CHAPTER 11
Dracula walked downstairs into a large room, which Malus noticed immediately to be a dungeon; And what he saw in it did everything but better his mood. The dark stone walls were stained with blood. The only light came from a few torches lined along the wall. Also lined along the wall, on the floor were sick children, chained and shackled to the wall. Malus couldn't bare to see so many children both younger and older than he, trapped and given such a fate. As Dracula walked down the pathway, Malus was forced to look upon their tortured faces. Some of them he recognized as his own friends, and playmates from the meadow. On the other side of the room, a tall grey-haired figure in a cloak stood to greet him. The Servant bowed his head to the young boy. "My lord..." He said. "I have found the youths."
Dracula glanced at the bound children.
"Where are they?"
"They have entered the castle by their own will. The girl is indeed a Fernandez. She has also brought a Belmont and another."
"Ah..."Dracula said. "I shall see for myself."
He headed back toward the door, before he turned around.
"Kill the spare children."
He rode Nephalitheous to the castle villa hedge maze, in search of the warriors. One in particular, the Fernandez. There, he had found her. Hidden behind a bush, he spied her from a distance. She examined her surroundings.
What do you want from her? Malus finally spoke.
Ah, so you are awake. Now we shall test how powerful she really is...
Carrie heard a noise in the bushes.
"Who's there!"
Dracula came from behind the bush he was hiding.
"Please...help me..." He said innocently. "My name's Malus..."
You liar!
She kneeled down to the young boy. "My name's Carrie. Malus, what are you doing alone in such a terrible place?"
That's what I asked myself... Malus said sourly.
"They burned the village...my home...and my mother and father too...they took the children to the castle...the devil in the black cloak was looking for a certain child...and..." He held his head. "My head hurts...I can't remember..."
You lie! You lie!
"Are you alright? You look tired, that's enough."
Malus looked through her crimson-colored eyes and saw that she was sincere. If only she knew it was a scheme...Suddenly, two dogs jumped out of the hedges. Malus noticed they were made of stone. Nevertheless, they started towards the both of them, growling and baring their fangs. Dracula took off into the heart of the maze.
"Help me!" He yelled before running off.
Carrie fought off the stone dogs and chased after the boy. "Wait! It's too dangerous to run away alone!"
Dracula turned around and grinned. "Come risk your life to save me then..." He muttered mockingly. He ran through the hedge maze with expertise, since he knew the path by heart. He waited for the young girl at the exit door, smiling with his normal satisfaction.
In there are demon hounds and a chainsaw-wielding gardener blocking her path. If she gets past them, she still has the maze of hedge walls to contend with.
Why are you torturing her? Malus asked angrily. What harm has she done to you? She only wanted to help you get out safely, and you try to kill her!
I care neither of her sympathy, nor of your love for her.
Malus startled. I have no feelings toward her. He said finally.
You lie; I can read your mind.
Then you are misguided. I only honor her courage. You shall be defeated yet, Devil!
Dracula grimaced, and did not reply. Carrie came running out of the hedge maze, weary but not defeated. She ran over to the young boy waiting at the door.
"There you are." Carrie said. "Thank goodness you're safe." She opened the door and let the boy through. Dracula led her to the gate which led out into the forest. She followed him bewildered. This child is leading as if he had been here before... She unlocked and opened the gate, and he walked through.
"This path should led you into the forest, and from there you should be safe. Watch out for demons." Carrie said closing the gate back.
Dracula looked up at her for a moment, examining her carefully. Finally, he turned around and left down the pathway.