Winter Shadows of Discontent and Mayhem

by Jo A Curl

(2) Barn/ Vicki have settled into their new lives when disaster strikes, Liz Stoddard, Carolyn Stoddard and Maggie Evans are kidnapped by a blood thirsty adversary bent on retrieving what was taken from him, Vicki. Will she have to sacrifice her life or that of her unborn child to save her family? Or will she discover that she has a hidden talent she never knew was hers?

21. Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Castle Dracula

Formal Dining Room

Vlad sat at the table and looked over to where Vicki sat, lifting his glass he smiled, "I salute the most beautiful woman at my table tonight. I give you the bride, Elizabeta Banal. May she live long and prosper by my side." The others at the table lifted their glasses with soft mutterings of 'here, here" adding to the salute to the future bride and queen of the damned. The only ones not saying a word were the captive contingent from Collinsport.

Dinner had been served 2 hours earlier to allow them time together before the pre wedding ball. Vlad looked around to see that all members of his extended family, which were Rudolph and Petru, who lifted their goblets; smiling at Vicki they spoke in earnest as another round of "Here, here!" These words were spoken with more enthusiasm.

Carolyn, Maggie, Elizabeth, Julia and Vicki just held their glasses, with Vicki holding a frozen smile on her face. Their refusal to toast was ignored by Vlad as the evening meal was served. "I am told my out of town guests arrived earlier today. They have rented a cottage in the village. Petru, you and Rudolpho must go and offer an invitation to join us in the castle."

Petru nodded to Vlad, who then looked around for Radu not seeing him frowned, "Where is the captain of my guard?"

Radu entered through the doorway, "I am here my lord, I beg your pardon for being late. I had urgent business to see to, it appears I have found the witch and her brother. They too are in the village awaiting the arrival of Collins and his entourage. I presume they are wishing to ally themselves with your enemies. If you would permit, allow me to extend your invitation. I am sure they will find it hard to refuse my invitation on your behalf."

Vlad smiled, "Yes, Radu, I believe you are right. Please invite them to the ball tonight, and allow them to know I have made special arrangements to house them during their stay. They will not need their accommodations in the village." He seemed very pleased thinking of finally seeing the end of his plans. Then he began to think of Angelique, "Now what of the witch and her brother?"

Radu smiled, "I have them trapped in the village, with no escape. They will be brought to the castle once my men have them under arrested and detains them. They are to be taken to the dungeon."

Vlad smiled, "Excellent perhaps we can use them as sport later. Very well Radu, you are excused for now."

Radu bowed to Vlad, turned to Vicki and bowed to her, "Highness." He then left the room with as much flair as he had entered it. The rest of the dinner went without any further preamble or dramatics. The room was filled with merry makers except for those from Collinwood.

Vicki sat frozen and in fear. She was sure that tonight Vlad would end Barnabas and she was more than a little upset, she was terrified for her husband. She sat stiffly looking at the wine glass. Occasionally, she would peer over at her mother, sister and best friend Maggie. Vicki sighed and looked back at her sister. She frowned and noted she was paler than usual. "My Lord," Her voice was soft and filled with an edge she was angry, and knew to show anger she would get nothing."

Vlad looked at her and noted she was tense and appeared to be controlling her anger. He tilted his head, looking curiously at her demeanor, reaching for her hand he asked, "Yes, my love?" Kissing her fingertips he waited for her to speak.

Vicki had taken that time to gain her composure and spoke softly, " I would respectfully make a request that my sister have a doctor brought in. She has been unwell and is now showing her ill use more than ever." Vicki had looked Vlad in the eye then pointedly looked back to Carolyn that looked like warmed over death. Vicki then pointedly glared at Petru.

Vlad nodded, "Yes, I see what you mean. Petru until we are married you are to seek your desires elsewhere."

Vicki further noted Maggie had appeared to be growing paler as well and she had shown signs of being fed from. Clearing her throat she glared at Petru then to Vlad, "It appears that Lady Margaret seems to be suffering from the same malaise. Would you kindly extend the same request on her behalf."

Vlad frowned and looked over to Petru, "I repeat no one is to feed from; especially the ladies at this table, that is until after our wedding. After that time, we shall have a formal introduction and you will be allowed to do as you see fit with your wife, once you have claimed her as your eternal mate." Vlad's voice had taken on a hard edge when he ended his command with "Do I make myself clear?"

Petru sipped from his goblet and nodded, "I beg your highness' pardon. However you brought them here for our entertainment and gave them to us, and they were so delectable that I felt compelled." Petru was being flippant and disrespectful to Vlad and Vlad knew what he was doing. The petulant spoiled Duke was now coming out in his irritation and embarrassment of having been discovered.

