Chapter 13

Old House Drawing Room

Barnabas bid George, Julia, and Stokes a good night and went to the drawing room. Sitting down in one of the wingback chairs. He was thinking about how lonely the house felt without Vicki. From the corner of the room a figure appeared, she was beautiful, her eyes glowed with an intensity and familiarity, which made Barnabas realize what she was. Standing from the chair he shouted, "NO!" She advanced on him capturing his gaze and holding him, then lunging forward she attacked him, biting him on his neck. He did not struggle he let her bite him and he waited.

The moment she began to drink deeply from him, she felt it begin to burn. She broke from him grabbing her throat she backed away and screamed. "BASTARD! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" It was a terrifying dream of pain, fear and finally the last note of her scream was desperation. "HELP ME! SOMEONE HELP ME!" Barnabas watched her begin to age before his very eyes. Her hair began to turn white, her face to form wrinkles and her eyes to sink into her head. She looked down at her hands and screamed again as the skin began to tighten around her boney fingers and to wrinkle, then dry up. The screams brought George carrying his revolver cocked and ready to shot, George was followed by Julia and Professor Stokes. They all came running out of their rooms and rushing to the top of the stairs.

Reaching the top of the stairs they stood watching in shock as they saw Barnabas collapse to the floor with his throat bleeding and a woman aging rapidly in front of them. Julia was the first to react, rushing down the stairs to Barnabas side, bending down to help him stand and guide him to the drawing room to a chair. "Here sit here, Elliott, get my medical bag! Hurry!" She turned to watch what once must have been a very beautiful woman that was turning to a desiccated husk of a very old woman which just seconds later she turned to a skeleton, finally falling to pieces on the floor. The transformation was complete when the skeleton that now began to dissolve and turned to dust as the decay continued to follow through its natural course.

George Patterson was the most shocked, repulsed and then dumbfounded. Elliott had gone to get Julia's medical back pushed past George and walked slowly down the stairs pausing for a moment to look at the dust pile and clothing in front of the doorway. Professor Stokes joined his wife at Barnabas' side handing her the medical bag she requested. "Barnabas will you be all right?" Stokes looked at his throat with concern.

Julia took the bag from her husband and turned back to Barnabas. "The wounds will heal and I am sure he lost some blood at least we know that the amount he lost had the desired affect on the minion sent by Tepes." Her words were said with a medical perspective, in her heart she knew this was a friend that was not reacting well to what had happened and was concerned so her words had taken on a hard edge. Julia was matter of fact as she moved to her doctor's bag and pulled out some bandages, and alcohol. "I need to give him a shot of penicillin to ward off any infection she may have given him, otherwise he should be fine."

George shook his head. "I would never have believed this was possible until now. These mythical creatures do exist and they mean harm."

Professor Stokes nodded, "I am sure it's hard to comprehend but yes in deed they do exist. In higher numbers than even you could suspect George." Stokes had been grim speaking of this subject as if it were one of his lectures he had given countless times at the University.

Barnabas struggled to sit up; he was so weak and now concerned that he felt the same way he did when he was a creature of the night. "Julia, I need another shot. You have to give me another shot."

Julia looked at Professor Stokes then to Barnabas, "Yes, I know Barnabas. I will give you a shot of penicillin."

Barnabas grabbed her hand as she cleaned his wound, "No, I need one of the treatment shots."

George looked to Barnabas then to Stokes, "What is he talking about? What treatment shot?"

Julia stood back not wanting to answer George's question she turned to her medical bag, "I was treating Barnabas for a rare blood disease and this must have triggered a return of the problem after we had come so far to get it in remission."

George showed his concern over this news. "Will he be all right?"

Julia nodded as she pulled a vial and needle out and filled the syringe with the solution. "He will be just fine." Julia rolled up Barnabas sleeve, found a vein and injected him. Barnabas leaned back and let his head roll to the side giving the appearance that he had passed out. George was upset as he sat next to Barnabas supporting his body. Julia was growing more concerned studying Barnabas and his reaction to the bite and her injection. Speaking softly to Elliott and George she said, "He needs to rest, perhaps you gentlemen can help him to his room to put him to bed."

"What is going on?" Quentin moved into the room and then saw Barnabas and rushed to his side. "What the hell happened to Barnabas?"

Stokes looked to George, "Perhaps we can get Willie to help us get him up to his bed."

George nodded stood turning to find Willie. "Barnabas was attacked by one of Tepes minions. He is suffering the side affects from her bite."

Quentin knelt beside his cousin. "We will get you through this buddy, Julia is the best and you know she can help." He patted his shoulder and stood as Willie and George entered the room.

