You rise at dawn. You have not slept all night, for fear that Dracula might return and kill you. You are hesitant to go through with sending for Van Helsing, but you know you cannot defeat Dracula on your own.
You dress yourself hurriedly: a white chemise, black riding pants, your weathered leather corset, and your long green velvet, fur-lined coat. On your way through the weapons room, you pick up a sword and strap its sheath around your waist under the coat. Into your riding boots, you slip a hunting dagger into a hidden sheath. Then you head downstairs.
The servants are up early in a panic about the night's events. When they start to question you, you silence them, and tell them to remain here until you return. Then you leave the room and go out into the street. Across the street is the local church, which you rush to. Morning mass is not for another half hour, and the priest is in the sanctuary preparing.
He turns pale when he sees you approaching. Before you even reach him, he says, "It's happening, isn't it?" You stop in the aisle. The priest comes down to meet you. "He's back," he whispers. You nod.
"How did you know?" You proceed to ask. The priest shakes his head.
"We must send for Van Helsing… he must come and refigure this," says the priest. It seems that he is feeling ill because of this knowledge. He is shaking his head and going into a disoriented space.
"Father!" You state. He turns to face you, alarmed. "I cannot send for Van Helsing."
"Why ever not!?" Exclaims the priest.
"Because," you start, "Dracula came to see me last night, and he said he would kill me if I sent for him."
"Then we must be quick and tactful," says the priest. "You will ride to meet Van Helsing. He is not far from here; only about 500 miles. You can reach him in two, maybe three days…"
"But, father! Dracula will pursue me. And he has wings!" You say.
"Then you must bring a companion," says the priest.
"And where will I find such a companion? Certainly not in the church!" You say sarcastically. This plan is preposterous. You will surely be caught and killed by Dracula!
"There is a man… he lives on the far-side of town…" Says the priest darkly. You indicate that he should proceed. "But he is dangerous…very dangerous…"
"How dangerous?" You dare to ask.
"He has committed serious crimes against God," says the priest, "But he is a hunter. He has evaded the claws of the devil thousands of times. Such a task would be nothing for him to accomplish. He would be an excellent escort… but you must be careful…"
"Where exactly does he live?" You ask. This may be your only chance.
"Down the last alley, in the last building, in the last door," says the priest, "On the far west side…"
"Thank you, father," you say, "I will retrieve him and meet you back here after morning mass—"
"—Not here!" Exclaims the priest. You are surprised by this sudden outburst. "His committed sins are far too great for him to enter this holy place," explains the priest, "We will meet outside the Southern gate after morning mass."
"Very well," you say, "Shall I bring horses?"
"Yes," replies the priest, "And every weapon you can carry." At this, he dismisses you and you go on your way.
Before leaving the church, you kneel on the front steps. Drawing your sword, you place it on the step in front of you with both hands folded on the hilt. The morning bells start ringing as you pray silently to God:
"God," you say solemnly, "I pray that You shall protect me on this new mission I must so soon embark on…and I pray that You would bless my sword. May it be swung only with Your undying grace and with good shining in its blade. I cannot promise I will not fail, but I do solemnly swear that I will do my best to see to Your will, through all evil." At this, you cross yourself, and go on your way back to the house.
You must give out orders to the servants before you leave. You explain to your subordinate that you must be going on leave for a while, and that you hope to return.
"…And if I do not return," you say, "You will watch over this city in my stead." You hand him a letter. "And in the case of my death, this letter contains instructions. Do not open it unless I do not return. And if I do not return, after you have read it, destroy it so there is no evidence for evil-doers that may be coming along after me." He nods in slight confusion, but he understands what he is to do. "Do not fail me," you add, "You are to keep the servants under close watch, and if you have any questions about their behavior, you are to immediately report it to the Father Delavego. Understand?" He nods. "Good. I am off now. May God bless this house."
"May God bless you in your travels, mistress," he says. You bow politely and exit the room.
Now it is time to see about this man inhabiting the last building on the far west side of town.
You sure hope he can help you…