The Castle Karlstadt – Excerpt 27

The Castle Karlstadt – Excerpt 27

  Then Karina screamed loudly, I ran down the ridge, she was wrestling with the Doctor. Who it appeared was straddling Father Michael. I didn’t hesitate, I aimed and fired and blew away the back of his head. He slumped over the Father. Karina screamed again, this time I think she was in shock.

I rushed to Karina, slapped her face, then shook her gently I needed her to focus. I held her close and whispered endearments to her. She gradually regained her composure. I sat her down, made her comfortable then examined the others.

The Doctor was dead, I had no doubts on that issue, I had shot to kill. The Father sadly was also dead, killed it would appear by the Doctor / Vampire. I was sad, generally like most soldiers I had little time for the clergy, but I admired Father Michael for his quiet courage and dignity.

I did my best to make Karina comfortable, and once she was sleeping soundly. I impaled the corpses, I know it is only superstition but I thought I would play safe. I collected wood and built up the fire until it made a suitable funeral pyre, Then I cremated the Father and The Doctor / Vampire.

I said a few words for the Father, even though I am not a particularly pious man, I thought it the very least I could do to honour him.

I left Karina to rest to let her get the demons from her thoughts, after we had eaten a light meal, I saddled both my own and the Doctors horse. This was for Karina, no words had been spoken but I knew she was coming with me. to the ends of the earth if necessary, such was the love that we shared.

(C) Damian Grange 2019

Beginning next Sunday – Karlstadt, the return