Dearest Don Rosario,

The past few months have been a living hell for both myself and Tristan thanks to Draco. Yet, he is the one everyone thinks is the ultimate choice as the next Count. Allow me to put down on parchment what we have experienced and allow you to be the judge.

It began when I arrived at the home of Count Felix. Draco, Tristan and I were escorted to the local village by the Countess’s handmaid Ms. Elizabeth and the Count’s man servant Mr. Charles. Before heading out we were all instructed to bring what money we wished to use to purchase the things we would need for school. These items mainly being ink, quills, blotters, parchment, candles and clothing if we chose and medicine or toiletries. As I was leaving my assigned room Tristan approached me and asked that I place a pouch of coins in my handbag and hold them for him until after Draco was out of sight. I agreed though I thought the request odd. It was then that I saw Tristan fill another pouch with copper coins and a small amount of silver ones. Barely enough to pass out after services for the poor. This pouch he attached to his belt in the normal fashion. Once we came to the carriage, Draco was already inside and when he saw Ms. Elizabeth and Mr. Charles he just about had a fit. He got a look in his eyes full of so much hate and venom that it was a most uncomfortable journey though short. Any attempt to make pleasant conversation was met with comments from him that are not befit for civilized conversation. So we remained silent until in the village.
Once in the village, Draco bragged about how he was given a bag of gold coins from Count Felix to buy himself the best of everything. He even opened it in front of us and poured the content into the palm of his hand. Sure enough there were at least twenty if not more gold coins. Yet, he grabbed hold of Tristan’s pouch and told him not to worry as he was sure I would take pity upon him and buy Tristan what he needed. As all he was good for was being the burden and lord of handouts. It was after this that he broke away from us and headed over to a building that was designated as a drinking hall. Shaking my head, I gave Tristan back his pouch he entrusted me with and we set about with Ms. Elizabeth and Mr. Charles to procure the items we needed.
Upon entering the main shop where we were to purchase the bulk of the items we needed, the shop keeper completely refused to sell Tristan anything until he paid the amount of five gold coins to him for the items that Draco helped himself to. When we asked why it was up to us to pay for him, the shop keeper informed us fearfully that when Draco came to him and took the items that, “if you try to force me to pay for these items I will tell my father the Count that you tried to cheat me and not give me what I had paid for and he will take you and torture you in his dungeons and sell your daughter as a common woman. I am quite sure he can get a good wage from her at least until she is used up. Then she will be thrown out to make a living by begging on the streets.” I knew Tristan did not have the amount to pay for Draco so I took it upon myself to do so.
When we got to the inn to have a bit to eat with Ms. Elizabeth and Mr. Charles, the innkeeper once again refused to serve Tristan as Draco had a thing called a tab of money owed for food and drink. It was equal to the amount of six gold coins. I paid that off so we could have something to eat and drink. Once we were given our meal the door opened and a very rotund man came in madder than father gets when somebody lies to him. He demanded to know where a young man named Tristian was. Tristan rose to his feet and told him he was the one he was looking for and inquired what he had done to incur such a wrath. A very young girl no more than maybe eleven years of age came from behind him with a torn dress and bruises upon her face. She told her father that Tristan was not the one that attacked her. Instead it was one like him with hair slicked back and smelling of ale. Apparently, Draco had tried to have his way with her in his drunken state and when she cried out for help, beat her and ran off. Mr. Charles assured the man that he would inform Count Felix of the events and the one responsible by the name of Draco would be dealt with.
Upon getting back to the home of the Count, things went from bad to worse. I was called into the sitting room to discuss with the Countess what had happened in the village. I told her everything that I have transcribed to you in this letter. Ms. Elizabeth also verified it as she was asked before I was as to the events as they happened. The Countess offered to give me back the gold that I had spent to cover the costs incurred by Draco but I respectfully declined as I would not feel right taking the coins from her as it was not her responsibility but Draco’s. She nodded and said that she would make sure he paid me back in full before we left for school from the allowance he was given by the Count. It was then that I was called before the count who informed me that I had no business paying for the debt as it was Tristan’s responsibility. I informed him that the pouch of coins that Tristan took to the village was promptly removed from his belt by Draco. So there was no way for Tristan to pay for his brother when he was no longer in possession of the money he took for his own items. The Count took both pouches off of Draco and found that the twenty gold coins were still in the pouch as well as the copper and silver coins that were in Tristan’s pouch. Apparently, the gold coins were to be divided between both sons equally. Taking the gold coins from the pouch belonging to Draco, the Count gave me back the full amount that I had spent to cover the debts. Afterwards, Mr. Charles spoke of Draco attacking the young girl and claiming he was Tristan.
Upon hearing this and about what Draco threatened the shop keeper with, he became so angered it seemed as if his eyes turned a hellish red. Considering we were in a room only lit by a fireplace and the way the fire reflects off the eyes, I chalked it up to my imagination. He turned to Tristan and grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall as he said things to him in a language I did not understand. Tristan turned pale and tried to tell his father that he never hurt the girl but from what I could understand of the conversation between them based on the answers that Tristan was giving his father, the Count believed that it was Tristan’s responsibility to take the blame for Draco. That he was to say he was Draco so that his “good” name would not be tarnished. He ordered Mr. Charles to remove Tristan to the dungeon and give him ten lashes for being such a fool.
I could not stand hearing that Tristan would be punished for something that Draco had done. I spoke up in a manner that was firm, but respectful and I did not say what I wanted. I asked how it was fair to punish somebody else for what Draco had done. He never did anything that was honorable in his life and yet because of his being born first of the twins he was deemed automatically to be the chosen one. That if the Count would take just a moment and really see what was going on, he would find that it was not Draco that deserved the benefits of his father’s house. The Count grabbed me and it felt as if his eyes were peering into the depths of my very soul. I could barely breath. When he let me go, he ordered me in a booming anger filled voice to my chamber and that I was not to be seen by him until we were ready to leave for school and until I was to formally apologize to Draco for speaking ill of him I was no longer welcome in his home. It was then I said something I know father will scold if not punish me for as I told him, “it would be a cold day in hades before I apologize for speaking the truth.”

The next morning when we entered the courtyard for the carriage ride to the train that would take us to school, we were informed that Draco would not be joining us as he had already taken a different carriage from the village. To Tristan and myself it was going to be a pleasant ride except for the fact that Mr. Charles would not allow us to speak to each other of anything. Ms. Elizabeth had me riding with her in the main part of the carriage while Mr. Charles had Tristan riding with him on the driver’s seat. I asked Ms. Elizabeth how long it would take for us to get to the train station and she said I need not worry about the train so much as should worry about confessing my sins to God and begging his forgiveness and wisdom to do what was the right thing.

