Andrew drew into the clearing among the forest and was met with a strange and unexpected sight. It was a graveyard of rusted heaps of war birds from the past. And there among those deteriorating carcasses was the newest addition, the black helicopter. It was still relatively intact and rested on top of a cargo plane. He was amazed that somehow Kara had managed to land the helicopter.
Andrew scanned the snowy ground. There were several boot prints that came in from the north, the direction of Gothica castle. Andrew followed them until he was at the cargo plane. It was at the plane that Andrew saw two more sets of boot prints. He crouched down to examine them more closely. One set was not as deep as the other. That must be Kara’s. The others must be Wyatt’s, for they were deeper. Andrew deduced that Wyatt was injured by the way his left boot dragged as he walked. Also, Andrew saw a perfectly round hole next to the boot print. Wyatt had to use something to support his injured foot or leg.
Andrew rose and began to follow their tracks. When he was some distance from the cargo plane, Andrew saw that the knights picked up the trail and were following Wyatt and Kara. Andrew continued on until all but the knights’ tracks disappeared. He could see that the knights continued their search in the surrounding woods. Andrew stopped. He deduced that the knights’ thinking was only one dimensional. They would assume that Kara and Wyatt would continue on through the rough terrain in order to escape. So therefore, the knights’ would simply search for them until they finally would just give up. However, Andrew thought that if Wyatt was injured, there would be no way for him or Kara to do that. Kara and Wyatt would have to find some place to hide and wait out the knights. It would have to be some place close by. Andrew turned and ran back to the war bird graveyard.
Andrew stopped at the set of tracks by the cargo plane. This time he knelt down and examined the boot prints more closely. A slight smile spread across Andrew’s lips as he came to a realization. Both sets of prints were made by the same person. Andrew further deduced that first one set of booth prints were made up until they disappeared. Then Kara grabbed a stick and used it to support her as she walked backwards. That was why the other set was deeper and the stick mark was next to them. Andrew stood up and walked over to the side door of the cargo plane. The door was slightly open. Andrew leaned closer and peered through the crack. He saw a taught string rigged to the door. Andrew stepped aside and flung the door open. An arrow flew safely past him and buried itself in the snow. Andrew jumped inside the plane and tucked and rolled as another arrow zoomed overhead. Andrew sprung to his feet and blocked a kick meant for his face. He grabbed the person’s leg and pushed them down.
“Kara!” Andrew called out. The attack ended.
Kara jumped up and threw her arms around Andrew. She gave him a full, on mouth, fervent kiss. Andrew gently pushed her away.
“Sorry,” Kara apologized. “It’s just that I thought they had killed you, and with the crash and all, well, I just got carried away.”
“It’s okay,” Andrew reassured her. He came up to her and put his arms around her. Kara rested her head on Andrew’s chest. “I thought you were dead too. But we’re okay now.” Kara looked up at Andrew, “How did you know we were in here?”
“I followed your tracks,” Andrew answered.
“If you did, then…” Kara started to say.
“Don’t worry your rouse worked on the Knights,” Andrew reassured. “They believe that you two are somewhere in the forest.” Andrew glanced down at Kara, “By the way that was pretty ingenious of you to make both sets of tracks.” Andrew now looked around the interior of the cargo plane. There among the deteriorating wooden crates, was a sleeping area made up of old parachutes and canvas tarps. That’s where Andrew saw Wyatt, who hadn’t woken up during all the commotion.”
“What’s wrong with Wyatt?” Andrew asked.
“He was knocked cold,” Kara answered.
“Let’s sit down and then you can explain it all to me,” Andrew suggested. Kara gave him a squeeze and took hold of Andrew’s hand. She led them over to Wyatt. She and Andrew sat down on the cushioned floor.
“The last thing I saw was the helicopter out of control,” Andrew said. “How did you manage to gain control?”
