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Chapter 97

Leonard led us to a stair that descended to the first basement level where the kitchens were located. We went to a corner of that level, then down four more levels where we followed a maze of hallways until we were looking at a massive vault door. Inside, we found an elevator that took us down 15 levels. The elevator door opened to reveal a room with a large vault door on each wall. I thought we were there, but Leonard told us that the adventure started here.

Leonard explained that Master Megalos had told him which of the doors to choose, as well as the combination. Once through the door, we traveled down a hall to an intersection with three doors. Leonard knew which door to choose, and proceeded to lead us through five more similar intersections. Then Leonard opened another door, he reached into his pocket and handed me a sealed envelope, saying "In that envelope are the combinations for the halls, the vaults, and instructions on how to change them. I beg you to change them, then burn this paper, Sire."

Leonard refused to go further, so Josh, David, Lucas and, I entered. We found another intersection of three vault doors. I opened the envelope and we walked to the vault marked with the Drăculești crest. This was the vault for the crown, so I opened it first. The tumblers were silky smooth and after entering the combination, the huge vault door took no effort to swing open. Inside, we found a long hallway with 40 numbered vaults, 20 on either side of the hall. Lucas suggested we were systematic about our search, so we started with vault 1. We found a square room, roughly 20 feet each side, with stacks and stacks of 1k gold bars. Lucas counted rows, columns, and stacks, then did the math.

He turned to me with wide eyes, saying "This vault contains 200 metric tons, Sire! On today's market, that is over $15 billion in gold."

I nodded, saying "Vlad told us there was a lot of gold down here." I waved the envelope and added "We need to continue on our mission."

We read the instructions Leonard had given us, and changed the combination on this first vault. We repeated these steps for vaults 2 through 26. Most were 12kg bars, others were 1kg bars, but what surprised me was that many were tiny 100g bars. David said their size and weight made those the most portable, and easiest to buy or sell.

We opened vault 27 where we found wrapped cash, neatly stacked on pallets. Swiss francs and Euros in 27, Chinese Yuan and Japanese Yen in 28, and British Pound notes, and US Dollars in 29. Vault 30 had dozens of ancient, ornate trunks, as well as iron lock boxes. When we opened them, we found that all were filled with gold coins. Sea chests of Dutch guilders and Italian florins. Old iron chests filled with English florins and guinea, German gold marks, and many others we couldn't immediately identify. There were also modern steel boxes filled with American Buffalos, American Eagles, Gold Britannias, and Australian Kangaroos. David said that the value of the ancient coins couldn't be measured because they were so rare, their sudden appearance would create problems.

Vault 31 contained more chests and lock boxes, but these held gemstones. Hundreds of pounds of Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and others. Some were cut, while most were raw and uncut. Vaults 32 through 35 contained hundreds of crates, filled with paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. 36 through 40 were empty, awaiting future treasures.

Once we had done a rough calculation, we realized the numbers Vlad had given us were extreme underestimates. We calculated roughly 5480 metric tons of gold and the equivalent of $9 billion in various currencies. We had no clue of the value of the gold coin, gemstones and art. Before we left, I picked up a stack of the American Buffalo coins. I also pocketed a large handful of gems, both cut and uncut.

We went back through the hall, testing the new combinations, and confirming they were locked. Before we left, I cast an illusion, hiding all 40 vaults. I set the illusions to trigger at a command word by Lucas, Joshua, or myself, then we rejoined Leonard. I turned to the door on our left and, to Leonard's surprise, I turned the dials and opened it.

Inside was another hall with 20 vaults on each side. As before, we opened each vault, counted the gold bars and did the math, then changed the combinations and relocked the vaults. The first hall was nothing but gold bars sorted by size in the various vaults. We left this hall, and no one was surprised when I went to the third door, opened it, and found a third hall of vaults. Several of these contained gold bars, but just like the Crown's treasures, many contained various currencies, many had gems, gold coins, and artwork. As we inventoried the vaults, I changed the combinations. David said Dracul had 12,289 metric tons of gold, 950B in various world currencies, and without an expert, he could not value the gold coins, small art collection and various gems. I glanced at David, and when he nodded, I picked up several of the largest cut gemstones.

