A/N:

My German readers have told me that my Tribunal-members reminded them of the story "Twilight". All I can say is: I have never read the story or seen the movies (I don't exactly like Robert Pattinson) and all I know about it is that there are sparkling vampires and werewolves. Though I'm not sure, if the werewolves sparkle too...

So, if there are resemblances, I'm sorry, but these are all my original characters and thoughts – but since I don't earn any money with it, it should not be a problem whatsoever.

Bloodwine

"That's completely absurd." Herbert shook his head while guiding the two horses with a light movement of his wrist, as they had arrived at a crossroad.

"Well, that's the whole point of the story," Alfred explained patiently. "Alice is dreaming it and dreams are often quite absurd."

"And then?"

"Then Alice goes to that tea-party, meeting with the Hatter and the March Hare. But she doesn't like it there – those two are too crazy for her even by the standards of the whole story."

"Why? What are they doing?"

"The keep asking her stupid riddles – don't ask me, it's so long ago that I read the story, I don't remember – and they explain to her that the tea-party can't end, because they have had an appointment at six o'clock, but then their clock stopped."

"That sounds really silly."

"Well – you have asked me for the most silly book I've ever read."

"I would never have finished it," Herbert announced and Alfred stared at him with big eyes.

"Not finishing a book? I – I just couldn't," he said, almost indignantly.

Herbert chuckled softly. Alfred was like his father in this regard – the count also worshiped books. Herbert really liked reading as well, but he kept a reasonable relation to books.

"Is it still far?" Alfred asked now, probably in order to change the subject.

"No, no more than half an hour left until we reach our shelter for the day. We won't go all the way tonight. We'll need the whole night for our task, so it'll be better if we arrive early in the evening."

They had been on tour for four nights already. Alfred had been quite happy to be able to flee the castle. The vampiress Siliel had gotten on his nerves more and more. She didn't command him or Herbert around (after all she had her three companions for that – Alfred supposed that those three would throw themselves down into a puddle of mud, so their mistress could walk over it untainted), but her mere presence stressed them. The knowledge alone that she was able to read one's thoughts, was discomforting. As soon as she was near him, Alfred couldn't help but think that he shouldn't be thinking anything awkward – which of course only led to him thinking these things.

It was also blatantly obvious that Siliel had taken a special interest in Alfred. Unfortunately that clashed with Alfred's plan to keep out of her way, since she seemed to have developed the exact opposite plan – being around him whenever possible. She had not talked to him yet, but Alfred could feel her constant staring. Herbert had noticed this too and had reacted with more and more jealousy – and since he couldn't confront Siliel, it had been Alfred, who had to suffer the mounting bad temper of his consort.

So the count's task for them had been quite welcome. Siliel's arrival had revealed the very short supplies of bloodwine in the castle's cellar. Since they expected six more members of the tribunal along with their escorts, the supplies would never be sufficient. So William and Gaby had filled the horse-cart with a vast amount of empty bottles and Herbert and Alfred had driven away to get new bloodwine.

First they had gone to Kronstadt, where they had purchased a lot of red-wine from a merchant. Afterward Herbert had given Alfred a tour through the town, before turning back to their somewhat cheap and poor shelter (one of the many downsides of Robert's perishing). They seemed to meet vampires on every corner. Herbert explained to Alfred that Kronstadt was a center of the vampiric world – after all, the Transylvanian woods and mountains were full of vampire clans. The area was ideal for them – isolated and lonely. Kronstadt, as one of the biggest Transylvanian cities, was therefore the central trading point for their race. After these explanations Alfred didn't wonder that their shelter was revealed to be a hotel. And the (human) owners seemed to have specialized in vampire-guests. They got paid well for a safe shelter for the day.

The next night they had spent with refilling the empty bottles that they had brought along. They filled every bottle up to one third. Alfred knew that the rest had to be filled up with blood – human blood. But he didn't know where and how they would do this and he didn't ask too. He would know it soon enough and he didn't want to think about it too much until then.

Finally they arrived at a small hut. They parked the cart in a small barn and brought the horses into the stable, before pumping water from a well and washing off the dust of the journey. Well, it was more mud than dust. Spring was in the air, turning the snow into rain during the day.

