The Curse of Dracula: Part 1of 4
The Curse of Dracula
Part One: Transylvania
1
JOHN WARD
The invitation arrived two months before he was to arrive. Was he going to go? Absolutely, he never considered not going. John Ward was looking for the story that had eluded him for the last twenty-five years. An interview with Vladimir Dracula: The Count of Transylvania.
"Where are you going. Emily Cantore asked. Her relationship with John still seemed so new. She didn't want him to take the trip. However, she never actually said that.
"I know that you probably don't want me to go, but if the story is going to be told, and then sold, I want to be the one who got it." John explained.
December 7, 1918: The Romanian Army entered southeastern Transylvania
The team arrived that would escort me into the mountains of Transylvania. There on the front step, Emily was watching John load his things, and he climbed aboard the coach. He hesitated to look back, but he did. Gave her a little wave, and then climbed on inside the carriage.
"Good morning, Mr. Ward." The driver said.
"Good morning, sir. I appreciate your willingness to help me get in the Carpathians Mountains.
"I got to stay in business. If you need to go up there, well, then I will take you. I read your last book. Did you think that old plantation really held all those secrets?"
His partner chimed in, "it did seem a little exaggerated, huh?
"Well...I just tell the tale as it's told to me. Do I put a little extra jam on the bread? Maybe I do...but maybe I don't. That's the part that's up to you men to decide."
"Hey, it was interesting either way. Very well written too. So this journey is for material for your next book?" The driver asked.
"That's what I'm hoping for." John replied.
Eventually their conversation died down. They'd occasionally talk back and forth, and loud enough to see whether John wanted to join in. Which he wasn't really interested in. He'd rather think about what he needed to know, and how to ask the question that would reveal the truth.
There's a list of people who had allegedly gone up there, and never were seen again. That was compelling, but it didn't end there. Those who made it back out of the Count's mansion, they told tales of monsters and dead bodies. So there was possibly a story as big as the lore that predates John's arrival, and too many tales of the same type, multiple similarities, of a story people genuinely want the details of. The tales of Vampirism are more often mentioned when talking about Vladimir Dracula.
"Hold on back there Mr. Ward." The driver alerted.
Then the terrain got much rougher than it had been. After what seemed longer, ten minutes into the rough patch, the front right wheel busted on the carriage.
"Damn...we broke a wheel." The passenger said.
"You sir, just sit tight and we will be back up and going in no time." The driver said.
"Good deal." John said, and then pulled the letter from his bag.
Dear Mr. John Ward
I Count Vladimir Dracula have enjoyed many of your writings. You have a real talent of transferring the story to the book, but done in a way that resembles art. You paint a picture that becomes amazingly clear, and all of your tales have perfect timing. That's why I am offering you my story first. Many writers have wanted it. I even gave it to a writer out of Nottingham, but nothing ever becme of the work. Don't waste your time or mine. Publish the story! You're doing a lot of work to get the information. You might as well get paid for everything. Expect to stay with me for a few weeks, as we have other businesses to discuss over these weeks as well. You don't know me, but you will, and you'll publish, and you will sell many copies of your findings in the book. Write back if you're not coming, otherwise I will expect your arrival. I will reimburse you for your travel expenses upon arrival. This story could be the best selling book you've ever written. You've been chosen for the task, and for the skill that you demonstrate so accurately in your writings. I hope to see you soon. I've included a map that will bring you to my residence.
Your friend, Count Vlad Dracula
The letter itself had been intriguing and he'd probably have gone on that alone, but John knew the stories and legends about that mansion on the hillside. There was undoubtedly many writers who would love to get the Count's complex story. Not all of the bullshit that's told about him is true, but if even ten percent of those tales are true, then there's a great book waiting for John Ward to author.
The coach was moving again. The men in front were back to their useless conversation. John thought about getting the story over everyone else there was to tell it. There were authors out there that made more money than John, there were writers who had a better selling book, and there were writers who were better known, but he didn't call any of those writers. Vladimir Dracula called author John A. Ward.
The changes of a civilization during wartime can be a time of change. In the medieval and modern times it's been that way. I guess it's a transition that occurs, despite being raised one way for over half your life.
John contemplates writing about those feelings and changes that one goes through. In contemporary fiction you see a fine depiction of war, but imagine that material coming first hand from those living in that moment.
They may be undergoing a return to an old regime, or learning the ways of a new one. Theyre coming full circle through the hardships of warfare when their homeland is a battle field.
When the horse drawn coach came to a stop, they disembarked. The guards lead them up the gravel path to the front of the mansion. The main door opened and the guards ushered them inside. John looked around the room and was taken back by the elegant design of the large room. The guard lead them up the long marble staircase, turning left at the landing. Two guards stood outside a plain oak door, as the coachman knocked on the door, a voice from the other side told them to enter.
"Gentleman," the voice said, "sit down please." The men sat in chairs that lined the wall in front of them. The Count sat in a high back leather chair on the opposite side of a desk. A fire burning in the fireplace lit up the room. As John sat in his plush chair, he looked over at the others.
One man was tall and gaunt and in his mid-thirties. His blondish hair was greying and his face was tired, dark bags lined beneath his grey eyes.
The second man was also in his mid-30s, with black hair, olive skin and muscular build to go along with his height. His face was clean shaven, as was the first man's, although the blond man had a mustache.
They were of different builds but were dressed similar. They wore dark dress pants and sport jackets with white shirts beneath open collars. It appeared to John that they were of different religions and John guessed that the gaunt blond man was a Jew. The muscular man appeared to from the region, Greek maybe.
The men waited patiently while the Count sat back in his chair and studied them intently. John could tell that the two men were becoming nervous. The Greek one broke the silence. "Well, why are we here?"
The Count smiled, stood up, folded his hands behind his back and walked over to the window. He was tall, over six foot, and his bearing was regal.
He was dressed in a high collared black dinner jacket and a thin gold ring was the only jewelry on his hand. The Count was handsome. There was definitely something of the Mediterranean that lingered in his blood.
"Well gentleman," he said, "I'm sure you've have read about my reputation...or shall I say infamy. I will tell you now that not all you hear and read is true. I have enemies who delight in spreading tales." He turned away from the window and looked at the men. "The war started overnight, and our homeland was invaded." Dracula said.
"However," he paused, "it may be that you've heard the tales of great evils committed. Well...I guess you shall have to draw your own conclusion's from our time together. But first...let's get the introductions out of the way." The Count strolled around to sit back down at his desk.
"I'll begin with the man with the blond and grey hair. Tell me your name and occupation.
The man stood up as he spoke, "My name is Paul Stenberg. I'm a publisher from New York."
"I'm Louis St. Christos," the other man said standing, "I'm the Director of the National Gallery in Athens."
"Ah," The Count said, "a Greek...Athens must be beautiful this time of year." The Count paused for a moment, then directed a question to both men.
"Gentlemen...do you know the reason for your being here?" The silence in the room was deafening. Paul spoke up first.
"I was given very little information." Stenberg said, "You were not very specific on how and why you wanted these three authors to meet." The Greek looked at John, then turned his attention back to the Count.
"John Ward from Dallas, Texas. Novelist - I'm here to transfer the count's life story into the next great literary masterpiece."
"It certainly won't be a children's book I imagine," Louis St. Christos quipped.
"Yes...my story is far from a fairy tale." The Count said with a smirk.
"The purpose behind this meeting is this; I want all three of you to hear the story of my life." The Count leaned back in his chair and continued.
"I have many enemies who would love to see me dead and I want to preserve my legacy, but I will not leave the story to chance and rumor." He looked at the three men then spoke.
"I'm a man of my word. I can offer all three of you a great deal of money if you can accomplish this. My enemies are numerous and could very well be your enemies as well when word of my story gets out. So, I'll offer you one time only, a hundred thousand dollars each to hear and preserve my story."
The room was silent. The men looked at one another, considering what they heard. Paul Stenberg broke the silence. "For how long will our services be needed?"
"That's undetermined," the Count said, "it could be a couple weeks or even several months."
"And we're to be living here, I assume." The Greek said.
"Yes you will be staying here. I have guest quarters downstairs and the manor is quite large." The Count's words hung in the air. Stenberg broke the silence.
"And this story...is it a true account of your life?" the blond man asked. The Count's features hardened.
He stopped himself short of losing his temper.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to..." Stenberg said.
The Count interrupted, "You've heard the rumors about me. The stories told in town. You think I'm the Count Dracula of fiction. You think I'm a blood sucking evil creature, but I've been alive for over a century. I've been witness to things you can't imagine."
"So...shall we proceed?" The Count asked.
He waited for a moment, then got three nods of affirmation. The Count stood and went to a small bar in the corner of the room.
"I think a little brandy is in order." The Count said as he poured three glasses. He came back and handed a glass to each man.
The men took a drink and then took a seat. The Count set his glass on the desk, sat down and started the story of his life.
2
TRANSYLVANIA
"First, I have to go back to where I was born. For my early life I lived in a small village in the region of Moldavia, in the country of Romania.
"My father, Bogdan Dracula, was a fierce warrior and commander of the cavalry under the Moldavian prince, Vasile Lupu." The Count took a drink of his brandy then continued.
"My mother, Dragana Dracula, was a woman of great beauty and fierce strength of will. When I came along there was nothing but joy in the family." The Count's face turned serious.
"When I turned thirteen my father began my military training. I learned that I was gifted in all areas of the art of war and was even gifted with great intellect. I excelled at my studies, languages and mathematics at a young age and I'm the one my father turned to for advice on warfare."
"When I turned thirteen my father began my military training. I learned that I was gifted in all areas of the art of war and was even gifted with great intellect. I excelled at my studies, languages and mathematics at a young age and I'm the one my father turned to for advice on warfare."
"By the time I turned sixteen, the Turks had defeated the Moldavians and my father's land, along with many others, were conquered. It broke his heart and he was forced to turn his allegiances to the Turks." The Count's expression went cold.
"At that time, the Turks had forced their religion upon men under their rule. By the age of seventeen, my father had converted to Islam. It enraged me to have to pray to Allah, but it enraged me even more when my father informed me that I had to become a Janissary, a warrior in the Turkish army." The Count's eyes were cold and dark.
"It seemed that the Turks had identified me as a valuable weapon to their war machine. Being taken from my home and forced to join the Janissary Army made me more bitter toward the Turks. I learned to hate them the more as the years passed, but my military education was more in depth. I became adept at all phases of warfare."
"I continued to move up the ranks, because of my brilliance with warfare tactics. To be a Janissary was to pledge your life and loyalty to the Turkish Army, but I would never pledge my soul. I became the Captain of the Janissary Army." The Count paused, taking another drink.
"For a while life was good for me. I was respected and I had a lot of money, but the one thing I didn't have - I couldn't have." The Count's voice was almost a whisper.
"What was that?" Stenberg asked.
The Count looked up at the three men and smiled. "Love."
"I met her when I was twenty-two years old. Her name was Alina.
"She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Dark black hair, sparkling eyes and smooth skin. With her, I would walk the gardens during warm spring days, and in the moonlit nights." The Count's eyes took on a distant look.
"My father was a hard man. When he found out about my affair with Alina, he forbid me to see her ever again." The Count's face changed from bliss to anger.
"I would sneak away and meet with her whenever I could. She was everything to me. Then one day my father came to me.
"He told me that he had arranged a marriage for me. He had selected the woman and that it would happen, no matter what. I told him I was to marry Alina and no other, but he wouldn't hear of it. I would bring shame on the family." The Count stopped and drained the rest of the brandy from his glass.
"The Sultan wanted my presence immediately. I was informed by my commanding officer that the Sultan had received word that the Prince of Wallachia was planning to invade the Ottoman Empire." The Count stood and walked over to the window.
"I went to the Sultan's command center. I learned that the Prince of Wallachia had indeed raised his army and was poised on the borders of the empire." The Count stared off into the night outside the window.
"I was put in charge of the Janissary unit that would meet the troops of the Prince at the borders. On that fateful morning we met the Prince's forces. We slaughtered them...and my world was forever changed." The Count's expression was cold as he said the next words.
"After the battle, when the dust settled, the Sultan and his entourage came to inspect the battlefield. I had led my unit in the battle and with the help of Allah, we had slain almost a thousand men. I was hailed as a hero of the war." The Count smiled bitterly.
"The Prince of Wallachia lay there dead and the army was in chaos. With the Prince dead, the army's commander, the Voivode, rode forward under a truce to speak the Sultan. I watched the scene unfold." The Count's expression had turned to disgust.
