Arts
Fiction
Cryptic Canticles
Cryptic Canticles brings you Bram Stoker's Dracula presented as a Radio Play, released on the days of the journal entries in podcast format. The text is taken from Bram Stoker's classic novel, but presented in character with enhanced audio and music effects.
Total 110 episodes
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06/11/2024

Dracula Episode: November 6th

Episode Synopsis: Mina and Van Helsing start eastward on foot, carrying provisions and means of keeping warm. Mina is tired after a steep descent, and Van Helsing finds a sort of sheltered spot that he picks to rest. Mina is still unable to take food. Van Helsing starts at the sight of the Szgany driving their wagon at top speed, upon which is the box containing the Count. Van Helsing quickly draws another holy circle protecting their location from the Count. As they watch the wagon, they catch sight of Seward and Quincey racing from the south and Jonathan and Arthur racing from the north, all on horseback converging on the team carrying the Count and hurrying to catch him before the imminent sunset. Another survey revealed clusters of wolves gathering. Just as the team approaches their rock, Mina and Van Helsing bear their weapons as both groups of pursuers command the team to stop. Jonathan and Quincey break through the fight of attackers and manage to prise the lid of the box, despite Quincey having been wounded in the act. The Count’s body disintegrates almost immediately, frightening the Szgany, who run frightened. Attention turns immediately to Quincey, who is collapsing under the strain of his wound. Quincey attests, however, that it was worth giving his life, for the scar has disappeared from Mina’s forehead, symbolizing the eradication of her vampire affliction. Surrounded by his friends, Quincey Morris quietly passes away. Seven years later, Jonathan recalls the horrific events of the past. He and Mina journey to Transylvania to retrace their old steps. Arthur and Seward are both married, and life has healed around their traumatic past. Mina and Jonathan have a son which they call “Quincey”. Van Helsing remarks that some day their child, who shares a birthday with the day Quincey died, will learn that his mother, Mina, is a most loved and most remarkable woman. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
17m
05/11/2024

Dracula Episode: November 5th

Episode Synopsis: Mina continues to sleep solidly during the daylight hours. Van Helsing commits himself to remain awake at night while Mina is awake, but finds himself dozing during the day while driving the carriage, and when he awakes, is overjoyed to see the Castle Dracula looming in the distance. As they settle down for the night, Van Helsing creates a circle surrounding Mina, using the holy Eucharist broken into a fine dust. Mina admits that she is unable to leave the circle, which Van Helsing is pleased to hear, as it means she can not leave in the night. When Van Helsing gets up to feed the fire, Mina stops him, and he discovers that the swirling snow has materialized into the three Vampire Women from Jonathan’s diary. They beckon to Mina, but are unable to enter the circle. In the morning, Van Helsing discovers that the horses, who had been outside the circle, are dead. He is unable to awaken Mina to hypnotize her. While resting the horses, Seward and Quincey catch sight of the Szgany hurrying along with their wagonload as though being chased. They are aware of the presence of wolves in the woods around them. Van Helsing leaves Mina sleeping in the holy circle, and attends to the gristly business of sanctifying the Count’s castle against him. He is momentarily delayed by the realization that Mina might be in danger from wolves, but presses on with his work. He starts by removing the great front doors, so no spell might trap him inside the castle. He quickly finds the chapel and the three brides who sleep in their coffins. He falters in his task if dispatching them, as he begins to fall under a trance, but is awakened by the sound of Mina’s voice calling from afar. He drives his stake through each of the brides and cuts off their heads, upon which act their bodies crumble to dust. Van Helsing sanctifies the Count’s grave and meets Mina who awakens and tells him that Jonathan is coming in their direction and the end is nigh. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
18m
30/10/2024