While Alfred washed his arms and face, Herbert moved all the furniture back to the walls. Alfred's look pleaded for mercy, but Herbert didn't falter.

"We didn't rehearse for three nights in a row now. Not so today!" He said and it sounded like a threat to Alfred. He was very conscious about his open shirt and trying to find away around this, he walked seductively over to Herbert. He paused in front of him, lips slightly opened, taking Herbert by the waistband and pulling him close. Greedily Alfred pressed his lips on Herbert's. Herbert responded at once – only to pull his head back a second later, grinning at Alfred.

"We'll have time enough for that back in the castle, Chéri. Now we're going to dance."

Alfred moaned in frustration, resting his head on Herbert's shoulder. If only they could dance on the ice again – he had liked that. But Herbert's idea had come too late. They would have to wait for the next winter now.

Merciless, Herbert took position and started counting the beat.

"We'll start – two, three, four..."

Herbert started guiding Alfred across the room and it was only down to his new vampire-abilities that he didn't fall over his feet at once.

"See, it's not that hard. Chin up, this elbow has to be higher – that's more like it – watch it, now comes the pirouette. But – what are you doing? This is the next step. Alfred, please, focus a bit..."

Alfred really tried his best, but sadly his best wasn't much. All in all he had the impression that Herbert was at least more successful than his former dance instructor. But you can't stir talent, where there is none. He felt like a puppet on strings, being – well, carried was a more suitable word than guided – across the room by Herbert. Frantically he struggled to mirror Herbert's poise and grace, but felt more like a half-empty sack of potatoes.

"Come on, just a bit more," Herbert encouraged him. "You'll cut a fine figure at the ball, but you'll have to remember – loooong strides..."

Alfred wasted precious concentration by rolling his eyes. Herbert had managed to convince his father, that the presence of the Tribunal screamed for a ball. At their stay in Kronstadt they had already hired some musicians for that event.

While Herbert couldn't wait for the ball to dance with him, Alfred knew at least a thousand things he'd prefer to do.

Finally Herbert stopped his pace, let go of Alfred and bowed elegantly. Alfred did the same, only way less elegant. He was simply relieved, that it was over – at least for this night. Alfred looked at Herbert gratefully, who engaged him in a tender kiss again.

They looked for the hidden trap-door, going downstairs into the cellar to spend the rest of the day. Since the provided coffins were way too narrow for two people, they lay down on a mattress. It was late already, so Herbert only sent Alfred the unknown emotion. Alfred shook his head, smiling – he still had no idea, what that emotion was. He only knew that he didn't want to miss it anymore. Embraced by this feeling he found a peaceful sleep.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Herbert's plan worked flawlessly and they arrived early on the next evening at their destination. It was a huge, bleak building, somewhere in the middle of nowhere.

Alfred supposed that the time had come to ask about their next steps – how would they fill up the bottles with human blood?

"What's that building?"

"A jail. They send all those criminals here, that have been judged with the death penalty. They'll stay for a year until the punishment will be executed. Unless vampires come before."

Alfred nodded. Somehow the thought that they would kill only humans that would die anyway, soothed him. Evil humans. Of course he would have fulfilled this task too if it had been different – he felt completely alienated to humans by now. But now he could at least pretend to have a better feeling.

They drove into a court and a human turnkey waved them over, opening a gate that led to a room big enough for their cart. Herbert and Alfred jumped off the cart, unhitching the horses. The turnkey could not hide his amazed look, when they both took the cart and moved it into the room. Apparently he had not known about the strength of vampires.

The guard locked the gate again as soon as they were inside. There were only a table and some chairs in the room. Alfred and Herbert took a seat and waited – it didn't take long until a door was opened and a grim-looking man entered.

"Good evening, how can I help you?" he asked, rather impolitely.

"Good evening. Herbert von Krolock and this is Alfred von Tönisvorst. My father, the Count von Krolock sent me."

The man nodded – obviously that name told him something. "Well, I understand about your purpose. I'll send the men in in order of their jail-time." Then he left the room again.

Alfred was amazed. Never would he have dreamed that places like this existed in their world, the naive and friendly student, that he had been.

Herbert looked at him. "Listen – one has to hold them down. You'd better do this first. I'll cut their arm with this knife -" he rummaged around in the cart, until he found said knife "- and let their blood flow into the bottles. We have to pay attention, that we stop when they're still alive. Then we can finish them off in turns – there won't be much left though."

Alfred nodded. That sounded like an easy, but tedious process. But then he would be able to drink his fill tonight again. Finally he understood why Herbert had insisted to not go hunting during their trip.

They had prepared some bottles and a funnel already, when the first man was brought into their room. Alfred could see the fear of death in the prisoner's eyes. He struggled, but he stood no chance against Alfred's superhuman strength. It was indeed as easy as Alfred had supposed it to be.

They could fill up almost four bottles with the well flowing blood of the man, until they reached a point when Herbert found it too dangerous to continue. The prince left the first bite to Alfred. As a young vampire he was more craving for blood and it must have been a challenge for him to stay that calm, watching the blood just flowing away.

They needed almost all the night to fill up all their bottles. When one man was finished, they knocked on the door. Two guards came in and took the body with them, before the next man was brought. After a while they switched positions and Alfred took over the cutting, while Herbert was holding the victims down and draining them in the end.

When they pulled the cart out of the room after finishing their work they groaned this time, so heavy had it become. Their horses also had to pull hard before the wheels were in motion.

They spent the day in the same hut as the day before, but to Alfred's great relief without a dancing lesson. It had been simply too late for it, when they had arrived – furthermore, they were just too full after all the blood.

They drove the next night through and reached Castle Krolock on early morning. During their absence another member of the Tribunal had arrived. They and their delivery had been most anticipated.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

In the following days and weeks, more members of the tribunal arrived and Alfred listened to the intriguing stories, that Herbert knew to tell about them. The prince had heard from all of them and that was not surprising – they were all quite old vampires and all had special abilities.

On this occasion, Alfred learned that his own lord and sire, the count, also had a special talent, though not as strongly developed as those of the tribunal members. According to Herbert, his father was able to estimate persons precisely within seconds. He always knew if someone was a liar, a patient person or whatever. This knowledge often gained him advantages when dealing with others.

But that talent was still plain compared to those of the tribunal members. For a start, there was the Irish vampire Patrick Ashe. He had the talent to foresee events that were about to happen. Alfred learned that he could not see far into the future – but he could tell things that were about to happen within the next minutes. Alfred really liked the Irish vampire – he was gregarious and friendly, in short, fulfilling all associations one usually had with Irish people. He originated from the Irish west-coast, from the area of Tralee. Alfred was completely mesmerized by Patrick's description of the Irish landscape and felt the strong desire, to see those wonders with his own eyes.

"Oh, I'm really glad you accept," Patrick said merrily at one point and all Herbert and Alfred could do was staring back confused. "Oh, excuse me," Patrick chuckled. "A stupid habit of mine – one after the other: I'd like to invite you to visit me soon."

"Oh, I'd love too," Alfred exclaimed at once and Herbert only nodded enthused.

"See?" the Irish said and they all laughed.

Two vampires came from the East. Yassir, an Arab, having the talent of healing. Alfred and Herbert learned astonished, that Yassir could even heal a severe silver-poisoning within seconds, only by laying a hand on the sick vampire. He could also heal humans, at least most illnesses, and he actually treated them too – he took high fees though, to be paid in blood.

The other Eastern vampire was Kazuo, a Japanese vampire. He had had the furthest arrival. Still he arrived at the same time as the others, thanks to rail traffic. In Alfred's opinion, Kazuo's talent was worse than Siliel's. Siliel "only" could read people's thoughts. Kazuo could control them. If Kazuo wanted someone to do something, they would do it. Like jumping off the highest tower of Castle Krolock. Now Alfred did not just try to keep out of Siliel's way (very unsuccessfully) – he extended his plan to Kazuo (more successfully).

There was also another vampiress in the Tribunal. She came from Germany and her name was Katharina. She was the only tribunal member that arrived without a vampiric guard. Instead, she had a pack of wolves with her. The animals were growling maliciously at anyone who dared to lift a finger in Katharina's presence. Her talent was obvious – having a close bonding with animals, especially wolves. The animals followed all her commands. Probably her talent was similar to the Kazuo's, just limited on animals. Herbert told Alfred, that rumors told that Katharina lived surrounded only by animals. She indeed shut herself off from them and didn't take part in conversations in the parlors.

