After all those centuries, I never thought my cursed life would have a turn such as this. I always did my best to avoid anyone's business and kept my opinions to myself. Until one vampire thought killing an innocent young woman because she knew too much of our existence and magic. Not for her blood or something that motivates to turn her into a vampire but the plain and frightening reason to know from a vampire; spilling more innocent blood.

From where I stand that goes against my sense of justice. Even in my human days I would have said the same and done the same; trying to protect the human at all cost. That is what I am doing now for about a year, in addition it turns out it is not some ‘human’ but a guardian of magic. Not to mention the magic itself pointed that it is my ‘destiny’. Well, I see it as that it chose me.

Irony has it that I never believed in destiny or fate. I always decided my actions through my mind and heart. I suppose I should have seen it coming since I made the ruthless deal with a damned demon. Alas, I was blinded by revenge and caught in a desperate situation. I wonder? Did those thoughts and emotions over take not only me but further vampires as I spread the venom?

Now, after many centuries I’ve learned many things in life and situations. Not only the latest inventions known to man, newest medicine or basically facts to gather in acknowledgement but things that reside within me. As a fact, my appearance will never change while the rest does. I’m not the person I was before.

Sorry, I’m wandering off the path of my story and history. Back to the guardian that I am protecting for about a year. The guardian’s name is Megan O’Brien and she’s from Ireland. Luckily no relative of Bram Stoker who wrote his crazy version of me. Well, slightly crazy but filled with one or two correct facts. If you think the infamous vampire hunter Van Helsing exists I suggest you grow up. He never existed but vampire hunters did. They’re a rarity in today’s time because many humans put in their mouth, “there’s no such thing as vampires.” If I got this right the 1720s were the most flourishing years with vampire hunting and other dark creatures that feast on the living.

There I go again. It’s a blessing and a curse to have great knowledge. I presume to explain the situation as clear as possible I’ll bring you to the beginning how it started, how the vampire noticed the human and I getting involved into it.

 

It was a warm summer night in Brasov, Romania and I was hunting. A warm summer breeze passed through the entire town. In the distance, I heard few cars honk, a siren of the police and a few drunken people singing. In silence, I overlooked a part of the city from a roof of an old house. Not far away I heard a usual sound and a familiar one. Someone was walking in a quick pace towards the street that I directly overlook, without a doubt a woman wearing high-heels. After a moment or two the woman paced down the street. What made it out of the ordinary was that she always threw a brief and worried glance over her shoulder. Shortly after her followed a dark hooded man at a certain distance in a calm pace. His eyes remained focused on the woman which looked very suspicious. As he passed I leaped down, landing silently on my feet and began to walk the same direction. I have decided to follow the man. I know the woman made a wrong turn because this street leads to a dead end and a suspicious man following. You know how it can turn out.

AH!

It was the cry of the woman. I ran to where it came from. The hooded man held a butterfly knife to the woman’s neck and pushed her against the wall. “Now stop shouting. The night is young to share and have small pleasures, zahăr (sugar).” Spoke the man in Romanian with an evil grin and was about to lay a hand on her.

“Indeed the night is young but for different pleasures flăcău (lad).” I interrupted.

He looked at me for a moment with widened eyes as if he had seen a ghost.

Always the same expression when I catch them red-handed. It looks hilarious and pathetic to me. I could laugh but from the situation there is nothing to be laughing about actually.

“You’d better be walking home or I’ll have something to cut.” Noted the man aggressively while pressing the blade closer to the woman’s neck. Without a doubt a threat.

“On the contrary.” I sighed with a grin. “It will be I who’ll do the cutting here.”

“Are you the police?” His eyes scanned me from head to feet.

“No. I’ll let you live if you let the woman go unharmed.”

He laughed. “How will you kill me? I see no weapons in your hands.”

I only grinned. His question will be answered sooner than he’ll think.

He slowly made space from the woman yet keeping his sharp knife pointed to her. He senses there is more than to what meets the eye, although my appearance is normal like any human with pale skin, dark thick eyebrows and short dark hair reaching the shoulders. Odd that many women are attracted to me but it is the vampirism that does that effect.

In my vampiric speed, which is fast as lightening to human’s eye, I ran towards the woman grabbing her by the waist and brought her over to the save side. She immediately sprinted out of sight. You can’t expect a simple thank you lately.

“Why you devil!” The man shouted angered and threw his knife aiming at my stomach.

If I stood still it would have pierced my stomach. As a vampire with extremely high senses and reflexes the knife came at a slower speed like a ball in a game. I dodged the knife with a backward duck like you might have seen in the movie ‘Matrix’.

The hooded man was frozen in awe as I stood up right again. I smiled and with my great speed I leaped on him like a tiger. Before he realized what was happening my fangs pierced into the warm flesh on the neck.

From this moment, I savored the warmth of the blood, its taste and how it provided me not only new strength but life. Not. If you expected me to be a sadist and bloodthirsty vampire, nope. Never was that type from the beginning. Why and how? My history will show it in good time, this story that you’re witnessing.

If you paid close attention you would be wondering why I gave the hooded man a chance to run? I wanted to give him the chance to live but it turned out taking his life. That what I so vainfully hoped for. A lawbreaker turning good and me finding a way out of this hellhole of immortality or at least a better method to gain strength. I’ve tried more than once animal blood but it does not help. All vampires need to feed of human blood. Hell, I once even tried ketchup and tomato juice, it made no difference.

For as long I can remember being a vampire, I’ve made few rules. First, never take an innocent soul or a child. Second, take only the life of lawbreakers and third, keep my real identity deep within me. Let no one know that I am the first vampire and that my name is Dracula.

Amusing that I am sharing all this to you. Irony in life I suppose? A hint, irony is a close friend of death so no wonder it appears here often.

Once I’ve drained the man to the point of death I quickly sprinkled few drops of ethyl alcohol over his body and lit it. That is the way how I handle with dead bodies in today’s time. In order to keep my existence in secret, “we vampires do not exist to the human eye.”

I’ve said that more than I can count to fresh born vampires who abandoned or were from their master. Although I kept to myself and avoided meddling on other’s business they asked for help. Like children, they still had a spark of human and hence innocence in them. Exactly the reason besides the blood why many vampires like humans, some even play with them. It would be lie if I said I never played with humans. There was a time but now I’ve learned not to do it anymore. Plus, I don’t feel comfortable being around humans and with vampires the same. I prefer to be alone.

NO!

It was a helpless cry of a man not far from here. Quickly as possible I followed from where it came. In a further dark alley lay a man on his back, staring awe struck to the sky with widened eyes. His neck was covered with blood. A quick death without a doubt. His heart just stopped few minutes ago. Performing CPR is now too late I’m afraid. Immediately I noticed the familiar marks and the air carried an interesting scent. A vampire with a considerable age but younger than me and is very close-

“Closer than you think.” Whispered a manly voice with an Oxford, British accent from above on the roof. He leaped down and slowly walked towards me with an evil smile. I stood up and faced him, not knowing if he has something in his mind with me or that is his teasing manner. “Vlad, it’s an honor to meet you personally. The eldest, the first vampire.” He spoke with an element of excitement.

This proves he can read minds. “You know me well but I don’t know your name.” I kept my distance from him.

“Call me Richard. I have hoped to meet you someday.” He continued to smile the same evil smile. He has short, straight, blonde hair reaching to his slightly pointed ears. The slight pointed ears are an obvious mark of a vampire; allow to hear better like bats. Including the sapphire blue eyes with sliced pupils of a cat’s and pale complexion like every vampire has, only the shaved yaw is by him so. He was about same as tall as I am. “There is something I’d like to discuss with you, privately.” He noted to me with a calmer and serious tone. His hands were folded behind his back.

I nodded in response. “Where would you suggest a suitable place to discuss privately?”

“Follow me. It’s not far from here.” He grinned very broad and jumped up to the roof again. He looked back, waiting for me to follow.

With a sigh, I followed him. Not very long Richard and I found ourselves in the courtyard of the castle Bran where I once spend a night in my human days. Our privacy will not be interrupted till breaking dawn.

“You’ve surly noticed that I have the ability to read minds.” Richard leaned against the stony wall with crossed arms and still grinning annoyingly to me.

“I never would have come to that thought.” I said sarcastically.

He chuckled. “Well, two days ago I was in the airport of Bucharest to check out when I saw an interesting young woman waiting for her bags. She had long flaming red hair, pale complexion with freckles, grass green eyes and carrying a mouthwatering perfume. What really caught my attention was not only the perfume but the reason why she came here to Romania.” He paused. “She believes there is such thing as vampires and above all magic. Holding a very clear proof what she had witnessed the other day in northern England.”

I understood what was explained but I did not clearly see the problem out of all this.

“What I’m trying to say is that we don’t exist to the human eye, right? She is a threat to us with her knowledge. The best option that I see would be killing her.”

“Pardon? Did you say killing her?”

Richard laughed. “Oh, how funny you can think Vlad. I have to comment your opinion. Yet you are the eldest, you still think naïvely like a youngling.”

“At least I know what I am doing while I think you’ve lost your mind. Having this terrible pleasure to kill innocent livings or even destroy them!” I remarked concerned.

“Well, I’ve had a rough childhood. Everything was taken away from me that was precious and time changes a man, Vlad.”

Indeed. Time does change a man but having a difficult childhood is no excuse. No one is too old to learn something new. No matter as an immortal or not. “Killing or mainly violence is never the right answer. You will never have anything that is precious in your hands ever again if you continue like this. Things never come the same way twice.”

“Quite on the contrary, it’s what brings me closer to. Don’t be so melancholy. You yourself did nice ‘impalement’ when you were human once. Just a small deed and then we have no more problems. It’s all over within a heartbeat. It’s only one human.” Explained Richard cheerfully.

Only one human? So, that’s how Richard see it. I shook my head and without another word I left him. I did not want to hear of it anymore. Arguing with him seems hopeless; he is too stubborn. I accept what I’ve done as a human but now it is different. I am a vampire living in the 21st century and have learned over the centuries many things. I have become wiser and more cautious including more serious at certain situations such as now.

2: Chapter 2

Ever since the discussion with Richard I’ve kept myself away from him however I could. I did not want to be involved in this in any way and hoped that another vampire might see it similar as I and take action. Richard tried to talk me into it and join him or at least give the information. How dare he tries to pull me into this situation when he knows my answer.

In order to shake off those angered thoughts I’ve decided to take a long walk in the forests that surrounds Brasov. The summer weather was alright at times as the sun was behind clouds and a gentle breeze blew by. I tried to forget by focusing on the sounds I heard and the scents I smelled around me while walking in a leisurely pace with my hands in my trouser pockets. The familiar warm earthly smell revived old memories of the past that I wanted to forget too; painful memories. I sighed and halted. Slowly looking up beyond the tree’s branches onward to the grey sky. I closed my eyes to focus harder on what was around me.

Suddenly I heard something faint from afar. Something quick, heavy then followed by something even faster. No. It can’t be. Someone’s running; chased. Immediately I opened my eyes and followed the sound. Curiosity got the better of me but at the back of my mind I hoped it was not that what Richard told about. While running closer I noticed the one chased tries to head closer to the city, quickly I jumped up a tree to get a better view of the chased one. A breeze of wind passed me. I froze in awe of realization as I sensed it and saw it with my own eyes. Vampires chasing a red-haired woman, running as fast as her legs can carry. She was breathing heavy and drops of sweat were visible above her brow.