Dracula Episode: October 30th

Episode Synopsis: When aboard the train to Galatz, Van Helsing finally succeeds in hypnotizing Mina with only a minute until dawn. She manages to tell them that the sounds of water are now level with the Count’s ears, and the sounds of livestock are nearby. She is unable to complete her thought before the sun breaks Van Helsing’s spell. Mina and Quincey go to the hotel while Arthur tried to contact the Consul and Jonathan and Van Helsing board the Czarina Catherine, which is currently in the harbor. The meet the captain, who tells them that the journey had been far faster than any made prior, and the speed of the wind in the sails made it difficult to hail the shore at times. He explained that the crew liked neither the box nor the man that brought it on board, and at one time, he had to fight off the crew who wanted to throw the box into the Danube. Once in Galatz, a man named Immanuel Hildesheim came on board to collect and sign for the box, taking it away. The team tracked down Hildesheim, who had been employed via telegram by a “Mr. de Ville” from London, to remove the box before sunrise so as to avoid customs, and deliver it to a man named Petrof Skinsky. Unfortunately, the team managed to learn that Mr. Skinsky had been killed two days prior, his throat having been torn out. The men agree that Mina must be taken into their confidence once more, as they are running out of options to catch the Count. Mina reviews all the papers and maps and deduces that the Count must be escaping via the Sereth River, which will take him as close as possible to his castle. Ultimately, it is decided that Arthur and Jonathan will follow the Count up the river in a steamboat, Quincey and Seward will scout the terrain on horseback, and Van Helsing and Mina will attempt to sanctify the Count’s castle before he arrives. Jonathan feebly objects to Mina being in such close proximity to evil, but ultimately concedes. Within four hours, all is prepared for their journey. Mina comments about the power of money to aid them in their purpose. Jonathan and Arthur start up the river, while Seward and Quincey purchase enough horses to provide for their whole party when they regroup. The divisions say farewell until they meet again. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
29m
05/10/2024

Dracula Episode: October 5th

Episode Synopsis: Van Helsing explains the details of their trip to the dock. They met the owner of a ship called the Czarina Catherine which took on a box of dirt, and dealt with a tall, thin man who had very specific desires for the placement of the dirt. He only boarded the ship to check the location of his box when the tide was at it’s fullest, and although no one saw him exit the boat, the loading crew assumes he left at some point. Van Helsing explained that they can stop the boat at Varna, insisting upon doing a specialized customs check, and there dispatch the Count while he sleeps in his dirt. Mina presses again that they might simply let the Count go and not risk themselves, but Van Helsing won’t have it. He explains that even if Mina’s soul weren’t in danger, the Count is different and more powerful than other undead of lore, accounting perhaps to the geography of his homeland. He also states that powers like the Count’s combined with modern discoveries and technology as well as increasing modern skepticism of old supernatural folklore would make him an even greater adversary to those who would combat him as time goes by. Seward and Van Helsing confer, having both come to the conclusion that Mina is turning and might present a danger to them. If she is able to relay the Count’s movements, so too might she be compelled to relay their movements to the Count. Fortunately, Mina independently came to the same conclusion and elected to remain in the dark before either of the men had to state it openly. In their meeting, the men arrange to leave for Varna so as to arrive no later than one day before the ship docks, arming themselves in preparation for any foe. Van Helsing asks Jonathan to remain in London with Mina and not join them on their journey. Jonathan worries about Mina’s choice to not partake in the meeting. At exactly sunset, Mina awoke from sleeping and asked Jonathan to promise not to tell her of any details about the Count’s capture. He acquiesces. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
26m
03/10/2024