"I could see the Voivode's face as the Sultan spoke. The Voivode looked shocked, then repulsed. The Sultan's words became loud, then the Voivode yelled back." The Count turned and faced the three men.
"It took a while, but my men finally informed me what the argument was about. My men and I were horrified at what we heard. The Sultan had ordered me, not only to slaughter the Army, but to also impale the dead Prince's body with a wooden stake." The three writers sat in stunned silence, but the count continued. I was outraged by the order given to me, but I had no choice but to obey, even though my father had raised me as a Christian. This one act broke my connection to my God and to all Gods."
"After the gruesome task was done, the Sultan and I spoke. He wanted me to supervise the impaling of the Prince's army as a warning to others who dared to defy the power of the Ottoman Empire." The Count's eyes were now dark with hate. "I asked him for only one favor."
"What did you ask for?" Stenberg said. The others were listening intently.
"The Sultan would give me anything I wanted, within reason, for my loyalty during the battle. But there was only one thing I wanted - I wanted the location of Alina." The Count's eyes turned black with hatred.
"The Sultan was taken aback my request, but I assured him that all I wanted was that information and nothing more. I could see he was contemplating my request for information when a messenger ran up on a horse." The Count stopped talking.
"The Sultan turned to me. 'I'm sorry, but the information you wanted is not within my power to give.' I was furious, but the Sultan silenced me." The Count's eyes were now raging.
"He went on to say that, he had information which I would not find pleasing." The Count paused again, almost as if he didn't want to speak the next words.
"The Sultan and the Voivode were having a meeting prior to the attack. They were in secret negotiations with each other and had signed a pact." The Count's eyes were almost black and his voice was venomous.
"The Sultan's troops were to attack and then pull out, allowing the Voivode to take the Prince's life, but the Voivode, being a traitor, decided to attack anyway, knowing that I was a formidable opponent." The Count's fists were clenched and he was fighting to keep his temper.
"He tried to pin the blame on the Sultan, but the Sultan called his bluff and told the army commander to show his troops the signed document." The Count's eyes turned to cold black and his body was shaking.
"My father had also been present at the secret negotiations, because they had asked him to be there." The Count's eyes were completely black with rage.
"The Voivode was exposed as a traitor and I was enraged, but the Sultan was also enraged, and so the Voivode was given the punishment he so richly deserved." The Count let his anger subside before continuing.
"The Voivode was forced to watch as the bodies of his dead men were taken and placed upon long, sharp wooden stakes. When they had finished, the Voivode was staked upon the largest of the poles and the stake was placed against the trunk of a large oak tree." The Count's face was as dark as the night outside the window. The count took a deep breath and continued.
"I asked what the Sultan's punishment for my father was for being a part of this treachery. I saw the Sultan's mouth turn to a slight smile as he told me." The Count's eyes turned dark with hate.
"My father's only crime in the eyes of the Sultan was to keep information from me. He was sentenced to death, but not until after he had watched the Voivode's punishment." The Count's fists were clenched.
"I went to see my father. His face showed no regret or sorrow for his treachery. He asked me to find it in my heart to forgive him." The Count's jaw was clenched.
"I was enraged and told him that, 'I would forgive him, when Allah made the sky burn red and the sun stand still.'". The Count slowly unclenched his fists and continued.
"I went about the hideous task of impaling the remaining army upon wooden stakes. I saw all of this as my duty, and I never felt remorse or pity for my acts." The Count's face was emotionless. "The Sultan then spoke to me of one last thing before he left."
"The Sultan informed me that he had something he wanted to gift to me. He said it was a present for my loyalty during the battle. I was somewhat suspicious, but asked what I was to receive." The Count's face had now gone cold again.
"The Sultan smiled and told me, 'Your father told me of your love with the servant girl, Alina, and so I have a gift for you my friend. You will receive her, but she will not exactly be the same girl you once knew.' " The Count's anger returned.
"I was confused by his words. I asked him what he meant and he told me to come with him. When we arrived at a dark wagon nearby, the Sultan asked two men to bring a large, wrapped object out of the wagon." The Count's face had turned pale with anger.
"The two men came out and removed a long object from the wagon. The Sultan asked the men to unwrap it. When it was uncovered, I almost vomited in disgust." The Count was shaking. The three writers were listening as if they were being entranced by the story.
"Do you need a little break, Count?" John asked him.
"No, I'm fine." The Count took a deep breath to control his emotions. "The Sultan continued speaking." The Count resumed his story, but his eyes were still watery.
John Ward thought about where this was headed. If the story John knew was true, he still didn'tknow much. The count was a centuries-old vampire, sorcerer and Transylvanian nobleman, who rules over his namesake mansion known as Castle Dracula and he'd like to expand his realm.
He was finding out now just how much more there really was to the Count of Transylvania: Vlad Dracula.
"The Sultan then revealed to me that the reason for Alina's current state of condition was because, 'My men and I had a hunger that could only be sated with the living blood of a woman. Her blood had to taste absolutely delicious from the pure and beautiful woman she was. That's why I let my men have her for a while. She was only meant to taste and give joy to my men.'." The Count's face had turned completely dark with hate.
"I felt myself almost collapse from rage, as I listened to the Sultan's words. I could hardly form words, but I found my voice long enough to say, 'You are nothing but a devil! A beast of the worst kind!'." The Count looked as if he were actually witnessing these events as they came to life in his mind.
"He smiled in sadistic joy and told me, 'I have indeed become a beast. A beast in the form of a vampire. The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire is now a undead creature. One who is sustained forever more by the blood and life of the living.' I was repulsed and scared at the same time. I thought how something like that was possibly possible." The Count's hands were shaky again, but he clenched them into fists to stop the shaking.
"I could not believe that I was hearing from this monster, the reason why he had turned into this beast of the night." The Count stood and began to walk around the room as he continued. "My mind was in turmoil as the horrible truth came together in my mind."
"Alina's blood was so sweet and thick, because she was a pure woman. Never to have been tainted by the touch of a man. That is why the Sultan was enthralled by her blood and why he had become what he had." The Count said with rage and hatred in his eyes.
"I looked over at Alina's corpse and the Sultan spoke to me as if I knew what was possible. He had the gall to tell me, 'I can bring her back to you. I can bring her back as I have been brought back. You will be able to spend the rest of eternity together.'." The Count's hands were clenched so tightly, his knuckles were white.
"He was right. I did want her, but the very thought of her being one of the undead, made me feel sick, but he continued to press on, telling me that I did have a choice. If I didn't want her to come back that way, he would just destroy her body, so I would not be able to see her or ever be with her in the after life." The Count's face was almost purple.
"I was torn, but the Sultan had more to say, "I will give you the time you need alone with her. When you have made your decision, I will return and I will take her, either to the flames of the fire or to the life of the undead.'." The Count was shaking with rage.
"The Sultan stepped back then, as I slowly walked towards the horror of what was once my love. I touched her face and it was cold, but her lips...her beautiful lips...were still red." The Count's jaw was clenched tightly.
The Count's face turned dark with anger, but he answered John's question. "Yes. This was the turning point in my life. I was going to be forced, either to let the woman I loved be taken by the flames or, to let her join me...in the world of the undead."
John Ward was stunned. Even though that was the exactly the answer he expected. This was the big one...a writer knows. John listened intently to the Count.
"I was standing there contemplating my choice, when my eyes were drawn to her smooth, neck and the tiny veins showing under her skin." The Count's expression was dark.
As John sat there listening intently and writing as fast as his hand would move, he thought about the Romanian Army's invasion of Transylvania.
He figure it'd take a week or so to get back there where they were in the Carpathian Mountains. The months that Dracula said that it could take, that would only be possible if the Army didn't attempt to conquer Castle Dracula.
The Romanian Army was bigger and stronger than the Transylvania corps.
3
DRACULA
The Count then continued, "I knelt down next to her...and looked into her dull lifeless face again. I touched her hand and it was so cold. I started to cry then. I realized I would never hold her warm body again. I would never touch her smooth, perfect skin, ever again." The Count's eyes were becoming watery.
"I looked at her face that was so beautiful when she was alive, but now, was a gray and dull mockery of the beautiful and sweet woman she had been." The Count's face was almost black. The three writers waited for what they all knew was coming.
"I began to kiss her cold, lifeless lips, when the Sultan, who was watching me, spoke with what sounded like joy in his voice. "You see dear boy...she can still kiss you. Just imagine how much more enjoyable it would be if she was once again able to take pleasure from your touch". The Count's face was almost purple now.
"That did it. I slowly stood and I turned to face the creature of the night who had once been my friend, but now was a devil from the lowest of the pit. He was smiling cruelly as he said, 'I see that you have made your decision.'." The Count was shaking, but he was continuing with his story.
The Sultan called for his men and his lieutenants. They came to me and, without a word, gently picked up Alina's lifeless body. They carried her over to me and I held her in my arms again." The Count's face was pale again.
"I looked up to see the Sultan standing over me looking down, almost like the face of death himself. He said, 'We will prepare her and have her back to you in an hour.'." The Count's face was cold. He walked over to the window and looked out.
"That hour couldn't have passed any slower. It was almost excruciating. I was waiting to get her back, yet, dreading it at the same same time. What was I going to do? Could I really go through with this. I had to." The Count paused, contemplating his next words.
"Finally, a lieutenant of the Sultan came with the news that, 'All was prepared. You may come'. The lieutenant led me to a small, dark room in the back of the tent." The Count paused again. "Even the lieutenant was scared. It was understandable. It was very scary."
"I walked behind the lieutenant in a sort of daze. My mind was going a hundred miles an hour. I was almost in complete shock from all the mental turmoil of the last couple of days." The Count said in a monotone voice.
"We finally came to a large curtain and the lieutenant stopped and told me, 'Wait here'. He then went through the curtain into the room. He came back after a few minutes and told me that 'You may enter now.'" The Count's face almost showed a tiny bit of excitement.
"I slowly walked through the curtain, almost in a daze, still very unsure of what I was doing. I saw only a single candle, which illuminated enough to see that the room was almost empty and...empty except for a table in the middle of the room." The Count walked over to the table.
"There on that table, was my Alina. She was still pale and her lifeless eyes were dull, but they were closed now. The men who had put her on the table, had even managed to fix her hair and her dress. She still looked...so very beautiful." The Count touched her soft face.
"I knew then, that I couldn't let her go. Not to the flames or to the afterlife without me. My time with her had been too short and the time without her...unbearable." The Count's hand was shaking badly, as he touched her again.
"I stood there next to her for the longest time. Just touching her...just remembering her." The Count's eyes had started to water. John was writing every word that was being spoken. He couldn't help but wonder where this was going.
"Finally, I felt the Sultan come to stand next to me. He started to speak in his usual sadistic and joyful voice, 'She's beautiful, isn't she'.", but I didn't respond. He continued, 'Her skin is so smooth', He touched her face, 'Her hair is so soft', he touched her hair, 'And her scent...so delicious, fresh and sweet'." The Count's face was full of hate.
"That animal continued to touch the body of my Alina. His hand went to her throat, as he said,
'Her blood is like nothing I have ever tasted. Her blood is even sweeter than any other women's. It's no wonder I became addicted so easily to her life.'." The Count clenched his fists, but he was listening closely.
"He then touched her dress and in a voice filled with perverse ecstasy, he started to say, 'The fabric of her dress...what is it...cotton'. The Sultan said it in a way that made it almost seem like he was getting some sort of sick and revolting pleasure from the feel of the cotton fabric. His hand moved from the fabric, to her hip." The Count's eyes flashed with rage, as the Sultan's hand touched Alina's hip.
"He let his hand run over her skin, to her leg...her beautiful and smooth legs. That monster let his hand slide down her leg and then it touched the edge of the black shoe on her foot.
The Sultan's voice almost made me want to strangle him to death as he said, 'and even her shoes...made of leather.'." The Count's eyes were completely black.
"His hand stopped and moved back up over her dress again. I was going to hit him, but for some reason, I couldn't move. I felt almost paralyzed with disgust, as his hand then went to her chest.
The Sultan looked over at me and his face turned into a wicked and cruel smile, as he said, 'and her body, so full and wonderful for a female' ." The Count's hands were almost shaking, as he clenched them into fists.
"Can you describe for the future reader, about whirlwind of conflicting emotions." Author John Ward said.
"Confusion. Shock. Revulsion. Anger. Fear. Sadness. And that's just to start with." The Count said through clenched teeth. "I wanted to rip him apart for hurting her so badly and for touching her like that, but I was still in complete shock. I could only listen."
