Listen, good gentlemen, let me tell you about the horrors at our castle. I, Thomas, a shepherd from the settlement below the castle, have seen how our home has changed into a dwelling of darkness.

A few months ago, night engulfed the castle like a black cloak. He came without warning - Count Dracula. One night he appeared, and before the rooster crowed, the castle fell silent. No light in the windows, no smoke from the chimneys. Our knights were away at that time - Lord William, Sir Conrad, Lady Elizabeth, and brave Sir Henry. Four valiant protectors of our region. If they return, they will find only an empty courtyard and closed gates, and if they don't return soon, we in the settlement below will be doomed.

Screams echo from the castle every night, making my blood freeze in my veins! All who remained there are imprisoned in dungeons, poor wretches. Dracula drains them like a spider does flies, slowly taking their blood, drop by drop. And what's worst, my lords, when their last drop of life is gone, they themselves become undead! Holy Virgin, protect us!

At night I dream, terrible dreams, about our knights penetrating the castle. I see them bravely scaling the walls and disappearing inside, as if darkness itself swallowed them. I pray for these visions every night until my knees bleed from kneeling. In my dreams, they search for the count to pierce his black heart before it's too late. Each day the prisoners grow weaker, their cries quieter.

But the castle, gentlemen, the castle is no longer safe! Corridors change before your eyes as in a feverish dream, monsters with fangs sharp as daggers lurk in the shadows. In my nightmares, I've seen people coming out with empty gazes and pale faces - they were no longer people, but vampires! I make the sign of the cross at this place, by all the saints!

Time runs quickly, good gentlemen, faster than a spooked horse! If the knights don't return soon and find and kill Dracula before the full moon, all prisoners will turn into undead. Each hour is more precious than gold in the royal treasury.

The Count keeps his sarcophagus hidden deep in the bowels of the castle, in the blackest darkness. There he rests during the day, there he is most vulnerable like a snake without scales. But the path to him leads through rooms full of his servants and traps that would drive even the bravest man insane!

And so we wait here in the settlement below, with eyes toward the towers, praying for our saviors and hoping that the next sunrise will illuminate a castle freed from Dracula's curse. Every evening we light candles in our windows so they can find their way home.

Wait... as I look at you... your faces seem familiar to me. Those eyes... that figure... No, it's not possible. Surely I'm just imagining that you resemble our brave knights. Forgive an old shepherd his foolish thoughts. Fear and sleepless nights cloud my vision.

But remember - one bite is enough, one sip of your blood, and you will become what you swear to destroy! Carry a cross and garlic with you, and when you see holy water, collect it like the most precious treasure! An ash stake through the heart is the only salvation for those who have already fallen to darkness. God help you, whoever you are.