Die Schlangengrube und das Pendel

The plot chronology is set in the 18th century and the probable story location is Germany. Baroness Lilian von Brabant and her lawyer Roger Mont Elise receive an invitation to the Blood Castle, in Sander Valley, where a large inheritance is awaiting the baroness. Both decide to go; the Baroness because of the inheritance and Roger seeing a chance to get more information regarding his birth. Upon arriving at the valley, they meet the monk Fabian with a proclivity for profanities who offers to assist them in finding their way to the castle, the place where, forty years ago, Count Regula had murdered twelve virgin maidens, in an attempt to use their blood to achieve immortality. However he was one maiden short of his goal, and he was drawn, quartered and beheaded for his crime. As he was dying, the Count threatened revenge against those responsible for his death.