I cast illusions over all the vaults, as well as the main hall entrances, then we retraced our steps and were soon back in my office, where I called for Alex to join us. When he did, we had a short conversation about biometric security. I think I understood things well enough, and I instructed Leonard to take him to the vault door for the elevator, where I told him to install iris and facial scanners. I said I also wanted retinal and fingerprint scanners on the four vault doors at the bottom. I instructed him to install alarms on all of these, as well as rigging up a mantrap so if someone got past the first scanners and failed the second, they were trapped until we arrived. Alex gained in my eyes, as he never once asked what was in the vaults that they needed such security.

Once he and Leonard left, I called for Hiroki Honda to join us. Billy and Niko came in from the patio where they had been enjoying lunch. Niko immediately called the kitchen and ordered food for Joshua, David, Lucas, and I.

After Hiroki bowed to me, I reached in my pocket and pulled out the handful of gemstones, spreading them on the desk in front of me. I waved him forward as I said "Take these, clean them up, cut them, and create a ring of office for the King, as well as three crowns. The first crown, model after the Crown of Steven the Great, of Moldavia, but with smaller peaks. I want this for less formal occasion. The second, make of a similar design, but add black and red velvet and a metal top like the British Imperial Crown. This will be the crown used in my coronation, as well as major state affairs. The third will be a lightweight, simple circlet, for more casual situations. I think we should feature dragons prominently on all of this."

"I think I understand, Sire. I will do some internet research and make some drawings for your approval."

"Thank you. Bring me your design for the ring first, as I want that as soon as possible. Keep in mind, I want the three crowns similar so there is no doubt they belong to the same King. I also want a scepter, and possibly an orb. Please come up with designs that will work with the imperial crown, and we can decide."

"As you wish, Your Majesty. Are these my only stones? Or may I acquire and use more? Do you want these made of gold, silver, platinum, or some other precious metal?"

"I will get you as many gems as you desire, either cut or uncut. This is just a random sample. Tell me what you need and I will obtain them for you. Use your judgement for the two lessor crowns, as they need to be a bit more durable. I want the surfaces of all to be a mix of gold and rhodium. I suppose I should be more specific, and say I want gold and rhodium to be the metals seen, not an alloy of the two."

"Do you have a budget in mind, Sire?"

I turned to David and he thought for a moment, then said "For the entire set of Dracul Crown Jewels, I think the Government can spend $5M on the metals, Sire."

"The Crown will match that, but I need you to also make a circlet and ring for Prince Joshua. Similar enough to fit with mine, yet unique. One last thing, Hiroki. You are sworn to secrecy. No one that is not in this room right now, is to know of these until I say. You have one month to bring me designs, one year to produce them. You, Frederick, and I will discuss and decide what enchantments will be added." I thought for a moment, then asked "Which holds an enchantment best, precious metals or gems?"

Hiroki didn't hesitate, but answered "Gems Sire, by a factor of hundreds. The harder gems hold enchantments longer, and hold more power per carat."

I was looking at the gems on the desk when Niko spoke up. "Father? Are you thinking something this?" He had been working on his tablet throughout this conversation, and showed me an inexpensive ring that had a good design. I showed the tablet to Hiroki as I suggested some changes. He had some changes in mind as well.

I picked up a large stone as I said "Use this emerald as the center stone the gold dragon is wrapped around. Cut diamonds to use as his eyes, as well as the eyes of the dragons on the sides. That will allow me to put five enchantments on my ring."

Hiroki took the gem as he said "This is not an emerald, Sire, it is Alexandrite. I feel it is an ideal choice as the center stone for your Royal Ring. As vampires, we are ever changing, while, at the core, we remain the same. Alexandrite is among the hardest gemstones, yet It is known for changing color, depending on the type of light it is exposed to. A perfect analogy for Draculs."

I smiled as I said "It also seems fitting for the enchantment I would like to try to put on it." I went on to explain what I planned to develop for the large Alexandrite, as well as the four diamonds that would be the eyes of the dragons.

Hiroki stepped back from the desk and bowed deeply, saying "As you command, Your Majesty. It is my honor." I nodded my head, and he understood he was dismissed. He gathered the gemstones and left.

When he was gone, Joshua asked "I know the location and access are extremely limited, but can we discuss this? Or do I have to ask Papa and Niko to leave?"

"I think we can discuss it, Josh. Honestly, I would trust both with the location and access if they desired, but I understand. What is it you want to discuss?"

"Well, the artwork for one."

I nodded and said "I am ahead of you. Do you think you, David, and Lucas could uncrate and photograph it before we leave for London?"

Joshua thought for a bit, then said "I don't know if we can get it all done, but we will get a large chunk of it documented. You're thinking you want to display it in the castle?"

Lucas interrupted with "If Mathias Garb is worth anything as a banker, he has photographs of everything, as well as descriptions, and valuations. If he doesn't, I say we lock him down there alone, with just a sheep for food, until he has it finished."

We all cracked up at that, and when I had stopped laughing, I asked "Why are you so hostile to him, Lucas?"

"You met him in Germany, Sire. He knew you were the King, and he failed to mention any of this."

I slowly nodded as I said "I did, and he did. There are also seven former princes that failed to mention it. Mathias also has the added excuse of Swiss banking rules that require incredible levels of privacy. He might have been concerned he would be overheard, or he may be restricted from speaking on any topic unless the client brings it up. We will find out when he arrives, but until then, give him some credit. In my mind, he is a very proficient and professional man."

There was a knock, and Leonard came in, saying "Alex will order what he needs and we can install things during the remodel, while you're away, Sire. He is ordering several similar sets, as Tom wants the residence protected as well."

I nodded, then asked "Is there anything else under the castle, Leonard?"

Leonard looked confused, then he said "I only know the path to the vaults, Sire. Should I ask Master Megalos?"

Niko said "If you have questions for him, you should go now. I don't believe he has many more days left." I put my hand on his shoulder and he smiled at me, saying "I knew to expect this, Father. I'm happy that he lived to meet you. It was his life's dream."

After Leonard left to go meet with the ancient Master Builder, I summoned Chao Yuan. He entered, and after he had bowed, I asked "Are there things I should be aware of that have not been shared with me?"

He looked surprised, but he said "I am aware that you will do away with the Councils of 9 and 27, Sire. I also know of your anger at us for failing to tell you of the vaults."

This isn't what I was meaning. I didn't know he had a vision, but I asked "Are these recent visions? Or have you known this all along?"

"I saw you meeting with your counselors as I came to see you, Sire. I can only speak for myself, but things have happened so fast in the last few days, the vaults were not a priority, Sire."

"And what else is under this castle that is not a priority?" I asked, as I stared daggers at him.

"I have no certain knowledge, Sire, I swear. I only know of rumors of things the others may have arranged." He went on to tell me what he had heard, but he repeatedly said that he had no personal knowledge that these plans had been executed.

"Have you shared this vision with anyone?" I asked, concerned.

"I have not, nor would I ever, Sire."

I nodded, then asked "And have you and the others discussed these rumors?"

"I can not say if the others have, Sire, but I have not spoken of them with anyone."

"Nor will you until I do." I changed the subject "And what will you do if you are no longer a duke or prince? Will you return to a pack?"

"I will serve my King as long as he desires. When my humble service is no longer required, I will finish the life I am in, and pass on to the afterlife."

I thought for a moment, then said "I desire that you remain in my service for several centuries, Chao Fen Yuan. I ask that you serve as a Minister without portfolio, for now. I will be asking for your guidance in naming leaders in China and India, so please be considering a list of names."

Realizing he was dismissed, he bowed deeply and said "As you wish, My King."

Once he was gone, I said "David and Lucas, until Mathias gets here, you two won't have a complete picture, but you can go figure out whatever you can. Mike, I'd like you to write up a parole for Vlad, for me to review. As I said, he is restricted to this island unless he is with me, or traveling at my direction. Make it as specific or as vague as you feel comfortable enforcing. If you will get on that, I would like to talk with Joshua and Billy."

As they left, Niko looked up and asked "You've said I'm with you unless you specifically say I'm not, but I'm unsure right now..."

"I will ask you to step out if you need to. I do want to remind you that you will hear many things that are not to be repeated, to anyone. Not your mom, not your pop, no one, understood?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I understand that I can't do my job if you can't trust me."

I stood and motioned for everyone to follow. I walked outside and leaned on the rail of the patio, looking over the rocky hill that led down to the sea. I turned and said "What I'm about to tell you cannot go beyond the four of us until I decide what to do."