When we boarded the train, we found Draco was already in the compartment and was sitting in the seat designated for Tristan. I sat across from both of them as we waited for the man to come to check our tickets. When he arrived, he informed me that I was no longer to be seated in the compartment, but was to sit with the other passengers unless I wish to purchase a ticket for only remaining compartment for single person use. I paid for the compartment and took my bag with me. Once inside I arranged for my meals to be brought to me least I run into Draco and be forced to interact with him.
After a few hours we came to a depot and other passengers were brought on and that is where everything started to go bad very quickly. Draco was in the dining car from what I gathered from the talk of the constable that questioned me about my affiliation with him. As the meal was being served a young man and his wife entered the dining car and they were shown to Draco’s table. Beings that the space was limited, they would place couples together so more could be served in a prompt manner. Draco noticed that the young bride was both very beautiful and endowed in certain ways. He began to make less than gentlemanly observations of her physical appearance and wanted to know how many gold coins it would take for the man to allow him to break his wife in. Not wishing to get into an altercation, the man and his wife got up and politely asked the attendant to bring their food to their compartment. However, Draco followed them. When they arrived at the compartment, Draco became physical with the man and beat him until he fell unconscious at his feet and when the wife called for help, he over powered her and had his way with her. As he left the compartment, he dropped a card with his father’s name on it and left behind a sum of five gold coins. When they woke, the couple informed the attendant of what happpened and ordered Draco off the train. It was then that the constable would send word to the Count as to what had happened. However, at the next depot we came to, both Tristan and I were ordered off the train as well as the young woman was given a warning that if she told any of what was done to her, Tristan and I would make her pay for opening her mouth. Neither of us ever saw or spoke to the couple which was verified by the husband and he informed the conductor that he had no idea who either of us was.

After waiting several hours for another train, Tristan and I were finally able to continue to school. Once at the site of Saint Bartholomew’s Boarding School, we were welcomed by the head master Mr. Anthony Sinclaire who informed both of us that both of our father’s had been made aware of the trouble we caused on the way to the school that got Draco kicked off the train and was given permission to incorporate physical punishments for any indiscretions we commit while at the school and full reports made and sent to both our fathers as well. I was also warned that if I committed any infractions I myself would be automatically expelled and sent home in disgrace. So instead of being put into normal rooms with other roommates, Tristan and I were put into solitary rooms that were constantly watched over by room wardens.
The first week of classes, we were given the strictest of teachers, but it did not bother either Tristan or myself. However, Draco could not stand the pressure of being taught by instructors that valued hard work and discipline. He would often do things to try and distract either myself or Tristan and when we would not give in to his games, the instructors would remove us from the classroom. Each day, we were taken before the head master and accused of distracting Draco. As a result we both were beaten repeatedly with a riding crop. It became so regular that both myself and Tristan needed to be taken to the infirmary to recover.
During the time we were there, Draco turned his attention to others and even paid students to do his work for him. When they discovered whom the culprit really was, they sent him away to the Bradbury School for Exceptional Young Men. Once Draco was gone, we were issued apologies by the head master and given normal rooms and returned to our classes. We were allowed to eat with the other students and even attend the special events including socials with other schools and sporting events as well as chess tournaments.
When the first chess tournament took place, Tristan was selected as one of our school’s best chess players. Our students were to compete against the students from Bradbury School, St. Ignatius, and Mary Mother of God School for Gifted Students. They broke the competition down the first day of being the students from St. Ignations against Bradbury in the morning and Mary Mother of God students against ours. I was most pleased to see Tristan make it to the second day. That is when everything started to turn dark again.
On the second day the morning and afternoon were set as elimination rounds with the final two competing in the evening for the school title. Tristan made it to the final match and that is when we learned he was going against Draco. For the most part, everything was done fairly with Tristan taking the title two games to one in a best of three match. Afterwards, there was a social that allowed all the competitors and spectators to mingle as a way of creating new friends and connections. During the event, there was one area designated for students and another for the adults. On the adult side, they served Brandy and other such drinks. Draco, snuck out from the student side and took from the other room a bootle of some sort and drank it until he was drunk. He came back to our side and tried to convince one of the chaperones that Tristan snuck it in and gave it to him, but Tristan was playing chess with the head master of St. Ignatius which was being watched by several of us. When Draco saw that his little scheme was not working, he approached the table where the game had just finished and pushed the table over saying that the only queens his brother ever truly like playing with were ones that had certain endowments.
Apologizing for the uncouth remarks being made by his impaired brother, Tristan took him into a private sitting room reserved for parents meeting with the head master. I immediately went to get him some hot tea. Upon my entering the room, I saw something that turned my blood cold. Draco had Tristan pinned to the wall and was trying to bite his neck. When I screamed, Draco let Tristan go and turned his attention to me. He placed his hand over my mouth and told me that he was not attending school but instead had the head master under his control. That while he was strolling about London looking for a good time, he met a gypsie named Antonio and another whose name he would not divulge. He spoke of the one knowing my father when he was younger and had gotten into a fight with him. That both the young man and my father fell off an icy bridge leading to our home and the one drown. It lead to both the young man and my father being cursed. Now that he was like my father and his, there would be no stopping his plans. He would tell both our fathers that he would have my hand in marriage when we graduated as nobody would believe that Tristan was not a worthless piece of muck and once we were wed, he would cross me over. Once I became like my father, he would do everything in his power with the help of his two new companions to see my father killed once and for all. Knowing that upon his death everything of my father’s would become mine. He would make it seem as if Tristan master minded everything in a last effort to gain the power he sought but could never acquire. Then once my father’s estate was settled, he would use me to his pleasure and once he was no longer entertained by me, he would have it where I too was killed and spread the rumors that I had so grieved by the loss of my father that I committed suicide to make sure that my soul like my father’s would be truly condemned. Then he would cause the death of Tristan so that his father and mother would be the only ones left. Having the power over the estate of my father, he would then drive his parents to poverty and make the villagers think it was his father attacking them during the night so that both his parents would be destroyed.
To seal the deal he tried to make me drink of his blood, but I refused and got away from him. I ran to the head master and begged him to come quickly as Draco had gone mad and tried to attack both myself and Tristan. Tristan did have a cut along his arm, but it was not deep enough to cause him to be mortally wounded. The head master called for the constable to place Draco into custody and send him to the psychological asylum for evaluation. Only, by the time they arrived Draco had already fled the school and was not to be found. Since then various letters have arrived at the school congradulating me on my upcoming marriage to Draco. I have never agreed to this and now my life is about to be condemned along with my soul because of him.

Don Rosario help us before it is too late.

Sincerely,
Alice

Climbing into bed for a much needed rest, Alice lowered the lamp when she heard something moving around in her room. Turning the light up thinking it was Tristan playing a prank on her, Alice was surprised to see that there was nobody there. However, out of the corner of her eye, she saw something moving amongst the shadows. At first she thought it might have been either a mouse or rat. However, it was too large for either. Smiling, she took the cup of warm milk she brought to her room and poured some into the saucer and watched as a very thin smokey grey cat slowly approached the saucer and began to lap up the milk. Slowly, she got up and snatched the cat up in her arms. At first it wanted to fight her by hissing menacingly and trying to scratch at her arms. Taking a warm towel and wrapping it up so no damage could be done by it, she whispered soothingly to it.

“From the looks of it,” she said softly “you have not had it very good here little friend. Settle down and I will take you with me to my home where you will get plenty to eat and a warm place to sleep. In the meantime, come and settle down with me for the night.”

Holding the cat in her arms and petting it gently, she felt it slowly begin to relax and before long as it nibbled at the dried pieces of fish Alice fed it from her traveling bag, the cat began to purr softly.