"The Sultan chuckled and said, 'You're thinking right now, how you would like to kill me, aren't you'. The Sultan was so pleased with himself. I finally was able to look his direction. He saw the rage in my face and laughed heartily." The Sultan turned to face the Count.
"He said, 'Calm yourself, Vlad. I'm sorry if I upset you, but I was getting so much pleasure from touching your lovely Alina. I've really never felt a woman's body so perfect. I can see why you were so enthralled with her...and still are.'." The Sultan had started pacing around the body of Alina.
"He walked up to the table, as he continued, "The very feel of her smooth, soft flesh...her beautiful curves, the way her breasts look...so feminine and full..." The Sultan stopped at the top of the table and looked at the Count with a devilish smile. "The Sultan's words hit me in the worst possible way. I was about to explode with rage. I finally found my voice." The Count was shaking with anger.
"Through my clenched teeth, I said as calmly as I could, 'Stop it. Right now.'." The Sultan chuckled and said, "Oh, you don't want me to talk about this woman of yours. Your precious and sweet love...Alina." The Sultan walked over to her head and caressed it. "Is that right?"
"He said, "But first, we need to make sure she won't decay. She needs to be preserved and the only way to do that is to..." The Sultan paused, as if he was waiting for my reaction. I didn't want to say it, but I knew what he was going to say and I said it." The Count said with a voice like death.
"I said, "Bury her in dirt". The Sultan smiled at me cruelly and said, "No, not dirt. Something better, or should I say, something special." The Sultan's eyes were alive with evil. "All the while, through all of this, I didn't even know if what was happening was even real." A feeling of hopeless desperation fell over the Count.
"I didn't know if I'd gone completely insane. Maybe all the horror of what I'd seen or maybe it was the loss of sleep over the last two days, but I knew better, when the Sultan said, 'We need to preserve her. We need to, let's say, pickle her in something that will keep her forever supple and fresh.'." The Count said and walked back and sat on a chair on the other side of the room.
"He said to me, 'Come here, over to the table'. Something inside me was screaming at me not to go, but my love for Alina was stronger, so I slowly went to the table." The Count was visibly affected.
"When I got to the table, next to the Sultan, he said, "Look closely at her face." Against my own better judgment, I did as he said." The Count said in a monotone voice. He was having trouble controlling his emotions.
"He continued, 'Just look at how beautiful and peaceful she is. Her face...her body...her blood. All still there, but wasted and waiting to be given life again.'." The Sultan caressed her face, but stopped and looked over at me for my reaction.
"The Sultan's eyes were burning with a sadistic look, almost as if he was reveling in telling me the truth. 'Oh, by the way'. The Sultan said, 'Just so you know. If you want her revived and returned to you as she was, you'll have to feed her on living blood. Her own blood won't work.'." The Count was holding something back.
"I looked at him with a puzzled face and said, 'Why? Why does it have to be living blood?'." The Sultan smiled and said, 'Because, that is how it must be. The blood must be from a living thing. Her blood is no longer living, so it will not work.'." The Sultan was really enjoying himself.
"I stood there in complete shock and for the moment, speechless. After a few seconds, the Sultan chuckled and said, 'You're confused. Let me guess. You had no idea, did you? You didn't know that she was a vampire, did you'?" The Count was silent for a while and the Sultan was waiting expectantly. A dark feeling of dread and fear came over the Count.
"Finally I had to speak. I said, 'She was a...a vampire...' The Sultan was almost trembling with joy. "The Sultan said, 'You're surprised. Yes, your sweet, wonderful Alina was a vampire. A beautiful vampire, but a vampire nonetheless.'." The Sultan touched her neck and said, "I bet it drives you crazy. That's the one thing you love so much. Her smooth neck, and the sweet smelling and soft skin. How it makes your passion for her go wild, doesn't it.'."
"I was speechless again, but I just had to admit the truth. I said, 'Yes, I loved the feel of her neck'. The Sultan actually got a look of jealousy for a second. The he said, "I don't blame you'. "The Sultan then continued, 'I myself have enjoyed her...neck many times.'." I felt my whole body tighten with rage.
"His sadistic face got even more twisted. "The Sultan said, 'Oh, no...don't look at me like that. She was very willing, my beautiful vampire'.", then he said with an evil smile, "All it took was for me to feed her.'." The Sultan's words were ripping the Count up inside.
"I felt my anger start to go to my head and I almost lunged at the Sultan, but he held up his hand and said, 'Calm yourself again. You'll be glad to know that your love and I, never slept together. That she would only allow me to feed her, but not much else.'." The Sultan's words had hit me in the worst possible place. He was still holding up his hand.
"I could see this monster was having the time of his life, rubbing the fact that he had fed off Alina, in my face, but I had to know for sure, so I said, 'So she let you feed her and that was it'. The Sultan chuckled and said, 'For the most part, yes', but then he added, 'There were a few times when I kissed her.'." The Sultan's words were like acid seeping into my heart.
"I closed my eyes tightly and looked away for a second. The Sultan said, 'Now be honest. You don't feel jealous, do you?'. My eyes turned back to this fiend. I said, 'Well, honestly... yes, I do. And no, I would rather her have never even met you.'." The Sultan laughed heartily. He was enjoying this.
"He said, 'Oh, I know for a fact, that your Alina enjoyed me feeding on her, just as much as I enjoyed drinking her blood. After all, it's the one thing we all like the most, isn't it?'. My eyes narrowed at the Sultan, as I said, 'What do you mean, the one thing we all like the most'? His words shocked me." The Sultan's face was full of pride.
"The Sultan said, 'I mean, that both vampires and their prey, enjoy the act of drinking and being fed upon. That's how it works'.". I had felt the color leave my face. "The Sultan was watching my expression closely. His smile was like a snake's.
"He could see that I was about to say something, so he cut me off with, 'But let me guess, your Alina never told you about being a vampire, did she'. The Sultan was gloating. He knew where my mind was going.
"I could not say anything for a couple seconds, but I knew I had to answer. I said, 'No...she never told me about that'. The Sultan was gloating. "The Sultan said, 'I wonder why that was. Maybe she was afraid of how you'd react?'. Then his voice changed to a sinister tone. "The Sultan said, 'She didn't want the truth to come out because she didn't trust you.'." That statement just about brought me to my knees.
"I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I said, 'She never told me because she didn't trust me'?". Then the Sultan said, "Do you want me to tell you another little secret about your beloved love'.". Fear and confusion were all through me. I could barely manage to say, "Yes". The Sultan saw how his words were affecting me.
"His face twisted even more and he said with a cruel voice, "A vampire needs blood to survive, it's true, but more than anything...a vampire...a beautiful and wonderful vampire...needs to feed in the most intimate and deepest manner imaginable.'." I was shaking.
"I said, "What do you mean...in the most intimate and deepest manner imaginable". I knew what he was going to say, but I couldn't not ask. The Sultan chuckled and said, 'Well, don't be so naïve. What I'm talking about...is drinking directly from the vein.'." His eyes looked at me like a hunter looks at his prey.
"A shiver went up my spine and I tried to say as firmly as I could, "You...you fed on her directly from the vein...like that"?
My body was trembling uncontrollably. The Sultan said, "Oh yes, my friend. I was very close, and very intimate with the most beautiful and purest vampire you could ever imagine."
"My entire body was shaking. The Sultan continued, "I've never felt such sweet and wonderful blood in all my years, as those times when I was so close to that sweet and angelic body, but best of all...she enjoyed herself as much as I did." My head was swimming from the Sultan's words. What were once sweet memories, were now turning to nightmares before my very eyes.
"All I could manage to say was, "Are you trying to tell me that...she enjoyed being fed on, by you? The Sultan chuckled and said, 'Oh yes. She had a passion for being fed from so deeply, that even I couldn't resist'. My head was spinning and I needed the support from the table. "
"The Sultan said, "But she was so special to me, that while I was feeding on her, we let our passion carry us into the most intimate way possible'. The Sultan was trying to rub my face in the fact, that he had been intimate with Alina. I could hardly breathe.
"He added, "Oh, and just so you know, as you're standing there, trying to grasp all this, just so you know, she and I let passion overcome us a few times'. I was about to burst with all the feelings of jealousy coursing through me. "
"The Sultan added, "It was so pleasurable, with her sweet and beautiful body, to take in so close, right next to mine, and the way she would hold me to her, so tightly, with so much passion, as I fed to my hearts' content on her sweet and beautiful blood.'." I was so angry. I was literally seeing red. The Sultan laughed again.
"He continued, "So you see, that sweet, soft and wonderful body, that now lays on the table, was...intimately enjoyed, in every way possible, by me.'." The words of the Sultan were like daggers stabbing me in the heart. I thought I was going to start to cry.
"He said, 'I hope I'm not upsetting you. I just thought that you might like to know. Just so you know, that every time I fed from her, it was the most beautiful and passionate experience of my entire life. She was just so sweet, so wonderful, so beautiful and so passionate. It was the ultimate for me'. The Sultan saw how my hands were shaking uncontrollably." The Sultan smiled and said, "You're a very jealous vampire, aren't you?. He was enjoying the fact that I was completely unhinged at the moment.
"I could only manage to say, "Why are you telling me this? That's none of my business. The Sultan chuckled and said, 'No, it was none of your business, but that's not the point. The point is...I wanted you to know, just so that you know, that she was mine. She belonged to me, and I belonged to her, not you'.". Fury and anger filled every cell of my body. "
"The Sultan leaned close to my face and said, 'And you know what is my favorite memory with her'? The Sultan smiled and said, 'When she told me how she loved me, just after I finished feeding from her sweet and most intimate body'.
The Sultan said with a cruel smile, "Every word she said, she said with love. She was very sincere'. My heart was shattered. I was shaking all over. "
"The Sultan continued, 'She said some beautiful words to me, at those times. All these wonderful words, right after feeding. Words of love, of passion, of sweet and wonderful affection. She was sincere. You know that, don't you' ? I couldn't think straight. The Sultan saw my face in agony and said, 'It drove her passion beyond her ability to contain it'."
"His words were tearing me apart. I said with complete and total bitterness, "Stop it. You're lying. She never said any of those things". The Sultan's face became one of fake innocence. He said, "Lying. Me. You think I'm a liar'? You're wrong. I have no reason to lie to you, my friend'.".
The Sultan chuckled, as he continued,
"But she did say some wonderful, wonderful things. I wish you could've been there, to hear her words, as she lay in my arms, so sweet and passionate."
"His words were killing me. A lump was in my throat so large, I could hardly breathe. I said, "She never said those things. I know she never said those words. I was with her all the time. I know she never felt that way about you, never'. The Sultan's face turned cruel again. "
"He said, "You don't think so? Then maybe I'll have to refresh your memory'. The Sultan said with his evil smirk, "Oh wait, I guess you don't have good memory of those times, do you. Yes, if you knew what truly happened the night you fought and she took off'. My head began to spin.
The Sultan said, "Yes, that memory. It's not really there for you, is it"? I couldn't say anything." The Sultan was enjoying himself. He was toying with me, the way a cat toys with a mouse before eating it alive.
4
THE SULTAN
"The Sultan continued, "But let me help you fill in that blank about that night, my friend. Let me tell you what really happened that night. Let me put some of the memories back in that mind of yours'. My whole body was tingling with fear and jealousy. "
"The Sultan said, "You do know that after you had that little fight, she left the house. You do know that, don't you". I nodded, but I knew what he was going to say. He said,
"Where do you think she went, after she left your house"? I could feel a pain in my heart, knowing what was coming next, but I said, "I don't know. Probably to her room.". The Sultan chuckled. He was having fun with me."
"The Sultan said, "Not exactly. She ran off somewhere that you'll never guess. She went to a place where she had a love that you cannot compete with. Can you guess where she went to? "
"I stood there as still as I could, as the Sultan waited for my answer. I was going to be the fool to actually say the words he wanted me to say, but I did, and I said with a broken heart, "I guess..you". The Sultan gave me a sarcastic smile and said, "That's right my friend. She came to me, of course'.". My heart fell to my feet."
"He said, "You need to know what I did for her. You have to know what I did for her, because all that I did, I did it, because she needed my help. It was something that you couldn't do for her, but I could. I was the only one who could do it." I couldn't look at him. I turned away again."
"The Sultan grabbed my shoulder again. He said, "Look at me, my friend. You need to look at me. You need to know what my sweet, wonderful and beautiful Alina asked me to do." My heart was still breaking. I said in a strangled voice, "She asked you to feed upon her directly from the vein, didn't she". The Sultan chuckled and said, "Yes, of course. That's exactly what she wanted me to do"".
"My heart was shattered, as I said weakly, "She asked you for that, right after the fight, not one night, but several nights, didn't she? The Sultan was getting off on it. He said, "Well, of course. She was in a desperate state wasn't she? She needed me to help her". I could barely breathe. "
"The Sultan said, "She had to be close to me. She had to feel the intimate way I held her to me, to allow me to drink from her, directly from the vein". I could hardly keep standing. My legs were shaking so much, that I almost toppled over. The Sultan said, "I had one hand on her sweet and angelic neck, right at the vein, and my other strong arm was wrapped right around her, holding her body so close to me, that you couldn't have squeezed a piece of paper between us".". My whole body felt like it was on fire. "
"The Sultan continued, "I held her to me, so close, as I pressed my face deep into her sweet neck, that I thought I would lose myself in her sweet blood"". His words were like daggers. My whole body was shaking. He took another step closer to me. "
"He said, "Oh, let me describe the sounds she made. They were the most sensual, passionate sounds. She would wrap her arms around me, and hold on to me, as tightly as she could. Her sweet and beautiful body was pressed so close to me. It was like the touch of an angel'.". I was drowning in my pain and jealousy.
The Sultan added, "She would cry out in sweet ecstasy, with her body trembling in my arms'". "
"The Sultan added with cruel grin, "Oh yes, I was enjoying her very much'". My body could hardly support me. The Sultan said, "I knew she needed me to feed upon her, and I was the only one who could help her. Isn't that the most important thing, that she needed me? She needed me for her passion and for her blood. That means she loved me, didn't it?'. I was speechless. I just stood there motionless, trying to fight my heartbreak."
"The Sultan said, "But you know, I have to admit I was surprised by one thing". I didn't say anything. The Sultan said, "It was the way I felt while I was drinking her blood, because I was so overcome by her. I couldn't stop myself. When we were feeding in each other, drinking so deeply, I couldn't control myself. I did something that took me completely by surprise." I was shaking badly. "
"I could hardly force myself to speak, but I had to ask, "What did you do"? The Sultan said, "Something I didn't think I was capable of. It's the first time this ever happened to me. I did something totally unexpected, and I did it, while her body was so close to mine, and my hands were right at her neck and her angelic face. "
"My heart was in my mouth, but I had to know, "What did you do'? The Sultan was enjoying himself. He said, "She was in my arms, her body so close to mine, that you couldn't have put a piece of paper between us. I was drinking so intensely from her sweet neck, that I could hear every beat of her heart. I felt her entire body trembling against me, from the sweetness of the feeling. I couldn't hold myself back." I was frozen. I couldn't speak."
"The Sultan said, "My body was pressing so tight against hers. With one hand at her neck, and my other arm wrapped so tight around her, holding her to me, I was holding her closer to me, than I have ever held anyone in my life". I was trembling. I barely managed to say, "What did you do"? The Sultan said with a cruel smile, "I got carried away and I bit her'. I felt the wind knocked out of me."
"I've got to admit...your control is like none I've never heard of, Count. Quite...Impressive." John Ward said.
"The Sultan said with a cruel grin, "Not at all. She even held herself to me tighter". I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"John asked with surprise, "She didn't resist at all? Didn't try to pull away from you, didn't try to force you to stop from biting her"?
The Sultan replied, "Not at all. In fact, she held herself even tighter to me, when I bit her neck deep".
"John said, with disbelief, "What was the price? What exactly did you have to give up for that kind of power"? The Sultan replied, almost proudly, "I had to give up my soul". John was shocked, "You're telling me, you literally don't have a soul"?
The Sultan chuckled, "That's correct. My soul was given to the All Evil One. I literally have no soul. I'm not really even a living creature anymore".
John was stunned, "You're telling me, you're not a living being any longer. You're not human, so what does that actually make you'?
The Sultan said, "I'm no longer a human being. I'm just a creature made up of pure evil and darkness. You could say in a sense, I'm not even a vampire anymore". John said, "If you don't have a soul, how are you still here? How are you able to interact with other vampires, other living beings"?
John was stunned, "You're telling me, you're not a living being any longer. You're not human, so what does that actually make you'?
The Sultan said, "All that was done by the All Evil One. I don't have a soul, but I was gifted with the power to carry on, even without a soul. I'm not even a vampire in the true sense, anymore. I'm just an evil creature made of nothing but evil and darkness, that is able to go on and on, like any other vampire would, until I'm destroyed. "
The Sultan said, "I'm no longer a human being. I'm just a creature made up of pure evil and darkness. You could say in a sense, I'm not even a vampire anymore".
John asked, "If you don't have a soul, how are you still here? How are you able to interact with other vampires, other living beings"?
"John was shocked by the thought. He said, "So you can continue on forever, without a soul"?
The Sultan said with his sadistic smile, "Yes, at least until I'm totally destroyed. Until that time, I will never die".
John said, with a puzzled look, "How will that happen? How will anyone be able to kill you"?
The Sultan said with a sinister grin, "They can't".
"Do you think the Romanian Army will come up here, and try overtake Castle Dracula?" John asked.
The Sultan said, "I haven't a doubt in my mind that they will. They will send the entire army up here. They will bring tanks, fighter planes, everything they have. It will do them no good'.
"You seem very certain of that. Why"? John questioned. "What about us?" We're merely mortal men." No real fear in his voice.
The Sultan said, "I am certain, because the Romanian Army is no match for me. I'm as close to invulnerable as any living being has ever been. This army doesn't stand a chance against me. It doesn't matter what type of weapons they bring against me, none of it will make any difference." Dracula said confidently.
Then his head snapped in John's direction. "As for what I will do with my two little mortal visitors, well I haven't quite decided yet'.
"You haven't decided, huh?" John thought about it. "I'm not just some sitting duck, or as an easy target, but I mean gunfire is ...well, it's the end of us."
The Sultan chuckled, "Oh no, you don't understand. I never thought of you as a sitting duck or an easy target. Not at all'.
John was baffled. "What are you saying"?
The Sultan said, "I will admit, you are far more clever than I initially thought you would be. I did underestimate you at first, and don't worry about any modern weapons being fired at either of you, your safety is assured'.
John was confused, "I don't understand".
The Sultan said, "I'm making sure you and your friend will be totally safe from any of the Romanian Army's modern weapons, during the attack. The Romanian Army won't be able to fire any modern weapons, or use any type of weapon at all, during the attack".
John wondered what happened with the other guy. "Where is he, is still here? Luis or Paul?" John asked.
His head had been down taking the notes, which they're was a ton of with the counts story.
"The Sultan said, "That's Paul your thinking of, and he's quite alive". John perked up a bit. "He's still here?" he asked hopefully. The Sultan chuckled, "Of course he's still here. He's in one of my rooms, actually".
"No more than you are, Count. I met you both today." John said,
"I would like to see him, could I do that?" John asked with hope.
The Sultan said, "Certainly. In fact, I'll personally take you to him. I want you to understand what his situation is". John was still puzzled how someone could be invulnerable.
"You too though...Count...we need to go over some different things, but I see a masterpiece in this story. "
5
PAUL STENBERG
There was a light rain falling, and it steadily increased, becoming a downpour. Glances over in Sir Dracula's direction. Waiting for him to respond.
The Sultan said, "Certainly. In fact, I'll personally take you to him. I want you to understand what his situation is".
John was still puzzled how someone could be invulnerable. He'd read about such, but had no idea that there were people here, who always had been.
"John said, "Let's go see your other guest first."
The Sultan and John got up from the table, the Sultan lead John out of the room towards the main stairwell.
"They walked down the long dark hallway to the entrance of the stairwell. They started down the wide expansive stairwell.
On the descent, the Sultan noticed something, he said, "I have to say, I'm surprised you didn't ask me some other questions about my special abilities".
"Well, as I had said before, I'd be needing to speak with you and Paul." John explained. "We do have some lose ends to tie up."
The Sultan stopped in front of the door. He chuckled, "I could see how you would need a few more details, the main stuff is definitely a little unbelievable, I'll admit".
John laughed, "That's the understatement of the year, to be sure".
"That's a very wise mindset to have. It'll serve you well in many situations throughout your life. I'll even offer you this advice. Just imagine how many creatures just as unbelievable as myself, or even more, has actually walked this earth. And how many have been hidden from the eyes of the public? It's mind boggling. It may even blow your mind more, than it already is." The Sultan said with a sly smile.
"Yes...I have no doubt about that, really." John replied. "There's some much out there that is unexplained, and finding answers is made difficult by the various countries to accurately tell their past. Not to mention you know how different a story is when ten people tell it...so try ten million people." John continued.
"The Sultan said, "I know exactly what you mean. I've learned, through my experience, that the facts of historical events, get distorted as the years go one. It's as true now, as it has been for centuries". They reached the door. The Sultan opened it, and he motioned for John to walk through. "After you".
"We should sit down with a bottle of that fine brandy and really get to the bottom of the story." John encourages.
"The Sultan chuckled, "That sounds like a wonderful idea".
The Sultan walked over to a small table, where a bottle of the 120 year old brandy was sitting. The Sultan picked up the bottle and two glasses. He started to walk towards John, but he stopped.
"The Sultan said, "Please, be seated".
John sat down in one of the large leather chairs. The Sultan walked over to him and set the two glasses on the small table. The Sultan filled both glasses.
He handed one to John and sat opposite him. The Sultan picked up his glass, and said, "What should we toast to?"
John said, "I'd like to say I'm the one to make the toast...but I know I'll drink to any reason right now, so you go first".
"The Sultan chuckled and said, "Fair enough". The Sultan said, "I'll drink to your good health, your prosperity, your future, and your life's good fortune". The Sultan raised his glass.
John chuckled, and raised his glass. He said, "I'll drink to that". John and the Sultan touched glasses, and took a huge drink of brandy. John sighed.
"That IS good!" John said in surprise.
The Sultan said, "Yes it is". The Sultan and John both had a second drink.
The Sultan said "I have to hand it to you. Your mind is sharper, and far more astute, that I had originally thought it would be".
"Where in the hell is ole Paul or Louis St. Christos." John asked. "Where are these women you spoke of earlier?" John asked.
"The Sultan chuckled, "One thing at a time".
The Sultan held the bottle of brandy, and topped off his and John's glass. He said, "As to answer your first question, your friend Paul is in one of my spare rooms, as I said".
"The Sultan said, "Yes, they are. I don't bother with average women". He chuckled, "Although, I must admit, I am quite the connoisseur".
"A man of good taste. The brandy is marvelous." John compliments.
"The Sultan said, "I have to agree. You don't get much like this anymore". He chuckled, "And women are no different. There are average women, who are nothing special, and there are women who are breathtaking, and leave you at a loss for words".
"Is that so?" John asked, with a smile.
The Sultan said, "Absolutely." He shrugged, "I always say, why have a cheap bottle of booze, when you can have vintage cognac, why settle for a good woman, when you can have a beautiful one?"
"Yes...well I wish that I knew on that level, but I'm half way through my race, and I've never been in first place." John drank his drink. "Like Jesus, I've surrounded myself with the women of need. Troubled, lost, and vulnerable."
"The Sultan said, "There's nothing wrong with surrounding yourself with people that need your help and support". He chuckled, "I can understand that. I've surrounded myself with women who are in that category, myself".
"Perhaps it'd thought that I could turn their lives around. Not the outcome in any of those relationships. Because they're takers, leaching for whatever they can get. They do that because they cannot do an accurate evaluation of their personality. So in the end they make no changes, because they don't see that there ever was a problem." John went on.
"The Sultan said, "Yes, that makes perfect sense, and it sounds to me like you're speaking from experience. It also sounds to me like you've been taken advantage of, and for your kindness".
"Yes...her Idea of supporting my getting the chance to write the big one...do you know what she said, Count? That goddamn bitch didn't even want me to come. Cried and begged me to stay. Trying to make me feel guilty for coming up here. That's loving support right there, huh?"
The Sultan said, "I'm sorry to say this, but it sounds to me like she was trying to trap you. She didn't care about you or your dreams, she just didn't want you to escape her grasp. She wanted to keep you for herself. Women like that make me sick".
"Oh...I know. You can see the cycle. Her mother is a goddamn train wreck of schizophrenia and ignorance, and the father ran out on that nightmare early. You can see from just that a woman in need, but do you think she appreciates me pulling her fucking ass off skid row?" John vents.
"She always did want me to change things for her. Never cared one bit about who I was. I didn't realize it until I took a little time to step back. I saw things clear, when they weren't so close. I thought I was really in love, but I was really just lonely". John concluded.
The Sultan held up the bottle of brandy. "More?" he asked.
John said, "Yes, definitely, more".
The Sultan refilled both their glasses and sat back.
He said, "Your woman sounds like a lot of different women I've encountered throughout the centuries".
John said, "There's a lot of them out there, Count".
The Sultan said, "Unfortunately you're right". He sighed, "Most of these women don't care about anyone besides themselves. They use their feminine wiles to ensnare naïve men, and when the men try to escape, they use a variety of tactics to keep them in place. They use a lot of guilt, and try to make the men to feel sorry for them, and a lot of other despicable crap, like that".
"John explained, "That was her favorite game. If she was doing something wrong, she could never admit it. So she'd turn it back on me, and made everything my fault."
The Sultan said, "Like I said, that sounds familiar to me. I've seen many women pull the same damn thing, far too many times".
"Well my days will be over, or numbered by then, and I haven't been afraid of death in a long time. In my forties, I've found myself cynical and unforgiving. Much colder than I ever have been. A dog has been woke up inside of me. One that had been sleeping for so long."
John shoots down his drink. Enjoying the fine spirits before him.
"The Sultan said, "Your editor might think you're a fool, but he doesn't understand your passion, and your desire to find the truth. Men like him are the ones who never take any risks, and never truly live".
John said, "You're right, he thinks I'm a fool, and a complete moron. I'm used to it." He took another drink of his brandy.
"The Sultan said, "You have a thick skin, my friend. I like that". He chuckled, "There isn't much that bothers you, is there?"
John laughed. "No sir, not many things get under my skin. When you put up with a nagging, abusive wife for over ten years...you build up a tolerance to annoyance." John paused. Took a drink.
"I used to be the nice guy, the good Christian. God's gift to women, but I've realized that's all bullshit."
"The Sultan said, "It's because you've wised up. You see the world how it really is, instead of through a delusional haze, which is unfortunately where a lot of men are at". He gave an exasperated sigh, "There are a lot of men out there who don't stand up for themselves, and are always apologizing for everything".
"You're right about that, Count. They're afraid of their women. They'd rather give in, then piss them off. I didn't use to be that way, but that's what she ended up molding me into." John finished the last of his brandy.
"The Sultan said, "Don't beat yourself up about it, that's what most women do. They don't want the nice, caring, gentle man. They don't want a "goody-goody, and a push-over". They want a tough man, and there's no better way to turn a man into that, than to treat him like crap".
"The Sultan said, that's exactly what women like her do. They push, and push, and push, and they go for the buttons. They have a radar for them. They know how to piss you off quicker than anyone, and they wait until the moment is perfect to make you completely lose it".
John said, "They do, don't they? When you finally snap, they have exactly what they want." John sat back in the large leather chair. "They want you enraged, so they know they can manipulate you some more. They will never accept their own faults. They will always keep you on the hamster wheel."
"The Sultan said, "You're right". He chuckled, "They do a lot of things to mess with a man's mind. They go for the easy buttons, they use sexual manipulation, they play mind games, and they play the guilt card". He shook his head with disgust.
"They will do anything, and I mean anything, to have power over a man. Power is a woman's drug, and they will do anything to get their fix". John Ward expressed.
"The Sultan said, "That's the damn truth, they are addicted to it, and it's a very potent drug". He chuckled, "I've been studying women and their traits, habits, and actions for centuries".
"What a long term study. Wow. I can only imagine the amount of research you've done in that time." John said.
"The Sultan said, "Unfortunately I'm still studying them, and their never ending tactics". He chuckled again, "It seems like they are coming up with new ways to manipulate men all the time".
"I'm surprised you don't hate women after a few centuries of dealing with them." John said.
"The Sultan said, "Oh, believe me, I do despise a lot of the crap they pull". He chuckled, "Most women are worthless pigs. They're greedy, manipulative, uncaring, cold, and completely lacking in any morals at all". He laughed heartily, "They're like children. They only think of themselves, they want things their way, and they're far too easily distracted". He shook his head, "The fact that they never grow out of that behavior is amazing. It's almost like they're incapable of becoming a mature adult.
"Yes, you're right count." John nods.
"The Sultan said, "They just keep on wanting to play their childish little games with any man they ensnare". He chuckled, "It's amazing how easily manipulated most men are. Why do you think women are called the weaker sex? They are far stronger, and more cunning than most men will ever believe". He finished his drink, and set the glass down on the table.
"John said, "Yes they are. Most men don't realize how strong women really are until they become a victim of a woman's deceit".
The Sultan said, "Exactly. They let their guard down, and then a woman swoops in, and grabs them. Then she slowly starts to turn them into a complete and total push over". He shook his head in disgust, "They start them off slow, and then gradually turn them into a whipped dog with no balls".
With a shrug and a deep sigh, John said, "Which is what happened with my ex-wife." John shook his head in disgust, "That was the problem with her. She wanted me to be a whipped dog with no balls". John chuckled.
"I wish I had never have met her. Or even spoken to that damn woman." John said. He leaned forward in the chair.
"The Sultan said, "I know that feeling very well. There are a lot of women I wish I'd never spoke to, and there are several I wish I could forget all together". He sighed, "I swear, women are like a plague sometimes".
John laughed heartily after The Count said that. "A plague?" John asked through a chuckle. John held up his empty brandy glass and motioned for a refill.
"The Sultan said, "Yes, a plague. They are cunning, dangerous, and deadly. You have to be very careful around them, or before you know what happened, they'll get you, and have you just where they want you". He chuckled as he refilled both of their glasses.
"You've had centuries to study women. You've seen their actions and their nature. What the hell are they really after?" John asked. The Count handed him back his glass, and John drank.
"The Sultan said, "What women really want is absolute power over a man. They want to have him completely brainwashed, and to have him under their full control". He chuckled, "And most women have the ability to do this. Most men are very susceptible, and far too easily manipulated". He chuckled, "And it's even easier now, in this day and age. Men have become lazy".
"That's right. You have the social media now as well. So they can brainwash more idiots into buying all their crap, and following them like blind little sheep. My God these women will do anything to be recognized." John said with disgust. John drank more of his brandy.
John drank his brandy. Nodded his head. He agreed completely with what The Count was saying. He said, "You're right. It is almost laughable. This crap has gone on for way too long now. More men need to start standing up to these women, instead of letting them walk all over them. I know I'm not going to be doing that ever again."
The Sultan said, "Good for you my friend, I'm glad you are seeing the truth". He chuckled, "I do wish more men would start to stand up for themselves". He shook his head, "They are allowing women to turn them into fools and puppets".
John drank another shot. The brandy was making his head feel good. It felt light, almost like floating. John chuckled and said, "Women have men believing they are the weaker sex, when in fact they are not. Their manipulation and control of men is unmatched".
"The Sultan said, "Yes, I have seen this time and time again. I thought men would have learned by now, but they seem to be getting more and I more fooled with every generation". He sighed again, "Men don't stand up for themselves, and their letting these women control and manipulate them. It's ridiculous".
"The Sultan chuckled, "The ultimate tool indeed". He laughed heartily, "And men are falling for it like a fat man with an all you can eat buffet". He shook his head, "It's really quite pathetic, and they don't even realize that they're being had".
John continued to drink until he consumed another couple glasses. The room was beginning to spin a bit. John said, "And this is a worldwide phenomenon. This isn't just Americans. This crap is happening all over the world. From China and Europe, to the Middle East."
"The Sultan said, "Yes, the entire world is infected with that crap". He chuckled, "There seems to be no country left on this Earth that is safe from these women's tactics".
"Damn that's the truth", John said, "I can't think of a single country that isn't infected. This crap is everywhere". John chuckled and drank another drink. The swirling of the room was getting worse.
The Sultan sipped more of his brandy and said, "I've seen these same tactics played by women in different countries for centuries, using the same patterns. It's always the same tricks, the same games. Women are always trying to take from men, and men are always falling for the same old bullshit".
"That's right, they use the same tricks, they play the same games, they have the same old stupid tactics". John's words were starting to slur, "And men are just so god damn gullible. They play right into women's hands...every single time".
Vladimir Dracula called it a night as he shows John Ward to his room. He stumbled along the corridor slurring his words. Lost in the thoughts from their conversation.
John stumbled all the way to his room. He opened the door, and walked over to the bed. He didn't even bother to undress and just slumped down on to it.
He tried to think, but all the alcohol had clouded his brain.
6
Transylvanian
Riders
The team saddled up the horses, they checked their supplies and weapons. They were dealing with the potential takeover of their country. The folks in charge knew that they were were likely not going to win the battle. So they sent their team of mercenaries into the Carpathian Mountains in search of the Count.
"What? Why in the hell...why does the captain want that? I mean with everything going on up front?" Damon said.
"Because we can. It's that simple, really." Harold answered.
The team mounted their horses, and began their long, and treacherous ride deep into the mountains. They rode all afternoon. It became more difficult the further they got into the mountains. The trail they were following was narrow. Klive had assured the team that they were on the best pathway.
"You sure this was the best pathway?" Andrew asked.
"I'm sure. I double checked it." Klive answered.
A couple of the horses started to whine as they continued up the trail. The incline steep, and there was boulders and uneven ground.
"My horse is getting tired." Damon complained.
"We will take a break on the next clearing." Barnes said.
They came to a clearing. They stopped their horses and dismounted.
"We will rest the horses for about ten minutes." Barnes said.
The mountain trails rough and they were treacherous. They needed to get moving, but they weren't ready yet after ten minutes.
They tried to rest their horses. They were all tired and weak, including the horses. The ten minute break stretched to thirty. Then fifty.
"We might need to just rest for the night." Duane Redding said.
"Absolutely not...the General will have our ass. We've got to find get to the Count before the Romanian Army does."
"Playing the hero again, huh?" Avery said.
"This isn't about playing the hero. This is about saving our damn life." Barnes responded.
"We rest for another ten minutes..then we keep moving." Barnes said.
They rested a bit more. Some of them checked their weapons, and the others checked on their horses.
"My horse is barely able to walk." Damon said.
Andrew chuckled, "You can't blame the horse. The ground is damn uneven."
"I know that." Damon said, "I'm not saying it's the horses fault, but a lot is expected of him on a path like this."
They began to mount up, and continue on the trail.
Once again they rode the narrow pathway.
"How much further do we have to go before we reach the damn castle?"
"It shouldn't be too much further." Klive said.
They continued to ride. The trail becoming even narrower. The mountain range getting more steep. Two of the horses started to whine, and they were starting to fall behind.
"My horse is dying. He isn't going to make it much further up this trail." Damon said. He was riding one of the horses that was beginning to fall behind.
"All the horses are about done. We shouldn't be much further away from the castle. We can wait it out there." Barnes said.
There was some strange things going on around them, but it had eluded them. Going unseen as they rode right along with it. Each man could feel the dread and doom. Those odd feelings that come with a mission like killing Dracula.
The horses were exhausted. As the men rode along the narrow pathway, one of the two horses in the rear of the group lost its footing.
"Watch out!" Damon yelled.
The horse fell over, and ended up landing on the trail next to the others riding in front of him.
"We need to get out of here right now." Avery said.
"We can't leave without the horses." Barnes said.
"We don't have a choice, they're out." Avery replied. He got off his horse, and began to walk.
"Get off your horses and walk with me." He said.
The walk was long, and brutal. The rocky terrain was steep, and the men were tired. A few were falling even further behind. They just didn't have enough left in them.
They walked for what seemed like hours. The sun would be rising soon, but the darkness had set in. The men became tired, and frustrated.
"We must command and control this mission. Vladimir Dracula will suck the goddamn blood from your heart."
The trail becoming even more treacherous. The path they were on was becoming so narrow, they had to travel single file.
The men continued to walk through the rough and rocky terrain, and now having to walk single file was slowing them even more.
They were tired and frustrated. Barnes stopped, and put his hand up.
"Wait." He said.
The men stopped and looked where Barnes was looking. They could see something moving along the side of the mountain.
"I think I see something." Barnes said.
"Another horse?"
"That's an impossibility..all our horses are dead."
"Maybe it's a wild dog or something."
The rest of the team looked off to the side of the mountain, and they all could see it. It was a horse, but it didn't look normal. In fact, the horse looked quite demonic.
