R. Edinger: Night Kill

The room-length table was adorned in deep red linen with gold accents. Crystal fountains cascaded with tuica, a plum brandy usually enjoyed before a meal along with some appetizers. It varies in strength, dryness and smell according to the region. But if you attempt this drink, beware it does have a kick to it! The table was also filled with Romanian national dishes not to be missed, such as Coirba, a sour soup made from fermented bran, bacon, potatoes and beef or chicken. Then there were also Mititei, minced meat rolls with aromatic herbs, along with Tochitura, a hearty meat stew seasoned with onions and/or spices. Also served was muschi poiana, which consisted of mushroom- and bacon-stuffed beef in a puree of vegetables and tomato sauce. Guests could also sample the traditional Romanian fish dish of grilled carp called saramura. And Kara did not forget the dessert lovers. There were plenty of apricot ice cream, merengue layered cake, cherry compote turkish baklava and apple strudel.

Kara wore a red velvet flowing gown accented with a gold lace bodice and diamonds. Her hair was swept up and held in place with a gold hair comb, which complimented the features of her face.

Kara milled about the room as she greeted her guests. She was the perfect hostess. Once in awhile, Kara would glance across the room to make sure he was still there.

Vlad also greeted his honored guests; members of not only the Ravenclaw Clan, but other clans across the country and from Europe. Tonight, Vlad would share with them the prize he had finally won; the book of The Knights of VanHelsing.

Vlad walked across the room and came up behind Kara. He caught a whiff of her essence and it drove him insane. But no, he would wait until the blood feast later this evening. Vlad drew Kara closer and tenderly kissed the back of her neck. He desperately wanted to partake of her lifeblood, but again there would be time for that later.

“It is time for you to get the book,” Vlad whispered his command.

“Yes my love,” Kara murmured.

Vlad released his grasp of Kara, and she left to go upstairs to her bedroom chamber. Kara ascended the stairs as Vlad watched. A smile of fulfillment was on his face.

Kara reached the top of the stairs and went to her room. She opened the door and went inside.

Kara walked directly to the painting on the wall next to her bed. She swung the hinged painting aside.

Kara entered the access code on the safe key panel. Once the safe was open, Kara took out the book. She re-closed the safe and turned to leave. Kara was about to scream, but Andrew quickly silenced her with a blow to the head. As Kara fell, she let go of the book. Andrew ignored Kara and grabbed the book before it hit the floor. As Andrew held the book in his hands, a realization suddenly hit him; one he had been afraid to admit. The book was far too dangerous for any one to possess. Andrew had to destroy it.

Vlad wondered where Kara could be. She was gone far too long. He excused himself and went to go and bring her back. He hurriedly ascended the stairs to the second floor and to the door of Kara’s bedroom. Vlad did not bother to knock since the door was open. He boldly stepped into the room and immediately saw Kara lying unconscious on the floor. Vlad sensed another presence in the room. He scoured the room; there was someone in the shadows.

“Come out,” Vlad hissed. He cringed when a Knight of VanHelsing stepped forward with the book in his hands. “How did you get past security?” Vlad angrily demanded. There was no response. This infuriated Vlad and he screamed, “Give me the book. It will do you no good to have it.” Still there was no reply. Vlad kept his eyes on his adversary as he walked over to Kara. Vlad knelt down and checked on Kara. She was still alive. Vlad rose again to his feet.

“What is your name?” Vlad inquired. His lips curled into a satisfied smile, “For I know them all.”

Instead, his adversary drew the twin blades of death.

“Will you strike me down as you cowards have always done?” Vlad opened his arms in a gesture of submission. “Or will you give me a chance to defend myself?” His adversary tossed one of his swords. Vlad caught it by the handle. He swung the sword to see how it felt in his hand. “I have killed many of your brethren,” Vlad confessed. “As I am sure you have killed many of mine.” Vlad took up his stance. His eyes narrowed, “I believe it is your move.” Vlad expected an attack, but instead his advesary grasped his hood and removed it.

“You!” Vlad was taken aback.

Andrew bowed gracefully, with his gaze on Vlad.

“I want the truth,” Andrew demanded.

“Are you certain of that?” Vlad’s top lip curled to reveal his fangs.

“Tell me,” Andrew said, his sword at the ready.

“The plan was simple,” Vlad began his tale. “We wanted the book you hold in your other hand.” Vlad walked backward and closed the door. He locked it. Vlad continued, “Kara and I became lovers soon after she interviewed me for her book. It was actually her idea to go to Gothica and retrieve it. She setup the interview with Ana VanHelsing. Unfortunately, Kara was not successful. So we had to come with a new plan. We had to get someone on the inside Ana would trust. Wyatt was more than eager to help us retrieve the book. We suspected that Doctor Straussman was a Knight of VanHelsing. So I went to the council of elders and told them that Wyatt violated the laws of the coven. They voted to excommunicate Wyatt from the clan for not adhering to our bylaws. The next part of the plan was up to Wyatt. In one of his sessions with Doctor Straussman, Wyatt confessed his excommunication. He also confessed his desire for revenge. Wyatt later told me, that Doctor Straussman was in fact, one of our most hated enemies. She took Wyatt under her wing to train him, but did not take him to Gothica.” Vlad kept his place by the door; there was no way he was going to let Andrew simply walk out of the room with the book.

“Why were the Higgins’s murdered?”

“They never agreed with my plan to obtain the book,” Vlad was practically giddy. “And I knew we needed something that would force our enemy to protect Wyatt. A sacrifice had to be made. Because of Higgins’s lack of courage, the choice was easy.” Vlad laughed out loud. “Wyatt even volunteered to do it, but I would not let him. The honor was mine.”

“You spilled innocent blood,” Andrew held up the book and spewed forth his disgust. “And you killed them all because of this?”

“It was worth it,” Vlad was solemn. “Every life.”

“Even Talia’s?” Andrew cursed.

“The authorities believed Wyatt was responsible for the killings, because of evidence I planted at the house,” Vlad continued. “He had the motive and the opportunity. Because of the chance of their order being exposed to public knowledge, Doctor Straussman sent Wyatt to safety at Gothica.”

“But things did not go as planned,” Andrew surmised. “Did they?”

“No,” Vlad said with bitterness. “He could not find the book either.” Vlad eyes fixed on Andrew, “That’s where you came in.”

“Me?” Andrew scoffed at Vlad’s suggestion. “I was part of your plan?”

“Yes,” Vlad nodded. “You were a very important part indeed.” Vlad switched his sword back and forth front of him. “I long knew of your reputation as an investigator. Actually, it was quite impressive.”

“Really.” Andrew was sarcastic.

“The trouble was we had to convince you to get involved,” Vlad was full of pride. “It would have to be an authentic performance. And what better way to accomplish that than a very worried and desperate mother. She even convinced Father Michael by confessing to him the dire situation Wyatt was in. It was joyous news when Nedra told me you accepted the case.” Vlad took a few paces closer to Andrew, who immediately raised his sword. Vlad stopped. He went on, “From there we just let you do what you do best, use your skilled deductive powers to look beyond the ordinary. Unlike the bumbling authorities, who focus on the usual, you can see beyond the usual. When you contacted Kara to interview her about her book and how it related to the case, my heart lept for joy. If not, the plan was for her to use a cover story to contact you. The only loose cannon were Sheriff Delsmann. I never suspected she were a Knight of VanHelsing. We did not count on her hatred for you. We were very concerned the plan was dead when you were nearly killed, and suffered from amnesia.” Vlad took a step back, as if he were anticipating an attack. He eyed up Andrew and continued. “It was a glorious day for us when you recovered it.”