I have often wondered about the chalice that gave him eternal life and have spent many a sleepless night contemplating the legends that the same chalice which could give a life eternal could also take it from them. His suffering, I believe, is greater than mine for Ahbrim is consumed with the life I have lived rather than living his own. It is more madness than suffering and has grown deeper with each century passed. It is a tangled web we both have come to weave from which I fear there is no escape.
Vladimir Dracul’s Journal
5 November 1897
Castle Baserab
The scent of blood is thick, consuming, and difficult to resist. It was not I who brought death to the castle. The aroma floats, a familiar scent that beckons me. Perhaps this is his guise to lure me to his lair and continue his experiments. It dances from the depths. For many days now, I have watched Ahbrim with a sense of detachment. Who he is cannot sway me in what must be done. Twice, now, he has confronted me concerning offering medical assistance to the village below. Now it appears he holds them prisoner to further his experiments without Claudia’s or my blood as the basis for his work. So consumed he was with her cure and now the devastation that it was I that cured her has broken him. He is a shell of the man I once knew. At least I deliver them to death. With Ahbrim, they are not so fortunate. He forces them into an existence of pain, despair, and darkness in the name of science in the hopes of curing them of whatever malady they bear.
“In darkness there is always light,” he once told me. What light lies in the darkness for those he has condemned? Will he stop at nothing? How much longer will Claudia be safe in his company? He has taken those from whom I am charged to protect into his own keep for his own gain. Those who look to me for protection, the centuries of descendants, now wonder where their champion has gone.
Claudia speaks not of her father’s activities. She is a learned woman whose manners keep her from speaking against him, though I am certain she is aware. How detrimental his behavior is. Does he consider her welfare at all? So clouded is he in his vision, Ahbrim knows not how his actions affect her. Her essence is changing with each day that passes. She is strong, more aware of what she has become. Claudia’s mortality no longer haunts her dreams.
Somewhere between pity and obsession was born a monstrosity whose intentions now haunt these hallowed halls. My beloved, how I wish our lives could have been different. Had they not taken you from me, my life would have been whole and pure. I would have loved and died as any other man and faced what lies before me. Never would I have dreamt that I would face the day I would have to kill my own brother to save him from himself.
Abraham Van Helsing’s Journal
6 November 1897
Castle Baserab
The three subjects have had little response to Vladimir’s blood. The proposed effect I desired was not obtained. Infection must be spread not only through his blood, but also through his bite. It is the only reason I can ascertain that Claudia did not fall prey to condemnation. I had hoped to induce vampirism in them and be able to study the infection from conception to finish. The last of the serums we formulated during Claudia’s trials are no longer safe to use, their continuity lost with age. How blessed I would be if only Vladimir would endorse the journey I have taken to cure him. If he could embrace a life such as the one he has given my Claudia, and no longer rely on blood to sustain him, he could find forgiveness.
My pledge before God I made and broke countless times. How many opportunities presented themselves where I failed to act and allowed him to live, even warned him about the Order and their pending approach? I have turned a blind eye toward his activities, the many dens he kept throughout Europe as I awaited the day he could come to terms with his decision. For it was he alone that made the choice that condemned his soul. And I, as a man of science, have waited patiently in the shadows for that day to emerge. A day when his continence would become weary of the life he had chosen and he would forgive me the transgressions he feels I have committed. Claudia’s condition hastened my need to forgive him so she could be saved.
It is strange the love I feel for her. Many wives and children have called me husband and father throughout the centuries. I watched them age and die without thought. They have long crumbled to dust, but Claudia, she was different. I could not bear to let her go. Perhaps it was she possessed so much of him within her; her steadfast convictions and fearlessness in the face of death reminded me of the Vladimir I once knew.
Between science and God are many conflictions. As a man of God, I understand I should not interfere. As a man of science, I am compelled to save them. I tell myself God desires for me to seek the cures of the modern era that improve quality of life and to put at rest such diseases. This is why I sought out those within the village whose appearance was weak and frail in the hopes that his blood could cure them. Now I am able to see it was not merely his blood alone that saved Claudia, it was hers as well, and without both of their blood, my efforts will be in vain.
Claudia Van Helsing’s Journal
7 November 1897
Castle Baserab
Father has become quite mad. He has killed several of the villagers in his quest to use both our blood as a cure for any disease of the blood he encounters. I heard the cries of the villagers this morning when the corpses were found half buried in the hard and forgiven frozen earth. Vladimir was so angered he would not even look at my father and refuses to speak with him. I cannot blame him for being so distressed over my father’s behavior. He has cared for these people and their families for centuries, creating a bond with them that is unbreakable in a morose sort of way. Vladimir is their protector and has kept the unsavory at bay, no matter the cost to keep the vow he pledged. Now, the monster that lives within the walls of the castle is my own father and I have no pity for what should befall him.
