Bab 25: Chapter 25: The Vampire Who Worships God
Willy's words put the Collins family on high alert. No one doubted the truthfulness of what he said. He had been a servant to the Collins family his entire life. Despite being bald, alcoholic, and unkempt, he was still a loyal servant.
The Collins family was no stranger to magic. Barnabas Collins had become a vampire due to a witch's curse, and that same witch had caused the family significant trouble before. Barnabas Collins, gripping his cane with its brass tip, couldn't help but fidget his ten sharp-nailed fingers.
"Alright, Willy," Barnabas said. "Why don't we invite the wizard in? Perhaps he's just passing by. I imagine he could be friendly, and besides, no iron gate could stop a wizard."
"Yes, Mr. Barnabas," Willy replied, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead as he shakily left the hall. Don't misunderstand—he wasn't scared; it was just the aftereffect of his drinking. Willy had never liked people who practiced magic. The last witch that came around caused Collinwood Manor to burn down. Fortunately, with Mr. Barnabas and Ms. Elizabeth's support, the manor was rebuilt even better than before—at least now it had central air conditioning.
"Come here, children," Barnabas patted the sofa next to him. "We might be receiving a very ancient guest. We wouldn't want others to think the Collins family has lost its manners."
Reluctantly, Carolyn Stoddard and David Collins sat on the sofa, waiting for their guest. But when Willy finally led the guest inside, the entire Collins family breathed a sigh of relief...
"Hah!" Barnabas let out a laugh, startling David so much that he almost jumped off the sofa. Standing behind Willy was a boy with short black hair, wearing a deep red robe. "I don't remember it being Halloween yet, Willy. Why not give our little wizard some candy? I had no idea you had such a sense of humor. But it's alright."
He stood up, took his cane, and walked toward the boy dressed like a wizard, lifting his chin. "Congratulations, little wizard. Though you've come at the wrong time, you've earned a day pass to tour the Collins Estate, complete with meals and lodging. This will surely be a day you never forget. Willy, take our charming little wizard to dinner and prepare him a room—he looks like he hasn't had a decent night's sleep in ages."
Solomon didn't relax at the words of the black-haired man standing in front of him. From the moment he stepped into Collinwood Manor, he sensed something strange. Compared to other places, at least half of the once lush shrubs were now withered and twisted, covered in thorns. This could just be a sign of a neglectful, drunken gardener, but Solomon also noticed an unusually large number of rats scurrying around the garden. According to his investigation, the Collins family wasn't large enough to generate enough food waste to feed so many rodents.
What Solomon had observed were phenomena often associated with vampire lairs. He was now more convinced than ever that Barnabas Collins resided in the manor.
"I'm looking for someone," Solomon said, his words causing Barnabas—who had just turned to walk back to the sofa—to pause and turn around. "This person knows the information I seek."
The vampire glanced at Solomon out of the corner of his eye. Now he knew that this strangely dressed little wizard wasn't some lost child but someone with a purpose. Solomon's words had also piqued the interest of the other Collins family members. Carolyn Stoddard, who had been sitting idly on the sofa, suddenly leaned forward, emitting a low growl from her throat.
Elizabeth quickly placed a hand on Carolyn's shoulder and asked, "Who?"
"You're asking for the Collins family's help," Barnabas said as he walked back over, pushing Willy aside and lowering his gaze to meet Solomon's eyes. Suddenly, his voice became incredibly soft. "Tell me... who sent you to Collinwood Manor?"
"Why, I sent myself," Solomon replied with a smile. "Your magic has no effect on me, but if it weren't for your attempt, I wouldn't have been able to confirm your identity, Mr. Barnabas Collins."
The vampire leapt back, eyes wide, pointing his cane at Solomon. "You... you're really a wizard? How old are you?"
"To be precise, an arcanist," Solomon corrected. "I'm about to turn thirteen... ahem, please be serious. I represent the Earth's ruling order, the Mage's Hermitage, and I have questions for you."
With a snap of his fingers, the emblem of Kamar-Taj appeared before him, proving his identity.
The moment Barnabas heard Solomon's age, he visibly relaxed. He nodded, entirely at ease, signaling his full cooperation. As for what the Mage's Hermitage was, he had no idea. But to send a thirteen-year-old apprentice to deal with a vampire? Surely this was a mistake—at that age, the boy might not even know how to spell.
"First question," Solomon's gaze shifted to the people sitting on the sofa. "Where is Angelique Bouchard?"
"And why should I ask what your relationship with her is?" Barnabas asked, puzzled.
"There's no relationship. She simply possesses something she shouldn't," Solomon replied. "For instance, her curse that turned you into a vampire... such advanced magic could only come from a very dangerous grimoire. The Mage's Hermitage suspects she came into contact with that book or, at the very least, the knowledge it contains."
"Didn't she sell her soul to Satan?" Barnabas asked, his mouth agape in shock.
"Learning from that book would indeed mean selling your soul to a terrifying being, but not Satan—someone else," Solomon said, taking a seat across from Barnabas, ignoring Carolyn's menacing stare. His eyes remained locked on Barnabas until the vampire sat down as well.
"Who?" the vampire asked, tracing an 'M' symbol in the air with his hand. "Isn't that Satan's mark?"
"I can't say the name. It's the progenitor of black magic, the one who created a book, and the knowledge in that book brought the first vampire into existence. Mr. Barnabas, you are not the first vampire. And no, I don't drink tea... Do you really think an ordinary witch could create a vampire of your rank without paying a hefty price?" Solomon continued. "I found portraits of the Bouchard family... every one of them shows the same person. Clearly, Angelique Bouchard gained immortality through that knowledge. That book is extremely dangerous and must be retrieved. Even copies of the knowledge within cannot be allowed to exist."
"Now, tell me, where is Angelique Bouchard? My magic can completely neutralize her black magic. She won't be a match for me."
"Does that mean... you can turn me human again?" Barnabas Collins leaned forward suddenly. "You said you can counter her magic, so... you can lift my curse?"
"Yes, but that ties into my second question..."
"Praise God!" Barnabas, unable to contain himself, interrupted. "Praise God! I won't have to drink blood anymore!"
What was going on? Solomon looked at Barnabas, utterly bewildered. Throughout the conversation, Solomon had been extremely cautious, refusing any food or drink, always keeping a hand gesture ready to cast a spell.
But now, the vampire who had put him on edge... was loudly thanking God? And kneeling down to pray? Was something wrong with him?
Why hadn't this vampire turned to ash yet?
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone