Chapter Eight The Edge of Darkness
Johann yawned loudly, feeling his jaw pop. Rafael shot him a glare out of the corner of his eyes.
What are you doing, making that much noise? Not getting tired, are you?My shift's almost over, Johann muttered, sticking a �nger under his gorget to scratch his neck. I'm lookin' forward to a nice warm bed after standin' out here in the dark.Don't get lax! Rafael hissed. You know vampires attack almost exclusively at night! We must be exceptionally alert if we're to receive that promotion about which you've been whining so much recently.I don't whine, Johann protested. But I do drink it. Rafael hissed. The swill you have here isn't worthy of being called wine. Now the stuff the people back home in Champagne make—that's wine.Fancy-ass Frankland juice, Johann muttered. I'd rather have you quote Sarafan rules to me than listen to your harping about how wonderful Frankland is.
The two men continued arguing, completely unaware that their doom was approaching. She couldn't help but smile at the humans' ineptitude. THIS is the Sarafan reliquary?' One of the guards turned and took a step toward the other, shaking his �st and saying something about petty differences. She rushed forward, and in the space of a few heartbeats had thrust her sharp-nailed hand through the soldier's throat. He remained standing for a moment, as if unable to grasp that he had just died, and then toppled over, blood gurgling from his mouth and wound. The other Sarafan barely had his sword from the sheath before a well-placed blow to his face sent him reeling back, the bones in his nose shattered. He stared at her in befuddlement, then slumped to the ground as dark blood began oozing from his eyes and nostrils.
The assassin smiled. She had not lost her touch during her long sleep. Quickly draining the slain guards of blood, she pushed open the great wooden doors and entered the dark, silent building, occasionally sniffing the air. A very faint, but very familiar, scent guided her. She laughed silently as she crept through the halls toward her quarry, having expected far more resistance from the mighty Sarafan. When she reached the locked room in which lay the object she sought, she paused and ducked behind a column. A huge guard, better-armed and probably better-trained than the fools she had despatched at the entrance, paced back and forth wearily in front of the large doors. She waited for a few moments until he stopped, leaving the area in near-perfect silence, then scuffed her foot along the tiled �oor. As expected, he stalked over to the archway leading to the hall, and when his head came into view of her peripheral vision, she whirled out of her hiding spot and grabbed at him. He had apparently anticipated an ambush, however, for he ducked under her arms and twisted away, swinging at her with a wicked-looking axeblade nearly a span long.
Dodging the weapon, she darted back and stood as tall as she could, spreading her violet-plumed wings behind her. The Sarafan's eyes widened and his jaw dropped at this sudden sight, but he regained his composure after a mere second. A second that nevertheless cost him his life.
Now,' she thought, kicking down the door, I shall get what I came forand return it to its rightful owner.' She walked silently down the dusty carpet, reverently lifting the top of an ornately-carved chest and reaching inside.
A pregnant vampire, Janos mused. How interesting.I told you, I'm not a vampire, I'm a dhampir, Elsabett maintained. And could we please talk somewhere else? she added, looking down at the ground, which was a dizzying �fty metres below.
The ability to �y is a wondrous gift, Janos said. Why not make use of it?I didn't think you were just going to �y up into a tree to talk! she protested. I'd be more comfortable on a cliff or something. Do you, I don't know, have a nest somewhere?
The blue vampire laughed quietly. I like you. You're very honest and open-hearted. You remind me a bit of my sister.Well, Vlad did give me the title she pointed out. I realise I shouldn't be as afraid of heights as I used to be, since I can �y now, but as they say, old habits die hard. Do you live in an aerie or anything? I'd be willing to �y there.Well, if you think you can keep up with me He stepped off the branch, spread his wings, and took off. Elsa launched herself after him.
On an unrelated note, he called as they shot over the treetops, I sense that you have the talent for weaving magic. Do you have much training in that area?A little, she responded. My midwife also noticed my talent and wants to school me.Your midwife?Well, yes. She's a witch.I see. Janos showed off, spreading his arms and making a slow roll in the air. Elsabett huffed and pulled on a strand of wind, creating a gust that shot her forward and left a trail of �re behind.
May I ask something? Elsabett queried. I don't know if it's something with which you're comfortableIt may be a subject to which you're sensitive, so I—Is it about my heart?Er, no. It's about your race.Ah. Well, ask.Your kind—the Sephardi—you're all vampires, correct? But you're not undead.That's right. We were cursed by the Hylden.Living vampires, she mused. Like a race of dhampirNow, this term dhampir, Janos said, I have heard it, but I don't think I quite understand its meaning. Could you elucidate? He banked and landed on a rocky outcropping that led to a steep �ight of stairs, moving to one side so Elsa could alight as well.
