“Gladius, broadsword, rapier, main gauche, sabres, scimitars…” Clara rhymed off.

“Watch it, ma chère,” Evelyn said in those musical tones. “Marc is getting hard on.”

The giggle that followed calmed her down. In a room full of dead with hateful goddesses on the loose, this was not the time to use the term ‘watch it,’ still she was thankful for the company.

“Funny,” Clara said.

She already had a pistol, so a pair of duelling flint locks did not interest her. She wanted something light weight, sturdy, and useful in close quarters. The weapon she had in mind did not appear to be on the wall.

“If I were a cutlass,” Clara mused. “Where would I be?”

“Non, Marc,” Evelyn said. “I will not pass that on.”

“Not a fan of my choice?” Clara confirmed.

“Ma chère,” Evelyn said. “Don’t expect a Christmas gift this year.”

Disclaimer: This excerpt from The Van Helsing Impetus is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pexels.

“Good to see Sparky is up to her old tricks,” Clara said.

That was her nickname for the persona that embodied magic. The reason why Clara’s flashed blue when her temper ran short, and why she had been able to fire off bolts of energy. This was the proverbial hothead with a very short fuse.

“I would have called her Old Blue Eyes,” Evelyn said before giggling.

The burned walls, furniture and victims were proof enough that this was no laughing matter. This was the persona she managed to trigger to bring about the death of Drusilla. For my sacrifice they elevated me to an angel…

Disclaimer: This excerpt from The Van Helsing Impetus is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pexels.

It turned out that Clara’s assessment of the South Wing was flawed. Just like four-fourteen there were other room doors that led to entirely different areas. In turn some of those had dedicated passageways to get patrons back to the main lobby. I didn’t consider how this place is designed to confuse prey.

“I wonder if they did a séance with H.H. Holmes to get the layout just right,” Clara mused.

Disclaimer: This excerpt from The Van Helsing Impetus is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pexels.

Since trouble was not about to walk up to her, it was time to find it herself. Whatever the threat, I would rather catch it unawares…

She reached down and picked up her pistol. No shots had been fired and a quick feel confirmed everything else was in place. However, it was time to arm up.

“Where can a gal like me get a blade,” Clara asked.

There was mumbling in the background of the call. She was expected that her sire had plenty to say on the matter.

“The South wing smoking room is our best guess,” Evelyn said. “You’re almost there.”

“Perfect,“ Clara said.

Disclaimer: This excerpt from The Van Helsing Impetus is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.

“Don’t forget your headdress,” Evelyn said.

“Thanks,” Clara said after picking it up. Fortunately the band was intact.

She placed it on her head and winced. The band disturbed some of the hair stuck in the scab. She realised there it would be a pain to wash her hair later. Assuming I make it to that point.

“Ow,” Clara said.

“Poor dear,” Evelyn said. “Women must always suffer for their beauty.”

“Still better than a corset,” Clara said.

Disclaimer: This excerpt from The Van Helsing Impetus is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.