Author's Note: Here is my seventh chapter. Thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews! They have encouraged me greatly. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Van Helsing.
Chapter 7 Van Helsing
Vela took care to land outside the village of Vaseria, cloaking herself in a flowing black cape. She had not been in the small town since before her turning, always heeding the master's instructions. Not many people had seen her since that time and any that did never lived long enough to tell the tale. Her killings were usually attributed to one of the other three brides and not one of the living knew of her existence making her the perfect spy. Vaseria was a dreary looking place (thanks to the Count) with grey buildings and a solemn looking town square boasting a large stone well. The village seemed to suck the very life out of its residents and any visitors that stayed too long, good thing she was dead. But now, a decidedly excited air floated through the muddy streets. A few bright lights shone from the tavern window and loud laughter could be heard, echoing from within the building. It was near sunset, but this was near impossible to tell due to the dark canvas of clouds that covered the sky. Vela passed by a group of older looking men, who whispered softly, near the well.
"He killed a bride!" one proclaimed. "He killed Marishka!"
"Who? What was his name?" another inquired.
"Van Helsing!" the first man breathed, his eyes growing wider. The others murmured the name to themselves, casting burning glances around the square. The vampire froze and if her heart had been operational, the beat would have been suitable for dancing, as the master often said. So it had been Van Helsing, the legendary monster slayer. This was the warrior Rome had sent, the one that had troubled Dracula so.
"Where did he go?" a grey bearded gentleman asked. "I would like to buy him a drink."
"With the Princess," someone informed him. That was all the information Vela needed. Leaving the mortals to their conversation, she spun on her heel and headed to the Valerious manor.
It was not long before she caught up with the trio. Princess Anna led the two men up a steady incline to the ancient stone castle. The master had once told her that he had lived there himself for a time, before his death. Vela observed the party coolly, smirking in amusement as the smaller man tripped.
"Are you alright Carl?" the other inquired, who was undoubtedly Van Helsing. Yes, she recognized him now from before, as he turned to help Carl up. It was at this point however that her plan differed from Dracula's. She trotted down the road to join them, letting a pleasant smile reach her lips.
"Good evening!" the girl cried, waving at the group. The three mortals immediately wheeled around and she saw Van Helsing's hand fly to the butt of his pistol.
"Who are you?" Anna questioned, sounding quite suspicious.
"I am Sarah," the vampire replied, using a fictitious name just incase someone had heard of her. "I live on the edge of the village near the forest. I was wondering if I could have a word with you, Mister Van Helsing."
"How do you know me?" he asked his voice gruff.
"Oh villagers are simply crying your name from every corner of the town!" Vela answered, "The name of the man who killed Marishka. Are you not that man?"
"I am that man," he said with a nod. "What is it that you wish to discuss?"
"Perhaps I could be of some assistance to you," here her tone darkened slightly. "You see, the brides have often flown by my home on their way to hunt, so I have become quite aware of their feeding times. I hold a special hatred for them, those wretched beings, for they have taken my beloved from me. I would do anything to get revenge on them and then today, as I came to town I could not help overhearing the wonderful tidings. So I thought that with my knowledge regarding them, you could easily kill the other two."
"But you still haven't answered my question," the Princess stepped forward suddenly. "Who are you? Who are your parents? I thought my family knew everyone who lived in Vaseria." Van Helsing put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her back, shooting a warning glance at his companions. Vela sensed his suspicion and made herself ready to flee if need be.
"You said you live on the edge of the village, by the forest," he said, suddenly businesslike.
"Yes," the girl replied calmly.
"What time do the brides normally feed?" he asked, letting his heavy bag fall to ground and placing his hands on his hips.
"It depends," she let her gaze meet his, refusing to be intimidated by this mere mortal, her prey, her food. "But it seems that they prefer the hours surrounding midnight. They will hunt for three hours at a time, most nights from ten to one."
"Good," he nodded. "I will see what I can do about them. Thank you for your information, it has been most helpful."
"Your welcome," she replied, wondering if he was serious or just mocking her. "I must be going now." Vela turned and began to move away from them. That had not gone as well as she had expected. If he was smart he would take her advice. The vampire watched as the clouds parted and the moon rose. Hopefully the werewolf wouldn't kill him before he was through.
Van Helsing watched as the young woman walked down the road, appearing to be very calm and composed. Having been a monster hunter for so many years had given him an extra sense when detecting evil and this girl reeked of it. He was also able to clearly pick out lies and deceit amongst others. This girl, whatever she was, had not been lying. She really wished to see the demise of the two remaining brides. He turned to the Princess, who seemed very annoyed, once more, at his intercession.
"How many brides did you say Dracula had?" he asked, reaching for his bag.
"Well, he originally had three," Anna said as though she were talking to a young child. "That is until you showed up."
"Really, are you sure about that?" Van Helsing persisted.
"Umm, can we please be on our way to the manor," Carl's worried voice broke in. "It is getting rather dark."
"In a minute," the monster hunter snapped. "But Anna, are you absolutely sure that Dracula had only three brides?"
"Well there was a strange incident about fifty years ago when my father was just a baby," she replied slowly. "A young girl was attacked in the woods one night and my grandfather witnessed her being carried off by the Count. Everyone thought that he had taken another bride, but the girl was never seen again, so it was assumed that he had just killed her."
"Well, I think your grandfather was right," Van Helsing concluded. "Dracula has another bride and I believe we just met her."