It means a half-vampire, she explained. Normally, one would think such a creature would arise from the breeding of a vampire and a human. However, it seems that when Vlad transformed me, I was not turned into a full vampire as his other children had been, but retained some of my life-force. I don't understand why, though.
Janos nodded. It is quite fascinating, he commented, leading her down the stairs and into a dark corridor full of intricate carvings, many of which depicted birds and other winged creatures. he called suddenly, and spots on the walls began to glow. The curse of vampirism has many rami�cations, some of which are surely still not fully understood. Look at me, for example. Hundreds of years ago, my heart was ripped out by the Sarafan and I was left to die, yet I still live. And not in an undead way, either. My curse seems to prevent me from actually dyingthough there have been times I wished it was more merciful. He lowered his head and turned away for a moment.
she said gently. I'm sure there's a way to bring your people back together. There must be more than you know still alive. I'm sure of it.You needn't concern yourself with my problems, he muttered. I would rather help you than have you waste your energy trying to help me.Help me? Whatever forDo you not know? Janos turned to face her, his expression utterly serious. I travel all over Nosgoth. Among my Dark Gifts is the talent of invisibility, which I use to glean information without the knowledge of those who have it. The head of the Church in Roma has sent the vampire-hunter Dr. van Helsing to Carpathia, with the goal of slaying Dracula and all those who share his blood. Elsabett backed away, heart pounding.
W-why? Wewe're not— Anger suddenly replaced her apprehension, and she roared and slammed her �st into the stone wall. Verdamm sie alles! As if the Sarafan aren't bad enough! Folding her arms and stalking back and forth, she continued, You know, I'm starting to wonder if it really is Ye'el's will that all vampires be destroyed. Before my transformation, I was very pious, saying my prayers twice a day and attending worship services every week without fail. Yet once I wasYe'el did not immediately smite me, as I feared He should have done to His faithful servant on her sinful transformation. Why? Is it possible that Ye'el Himself still sees us as His children, but we are different enough from humans that they fear and hate us to the point that they will try to seek any justi�cation for their genocidal urges!
Janos watched her, dumbstruck, then sighed. Queen Elsabett, you amaze me. Frank-hearted and ingenuous you may be, but I have known many far older than you who possessed a mere fraction of your wisdom and insight. She �ushed slightly and turned away.
You shouldn't try to �atter me she murmured.
Sincerity is not �attery, he pointed out. Elsabett wandered along the wall, demurely examining the carved �gurines, and occasionally stopping to touch what may once have been a tapestry but was now only a few strands of ancient wool. Then she sensed someone landing on the ledge outside, and whirled to face that direction.
Someone's here, she hissed. Janos spun around and stared down the hallway.
It would have to be someone who can �y, he said, as faint footsteps on the stone stairs slowly grew in volume. But who would— An exotically-beautiful woman, with dark pink skin and hair the colour of purple velvet, stepped into the light and smiled.
was all she said, but it elicited a surprisingly passionate response. The azure-skinned Sephardi rushed forward and snatched the woman into the air, spinning around and laughing. Elsabett saw, now, that violet wings—the same shade as her hair—grew from her back.
Another Sephardi?' she wondered. But coloured differently' The other woman threw her arms around Janos' neck and buried her face in his hair. Janos sobbed quietly, setting the reddish newcomer on the �oor and stroking her hair and wings.
I thoughtyou were he whispered, and she shook her head. Freeing herself from his embrace for a moment, she held out her hands in front of him and revealed a round dark object clutched in them. Janos' face paled and he let out a weak laugh.
You—you got my—! he cried, tears still streaming down his cheeks. How did you— Ah, what difference does it make? Glancing at Elsabett, he moved between her and the reddish Sephardi, spreading his wings in a sort of screen. And do you intend to do with it what I think you do? Of course. I know you too well, Ladmira. Elsa could not see what happened next, but Janos stiffened and let out a grunt of pain. Ladmira caught him before his knees could drop him all the way to the �oor, and gave him a kiss so warm it looked like it could melt stone. Janos regained control of his muscles and returned the embrace.
Now you're whole, she said quietly. Janos chuckled and stroked her hair.
