The Hunter's Blade

by E. C. Fisher

  “Not entirely, they still do the work of a Hunter. But in a new role to protect both the light and the dark. They find and protect any creature willing to turn itself over to them and provide them with protection or they eliminate those creatures that attack and endanger humans.”

  “So, I’m a Guardian,” Alex whispered to himself.

  “Not quite yet. There’s still a matter of the ritual.”

  “You mentioned that before, what is the ritual?”

  “The powers given to the Van Helsing and Maximillian families were given to them by a god. The ritual is a rite that completes the pact to provide you with those powers. However, you will be the first person to try to obtain both gods’ power.” Vladimir rose from his seat.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Not just I. We need to leave here and soon. We have to go to the ritual spot if we have any chance of defeating Dr. Frankenstein.” Vladimir turned toward Vali who had been silent this entire time.

  “Validina, I know this won’t be easy but-”

  “It’s fine, father. I’m prepared to go there. If it means we have a chance to put an end to this.”

  “Very well.” Vladimir smiled before vanishing from sight, leaving the pair by themselves.

  Alex was in a daze as all the information swirled around in his head. He found himself lost on how to open a conversation with Vali.

  “It’s a lot to take in. Finding all this out so suddenly and now having to go somewhere—god knows where—to perform some ritual. Can you tell me where we’re going?” Alex tried to break the silence, hoping to start a conversation with her.

  “Alex—I need to ask-” Vali started to say, but her father appeared behind her at that moment.

  “Okay, everything’s set. We need to leave immediately. A car’s waiting outside to take us. Let’s go!” Vladimir ordered. Alex was picked up out of his seat and carried out of the house by Dracula as he led them outside.

  Warren stood waiting near an old-style black hearse. Vali walked toward the passenger side door, which Warren opened for her. Without a word, she climbed inside, and Warren shut the door. Vladimir disappeared, leaving Alex standing alone in front of Warren. Warren walked over to the door behind Vali and grabbed the handle. Alex approached and lowered himself to enter the hearse, but Warren stopped him.

  “Don’t hurt her. She needs protection, and I have to count on you to do that for me. As the only Guardian left, I have to leave her in your care but if,” his eyes shined red, “you hurt her—you’ll have to deal with me regardless of the Accord.” His eyes returned to normal.

  The paralysis he felt disappeared and he entered the back seat of the hearse. Next to him was a wooden crate—more like a coffin. It had some weird symbols and drawings on it, nothing he would recognize. He instinctively feared the coffin, but he found himself memorized by it and his hand began to reach out toward it.

  “Don’t worry about Warren. He’s just protective of Vali. He’s been her guardian since the day her mother passed.” Vladimir’s voice came out from within the coffin. His hand froze in midair above it.

  “Mr. Dracula, is that you in there?” Alex hesitated to know the answer.

  “Yes, and please, you can call me Vlad. Oh, and don’t touch the coffin while I’m in here. I can’t guarantee your safety.”

  “Understood, Vlad. Where are we headed?”

  Warren entered the vehicle and started the engine. He pulled away from the house and continued out of the community.

  “We have to go to two locations. The first is where we lost your parents and Vali’s mother, in Romania. The second is the ritual site.” Vlad’s voice filled with sadness at the mention of my parents and his deceased wife.

  “I can understand going to the ritual site, but what’s in Romania that we need to go there first?”

  “The Key.”

  “A key! What’s that for?”

  “The ritual, not even sure what it looks like. It’s just something Take said is required for the ritual to work. So, we have to go back there and find it.”

  “Why would it be there?”

  “Your parents were the protectors of the Key. Wherever they were, the Key was always with them. It must be there.”

  “I see.” Alex stared out the window as he watched the scenery pass him by.

  Chapter Four

  After a silent two-hour ride to an empty airfield, Alex exited the hearse to see a lone plane sitting on the tarmac idling with the back opened. The airfield was surrounded by trees on all sides. There was an opening for a road they entered, but nothing else was around. A hazy half-crescent moon hung over the airfield giving off a little light to the surroundings. Vali exited the passenger side and made her way to the plane without a word.

