THREE

During the twenty or so years from 1960, when little maintenance was carried out in the cemetery, opportunistic trees and plants – in particular Japanese Sycamore, bramble and ash – rapidly colonized every open space, particularly in the lower (northern) half. By the time the Trust was granted its lease many paths were seriously overgrown, adding an element of physical danger to the generally forbidding atmosphere. However, there were beneficial side-effects in that, insulated from day to day human interference, a wide variety of birds, butterflies and even foxes found homes there. It is the intention of a rolling program to replant native British trees and shrubs, plus other species mentioned in the original plant list. To this end, the paths have opened up and some of the worst infestations of knot weed and bramble cleared out. There have been an immediate and spontaneous increase in the number of path-side species, or plant types, which have been thwarted by lack of light and circulation. This in turn has encouraged the appearance of more species of insects and birds.

In the upper (southern) section of the cemetery, where most of the best memorials are sited, additional careful clearance and replanting is underway to enable visitors to enjoy the sculptures and, within a few years, a new generation of trees and shrubs. The majority of the original plantings of Abney and Fleetwood Houses, and the Loddiges Arbetorem have long since disappeared, either dug up to make way for new grave plots, died of natural causes or, in the case of a fine avenue of elms, felled during the Dutch Elm Disease epidemic of the early 1970's. The elms are regenerating from suckers emanating from the old roots and may be seen alongside the 'Great Elm Walk' on the western side of Compartment 15. Many of the stock of Hybrid Black Polars have been felled in storms – the remainder are being pollarded to extend their lives.

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The hunt is taking its tole on my body, and I have yet to see a solitary vamp. About now Ambrose is recruiting more bloodsuckers to replace those he lost. I've destroyed many of his demons but I have yet to get my revenge. My parents always told me to stay focused, regardless of danger. However, they never had to endure six hours of silence in a cemetery. Especially one this size.

Even the trees are silent.

Just as I decide to head to the flat and Alden's dinner, which has by now gotten cold, something pushes me from behind. It happened so fast I couldn't keep myself from falling. Suddenly something small and invisible to the eye rushes around me. I can feel the wind where it attacks, but I can't react since it's too fast. All I can do is try not to get sick. When I'm far too dizzy to do anything but sit there, it stops. I catch a glimpse of it just as it stabs me with a needle. It extracts my blood and leaves, all in a span of a few seconds. It was so fast I only caught a brief glimpse. It didn't look like anything I've ever seen before.

The only one around here who knows anything about new species of demons is Griffon. Griffon is a wizard and the oldest creature that I know. He's the owner of a pub called Chambers, across the way from this cemetery. First thing in the morning I'll head to the pub and talk to him. Right now I have to get back and tell Alden the news.

I pick myself up from the floor and immediately grab my stake, just in case. I exit the cemetery and run towards my destination. Hopefully I'll make it back before the food gets too cold. My stomach growls at me as I run.

#####

We reside in the cellar of a very expansive and secluded building on the outskirts of Abney Park Cemetery. Alden was able to acquire it through private channels. We're the only ones who know where it is located. There are several ways to enter the cellar. If you go through the front, you first find the formal living room including a fireplace and attached kitchen. The workout room is located in the loft of the building. My room is attached to the library, which also serves as Alden's room. I have a queen size bed, a chest for my weapons, and a closet for my clothes. Alden's room also serves as a shrine to my parents. He keeps everything but the weapons in there. His library is extensive and littered with books on shelves, in the trash (from falling off the desk), all over the floor. With all these books I'm surprised he was able to fit a bed in there without taking the room apart.

When I enter the flat I can smell cottage-pie which is Alden's specialty. I wonder if he kept it sitting in the cooker. My favorite dish is flaming chicken. My mother used to make it real spicy, which was the only way my father would eat it. Alden doesn't have the skill to recreate it so he won't even try. (Doesn't want to tarnish my memory of the dish, I guess).

Entering the flat is always like coming home to a place that your heart remembers, even if your mind can't grasp an image. A fire is always in the fireplace. I never enter the flat the same way twice, in case something has followed me. I walk over to the stove and find a hob of cottage-pie lying on top. Taking it with me, I sit on the floor and cross my legs, placing the hob next to me. I'll eat first and then find Alden.

My arm is aching where the demon stabbed me. It's a good thing I heal fast.

What the hell is Ambrose planning?

He hasn't bothered to cover up his plans before. Why is now any different?

Tomorrow I will have at least part of the answer I seek.

#####

"Alden, are you in here?" I knock on the wall.

He's not in his room or the library. I wonder if he went up?

"I don't have the patience for hide and seek, and I'm definitely not up for a lesson. I have something important to tell you," I say to the empty room.

I turn around at the sound of Alden behind me.

"I heard you upside. What is you have to tell me?"

He walks into the library and takes a seat in his mahogany chair. I sit down opposite him on a small settee, and lean forward. I look at Alden whose head is buried in a book. "Ambrose sent a demon to collect my blood."

Alden glances up sharply. "What?" He looks alarmed. "When did this happen?"

"A few hours ago. I had just finished my rounds when it came out of nowhere. I caught a brief glimpse but not enough to know what it was. It was so fast I couldn't even reach for my weapon," I complain. I hate the feeling of helplessness. "I'm going to see Griffon at daybreak. He should be able to tell me just what the demon was," I explain stifling a yawn.

Alden purses his lips in thought. When he looks at me he seems resigned, as if he knows something I don't. "As soon as you find out anything, let me know. Whatever this thing is, I want it stopped before it does anymore damage," he orders, meaning the demon. He gets up from his seat and pats me on the shoulder as he walks by. "I promised your folks I'd take care of you," he looks at me, "and I intend to do just that. Even if it kills me."

I don't know what to say to that so I just nod.

After Alden retires for the night I enter the library and pick up my favorite volume, taking my place in the settee with my legs over the back of the seat, and kicking off my shoes. The book is an old volume from 1474, written by Albertus Magnus, called 'Compendium Theologicae Vertitus'. He was active in practically all departments of learning – theological, philosophical, and scientific. His influence in all these directions was immense, for hundreds of years comparable to that of Aristotle. He wrote on nearly all branches of science, his many works being the first extensive studies of their subjects. This volume is a family heirloom that my parents read to me often. I read it when I have something on my mind. It also helps to relieve the pressure in my head, after an episode like I had earlier with my eyes.

A few chapters and then it's off to sleep.