Chapter Text
The missive came that morning, the chilled London air cutting through the notary office.
"I'm sorry sir, would you mind repeating that for me, I must have misheard you." Veronica Sawyer stammered, adjusting her reading glasses on the bridge of her nose.
Her boss, Mr.Leno sighed and held up the missive once more. It was a beautiful thing to be honest, written on linen paper and inked in a dark umber, the thing that held Veronica's attention the most however was the wax seal on the envelope. It was a dark red, almost the shade of spilled blood, the stamp was rather simple for the beauty of the entire piece. A single thorned rose.
"I said Ms.Sawyer, that I am sending you on this job, it will be rather lucrative for our company you see. This Lady Chandler, as it reads, is looking for a new home in our fair city and wishes us to be the ones to handle the transaction," handing the missive over to the woman he continued, "she promised to make it worth our time that we do the signing of the deed in her home country. She was rather uncompromising on the fact we send a woman to be the one overseeing this and since you are the only woman under my employ it falls to you to make this deal."
Veronica swallowed thickly and held the letter in shaking hands, looking down at the broken seal then back to her boss.
"But sir, surely there must be someone better equipped for this sort of job. I've just arrived at this office after all, I'm still but an apprentice here."
Leno held up his hand, quickly silencing the woman. Standing up he moved around his desk, the top covered in letters and maps, and put his hand on her shoulder.
"Veronica, you are only an apprentice here that much is true, but I can tell you have a fire in your soul. This is a great opportunity for not only the company but also for yourself. If you can prove yourself with this job I will see you made a full fledged member of this firm."
Veronica gaped at the older man, her jaw working wordlessly before she pulled the letter tight to her chest. "Yes sir, I understand! I will not disappoint you, I promise."
He nodded, a wry smile on his face, and patted her shoulder. "Good girl, now something to remember, this woman is not your average client. From what I understand from our brief correspondence she is a Countess of a small country to the east, she is looking for a place to retire from her old duties it would seem.
Turning, he moved back over to his desk, Veronica following after him. Pulling a map of Europe from under a stack of letters he pointed to a small country on the other side of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Transylvania.
"This is where you will be going, the letter in your hands has more direct details on the exact whereabouts."
Veronica nodded fervently, readjusting her glasses once more as she smiled at the man. "I'll leave right away sir, I will make sure Lady Chandler is pleased as can be."
Leno nodded, folding his hands behind his back and giving her a broad smile. "I have no doubt in my mind of that, now, on your way Ms.Sawyer. You have quite the journey ahead of you."
Veronica said nothing, nodding she grabbed her satchel quickly and ran out the door. This was the biggest opportunity of her career, she wouldn't let this slip through her fingers!
Leno smiled as he watched his young apprentice run from the room, turning back to his desk he rolled his ring around on his finger. "Soon, my lady, she will be with you soon." He whispered quietly, the shadows around him seeming to ebb and writhe as he spoke.
At her small flat downtown Veronica collected everything she thought she might need; gathering her clothes up and stuffing them frantically into her suitcase, pulling out her savings from the small lock box hidden under her bed and stowing the cash into her satchel. After she was sure she had everything she needed she locked the door and called for a carriage to take her to Dover.
The carriage to the ferry was quiet, the rocking of the wheels over time worn roads lulling her into a sense of peace. The silence allowed her time to let her mind wander.
what sort of woman was this Countess exactly, why had she chosen London of all places to settle down? Why did she want to leave her homeland in the first place if she was a literal countess. Veronica sighed softly and looked out the window to the ever darkening skies, if she had her way, she would never willingly choose to leave a palatial home such as a countess's castle.
She was drawn from her reveries as the carriage lurched to a stop, the smell of saltwater wafted through the air. Taking a deep breath she smiled as she remembered when she was younger and her father would take her to Dover to play along the beach tucked between its white cliffs. She had always thought those cliffs looked like old sun bleached bones, her father would tell her she had quite the morbid imagination for such a young girl.