Suddenly she tripped over one of many roots. Rapidly I stood in front of her so that she won’t get any further ideas of running and a good chance to protect her. The vampires behind her came to a halt as they were about few meters away from her. To a human without the knowledge it may appear somewhat friendly and a chance to escape but in truth, it is life threatening. The human and my eyes met. They were green as Richard described. No, is it her? “Are you alright?” I asked because I felt her fear almost breaking out in panic.

“Y- yes.“ She answered insecure in English while getting back to her feet.

“What is all this?” Demanded a familiar voice I knew too well. If I had a beating heart it would have raced in rage.

“I was about to ask the same question, Richard.” I recalled.

It seems Richard is the leader of a small group of vampires. From their faces and the minimal scent of age, told clearly that they all were from a different century and hence younger than me.

Richard chuckled, “Oh Vlad, always being serious and curious, now is it? You know perfectly what I was doing.”

“Then you know what I’m doing. You can read minds so read mine.” I snarled through clenched teeth, stepping in front of the woman to protect.

Richard began to grin very broad and devilishly. His typical grin. “Why don’t you just hand her over and I won’t bother you anymore?”

“Why do you want her besides her knowledge?” My hands balled to fists in anger.

“I believe you see it clearly.” Answered Richard grinning and looking over my shoulder to the woman behind me.

Her heart raced as before. She’s afraid. “That is no reason-”

“Why don’t you do it yourself if you don’t accept my way of doing it?” Snapped Richard angered at me.

“Enough! You see it as clear as I do. There is another way!”

“What? Changing her?”

“You know what I mean.” I reminded with squinted eyes.

“Yes, I see. Do your thing to the woman and after that I would be much obliged you give her to me.”

“Leave Richard! You’re wasting your time here.”

“Damn right you are but I won’t leave without the girl!”

“I’m afraid you have to, Richard.”

“Very well.” He sighed with a broad grin. “Tell me how it went and tasted.” The last word came over in a whisper from Richard’s lips but he whispered it loud so that the woman heard it too.

Once he and his men left and were out of sight. I stepped away from her and kept my back to her. There is now no turning back. I can’t just leave her here on her own. Richard will surely return soon for her again. Apparently, he only told it to his group members who are at his side and me, the only one at the other side. I sighed to the thought. Damn him, he’s leaving me no other choice. “Miss, I wish I could explain to you that there is no reason to be afraid of me but there is. All vampires are nightmarish creatures, made to kill and place fear into other people’s hearts. I am not here to kill you nor do I expect to gain your trust.”

I heard movement from behind me and her heart beating wild of fear. The usual rhythm that I hear. I wish there was a simple way to prove that I mean no harm. “I mean you no harm. I’m one of those who believe that solving a problem can be done without harming or killing.”

“You- you’re one of them, aren’t you?” She stuttered quietly with a thin Irish accent. Oh dear, I hope she is not a member of Bram Stoker’s family?

“Yes, a vampire.” I slowly turned around to face her. She has some courage for a human being.

“Are- are you going to kill me?” She asked frightened.

“No.” I shook my head with a brief smirk. “If I had that in mind, you would have been dead by now.” She looks different than I have imagined. She possesses a special beauty, long, curly, red hair rolling over her slim shoulders. Her pale complexion is nearly as fair like a vampire’s only with freckles. I have to admit she is beautiful; her figure is slim and is almost a head smaller than me by height.

For a long moment, she was silent in fear but did not run away. “So, you know why I am here?”

“Yes, I know why you are here. That’s the reason why I saved you from Richard.”

She took a step closer. I was surprised that she dares to come nearer. She looked intense at my face. “I don’t know why. Strangely, I have this feeling that we’ve already met before.”

Don’t let it be reincarnation of one of my family members. I hope she is just a bit in a shock after what just happened. “We’ve never met before.” I reminded and kept a good distance from her.

She blinked, placing a hand to her forehead. Took another uneasy step towards me. I heard her pulse regular as well as her breathing. Suddenly she lost her balance. I was fast enough to catch her from falling. Her eyes were closed and the rest of her body was relaxed. She must have fainted.

Waking her up does not help much at the moment and she needs to get over with the shock. Gently I placed her on ground while beginning to search through her pockets to find further clues about her. Quickly I found a house key with a label of the address. It’s a village not far from here. I carried her in my arms to that village, from there I followed my senses and hoped to find the right place. Soon I found myself in front of a door of a farmer by the name ‘Moari’. Pressed the doorbell and waited patiently. Movement was heard from within the house and few short shouting about who should get the door. Not very long the door opened. An elderly man with white hairs behind the ears and large glasses glared at me. The first few seconds his reaction was annoyed and then it rapidly turned to surprise or even awe as our eyes met. His yaw dropped. Why this sort of reaction? Of course, how can I be such a fool and not noticed it earlier? Moari were once successful and famous vampire hunters. One of their family members succeeded catching me but I got away. But on second thought, how can this elderly man remember? He wasn’t even born at that time.

“What is it father?” Asked a woman in Romanian tongue and approached.

“He-! It’s him! Sonya, it’s him!” The elderly gasped and began to find his words. Pointing a trembling finger to me. Tenderly Sonya led him inside and quickly turned to me. Her eyes slightly widened of shock as she saw the woman in my arms. Finally, some common sense for a change. “That’s Megan! What happened to her?”

Oh boy, now I need to come up with some story and fast. The truth won’t do any good. “I found her in the forest. She simply collapsed of exhaustion.”

“Please come in, I have a spare key to her room. Just follow the flight of stairs to the very top.” She ushered. “Thank you for your help mister …”

“Just call me Vlad if I may call you Sonya?”

She smiled “Of course. Thank you, Vlad.” She unlocked the door and held it open.

Gently I placed Megan upon her bed.

“How is she? Is she badly hurt?”

“Nothing serious. Best would be letting her rest.”

“Are you a doctor?” Sonya asked astounded.

“Yes.” Dare she would ask to take a look on the old man.

“Well, could you please take a look on my father? The man you met first at the door. His cough has gotten worse this season. He coughs up blood. Many say he’ll die some time this year.” Sonya paused and bit her lower lip while fighting her tears. “I know he’s old and we all die someday but I want to hear it from a professional. I have some gold to pay.” She grasped to her golden necklace with a pendant.

La naiba (Dammit). This sounds serious and only bad news. I took a deep breath and looked to her. “Very well and payment is not required for this. You can keep your gold.”

Her dark brown eyes glistened with amazement. “O- Ok. Come with me. He’s down stairs in the living room.” She walked ahead down the stairs.

I followed her down to the living room. The room was dimly lit with two petroleum lamps. One petroleum stood on a small wooden table used as a desk. The other stood on the floor before a large bookshelf. The floor was covered by multiple carpets, overlapping one and another. The curtains were drawn and hence the darkness. Well for a vampire like me nothing’s too dark to not able to see. The room reminded me of the 1880s. In that time, I traveled a lot around the world.

“Father? Where are you? I can’t see you in this utter darkness. Father?” Sonya walked into the room.

Suddenly the curtains were drawn back. Sonya gasped and squinted her eyes while holding up an arm to protect. I barely gave off a reaction because I knew he stood there. His heart gave it away.

“Ha! So, you are one! Just as I thought!” He walked up to me with a silver crucifix at hand and at the other a ring of garlic. Oh please, didn’t he learn that from his ancestors?

“Father? What’s wrong with you? There’s no such thing as vampires. This man here is a doctor who will take a look at you without any payment. Please behave, father.” Sonya took the objects out of her father’s hands and placed them on the table. After turning off the lamps Sonya walked up to me. “Do you need anything?”

“Ask your father if he wants you beside him while I diagnose him.” I suggested calmly.

She turned to him. “Go on girl. I’ll be fine.” He gestured her to exit the room.

I was for a brief moment surprised that he sent her away. In a clam manner, I explained the usual procedures that any doctor would explain to the patient before diagnosing them. Gently checked his pulse from the wrist with help of my Swiss watch. They resulted regular for his age. Then asked if he could remove his t-shirt so that I can inspect his lungs closer. Without hesitation, he removed it, as I touched his shoulders he shuddered.

“Like all the other doctors, you’ve got cold hands.” He remarked. I gave a slight nod in agreement. “Yours are colder compared to others. Cold like the dead, like a vampire.”

“So?”

“But you’re not any blood thirsty vampire. You’re the one from this land, Dracula.”

“Then your grandfather told you about me. The time when many said the opposite of today.”

He scoffed. “Stefan Moari, the one and only vampire hunter who was able to catch you and live to tell the tale.”

“Exactly but there is one important piece that you oversaw and I’m sure your grandfather told it to you more than once. Out of all possibilities, chances and choices I had of killing him. I let him live. Unharmed and without a scratch. Doesn’t that strike odd for a blood thirsty vampire like me?”

He froze and stared at me with widened eyes.

“Just like now. Out of all chances I can kill you now but I won’t and don’t want to. Just between you and me, I never wanted this immortality in the first place.” I whispered with a grin and headed out the room. “You may put on your shirt.”

Suddenly I felt a warm hand gripping my wrist. I turned around, he looked at me. He remained silent but in his eyes, I saw what he wanted to say. They were filled with sorrow and shame. Ashamed because of the blindness. That blindness is mostly found amongst humans, especially vampire hunters. Only able to see their terrible loss and their endangerment.

“P- please, don’t tell anything to my daughter of my condition. I know I am a dying man but I don’t want her to worry.”

“Fine but she knows that you’re dying. She noticed that you’re coughing blood. Luckily it’s not tuberculosis fore it would have infected her too. You need to tell it to her.”

He loosened his grip and gave a nod in agreement.

I nodded back as a gesture to bid farewell and walked out the room. Sonya wondered about her father. I suggested to ask him personally and walked up to Megan’s room. She was still unconscious on her bed. Her pulse sounded regular and stable. I took the liberty opening a window to let in some fresh air. A warm summer breeze blew in and blew few sheets off of a table. As I quickly picked them up the curiosity got the better in me and looked at them. They were photographs. Photographs of oddly shaped stones placed in a circle and totally surrounded in green grass. I’ve never seen them before and know for sure they do not exist in Romania. Then what do they have to do with vampires? Wait, could it be more, more as in its source? Magic?

Suddenly I heard soft groaning from behind me. Megan is waking up from her shock.

3: Chapter 3

She blinked while slowly sitting up. Suddenly our eyes met. Quick-witted Megan touched around her neck, to be sure she was not bitten.

I could have laughed to her reaction and tried to keep it within me, alas a smirk got away nevertheless. “Don’t worry. You’re not bitten. You’re perfectly fine, alive and human. You fainted and I carried you back here.” I leaned against the table and rested my hands at the edge of it.

“How- how do you know where I live?” She blinked amazed at me.

“It’s not relevant at the moment.”

“Have I been bitten?”

“No. You’re still human. Thank god.”

“The chase! What happened to the others?”

“They’re gone at the moment.”

“At the moment? Will they come again?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Is my life in danger?”

With vampires? Always. “Since you started seeking after vampires.”

Her eyes widened again.

“There is one question that has been in my mind since I learned that you would be here because of vampires. Why are you seeking after them, one of the worst and most dangerous kinds? You’re no vampire hunter.”

“You’re right. I owe you an explanation. First, I want to thank you for saving my life.”

I gave a nod.

She took a deep breath. “It all started six months ago in Scotland. I am a hobby archeologist in the Celtic culture. There was a new ruin discovered. Built at about the same time like the Stonehenge. It was a new sort of ‘Stonehenge’; the circle is smaller than the real one. Those stones were engraved everywhere with spirals in different sizes. In total, there were two circles. The outer had twelve long single stones. The inner circle had very small stones at about the size of a soccer-ball.