Lady Elsabett, he said formally, turning to face the dhampir, this is myhow would you say it?betrothed, Ladmira Tankoji. She has just now returned my heart, taken by the Sarafan so long ago. Ladmira, this is Elsabett the Ingénue, Queen of Twilight. Ladmira dipped her head and made a bizarre yet elegant bow. Still not letting go of his love, Janos asked her, But tell me, what happened? I was certain you had died millennia ago. The wound on his chest, apparently where Ladmira had thrust his heart back into his body, was already mostly healed over.
Ladmira shrugged. she said simply.
Sealed? Where? By whom?Don't know. Probably Hylden. How long?I am unsure of what year it is by our reckoning, Janos admitted, but I think it is sometime after the year 36000. Ladmira's eyebrows rose. Yes, my love. It has been about four thousand years since last we saw each other. she breathed.
Elsabett wondered. By the human calendar, it's only 1888. You Sephardi must have been around far longer than we.Not by nearly so much as you might think, Janos explained. We simply have always used the same dating system, while humans in Nosgoth did not begin using a standard beginning point until well after the man you call Yehoshua was born. Because of that, dates that fall before his time are numbered negatively. It may just be that it is a human convention, but I personally �nd it somewhat impractical.
Elsabett spread her hands. Unfortunately, it's the only system most humans can agree upon. Ladmira began stroking Janos' chest, looking impatient. He glanced at her, and nodded knowingly.
I see. Ah, Lady Elsabett, I hate to break off our conversation so quickly after our �rst meeting, but it seems that I have somewhat more pressing matters to attend to.More Sephardi, Ladmira said with a naughty smile, and Janos threw back his head and laughed heartily.
If that's how you see it. You live in Carpathia, correct, Queen? Yes, I think I can �nd you again later, and we can speak at greater length. I am sorry thaaaat— He trailed off as Ladmira, apparently tired of waiting, grabbed him around the waist, slung him over one shoulder, and strode down the hall. She gave Elsabett a knowing wink as she passed, then the two Sephardi disappeared into a side hall and Elsa was left by herself.
Ah, well. I should probably get back home anyway; Vlad is probably worried sick about me, she said, and jinked back to her chambers in Castle Dracula.
Oh, you're back, Aleera said from the ceiling. Poor Vladdi is about to lose his mind.Where is he? His room? Elsabett asked, striding toward the wall and wondering if she was capable of walking up it. She found, to her delight, that she could and pranced up halfway, spinning around gaily. Aleera laughed.
Where have you been, anyway? If I may ask.All over the place, she responded. Talking to other Übervampire and forging alliances. She looked around. Oh, he's coming this way, isn't he? I can feel his presence. She jinked onto the wall just behind her husband and yanked on his ponytail, causing him to spin around in shock.
he cried, leaping onto the wall and engulfing her. Where in Tagerios' name have you been! I was ready to send out the others to look for you!I have been exploring, she said innocently. Mainly the Pillars of Nosgoth.The Pil—! he began, bewildered. I can jink, dear one.But they're—leagues away! You mean you were able to jink to a place you've never been and never seen?Oh, I saw it, she explained. I had a vision just before I left, and so I was able to visualise the area around the Pillars very well.And I thought that our powers had a very limited range he breathed, then shook his head, awestruck. You amaze me more and more each day, my love.Do I, now? Don't soil yourself, because I have more surprises to show you, she said, wrapping her arms around him and concentrating on the spot to which she had jinked before. Dracula gasped in shock, staring silently into the reddening sun setting beyond the edge of the Atlantean Ocean.
Where—? What did you—!Who goes there? demanded a reedy tenor voice, and Vlad broke away from Elsabett's grasp and spun around. Zephon was advancing on the two of them, trying his best to look intimidating. Another vampire? Have you come to challenge my lord? Vlad shook his head, still speechless, and Elsabett pushed past him.
Guten Abend, Zephon, she said politely. This is my husband, Count Vladislaus Dracula. I thought I'd bring him here so he can meet his new ally.New—new ally? What, exactly, were you doing today? Vlad sputtered. Elsabett giggled and pushed him forward.
So where is Kain? Elsa asked cheerily. Zephon gestured behind himself and stalked off, trying to appear arrogant but only succeeding in looking effeminate.
Who was that? Vlad's voice asked suddenly in her head, and she spooked. It's all right. I'm Whispering.
Oh, right she mumbled. Zephon, one of Kain's lieutenants.
Do you not know how to Whisper? She shook her head. It's simple, really. Compose a sentence in your mind as if to speak it, then project it to me.
Erm. Like this?
Yes, yes. Excellent. He smoothed her hair and gave her a loving smile. And it works with all vampires, regardless of distance, so long as you are familiar with the one with whom you want to communicate.