Dracula Episode: October 3rd

Episode Synopsis: Dr. Seward hurries down to see Renfield, whom Simmons the attendant had said met with some terrible accident. When Seward arrives, he sends for Van Helsing, for it is apparent that Renfield has experienced trauma that would have been impossible to inflict upon himself. Van Helsing arrives, followed quickly by Arthur and Quincey. Van Helsing explains that they must operate on Renfield before he dies of the building brain hemorrhage, for he must give his account. The operation brings a partially paralyzed Renfield back to consciousness long enough for him to explain that the Count had met with him on October 1st, shortly after he had begged Seward for his release. The Count had bewitched Renfield into inviting him into the asylum to some sinister purpose. Renfield goes on to say that the following day, when the Count entered the Asylum by means of Renfield’s room, his gratitude to Renfield had disappeared, and he seemed to emit the presence of Mina Harker. Renfield had called for Mina earlier that day, and felt that her presence had been diminished. This made him angry, so when the Count arrived moments ago, Renfield had tried to physically restrain him, when the Count broke his body, leaving him for them to find. Without a moment to spare, the men arm themselves and rush Mina and Jonathan’s bedroom, breaking down the door to get inside. Seward beholds the Count forcing Mina’s face into the blood of a cut he has made on his own chest, compelling her to drink. Jonathan had been bewitched, and was lying motionless. At the men’s intrusion, the Count tosses Mina from him before dissolving away into vapor. Once revived, Jonathan panics over what is to be done for Mina. Mina refuses to touch her husband, proclaiming herself tainted by the Vampire’s affliction, but Jonathan holds her tight in his loving arms. Arthur and Quincey relay the news that the Count had stolen into the study and burned the compiled narrative that they had cobbled together, but was luckily unaware of the copies they had made. On his exit, he had killed Renfield. Van Helsing convinces Mina to describe what had happened. She explains that she awoke from her troubled sleep to find Jonathan in a stupor, and the Count materializing out of the mist at the edge of her bed. The Count drank her blood and then gloated that she, whom is most beloved, must join his ranks of vampires as punishment for their trying to best him, and then he forced her to drink his blood. Van Helsing and the rest vow that they must now dispatch the Count as quickly as possible. Jonathan is fraught with agony over what happened to Mina. Mina is resolute in her purpose that if she should feel that she presents danger to her friends, she will end her own life. However, Van Helsing dismissed that idea, saying that by ending her life she will awaken herself immediately as a vampire, and she must outlive the Count. The only way to destroy him is to destroy his boxes of earth. Jonathan insists that they must enter the Count’s houses by any means necessary, but is stunted by Van Helsing’s reminder that the police would stop them from their purpose if they are not prudent. Van Helsing recalls a story about a friend who, while abroad, had a burglar break into his house, and then, using legal means, was able to sell all of his possessions and his property through pure charisma and confidence alone. He suggests that using confidence and legal means, they should acquire a locksmith to let them into the Count’s very public house, and the police would not even notice. As the men prepare for their day of destroying the Count’s boxes of earth, Van Helsing makes to guard Mina against the supernatural. He places a sacred wafer against her forehead, when startlingly, the wafer burns into Mina’s forehead. Mina reviles her corruption, but Van Helsing assures her that when the mark disappears, she will know that she has been forgiven. Jonathan says goodbye to Mina, assured that if she should turn, he knows that he will be shortly behind her. The men broke into Carfax Manor as before, this time prising open all the boxes in the chapel and “sterilizing” them each with a piece of sacred wafer. Once finished, they continued on to the house in Piccadilly. Arthur and Quincey hired a locksmith while Van Helsing, Jonathan, and Seward waited in the park. Once the locksmith had finished, the rest joined those in the house. To their chagrin, only eight of the nine anticipated boxes remained in the house. Once they finished sanctifying the eight boxes, the men examined the Count’s things, which he had left on the table. There they found the deeds and keys to other houses as well as some personal items. Arthur and Quincey take the keyring and go onward to sanctify the boxes in the other two houses while Van Helsing, Jonathan, and Seward await their return. While waiting, the three receive a telegram from Mina saying that the Count has been to Carfax and is now hurrying out to meet them. Luckily, Arthur and Quincey arrive shortly before the Count enters the house. The men strategize their attack, but the Count is prepared. He dodges an attack by Jonathan, who slices the Count’s cloak, spilling money across the floor. The Count flings himself out a window, and turns to taunt them once more, telling them that in a matter of time, they will all be slaves to his will. The Count disappears into the stables and escapes. Van Helsing admits that they must return to the asylum, as dusk is approaching, and Mina will need their protection. They take or burn any item of the Count’s that he might use before returning to Seward’s asylum. When they return and catch Mina up on the day’s events, she asks them to destroy the Count out of sympathy for the poor trapped soul within. Jonathan is outraged at these words, but Mina reminds him that she may herself become a monster, and she would wish for the pity of any who might destroy her. Seward, Arthur, and Quincey all agree that they will take turns patrolling the hallways and ensuring Mina’s safety at night. Jonathan hopes for a plan to come to them in the morning so they might dispatch the Count before Mina succumbs to his affliction. Mina awakens, aware of a presence in the hallway, and both she and Jonathan are relieved to discover Quincey Morris, who tells them that they will be guarded all night. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
1h 34m
02/10/2024

Dracula Episode: October 2nd

Episode Synopsis: Mina is concerned about how worn out and emotional she has felt lately. She visits with Renfield, by request, and he wishes her well. Mina asks Dr. Seward to mix her a sleeping remedy so she might get a better rest, but wonders if sedating herself is wise. Jonathan receives Smollet’s letter containing Sam Bloxam’s address, and, after some confusion as to spelling, eventually finds his way to Sam. Sam describes moving nine of the boxes into a house in Piccadilly, and from his description, Jonathan deduces that the Count had helped him move the boxes before possibly mesmerizing him. Jonathan visits Piccadilly Circus, and discovers that the house sale had been handled by a company called Mitchell, Sons, and Candy. When Jonathan meets with the representative, however, the man is unhelpfully tight-lipped about the sale. Ultimately, Jonathan works the man over by dropping Arthur’s title, and the representative agrees to send a letter to Arthur with the details. Back at the asylum, the men ponder how to get into the Piccadilly house, deciding that they can’t easily break into such a public house the way they did Carfax. Seward asks the attendant about Renfield’s movements last night, and determine that the attendant had fallen asleep. Just as Seward is settling in for the night, he hears a terrible scream and is told that Renfield has had a terrible accident. Mitchell, Sons, and Candy write to Arthur telling him all that they know about having sold the house in Piccadilly Circus to a foreign man going by the name Count De Ville. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
19m
01/10/2024