Shaking her head she paid the driver and slipped out of the carriage, her luggage in tow. Now was not the time for daydreaming, she had a ferry to catch and a job to complete. The Dover ferry was rather quiet this morning, not many people were eager to cross the channel in such dour weather after all.
Paying the fee for the Ferry Veronica found a comfortable spot to rest and watch the churning waters of the strait, her mind wandering yet again. She was fourteen when the peace officers arrived at her family's door. Her fathers merchant vessel had sunk off the coast of Siam, having run afoul of a hurricane that bloomed in the area. To this day she could still hear her mothers lamented wailing.
Drawing a steadying breath she tore her eyes away from the waters and drew out her small leather bound journal from her satchel, flipping to a blank page she jotted down her thoughts of today and what was to come next on her journey. She had never left England before after all, and now here she was, traveling half way across Europe to meet with a Countess of all things!
Smiling quietly to herself she adjusted her glasses and shut her journal, slipping it back into her satchel she idly toyed with the small silver cross hanging from her neck.
She felt quite nervous about this whole thing, if she were being honest with herself, wearing a form fitting suit and wielding the tools of her trade. She had gotten several odd looks from other passengers, she was quite the oddity wasn't she? A woman lawyer wearing what was usually a man's garb. But she wasn't going to let odd looks and quiet mutterings dissuade her from her passions; she had spent far too much time, money and tears on this to be thrown off by such simple minded worries.
Casting her eyes skyward she frowned, a murder of crows were circling overhead, their black feathers nearly hidden by the graying clouds behind them. Gripping her cross a little tighter than necessary she looked away.
"nothing but silly superstitions and make believe." She muttered quietly, willing her hand to stop quivering as the carrion birds cawed and shrieked above the ferry.
The train ride took several days, most of which Veronica spent reading up on the Romanian language. The closer they grew to their destination she was fraught with rather unsettling dreams, screams and fire filled her nightmares. Thoughts of massive wolfs stealing people from their beds at night, swarms of carrion crows flocking to fields of corpses. Many a night she awoke in a cold sweat, the feeling of eyes on her.
"It must be the shift of locales." She practically pleaded with herself, pushing her sweat soaked locks from her pallid face. The dull rumble of the tracks lulling her back into a fitful sleep.
The train stopped in a small town at the border of Transylvania, exiting the train Veronica was awed by the sprawling mountain ranges of the Carpathians, capped in snow. Her breath fogging before her in the chilled air she quickly found a carriage who was willing to take her deeper into the country.
The man never spoke more than handful of words as they traveled through the thickly wooded area, snowfall muffled most of the sounds of nature. Giving the whole ride a peaceful mask of silence, Veronica had never seen such a beautiful land in her life.
The carriage slowed to a stop outside what one would be generous to call a hamlet. A small smattering of wood and thicket made buildings sprouting out of the snowy earth, all surrounding a large bonfire in the center, several young children wrapped in thick winter clothes stopped and stared at the carriage as their parents watched with suspicion behind them.
Veronica thanked the driver and slipped free of the carriage, only to be quickly flocked by the local children who ran around her excitedly. All of them eager to get a look at the strange newcomer to their small home. Smiling awkwardly she stumbled her way deeper into the hamlet, never noting the ever present stares of the locals.
Glancing to her left she stalled for a moment as she watched a group of young men and women laughing and dancing around a small campfire, brightly colored carriages corralled around them. The sound of drums, tambourines, flutes and violins filling the air with a jovial music. They were dressed in a mixture of ragged cloth and thick furs, their dusky skin almost glittering in the bright snow.
"Pay them no mind Ma'am, just a roving band of Gypsies, don't stray to close or they are likely to try and steal from you." A gruff voice drew her from her awed staring. Jumping in shock she turned her head to look at a middle aged man puffing on a hand carved pipe, he was dressed better than most around him with a thick head of black hair and a timeworn face hidden partly by a thick mustache.
