(Thanks for waiting gang! Big hugs to all my reviewers!)
The penmanship was shaky, as if the author was not well practiced in writing. It took a moment for Van Helsing to become familiar enough with the style to read.
To Friar Carl--
Be not alarmed at receiving this letter. All is well here, and since we were delivered from the evil shadow of Dracula, the town has prospered. I too am well. But I must give you news that I feel is your due.
You have a son.
It was not long after you and you companion with Lady Anna Valerious triumphed over evil that I discovered I was with child. As I had so longed for a child, I felt this was God's blessing on our union, and I cherished it. I was delivered of a boy, and he has brought more joy to my life than I can express. He is a fine boy, with his mother's dark hair and his father's blue eyes. I shall try to raise him to be as good and as strong a man as you. Do not feel that you need to come to us, or support us in any way. I shall do all that I can to ensure his life is the very best possible, and should he show the same brilliance of mind as you, I will have him educated as best and as much as I can. I felt it was your right to know. Do not worry for us, for we are well and happy.
I have named him Petru, as we call that saint who's Church you serve so well.
Sincerely, Gita
Van Helsing set down the letter and leaned back, giving a long low whistle.
"God is punishing me." Carl said.
"Do you really think so? She sounds happy."
"Well, yes and no. I mean, obviously, I'm glad that Gita is so happy. But -- I never expected to be a father!" The friar threw up his hands. "I barely remember my own father. And besides, it's not like she even wants me to have anything to do with the boy. I have no idea what to do!" He lowered his head until it rested on the table.
"I believe this is what some of the priests call a Crisis of Faith." Van Helsing quipped, earning himself a glare. "Look, Carl. I don't know what the big deal is. So, you have a son. That's a good thing! You could write to the boy, maybe."
Carl stood and began pacing. "Yes, but she doesn't indicate that she really wants me involved. You read it! 'Do not worry!' 'Do not come to us!'"
Van Helsing sighed. "What does this really make you feel?" He hoped he was taking the right tack with his friend.
Carl paused in his pacing and stared into the distance. "It makes me want to do more with my life than spend it in the bowels of this place, making tools for others to use."
"Now we're getting somewhere!" Van Helsing exclaimed. "Listen, it's getting late, and I have an idea."
"What idea?" Carl asked suspiciously.
"Get some sleep, and then meet me tomorrow morning in the practice gallery."
"Why?"
Van Helsing stood and clapped his friend on the back. "To see if your talent for mayhem goes beyond the laboratory!"
(Bet y'all can see where this is going from a mile away!)