Vlad glared at him. "What I have given you Petru, I can very easily take away, just as I have said before, my word is my honor, your word is expected to be your honor. You will not touch Lady Carolyn is that understood? As for Lady Margaret you had best be aware she now is the intended for Radu. If you touch his intended eternal mate, I am sure he will not be as generous with his warnings as I have been." Vlad saw Petru slump in his chair and scowl he was afraid of Radu and Vlad knew it.

Finding that superior royal bearing, he slid up and turned to face Vlad. Petru gave him a salute with his goblet. "Then if you will excuse me dear brother, I will go and seek my pleasures else where, your bouquet is palatable, but I prefer something more fresh and pliable." His manner had become petulant and sour with the reprimand issued by Vlad. Petru stood from the table and sulked from the room.

Vlad frowned turned his attention to the ladies at the table. "You Highness Lady Elizabeth, Lady Carolyn, Lady Margaret and Doctor Stokes, I will beg your forgiveness and will make sure that this set of unfortunate occurrences will not happen again until you are ready to embrace your new life style. There is a ceremony that will be followed prior to you becoming a strigoi."

Elizabeth glanced down at the ring on her finger, "I don't care what happens to me. I do worry for my daughters." She shot a glance to Vicki and then back to her hands folded in her lap. She was being a mother to the end of whatever life she had and was preparing her self for what was to come.

Vlad smiled, "Not to worry, your dear daughter Elizabeta will be held in the highest regards by my entire staff. Lady Carolyn shall be treated as a Princess as she will marry my brother in law who is a Prince, and your dear friends shall be members of this court. I might even make dear Julia the courts physician." He smiled cordially and turned his attention to the others at the table. He knew there would be no further comment from anyone that was a part of Vicki's family. Vlad turned to look at his father in law, "Rudolph, I expect you to keep him under better control Alexandros, please let Radu know that I want extra guards posted outside Lady Carolyn's room and Lady Margaret's' room until further notice. "

Alexandros stepped forward, bowed to Vlad rising he spoke with force, "Consider the command done my lord." Alexandros turned and walked from the room.

For no known reason to Vicki, she felt oddly more at ease with Petru absence. "Now, if you all will excuse us, I have some details to discuss with my future wife." Standing the others stood with him; turning to her he extended his hand and spoke softly, " Darling."

She put her own hand in his cold one and pushed away from the table. Vlad was nothing but a proper gentleman gently tucking her hand into the bend of his arm. "My dear, are you getting excited about our wedding?" His manners were perfect and his tone was held with his own hint of excitement. Everything he had wanted and hoped to have was coming together nicely.

Vicki could not pretend to enjoy that idea. "No, I do not look forward to being married to you since I am already married to Barnabas." She spoke honestly and held her breath expecting him to react to her defiance. Oddly, he said nothing walking her down the long hallway and to his library.

Castle Dracula

Vlad's Library

He led her to the library where he closed and locked the door. "Well my dear for now I will allow you to be honest but later, I will not tolerate anything other than complete loyalty to me. If I have to enthrall you to get it, then I will. Make no mistake this wedding is taking place and will be done before week's end." His voice had a hint of threatening strength. It felt more like a threat hidden in velvet undertones of devotion. "As much as I adore you my dear, I expect nothing less than your cooperation and later will accept your devotion." He stepped to his desk, "Now, I wished to go over the guest list so you can acquaint yourself with some of our newest friends and some very old friends. I will also have you instructed to Court protocols. You are going to be a Queen and you must lean to act like one."

Vicki walked to a chair and sat. Vlad handed her a list of names and she tucked her chin and glanced at the list. "Its fine." She tried to hand back the list only to be told to keep it and memorize the names. "It is important that you know those names that are in bold type. They are the most important and noblest of the guests who will attend our wedding and I do not wished to be embarrassed by an ignorant bride." She ignored the backhanded slap to her status. It really did not matter to him if he felt fshe would embarrass him with her ignorance.

Vicki laid the list in her lap; looking around the room she commented. "I see you have a few nice books, are any in English?"

Vlad smiled, "Yes, most are, if you wish to come and make a selection please do so. You will find most of the books I owned are very old and rare volumes. You would enjoy their contents."

She smiled tightly, "Thank you." Vlad sat behind his desk. "Now, I understand you have your dress for the wedding. I have ordered more dresses for your bridal party and they should be delivered tomorrow. If there is anything you wish to change, just tell Marta." He waved his hand at such trivial details.