"What the hell is that?" Avery said.
"I have never seen a horse like that." Klive replied.
"There's something very wrong with that damn horse." Barnes said.
The horse looked at them. Its eyes were black, and lifeless. It also had very sharp looking teeth, and its ears looked demonic.
"That's a god damn demon horse." Avery said.
"I want to shoot it." Barnes said.
"Why the hell do you want to shoot it?" Klive asked.
"For one, it's clearly possessed. Secondly, we haven't seen a horse for miles. We could use a horse." Barnes said.
He looked around to the rest of the team. "Is anyone opposed to shooting it?"
No one responded. "It's clearly possessed, there's no use in leaving it alive." Barnes said.
Barnes drew his revolver as the team watched. He aimed it at the demon horse.
The men were waiting for the horse to die, but it just got up and began stumbling to its feet.
"What the hell!" Avery said.
"Shoot it again!" Barnes said.
Barnes fired again, hitting the horse with another bullet.
The horse stumbled again, but it didn't fall. It shook its head, then continued to stand in place.
"Shoot the damn thing again!" Barnes yelled. He aimed and fired a third time.
The men stood and watched. The demon horse had been hit three times. It should have been dead, but it stood right back up. It even looked to be unharmed.
"This is impossible." Avery said.
"Something isn't right with this god damn horse." Barnes said.
The fourth bullet struck the horse's chest. It stumbled and nearly fell, but it caught itself, and stood again. It was still clearly alive.
"That thing has heart that's on another level." Klive said.
The fifth bullet hit it in its midsection. However, the damn horse continued to stay on its feet. The team were all flabbergasted. Lost in complete disbelief.
"You have to be kidding!" Barnes said.
He aimed and fired the sixth bullet. It hit the horse in its side. The horse went down, but it got right back up again.
"You have got to be kidding me! This thing ain't normal!" Avery said.
Barnes quickly fired another shot, striking the horse in its head. The bullet tore through the side of its skull. But once again, the horse got up and shook its head as if nothing had even happened.
"I want to ride that son of a bitch." Andrew said.
"Bullshit...there's no riding that stallion. Avery said.
Damien laughed, "he knows he wouldn't try that beast."
Barnes took another shot at the demon horse. It fell to the ground. It was clearly hit, but didn't get back up this time, and the team was hoping that the beast was actually dead.
"Well, look at that...our lead man knocked got him out of there."
Barnes responded, "don't put the carriage before the horse."
The team cautiously walked over to the demon horse. They were looking for any signs of life. Nothing was moving. It was just lying there. The men gathered around the beast.
Barnes reached out to the animal and poked it. It was hard to tell, but it actually seemed to be dead this time.
The men circled the horse and were looking it over. They were all amazed at how bony it looked. It had look strong and menacing, muscles protruding, but now it looked sick.
Avery leaned over and touched the beast. "This damn horse is bony. It's like it's malnourished or something."
"That thing wasn't before Barnes killed it. The damn thing was a hulking stallion. It was mean, possessed, mad as hell."
Klive was looking closely at the horses' teeth. "It also had the craziest looking teeth. They were all needle pointed like a vampire."
"I just don't understand how it could withstand all that gunfire. We shot it with about ten shots, and it just stood right back up." Avery said.
"There's nothing normal about this." Barnes replied. He knelt down next to the demon horse.
He moved its head and examined every angle possible.
Barnes shook his head "I've never seen anything like it. Not in my whole life." He said. His face had a look of both curiosity and wonder.
Avery knelt down next to the dead animal. Something caught his attention. He leaned over and got very close to the horse.
"I think this animal is still breathing." Avery quickly jumped up.
"No way." Barnes replied. "I had my gun barrel pressed right against its skull. That thing is most certainly finished."
Avery said, "bullshit."
"Let's not forget its demonic like movement before we even shot at it." Klive said. His arms crossed as he stood.
"I don't believe in all that crap. Demonic, haunted, cursed, and for the goddamn sake of this mission I hope none of you do." Barnes said. His voice was bordering on anger.
"None of us do. I'm just saying, you saw it. That horse didn't move like any normal animal would." Klive responded.
"That goddamn animal was possessed. How do you not believe in something you just witnessed, huh?" Avery said. "It's still not all the way dead."
"That is an impossibility. I fired at least ten shots at it. There's no way" Barnes said.
Damon knelt down by the horse and put his ear to its rib cage. "It still has a heartbeat. It's faint, but it's there." Damon said.
"Are you two fit for this mission? That fucking animal is dead...do you understand me?" Barnes shouted in their faces.
"Don't get mad at us. We are just stating the obvious." Klive replied. He looked over at Damon.
The team nodded in approval. "Now let's find this goddamn castle." Barnes commanded.
The team began walking the same path, and kept their eyes open to find the castle. It didn't take long before the found themselves at the end of the trail, and came across a castle wall.
"This has to be it!" Barnes said. He reached out and put his hands on the tall, stone wall.
"There's no other way." Avery said, as he walked over and also put his hands on the wall.
The castle sat it the peak of lower tiers of mountains. Large mountains rocks and boulders.
The sun had come up, zero extra light as the fog that surrounded the castle was unbelievably thick.
"There's a pathway over here." Damon said. He was walking along the front of the castle, examining it.
"What are we going to do, walk up to the front door?" Kline asked.
"Now there's an idea. Let's walk up and kill him at the front door." Avery said, laughing as he went through his bag.
Barnes rolled his eyes at Avery. "I seriously doubt Vladimir Dracula will be standing, waiting for us front door." He said.
"I'm just saying." Avery said. He pulled a small shotgun and a few extra shells from his bag. He stuffed them in his pocket then placed the bag back over his shoulder.
The rest of the men checked their weapons, made sure they were loaded and had extra ammunition. They were just about ready.
"Alright. Let's move out. Avery and Klive, you two are with me. Damon, you and the rest of the men scout the area outside the castle, but don't take off too far." Barnes said.
The whole team nodded in approval. Barnes and his two men started to walk along the pathway, which would lead to the front door of the castle.
The other five team members began to walk in the opposite direction. They were scouting the surrounding area, looking for any suspicious activity or strange things.
The two groups walked side by side for awhile, but eventually both pathways split off. The two groups had completely seperated.
Barnes, Avery, and Klive walked up to the front door. It looked very large and menacing.
Barnes knocked on the large door, and they waited. A moment passed, nothing happened. He knocked again.
"Maybe he's not here." Avery said. He was looking around as he spoke. Klive leaned against a wall and lit a cigarette.
Barnes knocked again, louder this time, trying to get a response from the castle. No one responded.
7
Dracula's
Quest
The door opened with the squeaking hinges. Standing before them was a slender tall female in an red evening dresss, her hair jet black. This lovely woman was the essence of beauty.
"How can I help you, gentlemen?" The beautiful woman asked.
Barnes was finally able to compose himself enough to respond. "We're...we're here to see Vladimir Dracula." He said.
"I'm sorry, but it's after hours. He's not currently available." She responded delicately.
Klive let out a slight scoff, "not available." He muttered. Barnes rolled his eyes at Klive then took a step towards the woman.
"Comeback tonight, once the sun goes down." She replied.
"Ma'am, that's what some twelve hours away, are you serious?" Barnes exclaimed.
She rolled her eyes "do you want to see him, or not?" She asked. Her question was slightly sarcastic, and definitely condescending.
Barnes sighed deeply, "yes, we do." He responded. He was clearly annoyed by her response.
"Well, then you better be here tonight at sundown." She shut the door without another word.
The three men stood in place. They were all annoyed. Avery was shaking his head in disbelief. "Twelve hours? This is bullshit." He said. "What the hell are we supposed to do in the meantime?"
"I'm not sure." Barnes responded, shrugging. "I guess we just have to wait around, and hope the rest of the team doesn't find anything out there." He said, pointing out away from the castle.
"Like a demonic horse?" Avery suggested.
"Yeah...something like that." Barnes grumpily said.
"We could look around." Klive said. Barnes and Avery stared at him, not knowing why exactly he would want to do that.
"That's definitely true, but are we just supposed to walk up to the front door again and knock, see if anyone else answers?" Barnes asked, sarcastically.
"Can you think of anything else?" Klive asked. "That might just be the way we have to do it."
Barnes sighed loudly and leaned against the castle wall. "This is bullshit." He said, his frustration was obvious.
He thought for a moment, then his face changed. "We could look to see if that castle has an alternate entrance." He said.
"Doesn't that kind of stuff only exist in the stories?" Klive inquired.
"I don't know. But what do we have to lose? I don't think it could hurt to look for one." Barnes responded.
"I don't know. But what do we have to lose? I don't think it could hurt to look for one." Barnes responded.
"That can't be good." Barnes said. Avery and Klive agreed.
The scream was heard again, but sounded like it was closer this time. Barnes and Klive drew their weapons. Avery grabbed something from his back pocket - it was a flashlight.
"Let's see what that's all about. Follow me." Barnes said, as he began to walk in the direction of the screams.
Avery turned on the flashlight and let it illuminate ahead of them. They walked quickly towards the noises.
The screaming was getting louder now. Klive was getting annoyed. "This doesn't sound like a normal scream. I bet this is a setup or a trap." He said to the other two.
"That thought crossed my mind as well." Barnes replied. He seemed to be cautious and on guard, as he clutched his shotgun.
They were getting very close to where all the screaming was coming from. They stopped and surveyed the area in front of them. The flashlight lit up the thick forest.
A few rocks, some random foliage, and a few birds sat in their path. Nothing alarming. But then, a blood curdling scream came from almost right in front of them.
"That sounded like it was right in front of us." Avery stated, obviously scared. Barnes looked all around but saw nothing.
"I don't see anything." Barnes told him. They all stood still, and heard heavy breathing coming from in front of them. It was coming from behind a few bushes.
"What the hell is that?" Klive inquired. His shotgun was pointed forward, and it was slightly trembling in his hands.
Suddenly, a naked woman ran out from behind the bushes. Her body was covered with blood. She had tears streaming down her face.
"Please...for the love of god...PLEASE HELP ME!" She yelled, as she fell to her knees.
Barnes and Klive kept their weapons pointed forward, but Barnes let off a bit. "We're here to help. What happened to you?"
The crying woman looked up, and the flashlight hit her face. She looked extremely distressed, but also terrified. "Please help me. It's still out there." She could barely speak, she was in such distress.
"What's still out there? What happened to you?" Barnes asked, trying to calm her down.
The woman continued to sob. "It....attacked me. It was a monster. Horrible. I....I don't know what it was."
"What did it look like?" Avery asked, moving the flashlight from the wounded woman to the empty surrounding area. It was still very foggy.
The woman had to catch her breath in order to respond. "It was....so big. So evil. But also human." She replied.
"Human? Like a man you mean?" Klive asked. His weapon was lowered as he got the information from the crying woman.
She started to nod "Yes, but also....no. It had hair all over its body, but it walked like a man. It was huge. It chased me." She responded, as she started to cry again.
"You didn't come from the front. Where did you come from?" Barnes asked.
"Over there." The woman replied, pointing behind her. There was nothing in that direction but more fog. It was nearly impossible to see.
"Ok ma'am, I know you're hurt, but you need to show us exactly where this creature is." Barnes said. The woman nodded. She was visibly terrified and shaking.
She slowly stood up, and was visibly covered in blood. Barnes and Klive both noticed she had a deep cut on her chest.
The four walked through the murky fog, the flashlight in front of them lit the way. They began going through the thick overgrowth, which was slowing them down.
After walking for a few minutes they were approaching what looked like a cave. The woman stopped as the the others behind her.
Barnes moved to be next to her. "Is that the cave? Is that where you came from?" He inquired.
The woman, still shaking, nodded. "It's in there...it's in the cave." She replied.
"Ok, stay behind us." Barnes instructed her. Klive and Avery gripped their weapons, and Barnes held his shotgun with one hand. They prepared to go inside the cave.
They took a few steps towards the mouth of the cave. It was as dark as hell, and they could barely see anything. The only lighting was a few beams from the flashlight.
"Oh great, another cave." Klive said, sounding annoyed. Barnes just looked at him, clearly he wasn't happy about that comment.
"You don't have to go in." Barnes replied. Klive just sighed, "no, I'll go in." He mumbled.
They started to walk into the cave. It was even darker than it looked from the outside. The flashlight didn't emit that much light. It was very quiet, and eerily still. They walked further in.
