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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.