As promised last time, Balaurs steps lead to Dracula´s homeland too. Dracula's feelings are mixed upon entering his homeland and seeing all the changes it underwent. How will he deal with the current situation?

P.S.: My dear readers, thank you for all the response and feedback. Don't hesitate to join the discussion anytime ... either here or on tumblr (ravenathantum) ... it´s always nice to share opinion and discover unknown or unnoticed facts either from the series or from the fanfic itself As always, let me know your impressions ...

CHAPTER 17

Heritage

The warm summer is gone, even the autumn is almost at its end, yet Count Dracula and his wife do not mind the lower temperatures. Dressed in a touristic outfit, they hike the splendid mountains with easiness and great speed. It´s Agatha's first experience as she never used her vampire skills to such an extent, definitely not the ability to walk or run so fast. It´s challenging and exciting. Although she thought all the beauty of the countryside and forest will remain unnoticed in such a speed, she can fully enjoy the tall pines and their refreshing fragrance. She spotted a pack of wolves that followed them from a distance. Her ears caught each water droplet that joined the cascade terrain of the rocky river, when falling from the small waterfall. Most of all though, she is looking forward to the moment, they reach their destination. How many times did she hear Dracula's nostalgic description of that majestic fortress, that is hard to reach and even harder to conquer? During the flight he did not talk about anything else and kept asking every now and then if she is not bored by his talks. How considerate, given there were the times when he just bragged about anything and didn't care if she is interested. Truth be told, I supported this conclusion of his, that I want to hear everything there's to know about him and his life. He described her those strong ramparts, that could protect everyone inside. The story about Petruchio and his wife was introduced to her already once, but she listened with the same interest as the last time and truly appreciated when he admitted, that she is his Sun and only by finding her, he has found the peace. Eventually, the tall pines are on retreat, the forest is slowly disappearing and Agatha notices the remnants, that he once called home. Dracula, reaching it sooner, is petrified, gazing at the half-ruins that he left 124 years ago in a well-preserved state. Alright, castle´s interior was covered in dust and everything inside looked ancient but at least it had roof and walls, beautiful tapestries and a gigantic hearth in the large dining room. Now, all that is gone. He is shocked and saddened at the same time.

- It was bombed during the war. - she announces and nears him, taking his hand into hers. - And then neglected by government. - she explains further, looking at the ruins that must have looked majestic once.

- I am considered to be one of the most significant national heroes, probably the most important one! They should have kept it preserved … at least open a museum there or something like that! - that really angers him. This country seems to have his persona in admiration, are proud of him and not only due to his vampiric fame in the western cinematic world.

- Darling, probably entire Romania thinks that the Bran castle was yours, that was repaired, and those that you could see in the movies are not even located in this country. - Agatha explains further. Of course, he already saw all of those movies, liked some, disliked others, several even hated, and honestly visited mostly all the castles during his life-time, however never lived in any of them permanently. This lack of knowledge angers him …

- Well, I visited those. - alliances had to be formed and kept and he enjoyed travelling during his mortal life. - But you knew, right? - he asks, taking eyes finally off the remnants. Agatha just rolls her eyes that he even needs to ask.

- Of course, I knew that. My attempts to let them know how much mistaken they are however failed. -

- In that case, it shouldn't be that hard to get Poenari back. - taking his chin between thumb and forefinger, he muses. - It´s not special for anyone … apart from me. - Agatha not quite likes what she hears and sees on his face …

- That wasn't in our plans, Vlad. -

- Well … - he shrugs and sighs. - plans don't always go as they are supposed. Haven't we learned that already? -

- Do you realise how much such a reconstruction can cost? -

- I wasn't thinking about reconstructing it, but now when you are talking about it … - he muses further, calculating already the costs and gains … - Just remember what a feeling it was when we made love in Carcassonne castle … we could though stay only few nights, like intruders trespassing … here … we could sleep calmly, not worrying that someone will walk in finding us entangled in each other. - again, the heat inside of her is accumulating just thinking about those passionate moments.

- Carcassonne Castle is located in a wonderful city, though here … all you can see are forests. -

- And perfect, fresh air to breathe. - seductive smile is back … as a great ability to produce reasonable arguments on Agatha's side.

