Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 31

 

31.

Victor felt the disappointment when he reached the train station. He was too late to see Justine. He got the news from the maids that Justine was leaving for home. He shrugged it off then, but when Sven told him that it was the train station, he ran to catch her. He did not explain to her his feelings, his creation, and above all, why he did not report Henry to the authorities.

“Missed the train?” Victor turned to look at the one who spoke.

“No, Inspector. Just the person I was to see.”

“Justine Moritz, I met her earlier. Said she was going back home.” Chief Constable Lestrade said. “Belgium, she said.”

“I must go and see her.” Victor turned to leave. He left the station and went back to the mansion. He met Ernest, who was outside his lab.

“Did you know, Justine is dead?” Ernest smiled while he rested on the crutches.

“Say one more word, Ernest, and I will kill you.” Victor walked past the brother. “She left on the train for home.”

“Home? I thought she was……”

“What did you do, freak?” Victor held his brother by the shoulders.

“Let me go. You are hurting me.” Ernest struggled free and fell to the ground. “I am not a freak.”

“No, you are not. You are a monster. You caused Mother’s death.” Victor hit back. “Everyone knew, and we were told to keep it from you. Why did Tata allow you to be locked in the chamber? He does not want to see you. You killed my mother.”

“She is also my mother.” Ernest cried out. “I will tell Tata.”

“Do it, freak.” Victor turned to walk on. Ernest turned to crawl to the mansion. He was not able to stand up on his own.

“Victor!” But the elder brother ignored the call. Victor reached the lab and saw Henry talking to it. He was holding her hands.

It was disgusting.

“Henry, pack my bags. I am going …… away.” Victor stormed past the duo to the work desk. He was to look for his creation notes.

“To where, Master Victor?” Henry asked.

“None of your concern. Just get it done. I am to leave soon.” Victor was upset. He then looked at it and said,. “Get yourself into the cold chamber. Stay there till I return.”

“Why, Master Victor? Have I……?” It asked.

“Do not question me. Just do it.” Victor lashed out.

“I will visit you.” Henry looked at it. The affection in his expression made Victor’s anger rise. He slammed his fist on the table.

“Why are you still here, Henry?”

“I will pack your bags now, Master Victor.” Henry stepped away to the personal corner of the lab.

“No, go to my chamber. Pack from there.” Victor called out. Henry left and it went into the cold chamber. All was resolved then. Victor collected his notes and saw the revolver in the drawer. It was given to him by his father should he ever need to use it. He had not even fired it once since.

“I have carried a revolver; lots of us do, but they are the most innocent things in the world.” The Tata told the three sons soon after the death of their mother. “Mark Twain, the writer, said that.”

“Who is Mark Twain? Ernest was young then.

“He is a writer. Your mother loves his books. I, however, read some, but with my command, I relied on my revolver more.” The old man told the children. “All of you will get a revolver each. Ernest, yours will be held in care by Sven till you are older.”

“Why can I not have it now?” Ernest asked. The old man ignored the youngest and looked at William and Victor.

“The revolver may one day be of use to you. We cannot foresee the future or what may happen.” The sons never did.

Till then.

It was a turning point for Spielsdorf whipping the horse to gallop. He had escaped with the body of the Общий, laid in the rear of the carriage. He was assisted by the witches then.

“The Общий will be fine for the few days. I have administered the herbs to still his blood. Ride back with his body, Spielsdorf. He deserves a good burial.” The man heard the lady’s request. He was still in shock on seeing them: his lover and Annabelle.

“Rudolf,” Lissa looked at the man she loved. “I …”

“Lissa, you are dead. You will remain dead inside me.” Spielberg did not look at her.

“I am …” Lissa wanted to explain.

“We are dead, Spielsdorf.” It was Annabelle who cut in. “Both Lissa and I are dead. Our souls are not here. We have sacrificed to the coven to protect you, him, and the children.”

“The countess was a threat to us. You and the Общий had started a war with her when you came there years ago. She was almost terminated but escaped. She was injured, but her coven took on the families of ours. She attacked Lissa, and we had to decide between saving Lauren or her. We did the best we could. When it came to me, I sacrificed myself for Ernest.”

“Our bodies were destroyed, but our souls were taken in by the coven. We exist here as part of the ritual to watch and battle the countess. We had been waiting, and then she came back. We thought we were to battle, and you arrived. The rest you may know.” Lissa told her lover.

“Lady Annabelle, if I may address you as such. I am leaving with a friend of mine. I will have him have the burial suited for him as Общий. Thereafter, I will return here to avenge his death.”

“That monster will cease to exist when I am through.”

“No, Spielsdorf. The monster you mentioned will not be killed by you. It will take another monster to kill it.” Lissa stepped in. “Monster that……”

“I am a monster by my reputation. I will do what is needed here.” With that, Spielsdorf took to the carriage and rode off.

Henry was surprised when Victor asked him to ride along. The creation was locked in the cold chamber. They rode the carriage and were headed to the train station when Victor asked that they go to the forest. Henry obliged, and soon they reached the creek. Victor dismounted and walked to the creek. He was followed by Henry.

