Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 26

 

26.

Spielsdorf looked at the man he once knew as the Общий, then was in pain. He lost his son, and there was no killer found. They were seated at the library without any clue as to what they should do next.

“Общий, it is time for me to leave. I will bring …”

“Do no such thing, Rudolf.” The Общий stopped his friend. He had called Spielsdorf by the nickname. “I need a friend now.”

“And Lauren is still not able to travel.” The Общий reminded his friend. He had inquired about the young lady’s health through Sven; she is frail but recovering.

“Lauren is a strong lady like her mother.” Spielsdorf smiled. “She will be fine.”

“Are you selfish, Spielsdorf? Maybe we all are. We devoted our lives to the military and forewent our loved ones. Many a time, I was on those bastards’ orders, and never once had Annabelle said no.”

“Well, she did once.” Общий sighed. “And Ernest was the result. A cripple for life.”

“You cannot blame yourself there, Общий. It was not your fault.”

“It was mine. I am the Общий, and I wanted it. I …” The Общий sighed. He had told Spielsdorf of his shame. After that day, he never touched her, and soon when she was with their child, he had prayed that he had done right, but the girl he wanted was to be a boy.

“Spielsdorf, we are monsters in our ways.” The Общий mind was slipping with age. He called his friend by the name then. “Please do not leave just yet. Let Lauren be here… I need to do something right.”

Spielsdorf hesitated there. He wants to continue the pursuit of Lissa’s murderer, and there was nothing to work on there at the village. The missing girls were deemed to be runaways, and Constable Brown was considered missing in action; rumours said that he was pursuing some robbers and could have been killed on duty. His body was never found. A new constable was in the process of being recruited, but no one had volunteered. The other village nearby provided the assistance of their constable on a weekly rotation.

“Общий, I need to. …” Spielsdorf changed his mind.

“You want to hunt Lissa’s murderer. I can tell that in you. I would if I were you. Maybe we will find the murderer and be done with it and then retire to die old.” The Общий roared out. “I am old, but I am still capable of killing. I cannot ride a horse, but a carriage will suffice. When do we leave?”

“Общий, I cannot ……”

“I am your commanding officer. I say we do it.” The Общий was slipping in his mind. He then leaned back on the seat. “Let me come, Rudolf. I am old and needed the last hurrah.”

“Yes, Общий. We will do it. Lauren will stay here. We will revisit the old mansion of the countess and start from there.”

“So be it. I will inform Sven that he is to hold fort here.” The Общий felt rejuvenated. He held up the cane and looked at the blood-red jewel. “If you are any good, show me then.”

A show of guilt was what was in the mind of Victor. He should have monitored Henry, for the latter was his servant.

His creation, as he many times had claimed.

Victor had encouraged Henry to be strong, not only in the mind but also in the body.

“Be strong, and no one will be able to bully you.” Victor had encouraged Henry since he was young. Sven had said that Henry was weak in the mind, but Victor knew otherwise. That was why he had Henry to assist him. They were menial tasks, but Henry was there. He could carry the parts to the table and back again. He was taught to remember which of the parts by name. He was told of the functions.

“That is funny, Master Victor. I cannot use that.” Victor had explained the genitals of the man and woman to Henry. “No one will want me.”

“You cannot say that, Henry. One day, you will find a mate. And she will want you. Both of you will produce a child.”

“I do not know. I am a monster. That is what Sven says I am not. William told me otherwise.” Henry laughed. “I am the better one if I am ever a monster, I think.”

Victor had explained to him that that was not true. When the news of Henry with the sheep erupted, Henry hid in the lab. He only met the priest for the sermons.

“Ephesians 5:33 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.” The priest made Henry recite that verse. “Amend your thoughts and you will be in HIS flock again.”

Henry will return there and cry at the corner. Victor had consoled him, and the pain in Henry was deep.

“I did not know. I saw the sheep do it. I tried, and it was… nice. I did it again and again until the woodcutters saw me. I was beaten and branded a monster.” Henry confessed. “I am a monster. No one wants to be my friend. The ladies all shunned me. I am … lonely.”

“No, Henry. You are not alone. You have me, William, and Justine. We all love you.” Victor assured the other.

“William does not like me. He sneers at me behind your back. He said, I am a weeny monster.” Henry cried. “I am not. I am no different.”

“No…. I meant yes, Henry. You are the same with all of us.” That was one reason why Henry began to dislike William. He cannot hate Master William, for he was the master’s son.

Hatred is a pain that we all may hold.

“Carmilla, my father is going away. I am scared.” Lauren whispered to her friend on the bedding. It was late into the night. She knew then, for Carmilla was there.

“We used to travel together. We will ride far and wide and visit those villages. Some were nice, but others were not. We will house ourselves with some villagers, but most times, it was the church. The church does not turn you away. They do hate us.”

“Do you hate him for that?” Carmilla asked with her right hand caressing the bosom. She was holding onto the left breast to hear the heartbeats.

“No, we never did. Father said we must not. If we are invited to their home, we will be grateful. If not, we will thank them anyway. Not everyone can be charitable.” Lauren sniggered, “Do not press so hard. I feel funny.”

“I am not.” Carmilla squeezed harder. Lauren laughed and heaved her body upwards. She then leaned back and smiled.

