Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #35(8.1)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Now that Andrei has seen what Dracula is capable of, will that make things awkward for the trio? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #35(8.1)

When had life become so difficult? Avram wished, not for the first time, that they’d remained in Bistritz. Sure, problems arose there at times—usually of the financial variety, but nothing such as this. Only when they ventured out of the relative safety of the castle and its environs did they find themselves embroiled in conflict. Of course he understood the reason for their leaving, but that didn’t make the current circumstances any more palatable.

The storm they had so skillfully evaded, thanks to Nico, had eventually petered out, a reluctant sun appearing at last.  But it had clearly not been forgotten. Avram could tell that Andrei was clearly shaken after having witnessed Dracula’s masterful manipulation of the elements. He maintained a respectful distance from the vampire, which was facilitated by the latter fortunately choosing to spend most of his time below deck. There was no longer any reason for them to assist Andrei, everything running smoothly now. Avram couldn’t help but notice that from time to time the smuggler made a sign with his fingers as if to ward off evil, one that he aimed toward Dracula, although the gesture was lost to the vampire.

Avram sighed. He hadn’t wanted to say anything about what had happened, but common sense told him he needed to.  “Andrei,” he began tentatively. The other man was tending to the sail. He glanced toward Avram. Almost warily, it seemed to Avram.

“Yes, Avram?”

“I would appreciate it if you would keep what happened… that is, what you saw…. Well, between us, if you don’t mind.”  He hoped his request would be enough. No need to get Nico involved as that might not end well for anyone.

Andrei quickly crossed himself and shuddered. As though someone had walked over his grave, to paraphrase Swift. He didn’t speak immediately, as though considering his words.

“The old bunica,” he finally muttered. “She has said things. I never gave them any credence before, because she’s crazy, you know, but now…” The words hung heavily in the air between them as he turned an accusing gaze at Avram. “You should know better than anyone, Avram. Is he what they say he is?”

His worst fears realized, Avram braced himself for the word strigoi—or some variation thereof—but it never came. What Andrei asked, he could never and would never admit to. Not to anyone. He knew where his primary loyalty lay. He returned the smuggler’s gaze without flinching. He’d gone through this before— more than once— and knew how much their lives depended on his ability to weave a credible yarn.

“He is my employer,” he said simply. “And he’s my guardian. Nico took me in and raised me when I was but a small child, alone in the world, my parents dead. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. I owe him my life. And I know that he is a good man.” Inwardly, he cursed the old woman, wondering what exactly she was saying about Dracula. And why. That conversation would have to wait.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Saturday is Horror Day #202 - The House That Dripped Blood

 The House That Dripped Blood

A seemingly harmless house for rent seems to be the catalyst for mysterious happenings.

Method for Murder:

Charles (Denholm Elliott) has a case of writer's block, and the only cure is to take his wife Alice (Joanna 

Durham) and get away from it all so he can get back to writing. They settle down to write in the house leased to them by agent AJ Stoker (John Bryans). Charles quickly immerses himself in his work about a serial killer named Dominick, who strangles his victims. Things are going well... until Charles begins to actually see Dominick. But that isn't possible, is it? Dominick is just a character... or is he?

Waxworks:

Philip (Peter Cushing) has retired and decides to rent the house from Stoker. Searching for something to do, he comes across a waxwork museum, and becomes fascinated by the wax figure depicting Salome with the head of John the Baptist. But fascination turns to obsession, and them more...

Sweets to the Sweet:

Reid (Christopher Lee) brings his young daughter Jane (Chloe Franks) to the house. Deciding against   sending her to school, he engages a nanny/teacher, Ann (Nyree Dawn Porter). As Ann grows attached to Jane, she finds the man's attitude toward his daughter to be rather harsh as well as stifling. But perhaps there is a reason why he does the things he does...

The Cloak:

Paul (Jon Pertwee) has made a career of playing vampires, but the new movie he has been cast in is less than inspiring. He makes fun of the cheap seat they've constructed to represent his castle, and the cloak they gave him is laughable. He decides to take matters into his own hands and ends up at a small costume shop. The proprietor sells him a much butter cloak at a ridiculously low price. But when Paul puts on the cloak, strange things begin to happen.

