Chapter Four Immolation
Elsabett's heart raced. I—I am? The other brides squealed delightedly. The Moonwitch spun to face them and folded her arms beneath her breasts.
I know what you are thinking. She will not bear a child like the babes you have borne. You three are true vampires, and as such can give birth only to undead children. This woman carries a dhampir, who will be born alive. The three vampresses stared at her in shocked silence.
But how can you be certain that it is— Verona began, but Elsabett cut her off.
I am certain, she said quietly. I was a virgin. Vladislaus is the only man I have ever been with. The vampire mentioned suddenly burst out in triumphant laughter and engulfed Elsabett in a passionate hug. The elder brides slowly recovered from their surprise and descended on the happy pair, adding to the group hug. The Moonwitch sighed.
I suppose it's best I be off then. But I shall return to examine her regularly. I've midwifed many a woman in my time, and the healthiest of them needed to be seen at least once a month. Since I've never before encountered a pregnant dhampir, I may call upon you more often. She chanted another spell, and began to vanish. Until next we meet, children. Verona whispered incredulously after the witch had fully disappeared. How can she call us that? I was probably transformed centuries before her grandmother was conceived!
Elsabett sat up in bed and began to climb out, but Vlad put a hand on her shoulder. Are you sure you feel well enough, my love?My mother had eight children, she explained. Childbearing is a perfectly normal part of human life. And since I'm apparently still alive, I would guess that it's a part of dhampir life as well.She has done what we could not! Aleera whispered.
The three of us together have borne our lord hundreds of babes, Maris¸ka said sadly. Why does that now seem so inadequate?My darlings Dracula said, helping Elsabett to her feet, do not belittle yourselves so. The time will come when all of our children will wake. Verona wailed. Doctor Frankenstein's monster was destroyed nearly a year ago. How are we ever to—?Maybe if you became dhampir, Elsabett mused quietly. But I wouldn't know how that could be done.
With a moan of despair, Verona laid herself at Dracula's feet. Though I have always been chief among your brides, my lord, I feel that one better suited to that place of honour has come.Ohh, Verona! You're suggesting he make Elsabett his new—ah—alpha female, as it were? Aleera gasped.
Maris¸ka smiled behind her hand. A new chief bride would need spectacular new clothing, she mused. The sort of lovely things I've always dreamt of creating, but never had a good reason to.You are all—! Vlad began, then cut off, shaking his head. Is this truly what you wish?We wish to learn more of her gifts! Aleera exclaimed.
All vampires have gifts, Elsabett suddenly muttered. Special talents. Mine is She opened her eyes, which still appeared focused on a distant point, and held out one hand. A dancing golden �ame appeared above her palm, and her irises shone green. A talentis inherited upon transformation to a vampire, or dhampir, but may not immediately manifest itselfit requiresa catalyst. Verona asked quietly.
I think she is having a vision, Dracula said, a touch of almost-reverent respect in his voice. She mentions that such things came to her when she was still—ah, that is, before her transformation.I wonder what my gift is Aleera said excitedly.
Elsabett extinguished the �re and raised a hand, as if straining to recall a long-forgotten fact. Sometimes more than one talent, she murmured. The longer a vampire lives, the more powerful he or she becomes. Other gifts may show themselves. She looked up at the ceiling. What is trying to reveal itself? she whispered. Shapeshifting? Control of storms? I think there are others, but I can't sense them.I wonder if we could become dhampir by drinking some of her blood, Aleera mused. Or if she drank some of ours. That's how a normal transformation works. Elsabett hissed, putting her hands to her temples and sinking onto the edge of the bed. Names? So many! Kain—Enkeli—Raziel—Vorador—Janos— She took a deep breath. Himmel über Nosgoth, are there really so many?
Dracula fell to his knees and touched Elsabett's cheek. My love? she said softly. Other vampires that could be your rivals, given the chance. Have you heard their names before? I knew of Kain, but not of— She shook her head. I think all the revelations I would have had in the last week are catching up to me. There are—so many. I almost can't believe it She continued listing names, but silently.
I know I have transformed many a human in my time, Vlad stated quietly, but she seems overwhelmed with knowledge. How could there have been so many? Have all my other children given rise to their own lines, or are there— He stopped suddenly, eyes wide. —No. It couldn't be. I am the �rst vampire. Elsabett said simply. They havealways been here She gave herself a shake. Have they? Yes—the Sephardi—and the Hylden—and the Sídhe— She gasped suddenly, a ragged sound, and collapsed across the bed.
Vlad shrieked.
she whispered. Keine Angst, mein Liebling. Ich bin nur müde. Maris¸ka asked.
Oddly enough, I think I understood what she said, Dracula said slowly. She is tired. Elsabett sighed and rolled over. I have never had such a revelation before. I am exhausted.Then we shall let you sleep he said, smoothing her hair, my queen. He looked out the window at the deepening dusk. My Queen of Twilight.I think we need to celebrate! Aleera bubbled as she and her undead family members headed for the great hall of the castle.
You always want to celebrate, Verona muttered.
Well, there's a reason they call me Aleera the Bright! she pointed out.
Do you think we should change the castle's decor? Maris¸ka wondered, looking around at the dark Gothic arches and deep shadows. I mean, I've always liked it, but if there's going to be a child, I think it should be a bitIs Aleera rubbing off on everyone? Verona growled.
I wouldn't say that, Maris¸ka put forth, trying to look cutely insulted. I just think something should be done about all the shadows.Bah! Shadows! Shadows are good! Why would anyone— Verona snarled, stalking into one and abruptly falling silent.
Dracula inquired. After a few moments of silence, he called in a louder voice,
Maris¸ka walked into the pool of darkness. She's not here!What do you mean, she's not here? Where could she have gone! Vlad demanded. I don't— The screech rattled the windowpanes, and Aleera actually jumped nearly a foot in the air. Dracula was suddenly assaulted from a shadow on the other side of the hall.
Oh, my lord! I saw them! I saw the other vampires! Verona wailed. Faint wisps of smoke rose from fresh burns all over her exposed skin as she clawed at her husband's chest, terror etched on her face. He stepped back, startled, and grabbed her arm before she could fall.
Verona! What has—Sunlight hurts she moaned, slumping to her knees. I sawBut Elsa said— Aleera began.
I know what she said! the dark-haired vampress hissed weakly. every vampire has a unique weakness in addition to a talent. At any rate— She cut off coughing, and Dracula knelt beside her and brushed singed hairs out of her face.
Hush, my love. You must heal. He glanced over his shoulder and gestured to the two other wives present. Go to a village. Find her some blood.At once, lord! Maris¸ka cried, whirling around and �ying away. Aleera gave her oldest sister a pity-�lled look and followed.
The wounds are not regenerating, Dracula said quietly, frowning as he examined Verona's scorched �esh. Perhaps sunlight is your weakness. Then he double-took. Where did you �nd sunlight? It's night!I don't know where I was, she gasped. I stepped into the shadow there and suddenly I wassomewhere else. I saw nine stone pillars, all of them fallen and crumbling. Sitting in their midst was a— she paused for breath— a vampire, with long white hair, tight leather pants, and a long waved sword. He was �anked by other vampires—I didn't have time to see how many—one of them saw me and rushed for me, and I stepped back into the shadow I came out of Then I was somewhere else, somewhere bright and sunny, among red columns and—and strange-looking buildings. There were humans there instead of vampires, but they looked odd. She coughed, and Dracula tenderly smoothed back her hair.
Relax now. Your sisters should return soon. Running footsteps heralded Elsabett's approach, and she gasped as she hove into view of the pair.
Mein Gott! What happened! she cried. I knew something had happened, but not whatSunlight burns me, Verona whispered hoarsely.
Truly? You tried—Yes, yes! I think perhaps each vampire has a unique weakness in addition to a unique talent.
Elsabett blinked. It could be.
Terri�ed bleats echoed through the dark halls of the castle. Elsabett whirled in a circle, looking in all directions. Was? Ein Schaf? Maris¸ka and Aleera banked into the passageway, carrying a wildly-�ailing ewe between them. With some careful manuvring, they managed to drop the creature onto the stone �oor only a few paces from Verona. It kicked helplessly, injured and unable to get up, and continued bleating, though less shrilly.
Forgive us, sister, Maris¸ka explained, shifting back into her non-winged form, but we thought speed was best. Besides, a sheep has a decent amount of blood. I don't know if it's as much as a human, but—Shut up and let me feed! Verona snarled, crawling over to the injured ovine. She took hold of one of its legs and tried to drag it backwards into the shadows; the other vampires saw her struggling and rushed to help. Elsabett studiously wandered down the hall in the other direction as the Shadow drained the doomed ruminant of its ichor.
Vlad called, and went after her. Can youtrigger your visions voluntarily, or do they come of their own accord? he asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.
The latter, I'm afraid, she replied. Why? What do you need to know?I was just wondering if you could use yourability to �gure out what Verona's special talent is. I think I may have an idea, but I'm not sure.