“There were times I saw the boys. They were staring at me. I was not pretty, and with dirt on me, I must look haggard. Father will chase them off and bring me water to wash. I will do it behind the door while he stands outside. I will wash my dresses and then put on the fresh one. Sometimes, we send the dresses to the seamstress to mend.” Lauren smiled. “And we will pay them for their kindness.”

“Kindness? I doubt many will do that.” Carmilla sighed. “I have rarely seen it. The people I knew were bad. They will stab you in the back when you are unaware.”

“That must be painful.” Lauren turned towards Carmilla. “You never really tell me of your past.”

“My past is ever painful. I left with my… mother for a better life. Unfortunately, we were involved in an accident. And I ended up here.”

“How are your injuries?” Lauren asked.

“Still there. The wound may heal but not the pain.” Carmilla replied. It was then Lauren reached down and caressed Carmilla.

“Yes, that injury is still raw.” Carmilla moaned.

“You are being silly.” Lauren pulled her hand, but Carmilla grabbed it and pulled it towards there.

“You are hurting me.” Lauren called out. Carmilla released the hand and apologies.

“I am sorry. I cannot… I must remember that you have delicate skin.”

That ended their questions, and soon Lauren was asleep. Carmilla got out of the bed and looked at the lady there.

“Our friendship is valued, but I sensed the event to unfold at my mansion will require my purview.” Carmilla walked through the walls to her chamber. In her walk, she passed by Victor’s chamber. He was asleep then, his bed covers thrown back, and the man was in a dream state.

“Justine, do not do it.” Victor in his dream was looking at Justine holding the gun at William’s head. “He is my brother.”

The shot rang out, and William slumped to the ground. Victor rushed towards his brother. The bullet had penetrated the cranial bone. It was over for William.

“Why?” Victor looked up and saw it was Elizabeth holding the gun.

“He is a monster.” Elizabeth replied. “He must die. All monsters are to die. The purity of the breed must be maintained.”

“No!” Victor screamed out. He found himself alone on his bedding. He was staring at the ceiling. There was a specter on there. It was staring at him. It was a lady. He jumped out of the bedding and out of the chamber. He ran to the side doorway and out into the estate. He stopped at the lab, but he was not to go in. He ran past it into the forest. He ran and then, having rested at the creek. It was a long, tiring run.

“You are funny.” Victor heard the voice. He knew that voice.

“So are you.” Another voice was heard.

It was Henry and the creation. They were by the creek, naked and holding each other’s hands. Victor saw Henry kiss the creation. It was not humane; it was monstrous.

“I hate you.” Victor hissed in his breath, but he stood there watching from behind the bush.

“Yes, I like that.” Henry was humping at the creation from the rear. It felt like the sheep, but this was not one. It was a lady, in Henry’s view.

“I am there.” Henry voiced out before he slumped over the back of the creation. He rolled over onto his back.

“Did you feel it?” Henry asked. The creature shook its head.

“I cannot feel, but I am happy you did.” The creation looked at Henry. “I will talk to Master Victor to make me feel. Then we can feel it together.”

“I …” Henry hesitated in his words. “Master Victor …”

“He will not hate us for what you are feeling, Henry.” The creation smiled. “We must be getting back.”

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 25

 

25.

Ernest was giving up. He had sought the legal means to detain Ms. Moritz, but the release letter came from the city. He had followed up, but Ms. Moritz was given her freedom. He was upset then. He had known that Ms. Moritz was a guest of the family, but she never appeared for dinner, nor did most of the other guests. His Tata was open to friends and associates to stay at the mansion, but Ernest had not seen all of them.

Ernest hobbled to the cabinet, which he holds the key to. He unlocked it and looked at the contents. Inside was the picture of his mother taken with the father. It was the picture that his Tata detested, but Mother cherished it. She gave it to Ernest to keep.

Those were not the items kept by Ernest.

There was the small, narrow case next to the picture frame. It was his mother’s.

There was a mini-Pentacle, or paten, a disc-shaped altar consecration tool with a sigil, or magical symbol, engraved or inscribed upon it. The most common symbol is a pentagram within a circle. The disc is symbolic of the element of earth. It is typically used during evocation as a symbol that blesses items, as well as magically energizing that which is placed upon it. Next to it was the athame, the carving knife, black-handled and usually inscribed in the Theban alphabet. It is used to direct energy for the casting of magic circles, controlling spirits, and other ritual purposes. The term "Athame" originates from words found in two historical copies of the Key of Solomon.

There was the wand, symbolic of the element of air or fire. It can be made from any material, including wood, metal, and rock, and Wiccan wands are sometimes set with gemstones or crystals. It was to summon certain spirits with whom it would not be meet to use the athame.

There was the chalice, or goblet, ritually in use as the symbol of the element of water.

The palm-sized cauldron was at the side of the case. It is often used for making brews like oils and incense-burning and can be used to hold candles. The fire is often lit within the vessel, and the flames are leaped over as a simple fertility rite or at the end of a handfasting. If filled with water, a cauldron can be used for scrying. It plays a large role in Celtic magic in a similar fashion to that of Cerridwen's cauldron.

That was all Ernest inherited from his mother.

It was enough for him to summon his mother.