They heard some sort of noise coming from deep within the cave. Klive and Avery both gripped their weapons even tighter.
"Did you guys hear that?" Avery asked. His voice was just barely above a whisper, but still loud enough for the others to hear.
"Yeah." Klive replied just as quietly. They all had an idea of what that sound was, but none of them wanted to admit it.
They walked a few more feet into the cave. The walls were getting even more wet, dripping with water. Klive moved the flashlight around.
"Do you think that's...blood?" Barnes asked, pointing to the wet walls. It was too dark to tell. They all looked at the walls and realized there were definitely some dried liquid on it.
Suddenly, they all heard a deep, guttural laugh. It was very loud. Klive, Avery, and Barnes all froze. Barnes held his shotgun tightly.
"What was that?" Avery said, his voice cracking a bit. They all stayed still, as they waited to see what would happen next. A few moments passed. Then they heard something moving from far within the cave.
"I don't like this." Klive said. He was holding the flashlight and was gripping his handgun so hard his knuckles were turning white.
They heard something moving again, but much closer this time. Whatever it was, it was heading towards them. Barnes, Klive, and Avery all positioned themselves with their weapons ready to fire. They waited for something to happen.
Then...all of a sudden, they saw something moving in the darkness. It looked like a large human shape. It was walking towards them.
Suddenly, the flashlight died. They were left with no light, and no idea what was walking towards them.
It felt like the darkness was closing in on them all. They couldn't see anything, or anyone. They heard the footsteps getting closer.
Klive was trying to smack the flashlight to get it to work again, but it wouldn't turn on. The team was in complete darkness.
Barnes suddenly remembered he had a flashlight on his belt. He quickly reached down and grabbed it. He turned it on and now they had lighting again.
8
Vladimir Dracula
"They have come." Dracula said. "They've sent their men to find me."
The guests sat around the castle, listening to the Count, and wondering what might happen.
"Where are they, Count?" John Ward asked.
"Oh...they're right here." The Sultan chuckled. "They're within the confines of the castle."
In the bowels of the castle there was in fact a crew of men who were searching for Vlad.
Paul moved over by the window, peering into the night.
"Armed men in black clothing," The Count said.
"They're entering through a side door." Vlad said.
Ted's eyes locked onto mine, his brow furrowed with concern.
"We need to come up with a plan, Count," he suggested. Ted suggested.
Louis grabbed his arm, his grip firm yet gentle. "Remember what we've learned," he said, his voice low and serious.
Veronika walked out on the balcony overlooking the mountainous terrain below. Her movements were meticulous and carefully organized, he thoughts were macabre and vicious in their intent.
Ted watched her move with elegance and grace. Smooth with class as well as excellent posture. Radiating like a queen.
Veronika peered off of the balcony into the pitch black night. She had thoughts of killing everyone in the entire area. She was a sadistic, psychopathic, sociopathic mass murderer...and she loved it.
Then, she saw a flash of light. It was a flashlight. It was coming from the forest, and it was moving quickly. She didn't know yet who it was, but she was sure of one thing - that person was trouble.
Another light came into view. They both came from the same direction, but one was moving slower than the other. Veronika watched as they moved through the forest. It looked as though they were headed right for the castle.
Another light came into view. They both came from the same direction, but one was moving slower than the other. Veronika watched as they moved through the forest. It looked as though they were headed right for the castle.
Vladimir Dracula grabbed his sword from the sheath. The others could see that he was powerful. His strength radiating from his body in a way they all could see it. His body was hot. His rage suppressed right below the surface.
He grabbed the sword and moved it back and forth a few times. It was an intimidating weapon. Veronika walked back into the main area, and took a look around.
John Ward watched on knowing that this was the big one. The best selling book he'd ever written. He just had to survive. Get out of the Carpathian Mountains alive.
"It appears the hunters are now the hunted." Paul said, his tone ominous. The others began to understand what was happening.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the front doors of the castle. The sound was loud and echoed all around them. All of the people in the main area looked at each other, unsure of what was going to happen next.
The Sultan moved towards the door, peering out of the keyhole in order to see who it was. The knocking continued. It wasn't stopping.
Finally, the Sultan yelled from the door. "Who is it?" The knocking continued, but no one responded. All was still quiet.
After a few moments, there was a response, and the man outside was finally identified. "This is Officer Miller." A voice said. "We've been sent here to search the castle!"
The group of people moved towards the adjoining room, and began to sit idly. They watched as the Count and the Sultan stayed standing.
The knocking came again, slightly louder but with the same rhythm. The Sultan responded, with an agitated tone. "Who is it?"
The Count laughed. Playing his game.
"I'm afraid we're quite preoccupied at the moment." The Count responded, again not at all in an inviting tone. He stood with the sword in hand, looking as powerful as ever.
"It is in your best interest to allow us entrance. We don't wish to cause any trouble." The Officer barked at them from outside. Again, a loud knock at the door.
"No. It's actually in your best interest to leave." The Sultan told them, his tone stern and serious. He was very calm, and very commanding.
"Open the door. Now!" The Officer yelled. You could tell he was losing his patience. They could hear more voices coming from outside, more men were there.
"You have no authority here!" The Sultan said. He was beginning to get louder. "Leave this land and never return!"
The knocking abruptly increased in volume. It was now extremely loud. At this point, it wouldn't have been surprising if the doors were coming off of the hinges. Then...a voice rang out from outside.
"Step away from the door!" The voice ordered. It was not the same man as before. It was a very deep, bellowing voice.
The doors of the castle started to shake, due to the force that was being directed at them. As the doors continued to shake, the deep voice was heard again. "I SAID STEP AWAY FROM THE DOOR."
The knocking started up again. It was louder than ever, and echoed through the castle. The group sitting in the next room heard everything.
"I'm going to assume you have no interest opening up." It was the deep, bellowing voice. "So you've made the wrong choice." The knocking abruptly stopped.
"I assume that you have enjoyed your life and are satisfied with ending it today." The Sultan said with a sadistic smile on his face.
The others were sitting in the next room, listening intently. They were completely frozen. Whatever was happening with the front doors obviously wasn't good.
Then, the Sultan heard the loudest sound yet. It was the sound of an explosion, and it was right in front of the doors.
"Dynamite." Marshia says.
Dust flew everywhere.
The doors flung open, and men swarmed through.
The men came rushing into the entrance area one by one. They moved through the debris. The guests, watching from a distance. The Count was slaughtering them at a rapid pace.
Count Dracula was a truly powerful warrior with the sword...amazing to have witnessed the amount of men who fell in a heap around the entrance area. They didn't even stand a chance.
Marlena watched on in satisfaction. Her lover was so powerful, so in control. He was an absolute monster. He looked like a god.
She knew that these men stood no chance against this killing machine. She found him attractive in this moment, in the midst of carnage.
He was moving in ways that were not natural to a human. He was slicing through these people like they were butter. He was barely breaking a sweat. It was one of the sexiest things she'd ever seen in her life.
He continued to move swiftly as he killed them. It was a beautiful, yet brutal, thing. She almost wanted to see it go on longer.
Just as things were really getting good, it was over. The last of the intruders was killed. This left the Sultan, the Sultan's wife, Count Dracula, and Marlena standing in the decimated mess.
Vladimir Dracula just killed the small army that had come to kill him. The crew below were still attempting to kill Dracula. Not knowing that they didn't stand a fighting chance.
"Others will come." Dracula said confidently. "They intend on killing me, but you see they cannot."
John Ward was stunned and he was silent. Lost in complete disbelief.
Ted couldn't believe how the Sultan was able to extinguish the flames of anger the men attacked with.
Below the castle Barnes led his team into the danger zone. They had no idea how quickly Dracula had just killed the military men who attacked him.
"Such a forceful nature they have." Vlad laughed.
9
The Romanian Army entered the woodlands surrounding the castle.
Strange things immediately started happening upon their accent into the Carpathian Mountains.
"Did you hear something, Fallon?" Lieutenant Baines asked.
The Transylvanian military was beaten, backed up, and desperate. Baines expected to face an ambush.
Unless they surrendered, but he couldn't plan on a white flag that they might not use.
"No sir...nothing, sir."
There was something in the woods, but it hadn't attacked. Baines knew by now that by now they'd have attacked. There'd been too many chances.
"Something feels wrong, sir." Private Wilson said. He was scared. The fear was obvious in his face an tone of his voice. His hands were shaking.
"Easy, Wilson." Baines replied, he knew that Wilson was scared. He was new and had no real experience. He was used to doing surveillance from a distance, not patrolling.
Baines moved closer to Private Wilson. "We'll be fine, just relax."
"My lantern won't stay on." Private York said.
"Mine is too. What is happening?
Baines had a look of sheer irritation on his face. He knew his men were getting frightened. "This is insane, the odds of both of your lights stopping at the same exact time. These are American made lanterns, not some cheap crap from back home." He said.
He was interrupted by a low, growling sound from the bushes. They all jumped, and spun around.
Their rifles were drawn, but there was nothing to see. The sound came from the darkness in the forest. It was eerie, and sent chills up Baine's spine.
"Get ready men, something is coming." Baines said. He pointed his weapon in the direction of the sound. The other soldier's did the same. They waited while the sound was growing closer. Baines was feeling terrified.
"If this thing has teeth, I hope it eats the rest of you first." Private York said.
The creature moved quickly. The men fired. The rifles had a heavy load of black powder, and a huge ball of led.
They were firing, but their wasn't anything to see. The sounds of the shots were like small canons. The sound was extremely loud, and echoed through the forest.
Lightning flashed in the sky and lit up the night with extreme illumination. This allowed the Romanian soldiers to see the beast as it came at them.
It was a wolf. It was a man. Most of all it was a monster. A predatorial creature that roamed over the mountains at night. It would kill to eat. However, it would kill if it felt threatened or challenged.
The soldiers presented both.
The wolf let out a howl. It wasn't an animal howl, but a sound from a creature with human-like characteristics.
It moved faster than anything the men had ever seen. It's movements were not of a normal animal. It attacked.
The soldiers started firing again. They were scared and not thinking clearly. It kept moving without getting hit. It was like a ghost on the night.
It was so quick it couldn't be tracked.
Their shots missed again, and again. They could hear it in the distance, but couldn't see it. It would only attack for a moment, and then it was gone.
Almost like a ghost.
"We have to regroup, men!" Baines yelled.
He and his soldiers were looking in all directions, and they couldn't see the werewolf.
It was as if it disappeared into the night. They could still hear it moving around, but they had nothing to look at.
The look on his face was one of terror.
"We need to get it together." He said. He was starting to panic, just as bad as Wilson.
"Stay close together. No way this thing gets us while we're together." Baines said.
The men were standing close together, scanning the darkness of the forest. It seemed as if the moonlight was gone. Their vision was very limited.
All of the other soldiers were together, the only one missing was York. Baines moved in the direction of where he heard York earlier.
The other soldiers followed. The forest was eerily quiet and dark.
They would find the contents of his pack scattered across the ground. They thought that he had been taken by the Wolfman Beast. The name it was given in the newspaper article about the things the soldiers experienced.
"Where's Dean?" Baines asked.
"He's missing too." Baines was now extremely frustrated. "We need some help from Carter's battalion...weren't they following up right behind us by six hours?"
"Yes...that's right, sir." Wilson said.
Private Baine took a step backwards, and almost tripped over something. It was an object, with an eerie shape.
It was buried in the foliage. He bent down and took a closer look. It was a lantern, but one that was covered in a thick substance.
Blood. He picked it up and looked closer. It was definitely from a person. The blood had a peculiar scent that was unignorable.
"I don't know...and that doesn't look good at all." Baines replied. He was still looking down at the lantern, looking at the blood. It was the most blood he'd ever seen coming from an actual person."
Something sounded deep within the thick forest. Something moving quickly towards them. They all raised their weapons and waited. The sound in the forest was getting closer,
"Don't move, whatever you do...don't move." Baines said.
His voice was serious, but shaken. The men were now standing completely motionless, the sound was getting even closer. They waited for something to happen, but there was nothing to see.
Lightning flashed again, illuminating the forest. The sound of movement had stopped, but the sound of something heavy breathing filled the area. Baines and the soldiers were looking in the direction of the heavy breathing, but were unable to see anything.
They could feel the presence of something right in front of them...watching.
"Something's right in front of us." Private Wilson said. He started to shake.
"I know." Baine replied. "Just stay calm." His heart was racing.
"What the hell was that?" Private Wilson asked, his voice trembling as he spoke.
