A Vampire's Reckoning, page 4
part #2 of Stone Masters Vampire Series
The young man staggered to his feet.
I dismounted and strolled toward him.
“Are you all right, sir?” I offered him my hand to assist him.
“I think so.” He backed away and leaned upon a large tree, attempting to regain his poise. He looked down at the dead man who had almost killed him. “You just saved my life.”
“So I did.”
“I am Alexander Artimas.”
“Alex, it looks as though your horse has no head for adventure. Lord Daumia Velde.”
“Lord Velde, I am honored. My father is Lord Artimas. We live not far from here. The castle, you know of it?”
“Yes, it’s familiar,” I said.
“How will I ever repay you?”
“Oh, I will think of something.”
Alex blushed. “Please allow me to repay you in some way for your kindness. Come back to the castle, and I will—”
“I have another engagement that I must attend to. Perhaps if you like, we could meet another time?”
“Perhaps tomorrow night?”
I mounted my horse. “I am a guest of the Brandenburgs while they are out of town. They have kindly allowed me to stay in their spacious home. Do you know of them?”
“Yes, I think I do. Do they live at Woodrow Mansion?”
“Come for dinner, tomorrow at eight.” I kicked my horse and galloped off through the woods.
Chapter 5
Jadeon
FINDING AMUSEMENT WHERE I could, I leaned on the doorframe of my brother’s room, arms folded, affectionately smiling as I watched Alex trying one suit on and then another, casting down the last with frustration.
“So, are you sure it wasn’t a woman who saved your life, Alex? You can tell me.” I howled with laughter at my brother’s reaction. “For a start, you didn’t invite him here for Father and me to thank him for saving your—”
“I did invite him, but his business keeps him from this part of town for now. I will invite him here again. Oh! These ridiculous dress shirts. Here, help me, will you? Instead of hindering.”
“You look like a fine gentleman.” I fiddled with Alex’s necktie. “Extend to Lord Velde our thanks, and be sure to offer an invitation from Father to him so he may dine with us soon. We both look forward to meeting your new acquaintance.”
“Yes, of course. Are you sure the white does not make me look too pale? I cannot make up my mind.”
“Well, you’d better hurry. It is past seven-thirty now. Was your appointment not at—”
“Oh my goodness, he was very specific about the time.” Alex realized I was mocking him, and he hit me.
“Knowing you, you’ll probably be unfashionably early.” I lingered at the top of the stairs and watched Alex walk briskly toward the castle entrance. “Be safe,” I called out to him.
With evening came the familiar silence that befell the castle. Taking my usual path, I headed toward my father’s private reading room where I often whiled away the hours lost in a good book or studying an old journal. Facing the fireplace, I took advantage of one of the warmer rooms. This room was rarely visited due to its extensive body of scholarly works, featuring a huge collection of foreign books and numerous philosophical doctrines.
Father had provided me with a key and gave strict instructions not to allow anyone in here owing to the Church’s attitude toward non-Christian text. Of course, the moment he mentioned to me that such material was frowned upon he sparked an interest, and I soon became an avid student of both Eastern and Western philosophy, devouring the complete works of Aristotle in a summer.
I once tried to discuss the subject with Father De Mercy, but after he threw holy water on me several times, I learned to keep my thoughts to myself.
Engrossed in the ancient text of Homer, it took me a moment to realize someone had entered. Due to my positioning the chair obscured me from sight, but with a slight turn of my head I had a good view the room. My father had not noticed me. He hovered before the main bookcase and reached up for a book. However, he just tilted it back, revealing a small brass handle. I remained silent and watched.
The bookcase swung open.
I jumped with a start.
Lord Artimas disappeared into the blackness.
I sprang up out of the chair and sprinted through the door before it closed behind me, throwing me into complete darkness. Exhilarated to be shaken out of my gloom and ready for action, I reached out, fumbling along, treading carefully. The ground beneath me disappeared. I was at the top of a flight of stairs. Taking my time I descended, using my father’s footsteps ahead of me as my guide. The spiraling stairway continued down until the drop in temperature revealed I was close to sea level. Flickering light guided my exit through a camouflaged door, leading into the dungeons that appeared as part of the wall itself. Puffs of air left my lungs and I hoped this would not give me away.
Large torches lit up the passageway. Having passed this very spot on so many occasions, I had never noticed anything out of the ordinary. Several men headed toward me and I ducked back behind the carved stone door and held my breath.
When they had passed, I inhaled gulps of cold air and peered out. I watched the men disappear into one of the largest rooms that lined the dungeons. Listening at the door I couldn’t help remembering what I had witnessed as a child, though Alex and I had made a pact never to speak of it. As time passed I considered it merely a nightmare, but now, as I lingered before the wooden doorway, I knew it was very real. Scuffling and voices echoed from within.
Annoyance rose. I was angry with my father for still keeping secrets from me. I reasoned I was now a man and would behave as such, thus deserving to be a member of his alliance, ready to shoulder what he had hidden from me all this time. I rallied myself and clutched the doorknob.
I sprang into the room.