“Why did you come here?” Victor asked.

“It was my hideout when I was young. I used to sit here, drink the water from there, and catch the fishes I could find.” Henry smiled. “It was before Sven found me. He used to come there, but I remained hidden. That day, I was asleep here.”

Henry motioned to the bed of grass area. It was the same spot Victor saw Henry with the creation.

‘The grass here is softer. I like it here.” Henry laughed. “I used to ……...”

“Were you naked?” Victor asked.

“Yes, I was.” Henry smiled. “The forest was kind to me. It allowed me to……”

“The time you were with it. I want to know.”

“It? Why are you asking?” Henry looked at his master.

“Were you? And it was?”

“I …” Henry stuttered to reply.

“I want to hear you say it.” Victor continued his look at the grassy area.

“Yes, most times. It …... Mary does not like to be …... exposed.” Henry murmured, but Victor heard him clearly.

“Mary? Did you call her Mary?”

“Yes, it wanted a name. She insisted on a name, and I gave her one. It was Mary. As in, Mary may marry me.” Henry smiled. “It rhymed. The maids told me that words must hold a rhyme to have a meaning.”

“Mary? Marry? And it became a she?” Victor was angry. “She is mine. I created her.”

Victor bites his lips. He had just uttered the word ‘she’ to the creation.

“No, she is mine. She loves me.” Henry, in turn, got upset. “You cannot take her from me.”

“She ... It is not yours.” Victor stared at the grassy area. The image he had was revolting. “It is mine.”

“No, Master. Mary is mine.” Henry turned his back to the other. “She is mine.”

“Never!’ Victor drew the revolver and fired at the back of Henry’s head. It was his first shot with the revolver. The bullet went higher and creased the scalp. It was also when Henry moved his head downwards and then cried out his tears.

“Argh…...” Henry staggered forward. He held his right hand over the wound. “It hurt.”

Victor fired twice at the back of the man. He saw Henry fall forward, and he dropped his revolver.

“Henry……” Victor, stunned by his action, stared at the friend of his face down on the ground. The very same spot that Henry likes very much. He saw the blood spurting out of the back. He turned to run towards the carriage. He mounted and was driven off.

When the going gets tough.....

 I do not know if many of you can recall this....... 

George of the Jungle is an American animated television series produced and created by Jay Ward and Bill Scott, who also created The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends. He may be a bit of a klutz, but George is still king of the Mbebwe Jungle and plans on protecting it. George's best friend, Ape, is always there to lend a hand when George gets into a messy situation…. Or was it into messy situation.

The lyrics of the song remained in my mind till today.

George, George, George of the Jungle,
Strong as he can be.
(yell) Watch out for that tree! ("Oooh!")
George, George, George of the Jungle
Lives a life that's free.
(yell) Watch out for that tree!

That may be what I undergoing now … …. hitting my head on the tree trunk; wallpaper version on the wall of my room. I am amid three tales … …. Unfinished at over 30K-60K words….. No, I was not adventurous... just bored then, and scrambled the contents out.. on the frying pan in my mind, and handling the tussle of business issues... and there is this K’OK joint next to my office, drumming awkward versions of ELVIS and who not else (I thought my singing was bad…. they are … horrendous, and on those huge speakers.)

Now those were my moments when I slipped into my writing; drumming the contents on my laptop, but of late the former had taken a toll on my mind.

Not giving up. Easter is over, but we still have summer coming…and like George, I will be swinging the words soonest…….

(Yell!!!! Who left the banana skin on the vine? .... Some ape did huh?)

Till TARZAN hears from JANE, GEORGE is BETTER….

Now you know why TARZAN yells so loud....

 

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 30

 

30.

Henry stood by the window at the lab, looking for the return of Master Victor. He was concerned about what the master was doing then. He had confessed the sin while the master remained silent. The master has not come to the lab since then and has not even inquired about it.

“Henry,” The creature stepped up to him. It held onto Henry’s right hand with its own. It was the show of affection as taught to it by Henry.

“Is the Master coming?” It asked. Henry shook his head.

“I do not know. I have never seen him upset.” Henry felt remorse for his action. “Maybe I should not have said that to him.”

“That will be lying, Henry. You said that lying was bad. It is a sin.” It looked at Henry.

“I did, which is why I told the master.” Henry sighed. “The priest once told me that lying is not a mortal sin. It may be a venial sin. It can be expunged in confession, but the priest is no longer with us. I have no one to confess to.”

“You could confess to me.” It said to Henry. “I can talk to God for his forgiveness.”

“Talk to God? Why would you? You are not……” Henry looked at it.

“I know Master talks to God. I can do the same.” The creation looked at Henry. “Why can I not do that?”

“I …” Henry was to find the reason, but the creation pressed on.

“Am I not created? Does God not create?” It asked. “Or was it because I do not have a name? I was told that all creation holds a name.”

It was almost daily pressed for a name.

“No, it is not that.” Henry was not knowledgeable enough to tell. “I do not know. God is personal to us. God is …….”