Dracula Episode: October 1st

Episode Synopsis: As the men are preparing to investigate Carfax Manor, they receive the message that Renfield desperately wants to speak to Dr. Seward. The other men ask to come along, as Seward's journal entries about Renfield had piqued their interest in meeting the man. Renfield is extremely eloquent as he greets all in attendance, demonstrating a working knowledge of their backgrounds. He asks Seward to consult his colleague's judgement as to whether he is sane enough to be set free. When, however, he is unable to explain why the request is so urgent, Seward declines his request, sending Renfield into a panic where he begs to be released for the good of others instead of himself. As the men leave, he asks that Seward remember this moment. On their way to Carfax Manor, Seward confides that he hopes he did right in detaining Renfield, but he feared that Renfield, once free, might aid the Count, so connected did he seem to the goings ons. The men break into Carfax Manor via skeleton keys, each armed with weapons to combat both common foes and the supernatural. Arthur in particular, had brought a small silver whistle. Jonathan leads the way to the chapel, which they find covered in dust, and filled its an acrid air. All are distressed to find only twenty-nine of the original fifty crates of earth remain. Quincey uncovers a hoard of rats that swarm out of the walls, but Arthur uses his whistle to summon three terriers which make short work of the many rats. The men depart the house after checking it completely, and return to the asylum. Jonathan is happy that Mina agreed to remain in the dark about their plans with the Count, and decides to sleep on the couch rather than wake her. He notes that she looks a little paler than usual as she sleeps. When they awake, Mina seems more exhausted than usual, sleeping later than any of them, despite going to bed so much earlier. While Seward catches up on Asylum work, Van Helsing pays a visit to Renfield. He is surprised that Renfield treats him with disdain, telling him to remove himself from the cell. Mina frets about the necessity for Jonathan to keep secrets from her, and contemplates Lucy's death. She worries about her own mood swings that seem to stem from a bad night's sleep that began when she overheard some upset in Renfield's room. Mist from the yard seemed to creep up the outside wall and find its way into her room. She recalls vague nightmares or imaginings about red points of light that resembled eyes, a white face through the darkness, and a lethargy that held her pinned to the bed. Jonathan begins in earnest his searching for the missing boxes of earth that had been removed form Carfax Manor. He interviews Thomas Snelling, one of the carriers that had been mentioned in Patrick Hennessy's letter. Snelling tells him that he had moved six crates into each of two different houses in London's North and East side. He believes Jonathan might get more information about the crates from a man named Sam Bloxam. Snelling agrees to send Jonathan a letter with Sam's address as soon as he can locate it. Seward continues to study Renfield, perplexed by the changes in the man. Renfield speaks of wanting to prolong his life, but when questioned about the souls on his hands from taking so many lives, Renfield becomes agitated, disavowing any desire for souls, no matter how lowly. Seward notices him stumble over a few words and thoughts, and after some consideration, deduces that The Count has been to see Renfield somehow. When and he and Van Helsing approach Renfield to question him further, Renfield is back to collecting flies. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
58m
30/09/2024

Dracula Episode: September 30th

Episode Synopsis: Jonathan Harker arrives to stay with Mina and the rest of the men as guests in Seward’s asylum. He and Mina set to work ordering and organizing all of their separate accounts into a single chronological narrative. While working, Mina discovers that Renfield’s behavior coincides with the movements of the Count. Seward goes to visit Renfield, and finds him lucid, and discussing arrangements to be discharged from the asylum. Seward hopes to visit him later in hopes of uncovering more information on the Count. Jonathan travels around town, tracking the Count’s boxes of earth and buying drinks for everybody every step of the way. A delivery man working for Carter, Paterson and Co. describes that they transferred the fifty boxes into the chapel of Carfax Manor. Mina is delighted to see that Jonathan’s resolve in tracking the count has renewed his vigor as Van Helsing said it would. While Jonathan and Seward are away, Mina meets Arthur and Quincey, and in turn, comforts each of them in their trauma over Lucy’s death. When Seward arrives at the asylum, and at Mina’s request, takes her to meet Renfield. He is astonished to find Renfield conversing with her on a high intellectual level, quoting philosophy, and explaining his Zoophagous behavior as an attempt at prolonging his own life by assimilating others. When Seward and Mina must leave, Renfield shocks Seward again by wishing Mina well and saying that he hopes to never see her again. Seward picks up Van Helsing from the train station, and Van Helsing is glad to know that everybody else is already assembled. He tells Seward that they should not involve Mina in any further planning, as it might be bad for her in the long run. In a meeting after dinner, Van Helsing lays out the path before them, that the Count is strong with many powers, and influence over animals and the dead, and that failure in their mission would doom each of them to the Count’s nefarious army. Each present at the table pledge themselves to the grim task in spite of the risks. Van Helsing goes on to discuss the details about the Count that they had observed through experience, and to say that his friend, Arminius, a scholar from Buda-Pesth University, was able to provide more details about the Count through research. In life, the Count was an unusually cunning war lord who defeated the Turks long ago. His family is said to have had dealings with the devil, instilling the Count with his evil, supernatural powers. He may only rest in the earth that is made holy by the graves of his biological children, which is why he must transport their dirt graves with him, and now which they must find. At this point, Quincey, who had stepped outside to investigate a noise, shoots his pistol at a bat which had come to rest outside the window where the group was meeting. Not wanting to lose a moment, the men agree to investigate whatever boxes remain at Carfax, and, to Mina’s chagrin, she must stay behind, and no longer be involved in their dealings with Dracula. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
42m
29/09/2024

