Disclaimer: I did not, do not, nor never will own Vampire Hunter D or its affiliates or anything of the kind. I repeat it is not mine. I am poor and work at a grocery store so if some big company wants to sue me they won't get much. So please do not sue me. I am just expressing how much I like the character and the stories by writing my own little piece of fanfiction.
Whew! Finally I'm back. Sorry it took so long. I had a bad case of writer's block for a while there and then there was stupid economics. But I finally got this chapter written. You can all thank my roommate for constantly asking me if I had worked on my story and saying that my reviewers were going to hang me if I didn't update lol. Also a wonderful reviewer, A-E-W sent me a picture she drew of D and Milly in the cellar. With her permission I have posted it on my small but growing website. If anyone would like to see it please see the link at the bottom of the page.
Reviewer response:
Kitala – I don't know. What are you thinking? : P Hope you got your answer.
lee – Well the way I figure it there was probably some massive war at some point, and all the nuclear bombs or whatever, sped up the process. Either way D is old enough to rmember what global warming is. As for air conditioning, I didn't say it didn't exist, but it was expensive (At least I think I did. Somewhere in the first two chapters) It appeared to me in the movies that the towns where kind of isolated and running on their own generators, even some houses on their own generators. To make it short air conditioning is expensive. : P
Fey – Hehe yeah trying to work on the whole format thing. This chapter should be a little easier on the eyes. Glad you are enjoying the story.
A-E-W – Thanks for the complements. And thanks for the picture. It really makes me happy to know that my story can inspire other people.
Kittarear – Thank you very much. Glad you gave my story a shot.
Star Chaser – Aww really! That's so nice of you.
Kelli Aya Bray – Haha didn't quite get the 'soon' part down. Hope you like the new chapter.
Silverwolf – No I didn't forget. I caught the definitely thing this chapter. Hope the spelling is better.
Kitarrear – LOL! Are you happy now? : P
The Color of Night
Chapter 10: Banquets and unexpected guests
"Father."
"Father?"
A small boy called out as he ran through the moonlit gardens. His brown hair rippled in waves behind him. While ice blue eyes were searching, pointed ears were alerted to the slightest rustling in the brush. Rose bushes, far older than the boy himself, reached towards the heavens creating an endless maze. The twists and turns did not slow him, however, as he continued through the path. He had spent many days wondering the gardens that surrounded the palace. While his father slept and his tutors hunted him down, the boy was free to explore the extensive grounds. As far as he was concerned the large estate was the entire world, and he was determined to explore it all. This is how he knew where he was going, and that he would find the one he sought. He rounded one final corner and there beside a winding creak, leaning against an aging willow, was the dark figure he wanted.
Blue eyes opened as the boy called out once more. The tall and imposing figure stood to brush off a midnight cloak exposing the eighteenth century European suit beneath. A black outer coat hung over a fitted blue and silver waist coat, highlighted by silver buckles on the knee breeches and heeled black shoes. A circular blood red pin adorned the front of a stark white collar. The words V. Dracula, over imposed on a black bat with wings extended, contrasted the red background. A blue stone pendant hanging from a delicate chain sparkled in the waning light. The wind fought to loosen the black ribbon that secured the wavy shoulder length brown hair. One moon pale hand came to secure a loose strand behind a pointed ear. A small smile played on the pale lips and the boy came closer.
"Father." The boy stated as he inclined his head in respect.
"What is it son? What brings you out so late? It is nearly two in the morning, shouldn't you be in bed." A chuckle rumbled in the slender throat as the man continued, "Your mother will not be happy if you are not awake to go to town tomorrow."
"I don't want to go. Why do I have to meet them anyway?" The boy replied with a frown.
"Because they are your grandparents child. Your mother's family loves her very much and wishes to see her and she wants to introduce you."
"But they don't like you. What if they don't like me?" As the words left his mouth the child's head turned to look at the ground. Kneeling in front of the boy the father took hold of his chin with a clawed hand. Bringing his eyes to meet his, the man smiled at his son.
"Vlad my son, they will love you because you are your mother in every way."
"Mother says I'm just like you, at least, when I'm in trouble anyway," came the sly reply.
The dark form of the King of the Night shook with laughter as he stood once more. "Come, lets us go inside Junior. It is to cold for you to be out here with out a cloak."
"Yes father."
The two walked back into the thorny maze. The boy guided by the comforting hand of the father on his back. Looking up the child remembered why he had come out here in the first place.
"Father?"
"Yes?"
"Why was uncle Veshic here today?"
Vlad III Dracula also known as Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler) looked down at his only son with solemn eyes, a slight frown visible on the aristocratic face. "I was not aware that you new of his visit."
"I saw him leave. I do not like the way he looks at me father," the boy said as he looked up at his father, "does he hate me?" The vampire sighed feeling the full weight of his age and the burden of things long ago.
"I will not lie to you, Vlad, Radu is not fond of you. Radu, or Veshic as he has taken to calling himself, sees you as an obstacle in his path, as well as myself. I'm not sure if you're old enough to understand the complicated matters involved, my son, but I fear the day that you will need to draws closer. My brother is very ambitious and covets things that are not his to claim. In truth, I should never have given him the gift of the night, but I was young then. I was blinded by the hope that the boy I new when I was little was still in him. I always regretted that I could do nothing to stop the assassination of my father and elder brother, so I wanted to protect my younger brother, Radu. It is a mistake that I have long feared I will regret. My brother has never learned to let go of the past's hate." Dracula stopped walking and turned to look at his son. The boys face glowed in the moonlight. Blue eyes were filled with worry for things he didn't understand, but was desperately trying too. The great king's brow furrowed as sad eyes met his heir's. Kneeling once again before his son, the powerful vampire embraced his child. The boy's eyes widened at the action. The proud vampire hardly ever was this openly affectionate.
"No matter what happens, my Kaziglu Bey*, I want you to know that I love you and your mother very much. I don't say it very often and I show it even less, I know. So I want to say it now so that you will know." Drawing back to once again look at his son's face the dark one continued, "Future relations between my brother and I are uncertain and I do not know what will come to pass, but no matter what happens I will protect you?" One pale hand stroked an equally pale cheek and a rare full smile rejuvenated old eyes. "I am very proud of you, my son, and I always will be."
The boy flung his arms around the tall vampire as a single red tear escaped the now shimmering eyes. A soft chuckle vibrated in the father's chest as he hugged his son.
D's eyes flew open as he fought to remember where he was. His penetrating gaze took in the dark cellar and the dull scent of dries beans filled his nose. Recent events flooded his memory, but did not erase the realistic dream. No, not a dream, but a memory long since forgotten. D sat up with one leg bent and the knee supporting his right elbow. Closing his eyes, the damphire let his face rest in his right hand. The hunter was not one to have many dreams, especially such vivid ones. D wondered why he would remember the events of so long ago now. Running the hand through his hair, D became aware of a weight pressed against his side. With his hand still tangled in the ends of his hair, he turned his tired eyes to peer at the sleeping form beside him. Milly he remembered. It had been to hot upstairs, so they came down here to escape the potentially harmful temperature. Releasing his hair, the hand now rested on Milly's forehead. To his relief the flesh was now cool to the touch. D moved the child to lean against the sacks of beans only to find her latched to his left arm. D frowned a bit in frustration and then lightened in the oddity of the situation. Sighing, he removed the clinging child and stood. The hunter stretched arching his back then rolled his shoulders before heading toward the stairs.
He was almost to the top when he heard it. It was the unmistakable sound of a very loud and talkative woman. A woman, who didn't know how to mind her own business. A cold dread swept through him as one word echoed through his brain. Martha. Opening the door a crack he peeked through. There in the living room he could see the back of the source of annoyance.
"Well Clarra don't you think this banquet is just exciting. I mean we haven't had a town gathering since the fall festival. Oh and my Linda has just the prettiest blue dress. I think she and D will look just stunning together."
"Well let's not get ahead of ourselves Martha. D and Linda have only just met. And I'm not sure if he is looking for someone."
"Nonsense he's a healthy boy isn't he. And who could resist my pretty peach, Linda."
"Anyone would be lucky to have Linda I'm sure, Martha, but please do not push them."