Together the two men helped Barnabas to stand and he weakly leaned against them.

"Thank you both" His voice soft and measured as he let them help him to the stairs.

Stokes turned to Quentin and spoke confidentially, "The first strike has been made, they have Vicki and they sent someone to attack Barnabas. We must make our next move. We need to wait for Barnabas to get some of his strength back. Then we travel to Romania."

Quentin walked over to lean against the fireplace mantle; resting his arm on top. "So, we get ready to brave the lion in his den?" Quentin spoke more as a statement than a question. Stokes nodded turned to sit in the chair Barnabas vacated.

"In the upstairs bedroom of the maids quarters you will find a young lady that speaks no English and was left behind to let us know that Tepes had taken Vicki. That I believe was the foundation to this assault. It is my thought that Tepes wishes his revenge to be complete by bringing Barnabas to watch him with Vicki so there will never be any doubt that she belongs to him. Thus sealing his revenge against Barnabas, with us in tow, he can then do whatever he wishes with us."

Quentin frowned, paced to the front window and watched the falling snow. "What do you think his ultimate plan involving us will be?"

Professor Stoke being Professor Stokes spoke matter of fact manner, "My opinion is he will convert Vicki to strigoi like him and the rest of the family members into the same, for us I imagine it will be death or something similar or as equally disgusting."

Quentin being as droll sighed, "So, he will in fact destroy almost all of the family in one fell swoop. Something I am not inclined to see happen."

Stokes stood and poured himself some sherry, sipped it let out a satisfied sigh, turned to Quentin and smiled, "Nor am I dear boy. It is my intention to throw the proverbial monkey wrench into his plan and come out alive and unscathed for all of us."

Julia appeared in the doorway, "Barnabas is asking for you both upstairs." Quentin, Professor Stokes, Julia entered the bedroom looking at a pale, weak, and appearing defeated Barnabas.

"Please come in, there are some things I wish to discuss with all of you." He looked to George sitting in the corner. "That includes George too, he is going to be family. He needs to understand and know what is about to happen. Julia's treatment has failed. The bite from the female vampire put some very deadly toxins in my system. They are working against what Julia was able to abate."

Quentin stepped forward, "So, what does this mean?" He had a true concerned look on his face as he watched the pain wrack the body of his relative.

Julia stepped forward with an injection, "I am trying to slow the transition process. I am going to see if I can change the formula to effect the results to retard the toxins we may have a chance to reverse the effect and bring about a more normal balance."

Barnabas smiled at Julia and shook is head. "Julia, we both know that the impossible happened when you reversed me the last time. My life was complete when I married Vicki and we lived here for our short time together. But you know and I know it will be too late to try something new before we go to Romania."

Quentin sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Barnabas, "Then when you travel to Romania you will be. . . "

Barnabas sighed and looked at George as he said it, "I will be as I was a vampire."

George Patterson stood up, shock and dismay written over his features. "Are you telling me that all those months ago, it was you that attacking those women?"

Barnabas looked down at his hand his shame complete. Julia, Stokes, and Quentin stood in front of Barnabas in a protective formation.

"He was not in control of his life at that time Sheriff. You don't understand what happened to bring this about." George paced back and forth trying to work through what he was hearing.

Quentin walked to George's side and hooked a arm through his, "George please come with me, there are some things you need to know about this situation that may change your mind about a lot of things. One of which is if you wish to be a member of this family and where all the ghosts are hidden."

Julia and Stokes nodded to George as he was led from the room. Quentin took him to Josette's room. "I guess the best place to start is here with the woman that was the first victim of Angelique Buchard." George looked up at the portrait and watched as it glowed, then the ghostly figure of a woman appeared to walk down from the portrait and she stood in front of Sheriff Patterson.

"Sheriff, Barnabas suffered the most by the evil witch Angelique Buchard, he was turned into something so vile he would rather die than harm another. He had no choice. Because he loved me Angelique cursed him to not being able to love or be loved and that all his family to die."

From the corner a small girl dressed in period clothing stepped forward. "Because of Angelique, I died of pneumonia, my mother took her own life, my Uncle Jeremiah was killed in a duel over Josette."

George was feeling overwhelmed, he was in a room with two ghosts. "I took my own life because of what Angelique did to Barnabas. He loved me so much he wanted me to join him in his new life. I considered it but when Angelique showed me images of what I might become, I could not consider such a life to be with my beloved, so I jumped from widows hill."

Stokes entered the room, "And the woman very nearly succeeded in destroying the entire Collins family. She even made it look like Vicki was the witch doing the evil in Collinwood and it eventually caused her to be arrested, tried, and hanged as a witch."

