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Part 10. Aware of a movement behind him Edward turned, startled. "Blimey sir that was close. I thought you were a goner then," Jackson gasped, clutching the bag to his chest as if it were a protective shield. "Where's your crucifix sir?" Jackson queried. "I had to lend it to a friend," Edward informed him, "I believed her need was greater than mine. Due to my recent illness I have yet to acquire a replacement." "Take mine," offered Jackson, dropping the bag and tugging at the chain about his neck. "No!" replied Edward fiercely, "Our nights work is not yet completed and you may have need of it yourself. I will not risk another's life for the sake of my own." Reluctantly Jackson nodded and picked up the bag. "We need to locate the count," Edward told him, "Then we will be free from this accursed disease." Jackson looked about him nervously. "Where do you think he is sir?" he asked child-like. "Probably out hunting," Edward surmised, "He will return before sunrise and we must prepare. Come, we must search out his resting place." From the bag Jackson produced a torch, which he ignited. Edward searched his memory for places that would fulfil a vampire's sleeping requirements. The most obvious was the crypt beneath the hall. Originally Edward dismissed it, but after checking the grounds they made their way down the narrow staircase at the rear of the hall. For a while it seemed Edward's assumptions were correct, then, at the rear of the crypt, the blazing torch revealed the presence of a doorway almost obscured by fallen masonry. They entered the chamber. In it centre were twin tombs, their slabs moved aside, the cloying aroma of Maria's perfume informed Edward that they had found their destination. Now they simply had to wait. Deep within the castle they could not observe the steady progress of the moon across the sky. It was almost dawn when the count returned, replenished from his nights work. He entered the room silently, Edward and Jackson watched, hidden by darkness. "Are you going to skulk on the floor like a rat Eduardo?" Raphael addressed the darkness. "If you can see me you have an advantage which I cannot match," Edward replied. "I can smell you dear Eduardo," laughed the count, "I too need a slither of light to see by." Edward stood up, the count turned towards the sound. "There are candles on the altar, please do me the honour of lighting them," requested the count, "Then we will both be advantaged." Edward silently lit the candles, and then turned to face his adversary. "What now?" asked Edward. Raphael laughed. "What do you suggest?" he asked. "Pistols at dawn?" replied Edward. "I do not think that is viable. Although I admire your irony," the count complimented him. Edward picked up the stake he had recently placed on the altar. "Too crude," the count commented, "I am a gentleman." Raphael produced a pair of swords and threw one across to Edward. "Let us see whose honour will be satisfied," he challenged. Edward picked up the sword and smiled. It was not his favourite sport but it was one that he displayed a great natural aptitude for. "On guard!" cried the count. Edward placed his sword across his opponent's and the duel commenced. Raphael's skill matched Edward's own and he feared that it might even surpass it. Once he slipped, and narrowly missed being impaled on Raphael's blade. Then Raphael fell against the altar, but twisted away before Edward could deal a fatal blow. Whilst Edward felt the tension of a life or death battle, Raphael seemed to be playing like a cat with a mouse, as if at any time he could swipe the fateful blow. However today the fates were kind and victory was to be seized by Edward who suddenly pushed his sword straight into Raphael's heart. As the count collapsed onto his knees, Edward extracted the blade and whirled it around, decapitating the aristocratic vampire. Edward breath was heavy and irregular as Jackson came to his side. "Is he the last?" Jackson queried, as if belief in this possibility was beyond him. Edward leant forward and tried to control his breathing. "Let us hope and pray so my friend," he told him. |