  “Master Alex, help me with the master’s coffin.” Warren caught Alex before he had a chance to go after Vali.

  “…Sure thing, be right there.” Alex stared at Vali’s back before he headed toward the rear of the hearse.

  Warren grabbed the coffin as Alex waited until he pulled it out far enough for him to grab the end of it. They silently walked it to the rear of the plane and up the ramp. Halfway into the plane they set the coffin down, Warren secured the coffin, and Alex waited for him to finish. Once he was done, they exited the rear of the plane. Warren pushed a button on his way out and the ramp and top began to close.

  “Master Alex, again I warn you—don’t let any harm come to the princess. Where she is heading now—it will bring her a lot of trauma. The Master can be over-protective, but he isn’t the most perceptive to others. I implore you to be wary of what’s said around her.” Warren shared this more as advice than a warning.

  “Warren, I can’t guarantee I can keep her safe, but I give you my word—I’ll do everything in my power to protect her. And, it’s also where my parents died protecting her and Vlad.” Alex looked him dead in his eyes to show his sincerity.

  “I’ll be honest with you, Master Alex. I don’t like you. But I’ve never seen the princess act how she does around you. And you’ve shown that you’re quite capable with everything that’s happened so far—I find it admirable that you wish to be with the princess.”

  “I appreciate the compliment or lack thereof, but just so you know,” Alex walked toward the front of the plane, “I don’t like you either,” Alex yelled out so he was heard over the noise of the idling engine.

  He reached the stairs that led up to the cockpit. Warren returned to the hearse and drove off as the ladder closed on the plane. Alex moved to a seat across from Vali. She looked out the window with a dazed stare as the plane slowly picked up speed. The moonlight illuminated the airfield as the plane taxied to prepare for take-off. They sat in silence as the plane accelerated. It wasn’t until the plane leveled off that Alex decided to start a conversation with Vali.

  Vali started talking before he could. “I knew I’d have to visit the place where my mother died. I didn’t realize it would be for such an important reason.”

  “I understand. A few hours ago I learned about my origins. It appears we were connected even before we met each other a month ago.”

  “I’m sorry—I’ve only been thinking about my own sorrow and didn’t consider your feelings.” Vali turned away from the window to look over at Alex. Her eyes were swollen and red.

  “Don’t worry about me. I haven’t been thinking about it that much. It’s been a lot of information to process in a short amount of time.”

  “I’ll be honest—I thought after you heard everything you might not want to be around me anymore. That’s the reason I’ve been keeping to myself.” Vali glanced out the window.

  “That’s all.” Alex laughed. “You don’t have to worry about that. None of that matters to me, Vali. We haven’t known each other for long, but you’re my first friend. Nothing’s going to change.” Alex's cheeks were flushed.

  She turned toward him and gave Alex a warm smile that made him fall for her even more.

  After
a couple of minutes, Alex passed out. He was exhausted from the day’s events.

  Still unsure of how he feels toward you. It’s not every day you meet a boy like him.

  The feeling my father described to me when he first met my mother. I get that feeling from him. It’s like my heart isn’t mine anymore. It’s more tormenting than the pain and emptiness that once belonged there.

  That’s love for you!

  Alex was jolted awake as the plane landed. He rubbed the grogginess out of his eyes and noticed Vali asleep. He gazed out the window to watch for the plane to stop before he unbuckled his belt and moved toward the cockpit door. He knocked and a strong gruff voice answered.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Where are we right now?”

  “We’re in an isolated area near the border of Hungary and Romania. I was instructed to wait here until after sunset.”

  “Thank you.” Alex returned to his seat to find Vali awake. She stared out the window as he approached.

  “Good evening! We’ve landed and will wait here until the sun sets.” Alex informed her as he sat down.

  “Where are we?”

  “Near the border of Hungary and Romania.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “What are you apologizing for now?”