“If you are to come with me, you will need a name dear one,” she said as the cat looked into her eyes. “I know…I shall call you Shadow. It fits your color and quiet way you move around.”

Laying down on the bed, she felt Shadow wriggle free of the towel. Watching it, she smiled as it settled down and lay behind her legs on the bed and went to sleep. Soon the castle would have another soul living within its walls.

In the morning, she wrapped Shadow in a cloak she brought for chilly evenings. Leaving her room and heading to the main room of the small inn, the innkeeper’s husband was ready to snatch the cat from Alice.

“There you are you bloody nuisance,” he growled “now you will be out my hair forever!”

“Wait,” Alice said protecting the cat “it is obvious you mean this creature harm. So I have a bargain for you. I will pay you four gold coins if you will allow me to take this cat with me to my home.”

“Although we could use the coin miss,” he said calming down “you can keep the cat at no charge. One of our former boarders brought this mean thing here and left it behind. Ever since it has been tearing apart everything it can get its claws on and has scratched at me and the wife since. If you think you can do something useful with it…its yours.”

“It is no wonder with how you treat it and how scrawny it is. Did you not consider the damage is because it was looking for food and water and his attitude is only from the mean way you treated it and not to mention its former owner? I have had no problems all night with this one. Thank you for letting me take him with me,” she said paying for the rooms and adding in the extra five gold coins.

Heading to the coach, she asked the driver how long it would be until they arrived in the town in the shadow of the castle.

“We will be there by midday miss,” the driver said helping her inside. “Just please make sure that beast does not mess up the inside of the carriage.”

“I will make sure of it, but if he does I will pay for any damage as well as clean up anything that he might do,” she said honestly.

Just then Tristan came out of the inn carrying a small wooden box that contained a small pile of rags.

“I heard about our new traveling companion and thought this might be useful,” he said taking the cat from her and placing it in the box. “Just one thing…what will your father say about this?”

“Believe it or not,” she smiled he likes cats. “Besides…even if he don’t I will make sure he gets used to Shadow.”

Shaking his head, Tristan and Alice jerked in their seats as the coach started to move and the last leg of their journey began.

Time seemed to travel slowly for Alice as she dreamed of arriving once more in the home of her beloved father. Although it was unchanged since the days of his youth, Alice still seemed to find new things to discover. Before going back to school, she found a secret passage in her room and wondered where it led to. Also Jacob promised that when she was awake during the daylight hours, he would show her to the attic where her mother’s things were kept in storage. Although she treated it like a secret between her and Jacob, she knew in her heart it was with her father’s blessing she was allowed such a priviledge.

“Your stop is approaching miss,” the conductor said coming to the door of their car. “I have received confirmation that your carriage will be there awaiting you.”

“Thank you sir,” Alice said handing him five crowns.

Waking Tristan, they got their bags ready and exited the train once at the station. Seeing the coach waiting, Alice and Tristan handed the driver their bags and got inside. Once seated, the driver signalled the horses and the second part of their journey.

“Pardon me folks but it is dangerous traveling the roads around here at night what with werewolves and highwaymen abroad,” the driver said loudly when Tristan poked his head out the window to inquire why the coach was slowing down. “The inn up ahead is reasonable affordable and the mistress makes a fine lamb stew.”

Tristan was about to argue that speed was of the utmost priority when Alice placed her hand upon his arm.

“We can afford to spend the night in a proper bed Tristan,” Alice said smiling. “As eager as I am to get home…I need a hot bath and change of clothing.”

“Alright,” he called to the driver. “Lamb stew sounds too tempting to pass up right about now.”

Arriving at the inn, Alice smiled at the name…THE SCREAMING BANSHEE.

“Can you believe this,” Tristan whispered in her ear. “These people no doubt wouldn’t give us the time of day if they knew our bloodlines yet they name this place after one of the worst creatures known in stories.”

“True,” Alice nodded “however…if you remember the stories our fathers told us…these people welcome death as a new beginning.”

“My dear Alice don’t you see though,” Tristan smirked we are in the land of werewolves and banshees and vampires.”

“OH MY,” they said in unison laughing as they entered the inn.

“Welcome to the Screaming Banshee folks,” a hearty looking fellow said warmly. “Come have a seat by the fire to warm yer bones while me missus brings you some of her famous lamb stew. In the meantime I will get yer rooms ready.”

“Thank you,” Alice and Tristan said sitting near the fire and watched as the coach driver took their bags and followed the innkeeper upstairs.

“So what now,” Tristan asked curiously as he gazed at the fire.

“We eat our stew, get cleaned up and then have a good night’s rest. Everything else can wait until morning.

After retiring to their rooms, Alice heard a knock at her door. When she opened it, the innkeeper’s wife brought in towels and hot water to make a bath. Once done, she dressed and headed to the main desk where her husband waited to take away the bath once she was done. Getting a hot cup of tea, she returned to her room and extinguished the light all but one candle. Thinking of her father, she prayed that somehow his soul could be redeemed that when his life was no more he could be reunited with her mother once more instead of being cast into the eternal fires of hell for all eternity. Growing weary, she blew out the candle and fell into a deep and dreamless sleep as her ears were filled with the distant howling of wolves.

Sitting at the table looking at the chess set before him, Draco sighed. Tonight he wanted to practice his counters to the varied moves often used by the current world chess champion. Only his mind was swamped by the varied thoughts swimming about in his head regarding what all he had learned. There was only one thing left to do…ask his uncle what happened and hope he would be willing to divulge the truth to him. Only…how could he go about doing that without seeming suspicious or rude?

With a sigh, he took a folded piece of parchment from his pocket and read over the variations used in the champion’s last match in London. Going through the moves, Draco studied the board and noticed that within three moves after placing his knight infront of the king he sets up his variation and causes his opponent to either force a checkmate or in rare cases…stalemate. Nodding his head Draco smiled wryly.

“So tell me,” the voice of his uncle came from behind him “do you really believe that one set of notes will allow you into the mind of your opponent?”

“Actually dear uncle,” Draco said sitting back in his chair “this is the fifteenth set of notes on various matches that I have studied. In each match he uses the same set up for his variations. Always he leads with the knight being placed in front of his king.”

“Oh yes,” Vladimir said sitting down looking at the board. “From what I see here you are studying the games won by Saunder McInovsky. He is a rather formidable foe. Also current reigning chess grand master if I am not mistaken.”

“I’m impressed,” Draco said bowing his head slightly in respect.

“I should suspect that from your diligent study that you have succeeded in advancing to the main tournament to determine his next opponent.”

“Once more you are accurate in your guess,” Draco said not taking his eyes from the chess board.

“There is one thing that is apparent though that you have failed to take note of,” Vladimir said handing a notebook to Draco. “In his basic matches he seems a creature of habit as he is well aware of. However, if you study this notebook of his past fifteen grand master matches…he does not lead his variations with his knight. To be quite honest, he has changed formats every single match so there is no predictability to his games. However, there is a pattern though so subtle it is often overlooked. If you can find that…perhaps you may have a chance against him.”

“I mean you no disrespect dear uncle,” Draco said narrowing his eyes and looking at his uncle with a hint of suspicion. “Why are you so willing to help me with this?”

Vladimir smiled warmly.

