Dracula Lives#12(1975)

1597: Dracula writes in his diary, and has come to the decision that he will no longer play the part of the warrior prince or the defender of the people of Transylvania, deciding to forever embrace his vampiric urges and become a terror of the night, acting alone and needing nobody. Finishing his entry, he flies off in bat form to find another fresh victim to feed upon. As Dracula stalks the streets that night, a group of men cower in a nearby tavern, wondering what they can do to stop Dracula. A man named Durenyi tells them that they must take a course of action, and find a way to destroy Dracula so that they no longer have to live in fear. Getting the bar patrons' attention, they inquire what he means. Durenyi has theorized that Dracula must have some kind of weakness, and that perhaps the vampire lord has may have left these secrets written somewhere inside his castle. He tells all gathered that he is willing to break into Dracula's castle, and steal whatever he can find... for a price. They all agree and pay Durenyi his fee and he goes off to break into the castle. After Dracula feeds, he returns to his home, where ironically, he continues his diary and notes down some of his weaknesses -- particularly his aversion to religious symbols and the sun. Finishing his entry for the night, Dracula is about to retire to his coffin before the sun comes up. Having spied on Dracula, Durenyi sneaks into Dracula's study through a window and steals his diary. However, before he can escape he accidentally knocks over a vase, alerting Dracula to his presence. Dracula tracks Durenyi down and attacks, slashing Durenyi's face. Durenyi flees. When Dracula has Durenyi cornered in a dead end corridor, the thief pulls aside the blinds revealing the sun. To further compound the pain on Dracula, the cross shaped window frame causes Dracula additional agony. Having been tipped off to at least two of Dracula's weaknesses, Durenyi smashes the glass in the window and escapes into the daylight. Furious, Dracula vows to get revenge against Durenyi. Continued in part 2....