New Generation

Chapter V

He (Jesus) had been saying to him, "Unclean spirit, come out of the man!"

Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"
He replied, "Legion is my name.  There are many of us."-

St. Mark 5:8-9
 

     "Dad, what's going on?" Alcander asked, as his father rushed out of the house while still in his evening clothes, only putting a large coat over them to keep himself warm.  Adrian did not answer his son's question.  He only charged down the street.  Heading in the direction of the Belmont Estate.

     "Mom, what's going on?" Lysander asked, while Maria stood in-between her two sons.

     Maria sighed.  "Please come with me, both of you."  Maria led Lysander and Alcander into the sitting room, and asked them to sit on the couch, while she reclined in a chair.  "Sander.  Cander.  That castle you saw in the distance is the castle of Prince Dracula.  When Dracula is defeated his castle always crumbles with him, but when it's standing that usually means its master is at home."

     "Usually?" asked Alcander.  "What do you mean usually?"

     "Well, Cander, when I was pregnant with you the castle re-appeared, but Dracula was not residing in it…the Devil was."

     "The Devil?" began Lysander.  "You mean Satan?!"

     "Yes, and your father was actually able to turn him."

     "I've never heard about this," Alcander responded.

     "Neither have I," added Lysander.

     "Well, you were here Lysander, you were just too little to remember; and Alcander you weren't born until after your father came home from that particular adventure.  And no, you didn't hear about it, because your father is not one to talk about such things.  Just as a military veteran doesn't often talk about what he saw during combat.  However, that incident with your father and The Devil was the only time that Dracula was not residing in the Castle."

     "So what you're telling us, is that the vampire is back?" asked Lysander.

     "Yes, and this is why you've been training…in a sense."

     "What do you mean 'in a sense', Mom?" asked Alcander.

     "Well, Cander, after your father, your uncle, and their companions defeated Dracula twelve years ago, your uncle Richter started to train Christian in the art of vampire slaying.  This was a tradition in the Belmont family that will continue until evil is finally put to rest.  Your father believed that the two of you could use some similar training.  Not to slay monsters, but to toughen you two up, and I must say that toughened up the two of you have!  Now…as much as it hurts me to say this," Maria said, becoming a bit misty eyed, "I believe that you will have to put what your father and uncle have taught you into slaying a beast."

     "Mom," Lysander and Alcander said at the same time, while they knelt beside her.

     "If that's what we have to do we will not fail," replied a stern Lysander.

     "We are not going to let a monster harm either you or those who we care about," added an equally stern Alcander.

     Maria wiped away her tears and smiled.  "That's what I wanted to hear!" she added with a kiss on both their foreheads.           

*

     "Belmont!" Adrian called out when he spotted his brother-in-law riding a horse.

     Richter immediately pulled back on the reigns to stop the horse and said, "I woke up and saw the Castle this morning, Adrian!"

     "So did I.  I believe my father is back."

     "So do I," replied Richter.  "We need to talk about this."

     "Yes, we do.  Your place is closer lets meet there."  Richter motioned Adrian to mount his horse, and the two galloped back to the Belmont Estate.

     When Richter and Adrian arrived at the Belmont Estate, Christian was already present.  "Dad," he began, "I saw the Castle.  Does this mean…"

     Richter nodded.  "Yes, son, I believe it does.  Lets go inside."

     When the three entered the Belmont residence Anna (their servant cook) had already prepared three hot cups of coffee, which were sitting on the dinning room table.  Meeting them in the dinning room was Annette and Sidra Belmont.  When everyone became seated Sidra asked, "Uncle Adrian, is Dracula back?"

     Adrian nodded.  "Yes, Sidra, I believe so."

     "Does that mean Christian is going away?"

     "You know what I've trained for Sidra," responded Christian, looking at his little sister.

     "Is there no other way, Daddy?" Sidra replied, looking at her father.

     Richter shook his head.  "No, Sidra, this is the only way.  I don't want Christian to go, but there's no other way."

     "Will Alcander and Lysander be going too?" Sidra asked for the final time.

     Adrian nodded.  "Yes, I'll tell them everything about what they are to do; although their mother may have told them already."

     "Well, Dad," Christian began, "if this is my destiny when should I leave to achieve it?"

     "You should leave immediately," replied Richter.

     "You mean today?"

     "If you want to, but you may leave tomorrow morning if you wish."

     Christian nodded.  "Uncle Adrian, tell Sander and Cander that I want to leave today.  I know that it may sound too hasty, but we have a serious problem on our hands."

     "I understand Christian," replied Adrian.  "I'll go home and tell Sander and Cander immediately, and help them to prepare."

     "Thank you, Uncle."

     "But," interjected Richter, "before you leave I want us to celebrate a Mass."

     "Very well," Christian replied, "we shall have Mass before we depart."

*

     Adrian returned to his residence and told his wife and children what they were supposed to do.  While Lysander and Alcander were not happy about having to leave this exact day they reluctantly agreed.  Adrian presented each of his sons a sword from their family history.  For Lysander he presented him a sword that had been in Lisa's family, and a sword that he used to slay Dracula.  For Alcander he presented him with a sword that had been in Maria's family for generations. The Renard family had always cherished this sword because it was used to defend both their country and their faith.  Alcander's sword was wielded by an ancestor on Maria's paternal side in defense of the country and the Church during the 15th century. 

     Once Lysander and Alcander were presented with their swords Maria asked both of them to follow her into the Master Bedroom.  There, she opened a dresser-drawer, and placed a rosary in Lysander's hands.  "Lysander, this rosary was given to you on your first birthday by Father Miceadu, a departed priest who helped your father and I slay Dracula when you were a baby.  Take it with you, and think of me when you see it."

     "Thank you, Mom," Lysander said, in a shallow-husky voice.

     Maria returned to the dresser-drawer and placed in Alcander's hands another rosary, although this one was significantly smaller than Lysander's.  "Alcander, Father Miceadu handed me this rosary shortly after your baptism, which was one of the final events he had on this earth since he passed away the day after he baptized you and Sidra.  Like Lysander, take this with you, and think of me when you see it."

     "Yes, Mom…I will," Alcander added, in the same tone as his older brother.

*

     After Lysander and Alcander received the gifts from their mother and father the two brothers decided that they wanted to see Jessica Sage before going to Mass.  "I guess neither of us will have a chance with her now, Sander."

     "It looks that way, doesn't it?"  Lysander paused and added, "I just hope she doesn't end up with Brian Falkner while we're away."

     "Yeah, neither do I, but women are so confusing sometimes.  I know that Jessica doesn't like him, but who's to say that she wouldn't fall for him while we're away?"

     "Exactly!  That's what I'm saying as well."

     When the two brothers approached Jessica's door and knocked their father was quick to answer.  He did not appear the same as he did a few days ago.  He appeared very nervous and apprehensive.  "Is Jessica with both of you?" he asked before the two brothers could even say 'hi.'

     "Umm…no she's not," replied a confused Lysander.

     "We actually came here to see Jessica," added Alcander.

     "Did either of you see her today?"

     "No," the two brothers said unanimously.

     Jessica's father let out a sigh, a very depressing sigh.

     "What's wrong?" asked Alcander.

     "Jessica was not here this morning when her mother and I woke up," replied her father calmly, motioning Lysander and Alcander to enter.  "We wondered if maybe she just decided to go into town early this morning, but she hasn't come back yet.  Her mother is currently searching for her, and now with the appearance of Castle Dracula I fear the worst…I didn't tell her mother this, but I wonder if maybe Dracula didn't capture her."

     Lysander and Alcander gasped at Jessica's father's theory.  "What makes you believe that?" asked Lysander.

     "Because Dracula's return and Jessica's disappearance are almost at the same time.  For all I know she could've left her bedroom and walked outside during the middle of the night, and Dracula simply swooped down and captured her.  Remember, Jessica doesn't understand what it feels like to live in fear of Vlad the Impaler."

     "Mr. Sage," began Alcander, "my brother and I, along with our cousin, Christian, are on a mission to slay Dracula if he has risen, but before we go may I ask where did you see Jessica last?"

     "You two are on a mission to slay Dracula?" he asked, giving them a queer look.  "How old are both of you?"

     "I'm fourteen and Lysander is sixteen."

     "And you're going to destroy Vlad the Impaler?" he asked, very skeptical of both of them.

     "Yes, along with our older cousin."

     "What makes you two boys believe that you can destroy Vlad Tepes?"

     "Because we've been training for it since we were very young," answered Lysander.  "Plus, our father did it before us.  We also have faith, which keeps us from the fear of a vampire; and if I were you, I'd have a little more faith in our abilities as well!"

