Hello everyone. This is a new version of this chapter. I had thought that my work in the previously written version just didn't work right so i decided to change it and here is the result. I hope that you enjoy it. Don't be afraid to tell me what you think. Thank you.
- Lady Melinda
At the church, around 11 in the morning…"Hello! Father Carl!" Your voice echoes throughout the vacant church. Silence is your only reply. You walk over to the church's piano and play a soft, haunting melody, after the song reaches it's finally you look up and see VanHelsing standing in the doorway of an adjoining room.
"You play beautifully."
"That. I was just messing around…Thank you though." You smile. "Have you seen Father Carl this morning?"
"Yes. He went to run some errands."
"Oh…Do you know when he will be back?"
"No, sorry but I don't. Is something the matter?"
"No… not really." You look down at the keys on the piano. You look up again, only to find VanHelsing studying you.
"Are you sure we haven't met before yesterday?"
"Quite sure… Why do you ask?"
"I don't know. Something about you just seems so familiar." You smile. "Sorry, that was a weird thing to say… How long have you known Father Carl?"
"A very long time." You phone begins to ring.
"Oh I'm sorry. That would be Alex tell me I'm late." You flip open you phone and text a quick response. "Would you like to join us for lunch?"
"No thank you. I have some thing to do."
"Ok. I hope that you come back to the festival tonight… Well it was very good to see you again Mr. VanHelsing."
"Likewise Elizabeth." You smile again at him, and walk out of the church.
Lunch with Alex has come and gone. Hours have passed and the two of you are at field for the second night of the festival. This time you are more relaxed in both dress and spirits. Father Carl and VanHelsing meet up with the two of you as you walk over to Madame Teresa's fortunetellers tent.
"Hi Mr. VanHelsing… Father Carl."
"Hello Elizabeth."
"Why are we going to see a fortune teller?"
"Its tradition… but she isn't going to read our fortunes Mr. VanHelsing. You see Madame Teresa is my great aunt." They follow you into the Moroccan styled tent. As you walk in you see an elderly woman resting in piles of plush pillows.
"Ah… Liz how is my favorite niece."
"Very well Tilo… You remember Alex and Father Carl, and this is Father Carl's Friend Gabriel VanHelsing." The wise woman gives Father Carl and VanHelsing a knowing look.
"It is very nice to meet you Mr. VanHelsing… Please everyone sit and visit." The four of you circle around the elderly female as she pours drinks for everyone. An hour of stories and idle chatter pass. The large ornate clock chimes.
"Liz, shouldn't you be getting ready?"
"Oh. I should. Thanks Tilo." You hug her bye and you and Alex leave the tent, leaving Father Carl and VanHelsing behind to continue to talk with Madame Teresa.
"Elizabeth is a very good girl." Father Carl nods in agreement. "She looks a lot like her mother but there is no denying the spirit is like her Father, or would you like to contradict an old psychic Mr. VanHelsing. Don't look so shocked, after all I do have some ability left."
"Does she know?"
"In a way. She feels the connection." She pours more drink into the men's cups. "She is very troubled. A dark figure is looming in the distance of her mind."
"A dark figure?"
"I'm not sure what it is, but I do know she is in danger."
"Thank you Madame Teresa." Father Carl and VanHelsing get up to leave.
"You must talk with her…and soon."
In Dracula's hideaway…
Dracula and his three minions have transferred to a place more in tune to Dracula's taste. They bring with them twelve newborn vampires. Blaine, Camilo, and Marcus stand in the same room with their Master.
"Are you not happy with your two new brides my lord?"
"They are satisfactory…
"Do you want us to bring you that Elizabeth girl?"
"No." Dracula turns and looks at them fiercely. "You will not lay a hand on her. Do you understand?"
"Yes Master." The three respond in unison.
"Shouldn't you have already taken her by now my liege?" Blaine boldly asks. "I mean she's a nice piece of tail-" Dracula grabs Blaine by the throat.
"Careful of how you speak about my future bride." Dracula releases Blaine from his grasp.
"Forgive me Master." Dracula slips on a black trench coat.
"You have it… for now." Dracula leaves and wanders through the city.
Hours later…
The festival has closed for the night. Alex has dropped you off at home before heading on his own way. You are all alone in the house. You go upstairs, shower, and dress for bed. You slide into your bed and quickly drift into a deep sleep.
The avenue is ruff and covered with overgrown foliage. You hear him calling for you. You stare at the decaying gothic castle. You are terrified but you feel compelled to go to him. Your vision becomes hazy. As it returns, you are transported into a darkened room. The flames from the mammoth fireplace light the room enough to see. You turn from the fire and stare at the grand bed on the opposite wall. He sits on the bed, his back facing you and he is resting on his heels. He turns his head toward you. The corner of his mouth drips a thick crimson liquid, his eyes still red from blood lust. You slowly walk around to the side of the bed, but you maintain a distance from him. You see the face of his victim. A very familiar face… you scream.
The nightmare dissipates. You go to Lurie's room. She isn't there. You run downstairs and throw on your coat. You jump in your car and peel out of the driveway.
At the Church…
Alex and VanHelsing stand at the large wooden alter creating stakes while Father Carl fills up several bottles with holy water. The three men are talking as you burst into the church. They are shocked at your entry and disheveled appearance. Alex is the first to notice how upset you are. He rushes by your side.
"Liz? What's wrong?"
"Him… She's… Dead…" At that last word the waterfall of tears spring from your eyes. Alex guides you to a seat. Father Carl and VanHelsing stand around you.
"Calm down Liz…What happened?"
"She's dead… dead…"
"Who's dead?"
"Lurie… She's dead."