“Your mother remembered that I had faced him twice before when trying to pursue a name for myself in the field of chess only to have my ego put into check by him,” Vladimir chuckled slightly. “So made me promise her that I would pass my knowledge onto you if you made it this far. I gave her my word that if you made it to the grand tournament to determine his next opponent I would help you by passing my notes on to you.”

“Thank you for honoring your word,” Draco said with a sigh. “I shall use these notes well.”

“There is something that has been troubling you since you arrived in my home that has your mother quite distressed. So I have come here to inquire into this matter,” Vladimir said seriously “if it is an issue with asking for Alice’s hand I will not consent to that. It is my thoughts that she is neither ready for such nor has any suitor thus far proven himself worthy enough to even warrant a courtship.”

“Actually it pretains to a matter more sensitive than Alice,” Draco said leaning forward as he emotionally and mentally braced for a verbal if not physical outlash from his uncle. “Before I explain why…I need you to tell me how you became as you are uncle.”

“That is not a matter you need concern yourself with,” Vladimir said narrowing his eyes and turning his head slightly to watch the reaction of his nephew. “If you truly want to know the truth then tell me why you find this matter so troubling.”

“Fine,” Draco said getting up and walking over to the fireplace. “While at school I met another but unlike myself he is a full fledged vampire much like yourself. He told me a story of how you became a vampire and so I looked into other accounts of the so-called Dracula curse. Many details are conflicting and I am at a loss at what the truth really is. On one hand you were a murderer cursed for your crime. On another hand you were the victim of a jealous lover. Yet on another hand…you chose to become as your are to inflict a revenge upon others worse than death itself. What version is the truth?”

 

The Gypsy Camp

With the morning sun breaking through the clouds, Draco headed to the kitchen where he grabbed a fresh baked biscuit and headed to the stables. All night long he tossed and turned and lacked a desire to eat. He had to learn the truth no matter how much it would hurt.

Heading to the gypsy camp, he wondered if they would even be willing to talk to him since he was a stranger to their people. Hopefully, they would not misjudge him in the event that there was bad blood between them and the house of Dracula.

Upon entering the camp, he was met with an assorted of curious and unwelcoming stares. There was little that he could do about that and yet, he welcomed it in a sort of strange way.

“Welcome to our camp young stranger,” an older man sharpening a curiously curved sword said to him somberly. “What brings one such as yourself to our home?”

“Forgive my intrusion sir,” Draco said trying to sound sincere. “However I come to hear the story of the castle on the mountain and its lord.”

“What interest could one so young have in that old castle other than add to the perpetuating rumors and unfounded fears,” an older woman he assumed to be the man’s wife said coming from the open doored wagon.

“A friend of mine lives in the castle and I wish to visit him, however, I have been bombarded with stories of curses, murders and vampires since I arrived here from London. I want to know exactly what I am getting myself into if I take my friend’s invitation and visit the castle,” Draco said seriously.

“Very well,” the old woman said “come into the wagon and I will tell you all that I know of the castle.”

Once inside, Draco was amazed at the various colors of cloth that decorated the furniture, walls and dress of the old woman. From the looks of them, everything was made of scraps of cloth sewn together in no particular pattern.

“Come and sit down at my table,” the woman said motioning to a small round table with a crystal ball in its center. “Here…drink some tea. It is from tea leaves bought in the village.”

Taking a sip of the liquid, Draco wondered if it would make him have strange visions, knock him out or kill him. Not having any ill reactions, he relaxed a little and prepared to listen to the old woman’s story.

“For many years, we searched for a place to set camp but were always driven away. Until we came here to the lands of Count Vladimir Dracula and his family. We offered our services as gardeners, masons and cooks as well as entertainers and he graciously accepted us. Instead of being treated as less than an ill gotten slave, we were treated with honesty, respect and as welcome guests. In times of illness, he would spare no expense to get us proper medical care and even allotted us this land for as long as we would stay. Friendship was forged between us and the family. However that all changed when the Baron Igor arrived in our camp,” the old woman said sitting down across from him and sighed heavily. “He wanted to know what we did to those that broke our trust or committed a crime amongst our people. So I told him that we banished them or if the crime was bad enough sent a group with them to the region’s gypsy king to be dealt with. There was one amongst us named Amira that was accused of adding poison to the medicine given to a rival. Although she swore innocence, we had to follow our laws. Before anything could be done, Baron Igor took her from the camp and swore he would make her his servant. Instead, he married her and made that wretch a baroness. In time, they were invited to the castle of our friend and non-gypsy master Count Vladimir di Dracula. Along with them was their son Zoltan.”

“I have heard of him in whispered conversations in the village tavern,” Draco said thoughtfully.

“Zoltan had no love loss for his cousin, the young Count Vladimir di Dracula II and would stop at nothing to cause problems for him. What really caused the most tension between them was the very fact that young Vladimir had a beautiful younger sister named Maria. She was every bit as beautiful as their mother. Zoltan knew that neither the Count nor his son would approve of him being the husband of Maria so he challenged the young Count to a duel. When Vladimir refused to give in to his demands, the young Count went outside to check on the servants working to clear the ice off the mote bridge. Zoltan in a huff, went out after the young Count and forced him into a fight. I saw what happened from a castle window and got the fathers outside in time to save both boys from their icy fate. Zoltan rushed at the young Count and caused Vladimir to slam into the brick barriers along the bridge sides. Recovering from the blow, Vladimir stepped aside from the barrier but Zoltan tried to charge him again despite being yelled at to stop. It was then that Zoltan slid on a patch of ice and went over the bridge into the nearly frozen waters of the mote below. Without waiting, Vladimir jumped in after Zoltan and tried to save his life. By the time he reached Zoltan, it appeared that the lad had been rendered unconscious or was dead. Putting his arm around the lad to try to get him to the side of the mote and onto a snow bank, Vladimir began to swim until Zoltan tightened his grip around the young Count and tried to drag him under. Young Vladimir had no choice but to give up trying to rescue Zoltan and try to save himself. By the time he got away and recovered his senses, it was too late, Zoltan lost his life. You see, the young man did not know how to swim.”

“That is completeoly different from the stories I have heard,” Draco said knowing in his gut that the old woman was telling the truth.”

“The story does not end there,” the old woman said pointing her finger at him. “Three nights before this even took place, a messenger from the Baron arrived in our camp that his master required the aid of a gypsy magician at a hotel a day’s journey from the village. I arrived with the messenger and was asked to do a task I refused to do. The Baron wanted me to place a curse upon his son that should he quarrel and meet his death at the hands of Count Vladimir di Dracula II or through falling into the icy waters of the mote and drowning that he would come back to life as a vampire bent on seeking revenge against Count Vladimir and his family. Unable and mostly unwilling to do such a thing, I told him that my magic was limited to reading tarot cards, tea leaves and scrying through the use of crystal balls. He asked if Amira might be aware of casting curses and I told him I was unaware of such a thing. I went back to the castle to speak to Count Vladimir but he did not believe that the Baron would be so cruel. However, he did not dismiss me as being a deceiver. The night before the death of Zoltan, one of my young sons who had a wild imagingation overheard Amira in the abandoned ballroom mumbling over a small cauldron with candles lit around her. The few words he understood were used to call upon the demons to come forth and curse the souls of two people. First, she cursed her son to walk the earth as a nosferatu should he die from violence or by drowning. Second, she cursed the one responsible for his death to suffer the same fate unless one whom he loves drives a stake through his heart and cuts off his head at the alter of a church or chapel. Once finished, she blew out the candles and hid her magical items in the debris to be removed after the holidays. When he followed her, he watched as the Baron cornered her and shoved her against the wall and held a knife to her throat demanding to know if the curses were set. She said they were and he warned her that if they failed she would pay with her life. Once they were gone, he ran back to the camp and told me all that he had heard and observed. The next morning, my son was found dead and I was left a warning that if I spoke to the count of what my son had revealed my only remaining child meet a similar fate.”

