Let us move you inside.”

All of them moved inside except for Victor, who was staring at the woods.

“Mary…” Victor mumbled. “Please return.”

 

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 24

 

24.

 

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

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

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

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

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

“Mary Annabelle Frankenstein. I am …….”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspector Watson was stunned for a while and then asked.

“Who is she to you?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Mother?” Mary Annabelle muttered out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Were you up to your desires?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What of Jae?” Stefan asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Lunar event? The blood moon?”

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

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

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

 

 

Preys & Predators IV; Monster and Witches Chapter 23

 

23.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Annabelle rushed forth to look and sighed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Where is Victor? He was here.”

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

“Is the lab damaged?” Rudolf asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beezer motioned to the figure chained to the wall.

“The Warlock can assist.” Beezer mumbled.

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