Empty.
To my astonishment, no one was there. Round and round I turned, surrounded by four stone walls. I ran to each side of the chamber and explored the solid rock, fingering the cold granite, convinced that somewhere a secret exit was present. Frustrated, I found none.
“I’m ready!” I shouted, my words echoing back to me.
Silence.
I hoped I could muster such confidence again. A small glinting object lying on the floor in the corner drew my attention. I reached down and picked it up. It was a pendant engraved with the name Jacob.
I turned it over and over again, studying the solid silver and admiring the delicate filigree of the chain. On closer inspection I noticed a smear of dried blood on several of the fine links.
My focus turned once more upon the chamber, looking for any other clues that might lead to the owner of this necklace.
Unwilling to contemplate the fate of the wearer, I tucked it into my pocket. Unable to recall a servant with that name, I headed out of the dungeons.
I would ask around.
Chapter 6
Orpheus
WITHIN THE CELLAR lay five dead bodies pushed up against the far wall. As an uninvited guest I had resided here in the manor for two days, feeding on the unsuspecting residents upon my arrival. I winced with disgust at the scene, irritated by the familiar stench that emanated. This part of the kill was tedious. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg and their three servants had been taken by surprise. I now considered if there was time to dispose of their bodies, though sensing Alex’s arrival, the answer was no.
Swiftly I took the steps three at a time out of the basement toward the entranceway. Distracted by thoughts of the decaying flesh, I forgot to wait for the knock on the door before I opened it. I quietly chastised myself for such thoughtlessness.
Alex inhaled, taken off guard. He admired my attire. I was dressed in the finest black linen, a style that was purely European.
“Good evening, Alex.” I stepped out, walking past him with a smile. I approached Alex’s horse and untied the beast, which initially seemed a little uncomfortable with me. I led the stallion into the stables situated at the side of the property. Alex followed and watched me position the horse in front of a drinking trough. It leaned its long neck toward the water and drank while I patted its neck. “Such a fine creature.”
“Thank you.” Alex studied me. “And thank you for yesterday.” He seemed a little nervous. “You risked your life, and for that I am deeply grateful.”
“It was a good thing I was there.” I stared at him intently.
“Yes,” he said.
I turned back to his horse. “You’re lucky. He’s of good stock, very well bred.”
Alex appeared uneasy. “He’s my brother’s horse. Jadeon lets me ride him occasionally. Well all the time, actually. Our father gave the stallion to him as a gift.”
“I see. And what was your gift from Lord Artimas?”
“Well, um . . . He did give me a new sword.”
“A new sword? How curious, to give your brother this fine horse, and you . . . a sword.” I tilted my head.
“I—I never thought of it like that.” Alex frowned. “But he might as well be mine. I ride him all the time.”
“But he’s not yours.”
“No, he’s not.”
“Fascinating,” I said.
“It’s not what you think.”
“And what is it that I think, Alex?”
“That my father favors Jadeon over me.”
I approached him and straightened his necktie. “The oldest is very often favored by the father and the youngest by the mother,” I said. “I expect your mother adores you.”
“I—”
“After all, Alex, you are possessed of a handsomeness not easily equaled. Women swoon at your feet and men . . . covet you.”
He was speechless.
“You have not yet realized your true potential. Perhaps that is where I come in?” I said.
“I’m not sure I understand your meaning.”
“Now that I have saved your life, I feel somewhat responsible for you.”
“I would never—”
“Expect it, I know,” I said. “Come, you must be thirsty after your journey. You can freshen up before dinner.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Call me Daumia.” I led him back toward the house and we entered the manor’s foyer. I stood close behind Alex and removed his cloak.
He took a moment to recompose himself.
In the lavishly decorated lounge I uncorked a bottle of red wine and commented that the servants had not arrived to prepare dinner that evening, informing Alex that if they did not arrive soon we would be forced to dine out. Alex gratefully accepted the full glass. He took a large gulp of the wine and then another.
Alex’s gaze perused the elegant room—the fine furniture, the expensive beeswax candles, and the huge fireplace burning fiercely.
“So the Brandenburgs are out of town for the summer, you say?” Alex said. “When are they due to return?”
“Soon I hope.” I stood in front of the fireplace, momentarily transfixed by the flames. “I enjoy the company of such remarkable people. It is unfortunate that they are detained. Come warm yourself by the fire.”
“The wine is warming me, thank you. My father extends to you his invitation and would be delighted to have you as his honored guest.”
“Thank your father for me, and as soon as my business arrangements are complete, I would very much like to dine with your family.”
“My father—”
“The Brandenburgs have a wonderful painting by Joseph Turner,” I interrupted his thoughts. “He’s such a gifted artist. I’m sure you know of him.”
“Yes, we have one of his paintings too. My father has a superior collection of art. I would be honored to show it to you if your time permits such a visit.”
“Let us view the family’s collection. Although small, it is rather fine.” I led Alex into the drawing room.
Silently, we both admired Turner’s painting.
“See how he uses the finest brush,” I commented. “The way he accentuates form and color.”