“Mary Mother of God,” Draco said in sickened shock “what was the Baron thinking to force his wife into cursing their son?”

“The Baron believed and may still believe that if the young Count was so cursed he could force the marriage between Maria and Zoltan making him in turn the new Count.”

“Thank you for telling the story of the castle and the Count,” Draco said fighting his feeling of anger and disgust at having been so nieve as to believe Zoltan. “Though there is one more set of rumors surrounding the family of the priest and the curse of his sister Lucy.”

“Ah…yes,” the woman said nostalgically. “During the last days of the life of Don Anselmo di Cappadochia, his life was blessed by his adoped half gypsy son Antonio, his own son Rosario and his daughter Lucy. While in boarding school, young Rosario who was studying to become a priest to take his father’s place upon his passing befriended the young Count while at school. Through their friendship and constant visits of Don Anselmo to the castle to visit his friend the Count, young Vladimir grew to fall in love with Lucy. She in turn also fell in love with the young Vladimir. However, after the death of Zoltan and the curse coming into play on both him and young Vladimir, Don Anselmo forbid Lucy to be with her beloved. Unable to abandon the friendship he shared with young Vladimir, Rosario worked hard to save his friend’s soul and it led to Vladimir being pardoned by Don Anselmo and given his blessing to marry Lucy in the church. Vladimir vowed that for her love, he would never curse Lucy to be as he was even though it meant that he would only have one short lifetime with her. Jealous of the fact that his father was willing to forgive the very monster that cursed Zoltan to the life of a vampire, Antonio challenged his father and was excommunicated. Going to Zoltan, he told him everything that had transpired and begged Zoltan to make him a vampire that he could help him get revenge on the house of Dracula. Their hatred spilled over into the castle and when a midwife aided Lucy in the birth of their daughter Alice, she put poison in the water that Lucy was cleaned with as well as the water she drank. By nightfall of Alice’s birthday…Lucy was dead.”

“So everything that happened to the Count, his sister Maria, Zoltan and Antonio were all because of the greedy and arrogant ways of the Baron, Zoltan and Antonio,” Draco said thoughtfully.

“Yes young one,” the woman said. “That is all I can tell you. However, if you do go to the castle do not fear the Count. He does not do harm to any unless they give him no other choice.”

Getting up, Draco thanked her for her time and mounted his horse. Heading into the village, he picked up a box of candles, four jars of lamp oil, and other items he would need upon his return to the academy. As he rode back to the castle, his mind swam with all the woman had told him. All the while, he kicked himself mentally for not being as crafty as he had thought but instead was stupidly led into trusting and believing the lies of Zoltan and Antonio.”

Draco sat alone in the castle’s library thinking over what he had just heard.  For the first time ever, his uncle allowed others to hear his side as to what happened that day when Zoltan drowned.  Yet, it was altogether different from the story told to him by Antonio and Zoltan.  Sighing heavily, Draco gazed at the flames dancing in the hearth and closed his eyes as he remembered that day at Antonio’s loft.

Antonio’s Loft…London

“It’s about time the two of you got here,” Antonio complained from his sofa.  “There is much to discuss and not enough hours in the night to allow for it.”

“Well,” Zoltan bragged “this genius just finished beating five straight opponents in the chess tournament sponsored by the International Chess Federation’s Junior Chess Players Association.  For the first time ever, students from the premiere academies are permitted to take place in a multi level competition with the winner of this competition going on to play in the upcoming Grand Master’s Tournament.  If a student makes it to the Grand Master’s Finals, regardless of whether or not he or she wins the title, their academy receives a large endowment from the Chess Federation. Our boy is qualified for the finals against the reigning junior champion in one week.”

“Good for you Draco,” Antonio said unimpressed.  “Though you must pardon my lack of enthusiasm.  I never had a fondness for that game.  To me it was just too time consuming and to put it bluntly…boring.”

Draco took a seat in a wing-back armchair and just shrugged off Antonio’s comment.  As he watched Zoltan take a seat next to Antonio and promptly placed his muddy booted feet on the coffee table, Draco had a feeling he was in for a long night.

“Since time is short,” Antonio said “let’s cut to the chase.  You came to us for advice on how to win over the fair Lady Alice di Dracula.  After much discussion with each other, we have decided to bring you hear to hear our stories on dealings with Count Vladimir Dracula II when it came to love of very special and beautiful woman named Maria and the horrific fate of my dear sister Lucy.”

“When we were kids,” Zoltan said sharply “I fell in love with the daughter of the first Count Dracula.  He name is Maria.  Yes…it is your mother Draco of whom I speak.  Anyway, since my father was only a lesser Baron and my mother was of gypsy blood it was deemed by your dear uncle that I was not good enough to court your mother.  Time and again I would try to win your mother’s affections but the hold your uncle had over her was so great that my attempts failed.  One Christmas, my parents and I were invited to the castle and it was then that everything happened to me.  I had made arrangements to speak to your grandfather alone of my deep love for Maria and ask her hand in marriage.  I knew that if her father ordered it to be so, there would be no way that your uncle could interfere.  Well, I was wrong.  The servants of the castle lived in fear of the young Count and informed him of the discussion I had had with your grandfather.  So he came to my room in the middle of the night and offered me a king’s ransom if I would go to your grandfather in the morning and renounce my decision and desire for your mother.  When I refused, he rode with all haste to the gypsy camp about five miles from the castle.  There he found those that hated my father and mother and ordered a woman amongst them to cast a curse upon me that should I speak my intentions to your grandfather of wanting to marry your mother that I should meet an icy death and come back after I was placed in the earth as a vampire.  When I scoffed at this, I went forward and at the dinner table on Christmas Eve, I announced to all that I wished to have your mother’s hand in marriage to which your uncle rose and challenged me right then and there to a duel.  Not being a coward, I accepted and we left the castle.  As we crossed the bridge, I was met by two of his servants who pushed me into the nearly frozen mote.  All were aware that I did not possess the skill to swim and thus I drown despite my cries for help and struggle to save my own life.  Two nights later, I awoke in the cold dark of my coffin that had been placed in the family crypt.  Kicking my way out of the coffin, I walked to my father’s room where he cursed me as a demon and drove me from his house under penalty of death.  Having heard of my plight from servants that feared Dracula, Antonio came to my rescue and brought me to London.”

