The Prince left with the same display of supreme rule as that of his arrival.
The palace guard took over control of Drake from there and he was led up a long stone stairway. The stronghold had few windows which Drake was grateful for, and the darker areas were lit by torch and candle. The room that Drake was led to had a window and he quickly closed the heavy curtains with his eyes shielded from the offensive daylight. What am I going to do when this planet’s star is out with its full intensity? Drake thought, adding another worry to his plate.
The heavy wooden door thumped shut and the latch clanked into place. A large canopied bed with sturdy contoured bed posts centered the room. The furnishings and draperies were just as opulent here as everywhere else. Drake found a chair and calculated his options, but his ever increasing need to feed was clouding his thought process. His door clanked again and a young woman with long, dark hair entered with a plate of fruit and bread and cheese. She performed a shallow courtesy but never looked up. Drake stood and walked over to her. Her dress was far less elaborate than that of the court ladies but her warmth and beauty of frame were just as regal.
“Wine, master?”
“Yes, please,” Drake said, standing close enough to sense her warm blood.
He watched the young woman’s every movement; her hands slender and graceful performing their task. She finally lifted her gaze to pass the goblet and their eyes met. A crash of emotional excitement hit them both.
Suddenly Drake’s concern of being found out didn’t matter anymore. All that mattered was this beautiful alien creature before him and his need to feed.
Drake extended his hand but held her gaze. She felt his hand accept the goblet but didn’t let go herself. Drake took a step closer and still she held onto the wine.
“Thank you,” Drake said in his deepest richest tone. “The ladies of the court may have the drapings but you have a natural beauty that they can never possess.”
The servant girl felt her face flush. She reluctantly released the goblet. Lowering her hand slowly the servant girl’s gaze could not vacate those alluring eyes.
Could it be this easy, Drake thought to himself as he inched closer, finally breaking his gaze from her pretty face and looking down towards her smooth pink flesh. He knew it was going to be that easy when she willingly exposed her nape and Drake delicately stroked her warm flesh with his sensitive fangs. His first feed on the strange new world tasted sweet and instantly the rush of life preserving nutrients flooded his brain. The ecstasy of feeding was still the same.
Eventually the guard began to wonder about the servant and called for backup while he went in to check. He gasped and backed away out of the room. Soon more arrived and finally the lord of the castle himself. Drake sat in the corner sipping what he thought would be his last taste of wine as the Prince looked over the girl and her neck wounds.
“What have you done to her?” Prince Dracula asked in a calm tone.
Drake had stood up in a show of respect. “I have read that you are a man who uses violence and death to his needs. I also follow the same path. I would like to be honest with you, and right now, it seems like my only option. Do I have your permission to speak candidly and for your ears only?”
Prince Dracula thought for a moment. “Tie him to the bedpost and leave us alone.”
All eyes opened wide but only one spoke. It was the Prince’s closest advisor.
“But Prince, do think that is wise. We have no idea of the scope and reach of this devil. I don’t even like you being this close to him, with an armed guard present.”
Again the Prince paused to think. “No, Casimir, I think I will be safe with an unarmed man tied to a solid object.”
The room was emptied and The Prince took a seat. “So, Boyar, what is your real story?”
“I travel from farther than I have led you to believe. Where I come from we follow customs that aren’t really any more violent than yours, they are just different. I thought the woman was part of your gift of nourishment, along with the tray of food and drink. She being my preferred chalice.”
The Prince inched closer.
Drake continued, “You see I survive on the lifeblood of another and without it, I die.”
“You mean you refuse to eat real food and drink blood as a means of sustenance?”
“Where I come from food is of no use. The only way to survive is on blood.”
The Prince looked at the girl and chuckled. “Your story is ludicrous. And how did you extract the blood so cleanly. I see no sign of a struggle or of the blood bath you imply.”
“With my fangs.” Drake said matter of factly.
Prince Dracula’s face betrayed a multitude of thoughts ending with one of disgust. Finally he stood up and challenged Drake. “Prove it.”