Ernest took out the pentacle and added some herbs he collected into it. He had the fire set over it and called up the rites to summon his mother.

“What ails you, my son?” Annabelle appeared as an apparition. “We can help.”

Lissa was seen next to the mother. They both looked like how Ernest remembered them.

“William is dead. He was…”

“We know. His face was disfigured ……. He was also cut open. Like a monster.” Lissa said.

“The cutting was by Victor. He had to do it as a mortician. And William is not a monster. He was killed by one. And her name is Justine Moritz.” Ernest burst out in tears. “She is the twat here.”

“No, my son. Do not accuse her. She is not whom you sought. You must find the monster who killed him.”

“Why do you protect her, mother?” Ernest was angry. “Was it she with Victor? I do not like him. He is a recluse.”

“Say no bad things of your brother, Ernest. He is doing great works.” Annabelle defended Victor.

“I will and do.” Ernest looked at his mother. “He never loved you. He hated you because of me. You loved me more. He said it so. It was William who told him off. William said we are all loved. But Victor was not to accept it. I hate him.”

“Son, why do you summon us?” Annabelle moved to shift the subject.

“I want to punish the lady who killed my brother. Show me the ways. The old ways.”

“I cannot. Victor is protected by another, more powerful than us. He is … His workplace is not open to us. We cannot go there. She protects him. She will do so until she gets what she wanted.” Annabelle sighed. “I cannot say more of this. It is the coven oath not to tell on another.”

“If you cannot, or will not, then I will find my own ways to get the answer. Goodbye, mother.” Ernest put out the fire over the herbs. He placed the item back in the case and closed the cabinet door. He heard the knock on his door.

It was Maple.

She had come to wash him. She locked the door and approached the table to place the bowl and towels. Ernest stood there, and then he spoke.

“Maple, are you with your blood?”

“Yes, Master Ernest.” Maple was embarrassed being asked. He thought for a while if the scent of the blood was in her dress. “I just started.”

“Bend over the table. I will take you from the rear.” Ernest voiced out.

“Master Ernest, it is ... inappropriate. I am …” Maple protested. “I am…”

“You can have the whole purse. I will pay you all the coins needed.” Ernest had removed his breeches. “Do it, vixen.”

“I …” Maple was pushed to the table and bent over. She felt the pull on her dress and then was pushed face down.

“Master Ernest, I am …” It was not heeded, and the virgins were cumbersome in their initial efforts. Ernest had studied the methods from the volumes but never felt the need to do it till then. Maple was not much of a help there, for she was keeping herself for her love, which at that weak moment was sided towards the young master.

Ernest fumbled and then got it done. They had their first consummation. It was painless and quick. The master withdrew and had the towel wiped to collect the blood and his seed. He hobbled back and then buttoned his breeches. Maple collected herself and then looked at the master.

“Was I …” Maple was to ask.

“Take your coins and leave. I want to be alone.” Ernest looked at the towel in his hands. Maple then, in tears over the rejection, left the chamber without the coins and bowl. She was upset and ashamed.

Ernest opened the cabinet, and from the case, he took the wand. He set the wand over the bloodied towel and called on the spell he had then recalled.

“Beelzebub, I called thee. The blood of the pure beckons thee.”

Purity was the essence of innocence.

Justine washed the grime and dried blood from her body. She had scrubbed her skin thoroughly with the cloth she had. She left no clefts or parts untouched.

“It is a violation to my soul and body.” Justine was murmuring then. The soiled dressing gown and nightdress, worn since her arrest, were discarded to be burnt later. She wanted nothing left from that day. The water in the washing bowl was clear earlier, but during the wash, it became murky. She tossed the towel in there, unable to touch it anymore.

The knock was on the door. Justine was surprised to get any visitors unless it was the authorities to re-arrest her.

“Go away. I am unwell,” Justine called out.

“Justine, it is me, Elizabeth. I want to see you. Please.”

“Go away!” Justine was not keen to meet anyone, but Elizabeth was insistent. Justice got dressed and then admitted her friend.

“It will take only a short time. How are you? Do you need anything? I can…”

“It is okay, Liz. I am fine. I just need to rest.”

“You are free. Victor’s report reached the authorities, and based on the findings, you are released. You could not have done the injuries.” Elizabeth came out with the direct points. “We are so …”

“Happy, Liz? William …” Justine’s recollection was still vague. “He …”

“It is over, Justine.” Elizabeth reached out towards Justine, but the latter stepped away.

“We were friends, Liz. Good friends. I would never …” Justine had flashes of William and then of Henry.

“Henry was there.” Justine sighed. “He was there.” 

“Henry? What did you remember?” Elizabeth read of it in her studies; amnesia, the condition, was an inability to recall important personal information that would not typically be lost with ordinary forgetting. It was often triggered by trauma or severe stress.

“I … There was one other there. Yes, I was... I saw William.” Justine looked towards Elizabeth. “He came at me. He was mad. He was to … have his way on me. I fought him off, but he …”

“Slow down, Justine.” Elizabeth held onto Justine’s hands.

“He was strong… yes, stronger. I had pushed, but he was tearing at my gown.” Justine looked away. “I scratched his face. I am not sure.”

“Take it slow. Was Henry there?”