“After having learned of Zoltan’s fate,” Antonio said seeing the gears working in Draco’s mind “I brought him to London and offered him sanctuary in my home.  He would be safe from the daylight and at the same time, I could provide him with a constant supply of blood as I worked in a local slaughter house.  Feeling for him, I returned to place where I was raised by the priest Don Anselmo Alemida di Cappadochia.  I told my father of the events surrounding Zoltan being cursed.  However, since the Count was a huge benefactor of the church, he refused to believe me.  So I implored my sister Lucy to speak to our father on Zoltan’s behalf.  It was then that I learned that my father had been speaking to the Count and pledged her hand to the very monster that had Zoltan cursed.  Unable to win the acceptance of my family, I raced to the gypsy camp and found the woman that cursed Zoltan had been murdered by servants from the castle.  When I was racing back to London, I was met on the train by an elderly man who asked if I might help him retrieve a heavy box from the luggage car and bring it to his compartment.  I agreed and found there amidst the suitcases a black coffin with the Dracula family crest upon it.  As I tried to race for the door, the coffin lid opened and your uncle emerged with eyes like flames, sharp white fangs like a wolf and he was upon me as if all the devils of hell gave him unnatural speed.  I had no strength to fight him off and  the next thing I knew…a sharp pain was in my neck and a taste of copper was in my mouth.  He made me what he was so I could not get help for either Zoltan or my dear sister.”

“This is alot to take in at once,” Draco said fighting an uneasy feeling he had in the pit of his stomach.  “Yet, I am left with the need to ask one question…does this mean that if I pursue Alice that he will turn me into a vampire to prevent our marriage?”

“No,” Antonio said gravely “it means that if he decides you are not worthy of his daughter then he might find some way to eliminate you or have cast aside under the penalty of being cursed.  However, if he decides that you will have his daughter’s hand in marriage he will make you as he is so that he can control you as a mindless slave.  So we have a way to ensure your marriage and prevent his interference.  The final time you return home you will do so as a vampire.  Once a full vampire, you must take Alice and make her one of us.  This way, you can break his influence over you both.”

 

Hearing the library door creak open, Draco’s thoughts faded.  In silence, he watched as Klove put more logs on the fire before leaving once more.  This usually was a sign that the Count would coming in soon to read a bit before dawn.  Getting up, he took a book from the shelf and headed back to his room.  In the morning he knew what he needed to do even it would cost him his life.  He would have to go to the gypsy camp and see what the truth was based upon what they were willing to tell him.

Draco stood silently upon his balcony feeling the coldness of the night air upon his face. Suddenly from below him, he heard the voices of his parents and uncle speaking.

“In a few more days Alice and Tristan will be here,” Maria’s voice rang with happiness. “It will be so good to see them again.”

“I wonder how their studies have gone,” Count Felix said curiously. “I do hope he has not let his foolishness interfere with the seriousness of learning.”

“Alice wrote to me at the end of their lessons before thir exams. She told me we would be very proud of Tristan as he keeps getting excellent marks and even became her tutor when their mathematical studies became a bit too confusing for her,” Vladimir said impressively.

“Of course you wrote to her instructor to inquire if such were the case,” Felix responded suspiciously.

“I did,” Vladimir said avoiding the cross look Maria gave him. “Professor Van Kremlar informed me that most of his class stumbled over the advanced study of algebraic notation when combined with ratios used to determine chemical balance which is used by most apothecaries. However, one student named Tristan Van Breuher not only accelerated in this study but was able to point out a major flaw in the problem presented that caused the others to stumble. for this, he was going to be presented a special academic merit award.”

“Wonderful,” Maria said proudly as Felix stood speechless.

“Wow,” Draco thought “maybe he really isn’t as dumb as he acts.”

“So tell me,” Maria said changing the subject. “Have you received any replies to the invitations you sent out for the Christmas gala?”

“I have received confirmation of attendance from all but two families,” Vladimir said somberly. “Lady Valinsky apologized for having to turn down our invitation as her husband has fallen ill and she does not wish to leave his side. I expressed my concern to Don Rosario as to the health of our old friend and he said Count Valinsky has only started to eat food again but remains weak. It will be some time beofre he’ll be fully recovered.”

“I shall keep him in my prayer,” Maria said tenderly. “Although I fear the answer to my question…who have you either had decline your invitation or failed to respond to it?”

“Igor and Amira,” Vladimir responded sharply as a look of disgust and hate filled his eyes.

“Did you actually think they would come here,” Felix asked sharply. “After what happened here the last time they came to this castle?”

Vladimir walked over to the balcony door and gazed silently at the falling snow.

“Every moment I walk through these halls, I’m reminded of that accuresed day. I can see him trying to force himself upon you…my dear sister. Then trying to challenge me to a duel. If I won, then Zoltan would renounce his desire to claim Maria but if he won, I would have to speak to father about allowing him to have her even if Maria objected. Zoltan was known for his untrustworthy ways so I refused his challenge and promptly left the castle to make sure the bridge over the moat was passable for the guests father was expecting to come that evening. Zoltan followed me in an attempt to force me to change my mind. This time he made the challenge infront of Master Klove and his son Jacob. Again I refused and sent Klove and Jacob to find my father and Igor . However, Zoltan decided he would have me in a fight one way or the other. With my back turned to him, Zoltan rushed me and I was slammed hard against the side of the bridge. As I fought to catch my breath, Zoltan moved back to rush me again. Only, as I moved out of the way, he kept coming at me and slipped on a patch of ice. He hit against the side of the bridge and fell into the moat below. I lept in after him and tried to help him. Instead of allowing me to do so, he grabbed my hair and pushed me under the freezing cold water. We were ingaged in a battle I never wanted. I broke free of his hold and fought to get my bearings. I swam to him but it was too late. Zoltan did not know how to swim and without my help, he drown. I got his body and myself out of the moat and remembered nothing more until I awoke in my bed.”

As he gazed out the open doors, silent tears fell from his eyes.

“At times I think that if I had been stronger and able to thwart his efforts to get him to shore, his life would have ben spared,” he said going to his sister who was also crying. “Felix…if I thought condeming my sould to hell would turn back time and allo him a chance to live out his mortal life…”

“NO,” Maria wailed in horror. “Vlad…that awful…disgusting…conceited lout chose his path and died because of it!”

“Calm down my dear,” Felix said soothingly taking her hand into his and patting it lovingly. “I have a good repour with Igor that has spanned many years. If he comes, I will speak with him of hearing your side of what happened. Perhaps he will be willing to ask or at worst…command amira to remove the curse from you.”

“Oh Felix,” Maria said hopefully.

“What if he refuses,” Vladimir asked in an ancient dialect of Romanian Maria could not understand.

“I will make him see what it means to be truly cursed my friend,” Felix laughed. “Ah, but don’t fret my dear cousin. He will not become as we are.”

Sitting in the dining car, Alice and Tristan enjoyed a meal of roast lamb, parsley potatoes and green beans sauteed in almond infused butter.

“So tell me Tristan,” she said sipping her tea “how did you get my father’s blessing?”

“Well,” he shrugged “I fibbed a little.”

“Oh no,” Alice said closing her eyes. “Without his blessing, Draco can challenge us and force me to marry him.”

“No he can’t,” Tristan said sternly. “I have his blessing providing I can prove to him that I’m not a buffoon and can provide a stable and proper life worthy of you.”

“How do you plan on doing that,” Alice asked sharply. “Everything to you is a matter to be joked about at one time or another.”