Drake relaxed. He knew he had bought himself at least some time. He understood firsthand the type of man Prince Vlad Dracula III really was. As much as the Prince bragged that he was a protector of his people, Drake could see that he was just like a selfish Vampire; willing to sacrifice an innocent person’s life for their own personal gain.
“I just need another girl,” Drake said.
“Any preference?”
“Just pretty, like the last.”
The Prince looked down and grunted.
“Casimir!” he called.
His aid was there in an instant.
“Fetch me a pretty servant girl; preferably one without too much of a family. Oh, and keep all those who saw the state of this girl in a strict quarantine. And move this girl out of sight for the time being-we’ll have her removed later.”
Casimir dragged the corpse by the ankles behind a couch and covered her with a blanket, nodded, then turned to do his masters bidding.
“Why do you travel so far from home?” the Prince asked.
“I am an outcast-sent away until my people have rid themselves of all like me. You see, we have regular people where I come from, too. People who eat regular food and deserve the freedom to live their lives the way they want to live it.”
The Prince puckered his brow. “I am confused…and also, I find your story hard to believe. How is it that you are so strong? You obviously are much more powerful than any of my warriors.”
“Where I come from, things are much heavier than here, so I have had to adapt to that environment, but when I come here things are much lighter. It’s difficult to explain.”
“Your story sounds impossible, yet here you are and there she is.” The Prince gestured to the dead girl behind the couch.
“There are many things about me that are hard to accept, but I assure you that I am of no danger to you or your Empire. I just want to be left on my own to travel and live my life in freedom.”
“Well, right now you are in my Empire and I will let you know what your fate will be.”
Just then Casimir returned with a young blonde woman. “Sire, as you have requested.”
The Prince stood up and inspected the girl, her gaze never rising. He looked over to Drake who nodded his approval.
“That’s fine Casimir. Leave us.”
“Now what?” the Prince asked.
“Could I have some wine please?”
“Take him some wine. His cup is over there.” The Prince gestured as he shifted in his seat.
The woman did as she was told. “Should I freshen it up?” she asked the Prince, her vibrant blue eyes looking up finally.
Drake surprised them both by taking control at his point. “No, it’s fine just like that,” Drake said with a warm smile.
The girl waited uncomfortably for the Prince to explode at such brazenness, but his look softened and he nodded at her to proceed.
Drake could see the tension in the girl’s face and hoped he could break through her nervousness. His life depended on it. The girl was beautiful and genuine, and shy and almost human Drake realized. Elsie’s words suddenly shot through his head, “They’re not human, so don’t get all sentimental and refuse to f
eed.”
His ravenous hunger had already been satisfied so now he could rationalize better, and these aliens seemed so human. Drake quickly shifted his perilous thoughts directly on his desire to fulfill his mission, and this far overshadowed his sudden moral dilemma.
The girl approached Drake with the goblet and warily kept at arm’s reach away from the mysterious captive.
Drake’s smile was warm and genuine and his voice deep and gentle. “Thank you.” He had to lean far over to be able to reach it.
The girl looked up and made eye contact. She stepped back even as other emotions struck deep.
Drake sat back. “What’s your name?”
She looked over to the Prince.
He waved his hand. “Tell him your name.”
“Umm, Ilona?”
“Lovely name for a beautiful girl. Mine is Drake, and even though you see me as a tied captive, I assure you that I am an honored guest in the home of our fearless and just ruler. Isn’t that correct, Prince Dracula?”
The Prince looked annoyed and impatient. “Yes, yes. He’s safe; just give him whatever he asks for.”
“All I ask is for a little company, Ilona. Can you come closer?”
Ilona hesitated but did take a step closer, head down.
Drake frowned. She wasn’t going to be easy prey. The last one only needed eye contact and nothing more, but this one was resistant. Not good timing to encounter a stubborn victim, Drake thought. He glanced at the Prince and noted his impatient scowl which made Drake feel even more anxious. He noticed Ilona adjust her long modest dress so that the front of her red shoes showed a little better. They looked new.
