The northern wind fanned out across the land with perilous intent. Its icy breath stirred up and drove the innocent looking velvety flakes of snow into a fevered frenzy. The wind moaned and howled through the branches of the leafless trees. The snow and wind kept building until it finally climaxed and gave birth to the season’s first winter storm.
From the blowing and drifting snow, a single pair of headlights pierced through it all. The road was nearly impassible, but the rider coaxed his trusty steed to continue on. When it could go no futher, the driver pulled his jeep into a wooded glen just off the road.
Andrew jumped out and trudged through the knee-deep snow to the back of his jeep. He thrust open the hatch and took out the first order of business; his shelter tent. Andrew plowed through the snow and when he got to a spot beneath two tall pine trees, he pulled the cord and the tent sprung to life. Andrew kept a tight grip for fear of losing his shelter to the hungry winds. He set his tent down now and quickly secured the lines to the trunks of the sturdy trees. Satisfied, Andrew returned to the jeep for the rest of his gear. He grabbed it all and held it tightly in his arms. Andrew returned to his shelter and while balancing his load with one hand, he unzipped the flap with the other. Andrew tossed in his gear first and then climbed in right after. He re-closed the tent flap.
The interior of the tent was pitch-black. Andrew unzipped the large bag and searched through it. He was glad and pridefully removed the lantern. He pushed the button and the electric blue light flooded the tent. Finally able to see, Andrew put down the lantern and laid out his sleeping bag. He climbed inside and zipped it shut. Soon Andrew was feeling comfortably warm. In order to save the lantern battery, Andrew shut it off.
Andrew lay awake unable to sleep. His thoughts soon drifted off to days earlier. Right after Talia’s funeral, Peter along with the Sheriffs department, showed up at the Ravenclaw property with a search warrant. When they arrived, a caretaker was there to meet them. He informed them that Ravenclaw had already left to join up with friends in Illinois. Though disappointed, the authorities searched the manor and the rest of the property for the book. They could not locate it and gave up the search. Andrew knew they would never find the book there; Ravenclaw was much more intelligent than that. To make matters worse, the Sheriffs department classified the Higgins’s case as unsolved and filed it away. Wyatt was released from jail as promised. Nedra, tired of the bad influences in Bayport, took her boys and just left. She also put their home up for sale. When Nedra paid Andrew for his services, she did not even tell him where they were going. Roxanne returned to her bookstore. She had suggested that Andrew seek professional counseling for his obsession with Vlad Ravenclaw.
Roxanne told him that it was unhealthy. Andrew said he would, but never intended on following through.
Chloe also told him to get help before she returned to her own private investigative business in Madison. She was concerned he would do something extreme. Andrew lied and told her he was planning on joining up with Megan and her parents. Chloe asked where they were. This time Andrew told the truth that they were going to visit family in California. Chloe must have believed him and left.
Nick had gone back to Chicago. He had with him a letter of recommendation from Peter, the Sheriffs department and the Berlin police in Germany. As a result, Nick was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. With everyone gone and back to their normal lives, Andrew was once again alone.
The wind’s icy claws were scratching at the tent in search of it next victim. Andrew laid back and closed his eyes. But sleep did not come yet. Andrew suspected that Ravenclaw had Kara keep possession of the book. Her place was much more secure than Ravenclaw’s. As a result, Andrew suspected that Kara was some how involved in the death of the Higgins’s family. He also believed that Vlad Ravenclaw was involved too. It was all a mute point anyway, at least until he had proof.
Andrew nestled down inside his warm, comfortable sleeping bag. He did his best to ignore the howling winds. Finally, sleep did come to Andrew. He closed his eyes and drifted off into sweet slumber.
The sunlight glistened across the newly laid out blanket of snow. A light winter’s breeze gently flowed across the land. The storm from the night before was gone and in its path was a winter wonderland.
Andrew woke refreshed. He had not gotten such a restful night sleep in months. He sat up and stretched the last remnants of the sandman’s dust from his eyes. Andrew unzipped the sleeping bag and rolled out. He crawled on his knees to the flap and unzipped it. Andrew’s gaze was immediately met with a wall of white. He would have to dig his way out. Andrew dug at the snow, shoveling it out of the way with his gloved hands.
