Vârcola - A Dracula Styled Fantasy Story Arnfried’s Journal: Giplean 1st

After two days on the island of Dunkeltrübinsel, whereon I received word from the lord Meinrad saying that he had departed, for the mainland. The baron in his letter informed me that he had received my letter, the letter that informed him of the Emperor’s command that he ought to pay him homage, for his lands and castle. I determined thence, to write to the Baroness Vârcola.

Another letter was hastily written, this one to the Lord Chancellor the Archdouvain Wolfgang and the Emperor’s Justiciars to inform them of how lord Meinrad was en route for Kriegerborch. This done, it being noon, I prepared a letter for the Baroness, one that, upon the return of Reinhardt, I requested he find someone to take it to Teufelinselburg island.

Upon hearing the name Teufelinselburg, the douvard stiffened at once. His expression became one of such utter fear, of a sort I had never seen before that moment, in all my life. “What did you say, brother?”

Startled by his tone, I stammered a little, before I repeated myself only to add if a little reluctantly. “I only meant; that I wished to know who was departing to Teufelinselburg and if at their departure they may be so kind as to take my letter thereto.”

Still dazed by my words, he shook his head. His hands trembled as though he had been cast into the sea for hours, before being dragged out from the ice-cold waters. He averted his dark gaze from mine own, stating rather more firmly than the previous time he had been so evasive in his speech. “There are no boats headed thither to Teufelinselburg or returning hither from there.”

“But surely there is at least one boatman willing to carry me there!” I objected stunned by his unwillingness to assist me in this matter.

“No, there is not.” He stated firmly.