the cargo plane to begin. The two knights who were next to the side door, pulled it open and ducked, but nothing came out at them. They slipped inside as the ones on top of the plane dropped down to join them. Ana entered the plane once her knights had it secured. Andrew and Kara were gone. That meant they were on their way to Gothica. But it was too risky to try and enter during the light of day. Ana suspected that Andrew would attempt it only when it was dark. Either way, she and her knights would be ready for them. Ana promised herself that she would repay Andrew for the defeat he had brought upon them. Ana would make certain that Andrew and Kara would die before the dawn tomorrow. Ana instructed her knights to follow and they left the cargo plane.
Ana surveyed the surrounding landscape. She knew that somewhere out there, Andrew was watching at this very moment. Ana narrowed her eyes and clenched her jaw. She needed to anticipate Andrew’s next move. What would it be? Ana motioned for her knights to follow and they began their trek back to Gothica.
The secret entrance appeared to be unguarded. Andrew and Kara watched from the safety of some bushes a short distance away. The sun was starting to set and the light was fading fast. Andrew knew that there were some of Ana’s knights around, but wasn’t sure where.
“Tell me more about your interview with Ana for your book,” Andrew asked as he settled down. Kara sat down beside him.
“What do you want to know?” Kara answered.
“Where did you interview her?” Andrew asked.
“We were in the library, why?” Kara inquired.
“Where did you sit?” Andrew continued.
“Why is that important?” Kara pressed.
“Where did you sit?” Andrew repeated the question.
“Is that important?” Kara was still confused.
“Yes,” Andrew finally answered. “Ana doesn’t do anything without reason. Everything she does has a reason or purpose.” Andrew paused to check the secret entrance area, there was no change. He turned back to Kara, “Ana believes that she is the one who decides who lives and who dies and so on. I believe that it was a power trip that led her to have you conduct the interview in the library. Ana was probably gloating with superiority by having you seated near the Knights of VanHelsing book and not even have known it.”
“Why wouldn’t she hide it in her room,” Kara asked, “Where it would be safer?”
“That would be the first place someone would look,” Andrew answered. He stopped again to check the area by the secret entrance. There was no movement. Andrew continued, “They say the best way to hide something is right in plain sight.”
What would it be?” Kara asked. This time she checked the area. Kara thought she saw a shadow move across the castle wall. She rubbed her eyes and looked again. There was movement. “Look,” Kara whispered and pointed to the shadow. Andrew looked and watched. A few minutes later, two knights walked past the secret entrance and into the shrubbery next to it.
“So how are we going to get inside and to the library?” Kara bit her lip.
“I want you to stay here,” Andrew ordered. “I will be right back.”
Kara watched as Andrew left the safety of their hiding place.
It was dark now, and the moon’s light was cast upon the stone block castle walls. A cool night air rustled throughout the forest of trees.
Two knights kept their vigil. A very important task they were given to fulfill; to keep out their most dangerous adversary. He wasn’t the blood thirsty enemy of ancient past. No this one was more deadly. This one had knowledge of their centuries old quest. This enemy sought to destroy them once and for all.
The forest’s darkness was still now. The two knights listened with strained ears. With tired eyes they searched the darkness in vain. They knew this enemy was out there somewhere, watching and waiting to strike. Instead, a voice unexpectedly broke the silence; ‘Hello, how are you?’ The two knights turned to see, and when their eyes set upon him; they froze for a moment in fear. They recovered and instinctively reached for the cross bows that were clipped on their belts. It was too late for them; the enemy had the upper hand. He struck them down unforgivingly and the two brave knights fell where they stood.
The enemy knelt down and in turn searched each one. What was he looking for? Minutes later he found what he was looking for; the key to unlock the secret panel. He stopped for a moment and cast down his eyes on the knights. He wondered what their fate might be. What would their master do since they allowed the enemy to enter the gate?
Andrew stepped from the shadows. He signaled Kara that the coast was clear. She quickly joined him at the wall. Each block was identical to the next; except for the one with the octagon shape carved out of it.
Andrew took the key; a medallion with the VanHelsing crest etched upon it. He placed the medallion in the stone and gave it a push. The wall trembled and moaned as it opened. Andrew took Kara by the hand and at the same time removed the medallion. They quickly stepped inside the passageway just as the wall started to close. Soon the wall was back in its silent post.
The passageway was an abyss, but Andrew remembered the way, since he had used it before, to escape. Kara held tightly onto Andrew’s hand as they wound their way through the passage. Soon they stopped. Kara couldn’t see, but she knew that Andrew was listening for several minutes.
“Let’s go,” Andrew finally said.
Light peered through as Andrew opened the stone panel. They exited and now stood in the great room.
“Where is the library?” Andrew asked.
“Down the hallway, last room on the left,” Kara answered.
“I want you to find Wyatt,” Andrew instructed her. “Use whatever force necessary to get him to come with you.” Andrew stopped and scanned the room to make certain they had not been detected. Satisfied, he continued, “After you got him, head for the helicopter.”
“What about you?” Kara’s eyes began to tear up. “Remember last time?”
“I will be there!” Andrew reassured her with a kiss on the cheek. “One more thing before I go. Where in the library did you conduct your interview with Ana?”
“There is a grand table in the center of the room,” Kara answered. She finally got it. “That’s where the book is, right?”
“Right,” Andrew grinned. He gave Kara a gentle nudge to get going and he headed down the hallway. Kara watched him go. Once he was out of sight, Kara went to search for Wyatt.
The library was immense and Andrew stood there in awe, when he stepped inside. He could only imagine the great undertaking in gathering all the books that lined the towering shelves.
And there in the middle of it all was the object of his desire. A grand table of wood and stone hewed from the very mountains and forest that surround Gothica.
Andrew walked up to the table. High back intricately carved chairs, twelve in all, lined all sides of the table. The table base was solid stone, polished to a lustrous finish. Andrew ran his hand along the glossy surface of the table top and its perfectly laid edges. He stopped and knelt down to examine the octagon shapes that lined the surface of the table base. Andrew stood again and continued on. When he got to the head of the table, Andrew noticed a slot just below the edge of the table top. He removed the medallion and slid it sideways into the slot. Andrew had barely stepped back as the floor opened and revealed a hidden staircase. Andrew descended the stairs.
At the bottom of the stairs was a small room. At center of the room was a stone and wood stand. On that stand was the book. Andrew took a step forward. The stone he stepped on, sunk into the floor itself. Andrew immediately dropped down, narrowly being missed by twin deadly arrows meant for any unwanted intruder. Andrew rolled and jumped to his feet next to the stand. He took the book and made a dash for the stairs.
Andrew emerged at the top of the stairs and was immediately struck in the back. The force of the blow brought him to his knees. The book went flying from his hands and skidded across the floor. Andrew jumped up and turned around to see Ana standing there. She held a sword in each hand.
“You have become a liability,” Ana was grim. “I don’t like liabilities.”
“Just let us go,” Andrew replied.
“I can, but not with the book,” Ana answered.
“I am taking the book,” Andrew insisted.
Ana tossed Andrew one of her swords and he caught it. Ana rushed at him and made the first attack. Andrew