“What do you expect,” he shot back hurt. “Every thought I’ve had of a serious nature was credited to somebody putting those ideas in my head. I’ve been told I was too immature to be rational and not amount to much unless the silliness was knocked from me. So I have done what is expected of me.”

“I see,” Alice nodded. “This ring is your way of what? Is this how you think everybody will take you seriously?”

“NO,” he said with a deeply hurt look in his eyes. “It’s my way of proving that my love for you is genuine. If you don’t want to believe me…then you can run to Draco’s arms!”

Getting up, he returned to their car.

Getting up from the table, Alice headed back to the car and found Tristan sitting there crying.

“I’m sorry I spoke to so harshly against you for no reason,” Alice said apologetically. “I know your heart is true and that is why I said yes to you.”

“Alice I just don’t know how to prove to your father that I’m truly worthy of your hand,” Tristan said concerned. “If I can’t he might not have any choice but allow Draco to have his way.”

“I have an idea,” she said taking his hands. “Uncle Rosario knows all the business owners in town. Perhaps if you allow him to set you up with jobs during the day in order to save up some coins maybe that would show some responsibility. That would be a start.”

“My father wouldn’t hear of such a thing,” Tristan said frustrated.

“He might if you allow me to speak to him,” Alice said lovingly.

“If you can convince him and he agrees to your idea,” Tristan said doubtfully “I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

Taking a quill and ink from her bag, Alice set about writing three letters. The first was to her father.

MY DEAREST FATHER,

WE ARE ON OUR WAY HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND THE ESTEEMED HOSPITALITY OF YOUR COMPANY. AS SUCH, I HAVE RECEIVED WORD FROM COUNT FELIX VAN BREUHER THAT HE SHALL BE IN YOUR COMPANY AS WELL AS HIS ELDEST SON DRACO.

IT IS DRACO’S INTENT TO ASK YOU FOR YOUR BLESSING TO MARRY ME THREE NIGHTS AFTER I HAVE FINISHED MY LESSONS. I KNOW IT IS SOLELY UPON YOUR DISCRETION THAT YOUR CHOICE WILL BE MADE. HOWEVER, I PRAY THEE NOT TO ALLOW HIM SUCH AS HE REQUESTS.

PLEASE ALLOW ANOTHER TO PROVE HIMSELF WORTHY. HE HAS SPOKEN HIS INTENTIONS TO ME AND I HAVE AGREED TO CONSIDER AND HONOR HIS REQUEST. IF IT IS BY YOUR GRACE I SHOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THIS IN FURTHER DETAIL UPON MY ARRIVAL.

RESPECTFULLY,
ALICE DI DRACULA

P.S. A LETTER FROM THE SCHOOL WITH THE HEAD MASTER’S SEAL WILL BE ARRIVING.

The second letter was to her uncle, Count Felix Van Breuher

DEAREST COUNT BREUHER,

I PRAY THAT BOTH YOUR ESTEEMED SELF AND MY BELOVED AUNT COUNTESS VAN BREUHER ARE DOING WELL. A BRIEF MOMENT PRIOR TO LEAVING ST. BARTHOLEMEW’S SCHOOL, I WAS GIVEN YOUR LETTER.

IN REGARDS TO YOUR LETTER, I MUST DENY THE REQUEST. ANOTHER OFFER HAS BEEN MADE THAT I HAVE ACCEPTED. TO THIS I MUST REQUEST YOUR BLESSING IN ONE ASPECT OF AFORE MENTIONED OFFER.

MY FATHER WILL GIVE HIS FULL BLESSINGS IF THE NATURE OF THE OFFER PROVES SERIOUS AND ABLE TO BE A RESPECTFUL SOURCE OF PROVISION. AS SUCH, POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES MAY BE OFFERED TO ALLOW SUCH TO BE ACQUIRED.

PLEASE CONSIDER MY REQUEST AND ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN.

RESPECTFULLY,
ALICE DI DRACULA

The third and final letter was sent to the esteemed Don Rosario Di Cappadochia

ESTEEMED DON ROSARIO,

I BEG YOUR FORGIVENESS IN SENDING YOU THREE LETTERS. IF TIME WAS NOT OF THE ESSENCE I WOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS MATTER IN PERSON.

ALONG WITH THIS LETTER ARE TWO OTHERS THAT MUST REACH MY FATHER AND COUNT FELIX VAN BREUHER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I PRAY THEE TO MAKE SURE THAT DRACO VAN BREUHER DOES NOT GET HIS HANDS ON THESE LETTERS.

BEFORE LEAVING ST. BARTHOLEMEW’S SCHOOL, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM COUNT VAN BREUHER THAT SPOKE OF HIS SON DRACO’S INTENT OF SEEKING MY FATHER’S BLESSING IN HAVING MY HAND IN MARRIAGE THREE NIGHTS AFTER FINISHING MY STUDIES AND PUBLICLY ANNOUNCING IT AT THE CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVITIES.

BOTH COUNT FELIX AND MY FATHER ARE AWARE THAT MY HEART HAS CHOSEN TRISTAN. TO WHICH, TRISTAN SPOKE TO MY FATHER OF ALLOWING OUR UNION. HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO GAIN MY FATHER’S BLESSING, TRISTAN MUST PROVE BEYOND ALL DOUBT THAT HE IS SERIOUS AND ABLE TO PROVIDE A HOME WORTHY OF HIS DAUGHTER.

UPON TRISTAN’S REQUEST, I AM WRITING TO ASK YOUR HELP.; IF WE CAN ACQUIRE COUNT FELIX’S PERMISSION, TRISTAN SEEKS YOUR HELP IN ACQUIRING JOBS DURING THE DAY THAT COULD ALLOW HIM TO BUILD UP A KIND OF SAVINGS TO HELP BUILD A FURTURE LIFE WITH ME AND TO PROVE HIMSELF WORTHY AND NOT SIMPLY AS THE BAFOON HE IS SEEN AS BY SO MANY.

AT PRESENT WE ARE ON THE TRAIN HEADING HOME. I PRAY YOU CAN HELP US.

FOR THE RECORD, TRISTAN HAS ASKED ME TO BE HIS WIFE AND I HAVE AGREED.

HOPING YOU WILL HELP,
ALICE DI DRACULA

Placing the three letters into the envelope and sealing it with her ring, Alice took it to the mail car along with the letter from the head master’s office. Inside an older gentleman with glasses sat reading a newspaper.

“Excuse me sir,” Alice said softly so as not to startle the man.

“Ah,” he said gazing at her warmly. “What can I do for you miss?”

“When we stop,” she said politely “may I ask you to have these sent by messenger with haste?”

Looking at the names on the envelopes he cringed.

“This one to Father Don Rosario will be delivered with no problem. However, in all my years nobodywill go to the old castle.”

“Then let me have another envelope please and I’ll ask the esteemed Don Rosario to get it to the castle then,” Alice said plaing the letter in a new envelope and addressing it to Don Rosario and sealing it.

“That is fine miss,” the elderly man said. “Though might I ask why such a young one has business at the cursed castle?”

“My father works there and calls it home,” she said genuinely. It’s a letter from the head master of St. Bartholemew’s School giving a listing of new books and items I’ll need after the holidays.”