“Is God not for me? Was it because I was created by Master?” It looked at Henry.

Genesis 1:27, stating, "So God created mankind in his own image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." 

Master Victor is not God. He cannot step in for God. Others may do so. Vlad stepped between the two covens. He was not to be an audience to their battle. He was there for vengeance. The countess had betrayed his love.

“No one shall have the blood jewel. It was to be mine.” Vlad recalled that he handed the jewel to the Общий. “I want it back. It will restore my loving bride to me.”

“Never!” The countess roared out. It was a singular voice from the coven, standing on the right side. The lady there stepped forth and locked stares with Vlad.

“Countess, please do not stay hidden. I am ever glad to see you.” Vlad smiled. The two other brides of the vampire floated in. They had a venomous expression on their face.

“Vlad, our war has not ended.” The countess turned to look at Spielsdorf. “Can I have my blood essence back?”

“No, Countess. I will destroy it.” Spielberg was upset. He looked at his lover, Lissa. “All of you witches have ruined my life.”

“Ruined? I have not even started.” The countess laughed. “Lauren thinks highly of me. Did she tell you that I can heal her eyes? I have healed others. The dead become alive.”

“Blasphemy! I will not hear of this.” Spielberg held up the cane. “Speak one more word about my daughter, and I will smash this bloody item.”

“No!” The voice was from Lissa. “No, my love. We must protect Lauren. She is not involved.”

“Hey, ladies. I am feeling left out here.” Vlad roared out. “Give me the cane. I will have my bride.”

“Never!” The countess raised her hands at Vlad. “Be gone! By the claws of the raven, I will remove your soul.”

The apparition of the raven flew from the countess’ hands at the vampire. Vlad held out his hands and conjured up the shield. The apparition crashed into the shield, and it shrieked out in pain.

“Countess, I have no soul. I am the undead.” Vlad, in turn, called on the spell of the blood. The blood of those there stirred and was seen being removed by the spell. It was the same one he did when he confronted the countess.

“Drain thy blood. It will be mine.” Vlad called out. The two men felt their bodies weaken and fell to their knees. Spielberg held up the older man and, with the cane, held him crouched there.

“They shall not be harmed!” Lissa and Annabelle called up the spell to counter the one from Vlad. It was a strong spell, and Vlad felt his strength waning then. He was to press on when the countess saw the opportunity to counter with a spell that impacted the vampire in the chest. He was thrown back and then, assisted by the two brides, he crouched there.

“The battle is not over.” Vlad called on the bats to attack the witches. The bats perched outside the mansion flew in and struck at the witches. The latter raised magical shields to protect themselves.

“We must go.” Spielsdorf pulled the old man to leave but the Общий was declining to leave. He stood and leveled his revolver at the countess. He pulled the trigger. The countess was not expecting the impact. She staggered, and her shield fell apart. The bats went at her and she was saved by the other sisters of the coven. The countess recovered and called up the spell, which impacted the Общий heart. He fell to his knees, clutching the heart.

“Alphonse!” Annabelle called out. It was then her shield was lowered and she was attacked by the bats. She covered her face while Lissa came to her rescue.

Vlad knew he was not to win against the two covens and ran off with the brides. Annabelle crawled towards her lover.

“Why did you……?” Annabelle looked at the man who had birthed three sons. He had joined William then; his heart was weakened with age. She looked at Lissa and cried out her emotions.

“Our battle stalled now.” The countess, held up by the other sisters of the coven, looked at Lissa. “Please leave.

It was unsure what made Lissa and her coven retreat with the body of the Общий. Spielberg followed on and was told by the countess.

“You have what is mine. I will get it back one day. And tell Lauren I ... love her.”

Justine stood at the train station with her belongings at her side. She had packed what she needed, leaving much of the memorabilia of the stay there. She wanted a new start when she reached home. She saw the arrival of the most unexpected person.

“Good day, Ms. Moritz.” It was Chief Constable Lestrade. “I am to take the train back to the city.”

“And a good day to you, Inspector.” Justine nodded to the officer. She was well treated by the officer who made sure she was in good hands during detention. Well, he tried his best, but the locals there may have their own ways at times.

“I do apologize for the detention. It was …….” Chief Constable Lestrade smiled. “Off duty, you can call me Adam.”

“Inspector, the deed was done. I have forgotten about it. I am leaving for home in Belgium.” Justine ignored the overture.

“Belgium? Yes, you did mention that when we first met.” Chief Constable Lestrade smiled with a tinge of embarrassment but was keen to chat on. “Nice country, I was told. Not being there. I…… my duties deny me long holidays.”

“Yes, it is a nice country. You should visit there.” Justine was being polite. “I must be going. The train is arriving.”

The Chief Constable saw the lady embark on the train, and he sighed.

“One day, Lestrade. You must meet someone you will…… no, that will like you as Adam.” The Chief Constable stood there waiting. On the train, Justine found her cabin and settled in. It was a shared cabin, and then the other occupant arrived.