“Henry? Yes ... I cannot remember. It happened so fast. One moment, I was on the ground, and the next William was dragged off me. I had a glimpse of another hitting William. They fought, and then William was still on the ground.”

“Was it Henry?”

“I do not know. It was dark. Maybe it was a bear… or a huge dog. It was without any clothes. It was bare.” Justine cried. “I was scared.”

“A monster it was.” Justine murmured.

 

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 24

 

24.

“Carmilla, are you here?” Lauren whispered. She got her reply when the body snuggled next to hers. She moved to allow space on the bedding; it was large to accommodate two persons.

“I heard of the death of the son.” Lauren held the hand that was over her bosom. “Do you know the son?”

“No, I do not. I am like you; I stayed in the chamber most times.” Carmilla replied. “Does it matter?”

“No, it does not. I have not met the master of the house. According to my father, he was my father’s commanding officer and is now retired. He has three sons, and one of them is now dead.” Lauren sighed. “I do not like death. It is sad.”

“I …” Carmilla hesitated to say.

“It is okay, Carmilla. Both of us are dying. We will die soon.” Carmilla had told Lauren that she was unwell and left there by her mother, who was away. The mother was to seek the cure for her.

“We are thankful to be here. The roads I took were long and hard.” Lauren thought back to the days and nights she had travelled with her father. He was insistent on finding the truth about her mother’s death, and leaving her alone was unbearable. Lauren knew of Carmilla's plight to find the cure by the mother. It was similar in their plight, but the ending was about to conclude with one outcome: death was imminent.

“Are you afraid of death, Lauren?” Carmilla caresses the other’s bosom.

“No, I am not. With all the pains and sickness now, I truly welcome it. I was told that upon death, it will all end.” Lauren spoke out softly. The touch of the other on her flesh then was soothing.

“Do you fear then after death?” Lauren asked back in turn.

“No. There is no afterlife. When you die, you are dead. As for death, like you, I welcome it.” Carmilla smiled.

“When we are … dead, will I see you after death?” Lauren asked. “I would like to see you then.”

“See me? I … I apologize. You may see me then. We are in another place, and all will be well.” Carmilla leaned forth to lay a kiss on Lauren’s cheek.

“Oh…… That is nice.” Lauren sniggered. “My mother used to do that.”

“Lauren, have you loved another? Besides your mother and father?” Carmilla asked.

“No. I have not. No one will love me, for I am ……. Sick. Maybe you can be.” Lauren smiled.

“I … I am unsure. I am like you, with sickness. I am always cold while you are ……. without sight.” Carmilla sighed.

“I cannot see, but I can feel your warmth. I can see your warmth. I can feel you.” Lauren smiled. “For that I am happy. Do you … Did you…? I was to ask if you ever loved a boy.”

“Me?” Carmilla sniggered. “Maybe….”

“Hey, we promised to be true. So, tell now.” Lauren smiled. It was the pact of friendship.

“Well, it was a long time ago. I thought I could … love him, but we were young. We went separate ways.” Carmilla said.

“You did? Why? Was it a quarrel?” Lauren pressed on.

“Yes, it was. He was insistent, and I was not willing. It was too …….”

“Early? I thought so. Man is ever insistent. I was sent off to bed when my father returned from duties. I wanted to be with him, but he only favoured my mom’s attention. I know what was going on. I may be younger, but I learned of it from the maids then. They are always talking about it.”

Carmilla sank her mouth on the pillow to laugh.

“It is true. I did ask my mother one day. Will I be a sister soon? She smiled and said, I will know soon. That was before she died.”

“Monster, they are the men!” Carmilla laughed into the pillow. “What do they take us for? A ……”

“A piece of meat.” Lauren smiled. “That was what the maids said. They have this piece of meat to put inside us.”

“Here…” Lauren heard Carmilla and the set of hands that reached between her legs. She closed her legs and laughed.

“I would not know. I was … I do not know.” Lauren was embarrassed. Carmilla took her hand away and snuggled close back to Lauren.

“Give me your hand, Carmilla.” Laurne grabbed the other’s hand over her bosom. “Rub me here. It feels nice.”

Feeling relief was a nice feeling.

Victor’s questioning of the creation was then directed towards Henry, yielding more to the feeling he was holding back.

“Master Victor, it was not it, but me. I did not mean it.” Henry confessed. “I was out in the forest by myself. I did that at times, like when I was young. It was my free time. I ran there.”

What Henry did not reveal was that he ran naked then. It was his way to be with nature.

“I ran, rested, and then ran a few more rounds. The leaves and the tree trunks were all around me.” Henry smiled. “I ran, and then I saw Ms. Moritz there. I hid behind the bush, and then Master William stepped there. He was drunk. I had seen him like that many times.”

“What happened?” Victor cut in.

“Ms. Moritz…. She called the master names. He was upset. He got upset and slapped her. Here on the cheek.” Henry displayed the left cheek. “She stepped back and cried. She called him more names. He was angry. He punched her in the face. She fell, and he jumped on her.”

“I knew what he was to do. I had seen it with the others. I rushed out. I approached them.”

“Master William, please stop.” Henry had pleaded. William turned around and saw the servant of the mansion. What was disgraceful was that Henry was naked. And he had a throbbing hard-on.

