Editors’ note: The character who kills Dracula at the end of Bram Stoker’s classic novel is Quincey Morris, a Texan who does the job with a bowie knife. Our serialized novel tells his story—and that of his famous blade. For more on this project, read our introduction . To see the chapters that we’ve published so far and sign up to be notified when new chapters publish, click here .

The Valley of Mexico, 1452

Up the steps of the great pyramid came the procession in the dying light of the day. An arthritic priest led the way, followed by four younger and stronger priests dressed in the finest feathers and jewels. They carried a young woman from a high-born family on a litter bedecked with marigolds. This was no ordinary festival. Times had been hard. Crops failed, children died of hun

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