Vladimir came to me late in the day asking should I like to leave with him, if he were to travel. I was unsure what he meant at first, not truly understanding what it was he was asking of me. He wishes to take me to Paris or Milan, far from my father and his madness. My fear lies in the undeniable fact we shall never escape him. The memories in my blood become clearer with each day I spend within these walls. I know now the truth and how I am part of a much grander tale than anyone could ever believe. My father swore to protect him at any cost no matter how great the sacrifice, including giving his soul to the Church until the day that Vladimir crumbled to dust at my father’s hand.
Confronting Vladimir about it has done little. Perhaps he wishes to spare me the indignity of knowing the entire truth. But what I see, what I feel, it can be nothing other than what I suspect. His memories play in my mind like a movie from the cinematograph at the London Faire, so crisp and so clear they must be real. Only memories lived could contain such clarity. The final truth must be learned, no matter the end result.
Whether or not fleeing with Vladimir is a viable option, I cannot say, but staying with my father has no longer become a place in my life where comfort remains. Abandoning him will cause father such sorrow. How will he ever find it in his heart to forgive me?
Abraham Van Helsing’s Journal
9 November 1897
Castle Baserab
They are gone, both of them, slipped off in the dark of night while I toiled away over my research. How could I have been so blind as to not see he would steal her away from me as punishment for what happened all those years ago? He is a creature of habit, which is to my benefit. He will seek Paris, Milan, or even Prague to call his home temporarily. I have no reservation in saying London is the last city he would return to after what happened. Once again, my intellect must be implored to seek him out. This time I will destroy Vladimir Dracul once and for all.
9 November 1897
Claudia Van Helsing
Outside Paris, France
Devereau Train Platform #6
We wait now; Vladimir and I, for the train leaving Paris bound for Sain Lo where we will shall board the
ferry for England. Never would I have believed I would be traveling back to where this had all began.
Vladimir said he purchased several other properties under assumed names of which father is not aware, one of them being Carlisle Abbey on the north side of London in an rather affluent neighborhood where it will be easier for us to become part of the wealthy portion of London Society. He says our first order of the day will be to hire a tailor and have clothing made for us. Then I am to have a grand ball inviting those to whom we wish to grow close into our keep. I am to use an assumed name of Alessandra Bath. Vladimir says he will not attend, that he wishes for me to do this alone, but shall be waiting in the shadows should anything go awry. But how can I orchestrate such a thing, never having done so before or even attending such a gala, as what he desires me to entertain. He says he shall guide me and things such as this are trivial, but important to the stature I now hold. I am wealthy, he tells me beyond my wildest dreams.
Vladimir Dracul’s Journal
10 November 1897
Carlisle Abbey
Ahbrim, no doubt, has discovered our departure. Surely he is filled with anger at the choice made. Certain am I that he will pursue us to the ends of this earth.
Claudia has had little change in her demeanor, despite being separated from her father so suddenly. She is unaware of how much wealth is within her reach and what I willing shall give to her as my only living descendant. Claudia is the world to me with her bright and caring nature; I have begun to see the world once more in a light thought lost to me when darkness was allowed to enshroud my life and the light of living was far from me.
She does not know the depth of the power she now possesses, how easily we can appear to be anyone we wish to be, and despite the fact Claudia is not a vampire, these gifts are still hers to use as needed. A gala shall be held in a month’s passing to announce my fair Claudia to London society. She will, of course, be presented under an assumed name, perhaps the descendant of a French or Spanish royal family as she is proficient in both languages. Our stay here shall be a brief one, only to form strategic alliances that can be used at a later date. Then we shall travel to Germany, a land unfamiliar to me, but certain to be fruitful in my endeavors. As long as Claudia can be kept from the tortured mind of her father, I shall remain hopeful.
Claudia Van Helsing’s Journal
11 December 1897
Carlisle Abbey
How strange and delightful is his company. Vladimir’s mood is light and joyous since our arrival in London. He takes great pleasure in entertaining, a fact I had been given the opportunity to witness before arriving here. He is graceful, elegant, kind, and nurturing despite all he has endured and is not the monstrosity my father believes him to be in the least. Though I may not be the most worldly of women, and my experiences have been limited to what father would allow, I have met many of a professional nature. None of those acquaintances have the depth of Vladimir. He is complicated and multi-faceted. One moment his despair and longing surrounds him and in another he is immersed in a memory from his past that allows him to be joyous and gleeful. His love of music is so complex and complicated Vladimir nearly feels the story in the song as an unseen rapture that surrounds him and him alone. He views the world with a cautious yet curious reserve now unlike when we were in Budapesth or at the Castle. How privileged a woman I am to be in his company.
This evening’s ball will be my introduction into society as Lady Alessandra Bath, a distant relative to the Queen of Spain and Vladimir my uncle, Viktor. It is a moment I never dreamt of or thought could be possible. He says I shall be the center of everyone’s attention, a place so underserved yet desirable.