- That we don't need to survive. -

- Maybe once we will need. -

- Really? - is he thinking about looking for someone that could break the curse? …. that sounds improbably … Dracula though shrugs his shoulders innocently and explains further his intentions:

- Well, as you said, a change from time to time is needed … maybe once we might need a place far away from Western European civilisation to live several decades … unsuspected. - now she starts to smile, rolling her eyes at him…

- Heavens, you always have an excuse for everything, don't you? -

- And big, charming puppy-like-eyes. - long time ago (few months back) he discovered that this works best with her. No seductive stares, no pursed lips or confident look. - Alright, darling. Just think of it. - sceptical look doesn't leave her face, though Dracula directs the focus back to the castle. - Now shall we take a look at what remained from Poenari´s glory? - not that much, he must admit. Not even the splendid door with a large Dragon carved on top of it … it stuck out of it as a sculpture or a living creature in fact … masterful handwork ...

- That's the reason we hiked here. Let's go, Vlad. Show me your castle. - taking her hand, Count Dracula leads his wife through enormous uncut bushes and large stacks of grass to the former, now half-collapsed gate. The look of his face remains neutral but Agatha very well knows that a storm of emotions plays inside his mind. Anger. Disgust. Remorse. Nostalgy. Hint of loneliness. Regret. Past glory is long gone and the current state is deplorable. On the courtyard pieces of stone walls can be found, empty windows have no glass fillings and the wooden, rotten doors are half-open.

- Not the best impression. - he evaluates sarcastically and huffs. - If you rated your husband by the appearance of his castle, you would never marry him. -

- Like I had a choice, Vlad. - she jokes and kisses him on the saddened cheek to lift his mood a bit. - I saw how it looked in your memories, remember? -

- Still, I brought you to a ruin, love. -

- That you plan to reconstruct. - she cannot believe her own ears (and as it seems, neither does he … that surprised look is more than relevant evidence)! Did she really say that? Something in her just made her use those words … to bring joy to the heart of her husband … and to hers as well. Dracula is shocked the same way. Seeing it from the courtyard, his persuasion that the purchase or request of its return to his hands is a splendid idea decreased to a minimal level… yet now?

- Do you realise it will be a costly renovation, right? - now it´s his turn to be rational. Agatha just rolls her eyes.

- Do you want it or not, Vlad? - hesitantly, Count Dracula nods. - Then get it back. If your business continues prospering the same way, or better, than now, then it should be alright. -

- So, do you want to be a Countess with her own castle? - so many changes … to better, he must admit.

- You screwed me, as it seems. So yes, this title needs appropriate castle. - where´s the modest woman used to simple things now? - Heavens, what did you do to me, Vlad? - she jokes ...

- You can blame it on me and my blood, sure … but I think, it was always hidden somewhere deep inside of you. The desire to rule and command, lead and achieve spectacular things. -

- Maybe. - to some degree, it might be true. After all, Carfax clinic is her small private kingdom that she leads and rules and in her field of expertise she has indeed achieved a lot of spectacular things. Her thinking and Dracula´s musing alike, are suddenly interrupted by an unexpected sound. Outburst of laugh coming from the fortress conquered only by time. The Balaur couple looks at each other in a pure shock.

- Have you heard that? - Agatha asks her husband. Dracula only nods.

- I don't think any White Ladies or ghost have residence here. Definitely mortals … - well the environment itself can tell a story. Lot of junk, plastic bottles, even some needles if you took really good look can be spotted. Dracula´s face turns into angered grimace and somehow Agatha feels something kicking her to do the same. Surprise after surprise.