Her face grew flushed in embarrassment as she dipped her head in acknowledgment, clearing her throat she spoke in shaky Romanian. "I apologize sir, but would you mind telling me where I may find the home of Lady Chandler? I was told she resided in these parts."
The man's face grew gaunt and severe as he pulled in a mouthful of smoke, taking a long moment before breathing out. "And what would someone like you be needing of the Countess? You seem quite far from your cities, Englishman."
Veronica paled as her eyes widened, holding her hands up defensively she stammered. "I, I mean no offense sir! I am here at the Countess's request, she asked for me to look over a deed signing."
Before the man could speak, Veronica was bodily pulled to the left, gasping sharply she was suddenly face to face with an elderly woman. She was dressed in thick furs and a brightly colored shawl covered her graying hair, her pale eyes wide with awe.
"You, you are who the Lady speaks of, the maiden from the isle. She has been waiting for you." The old woman spoke quietly, her wrinkled fingers digging into the sleeve of Veronica's greatcoat.
Veronica went to speak when the man shoved the older woman back, sending her tumbling back into the snow with a cry. "Get off her you old crone! I'll not have you babbling your mad speech in my home." He barked out angrily. The music from the camp came to a sharp halt as the others stared silently, several men reaching for their hunting knives.
In a panic Veronica grabbed the man's arm and pulled him back. "Sir I assure you there's no need for such actions!" She protested, her voice filled with worry. The last thing she wished was to spark a fight between the two groups.
The man spun on her and glared, making Veronica stumble back in shock.
"And you. I'll not have you bringing that devil to our doorstep, begone with you!" He snapped, waving her off as if she were an exceptionally bothersome fly.
Veronica stammered in shock and disbelief, what was happening right now? She was simply supposed to meet with the lady of the county, and now she was being accused of conspiring with the devil?
The old woman let out a rasping laugh that drew both Veronica and the man's gaze. Shaking her head she brushed the snow off her furs and stared at the man.
"Do not flatter yourself fool! As if the Lady would ever waste her time with such a worthless man."
The man's face flushed red as he took an angry step toward the woman before stalling as he noticed the men of the camp stepping close themselves, blades drawn. Growling he waved her off angrily.
"Away with you, both of you! I'll not have mad Gypsies and crazed Englishmen blight my hamlet."
Veronica took a shaky step toward the man, hands raised weakly. "But sir, please I merely wish for directions-" before she could continue her plea, the man pulled a long blade from his belt and brandished it at her. Letting out a scared scream she stumbled back and fell into the snow.
"I said begone! I'll not have you taint this place any longer." He snarled, glaring at her lividly.
The old woman helped her to her feet and brushed the snow from her coat. "Come with me, milady, you may camp with us for now. I will show you the way to the castle." With that she shouted in a language Veronica didn't understand, the camp exploded into activity as men and women began moving and setting up their carriages to move once more.
Veronica swallowed nervously and shakily fixed her glasses, her other hand trembling as she held onto the woman's arm. "Thank you miss, I apologize for any harm I have caused you and your people."
The old woman laughed and patted her shaking hand as they moved toward the caravan. "So polite! I see why she showed interest in you. Now come, we're leaving these fools behind us."
Veronica blushed as she nervously stepped up into the back of the carriage, setting her satchel and luggage down next to her. Glancing around she looked at the other passengers in the back with her, most of them were young adults all dressed in furs and other accessories. Several of the men gave her suspicious looks before looking away, the women smiled gently at her as the old woman sank down next to her. Patting her knee in a matronly gesture as she spoke.
"You'll rest with us tonight, then tomorrow morning I'll have Iza show you the way to the castle."
Veronica looked at Iza, she was a young woman with dark black hair and dusky skin like the rest of the passengers, her eyes a vibrant green. She gave Veronica a small smile and dipped her head in greeting. Veronica nodded back before turning to look at the elder.
"Thank you, for your hospitality, is there some way I can repay you?"
At that the other passengers of the carriage laughed bodily, making Veronica jump. The old woman chuckled softly and shook her head.