The attention to detail Vladimir possesses is beyond comprehension. Watching him is not unlike seeing a composer direct a masterpiece. The entire abbey had been transformed into a winter theme that he lovingly refers to as blood in the snow, a title I thought strange until I saw how lovely the grand design and blending of crimson red and snow-white accompaniments were. The drab and dense drapes that cover the long, narrow windows of the abbey have been dressed in white lace with crimson over-lays and silver trim. Fragrant arrangements of blood roses and white lilies with snowdrops grace the tables. Each of the dining chairs has been covered in white and bears delicate embroidered cream rose details with pearl trim. He has hired a medium to entertain our guests and a full orchestra will play throughout the evening to enlighten their senses.
My gown is a lovely creation overseen by Vladimir each step of the process right to the last fitting. It is Edwardian with a long train and slight bustle sewn from crimson velvet with cream under-linings. Dyed pearls line the edges and create patterns of roses across the bodice and skirt, each one he directed the placement of himself. It is so beautiful I am afraid to wear it tonight, but Vladimir says women are beautiful and delicate like a morning flower at the sun’s first light and should be admired in all their glory. “Life,” he said, “is meant to be savored.”
How I wish his curse could have been lifted, that somehow he could have been granted what he has given me: a life, long and grand, without the darker side of his nature. But then, it seems that the traits which make him so endearing, so captivating to me could vanish. Somehow in the transition between the man Vladimir once was and the man he became was born a creature whose nature is so dedicated and caring that surely even God can see it is not evil which grasps Vladimir but conflict.
Vladimir Dracul’s Journal
11 December 1897
Carlisle Abbey
How lovely she was this evening, my beautiful niece, as she danced and smiled the evening away without a care in the world. Nothing pleased me more than to see her filled with such delight as she moved among our guests and assumed her rightful status. As a Baserab, Claudia is entitled and deserving of life’s pleasures even if what pleases her most is a simple gown and a strand of pearls.
She moved among our guests with ease, as though it were second nature to her, chatting about their professions, their lives, their families, while they were none the wiser that I listened from afar, learning every detail necessary for our survival. Knowing the details of many is a benefit and makes the assumption of another’s life much easier. It is a necessary evil in survival.
Orislav keeps watch over Ahbrim and sends word to me when he is able so that we can stay ahead of him and prevent Ahbrim from reclaiming Claudia. There will perhaps come a time when this life will end, leaving Claudia alone. I wish for her to be taken care of very well and to want for nothing in her life. It is my mission to ensure that is the case. Arrangements have been made for Orislav and Velascon to care for her in the event of my demise. They have been faithful to me all these years, have never condemned me for my behavior, or for me having condemned them to the same fate. They are the same as family to me and I have treated them as such.
The only thought that continuously haunts my mind is that Claudia will be condemned to a life filled with the lingering memories of those she has loved and the moment they left her life. She will not have an immortal counterpart with which to share her life, her loves, or her dreams for they will wither and die just as we were destined to do before the end times. There are moments when my thoughts turn to a darker place where it is considered that I should have allowed her to perish as nature had designed and then she would not have to face such un-pleasantries as once would have been allowed when I was Viovode and accepted no weakness. But as quickly as they arise, they fade, as the light of the day rises in her eyes and she smiles.
I promised her a journey to Paris, more than just a chance switching of trains to avoid the pursuit of her father. Perhaps in a month we shall travel and thus allow Claudia to see the wonders that have been hidden from her eyes until now.
a city despised….
istanbul
Chapter Twenty Two
Abraham Van Helsing’s Journal
16 January 1898
Istanbul
Sightings reported here ha
ve been for naught. Though there are creatures here I believe to be kin to Vladimir, either through his own making or through those he made creating more in their image, Vladimir and Claudia are not here. Torturing them to extract a confession about his whereabouts was pointless. Even being skinned alive was not enough to produce the truth.
My blindness toward him and the vows taken have caused me to lose the only love I had left, my beautiful daughter. She was so easily swayed by his charms and deceit. I should have had the foresight to understand it would be so easy for Claudia to fall into his trap. She is not worldly or educated in such things. The responsibility of what has happened falls upon no one other than myself.
London would not be an area to which he would return readily. Vladimir keeps many dens throughout the European countryside and has been known to be very partial to Prague, Paris, and Madrid where he owns several villas, no doubt still maintained by either Orislav or Velascon.
They left no clues on their hasty departure as to where they might travel. No deception was laid to steer me in the wrong direction. He simply disappeared with Claudia in tow during the darkness of night. Vladimir is a creature of habit, drawn to familiarity and settings that are of comfort to him. I thought certain he would travel to northern Carpathia and seek sanctuary with the descendants of the Corvinus family but oddly he did not. His motives are different and this time I am not privy to them.
Vladimir Dracul’s Journal
21 January 1898
Paris
How glorious the wonder of Paris when viewed through her eyes. Each site seen provides her with such joy, such unadulterated bliss, I find myself infected by her enthusiasm. My will to live and for life is reaffirmed in each tiny gesture she makes.
Memoirs of an Immortal Life Page 13