After what seemed like forever, Andrew emerged. The sun-soaked snow blinded him and Andrew immediately closed his eyes. He reached in the breast pocket of his coat and took out a pair of sunglasses. Andrew put them on and re-opened his eyes. When he did, Andrew surveyed his surroundings.
Andrew first appraised the situation with his jeep. It was buried in the snow and going nowhere for a very long time. Andrew turned around and eyed up his tent. It looked more like an igloo now. Andrew ducked back inside and retrieved his binoculars. He walked to the edge of the hill and gazed upon the pristine landscape below. Andrew raised the binoculars to his eyes and focused on the object of his desire.
The stone block castle was impressive, but it probably was more of an eyesore amongst the more modest homes of its neighbors. Andrew scouted the fence line which was constructed of stone and electric wire. It said to intruders very loud and clear to ‘stay out’ or else. Andrew turned his attention to the front gate and the guard house. He saw two security personnel that carried side arms. The gate itself was a very impressive creation of an iron frame and bars. As Andrew continued to watch, a linen company delivery truck stopped at the gate. As one of the guards remained inside in the guard house, his partner approached the truck. He spoke to the driver and checked his clipboard. When he was satisfied, he waved to his partner to open the gate. Once the gate was open, the truck continued on its way.
Andrew settled down in the snow and continued his surveillance. About a half an hour later, another truck arrived. This one was from Nancy’s Catering. Well, Andrew thought, Kara must be having a party. The guards followed the same procedures as earlier. There was no way he could enter the property during the daylight with such tight security. The only way was under the cover of darkness. Andrew estimated it took about five minutes for the guards to check in a vehicle and open the gate. This included the time it took to exit the guard house, walk to the vehicle, check the clipboard and open the gate. Andrew had to find a place to hide close by, and that meant he had to do that during the daylight. Once there, he could remain undetected until the time of the party. Andrew searched the area close to the gate. It was there that he found a large pine tree with its lower branches touching the snow. Andrew was willing to bet that the area beneath the branches and snow was a place to hide in. To do so, was a risk, but one he had to take. He could use the surrounding woods for cover, but the last few yards were in the open.
Andrew stood up and returned to his tent. He crawled inside and retrieved a rather large and long pack of white camouflage that matched his winter clothing. Andrew departed from his ‘igloo’ and started his trek towards the pine tree.
It had not been an easy hike through the knee-deep snow. Andrew was about halfway and decided to rest. He took off the pack and plopped it and himself down in the snow. Andrew opened one of the side pockets and pulled out a couple of energy bars. Andrew tore open the first one and quickly downed it in a couple of bites. With the next one, he opened it and spent a little more time to eat it. As he sat there, Andrew looked around and still could not believe how much it snowed last night. Andrew stood up and slung his pack over his shoulders. He continued on his way.
Andrew had finally reached the edge of the trees. He knelt down and took out his binoculars. He focused on the guard house. The two guards had their backs to him and were in the midst of a conversation. It was now or never. Andrew put away his binoculars and dropped down on his belly. He started his approach to the pine tree. Andrew crawled along slowly and would pause from time to time to blend in with the snow and barren ground cover. By now Andrew could see the guard house and security without his binoculars. This was the critical part in his plan. This was the part where it could all go bad and he would be discovered. Andrew had to slowly inch his way towards the pine tree. What should have normally only taken a few minutes, it had taken Andrew much longer. He was never so glad when the aroma of pine filled his nostrils.