  “For getting you involved in all this. If I never went to that school, met you, you wouldn’t be here right now. Your life is in danger because we met.”

  “Well, I can’t argue with you on that point. However, if I didn’t meet you, I wouldn’t have found out about myself or my real parents. As I said before, we’re friends, you don’t have to apologize to me.”

  “I’m merely having a hard time right now. Being this close to where my mother died. I might be uncertain about everything now.”

  “Your father’s with you and I’m not going anywhere, so it’s okay to lean on us when you need to. You don’t have to bottle everything up.”

  “Thanks, Alex.” Vali peered out the window as her lips curled in a small smile. “It’s dark enough now we can get off the plane.” Vali unbuckled herself and headed for the door.

  Alex followed behind her as she walked down the stairs and headed for the rear of the plane. The ramp was already down, and Vali approached the coffin. She gave it a couple of raps. The lid opened and they found the coffin empty. Inside, it was full of dirt. Vladimir’s body impression was left in the dirt.

  “Finally, able to stretch my legs and get a bite to eat.” Vlad appeared behind them. He wiped the blood smear from his lips with the handkerchief before folding it nicely and placing it back in the pocket.

  “If you wanted to enjoy a meal why didn’t you let us know?” Vali shouted at her father.

  “I had to find something to eat after such a long flight, and I didn’t want to disturb the moment you two were sharing.”

  “There was no moment!” Vali shouted red-faced. “You didn’t attack any humans, right?” Vali jumped at her father.

  “Of course not, Validina. I found wildlife out in the forest. I’m in the presence of a Guardian, I wouldn’t act like that.” Vlad exited the plane and they followed after him. The plane taxied away and took off into the night sky.

  “Weren’t we going to another location?” Alex pointed out as the plane shrunk in the distance.

  “Who said we need a plane to get there?” Vlad answered. “We should be heading out.”

  Alex scanned the area around them and didn’t see a vehicle nearby.

  “How exactly are we going to do that? There’s nothing here to transport us.” Alex gestured to the open surroundings. Vlad had a huge grin on his face. I get the feeling I’m not going to like what’s about to happen.

  As he thought that, Vlad picked the pair up, holding them each under an arm. He made sure they were secure so sure they wouldn’t fall before he flew south into the night sky. The strength of the air pressure made it hard to catch their breath until Vlad leveled off after breaking through the clouds. Alex and Vali admired the scattered lights of the towns from the Romanian region. Alex glanced over at Vali, who had a huge grin from ear to ear as the landscape passed by.

  Can you hear me, Guardian? Vlad’s voice echoed in his mind.

  Vlad? Are you inside my head? Alex furrowed his brow.

  It makes it easier to talk, you wouldn’t be able to hear otherwise. So, what do you think, pretty amazing right?

  Well, it’s not every day I fly through the sky without a plane. This is pretty cool, I’ll admit that.

  That’s good. I was hoping to provide Validina with something pleasant before we arrive. I know she’s holding everything in, trying to be strong in front of me. I overheard what Warren said to you and I’d have to agree with him. Though it pains me to say this, Validina has taken a liking to you. So, I ask this as a father, protect my daughter for me, Alex. Vlad expressed the love for his daughter in his words.

  If it’s within my power, I’ll protect her. I cannot guarantee her safety, but I will risk my life to make sure no harm comes to her. Alex looked Vlad in the eyes so he could see his determination.

  That’s as good an answer I can get for now. Vlad’s eyes turned a deep crimson red. Guardian, I shall follow the Accord, don’t ever forget your duty to it as well. Vlad made sure he grasped his meaning.

  Understood.

  Alex felt the chill down his spine disappear as Vlad’s eyes turned back to normal. He let out a sigh of relief as he caught the attention of Vali. He noticed her looking at him and he gave her a reassuring smile. She smiled back and turned to admire the ever-passing landscape.

  After an hour, Vlad started to decrease his speed for the descent. Alex could see the outline of a small broken-down shack huddled in the woods. They landed in a clearing in the trees a mile away.