Next to last arrived Pedro, a Spaniard from Valencia. Pedro's power was telekinesis. Herbert explained to Alfred that that meant, the Spaniard could move objects without touching them, even from a great distance. It didn't seem to matter how heavy or big those objects were. Pedro was as lively as Patrick and they indeed had been friends for a long time now. Herbert and Alfred preferred the company of those two, while the count preferred to have conversation with Yassir and Kazuo, that were more reserved.

Siliel usually was found close to Alfred, silently watching the young vampire. From time to time she granted him a break and paraded among the other tribunal members, showing off her charms – she seemed to need the admiration of others, which she would always receive – her beauty was really breathtaking, plus she was strong and incredibly powerful.

When it was time to retire for the day, Yassir and Kazuo bowed politely, before going to their chambers. Patrick and Pedro took pleasure in guiding fair Siliel into her chambers, before retiring themselves and Katharina had not been around anyway. Then it was time for the von Krolocks to take a deep breath and make themselves ready for bed – they were simply not used to that much company.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Careful!" Herbert cried, aghast when the ladder swayed and threatened to tumble over along with Gaby on top – and by doing so, the whole decoration would likely been ripped off too. Herbert and the carpenter rushed over and stabilized the ladder. The catastrophe was warded off yet again.

Alfred, who had been watching this fuss from the other side of the ballroom, turned back to the wall, grinning. He had joined the group that wanted to glam up the ballroom for the upcoming ball, on a whim. He had grabbed a bucket full of water and had started washing off spiderwebs from the walls and corners. He soon saw that the walls were covered with a thick layer of dust and when he began to wash a bit of it off the stones, he discovered colorful wall hangings underneath, that he was regarding now with interest.

"What are you looking at?" asked a familiar voice behind him and he leaned back into Herbert's embrace.

"Interesting pictures you have here. What is this crest?" Alfred asked and pointed at the tapestry, that hung in the middle of the wall.

"It's the family-crest of the von Krolock," Herbert explained.

Alfred looked at him and Herbert raised an eyebrow – before both started laughing loudly.

"Well – why, do you think, would we neglect it like that?"

"And you never thought about getting a new crest done?"

Herbert only shrugged his shoulders. "What for? And it would only be half as funny."

The von Krolock-crest was two-parted. The left side showed trees, undoubtedly characterizing the forest, while the right side showed ripe ears. It was strongly colored in green, yellow and red and above all shone a golden sun. It was simply not agreeing at all with the new life of the von Krolock as vampires.

"Well, come on and leave this wall alone. We want to hang garlands over there and we'll need every hand available." Gently, Herbert pulled on Alfred's arm and the latter followed, sighing. Of course the decoration had been Herbert's plan and now the prince controlled with eagle-eyes that every aspect of his vision would be met.

But Alfred had already spotted something else and pulled Herbert into the opposite direction, over to one of the mighty wooden columns, that were supporting the high ceiling.

"But – that's a snake," he observed, staring mesmerized at the carving. Why didn't he notice this before, during all of their dancing lessons? Maybe he had been in too much of a personal dismay then.

"Yes, a snake," Herbert confirmed impatiently, while Alfred looked around to learn that all of the columns were carved like that. The mouth of the snake was opened toward the floor, so it seemed as if it were biting into the socket. Intrigued Alfred ran along the carving with a finger.

"Father had them made after becoming a vampire. Probably he thought a bit more demonic features couldn't hurt. Maybe he only wanted to make up for our crest. Now COME!" Herbert explained irritated and pulled Alfred on.

But they haven't arrived on the other side yet, when Breda von Krolock entered, apparently looking around for them. "Herbert? Alfred? Patrick just said that the last member will arrive in some minutes."

Sighing, Herbert took a last look at the only half-done decoration, before pulling Alfred along to his father. Why did the count grin that much? Showing off happiness like this was usually not a trait of character from Breda von Krolock. Shaking his head he followed his father into the entrance hall and out onto the patio.