"Do not worry yourself child, all I ask is that you rest here with us tonight. Have a warm meal and enjoy the evening."
Veronica took her glasses off and gently wiped the lenses clean on her shirt before replacing them back onto the bridge of her freckled nose, frowning gently.
"Are you quite sure there is nothing I may offer in return? I do believe you may have saved my life back at that hamlet." She shook subtly under the thick leathers of her great coat, remembering the cold way that man had looked at her.
The elder smiled and waved her hand. "You city people, must everything be a transaction? You owe me nothing for merely showing you a kindness my dear, now no more talk of such dour things. We are drawing closer to the border of The Countess's county, we will camp in the woods nearby for the night and then you'll be off on your journey in the morning."
Veronica bit her lip to stifle any protests that may have arisen and nodded shyly, gripping her satchel close to her chest. She must admit, she hadn't thought this was how her journey would begin.
later that night after they had stopped the caravan and found a nice enough place to settle, Veronica sat on a stump next to a small crackling fire. Staring into the flames as she grew lost in thought, why had that hamlet been so adamant about not helping her?
Shaking her head she sighed and ran her fingers idly over the cross at her throat once more, it had been growing into a nervous habit as of late it seemed. "Foolish superstitions." She muttered quietly to herself, glancing around at the group of travelers that had welcomed her so warmly into their camp.
These people weren't shifty eyed thieves and cutthroat's, they were merely nomads. Veronica allowed herself a soft smile at the idea, never settling down in one place for too long, always on the move seeing new sights with each new sunrise.
A wooden bowl full of some sort of stew was gently pushed into her hands, making her startle lightly. Looking down at the bowl then up to the person who had given it to her in confusion. Iza smiled warmly and motioned to the bowl.
"Eat, Englishman, you will need your strength for tomorrow no?" Her voice had an enchanting lilt to it and the accent was foreign to Veronica's ears. Looking back down to the stew she frowned anxiously before popping a spoonful into her mouth.
Her eyes widened in surprise, it was rich and meaty with a strong flavor that lingered on the back of her tongue. "This is wonderful, what is it?" She asked as she took another spoonful.
Iza laughed, it was melodic and airy and made Veronica's heart flutter in a way she would rather not think to hard about.
"It is a stew; it is made with rabbit, onions, bacon and whatever other vegetables we happen to chance upon."
Veronica hummed pleasantly, taking another bite happily. "It's exquisite, it has such a robust flavor to it, would it be rude of me to ask what that is? It's unlike anything I've tasted before." She asked, glancing back to the woman as she stirred her spoon through the thick broth.
Iza smiled brightly and nodded, "we use the whole rabbit when we cook it, organs and all, it adds a richer taste to the dish. As well as stir in the blood to thicken the broth."
Veronica paused a moment, her spoon inches from her mouth as what the girl told her struck home in her head. Blood, she was eating blood and organs. She felt her face pale as her hand shook before she stopped herself, these people were nothing but kind and courteous to her. She was not about to insult them by fainting, and besides, she never knew blood could taste this good.
The next morning Veronica woke bright and early, slipping into her boots just as the sun crested the horizon, spilling gold and orange through the snowy trees. The view was truly breathtaking, she had never seen a sunrise like this before. Deciding to take a moment she stepped out into the clearing and watched the sun rise higher through the trees, more of its radiant light illuminating the world around her. Taking a deep breath she was about to turn back towards the camp when movement in the sky caught her attention. Rising from the direction of the hamlet was a massive pillar of black smoke, even from this distance she could tell that was no mere campfire, the thick oily smoke plumed out into the air as if the hand of the devil himself tore free from hell.
Stumbling back Veronica pulled her glasses off and rubbed her eyes before looking back to the skies, they were empty. Taking a shaky breath she turned back to the camp with trembling limbs. "Just a flight of fancy, Veronica, nothing more." She muttered, her heart pounding angrily against her ribs in shattering fear.