     Jessica's father said nothing.  He just stared at the two brothers with a blank look on his face.  Finally, Alcander broke the silence.  "Look, even if you don't believe us, will you at least tell us where you saw her last so we can at least see if Dracula might be involved?"

     "I saw her last in her bedroom."

     "Can we take a look?" asked Lysander.

     "If you wish."

     Jessica's father escorted both Lysander and Alcander to his daughter's bedroom.  Everything appeared the way it should for a teenage girl's bedroom.  "Did anything look different when you entered Jessica's bedroom this morning?" asked Lysander.

     "No, not really…except that the icon of Madonna and Child was laying on the floor."

     While Lysander and Alcander were not exactly experts on vampires they knew that a vampire could not enter a home unless invited in, and if a vampire saw a Christian image he or she was usually repelled.  The icon on the floor is a possibility that Dracula could have been here.

     "Mr. Sage, if Dracula kidnapped Jessica we will get her back, and he will not harm a single hair on her head!" assured Alcander.

     "I appreciate that Mr. Tepes.  I really do," he replied, though his voice did not reflect that he actually believed Lysander and Alcander could really rescue his daughter.

*

     Before the Mass at the Belmont chapel Lysander and Alcander discussed with Christian the possibility that Dracula may have kidnapped their friend, Jessica.  "It's very possible," Christian told them.  "I'm sure that Prince Vlad knows that you're possible hunters out to slay him.  Dracula kidnapped my mother once, when my Dad and her were still dating."

     "But neither of us are dating her," Alcander informed him.

     "Doesn't matter.  She's still a pawn that he can use."

     Before the Mass concluded Richter asked his son and nephews to approach the altar.  Around their necks he placed a crucifix, presented them with a piece of the Host, and, in an emotional tribute, he handed his son the legendary Belmont whip that had been in the family since the days of Leon Belmont.  After Mass the three exchanged goodbyes with their family members and mounted three horses.  While leaving the Belmont Estate they turned and waved goodbye one final time.

     "There's one thing I still don't exactly understand," Alcander said to his brother and cousin.  "If Dad and Uncle Richter destroyed Dracula with the Eucharist how was he able to come back?"

     Lysander and Christian pondered for a moment on Alcander's question.  That was a question they'd love to know the answer to.  While Lysander's mind was lost in thought, Christian caught the faint sense of crying.  He motioned his two cousins to be quiet, so they could hear what was being said.  Alcander and Lysander recognized the voice of the crying person to Brian Falkner.  Falkner was hiding in a patch of bushes, and appeared to be crying to God for forgiveness over bringing back a monster.

     "Bringing back a monster?" Alcander said to himself.  "You stupid son of a bitch!" screeched Alcander into the bushes were Falkner was hiding.  Falkner leapt from the ground absolutely terrified of Alcander's voice.  "How stupid can you be, you dumb son of a bitch!"

     "Hey!" Christian yelled to his cousin, while placing a hand before him, instructing him to calm down.  "Calm down, Alcander," and handing the reigns of his horse to him he added, "hold my horse."  Christian dismounted the horse, and approached a very nervous Brian Falkner.  Unfortunately for Falkner, Christian Belmont was not the mood to offer much sympathy either.  He grabbed Falker by the shirt collar and demanded that he "tell everything."

     Falkner swallowed a heavy lump in his throat before he told his tale:

     "I was so upset over what happened between myself and Alcander and Lysander, because I wanted to be with Jessica so badly and…"

     "Maybe if you wouldn't have been such a pompous ass you could've had her!"  Alcander screeched.  "Now that son of a bitch has her!"

     "Damn it, Cander!  Shut up!" Christian shouted back to his younger cousin.  Then he relaxed his voice and returned his attention back to Brian and replied, "Please go on."

     "That evening after I attempted to kick Alcander's ass…"

     "With five guys," whispered Alcander to his older brother.

     "…I became upset that I've been made out to be a fool twice in a row…"

     "That didn't take much," Lysander whispered back to his brother.

     "…so that on that evening when I considered entering the tavern a stranger approached me and started talking to me."

     Now Lysander, Alcander, and Christian became very interested in what Brian had to say.  "Who was this man?" asked Christian.

     "I don't know.  He had brown hair, and was wearing a black coat.  He started talking to me and eventually told me that I, 'didn't look so well.' 

     I told him that I wasn't. 

     He inquired why, and I told him about what happened with Alcander and Lysander.  After I said their names he asked me if I 'wanted to get even?'