George shook his head. "Wait a minute, how is that possible?" He was waiting for an explanation for the impossible and it was not forthcoming at this time and his mind was overwhelmed with what he was hearing. He was just as sure that he must be dreaming this happening or this was a horrible and sad joke being played on him to welcome him to the family.

Stokes walked to the fireplace to look at the portrait of Josette as Josette and Sarah disappeared from the room. "One night sometime ago, a séance was held at Collinwood, during that séance, Vicki was transported back in time to the year 1795, where she exchanged places with one Phyllis Wick."

"Although Vicki lived a full life for several months in the year 1795, it was just a matter of minutes in our time. When Vicki was sent to the gallows and hanged, at the precise moment the ladder was removed from her feet, and she began to fall, she exchanged places with Miss Wicke again and Miss Wicke was the one hanged."

Julia walked into the room "It was devastating to Vicki, she had only partial memories and nightmares of that time. It is a wonder she was able to deal with the trauma she suffered during that time."

"With months of counseling and some manipulation and hypnosis, she only remembers part of what happened during that time. The fact remained that the one thing that was a constant for her was Barnabas Collins. You see the Barnabas she met in 1795 is the same man she married in 1967." Julia tried as simply as possible to explain the situation.

George was having problems processing all of this astounding information being told to him and he sat dumbfounded on the settee. "So, I am to believe Barnabas is the same one that is in the portrait in the foyer of Collinwood?"

Professor Stokes nodded, "He is in deed one and the same. However, Sheriff what you must remember is he is also the same man that loves your daughter. He also is the one man that protected your daughter in 1795. He is a victim of Angelique as much as any who felt her wrath. All because he chose to reject Angelique's love and could not find it in his heart to love her, she tried to destroy his family and killed the one woman he loved more than life itself. She condemned him to have no rest, to never be loved or to love. He broke that curse marrying Vicki. He found love again and his humanity."

Drawing Room Old House

George sighed and hung his head. "I don't know what to do or think. I need time to digest this information. Will you all excuse me? I just need some time to think." George stood and walked out of Josette's room. Going down to the drawing room he sat down and put his face in his hands. No wonder he could not solve most the problems that appeared around the same time that Loomis became nicer and Collins came to town and light the dawning of a new day, it was all so very clear now he had all the facts.

Josette's Room

Quentin looked to his companions, "I hope he considers everything we have told him and hope he makes the right decision. "

Stokes nodded then looked to Julia, "How is Barnabas?"

Julia sighed and shook her head, "He will go through the metamorphism tonight, we have to prepare a coffin for him, our arrangements for the trip to Romania will need to be modified to accommodate his needs. I don't know Elliott, I think I can get it back under control but I need time to adjust the serum. However, if we need to get on a plane the first thing tomorrow, I won't have enough time."

Elliott tapped his monocle against his chin, his eyes fixed on a spot near the ceiling. "Do you have the notes you made from this last control batch?" She nodded, walked to the hallway going to her room, Elliott, Quentin followed behind her as she opened her bag and pulled out her notebook, she handed it to Elliott.

Taking the notebook, Elliott thumbed through the notes until he came to one page. "Julia my dear, what if you were to dilute this portion and increase the element of this portion? Would it not give him enough time before he changed back completely?"

Julia took the notebook and studied the formula, smiling she nodded, "Yes, it just might work. It would give us enough time to possibly get to Romania then to allow me a chance to make some adjustments. My concerns were over the saturation of his blood with the original formula as a protection against the possibility of an attack."

Quentin thought a moment, "What about a blood transfusion? We would have time to transfuse him and possibility cleans the blood of some of the toxins? Or there is a dialysis machine? Could that not wash the blood of the toxin?"

Julia for the first time looked excited and hopeful, "If we can get him to the hospital, I think we could separate his platelets and possibly give me a more pure form of the anti toxin and what might be used to counter the affects."

Quentin moved to the doorway, "Then what are we waiting for? Want me to call an ambulance?"

Stokes smiled at his wife, "Julia, you take care of this while I put in place of what we will need for our trip. This is one time, that time is not on our side." He bent to place a light chaste kiss on her lips. "Quentin, take care of my beautiful bride, I will join you later. I need to check on our houseguest, make sure she is comfortable, and then will join you at the hospital. In your lab my dear?" She smiled and nodded.

