Young Writers Society

The Broken Promise

A diary entry by James Eaton - July 21st 1812.

I have been asked to write down the mysterious events that have unfolded this morning and the two discoveries made by myself and the people of our quite town in distant, Transylvania.

It all started when I was feeding the pigs, with my dog Rufus who was at my side as always. I heard a loud piercing howl which shattered through the placid evening air.

Rufus, without any warning ran into the woods. I was shocked by this sudden display of energy but I at once pursued, however I went with caution after all this was known as the Black Forest, as many people who went into it a night rarely returned. Many people believed that it was homed to a monster.

“Rufus, Rufus” I called, as I was walking through the woods, all the while feeling as though someone or something was watching me.

Then I heard it again that loud piercing howl, this time it ran through me like a million sharp knives. It scared me, but I had to find my dog, he had been a loyal companion to me for several years.

As I walked, sticks and twigs crackled under my feet. Every crack sent chills down my spine, I didn’t notice it but I was getting faster and faster as I walked.

I could hear Rufus in the foreground “Thank God” I thought, as I followed the barking, the feeling of being watched still hanging over me.

Yet in Rufus’s tone I knew that something couldn’t be right. I was right, as I got nearer to his barking. Standing over what looked like an old blanket was a tall dark figure, Rufus was barking ferociously at it but the figure didn’t seem to hear.

A twig cracked under my feet and in that instant the figure had turned to me, as I looked into his face I noticed that his eyes were red, those red eyes will haunt me forever, I heard Rufus bark so I turned. When I turned again the figure had gone, I looked around but it was as if he had vanished. “Where could he have gone” I thought “and so quickly”.

Rufus was sniffing at the rug, “Rufus, Rufus come here!” I commanded but he remained “Rufus now!”, but still he stayed rooted to the spot, so I walked over to him. “Rufus!” as I looked down I realised that it wasn’t an old blanket … but a body. The body of a young woman she looked no more than 20, her face was as pale as death which I knew had indeed taken her.

I ran for help as fast as I could, Rufus however remained, I ran straight to constables Gont’s house, I banged as loud as I could, desperate for help. “Murder, Murder” I cried as loud as I could. The constable opened his door demanding to know what all the commotion was about.

“Help you have to help, there’s as body, a body in the woods”.

“A body what do you mean a body” the constable asked.

“A body, the body of a girl, there’s been a murder.”

We went with great speed to the forest, myself leading the way. Rufus was still standing as I had left him. As the constable examined the body myself and Mr Johnson, the blacksmith and Master George his son looked around for clues to anyone being around. The constable confirmed that she was indeed dead.

I wasn’t sure as to whether to tell them about the figure I had seen standing over the body. We were busy searching through the bushes when George thought he could hear someone crying, we followed the sound and made the second discovery of the evening. A baby.

It was wrapped in a blanket and was as cold as ice; I picked her up while George went to get the constable. The child had obviously been there a while, and looked to be only a year old. Around her neck lay a golden cross engraved with the letter J. That poor child was now an orphan…

Newspaper Report. July 22nd 1812.

BABY FOUND ALONG WITH DEAD WOMEN.

A baby girl was found in the Black Forest last night, along with her dead mother. The woman has been dead for several hours after what constables believe was an accident. The women is believed to have fallen while in the woods and died from a head injury. The sad discovery was made by Farmer James Eaton. The baby which is now in the care of Mr Eaton was found by George Johnson nearby the mother. This story continues on page 2.

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20 years later

Jenan Eaton - July 22nd 1832.

I woke like always with the same dream. The dream where I was talking to a man all draped in black and shadow. This man who’s face I never could see, spoke to me in a voice that reminded me of velvet. Who is this man I ask myself and will I ever meet him. I didn’t get a chance to get deeper into my thoughts as James Eaton; my adopted father came in to say good morning before he went to work. I ate my breakfast and got dressed ready for another day.