“Wait your turn. You can have her after me.” Justine fought back, but William was stronger.

“Hold still, bitch.” William reached for the buttons on his breeches. It was then Henry grabbed the other by the left shoulder. He was upset and did not realize that his grip was hard. He pulled the young master off the lady and pushed him away. Henry then looked at Justine.

“Run home. I will stop him.” Henry told the lady. Justine was in a state of shock, and then seeing the naked form of the other got her to panic. She got up and ran. William had recovered and rushed towards Henry.

“You bastard!” William slammed his fist on Henry’s back. “Who are you to stop me? You are a monster.”

Henry staggered forward, but he was not hurt. He turned around and blocked the swinging fist aimed at the head. The servant was strong, and he punched out with his right fist at William. The blow was at the left shoulder. William staggered back in pain. His left shoulder was hurt by Henry’s grip, and then being punched there was bad. Henry was in anger and stepped forth with another blow to the same left shoulder.

William called out in pain, screaming then at Henry. The latter took to caution that others may hear the screams. He took a fist at William’s mouth, dislocated the jaw, and loosened some teeth. Henry pulled his hand out.

“I am hurt!” Henry was enraged and slammed his left fist on the other’s chest. He also grabbed the other’s arms and pulled them till he heard the cracking sound.

William was dying by then.

Henry fell to his knees to cry.

“I was angry.” The creature approached Henry and leaned down to pat his head. Victor was silent. He was processing the details told to him. It fit the findings of his work on William.

“He was hurting Ms. Moritz.” Henry cried on.

“Justine……” Victor’s thoughts shifted to the lady that was accused of the murder. “She is innocent.”

Feelings cloud judgment.

“I am unsure of Ms. Moritz’s involvement. My feeling tells me she may be a victim of…” Ms. Judith Landis of Living Science looked at the gathered there at the Uni. These were all members of the Theology Society.

“She may be influenced by the Frankenstein’ family. Perhaps we have pursued the wrong assumptions. Mr. Moritz may be affected by William instead of Victor.” Doctor Edward Theodore III weighed in with his view.

“Without conclusive evidence, we are unsure of the events.” The legal doctorate, Esquire Irwin Wallace, added his view. “Ms. Moritz, as far as I know, was detained based on suspicion, and till now, the authorities could not affirm any evidence. Evidently, according to the report by Doctor Victor Frankenstein, who stepped in for the mortician, it had stated that his brother was killed by force trauma to the heart. Ms. Moritz was not …”

“Capable of such force. I concluded that the works of Doctor Victor may be biased. He may be afflicted on her well-being.” Doctor Edward Theodore III looked at the others. “And created the report.”

“I am working from factual evidence, and not some malpractice defence.” Esquire Irwin Wallace was upset at the assumption raised by the other.

“Members of the Society, please refrain from making assumptions based on … whatever you may hold. I am to decide on the next action.” There was a fourth person who intervened.

“Ms. Moritz’s standing had been taken care of as we speak. She will be released from detention and return to the dorm.”

“We understand, Mrs. Muriel.” Mrs. Spencer Anne Muriel, the founding leader of the Theology Society, received the acknowledgment of the trio. “As for William Frankenstein, it’s regrettable that he is dead, but that is an irrevocable fact here.”

There was the sound of a hush from the side of the chamber.

“I knew William, and he is a nice man. If not for forced circumstances, he could be a part of the family.” Mrs. Muriel looked at the forlorn figure seated at the side. “However, his death… untimely had resolved for us the Frankenstein cause is not a lost cause. We will persist on the works.”

“Ms. Moritz’s release will be our bait to lure the Frankenstein to the trap.” The founding member stood up. “Irwin, the release papers will be arriving at your desk. Do the needed.”

“Please do not let our feelings cloud our tasks. The just will be judged then.”

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 23

 23.

“The detention of Ms. Moritz is for us to undertake an investigation into the murder of William Frankenstein.” Those were the words printed on the authorities’ report. The headline was more lucid: “Guest implicated in murder.” The gossips were vicious; ‘The slut must have told him off. She was on her monthly. My man does not take any refusal. He said, YOU GOT OTHER HOLES.”

“Well, tell him he has the prick.” The other lady cut in.

“No, tell him he is not the only prick you had.” Another lady snapped on. They all laughed.

Laughter was shunned at funerals, but there were the ones who were stunned there. After all, death was unwelcome to the living.

Elizabeth was stunned by the accusations against Justine. She knew in her heart that Justine was not a murderer. William was also not having any desires for the other lady. She had imposed conditions on him, but with her absence, he could have pursued alternative means. She recalled the incident in the living area; with the discovery by the aunt, it was embarrassing.

“It is fine by me, Liz. I was young before.” Her aunt's words stung Liz in the face.

Elizabeth went to look for Victor, but he declined to see her. He relayed to the maids that he was busy preparing for the wake on William. The funeral was a day ago, and it was supposed to be a family affair, but the villagers flocked there. The men were eager to see the old man, who claimed to be an eccentric geezer, while the ladies, eligible ones, were there to recall how the Frankenstein looks. The uni staff and students were told to stay away, but some did turn up to be kept at the perimeter by the village volunteers on maintaining the privacy of the Frankenstein.

