Chapter 5

"…and so they managed to send Fraulein Joey's St Bernard, Rufus, away with the Mädchen Robin, and then ran in the other direction away from the Madman."

Rosemary looked thoughtful as Herr Braun completed his story. "So none of the children were harmed in any way?"

"But no, Frau Kitwood. Fraulein Joey has been ill, but she is an excitable girl and it has affected her emotionally. Fraulein Grizel simply needed to rest after running for so long. and the Mädchen Robin has been upset because of Fraulein Joey's illness, but physically, none of the young ladies were harmed. If they had been, the Herr Doktor from the Sonnalpe would not have returned to his home so soon."

"And you are certain that this Madman, Herr…."

"Arnolfi." supplied Sarah, who had a good memory for details.

"Thank You, Sarah." Rosemary continued, turning back to Herr Braun. "You are certain that he is not a vampire?"

"I am sure Meine Frau. I have lived round the Tiernsee for most of my life, and I remember the accident which turned him mad. Many people here have short memories, and that is why they are saying he is a demon sent from Satan." He paused, rubbing his eyes. "I have seen him, Meine Frau, I know that he is still human. However, he is seen much around the cleft in the mountains, where they young ladies found him with the girl. It is quite possible that he is living in that area."

"I have heard of vampires sometimes using the insane to do their bidding during the day." Rosemary mused. "Although why they would want such an infant I'm not sure. Vampires are generally very careful about choosing their victims from older people. They don't want to be minding someone who hasn't the strength."

"Unless…" Sarah ventured. "Isn't there a vampire who is insane and can be quite childlike. I'm sure I read about her in connection with…" she hesitated, gulping. "with how one of the previous Slayers died."

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Rosemary looked straight at Sarah, an idea dawning in her mind. "Well remembered, Sarah." She turned to Herr Braun. "I'm not sure if you will have heard of the vampire Drusilla, Herr Braun. But she, in addition to being a seer, is remarkably childlike, and wherever she ventures, she takes a collection of dolls with her. It may be that Drusilla is in the area and has decided that she would like the girl as a plaything. You said that the girl was quite pretty, Herr Braun?"

"But yes." He assented. "The Mädchen Robin looks almost angelic. It could well be as you have said." He paused, thinking something over. "I am surprised such a vampire has survived though. I would have thought that being insane would be a barrier to this demon surviving."

"Unfortunately not." Rosemary replied, as she rose and searched through her bags for the Journal of a previous Watcher who had encountered Drusilla. A Watcher from China, who had lived during the Boxer Rebellion. "Drusilla has moments of amazing clarity. But, in addition, she does not hunt alone."

Sarah's face paled. "Spike?" she asked.

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"I'm afraid so, Sarah." Rosemary replied, then turning to Herr Braun, she explained. "William the Bloody, or Spike, as he's more commonly known, was sired by Drusilla in the last century. He is a more than formidable opponent, as the Watcher who wrote this Journal was fully aware." She glanced up, catching Herr Braun's questioning look, and handed him the leather bound book whilst explaining "He has killed a Slayer! Something which not many vampires manage to achieve. I suggest you read that volume, it may give you some clues as to how the pair operate. You may be able to find out of anything of a similar nature has been happening here."

"I shall do as you suggest, Meine Frau." Herr Braun assented, rising and bowing low. "and now I shall allow you to retire to your beds. I shall arrange Fruhstuck for whenever you awake."

"Danke Schön, Herr Braun" said Sarah, keen despite her tiredness to try out her new found language skills.

"Yes, thank you, Herr Braun." Rosemary said with a smile. "May I ask whether it is possible for us to speak again tonight?"

"I will endeavour to arrange it." Herr Braun replied. "It is good that Fraulein Sarah is learning the German though. It will be a great use when she starts at our good Chalet School. And now I will leave you. Gute Nacht."

As Herr Braun left the room, Rosemary shut the door tight. "You had better try to get some sleep, Sarah." she said, turning to the girl, who was already undressing.

"I will try, Miss Kitwood." she replied.

Rosemary smiled. "Please, Sarah. Call me Rosemary, or Aunt Rosemary if you prefer. Even though Herr Braun knows who we are, it is best to keep up the cover story." She smiled as she started her own undressing. "Besides, Miss Kitwood always makes me feel so old as well."

Sarah smiled back. "Well, Goodnight then, Aunt Rosemary." and she snuggled down under the covers, and fell fast asleep.