Dracula Episode: September 29th

Episode Synopsis: Arthur and Quincey meet with Seward and Van Helsing in complete confusion as to why they had been summoned. At once, Van Helsing asks that the two men assent to committing themselves to Van Helsing's wishes, intent unknown. Quincey agrees immediately, but Arthur is more wary. He reluctantly agrees to hear what the professor has in mind. Before Van Helsing can go too far into the details, Arthur is enraged, condemning Van Helsing's intent on the desecration of the grave of the woman he loves. Van Helsing, however, swears that he must do what he will for the honor of Lucy, and the others reluctantly assent to see his evidence and then decide for themselves. Once inside the tomb, Van Helsing opens the coffin and peels back the leaden flange to reveal the empty coffin. Quincey questions Van Helsing's involvement in the removal of her body, but Van Helsing confirms with Seward that the body had been gone two nights ago, but present the preceding day. He asks the others to step outside and guard the tomb. The gentlemen take up spots where they can watch the tomb, and Van Helsing produces a piece of holy Eucharist, which he mixes with a putty, and uses to fill in the gap in between the door of the tomb and the doorframe. After some time, the group is alerted to the presence of a white-clad figure approaching. Cold and hard, and clutching an unconscious child to its breast is none other than the form of Lucy Westenra. Once her eyes touch the men, she snarls like an animal and tosses the child to the ground. She approaches Arthur and entraps him under a sort of seductive spell, but Van Helsing interjects with a crucifix which he uses to ward her away. Lucy tries to regain entrance to the safety of her tomb, but is confounded by the putty that Van Helsing used to seal the door. As he keeps her trapped between the door and the crucifix, Van Helsing again asks Arthur for permission to carry out his ghastly procedure, and Arthur assents. Van Helsing removes a chunk of the putty from the crevice, and all are amazed when Lucy's body slides through the small slice in between the closed door and the doorframe. Van Helsing replaces the putty to the crevice to keep Lucy trapped inside, and the party agrees to meet the following day at twelve noon. The following afternoon, Arthur, Van Helsing, Seward, and Quincey meet and travel to the cemetery. Once the mourners had departed and the gates had been locked, the men enter the tomb and open the coffin as before. They gaze with hate at the Undead body of Lucy, and Van Helsing sets out an array of ghastly tools. He states that once the procedure has concluded, Lucy will be purified, and that it should be Arthur, her lover, who performs the deed that saves her soul. Arthur does not falter as he pounds the long wooden stake through Lucy's heart, his friends empowering him with prayers. Once Lucy's body lay still again, all rejoice to see her reduced to her old self, worn with the care of her illness, and filled with peace. Arthur bids her goodbye, and he and Quincey exit the tomb leaving Seward and Van Helsing to remove Lucy's head and fill her mouth with garlic. Once outside the tomb, Arthur praises Van Helsing for his devotion to Lucy, proclaiming himself at Van Helsing's service. Van Helsing explains that they are still at the beginning of a perilous journey to eradicate the evil that killed poor Lucy. The men, now believers, pledge themselves to the task. Van Helsing receives a telegram that Mina is coming to join him, but he has to leave for Amsterdam, so he asks Seward to intercept her, giving him all the diary entries of Jonathan and Mina. Seward meets Mina at the train station and takes her back to his home at the asylum, whereupon Mina asks Seward to conference with her. In Seward's study, Mina sees Seward's phonograph diary, and after some coaxing, convinces him to let her listen to it. Mina explains that she must finish transcribing his diary to add to the collective pool of knowledge so that the other men might learn from his observations as well, so they can all set to catch the Count. Jonathan Harker travels to London to begin tracking down the fifty boxes of earth that the Count had sent from his home castle in Bistritz. Jonathan receives aid from Samuel Billington, and has the number of boxes confirmed by the harbormaster. Jonathan is able to procure the confidence of the dock workers by buying them a round of drinks. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
55m
27/09/2024