Vicki's manner was controlled and spoken with a gentleness born out of resignation. "No, its fine." She was trying to compose her next request in her mind. Vicki looked down at the list she used the time to carefully weigh her words before she spoke, "I would be more excited if you were not so determine to make my . . . " She was about to say husband and caught herself, but not before he filled in her unfinished sentence.

"You were going to say husband. My dear he is no longer your husband."

Vicki licked her lips her mouth having grown curiously dry. "Forgive me Vlad, it is I was hoping I could convince you that if I were to cooperate with your plans, that you would spare my friends and family a less than cordial welcome. That you would not harm them and allow them to leave after the wedding ceremony."

He rose and she stood with him. Together he led her out into the hallway and towards the foyer. He appeared to ignore her statement and continued on strolling almost guiding her towards the base of the stairs. "Our honored guests shall be joining us in an hour my dear, I hope that you will be here by my side to help me welcome them. Most will be staying here in the castle until the wedding. I have made special arrangements for your family. The male contingent shall have rooms in the dungeon until the wedding, then I plan to have them escorted here to witness our union before the council."

Castle Dracula main foyer

Vicki felt her stomach roll and she looked down then up to Vlad, "If I co-operate could you please just leave them alone? If I convince them that I am happy to be here with you as your wife, will you just let them go?" She was pleading with him.

Vlad stood a moment before her cupping her chin with his fingers and thumb; he lowered his lips to her mouth and kissed her deeply. Vicki curbed her natural reaction to recoil from his touch and returned the kiss hoping she was a good enough actress to make him believe she meant what she had offered earlier.

Breaking the kiss he smiled, "Let us just say I might consider your request. Now off to your room so you can be dressed for the ball." Vicki turned and left him at the base of the stairs. Lifting her blue gown to hurry up the stairs, she turned one last time to peer below to see Vlad watching her with curiosity. Vicki hurried down the hallway to her room, where Marta awaited her to change her gown. In quick order with very little conversation, Vicki stood before her mirror looking at her image barely recognizing herself in the red gown.

"Oh my lady you look beautiful!" Marta exclaimed her eyes bright with pride at the way she had made her Princess appear more beautiful with her artful application of hair and makeup.

A knock on the door Radu entered her room and stopped looking at her dressed in the red gown. "Elizabeta, you look so beautiful. Prince Vlad is a lucky man." Glancing at Marta he spoke, "You may leave us, I am to escort the Princess down to her betrothed."

Marta curtsied to them and scurried from the room. Radu pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "I promise I will do whatever it takes to get you out of here, I must ask you to trust me, to be prepared for anything, that once something starts to happen you will go directly to the dungeon and wait for me there. I promise I will help you."

Vicki was stunned as peering into his eyes her own grew over bright with hope and joy. "Thank you Radu, thank you!" She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "If ever I can do anything for you, please just ask."

Radu looked at her sadly, "I fear my dearest Victoria, that you can not do what I wish. For to have what I wish would mean you would have to go against everything you are and that is why I fell in love with you." He broke away from her, "Come we have a ball to attend and your guests are arriving." Before they left her room, she was draped in a golden cape trimmed in ermine.

Grand Ballroom

Victoria found herself at the head of the grand staircase, the foyer below was full of gaily dressed men and women, she stood holding onto Radu' s arm, she anxiously looked around for her mother, sister, Maggie and Julia, then she saw them standing flanked by a guard in the entrance way to the ballroom. Maggie stood on one side of Vlad while Julia was being held tightly on the other side of Vlad by Alexandros. Rudolph held her mothers hand on his arm, patting it while they greeted each new guest. Petru was towering over Carolyn standing behind her, he appeared to be bored. Lifting the gown with her hand, Vicki descended the steps where upon Vlad turned to hand Maggie's hand over to Radu and then he stepped forward smiling brightly, "Ahh my love! Princess Elizabeta come and enjoy our guests. Now you are here we can begin the ball by doing the opening dance." The room was filled with expectant chatter with opulently dressed individuals. The ever-present guards that flanked their side parted their way to allow Vlad to lead her to the center of the ballroom floor.

Lifting her hand he held her gaze while he kissed it, then he nodded to the conductor who began an opening waltz. Vicki had a sense of de ja vue as she started to glide around the dance floor being led by Vlad. Soon others joined them on the dance floor, Vicki was held by Vlad's gaze while he held her and danced her around the floor to the end of the musical piece. The guests clapped, Vlad held Vicki's hand and indicated she should bow to them with him at her side. Together they both bowed to the gathering.