- This has to end. - she says resolutely, frowning even more than Dracula that would gladly turn into a wolf and hunt those intruders. Already with an exact idea to get rid of those souls without killing them arises in his mind, nevertheless, he is not as fast as Agatha, who suddenly tilts her head backwards and closing her eyes, spreads her arms to the air. Dracula´s eyes almost pop out of his head when the sky turns black and heavy clouds accumulate directly above the castle. This is not a trait he wouldn't possess, yet he didn't think Agatha knew about it at all. Maybe she saw it in his bloodstream, no that was a long time ago and ever since the …

- Beautiful ... - he whispers completely stunned and with a smile on his lips, encircles his arms around Agatha´s no longer so slender waist, and tilting his head backwards as well, joins her act of vengeance. The vampiress leans comfortably to her husband and even though partially confused by her own acts, just lets it go … Strong wind enters through the door and a load howl echoes in the walls of the old ruin. Laugh is replaced by a scream, when dozens of bats start to shriek inside, following the hurrying steps of 5 young adults. With horror in their scream, they exit through the creaking door.

- It´s haunted! Run! - one of them shrieks although it's not needful to point it out.

Three people of the little group stumble, their heartbeat fastens even more and peaks, when lightning crosses the black sky and thunder echoes in the background. It sounds like a wonderful melody in Dracula´s ears. Terror. Fear. Despair. So many nice memories. How he missed that and now his wife is partially responsible for it as well. His joy intensifies, his smile widens. The steps of mortals fasten, soon they are outside the courtyard, climbing the rocks as quickly as possible. Within 2 minutes they are all alone again and Dracula straightens his neck again. With a look of adoration, he places several kisses on the neck of his wife, caressing her abdomen and waist, meanwhile wishing there was an intact bed chamber where they could spend a night. Feeling of such an excitement this jest brought could be multiplied even more … their home is in England now, he knows and feels it that way, but his dynasty started here and it would be wonderful if he could welcome his wife to the famous, powerful family here as well. Maybe in few years, a decade when the reconstruction is over … yes, Agatha is right … my castle needs to be returned to us … A moment later, Agatha comes back to her senses, opening her eyes. The scream subsided; the intruders are gone. It´s only her and Vlad now.

- That was all me? - she cannot believe it, though only now the clouds disappear and the colour of the sky changes again to its original shade.

- Yes, my love. - he nods with pride and satisfaction, though Agatha´s shock only multiplies. - Not only you, alright but … - caressing her arms to offer her at least some comfort, his smile widens, shortly after becoming sheepish a bit. He has to admit: - that was so sexy. -

- Was it? - she doubts it, however, the fact that her darker side excites him comes as no surprise. - If it was possible, I would say that you overcame my mind … but I know that is not the case. -

- Do you regret it? - he asks rather cautiously. The last thing he needs is a remorse from her, that he did not stop her as the last time … although in the London Park, her mind yearned blood, not an innocent jest ...

- Surprisingly not. - Dracula breaths our in a visible relief. - Not as I should. Probably. - shrugging her shoulders, she rather stops musing about it. Overthinking is now unwanted. Nevertheless, castle is already mortal-free and Count doesn't want to waste a single minute to take a look ...

- Alright, - he sighs, - let's see if there is still anything to be seen inside. - and winking at Agatha, Dracula with a hinting smile adds: - Maybe the wine cellar... - taking the hand of his giggling wife, he enters through the half-rotten door and immediately starts introducing her to its now absent glory …

-/-

When Renfield informed him about the nationalization, in a sense a forced seizure, of his castle almost a year ago by the Romanian, then communis, government, he was furious. After all he had done for his country (not counting the killing of course …) they took his family heritage from the hands of his wife, even though before he left Transylvania, he made sure that the property list carried his name and after his death should have belonged to Agatha. How he cursed the communist government as well as the current one for not returning it in restitution! However, his rage calmed down after a few days. He had to focus on Agatha, claiming her heart and kind of forgot about it. Though, after the Bistritz clinic contacted Agatha and asked her to come to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the clinic and at the same time ceremoniously open the neonatal intensive care unit; this issue resurfaced and he decided to claim what is his. Upon arrival to his homeland, he was … speechless … and not in a positive way. At first look, he concluded that nothing changed from the times, he left the country now called Romania; however, when they reached Bistritz and the Balaur Clinic, his opinion slightly changed. Entering the modern looking building stunned him … until he realised it´s all Agatha's work and she never does anything half. No outdated equipment or dark corridors could be spotted, just clean and fresh environment and modern medical machines, that he already observed (some of them even tried) in Carfax as well. Again, he was in awe from what all Agatha achieved during her lifetime and a bit ashamed that he did nothing that splendorous during his long life (except those victorious battles that he and the army under his commandment won). Thinking of it later, he concluded that both did many good things to this country either in the past or in the current time. His homeland now frustrates him and complicates his plans. From local office in Bistritz he was sent to Argeș County to submit a formal claim for property return, though he could see poorly-hidden jibe on the face of the secretary and her boss as well. Dealing with people and not to be able to kill them if they misbehaved or treated him poorly, became complicated so at least, he avenged himself by manipulating their minds and bodies alike. Massive diarrhoea will teach them … That brought him back to hotel, directly to Agatha, that was so understanding (not that he would tell her about his little vengeance) and supported his resolution to travel further. She was supposed to go with him, but did not feel very well at the end. Meeting, agreed by his lawyer, was however set up and he had to leave. Alone. Agatha watched him carefully, arms around her middle (both suspect that another bleeding after 3 months is to come)and as a caring wife checked if he has anything … most importantly blood.