Lady Elsabett, came Kain's voice, lacking its normal hard arrogance, from the throne at the base of the central Pillar. To what do I owe the honour of this visit?I thought I'd introduce my husband to you, since he's technically the leader of the Dragon clan, she explained, approaching the Lord of Nosgoth and curtsying. Kain, this is Count Vladislaus Dracul, also known as Count Dracula. Vlad, this isLord Kain. I'm not sure if he has another title.Ah, yes. The luckiest creature to walk the Earth, Kain said, rising from his seat and bowing. A pleasure.
Melchiah dashed to Kain's side and whispered loudly in his ear. Slay him and impress the female! Kain growled and smacked the runt, sending him �ying backward into one of the other Pillars.
If he's the leader, why on Earth does he let his wife do his work for him? Dumah mumbled, probably intending his aside for Kain. Elsabett instantly wrapped strands of air around the purple-caped lieutenant and hardened them, even wrapping a band around his face like an invisible gag. Dumah's eyes widened and he let out a muf�ed shout, looking around desperately for the culprit.
From what I've seen, the idea that women are less capable than men is largely a fabrication of men who are insecure in their own abilities, she said calmly, and slowly lifted Dumah into the air. Besides which, I am a queen and a sorceress-in-training, so you have no place to try belittling me. Dumah moaned and squirmed, and probably would have �ailed and kicked if his limbs hadn't been frozen in place. Kain snorted and sent Elsabett an appreciative look.
Feel free to keep him there until you grow tired, he directed. Elsa chuckled in an almost-nasty manner, and Vlad stared at her. Count Dracula, Kain said suddenly, catching the other Übervampir's attention. Tell me of your clan.
Vlad smiled and spread his hands. What is it you wish to know?
Kain settled back onto the throne and leaned one hand on the pommel of the Soul Reaver. How many strong are your children? Do they all share some particular quality, or is the talent of each one unique?The latter, I think, he said. According to my love here, every vampire is gifted with a unique ability that manifests itself at some point during his or her unlife, but requires a catalyst. Kain inquired. Has she studied the talents of other vampires?Not exactly, Elsabett put in, but I do have an ability—I had it even before my transformation—ofof knowledge. There are times when I will realise something, some truth, as if—as if it were a nearly-forgotten memory that had been brought back to the surface. The revelations can be about anything, minor or important. Before I came here earlier today, I had a vision of this place, and used the image in my mind to jink here from Carpathia.Jink'? Is that even a word? What's it supposed to mean? Melchiah grumbled, snapping his spine back into alignment with a horri�c cracking sound.
It means to move very quickly, Kain told him. It's not a word I often hear used. This—jinking of which you speak, is it instantaneous? Elsabett nodded and jinked around the area a few times for demonstration. Ahh, I see. It is like Umah's teleportation ability. Vlad repeated. That sounds like it may have a Roman root. Tele', I believe, means far', and port' means Yes. I see you are well-educated, Count, Kain remarked.
That, and my native tongue is directly descended from Roman, he added.
Back to the topic at hand, the Lord of Nosgoth maintained, how large is the Dragon clan?Dragon clan? Dracula repeated, and Elsabett nudged him.
That's what I think our clan should be called. Your name means Dragon', doesn't it? He quirked an eyebrow, but then nodded in understanding.
I see. In my time as a vampire, I have transformed over two hundred humans. Unfortunately, I do not know for certain how many of those have transformed others, so to be perfectly honest— He laid a black-gloved hand over his heart in a gesture of sincerity— I'm afraid I don't know just how many are in my clan.Probably not enough, Turel muttered. If we lieutenants get our clans together, we're certain to have three or four times the numbers of this puny little Dragon' clan. Hell, Dumah's descendants alone— He noticed the ominous silence around him and whirled around. What? Is there a problem, sire?Why are you plotting against my ally, Turel? Kain said in a low voice. Have you learned nothing today? Elsabett's energy began to wane, and she sent Dumah sailing into the sky and draped him over the top of one of the Pillars.
I— What are you talking about? Turel asked, trying to look shocked. Elsabett shook her head.
Sorry, Turel, but your voice tends to carry. If you're going to plot in secret, maybe you should go further away.Further away. Yes, that's an excellent idea, Lady Elsabett. Kain's hand shot out toward his lieutenant, who was knocked back as if by a giant club and sailed into the deepening twilight, letting out a string of warped-sounding profanities as he �ew. Raziel, undoubtedly the wisest of the bunch, approached Dracula from the shadows and made a formal bow.