Then he led her to the dais where two hugely ornate thrown chairs resplendent in ref velvet coverings with the Dracul Coat of Arms proudly displayed on a huge flag hung behind the chairs. On the chairs were smaller versions of the coat of arms. It left no doubt this was a King's setting and he was making it known he held the hand of his queen. Vlad seated her to his right then nodded for Rudolph, Elizabeth, Carolyn, Petru, Radu, Maggie, Alexandros and Julia to join them on smaller chairs set to the back of the two large chairs.

Vlad was in rare form standing to greet his time honored guests. Leading them to stand before Vicki, Vlad made it a point to introduce them to his bride. Vicki had lost count with the number of Counts, Dukes, Duchesses, Viscounts forward to meet her. He played the grand host for each new arrival but for some reason Vicki had the feeling he was awaiting someone else's arrival. She kept glancing to the head of the stairs hoping to see a familiar face. The room had grown warm with the body heat of so many of the living with the non-living and the air was fairly palatable with anticipation with Vlad allowing his gaze drift to the entrance and the major domo announcing each new arrival. She knew the precise moment they had arrived. They were dramatically and with some pomp and circumstance marched in by what appeared to be a regiment of castle guard, and it made Vicki's stomach plummet and roil with tension.

There they were her rescuers, being drug in by the heels of their feet and thrown to the ground like yesterdays trash. Quentin was the first to fall, then Willie, was shoved down in front of her. "Hi Vicki."

He was struck over the head for speaking to her, "Quiet dog you are not allowed to speak to the Princess."

This affront to her friend made Vicki jump up in his defense with a startled gasp. Vlad spoke under his breath, "I would hold your temper my dear or I may have them impaled on a pike." Vicki felt her fingers tighten on the material of her dress she was fighting for control.

Then just as Vicki was calming herself she heard Maggie gasp and say softly, "Joe." Being detained by two particularly nasty large looking guardsmen was Joe and Chris. The guards made their point to keep both men in check by taking the ends of their staffs; giving them an occasional jab. This only managed to irritate both men while they waited to see what was to unfold next.

Vicki stooped down to look at Willie's bleeding forehead. With gentling fingers she spoke softly, "Poor Willie." Taking her kerchief she placed it to his forehead.

"It's okay Vicki it only hurts when I laugh." He smiled bravely for her benefit and winked at her. Rising she walked to Joe and looked him over.

Speaking softly she spoke softly to him noting it was just surface wounds. "I am so sorry Joe. I will ask him to let Julia dress your wounds." She walked to Chris to make sure he was none the worse for wear and discovered he was more irritated than anything. He had even managed a tight smile for Vicki. She stepped back to the dais looking to Vlad, "Please do not allow any more harm come to them and I will do anything you ask of me." She was afraid for her friends and her family and this was becoming too much for her.

Vlad walked to stand behind Vicki and with a look of defiance, encircling her waist, leaning her back against him; he tipped her chin up and captured her lips for a long passionate kiss. Releasing her he looked around the room; calling out, "Collins! She belongs to me. Come out so she can tell you how much she wishes to stay with me." His gaze shifted over the room knowing he must be hiding somewhere and watching them. He hoped he was witnessing his taking Vicki by force to make him reveal his location.

Vicki felt her heart pounding in her chest when Vlad took her in his arms and forced a kiss on her. She fought for control and to remain impassive while he made his dramatic statement. Though she tried, she had a look of revulsion that was not hidden quick enough to escape the attention of Quentin.

Quentin glared at Vlad when he took liberties with Vicki. "He's not here Tepes, he did not come with us."

The guard holding Quentin used the butt of his rifle to hit Quentin and force him back to the ground, "Silence you impudent pig. You will speak when the Prince says you may."

Vicki gasped and closed her eyes. Vlad frowned stepped in front of Quentin. "I know he is here, my spies said he has reverted and he has come to bring his wife home."

Quentin glared at him, "Your spies are wrong. Barnabas could not travel in the daylight. He stayed home."

Vlad looked around the room; shouting he said, "Sorin, Sonja come forward."

A shock and confused Willie watched his sweetheart Sonja escorted by Gabe step forward. "He left with the others whether or not he actually got on the plane we cannot confirm or deny."

Vlad was furious as he took forced air into his lungs appearing to take a deep cleansing breath to calm his anger. He then through gritted teeth announced. "It matters not if he is here, tell them Elizabeta, tell them what you told me earlier."

Vicki stepped forward, she was so fearful for her friends that she heard her voice tremble. She did not want to mess this up; thus causing Vlad to order the guard to forfeit the lives of her family members and friends. "I am happy here with my Prince, I desire only to stay with him and be his wife, I am asking, no begging each and everyone of you to return home to Collinsport and forget me. Forget that I ever existed, for now I exist for my lord Prince Vlad." Her voice had held a strength to it she had hoped was conveyed to the assembly. She heard her sister and mother gasp as her bold statement but she could not think of them now, she had to think of a way to help them escape and then remembered that Radu said he would help.