This anthology of four stories was made in 1970, and stars four well-known talented actors. Typical of its time, it relies less on blood and gore than on actual story and psychology. Not everything is what it appears to be, and figuring out the twist is fun. One of the writers of the film was Robert Bloch, whom you may remember as having given us Psycho. I liked all of the stories, but especially the last two. The story that binds these four concerns a Scotland Yard detective who is working on a missing persons case. There are no jump scares in this film, and perhaps it's not terrifying, but it's certainly entertaining and worth watching. I'll give this film 3.75 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #34(7.4)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Unwilling to postpone their travels any longer than necessary, Dracula is about to reveal something perhaps he shouldn't. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #34 (7.4)

Avram jumped as a blue bolt of lightning flashed across the sky. Far too close for comfort, it was followed about five seconds later by the requisite thunder. This storm was practically upon them, the rain but a precursor to its fury. Avram was torn between taking Andrei and seeking shelter in order to keep him from seeing what was about to happen and witnessing that same event. While it was true he’d seen Nico display his talents many times over the years, that was a sight he never grew tired of.

The boat began to rock upon the turbulent river like a drunken sailor. Avram still clung to Dracula for balance on one side, Andrei on the other as the heavens showered cold sheets of rain upon them.

“Andrei, perhaps you should go below and make sure everything is fast,” he suggested. He was not surprised when the smuggler made no reply and made no effort to move. His attention was all for Dracula, who had shaken off Avram’s hand and sauntered toward the rail as easily if he were taking a casual stroll in the park.

Apparel oft proclaims the man, to quote the Bard.

Despite the workman’s clothes he wore, now thoroughly drenched, Nicolai cut an imposing figure, silhouetted against the angry sky. Sometimes Avram forgot just how powerful the vampire really was, since there was little need for such display in their everyday lives. But at moments such as these, Nico seemed to possess an almost visible aura, a stark contrast to the almost somnolent attitude he seemed to wear daily. As if life were too much effort for him, at least when they were at home.

Arms outstretched, he raised his hands, palms up, toward the sky. His eyes were closed, as if in concentration.

Avram’s attention was diverted to Andrei. The boatman grabbed his arm just as a gust of wind threatened to topple them both. The boat precariously rode the swell but made no effort to capsize, luckily. “What does he think he’s doing?”

Avram shook his head. He had no words for what was about to happen. Andrei would see for himself in just a moment.

Dracula’s lips were moving, his sonorous voice undulating in unintelligible waves despite the rising wind. Avram had no knowledge of what words were being spoken, or how Nico had come to learn them. He wasn’t even aware of how he had become what he was. But he knew whatever these words were, they possessed a power that emanated from Dracula himself. And he was greatly in awe of that power.

The waves slapped violently against the boat, both Avram and Andrei struggling to keep their feet. But Dracula remained unshakeable, as if anchored to the spot where he stood. He began to gesticulate with his hands, intricate gestures that appeared to be aimed at the storm itself.

Avram noticed the rain first. It began to lessen in intensity until it had entirely ceased to pour upon them. And yet, glancing toward either shore, he could see that rain continued to fall upon the land. As though sudden dispensation had been granted to the river. The very waves had calmed, and the boat no longer rocked. As if the boat had suddenly become a shelter from the storm that raged about them. Not only that, but the sail puffed out with a gentled wind that seemed to invite them to continue their journey.

Dracula turned to face them, his expression unreadable. “Time to go,” he said before he disappeared below deck. Avram wondered if he’d tired himself out with his impressive display. He turned to Andrei, whose mouth gaped open, soundless. But his eyes asked so much.

“He is special,” is all that Avram said as he helped his friend to get the boat under way once more.

 to be continued

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Saturday is Horror Day #201 - The Righteous

 The Righteous

Frederic (Henry Czerny) and Ethel (Mimi Kuzyk) Mason have suffered a terrible loss in the death of their young daughter. A distraught Frederic questions why this has happened and goes to see his priest. Frederic also admits to certain difficulties in his marriage, although he loves his wife. The priest suggests perhaps he should return to the church - at one time, Frederic had been a priest. But Frederic dismisses that idea.