You see, she told me that she stepped into the shadow and was suddenly somewhere else. Somewhere far from here, among nine toppled pillars and surrounded by unfamiliar vampires— Elsabett's eyes widened— and then she retreated to the shadows and was yet another place, somewhere where it was still daytime. Now, all four of us have the ability to—ah, how do you say it—jink, I believe?—but only to nearby places that we can easily see. Verona seems to have travelled leagues with but a single step. Elsabett breathed. yes. I thinkI understand.You seemed to react to my description of what she saw. Did it sound familiar to you? Vlad queried.
Elsabett nodded solemnly. I have never been to the Pillars of Nosgoth, but I have been told of them. A place like that is unmistakable. And the vampires Verona saw must have been Kain and his lieutenants.They appeared hostile toward me, the rejuvenated Verona exclaimed, hesitantly rising to her feet and walking in the direction of the conversing couple. But they must have known I am a vampire. Why would theyI have heard, Elsabett said, that Kain is much stronger than most vampires, because in his bid to rule all of Nosgoth, he slew many other vampires and stole their talents. As I understand it, even very powerful monarchs are always hungry for more power. It is possible he desired your gift as well.
She put a �nger to her lips and glanced up, snatching at a stray thought. Yes, yes My father once said that the Sarafan have a name for very old and powerful vampires. They call them Übervampire. I'm not sure how to translate that into Common—the closest I can think of is Overvampire', but that doesn't sound proper— Vlad said, putting his hands on her shoulders. How far does Kain's realm reach?In theory, all of Nosgoth, she responded. In reality, however, he's unable to hold any land but the area directly around the fallen Pillars for any reasonable length of time. The Sarafan have been warring with him and his clan for centuries now, but they are unable to make any signi�cant gains either. Kain seems to be invincible—but not almighty—as long as he he wields the Soul Reaver.I will say this now Dracula stated. He will not have Carpathia!How old are you, my dark love? Elsabett asked.
Vlad chuckled. Well, that is not a question I am often asked. Ah, let's seeI was born in 1431 and transformed in 1476. I forget what year it is now Elsabett began, seven? eight? Eight, yes. I am twenty this year.My, you are young, Aleera murmured.
the vampire lord said, silently mouthing numbers and occasionally counting on his �ngers, that would make mefour hundred and twelve. Four hundred and �fty-seven, if you count the time I was actually alive.Hee hee! Aleera giggled. He's so skilled! That's why they call him Count Dracula!Not really he muttered, almost seeming embarrassed for a moment. Elsabett looked up at him, nonplussed.
How did you do that with your �ngers? You have only ten!Oh, it's quite simple, really, he explained with a grin. You see, I treat my little �nger as the single-digit column, my ring �nger (at least on this hand, since I'm missing the other) as the two-digit column, the middle �nger as the next, and so on. So if, for example—That's all right, Liebling, Elsabett said quickly. Perhaps later. I can't wrap my mind around mathematics at the moment.It's not fair Aleera pouted. Elsa already had a gift and Verona just found hers. All I have is cuteness!Yours will come, Maris¸ka said absently, taking notes on a small piece of parchment. Say, darling, do you suppose we should hire more servants? he asked. The werewolves and Dwerger aren't enough? Maris¸ka gave him a look.
Human servants. Lords- and ladies-in-waiting. After all, you're a king now, aren't you?When did he become a king? Aleera questioned, bemused.
His bride is a queen. Doesn't that make him a king? Maris¸ka said with a hint of exasperation. Verona huffed and stalked away, tossing her hair impatiently. Besides, I don't like the Dwerger. They're �lthy, horrid little creatures.You only say that because one of them tried to mate with your leg, Aleera chuckled. Marishka snarled and threw her quill-pen at the younger vampress, who merely teleported out of the way with a laugh. Dracula caught the �ying implement without even batting an eye.
Now, my daughters, we're not going to accomplish anything this way, he chided. And Maris¸ka, don't you think vampiric servants would be even better? I can go and �nd some of my other children and invite them to live here. Elsabett said suddenly. Weapon- and armoursmiths. Maybe a gardener or two.Why would we need a gardener? Verona shouted from down the hall.
Because I want my child to be born healthy, that's why! Elsabett called back. I'll need to eat well if that's to happen. Oh, and musicians. It's far too quiet in this castle. You don't mind, do you, Vlad?
He spread his hands. You're the Queen. Whatever makes you happy.
Aleera sniffed indignantly. It's also not fair that he became attached to her so quickly, when we three have been here far longer, she muttered in Romanian.
Well, what do you expect to do about it? Maris¸ka muttered in reply. And it's not as if she's tyrannical and tries to keep him all to herself. But she'sspecial! Unless the three of us �nd some way to become dhampir or something, he'll lose interest in us! You're always so jealous, Aleera! Why don't you just calm down? Aleera took a deep breath, glaring at the honey-haired woman in front of her, and lightning suddenly lit up the sky, followed immediately by a loud crash of thunder. Elsabett spooked, unconsciously sticking to Dracula.