Dracula Episode: September 27th

Episode Synopsis: Dr. Seward and Van Helsing visit the graveyard again in the afternoon once a group of mourners has cleared out from a noon service. Upon opening the coffin, Seward is shocked to see Lucy’s body lying inside, looking more radiant than ever. Van Helsing pushes back her lips, revealing her teeth, sharper than before. Seward fumbles for a logical explanation, but can find none. Van Helsing explains that because Lucy was in a trance when she was first bitten, and when she died, she does not appear as a Vampire in her tomb, which is uncommon. Van Helsing comes to the conclusion that he must not dispatch of Lucy’s Undead form until Arthur has a chance of seeing her and understanding what has happened, for if he should ever discover their actions without proof of her transformation, he would believe that she had been buried alive and killed by Van Helsing. Van Helsing tells Seward to go home and get rest, and tomorrow night, he shall come to Van Helsing’s hotel, where he will meet with Arthur and Quincey. Van Helsing writes a letter to leave in his hotel for Dr. Seward. He says in his note that in order to ensure that Lucy reveals herself tomorrow night, he is fixing her tomb door with items that will ward her away, and keep her inside. He will then keep watch over her tomb as a precaution. However, if the Count should decide to visit upon Lucy’s grave, Van Helsing would surely be killed. In this case, he has prepared copies of the diaries for Seward to find and complete the holy mission. If it should be so, this letter may serve as Van Helsing’s final farewell. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
11m
26/09/2024

Dracula Episode: September 26th

Episode Synopsis: Van Helsing is amazed to see that Jonathan has made a full recovery.  Jonathan tells him that since Mina revealed Van Helsing’s assessment in the truth of Jonathan’s journal, his confidence in his own senses has completely returned and he is a new man.  Van Helsing cannot help but praise Mina to her husband, detailing how clever, resourceful, and compassionate she is. Jonathan realizes that Van Helsing is planning to go after the Count, and pledges his assistance in any way possible.  The three share breakfast as friends, and Jonathan takes Van Helsing to the train station. Van Helsing is distracted by an article in the Westminster Gazette and fears that events are accelerating more quickly than anticipated. Dr. Seward was settling into acceptance of Lucy’s death, when Van Helsing paid him a visit, asking what he made of the “Bloofer Lady” article in the Westminster Gazette. Seward noted the details about the wounds on the children’s necks being similar to that on Lucy, but he could not detect the cause.  Van Helsing loses some patience, demanding to know why scientists claim that nothing exists that science cannot explain, and why Seward disbelieves anything metaphysical. He lists a bewildering number of examples until Seward is exasperated, and begs Van Helsing to speak plainly, and he will not let previous prejudice cloud his logic. Van Helsing explains that the wounds in the children’s throats did not come from the same source attacked Lucy, but from Lucy herself. Seward is staggered by the claim, but Van Helsing suggests that they should investigate, starting with the injured child, who is currently being treated by a mutual friend, Dr. Vincent.  The two met with Dr. Vincent who tells them that he suspects a wild animal, perhaps a bat bred from a foreign source, inflicted the wound. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
29m
25/09/2024

Dracula Episode: September 25th

Episode Synopsis: A reporter for the Westminster Gazette writes about children who have gone missing while playing on Hampstead Heath, and have been found later, sometimes the next day, with wounds on their throats. All of these children have given the excuse that they had been lured away by “The Bloofer Lady”. Whether this is true, or an excuse that the other children picked up after the first occurrence is unknown, as the children have taken to playing the popular “Bloofer Lady” game amongst themselves while playing on the Heath. The reporter exclaims in an extra special that another child has been found injured, weakened, and emaciated. “The Bloofer Lady” was again given as cause. Mina anxiously awaits the visit from Van Helsing. Her mind is filled with the horrors of Jonathan’s Journal, and while she knows she is to speak with Van Helsing about Lucy, she hopes for a chance to get his opinion of Jonathan’s experience. Van Helsing arrives ask Mina if she might explain her vantage of the incident of Lucy’s sleepwalking to the churchyard. Mina mystifies Van Helsing by giving him her shorthand diary for a moment before producing her typewritten account. Van Helsing is overjoyed with the evidence that he is able to derive from her words, and praises her immensely, offering his services whenever she might need them. Mina takes this opportunity to ask him to help her with Jonathan’s sickness. After assuring Mina that he will not judge her and Jonathan, he takes Mina’s typewritten version of Jonathan’s Journal with him so he may read it and then discuss it with Mina and Jonathan at lunch tomorrow. Van Helsing writes to Mina that Jonathan’s account is true, and that he can certify before meeting him that Jonathan’s mind is sound. He praises that Jonathan’s account has provided rich detail that he had been needing. Mina writes back to Van Helsing exclaiming delight that Jonathan is sane. She says that Jonathan will be home earlier than expected, and asks Van Helsing to please come to breakfast instead of lunch. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
21m
22/09/2024

