Castlevania Nocturne: A Sneak Peak

Sneak Peak: The Angels of Versailles

Emma and Emile soared westward under the dusk. The neighboring commune spread below them in a network of streets and buildings, any humans that might have noticed them would have only seen birds flying above. Emile descended, lowering altitude with the tilt of his wings. We are drawing near, Emma. he alerted her telepathically. Emma followed.

The streets below gave way to wide avenues leading to a grand estate. A massive chateau, the largest Emma had ever seen in France, spanned under the evening sunlight like a castle in one of the Louvre's paintings. Behind it spread a grander park with glimmering ponds and classical statues.

Emma's gasped in amazement capturing the splendid chateau in the waning sun. "Versailles." Her wings fluttered in disbelief. "That is the gathering place?"

Emile nodded. "A perfect rendezvous point. Once a retreat for royals is now a sanctuary for angels. Many of our kind who were displaced by the revolution have taken shelter here, so my colleague figured why not make this the location of the conclave? It's not as if humans will notice, they have sacked and abandoned the chateau since overthrowing the Monarchy.

"Your colleague is Jean, right?" Emma presumed. "The representative of the Versailles commune?"

"Correct."

They descended towards the palace. "I've heard much about Versailles." Emma marveled. "Jocasta and my mother visited during its heyday, and Ben Franklin had quite the stories to tell. Never thought I'd get to see it for myself." She remembered what Maria told her when the king was overthrown. "My descendant says the entire estate might be sold off."

"Yes, that is one proposal." Emile responded troubled. "But Jean has suggested that the palace be converted into a museum. Humans ought to preserve their history even if they don't think highly of it at the time. Jean's more involved with humanity's affairs than most of us would agree with."

"I believe the time has come where they should be more involved." Emma said in the manner of her father.

"So do I." agreed Emile. "This threat is beyond what the humans need can handle alone. The only issue is getting others to agree." He banked closer to her where he could turn to meet her eyes. "That's why I called the conclave and why your mother sent you to Paris; not only to keep you safe but to turn the tide of a potentially losing battle. You could be the one to convince them."

I should have known Mother had an ulterior motive for sending me off. Emma thought perturbed. Angels always have plans. "I'll see what I can do." Emma said doubtfully.

They flew over the massive gilded gates, landing on the royal courtyard among their peers. Emma furled her wings trying not to gawk. She'd never seen so many angels in one place! Angels dressed from every walk of life, from the high end aristocrats to the provincial peasants. Some appeared young and some old. Some of the females wore trousers, and some of the males wore skirts. To the human eyes they appeared as a mix-matched, unorthodox bunch as, but for celestial creatures who did not conform to human sensibilities, it was your average angelic gathering.

A little too cheerful for the situation at hand. Conclaves were social gatherings where angels in the region could meet, mingle, and even court if feeling amorous enough. End of the world notwithstanding, this was where bonds were made and choirs were formed. Emma figured from this group everyone already knew each other, conversing together as if reuniting among old friends. Naturally she felt like an outsider. How would they treat her? The half-angel granddaughter of Dracula?

Emma noticed another angel standing apart, watching the crowd chatter through his bifocals. Another newbie? Emma wondered. She'd introduce herself to him first.

"More are inside." said Emile. "I should prepare you, we mal'akh are very comfortable with our human bodies, we do not carry the shame of nudity as the Children we assume form of. You may see some angels in various stages of undress."

"I'm aware." Emma nodded. "And I'm not bothered. Truth be told, I'd be more than happy to strip out of my clothes and freshen up. I feel as if I have centuries of grime on me. I dove to the bottom of the Seine for Sovereign's sake!"

"Ah not to worry Emma my dear." Emile laughed. "The fountains in the garden are perfect for a bath! But first, lets get you situated." He turned and called out in his divine voice. "My brothers and sisters!" At the sound of his voice, the angels stopped chattering and turned their attention towards him. Their beautiful eyes fixed on Emile and his guest. " My brothers and sisters!" Emile repeated. "The conclave can finally begin! I've brought our final guest!" He introduced Emma. "Emmaline, the daughter of Zaharial. Come, welcome her in our choir."

Emma wanted to back out and run. For a moment it seemed their judgement passed, before a merry chatter erupted and one by one, the angels shook her hand and introduced themselves as she made her way to the palace. Though it was better than awkward looks, the number of angels happily greeting her was damn near overwhelming.

"Are you the representative of Machecoul standing in for your mother?" asked an angel named Enjolras.

"I am." said Emma eagerly to get things rolling. "She remained behind to monitor our enemy, and protect my family."

"Your family yes!" exclaimed another called Genevieve. "Amalie is the only angel among us all to bear children. The Belmonts hail from her, you know. And the Lecards too! Such an honor to be sent on her behalf."

"She would have come herself if not for the terrible evil at our doorstep. Erzsebet Bathory. She has reclaimed the souls of a god and is now-." Emile patted her shoulder. "There will be time to discuss such matters later.For now relax and unwind. You are among friends."

Emma reluctantly lowered her hackles. "Of course. My apologies, I should rest and get to know everyone before spouting about impending doom."

"Not to worry Emma. We'll get to that I promise, but for now, lets get you acclimated inside the chateau. There are more angels eager to meet you, including old friends, and there is food. I'm sure you're famished after such a long and arduous day."

The low grumble in her stomach agreed. "I suppose it can't hurt to take a breather." As Emma walked into the palace proper, she noticed the bespectacled angel watching her, apparently taking notes with his quill in his leather journal.