“Mother Hubbard, I am. Who are you?” The elderly lady sat across from Justine. The lady was covered with the shawl over the dark dress, and her feet were in the ankle-height boots; for the country walks she wore them.

“Did you see my dog?” The elderly lady had carried a duffle bag with her. Justine smiled. She was not into the conversation then and shook her head.

“Have I shown you my knits?” The elderly lady reached into the sewing bag. Justine never saw the revolver there aimed at her chest. The shots sounded with the shrill of the train whistle, and then the locomotive pulled the train forward. Justine was dead when the train moved when the shaft plowed the carriages on.

“Oh, I am in the wrong cabin.” The lady named Mrs. Doherty placed the revolver into the bag and took the personal bag of the lady. She collects the personal items of the victim as her memorabilia.

“Ms. Moritz. Good day.” The lady exited from the cabin. She walked down the corridor and entered another cabin.

“Good day, I am Mother Hubbard. How are you?” There was a lady with the young boy. “Can you sing this?”

Old Mother Hubbard,
Went to the cupboard,
To give the poor dog a bone,
When she came there,
The cupboard was bare.
And so the poor dog had none.

It was all arranged by Mrs. Muriel earlier. She had met the lady named Hubbard in the teahouse. They sat down and held a conversation like any elderly ladies during tea.

“The money is here. Her name is ……...”

“Not needed. I will need the details of the cabin and schedule. It will be done.” The lady elderly smiled. The second envelope was handed over. The elderly lady read the contents there.

“4:50 from Paddington. The last destination is Paignton. I heard the train ride can be quite horrendous; a murder once was on it, but Dover is a lovely place to visit now.” The elderly lady smiled. “It will be done. Come along, Spot. I have your bone here.”

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 29

 

29.

“How could you…… not tell me earlier?” Justine looked at Victor. “I was imprisoned…...”

“Detained, Justine. They did it to protect you.” Victor cut in.

“Detained? Am I a murderer? I was innocent. I had not recalled the night’s events, but now I do. And you knew all along, yet you kept it from me and them.” Justine's anger was justified. “I was kept in isolation as if I were a monster.”

“No…… no…. I did not know earlier. I only got to know the…… confession when I saw the wound on Henry’s hand. He …… I confronted him, and he confessed.” Victor flashed to the day he got Henry to speak the truth. His mind also had flashes of Henry with it. It drove him to anger, and then …… he would not deny it, jealously.

Henry was a servant, a discard of society, and yet he has the will to seduce his creation. Was it not his? He created it, and only he shall have the devotion of it and not another.

“No, Victor. You are selfish. Always had been. You wanted to protect your …… cares. You are only concerned about them.” Justine screamed. “I …”

“You are my care too.” Victor cried out. “I care for you.”

“Do you? Or was it…… You felt lost, and I was there. Or I will be gone. Or do you sympathize with me?”

“No!” Victor was at a loss for words. Then he was unsure. Was the loss of the creation that made him look for Justine? He felt the pain inside. He had juggled in him the feelings he may have for Justine, or was it affection or just lust? He had other ladies, but they were all another fuck to him. He had compared Justine to... he had no others. Justine was plain, but she was his peer. Her work was comparable to his. She could relate to his works.

“No, I do not……sympathize with you. I do care, but Henry is……”

“Victor, what is Henry to you? A brother you had lost? A servant to your calling? What am I then?”

“Henry assisted me in my work. We created the item I wanted.” Victor found his words hollow then. He created it. Henry did not do much. He ……. Cheated Victor of his creation. He defiled it.

“I get it, Victor. I never mattered.” Justine turned away. “I am just one of your students. The only consolation was we never fucked.”

“No, Justine.” Victor was stunned by her words. He never had thought of Justine like the others. “I think I love you. More than I ever knew.”

“Love is an empty vessel that needed both sides to fill. I am not ready to do so. Do fuck off.” Justine turned to walk away. “Just to let you know, your brother William tried to fuck me, and I was not for it. If not for Henry, I would have been. Our bloods were never shared.”

“William?” Victor was shocked. He looked at the lady he had confessed his love to. He was lost. He was angry.

“Yes, your own brother was to force himself on me. I fought him, and Henry was there. He was naked too.”

“Henry? It cannot be.” Victor shook his head. The lady had walked away.

“Henry, you are the cause of this.” Victor murmured to himself. Unseen by him, another was also murmuring then.

“Victor, if only you knew.” Elizabeth had trailed Justine and saw the kiss. She heard everything. She had lost William, and that was not a real loss. It was Victor; she felt the loss. He had spoken of his love, and it was not for her.

“I will have my vengeance.” In the studies of psychology, vengeance involves the strong desire to inflict harm or punishment on someone who has wronged or caused suffering to oneself or others, often driven by a need for retribution and a sense of justice.  It is the urge to kill.

"He longed to revenge himself on everyone for his own unseemliness" in Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. It meant the character feels a deep desire to hurt others because of his own perceived flaws and inadequacies. 

Love holds its avenue for many reasons.

