Wazaga says: "writers block. And school work. All of which have been in the way. Oh boy."

To Daenis: "naw, not at all. I never take it wrongly from people for correcting me. It only means that I learn something knew and try to keep the lesson in my head. Lol. But thank you. So far you're the only one boosting my muse. Although I don't think this chapter turned out as well as I liked."

Chapter 4: "The West Wing."

The castle was a series of hall ways and corridors that interconnected into a complex labyrinth. Were it not for Alucard's guidance, the family would have been lost or worse. They had been taken to the West Wing where most of the guest rooms and bed chambers were located.

In the past when the castle was occupied by life. It was these chambers that allowed the families to keep their ties close. The wing was a beehive's patterned in terms of sections. Where a main room was divided into several chambers for individual families of the same name. In this way, families kept close to their cousins and kin, all the while having a place to call their own.

The family was given a suite which at first glance was made of a large comfortably furnished den with several doors lining the far walls. There was a large fireplace burning with warming light, surrounded by several plush couches and cushions. A low round table was placed in the center of the room with several platters of breads, cheese, fruits and biscuits accompanied by pitchers of water and wine. The doors lead to separate bedchambers complete with water closets. The family's trunks were brought up to the main den and were then bid a goodnight.

As Alucard departed the wing, his thoughts wandered onto many things. So far, he had learned the names of the father, Artemes McGriph, and two sons, Arthur and Tom McGriph. But the two women were as alien to him as they were in the main hall. They had neither spoken, nor lifted their hoods. They did well to conceal themselves utterly. And although Alucard respected their wish to remain anonymous, he found himself enthralled by their mystery.

Firefly had been hiding in his mane of silver hair the entire time, and had emerged onto his shoulder with wander on her glowing face.

"Sire, if I may be so bold as to ask, but why have you allowed humans to dwell under your roof?"

Alucard let out a soft laugh at her innocent question: "because they are in need of help, little one. And what they ask is so little. How could I deny them shelter from a mere storm?"

The fairy seamed satisfied with his answered: "as you wish, sire. Shall I have Glum tend to their carriage?"

Alucard nodded.

"Very well, sire. I shall bid you a farewell." and with that she flew off into the dark halls. Her light glow fading away from Alucard's vision.

For the longest time he stood alone in the halls. As if he was a lifeless statue. Lightning flashed every now and then. Leaving an eerie atmosphere to echo in the empty halls.

He sighed as he retreated back to his tower and saw the pen and paper right where he had left them on the desk. He went to the desk and laid a hand over the pen, but did not pick it up. He suddenly felt exhausted. The night had been long, and now he was playing host to a human family. He would continue his writing some other time. But for now, he would retire to his bed to dream.