“I can assure you, Mrs. Howe. I would not pinch your meat when you come over next.” The butcher was keeping them back and was accused of more misdeeds. With the death of the doctor cum priest, that was not an issue for Frankenstein. The old man himself was the one who performed the services.

“Spielsdorf, I had done these many times for our fallen comrades.” The Общий had dressed for the occasion. “He will be given the military send-off.”

Общий had arranged for a squad of soldiers from the military commander of a nearby camp. It was a rush request, and the soldiers were dispatched on horses. The ceremony involved the lineup of seven junior officers who stood at attention with full uniforms and sabres on their belts with the carbines rested on their shoulders. Spielsdorf himself, in full uniform without the ranking emblems of Общий, took command of the soldiers.

Seven succession shots were fired in three salvoes for the funeral of William Frankenstein.

The soldiers were dismissed, and they rode off past the onlookers, drawing many ladies to gasp at the fine young men on horseback.

“He could ride me anytime.” One lady said to her friend.

At the wake at the Frankenstein’s house, Victor was like a pillar in the mansion, seen and unheard then. He was dressed in the dark suit and had remained silent most times, except for the thank you greeting. He avoided the lady who was trying to get his attention.

Ernest was there too but chose to remain seated, citing his legs, and only replied when asked about other matters. Due to his disability, the ladies were not swarming him.

The old man was there with the other wealthy families and some from the city. He was at his best, sharing his collection of wine with the occasional direct to his guests to the portrait of his in the library. He held his walking cane in his hands.

“Smiths, thank you for coming.” The old man greeted the close friend. They were from the estate on the other side of the village and were rarely seen in the mansion, but they arrived on the sad event there.

“Mr. Hanson, thank you.” Another wealthy neighbour was there. The man was alone; his wife died some years back, and the old man sent William to offer his condolences then.

“Colonel Digby. A mighty honour to see you again. Was it three years ago when we last met?”

Spielsdorf was second fiddle to the host and mingled to meet the lowly guests. His daughter, Lauren, did not partake in the gathering. Sven and the other household staff were kept on their toes with the servings.

“Victor, my condolences.” Elizabeth walked up to Victor.

“Thank you. How are you?”

“I am fine. William and I; we are good friends.” Elizabeth placed on the smile. Victor looked at the lady. He was unsure to ask then. He had seen the interactions of the two, and it raised his eyebrows that she made such a simple statement there.

“I was away and had some thinking done.” Elizabeth saw the baffled expression. “Well, you know how things may evolve. We had our moments to think.”

“I am sorry. I did not know.” Victor looked at the other lady.

“Did you hear of Justine?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes, I did. I suppose that the authorities are wrong. I had reported the injuries inflicted on William were by a great force, and Justine was unable to do that. She could not even …” Victor paused in his words. He then clenched his right fist. He was mentally calculating the force of the blow.

“I must go.” Victor looked at Elizabeth. “I …”

“Victor, tell me please.” But Victor was leaving the library. Elizabeth stood there looking.

“Will you ever see me, Victor?” Elizabeth asked herself.

Henry was not at the library that day. He was told to stay away by Sven. He went to the lab and sat there. He was accompanied by the creation.

“Why are you here, Henry?” The creation saw the bandaged right hand. “Are you hurt?

“I was not allowed to be in there.” Henry sighed. He looked at his bandaged hand. “Sven said I am too clumsy to do things there.”

“Clumsy? What is clumsy?” The creation asked.

“I may ……. Break things. I am not good at handling the plates or the glasses.” Henry looked at his hands. He has huge hands and feet, but not all were huge. He was short in comparison to William or Victor. Sven said he looked like a Barbary macaque. Henry asked him what that was.

“A small monster with huge hands and legs.”

Henry was hurt, but he hid his feelings.

“I break things too. I break the chair, the table, and many balls.” The creature showed its hands to Henry. They looked like any other hands, but the left one was slightly bigger. “Master told me to be careful.”

“Yes, you need to be careful.” Henry took the hands of the creation. It was cold but firm. “You may hurt yourself.”

“Hurt? I am unsure.” The creation pulled the hands away. “I cannot tell. How does hurt feel? I feel nothing.”

“All of us have feelings. I do, and you may have it.” Henry looked at the creation. “You … need to find it.”

The creature stood there looking at Henry. Then it raised a pertinent question.

“Can I have a name?” That caught Henry. “You have one. Why not me? Master says no. Why?”

“I … I am unsure. I did not have a name till Sven gave me one. I was called Henry by him.” The man looked at the creation. Over the weeks, he had seen the creation differently. The creation was no more a thing but something else. He had marvelled at the body parts, seen many different parts, but never once in the complete frame and… alive. He was the first to clothe the creation and later more clothes. They were not close fits but fitting for the frame of the creation. He smiled when he thought of the creation as a lady. Yes, the creature held the features of one, but it was dead.

“Henry, these are dead body parts. Whom they belong to, I am unsure.” Victor told him. “They are like … machine parts. We used them, and then when broken, we replaced them.”

“Can I have a name… please?” It was the latest improvement in the creation. It learned to be polite. It was part of Victor’s training to add in politeness to the speech.