“Wow, those shoes are beautiful. Are they new?”
Drake felt relieved when Ilona raised her gaze, and her expression had instantly changed from solemn, to lit up.
“Yes, I just got them yesterday,” Ilona’s tone was more lively. “They’re a little extravagant, but my mother said I deserve them because I’m on my feet all day.”
“They look very comfortable,” Drake said as he held her gaze, but she looked quickly away.
She has a family, Drake thought. A sudden feeling of guilt stabbed at him. Focus and be patient, he reminded himself, and he heard the Prince off to the side shift in his chair. Aliens…not human, he repeated within his swirling thoughts.
“I like the way they sparkle in the light, and they just stand out like rubies when you walk,” Drake said.
Ilona blushed and shifted her hem.
Drake laughed, “Now your cheeks match your shoes.”
She giggled and looked up.
The Prince this time shifted out of interest.
“Have you worked for the kind Prince for long?”
“For a year and a half now.” Ilona held Drake’s gaze this time.
“Well I’ll have to speak to the Prince about getting you a pay increase so you can buy more beautiful clothes. I picture you dressed in the finest linens and putting all the ladies of court to shame.”
Ilona was overwhelmed and looked down to hide her next blush.
Glancing over, Drake was pleased to see the Prince enjoying this, which gave Drake a little piece of mind to be able to relax a bit more.
“Could you bring me some grapes please, Ilona. My kind host has sent me some food, but with my hands tied, I am unable to enjoy it.”
Drake looked over at the Prince with an unsmiling and unrelenting expression which surprised the ruler; he was not used to such overt body language. But, Prince Dracula was an intelligent man, very interested in what was transpiring before his eyes, and he recognized Drake’s dilemma.
“Casimir!” he yelled.
The door opened and Casimir was by his Prince’s side.
“Untie the Boyar.”
Casimir hesitated, but the piercing look in his master’s eye commanded him to do his bidding without a word. He pulled out his jewel hilted court knife and with a quick and forceful tug, he cut Drake’s bindings. Drake rubbed his wrists and stood to his full height. The two men glared at each other for a moment, Casimir not accustomed to looking up to meet a man’s eye.
“That’s all Casimir. Just stay close to the door,” the Prince said quietly.
Ilona paused but caught Drake’s gaze which was warm and welcoming. She stepped forward with a bunch of grapes and held them out for Drake.
The Prince watched with extreme interest.
Drake waited, not reaching for the offered fruit. Ilona looked up, feeling the pull of the personality standing impressively before her.
Drake smiled and reached out his hand, his attention directly on Iona’s bright, blue eyes. He knew he had her, her gaze did not falter.
Reaching up with his other hand Drake gently tugged a grape from its stem and Iona’s attention went there. Drake’s hand and forearm looked strong yet his fingers held so delicately the fruit. It moved closer and she felt the cool smoothness of the grape on her lips. Closing her eyes, Ilona surrendered herself to whatever happened next. She uttered her last sounds with the feeling of Drake’s lips caressing along her exposed collar, and the final pin-prick that completed the feeling of utter relaxation.
Prince Dracula was fascinated and shifted to the edge of his seat. The servant girl’s barely audible sigh reached his ears and the Prince felt jealous. The view was hindered and he craned his neck to catch a glimpse. Drake’s head was buried and the servant girl looked enraptured. The Prince’s heart pounded in his chest like it did before battle.
Then Drake turned his head and smiled the most terrifying smile that The Prince had ever seen, a smile that would haunt him for the rest of his life. Drake recognized the look of horror, even from one with the reputation of ‘The Lord Impaler’ and he wiped his mouth clean of blood.
There he stood with the lifeless body of a beautiful young girl in his arms, drained of her lifeblood by this remarkable young man standing before him. The Prince was impressed, intrigued, and terrified.
He was on his feet now. “Casimir!”
Casimir burst into the room and stood, aghast.
“Casimir, triple the guard, clean up this room, and have all that have seen this…killed. That’s my order.” He turned to Drake. “Boyar…we will talk again; I have many questions for you.”
