CARLO
This was my fathers gift, I remember it as if it was yesterday.
A large tortoiseshell comb adorned with rubies lies inside the box among the jewels. Carlo caresses it with his fingers
PETRO
Our poor mistress loved them so.
CARLO
And where is the necklace? The one that the American gave my mother?
Petro shudders
PETRO
You are mistaken, there never was such thing.
Carlo looks at him in surprise
CARLO
The snake-shaped one? Dont you remember?
Petro almost leaps from the couch
PETRO
Do you think I stole it?
CARLO
Dear God, of course not!
Petro paces the sitting room nervously
PETRO
Ive locked up both the Castle and the Hunting House. I will send the money to wherever you wish.
Carlo closes the jewelry box and rises from the couch
CARLO
That will not be necessary. Once I am married, I will go back home to the castle.
Petro shudders and waves his arms
PETRO
What? No, no you wouldnt dare!
CARLO
Why not?
PETRO
You must obey your mothers last wish.
CARLO
I am sorry, but my mind is already made up.
Petro falls to his knees and kisses Carlos hands
PETRO
At least wait for me, wait until Ive come back from Jerusalem, we will go there together.
INT-ENTRANCE TO THE CHAPEL-EVENING
Carlo inspects the chapels doors. They are sealed. The servants are crowded behind his back.
Carlo turns to his servants, confused
CARLO
What about my marriage? Open up the doors at once and start preparing for the wedding!
WORKER
But my Lord, Petro forbade us from opening the chapel!
Carlo shoots the worker an angry look
CARLO
Petro is not the master here. I expect you to remember it next time!
The servants attempt to open the door without success
WORKER
(guiltily)
The lock is sealed with some sort of resin.
CARLO
Then melt it! Resin should become liquid when treated with heat. If it doesnt work than break the door down for all I care. Take a whole wall down if you have to but have the chapel ready for my wedding!
A lighted torch is brought close to the door. The resin starts to melt and trickles to the floor.
The doors open and a dark hurricane rushes at the bystanders driving them to their knees. Black bat with glowing eyes is seen at the storms center
END OF THE MEMORIES
INT-HUNTING HOUSE, SMOKING ROOM-SAME EVENING
Harry, James and Georges have finished their cigars and whiskey and are slumped in their chairs, tired. Captain Wright is fast asleep.
Karl Ivanovich sits in his armchair, there is a pile of papers on the armrest. He puts the read sheet on his lap
GEORGES
So, what is the answer to the mystery?
Captain Wright snores in his chair
EXT-WITCHES VALLEY-SUMMER NIGHT
A large black bat flies from the side of the forest towards the castle.
The moon shines high in the night sky.
The lake is concealed in thick mist. Bellow the mist, the water is covered with white nenufares.