One day as everything went according to plan and schedule, I decided to work a bit longer than the others did close before evening. As I wanted to tidy up and leave something extraordinary occurred.” She paused.

“A strong wind blew. Blowing all the plastic duvets away that lay over some stones for research reasons. I heard a roll of thunder from above. Suddenly a lightening hit the center of the circle. The spirals on the great stones began to glow very bright, like lightening itself. Out of curiosity, I dared a few steps closer. Four stones of the outer circle glowed the brightest. One in blue as the sea, one in green as a leave in spring, in orange as a hot blaze from the fire and last was in yellow as the sun. I believe they represented the four elements. Oddly I had this feeling it won’t do any harm to me. So, I came closer. A strong wind blew around me suddenly pushing me with considerable strength towards the center. As if a person was pushing me. I got frightened and wanted to run but the wind was too strong. The lights of the stones collected all together to one huge bundle, floating in the air like a ghost above the stones.

Never in my life was I ever so scared and helpless. The wind pushed especially my left arm forward. Pulling the sleeve up from my jumper. Quickly the floating light formed into some sort of a feather. Floating closer to my arm. As it touched my skin it burned like fire. Drawing the threefold of the Celtic symbols.” She paused and showed the mark what she described on her left bicep. Three spirals were connected together by a small triangle in the center. It looked like an ordinary tattoo only scared rather than in ink.

She continued. “It burnt like hell and once it was finished I fainted. As I came to everything was dark. At first I thought I dreamt all this but as I looked at my left arm. I realized this was no dream. I had witnessed with my own eyes true magic! After that day, I wanted to see more of it. The ruin made no reaction since. Yet I began to wonder and still now, why would it draw this symbol on my left arm? Why me? Do you know?” She asked.

I shook my head. “No. I know nothing.”

“But, don’t you have some sort of connection to it?” Megan wondered.

“How should I know?”

Megan remained silent for a moment to recollect herself and then continued. “I wanted to see more. The only question was, after what? What sort of creature? I thought it over very hard, so hard I had few sleepless nights. Just at the point when I was about to give up to think about it. An idea came to me, to be honest an absurd idea. I must have been crazy now when I look back. After that digging excavation where I had the opportunity to take pictures and write long reports. I came back home to my old town in Dublin, Ireland. I went back to my old routine. One day, knowing that a good friend has in a few days her birthday. I decided to buy a book. With no difficulty, I found the right book for her in a bookstore. I was then in no rush, so I looked around in case I might find an interesting book to read once in a while. As I came to the literature section, the idea came to me and here’s how it went. The first book that comes into my hand will be that what I’ll go after. No matter if it will be dangerous I’ll go for it. But I only judge the books by their covers and colours, not the title. After looking around that section, I stood in front of one shelf that was very colourful. I turned my head away and took one book from the shelf. As I saw what was in my hands, I was utterly surprised. It was the classical ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’. I thought about it. In my teen-age years, I was a vampire-fan. What do I really know of vampires? It turned out not much, just those that everyone knows. Like luring during night, drinking blood, have a horrible look and glare or detest garlic and can kill them by striking a wooden stave into their hearts. Well, I bought the book and read it. I wasn’t exactly sure where to start, so I decided to follow like in the book, to Romania. I booked a flight and now here I am.”

So, this explains everything. Good thing she told me the entire story and have now a better picture. I can follow now a few things from Richard but few facts do not match logically. It must be Richard’s way of thinking.

“Thank you again for saving my life. I wish I could give you something in return.” She thanked.

“Saying ‘thank you’ already suffices it. Alas, I have a feeling this is just the beginning.”

“You know how that other vampire thinks? What was his name, Richard?”

“Yes, Richard. I can not read minds but have a good mind for logical thinking and strategies.”

“Does he have a plan?” She asked curiously.

“I only know this for certain. He’s after you not only for your knowledge but your blood too. It is his sadistic nature.” I paused. “Knowing too much may seem harmless to you but to vampires it is not. Our existence is of vital importance. We vampires have to stay anonymous to the human eye because the humans won’t take us seriously if one tells. They would see us as dangerous mad person who is ready to go to the sanatorium or to be hunted down. Plus, we keep instinctively for ourselves what we are. That’s why many people say ‘there is no such thing as vampires’.”

“That explains a lot but if you’re saying that every vampire is like that then you’re different.”

“Different?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, I mean you could have given me some false information to keep me in the dark. Instead you’re honest and direct to the point.” She has a point, somehow. Suddenly she began to shake her head. “How could I be such an idiot? What was going through my head? I’d best be leaving as soon as possible.” She was about to get off her bed.

I stood up. “I’m afraid you can’t do that.” She halted and looked at me. “Richard would follow to the ends of the world if necessary to get you. His stubbornness is what makes him dangerous. You need protection, no normal human can beat a vampire. Therefore, I will protect you until it is over.” I explained in a calm tone. Barely believing myself what just came out of my mouth. I want her protected but not from me. In some way, she is annoying me.

“You’re. Helping. Me?” She stuttered in amazement.

I nodded, what choice do I have if I want her save and alive? My mind and heart say the same thing; this is the right thing to do.

Suddenly from downstairs I heard movement; someone was walking up the stairs followed by a knock at the door.

“Shall I open the door?” I asked politely.

“No thank you. I can do it.” She answered while jumping off from her bed and went to open the door. A young man told her that dinner would be ready in Romanian tongue. To my astounding, she answered in Romanian quite fluently back that she would come down in about 10 minutes and closed the door.

“It would be best that I leave now. I don’t want to keep you away from dinner.” I noted while heading to the window.

She looked at me surprised. “You’re leaving?”

I nodded and held out a hand to shake. “I wish you a good evening miss …”

She took my hand and shook. “Megan O’Brian, please call me Megan and you are?”

“Vlad.”

“Thank you for saving my life, Vlad. When will I see you again?” Megan asked.

“Soon.” I responded with a smirk and climbed out the window. Without a doubt, it will be fore I’m not leaving at all. Just being out of sight and keeping a very, very sharp eye.

This may all sound more like Sherlock Holmes but I did dress myself in disguises in my human days amongst my enemies to know their next action they tended to plot. Hiding in plain sight. It costs quite an effort but it’s worth it. Now in order to keep an eye on Megan, I took the liberty to disguise myself as an old man with a great big white beard and white hair. Wearing spectacles with a bent back and needing support of a walking stick. I agree dear reader that this sounds hilarious but it is the least expected. Not to mention it reminded me of a question that I asked myself often when I was a human. How would I look like when I become an old man? I will never know the answer. Anyway, keeping a sharp eye on Megan; she was in town doing some sightseeing and window-shopping while the weather was rainy. I decided to walk past behind her in my disguise, so that she does not notice of my following. Just as I was behind her she turned around quickly and walked into me because I was very close to her. I let myself fall to the ground like a human in that age would have reacted. Very slow, barely have a chance to react.

“Oh! I’m so, so sorry! I didn’t see you. Are you hurt?” Asked Megan worried in Romanian while helping me up carefully.

“Those youngsters nowadays are always in a hurry that I’m always left behind.” I complained like an old man with a croaking voice and waving a finger in the air as if to say ‘this was bad’. I walked away while pretending to talk to myself in a grumpy mood. In the nearest alley, I quickly turned around the corner and looked behind to see which direction Megan would go. She went down a street where no other person was seen at that time. There was only one option left how to follow her unnoticed down that street. I quickly jumped up to a roof and walked cautiously to the rim, overlooking the street. Not letting my eyes off her. Soon I noticed at the other end of the street two men walking slowly towards Megan. Damn! I’ve seen those faces before. They’re from Richard! La naiba! (Dammit!) Megan continues walking, what is she thinking?

As the two vampires were about three meters away from Megan they stopped and so did she. They began to talk to her and which topic? I’ll let you guess. Why is Richard not there in person? Oddly one vampire did the talking while the other just stood there watching Megan with a sly smirk. The one that talked had a thin Italian accent and very short coal black hair to a boyish haircut to the ears. He was not very tall from what I gather from the rooftop. I would guess about 1,65 meters. The other had red-brownish hair tied to a loose ponytail, I guess he could be from the 1770s due to his face and his height is way taller than the Italian.

Suddenly the two vampires took a step closer to Megan. Quick-witted I sprang down in my vampiric speed, within seconds I was in front of Megan. She looked at me confused because I was still in my disguise. Quickly I removed the beard, wig, hat and coat. The two vampires looked at me surprised so did Megan.

“Well, what a pleasant surprise seeing you doing the masquerade.” Noted the red-brown haired one with a thin German accent. He looks even taller than I have guessed, almost two meters. He looked down at me with a mocking smirk. The Italian covered his month with a hand to hold back a laugh. His height fitted to my guessing.

“Why are you doing this? Why can’t you just leave her alone?” I demanded. Not allowing the tall German make me feel small in any way.

“Didn’t you listen what Richard said few days ago to you?” Asked the German back.

“I remember it too well and I have listened but why do you have to do his work, when he can do it on his own? Is he afraid of me?” I smirked back.

The Italian who laughed suddenly stopped and looked at me with a killing glance. He was about to attack me when the German stood in his way and held him firmly by the arm. I hit a nerve. It seems they are quite close friends to have on each other such a firm control.

“Let it be, Michael. Remember what Richard said.” Reminded the German to Michael in a softer tone. “I have respects of you because you are the eldest. I’m giving you a chance to walk away, otherwise I’ll have to harm you which I do not desire.” Explained the German truthfully with a very serious expression that looked almost as if angered. His thin dark eyebrows were narrowed.

“I’m afraid that would be out of the question. I can’t let Richard have her.”

“Questo è tutto! (That’s it!)” Snarled Michael in Italian while running towards Megan and me in his high-speed head on.

Immediately I threw my coat like the Spanish Toro men would do it on the arena. Letting it cover perfectly his entire head as a distraction and an element of surprise to get away.

“Run!” I demanded to Megan and ran with her to the other end of the street. “Don’t look back!” I reminded as she was looking over her shoulder. I heard movement from behind. Suddenly the German appeared out of nowhere before us. We halted. I looked behind me. Michael was a few meters away pacing closer within seconds.

“We’re trapped!” Cried Megan helplessly and out of breath.

“Give it up! You can’t escape!” Sniggered Michael with a broad smile standing close behind us.

I looked around me to find another exit. Quickly I threw the hat like a disc or frisbee at the German’s eyes while Michael got the wig on his face. I quickly took Megan’s hand and ran past the German who got hit with the hat. Luckily that distracted him for a moment; giving a short cry of pain. Good thing I threw it as hard as I could. We ran as fast as possible; while running I began to think how to shake off the two vampires. Like lightening an idea came to me. Quickly I turned to a different street, heading directly to the Town-Hall Square. There are lots of people. There the vampires will have some difficulty collecting the scent of Megan and me. Once Megan and I were amongst the crowd. We stopped running but continued pacing so that we attract less attention. I searched around the environment to see where the other two would be. They were nowhere to be seen, at the moment. Have I lost them so easily? I looked to Megan to see if she was all right. She was alright only out of breath and a bit dizzy because of the speed. As my eyes were analyzing over the square a second time, at one corner I spotted them searching eagerly for us.

“Come on, this way.” I spoke in a softer tone. Guiding her towards a certain building with a shop. It was a souvenir shop, we entered.

“Why here?” Asked Megan.

“To make sure we’ve lost them.” I responded absent-minded while keeping an eye on the other two vampires outside. Hoping they would not come towards our direction.

“Are- are they still following us?” Megan gasped.