Alex stared at me. Not returning his gaze, I allowed him to continue as my eyes wandered over the painting, and Alex’s wandered over me. For a moment I was taken aback with the frisson. Alex captivated me with his boyish charm. He emanated an innocence that was unexpectedly hypnotic.
I snapped myself out of my trance. “His use of light is really quite wonderful, would you not agree? I think we take such things for granted.”
It was easy to read his mind. I was pleased to sense Alex was as equally fascinated with me. “So, you are hungry? I know a quiet tavern. We will take dinner there. These servants, they are so unreliable.”
We headed out on horseback. On our arrival at the tavern I guided Alex toward the darkest corner where we talked uninterrupted. As the evening progressed, Alex opened up. I ensured that the compliments flowed, as did the wine. Alex was fast becoming enamored.
Alex stared at my right hand. “That’s an interesting ring you’re wearing,” he said.
“It was a gift from someone who was taken well before her time.” I again lifted the goblet to my lips and feigned a sip.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Alex said. “You were fond of her?”
I nodded and rubbed the ring in remembrance of Sunaria, who had given it to me. “Alex, tell me about your family. Let’s start with your brother, Jadeon.”
Within the gloomy tavern, Alex relayed the story of how both he and Jadeon had grieved for their mother that awful winter. It had been she who had brightened the castle with her vivacious temperament. Since her death, they had only entertained at the Mount in order for their father to find suitable brides for his sons. Their immense castle was not the comfortable and pleasing home it had once been. It had become as lonely and empty as the very souls that continued to live within its walls.
“Now Jadeon just mopes around in a melancholy mood. He rarely goes out,” Alex said. “He spends his time reading, studying music, and generally daydreaming.”
“Catherine. She remains in the convent?” I inquired.
“Yes, Jadeon sometimes goes down to the grounds outside the convent and sits, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. It’s so sad.”
“Grief can incapacitate the soul.”
“You’re referring to your friend?” Alex said.
“Yes.”
“I am sorry to hear that. Would you like to talk about her?”
“No. And your father, tell me of him,” I said.
* * * *
Alex and I enjoyed many an evening together. Alex believed that by day I attended to my business dealings, having no idea that in truth this was when I slept. It was a divine pleasure to manipulate him, as only a demon can, and soon Alex had grown distant from his family. Alex’s feelings of affection toward me were inevitable. He was swept away with emotion, infatuated with the most exceptional man he had ever encountered, and the very fact I chose to spend my evenings with him truly flattered him. His company was refreshing.
Alex was well educated and therefore a superb conversationalist. He was bestowed with a delightful humor and a kind nature. I also took great delight in teasing him. I gradually became aware that I had begun to feel passionately for Alex,but knew my plans would not and could not be hindered in any way. Despite this, I found myself obsessed with him. In many ways Alex filled the void Sunaria’s death had left. Alex soothed my grief, so much so that he consumed my thoughts.
Alex’s visits to the Brandenburgs’ home became a frequent occurrence. Although suspicions would predictably rise due to their strange disappearance, it was difficult to extract myself from such a luxurious residence. Alex never mentioned the Brandenburgs. He was all too happy with the circumstances of us having a place where we could enjoy our undisturbed privacy.
As on so many evenings, he arrived at the manor. As I had instructed him, he rode his own mare and arrived as pre-arranged—later than usual. He led his horse into the stable. When he knocked at the door of the manor house, he was surprised there was no answer and for a moment he wondered if he had been mistaken to the time or place of our meeting. Then, with an eerie feeling of being watched, he turned and jumped with fright.
I was standing right behind him.
“Where the hell did you come from?” Alex gasped.
“What kind of greeting is that for your old friend? Really, I must teach you some manners. Now where should I begin?”
Alex’s cheeks blushed brightly.
“You are forgiven, for now.” I walked toward him.
Alex noticed I held something in my hand.
“What is that?” he asked.
“It’s a blindfold.”
“For what purpose?”
“For you.”
“No, no, really I—”
“I have a surprise for you.” I turned Alex around firmly, ignoring his attempts at resistance. I pushed up against him and placed the thick strip of black silk material around his eyes. “Do you not trust me?”
“Of course I do. I trust you with my life.”
“Good answer.” I escorted Alex by his arm, our bodies locked together. I guided him to the large gardens situated behind the manor house.
“Really, is this quite necessary?”
“I like it when you resist me. It’s quite charming. Alex, I have a gift for you.”
After walking along the grassy bank for several minutes, we stopped. I pulled Alex’s hands up and placed them upon the large dappled mare, pulling the blindfold off him. Alex gawped at the beautiful beast, its mane long and flowing, its fine leather saddle carved out by Spanish artisans.
“Now you have a horse as fine as your brother’s,” I said.
He was speechless. He patted the horse, then looked back at me. “Why? How can I accept such a gift? Daumia—”
“Then you insult me. Accept as a gentleman accepts such a gift from a friend. And besides, this animal will not bolt at the firing of a gun. She is brave and well trained, unlike that donkey of your brother’s.”