Can I get you anything, Count? A glass of blood, perhaps? We still have some fresh.Now, Raziel Kain said with a smile, Raziel makes me proud.Even with the wings of which you were so jealous earlier? Elsabett prodded.
Kain made a dismissive gesture. I have so many Dark Gifts already. It's about time my sons began developing their own. Besides, I can change shape at will. Poor Raziel is stuck with his wings, and will need all of his clothing altered. Raziel glanced at Elsabett and made a face of disgust/annoyance, one that Kain could not see.
This Kain is veryproud, isn't he? Vlad Whispered to Elsabett.
Well, he's old and very powerful. So, yes, a touch arrogant. But he's not someone that we want as our enemy, which is why I have taken pains to get on his good side.
Vlad smiled ever-so-slightly. You are a very wise woman, Elsabett. I am more and more pleased that fate brought us together. Turning to Kain, he asked, So has Elsabett requested your help in her crusade against the Sarafan?That she has, Kain responded, leaning back on his throne and crossing his legs. A noble goal it is, to want to purge Nosgoth of their foul and suffocating presence.I personally have had very little experience with the Sarafan, Dracula remarked, taking the goblet of blood offered by Raziel and sipping at it. However, from what I have heard, I think I should be glad of that.The Sarafan are corrupt, scheming, holier-than-thou maggots, and it infuriates me that despite our best efforts, they still walk the earth, Raziel snarled, prowling back and forth between two of the Pillars. Kain shot him a surprised look. I have noticed that in recent years, they have employed fewer and fewer sorcerers, �lling their ranks instead with soldiers trained in the use of projectile weaponry.You mean �rearms? Elsabett asked. Raziel, standing several metres away, suddenly blurred, becoming two hazy �gures—one of them wraithlike, blue-skinned and partially �eshless, eyes blazing green. A third image overlapped for a split-second, of Raziel in blood-red armour and wielding a wing-hilted sword. Azure strands of magic, which Elsabett thought may have represented the element of Time, whirled around the lieutenant and suddenly seemed to tear apart as if unravelling. A voice—an old man's voice—screamed in horror, and Elsa saw a silver-winged vampress appear, like a bolt of lightning, and thrust her hand through the heart of the crimson-armoured Raziel. The time-streams �owed back together, and once again there was only one Raziel. Elsabett's head was spinning, and she had to grab at Vlad's shoulder to keep from falling.
Lady Elsabett? Kain asked, starting to rise. Vlad wrapped an arm around her waist to help support her.
Ah. I—I'm �ne. It's just—my condition sometimes makes me prone to fatigue. Especially when combined with visions of events that apparently should have happened and did notOh, my poor love. You need rest! You've been dashing around Nosgoth all day—of course you're tired! Dracula maintained. Come, let's get you home. We can continue our conversation with Kain later. she moaned, and let her husband jink the pair of them home.
Maniskara strode across the frost-covered �oor, her long-nailed toes clicking eerily with each step. Are you ready, my pet? she asked in a sibilant voice, drawing a �nger along the pale jawline of her newest subject.
I have no wish to serve you, the vampress hissed, pulling away. Maniskara reached up and grabbed the other woman's head with both hands, and paralysingly-cold pain shot through the vampress' body.
You have no choice, my pet. The Hylden vampire's eyes �ashed green. You will tell me all you know of Kain. A tear, colder than a drop of ice, rolled down the cheek of the reanimated vampress. I cannot bring myself to do such a thing.You can and you will, Maniskara snarled, pressing her �ngers to her subject's temples. Veins of ice seemed to shoot through the other vampress' mind, causing her mouth to speak words her heart could not bear to form.
Kain is one of the most powerful vampires in Nosgoth. He seeks to rule the continent, and likely the rest of the world as well. He possesses many Dark Gifts, as well as the Soul Reaver, an ancient blade of unknown origin. Her mind convulsed, trying to push forth more information, but could not. More I cannot tell you, for I died before he began in earnest his bid to conquer Nosgoth.He killed you, yes? Maniskara asked quietly. The subject nodded. Do you wish revenge upon him, now that you once more walk the earth? The vampress said nothing. DO YOU! Icy tendrils closed around her, seeming to pierce her very soul, and she screamed. You will �nd him, slay him, and take his power! Remember, my pet, that whatever you were before is gone. All that remains is Umah the Lost, servant of Maniskara. The ice-manacles holding the vampress to the wall dissipated, dropping her to the �oor. Go now to do my bidding.