“It was part of my training,” Kara explained. “We used a simulator to learn how bring a helicopter out of crash situations just like that.”
“What happened after you landed?” Andrew asked.
“During the landing, which was still quite rough, Wyatt was knocked out,” Kara answered. “Fortunately there was a hole in the top of the cargo plane, so I lowered the both of us inside. After I got Wyatt secured away, I climbed back up to the helicopter. I grabbed the medical supplies and that’s when I noticed a weapons storage box. When I opened it, I found several crossbows along with arrows inside.” Kara paused to catch her breath as she was speaking so quickly to get all the information out for Andrew. Kara went on, “So I took the medical supplies down first and then went back for the weapons. I knew we had to lead the knights away from the plane. But with Wyatt still out cold, I had to make both sets of tracks. When I got to the edge of the clearing, I found a stick and used it, as a support. When I was done, it looked like Wyatt was injured. When I got back to the plane, I found some twine and rigged up the cross bow traps. It was just in case we had any unwanted guests.”
“Like me?” Andrew interjected.
“No,” Kara laughed. She turned more serious again, “After that I needed to get some rest. I had lain down beside Wyatt and fell asleep.”
“Well, you’re not going to like this,” Andrew started to say.
“No, no, no way…” Kara protested.
“We need to go back and get the other helicopter,” Andrew insisted. “It’s the only way out of here.”
“What about Ana and her knights?” Kara was afraid.
“We’ll use the secret entrance to get inside,” Andrew reassured Kara with an embrace. “I will take care of Ana and the rest.” Andrew answered. He took a deep breath. “There is one more thing.”
“What’s that?” Kara asked.
“We need to find out where Ana has the list of all the Knights of VanHelsing,” Andrew answered. Kara saw the serious expression on his face. “It’s the only way we can put a stop to the Knight’s forever.”
“It too dangerous of a thing to do,” Kara warned. “If they know you have it, you’re a dead man.”
“Once I have the list,” Andrew came back. “They are finished.”
“What about Wyatt?” Kara nodded in his direction.
“He should be fine here until he wakes up,” Andrew stood up. “We’ll just reset your traps and settle in for a bit. The sleeping area you built, should keep us warm. We’ll need to stay inside the plane until tonight. That’s when we make our move.” Andrew walked over to the crossbows Kara had rigged up. He reset the twine and loaded the crossbows. Andrew joined Kara, who was already lying down, and lay behind her. Kara was shivering. Andrew spooned Kara, sharing his warmth with her. Kara reached back and brought Andrew’s arm over her. She took hold of his hand and gave it a squeeze.
“When I saw you charge Ana and her knights,” Kara spoke softly. “I thought you were going to die.” She started to cry. Andrew bent down and kissed Kara’s cheek and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “We’re okay now. Soon we’ll be on our way home.”
“It’s not okay for Talia,” Kara was still crying. “She sacrificed herself for us; for you.” Kara turned over and faced Andrew. “Why did she do that?”
“For love,” Andrew sniffed. He finally broke down. Kara drew Andrew to her and let him rest his head on her bossom. She held onto Andrew tightly with tears in her own eyes. Kara didn’t know if they would even make it back home. Kara dried her tears and that’s when she realized Andrew had fallen asleep. Kara closed her eyes and was soon asleep too.
