The Final Pages of Jonathan Harker’s Diary ( Part 2)

 

by Dr Ruwan M Jayatunge 

18^th    November

As the first light of dawn broke, we prepared for our departure to Bucharest station, eager to leave Transylvania behind. However, we faced a pressing task before we could embark on our journey. We possessed two substantial sacks filled with gold coins, which we had taken from Dracula's castle, and it was unwise to include this wealth in our regular luggage. To avoid detection by customs, we needed to devise a complex strategy to discreetly transport these coins to England.

I engaged in a private conversation with Dr. Seward in his quarters, where his keen intellect led to an ingenious solution. He formulated a strategic plan that involved purchasing a stuffed bear from a local hunter and specimen collector residing near the hotel, offering a substantial sum for the acquisition. Once we secured the bear, we transported it back to the hotel, where Dr. Seward carefully made an incision in the bear's back to conceal gold coins wrapped in cloth. While he meticulously performed this task, I stood watch to ensure that neither the innkeeper, his wife, nor the young waiter interrupted our efforts. After inserting the coins into the bear's body, Dr. Seward utilized his surgical expertise to suture the skin, restoring its natural appearance.

Subsequently, he enlisted the help of a carpenter to construct a large wooden box, into which the bear was placed. The box was then prepared for transport to England via the Port of Sulina, marked with Dr. Seward's hospital address and labelled as a Museum Specimen: Taxidermy Bear.

Dr. Seward undertook the responsibility of reaching out to local dispatchers to arrange for the box's transport to the port. That evening, a specialized cart arrived to retrieve the box, marking the beginning of our carefully orchestrated endeavor to safeguard our valuable shipment. This situation evoked my memories of Count Dracula's transportation of wooden crates filled with soil to England. After many years, we find ourselves now sending Dracula's gold to the same destination.

 

19^th November

Following the successful dispatch of our wooden box, we meticulously arranged our journey. Our first destination is Budapest, from where we will cross the Danube River and subsequently board an express train to Vienna. Upon reaching Vienna, we will continue our travels to the Dutch port of Rotterdam, where we plan to embark on a ship. This vessel will carry us across the North Sea, navigating directly up the River Thames to our final destination in London.

A carriage was summoned for our impending journey, marking the beginning of our return to England. Despite the unwelcoming demeanour exhibited by both the waiter and the innkeeper, Dr. Seward resolved to pay for our meals and accommodations with a gold coin he had acquired from Dracula's mansion. The innkeeper received the coin with an almost reverent touch, as if it were a relic of great significance, yet his expression was laced with a sinister undertone that suggested a deeper, more unsettling connection to the coin's origin. With no further complications arising, we departed from the inn, setting forth on the road that would lead us back home.

Our journey took us northwest through the rugged hills of Transylvania, following the Mureș River valley. After several hours of travel, we arrived in Arad, a fortified town that serves as the gateway to Hungary. After a brief respite, we continued our journey toward Kecskemét, traversing the expansive Great Hungarian Plain.  

The journey from Transylvania to Budapest is considerable, necessitating the traversal of the Carpathian passes and expansive plains. During this expedition, we passed through several towns and post-houses, notably Bistrita and Cluj-Napoca, where we undertook essential repairs and procured fresh horses. As we continued our route, we crossed the Tisza River near Szolnok, ultimately arriving at the Danube in Pest, with our initial planned stops being in Bistritz and Klausenburg.

Upon reaching Kecskemét, we rested for half a day before setting off for Pest. Each evening, as the sun set, our carriage would halt at a roadside coaching inn, where we enjoyed meals and spent the night. After an extensive journey lasting several days, we finally reached Vienna, where we opted to stay for two days before proceeding to the Dutch port of Rotterdam.

Upon our arrival in Rotterdam, we boarded a wooden sailing packet ship bound for London, a vessel crafted entirely from oak and measuring around 90 feet in length. Our accommodations comprised two simple single rooms with low ceilings; however, as privileged passengers, we were able to enjoy certain comforts during our journey.

A significant concern weighed on us, as Dr. Seward had retrieved a gold dagger from Dracula's castle that needed to be smuggled into England without drawing the attention of Dutch customs officers. I urged Dr. Seward to dispose of the dagger by discarding it, but he resolutely rejected my suggestion, claiming he was formulating a clever plan. Demonstrating his ingenuity, the resourceful doctor applied a layer of black industrial grease, derived from organic fats, to the dagger and cleverly secured it to his sea trunk, allowing us to transport it aboard the ship without facing any major issues.