James Eaton - July 22nd 1832

It has been 20 years today since the fateful day. Jenan woke today, she didn’t tell me but I could tell by the look on her face that she had, had another dream. In my head I had been wondering if the dreams are related to the death of her mother. But I won’t ever tell Jenan my fear. There is no point dragging up ancient history. My main fear is that she will go looking for the past. I don’t want to lose her, she is my family.

Jenan - July 22nd 1832 - later that afternoon.

It’s been an ok morning, but again I couldn’t stop thinking about my dream, there was something different about this one. In the dream I was running through the woods. When there he stood right in front of me again, the man draped in shadows. I remember his unnaturally white teeth, he smiled at me like he usually did but this time his velvet voice said something different “Jenan, follow me” I stood there and I saw myself touch his hand, it was deathly pale and as cold as ice. I woke up at that moment. Clasping at the cross round my neck I had, had it since I was a baby, it’s all I have from my mother. What can this mean? Who is this man and how can I find him.

Jenan - July 23rd

Yet again I woke from my dream, it was similar to my previous but this time I was in a silk ball gown in an elegant ball room. My mystery man was there. I had no idea where I was but I had the feeling of being in a castle. We were dancing but to no music. He said the same words as he had before but this time added “I can help you, come to me Jenan, come to me” As he bent towards me, I woke up.

This dream spooked me more than the others but I have to know who this man is. I knew that James must know something and as I told him about my dream he went white and a look of guilt ran across his face. “What is it?” I asked “You know something don’t you?” as he told me to sit down, my heart skipped a beat, he told me everything he knew about the death of my mother and how he had found me. He even showed me the diary entry of that day. Tears sped down my face and I left the room, I wasn’t angry more curious.

It was at that moment that I decided, I would seek out this man whom had visited me in my dreams. I would ask him what he wanted with me and what he knew about my mother’s death. So I packed a bag, with my cross round my neck and my bag on my back I set out for the Forrest. I may be mad but I have no other ideas to go on. I only hope that James will find it in his heart to forgive me, but I have to know…

James - July 23rd - later that day.

I knew I should have never told Jenan the truth about her mother’s death. I fear she my have run away, her diary has gone along with her cross and a few clothes. I’ve got a few men together they have been looking for her for 2 hours. “Rafas” (a descendant of Rufus) has lost her scent at the edge of her Forrest. I pray for her soul and hope that we will not be too late like we were for her mother.

Jenan - July 23rd - about 6pm

I’m writing this whilst sitting under an old oak tree, night is approaching swiftly. My head is telling me to turn back and go home, but my heart is telling me to push on, I’m scared but I know that if I don’t find him I may never find the answers that I seek. I must push on now as I need shelter for the night, I only pray that if I do find him I will be safe and that Gods grace will protect and guide me.

Jenan - July 24th

When I woke it was to the sound of a bird signing above me. Such a beautiful sound and how happy the bird seems. If only my heart could be so joyful , but until I find my answers I don’t believe my heart will ever be the same. Today I will walk through the forest searching. I hope I will find something before nightfall last night scared me and I nearly turned back, I don’t want to risk that again.

Its midday and the sun is very high and at last my hopes have gone up. As I was walking by the river I saw a castle, I had never seen it before and had no idea that it existed, then again many people wouldn’t as no one has ever come into the forest as far as this. My only obstacle is getting to it, I’ve been walking for hours and my legs hurt. I hope I can find away around the river, although I can swim doesn’t look that inviting.

Well here I am in the courtyard of the castle, my heart is telling me this is the right place. I’m scared but I know that I cannot turn back now, I’ve come to far. What if he lives here? Does he even exist? Of course he exists, how can I even question that. I hope that I am doing the right thing trusting this figure who I have only met in my dreams. The sun is setting I need to go in. God help me.

Count Vlad Dracula - July 24th Sunset.

I feel the presence of my sweet Jenan. I knew she would come when she was ready. I must tell her the truth of our heritage and of her family. Will she believe me that is the most pressing question.If my senses are correct then she will be outside the door right now. I must see her. The sun has nearly gone down then I can talk to her. I hope that she will not fear me… I will not harm her… I just hope she will understand.