As she stumbled back into camp a group of the travelers were whispering quietly to one another before Iza noticed her and smiled, slipping away from the group she placed a hand gently on Veronica's shoulder.
"Are you ready to go to the Lady's castle?"
Veronica nodded numbly, forcing herself out of her stupor she collected her things and smiled to Iza.
"Yes, let's be on our way shall we, I fear I have kept the Countess waiting too long as it is."
Iza smiled and whistled sharply as a man brought over a pair of horses, they were beautiful creatures each with a coat as dark as the moonless night. Iza quickly settled onto one's back and motioned for Veronica to get on the other.
"Follow me, we aren't too far from her Castle." Iza said warmly as she cracked the reins on her horse and trotted away from the camp, Veronica trailing behind her.
As the two of them road down the old road, Veronica stole several looks at the other woman before clearing her throat. "I have been curious, why is it that your people seem to have such a favorable view of the Countess when the locals seem to harbor a deep hatred for her?"
Iza chuckled softly as they rode. "The Countess has done all in her power to make sure me and my people are safe and healthy while we travel through Transylvania, the locals dislike us you see. They are scared of us because we do not look or act like them, it is the same reason they held such animosity towards you as well."
Veronica frowned, she understood that sentiment all too well unfortunately. "Sadly I know that feeling, I am looked at with disdain and anger in my own country, people dislike the idea of a woman in my profession."
The duo rode over a small hill and on the other side the sight alone stole Veronica's breath away, built into the side of the mountain range was a towering castle. It was a beautiful piece of ancient architecture, its high towers and crenelated walls covered in ivy and the small winding path leading to its foreboding main gates was lined with torches that must have just been recently lit once more, their flames twirling in the morning breeze.
Stopping soon after the castle came into view Iza smiled at Veronica wryly. "In my experience, men will always fear women when they prove themselves more than an object to them," looking back towards the castle she took a shuddering breath. "I am afraid, this is as far as I will go. I was not invited onto the Lady's land this day so it would be unwise of me to go with you."
Veronica looked back over to the girl and bowed deeply, quelling the fluttering in her chest once more. "You have my deepest thanks, Iza, for taking me even this far."
Iza shook her head and chuckled, her bright green eyes shining with an emotion Veronica couldn't quite capture before she turned her horse and began trotting away. "May your time here bring you all you wish for, Veronica Sawyer."
Veronica froze as she stared after the girl, she hadn't told any of them what her full name was. She watched the girl ride over the hill in silence, a cold unease settling in her stomach as she turned to ride up the long and snaking path to the castles main gate. It was a massive oaken door wrought with thick iron bands, as she approached the doors let out a shuddering groan and slowly swung open. The weighty doors digging furrowed divots in the soft earth beneath them.
Watching in awe as the thick chains used to open and close the door rasped in their chambers and the doors swung fully open, standing in the middle of the path was-
Veronica's heart leapt into her throat as the young woman stepped forward; she had golden hair that fell down her shoulders in thick ringlets, her honey brown eyes shining with excitement, she was dressed in a modest dress one would most likely see a head maid or a servant wear. But even then, she was one of the most beautiful women Veronica had ever laid her eyes upon.
"Ms.Sawyer?" The angel in front of her asked, her voice thickly accented.
Veronica nodded dumbly before shaking her head, a light blush rising to her cheeks.
"Yes, yes that is me, Veronica Sawyer at your service." She bowed low on her horse as the woman stepped closer, from this distance Veronica could smell hints of juniper and other floral notes wafting off the woman's skin.
"My name is Heather McNamara, it is a pleasure to meet you Veronica. My lady has long been expecting you."
Veronica smiled as brightly as she could, right, she still had a job to complete.
"I apologize for my tardiness, please lead the way, I would much like to speak with the Countess as soon as possible."
McNamara bowed her head in agreement and turned, Veronica following after her. Flicking her eyes skyward, she caught the tail end of a lone figure dressed in red flitting past one of the tall windows at the peak of the eastern tower.
"Right this way, Ms.Sawyer."