“Mortal, you summoned my master, but you are a minion to his call. He sent me instead.” Ernest heard the calls of ththat stood there.

“I am not a minion. I have done the work required……” Ernest protested.

“Mortal, you read some verses and considered yourself a master. Please amuse me. Are you a master at it, or do you want me to spank you?” The demon laughed. It was a small, definitive figure with the shape of the huge head with the protruding eyes, hollow cheeks, and wide mouth, and the body frame was a child still wearing the diaper around the groin.

“This is not a diaper but an apron. Like you, I want not to show you everything.” The demon read Ernest’s mind. “My salutation is Master Beezer, or in full……. You will not know how to read it.”

“I am …….”

“Master Ernest Frankenstein, crippled son of the family. Speak your request.” The demon cut in. “Do you have any vodka? I am thirsty.”

“I called on you to avenge the death of my brother, William.” Ernest reckoned even the minion could do the task of the master. “Find his murderer. For now, it is a lady, Justine Moritz. You may kill her.”

“Presumption here, mortal. I will not deny or confirm anything here. I am merely the messenger……pardon me, the one assigned here.” The demon smiled. “The request made holds an exchange.”

Ernest kept his silence. He was a novice at this.

“In exchange. I…… we will have……. Talk about that latter. The task is to be done, mortal. We will do so.” The demon looked at Ernest. “Hold onto your breeches. It takes time to plan and execute.”

At the mansion of Countess Karnstein, the battle was to erupt.

“Sisters! This is my coven, and my battle.” The countess coven cried out. “You have no cause to be here.”

“We do. The coven of Wallachia holds protection for the men. They are not any mortal, but they are under our care.” The coven of Wallachia comprised six others, all dressed in red with the green cloak.

“Lissa?” Spielberg looked at the newly arrived ladies. “Is……”

“Countess Karnstein, we were sacrificed to protect them. We have an oath to uphold.” The new coven voiced out. One of them turned to look at the man who called her name.

“Spielberg, my dear. I am here. I am fine. Please stand aside while we deal with our sister coven.” The witch there looked back at the others. “Your battle does not involve them. You wanted your blood essence, and it can be given back to you but on one condition. The men are spared.”

“My son! I want my son back.” The Общий roared out. “He must …….”

“He will not be, my dear.” The voice was from another witch of the other coven with Lissa. “He was foul. He died not by her but by another.”

“Annabelle? It cannot be …… You cannot be here. You are not one with them.” The Общий cried out in his weaker voice. “I do not …….”

“Alphonse, it is me. Now is not the time to talk.” The witch looked at the countess. “Do we have a deal?”

A deal was to be worked out between the Theology Society and its members.

“We vote that members shall invoke the Sword of Damocles on the Frankenstein.” The leading founder of the society called out to the gathered. “Long have we waited, and the moment to act is now.”

“Mrs. Muriel, I can concur with you.” Ms. Landis nodded to the chairperson.

“I, Doctor Edward Theodore III, concur.”

“I, Irwin Wallace, cannot agree.” The legal professional shook his head. “The Frankenstein’s have been under our purview for long, so have the other families. They are all observed, but none……had shown any signs of……being against the law of God.”

“They are the followers of the deviant.” Ms. Landis voiced out. “The Society is pledged to uphold the sanctuary of God towards mankind. They have been …….”

“Informed to us by our counterparts from their land. But none has been proven to act otherwise.” Irwin debated. “The purge of the witches …….”

“It was effective.” The doctor in the committee added his view. “The witch trials, a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft, was between February 1692 and May 1693. More than 200 people were accused. Thirty people were found guilty, nineteen of whom were executed by hanging, of which fourteen were women and five were men. A few died in the disease-ridden jails.”

“Do I sense discontentment or sarcasm in your tone, Irwin?” It was raised by the chairperson.

“No, ma’am. I am merely stating the facts.” Irwin defended his points. “It was the deadliest witch hunt in the history of colonial North America. The Salem witch trials only came to an end when serious doubts began to arise among leading clergymen about the validity of the spectral evidence that had been used to justify so many of the convictions and due to the sheer number of those accused, "including several prominent citizens of the colony."

“We put it to a vote now.” Mrs. Muriel pressed on. “Do we persecute The Frankenstein?’

The vote was a unanimous approval. The chairperson then dismissed the gathering and spoke to Irwin.

“Esquire Irwin, you may remove yourself from the committee. We thank you for your service rendered.”

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 28

 

28.

When one is to travel to the place, the journey will take longer than expected. It was not the distance, but the anxiety to reach there made the journey appear longer. Spielberg leaned forth on the carriage seat; he had taken to the rein of the horses, for the journey was to be only himself and the Общий.

The journey was to take across the channel, and from there the long rides past the forest and villages, hoping to climb the hills and wade the rivers where the bridges may not be there. That was the ride they were used to in the military, but after having retired, the journey was made more arduous by the effort on the riders. The Общий took his turn at the reins, but most times, it was Spielsdorf. Their rest stops were at the churches or the welcoming tavern for the drink and the soft bedding, but there were stretches of just a campfire by the path.