  “We’ll walk from here. You might have seen it as we landed, but we’re heading for the place up ahead.” Vlad’s tone was soft yet firm.

  “That’s where my mother died,” Vali whispered to herself as she looked ahead.

  “And mine,” Alex added.

  “Let’s go. Standing around isn’t going to make the experience any less painful.” Vlad headed into the woods.

  Alex and Vali looked over at each other and grinned when they understood the reason behind Vlad’s haste. It is painful for him as well. They chased after his fleeting figure before they lost all sight of him in the dense foliage.

  “Can you tell us about that night?” Alex asked.

  “Hmm—Are you sure you want to know?” Vlad inquired.

  “Yes,” Alex and Vali answered in unison.

  “Very well. It was a night very much like tonight; light cloud cover, barely a breeze. However, the moon was full, and the stars were bright. That should have been a sign of the events that were about to occur. Everything was too perfect. As your mother was reaching the final pushes to deliver you, we were attacked by Dr. Frankenstein and his army of undead.”

  “Undead? Like zombies?” Alex was visibly shaken as he realized there was more to fear than werewolves.

  “Not quite. If zombies existed, they would carry a virus to turn those they infect. The undead are—the best way to describe them would be, reanimated corpses. They don’t feel pain and don’t need food or rest. They firmly follow the commands ordered and will do so until they’re fulfilled. Or destroyed,” Vlad explained.

  “How about their combat prowess?” Alex asked.

  “They’re slow and not sturdy, but they attack in number which makes up for their lack of physical strength. The brain should be destroyed. Severing the head from the torso does nothing, the brain must be devastated to ensure they don’t get up,” Vlad clarified.

  “That doesn’t sound too bad. You only have to destroy the head.”

  “Don’t be fooled by mere words, Guardian, until you face them yourself you will never truly understand the meaning of my words.” Vlad whipped around to stare directly at Alex, his eyes crimson. “Your parents were the strongest pair of Guardians ever in the
ir history and even they were no match for them.” Vlad’s eyes returned to normal as he calmed down. He turned and continued to lead the way. “Don’t get cocky before you even face the enemy.” Vlad’s anger subsided and a profound sorrow enveloped him.

  “You’re right. I got ahead of myself.” Alex lowered his head toward the ground.

  Vali gave Alex a reassuring smile as she patted him on the back. He smiled back at her as he felt her trying to cheer him up.

  They continued to walk for another twenty minutes until the shack came into view. Vlad put a fist up. Alex and Vali froze. Vlad gestured for them to kneel. They bent behind the bushes in front of them as Vlad went to scout ahead and make sure it was safe.

  “What do you think we’ll find in there?” Vali visibly shook as she asked Alex.

  “Answers. I hope.” Alex grasped her hand to help her calm down. She squeezed his hand in response.

  “Okay, you can stop holding each other’s hands and come out—it’s safe,” Vlad called out from the area near the shack. They immediately let go, their faces flushed, and headed over to Vlad.

  The shack turned out to be a two-story house, however, the second floor was wrecked, leaving the ceiling of the first floor to act as a roof. The front of the house used to have a porch, but the aftermath of an explosion left it in fragments. The aged blue paint was chipped and faded. Thin branches and leafy vines encased the house. The windows were shattered, and the shutters barely hung to the house. When the wind blew past, the noise made the house moan like it was in pain. The eerie thought entered Alex’s mind and made him shiver.

  “The last time I saw your parents was at the entrance of this house. They guarded the front door while we made our escape out the back. After we made it a couple of miles, I heard the explosion—so this was it.” Vlad lowered his head and remained silent in prayer to mourn the loss of his friends.

  After a moment, Alex stepped through the wreckage and headed toward the front door. “Let’s hurry inside.”

  Vlad and Vali followed him as he entered the house. The area around the entrance was coated in soot. Rusted nails stuck up from the studs where the floorboards were ripped out. A row of damaged stairs, the railing toppled over, hugged the wall. The smell of rotten flesh and aged burnt wood assaulted Alex.