The Prince Of Wallachia, Vlad Dracula, paused and looked at the girl one last time, then at Drake. He shook his head and left the room with a shiver running up his spine still trying to process what he had just seen.
Chapter 23
A Legend is Created
The next day two important Turkish Ambassadors visited Prince Vlad Dracula in an attempt to get him to pay tribute and be accepted into the Ottoman Empire. But Prince Dracula had sworn to defend his homeland and he had no intention of joining forces with the Turks. He had wondered for weeks what he was going to do with the visiting envoys, and Drake’s performance inspired Vlad with a brilliant idea. The court was set with all the trimmings for visiting dignitaries. The Ottoman’s had sent envoys in the past, and every time, they purposely showed disrespect by not raising their hats to Vlad when he entered. This angered him, but he had always managed to keep his temper. Drake waited in the crowded main hall for The Prince to make his grand entrance. People shifted uncomfortably and the envoys grew impatient. Finally he arrived wearing riding boots and a modest red jacket. He feigned slight disinterest in the entire affair but kept a fleeting eye on the envoy’s manners. True to form the dignitaries tried to convey that they were peers of The Prince, and their hats remained on.
Vlad’s face tightened and he glanced over at Drake.
“How dare you show disrespect to me and my court by not removing your hats!” he bellowed.
Casimir and a group of guards moved in quickly and seized the Turks as prearranged.
“If you will not remove your hats for me, than you shall remove them for no one. They will take up permanent residence on your heads.”
Another guard moved in with a hammer in one hand and something
clutched in the other. Once beside the struggling envoys the contents of his other hand was revealed as a half dozen 6 inch nails.
The envoys looked terrified. “You can’t do this! We came in good faith with a lucrative and fair proposition, and this is the way you treat us. Sultan Mehmed II will be furious with you and he commands an army of 75,000 troops and over 200 Danube war ships. You cannot hope to assemble an army of that size. Use your common sense.”
“I have allied with Matthias Cornivus, The King of Hungary. You see Pope Pius II has deep pockets this year and has granted us 40,00 gold coins; enough for us to fortify our army and our fleet…so you see, we will be able to do more than just defend. We will be able to drive you well past the Danube. You will send a message back to your precious Sultan…but not by word; just by presence. Proceed!” the Prince finished with a gesture to his men and sat down with a quick look over at Drake.
The envoys were forced to their knees and their turbans nailed to their heads. The assembly was shocked by the display but Vlad Dracula had made his multi-faceted statement.
“Deliver them to their Sultan,” the Prince said.
The Prince walked past Drake and smiled, and Drake nodded his reverence.
Prince Dracula was already a cruel man, but the arrival of, and his admiration of Drake took his depravity to a new, never before seen level. The Prince longed to be immortal and began to drink the blood of young women. Rumors flew and the Prince’s life was in jeopardy. Prince Dracula wanted to protect Drake so he sent him to his castle in Transylvania. As the years went by Prince Dracula was on and off the throne of Wallachia, eventually getting killed and beheaded by his enemies. His severed head, preserved in honey, was sent to Constantinople and with much fanfare, displayed on a stake as proof that the evil Prince Dracula was dead. While alive, the Prince had always sheltered and protected Drake; even to the point of providing Drake with young women. But sometimes, the Prince could not keep up with Drake’s appetite and the new Count of The Castle, Drake Ulah, had to go out in order to satisfy his hunger. Daylight was still a burden to Drake so he would prowl the taverns and towns of Transylvania during the evening hours looking for victims. Long after Prince Dracula’s death, rumors of the new Dracula grew. The rich Count Dracula, now residing in his own Transylvanian castle, became both revered for his riches and generosity but also the subject of gossip and trepidation. Soon the pressure was getting too intense, feeds were hard to come by and Count Dracula had to move on. So he sold his assets, packed his bags and looked for another feeding ground. As he moved, his legend grew. Where the Count has been and where he is today remains a mystery…perhaps still seeking out, ‘The Nectar of Eternal Life.’