Chapter #2:
It was a three day journey by horse to Rome from Budapest. Van Helsing and Wilhelmina could make it in two, well Van Helsing could and he helped Mina. The first place in Rome they went to was a giant cathedral near the center of the Vatican.
"But Uncle Gabe," Mina whined, "can't we sightsee? What if they don't give us time to explore?"
"Well," Van Helsing said uncomfortably, "I'd love to Mina but I have a sort of mission-"
"That's great," Mina interrupted him, "I'll help you!"
"You're not supposed to know about it, no one is."
"Come on I can keep a secret!" Mina whined, "Please!"
"No," Van Helsing sighed, "your mother would kill me. Besides you have to meet the Cardinal now, and it's not a good idea to be late the very first time."
"Fine," Mina grumbled, "whatever." He grinned and put an arm around her shoulders.
"Soon you'll have your own missions. Here, close your eyes, I have something for you."
"What is it?"
"Close your eyes first." With a sigh Mina closed her eyes and Van Helsing placed something into her hands. She opened her eyes and looked down. It was a ring, she had seen Van Helsing wearing it for years, and a large silver old-fashioned key. Both items bore the same symbol, a black circle surrounded by a silver rope with a winged serpent in the middle, it's mouth parted in a fierce snarl. They were both attached to a thin silver chain that Mina could wear around her neck.
"Thank you Uncle Gabe."
"Both of these have your family crest on them. The ring used to belong to an ancestor of yours until I acquired it and the ring was the spare key to your parents' house from before you were born." Mina touched both objects gently, she didn't have anything else from the Valerious family.
"It means a lot to me."
"I think you deserve to have things to remind you of your heritage." Mina kept her thoughts to herself, it wouldn't do any good to remind Van Helsing that no one had bothered to give her any real details about the Valerious family. But whenever she asked anyone they clammed up and changed the subject. They walked the rest of the way into the giant cathedral in silence, Van Helsing thoughtful and Mina awed. Van Helsing led her into a confessional booth.
"Hey," she said, "aren't I usually alone when I confess my sins?"
"We meet the Cardinal in here." No sooner then the words were out of his mouth when a voice from the other side of the partition spoke up.
"Ah Miss Vilhelmina Valerious," the heavily accented voice said, "I have not seen you since you were just a baby and I came to Budapest to baptize you." Mina didn't even know how to answer him so she kept her mouth shut. "So I was a little surprised that you want to study here in Rome rather then in Budapest with your mother."
"I just wanted to live on my own for a little bit. You know, leave the nest and test my wings."
"Aha," the Cardinal muttered vaguely, "well whatever the reason we are pleased you came here. And Gabriel Van Helsing! How have you been?"
"Oh no complaints, my life hasn't really been threatened or in danger since I was last here. But I'm sure you'll change that."
"Don't be smart-mouthed with me." Mina caught Van Helsing's eyes and giggled while Van Helsing pulled a stern face that perfectly mirrored the Cardinal. On the other side of the confessional the Cardinal said a silent prayer for strength to survive with a sane mind. It would be like training Van Helsing again, and he wasn't sure that he could survive another experience like that. "Already you instruct her in your disobedient ways," he admonished, "you will corrupt her." He pulled a lever and a secret door slid open, revealing the passage into the headquarters for The Knights Of The Holy Order. "Come with me."
Mina's eyes were wide as she took in the first room, it was the laboratories where the weapons were constructed. People in cleric uniforms rushed everywhere, with magnificent creations in their arms.
cardinal's speech about the knights of the holy order
"Classes start tomorrow Magdamina Monstrance" the cardinal told her, "so now you will be shown to your room you will be staying with two other girls. They're already there now." He looked over at Van Helsing and back to Mina. "Gabriel whenever you're done saying goodbye come to my office." The cardinal left swiftly to his office. Van Helsing and Mina looked uncomfortably at each other.
"Thanks for bringing me Gabe."
"It's okay Mina, if you need anything just write. Even if you just need to talk. Just remember to use the code we worked out in case anyone intercepts the letter."
"Why is it so important that no one knows who I really am? It's you, mom, Carl, and Frank who are important." Van Helsing looked over at her sadly, he wished he could tell her but Lydian would kill him.
"Your mother just worries a lot. She doesn't want anything to happen to you." Mina didn't look convinced but thankfully didn't pursue the question. "I'll see you in three months when you have break. One of us will come and get you. Don't go with anyone else."
"I won't," she smiled, "don't worry."
"Good luck Mina."
"Be safe." She gave him a hug and began to follow the orange robed man who had come to bring her to her room.
"You too." He said softly as he watched her go.
Author Alert: Sorry to end it like that, it's really cheesy but I haven't decided what her roommates will be like. Tell me if you have any ideas, I think there'll be two. Also thanks to all reviewers! I never realized how rewarding it was to receive reviews until you all sent me some. You all rock my world so I hope if this story doesn't rock yours it at the very least provides you with minutes of entertainment.