“We are finally here.” Spielsdorf called the Общий while he pushed the horse for the last rise to reach the mansion of one named Carmilla Karnstein.

“Bloody long time we took.” The Общий cursed in the adapted national expression. “In my better days, I could have reached here in half the time.”

“We were younger then, Общий. Much stronger and …….”

“Spielsdorf, we lived on the saddle and slept many nights on it.” Общий stepped up to the seating space on the front. “My bones ache more from the sitting than the riding.”

“Once we are over the rise, we are there.” Spielberg repeated himself. He looked to the gun belt with the revolver in the holster. His revolver was loaded with the standard ammo, while the silver ones were in the case beneath the seat.

“You reckoned she will be there.” Общий held onto his carbine, the rifle of his choice for the lancers the 1811 Kavalleriebüchse (Prussia). Also known as the 1811 Prussian Cavalry Rifle, this was almost a complete makeover which feature a new lock and hardware. It had a 17” octagonal barrel firing .60 calibre bullet. , but was changed to a round barrel in 1823.

“I would not know. The last time we were here was when we met the Count.”

“Dracula. The one who was said to be immortal. He fed on blood.” It was the early signs of dementia. He was getting forgetful or could recall only certain events of the past.

“Yes, that one. We were here when he battled with the countess.” Spielberg reminded the other of the event. “He gave you that jewel to hold.”

Spielberg recalled the words spoken that day; behold the final piece of the essence to the countess. She may need that to resurrect once more. When she does, she will kill all of you and for myself, be damned to a pit of flame. I will not die but will burn there forever. Such is the fury of a woman scorned.

“Spielsdorf, have you ever felt the fury of the woman?”

“I am unsure. The only woman who ever wanted to skin me alive was my mother. I was caught peeking at my neighbour.” Spielberg laughed. He saw the serious expression of the Общий. “Yes, many times. They are vicious.”

“Did you notice the missing birds and animals?’ The Общий shifted the subject. “I do not hear their sounds.”

“Maybe it is the migratory season.” Spielberg looked to the skies. It was clear up there.

“We shall stay vigilant.” Spielberg was told that. He had foreseen that but remained silent. There were fewer farms seen there since they arrived at the area. They rode on and soon came over the rise. The sight of the mansion was seen from there: a huge double-level building that stretched long and, by the looks, was unkempt. He saw the untidy ground area, and there was the broken fountain outside, which he recalled having watered the horses at then. There were the bones seen there; human bones by the appearance, as there were two skulls there.

“Shall we walk up?” Spielberg reined the horse and reached for the silver bullets. He unloaded the bullets and replaced them with the silver ones. Общий had dismounted and held the cane in his right. His gun belt was with the revolver. They took the walk past the broken fountain and approached the main door to the mansion. It remained shut but could be opened with a slight push by the men. Both men walked in and approached the dining hall. Everything was as before: the dishes and cutlery, but not the food. The hall was strewn with broken mirrors then.

“Obviously, someone does not like their own appearance.” Общий looked at the table.

Suddenly, both the men were surprised by the presence of several ladies dressed in dark shades. Their faces were covered by the hoodie, and each of the six ladies, counted then by the men, held a different item in their hands. One of them held the wand, the cauldron, a chalice, and the straight and curved dagger, and the last held the broom.

“Witches!” Spielberg called out.

“If we are, and we are, then you must know of us.” The six witches spoke in unison. They then stared at the Общий. “You hold the essence of the coven’s priestess. Surrender it and let us decide your fate.”

“Never in my life.” Общий called out. “Call forth your priestess to see me.”

“The mortal cannot demand its way in the coven. We hold the decision in the coven.” The words synced across the hall. “We are the coven, and speak we shall.”

“I will kill all of you.” The Общий roared out and levelled his revolver at the ladies. “I hold six bullets here. One for each of you.”

“Kill or be killed. That is what you stood for. You did more of the killing than the ones you killed.” The ladies sounded out. “Your sins are your sons’ now. They will die for the sins.”

“Die, you witches!” The Общий opened fire at the ladies. He saw the bullet hit the ladies, but they still stood there unmoving.

“The action of the man speaks of his intention. You came here to kill. We shall oblige you.” The ladies spoke once more in unison. “We will……”

“Hold your action, witches. I command all of you.” The voice was heard, and the lady appeared. She was dressed in the same dark shades and covered her face with the hoodie. She stepped up to the front of the ladies.

“Общий, your bullets are ineffective against us. We harbour no harm towards you. Please return the blood to us. Your life will be spared. Our sons’ lives will be spared.”

“William is dead. Tell me, how can you bring him back?” The Общий roared once more. He is a military man, and action speaks louder than his voice, most times. He was heartbroken inside on the death of his son.

“Your cane for his resurrection.” The witches echoed.

“How can I ever trust you?” The older man cried out.

“Trust is a deed that you can only hold on to for now.”

“Общий, we cannot do this. They are not……” Spielberg held onto the other’s arm. “William is dead.”

“He is not your son. He is mine.” The older man shrugged off the hold. “Show me your faces.”