“I do not know. I meant I have not named anyone before.” Henry shook his head. “I have named …”

“The animals. I know. You called them by name.” The creation looked to Henry. “I want a name, please.”

It was the rare moments when Henry was asked or told politely. Everyone in the mansion took him for a serf, as Sven called him at times. He asked Sven what that name is.

“In the old country, you are a nobody but a serf. A servant to the nobles.” Sven said then. He had drunk one too many gulps of mead. “The masters are nobles. We are the serfs. We are to serve them. Henry is a good name for a lad. I had it sewn to your shirt in case you ever forget your name.”

“Henry, please give me a name.”

“What do you like? Mary, Jane, or Anne?” Henry turns the question around.

“What do you like? I like Henry.” The creature looked at the man. “Can I call myself that? I will have a name then.”

“No, that’s my name.” Henry protested. He was without a name before Sven told him that name.

“Then give me a name, please.”

It was then Victor stormed in. He approached the creation.

“Did you kill William?”

“Or did you?” Victor looked at the creation. They were both capable of brute force.

 

 

 

 

 

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 22

 

22.

Pathology had been in existence before the existence of God hearsay, but the specialty of the field was not defined. However, the science behind it was established even back then in the 1800s. The ones who performed the works were called mortuary technicians. The victim of a crime was called a corpse, unlike the term cadaver, which was for a body being dissected for studies.

A complete forensic autopsy includes an external examination of the body, including the examination of clothes and accessories on the body, internal examination, and collection and preservation of various material for any indicated ancillary investigations. It was to examine three main cavities of the body: cranial, thoracic, and abdominal. Sometimes, in the case of trauma, it is necessary to supplementarily open other cavities or parts of the corpse, like the spinal column, joints, and limbs. The tongue is removed during autopsy to thoroughly examine the oral cavity, access other throat structures, document any abnormalities, take tissue samples for further examination, and eliminate obstruction.

Probably that’s why dead men do not talk.

“I would not do it.” That was Victor’s outburst when told by his father to examine William’s body. “He is my brother. I cannot be … dissecting him like any cadaver.”

“He is not a cadaver. He is your brother, which was why I asked of you. I could wait for the mortician if any will turn up, but it will be … no different from the butchery works.” The Tata pleaded with the second son. “I need to know who he died. William was not the most ……. Complete child. He was a rascal at times, but he is still my son.”

“What do you want me to look for? The cause of his death? His body was bruised. It could have been a beating or a wagon rolled over him. He was …”

“He was drunk. I could smell that in his clothes. He may have been run over by a wagon, but I need to know. The family needs to know. Your family.”

That was the last exchange between the father and son before the incision of the blade. Victor wanted to work at his lab, on the same table where he created his works. He had Henry to assist, but the latter declined.

“I … I cannot do it. I …” Henry had avoided looking at William. “He was …”

Victor decided to do it by himself, and the creation of his offer to assist, but the master declined. He took the task according to the textbook. He removed the organs and measured the damages. William was drinking, and his liver was affected. He wanted to avoid examining the groin, but the wounds reached there. Whoever or whatever killed William had crushed the cervical bone. It was a hard blow or a stomp with force.

“Sexual?” Victor asked himself. He later found the gash on the head. It was not noticeable with the mud-covered body earlier, but once the body was cleaned, the gash was apparent. The width and depth caused bleeding, but it was not fatal. The parietal bone there was unaffected.

“Jaw was dislocated. Three of the front incisors are missing, and the bottom two are to the left. Two upper canines are also broken, with the left upper molars fractured.” Victor wrote down his observation. “Possible cause was a series of punches to the area.”

Victor then took to examine the blood alcohol level, which is the amount of alcohol in your blood. Alcohol, or rather ethyl alcohol or ethanol, is the intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. When you drink it, the stomach and small intestines rapidly absorb the alcohol and enter it into your bloodstream. Alcohol is a toxin to your body, and the liver then metabolizes the alcohol to filter it out of your blood. Intoxication happens when you are faster than what the liver processes then. The effect was drunkenness.

The liver is your largest internal organ and sits just under the ribs on the upper right-hand side of your abdomen. Like the heart and other organs, it performs multiple functions, including processing nutrients from food, storing energy, making bile to help with the digestion of dietary fats, filtering toxic chemicals and bacteria from the body, helping with blood clotting, and processing medicines. Added to that, it also helps to break down alcohol.

“William, you have fatty liver there.” Victor sighed.

William shattered bones beside the cervical: the left humerus (the long bone from the shoulder to the elbow), the left anteriorly, the clavicle articulates with the sternum, thereby attaching the upper limb to the axial skeleton, and the ribs on the left side; twelve was the number. Contrary to a widely held misconception, men and women have the same number of ribs. The damaged ribs were four before the heart. One of the damaged ribs, the second true rib, as it was named, had pierced the heart’s right atrium and caused internal bleeding. The damaged part bled. There were other damaged bones, but the cause of death was that.

“Heart failure caused by the bleeding at the right atrium.”

The death of William Frankenstein was gossiped about by many in the village and at the lady’s dorm of the Uni. Justine Moritz had stayed in her chamber, refusing to see anyone or step to the work lab. It was already the third day since William was found.