Jenan- Night

The door was open. I walked into the main hall; this whole castle is dark and dreary, there is no sign of any life, is my mystery man here… I will wait here in this hall, maybe he will find me.

I didn’t have to wait long, a mere 5 minutes before the tall figure of Count Dracula walked into the room. He was smiling his charming smile and walked with such grace that he was nearly floating.

“Welcome Jenan” he said “My name is Count Vlad, welcome to my home.”

His velvet voice echoed slightly off the walls and filled my head.

“I have questions for you Count, the most pressing is, who are you and how do you know me?” I added “Not meaning to be rude, but this is hard for me”

“I understand, we have much to talk about and there is a lot for me to tell you Jenan follow me.”

Those words the same ones he used in my dream, startled me, but I was going to get answers so I cast it from my mind. I walked with him.

Count Dracula - Same night

Jenan was there just as I knew she would be standing in my hall. She looks just like the picture of her mother. If that is what her mother looked like then I understand why my uncle was attracted to her. She got right to the point no small talk. I cannot blame her, if I had been kept from the truth so long then I would want answers straight away. I will take her to her mother’s room and show her the letter that should explain everything.

Jenan.

There is something strange in the way the Count looks at me, as though he regards me as family, but that’s impossible. I need to know who I am and I know the Count can tell me, he is my only source of information. I hope I can trust him.

We walked for a while in silence apart from when the count pointed out a painting or rare piece of art. We stopped outside a room and the Count said

“This was my Aunts room, I believe you will find answers in here Jenan.”

I walked into the room but he didn’t follow he just looked at me and then nodded into the direction of a dressing table. I looked down to see a single letter covered in dust. The letter was smudged with what looked like tears and the ink was barley visible to read. I started to read.

My dearest Edward.

I am really sorry for all the hurt that I have caused you. You needn’t worry about that now me and our daughter must go now. What can I do, are families do not approve and our baby is out of wedlock. At least this way you can move on and find someone new and me and Jenan can make a fresh start in the village. I am sorry that my promise to you has been broken but our engagement cannot last.

I hope one day that Jenan will find you and get to know you.

I will always love you but this is for the best.

Find a new love

Juliet

I reread the letter over again, but the words still remained the same, this was the secret of my parentage, my mother had left my father because of me. My heart felt as though it had been torn out and stamped on. This couldn’t be true. I had to make this right to meet my father to know.

I turned to the Count “Do you know my father, is he still alive?” tears were welling in my eyes as I spoke and my heart thundered.

“He is not, I’m sorry.” he said this softly, “But my uncle wished for us to meet, he told me that” he added with a weak smile.

My heart dropped and my tears spilled over.

Dracula

As I watched her read the letter, my heart swelled and I knew that she would at last understand. But she did something unexpected she started to cry. I know that I shouldn’t have but I had to comfort her. I told her how my uncle on his deathbed had told me to find her and to tell her the truth. She listened very politely and stopped crying.

“So does that make me your cousin then?” she asked

“Yes” I told her “Out of marriage obviously, my mother was your father’s sister”

“Right, so is that the reason you tried to find me, to tell me the truth”

“I couldn’t just not tell you. I swore to my uncle that I would and I thought you had the right to now. Everyone has the right to know who they are, even it’s a sad concept.”

“No, I’m glad that you have told me, now I can move on with my life Thank you Count. I’ll leave you know.” This couldn’t be happening I didn’t want her to leave. What could I do? What could I say?

“Don’t leave, please its late and you have travelled a long way. Stay and rest”

“I couldn’t Count, I have already put you out enough. I shall disturb you no longer.”

“It would honour me if you were to stay cousin and I will hear no argument. Stay with me, we still have more to discuss. Goodnight cousin.” I left the room before she could argue.

If she stays then I can tell her more and one day maybe she will feel the love that I do towards her and I can tell her the dark secret that hovers over the Dracula family. Our curse and our love. One day the promise will be remade and history will be complete, one day…

THE END.