- Do you have the blood-transfusion transport card? - she asked him probably the most important question … this allows them to transport blood without any issues or unnecessary questions.

- I do. - closing the trunk of the rented car, he looked at her one more time and with worries in eyes asked: - Are you sure you wouldn´t prefer if I stayed with you, Agatha? -

- Heavens, Vlad. Just go and bring back the rights to our castle. - Isn´t she lovely? That's what he thought then and now thinking about it as well, his persuasion about it only grows … more than lovely. How she changed … to the better … he didn't even dare to think back on Demeter that one day she will be so proud of him and his/their family heritage. Now sitting in front of the office of another bureau, this time in the County Town his level of irritation only multiplies. Impatience of his social status reaches tolerable boundaries and thus, fed up, he stands up with the intention to just slam the door open and demand the meeting (that should have started 10 minutes ago) to take finally place. Before he can grab the doorknob and do as he planned, the door opens and a middle-aged secretary, with raised eyebrows and questioning look, calls his name:

- Mr. Bulour? -

- Balaur. - he corrects her calmly, even if suspecting that the man did it on purpose. - Mr. Balaur. - even if frustrated, he tries his best to keep composed face and gentlemanly behaviour. Not waiting for further invitation, he enters the room with the intention to win this case and gift Agatha their castle …

-/-

- I've been notified that you have submitted an application for return of a certain property. - a greying old man, doesn't even bother to ask the tall foreigner if he has any difficulties to understand his language. Count though nods and presents himself with a superior behaviour of a true aristocrat.

- Not a certain, but specific. - he admits and with similar arrogant look, specifies his cause. - Your committee or your predecessors has seized my family heritage after the end of the WW1 and we were not given the opportunity to claim it back. That includes more than 120 000 hectares of forests and fertile land, but I don't care about that as I am interested only in the return of the Poenari castle. -

- Are you? - this little man, that holds some power in his hands smiles in a disrespectful manner. - And what claims do you have? What rights to Dracula's castle can an Englishman have? - Dracula raises one eyebrow and just like the bureaucrat opposite to him, places his palms on the mahogany desk and in the same mocking tone of voice answers.

- At first, I am not an Englishman, Mr. Rajkovski and then, I myself am Dracula. - oh, how he enjoys calling himself this way aloud … nevertheless, the man opposite to him bursts into laugh, looking at Dracula as if he was a lunatic. - Anything funny? - Dracula asks him coldly, thinking about his hands encircling officer´s neck, griping it tightly, squeezing until his eyes would pop out of the eyeholes and then he would mockingly laugh …

- You are Dracula? - that big-headed man cannot stop. - Are you kidding me? - if he hasn't promised Agatha to endure similar humiliating negotiation, he would probably kill this low-born man already and appropriately enjoy it. - The vampire? The warlord? The myth? - if only he knew …