Our journey commenced with a promising start, as we set sail under clear skies, full of anticipation for the five days ahead. However, shortly after we departed, the tranquillity of the sea was abruptly disrupted, giving way to tumultuous waves and a thick mist that obscured our surroundings. The captain, a seasoned mariner with a wealth of experience, skillfully maneuvered the vessel through the increasingly stormy conditions, demonstrating remarkable composure amidst the chaos.

Unfortunately, the rough seas took a toll on many passengers, including Mina, who succumbed to seasickness. In an effort to find solace, she turned to her daily rituals of reading the Bible and engaging in prayer, seeking comfort in her faith. The towering waves resembled mountains, crashing against the ship with relentless force, while the vessel felt as fragile as a leaf caught in a tempest. During this harrowing experience, we lost two sailors to the unforgiving sea, and there were numerous moments when the thought of sinking loomed ominously in my mind, heightening the sense of peril that surrounded us.

Initially, I did not consider myself a religious individual; however, the traumas and horrors I faced over the years compelled me to seek solace in faith, embracing the teachings of God and Jesus. During a particularly treacherous sea voyage, I found myself fervently praying, imploring the divine for mercy and the preservation of our lives amidst the relentless storms that battered our vessel.

After enduring more than a week adrift in tumultuous waters, we successfully reached the entrance of the Thames River from the sea, specifically at the southern point near the Isle of Sheppey - the Isle of Grain along the Kent coast. Subsequently, the vessel navigated through the Thames River and upon catching sight of London Bridge, an overwhelming sense of relief washed over me. In that moment of gratitude, I knelt, offering my heartfelt praise to the Lord for guiding us safely to shore.

 

22^nd December

Returning to our residence in London filled us with immense joy and relief, marking a significant milestone in our journey. Mina, Quincy, and I felt a profound sense of safety and comfort as we stepped back into the familiar surroundings of our home. The tormenting experiences we endured at Dracula's castle now seemed like a distant memory, a testament to our resilience and strength in confronting our fears. With the grace of divine providence, we successfully navigated the perils of Transylvania, emerging not only unscathed but also emboldened by our triumph over the darkness that once loomed over us. The terrifying encounters we faced ultimately served to desensitize us to our fears, allowing us to reclaim our lives with renewed conviction. We are now firmly convinced that we have vanquished Dracula once and for all, believing wholeheartedly that the threat he posed has been extinguished, and that the chapter of his reign is definitively closed.

  

25^th December

The Christmas celebration I experienced this year was truly the most joyous of my life, shared with my beloved Mina and our son. On Christmas Eve, we adorned our home with traditional foraged greenery, including holly and ivy, which added a festive touch to our surroundings. The evening was further enhanced by an invitation from Dr. Seward to a meticulously planned dinner, where we indulged in a delightful array of food and drink. As we gathered around the table, laughter and song filled the air, allowing us to momentarily set aside the troubling memories of our recent experiences in Transylvania. This gathering not only strengthened our familial bonds but also provided a much-needed respite from the shadows of the past, enveloping us in the warmth of the holiday spirit.

  

29^th December

I received a message from Dr. Seward informing me that our wooden box, which contained gold coins, had successfully arrived at his hospital located in Purfleet-On-Thames. Promptly, I arranged for a carriage and made my way to the hospital. Upon my arrival at the hospital grounds, I was struck by the sight of the notorious Carfax Abbey, a property that had once been acquired by Dracula himself. The presence of the old mansion evoked a wave of unsettling memories, reminding me of the dark events associated with it. Conversations with several staff members revealed that the abbey has remained uninhabited for the past seven years, leading to its current state of disrepair and decay, which only added to the unnatural atmosphere surrounding the area.

Upon entering Dr. Seward's office, he swiftly secured the door, creating an atmosphere of confidentiality that underscored the significance of our meeting. With great care and precision, he unveiled the treasure we had successfully acquired, meticulously sorting the gold coins into equal shares. As he presented my portion to me, I was shrouded by an overwhelming sense of wealth, which sparked within me a strong desire to handle this newfound fortune with both caution and strategic foresight. Dr. Seward took the opportunity to stress the necessity of maintaining discretion regarding the origins of the gold coins, emphasizing that such confidentiality was paramount. He agreed to connect me with a reputable merchant for purchasing these coins at a fair market value. However, he advised me against the impulsive decision of selling all the coins in one go; instead, he recommended a more measured approach, suggesting that I sell them gradually, in smaller portions. This prudent strategy resonated with me, and I readily agreed to follow his guidance.