“No, I did ….” Justine held up her knees with her arms on the bedding. She was still in the dressing gown worn that night. “I did not ….”

She heard the door knock then.

“Go away! I am unwell.” Justine called out. “Leave me be.”

“Ms. Moritz, I am Chief Constable Lestrade. I need to talk to you.” The voice replied. “Please let me come in.”

“I … I am not dressed. Give me a minute.” Justine looked around the chamber. All was as before, her clothes strewn around, and the work notes were on the study table. Nothing was out of place.

“Nothing …” Justine recalled the jug. She bent down to check the rugs. There were some cracked pieces, which she collected and had thrown into the waste bin. It was still there. She went to look for its missing. It was not possible. She was sure she left it there, but it was missing. Did someone come into the chamber when she was looking for William? She was unsure, and the banging on the door resumed.

“Hello, who are you?” Justine opened the door. She saw then that he was the one who introduced himself as the inspector.

“I was Detective Sergeant Adam Gregory Lestrade, and I just got my letter of confirmation this week. Everyone calls me Greg or Detective Lestrade. Pardon me, ma’am. Chief Constable Lestrade now.” The officer was young, held a declining hairline on the forehead complemented by thick sideburns, and was trying to impress the younger lady with his seniority.

“Greg was my mother’s choice of name for Adam, which was my father’s choice, and I have them now. Adam Greg Lestrade.”

“Pardon me, but may I know the purpose of the visit? I am unwell.” Justine kept the man at the doorway.

“Some questions, ma’am.” Chief Constable Lestrade took on his formal approach. “I was told…. That you are… pardon me, were with William Frankenstein two nights ago.”

Justine did not reply.

“May I come in, please? It is rather inconvenient to conduct a conversation here. I have the matron of the dorm to chaperone you.” Chief Constable Lestrade stepped aside to show the other person there. Madame or Mrs. Holmes, whichever misdeeds you may have done, was the matron who governed the dorm there. She was ever vigilant on the visitors at any hour and complained if your lingerie was in full display at the drying wires. She was nicknamed the Terrier Bitch by the patrons for her matronly attitudes. Gossip does not stop at her but rather comes from her; her other name was the Ghostly Gossip.

“May we?” The bitch spoke. Justine stepped aside to let the two of them in. She closed the door on their entry.

“May we know if you knew William Frankenstein?” Chief Constable Lestrade held more biceps than grey cells inside his head. “Oh, did you hurt your face?”

“Yes, I did. I had a fall last night while getting to the…. Getting out of bed.” Justine reached up to the bruise on her left face. “Yes, I did. The Frankenstein mansion. I used to live in there as a guest.” Justine narrated her social life with the Frankenstein. “The uni had no chambers for me. They were all taken up then. I met Victor, and he offered me the place there. His father did not object.”

“On William Frankenstein? I was told that he was here two nights ago.”

“Yes, Inspector. He must have snuck in that night.” Justine nodded. Obviously, the bulldog was lazy or given some coins to open the door, a statement she did not tell.

“Yes, we were …” Chief Constable Lestrade corrected himself. “I was told that he was here. There was some shouting then. Why was that?”

“The man was in my chamber at night. This was supposed to be a lady’s dorm. And he was there.” Justine looked at the matron. “He must have been braver than Robin Hood to sneak in when the sheriff was to stop anyone…”

“Ms. Moritz, I can assure you the doors were locked, and I … I have no idea how he did. He may have climbed in by the window. Your chamber is on the ground level.” The matron was there to defend her turd.

“Obviously.” Justine snapped back. “Just like the boys who peek at us when we hang our underwear then. Obviously, they do not on you, for yours could slip through their heads if worn.”

“Mrs. Moritz!” The matron was in rage.

“Ms. Moritz, I was told that you pursued him after the shouting. The other ladies told me you rushed out. You were holding a jug.” Chief Constable Lestrade stepped in.

“I did. William was hurt. He hit himself on the table, and the jug fell on his head. He was bleeding, and I wanted to … help him. I could not find it thereafter. I returned here then to my chamber.”

“I see that. And since then, you have not been out?” Chief Constable Lestrade, he asked.

“I did the next morning at my work lab, but on the way, I was told that William was found dead. I was shocked by the news and returned here. I have been here since.”

“You did not go to the Frankenstein’s house?” Chief Constable Lestrade, he asked. “You were their guest before.”

“No, I did not. I was unwell since then.” Justine said.

“Are those blood stains on your gown?” Chief Constable Lestrade indicated to the gown.

“Oh, I am having my… monthly bouts. I have not reached my menopause symptoms.” Justine glared at the matron.

“Pardon me, ma’am. I was ……. I will be leaving now. Thank you, Ms. Moritz, and do rest.” Chief Constable Lestrade took to the doorway. “May I use your waste bin? I have some papers to throw.”

 

 

 

I got blended on 1st May 2025

 Just when I thought how to mix/blend/crushed/peeled at three classics into one HUGE tale..... VLAD TEPES / ROMEO & JULIET / MERCHANT OF VENICE...... it finally arrived.... Tariff delayed the shipment.... and I think I got the right switch for it. 

At 57K words, I am dying to tell the ending of the three tales..... but now with the twist of lemon, it may run to 80K words.

Tally Ho......