“Why, Общий? So, you can find and kill us? We do not fear you, Общий. You are a mortal while we are … immortal.” The witches roared out in laughter. “Sisters, he wants to see us. Shall we reveal?”

The six witches pulled their hoodies down. They had the same facial expression. It was the face of the countess.

“You!” Spielberg's anger was seen. The countess was seen as if she had not aged a day since they last met.

“Do not get excited, Sir. I am an immortal.” The countess smiled. Or rather the countesses. “Do we have an exchange?”

“Over my dead body!” The voice resonated in the hall. The figure floated to the floor.

“Vlad. Why am I not surprised to see you?” The witches smiled. “How long were you here?”

“Long enough after a bat told me you have returned.” The one called Vlad stepped forth, dressed in the dark suit and covered by the darker overcoat. “Long have we not met.”

“And to you too, military stooges.” Vlad bowed to the two men.

“You are vile to suggest an exchange with them.” Vlad looked back at the witches. “I gave them the jewel, for I had foreseen that they would have a use for it.”

“That is my blood essence, Vlad. You stole it.”

“No, Countess. I did not. I merely loaned it to stop you from……betraying me, perhaps, or was it to return to my side?”

“Just give me back my son. I want him back.” The older man fell to his knees. “You can have your jewel.”

“No!” Spielberg grabbed the cane from the Общий. “Not till she tells me of Lissa’s death. Were you involved?”

“Общий…… So many of you are here today.” The witches with the countess looked at the two men. “All you men cared about was the rank. You want to be the leader of men.”

“You want to be the King of vampires.” The witches stared at Vlad. “Countess? King? Or a namesake like Общий? Ranks? They are all made by you. We are just sisters of the coven. No ranking among us. All equal.”

“Lies, Countess.” Another voice resonated in the hall.

Another voice had earlier resonated across the land.

 

 

 

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 27

 

27.

Justine Moritz packed her belongings into the set of cases that came with her over a year ago. Time passed when you were with friends, and the tasks at the uni were fun. She looked at the picture frame of herself with her parents from back home in Belgium. The country is landlocked on three sides, with the northern part, the coastal area, facing the North Sea. The landscape of the country was plainly flat and shouldered on the eastern side by the hills of Wallonia. She was from that part of the country; her ancestors were Romanians who emigrated to the new land. Her parents hardly speak of their past, but little did she know that life was tough then as they were called Trigani or nomads. They detest being called gypsies. They are thought to have first arrived in Europe sometime between the 9th and 14th centuries.

Justine’s family made their home in the Wallachia’ hills and had her education there. It was a free life there, and her regret was knowing the local boy there. He was named Cerge, and they studied in the same school. She held long walks and talks with him with common interests. Their relationship grew when they became young adults. Cerge was received by the family, but the boy’s family detests Justine. They shunned her when they saw them together. Cerge and Justine decided to elope and leave for the isle.

“We will find our home there. There are Roma there.” Cerge told her,. They promised to leave during summer, but it was not to happen. Cerge was found killed in the alley that night. The blame was on Justine; her other lover had killed Cerge. She denies it all, but the Cerge’s family was influential. She was incarcerated in detention. She was traumatized there; the other inmates viewed her as a Tigani and sneered at her.

“I am Tigani. I also learned to be a good Roma.” Justine pursued her education to improve her social standing. It did not win her any friends, but she was saved by the timely contribution of her family to secure her release. Cerge’s killer was never identified.

“Justina,” that was her name given to her by her parents. “You must leave here. We arrange for you to go to the isle and continue your studies there. You will leave by dawn.”

Thus began her passage from the coastal port to the isle. She studied for her higher education and then moved to the university where she was offered the grant to do the research and her eventual stay with the Frankenstein.

“Mummy, I am coming home.” Justine's tears were flowing while looking at the picture.

Her curse was to follow her there. 

“I want to come home.”

Justine heard the knock on the door. She walked towards it to admit her guest.

“Justine, you do not have to go.” It was Elizabeth. “I could talk to the Uni to let you stay on.”

“No, Liz. It is my decision. I am to leave and be…… forgotten of it.” Justine had felt the eyes on her when she was in the cafeteria or the bathrooms. They were avoiding her, but their stares did not. William was the star of the Uni, and she was then the accused who killed him, proven until affirmed as innocent. That was only possible if the killer was captured. Till then, she was the accused murderer.

The worst was the whispers behind her back.

“She is a vampire. I read that the Wallachians are descendants of vampires.” It was the students of the historical faculty. “I read that Romanian vampires were known as moroi from the Romanian word mort meaning 'dead' or the Slavic word meaning 'nightmare.'”

“Strigoi” were also named either living or dead. Live strigoi were described as living witches with two hearts or souls, sometimes both. Strigoi were said to have the ability to send out their souls at night to meet with other strigoi and consume the blood of livestock and neighbors.”

“A person born with a caul, an extra nipple, a tail, or extra hair was doomed to become a vampire. The same fate applied to the seventh child in any family if all his or her previous siblings were of the same sex, as well as someone born too early or someone whose mother had encountered a black cat crossing her path.”