"If I leave it up to those two, they will never go beyond pleasantries. D is to quiet and Linda is to shy. Someone has to do something. Speaking of which, where is D anyway?"
"He was feeling a little tired. You know all the traveling and then that horrible incident yesterday. So he went to take a nap before the festivities."
"Oh that poor dear. I bet he is exhausted! Are you sure he is ok. He sure as hell didn't eat enough last night. He needs to eat more. Probably why he is so pale. But don't worry my Linda's cooking will fix that. Yes siry they will be the perfect couple."
"I'm sure he is perfectly fine Martha…"
"Oh I just hope the mayor and his daughter keep away from D. My Linda saw him first."
"Martha really."
D sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. It didn't look like Martha was going anywhere anytime soon. He really needed to take a shower too. He couldn't go to the banquet smelling of sweat and beans. He was after all supposed to be Clarra's respectable cousin, and he did have some manners left. D opened the door slowly so not to make any noise and crept out into the kitchen. Thankfully Martha was facing away from the kitchen and the stairs. If he could just get up the stairs he would be home free. Clarra, who was sitting facing Martha, saw D exit the cellar and carefully maneuver through the kitchen. Gathering what he was up to she kept quiet. Then it happened. Damn small towns. Damn small town houses. Damn small town houses and their small town squeaky floorboards. D's thoughts were consumed with damning everything in his life as Martha turned to see D at the foot of the stairs. She smiled brightly with a conniving look in her eyes.
"D," she purred. Clarra rolled her eyes and sighed quietly as a trapped look flitted through the hunter's eyes. "How nice to see you. Did you have a good rest?"
"Yes, thank you Ms. Martha for the inquiry."
"Oh you don't have to be so formal. We're practically family," she cooed while moving to stand by D. "Linda is looking forward to seeing you this evening. You will wear that blue embroidered vest again won't you? It does bring out your eyes. Not to mention that Linda's gown is the most lovely shade of blue. Just like you eyes D." Martha chuckled.
"Yes well…"
"I'm sure you will be a hit with all the young ladies of the town, but you can tell them you are with Linda and they will leave you be. Linda won't mind and I assure you I won't be offended."
"Well that's nice of you, but I don't think…"
"You should especially watch out for Abigail Borgish. The mayor's daughter can be very forward."
"Martha that isn't a nice thing to say. Stop gossiping to D. I'm sure he has no interest in our women's talk."
"Probably making him uncomfortable, aren't I," Martha chuckled, "My late husband always left the room when the talk started. Well I guess I should go so yall can get ready. Have to see if Linda needs any help anyway. See you tonight."
"Goodbye," said Clarra as she escorted Martha to the door.
"Sorry about that D. Martha is, well, Martha."
"I believe I understand." Clarra chuckled as D frowned slightly.
"Well did you rest well?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Would you mind telling me why you were in the cellar?"
"The heat." Clarra frowned as he turned to head up the stairs. His short answers were very frustrating.
"The heat?" She inquired, hopping to elicit a better explanation as to why she had run through the house looking for her missing child.
"I told you that a damphire is susceptible to heat, well, it was simply to hot so I went somewhere cooler."
"Oh, was it that bad?"
"It was uncomfortable and Milly has a much lower tolerance than I do. If it is ever this hot again and she looks like she has a fever, move her to the cellar and she should be fine."
"Oh ok. But everything is fine now, right?"
"Yes. Milly is still asleep but she should wake soon."
"Good. I admit I was frightened when I came home and couldn't find either of you. I thought, well, never mind what I thought." D looked down at Clarra's downcast face. He had a pretty good idea of what was on her mind.
"Thank you Mr. D. Now you should probably go get ready. I got you a dinner jacket. It's hanging on the door of your room. Don't worry it wasn't any trouble. The tailor was happy to loan it to you." D nodded while he headed upstairs. Clarra sighed, as once again thoughts of the reason D was really here plagued her. She decided to go sit with Milly till she woke up.
D tried on the jacket and, deciding it fit decently enough, hung it back up. D rummaged through his bag looking for soap. After finding it, he put it on top of the stack of clothes and proceeded to take off his boots.