Dracula Episode: September 22nd

Episode Synopsis: Following the funeral of Mr. Hawkins, Mina and Jonathan take a walk through Hyde Park Corner. Jonathan undergoes a sort of trance as he sees a man intently watching a pretty woman, following her when she leaves. Jonathan proclaims that the man is the count, who has grown young again. Mina leads him away, and he falls asleep, awaking without memory of the encounter. Mina determines that she must find a time and read Jonathan’s travel journal to discover what horrors lie therein. When Mina and Jonathan return to Exeter, they discover a telegram from Van Helsing telling them that Lucy and her mother are both dead. It is with a heavy heart that the gentlemen friends of Lucy leave the cemetery where she and her mother are interred. Arthur speaks with guests about the blood transfusion he underwent on Lucy’s behalf, unaware of the other men who donated their own. He comments that he felt as though he and Lucy were married in the eyes of God. Once alone in the carriage with Dr. Seward, Van Helsing breaks down into a mixture of laughter and sobs. Dr. Seward is alarmed at the impropriety of laughter at such a morbid time, but Van Helsing explains that during times of great stress, it is a merciful laugh that breaks the strain, a laugh that cannot be stopped. He tells Seward that he cares for Arthur in his time of need more strongly because arthur reminds him of his own dead son. However, Van Helsing was struck by Arthur’s comment about the blood transfusion, because it would imply that Lucy was in fact “married” to all of them. Van Helsing tells Seward that he must return to Amsterdam to attend to some business, but then he will return to take care of further matters here. Seward concludes his diary, heartbroken with the loss of his love. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
16m
20/09/2024

Dracula Episode: September 20th

Episode Synopsis: The doctor that Seward had placed in charge of the asylum in his absence, Dr. Patrick Hennessy, writes to Seward describing an unfortunate incident regarding Renfield. Renfield had been witnessed shouting obscenities at some workmen who were retrieving some heavy wooden boxes from the neighboring Carfax Estate. When the men were preparing to leave, Renfield escaped from his room and attacked the men, almost killing one. He struggled against the attendants who managed to restrain him. The workmen were angry about the incident, but calmed down after Hennessy bought them a round of drinks and paid them a sovereign a piece to forget about the incident. Their names were recorded for future reference. Van Helsing, Seward, and Arthur trade turns watching over Lucy as she nears the end. Seward finds it perplexing that when asleep, Lucy pulls the garlic away, and when she awakens, she draws it close. Her teeth continue to look longer and sharper than usual. Van Helsing removes the scarf around her neck and discovers that the wounds on her throat have completely disappeared. He calls for Arthur to be brought in, as he believes Lucy is nearing the end. Arthur tries to comfort Lucy, but Van Helsing will not let him kiss Lucy on the lips. Lucy undergoes a change, actively seducing Arthur to kiss her, but Van Helsing forcefully keeps Arthur back. Lucy regains herself, thanking Van Helsing, and asking him to bring her peace. She closes her eyes and breathes her last. Lucy’s funeral is arranged for the following day so that Lucy might be buried with her mother, and so that Arthur may return to Ring immediately after to continue arrangements for his own father’s funeral. Rather than decay, Lucy’s body appears more luminous and beautiful in death such that the men can scarcely believe she has passed. Van Helsing insists upon looking over Lucy’s recent papers so as to prevent any critical or implicating information from being witnessed out of context. Once Mrs. Westenra’s solicitor had been notified of his client’s passing, Van Helsing and Seward check in on Lucy’s presentation. Van Helsing places garlic flowers among Lucy’s bouquets and a golden crucifix over Lucy’s lips. Van Helsing stops by Seward’s room and asks Seward to procure tools such that he might remove Lucy’s head and heart. Seward objects to such desecration, but admits that he called Van Helsing because his methods are true. As Seward bids goodnight to Van Helsing, he is touched by the sight of one of Lucy’s maids entering her burial chamber to pay final respects. The following morning, Van Helsing reveals that the maid had been robbing Lucy’s corpse and had stolen the golden crucifix that had been placed over her lips. As a result, Van Helsing’s ghastly desecration of Lucy would be postponed. Seward meets with Mr. Marquand, Mrs. Westenra’s solicitor, who explains that Mrs. Westenra had all her affairs well in order, leaving everything to Arthur. Arthur arrives to bid farewell to Lucy, and breaks into tears on Seward’s shoulder, disbelieving that she is truly dead. After the undertakers seal up Lucy’s coffin, Van Helsing asks Arthur for permission to hold and read Lucy’s private papers, to which Arthur acquiesces. For the remainder of the night, Van Helsing patrols the hallway beyond the burial chamber. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
40m
18/09/2024