Andrew moved to the opposite side of the tree, away from the guard’s view. Andrew quickly dug through the snow and as he suspected there was a ‘cave’ beneath the tree. Andrew took off his pack and lowered it into his ‘home’ and crawled in after it. He fixed the snow to make it look like it was before. Andrew left his pack and crawled on his hands and knees to the side of the tree that faced the gate. Andrew dug out a hole just big enough for him to look through and provide some necessary light. He could clearly see the security guards and the front gate. Andrew was about to go back for his pack, when a black Mercedes with heavily tinted windows, pulled up to the gate. You could not see the occupants at all. Just like before, the guard exited the guardhouse and approached the vehicle. But this time was different. As the driver lowered the window, the security guard never bothered to check his clipboard and immediately motioned for his partner to open the gate. Whoever it was, they were important. Once the gate was open, the car sped through and up its way towards the castle. Andrew went back for his pack and brought it with him to his spy window. He set the alarm on his watch and laid his head down on the pack for a pillow. Andrew was worn out and needed to rest. His eyes were suddenly very heavy and soon Andrew was snoring away.
Andrew woke in a panic. The sunlight was gone. His watch alarm did not go off! Andrew scrambled in the dark and crawled quickly to his spy hole. It was night and there were already a line of vehicles at the front gate. Andrew crawled back to his pack and grabbed it. He returned to his spy hole and shoveled the snow away like a madman. Soon the hole was big enough and Andrew climbed out. He ducked and sort of did a run crawl along the line of cars. So far he went undetected. Pretty soon Andrew was along side a black hummer. Andrew sat down for a few seconds to catch his breath, but it did not last long. The gates started to open and the hummer started to move! Andrew scrambled as fast as he could as the hummer picked up speed. If he did not move quicker, the guards would discover him. Andrew stumbled and fell as the hummer pulled away. He turned and looked. He was inside! The gate closed and with it, concealed his presence.
Not far from the gate was the groundskeeper building. Andrew scrambled to his feet and ran over to it. Andrew took out his lock pick set and bent down to examine the lock. He selected the right tools. Andrew had the lock picked and the door opened within minutes. He put the tool back in the case and back in his pocket. Andrew went inside and closed the door. Andrew removed his pack and set in on the floor. He removed his winter clothing to reveal a Knight’s of VanHelsing outfit underneath. He unzipped the pack next and took the scabbards with swords along with a long leather black coat. Andrew first put on the coat and then slipped on the scabbards. He reached inside the pack for one other thing. Andrew slipped on the hood and now he was complete. Andrew hid his winter clothing and the pack beneath some lawn product bags. Andrew left the groundskeeper’s building and headed for the main house.
Andrew used the landscaping for cover as he went directly to the rear of the castle where the deliver vehicles were parked. Andrew ducked into the bushes nearby and watched. He saw a pretty steady flow of catering staff that moved from the truck to the entrance.
He at first thought it would be too risky to try and sneak in between the catering workers. The windows were out as an entry point because they probably had some type of alarm. Andrew was stumped for the moment, but then opportunity knocked; there was a break in the line of catering staff.
Andrew bolted from the bushes and in through the open doorway. He was in the hallway which led directly to the kitchen. Now what Andrew thought? There was no place to go. Great, Andrew said to himself, he would surely be discovered. Andrew leaned against the wall, and before he could react the wall seemed to swallow him up! Andrew stumbled backwards and landed on his butt. The secret panel closed and a light immediately illuminated the area he was now in. It was a narrow passageway.
Andrew stood and walked to the end, since he had no other choice. It was there that he saw a set of stone step that spiraled upwards. Andrew ascended the stairs and finally came to another wall. He felt around for the trigger device. Just as his right hand hit a raised section of the wall it opened. Andrew was on the second floor of the castle. The area was familiar to him. He had been here the last time he was at Kara’s. Her bedroom chamber was just a short walk down the hallway. Andrew strode at a quickened pace and was soon at the door of Kara’s room. He listened first and upon not hearing a sound, opened the door. Andrew immediately stepped inside and shut the door again. Andrew stood there and surveyed the room. Now where would Kara have hidden the book? It was probably in a safe. But where would the safe be?
The main hall was brimming with Kara’s invited guests. They were all there to celebrate a victory; a victory against their age old enemy.