"You lied to her you know," the mocking voice of the symbiot called out.
"I did nothing of the sort."
"I would say you were far more than uncomfortable. More like on the verge of heat syndrome."
"I saw no reason for her to know that. I only stretched the truth so she wouldn't worry needlessly."
"Who are you protecting, her or yourself? You can't fool me. You are too guarded to let even a little mortal woman know of a weakness," the symbiot laughed, "what no biting comeback?" D picked up his clothes and headed towards the bathroom.
"Is it the silent treatment then or perhaps something else is bothering you. Perhaps a dream? Hnmm?" D entered the bathroom and shut the door. He proceeded to unbutton his rumpled shirt. "I never took your father for the sentimental type or you. What a happy family moment."
"Silence."
"Why should I."
"Or I will literally wash your mouth out with soap," D threatened while gripping the soap. D stepped into the shower and let the water wash over his face. He let the dust from the cellar wash away and with it unwanted memories.
When D emerged from the bathroom, in fresh clothes, he toweled his hair as he went to his room. He paused to side step Milly who was running away from Clarra, trying to escape the inevitable bath. Once in the room, he sat on the bed and flipped his head upside down and continued to dry his hair with the towel. Thanks to his vampire heritage his hair was smooth and didn't tangle much. Once all the excess water was out, he combed it through content to let it dry on its own.
After putting his boots back on he brought his bag over to the bed thankful that the symbiot was still quiet. He pulled out the broken dagger. The crest was nearly worn completely off now. If it wasn't for the attention it would draw, he would have it fixed. But asking someone to repair a crest that said 'Dracula' would not be a good idea. Even now that name was well known, though the reputation had changed quite a bit. Or maybe it had come full circle. D could remember his father saying that, he was feared while mortal and even more so when he entered his new state of existence. The great king would not talk much about the past, but D got the impression he had done many things he regretted. His father once said that D's mother had brought him to life again. It was family who brought him back to life and family that took it from him. D gripped the dagger fiercely at the thought, the rusted edge slicing pale flesh. The pain brought him back to himself and he quickly put his hand in the wash basin so not to get blood on anything. The physical wounds healed quickly enough, but to D's surprise the physiological ones where still there after all these millennia.
"D?" The symbiot spoke in a flat tone.
"Shut up." D near growled and for once the entity stayed quiet.
D to his own surprise slipped the old dagger in his right boot, and then turned to finish getting ready. The black fitted jacket matched his black pants off setting his white shirt. Clarra had taken the liberty of mending his vest, so it looked much better now. D tied his hair back as the nape of the neck with a black ribbon leaving enough hanging down front to cover his ears. Looking in the mirror he frowned. He noted the similarity to his appearance to that of 7 millennia ago. Add a cloak, one of those annoying ruffled collars, and crest pin and it would have been very close.
"I think I agree with you mother. You are very much your father."
"Why do you even pay attention to my dreams?"
"There's not much else to do in a cellar," chuckled the demon, "besides why do you care so much about some old memories resurfacing?"
"Some things and times are better forgotten."
"D."
"What?" He answered gruffly.
"Happy Birthday." D looked shocked down at his left hand, then to the mirror. Taking a minute to think about it, he realized it was his birthday. At least by the old earth calendar, anyway. June 21, the summer solstice. He was born on the longest day of the year. It was symbolic in a way for the first damphire ever born, a creature of the night that could walk in the day.
"What year were you born in again? Was it 86 or maybe 88?"
"89. 1789," D answered quietly.
"That's right. That makes you what. I never was good with the whole calendar switch." D was quiet for a while. The symbiot figured he was ignoring him again till he spoke up.
"9,324."
"Damn you really are getting on up there!"
"Yeah." D said simply as he smoothed out his borrowed coat. Not waiting for the symbiot to drag up any more unpleasant thoughts, D left the room to wait downstairs for the others. It was almost time for the banquet. At the moment D wasn't sure which was worse: listening to the symbiot or Martha.
As he made his way to the living room, D mentally berated himself for the lack of control over his thoughts. He didn't need to be thinking about such things. The past was just that the past. He needed to concentrate on the here and now. He needed to concentrate on finding a vampire and getting the hell out of the damn small town. D, with a rare lack of grace, plopped down on the couch brooding, though his outward appearance was stoic as ever. He sat arms and legs crossed gazing ahead at nothing particular.