Dracula Episode: September 18th

Episode Synopsis: A reporter for the Pall Mall Gazette investigates the case of a wolf that has escaped from the local zoo. She interviews Mr. Bilder, the zookeeper, to ask if he recalled anything suspicious surrounding the events. Mr. Bilder lays down some personal philosophy comparing the actions of humans and animals, and shares a few jokes with his wife before describing a man who had the animals upset the day before. Having described himself as being experienced with wolves, he brazenly petted Biserker, a ferocious-looking, but tame animal. That evening, Biserker was missing, and a zoo worker described seeing a large, grey dog through the bushes. As the reporter wraps up the interview, Biserker the wolf returns to Mr. Bilder's house. Dr. Seward realizes that he was supposed to be watching Lucy last night when a telegram arrives for him that should have been delivered the day before. He hurries to Lucy's house to check on her immediately. Van Helsing meets Seward shortly after he arrives to find no one to answer the door. The two break in through a window, and discover the four maids lying on the kitchen floor, having been drugged with laudanum. Seward and Van Helsing run upstairs and find Lucy's mother's body on the bed and Lucy near death. Seward wakes the maids who quickly draw a bath to warm Lucy back up again. Van Helsing and Seward agonize over how they can give Lucy more blood, depleted as they both are, when Quincey Morris, having arrived with a telegram from Arthur, steps in and donates his own blood for the necessary transfusion. Seward settles Quincey with a glass of wine. Van Helsing discovers a letter that dropped from Lucy while they were moving her into the tub, detailing the horrific events of the evening before. They decide to re-hide it in her bodice from whence it fell and not mention it when filling out Mrs. Westenra' death certificate, lest it create confusion. Quincy pulls Seward aside and asks him what could have drained Lucy of so much blood, recalling a vampire bat which once killed his favorite horse. Seward admits that he does not know, but he agrees to include Quincy in any and all further efforts to save Lucy's life. When Lucy finally awakes, she grieves for her dead mother. That night, Seward and Van Helsing are startled to discover her sitting up in her sleep, producing the paper from her bodice, and tearing it in half. Mina writes to Lucy telling her that Mr. Hawkins has died. The tragedy has impacted them both tremendously, but Jonathan in particular feels anxious about the responsibility that he must undertake in his work. Mina will try to visit Lucy when she and Jonathan are in London for Mr. Hawkins's funeral. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
33m
17/09/2024

Dracula Episode: September 17th

Episode Synopsis: Lucy remembers the pain of the last several weeks as though a bad dream. She gratefully rejoices in her comfort falling asleep without the need of supervision, despite the sound of angry flapping against her window. Professor Van Helsing, having need to return to Amsterdam, sends a telegram to Dr. Seward instructing him to visit upon Lucy to keep vigil or at least check to see that she has sufficient garlic placed as necessary. However, he fails to address the telegram correctly, causing it to be delayed by twenty-two hours, and thus not received by Dr. Seward in time. Lucy writes a memorandum in the event that she is unable to give account of the horrible happenings befalling her. She is awakened by the same frightening sound of flapping that has haunted her of late. She calls for help and hears an eerie howl outside her window. The sound awakens her mother who arrives to check on Lucy and rest with her a while. To their horror, Lucy’s window is shattered by an enormous wolf. Traumatized, Lucy’s mother grasps at random, dislodging Lucy’s protective necklace of garlic before succumbing to her mounting heart condition and dying in Lucy’s arms. Lucy is momentarily dazed by her mother’s body and a sort of intoxicating force, but is brought back to herself by the sounds of her maids arriving. The maids are horrified to discover their mistress dead, and Lucy insists upon their calming their nerves with some sherry from the kitchen. When they do not return, however, Lucy discovers that all four of her maids have been drugged with laudanum. Helpless, and all alone, Lucy hides her written account of the incidents inside her bodice before succumbing to the hypnotising trance of particles that spins around her in her bedroom. Follow us on Twitter.com/CryptiCanticles, Facebook.com/DraculaRadioPlay, and at crypticcanticles.com
16m