     I obviously answered, 'yes.'  That's when he told me he had someone who will help me.  I asked him, 'who?'

     And he said, 'Romania's greatest champion, Vlad Tepes!'

     I told him about how Vlad Tepes was a monster, and he asked me 'how do I know that?' 

     I told him that everyone in the village knows that, and he asked me 'is everyone in the village always right?' 

     I said, 'well no.' 

     And he replied, 'so how do you know they are right about Vlad Tepes?  In other countries Vlad is viewed as a great champion, who defended Christianity when it was under attack in this country.  This village is unappreciated to Prince Dracula's sacrifice.  Every Sunday they gather for Mass in their churches without ever considering that if it wasn't for Vlad Tepes the women would have their faces covered and would be praying five times a day facing Mecca.  Such hypocritical people in this village!  Tell me, did your mother tell you at one time that St. Nicholas delivered your Christmas presents?'

     I said, 'yes.'

     And he added, 'well, was that a lie?'

     And I replied, 'well, sort of.'

     And his response was, 'sort of?  Either he did or he didn't!  So did he?'

     I of course answered, 'no.'

     And he added, 'well, then perhaps you've been mislead all this time about Vlad Tepes?'

     'Perhaps so,' was my response.  That's when he asked me if I wanted to get revenge, and I answered 'yes.'  So he asked me to follow him to the hillside above town, and he began to talk in this queer language.  I don't know what it was, but he said a lot of things in a chant.  Then he held out this box and asked me to step forward.  I did as I was asked, and that's when he grabbed my wrist and sliced it with a knife.

     I screamed at him.  Asking him, 'what are you doing?'

     And his response was, 'bringing back our dark lord.'

     The blood from my wrist dripped into the box the man was carrying, and from it came this red flame, almost a blood curdling flame.  The man finally let me go, and I placed my wrist against my shirt to stop the bleeding.  When the box disappeared it revealed a man dressed in black, who looked at me as though he was The Devil himself!  I knew that this man had to be Dracula, because he looked just like him from the portraits that I've seen.  Dracula looked at me, while the other man started worshipping him and said, 'you don't know the foolish thing you've done bringing me back!  You'd better ask your precious God for forgiveness, because the citizens of your village will prepare nothing more than a gallows for you!'  It was after that, that he and the other man disappeared."

     "You're lucky," Christian replied.  "It's amazing that Dracula didn't kill you."  Then he turned to his cousins and added, "He must still be very weak from the last encounter with our parents twelve years ago."  Lysander and Alcander nodded, and Christian returned his gaze to Brian Falkner.  Falkner was obviously nervous and scared.  He had no idea what his fate would be once the citizens of the village realized that he was responsible for the return of the vampire.  Would they be sympathetic to him, or would they do as Dracula predicted, attempt to hang him?  Christian was moved with pity for Brian, something he doubted his younger cousins would be.  "Brian, you want to redeem yourself, right?"

     "Yeess," Brian said with a nod, obviously still very nervous.

     "Well, I think I have an idea of how you can be forgiven."

     "How's that?"

     "You can come with us."

     "What?!" exclaimed Lysander and Alcander at the same time.

     "Yes, Brian," continued Christian; "you can come with us.  For if we succeed in defeating this monster your sin will be forgiven."

     "But…what if we fail?"

     "Well, could it be any worse then what you might experience if you remain in town?"

     Brian paused before he answered, "probably not, but…what should I tell my parents?"

     "We really don't have time to talk to them.  Here's what I can do for you.  I want to stop at the church down the road, and have the priest clean you up; and I want you to write a letter to your parents telling them what you are doing, and I will ask the priest to have my father deliver it to them."

     Brian nodded.  "All right."

     Christian smiled.  "Good man, but there is one step I want you to do first."

     "What's that?"

     In response to Brian's question, Christian handed Brian his luggage and instructed Lysander and Alcander to do the same.  "Carry our luggage to the church.  It's the least you can do for us, since we're taking you along," Christian added with a smile.  Lysander and Alcander also smiled, as the three of them galloped at a slow pace that was fast enough for Brian to follow at their side, carrying their luggage. 

     After the four arrived at the church the priest cleaned Brian's wound and properly bandaged it.  Then he presented Brian with a crucifix to wear around his neck, a knapsack, and a piece of the Host.  The priest was also kind enough to give the party some extra food since they had another member traveling with them, and Christian informed Brian that he would help in purchasing him a small sword once they arrived at the next town.