Wyatt jolted awake. He looked around. The surroundings were unfamiliar. Wyatt had a hunch he was inside an old cargo plane with all the wooden crates and things. He looked closer and saw a man and a woman asleep. They were the same ones that had kidnapped him from the castle. Wyatt had to get away and back to Gothica. He moved ever so slowly so as not to wake them. Wyatt finally slid off the bed of old parachutes. He looked at the door and saw the rigged crossbows. There was no way he could use that door. Wyatt looked around and saw the hole in the ceiling of the plane. He crept quietly over to it and used the crates as his escape staircase. Wyatt pulled himself up and was just about out when he cut his hand on the jagged metal of the hole. Blood seeped from his wound. Wyatt licked his lips at the sight of the blood. Forgotten urges consumed Wyatt as he brought his hand up to his lips. Wyatt lapped up the crimson from his hand. Now was not the time for this. Wyatt pulled his hand away and finished the climb. He looked at his surroundings. Wyatt saw Gothica off in the distance. He smiled broadly. Wyatt slid down and tucked and rolled when he hit the snowy ground. He glanced back at the cargo plane one last time, smiled at the success of his escape, and immediately took off for Gothic. Wyatt ran as fast as he could go. He had to tell Ana and his fellow knights where the man and woman were hiding. His courage would surely impress Ana and she would make him one of her elite squad.
Andrew was the first to wake up. He looked up at the hole. It was still daylight. They would have to wait until dark to slip back into Gothica. Andrew glanced down at Kara. She was sleeping so peacefully, that he did not want to wake her. Andrew turned to check on Wyatt, but he was not there! Andrew jumped up and searched the plane with his eyes. The rigged crossbows were still in tack. That meant Wyatt had to have climbed out the hole in the ceiling. Andrew hopped up on the crates and was about to climb out of the hole when he noticed blood on some of the metal. Wyatt must have injured himself when he climbed out. Andrew finished his climb and sat down on the top of the cargo plane. He could see a trail of blood droplets on the plane and in the snow down below. Andrew already knew where Wyatt was headed; straight to Gothica. He also knew that Wyatt would tell Ana and her knights exactly where they were. Andrew went back to the hole and dropped down inside.
Kara woke up to see Andrew drop back down inside the plane. Why had he gone outside in the first place? Kara glanced around and saw that Wyatt was gone. She jumped up in a panic.
Andrew hopped down from the last crate and walked over to Kara, who was awake now.
“Wyatt is gone and he has headed back to Gothica,” Andrew said. He looked worried.
“What do we do now?” Kara was scared.
“We have to get out of here before they come for us,” Andrew answered. He left and went over to the rigged crossbows. Andrew released the triggers and removed the strings. “We need to take these with us.”
“They will know we are coming,” Kara wailed. “How do we get back inside Gothica?”
“We have to use the secret entrance,” Andrew informed her again.
“It will be guarded,” Kara answered back sharply.
“We will have to be smart and careful,” Andrew reassured her. “Once inside we need to find all the information we can about the Knights of VanHelsing.”
“When I interviewed Ana for my book, she mentioned a journal with all the names, real names, of the knights,” Kara recalled. She paused briefly as another thought filled her head. “That book also contains the names of all the ‘vampires’ that were killed by the knights over the years.” Kara was more worried than ever. She warned Andrew, “With that book you could put and end to centuries of innocent deaths at the hands of Ana and her knights. It would be too dangerous for it to be in your possession. They would never let you use it or keep it.”
“It is the only way to finally put an end to their reign of death,” Andrew shot back. He took one last look around. “We need to get going.”
“Okay,” Kara agreed.
Andrew climbed up the crates with Kara right behind him. He handed her his crossbow. Andrew pulled himself up and out on top of the cargo plane. He looked around and was relieved that the coast was clear. Andrew told Kara that it was clear. She handed him up the crossbows and arrow scabbards. Kara boosted herself up and climbed out of the plane. She joined Andrew. They slid down together and headed off towards the forest. They would have to find a place to hide until dark.
Ana dropped down on one knee just at the crest of the meadow and surveyed it through her spy glass. She saw the helicopter that rested on top of the cargo plane. There was no movement. Either Andrew or Kara were still inside, or already gone. Ana hoped that they were still inside the plane. It would make things much easier. When Wyatt showed up at Gothica, Ana knew that Kara was still alive. When her knights had searched the surrounding forest and had not found any trace of them, Ana was furious. She wondered how they could have escaped. The surrounding forest and mountains were virtually impossible to traverse on foot. Ana knew they had to be somewhere close by, but never suspected the old airplane graveyard. Andrew had become a liability and needed to be eliminated. Ana suspected that Andrew might be after journal. Ana smirked that Andrew would never find it, but if he ever did, he would never have a chance to use it.