Later that night, while sitting alone in the dark, Frederic hears a noise outside. To his surprise, he discovers a young man lying on the ground, in pain and requesting help. Frederic is reluctant, but agrees to bring him first aid material. His concerned wife calls the police, but when Frederic returns to the young man, he finds him unconscious and carries him inside. By the time the police offer, Mary (Mayko Nguyen) arrives, Frederic claims - to his wife's confusion - that the young man is a distant relative he hadn't recognized at first and all is well.

Ethel is uneasy but Frederic assures her that all is well, although he doesn't seem entirely sure himself. Rising in the middle of the night, he founds the young man, Aaron (Mark O'Brien) in the kitchen. Aaron asks for tea, so Frederic agrees, and they sit there together, talking of many things. Little does Frederic realize just how much his world is about to change.

This movie dates from 2021 and was shot in black-and-white, giving it an eerie almost gothic atmosphere. The excellent film score and direction adds to this, emphasizing the creepiness of the entire situation. The action is deliberately slow-paced and calculated to send shivers up and down your spine as you try to figure out what the heck is going on here. Twists and turns and revelations abound, along with in-depth discussion of life and religion, and the sins of the past. Definitely an interesting film. I'll give it 4 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #34(7.4)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Unwilling to postpone their travels any longer than necessary, Dracula is about to reveal something perhaps he shouldn't. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #34 (7.4)

Avram jumped as a blue bolt of lightning flashed across the sky. Far too close for comfort, it was followed about five seconds later by the requisite thunder. This storm was practically upon them, the rain but a precursor to its fury. Avram was torn between taking Andrei and seeking shelter in order to keep him from seeing what was about to happen and witnessing that same event. While it was true he’d seen Nico display his talents many times over the years, that was a sight he never grew tired of.

The boat began to rock upon the turbulent river like a drunken sailor. Avram still clung to Dracula for balance on one side, Andrei on the other as the heavens showered cold sheets of rain upon them.

“Andrei, perhaps you should go below and make sure everything is fast,” he suggested. He was not surprised when the smuggler made no reply and made no effort to move. His attention was all for Dracula, who had shaken off Avram’s hand and sauntered toward the rail as easily if he were taking a casual stroll in the park.

Apparel oft proclaims the man, to quote the Bard.

Despite the workman’s clothes he wore, now thoroughly drenched, Nicolai cut an imposing figure, silhouetted against the angry sky. Sometimes Avram forgot just how powerful the vampire really was, since there was little need for such display in their everyday lives. But at moments such as these, Nico seemed to possess an almost visible aura, a stark contrast to the almost somnolent attitude he seemed to wear daily. As if life were too much effort for him, at least when they were at home.

Arms outstretched, he raised his hands, palms up, toward the sky. His eyes were closed, as if in concentration.

Avram’s attention was diverted to Andrei. The boatman grabbed his arm just as a gust of wind threatened to topple them both. The boat precariously rode the swell but made no effort to capsize, luckily. “What does he think he’s doing?”

Avram shook his head. He had no words for what was about to happen. Andrei would see for himself in just a moment.

Dracula’s lips were moving, his sonorous voice undulating in unintelligible waves despite the rising wind. Avram had no knowledge of what words were being spoken, or how Nico had come to learn them. He wasn’t even aware of how he had become what he was. But he knew whatever these words were, they possessed a power that emanated from Dracula himself. And he was greatly in awe of that power.

The waves slapped violently against the boat, both Avram and Andrei struggling to keep their feet. But Dracula remained unshakeable, as if anchored to the spot where he stood. He began to gesticulate with his hands, intricate gestures that appeared to be aimed at the storm itself.

Avram noticed the rain first. It began to lessen in intensity until it had entirely ceased to pour upon them. And yet, glancing toward either shore, he could see that rain continued to fall upon the land. As though sudden dispensation had been granted to the river. The very waves had calmed, and the boat no longer rocked. As if the boat had suddenly become a shelter from the storm that raged about them. Not only that, but the sail puffed out with a gentled wind that seemed to invite them to continue their journey.

