Book 1: Delirium: Chapter 3: The Estate of WInchester Von Barthew Esq.

The Estate of Winchester Von Barthew Esq.

          As the massive bronze colored airship came into view, Madeline Von Barthew rushed out to the garden to meet the descending vessel.  She was a fair skinned girl, with fairly boyish features, aside from her long dark hair.  She dyed her hair again.  Doctor Demetrius thought to himself, amused as he looked out the window of the observation deck.  That girl is never satisfied.  Last the Doctor had seen her; Madeline had had fiery red hair.  His thoughts turned to her father, as he felt presence to his left.  He fingered the Le Matt revolver on his hip.

            “Easy, friend, easy.  It’s only me.” Captain Kruler smiled uneasily.

            “Of course, Delvin, you must excuse me.  I am a tad on edge.” The Doctor smiled back, equally unnerved.

            “Understandably, Maximilian, it has been several years, with news only as of late.”

            It was only when the two men were positively alone, as they were on the observation deck, being that it was of restricted access to the crewmen, that the friends addressed each other in familiar terms.  At all other times they were simply the rich doctor and his trusted airship captain.  And they preferred to appear as such before the crew.  Familiarity breeds contempt among subordinates Kruler had always felt, and Demetrius agreed with him.

            “You understand my meaning perfectly, old boy.”

            It had, in fact, been seven years since either man had heard from Winchester Von Barthew, or any associate thereof.  And with recent news of his aliment the pair had worried.  Kruler had not objected to his friend’s decision to set out to the Barthew home to investigate.  It was agreed the pair would venture out immediately, as they had.

            “Captain, Doctor, we have touched down.  Madame Von Barthew is expecting you both.”  A voice came through Sky Skimmer’s intercom.

            The two men walked across the floor to the intercom.  “Inform the Madame we will be down shortly.” Kruler said into the intercom.  Then he turned to Demetrius, “Madame?  What has transpired in the few short years we’ve been away?”

            “I’m not quite sure.  We’d best be finding out though.”

            “I agree.  Madeline awaits us.”

            Turning towards the door, the friends exited the observation deck and began the decent to the lawn.  Madeline was indeed waiting patiently for them.  She spoke quickly as they approached.

            “I’m so glad you’re here.  We have much to discuss regarding my father’s condition.”

            “Then make haste my dear, let us proceed inside where we can sit and talk.” Doctor Demetrius said.

            “Of course, Uncle Max.  Right this way.”

            The three wandered up through the garden towards the large house.  The garden, suffice it to say was magnificent.  Greenery of all kinds was present, as well as several species of plants, making for a lively and colorful landscape.  Animals appeared from time to time throughout the shrubbery and trees.

            The house itself was no less awe inspiring.  Constructed of solid golden oak boards and thick glass, the house was three stories high and about a quarter acre around.  Reminiscent of old times when wealth was measured by property size.  Madeline opened the door and they proceeded inside to the sitting room.

            “My father’s illness began as normal as any illness you or I would contract,” she began, her eyes growing dark as she recounted her father’s tale.  “It was similar to a cold, the flu, or any other normal disease.  Then the headaches started.  Short at first, they came and went and we both assumed it was simply the stress of mother being away all these years…”

            “Your mother is missing?” Captain Kruler broke in.

            “Oh no, she’s very much here.  Just, away.  She’s drifted into her own reality.  Now, as I was saying, the headaches came and went rather quickly at first.  But then I noticed that father was not quite himself.  And more so than normal, as he has always been rather odd.  He began to talk differently at first, then not at all.  Now he just locks himself in his room and I can see writings on his walls through the keyhole.  I think he’s gone perfectly mad.  Father has been this way for almost a year now.”

            “A year!” Doctor Demetrius jumped up in shock. “A whole blasted year?! Why pray tell did we not receive word of this sooner?”

            “Well, Uncles, telegram isn’t always reliable and you know how much I hate the post.”

            “You could have called.” Kruler said solemnly.

            “Our phones have been off service for three years now.”

            After some time of silence between the three a voice sounded quietly through the room.

            “Can we get in to see Charles at least?”

            “He took the key inside with him when he locked his room up Uncle Max. And it’s padlocked, and bolted tight from inside. We manage to get food and drink in through the letter door but that’s all we can manage.”

            “Don’t worry dear. We’ll have that door off soon.” Captain Kruler placed a hand tight around the hilt of his cutlass.