Why Lorie? Part II

Chapter 33: Drogo's Gruesome Task

It was September of 1911, and fall was slowly descending over Mystery Spell, changing the leaves from green to gold and red. All of the townsfolk were enjoying the last bit of good weather before it would turn cold and rainy. For now, the sky was still bright blue with the occasional streak of white, fluffy clouds. The birds hadn't migrated south yet, and continued to chirp and chatter — perhaps discussing their upcoming flight routes. The thought made Drogo smile as he sat in his favorite armchair that was conveniently located by the window.

Drogo thoroughly enjoyed lounging around in his newly remodeled bedroom. It was much more spacious and well-lit than the previous one had been. He had to hand it to Viktor: his father always managed to get things done quickly and efficiently. The mansion's original structure was barely recognizable after the expansion work had almost tripled its size.

Drogo had to admit that the new Bartholy home was quite impressive — perhaps even more so than Viktor's house in Vienna. His father obviously wanted to make a lasting impression on the locals. His plan was already working: there were curious passers-by who drove their buggies by the construction almost daily, just to see how the magnificent mansion was coming along. They were not disappointed! Bartholy Mansion would eventually become one of the most recognizable structures in Mystery Spell, and a source of pride for the entire community. It certainly elevated the level of elegance of the small New England town closer to that of a classical European city.

Drogo meandered to the window and watched the landscapers work on the large rear garden. Viktor had opted for a symmetric layout, with gravel paths that criss-crossed at right angles. The centerpiece was a Roman stone fountain that matched the one placed in front of the house. The workers were currently busy planting holly berry hedges along the paths, and rose bushes around the white wooden gazebo that sat at the very back of the property. Its location was purposefully chosen so that one could not only enjoy looking at the garden, but also at the lush forest abutting it. The red roses were the climbing sort, and in a couple of years they would provide shade and privacy to whomever sat inside the gazebo; not to mention, a lovely scent sure to relax the mind and bring a smile to anyone's lips.

Before Viktor left for Vienna, he had spoken at great length about his aspirations for the future of the Bartholys in America. Nicolae was to remain in charge of the bank. He was also supposed to indirectly supervise the construction of the new Mystery Spell University. Viktor wanted to make sure his considerable financial investment would pay off. Nicolae was the obvious choice to implement Viktor's plans according to his father's wishes and vision.

As far as Drogo was concerned, Viktor left him with quite a different task. Drogo still remembered the conversation he and Nicolae had with Count Bartholy regarding the Osbornes.

"Why do you dislike them so much?" Drogo asked, as the three of them sat in the elegant family parlor.

"Our mutual antipathy goes back several hundreds of years," Viktor replied. "As Nicolae already knows, I happen to be a member of a secret society that specializes in hunting supernatural creatures."

"What?" Drogo pulled a face. "But... aren't we just that?"

"Yes," Viktor sneered. "But I am referring to other kinds — such as werewolves, shape shifters and witches."

"Oh," Drogo replied. "So I take it you hate the Osbornes because they are witches..."

"Yes, but not just any witches," Viktor continued. "You see... Zara Osborne is quite unique, in that her blood line combines that of two completely different families of sorcerers."

That statement got Nicolae's attention too, and he looked up from the newspaper he was perusing.

"What do you mean?" He asked, his grey eyes fixed on his father's face.