The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 16: A Strange Find

Three days had passed since the ill-fated Sunday morning in Russell Square. Nicolae spent the first two in bed, mostly because of his injury, but also because he wasn't ready to face Elizabeth. He had no idea how much she knew about what had happened. As if in accord with his mood, the weather was rainy and bleak.

On the third day, he decided it was time to get up and go outside. He was starting to feel claustrophobic in his flat and was growing tired of Ion babying him. He opened his bedroom curtains. To his delight, he saw that the sky was crystal clear.

His right shoulder still hurt quite a bit, but the bleeding had completely stopped and it was healing nicely. Nicolae was able to get dressed by himself, although it took him three times longer than usual. He refused to become dependent on Ion and struggled rather than call his valet.

When he emerged from his bedroom fully dressed, Ion raised his eyebrows.

"You must be feeling much better, Sir," he noted.

"Yes, indeed I am, Ion," Nicolae gave his servant a wane smile. "I get restless staying indoors for too long."

"I can certainly understand that," Ion empathized. "But, if you don't mind my asking, do you plan to go for a long walk by yourself?"

Nicolae felt slightly annoyed. "Of course I am... I'm not a child, Ion."

"But your wound... you've been weak for the past few days," Ion insisted.

"My shoulder feels much better. I don't intend to stay indoors like a sick baby," Nicolae said brusquely, his eyes flashing.

"Very well, Sir," Ion bowed his head and withdrew. "As you wish."

Nicolae took the stairs down. He stopped for a moment in front of Viktor's door. He considered knocking on it, but decided against it at the last minute. He still had a million questions regarding Ludwig's miraculous recovery, but he doubted that Viktor had learned anything new about it. Count Bartholy was a very busy man and had to take care of his own business dealings while in London.

Instead, Nicolae walked out the front door and into the sunshine. It was a lovely morning, not too hot, but pleasantly balmy. Nicolae made his usual way toward the park. It felt good to breathe in the fresh summer air and feel the sun rays on his face.
He meandered quite a ways on the winding pathways, when he suddenly felt winded.

"Maybe Ion was right," he thought. "I may be overestimating my own strength."

He decided to stop and catch his breath. He found an empty bench by a gurgling fountain and sat, stretching his long legs in front of him. He took his top hat off and shook his brown locks while settling on the bench. His thoughts inadvertently returned to the duel.

"I just don't understand it," he thought back to Ludwig. "I was sure he was dead."

He made a decision. After resting for a while, Nicolae got up and headed toward the university. He felt nervous about going inside, but he simply had to find out exactly what happened after he left Viktor with Ludwig and Albert.

Nicolae remembered the way to Ludwig's laboratory. He approached it cautiously and put his ear against the door. He couldn't hear anyone talking or moving about inside. He tried the handle, but the door was locked. Just as he was about to leave, he heard someone call out to him.

"Count Roman!"

As he turned, Nicolae saw Ludwig's friend and second, Albert, walking in his direction.

"Good morning, Albert!" Nicolae tipped his hat.

Albert looked stern and none-too-pleased to see him.