Dracula turned to face them, his expression unreadable. “Time to go,” he said before he disappeared below deck. Avram wondered if he’d tired himself out with his impressive display. He turned to Andrei, whose mouth gaped open, soundless. But his eyes asked so much.

“He is special,” is all that Avram said as he helped his friend to get the boat under way once more.

 to be continued

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Saturday is Horror Day #200 - The Others

 The Others

WWII has just ended, and Grace (Nicole Kidman) and her two children, Anne (Alakina Mann) and Nicholas (James Bentley) are living in an isolated old family mansion in the Channel Islands. Grace's husband Charles (Christopher Eccleston) is a soldier. Although he hasn't returned from the war, Grace expects him to arrive any day now. She and the children love and miss him very much.

But an unexpected knock at her door turns out to be the servants she has sent for -  Mrs. Mills (Fionnula Flanagan), Lydia (Elaine Cassidy) and Mr. Tuttle (Eric Sykes). From the beginning of their employment, Grace shows herself to be strict and expects nothing less than complete obedience from them, especially when it comes to following her rules. For example one cannot open a door to a room until the door they've just come through is closed and locked - no exceptions. Also they must be mindful to keep the curtains drawn whenever the children are around as they are extremely photosensitive and the sunlight can cause serious damage to them.

Perhaps because of the house's isolation, Grace becomes convinced that it is haunted. It doesn't help that Anne claims there are people there inside the house, and that she has been in contact with a little boy named Victor. Grace grows more and more sharp-tempered with her children and the servants, as her nerves reach a breaking point. The unexpected appearance of her husband temporarily calms her but even that doesn't last. She knows she's heard people in her house and she is prepared to fight them to protect her children!

I originally watched this movie a long time ago, but as I couldn't remember it very well, decided to give it another watch. This movie has a lot of atmosphere. The direction and cinematography are both excellent, not to mention stellar performances from all involved. Nicole Kidman won an Oscar for her performance and Fionnula Flanagan won one for Best Supporting Actress. Also, this was before I even knew who Chris Eccleston was, so pre 9th Doctor.  I highly recommend watching this film. I give this film 4.5 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: A Rock and a Hard Place

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Today I am going to post a story I actually posted a few years ago, as I am in the process of fine tuning Dracula in order to move forward. I hope you enjoy it again, or for the first time.  Don't forget to visit the other Briefers as well. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

A Rock and a Hard Place

The smell of toffee was overwhelming. For some reason, it reminded her of stories her great-grandmother told of the Great Molasses Flood. But that had happened back in 1919 Boston and this was 2019 Boston, and never the twain shall meet.

Breathe, just breathe, Carly.

She’d always had an overactive imagination, even as a child, as well as the most unusual interests for someone her age. Her favorite companion had been Richard Feynman, the physicist. It never mattered to her that no one else could see him, she could and that’s what counted. He came to her room and played his bongos and they talked about quantum field theories and other things that went straight over her head. But she was grateful for the companionship. He never made fun of her, always treated her as a person, unlike the others.

Even so, he wasn’t with her now and she wished he was because she was sure she heard footsteps behind her and that made her more than a little nervous. Why had she agreed to go on this scavenger hunt in the first place? Mostly because one of the top prizes was round-trip airfare to the destination of one’s choice. There were restrictions, of course. Had to be continental US, couldn’t be during certain holidays, blah blah blah. But Carly knew just where she wanted to go, had dreamed about going for years—Los Alamos, New Mexico. A place very important to her friend Richard, not to mention his friend, the one he called Oppy.

But she was beginning to think she’d made a very serious error in reading the map. This street was very desolate and not what she’d been expecting. Not to mention there were no other participants in sight, and surely there would be, wouldn’t there. The buildings on either side of the street were dark and foreboding, almost as though they’d lined the windows with black-out material.

Get a grip, Carly, this isn’t WWII London, and this isn’t the Blitz.