- A vampire? Be serious, Mr. Rajkovski. Do I look like a one? - he definitely would like to show that idiot his blood-thirsty face and terrify the shit out of him … but a promise to his wife is sacred. - I am here to claim my heritage. My birth certificate and those of my parents and previous generations were delivered to you. - Agatha with Renfield took care of these genealogic documents. Only recently did he find out that Agatha lived under different Christian names from time to time … logical … and to be able to hold the property and fortune in her hands, created a successful dynasty of many fictional characters… now he, supposedly Vlad VIII or something like that, should be the one in charge and the descendant of the famous, once powerful genus to inherit everything. - However, I suppose you did not care to even open the folder I sent you in email documentation, not even this printed version sent by my lawyer. In that case, let me introduce myself to you. - now, Count straightens his posture, that immediately reveals his notable height. With self-confident voice he does, what he knows best. Asserting his dominance. - My name is Vlad Balaur, 8th of this name and if you cared to open that thick folder in front of you, you would notice that this surname was used by my family since the 16th century in all official documents among the title Count Dracula … that as you can see is mine to officially use as well. - the clerk has objections that he would like to present, though one dangerous look of Count´s eyes and a lifted forefinger in a gesture saying: Do not dare to interrupt me!, make himreconsider to voice his useless objections. - Now, here is what I want: lands of my predecessors are already lost, divided, sold to many people, I don't care about it. However, my castle is neglected, left to ruins even though my family, - Agatha in various alter egos, - wanted to take care of it. - from the folder, he picks up a few papers, projects that document Agatha's attempt to finance either the purchase or some restoration at least.

- Here are the legal documents prepared by my lawyers, contracts of mutual agreement regarding the change of the owner, and a financial compensation for all the troubles it caused. - then he points with the clawed forefinger to the right corner of the 3rd page and not asking, directly ordering, commands:

- Here, on the bottom line, sign it and the enjoy your profit. - dominant Count hands him even his fancy pen and with inquisitory look waits for the signature.

- Mr. Balaur, this is not how the things work here. - the man responds, nevertheless opens the thick folders with all the legal documents.

- Isn't it? - this proclamation amuses him. - I believe this is exactly how all the paperwork works. Anywhere in the world, but especially here. - Count knows very well this kind of clerks … even more despicable than lawyers … rats, he would say. - Mr. Rajkovski, I am a busy man, my wife waits for me and wants to enjoy our vacation the same way as I do. Do not unnecessarily prolong this. You can pretend to be an unimpeachable man in front of someone else. Check the profit one more time and use this pen. - Count snorts, seeing very well how the brain of this little man works, calculating all pros and cons. - Believe me, this is the easiest … and … legal way to close this business. - now his lips are hiding a well amused smile and provocative sparkle in his eyes is unsettling the rat-like clerk. - I am sure, no one is interested in my castle. -

- Legal way? - his eyes widen and rather look at the document one more time.

- One that wouldn't hurt, so in that sense … yes … a legal way. - the man swallows empty. - As it is believed and true in fact, the men of the famous Dracula dynasty are stubborn, harsh and strong-minded and believe me, I am the very best of them, certainly most ambitious and fearless. - and a vampire, warlord, Count … it´s decided. That's more than obvious. Fear won him this battle once again. Mr. Rajkovski finally accepts the pen and lowering his hand, sighs in defeat (however one that brings him some financial compensation …) and with a simply signature, returns the Poenari castle back to the legendary Dracula Dynasty ...

-/-

… meanwhile in Bistritz

She doesn't remember being in such a pain even once during her mortal years … her entire body aches, she feels as if her guts were crushed between two millwheels. Something is wrong and doctor Agatha Balaur has no idea, what it might be. Long-expected period hasn't arrived and nothing indicates that it´s on its way already. This looks much more serious, like a blood poisoning, something nearing Dracula´s condition last year, though now, she doesn't know how to explain it. Definitely, she did not consume anything poisoned and nothing else could explain this state. She is scared and desperate, knowing very well that regular painkillers will have no effect on her at all. And what's more, at this time she is all alone. Almost falling on her knees when the next wave of pain strikes her, she has to think quickly. How to stop it, what to do, where to go to seek help …

- TBC -

Little bit of angst is needful from time to time and this time Agatha becomes the victim of unexplainable pain. It scares her and Count Dracula as well ... What is the source of it? Why is she feeling the pain at all? Second part of the chapter will answer these questions soon ...