“That is a wonderful school,” he said narrowing his eyes. “How is the new head master Boris Casperovski?”

“You have my school mistaken with St. Gregory’s School of Advanced Studies. Our head master is Doctor Winchester Abercrombe Sinclare IV,” Alice said proudly. “Although I am currently studying history with Professor William Casperovski.”

“Forgive me child,” the old man said. “We were made aware that false messages were being sent from St. Bartholemew’s and I needed to make sure it was legitimate.”

I understand,” Alice said smiling.

“I’ll have these letters sent to Don Rosario di Cappadochia the moment we stop. It will cost five gold pieces to pay for the delivery,” he said seriously.

Giving him the coins, she left and returned to the car where Tristan was reading a letter he was given while she was gone.

TRISTAN-

HAVING ARRIVED EARLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS, I HAVE ASKED FATHER TO SPEAK TO COUNT DRACULA. I AM SEEKING ALICE’S HAND IN MARRIAGE. BE FOREWARNED THAT IF YOU DO ANYTHING TO INTERFERE I WILL DESTROY YOU ONCE AND FOR ALL!

DRACO

“What’s wrong,” Alice asked seeing the ticked off look on his face.

“I was brought a letter while you were out from Draco warning that he will destroy me if I interfere with his plans of seeking your hand in marriage,” he said annoyed.

“Well,” she said “we’ll deal with that later. I just had an interesting chat with the elderly man in the mail car. Apparently, false mail is going out with head master Sinclare’s seal and from what he said ‘nobody will take things to the cursed castle’.”

“I don’t trust this Alice,” Tristan said uneasily.

“That’s why I sent general notes on our graduation celebration,” she said lost in thought. “Our actual letters I gave to the man delivering messages and gave him six gold pieces to see them sent by a known courier with utmost discretion.

“I have a bad feeling Alice about all this,” Tristan said crumbling the note from Draco.

“I think we should get off the train and travel by carriage once we cross over the Romanian border. It will take three days off our travel and allow us to speak with Don Rosario on what is going on at home.”

“Good thinking love,” Tristan agreed. “We aren’t expected to arrive for a week.”

“I think for now we should relax and plan things out,” Alice sighed. “Though I must admit the idea of your brother being rendered to ask and scattered to the wind is rather appealing.”

Laughing, Tristan sat next to Alice and held her as they both got lost in their personal thoughts.

After packing her few things, Alice sat on the edge of the fountain that decorated the center of the main courtyard. With a sigh, she looked at the looming ivy covered walls of the school.

” Alice,” the soft voice of the school’s secretary said warmly ” this just arrived for you. The messenger said it was urgent.”

“Thank you Mrs. Carmichael,” Alice said taking the envelope.

Turning it over, she was surprised to see the seal bore the crest of Tristan’s father. Uneasily, she opened it and began to read the message inside.

DEAREST ALICE,

FORGIVE ME FOR NOT USING PROPER PROTOCOL IN PENNING THIS TO YOU. HOWEVER, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. A MATTER HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASED TURMOIL WITHIN BOTH MY HOUSE AND THAT OF YOUR FATHER’S.

A WEEK AGO, DRACO ARRIVED EARLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS. JUST LAST NIGHT HE CAME TO ME AND ASKED THAT I SPEAK TO YOUR FATHER ON HIS BEHALF. AT THE CHRISTMAS EVE GATHERING, DRACO WANTS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE HAS BEEN COURTING YOU AND HAS YOUR FATHER’S BLESSING TO TAKE YOUR HAND IN MARRIAGE THREE NIGHTS AFTER YOU FINISH SCHOOL NEXT YEAR.

MY DEAREST ALICE, I KNOW YOUR HEART IS WITH TRISTAN AS HIS IS WITH YOU. THE DAY OF YOUR ARRIVAL I SHALL BE AT THE HOME OF YOUR FATHER AS WILL DRACO. YOU MUST CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS TO IF YOU ARE PREPARED TO ACCEPT DRACO AS YOUR FUTURE HUSBAND OR WILL DENY HIM FOR TRISTAN.

AWAITING YOUR RESPONSE,
COUNT FELIX VAN BREUHER

Bowing her head, tears began to flow from her eyes.

“Hey,” Tristan said jokingly “don’t tell me you miss this place already.”

“Here,” she said handing the letter to him.

Before he could respond to the letter, the coach arrived to take them and four others to the train station.

“Awww…” a snooty boy commented “did you two get into a lover’s tiff?”

“Actually, we just got some bad news from home,” Alice said regaining her composure.

“Please pardon my brother Alice,” a meek girl said nervously. “We are sorry for your bad news and do pray it resolves itself quickly.”

“Thank you Gretchen,” Alice said smiling lightly. “I’m sure things will work out.”

Once on the train, Tristan led Alice to a private car. After placing Alice’s bag in the luggage bins, Tristan sat down across from her and took her hands into his own.

“So,” he said seriously “what are you going to do love? Are you going to become his bride to avoid problems or tell him no?”

“I don’t know,” she said feeling her heart ache. “My mind is telling me to accept Draco to avoid problems. Yet, my heart is screaming at me to tell him to leave me alone. I’m so torn right now that I have no idea of what to do.”

“Well,” he said nervously “maybe I can help you make a decision.”

“Tristan,” she said numbly “I know you would tell me to deny him to spite Draco. Only that doesn’t help.”

“Alice,” he said seriously “when I had my talk with your father during our Easter break it wasn’t regarding our discussions about history. We spoke at length about you. We are both going to graduate this coming year and I’ll be entering training to attend to my father’s business during the hours he is unavailable. Also, you will be offered numerous requests by adoring suitors. I have loved you since we were kids. So I took the liberty of asking your father if I might court you and if it was your wish, to have your hand in marriage. He told me that if you agreed we’d have his full blessing. I know it might seem an awkward time for this, but will you marry me Alice?”

Placing her hand over her mouth, Alice closed her eyes. So many emotions flooded her at once. This was the day she prayed would come, yet she feared Draco and what he might do. Yet, she knew their fathers wouldn’t tolerate his interference any longer.

“Oh Tristan,” she said gazing at the ring his father gave him from his mother’s collection “it would be my honor. I love you so very much.”

Placing the ring on her finger, Tristan kissed her tenderly.

“Before leaving, I got my friend in the head master’s office to seal two letters from me to your father. One tells him you accepted my proposal and the other says you didn’t. When we arrive in the first town I will ask for the message to be sent quickly.”

“Just don’t mess up and send the wrong one,” she said looking at the envelopes.

“You see how this one is lightly imprinted,” he said showing it to her. “Well that one says you denied me. The deeper seal says you accepted. That is how your father will know your answer. If Draco sees it, it will be a reminder of extra books and materials that will need purchased for your advanced lessons after resume our classes after the holidays.”

“Leave it to my father and you to be so clever,” Alice said sighing. “Only I fear what Draco will do.”

“As do I,” Tristan said getting a wry grin on his face. “However, if I were Draco I’d think twice about causing problems. Especially considering how our fathers are when somebody makes them really mad.”

Shuddering at the thought, Alice laughed and began to relax.

“Tristan,” she said at last “let’s go to the dining car. I’m humgry.”

“That’s a great idea,” he laughed. “Besides, I could go for some tea.”