Milly ran down the stairs, hopping over the last one, with her purple sun dress fluttering around her. Brown sandals thumped the floor upon landing. Her hair was pinned neatly over her ears with little purple berets. She skipped over to the couch and sat down beside the gloomy hunter smiling happily. D found her cheerfulness and childhood exuberance to be slightly annoying at the moment. He was content to wallow in his self loathing, but Milly seemed to have other ideas.
"Are you excited Mr. D," Milly smiled up at him expectantly. "A whole banquet just for you. Everyone will be there!" D inwardly groaned at the reminder. He glanced at the child through the side of his eyes then returned his gaze to the front. He nodded slightly but made no other comment on the matter.
"Don't worry Mr. D I bet everyone will like you. It's going to be lots of fun and there will be all kinds of food. Oh I hope someone brings chocolate pie. I love chocolate pie. Mommy says I have too much of a sweet tooth, but tonight I will be able to eat all the sweets I want. What's your favorite food Mr. D?" D said nothing as the child continued to stare up at him. "Come on, you're bound to have one. Everyone does. I bet if you tell me I could get Mommy to make it," Milly coaxed in a sing song voice. Against his will D found the corner of his mouth twitch as the child's antics. "Please," drawing the word out as she begged. "Fine don't tell me," she huffed while slouching back to mimic D's pose. She stared at the ahead but kept glancing at D sideways, who was fighting to control the insistent smirk. Their battle of wills was broken by Clarra as she exited the stairway.
"Come on everyone time to go. We wouldn't want to be late since D is the guest of honor," she said as stood by the door. Milly and D stood at the same time, though Milly with more bounce. Clarra walked out the door and on to the street greeting a passing neighbor, while Milly bounded to the door.
"Strawberries," D's voice was flat as he opened the door for Milly to walk ahead of him. Milly turned her head and smiled at D before running and jumping over the porch steps. D felt a slight rumbling in his left hand but the laughter was to faint to reach his ears.
The town hall was bustling with people. Japanese lanterns hung on wires that ran across the street. The road had become a make shift dance floor, while inside the hall tables had been set up for dinning. A band played atop a wooden platform, while ladies and their gents danced. Many people stood around talking about this and that, and as the noise reached D's sensitive ears, he picked up many uses of his name. As soon as the trio had reached the town hall, a shout went out.
"Everyone quiet down!" Called Mayor Borgish, "Our guest of honor has arrived. Come on up here D." The townsfolk cheered as two young men hustled D on stage, much to his disagreement. D turned to see the whole town applauding as he took his place beside the Mayor. The mayor waved his hands for the crowd to settle down.
"Now we all know why we are here. Many of us witnessed the amazing events of yesterday or we heard about it. Right Martha?" The crowd laughed as Martha turned bright red. "The man I have next to me is a bona fide hero. He single handedly stopped a well know gang of ruthless thieves. Not only saving our money but young Linda as well. He risked life and limb in a deadly shoot out to reach Linda. And with only two daggers and some of the best damn moves my 54 years have seen, he beat every single one of those no good bandits. Clarra's cousin, D, was a stranger till yesterday, but after his rescue of our town; I say he's family." The people clapped and cheered as Mayor Borgish turned to shake D's hand. D calmly extended his hand and allowed the firm shake, while silently praying for rain or better yet a tornado to end this humiliating ordeal. But to his horror the mayor continued, "And on behalf of the entire town I say that we hope you will decide to stay here for sometime. Now let's get this shindig underway. There's plenty of food in the hall and a hot band on call." Everyone applauded and the band started up again. Many people rushed to speak to D. The Mayor guided the hunter through the throng of people into the hall.
"Now D, I really do mean what I said, you stay in town for as long as you like. You should really consider settling down here. As you can see we have a fine town. Not to mention quite a pick of nice young ladies. Just like this one here. Abigail come over here I want you to meet D." Borgish waved over a petite young girl in a pale yellow dress. She walked over swaying her hips gently setting her eyes on D. Her coy smile did not reach her seductive amber eyes. Long almond brown hair curled around a heart shaped face. Lowering her eyelashes to look up through them caused her eyes to turn a dark gold.
