Chapter Eight: Interlude
Gregory growled in rage and several minions backed into the wall, trying to be as invisible as possible. The Master Vampire wasn't known for unnecessarily killing those in his ranks but none of them had ever seen him this upset. Stalking ferally around his audience chamber, Gregory shouted his fury to the air.
"How could you let them escape? They killed over a third of my allies and almost half my minions! My Nathlar friend is burnt up and the Faerie is gone!" His eyes narrowed as his turned to glare at each and every vampire currently in the room with him. They in turn, attempted to meld themselves into the wall. They failed of course. "And now! Now they have the prophecy! The Slayer and her friends have the chance to find the bracelet before I do! How could you let this happen?"
The door to the large room suddenly opened and Gregory whirled, ready to attack the one who dared intrude on his outburst. The minions all winced as they expected this new vampire to be stabbed to dust for the temerity of the act he had just committed. The vampire himself paled even more than usual as he realized just how volatile a situation he had placed himself into. But that didn't stop him from clearing his throat and croaking out his message, "MasterMaster, we found something that was left behind"
Posed to jump at the newcomer, Gregory stopped short. His eyes narrowed as he considered this new information. "And just what was found, my loyal servant?" His voice was a dangerous purr, telegraphing the need for this message to be extremely important or the consequences would be dire indeed.
The vampire swallowed dryly, but bravely continued on. "A notebook, Master Gregory, that the Nathlar had been writing in. It fell to the floor during the uh, during the rescue. The Slayer didn't take it with her." He held a slim, ordinary notebook to the more powerful vampire, his hand trembling slightly in fear.
Snatching the notebook violently from his minion, Gregory turned and paced the room, scanning the pages as he moved. The other vampires all stayed very still, hoping not to attract any attention, when they all jumped as a sudden peal of laughter broke forth. Gregory laughed for about a minute before calming down. Then his face lit with a smile of unholy glee.
"Oh yes, this is valuable indeed. It seems the Slayer was not quick enough. My Nathlar friend got all I needed from the Watcher before they rescued him." Voice dropping to a low growl, full of anticipation, Gregory added, "It seems our pretty Faerie did indeed lie when he told me his name in the prophecy meant nothing. Apparently, he is the one it describes, the keeper of the very bracelet I seek. Oh yes, my "young lordling," you will be seeing me again." He started laughing gleefully again as the minions all looked at each other in relief and sneaked quietly out of the room.