“I hope not.” We waited in silence; hiding behind few shelves and hoping not to see their faces. I always threw a brief glance to the window. I spotted them looking feverishly around themselves. They looked with squinted eyes for a long while. Soon they were out of sight but I was not totally convinced that they are completely gone. Cautiously I went out to see. It was all clear. Thanks to the crowd they lost our scent.

Suddenly the shop owner appeared asking us if we wanted something. I explained to him that we were only looking and took our leave.

“Come with me. I have my car parked in a parking lot not far from here.” I suggested which she accepted with a nod. As we arrived the parking lot Megan nearly tripped over. Luckily I was fast enough to catch her hand. “Megan! Are you all right?”

“Just a bit dizzy that’s all.” She spoke in a soft tone and was able to walk the last bit to my car. In the car, I seated her at the passenger’s seat. I checked her pulse once she was seated and leaning back. Nothing was wrong. I placed gently a hand on her forehead, no fever.

“Are you a doctor?” She whispered with half closed eyes.

“I was. Many years ago. Now rest. You need it. Don’t worry. I’ll stay with you until you’re awake.” I assured her.

“Thank you.” She whispered and closed her eyes.

4: Chapter 4

Megan was still resting as I brought her to my flat. I placed her gently on the sofa, covered her with a fleece blanket and prepared a bottle of water with a glass on the living room table.

If you think I like her, think again. To be honest, she still bothers me but nothing compared to Richard and his members. Alas they are willing to get her at all cost so it seems. Only because she knows of magic and her blood? Magic? I have heard over the centuries that few northern European folk have had a special connection with magic and nature combined. I think I have a book or two about it. I paced into my small library. It is a separate room built to be protected from fire and water. It has no windows and its walls are covered from the floor to the ceiling with shelves of books. My private collection over the centuries in addition few are older than myself. A mixture of fiction and non-fiction. Luckily I had about a year ago the time to organize them in alphabetical order. Soon I found the book I was looking for and paged the pages on the spot. This book is so old it has no clear index of contents. The internet won’t help in this situation. After almost paging through the entire book I found it, written in Latin. You would sigh of disappointment at this point. For me it is no challenge because I grew up learning that language among other things. From there on I forgot the time and was enticed by its content. Explaining about the Celts and its beliefs that are up held by druids including how Christianity was established from their religion. Interesting but what has it to do with magic? Did I take the wrong book or mistaken with another?

“H-hello.” Spoke a voice softly. I turned to the door. Megan stood there with the fleece blanket wrapped around her and a glass of water at hand. “Where am I?” She groaned lightly exhausted.

“In my flat.”

“Your flat! So- so you live here?” She blinked in disbelief.

“Yes.” I chuckled to her reaction. “Did you expect I’d live in a castle like in the movies and books?”

“To be honest, I did.” She slightly blushed in shame.

I scoffed. “Everything you know about vampires is an old wife’s tale. A myth.”

“I see.” She began to look around which I am not very comfortable with. Soon our eyes met. “I fainted, didn’t I?” Megan wondered slightly ashamed.

“Yes.” If I hadn’t known better she has some death wish but I know it’s not that. Humans are not accustomed to such speed, although they try to win against time.

“Are those all your books?” She asked astounded with a pointing finger to the books.

“Yes. Some are even older than me but they all contain important information and some that are believed to be long forgotten.”

“This is a treasure! Then you know things that others have long forgotten?” Gave Megan excited.

“Not exactly. Like every human I do need repetition to remember it all. Then again, there are certain things that better remain forgotten.”

“I see.” Noted Megan. “I remember asking you before I fainted if you were a doctor and you said ‘yes’. How did you become?”

I sighed while throwing a glance to the ground and placing gently the book on the nearest table. Sharing my past with someone is not exactly my thing but she shared hers so I shouldn’t make any excuses. “Normal medical studies what every medical student had to learn to become a doctor.”

“I mean when?” She shortly scoffed, realizing that her question was not enough in detail.

“Close before the Great War in Prussia, now called Germany.”

“Did you fight in World War I?” Megan wondered astounded, gripping the blanket.

“Indirectly, I was a military medic. The closest station from no man’s land, handling first aid and sometimes direct operations.”

“But as a vampire, didn’t you have difficulties dealing with the blood?”

“In the beginning it was hard. Through time I got used to it.”

Then Megan asked a question which I hoped she would never ask. “How are vampires exactly? You mentioned that everything what humans know is all wrong. What is then the reality by vampires?”

I sighed while crossing my arms. “I’m not entirely sure if I should. With Richard after you because of your knowledge. I’m not so sure if I should give you all the facts.” Then again what makes the difference? Nothing or everything in this case. “It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s more of the consequences. What might come after this trouble is over?” I pondered. Soon I saw a 50/50 percent chance and yet my mind and heart pointed to keep Megan in the dark. How about I’ll try it out and if this situation worsens then I give her the fullest information. This may appear somewhat cruel but believe me, it’s for the best. After all she’s been lucky until now; me being close by to rescue her.

“So, you’re keeping me in the dark? I’m not so sure that will do any good.” Megan noted.

I looked at her confused.

“Richard and his gang won’t stop until they got me. They will try to get me in many possibilities, right? So, in order to notice it on time I need to know what it is. A certain characteristic of a vampire or something in that direction.”

“An interesting thought but it would actually suffice with their faces. It’s least likely that they would use my methods.” I grinned of amusement.

“How can you be so sure that they won’t use your method?” Wondered Megan.

I sighed. “I suppose action will speak louder than words. Remind me when the moment comes.”

She laughed. “Indeed I will.” And walked away.

Slowly I’m beginning to have second thoughts about keeping her save but I need to get grip on myself. She’s not worth it to be killed only because she annoys me. I’m protecting her because I believe it is the right thing to do. Nothing more and nothing less.

After Megan had a goodnight’s rest and I had an agonizing search about magic among my books. I escorted her back to the village where she stays for the time being. It’s not very far from Brasov, with public transport you can reach it within 30 minutes but Megan insisted on walking because it was a warm sunny day. I hesitated at first out of security reasons but soon I accepted the cost. I quickly changed to some white long armed shirt, long black trousers and a grey fedora. It should suffice to protect me from the sun. My fedora has an extra wide rim for exactly this occasion. You believe I protect myself from the sun? Correct but not how you think you know. Let me put it this way, the sun can not kill me and it isn’t my enemy. The next logical thought would be, why protecting myself from it still? There is still a reaction when I come into contact with direct sunlight. It drains very slowly my strength; my powers are put to a halt meaning I can’t use them and my appearance is not what it seems. If you wonder about sparkling, grow up. True the human body contains minerals but not like that. I appear under the sun like a pitch-black shadow with visible eyes. Yes, a shadow with eyes. I don’t bother the draining and ‘cut off’ feeling. I savor the sun’s radiance. Alas there are many vampires out there that can do the same as me but they detest the sun and their strength is drained quicker than by me. In a way, I understand. We vampires are creatures of the night.

Suddenly a gust of warm wind blew to my face. It contained a mixture of many scents but one made me alert. I began to look around me.

“What’s the matter?” Wondered Megan concerned.

“Something’s not right.” I spoke softly and slightly absent-minded. Noticing the environment in fullest attention.

“Is it Richard?” She stepped closer to me.

A strong urge grew in my arm of pushing her gently away but I know now’s not the time to mind. “A member from his group.” This scent confuses me not from the intensive scent of Richard but there’s no age. An odd combination of Richard’s and something neutral. Rest assured no vampire I have met before.

Suddenly I heard quite close by a twig snapped and a shadow fell in front of Megan and me few meters away. She and I froze on the spot. Fixated on the dark figure that sort of tripped and fell. It began to groan softly while getting back on its feet. The wind blew strong and hence the clouds above on the blue sky drifted fast. Soon the sun was covered in thick clouds. Perhaps not for long there will be rain. The black figure rapidly received colour. It was a man, a young man and not from around here. He looked stunned at his hands.

Is it what I think he is? Quickly out of cautious reasons I stepped in front of Megan. No, he can’t be. He’s a new born vampire. Transformed by Richard. What is he doing here? He has no chance fighting against me; fighting against a new born is like fighting against a child. “Who are you?” I demanded sternly in English.

He gasped and looked at me in awe. For a long moment, he was speechless until he found his words. “My- my name is Terence and I want to help you.” He responded with an American accent.

Has he lost his mind? Does he know what he’s doing? It’s the first time I hear something like that from a new born. Usually it should be the opposite, the new born needs help from me. “I don’t need any help.” Perhaps a trap? “You don’t have the experience for this.”

“Please teach me. Explain me how. You’re the eldest. The one who has the most experiences of all vampires.” Terence paused. “I want to be on your side and help protect the woman.”

“Enough with this! Return to Richard and tell him that I don’t need a spy or a traitor in my midst!” I snarled angered.

“Wait!” Megan halted me from behind by grabbing my left sleeve. “Can’t you see that Terence is offering respect and help? He didn’t attack us in any way.” She whispered confidently.

Are my ears deceiving me? I blinked. “It is most likely that Terence has been sent by Richard to spy on us or worse kill you!” My anger began to rise on the brink.

“The way how Terence behaves and speaks convinced me to trust him.”

“Obviously, that is his trick.” I remarked.

Terence took a step closer in a calm manner. “Please listen. I came here not because Richard sent me. I came here on my own will. Ever since I saw you protecting the woman from Richard in the forest. I began to realize that everything what Richard said to me is wrong and unfair. I myself am against vampires yet Richard gave me no choice. Now an opportunity has emerged to do something right, after one long month of wrong doing. All wrong things!” His hands balled to fists and faced the ground in shame.

“What is wrong?” Interrupted a voice I began to wonder when he would arrive at the scene. Richard. He was not alone, the rest remained loyal at his heel. “Terence! Are you completely mad? Come here!” Richard demanded with a pointing a finger to the ground.

“No! I stay.” Terence remained on the spot and looked angered at Richard with narrowed eyebrows.

“If you only came here for Terence you’re very welcome to take him.” I forced a mocking grin to conceal my anger.

“Vlad! Have you forgotten what Terence said before?” Reminded Megan in a whispering tone, almost tearing my sleeve.

“Yes but do you call this help? He has brought right now noticed or unnoticed here danger!”

“No, but we can trust him!” She remarked determined.

“Oh that’s new!” I scoffed. “An enemy that you can rely upon.” Her stubbornness is getting on my nerves. Why so confident of trusting Terence, a mere new born vampire? “Take Terence and leave.” I waved a hand as a gesture to leave to Richard.

“Is there a problem?” Asked Richard coldly with an evil sly smile while taking a step closer.

“No. There is no problem, Richard. Now go!” I demanded angered.

“I believe there is one. Shall I handle it for you?”

“Enough Richard! Leave!”

“You are annoyed- “

“Yes, by you!” I snapped.

“Vlad!” Whispered Megan and pulled on my sleeve so strong I had to turn my back to Richard.

“Megan, this isn’t the right time to discuss-”

“Watch out!” Called a voice from behind me. I turned around as fast as I could.

Richard was about to attack me with his bare hands head on. His eyes were fixated on me like a lion on a prey.

Suddenly Terence was fast enough to grab Richard’s feet. Trying to stop him from attacking Megan and me. Immediately I sprang away with Megan at a safer distance. I remained before Megan to protect her. Quick witted I let dark smoke cover my left arm. Letting it morph from a human arm to a gigantic bat wing. Using it as a shield to protect. Richard was within moments on his feet again. Rapidly he stretched out his right arm towards my direction. From that hand shot a lightning bolt. The lightning bolt shattered against my wing like glass into million tiny pieces. Richard gave a cry of anger. He was about to sprint at me but two of his members held him back by his arms. “Let go of me! Just you wait!” He shook himself free and pointed a finger at me with an evil glare. “The time will come and I’ll have her sooner than you think!” Richard and the rest vanished into thin air.

Except Terence who slowly stood up with a short cough and began to brush off the dust from his clothes. He threw a back glance where Richard and the others stood and then to Megan and me. He began to scratch the back of his head, gave a nervous grin and waved. I transformed my wing back to my normal arm. Megan remained silent but peered with curiosity over my arm like a child. Things are beginning to look different. Why did Terence try to save Megan and me? Why was he left behind? Was he telling the truth all along? I took a closer look at Terence. He had short golden-brown hair with a modern boyish haircut. He had dark eyebrows and a slim nose. His eyes were normal like any vampire but what made me uneasy was that they were not sapphire blue but amethyst. A vampire’s eyes changes colour when his strength is draining from sapphire blue to blood red. With Megan around this could be critical, especially with a new born. They have greater difficulties to resist the ‘hunger’.

Suddenly Megan was about to walk up to him. What’s going through her mind? I blocked her path and looked at her bewildered. She nodded with her head and pointed with her nose to Terence. I shook my head in disagreement. “Vlad, come on.” She sighed.

“The situation’s critical. Terence is a new born and from his eyes he has lost half of his strength. New born live of their instincts. With you around things will turn critical. It’s like you’re trusting blindly a young puma, a cougar.”

“I understand you don’t trust me. Me, a mere stranger with a name and a new born vampire.” Terence paused. “I guess there couldn’t be worse timing than this but I had no intention. I tried to stop Richard.”

“You handled Richard very well. When were, you changed by Richard?” I asked.

“About two months ago in Chicago. I was a student in university of physics and science.” He paused and looked at his pale hands. “Since he changed me.” He held up his hands and his eyes remained focused. “I haven’t got used to this body. This body that I once lived in, feeling well and comfortable feels now different. Different and cold.” He looked to me. “As if my body has been changed but I know it’s not. Do you know what I mean?”

I know perfectly what he means. “A hollow shell.” As many before him would refer to. “I do but why do you want to help? Why wanting to protect the woman?”

“Because I believe it to be the right thing and an opportunity to do something good.”

“Sounds good enough for me, Vlad.” Stepped in Megan. She turned to Terence with a warming smile. “Hi. I’m Megan.”

He blinked amazed at her. “H-Hi.” He bit his lower lip and quickly looked away.

What an odd reaction or did I miss something in today’s time? Perhaps he’s fighting with his ‘hunger’ now having seen Megan.

“Is something wrong?” Wondered Megan to Terence.

“Sorry. It-It has nothing to do with you. It’s me.”

“It’s the hunger that you’re fighting, is it?” I wondered.

He nodded. Megan looked at me with a questioned glance, to be assured she understood correctly what the word ‘hunger’ was really meant in this situation.

“That can be easily dealt with once Megan is in a safer place.” I suggested.

5: Chapter 5

“Where are we going?” Asked Terence following me closely as he and I headed deeper into the forest.

“Not very far. Just a simple place where we will not be disturbed.”

“Not to be disturbed from what?”

“From curious eyes of the living.”

“Are- are you gonna test me?” He wondered insecure.

“Only your strength and powers.” I assured. Soon he and I stepped onto small open field grown with green grass. This field is older than I am. Remembering it well as a human spending many nights here with a number of men. “So, tell me. What do you know of vampires?” I turned to him.

He blinked and looked at me nervous as if he was in an exam while placing his hands into his trouser pockets. “Not much. Just that they need blood to live, lure mostly at night and that they don’t sleep in coffins.”

“That is all?” I wondered surprised raising an eyebrow after waiting a moment in silence.

Terence nodded nervously.

I sighed. “No one gave you the full information.” Maybe for a reason or is Richard that ruthless when making new recruits? “You’re right with the blood but only human blood, I‘m afraid. Luring mostly during night is not entirely wrong, it depends from each individual in addition, many can withstand direct sunlight. The appearance rapidly changes into a black shadow with visible eyes. A living shadow.”

Terence blinked with widened eyes and a dropped jaw. Soon he shook his head. ”Woah, woah, woah!” He held his hands before him as a gesture to halt the flooding information he receives. “You’re saying that vampires can withstand the sun?”

I chuckled. His reactions are still very human, lively and that of a young soul. “Yes.”

“So that explains why my hands suddenly turned black.”

I nodded. “The fact about the coffins you’re absolutely right. We don’t need it.”

You are surely wondering why am I helping Terence when I have a strong suspicion on him? Firstly, he’s a new born and needs help. Secondly, Megan confessed shortly before leaving that she has her utmost trust in him. She can’t explain why. Maybe there’s something more but time will tell and there are important things to concern. Thirdly, while helping Terence I can inspect closer if he is telling the truth or not. Call me paranoid but Megan’s safety is at stake and due to my experiences one can’t be too careful.

“Tell me Terence, do you practice any martial arts?” I wondered.

“Well.” He gave while pondering while looking up to the sky. “Just fist fighting from school and a bit of kick boxing from a few friends.”

Well, well, an amateur boxer. “That is already something. I’m curious to know how you fight.” I said while holding up my fists in a prepared position with slightly bent knees as I have learned in America in a saloon from a successful boxer.

“What! Fighting against you? I couldn’t! I have too much respect of you. I- I don’t wanna hurt you.” Said Terence astonished with a shaking head and waved his arms before him as a gesture to hold distance and show innocence.

This combat will reveal the answer. Not if he can defeat me but how he fights. His moves will reveal his personality. Knowing well the difference how a new born can fight and an older one. “Let me worry about that.” I grinned. Remaining ready on the spot.

Terence took a deep breath and held up shyly his fists while biting his lower lip. In his quick speed a right-handed fist came aiming for my face. I ducked and hit with my right fist into his solar plexus with my speed and increase. Terence gave a short agonizing cry of pain but remained strong and turned around. Trying to aim my head again but I was too fast and dodged out of the way. “Never remain on the same spot.” A helpful tip from the boxer without a doubt.

Suddenly Terence made a strong leap towards me revealing the elements of kickboxing that he has learned. A leg came rushing at the level of my head. I ducked again with a twirl and at the same time with one leg I swung him the other leg away from the ground. Terence groaned in pain as he landed with his back on the grass ground.

Without a doubt a new born acting as if he were still a living human. He is innocent, yet I am still skeptical of trusting him. I believe only through time would put that to ease and perhaps with the trust Megan has. “You fought well, Terence.” I lauded with a grin and offered him my hand to help up.

Without hesitation, he took my hand and got on his feet, he turned to me with a questioned glance. “Did I miss something? I knew I wouldn’t defeat you. I’m too weak to fight, always was. Why lauding me when I lost against you?”

I scoffed. “This combat had nothing to do with winning or losing but how fair one fought. I wanted to see how you fight, how much you know and how strong you are. You do have the strength, Terence.” He stared at me surprised. “The only trouble was that you focused too intense on aiming for my head. But that can be taught and practiced once you’ve gained strength.”

“Gain strength? Oh, you mean the blood-sucking thing. Man, I would give anything for a burger or even a salad, what I don’t really like to eat.”

“Alas, that will always remain as a wishful thinking. Did Richard show you how to hunt?” I wondered curiously.

“He did and tried to force me but I resisted till now. Even the others from the gang tried to fool me into it. I couldn’t do it. I can’t kill a person who just stands on the street and waits for someone or whatever!”

“Richard kills mercilessly which I believe you have seen your fair share. He has no respects to the human race. Although there was a time he too belonged to the human race. I hunt differently. I can only show you but the rest is up to you. If you continue to resist, I’m afraid your help will turn for the contrary.” I walked off into the forest heading towards Brasov.

Terence quickly followed close at my heel. “Ok, then how do you do it?”

“I look out for lawbreakers.”

“Lawbreakers! You mean like thieves and murders?”

“Yes.”

“But how will you notice them? Can you read minds like Richard?”

“No. What I do is wait until I catch them red-handed. Wait on a street or a square and observe. If lucky they’re trying it on you.”

Terence swallowed loudly of fright. I could not help stop smirking.

Once in the city center we walked leisurely through few streets like the rest. I had my hands in my trouser pockets while Terence walked beside me and looked around. I presume he is not accustomed to the heightened senses. “Remember, we do not exist to the human eye. There is no such thing as vampires. Hence the hunting needs to be done quick, clean and above all unnoticed.” I explained in a soft tone that only Terence can hear.

Terence gave a nervous nod.

“Wait here.” I noted and paced ahead towards a thief who was pickpocketing professionally among tourists. I’ve noticed his action for quite a while. Quickly I took hold of his wrist that was close to a tourist’s purse. “Ajunge. (That’s enough.)”

The thief gave a surprised and speechless stare at me. The usual and pathetic reaction when catching them red-handed.

I grinned to his reaction. “Now leave and make sure you don’t pickpocket again.” I pushed him.

He almost tripped over his own feet and his stare remained fixated on me. He’s afraid of me. From the corner of my eye I saw Terence watching from afar, well mingled among the mortals. My eyes wandered back to the pickpocket thief as he found the courage to move. He paced off and threw at times a brief back glance to be sure I didn’t follow him. I scoffed and headed to Terence.

“What was that about?” He wondered as I stood beside him.

“I gave him a chance to live and he took it, for now.”

“What?”

“All in good time Terence. I have a feeling this will reveal itself through action.” I walked ahead.

Terence gave a short grunt of disagreement with narrowed eyebrows as he shortly followed me. He and I walked on for quite a while through many streets and the sun slowly set in the horizon. “Your hunting takes awfully long.” Noted Terence.

“Hmm. It varies from time to time. At night, there is always one to find, at least.” I looked around. I quickly spotted the same man I let go this afternoon. “Do you see what I see?” I asked Terence while my glance remained on the man.

“It’s that same man from before.”

“Yes. Let’s follow him.” I grinned at the man and started to walk towards him.

The man grinned back and walked away.

Is it that what I think it is? Anyway, actions will speak louder than words.

“Vlad, do you think it’s a good idea?”

“Why shouldn’t it be? After all they can’t kill us.” My eyes were focused on the man. I hope it’s not what I think. I fear that hope will be in vain.

The man led Terence and me away from the large main streets and soon halted at deserted alley that was dimly lit. He faced us with a pistol at hand and a broad smile.

“What the-“ Whispered Terence wide-eyed.

I scoffed and grinned. “So this is what you do when you’re given a chance to live? Trying to rob me and perhaps feed me a bullet.”

The man chuckled. “Well why not? Who’s to say I should stop? Who has the right for that?” Further men appeared behind me, blocking the path to escape. For a vampire, there are plenty of options compared to a human. “No one tells me what to do or not! So, hand me all your valuables or your life!” He cocked his gun and aimed at me.

Further guns cocked in a chorus behind me. Terence gasped in fear. Alright, with guns I need to be fast. If a shot is casted then Terence and I have below five minutes time before the police arrives. Unless each carries a mortal into the forest. I shouldn’t ponder too far. Let’s see where this will lead us to. “What if we have nothing to give?” I smirked at the man.

He scoffed. “Then it’s your life that goes.”

Rapidly in my speed I ran to him and held the cocked pistol to his temple with his finger still on the trigger. He gasped loudly as he realized what happened.

“Drop your weapons! Now!” I demanded.

Terence blinked at me amazed on the spot. All the men behind Terence placed gently their weapons on the ground without hesitation. They all looked uneasy at the sight.

I sniggered. Quickly I knocked the man out with the handle of his pistol, threw the pistol aside and leaped up to the roof. “Come on, Terence.” I whispered what only he can hear. Terence followed me quietly as we leaped from roof to roof until we reached the forest.

“What was that?” Terence stepped in front of me as we came to a halt in the forest.

I placed the unconscious thief on the ground. “That was an action speaking louder than words. I gave the thief a chance to learn but he was persistent and this is the result.” Terence was silent in shock. A reaction that many new borns do on their first hunt. “For your information it could have been worse and I could have acted cruel but we’re here to hunt. Now’s your chance while the man is still unconscious. I’m afraid there is no other way.”

Terence took few steps back and began to shake his head. “No. I can’t.” He whispered.

“Remember what you said to me today before Richard came. You want to help me and I do need yours, but in order to put it to action you need to strengthen yourself or you’ll become the threat. You’ve noticed the urge as Megan was within reach. How long will you be able to fight it back? When it happens, it will be too late.”

Terence shut his eyes with knitted eyebrows, his hands balled to fists and gritted his teeth.

“It’s alright to fight against that urge but now liberate it. Through time you’ll be able to control it. Tame it like a wild animal.”

For a long moment Terence remained tense. Slowly he began to take few deep breaths and loosened himself. Soon his eyes opened and they were focused on the unconscious thief. Within a flash he leaped on the man and drilled his fangs into the flesh by the neck. A vampire’s instincts are dangerous but always careful enough to survive, even without the special powers. Terence drained the thief to the point of death and stopped immediately. Quickly he took few steps back with a frightened look. At this point many new born would ask for more but few have reacted like Terence in awe. A drop of blood rolled from the corner of his mouth.

“It’s alright. You only killed him. No one else.” I assured. “If you would have gone wild I would have stopped you.”

“Jus- just him?”

I nodded calmly. He stared wide eyed at the dead man. I saw clearly in his eyes the deep sapphire blue. He has regained his strength. “Now, it’s not entirely over with the hunting. The body needs to vanish from curious eyes of the mortals. At best, would be burning it.” I handed to him a bottle of ethyl alcohol and a box of matches.

Terence swallowed bravely his fear and took hold of the items I handed. He sprinkled over the body ethyl alcohol, lit a match and within a flash the body was in flames. As the body slowly burned away Terence stared in awe at the flames licking the dead body that was once a human and a living being. I presume if he were human a tear might have trickled from a corner of his eye. For a man, he has deep emotions. Many might see that as ‘soft’ but I know he’s strong. In my human days, I would have seen him ‘soft’ too and called him a girl. To be honest, I was then pathetic and perhaps still am. Once a fool, always a fool but a fool who has learned his lesson and endured pain in different ways.

6: Chapter 6

You’re wondering how Terence is coping after his first kill? To be honest, he’s doing it pretty well. I’ve seen worse actions from new borns. Few cried like a child in shame and many wanted more, thirsting for blood. I’m not so sure but it could be that Terence is different, but it’s just a hunch of mine.

Therefore, what has been odd lately is that memories of my past flash vividly in my mind like never before, flashbacks. This has never happened to me before, not even once while helping out few new borns. For me it’s very unsettling and hope it would end soon yet I’m curious what or who could be the trigger? Megan? Terence? Or something else?

Anyway, minding back to my story, Terence and I just did a short visit to Megan to give her a status. Knowing that Megan will be in safe hands of the Moari family while I train and test Terence. He and I were about to leave.

I leaped ahead from the window down onto the tall grass field. As I walked towards the forest I heard no movement from Terence. I turned around to see.

Terence looked uneasy out the window and bit his lower lip. “What? I should just jump?”

“Afraid of heights, is it?” From the sight of it I could have laughed. I quickly pulled myself together but could not help stop smirking. “You saw how I did, give it a try. Nothing bad can happen. You can’t die.”

“Oh that’s reassuring!” Spat Terence nerved. After few hesitant and failed attempts, he took a deep breath and leaped without any trouble in his own way. Once he caught up with me in the forest he gave me an angered glare. “If you knew I’m afraid of heights why did you say something like that?”

I scoffed. “Terence, I believe you know but I care to mention. You’re now a vampire; things work different. The life you had before is over. Fearing for your life is now no more a hindrance along with the heights. Therefore, you have other worries to concern which you will know in time.”

“Yeah, I know but why?”

“Why should I go easy on you? Which vampire would ever go easy on you? Only because you’re a new born? Quickly a year passes, then what? Has life ever gone easy on you?”

“N- no.” He responded and stood still.

I sighed and turned to him. “Maybe from the times I lived may have an influence.”

Terence remained on the spot and looked at me. “So it’s true what others talk about you.”

“About what?”

“Besides being the eldest you possess great wisdom and strength.”

“With strength I agree but wisdom?” I chuckled. “Rather mad than wise. Did any wise person torture other people in their time of life?”

Terence blinked at me surprised.

“Come on we haven’t got all day and Richard won’t wait either.” I gestured a hand to follow as I walked on. “We’ll quickly make a detour. I need few things from my flat that will be of great help to you.”

“What’s that?” Asked Terence curious as he caught up with me.

“You’ll know it soon enough.”

Terence grunted annoyed and looked away for a moment.

Once in my flat I quickly packed a bag with the equipment and headed back the grass field in the forest. Placed the bag on the ground and faced Terence.

Before I could speak Terence asked. “Could you please tell me what’s in the bag?”

I chuckled. “All in good time, Terence.” Fine, if he is so impatient then I shall explain it so. Rapidly I took it out of the bag and threw it to him. “Think fast.”

Terence caught it well in his hands. His eyebrows were knitted together in confusion. “A stick?”

“As a start.” I grinned. “It’s an uncommon martial art in today’s time but many vampires lived then in the time when fencing was common. One had to fight to survive. A daily experience that got adjusted into their minds. Mine as well. You, from the modern times will have that as an advantage once you know the fencing technique. You will know better how they tick.”

“Fencing? I thought that died many decades ago.”

“Oh, you’re sorely mistaken. It exists even today as a sport and hobby across the world.” I smirked. “Hold the wooden stave in that hand you usually write and let us begin.” I drew out a further wooden stave from the bag. Fencing was something I could never let go for many reasons. Even now as a vampire in the modern times I keep practicing from time to time. In a calm manner, I showed Terence how to be in position, keeping the knees lightly bent at all times. The right foot about a foot ahead from the other foot, the other the left, is turned outwards. The toes will look away from your side. All together it looks like a letter ‘T’ on its head from the position of the feet. If you are left-handed then it is switched. The front leg enables you to move fast and easily forward while the other foot, half turned, gives a solid hold to the ground and to easily step back.

The back remains straight and up right. The arm where the sword is, is only half out stretched towards the opponent so that the elbow points about to your thigh. The other arm, will be held up so as if trying to touch your shoulder. That is the classical position. The modern position would be so; you take the free arm behind your back. That is the difference between the two.

Terence stood before me in the right position as a left-handed with clenched teeth and a tensed expression. “This is tense. How can anyone fight like this without getting cramps?” He spoke through his teeth.

“Now try to step forward.”

“What? Forward? How’s that possible?” Terence moved with his feet and suddenly tripped over. Landing on his stomach.

Is it just me or am I teaching here a child? I smirked and offered Terence a hand to help. “With practice it will go natural. You’ll see.”

Terence took my hand and got onto his feet. Soon he was in the same position as before and continued.

For a brief moment, I saw a similarity to that of my past and within a flash I remember it vividly as if it was only yesterday…

 

On a broad sunny day, behind the walls of TârgoviÅŸte, Wallachia. A boy and a man practiced sword fighting, with wooden staves and leather armor strapped around their chests and the fighting arm with leathered gloves. The training took place in the courtyard of a big house. The man and the boy had shoulder long dark hair and pale complexion. “Again, fiu (son) and put more strength into it!” Noted the man sternly while standing at a prepared position with his wooden stave to the boy. The boy repeated his move with more strength, giving in the end a hiving sound as their wooden staves crossed. “Good Vlad! Now after you’ve caught your breath we will fight a real combat.” Explained the father sternly to his son. He walked up to a wooden table and replaced the stave to a sword. The boy nodded in response; catching his breath and wiping the sweat off his forehead. After few minutes the boy stood up straight with a sword at hand, placing the tip to the ground while holding at the handle. “I’m ready tată (father).”-“Alright then.” Gave his father, walked towards him and lifted the sword. They stood then in prepared position; holding the sword towards one another. “Trage! (Strike)” Called the man. The boy responded with a fast attack, aiming at the heart that surprised his father. Afterwards the moves of the boy were not so fast due to his large swings of the sword and on father’s face was a hint of disappointment. The fight ended that the father won, the tip of his sword was under his son’s throat few centimeters away. “Vlad, what was going through your head while you fought? Why large swings? You know you make yourself like that vulnerable.” He asked disappointed as he moved the sword away and breathed deeply. Offering a hand to help.

Vlad took his father’s hand and got to his feet. “I thought with strength I could win against you.”

“Fiu.” The father placed a hand upon his small shoulder while kneeling down, looking into his eyes. “The key to win a battle or combat isn’t only about strength but cunning and creativity. Read from the opponent’s moves where his weakness lies. Already how he walks and talks gives you clues. Look at things carefully and do things that others won’t expect. I know you can fight.” Explained father and rose to his feet. “Again, Vlad.” Vlad took a deep breath and held up his sword.

They stood again in the same position as before with their swords. The father gave the word to start. This time the fight turned out totally different. The boy paused sometimes waiting for his father to strike. In the end the boy won with his sword at his father’s chest.

“Bravo Vlad.” Breathed father with a smile of satisfaction.

 

“Vlad, is something wrong?” Terence’s voice suddenly cut in my thought. A pair of sapphire blue eyes were looking straight at me.

I blinked and sighed while rubbing my eyes. “I’m fine. Was lost in my thoughts.” I looked around me. The familiar grass field appeared as it should and Terence tilted a head to the side of curiosity. “You’re sure?”

“I am, thank you.” I forced a grin to conceal my emotions.

Voila, here is my first uncontrolled flashback. A glimpse of my childhood before my father and elder brother were buried alive by the Ottomans. Yes, buried alive. And my younger brother, Radu, and I were held as a hostage by them. Why I care to mention is I presume you are like Megan and Terence, knowing only the myths and legends of me but the truth? Do you know my real name?

It’s not just Vlad the Impaler, Count Dracula or just Dracula. Actually, it’s Vlad III Dreculea, prince of Wallachia. Vlad II was my father and I had many half-brothers and stepmothers. Surprised? It’s alright but if you knew it all along then you got me surprised.

Apropos surprised, I’ve once read an article about prince Charles from England ‘believing’ to be a distant blood relative from me. That got me surprised as well. The only thing he and I got in common is the birth of month and the royal rank of a prince. The idea of visiting him did pass my mind but the consequences would be disastrous. Imagining me bowing in front of the queen and her son. Letting my true name be announced. They would stare at me in disbelief and sort me to the lunatics. From that point I can act however I want, they won’t believe it. Their minds will turn and entrust to their rational explanations while the guards try to get hold of me. Of course, there are other options how to find out but I am not that curious. Secondly they have their own worries, one from me won’t do any good. As I’ve mentioned before, knowledge is not always a blessing.

Here I am drifting away again. Back to teaching Terence how to fence. I’ve never gone that far with a new born, teaching them how to fight. Only how to cope with the killing and using their new instincts. Teaching how to fight, especially to a new born and fencing at that, is new to me. I presume teaching the same from I what I learned as a human would do for now. The rest Terence needs to go through for himself. A lesson learned by yourself remains at the best in your memory. Not to mention, Terence has a clumsy nature. Quickly tripping over his own feet while instructing where to move in fencing position, hoping he would get used to it; some time soon. Whenever it comes to climbing or jumping from tree to tree he hesitates for his fear of heights, sometimes even glued on the spot like cats would do. There are moments when I laugh at him so that he notices how absurd it is, especially for a vampire. Other times I sigh with rolled eyes and quickly help him down and try again from the start. Although he is in his mid 20s he acts like an innocent child but he is clever. He asks well thought questions and senses well when something is not right.

My suspicion is still there but only a small percentage. How can one so young like him act like a mastermind? The immortality does take a pound on one’s mind, especially a new born like Terence. I compare vampirism with a cancer. An incurable illness; a one-way ticket to living hell. It spreads through the body within a few days. Its side effects are heightened senses, reflexes and few special powers while living off a terrible diet. Richard is an example of how immortality pounds on the human mind. He only thirsts for blood of the living and enjoys killing the innocent. Alas, I can not say further fore I have not the facts to state but I have suspicions. Suspicion that he doesn’t remember of his human days and toys with the living on their innocence before killing them. Exactly how is something I don’t really want to know but can think of multiple possibilities due to my history.

Well, that is something I will share to Megan and Terence once the time is right. Day and night, I trained Terence to fence on the grass field and no matter what weather. At times, I led the combat into the trees to get some distraction because in a city it will be more difficult to fight, especially during day when many humans are awake and on the streets. The only advantage would be the high speed and reflexes that are quickly mistaken for a gust of wind or a flock of birds. And not to mention the restriction of use of powers when under direct sunlight. Terence was making promising progress and soon the time came he was ready to encounter a realistic combat with sharp swords.

He noticed the difference fast not only from the material but also its weight and how the blade was forged to use. A medieval double cutting sword; from its look you can recognize it from what many knights had at their belt.

I instructed Terence that is this combat will be taken seriously as if I were Richard trying to reach Megan. “Do what you must do.” Immediately I set off towards Megan’s location.

Not very long Terence was at my heel. I tried to shake him off by making many small and short turns. He always close to my heel and became faster.

Suddenly a cool hand got grip on one of my feet. Rapidly I got halted and fell, for it happened mid in the air. Quick-witted I was able to kick Terence’s grip away so that I can land on my feet. Once the on the ground Terence came aiming at me with a sword. I was fast enough to draw out my sword and parry his as a defense. Terence looked me in the eye with an angered and focused glare with gritted teeth. From my sword, I noticed that Terence leans on with considerable force. I scoffed and grinned. Terence’s expression rapidly changed to surprise and confusion. With a quick and short turn of my hand Terence slid off from my blade.

“No!” I heard Terence whisper while falling to the ground. Gently I placed the tip of my sword to Terence’s back. Terence felt it and hence did not move on the ground.

“Not bad, Terence. You’re making improvements but why did you give up while falling? You could have continued with a quick back flip or some other movement to prevent my from sword piercing you.” I removed the sword and offered a hand to Terence.

“I haven’t figured that far.” Terence got to his feet. “What you did before with the turn of your sword, is that even allowed during fighting?”

I scoffed with a smirk. “I’ve taught you the rules of fencing, they enable to have a fair fight or at least guide to that sort. When it comes to a combat or fight in matter of life and death then one must do what needs to be done. Every opponent has their own philosophy and expectations when it comes to a combat or fight. Few are fair and many are ruthless; I was and maybe still am ruthless at times.”

“Huh, so much for rules are made to be broken.” Terence scoffed while placing his sword into his sheath.

“Shall we try again?”

“Ah, come on, Vlad! Can’t I take a break for at least an hour or two? We’ve been training nonstop the whole night.”

“Alright. One more combat and then we’ll rest. One testing more on your fencing knowledge.”

Terence smiled contented. “Ok.”

Soon he and I were on the grass field with our swords pointing at one another. Ready to fight any moment. Immediately Terence tried to push away my sword and aim for my head. Quick-witted I ducked and wanted to cut into his rip. Terence’s sword blocked mine with considerable force.

Suddenly I began to feel strange sort of burning from within my chest. Like a flame burning me from the inside. I’m accustomed to pain this is nothing and it’ll pass. I tried to force my sword closer to Terence. Trying to cut him at the rips. Terence grunted as he fought against my force. In his rapid speed, he stepped aside and along with his sword. Tried to cut him within my reach but he was beyond. I made a quick somersault and was on my feet facing him. I breathed heavily. Due to the burning pain, it is a human reaction left within me. The pain has grown greater, spreading through my entire body. My eyes squinted in agony and clenched my teeth, trying to ignore it.

Terence blinked in acknowledgement but did not hesitate. He aimed running at me with an outcry. As Terence cried out the burning became unbearable. I fell upon one knee while fighting to look up. Barely able to hold my sword up to defend from Terence’s attack. Is it what I think it is; a power from Terence?

Terence’s sword came swinging down on me. With all my strength, I held up my sword with both hands to parry. I noticed Terence is closer than usual. I let my sword glide from Terence’s upwards right below his chin. If he came with more force it would have pierced through. A ‘head-impalement’ as I would have called it in my human days. Terence froze with gritted teeth.

Immediately I dropped my sword aside and placed a hand to my chest while breathing deeply. Trying to breathe the pain away.

“What is it?” Gave Terence concerned and placed his sword into his sheath. He knelt closer to me.

I chuckled. The burning slowly began to fade. “It appears you are almost ready. A power has emerged and an effective one.”

“What?” He eyes widened of amazement.

“It’s a unique power. You can spread an agonizing burning pain from within.”

“Burning pain? But- I had no intention of hurting you.”

“I’ve noticed that while fighting. It came from your instincts to protect yourself. I don’t blame you or give you a punishment. That’s the way it is with a new born.”

“Could you please stop calling me ‘new born’. It’s beginning to tick me off.” Terence offered me a hand.

I took his hand and scoffed. “Alright, new born. Oh, sorry I mean Terence.”

“Come on.” Terence scoffed.

“Well, actually you are a new born until a year is over.” I reminded.

“Yeah, I got that but it’s annoying still. Sounds like I’m a child.”

“Well-“ I up to the sky and placed a hand under my chin.

“Just shut it.” Terence interrupted with a smirk.

I scoffed. I believe we shall see. Actions speak louder than words, right?

7: Chapter 7

“Vlad, there’s one question I have since Terence is with us but you two were always gone.” She walked up to us to greet as Terence and I climbed into the window. “The last time we saw Richard. Upon the field, as he gave some power out of his hand and then one of your arms turned into a huge black wing. Using it as a shield. What was that?” Asked Megan which I’ve hoped she had forgotten from time to time.

I sighed and looked away. Is this the right moment? Perhaps not all. Why keeping it from her? No, she deserves to know this. I faced her. “Magical powers. Obviously, Richard possesses the power of lightening or rather electricity. A power few vampires have. Mine are unique and a few. Mine is a half transformation, transforming my arms into large black bat wings. They allow me not only to fly but to protect like a shield as you have seen and cut sharp like a sword.”

Megan stared at me in awe. I looked away. It is not so unique from where I stand. Not to mention the first transformation was slow and painful from muscle to muscle whilst my skin stretched tighter than any parchment. Luckily, now it is quick and painless transformation including gotten used to it.

“Woah! That’s incredible!” Exclaimed Terence amazed.

“Apropos unique powers, Terence has one in possession too.” I looked to Terence.

“I- I don’t wanna boast around with that. It’s kinda creepy thinking back to it.” He stuttered nervously while placing a hand behind his head.

“Oh? What is it?” Wondered Megan curiously.

Terence looked for a moment ashamed to the floor but soon their eyes met as he faced her. “I can unleash a burning pain from within the opponent.”

Megan gasped in surprise. For a long moment there was silence in the room.

“Without a doubt it will be a useful power against Richard.” I stepped in to loosen the tensed atmosphere and gave a friendly pat on Terence’s shoulder.

“Of- of course.” Megan blinked as if awaken from a dream.

“Do you have further questions that you’d like to ask?” I wondered.

“Yes as a matter of fact, why the visit? Did something bad happen?”

“Nothing serious. Just came by to see how you are getting along and to mention that Terence is ready.” I answered calmly.

“Ready for what? Richard? I don’t think so. I still lose against you in training and having my fear of heights.” He looked at me nervous.

Megan tried to suppress a laughter.

“What? I’m serious here. Would you see me ready to fight against Richard, Megan?”

“If Vlad thinks so then I think the same.” She laughed.

“Not you too!” Terence sighed annoyed. “Why did I ask?” He mumbled under his breath.

I scoffed amused of their reactions. “Terence, before we set anything into motion I want you to gain your strength while I stay with Megan for safety reasons.”

“What? But I’m not hungry and I don’t want to kill. Am still damn afraid to over-do anything. You know.”

I placed a hand upon his shoulder and looked in the eye. “Terence, I’ve taught you all that you need to know. The rest is up to you to decide and how to act. Remember what I taught you.”

“But-“ Terence paused. “I still have much to learn, to deal with this vampire thing.” He looked at his hand and slowly balled it into a fist.

“Indeed. Rest assured we will keep training if that comforts you. Just the rest is left on to you to learn on your own. Everything self-taught is well remembered. You’re lucky while I had to learn the hard way and it took me a century or two until I finally realized.”

“Realized what?” Wondered Megan.

“How ruthless I was and believed that violence was the answer to everything. The dark veal of revenge that blinded my eyes were torn down. Hard to believe but I was desperate.”

Megan and Terence were silent but in their eyes I saw their surprise.

I guess you too are surprised of this. “Me, once called ‘Vlad the Impaler’ was desperate. When you had a harsh childhood, taken as a hostage by your enemies and through time realize there is a country you need to rule. Especially when the enemy tries to overtake your land or at least manipulate you and in the land itself boils into chaos, what would you do? Not to mention in the 15th century.”

I paused to let Megan and Terence collect themselves. “Besides knowing your enemy well, you also need to know yourself before entering a combat or a fight. Hence the dreadful deeds I’ve done but it avoided chaos within Wallachia.” I looked away for moment. “Today, few humans wonder what they would do if they can relive their lives, what would they change? With today’s knowledge, I would change many things, above all accepting the deal of the damned demon that I tried to hunt down and lost its tracks right after the Second World War in Japan.”

For a long moment, there silence in the room. They looked at me amazed of what I said and it took them long to recollect themselves.

“You’re. The. Vlad Dracula?” Terence dropped his jaw. Megan did the same.

I rolled my eyes. What a fool I am. Until now they only knew my first name and that I’m the eldest. Usually I keep it to myself but this time it rolled out. I sighed and crossed my arms. “Yes, I am Vlad III Dreculea, once prince of Wallachia.”

Megan gasped with widened eyes while placing a hand to her mouth. “Of all vampires, I met you first.” She gasped in a slow pace, trying to keep her thoughts clear.

“Wait a sec, aren’t you now some kind of a count?” Asked Terence.

I laughed. “To your surprise I am now a simple person by the name Vlad. I was never a count over the past centuries. Don’t rely on Bram Stoker’s novel or any other rumors and myths. In addition history itself is not entirely reliable as it is written.”

Megan blinked. “You’ve mentioned before about a deal with a demon, if demons exist, does it mean there’s a god and devil as well?”

