Page 41
Astir threw a dangerous look in Katya’s direction, and she fell into obedient silence.
“And the second group?”
“My dear countess, the other may be much more dangerous. ”
“Who is it?” I demanded.
“Uncertain. But there are many who dislike your husband, so it could be one of his foes. Or, it could merely be bandits or gypsies desiring to rob us. ” He shrugged. “It is best to be cautious in this land. It is a dangerous country. ”
“But you are more than mortal. Why should we fear? I can see you are afraid by the set of your shoulders,” I pointed out.
Astir leaned against the wall, folded his arms over his chest, and gazed upon me with amusement. “I don’t fear for myself. I fear for your delicate little self. Despite all your power, you do not know how to control it and use it to defend yourself. At least, not yet. Therefore, I must see to your immediate safety. ”
“I am learning to fight,” I answered defensively. Of course, I had packed my daggers instead of wearing them for the sake of comfort on the long journey. I now realized the folly of this action. If we were not being pursued by mere mortals, but more dangerous creatures, the daggers would be a good defense.
“Yes, so I was told. ”
There were heavy footsteps upon the stairs and Astir strode swiftly to the doorway. His eyes blazed for an instant, then he wrenched it open. Adem hurriedly stepped inside.
“The men that followed us for most of today were Katya’s father and men in his employ. Enre witnessed Toma meeting with a second group of men he could not identify. Toma was given money and turned back. The strangers - three men - continued on. Enre followed them until just after nightfall when they were joined by another man. A man who appeared in the blink of an eye. ”
I gasped in fear. I remembered far too well the dhamphir vampire hunter who had inflicted terrible pain upon me when he had tried to kill me in Buda, who was able to shroud himself in darkness like a vampire.
“Did Enre recognize the mysterious newcomer?” Astir demanded.
“He did not. But he also described the men as wearing black cloaks and hats that hid their faces. ”
Astir’s mouth tensed, but he did not speak.
“They will be here shortly,” Adem said, his gaze straying to me. “We must protect her. ”
“I will meet with them and determine if they are a threat,” Astir decided. “We do not want to be hasty and insult one of the powers that be. ”
A ruckus outside the door startled us.
Adem quickly drew his sword. “They’re here!”
Astir drew himself up to his full height, his eyes burning fires. Magda and Katya rushed to my side. Holding their hands, I retreated to the corner near the window.
The door burst open and Enre was hurled across the room into the far wall. He moaned with pain as Magda and Katya rushed to him. A dark figure stepped into the room clad entirely in black, a wide-brimmed hat obscuring its face. For a moment, I feared it was Vlad, but the man tilted his chin and I saw a meaty, swarthy face beneath the brim.
“Where is Vlad Dracula?” the stranger demanded in a gravelly voice.
Astir stepped forward, his height imposing and his features fiercely set in a scowl. “How dare you burst in! This is uncalled for!”
“Where is Vlad Dracula?” the man repeated.
“He is not here,” I said, finding my voice.
The glowing red eyes of the man narrowed upon me. “Countess Dracula?”
“I am Countess Dracula. Who are you?” My voice was raw with anger and fear. I longed for my silver daggers as I stared at the ma
n filling the doorway with his menacing presence.
Adem and Astir stood between us, yet the man gave them no notice. His thick lips turned up slightly as he regarded me.
“I am Chamuka of House Baatar,” the man growled, his gloved hand drawing a wickedly curved blade from his belt.
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41 (Reading here)
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53
- Page 54
- Page 55
- Page 56
- Page 57
- Page 58
- Page 59
- Page 60
- Page 61
- Page 62
- Page 63
- Page 64
- Page 65
- Page 66
- Page 67
- Page 68
- Page 69
- Page 70
- Page 71
- Page 72
- Page 73
- Page 74
- Page 75
- Page 76
- Page 77
- Page 78
- Page 79
- Page 80
- Page 81
- Page 82
- Page 83
- Page 84
- Page 85
- Page 86
- Page 87
- Page 88
- Page 89
- Page 90
- Page 91
- Page 92
- Page 93
- Page 94
- Page 95
- Page 96
- Page 97
- Page 98
- Page 99
- Page 100
- Page 101
- Page 102
- Page 103
- Page 104
- Page 105
- Page 106
- Page 107
- Page 108
- Page 109
- Page 110
- Page 111
- Page 112
- Page 113
- Page 114
- Page 115
- Page 116
- Page 117
- Page 118
- Page 119
- Page 120
- Page 121
- Page 122
- Page 123
- Page 124
- Page 125
- Page 126
- Page 127
- Page 128
- Page 129
- Page 130
- Page 131
- Page 132
- Page 133
- Page 134
- Page 135
- Page 136
- Page 137
- Page 138
- Page 139
- Page 140
- Page 141
- Page 142
- Page 143
- Page 144