From the back of the room, there was shuffling of feet. Looking up Vicki saw the guard escorting in two more men followed by a solitary guard and another man. "My dear Victoria, we know you better than to believe that you would allow your life to be ruled by an insufferable monster as Vlad Tepes."

Professor Stokes got a resounding thump on his shoulders for daring to speak out against Prince Vlad. This caused Vicki and Julia start forward to his aid. The gasp was undeniable from both women. However, Alexandros held Julia tightly and Vlad held Vicki. "No don't hurt him." Vicki pleaded again for the life of one of her friends.

Vlad frowned, "Professor Stokes you wound me with such comments. Do you not care if your lovely wife lives or dies?" He snapped his fingers and Alexandros pushed Julia forward. Julia stumbled forward to be caught by Vlad's quick hand.

Stokes looked at Julia and it seemed with those looks they both had communicated their thoughts and feelings to each other. "My dear man, my wife and I made an agreement long ago when all this none sense began, we would rather die than see Vicki subject to your kind of love."

This time the thump was much harder and Professor Stokes was knocked to his knees to be pushed forward to the ground. Julia stayed standing waiting for what would happen to her next. Vicki glanced over too and noted that Joe must have put up a fight, when they brought in Professor Stokes; because his face showed signs of fresh and more serious wounds. Vicki sighed in dismay.

Then she fixed her stare to Professor Stokes pushing himself up to a standing position, Chris taking a chance of being beaten, helped him stand and encouraged the older gent to lean on him for a moment to allow him to gain his balance and composure. Vicki was never more proud of her friends than she was now but he was acting very rash and was dangerously close to a sound thrashing. She held her gasp and turned her gaze away from the second issuance of discipline.

Vlad still holding onto Vicki looked to Stokes, forcing Vicki to turn and look at her friends he whispered in her ear. "Do not turn away again, or I will order them to kill him." Vicki stiffly lifted her chin and looked on with a resignation of one of the condemned. Vlad narrowed his eyes and spoke through his teeth. "You are a brave man and I would have thought you much smarter because of your education Professor Stokes. Obviously you are a very stupid man. Collins, Barnabas Collins, you expect me to believe that he did not come with you to rescue his wife?" Vlad was far angrier than he realized. He had wanted this final triumph for him to see she was his and would be his for an eternity.

Stokes leaned against Chris and made a point of brushing his hand over his suit and straightened his jacket, and then glancing to Chris; thanked him for his help fixing his attention to Vlad. "Actually, he did not want his wife to witness his degradation of becoming what he was. Furthermore, he knew you wanted him here so he could witness your marriage to her and what you intend to make her once she had become one of your many brides." Elliott's words had been pragmatically stated to dispel any other thought that Barnabas had joined them on this trip. "He knew what you wanted, he was not about to bow to your demands or coercion and sent me with a message for Victoria."

Elliott smiled looked at Vicki and he spoke softly, "Though it may seem we have shared a lifetime together, and we pledged to share more life times together, nothing will stop me from loving you until my dying days. So, I must say good by to you and say I will see you again when our heart fails to beat and the night is our blanket." He bowed to Vicki, then turned his attention back to Vlad. His whole manner then turned dour, The more he thought about what Vlad had said earlier the more Elliott's tone had become scathing and barbed with each word uttered. "So as far as being stupid my dear boy, I believe myself to be astute enough to know that Barnabas may have been the smartest one of us all." He directed his gaze to Julia and winked at her.

Vlad was furious; even now Collins was besting him at his own game. Grabbing Vicki by the waist he pulled her back against his body bent her neck to expose her neck with the beat of her heart he looked at her jugular vein. "Then you can tell him how I first tasted what was mine to taste." Vlad's teeth grew and his eyes turned to the passionate blue of his obsession he let his tongue glide over her throat to the jugular vein that throbbed madly under the pressure of his tongue. In the room those that knew what it was to taste a virgin and to drink from the body of a pure woman would mean; they all watched eagerly and unconsciously licked their lips and smiled at what was about to happen. You could feel the expectation growing and the envy that glowed in their eyes while they watched their Prince preparing to feast.

Vicki's breath came in panic short gasps while she waited; the room fell into total silence as those of the undead status waited expectantly with excitement glowing in their eyes. They waited and watch their beloved master take his bride. While those not strigoi stood in stunned silence and expectation.