Brother Victor and I exchange amusing pleasantries as we take a stroll in the Abbey gardens, not once veering from civility to probe each other's hidden motives, though his manner is of the confessional -- should I have one to make. While I am tempted to unburden myself of the motive behind our coming to Drakesheath, I politely steer our conversation toward the more cerebral concerns of pharmaceuticals versus apothecaries.

On our return to the guest annex, I recall the invitation my father and I received to Lord Drakesheath's Hallowe'en party later this evening and show it to the good brother. As he reads it with interest, the raven perched upon his shoulder begins to chatter in his ear as though it has something of grave import to communicate. My eyes widen with delight and I stroke its smooth feathers. How intelligent are its eyes!

"I will be attending the party tonight as well, standing in for Father Crispian," Brother Victor offers. "I'm quite close to the family, in fact. I trust I will be able to meet your father at that time?"

"That does seem a perfect solution, seeing as Vader -- my father -- has still not returned," I smile and usher him to the door.

I am about to head for the kitchen to make a pot of tea when someone knocks on the door. Brother Victor? Has he left something? I open the door just a crack and peer out. A lovely gentlewoman peers back.

"Hello. May I enter?" she inquires politely.

Satisfied she is not undead, I invite her in. As she seems quite distracted, I try to win her attention with such commonalities as introducing myself and asking her name. Artemis. A Greek goddess. Lovely! It suits her. She then proceeded to ramble from one question to the next and does not appear to hear my answers, until the piano catches her attention.

"Do you play?" she asks. "Please play a piece. I would love to hear some music."

Always happy to entertain on piano, I play the First Movement of Mozart's Sonata in A minor. A large teardrop splashes on my hand, and startles me and I stop playing and look up to see the dear lady sobbing uncontrollably. Whatever is the matter, I wonder. When I ask if she's allright, however, she flees the Abbey and runs down the road. I run after her, for it is not safe for a lady to walk the streets alone at any hour.

Eventually I catch up to Artemis and beg her to please return to the Abbey for tea, and afterwards, a coach ride home. She reluctantly agrees. I sit her down at my desk in my cell and return shortly with hot chamomile tea to calm her nerves. When she appears sufficiently rested, I ask one of the nuns to call her a cab. Shortly after she has departed, my father arrives flushed and out of breath.

"You will never believe what happened!" he says, flailing his arms excitedly. "Today I almost caught the vile vampire who has your Miss Burgundian in his thrall. When I arrived at her home, she was most distressed and confused and seemed to have no idea where he had gone. Though I begged her to proceed with great caution where her undead lover is concerned, I doubt she will heed my warning. She knows not the grave danger she is in. We must do our utmost to protect her from herself! Quick! Let us prepare ourselves for Lord Drakesheath's masquerade ball, and do let's bring along our bags of weapons. I have no doubt we will need them tonight."

So saying, my father crosses himself and heads for his cell to dress. I quickly change into my undead costume and inventory the contents of my black bag. I also retrieve my sword cane, tuck my Stevens-Lord .32 calibre pistol into my belt and throw a voluminous cloak over my shoulders to hide my arsenal. Finally ready as I shall ever be to help my father in his mission to eradicate the earth of evil, I take a deep breath and hop aboard the waiting coach.