"Hello D I've heard much about you. It must have been terribly frightening for you yesterday," her southern bell accent drawled out. D knew what she was expecting. She was expecting him to smile wide and fumble a bit in a charming boyish way and say how he wasn't afraid of a few bumbling bandits. And probably add in how he did it all to save pretty girls like her. He could spot the sweet innocent girl promising more act a mile away. He was after all a prince and had seen it more times by more polished ladies than her. At least that Linda girl didn't put on this sickening display. He did his best not sneer in disgust but couldn't help the slight narrowing of his eyes as he spoke.
"It had to be done and I just happened to catch them off guard is all. No need to over play the situation Miss." His cold demeanor and narrowed eyes spoke all that needed to be said. He knew her game and wasn't going to play it. He was not a simple country boy to be played with. Abigail's coy smile left her face replaced by a smile that was more of a smirk, but her eyes still held that vixen quality.
"I see you are quite the man aren't you," Abigail almost whispered as Mr. Borgish clapped D on the back, oblivious to the quiet exchange.
"Well I will leave you two now. Have to check on the other guests." He smiled at Abigail as he left.
"Well D you are certainly not what I expected. I was prepared for a head strong boy wanting to prove himself in foolish acts. I definitely did not expect the handsome man I see before me."
"You waste your time and flattery." D said flatly. He would be polite and proper to a point but he was not going to put up with this wanton girl. She reeked of other men and to his vampiric senses it was disgusting and a complete turn off. Vampire's liked their women clean or at least decent, not tainted by the scents of more than one man if any. As much as he hated to admit that such a thing would affect him, he could not deny that he was repulsed just as any vampiric male would be.
"Do I now? I think handsome was not a strong enough word. Beautiful suits you better. Come why don't we have a dance?" She rested her hand on D's right arm as she leaned in closer, her fingers massaging lightly where they touched. D did the only thing that came to mind that didn't involve dismemberment, fangs, or other non human or civil things.
"I'm sorry Miss, but I've already been engaged to dance with Miss Linda. Now if you will excuse me, I would not like to seem rude by keeping her waiting." Abigail, though unaccustomed to it, recognized the brush off. She removed her hand and lifted her narrowed eyes to D's. Her fake smile plastered seamlessly to her face.
"Another time perhaps."
"Perhaps."
D bowed slightly to keep up the polite appearance of the conversation to any onlookers, but kept his narrowed eyes on hers as their true conversation ended. It had been a long time since D played the ruthless courting game, but one never forgets the basics. The key is to make the conversation appear as nothing more than polite, so as to not embarrass either participant publicly unless that was the intent. But they were not cheating lovers in a quarrel and had no need for public intervention. This was not a high society court that thrived on such things. She was the mayor's daughter and he a well respected guest. No matter how well her true reputation may have been known, it would not be proper to disgrace her publicly, even if it was tempting. They had both played their parts well and no one but them was any wiser. While verbally he politely declined to dance stating prior engagements, his physical response told her he did not care for her seductions and that he would not respond to her advances. Abigail narrowed her eyes at D's retreating form before turning her seductive smile on a less elusive prey.
Now he had done it. He had no other choice than to dance with Linda. If he didn't those overhearing the conversation, which were quite a few owing to his unwelcome popularity, would know his true reasons for not accepting Abigail's advances. Disgracing the Mayor's daughter would not be a smart move at the moment. Accepting his condemned fate, D left the hall to search for Linda. She was, of course, with her mother. This was really not his night, but he was damned already, might as well get it over with.
Martha, Clarra, and Linda sat together outside the dance floor. Martha was doing most of the talking with Clarra making appropriate comments and reprimands. Linda was watching the dancers more than listening. All the pretty girls were being flirted with by the cutest boys in town. Linda sighed as she realized her mother was asking her a question.
"What was that mother?"
"I asked you why aren't you dancing?"