She took a deep breath then took a few more steps, listening carefully. Nothing. See? Just her imagination getting the better of her. She breathed a huge sigh of relief. Such a story she would have for Richard when she saw him again.

Wait, what was that? Footsteps, louder this time. Carly’s heart almost burst from her chest.

Get away, gotta get away, gotta get…

She spied a doorway just to her right. Above the door a dingy sign read avern. She assumed the word was tavern and the t had simply melted into oblivion or fallen from view. Either way, it was a public space and she was going for it. She grabbed the handle and pushed. A bell rang, betraying her presence to anyone within.

The first thing she noticed, after pushing the door shut behind her, was the smoke. Hanging in the air like an almost palpable cloud, it reminded her of a London fog. The difference was that this fog smelled sickly sweet. She realized recreational marijuana was legal in Massachusetts, and people were open about smoking it, but this was taking it to an all new level. She could probably get high for free at this rate, if she were given to such things.

“Hey sweetheart, what’s a pretty thing like you doing alone?” a voice leered at her from somewhere in the smoky depths. At the same time, she heard the bell tinkle behind her. She gasped, whether from the unknown danger before her or the possibility her stalker had just found her, she couldn’t say.

Why or why hadn’t she stayed home? She could have found a way to get to Los Alamos somehow. And she wouldn’t be in this precarious predicament.

A hand grasped her wrist. “Come along then, ducky. Let’s find someplace private.” Mr. Lewd and Lascivious again. He was tugging her forward and her inclination was to dig in her heels. But what if the other guy was right behind her? Talk about being between a rock and a hard place.

“Let go of me!” she screamed. But her voice didn’t come out as a scream, and she couldn’t even be sure he heard. Or if he did, he didn’t care, as he tried to drag her… who knows where. She felt heavy breathing on her neck. Great, another country heard from. What she wouldn’t give to hear the soothing sounds of Richard Feynman’s bongos right about now.

“You there! Unhand my sister!” Another voice, a quiet yet commanding voice, broke into her panicked thoughts.

From out of the reefer smoke that surrounded them, a figure emerged. A fairly young man of indeterminate age, curly dark hair, pretty blue eyes. He reminded her of Tony Curtis, especially when she caught a glimpse of pearly white teeth.  She knew he wasn’t her brother, but the lecher didn’t know that, naturally.

The newcomer detached the would-be attacker’s grip from her arm with a firmness that would not be denied. The other man grumbled but melted back into the mist, and when she dared to turn her head, no one was there, thank goodness.

“Sorry for the lie,” her rescuer whispered into her ear. “I didn’t mean to overstep my bounds.”

“No, no, thank you,” she reassured him. “You saved me from… well, you know.”

“I know, I know.” His voice was soothing and gentle. “If you don’t mind my saying so, this is not a good place for you, Miss, not at all. Why don’t I see you get somewhere safe?”

He guided her toward the door and they quickly stepped outside into the fresh air.

“What’s your name, Miss?” he asked.

“Carly.”

“Lovely name.” He gave her a very wide, very Tony Curtis smile. “My name is Albert. Albert DeSalvo.”

“Nice to meet you, Al.” She beamed at him. To hell with the contest. She would just go home and call it a night.

She was safe now. And she couldn’t wait to see Richard again.

 Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

Saturday is Horror Day #199 - Sting

 Sting

Twelve-year-old Charlotte (Alyla Browne) feels as if the weight of the world is upon her shoulders. Her parents are divorced and her father is off in far-away Thailand, while her mother, Heather (Penelope Mitchell) has remarried a man named Ethan (Ryan Corr) and now they have a six-year-old son named Liam (Jett Berry). And Charlotte's grandmother, Helga (Noni Hazlehurst) who lives with her sister Gunter (Robyn Nevin) in the same apartment building, but Helga has dementia and often doesn't know the people who love her. Charlotte is very talented and creative, and she and Ethan are working together on a comic. But Charlotte feels ignored even in this venue. 