Ana looked one more time through the spyglass. There was still no movement. Ana signaled her knights to advance on the plane. They loaded their crossbows and crept forward. Ana loaded her own weapon and advanced onto the cargo plane.
The knights took up positions at the door and on top of the plane. Ana immediately signaled for the attack on the cargo plane to begin. The two knights who were next to the side door, pulled it open and ducked, but nothing came out at them. They slipped inside as the ones on top of the plane dropped down to join them. Ana entered the plane once her knights had it secured. Andrew and Kara were gone. That meant they were on their way to Gothica. But it was too risky to try and enter during the light of day. Ana suspected that Andrew would attempt it only when it was dark. Either way, she and her knights would be ready for them. Ana promised herself that she would repay Andrew for the defeat he had brought upon them. Ana would make certain that Andrew and Kara would die before the dawn tomorrow. Ana instructed her knights to follow and they left the cargo plane.
Ana surveyed the surrounding landscape. She knew that somewhere out there, Andrew was watching at this very moment. Ana narrowed her eyes and clenched her jaw. She needed to anticipate Andrew’s next move. What would it be? Ana motioned for her knights to follow and they began their trek back to Gothica.
The secret entrance appeared to be unguarded. Andrew and Kara watched from the safety of some bushes a short distance away. The sun was starting to set and the light was fading fast. Andrew knew that there were some of Ana’s knights around, but wasn’t sure where.
“Tell me more about your interview with Ana for your book,” Andrew asked as he settled down. Kara sat down beside him.
“What do you want to know?” Kara answered.
“Where did you interview her?” Andrew asked.
“We were in the library, why?” Kara inquired.
“Where did you sit?” Andrew continued.
“Why is that important?” Kara pressed.
“Where did you sit?” Andrew repeated the question.
“Is that important?” Kara was still confused.
“Yes,” Andrew finally answered. “Ana doesn’t do anything without reason. Everything she does has a reason or purpose.” Andrew paused to check the secret entrance area, there was no change. He turned back to Kara, “Ana believes that she is the one who decides who lives and who dies and so on. I believe that it was a power trip that led her to have you conduct the interview in the library. Ana was probably gloating with superiority by having you seated near the Knights of VanHelsing book and not even have known it.”
“Why wouldn’t she hide it in her room,” Kara asked, “Where it would be safer?”
“That would be the first place someone would look,” Andrew answered. He stopped again to check the area by the secret entrance. There was no movement. Andrew continued, “They say the best way to hide something is right in plain sight.”
What would it be?” Kara asked. This time she checked the area. Kara thought she saw a shadow move across the castle wall. She rubbed her eyes and looked again. There was movement. “Look,” Kara whispered and pointed to the shadow. Andrew looked and watched. A few minutes later, two knights walked past the secret entrance and into the shrubbery next to it.
“So how are we going to get inside and to the library?” Kara bit her lip.
“I want you to stay here,” Andrew ordered. “I will be right back.”
Kara watched as Andrew left the safety of their hiding place.
It was dark now, and the moon’s light was cast upon the stone block castle walls. A cool night air rustled throughout the forest of trees.
Two knights kept their vigil. A very important task they were given to fulfill; to keep out their most dangerous adversary. He wasn’t the blood thirsty enemy of ancient past. No this one was more deadly. This one had knowledge of their centuries old quest. This enemy sought to destroy them once and for all.
The forest’s darkness was still now. The two knights listened with strained ears. With tired eyes they searched the darkness in vain. They knew this enemy was out there somewhere, watching and waiting to strike. Instead, a voice unexpectedly broke the silence; ‘Hello, how are you?’ The two knights turned to see, and when their eyes set upon him; they froze for a moment in fear. They recovered and instinctively reached for the cross bows that were clipped on their belts. It was too late for them; the enemy had the upper hand. He struck them down unforgivingly and the two brave knights fell where they stood.