Castle Dracula

Romania

Thousands of miles away, a piercing scream could be heard through the castle a low moan-keening wail filled the halls and was joined by others of the strigoi as they felt the passing of one of their own. A death was never comfortable to the undead. Death for the strigoi was frightening. However, with one like Gilda had suffered left them all feeling afraid and lost. They were reminded of their weaknesses and that the same could easily happen to them. Vlad staggered to his desk and collapsed into his chair. Closing his eyes he squeezed them and his tears had turned to blood. He saw his beautiful Gilda as she dried up and died. It was a horrible death and he was weakened from her death. He had been her creator and to loose a part of himself in this death was now affecting him. Wiping the blood from his face and eyes he stood, "Collins!" He growled out his name with such hatred and venom that he wanted to crush something or someone.

The staff knowing this mood had all scattered frightened from his reaction to another of his kind and they did not want to be the recipient of his ire, it was deadly and they valued their lives too much. So, they hid or found other places to keep them occupied. For Vlad this was even more frustrating that he had become so predictable. Rising he found a bottle of blood and began to drink it down gulping it as fast as he could. The taste of the blood made him feel calmer. He needed to call Sorin to find out what had happened. Picking up the phone he waited for the overseas operator to put his call through. Waiting for the second ring Sorin picked up the phone. "My Prince." His voice was hesitant; he must have felt Gilda's passing too.

"Sorin, just tell me she is on her way with Radu?" The pause made him anxious.

"Yes, she is on the plane and headed to Romania as we speak. However as you know Gilda was not successful and has passed on. I felt her passing just a few moments ago."

"Yes, I know. I was her creator we felt her passing and it has grieved us and made us more determined. Does Collins know his precious Victoria is on her way to my home? Were you successful in getting that information across to him?"

Sorin wanted to say he manipulated the situation to their advantage but could not lie to his Prince. "My Prince, when I arrived with the pretense of seeking out the Professor, they had discovered Alia and much to my chagrin and surprise the Professor could speak fluent Romanian. He spoke with her and they know Elizabeta had been taken. I cannot take credit for what was already in place."

Vlad was mulling over what he had told him, "What about Doctor Hoffman? Have you proceeded with your plans in regards to her?"

Sorin looked up as a figure slipped into the room with him, he smiled, "I have more news my lord, and will you hold on while I speak with our other spy?"

Vlad was beginning to feel better as he waited patiently for Sorin to come back on the phone. "My lord the news is better than we expected, Collins is reverting back to a brethren. He should be completely transformed by tomorrow morning, they are preparing a coffin for him as we speak."

For the first time this night, Vlad smiled, "Then you proceed with the plans for Julia Hoffman and report back to me when you have taken the next step. I believe I would like for the good doctor to join me here. At least here she cannot help Collins."

Sorin smiled; he was beginning to feel better over the events of this night. "As my prince wishes, I will report when I have taken the next step." He hung up and turned to his cohort. "Return to the Old House and keep your eyes and ears open for any information contrary to our plans."

Drawing Room Old House

George leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes when he felt a cold soft small hand touch his shoulder, "Sheriff Patterson, you are Victoria's father. You should know she loves Barnabas and he loves her. What she faces now is so much more than what Barnabas could ever be. He is far more evil and he will change our lovely Victoria over to what he is. We need Barnabas to bring her home. No others can truly go against one of his kind except for Barnabas." George looked up into the sweet innocent face of a the girl known as Sarah.

"How did you die little one?" George's voice had grown soft and he waited for her to tell him how she had passed on. She looked down and then drifted to the middle of the room.

"I lived here and was very happy, I was so happy that Barnabas was going to get married. Then Miss Winters came and I really liked her, then strange things started happening, Josette ran off with Jeremiah and Poppa disappeared and it began to look more and more like Miss Winters was a witch, there was a horrible man named Reverend Trask and he was always so mean to Miss Winters and he scared her. Then something bad happened to me, and then Barnabas and I was so terribly afraid when I saw him with blood on him I ran into the storm to hide and Ben found me and I got very, very sick. I remember Barnabas came to me and promised me he was my Barnabas and not that horrible monster I saw with blood on him. I remember darkness and then light and a lot of people came to see me and brought a lot of flowers and I was alone and afraid." She turned to peer at George who looked as if he were about to tear up.

"Oh don't be sad Sheriff, one thing I could do is sit by my brothers chained coffin and speak to him during the day because at night I could hear him crying out for help to die, I could hear him begging to be put to death and that was very hard for me to listen to I would get very sad hearing him beg my father to just kill him." She sighed dramatically.

The other figure appeared with Sarah, "We all had trouble hearing Barnabas for over 170 years lie in that chained coffin begging for death until he finally just lay silent. We knew he still lived at night but was dead during the day and it was hard for us all knowing what he was going through." Josette floated to sand next to Sarah. "So before you decide what you must do know he is a good man and would die for Victoria and this family and for you before he would allow someone to hurt any of you."

George closed his eyes and thought about all he had learned.