A thunderstorm? Now? she wondered. But I thought it's too cold for—Where's Verona? Vlad suddenly asked.
Perhaps she shadow-jumped again Elsabett mused. From behind her came the faintest of whispers, like the susurrus of the wind, and Verona's voice.
You said you wanted a weaponsmith, Elsabett? I found this man somewhere far away. He seems to possess considerable skill. Elsa whirled around, and saw Verona step from the shadows with a �rm grip on the arm of a confused and terri�ed black-haired man. His eyes seemed unusually narrow, his cheekbones high, and the colour of his skin was that of creamy milk.
I-i-ittai nan'da—? he stuttered. O-ore wa na-nanimo shinakatta! He looked around, and his eyes widened. Koko wa doko!Unfortunately, I cannot understand a word he says, Verona sighed.
the man whispered. Bom día. Você fala o português? Dracula arched an eyebrow.
Where, exactly, did you �nd him? he asked his raven-haired bride.
In a smithy! she replied. He was forging a long, curved blade. I stepped into the shadows with the desire to �nd a skilled weaponsmith, and it appears he is one. I don't know what nationality he is.Hen-na kotoba the smith muttered. Tashika ni porutogaru-jin dewanai naDo you speak Teutonic? Elsabett asked.
Can you speak Romanian? Vlad questioned a split-second after Elsa had �nished. The smith looked at the two of them, bewildered, then turned to Verona and gave her a pleading look.
Onegai, obasama! Ore wo Nihon e kaeshitee! She spread her hands helplessly, shaking her head. Aaaahh! Ore wa doko ni iru no ka! he wailed, falling to his knees. Elsabett pressed her �ngers against her temples and concentrated.
she said after a moment. He's from Japan. The man in question looked up at her, blinking in surprise. I think—I might be able to— She took a deep breath. Though I've never been able to force shitte-iru koto— The weaponsmith leapt to his knees, his face shocked yet joyous.
Nihongo ga dekimasu kai? he asked desperately. Elsabett shook herself.
she said slowly. He nodded, eagerly awaiting her next words. Katana ga hoshii desu kara—können Sie— Oh, scheiß. I lost it.Manabi-chuu desu kai? the Japanese man queried. Ii sa. O-namae wa?What's he saying? Aleera asked.
I don't know, Elsabett said. The only Japanese I know is what I said so far. —I told him I want swords— The weaponsmith rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then took a step forward and put a hand on his chest.
Ore wa Kikuchi Issei desu. He bowed, then tapped his chest again. Kikuchi Issei. Elsabett repeated. The weaponsmith nodded.
Ore no namae. Kimi no wa? He held out his hands toward her.
Ah, name! she said, realisation �nally dawning. Placing a hand on her bosom, she told him, I am Elsabett. he repeated with a nod.
That is Vlad, she went on, pointing, and Aleera, Maris¸ka, and Verona.Sou desu ka. Buraddo to, Ariira to, Marishuka to, Berona desu.He butchered my name! Aleera complained.
Oh, calm down, Elsabett directed. Did you hear how unusual his language is? He probably has dif�culty pronouncing foreign words properly.Yoroshiku onegai-shimasu, Kikuchi said formally, bowing deeply. Katana wo ureshiku tsukuru ga, ore no ro ga nai no-de, sonna koto ga issun muzukashii kamoshirenai.I don't know what he just said, Elsabett said, turning to Verona, but I just realised— How is he to make weapons without his forge and tools?Can't he just build another here? she asked.
Probably, but he'd probably do his best work with familiar things. Perhaps someone can go with you and help you carry items back.Sumimasen ga, ore wa itsu made koko ni iru kai? Kikuchi asked, rubbing the back of his neck. Ore no tsuma ga shimpai-shite-'ru kamoshirenaiTake him back with you and see what he needs most, Elsabett directed.
Koko wa gaijin no o-taku da kara, moshi kutsu wo haite-ru hazu ka na the weaponsmith mused.
I don't suppose you understand what he's on about now, my dear? Vlad asked. Elsabett shook her head ruefully.
I think we're all going to have to learn his language, she said with a shrug.
Why can't he learn ours? Aleera demanded. I already speak Romanian and Common! Isn't that enough!Now, dear, calm yourself, Vlad suggested in a soothing tone. Verona, help our new acquaintance to set up shop here. Maris¸ka and Aleera, go start scouting for other servants. I believe you know where you can �nd others like us.Is this our new goal? Maris¸ka asked, searching her pockets for another pen. What happened to trying to wipe out the Valerious line?I don't think they're going anywhere, he responded. They still can't even �nd this place, remember?