Chapter 23

Elsa made her way down the dark and silent corridor. Maria gave her detailed instructions on how to find Mervin’s suite of rooms.  Since he was new in residence, Maria wasn’t able to provide much information on the wizard, but from what she did say Elsa got the impression the wizard was more learned in alchemy than he was in spirits and spells.  She hoped this was the case. 

Her body ached with each step she took.  She longed to find an easy chair somewhere and take a much needed nap.

I’m getting too old for this, she thought.

As she neared the end of the long, dimly lighted hallway she spotted a faint light beneath a thick mahogany door.  The beautifully carved, fire breathing dragons that were artfully depicted on the heavy wood told her she’d reached her destination.

Maria had assured her that no vampires would be found near Mervin suite, but even so, she decided to take a precaution.  Not