“For while I thought that too but I’ve only encountered demons, ghosts, vampires and other dark creatures you humans don’t know of. The existence of god and devil I heard are only rumors besides the bible and the religions that represent the similarity. The main forces in life, the good and the bad. The opposites to one another. Darkness and light placed on a delicate balance, when even weighed there are shades of grey. What kind of shades, every individual sees it different. I was one who saw none. Only a clear boarder of black and white. Now I know there are many different shades.”

“Does- does Richard see only black and white?” Asked Megan.

“I presume so.”

“What do you mean?” Asked Terence.

“I don’t know Richard that well. I’ve only met him twice till now. One can’t just build theories without facts. Apropos Richard, Terence would you go as I mentioned before? Once you’ve returned I’ll do the same.” I turned to Terence.

Terence opened his mouth to say something as a protest but he quickly shut his mouth and headed out the window without another word.

Quickly I excused Megan and noted that I will return shortly. Once out the window I walked around the house and knocked on the door. Instead of the old man that I treated on first meeting, his daughter was at the door, Sonya. She immediately recognized me. “Hello Vlad. What an unexpected surprise.”

“May I come in?”

“Please.” She stepped aside and opened the door wider.

“How’s your father?” I asked in a soft tone.

“He still keeps coughing up blood from time to time but he fights strongly.”

“May I see him?”

“Of course, down there like the last time. I have few chores to do if you don’t mind.”

I’ve noticed from the first meeting that Sonya was married due to the ring on her ring finger. I heard many voices from a different room which I presume is the kitchen, voices of men and children. The Moari family will live on. “Pardon my intrusion. I’ll help myself, thank you.”

Sonya gave a short nod of thankfulness. “Thank you for what you’ve done.” With those words, she headed into the kitchen.

In my own pace, I walked into the same dark room I saw the last time. Decorated as in the 19th century with the petroleum lamps. In one darker corner, I found the man lying in bed. He sat up with widened eyes at me. His hands trembled. I wonder, does he tremble of fear or of age with his condition?

“You!” He gasped.

I nodded. “I only came here to talk. Nothing more, nothing less.” I remained calm.

“Talk?” He chuckled with doubt. “About what? Killing me? Then get over with it. I’m an old man slowly dying as you know.”

“I only kill lawbreakers that I catch red-handed.”

“Is that so?”

Nerving and clever just like his grandfather. “I’ve come to ask for a favour.”

He raised his eye brows.

“It’s for Megan’s sake, the one who stays here for a certain time on the top floor.”

“The young girl from Ireland.” He blinked at me amazed and wore his glasses on.

“Her life is in danger and I need your help to protect her as long she is here. Another vampire is after her for various and frightening reasons.”

“You- you do know what you’re asking and to whom?” Stuttered the man.

“Indeed I do, Sergiu Moari. An ancient bloodline of vampire-hunters from this land and lived to tell the tale of capturing me.”

“Exactly.”

“Why I ask is because it will be least expected and I can’t watch at all times. No matter what, Megan deserves to live. I can’t tolerate more innocent blood spilt. That’s why I’ve studied medicine and worked as a Texas Ranger in North America. Trying to make amends of my terrible deeds I’ve done in the past. I know they’re irreversible but am getting along by making the best of it.” There was silence from Sergiu. I looked up.

“So, Stefan was telling the truth all those years ago. You’re different than the others.” He blinked. Soon he swallowed as he collected himself and began to ponder. “How did you imagine with protecting her?”

“Whenever she is here you keep a sharp eye and remain close by. At best she knows nothing of this because the vampire I’m up against has the ability to read minds.”

“I see. How long will this take?”

“As long as it needs. I’ll pay a fair fee.”

“No. Money’s not the issue.” Sergiu sighed and closed his eyes. His white bushy eyebrows knit together. “Alright. It is done.”

I remained speechless for a moment. I thought he would not accept or in the least hesitate long before doing so.

“Why so baffled?” Sergiu chuckled. Abruptly a hard cough followed. He quickly covered a handkerchief to his mouth.

“I at least expected a greater hesitation to my favour and the most a disagreement, not to mention your condition.”

“I have my ways, Dracula and you have yours.” He spoke with a sore throat. “Make sure to keep the other vampire that you have with you under your control.”

With a confident nod I parted from him. Never thought someone like him would become an ally without a large grudge. Now I can focus better on Terence and Richard. Why I asked the Moari is because they were able to catch me few centuries back. Usually I am uncatchable no matter human or vampire. Then they are more than capable in protecting Megan than any other human. With vampires? They are not easily to be trusted for many reasons as you can imagine.

As I climbed back through her window the room was dark. Quickly I stood still for a moment and listened carefully around me. Soon I spotted a pulse from one end of the room. Megan’s here and asleep. I took the liberty in seating myself at her desk and take a better look into her research. I lit a candle in case she wakes up not to be frightened when seeing me.

Suddenly among her papers I spotted a special word ‘the Great Magic’. I know what is magic and that I am a part of it, yet this sounds so distant and I can not get a picture behind it to grasp. Oddly I have this feeling that once Richard and his group are done I might get closer to this ‘Great Magic’ -

AH!

Cried Megan sitting up quickly; drops of sweat rolled down from her brow. For a long moment she sat there breathing while recollecting her thoughts; as she saw me her eyes widened out of fear.

“It’s alright. It’s me.” I spoke as calmly and softly I could while holding up a candle so that she can see in the utter darkness.

Megan gave a sigh of relieve while at the same time tears appeared in the corners of her eyes. She quickly whipped them away

“Had a bad dream?” I asked and walked up to her.

“It was so real and terrible.” Whispered Megan and looked away. “Now I’m beginning to fear that it might come true.”

“What do you mean?” My eyebrows narrowed slightly of concern.

“I had that nightmare already before, only less detailed than now and those strangers, I recalled their faces with matching names; most of them. You, Terence and Richard were there.” She paused and dried away further streaming tears. “Since I was a child I had the ability to foresee my future through dreams. I saw most of them as strange dreams or even nightmares and still do today.”

An interesting ability for a human. “So you believe that dream you’ve just dreamt will occur soon?” I asked.

She nodded and looked up to me. Soon she shook her head. “Oh God, I wish this won’t happen.”

“What happened in the dream?” I asked curiously.

“I’m afraid I only remember the end of it. You and Richard were in a close up fight with your bare hands and you were losing. I was so afraid in the dream I began to cry. I woke up at that moment as Richard was trying to kill you by biting you in the neck.” She sobbed.

No vampire has ever been able to do that to me and I won’t allow Richard. Not even in a dream. “That won’t happen, Megan. You’ll come out of this alive.” I reassured and gave her a glass of water. “Try to get some sleep Megan, you need it. Don’t worry I’ll stay here until you’re awake in the morning and Terence should be here by then.”

Not very long I noticed she was trying to sleep but she had difficulty finding it after about an hour of tossing and turning. “I can’t sleep. I’m afraid the dream would come again. Could I talk with you about something? Not very long to get distracted.”

I clenched my teeth. What a child. A silent grunt came from me as I looked away.

“You are an introvert by nature, aren’t you?” Megan grinned.

“What makes you think of that?” I scoffed. She annoys me like other humans who need to do an unwilling job; all in all nerving…

 

A young man with shoulder long black hair and pale complexion was walking down a small lonely street in Iasi, Romania. In the year 1995 as the country was slowly recovering from the terrible wrath of the last dictator. Where the man was heading to at that time; nowhere, but was sunk deep in his thoughts until he stopped and looked around. He felt a glance coming from across the street.

An old man was looking at him curiously. From his face he looked well over 60. The young man greeted him politely. The old man nodded in response. He was fixing something on his old rusty tractor. Just as the younger man turned away and took one step -

BAM!

An explosion came from where the older man was. Immediately the young man turned around and headed towards him.

“Are you alright? What happened?” He asked worried in Romanian while helping the elderly man to his feet.

“I- I don’t know. I only wanted to fix the motor and then, bam!” He responded surprised and vividly with his hands.

“Thank God that you’re not hurt.” Remarked the other. Thick black smoke rolled out from the engine. “Din fericire (luckily) it didn’t catch fire.”

“I hope I can still fix it someway. Do you by any chance know you’re ways with tractors? I need it tomorrow for a very important matter.” Asked the man politely to the other.

“Well, I could try.” He answered and started taking off his jumper.

Together the old man and the younger one worked hard; trying to fix the damage that causes the problem.

After many hours fighting with their knowledge of mechanic, logic, physic and many failures, they believed to have reached the point that the tractor is fixed. “Alright, are you ready? I’m turning the engine on.” Called the man to the young man who was lying under the tractor.

“Ready!” Responded the young man.

At first turn, the starter whined. At a second time, it only whined the first few seconds and then it ran smoothly.

“Ura! (Hooray!) It’s a miracle! It works! How can I ever thank you, Vlad?” Cheered the elderly man.

“Not at all, Mihai. I did the best I could.” Said Vlad while standing up and washing his hands by a little bucket of water that was prepared by Mihai.

“Please, tell me how I can ever repay you? I’m afraid I can’t give you any money, I am a very poor man.”

“It’s alright. You don’t have to pay me anything. Experiencing a success is good enough for me.” Spoke Vlad to Mihai with a broad grin while drying his hands and putting on his jumper.

Mihai looked to the ground for a short moment to think while tapping his chin. “Wait! I think I know how to repay your kindness. I’ll be right back.” He ran quickly into his house.

Vlad gave a short sigh and waited patiently until Mihai returned.

With his right hand he offered an object. “It’s a family heirloom but I want you to have it. Actually, I could sell it to the museum for a high price but I honor it more than money.” It was a charm made out of metal, silver. It had a round shape, very light by its weight and was as big as a coin can be. On the metal there were engravings flowing along the circle shape like a spiral in Latin.

“It’s a charm that has protected my family for many generations way back to the medieval times. May it protect and bring you luck, Vlad. I’m an old man who has seen his lively days.”

“It’s most generous of you but I can’t accept this. You don’t need to pay me.”

“But I want to. A young man like you nowadays would have only helped me up and nothing more or worse not even helping me at all. Just ignoring me. May the compassionate and the patient be rewarded and this is your reward.” Explained Mihai with a warm smile while taking Vlad’s left hand and placing the charm gently onto his palm. “I don’t know why yet somehow I have this feeling that I can trust you. Thoroughly like a friend or a brother.”

“Maybe we’ve met in another life before?” Suggested Vlad with shrugged shoulders.

“So you believe in reincarnation?”

“Noting’s impossible.”

“True but we haven’t met before, have we?”

“No.” Vlad shook his head.

“Your face is so familiar.” He paused and looked carefully while placing a finger to his chin. “Aren’t you a politician or something of the sort?”

Vlad hesitated. “Well, a very distant relative.”

Mihai widened his eyes in astonishment. “If in some occurrence you would become active in politics, you would be a good ruler for your country.”

Vlad looked at him surprised with widened eyes. Quickly he looked away from Mihai, his hands balled into fists and soon they trembled. From within his chest burned an ancient pain. Memoires twirled and mingled with the pain like a strong maelstrom. All those lives, taken and above all one that had fallen.

“Vlad? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, thank you. I should better be going.” Spoke Vlad and walked away without giving another word nor glance to Mihai. Mihai wanted to stop Vlad but he too fast and out of sight. Vlad did not notice where he was heading to but soon found himself midst in a forest, close by a stream. For a long time, he stared into the water while trying to suppress the memories, the voices and the pain. Once the pain eased, he held the medallion in front of him. Reading the Latin inscription.

It ran thus: Quod facis aliis, fiat voluntas tua. (What you do to others, will be done to you.)