One day Charlotte finds a small spider. On impulse, she decides to keep it and raise it, but she neglects to mention anything of its existence in their apartment to either parent. From the beginning, this spider is acting strangely... and it is growing exponentially. Suddenly it's not quite so small and cute, and it's becoming a problem for all living things in this apartment building.

If you suffer from arachnophobia, this probably isn't the film for you. There is only one spider, but it's a doozy. The movie is pretty creepy and definitely keeps you watching to know what happens next. But it also has its humorous moments in the form of Frank the exterminator (Jermaine Fowler), who you might remember from Sorry to Bother You.

But although this is a story about a horrible spider that threatens to consume a family, it's about Charlotte gaining a new understanding and appreciation for what makes a family, and finding her place in it. This is echoed in the story of another neighbor, Maria (Silvia Colloca) who has lost her family and would give anything to have them back. I believe it works on both levels, the acting and directing are decent, and it held my interest. Worth giving a watch, in my opinion. I'll give this film 3.5 Stars. I was able to watch this movie on Hulu. 

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #34(7.4)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Unwilling to postpone their travels any longer than necessary, Dracula is about to reveal something perhaps he shouldn't. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #34 (7.4)

Avram jumped as a blue bolt of lightning flashed across the sky. Far too close for comfort, it was followed about five seconds later by the requisite thunder. This storm was practically upon them, the rain but a precursor to its fury. Avram was torn between taking Andrei and seeking shelter in order to keep him from seeing what was about to happen and witnessing that same event. While it was true he’d seen Nico display his talents many times over the years, that was a sight he never grew tired of.

The boat began to rock upon the turbulent river like a drunken sailor. Avram still clung to Dracula for balance on one side, Andrei on the other as the heavens showered cold sheets of rain upon them.

“Andrei, perhaps you should go below and make sure everything is fast,” he suggested. He was not surprised when the smuggler made no reply and made no effort to move. His attention was all for Dracula, who had shaken off Avram’s hand and sauntered toward the rail as easily if he were taking a casual stroll in the park.

Apparel oft proclaims the man, to quote the Bard.

Despite the workman’s clothes he wore, now thoroughly drenched, Nicolai cut an imposing figure, silhouetted against the angry sky. Sometimes Avram forgot just how powerful the vampire really was, since there was little need for such display in their everyday lives. But at moments such as these, Nico seemed to possess an almost visible aura, a stark contrast to the almost somnolent attitude he seemed to wear daily. As if life were too much effort for him, at least when they were at home.

Arms outstretched, he raised his hands, palms up, toward the sky. His eyes were closed, as if in concentration.

Avram’s attention was diverted to Andrei. The boatman grabbed his arm just as a gust of wind threatened to topple them both. The boat precariously rode the swell but made no effort to capsize, luckily. “What does he think he’s doing?”

Avram shook his head. He had no words for what was about to happen. Andrei would see for himself in just a moment.

Dracula’s lips were moving, his sonorous voice undulating in unintelligible waves despite the rising wind. Avram had no knowledge of what words were being spoken, or how Nico had come to learn them. He wasn’t even aware of how he had become what he was. But he knew whatever these words were, they possessed a power that emanated from Dracula himself. And he was greatly in awe of that power.

The waves slapped violently against the boat, both Avram and Andrei struggling to keep their feet. But Dracula remained unshakeable, as if anchored to the spot where he stood. He began to gesticulate with his hands, intricate gestures that appeared to be aimed at the storm itself.

Avram noticed the rain first. It began to lessen in intensity until it had entirely ceased to pour upon them. And yet, glancing toward either shore, he could see that rain continued to fall upon the land. As though sudden dispensation had been granted to the river. The very waves had calmed, and the boat no longer rocked. As if the boat had suddenly become a shelter from the storm that raged about them. Not only that, but the sail puffed out with a gentled wind that seemed to invite them to continue their journey.

Dracula turned to face them, his expression unreadable. “Time to go,” he said before he disappeared below deck. Avram wondered if he’d tired himself out with his impressive display. He turned to Andrei, whose mouth gaped open, soundless. But his eyes asked so much.

“He is special,” is all that Avram said as he helped his friend to get the boat under way once more.

 to be continued

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb