Author's Note: It took me a while to write this, but I wanted to spend some time developing Sara's character. Sara Trantoul really doesn't get enough attention in fanfics and I don't recall reading any stories that focus on what happened to her in Eternal Night (let alone any involving Sara and Joachim in Eternal Night). Since there is so little for me to go off of, I hope this chapter will be an interesting read and fill in the gaps between Sara's capture and Leon's arrival. :)
Reviews are always welcome and appreciated, as always. Feedback helps me improve this story and I take the comments I receive seriously. Horray on reaching 100 reviews for Melancholia! Thank you for your continued support! (^-^)
Special Thanks: LateNiteSlacker for beta reading this chapter, providing great suggestions, and fixing my grammatical mistakes. This story wouldn't be nearly as well-written without you, and I really appreciate the time you spend reading my work!
More special thanks go to danceofgold, who has taken a lot of time to leave me feedback about this story, as well as AzariyaBelmont (always the first to review, haha! I will make a dedication to you in a chapter when Walter re-appears...which should be in a chapter or two ;)
Also, Chapter 30 is dedicated to TheGhostisReal (hope you are still reading...I always loved your feedback), & RaharMoonfire (an awesome writer and long-time reviewer).
Chapter XXX
He had lost so much blood that the world around him became a blur of darkness and sound. Sara was by his side, holding his hand, and gazing anxiously at his face. When her crystalline eyes met his, she sighed with relief. "You are awake, at last. I feared the worst." A soft smile spread across her lips. The pale moonlight streaming through the stained glass windows in the hallway cast an ethereal illumination around her delicate form. The long, petal-like skirt of her ivory dress fluttered over the floor like folded wings. The fine embroidery on her azure blue vest gleamed, emphasizing her illustrious skin and chestnut brown hair.
Joachim bolted upright – and winced when needles of pain ran through his chest like wildfire. His hand flew to the wound, clutching it protectively, and he hissed when she reached out to examine it. "Don't touch me!" He snapped. "It seems that your innocent countenance veils great cunning, Lady Trantoul. I wonder if your beloved Leon Belmont knows?"
Sara glanced urgently over her shoulder. Thick locks of glossy brown hair spilled down her shoulders and back. In the moonlight, her eyes sparkled with fervent optimism. "I'm glad you are all right. I waited for you to awaken for hours but your wound did not cease bleeding until a few minutes ago."
Despite the agony reaping through him, the creature's superior hearing detected numerous footsteps approaching them around the corner of the hallway. "Monsters are coming but I can't fight them in this condition," he muttered, and winced from the pain. His hand brushed across the torn flesh. Warm, sticky blood stained his fingers crimson.
"We must leave immediately!" Sara replied urgently. It took a few moments for him to regain his balance and stand upright. His wounds were grave, and even the simplest task of walking challenged the limits of his powers. The lady's delicate lips formed a smile and she bowed her head. "I tried to stop the bleeding as best I could, but it seems my efforts were not enough. Lord Armster, I did not wish to harm you; to see you in pain fills me with sorrow. Now, I understand the nature of vampirism…"
"I know you missed my heart deliberately." The noise from the approaching monsters threatened to distract him, but he forced himself to continue. The loss of blood made his face look as white as bed linen. The creature's lips were dry and cracked, and his eyes were dull from fatigue. "I…tried to hurt you, Sara. Perhaps, your wisdom is greater than my own. It is far easier to kill than to show mercy, especially to one undeserving of it."
Sara's smile broadened and she bowed her head, veiling her eyes behind the loose coils of her hair. "Even though I am an inferior human, I am not your enemy."
"Inferior?" He repeated the word to himself, whilst his eyes looked away from her to the floor. "Your humanity…and kindness…makes you worthy of some respect. However, you are an exception, for all humans are worthless."
"Do you truly think so?" A twinge of injury appeared in her eyes when she added. "Leon is different. I don't think he would want to harm you, either. He is brave and noble, just as you are. Sometimes I feel that I am unworthy of his love. I am merely a merchant's daughter…hardly a baroness or a lady."
"Unworthy?" He scoffed, suppressing the urge to laugh. Nevertheless, the smirk pressed upon his lips mocked her. "What difference will your title make, for he has already chosen you to be his wife? Title is of no significance; only fools believe it is. Let us hope that he lives long enough to say his vows at the altar. Indeed, I look forward to meeting your fiancé…"
Sara's smile faded. With a sigh, she resumed walking down the hallway, not seeming to care if he accompanied her or not. Her footsteps were barely audible, and her voice firmed. "You seem to enjoy killing. Does your lust for blood know no bounds? I would rather you have killed me, than have me live to watch Leon die by your swords. Remember your lord's mercilessness toward you, and perhaps, reflect upon your own towards others. It is clear, you became a vampire against your will. The injustices of this world drive you to seek retribution. Yet, the more you make others suffer, the greater suffering you bring upon yourself."
Joachim limped after her, trying to suppress the temptation to cry out from the searing pain in his chest. The monsters would be upon them at any moment, yet Sara's focus upon him made her indifferent to the danger she was in. With a huff, he hurried beside her, allowing her to take hold of his arm to support him again. "A fine sentiment," he snarled. "But you have never known suffering, Sara. I pray you never do."
"Alas, tis' true," she sighed. A sad glint appeared in her eyes. "My nursemaid sheltered me as a child. Although my life is blessed, I do not like to see you this way, Lord Armster."
Once they reached the doors and came upon the chapel's entranceway, Joachim paused to look at her, his steely eyes boring into the depths of her soul. She was innocent – perhaps too innocent – for his tainted heart to comprehend. Nevertheless, he knew she was drawn to help him like a moth to a flame. A tremor of unease filled him when he began to reminisce; recalling the vague memories locked away inside his mind. "The nursemaid you spoke of…" he whispered. "Served me from the time I was born. It seems so long ago, now…so very long ago…"
Sara's eyes widened. Nearly at loss, she stared at him for a long time until she calmed once again. The woman placed a hand over her mouth, unsure of whether to respond with joy or sorrow. "I did not know…Anneliese did not mention her previous family very frequently. It makes sense, for your father is Zaeviean Armster! You are of noble blood, a lord-"
"I don't want to talk about it-" He began, though her growing interest compelled her to persist despite his reluctance to broach the subject.
"That means…" Sara hesitated. "You were turned recently. What of your family, Lord Armster? Your father and your wife surely miss you-"
"Family?" A flash of red appeared in his eyes. As if her words were poisonous, he withdrew from her at once, and staggered toward the balcony steps where the exit platform glowed in silent welcome. With the viciousness of a devil, his icy words threatened to shatter her like glass. "I have none, for they are all dead!" He turned around to face her, parted his lips, and bared his needle-like fangs. "When I was human, I was nothing but an invalid. Even my own father was ashamed to speak of me. That was my legacy as a lord."
"Surely your life as a human was not empty of all happiness?" Sara replied, refusing to look away despite his unpredictable anger. "You have not told me about your wife-"
"My wife?" The creature chuckled dryly. "I was never married. What woman would want to-"
"I apologize," She bowed her head. "You called me by another name several times…I thought she was your wife. My assumption was unfounded."
An immense emotion filled him which he could not describe. All at once, Joachim's throat tightened and suffocated his voice. Vague memories entered his mind but he could not recall them clearly. Nearly breathless, he had to lean on the balcony railing to remain standing. "My…wife?" Bright green eyes filtered through his thoughts. He stared at Sara for a long moment, seeing the image of another overlap her in his mind. He watched her ivory dress turn amethyst; and her dark brown hair form into ebony ringlets. Sara's smile was the same as the woman in his memory. With an anguished gasp, he wrung his hands. "My…wife…if only…"
Sara swept up the balcony steps after him with the swiftness of a bird. Without hesitating, she placed a hand upon his own, never once flinching despite the icy feel of his skin. "Joachim," her voice lowered, attempting to soothe his anxiety. "Forgive me, it is not my place-"
"No." He gave her a sullen glance. The warmth of her hand made him pause. Although he wished to hate her for her concern, a part of him needed to speak, for Sara's beauty and softness comforted him more than he wished to admit.
"I promised I would stay with you, Lord Armster, and I will not leave you."
Tears threatened to build in his eyes. He stubbornly held them back, and grimaced when their eyes met. "You are not of this world, Sara…and neither was she. I tried to warn her, but like you, she refused…"
"I see." Sara whispered. "Should Leon come, I am not leaving this place without you. Leaving you here, completely alone, would be an injustice after all you have done."
"Injustice?" Somehow, he managed to smile in spite of himself. "Keeping you here would be an injustice, to you and your betrothed. Don't forget, Baron Belmont is risking his life for your sake!"
"You were a lord!" Sara shook her head in objection, her voice straining. "Surely, there is somewhere else you could live in peace – a manor perhaps – where you could rejoin human society, if only rarely seen by other people. No one would know what you are, as long as you concealed your vampirism-"
"That's out of the question!" He snapped, feeling his lower lip curl in frustration. "You think being a vampire is something that can simply be concealed? Have you already forgotten that, merely hours ago, I tried to kill you?"
"There must be another way!" Sara cried, refusing to concede to the creature's antipathy. "I fear that, should you rule Eternal Night, the power you obtain will not satisfy you. Is this what she would have wanted for you?"
"She deserved far more," he whispered. "Than a disgraced lord and undead monster."
"You are not a disgrace-"
"Of course, she said the same. Yet, you don't know the crimes I committed, Sara. I took her innocence, made her with child, and watched her grieve when its life and my own were stolen. As a vampire, I sought her out, and upon finding her, destroyed her with my hate. Her love for me killed her…I kill her." The admission was like daggers to his heart, but he spoke it nonetheless. Sudden anger and grief flooded through him when he spoke those fatal words. The swords aligned behind his back flew away toward the windowpanes surrounding the ornamental entranceway. Whether he was aware of what he had done was uncertain even to him. Sheets of stained glass shattered and fell, sprinkling flecks of color across the floor like broken rainbows. He looked at her in the eye, his voice resuming its former harshness as he continued. "It was my fault! I have become this…this…lecherous, murderous thing. The only thing I have left is this castle – and I will be its master soon enough!"
"That is not all you have left." Sara whispered, and she fell silent for a long time. Pieces of stained glass surrounded her where she stood. He watched her fold her hands in front of her, the locks of her hair spilling gracefully around her shoulders. With the dignity of a saint, her eyes never left his. "I will be with you, Lord Armster. I wish for you to be freed from Walter's tyranny."
Something about his prisoner kept him alive, even though he wanted to despise her. Sara had nearly killed him when she drove the dagger through his chest. The searing pain throughout his entire body warned him of that fact. Although he was immortal, her actions reminded him that his existence could still be erased from the world. A bitter hiss escaped through his gritted enamels as he waited for the pain to subside. He could already feel his flesh healing – the nerves and veins closing and regenerating with startling efficiency. It would have taken months for a human to recover from the wounds he suffered. Nearly succumbing to the agony, he sank to his knees on the floor, unable to sustain his own body. Ironically, walking tired him as much as a vampire as it did as a human. Levitating would have been effortless, yet, he could not bring himself to do it in Sara's presence. Without voicing it, an aspect of his soul desperately longed to be human again. Everything about his vampiric state was suddenly unnatural and frightening.
Sara's lips quivered when she saw him fall. Though concern reflected in her eyes, her voice retained its sweetness. "All is not lost unless you allow it to be. Promise me no matter what happens, you will persevere. Please don't give up, Joachim."
His eyes widened into saucers, for he could scarcely give a reply to deny her request. Vaguely, he remembered that someone he once knew pleaded for the same thing. With a gasp, he tried to break their gaze. Even though Sara was threatened by death she always thought of him. "I will, for you."
"You may not believe in yourself," Sara began. Tears began to form in her eyes as she approached and stood before him, placing a hand upon his shoulder. Her dainty fingers lightly combed the silken strands of his ivory hair. She tilted her head, gazing down upon him with the benevolence of an angel, whilst her voice filled the lonely silence surrounding them. "But I believe in who you are – someone with the heart of a human and the grace of a nobleman. A beautiful and proud man."
Despite his rage and pain, her lovely countenance melted the ice in his veins, and a wave of shame overtook his anger. His lips pursed, inside his soul wanted to scream, but his voice quivered. "Why do you look upon me without the slightest condemnation?"
Sara's lips formed a weak smile. "You still possess a human heart, and always will, no matter how many centuries pass."
For the first time since they met, a warm smile spread across his lips. The sorrow inside him seemed to disappear when he heard her speak. Nothing, not even his own self-loathing, would deter Lady Trantoul's devotion. With a sigh, the creature rose to his feet, silently gazing upon her lovely face. Without speaking, he lifted his hand and placed it lightly upon her cheek, caressing the soft flesh with his thumb. He had to be careful not to scratch her with his claw-like nails, though she did not flinch. The smile remained upon Sara's face until he drew her toward him, his pale eyes glinting with an intensity that made her gasp. The vampire lowered his face toward her own, skimming her cheek with his lips – feeling her warmth against his cold, pasty skin. His lips brushed across Sara's, greedily adoring the perfection of her doll-like visage and crystalline eyes. Sara's breath hitched, and her body tensed. Though she did not turn from him, he sensed her hesitation, and swiftly drew away.
Casting his eyes to the floor, he walked toward the teleport disc, beckoning her to follow. "Let us depart from here, Lady Trantoul. There are other places I would like to show you."
Without a word, Sara nodded in agreement.
They entered the castle's ancient garden. Three circular moonbeams filtered across the earthy floor; intricate vines climbed up its crumbling walls. Carvings of saints adorned stone panels in the walls with hands cupped and heads bowed in prayer. Patches of grass sprouted from the room's worn floor stonework. Damp, heavy air filled Joachim's lungs the moment they arrived in the garden's entranceway; and condensation began to cover his cold skin. Joachim wiped his brow in discomfort, whilst Sara stepped off the platform, her eyes widening in surprise. "Are we in…some kind of garden?" She approached the circular light reflected upon the floor and paused to admire the garden's enchanting ambiance. "Although this is Eternal Night, the moon gives the illusion of sunlight and daytime. Despite the darkness, plants still grow here…"
His eyes followed her, watching her bend over to the violets growing in the pale light. A scowl crossed his lips, for he envied Sara's innocent fascination with the castle. Deep within himself, he wished he could share her curiosity. Some aspects of the castle were still awe-inspiring; however, he had grown weary of never-ending darkness. It pained him to think that the night had lost the wonder it once held in his imagination. Whereas Sara saw brilliant streams of moonlight, his eyes saw only shadows creeping along the walls like a thousand reaching hands waiting to pull him into the abyss. The image made the creature shudder, whilst his icy voice stripped Sara of her wonder like frost upon a flower. "For humans, this garden is simply another accursed grave. The plants here are toxic; their enticing scent will draw you to them, but their poison will infect your lungs and corrode your flesh."
"How terrible it must have been for those men who died here!" Sara's smile weakened, and the joy she felt threatened to fade under the intensity of his remark. "The vampire, Walter, who forced you to abduct me is more conniving than I thought. I can scarcely imagine him wandering about this garden, for its loveliness and grandeur seems to resemble that of Eden. Like the serpent, Walter's guise of wisdom masks his ill-intentions."
A low chuckle vibrated through Joachim's throat. "Ah, Walter." His lips curled like the wilted petals of a rose, and displayed the blackened wound the demon had created inside his soul. "My master has more power than he knows what to do with. For centuries he has toyed with human love; stealing away innocents who have never wronged him. Walter thinks he is so very clever, but his games are merely a way to escape boredom."
"Boredom?" Sara repeated the offensive word to herself, her eyes narrowing for the first time since they met. Almost instantly, her once kindly voice became stern. "Human lives are not playthings for immortals!" She cried, and folded her arms across her chest. The cross look on her face nearly made Joachim want to laugh, for he was unaccustomed to her anger. He could feel her frustration in that moment – the same sorrow and anger that he felt when he, too, suffered under the red-haired lord's power. "I don't understand why you refer to Walter as your master, for he cannot enslave your soul to his will! I wonder if Walter secretly envies humans. Unlike humans, he shall spend eternity in the shadows. I understand why boredom would overcome Walter – eternity would devour his innocence, until the beauty of this garden – nay the world – is lost. Perhaps, if I were to formally meet him-"
"That's out of the question!" Joachim hissed. Suddenly, a fire appeared in his eyes and he shook his head, refusing to allow her to continue. His face grew pale once again, and he had to lean against the garden wall for support. The girl was more naïve than he imagined, and he was uncertain about whether he would have to protect her from Walter or her own ideals. The creature abruptly swept in front of the young woman, his slender form towering over her as he hissed under his breath. "Walter has little interest in you at the moment. Do not provoke him, or else your pretty neck will be snapped in half like a chicken's and drained of blood. Walter was never human; you cannot reason with him, and he will never release you…willingly."
"I want him to release you." Though she possessed the beauty and grace of Eve, her determination astonished him. "There must be something I can do to convince him, something I can offer in exchange-"
"Such as?" The creature's steely eyes became alight with amusement. He chuckled and flicked his hand in dismissal, whilst a sarcastic sneer played across his lips. "Do you know a couple who would volunteer to play his game? You have nothing to bargain with."
Exhausted, Sara sighed and sat down upon a grassy spot to rest. Whether she was frustrated or simply tired, he could not discern clearly. She seemed to become lost within her own thoughts. Though she tried to hide her anxiety, he regretted his insensitivity. The sounds of crickets and running water provided little consolation. "Do you wish to rest?" He asked tentatively. The woman had endured enough traumatic experiences to last a lifetime. She seemed to walk more slowly through the garden, and her eyes had become dull from exhaustion.
"If it is not too much trouble," Sara replied, "Can we stay here for a while? My strength is, regrettably, a shadow of your own."
Joachim returned to the wall and leaned against it. Despite his effort to feign disinterest, he gave her a concerned look. Sara's skin seemed even paler than he initially realized. "As you wish," Uncertain of what to say next, the youth kept his distance. "Forgive me, I seem to forget that humans require sleep. I have not slept in a bed since I was…" Memories of Walter pursuing him filtered into his thoughts. At once, he fell into silence.
Sara gazed at him for a long time, observing his fine robes and shining armor with unexpected interest. Perhaps, in an attempt to ease his distress, she reminisced. "I wish we could have met under better circumstances, Lord Armster. I wonder what you were like when you were human. Tis' a shame we did not know each other then…"
"Why?" Joachim's brow furrowed. "I was a foolish young man, who hated his obligations as a lord. The only thing that brought me joy was literature. In the evening, I often read in front of the fireplace until well into the night. Books became my companions; a way to escape the rebuke I experienced from my illness. During the daytime, my happiness was not sought through the company of humans, but through my horse. I'm afraid he is the only friend I have, and I expect he is grazing somewhere about the garden."
He observed her carefully, and watched her turn to admire the portrait of an angel carved into the wall with child-like curiosity. Upon hearing him speak, Sara's despondency lifted into a warm smile as she cupped her hands in front of her. "You have a horse? Where can we find him?"
"Cojiro will find us. If I summon him, he will be here within moments. Though I warn you, he is…different from a normal horse. You may not take a liking to him as he is, now."
It surprised him when Sara laughed. "How can I dislike what I do not know? I have loved horses since I was a child. My father was a gentle soul, who always nurtured my affections. Why, my mother was quite cross when my father agreed to teach me how to ride a horse! She said it was uncouth for a woman to mount the back of a beast, yet my father persuaded her it would do no harm, so long as I practiced my weaving." Though she smiled, sadness suddenly appeared in her eyes, and her head lowered.
Joachim reflected upon the fact that, unlike Sara, he had no family to miss, or to miss him. He assumed that his pain was great because he was alone, without bothering to understand her grief. A surge of guilt welled in his heart as he considered her longing. If he could have, he would have undone his crime in an instant and returned her to the loving arms of her mother and father. Yet, he gritted his teeth and looked away, unable to stand the sight of her anguish and his own regret. "I heard my mother loved Arabian horses; my father brought a few back with him from the east."
Sara looked up at him curiously, her eyes widening. "Your mother?" She asked. "When you speak of her, you sound so very sad, Lord Armster."
"I did not know her," he replied airily. More than anything, he did not wish to delve into the subject. Walter's face appeared in his mind like a specter. Amidst his eroding memory, the image of his mother's blood-spattered portrait and the ebony stone threatened to shatter the peace he was desperate to maintain within himself. "She died in childbirth, and my father refused to remarry. The crusades kept my father away from home for months at a time. I always wanted to join him, and when I was well enough, I learned to ride. My instructor thought I took to the sport easily. I had already tamed Cojiro since his birth, and breaking him was of little difficulty. Did you ride often as a child?"
"My father owned many horses, most of which were sent away to the crusades. When he taught me how to ride, he let me sit upon his favorite horse and led it about the grounds on our estate. My mother often called me away to do some task or another, which interrupted my lessons. As my skills improved, I returned to the fields at dusk to practice while my mother was preoccupied with entertaining guests. Perhaps, some of my most blessed moments are when my father and I rode together." The lady's smile, though innocent, guided her thoughts. "Sadly, our estate was attacked by robbers who took our horses during the night. My mother was displeased; but claimed it was God's will that distractions could no longer hinder my duty to become a fine young lady. I was their only daughter; my brother was killed in the East."
"You had a brother?" Joachim gave her a surprised look. The moment he saw the happiness drain from her face, he regretted his curiosity. In an attempt to mitigate her grief, he bowed deeply. "This subject clearly causes you woe; I did not mean to offend, Lady Trantoul." Never had he submitted to a human. The idea should have disgusted him, but it only enhanced his admiration of her composed disposition. He envied Sara's unwillingness to surrender her hope to despair.
"Please do not worry," She replied, "He was far older than I, and I hardly knew him. Whenever he returned from the East, he would give me scarves of colored silk and exotic tapestries of women with dark hair and eyes. My mother never approved of Tristan becoming a soldier…for she wanted my brother to inherit the estate and manage our lands. He was a talented horse trainer; my father said his love of animals was infectious. Indeed, when hunting season came, my brother could not even harm a fly. My father said he simply came on expeditions to sightsee; leaving the task of killing to him. I do not understand what prompted Tristan to join the crusades…he told me once, during his last return home, that when his horse was felled by an arrow on the battlefield, it seemed rather unjust for God's innocent creatures to suffer for our sins. After he returned to the east, I never saw him again." Sara's expression was pensive, and she said no more.
"If it pleases you," Joachim began, taking note of her paling face. "I will summon Cojiro, who shall carry us through the garden. You do not look well…"
"I assure you, I am fine." Sara smiled reassuringly.
Nevertheless, he saw through her guise easily. He, more than most, knew what illness looked like. Sara's waning strength warned him of her exhaustion, however, he did not want to press the subject for fear of increasing her distress. Joachim walked toward the center of the room and stood with her in the moonlight. The faint image of a smile creased the corners of his lips as he drew a breath and whistled the familiar tune. His song disrupted the garden's midnight activities, and silenced the frequent chirping of the crickets hiding in the grass. After a few moments passed, Sara turned toward the door upon hearing the faint whinnying cry of a horse. Repetitive thumping hoof beats pounded against the ground and grew closer to where they stood.
"Joachim, is that…your horse?" Sara exclaimed, nearly jumping back in surprise when her eyes caught sight of the transparent beast as it leapt through the door of the room.
Though the sound of its steps resounded through the garden, its hooves did not touch the ground.
Its body changed into its solid form, revealing its long shimmering tresses and white, filmy eyes. Its finely pointed ears swiveled to and fro when it slowed to a walk and approached its master. The equine's muscled legs were long and sleek, and its lustrous coat gleamed like silver snow in the moonlight. Upon reaching Joachim, the equine buried its muzzle into his shoulder with an affectionate whicker. He ran his hand across the horse's sloping neck, beckoning Sara to approach. "Do not be afraid." He assured. "Cojiro will do you no harm, although he might be displeased to find I do not have any treats on hand."
"Perhaps, this will do?" Sara extended her hand and opened her palm, revealing a clump of violets she had picked earlier. The horse turned its head and dipped its muzzle into her hand in acceptance of her offer. The equine's pearly enamels crunched down upon the flowers as she stroked its head, her soft voice whispering in its ear. "You are as gracious as your master, and beautiful, too. I have never seen a horse as lovely as you are. Like the fabled unicorn, I scarcely know whether you are real or illusionary."
"If you wish, we can ride on his back through the garden. It seems he has taken quite a liking to you, Lady Trantoul." When Sara nodded in agreement, he took her round the waist and lifted her onto the horse's back. Sara was so light that he was astonished to find she weighed almost nothing at all. He allowed her to adjust the skirt of her dress before he mounted behind her. His ivory hair fell around his face like waves of silk, and his usual gloom was overcome by affectionate sentiments. Sara's closeness to him made his entire body almost tremble with apprehension. The last time they were that near to each other, he almost killed her. With a sigh, he leaned forward. "I hope you will forgive me," He whispered, "For my treatment of you earlier. Though I am a monster, I will never hurt you again." As the horse trotted toward the door, Joachim opened it with his mind to admit them into the rooms beyond.
Sara kept her balance well, and seemed comforted by the animal's presence – as well as the vampire's. "Lord Armster," she began. "The creature that attacked me was not you, for Joachim Armster is a man, and not a monster. Yet, I wonder if true monsters dwell within this garden? I have yet to see them…and Walter Bernhard…"
"Stop addressing me as a lord." His voice had become faint, meeting the twinge of irritation within his flickering irises. "I no longer have a title to proclaim."
"I understand," Sara replied, looking at him over her shoulder. "However, the only way for you to relinquish your title, is if you to renounce it before your subjects."
"Yes, I suppose that is true. That is, if I had any subjects left…" A wicked smile spread across his lips, his eyes glinting a hint of red in the pale moonlight. Sara shifted to forward to glimpse at the strange mist surrounding the silvery equine. "Do not be afraid of monsters while I am present. I have seen some demons that can bury themselves into the earth, and others that are shaped like swords. The only monster we must be concerned about is that wretched snake woman-"
Sara gasped, and half-turned to look at him with widened eyes. "Are you saying even legendary monsters can be found here? I have read about her in legends, the seductive woman who can control snakes and turn people to stone! Did you fight her?"
Joachim raised his head high, and with a downward cast upon her, he summoned one of his swords left dormant in their alignment behind his back. The loud pang of metal whirled through the air, until one of his delicate hands grasped its hilt and casually rested the blade against his inner shoulder. "I did some pruning, and cut her down to size."
They entered one of the most plant-inhabited areas, where plants of every sort grew along the walls, which were covered by intertwining vines and tall prickly cactuses. A stone lion's head was placed high up the wall on the opposite side of the room above the wooden door. Water gushed from the lion's open mouth and flowed down a channel on a ledge along the walls of the rectangular space. Above them, a broken domed roof made of glass allowed them a glimpse of the star dotted sky. When the horse reached the center of the room, Joachim eased it to a halt and dismounted.
The floor was covered with soil and felt soft under his boots. As he walked, he avoided rotting trunks of fallen trees that were strewn about the room. "Never underestimate Walter's cunning, Lady Trantoul. My powers pale beside his, and I am nothing compared with his strength." Of course, he knew Sara was ignorant of his potential. Despite his frail appearance, he had grown considerably stronger over time. Secretly, within himself, his ambition to overthrow Walter was unchanged. You are innocent Sara, and do not understand just how vulnerable you are as a human. Very soon, I will defeat Walter myself, and this castle will belong to me. I know it is not your wish, but I am much stronger than I look…and far dangerous than my master is.
Rage surged beneath his composed façade, showing only when his hands balled into fists. Amidst the foliage in the garden his robes, elaborately designed boots, and chest armor gave him an elegant, yet illusive image of a human aristocrat. However, death's pale hand drained all the life from him, so that his skin glowed a ghostly white hue. His strange appearance enhanced the tenseness in his voice when he continued. "You have no idea what he is capable of. I will try to bide you more time until Baron Belmont arrives. At all costs, you must not become the focus of Walter's attention. However, be wary of me, for I am inhuman. I have the guise of a man but I am fallen."
"Why do you loathe yourself so profoundly?" Sara asked. Without requiring his aid, she dismounted and walked toward him, her sapphire colored eyes widening in concern. Upon seeing her approach, Joachim stepped back, forcing a distance to remain between them. Sara folded her hands in front of her, and her eyes never left him for a moment. "God will forgive you for your sins."
"Perhaps, if God exists." With a sigh, he turned away. "Yet, I wonder…would you?"
Sara nodded resolutely. "Of course I would-"
A red flicker appeared in his eyes, and his voice abruptly darkened. Without turning round to face her, a sardonic grin crossed his lips. "Walter's mastery extends beyond power alone. I would rather confess to you than to God my…indiscretions."
"What indiscretions?" She asked.
Sensing her uncertainty, the creature's head lowered. "Walter and I…are bound by a much greater bond than blood," he whispered. "Walter is not hindered by societal restrictions, for he is beloved by the night, and lives by his own moral code. If he wants something, he will take it if it is in his power to do so. I easily succumbed to the curse and his charms. Everything about him allured me – his power, beauty, strength, and words were like nothing I had seen before. Human society rejected me, but Walter granted me eternity by his side."
"I…did not know…" Sara replied, and fell into a brief silence, which seemed to last forever.
He could tell she was collecting herself; preparing to accept what his words seemed to convey unto her judgment. Joachim glanced over his shoulder, reluctantly catching a view of her stricken expression. Without waiting for him to elaborate, Sara withdrew an apprehensive breath, her voice trembling somewhat when she spoke. "If you indeed had…relations with Walter…you are merely a victim of circumstance-"
"I was a willing participant." He hissed, wringing his hands as a terrible surge of humiliation seeped within his soul. With a bitter laugh, he turned to face her at last, his lips curling whilst his thoughts lingered upon his wounded pride. Walter had taken everything from him; even his dignity meant nothing to the demon. "I betrayed the woman I loved for him, and yet I enjoyed every moment of it. Do you not find me repulsive; worthy of scorn and condemnation for lying with another man?"
Sara shook her head. The woman's eyes glinted, and her voice lowered when she reached out to take his hand. Before he could pull away, the warmth of her soft skin made him powerless to resist. Determination appeared within her gaze. "You think I shall judge you, even though it is not within my power to do so. I am certain that the woman you loved forgives you; even though you cannot forgive yourself. Hearing you condemn yourself makes me sorrowful, for I wish more than anything that I could comfort you." He saw her frame stiffen for a long moment, while her shaking lips revealed the tears building inside her eyes. Joachim brushed a hand across her cheek, before placing his finger beneath her chin to tilt her head upward. When their eyes met, Sara sobbed. "I shall give Walter no satisfaction from my imprisonment. No one else will suffer your fate; we must stop him…together."
"Please, don't cry." The image of her sad face made his throat constrict. Tears fell like raindrops from the lady's eyes. As carefully as he could, he wiped them away with his hand. "If Walter sees you cry-"
"I care not what he sees." Sara replied, "I am human, and my tears are for the innocents who suffered under his cruelty. For you."
Joachim fell silent. He could not find a worthy response to her kind words, since he never imagined that anyone would weep for him. Exhaustion shadowed the lady's face until she began to sway, and nearly collapsed onto to the ground. With the speed of a falcon, he caught her in his arms and noticed that her face was deathly white. All the life she possessed seemed to drain from her. "Sara!" He cried her name, his eyes widening upon realizing that, rather than hungering for her, he feared for her. He held her tenderly, for in that moment, compassion betrayed his instinct to kill.
Locks of dark brown hair splayed against her smooth cheeks, whilst her eyes slowly fluttered open and closed. After a long moment, she seemed to regain her strength, for one of her hands reached out to reassuringly stroke his cheek. "Joachim…forgive me, I have not slept in quite some time..." Her voice drifted away into a quiet sigh as he lifted her into his arms, and began to carry her back to his horse. Cojiro had begun grazing nearby, his long tail swishing whilst it roamed around the room. Upon hearing its master's urgent steps, the equine abruptly raised its head, pricked its ears forward, and emitted an anxious snort. His attention was so focused upon Sara, that he was unaware of the reason for his horse's reaction until he heard her fearful cry. "Joachim-"
Without warning, a massive plant burst from the soil and threw pieces of rock into the air. The sound of it emerging made Joachim jump back, and narrowly avoiding the rapid emergence of its skeletal form. The plant arched its long stem downward toward him, though it was no ordinary green stem filled with chlorophyll, but was made of bone like an adjoining spinal column. Instead of displaying a blooming flower, the end of the stem connected to muscle tissue formed in the shape of a half dome that opened and closed by the aid of five protruding bones. It was a bizarre creature even for him to look upon; connected to the lower muscle tissue of its cup-shaped bloom was a lower jaw, possessing human-like teeth and a red and blue colored tongue. At the very center was a large single eyeball, completed by an amber colored iris and slit black pupil.
"Don't be afraid," He soothed, and carried her toward the bizarre creature. "It will do you no harm, so long as I request its submission." He cooed to the plant, until its cup-shaped bloom gently brushed against his shoulder. Joachim returned the gesture by stroking the tissue protecting the creature's eye. Sara silently observed the massive plant, until he continued. "It is merely curious about our presence; nothing more. If it wanted to harm us, it would have tried by now."
"May I pet it?" Sara asked, and her eyes brightened slightly. It seemed to take all of her strength for her to outstretch her hand.
Joachim, unwilling to stress her further with an objection, consented to her request. "Do as you will."
"Even though this plant is unusual, I find it rather endearing." Sara smiled, whilst her delicate hand lightly tickled an area beneath the plant's flesh-like jaw. Upon feeling her touch, the plant began to tremble, until a faint, croaky chuckle reverberated from its throat. The lady gazed at the creature in wonderment, her smile broadening whilst Joachim looked on with renewed interest. He was somewhat shocked to find that Sara, in spite of her terrible circumstances, somehow found joy within Eternal Night.
He had been dwelling upon his own self-pity for so long, that the idea of actually enjoying the company of the castle's monsters never crossed his mind. The barest image of a grin creased the corners of his lips. "It seems to like you," he observed. "For a human, you effortlessly charm even the most terrifying monsters. That plant is extremely poisonous. If it wanted to, it could have killed you with its toxins in matter of moments." Joachim eyed the plant carefully, though seemed unconcerned about his warning. The plant continued to chuckle whilst she tickled its jaw and stoked its fleshy petals, her face beaming with the loveliness of a seraph.
After a time, they returned on horseback to the garden's atrium. Sara was still too weak to walk, and so the creature carried her toward the exit disc himself. "I know of a place where you can rest," he began. "Somewhere far more comfortable than here." Joachim turned to look at Cojiro. With a quick wave of his hand, he dismissed the animal. The horse huffed in response, whilst its silvery form began to fade into the ghostly image of its former self. With a whinnying cry, the beast turned and jumped through the door – the sound of its hoof beats echoing through the rooms beyond until only silence remained.
"Farewell, Cojiro." Sara whispered, before returning her gaze to him. "Where are you taking me?"
"Do you enjoy the theatre, Lady Trantoul?" He asked vaguely.
"Oh, I love the theatre! All the actors on stage give life to all sorts of beautiful arts – from tragic soliloquies, lighthearted comedy, to even dramatic battles between ancient gods. My father used to take me to the theatre on occasion; he thought educating me in the arts was essential to appreciating life itself. Do you mean to say, that a theatre exists within this very castle? I did not expect Walter would enjoy such things-"
"Walter loves being entertained," Joachim replied, his lips curling into a reproachful sneer. A dull crimson glow flickered within his once pale eyes. "Whether by actors or prisoners, is of little significance. The tragedy of separated lovers is his favorite, lamentably."
Sara gave no immediate response, though sadness was visible in her eyes. As he carried her onto the disc, she sighed, and her voice sounded oddly faint. "I hope…Leon is safe. He sent me a letter before his departure, telling me that he would speak to Mathias before our wedding, for Lord Cronqvist urgently summoned him. Leon and I were to wed in two days..."
Although he had no reason to, Joachim greatly pitied her. Fate – or God – had dealt Sara a cruel hand. Nevertheless, he could not resist thinking that at least she was alive, and under his sole protection. Leon would find Eternal Night, eventually, but until that time, he would enjoy her company. Feigning displeasure, he shook his head, his ivory hair cascading against his ashen cheeks. "Damn Walter. Baron Belmont will rescue you alive, as long as you remain here…with me…"
"You have done so much for me," Sara answered, and her voice softened when his piercing gaze drew her eyes to his. "I am truly grateful…and I am certain, Leon will be as well, when at last you meet him."
Joachim paused, admiring Sara's lovely face and gentle temperament. Everything about her expressed what he was not, and yet, he did not mind in the least. The loneliness inside him melted away with her smile. However, her last words made something inside him cringe, and he felt all the happiness in his heart abruptly dissipate. Leon Belmont would have his betrothed returned, and the thought of their reunion brought him little comfort. He veiled his feelings beneath a semblance of acceptance, though his voice lacked the enthusiasm it once held. "Of course, Sara…" he whispered softly. The lady gave a contented sigh; her delicate lashes fluttered closed as she drifted into sleep in his arms. Joachim pressed her delicate form closer to his chest, whilst one of his claw-like hands lightly caressed her cheek.
I shall also be grateful, when at last I meet Leon...and kill him.
Joachim carried her into the theatre's silent entranceway, his lithe form swiftly descending the grand staircase until he carefully laid the young woman upon one of the theatre's luxurious sofas. Sara looked completely at peace – her sleeping form so serene that, for a while, he was content to watch over her. The theatre's candlelit atmosphere provided a relaxing and safe place for her to rest undisturbed. Faint sounds of operatic voices drifted through the theatre's lonely halls like a forgotten lullaby.
After a short time, Sara awoke, her blue eyes blinking to adjust to the theatre's dimly lit ambiance. Something seemed to be troubling her, for she sighed, sat up, and folded her hands on her lap. Loose coils of her chestnut hair tumbled around her shoulders. The long ivory skirt of her dress fanned around her like that of a porcelain doll. Upon seeing his pensive expression, she laid back down again, and her voice was weak from fatigue. For the first time, she seemed to reflect upon her situation with sadness unexpected of one possessing such irreproachable vivacity and hopefulness. Joachim sat down upon the edge of the sofa, his face a mask of tranquility despite the alarm building inside him as he looked upon her sorrowful countenance.
"Tis'…unfortunate that Mathias sought Walter for immortality," Sara began. "I visited Lord Cronqvist with Leon almost a year ago. There was something dark about his countenance; which I found very troubling. Leon insisted Mathias was simply exhausted – I believed him, for our meeting came shortly after the death of his wife, Elisabetha. Once, I entered his chamber to bring him flowers, and he looked so empty of life that it was as if his soul had already departed. He raised a trembling hand, beckoned me to his bedside, and thanked me. His voice was so weak I could hardly hear his words, but he kept asking me if I loved Leon, to which I replied that I did."
For a moment, she paused. Then, as if accepting her own admission, she forced herself to continue. "I saw his eyes widen a moment, before resuming their languid emptiness. He told me that he wished nothing but happiness for us on our wedding day, and pledged God's sacred blessing upon our future together. He said that he could feel Leon's love for me whenever Leon looked at me, for Leon was his comrade in arms, as well as his confidant. I spent some time with Mathias, trying to console him, but he did not seem to hear me. His thoughts seemed to linger upon matters he did not disclose. Seeing that man lying in bed, so lonely and miserable, created guilt within my heart, for his love for his wife was profound. I had never seen such devotion to another soul until I met Mathias; a part of him was truly gone forever. After our departure, I never told Leon what Mathias said, but in a moment of weakness, I wept in Leon's arms. Leon assured me we would visit Mathias after our wedding, and invite him to live with us. Leon always believed in Mathias. Their friendship stood the test of war and death, yet I know, Leon's happiness about our union divided them. Mathias must wonder why, despite God's benevolence, Elisabetha should be given to him, and then tragically depart to heaven. Alas, the workings of God are mysterious, though like him, I lament the brevity of life. Now, whenever my thoughts dwell upon Leon, I am overwhelmed by sorrow. Perhaps our union should not be, but should it also not be that one man in his grief, deny others happiness? I will grieve Mathias' decision, and pray that Leon's faith in God is not marred, should he discover his friend's betrayal…and possibly…my own passing."
Joachim could not think of a worthy response to her story. He simply sat there, unable to speak, looking at her despondent expression as she sighed, before adding under her breath. "I feel responsible for placing Leon in danger. Although I told Lord Cronqvist my love for Leon, sometimes I wish I had spoken the contrary. Perhaps, none of this would have happened: Mathias may not have lost his humanity, and Leon may not have been betrayed…"
"You could not have known these events would unfold," Joachim replied, "Nor may your answer have made any difference to Mathias. I believe, Lord Cronqvist would have betrayed Baron Belmont, for if Leon's love is genuine, he would have fought to save you despite your answer."
"Yes, that is true." Sara sighed. Fatigue began to overcome her, and eyes slowly closed, whilst she drifted away into a troubled slumber. "Yet…a part of me is still…uncertain about whether I am worthy of being saved, for I sometimes think Leon's love is greater than my own."
Sara's skin seemed oddly pale and her movements were languid. Time meant nothing to him, however, its inevitable passing threatened to devour her frail strength. Though she did not request anything from him, he wished to sustain her as long as possible. It confused him to wonder why he wanted to help the woman, even though Walter already sealed her fate. Without a word, the creature slipped away from his guest and descended into the darkness beyond the castle's threshold. Strange dark clouds veiled the starry sky of Eternal Night for the first time in his memory. Joachim paused to observe the unfolding storm, his slender frame shivering in unease, instinctively attuned to the unusual restlessness of the night.
Whilst walking along the castle's worn pathway, Joachim pondered how he might aide his captive. He could not leave her long lest Walter notice his absence and prey upon her out of boredom. Yet, to his disdain, he had destroyed most of the nearby villages that he might have considered visiting. With a frustrated hiss, his pale eyes fell upon a cloud of smoke drifting into the starless night sky. The sight of smoke – created by someone living in eternal night – drew him deeper into the forest. With cat-like steps, he hurried down the road, feeling his chest complain from the sudden exertion of running. Within a few minutes, he reached a familiar but modest log cottage. Through the cottage's exterior window, Joachim could see the dim glow of lamplight and the shadowy form of its inhabitant. He walked toward the cabin door – forgetting in his haste the barrier protecting it. In a matter of seconds, a splitting pain filled his entire body and sent him careening onto the ground. Needles of pain ripped through him like fire as he thrashed about the ground, screaming and twisting in agony.
Amidst his pain, he saw the cottage's owner fling the door open and emerge onto the porch, whip in hand, and eyes blazing with renewed fury. "So, you're back again!" The old man huffed, securing the whip in his tightly clenched fist. "You won't be able to get past my barrier. I created it to ensure that vampires like you could not prey on me in my sleep. It seems it is more effective than I thought-"
"I am here for the girl!" Joachim snapped, resisting the pain long enough to sit upright on the ground and look the human in the eye. Though older, the man's eyes were as sharp as a hawk's and his arms and legs were muscular from long hours in the sun. The two neat braids of ivory white hair resting on each of his broad shoulders swayed gently with his every motion.
Joachim felt the old man give him the most scathing look he had ever seen, and his voice was unyieldingly spiteful. "What game is your master playing now? There is no woman here, and even if there was, I would have no intention of relinquishing her to you, vampire. We are done talking-"
"No we are not!" With equal fury, Joachim sprung to his feet and summoned his swords. The blades encircled around him; protecting him from the human's weapon. No barrier would stop him from getting what he came for. With as much civility as he could muster, Joachim pointed his index finger at the old man, whilst his eyes gleamed like knives. If he lost control over himself for even a moment, there was no telling what he would do. A slow, deliberate smirk creased the corners of his lips when he spoke. "I don't care who you are or why you plague Eternal Night with your filthy presence, human. A woman in Eternal Night is under my…supervision…"
"In other words, Walter kidnapped her against her will?" The old man's voice darkened. Rindaldo's hands trembled in rage. Whether it was due to the woman's circumstances, or the creature's callous account of her imprisonment, was impossible to discern clearly. "I should have expected this. Well, you can tell your master one thing, when this whip is complete, I promise I will-"
"The lady is alive and well." Joachim huffed – eyeing the whip carefully before continuing. "Though she may not be before much longer. I thought you might remedy an insignificant little problem."
Rinaldo seemed almost ready to burst into laughter. A glint of offence appeared in the man's eyes when he chided silkily. "If the problem is so insignificant, surely you don't need my assistance? Why should I help you? I will never help your kind after what Walter did."
Joachim's smirk broadened. "Help me?" He sneered. "It is not I who needs help, old man! If you refuse, you will condemn the girl to death. What a pity that would be, no?"
Rinaldo hesitated. Uncertainty appeared in his steely gray eyes, though his expression was cold. "I don't have time for your lies, vampire!" He snapped. "Last time we met, I agreed to let you leave in peace. I have heard about a creature murdering innocents and leaving nothing but bloodshed and death in its wake. All of those lives, stolen…and I regret showing you mercy. Yet again, you and Walter will destroy another innocent life for the sake of entertainment. However, I will not let you escape this time, not without killing you first-"
"If I die, the lady dies." Joachim's voice lowered to a whisper. He sensed the old man's growing impatience but decided to test it a second time. The creature's eyes glowed a faint shade of red. Somehow, his slender form seemed more dangerous under the dim glow of the cabin's lamplight, which gently illuminated his pallid countenance. Before the man could interrupt, he continued. "Unless you intervene…"
"Intervene?" The old man folded his arms across his chest, securing the whip in the crook of his shoulder. "Why would you want to help a human? I imagine, to keep her alive long enough to torture her before allowing your master the final pleasure of draining her dry. You will receive no help from me, vampire, despite my empathy for that poor girl."
"I came here of my own accord," Joachim replied, unfazed by the human's skepticism. The old man was more clever than he thought. Had Rinaldo simply given him what he sought with little difficulty, he might have considered the old man a fool. Nevertheless, he added impatiently. "The girl is weak from hunger. I have nowhere else to turn except to you, regrettably."
Rinaldo huffed; his steely eyes glaring at the creature with escalating uncertainty. "So, after destroying the nearby villages, you dare ask for a human's help?" A low chuckle escaped his lips and he shook his head, as if the idea itself was so ludicrous it was impossible. However, in contrast with his amusement, his scowl deepened.
