THE OLD WORLD CHATEAU

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Damien opened his eyes with a slight arch on his lips. He stood from where he sat and walked to the window.

Its still mid afternoon in Scotland but night where his mate is. More or less a 7- 8 hour difference.

"Luca."

"Milord." Came the immediate response.

"Is the Inheritor at the Plantation or at The Old Quarter?"

"The Old Quarter."

"I will be back by nightfall."

"There are new Vampire residents at New Orleans from the Mystics."

Damien's eyes narrowed into slits.

"The Elders know about it?"

"Yes."

"I don't want anyone else to know I'm awake."

Before Luca can reply, Damien cut off their communication.

-----------------------------------------

The Old World Château

The Old Quarter

New Orleans

Damien languidly walked around Jackson Square and at the north side of the park. There he checked on the Cathedral at the center, the Cabildo at the left and the Museum at the right ---which was the Presbytère that was built to match the Cabildo. Like an ordinary tourist, he casually took the surroundings and the bustling people.

The first time he visited the French Quarter, this historic site was a military plaza called Place d'Armes. A site for public execution of criminals and rebellious slaves.

That was in 1700's.

At that time, New Orleans was a colony that served as a commercial endeavor in the transportation of goods between North America and France.

And Place d'Armes was the central public square serving as the functional and symbolic center of New Orleans. Following this, Place d'Armes became a location of urbanity and authority where Police, Church, Governor, Court and Military was established.

But now, this military historical site is a vivacious place for magical shows and live musical performances.

When was the last time he visited the Quarters? Two centuries ago?

Damien pondered as he watched some people have their pictures taken in front of St Louis Cathedral and the statue of General Andrew Jackson.

While going down memory lane, he also noticed some people checking out various tables and tents offering metaphysical services like tarot cards, bone readings, astrology and palm readings.

Concerning metaphysical services, Damien already expected this.

Voodoo came to New Orleans in the early 1700s, through slaves brought from Africa's western "slave coast."

The Voodoo practices includes offering rituals, ceremonies and metaphysical services.

During that time, New Orleans was rigidly segregated. So these services were usually done behind close doors or held at Congo Square ---one of the few locations in New Orleans where meetings and liaisons between mixed races freely takes place.

Now that the restrictions are lifted, it came as no shock to Damien that a lot of practitioners are openly offering their trades.

Under the scorching heat, Damien still continued his stroll bypassing different boutiques, restaurants and bars until 4 blocks away from Bourbon Street, Damien stopped.

In front of him stood the most inconspicuous Hotel on St. Ann Street.

A hotel that boasts brick in the wall architecture from top to bottom. From afar, it looks like a creepy, haunted mansion with its eerie aura. But up close, it looks like ancient hills radiating imposing strength and stability.

This hotel is a unique and historic property that was originally constructed in 1721 as a Creole townhouse. Now, this townhouse has been expanded and became a hotel since 1811.

The Old World Château.

This majestic hotel is built with multiple courtyards and various wrought-iron balconies that is common in historic buildings. But, it has one unique advantage.

There are multiple discreet stairways, covert elevators, and concealed courtyards that provides separate ways of accessing every room in the entire hotel.

The courtyards are designed in such a way that guests can go straight to their room with privacy and anonymity.

This is because The Old World Château is an establishment that caters to both the ordinary and otherworldy guests.

Studying the hotel in front of him, Damien wondered how many renovations this establishment has undergone.

The hotel has a classical facade that has an old world charm yet it also evoke a modern atmosphere at the same time.

Summoning his invisibility, Damien entered the hotel and bypassed the Concierge at the foyer, the Living Room and the Fountain ----which is at the center of the hotel were all courtyards has the inner view of.

The hotel is a square shaped building with an octagonal gazebo and a fountain at the center.

The West, East and South of the hotel serves as public accommodations but the northern part is a private domain separated by a reddish brick wall walkway with a roofless pergola over it.

Damien directly went north to the walkway that is filled with vines, roses and different types of climbing flowers and foliage. Then he entered one of the secret passageways. A tunnel that leads to a garden with the tropical scents of blooming magnolias and jasmine.

From the garden, Damien walked to yet another secret pathway where a huge mansion was finally revealed.

This mansion is a residence that has always been closed and hidden from the public.

Damien wondered if the enchantment he had set is still holding up. The last time he was in the Chateau was way back 1826.

Before long, he got his answer.

The more he got closer to the entrance of the courtyard, the more he felt the ominous vibrations of the enchantment he once had placed.

Arriving at the entrance, Damien closely watched the enchantment for any hints of tampering. Seeing his imprint untouched, he began unraveling the array.

The moment Damien broke the enchantment, he entered the courtyard and waited for the Inheritor.

The successor of Maria, the Voodoo princess.

-----------------------------------------

Andrea, the Inheritor, went cold as shivers ran all over her body. With her legs shaking, she stood up immediately.

The enchantment has just been broken!

With a slight tremble in her voice, she hurriedly adjourned the meeting with her business partners.

"Gentleman, let's discuss business at another time. I remembered there are still some matters that needs my urgent attention."

Without waiting for any response, Andrea swiftly hooked her bag over her shoulder and turned around to leave.

Her secretary, Taylor, quickly gathered all Andrea's portfolio while clutching the iMac to her chest.

Andrea's personal assistant, Bethany, opened the door of the conference room while making a call to the chauffeur to pick them up.

Andrea's business partners and friends were dumbfounded as they all looked at each other. They were all left with the sound of heavy heels clicking on the floor as Andrea rushed out.

Andrea, who just sat at the back of the car, is on tenterhooks.

The Master is back!