The room-length table was adorned in deep red linen with gold accents. Crystal fountains cascaded with tuica, a plum brandy usually enjoyed before a meal along with some appetizers. It varies in strength, dryness and smell according to the region. But if you attempt this drink, beware it does have a kick to it! The table was also filled with Romanian national dishes not to be missed, such as Coirba, a sour soup made from fermented bran, bacon, potatoes and beef or chicken. Then there were also Mititei, minced meat rolls with aromatic herbs, along with Tochitura, a hearty meat stew seasoned with onions and/or spices. Also served was muschi poiana, which consisted of mushroom- and bacon-stuffed beef in a puree of vegetables and tomato sauce. Guests could also sample the traditional Romanian fish dish of grilled carp called saramura. And Kara did not forget the dessert lovers. There were plenty of apricot ice cream, merengue layered cake, cherry compote turkish baklava and apple strudel.
Kara wore a red velvet flowing gown accented with a gold lace bodice and diamonds. Her hair was swept up and held in place with a gold hair comb, which complimented the features of her face.
Kara milled about the room as she greeted her guests. She was the perfect hostess. Once in awhile, Kara would glance across the room to make sure he was still there.
Vlad also greeted his honored guests; members of not only the Ravenclaw Clan, but other clans across the country and from Europe. Tonight, Vlad would share with them the prize he had finally won; the book of The Knights of VanHelsing.
Vlad walked across the room and came up behind Kara. He caught a whiff of her essence and it drove him insane. But no, he would wait until the blood feast later this evening. Vlad drew Kara closer and tenderly kissed the back of her neck. He desperately wanted to partake of her lifeblood, but again there would be time for that later.
“It is time for you to get the book,” Vlad whispered his command.
“Yes my love,” Kara murmured.
Vlad released his grasp of Kara, and she left to go upstairs to her bedroom chamber. Kara ascended the stairs as Vlad watched. A smile of fulfillment was on his face.
Kara reached the top of the stairs and went to her room. She opened the door and went inside.
Kara walked directly to the painting on the wall next to her bed. She swung the hinged painting aside.
Kara entered the access code on the safe key panel. Once the safe was open, Kara took out the book. She re-closed the safe and turned to leave. Kara was about to scream, but Andrew quickly silenced her with a blow to the head. As Kara fell, she let go of the book. Andrew ignored Kara and grabbed the book before it hit the floor. As Andrew held the book in his hands, a realization suddenly hit him; one he had been afraid to admit. The book was far too dangerous for any one to possess. Andrew had to destroy it.
Vlad wondered where Kara could be. She was gone far too long. He excused himself and went to go and bring her back. He hurriedly ascended the stairs to the second floor and to the door of Kara’s bedroom. Vlad did not bother to knock since the door was open. He boldly stepped into the room and immediately saw Kara lying unconscious on the floor. Vlad sensed another presence in the room. He scoured the room; there was someone in the shadows.
“Come out,” Vlad hissed. He cringed when a Knight of VanHelsing stepped forward with the book in his hands. “How did you get past security?” Vlad angrily demanded. There was no response. This infuriated Vlad and he screamed, “Give me the book. It will do you no good to have it.” Still there was no reply. Vlad kept his eyes on his adversary as he walked over to Kara. Vlad knelt down and checked on Kara. She was still alive. Vlad rose again to his feet.
“What is your name?” Vlad inquired. His lips curled into a satisfied smile, “For I know them all.”
Instead, his adversary drew the twin blades of death.
“Will you strike me down as you cowards have always done?” Vlad opened his arms in a gesture of submission. “Or will you give me a chance to defend myself?” His adversary tossed one of his swords. Vlad caught it by the handle. He swung the sword to see how it felt in his hand. “I have killed many of your brethren,” Vlad confessed. “As I am sure you have killed many of mine.” Vlad took up his stance. His eyes narrowed, “I believe it is your move.” Vlad expected an attack, but instead his advesary grasped his hood and removed it.
“You!” Vlad was taken aback.
Andrew bowed gracefully, with his gaze on Vlad.
“I want the truth,” Andrew demanded.
“Are you certain of that?” Vlad’s top lip curled to reveal his fangs.
“Tell me,” Andrew said, his sword at the ready.