"I umm…well…"
"Was waiting for me." Linda blushed furiously as D bowed extending one pale hand, palm out with long slender fingers slightly spread. All Linda could do was look at that one hand. She feared that if she looked up she would turn into a beet. Martha nudged the poor girl in the ribs. Linda shyly fitted her hand in the strong one presented to her. All she was aware of was warm fingers curling around hers, as she was gently pulled from her seat. She immediately found her shoes to be very interesting. She never noticed that they were just the slightest shade different form her dress.
"You can't dance while looking at the floor," cajoled Martha, "besides D's to cute not to look at." Linda gave the older women a pleading gaze before she bent her head even lower hiding behind her hair.
"Martha really," Clarra reprimanded, "Go have fun you two." Clarra gave D a confused but thankful look. D nodded his head in the direction of the hall where Abigail was exiting. Clarra's eyes flashed with recognition of the situation and couldn't help the small laugh.
"Yes go have fun. The night is for the young. We old ladies will just sit here and gossip." With that D started to lead the somewhat reluctant Linda toward the dance floor.
"Ha look at that I told you they would be the perfect couple."
"Don't get your hopes up Martha. I think D had other motives involved, like getting away from Abigail.'
"Bah. Either way they're dancing aren't they? It's a start. Before long I will have one handsome son-in-law."
"Martha." Clarra sighed as she watched D and Linda stop outside the dance floor.
Linda continued to stare at her shoes, but was completely aware of the hand that held hers. White lace spilling from the cuff of a black dinner jacket covered the wrist leading to a flawless pale hand. The fingers were delicately boned and the nails perfect. Smooth skin and grace belied the skill that they held. Linda had seen up close the skillful motions that same hand had preformed with a dagger. Her hand seemed inadequate compared to such perfection. She wished he had not asked her to dance. She did not belong with him on the dance floor or anywhere else. He should be dancing with someone pretty like Abigail. Maybe she could find away out of this.
"I'm not very good at dancing. I know my mother said I could, but she says a lot of things," Linda said quietly while still looking at the ground.
"It's alright. Despite my reluctance to say so, I actually dance rather well."
"But…You don't have to dance with me. If my mother asked…" D looked down at the girl beside him. Her dark blond hair hung loosely down her back with the front portions pulled back into a long braid. Her round face was pointed downwards as hazel eyes studied her shoes. A thinly strapped blue dress, flaring at the waist, hung to her knees. No more than a child really, at least, compared to him. She was still very naive and unsure of herself. No one had probably asked her to dance before, and surely not so formally as D had done. She was so shy and her mother was always pushing her. D felt a little sorry for her. He knew what it was like to be on the outside looking in. She was just as pretty as the other girls out there and certainly a lot better than Abigail in his opinion. But he wasn't a teenage boy either. They tended to judge things differently. D knew that in a few years some young man would see Linda for the nice young lady that she was, but the girl needed a confidence booster now. D mentally sighed, he was definitely getting to old and to damn sentimental. He really needed to get back out on the road and kill something. The symbiot would never let him live this night down as it was, but after what he was about to do, the damned creature would be laughing all the way to hell. So with all the resolve he could muster, he let the tired old hunter fade as far back in his mind as was safely possible. Dusting off old memories of manners and habits drilled into him by an aristocratic father D, for the first time in millennia, let Prince Vlad Dracula Jr. have front and center stage.
D took a deep breath and opened his eyes. Turning to look at the despondent girl beside him, he gently lifted her chin with his right index finger. Her hazel eyes met his bright blue ones briefly before looking to the side.
"No one asked me to dance with you. I just thought it a shame that a lovely lady should sit on the sidelines." Linda's eyes shot up to stare widely at D.
"You need not say such things. I know I'm not that pretty. Why do you not dance with Abigail? I am sure she asked you."
"Her manner was not to my liking. I much prefer your quiet countenance Miss Linda. And the lady should not belittle herself so." D gave her a small smile as he bowed to kiss the back of the hand he still held. "Now would the lady do me the honor of a dance?"