The enemy knelt down and in turn searched each one. What was he looking for? Minutes later he found what he was looking for; the key to unlock the secret panel. He stopped for a moment and cast down his eyes on the knights. He wondered what their fate might be. What would their master do since they allowed the enemy to enter the gate?
Andrew stepped from the shadows. He signaled Kara that the coast was clear. She quickly joined him at the wall. Each block was identical to the next; except for the one with the octagon shape carved out of it.
Andrew took the key; a medallion with the VanHelsing crest etched upon it. He placed the medallion in the stone and gave it a push. The wall trembled and moaned as it opened. Andrew took Kara by the hand and at the same time removed the medallion. They quickly stepped inside the passageway just as the wall started to close. Soon the wall was back in its silent post.
The passageway was an abyss, but Andrew remembered the way, since he had used it before, to escape. Kara held tightly onto Andrew’s hand as they wound their way through the passage. Soon they stopped. Kara couldn’t see, but she knew that Andrew was listening for several minutes.
“Let’s go,” Andrew finally said.
Light peered through as Andrew opened the stone panel. They exited and now stood in the great room.
“Where is the library?” Andrew asked.
“Down the hallway, last room on the left,” Kara answered.
“I want you to find Wyatt,” Andrew instructed her. “Use whatever force necessary to get him to come with you.” Andrew stopped and scanned the room to make certain they had not been detected. Satisfied, he continued, “After you got him, head for the helicopter.”
“What about you?” Kara’s eyes began to tear up. “Remember last time?”
“I will be there!” Andrew reassured her with a kiss on the cheek. “One more thing before I go. Where in the library did you conduct your interview with Ana?”
“There is a grand table in the center of the room,” Kara answered. She finally got it. “That’s where the book is, right?”
“Right,” Andrew grinned. He gave Kara a gentle nudge to get going and he headed down the hallway. Kara watched him go. Once he was out of sight, Kara went to search for Wyatt.
The library was immense and Andrew stood there in awe, when he stepped inside. He could only imagine the great undertaking in gathering all the books that lined the towering shelves.
And there in the middle of it all was the object of his desire. A grand table of wood and stone hewed from the very mountains and forest that surround Gothica.
Andrew walked up to the table. High back intricately carved chairs, twelve in all, lined all sides of the table. The table base was solid stone, polished to a lustrous finish. Andrew ran his hand along the glossy surface of the table top and its perfectly laid edges. He stopped and knelt down to examine the octagon shapes that lined the surface of the table base. Andrew stood again and continued on. When he got to the head of the table, Andrew noticed a slot just below the edge of the table top. He removed the medallion and slid it sideways into the slot. Andrew had barely stepped back as the floor opened and revealed a hidden staircase. Andrew descended the stairs.
At the bottom of the stairs was a small room. At center of the room was a stone and wood stand. On that stand was the book. Andrew took a step forward. The stone he stepped on, sunk into the floor itself. Andrew immediately dropped down, narrowly being missed by twin deadly arrows meant for any unwanted intruder. Andrew rolled and jumped to his feet next to the stand. He took the book and made a dash for the stairs.
Andrew emerged at the top of the stairs and was immediately struck in the back. The force of the blow brought him to his knees. The book went flying from his hands and skidded across the floor. Andrew jumped up and turned around to see Ana standing there. She held a sword in each hand.
“You have become a liability,” Ana was grim. “I don’t like liabilities.”
“Just let us go,” Andrew replied.
“I can, but not with the book,” Ana answered.
“I am taking the book,” Andrew insisted.
