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Ignatius looked torn and afraid. “We could chance it. We could flee to another country. We will have to move swiftly. ”

“But with his blood in me, if he beckons me…” I felt tears on my face. “If he calls to me…”

Ignatius nodded, his face tense, and he dared to kiss me.

I clung to him, my lips worshiping his. Our kiss was desperate, yet full of love.

He drew back with an anguished expression. “We shall find a way to break his power over you. I swear it, my love. ”

“I love you,” I whispered.

He smiled ruefully, then guided me down the long lane toward the stables.

Our hands clasped tightly, we reached the stables. All was quiet and still here. The vampire hunters were no where to be seen. Ignatius touched my cheek gently.

“We shall find safety soon,” he promised.

Vlad emerged from the darkness holding Magda in one arm and a small boy in the other. Magda sobbed and coughed as he guided her toward us. Covered in soot and reeking of smoke, she collapsed to the ground when they reached us. I went to her instantly, falling to my knees.

“Mistress, mistress…” she cried when she saw me.

Ignatius took the small boy in his arms. Drawing a handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped the child’s dirty face. The boy stared blankly as tears fell silently down his cheeks. He was struck dumb with fear and my heart broke for him.

Vlad did not say a word, but set about drawing some horses from the stable. I watched him, fearful of his expression.

Ignatius gently lowered the boy into Magda’s arms and she held the child tightly as she wept. The little boy stirred out of his daze and buried his face in her neck as he wrapped his tiny arms about her.

Ignatius moved to help Vlad saddle the horses. They worked in silence, barely acknowledging each other, but working efficiently. I held Magda's hand as I tried to calm her, but my own fear threatened to overwhelm my senses.

At last, the horses were ready.

“The woman and her child are to go to Astir,” Vlad said to Ignatius.

I was not certain what this meant and began to protest, but Ignatius said quickly, “I will make sure he gives her a good position in his household. ”

Vlad nodded. “Once I am at the castle, I will send him compensation if he desires it. She alone survived the slaughter of my servants and deserves to be treated well. ”

Ignatius agreed silently and moved toward Magda.

“Please, sir, let me go with you and my Mistress,” Magda begged Vlad.

“It is best you go with my brother,” Vlad answered her. “You will not be harmed. ”

I kissed Magda’s cheek and tried to console her. “All will be well,” I promised her.

“Please, let me go with you. Please!”

I doubt Vlad was touched by her pleas, but he hesitated, then said, “We shall take you to your new haven. It shall be to my advantage for I need to appeal to Astir for a carriage and a driver. ”

Ignatius helped me get Magda to her feet. The child clung to her so tightly we did not dare try to remove him. Ignatius swung up onto one of the horses and reached down for her and the child. I lifted them easily, despite my weakened condition. My maid settled into the strong arms of my lover.

“Should we be attacked again, flee immediately. I will find you,” Vlad instructed me.

I started to protest, then realized he feared that I would be easily killed in my weakened state. With a nod of my head, I let him lift me onto another horse. His hands lingered on my waist as he gazed up at me intently.

“I shall be fine,” I promised.

Ignatius’ horse drew near mine. Magda gazed at me sorrowfully as she rocked the boy in her arms.