Linda was overwhelmed at the refined poise with which greeted her. No one had ever spoken to her like that. None of the boys in town had given her a second glance. But now this man, who clearly out shone every boy here in looks and manners, was asking her to dance. All she could do was numbly nod yes. D then led her to the floor and placed the hand he held on his should as he picked the other. As they began to move D felt the old rhythm flow through him. He had always been a strong leader, and had no doubt that Linda would be able to follow him well. He may have been quite out of practice, but one does not dance at royal functions for 2,000 years, and forget everything they've learned. They moved smoothly across the floor. D noted many couples stopping to stare. He also noted, with much approval, that the stares were not so much at him, but more at his choice in partner. Linda had officially graduated from the wallflower class. He looked to said partner to find her truly smiling.
"Having a good time."
"Yes," she replied shyly.
"You're not a bad dancer at all. I believe that your dance card will be filled for the rest of the evening," D nodded toward the onlookers. Linda noticed the circling crowd for the first time and ducked her head swiftly.
"You shouldn't look down. It's much better for your partner if they see your face."
"I'm sure everyone is just looking at you."
"I doubt that." Linda nodded shyly before speaking.
"You're not going to stay here are you Mr. D?" D was surprised by her question, but as he should know, it's always the quiet ones who are the most perceptive.
"No."
"I didn't think so." Linda smiled up at D as they moved gracefully through the dance. "Thank you Mr. D. I mean for dancing with me and well…thank you."
"Your welcome." As they continued to dance Linda kept looking at D.
The song was drawing to and end and D slowed the pace to match. When they stopped D bowed to his partner, all to ready to slip his mask back in place. As D rose to thank Linda for the dance, a strange tingling echoed in the base of his skull. A familiar presence plagued his mind. Standing straight D's eyes roamed the area coming to rest on the end of the street. Cast in shadow created by the lights of the banquet, D could not see anyone. But it was there, the presence, the strange pulse, almost non-existing breathing, and the footsteps.
"D are you alright?" Linda asked her now rigid dance partner. Clarra had been watching D and Linda, and she too saw the drastic change in demeanor. Not completely certain what was going on she slowly got up and walked over to Milly. Martha stared at her in confusion. Clarra latched on to a protesting Milly, who quieted upon seeing her pale faced mother.
"Mommy?" Clarra did not answer, but only continued to stare as the hunter who projected an ice cold stare down the street. Then it came, ringing out and echoing over the rotating band, clapping. Steady beats as the figure stepped into the light. The hair was different. It was in gelled and combed up looking like the back of a porcupine, but the eyes, that same sickly green color. And a familiar cold smile. The gathered people turned to stare at the strange figure.
"I was not surprised to hear that you had hired a vampire hunter, Clarra, but I certainly didn't expect this." The townsfolk gaped at Clarra then to D. Linda took a step back and looked at the now cold hunter before her.
"Trevlin!" Clarra gasped but that was not the name that echoed in D's mind. That was not the name that shouted from the depths of half forgotten pains. That was not the name that sent a faint flicker of something D recalled as fear through him. Clarra bent down to Milly, telling her to run to the house and fetch D's katana.
"Shouldn't you be dead boy? I could have sworn you had already been dealt with, along with that human loving moron you called father," the vampire sneered. Clarra shot a confused look at D. What she saw did not bring her comfort. Pain and hate laced with something a kin to fear.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that question?" D growled, "Veshic!"
End Chapter 10
Wow! Talk about long. I think my fingers are cramping. Hope everyone enjoyed this latest chapter. How many saw that coming? Tell the truth. Now the question is can D defeat his uncle? Will the town be saved? Will Martha leave D alone? Will I ever write the next chapter?!?!?! Stay tuned.
Till next time
Starmaster
*Kaziglu Bey – means "the Impaler Prince". It is what the Turks called the real Prince Vlad III Dracula who was the prince of Walachia. He ruled during the 15th century. Walachia was independent from the Turkish Empire but still had to pay tribute to them. The prince was the ruler, there was not a king. Probably due to the fact that they were under suzerainty of Turks. Dracula was scene as a hero to his people for standing against the Turks and other outsiders wanting to rule Walachia. Outsiders viewed him as cruel and barbaric for his methods. Probably didn't help that he liked to impale things so much if you ask me.
Link to Picture done By A-E-W
geocities.com/starmaster202003/picpage