Page 102

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright

5th of March, 1820

And we are off!

Tonight we departed for Buda and my excitement can barely be contained.

Let me digress and explain how the evening began…

The carriage rocked gently as it rolled slowly out of the courtyard of the castle. I leaned forward and glanced out the window back toward the three ghostly women clustered together in the great doorway. Cneajna raised her hand over head, and I waved back with a smile.

A cold, dreary rain fell through the gloom. An icy mist wafted over the wet flagstones of the courtyard. Thick, black clouds shrouded the moon and lightning cracked the sky as the distant booming of thunder resounded. It was a horrible night to begin our journey to Buda.

“Close the window and sit back,” Vlad ordered shortly.

I obeyed, sitting back sullenly. I pouted slightly. I am quite sure my eyes were vivid with my anger. It was impossible not to recollect the last time I departed Prince Vlad Dracula's castle to journey to Buda and not feel bitterness. My family's failed attempt to escape haunted me.

Dressed in one of the beautiful dresses my mother had purchased for me in Paris, I looked like a fine, young aristocrat. With Cneajna's assistance, I had cut my hair so I could style it into a more modern, fashionable style that suited the Lady Glynis of the past, but not necessarily the vampire I am now.

As usual, Vlad was dressed all in black, his fine new suit impressive on his frame. Despite his penchant to wear very out of fashion clothes in the castle, I noted he always wore the best in modern clothing when departing the castle. He had even allowed me to cut his hair to a more reasonable length and trim his mustache. He had seem bemused by the whole process. Though his thick auburn hair remained long, it was much tidier, and I was satisfied that he had bowed to my wishes. He now looked more like a businessman than a cold-blooded warrior of old.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a gold pocket watch and flipped it open. With a sigh, he clicked it shut.

“What is wrong?” I asked.

“The storm will slow us down. I want to be through Bârgãu Pass and onto Bistri?a as soon as possible. ”

“And why is that?”

Vlad regarded me coolly then frowned. “I have many enemies. ”

“Is that why we did not fly to Buda?”

“Fly?” Vlad began to laugh with delight. “Fly?”

“Well, yes. I can fly. Can you not as well?” I was rather insulted by his laughter and my voice was quite condescending.

“Oh, of course I can fly. But to fly takes much blood-power and there is the possibility of violating another vampire's territory. They do not like grandiose shows of power. We must travel as mortals to ensure our safety. ”

“Other vampires?”

“Yes, of course. You did not think we were the only ones, did you?”

“No, not truly,” I confessed. “But are you not the Prince of this country?”

Vlad sighed a bit. “I was a mortal prince of this country. But as a vampire, I am restricted by the curse of the day. I did not realize this as a mortal man when I made the choice to become what I am now. I struggled for years to regain my princedom, but I could never wield the influence necessary to secure my throne again. But, yes, Glynis, I control all that surrounds our castle. If any vampire enters our domain, they either respect me as a Master or I slay them. ”

“So are there many of us?”

“In this country, yes. In other countries, that are not so rich with legend and magic, we are but a few. You might as well know that some vampires are quite mad and dangerous and we must destroy them on sight least they expose us. If too many humans die from the vampire bite, it brings the vampire hunters. You must be alert at all times. If you encounter another vampire, merely tell them you are my progeny and they will let you be. I am still a feared man in this country, just not among mortals. ”

I considered this then asked, “So is there some sort of code among vampires?”

Vlad laughed at this. “You amuse me so, Glynis. ” He shook his head. “No, no. Some of the older vampires of have tried --actually they are still attempting -- to impose some sort of vampire law upon us, but they have continuously failed. Vampires as old as I and older are too set in their own ways to bow to any modern concepts of civility. Besides, most vampires carve out small territories for themselves. Nothing official, mind you, but it is theirs because they make it so. There are some vampire families, such as ours, that keep certain precepts and that is their choice. But no, Glynis, there is no vampire code. ”

I pondered this for some time, then turned to him. “Our land is ours. But what of Buda?”

Vlad's expression darkened slightly. “There is another. He rules there. Again, if anyone disturbs you, merely inform them that you are my progeny. He allows me freedom in the city. ”