 

7^th January

In my correspondence with Professor Abraham Van Helsing, I provided a comprehensive account of our recent expedition to Dracula's castle, ensuring to capture the essence of our experiences and observations during the visit. Additionally, I touched upon our acquisition of a collection of gold coins, although I deliberately refrained from specifying the precise quantity we obtained. 

Today, I engaged in a thoughtful discussion with Mina regarding our future aspirations and the significant wealth we have recently acquired. Recognizing the importance of managing our newfound resources wisely, we reached a consensus on the decision to invest in a luxurious mansion situated in one of London's affluent neighborhoods. During our conversation, I came across an exquisite property listed in The Pall Mall Gazette West End, located in the prestigious Marylebone area, with an asking price of £8,000. Following this discovery, I promptly reached out to a reputable estate auctioneer to convey my intentions and provide the necessary instructions for the purchase. My objective is to finalize the acquisition of this remarkable residence within the next month, ensuring that we secure a home that reflects our elevated status and aspirations.

Growing up in a financially challenged working-class family, I harbored aspirations of becoming a lawyer, driven by the desire to improve my circumstances through diligent effort and financial success. However, my current situation has evolved significantly, alleviating the need for strenuous labor to achieve my goals. Despite this change in my financial landscape, I remain committed to my legal profession and have chosen to adapt my approach. Consequently, I have resolved to engage in part-time work, selectively choosing clients with whom I can collaborate, thereby allowing me to maintain my professional identity while enjoying a more balanced lifestyle.

  

10^th February

Upon moving into our newly acquired mansion, I chose to furnish it with a selection of exquisite antique pieces that embody elegance and sophistication. A highlight of my collection is the exotic mahogany furniture, which includes intricately crafted dining tables, sideboard, and grand four-poster beds made from solid Jamaican mahogany. The interiors are further enhanced by gilt wood pier mirrors that amplify the grandeur of the space. The dining experience is elevated with sterling silver tableware, paired with imported Chinese export porcelain. To enrich the ambiance, I selected lead crystal glassware that radiates brilliance, complemented by imported Aubusson and Persian carpets that add warmth and luxury underfoot. The mansion is illuminated by Argand lamps, which exemplify high-tech luxury in both design and functionality. Additionally, I have expressed an interest in acquiring a private horse-drawn carriage.

 

15^th February

Today, I received a prompt reply from Professor Van Helsing concerning my previous correspondence. In his message, he conveyed significant concern regarding the incident involving Dr. Seward, who inadvertently cut his finger within Dracula's lair, resulting in blood staining the floor. Professor Van Helsing pointed out that we had defeated Dracula in his courtyard, where his remains disintegrated into ashes, likely dispersed by the wind. The presence of Dr. Seward's blood on the floor raises alarming possibilities, as the ashes of Dracula are believed to possess a magnetic attraction to blood, remaining in a dormant, microscopic state. Human blood acts as a cellular activator, and any contact with fresh, warm blood could potentially trigger rapid cellular regeneration, thereby posing a risk of Dracula's resurrection. Professor Van Helsing emphasized that this situation presents a significant danger.

Upon reading the professor's letter, my anxiety grew significantly. I was reluctant to disclose this information to Mina, yet I felt compelled to inform Dr. Seward about the potential threat. In my communication, I was careful to avoid placing blame him for the incident. I spent hours in prayer, hoping fervently that Dr. Seward's blood would not inadvertently come into contact with Dracula's ashes. To ease my apprehension, I reassured myself that the likelihood of such a mix occurring was exceedingly low.

 

..............The enigmatic diary, resembling a captivating novel, captivated the young physician, who found himself engrossed in its contents until the clock struck midnight. As he delved deeper into the pages, he discovered that the elderly man, currently lying in a state of unconsciousness in the hospital, had embarked on numerous journeys across various countries. However, the myths and legends chronicled within the old man's writings brought surprise to the young doctor. The disjointed nature of the diary entries, compounded by the presence of torn pages, rendered it challenging to piece together a coherent narrative. Additionally, the ink had significantly faded over time, further complicating the reading process. Nevertheless, despite these obstacles, the doctor's attention was irresistibly drawn to the subsequent entry, hinting at secrets yet to be uncovered.

( The end of part 2)