“Does she have that? I have never seen him undressed.” Another cut in. “She is ... very flat.”

The human anatomy was the butt of their jokes.

“Perhaps she was a child born out of wedlock. The breasts were removed then.” The fascination of the ladies was wide. “She does have blue eyes. That is a potential strigoi. The child, breastfed after its mother has weaned it, risks becoming a pricolici, a Romanian vampire with werewolf-like attributes.”

It drew many ladies to fantastical images; most of it was lewd.

“No, Liz. I must go.” Justine continued her packing. Elizabeth assisted her and saw the picture frame.

“Are those your parents? They look …….” Elizabeth reached for it, but Justine stopped her.

“Please do not touch my belongings.” Justine covered the picture frame with her clothes.

“I am sorry. I just thought, ……”

“Think nothing of it. I will be……”

“I am here to tell you that Victor wants to see you. He is waiting outside the Uni.” Elizabeth declared her visit intention. “I was to……”

“I do not want to see him. His family… His brother’s death is still on me.” Justine looked at Elizabeth. “To them and to his family, I am the monster who killed William.”

“Do not blame yourself. Victor does not believe it so. He had the report submitted and vouched for your innocence.” Elizabeth looked towards Justine. “Give him a chance to say goodbye.”

“I …” Justine struggled to speak, but the words got stuck in her voice. “I will …….”

“Meet him, Justine. He wants to see you. He…… loves you.” Elizabeth uttered the words that even her heart denies.

It was a long wait, and Victor held his patience there. He was to meet Justine, and on being told by Elizabeth, he was upset and remained ostracized at the dorm. He wanted to meet her there, but the dorm was an inconvenience. He selected the spot at the edge of the forest, once their picnic area for all four of them. Then three left with William dead, and soon there will be only two when Justine leaves.

“Hello, Victor.”

“Hello, Justine.” Victor turned to look at the lady who appeared there to meet him. She looked pale but was dressed elegantly. “I am happy you could make it.”

“Elizabeth told me, I was not to come, but she can be persuasive.” Justine stood before the man. “I am …”

“Elizabeth is eloquent in her ways. She is trained by the best in the art of psychology.” Victor was in a rush to praise the other lady. “Oh, I am sorry. I should have let you speak.”

“Thank you. I was to say ……...” Justine was cut off by Victor, who leaned over and kissed her on the lips. His arms went around her. She tried to push him off, but soon her tongue found its way past her lips.

“Justine, I love you.” Victor pulled away from her lips. “I was not sure how to tell you.”

Justine rested her head on Victor’s left shoulder. She could hear his heartbeats then, fast and hard. His arms held her close to his chest, and he kissed her on the hair. He smelled the scent of her beauty on him.

“Please stay with me. I will protect you.” Victor whispered to her. “I will …….”

“Victor, I cannot. It will not happen. I am …… the one who was with William that night. I am accused of killing him.”

“I had submitted the report that vouches for you. You could not have done it. Someone else did.” Victor swallowed his guilt there. He knew who had done the killing, but it was too personal.

“I know, but the matter to the others remains the same until the murderer is caught.” Justine sighed. “I have to go.”

Justine recalled her past and knew that her only avenue was to leave.

“I will go with you. I can do my work elsewhere.” Victor spoke out of turn. “We can elope.”

“No, Victor. Your place is here. You must stand in for William. Ernest needs his brother.” Justine said,. “Your father……”

“Father is away. He took off with the other in pursuit of something I know not of.” Victor said. “My Tata was never much of a father. He cares more for his regiment than us.”

“You must forgive your father. He had served the regiment longer than as a father to all of you. I believe he loves you all.” Justine's tears flowed. She missed her parents.

“Stay with us at the mansion like before. I… could you give me a space at the lab? I want to show you my works. It is there.” Victor did not want to spoil the surprise.

“I am glad, but my head tells me I must go.” Justine sighed.

“What about your heart, Justine? Do you love me?” Victor asked.

“I am… unsure.” Justine pulled away. “Victor, I cannot tell you either. There are too many things on my head. I may …… be in love with you, but then again, I may be …… deceiving you.”

“No, my love. No, Justine. You are not. I know I love you. And…… I will give you time to love me.” Victor reached for the lady, but she stepped away.

“I need time and space, Victor. Please do not pressure me. I am ... fragile now.” Justine's recollection of William that night flashed before her eyes. She was set on it. There was another. That other one was naked. It was obscene. She held her hands over her face and let the emotions take over. Victor approached and held her in his arms.

“Justine, you are not alone. I am here.” Victor breathes in her scent once more. The lady leaned back and felt his kiss on her neck. His kiss was soon to nibble there. It felt like her life essence was being sucked from her. She arched her head to the side and let the breeze caress her flesh.

“Henry!” Justine's memory flashed across her mind. She pulled away and then turned to look at Victor.

“It was Henry. He was there. He was ……...”

“I know.” Victor said. “I knew of it.”