Chapter 2: Common Ground
"December 1
Anno Domini 1879
I write this from the train en route to Varna. I chose to go by rail because it would surely bear me away from these bitter climes swifter than if I'd gone by sea. I say bitter not only for the weather but also for the memories. I was in ponderous error when I sought to return to Romania. I shall never forgive myself for believing it would bring closure. I found only what I would have been happy to never see again, and I could not descry Adrien's grave. It is naught but mortal foolishness that I sought for it in the first place. I know that nothing of my beloved is left on this earth. His immortal soul long ago quite this globe for Heaven. Alas that I may not follow him there! My –"
Carl stopped reading and glanced up at Gabriel who was standing by the bed as he listened. The friar had procured the original journal from the scribes and joined Van Helsing in the in the private ward of the mysterious maiden. He sat in the room's only chair reading an excerpt from the journal that had caught his attention. Many hundred pages into the journal, the script changed from Latin to Romanian. The Romanian lasted for a couple of pages, terminating abruptly in a heartfelt exclamation and a broken thought.
"Well?" Gabriel asked impatiently.
"Th-that's where the Romanian stops." Carl stammered, the excitement building as he drew closer to the revelation. "But, there's more…"
"Later…
As I look back at my writing from earlier in the evening, I can but be astounded at my lack of fortitude. I have resolved to put away from me all vestiges of that dead dream. That is why I shun the Romany tongue; I had adopted it again out of habit, but I shall not pick it up again. I will continue now in Latin.
When I first took up my journal today, it was my intention to record all that occurred during my sojourn in Transylvania. I don't think I will. What should I? It would serve no later purpose but anguish. I mean never to return to this place in body or in thought.
As to what transpired, I shall record only this: I know not how or why or precisely when, but Adrien's murderer has at last been destroyed. The shadow that made fair Transylvania a fearful name for four hundred years has vanished.
Count Vladislaus Dragulia is dead, gone to ashes, never to return."
Gabriel had been pensive as he listened, but relaxed. With this last line, the hunter started violently. His hazel eyes stared first at his friend and then flew to the girl who lay in the bed, having drifted into fitful sleep.
The friar could tell by the look on Gabriel's face that this was like salt in a wound. It was only two years since their unpleasant venture in Transylvania and the death of Anna Valerious. The memory and hurt where still raw. To be reminded, to know that this soul had traveled the same road as they had, was quite a shock and Carl was not sure how Van Helsing would handle it.
Sorry I took so long to update. School started... :P
This is really short, but I will update later this week or early next week. Thank you to all my readers! Thanks for those who took the time to review my first chapter. passes out cookies to draw reviewers