Of course Patrick had been right. They were waiting for only two minutes, when a coach appeared out of the forest, drawn by four horses at once. It was a huge and splendid coach and there was another, plainer cart coupled behind it. Alfred had the feeling that he had seen the driver before.

The coach halted in front of the waiting residents and tribunal members, who had come to greet their last member too. The driver jumped off the box and opened the door of the cabin. Herbert and Alfred exclaimed in surprise when a very familiar head appeared. "Baptiste," Alfred whispered, half astonished, half enthused. Herbert threw his father a scowl and saw that he was still grinning smugly. He had known it all along and not told them?

The Viennese came out of the coach and looked around merrily. His eyes traced the features of the castle and he nodded approvingly. Then he turned to the waiting vampires. Without further ado he pulled Patrick, who stood next to him, into a close embrace.

"Patrick, my old friend. I suppose it is down to you that everyone is standing here so prettily in line? Just to welcome me? Ah – Mademoiselle Siliel, quel plaisir," he cried when he saw the French vampiress. He let go of Patrick, bowed and gave her a kiss on the hand. Siliel smiled radiantly.

"You two look like you've seen a ghost," he commented on Alfred and Herbert, that were still trying to get over their surprise. Baptiste regarded the young vampire thoughtfully before nodding impressed: "So fast so far. Incredible. Do you like the Orient-books?"

Alfred nodded hurriedly. "Oh yes, they're brilliant. If - if I had only known that you came, I'd hastened to finish them," he said apologetically, but Baptiste waved it away.

"Nonsense, take your time. You know – looking at this splendid castle I feel the urge to spent a little holiday here. Shouldn't I, Breda my friend? But before you'd invite me into your modest little cottage something bad has to happen." He turned to the count and embraced him too.

"Well," Breda answered smilingly, "therefor that you had the shortest arrival, you come pretty late."

"Late? Breda, you know that all the world constantly is in need for me. I had to wait for these five minutes, when no supplicant was waiting in front of my door, and run. Now they'll have to deal with my daughter Elisabeth. She is as capable as me. Well, to tell the truth, she's more capable. Oh, yes – if you were kind enough to send some servants out here to help my brave Alois? I know you're constantly short on bloodwine here in the backwater and so I thought I'd bring a cartful along. Why are we standing around like this anyway? Let's go inside, everyone -" Baptiste pattered, shooing the vampires now toward the castle like a flock of sheep. Alfred grinned. The Viennese had only been around for five minutes, but he had gained control of the castle already. But in a fashion that no one could be angry at him.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Some time later, when Alfred and Herbert lay in their sarcophagus, they were still too aroused from their conversations with Baptiste (who had been more of a solo-entertainer) to sleep , so they chatted a bit more.

"Baptiste – I think we should have guessed," Herbert said. "I mean – he is the eldest existing vampire after all."

"Yes – but does he have a special talent too?"

Herbert shrugged his shoulders. "No idea. I've learned the stories about the other members from father – and he never spoke about Baptiste until I met him, as you know."

"Maybe his talent is – I don't know – bringing peace?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well – always when he's around I can't help but feeling well. What about you? He took the castle today in next to no time and you're father thinks it's funny. Even Siliel seems to be charmed by him for a change and did you notice that Katharina's wolves did not growl at him? Him alone?"

Herbert pondered. "You know – I think this theory is not bad. As much as I've seen in Vienna and what he said today – people seem to seek his advice in solving problems all the time. And someone with this talent is of good use in a trial – someone to keep the emotions down. Well – I can tell you that I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

"Well, actually I don't really care," Alfred added. "Right now I'm just happy, that he's here and that he plans to stay for a while."

"Hmmm," Herbert agreed sleepily. "But he could have brought some jars of hairwash-powder too."

Alfred rolled his eyes. "You haven't even nearly emptied your first jar yet and have nine left. They will hold for a good while."

"Still – you can never have enough of it," the prince murmured, pulling Alfred closer.

"Won't you send me this mysterious emotion tonight?" Alfred asked eventually almost pleadingly. He had the impression that he could not be happy without this feeling anymore. Herbert simply smiled and next moment the emotion washed over Alfred, cradling him to sleep.

TBC