For a second, Joachim suspected that the old man was toying with him – pretending to listen while waiting for an opportune moment to attack. Even though Rinaldo did not leave the cottage's veranda, he could feel dread flowing through every fiber of his arms and legs. Deep seeded hatred lurked in the old man's lucid eyes like an unwanted contract. His voice was venomous, though the underlying truth in his words almost made Joachim flinch. "I am not asking," he hissed. "You will help me. If you refuse, I will kill you. It's quite simple, really."
"No, it is not simple!" With the fury of a lion, Rinaldo's eyes shot daggers at the pale creature. "Go ahead and try to kill me! You will not get past my barrier; it was created with a powerful form of alchemy. I will never help a vampire, but I will gladly destroy one. You are undeserving of any kind of help except to die."
Joachim wrenched his hands and gnashed his teeth. Something inside him threatened to break once he heard the old man's cold refusal. Intensity sparked within his pale eyes, though his voice seemed to tremble with fear and desperation when he spoke. Nearly devoid of control, he silently cursed himself for being what he was. Rinaldo's words injured him, yet, he persisted with a passion he had never fully expressed until that moment. Without thinking, he forced himself to leave the shadows and stepped forward, allowing the lamplight to unveil his deathly white skin, luminous eyes, and bloodstained robes. A thousands crimes haunted him as he stood, vulnerable to the old man's scrutiny, whilst he lamented. "If you refuse, I will find a way to evade your barrier and take what I need by force, even though I don't want to stain my hands and conscience with your blood. Do you know what it is like to be hated and feared by all? To be kicked, spurned, beaten, and attacked, simply for being what you are – even though it was not by your will? Yes, I am a wretch and a fiend; I deserve nothing for my crimes. I have murdered the innocent and the helpless. But hear me old man, the girl does not deserve death! It is she who pitied the undeserving…and lifted her hand, not to strike, but to comfort. A knight will enter this forest in search of her, and if you consent, she might live to escape with him." For a long moment, he paused, unable to speak. It took all his strength to force the admission from his throat. "She must live; I will ensure that she does at any cost. Perhaps, you might try to stop me from taking what I came for – and if that is your intention – I will fight you for her sake, not my own."
A mutual silence fell. The human did not relinquish his guard, but his expression seemed to soften somewhat, and a sentiment of understanding flickered in his gaze. As if recalling a distant memory, Rinaldo released a deep sigh and shook his head, revealing at last a grief-stricken countenance behind a mask of self-assurance. Although neither spoke of it, they were much the same – living a life of seclusion in the forest, lost in the dark, and forever bound by a desire for absolution. Despite the old man's resilience, tiredness seemed to overwhelm him, and his voice calmed. "Regardless of my dislike for you…I can't allow an innocent to suffer. Surprisingly, you and I have a common adversary. However, that is the only thing we have in common, vampire." The old man hesitated, and forced himself to continue. "I'll see what I have and give what I can. Since food is no use to a vampire, I will assume that it is for the woman imprisoned in Eternal Night…so that she will be kept alive and unharmed. Your resolve is remarkable, if it is sincere…" With a sharp glance, the old man turned toward the doorway. "Who is the girl?" He asked.
Joachim returned his curiosity with a scowl, however, could not resist allowing the smallest twinge of gratitude to appear on his face. At once, he dismissed his swords and commanded them to align behind his back – graciously easing the human's anxiety. With the flick of a hand, he growled under his breath. "A merchant's daughter; betrothed to a Baron."
Rinaldo gave the creature a suspicious glance over his shoulder. "Why am I not surprised…"
"I had no choice!" Joachim hissed defensively. Like an angry serpent, he bared his fangs in offence. "Walter commanded me to find her. He was much too busy to do it himself, and the chore was passed unto me. The girl is scarcely eighteen, and ignorant of the world."
"All the women Walter kidnaps are in their youth," The white-haired human observed. "Your presence here endangers her. Should her rescuer be successful, you will release her?"
Joachim looked away. Suddenly, darkness enclosed around him as he slunk back into the shadows. Only the dim glow red in his eyes was visible when he replied. "A pathetic human is of no use to me."
Rinaldo shot him a scathing look, and his voice darkened. "Your intense feelings toward that girl should not be. Despite calling her a pathetic human, your dedication to her is concerning…"
"Would you rather I killed her then?" The creature sneered, giving the old man a wicked grin.
"I would rather you watch over her only, vampire." For a moment, Rinaldo looked as if he wished to say more, but nothing came of it. His lips curled while his hand tightened around the whip once more. Then, with a troubled sigh, he disappeared within the cottage.
What seemed like hours passed before Rinaldo emerged onto the veranda once again – holding a large basket instead of a whip. A white cloth covered the contents of the basket. Noticeably, he strung a rosary around the handle of the basket. The rosary's dangling cross hung like a pendulum. With cautious steps, the old man left the safety of the veranda and approached the pale demon waiting in the shadows of the lamplight. "Do not even think about moving," He warned. "The barrier still shields me. If I detect even the slightest twitch from you – no matter how small – you will get nothing. Is that clear?"
Joachim did not even move to reply. He stared at the human in a sullen silence, reluctantly complying with the old man's demand. With wolf-like vigilance, he watched Rinaldo take several steps forward. Although the barrier was invisible, the old man seemed to know its limit and grew more cautious. The human's stormy eyes surveyed him until he was assured by his stillness that the creature fully agreed to their bargain.
Once Rinaldo came within a few feet of the vampire, he set the basket down on the ground and stepped back. "This is all I have, and I trust that you will pass it on to the girl. God be merciful should her life be taken by you or Walter. I swear, though…if you turn her…I will hunt you down and kill you myself. The whip I am holding will be the last thing your wretched eyes will see on this earth!" Without speaking to him again, he returned to the cottage, closed the door, and secured it with a resounding click.
Joachim released a sigh and lowered his head. The barrier divided him from the human world because of his accursed state. A profound aspect of his soul almost broke as he stood there, alone in the darkness, and at the cold mercy of the night. Despair threatened to break his resolve but he remembered that more important matters required his attention. He picked up the basket by the handle – giving the rosary a disgusted look – before flicking back the cloth covering its contents. To his surprise, the old man had included far more than he expected. Inside were three loaves of coarse barley bread, two bottles of red wine, grapes, several cuts of smoke-dried fish, and a hunk of cheese. In addition to food, the old man tucked several glass bottles containing a clear cobalt blue liquid at the bottom of the basket. Joachim held up one of the eggplant-shaped bottles and examined it closely. Rinaldo was a skilled alchemist and familiar with all kinds of forbidden practices, including potion making. Had the Church found out about his activities, the old man would have been put to death in the blink of an eye. Nevertheless, it seemed a shame that certain people considered the secret arts heresy. If he had known alchemy as a human, he wondered if he might not have been bedridden from his chronic illness…
With a satisfied smirk, the vampire carried the basket back to Eternal Night.