That evening, as Vasile prepared for his nightly hunt, Andrei told him: “We had a boy named Anton who came in and said he wants to become your apprentice, if you’re interested.”
“Who is he?” Vasile asked as he put on his boots and cloak and strapped on and armed his weapons.
“He’s Josif’s son,” Andrei answered.
Ileana entered bearing a glass of boiled wine seasoned with cinnamon and apple. “This should keep you warm and keep your senses sharp,” Ileana said, handing him the wine.
“Josif I know,” Vasile said to Andrei, sipping from the wine, “A hot-headed man. I don’t want an apprentice like that. He has to be calm, calm as a statue, and patient.”
“Anton is not like his father,” Ileana said, “At least not in that way. He’s more in control. He’s a bit arrogant, but I think he’ll learn his place. He’s used to having a father boss him around. I’ll bet you a gold coin he’ll make a good vampire hunter in no time.”
Vasile shook his head at Ileana’s bet, but conceded, “We can give him a trial run. Don’t know for sure about anything until we try, right?”
“And I can’t imagine there’ll be men flooding you with requests,” Ileana said, “The farmers around here don’t have the mettle. They prefer to hide when danger rolls over the horizon. Though they’re happy to have someone like you face it for them.”
“Tell Anton exactly what this job entails,” Vasile said to both of them, “Exactly what you do here and I do out there. It can be a bit off-putting. Don’t do it to discourage him but be honest.”