Blood Countess (On Hold)

Chapter 13

1604

Erzsébet Báthory traveled to many Nádasdy estates. Sometimes, the journeys were long and winding but she had to do it anyways. She did not entirely trust the people she pay. She was well educated for a woman, fluent in several languages, both written and spoken. She knew languages were power and she wouldn't mind learning more languages, if time allowed.

They were nearing the entrance when a servant ran towards her carriage, halting the driver.

"Urgent Letter for Countess Báthory!" the servant said.

If it was urgent, something must have happened. The servant passed the letter to her, tiptoeing on her small feet. She opened it immediately, reading the neat cursive words. Sadness washed over her. Count Ferenc Bathory-Nádasdy, the Black Knight of Hungary and her husband has died during battle. (He adopted her surname since she was of a higher rank in the social hierarchy.)

She loved him at one point. She hated the arranged engagement at age ten but after meeting him, things did changed, until he was constantly busy with battles against the Ottomans. Although she has her duties, she felt alone in the many estates she has stayed in.

Her companion sitting beside here watched her, eyes trying to get a glimpse of the words.

"I hate deaths..." Erzsébet Báthory said, her eyes hardening. She won't cry. Crying is only for the weak.

Her companion listened intently, trying to read her emotions.

"I have seen too many deaths," she continued, memories flashing in her head.

"I don't want to be the next one," she said, biting her lips, "I want you to find a way to make sure death doesn't take me next."

Anna Darvulia took a moment to process what the countess wanted.

"I'll find a way," Anna promised, taking Erzsébet's hands into her own.

Erzsébet fold the letter and let it rest on her lap. They continued the journey up to the estate before getting off the carriage.

***

Two months later...

Erzsébet stood firm on her ground, feeling the chilly breeze brush past her exposed skin. Here they both were, standing in the dark, candles lit. The forest was quiet. They made sure that the location they chose were unknown to the public.

"Please sit," Anna ordered.

Erzsébet felt a chill run down her spine as she sat on the cold ground. She knew the only reason Anna would save her from death was because of the debt she owed her.

Anna reached out and stroke her cheek before smearing it with some unknown black substance. It smelled familiar but Erzsébet could not put a finger on it.

"There's this thing witches and warlocks will never tell you..." Anna said.

"What?" Erzsébet questioned, interest peaking.

"I'll tell you if you promise to keep it a secret."

"I will. You know I already am a bearer of many secrets."

Anna pushed her sleeves higher.

"Witches and warlocks are capable of living a very long life. Far longer than an average human's life."

"So you found a way to make me a witch?"

"No. Unfortunately, not all of us are born witches, like you. This spell I'm doing is fairly new. I created this spell. It will not be the best but it will keep death away from your doorsteps until I find a better spell."