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“In his own way, that is selfish and cruel, yes, I do believe he loved me most. ” I wiped my tears away with my handkerchief and set my book aside. Standing, I stared up at the night sky as though seeking guidance from the God whom I feared no longer heard my prayers. “Of course, his love never prevented him from hurting me. He made me kill my own mother. He is a monster. ”

“I could go for you and retrieve it,” Magda offered.

“No, I could never ask that of you! They are vile. They would hurt you!” I protested immediately.

“I could go in the daylight,” Magda suggested. “With Adem. We could go together and bring back whatever you desire from the castle. It is not so unusual for Vlad to be asleep during the day and Adem would not be suspicious at his absence. ”

Though we both sincerely liked Adem, we had agreed to keep the truth of my action against Vlad a secret. Despite my caution, I did trust Adem enough to know he would honor my request. Magda’s proposal appealed to me and the thought of recovering the rosary assuaged the guilt I felt at the neglect of my deceased family. Besides, it only seemed proper that my mother should be laid to rest with the rosary she had carried with her since her First Communion.

“Could you truly do that for me? I would be so very grateful. I know exactly where it is located. ” I worried for her safety, yet I trusted Adem. If they were careful and did not enter the areas of the castle where the sisters slept, they should be safe. It was rare for the sisters to rise before the sun set and if they did, they would stay within the darkness of the old chapel.

“Yes, of course,” Magda promised. “Just instruct us on where to go and I know we shall be able to retrieve it. ”

Tingling with excitement and trepidation, I nodded my head. “Very well. Summon Adem so I might speak to him. ”

Laying aside her mending, Magda quickly rushed from the room to fetch Adem. Smoothing my skirt and tucking my curls from my face, I gazed upon the waning moon and smiled in my resolve. By this one act, I would restore my faith in my own humanity and honor my beloved mother. It was only proper and right. If luck, or God, was with us, then Adem and Magda would return safely and none would be the wiser as to the horrible fate I had inflicted upon Vlad Dracula.

“You asked for me?” Adem’s voice said from behind me.

I displayed a smile as I pivoted in his direction. “Yes. I have a most urgent request. I hope you will be kind enough to say yes. ”

Looking curious, Adem drew closer as Magda closed the door and joined us.

“Would you go to the castle of Vlad Dracula and recover a precious item for me?”

With a flash of a smile, Adem answered, “It would be my greatest of pleasures. ”

And as simple as that, I released my future to the fates.

Chapter 6

Letter from Adem to Astir continued. . .

I had questioned Magda about the Countess' family hoping to lay the seed that would flourish into a possible gateway to the castle, but I was surprised at how quickly that seed grew. When the Countess approached me about escorting Magda to the castle to retrieve the rosary of Lady Antoinetta, I immediately agreed. That very hour, we made our plans. The Countess was certain if we arrived at the castle at noon the sisters and her husband would be deeply asleep and therefore would not interfere in the retrieval of the rosary. She stressed that she did not want her husband to be privy to her plans for her family since it was by his hand they had died. I vowed that we would do our very best to not disturb resting the place of the vampires.

It was just this morning when Magda and I departed for the castle. . .

The sun was high in the sky when I strode from the Golden Krone hotel with Magda hurrying behind me. She had spent the morning in the small chapel down the road praying while I prepared my weapons for any chance encounter with the Brides of Vlad Dracula or Dracula himself. Though the Countess had assured me that they would not rise during the hours of the day, I am inclined to be fully armed when entering the abode of vampires.

The heat of the day rose from the cobblestones, warming the soles of my boots as I waited for my man to bring about the horse. Magda stood beside me, her fingers fussing with her long braids. She is a pretty woman with her large dark eyes, rounded cheeks, full lips, and a delicately pointed chin. I suspect her youthful appearance is as deceptive as my own. Her gaze is not that of a young woman, but also not that of one who has lived so long that the joy of life is lost. Therefore, I do not believe she matches my age. Clad as a local, Magda’s long skirt and the chemise were tied at her waist and a red scarf was draped about her face. She reminded me painfully of my lost love, and I raised my face to the sun to remind myself that while Saadat now dwells in darkness, I do not.

Enre rounded the corner guiding my majestic equine companion. I am uncertain of its nature, or even if it is truly a horse, but I have grown fond of the arrogant creature. It often regards me with amusement and I wonder at its thoughts. Tossing its mane, it turned its dark eyes toward me, dancing back and forth with anticipation.

Beside me, Magda crossed herself and the horse snorted with what I suspected was contempt.

“It will not hurt you,” I promised her.

“What is it?” Magda regarded the creature warily, sensing its unique nature.

“I do not know. All I know is that Astir sent it and its companion to me. ”

“What is its name?” Regarding it warily, she took a step back toward the hotel.

Enre looked amused as he fed the horse a bit of apple from his gloved hand. “No name is suitable for this one. It is wild magic. ”

The horse chomped down on the apple and chewed as it regarded Magda with great interest.

“It must have a name,” Magda insisted, wilting beneath its gaze.