Ana tossed Andrew one of her swords and he caught it. Ana rushed at him and made the first attack. Andrew blocked with his defense. He countered but Ana blocked and then brought the blade from the right. Andrew brought his blade to block. Ana spun and attacked with a kick, but Andrew anticipated her move. Instead Andrew dropped down and caught Ana in the knee with his boot. She stumbled and let go of her sword which clattered to the floor. Andrew was about to finish Ana, but she jumped up and retrieved her sword. It was as if Andrew knew her every move even before she did it. How could this be? Andrew leapt up on the table, and Ana followed right after him.
The banging of metal striking resounded across the walls as the battle raged on. For every strike that Ana made, Andrew was there with his own. His kicks and punches matched each and every one of Ana’s. Her level of frustration and anger were building and building. This was exactly what Andrew wanted. He was hoping that Ana would make a mistake. Andrew knew that Ana was the one who trained all the knights. She had taught them all the same moves; her moves. So with each of her knights that Andrew had fought previously; he had learned them all.
Ana and Andrew drove each other back and forth across the table surface. They were locked in a struggle to the death; each one hoped to gain the final upper hand. Andrew sent a snap kick at Ana’s face, but she blocked, spun around and caught Andrew with a blow to the chin. Andrew stumbled backwards, fell on his butt and let go of his sword. He watched in anguish as it slid across the table top and fell over the edge where the hidden room was. Ana lunged at Andrew, but he jumped up and somersaulted backwards, narrowly being missed by her blade.
When Andrew reached the edge of the table, he gave Ana a salute and vaulted off! Ana followed him and leapt from the table. Andrew had mangaged retrieve his sword and slashed Ana across both knees. Ana shrieked and let go of her sword. Like a rag doll, Ana fell to the bottom of the steps. Andrew grabbed the medallion by the chain and pulled it from the slot. The last thing he saw was the horror-struck look in Ana’s eyes as the floor panel slid shut. Andrew calmly walked over to the window, opened it, and tossed the medallion into the deep snow. Andrew retrieved the book and quickly exited the library.
Wyatt was working through his moves. He wanted to impress Ana. Wyatt was hoping to impress her enough so that he could get close enough to finish his mission. He was in the middle of a swing with a wooden practice sword when the door opened.
“You!” Wyatt shrieked when he saw Kara. He instantly dropped the wood sword and bolted for the other door. Kara ran, paused to pick up the sword, and continued her pursuit. Just as Wyatt reached for the door, Kara flung the sword. It struck Wyatt in the back of the head and caused him to fall down.
“Why did you do that?” Wyatt cursed.
Kara walked away and over to the arsenal wall. She took a sword and returned to Wyatt. He cringed when Kara swung the blade and stopped with inches to spare.
“You are coming with me,” Kara ordered.
Wyatt rose in submission. Kara had him lead the way as they left the training room.
Andrew finally arrived at the helicopter. Kara and Wyatt were not there! All kinds of thoughts; bad thoughts, ran through Andrew’s mind. He was about to go and search for them, but suddenly stopped. Andrew saw Kara and Wyatt exit the castle and head in his direction.
“Where were you?” Andrew yelled at Kara.
“Busy,” Kara nodded at Wyatt. “And you?”
“Me too,” Andrew held up the book for them to see.
“What about Ana?” Wyatt looked shocked.
“Ana is no longer a problem.” Andrew answered callously.
Kara gave Wyatt a shove and he stumbled towards Andrew, who caught him before he fell. Wyatt stood in front of Andrew, and there was no mistaking the expression contempt and anger on Andrew’s face.
‘I…I…” Wyatt began to say, but he did not get a chance to finish. Andrew knocked Wyatt out with a blow to the head. He opened the side door of the helicopter, scooped up Wyatt and put him inside. Kara took her place in the pilot’s seat. Andrew climbed inside and closed the door. The engines breathed to life and the rotors picked up speed. Kara looked back at Andrew. He gave her a wink. This time was different than the last. This time they were free.