Wazaga says: "I'm amazed at some of the responces I've gotten over the week. It really makes me want to skip in my walk. But that's a dangerous thing to do in my case, so I'll just content myself with bit smile.

To Daenis:wow. That was a shocker in my mail. I hadn't realized how close was to an online community.

I don't mind the correction at all. Fact is, I had no idea those were their names. I just like the sound of Alucard Price. It has a nice ring to it in to me (wish I knew where that last name came from though, because I know I didn't come up with it.)

Don't worry, I'll continue as soon as I can."

Chapter 3: "Shelter from the Storm."

Alucard blinked at the sudden news. Mortals hardly ever came to castle anymore. In fact, aside from the book keeper in the library (who is still there by the way), the only other human he could remember seeing in the castle was Richard Belmont.

Firefly flew off his shoulder as he got up. The fairy hovered close by as he made his way down the spiraling staircase to the bottom of the tower. His keen hearing could pick up the sound of horses accompanied by a carriage's wheels creaking outside. He stopped at a window looking over the castle courtyard, seeing the carriage rush through the gates. Mud flying in dark waves, splashing the horses. The rushing beasts cried out as another flash of lightning stuck.

Moments later he could hear the front door opening with people talking in a panic.

"Quickly, we must get him out of the storm."

"Father, we don't know if the people in this place will let us out of the storm. What if…."

"Do you wish for your brother's death? Tom's fever has gotten worse with the trip as it is, I'll not allow the rain to worsen him."

Alucard stayed in the shadows at the top of the staircase, located in the main hall, as he observed the people who had entered his domain. Firefly had dimmed her glow and hid behind her master.

There were five people; two of them were men (a youth and an elder) carrying an ill looking boy in a litter, the other two were women hidden under cloaks that dripped with rain water.

It was the elder who had spoken first when they carried the boy in. and it was he who called out as they set the litter down: "Hello, is anyone up? Hello?"

The youth looked about uncertainly: "father, I don't think it's wise to awaken whoever lives here at such a time. I…"

The youth's words trailed off into silence when he saw Alucard step into the dim light. All eyes turned to him

Alucard could see both of the men's features with accurate detail. The youth was a tall young man, with sharp green eyes. His hair was a light sandy brown and the beginnings of a beard darkened his strong jaw. The elder was a short plump man who looked to be in his prime. Silver lines streaked into his dark hair, his grey eyes sparkle with wisdom and knowledge of many years. However, he could see nothing of the women who hid under the hoods of their cloaks, nor could he see the boy in the litter covered by a thick blanket.

A long awkward silence echoed throughout the room. Then the elder stepped forth with open arms: "my humble apologies for disturbing you at such a time, good sir. But we must speak with the lord of the palace, if you please."

Alucard gave a small smile in humor: "you are speaking with him already. To what do I owe this sudden visit?"

The elder bowed his head slightly: "my family and I have been traveling on our way to Haven City; we are trying to reach its hospitals for my son who has fallen gravely ill. But I'm afraid this storm will not allow us to continue our journey. We ask of you shelter from the storm for my son's sake."

Alucard looked to each one in turn before he stepped forth. The youth gave a shaken side step as Alucard passed him heading towards the litter. The two women held close to the boy as Alucard approached them; he turned his words to the elder: "I wish to examine him."

"Oh, of course, but be gentle, please. The trip has not helped him much since we started."

He moved the blanket away to reveal the boy. Alucard grimaced at the sight. The boy could not have been older then eleven. His skin glistened with sweat from the fever. His black hair clunk to his brow in tangled wet locks, dark rings lined his eyes and his skin looked sunken and starved. The smell of the illness was horrendous enough to make Alucard gag. Blue eyes opened to him in pain as the boy took long wheezing breaths.

Alucard closed his eyes as he stood: "you may shelter here. Stay as long as you wish. Anything you need will be provided for you."