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The significance of this introduction was lost to me, but I saw Astir and Adem exchange a quick glance.

“You have no business here. ” Astir stepped directly before me.

“I have come to strike off the head of he who betrayed my Master. But if he is not here, her head will do. ” Chamuka lunged forward, his blade arcing downward.

Adem swept forward, his sword clanking against metal.

I gasped as two dark forms hurtled through the window. One of the figures darted toward me, a dagger in hand. Instinctively, I dodged under the sweep of the blade and shoved my attacker off his feet. The third assailant had lunged toward Magda, Katya and Enre, but was now a burning pillar of fire. I was startled by this quick turn of events. Through the flames I saw Enre pressing Magda and Katya against the wall to protect them from the flailing man as he dashed himself against the bed, setting it aflame. Astir grabbed my attacker and flung him through the window as Adem continued to battle Chamuka.

Astir plucked the burning man from the floor and tossed him after his companion. Flames licked up along the walls and I shrank back toward the window in fear. Astir stretched out a long arm and grasped hold of me.

“Forgive me, Countess. I had hoped to guide you and train you to use your powers during our journey, but it seems that it is not to be. ”

“I do not understand what is happening!”

“An explanation awaits you in another time,” he answered.

Behind him, I saw Enre leap over the burning bed to join Adem in his assault against the hulking vampire. Chamuka growled in anger as he swung his weapon, his teeth bared to reveal great long fangs.

Astir pulled me close. “Don’t be afraid. All shall be revealed in time. ” With great flourish, he spun me about before releasing my hand.

I gasped as I found myself standing before the gates that opened to the Dracula Estate in Buda. Stumbling forward, I wrapped my hands around the cold iron bars and stared up at the ornate bronze

D welded to the gate. Raising my gaze higher, I saw the stars twinkling above pale gray clouds hovering over the city. Behind me I heard a gasp, then a shrill scream raked through the tranquility of the night. Whipping about, I saw Katya collapse to the ground, still shrieking. Magda’s shocked expression gave way to exasperation and she flung herself at the girl.

“Silence!” she ordered, clutching Katya’s shoulders and shaking her. “We are safe now!”

My gait was unsteady as I approached them. I had experienced Astir’s power to deliver me from his haven to my home before, but I was shaken to the core by the great distance he had transported me. To suddenly be in Buda and before the burned remains of the home I had shared with Vlad Dracula was a shock to my senses.

“Where is Astir?” I wondered. “And the others?”

“Battling that creature, I suppose. ” Magda coughed. The smell of the fire still clung to our clothing and the two mortal women were covered in perspiration from the heat.

I was stunned by the attack upon us. That Vlad would have such vicious enemies did not surprise me, but I had never considered that my own life could be in peril due to his dealings. I chastised myself for not being properly armed, but I was a bit proud of how I had deflected the attack against me.

Warily, I examined our surroundings. We were alone in the darkened street with no sign of Astir, Adem, the guards or our belongings. I was relieved when Katya’s screams were reduced to mere whimpering. My nerves had the best of me and I could not endure her screams. The soft murmuring of the wind through the creaking limbs of the oak trees was a familiar and comforting sound. How often had I strolled with my dear brother, Andrew, under these same trees listening to the night birds calling out as the insects hummed.

“We could try to find the haven,” Magda suggested.

“No, no. Astir would not want that,” I replied. “It is best if we stay here. I am certain he would not abandon us. ” It was a lie, but I did not want Katya to begin screaming again. I was not certain that Magda was as calm as her voice implied for her complexion was quite pale and her eyes were wide with fear.

The neighing of horses startled us. I pivoted about to see Astir’s carriage emerge from the darkness. The guards rode behind it with Adem in the lead. Behind it followed the horse drawn cart bearing my family’s coffins.

“Adem!” I exclaimed in relief. “Where is Astir?”

“Dealing with matters that do not concern you at this time,” Adem answered as he swung off his horse.

I clutched his arm, gazing up into his scarred face. “We were attacked! I should say that most certainly does concern me!”

Adem laid a hand over mine and gently squeezed my fingers. “The assassin has been dealt with. His head will be delivered to his enemies and Lord Astir shall deal with the political fallout. For now, Lord Astir wishes for you to continue to your destination and I am to stay at your side until I am certain you are no longer in danger. ”

“Am I in danger?”

“Chamuka was seeking out Vlad, not you. But it is best that we be on our way. ”

“Will others come after me?

Adem shook his head. “It has been dealt with. Do not fear. Your husband has many enemies, but Buda is a safe haven for you due to Vlad’s negotiations on your behalf. That is why Astir sent you here. You are safe now in Buda. ”