“The plan was simple,” Vlad began his tale. “We wanted the book you hold in your other hand.” Vlad walked backward and closed the door. He locked it. Vlad continued, “Kara and I became lovers soon after she interviewed me for her book. It was actually her idea to go to Gothica and retrieve it. She setup the interview with Ana VanHelsing. Unfortunately, Kara was not successful. So we had to come with a new plan. We had to get someone on the inside Ana would trust. Wyatt was more than eager to help us retrieve the book. We suspected that Doctor Straussman was a Knight of VanHelsing. So I went to the council of elders and told them that Wyatt violated the laws of the coven. They voted to excommunicate Wyatt from the clan for not adhering to our bylaws. The next part of the plan was up to Wyatt. In one of his sessions with Doctor Straussman, Wyatt confessed his excommunication. He also confessed his desire for revenge. Wyatt later told me, that Doctor Straussman was in fact, one of our most hated enemies. She took Wyatt under her wing to train him, but did not take him to Gothica.” Vlad kept his place by the door; there was no way he was going to let Andrew simply walk out of the room with the book.
“Why were the Higgins’s murdered?”
“They never agreed with my plan to obtain the book,” Vlad was practically giddy. “And I knew we needed something that would force our enemy to protect Wyatt. A sacrifice had to be made. Because of Higgins’s lack of courage, the choice was easy.” Vlad laughed out loud. “Wyatt even volunteered to do it, but I would not let him. The honor was mine.”
“You spilled innocent blood,” Andrew held up the book and spewed forth his disgust. “And you killed them all because of this?”
“It was worth it,” Vlad was solemn. “Every life.”
“Even Talia’s?” Andrew cursed.
“The authorities believed Wyatt was responsible for the killings, because of evidence I planted at the house,” Vlad continued. “He had the motive and the opportunity. Because of the chance of their order being exposed to public knowledge, Doctor Straussman sent Wyatt to safety at Gothica.”
“But things did not go as planned,” Andrew surmised. “Did they?”
“No,” Vlad said with bitterness. “He could not find the book either.” Vlad eyes fixed on Andrew, “That’s where you came in.”
“Me?” Andrew scoffed at Vlad’s suggestion. “I was part of your plan?”
“Yes,” Vlad nodded. “You were a very important part indeed.” Vlad switched his sword back and forth front of him. “I long knew of your reputation as an investigator. Actually, it was quite impressive.”
“Really.” Andrew was sarcastic.
“The trouble was we had to convince you to get involved,” Vlad was full of pride. “It would have to be an authentic performance. And what better way to accomplish that than a very worried and desperate mother. She even convinced Father Michael by confessing to him the dire situation Wyatt was in. It was joyous news when Nedra told me you accepted the case.” Vlad took a few paces closer to Andrew, who immediately raised his sword. Vlad stopped. He went on, “From there we just let you do what you do best, use your skilled deductive powers to look beyond the ordinary. Unlike the bumbling authorities, who focus on the usual, you can see beyond the usual. When you contacted Kara to interview her about her book and how it related to the case, my heart lept for joy. If not, the plan was for her to use a cover story to contact you. The only loose cannon were Sheriff Delsmann. I never suspected she were a Knight of VanHelsing. We did not count on her hatred for you. We were very concerned the plan was dead when you were nearly killed, and suffered from amnesia.” Vlad took a step back, as if he were anticipating an attack. He eyed up Andrew and continued. “It was a glorious day for us when you recovered it.”
“Why would Nedra or Wyatt be willing to help you?” Andrew came back sharply. “What kind of hold did you have on them?”
“You mean by now you, the great detective, has not figured it out?” Vlad broke out for a few moments in a loud, boisterous laugh. He stopped once he had caught his breath, “Nedra and I met when I was younger. We were married, but later separated and soon divorced. Out of the fear of my enemies, we agreed to have the children take her last name of Collins. Wyatt and Chad are my sons.”
Andrew was numb. He never suspected any of this. How stupid and inept could he have been? Andrew was so focused on solving the case, and then championing the downfall of the Knights of VanHelsing, that he was blind to the brilliant mastermind of it all. There was only one thing left to do.
