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As I fell back into a restless slumber, the last thing I saw was the three women and their beautiful smiles with their long wicked teeth.

Chapter 5

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright - Continued

The next morning my father was already lifting May into the carriage when my mother and I stepped out of the castle. Ovidiu, the guide, and the driver were busy checking over the harnesses and horses, having already loaded our luggage onto the carriage. As we hurried across the courtyard, I gave the old decrepit castle one last dark glance.

“It is all right, Glynis. We are leaving,” my mother assured me, grabbing hold of my hand.

I was haunted by my nightmares, and I know she saw my fear reflected in my eyes. I had awoken after my nightmare, curled up in a tight little ball beneath my covers. I had immediately run to the looking glass to study my throat only to find it smooth save for tiny insect bites on either side. My bizarre nightmare had turned ordinary bites into something altogether more disturbing.

“I had such an awful fear that I would never leave here,” I confessed.

“Well, you are leaving. Up with you!” Father caught me firmly and lifted me into the carriage.

Gratefully, I settled into my seat, arranging my long coat, scarf and skirts as my mother climbed in. I tried not to look at the castle, but my eyes were drawn to the crumbling façade. What strange things had happened here. My dreams had been odd and frightening, full of terrible visions and wanton lusts.

The cool crisp air of the gray morning stung my cheeks red and my eyes were bright with the excitement of finally being away from this awful place. Much to my relief and that of my family, Prince Vlad had not come down to see us off.

May fidgeted with her bonnet as I finally settled into my seat. My father slammed the door shut, enclosing us in the safety of the coach, and he sat back in his seat with a sigh of relief. I tucked my hand into his as the carriage rolled forward and slowly turned about, the horses’ hooves clapping against the flagstones.

“There, there,” he said softly, patting my hand, and I was comforted.

As the carriage departed the castle courtyard, I resisted one last look and concentrated on my mother’s face. This morning my mother looked quite young and beautiful, any signs of harshness faded from her lovely features. She was far too relieved to be away from the castle to nag me or May.

The carriage was soon traveling at top speed, away from the castle and the strange man whom dwelt there. As the miles that separated the carriage from the castle increased, we slowly began to relax. Even May smiled when Mother said, “Well, it would be that the first man on this journey taken with Glynis was totally unsuitable. ”

I giggled and snuggled up to my father. “Thank you, dear Father, for getting us

away from that horrible, horrible man. ”

My father just smiled and said, “There, there. ” But I could see the relief in his eyes and his strong hand holding mine made me feel protected and loved.

For an hour we traveled through the misty mountain passes as the sun struggled to rise higher in the sky only to be brutally overwhelmed by dark menacing clouds that billowed out over the valley. I watched the approaching storm with apprehension. The storm seemed to not only be gaining strength, but also pursuing us.

“Father, if the storm hits us, will the pass become too treacherous?”

My father stared out the window, contemplating my words. He watched the lightning flashing deep within the storm clouds and listened to the long rumble of the thunder rolling. “It does seem to be growing stronger. ” He leaned out of the window. “Ovidiu! Ovidiu! Can we beat the storm to the village?”

My mother leaned forward to gaze out over the lush valley. “I do not even see the village. ”

Father pulled his head into the carriage. His expression did not comfort us.

“What is it?” Mother demanded.

“The driver is confused. He says that we are not heading in the right direction and every time he tries to double back, we only seem to end up where we began. ”

“I do not understand. What does that mean, Father?” May looked very pale with her pink lips trembling.

Fearfully, I leaned over and out of the carriage as far as I dared. The dark, menacing castle loomed close behind us. “Oh, God!”

“Glynis, do not take the Lord’s in-Oh, Lord, no!” Mother obviously could not believe her eyes as the carriage turned slowly. “Why are we heading back?”

“They are going to try and descend the way we traveled the other night,” Father answered. His brow was deeply furrowed, his hand clenched against his chin.

“I do not want to go near that place!” I protested.

“There, there, dear. All will be well. ” My father took my hand in his and squeezed gently.