Kara awoke from unconsciousness. With her eyes wide open now, she saw Andrew with his back to her. He and Vlad were in the midst of a stand off. Kara lay down and slithered across the floor to the other side of the bed. Once she was there, Kara reached under the pillow and pulled out a semi-automatic handgun. She stood up and looked at Vlad first. He saw her, but did not acknowledge, for fear of giving her away to Andrew. Kara raised the gun and capped off the first round!
Andrew flinched as the first bullet slammed into his back. He let go of the sword as two more bullets struck. With each one Andrew’s body jerked. He dropped to his knees and turned towards Vlad with a look of despair. Andrew fell face down and did not move. He slowly closed his eyes.
Vlad put down his sword and applauded Kara. They rushed into each other’s arms and their lips came together in a fervent kiss of victory.
“Get the book and let us be on our way,” Vlad said as they parted.
Kara walked over to get the book. When she turned around, Kara’s face drained of color. Vlad’s back shivered with fear and he turned to see that Andrew had risen from the dead. Vlad scrambled for his sword, but Andrew spun and hit him with a kick to the back. Vlad skittered across the stone floor and right past the sword. Kara rushed at Andrew, but he hit her with a combination of kicks. Kara dropped to the floor, beaten. Andrew picked his own sword up, just as Vlad jumped up and finally got hold of his own. Andrew charged at Vlad, who was ready. Vlad thrust his blade and caught Andrew in the leg. Andrew howled as Vlad withdrew his blade. Andrew stumbled and fell to the floor with blood seeping from his wound. Vlad lifted the blade to his lips and tasted Andrew’s blood. Soon he would have more.
Kara jumped up and rolled across the bed. Andrew never saw her. She was after her gun.
Andrew stood and tore off his overcoat. He hobbled over to the bed and with his blade, cut off a strip of the sheet. Andrew tied it around his wounded leg to slow down the bleeding. From the corner of his eye, Andrew caught a glimpse of Kara. With his left hand, he reached in the pouch on his belt and then let loose a deadly pair of throwing stars. The first one struck her in the chest; the other her neck. The gun flew from Kara’s grasp as she fell backwards to the floor.
Vlad eyes flashed in horror at seeing his lover get struck down. Vlad howled and bared his fangs. He switched his blade back and forth like a cat’s tail and charged towards Andrew, who also obliged the same. But this time was different. This time Andrew dropped the very last moment, slid on his knees and thrust his blade into Vlad’s chest and severing his heart. Vlad coughed and blood ran down from the corners of his mouth. He looked down at Andrew with a cold, soulless stare. Andrew stood and withdrew the sword and tossed it away. Vlad collapsed face down in his own blood.
Kara pulled the throwing stars from her chest and neck. She used the bed to pull herself up. She cleared the edge of the bed in time to see Andrew kill Vlad. Kara screeched and bound over the bed. She instantly picked up one of the swords. Kara charged at Andrew. He tumbled, rolled on the floor and picked up the other sword. Andrew turned just in time to block Kara’s attack. Kara withdrew and attacked from the right, but Andrew blocked it again. He hit Kara in the chest with a fore fist punch. Kara backpedaled a bit, as Andrew stood up. Kara charged once more and attacked from the left. Andrew countered. Kara raised the sword above her head in an attempt to drive it into Andrew from above. Andrew blocked, gave his sword a twist which ripped the sword from Kara’s hand. Andrew spun and drove his blade into Kara. She stared down in disbelief at the metal blade protruding from her bellie. She grasped hold of Andrew and drew herself closer. As Kara moved, the blade penetrated deeper and deeper into her body. When Kara was face to face with Andrew, she cupped his face with her hands and leaned in closer. Kara paused. She stared at him for a moment. Kara leaned in and kissed Andrew with her blood stained lips. When Kara withdrew, Andrew recoiled at the sight of Kara’s hollow eyes. It was the same look Talia had. Kara silently mouthed the word ‘sacrifice’. Her eyes closed. Andrew let go of her and Kara slid to the floor.
Andrew walked over and picked up the book. Andrew strode past Vlad on his way to the door. He stopped and cast a disgusted gaze upon the fallen mastermind and his tragic lover. Andrew unlocked the door, opened it and silently walked out.