"Don't say anything." Baines told him. "We need to wait until something happens."
The men stayed as still as the could. They were all shaking a bit. The fear was becoming almost uncontrollable.
They were surrounded by darkness, and they didn't know what was surrounding them.
There was a brief, loud noise.
It was like a large stick breaking. It sounded like something had stepped on a tree branch. The men turned in the direction of the sound. They could still hear the breathing of the beast, but the presence had not left.
It was still in the immediate area, but it was out of sight.
"If we don't get out of here right now, we will be dead by morning." Officer Cole said.
"We're not going out there yet, Cole." Baine replied. "This thing is trying to get us to run. We're better off keeping still."
Private Wilson began to tremble more. The deep breaths coming from the creature made the hairs on his arms stand straight up. The fear was obvious.
"How long are we going to have to wait?" Private Fallon asked.
He was also shaking with fear. He had been shaking the whole time. The fear was getting to all of the men. They were all in danger of running, whether they wanted to or not.
"Now is not the time for fear. That time will come, but this isn't it." Barnes said.
"What do you mean? Now would seem to be the time, Barnes." Baines replied.
"Because I know what's inside that castle, and if you've ever heard the tales of terror that come out of there. Those are true. I have seen enough. I need a horse."
"A horse? You're joking, right?" Private Wilson asked.
"I've seen what's in that fucking castle. Don't enter through the cave bottom. It's built on a fucking underground labyrinth of horror." Barnes explained. "If you think that this is anything other than a crash mission is naïve."
The men were all standing still. They could tell that Barnes was now losing his cool. He was looking at the ground, trying to calm himself down.
Baine walked over to Barnes. He had never seen this side of him before. "Barnes, you need to calm yourself down. If you panic, it's going to spread. That's the last thing we need."
"It took my team out so goddamn fast that I even pick it up with my eyes. It's movements were like rays of light as he wiped my guys out. Do you remember Avery from my crew?" Barnes asked.
"Big, fast, strong...I heard him screaming like a spoiled boy who got a beating. Bones snapping like caps in a fire. Then it stopped. Silence. Nothing, and I ran. That's right." Barnes said. "I didn't have a man left. They were all missing...dead."
"What's in the castle?" Baine said. He could see the look of terror in Barnes' face, and he knew that whatever had happened, it was very bad.
"The Son of the Dragon. The Count of Transylvania, Vladimir Dracula." Barnes replied.
There was a look of both shock and terror on Baine's face. "You mean like the Vampire Dracula? From the old stories?" He was not convinced that any of it was true.
"Not a vampire. I've met real vampires and what's in there far outmatches anything that was ever known. Yes, the one from the old stories, but not like you'd imagine.
He is a different entity, completely different. You've heard about a ghoul?" Barnes asked.
"No...is it in the castle too?" Baines asked.
"No, it lives in the forest. It's a grave robber. I saw one as a kid. It's an evil thing. These are all evil things. They have been around for centuries, and this castle has become a place for them to thrive." Barnes explained, as he stared down at the ground. He was still shook from hearing and seeing everything that he had gone through.
"Are you coming undone, don't break up on me out here." Baines said.
"We should've turned around when we arrived in this forest. That's when we saw the demonic horse. Goddamn fangs and sharp teeth. Eyes of death."
The four other soldiers were looking at each and watching the exchange between Barnes and Baine. None of them could say anything, and they were all obviously scared. The fear that Barnes had was now passing on to them.
Baine could smell their fear. As a commanding officer, he had to keep a level head. He was trying to do so, but it was becoming harder with each passing second.
Then, as the men stood there, one of them pointed. "Look."
They all looked at what he was pointing at. It was a small cave, which went deep into the thicket of forest.
No one had ever noticed it before. The men were all surprised, how had they missed it?
"Wait...it might not be real." Barnes shouted. "How could everyone have missed it?"
"No! Wait!" Barnes was screaming, but it was too late. The soldiers had already entered the cave.
They were now completely in the dark. The men were gone.
10
The men came into the large entrance hall, and were immediately met by a man who could only be described as majestic. He was tall, and appeared to be in his 60's. He was well built, and obviously not afraid of physical labor.
"Hello gentleman, I'm always honored to host the military men. You've got something inside your souls that all men should possess. I'm Vladimir Dracula, your host."
"Please, please...come in. Welcome to my home."
The men stepped into the castle. They had never seen anything like it before. There was gold everywhere. It was on every surface. The men were stunned at the amount of wealth that was in this particular room.
Vladimir was watching them intently. He could see the surprise on their faces.
There was an old saying, money talks, and the more money you had, the more you talked. Dracula lived by this saying. He loved to show off what he had. He wanted everyone to know that he had everything.
"So what exactly brings you out to the mountains tonight? Did you come here to kill me? No...no...surely you knew that wasn't possible, right?" Dracula asked.
They men just stood there staring at Dracula.
They tried to say something, but they couldn't find the words. They were completely intimidated by him. It was obvious that none of them had any idea what they were even doing in the castle to begin with.
All they knew was that they were scared.
"Somebody want to speak? Disrespect with your host will not be tolerated." Dracula said.
Pvt. Blake decided to speak up, he was the officer, after all. "We didn't mean any disrespect, sir. We thought the castle was abandoned. It appeared that was the case, until today."
"And you just thought to wander in?" Dracula asked, he now had a look of annoyance on his face. He was clearly not used to seeing people just show up.
"We were checking to see if there was anyone here. The reports from the locals say that the castle has been abandoned since the 1300's." Blake responded.
Dracula chuckled. He knew that wasn't true.
"You believe those idiotic rumors? The ignorant people of this province only believe the tales of the ignorant. Do you think I am not alive?" Dracula asked. He walked towards the men. They were now all sweating, and extremely intimidated by the presence of Dracula. He was not at all how the stories portrayed him.
"I just...uh...we didn't think anyone was here." Pvt. Blake replied. He was stuttering, and his hands were shaking.
The men behind him were all standing like statues, terrified of what was happening. Dracula just smiled.
This was what he wanted. He wanted them to tremble in fear. He was the most dangerous predator that they had ever met. They now knew that they were completely in trouble.
Dracula was the most powerful creature that they had ever encountered. He was no man, no vampire, no ghoul, no monster...he was the Son of the Devil himself.
"What's your name, son?" Dracula asked.
"Riley, sir." The boy said as confident as he could.
Blake listened as someone beside him spoke up. They were young and new. Expected not to speak.
"You, young one. Step forward." Dracula said.
Pvt. Riley moved forward as ordered. He was obviously frightened, but he was going to try to put on what bravado he could. Dracula smiled as Riley stood next to him.
"So you want to play tough, eh?" Dracula inquired. He patted Riley on the shoulders very roughly. The rest of the men were watching this exchange intently. Dracula was now circling around Riley, the way a shark circles its prey. Riley was standing there trying to pretend he was calm. Dracula smiled at this. He knew that the kid was scared, he could smell the fear and taste the sweat.
"No sir...I'm not. I'm actually intimidated, sir. I'm not trying to be disrespectful or insulting, but you're the most beautiful man I've ever seen. I mean I don't rate men, but you are sparkling and shining." Riley said.
The rest of the men were stunned. They couldn't believe what they had just heard. Were they witnessing something that was actually happening? Dracula let out a loud, deep laugh that echoed around the room. He was amused.
"Well, finally someone with some common sense." Dracula smirked. He continued to walk around Riley, sizing him up.
He wasn't just a normal man, but he was well built for his age. Dracula thought he would like the kid. He could work with him.
"You're a handsome man, aren't you?" Dracula said. He was now staring into Riley's face.
He could see the fear in his eyes, and the sweat on his forehead. Riley was trying to keep his cool, but it wasn't working well.
"You'll get them, son." Dracula said, still circling around Riley. He wasn't even sure himself why he was doing it, but he was enjoying it. There was a sense of power in it.
He could smell the fear of the young man. The sweat was beginning to soak his clothing. Just how he liked it. He was looking into Riley's eyes.
He was enjoying the fear that Dracula knew he was creating. He was going to have some fun with the kid. He could tell right now.
"Have a seat, my boy." Dracula told Riley. He snapped his fingers, and a chair appeared out in the middle of the room. It was an old wooden one. It was a very comfortable chair though, and quite nice.
Riley sat down on the old chair, his body clearly still shaking. Dracula could see that Riley was trying to maintain his composure, but it was to no avail. Dracula was still taking enjoyment in the moment.
He was the predator...and Riley was now nothing more than his prey. He moved to stand right behind Riley.
"So tell me, my friend. Have you ever been inside of a woman?"
Riley shook his head. "No, sir."
"Have you ever seen the body of a nude female?"
"Yessir...a few times." Riley answered.
"I see. I understand your position." Dracula said. "Did that sight of female flesh make you horny? Did she give you an erection?"
The others were chuckling and entertained by Dracula's questions to Riley.
"Yes sir...it was a very beautiful thing to see."
"You've seen something beautiful?" Dracula asked. He was now directly behind Riley, inches away. He still had his hands on Riley's shoulders.
Riley was trying so hard to control his fear, but it wasn't working. He was sweating more than ever before. He could feel Dracula's hot breath on his neck, and it was terrifying.
His mind was racing, but he was speechless at the moment.
"Well, what did you see?" Dracula asked.
He knew that Riley was unable to speak, but that was to be expected. This was the first time Riley had ever seen Dracula, he was the most terrifying creature Riley had ever witnessed.
He was now sweating even more than before. The other men were laughing at this. They were enjoying every minute of the performance.
Dracula now leaned in real close to Riley's ear. "What did you see?" He repeated, this time whispering.
"One fully naked female. Another time just her breasts, and as a child my mother." Riley replied just above a whisper.
The other men were in shock. They were absolutely in awe of the honesty in Riley's answers. He was being honest, that much was apparent. He was even answering questions that were asked as a joke. Dracula was fascinated by the honesty and naivety of the kid. It was as if he had no filter. Dracula now knew he found something special in Riley.
"So you have no filters, do you?" Dracula asked, still whispering in Riley's ear. He was amused by Riley's honesty and by the shocked look on the other men's faces.
"I am just being honest with you, sir. If I were asking you questions...I would want the truth, sir."
"You would, would you?" Dracula asked, still whispering and still standing right behind Riley. "No lies?"
"It certainly would be, son." Dracula agreed. He was still whispering in Riley's ear, and he could smell the fear. Every single drop coming out of Riley's pores was being inhaled in this moment. Dracula could taste the sweat, and was enjoying the sensations that it was causing.
The other men were now watching what was happening. Some were snickering and others were just dumbfounded. Dracula was enjoying his time with Riley. He was like a cat playing with a mouse. Riley was being toyed with, and he was completely unaware of it.
"You were serious about those beautiful breast, son?" Dracula teased. He was enjoying the look on the kid's face as he responded.
Riley was clearly trying to keep his cool, but it was harder now that had continued laughing. He was ready to fight and his show he was more than obviously projected.
Dracula was clearly relishing the moment. Riley was a complete delight. It was his nature, and Dracula was enjoying every second of it.
Dracula was amused. This kid was actually being serious. He wasn't joking or trying to be a smart aleck. He was genuinely answering every question with complete honesty...even if it was about a sexual experience.
"I wasn't joking." Riley replied, still trying to maintain his composure. Dracula could tell he was trying his hardest to stay cool, but it wasn't working.
The other men were still snickering. They had never seen or heard anything like Riley before, and they found it amusing. Dracula could see that they were trying to restrain their laughter, especially after Riley answered.
It was almost like they were scared, and maybe they should be. He was watching his prey and knowing exactly how to play with Riley.
"Are you done questioning me, sir?" Riley asked.
"I have a million questions I could ask you, but for now...I have seen enough." Dracula answered. He was still towering over Riley, staring down at the young man. The look of fear was obvious and the sweat was pouring off of the child's body.
He was trembling, and trying to maintain composure.
The other men were now almost in a state of shock, watching the scene play out in front of them. It was a combination of comedy and pure intimidation.
Dracula was just getting started.
"Have any of you ever made love with a woman before." Dracula asked.
No response. The rest of the men were too stunned to respond. They were just watching Riley and the events that were happening in complete silence. Dracula was amused with the situation and the reaction by them. He was now having fun. This was like a game to him. And he was running this game with an iron fist...and a sense of humor.
Dracula clapped his hands together a couple of hard slaps. Then the guests watched three women come to Dracula's side.
The women were beautiful, but it was more than apparent that they were of a particular type. They looked like women who did whatever they were told by Dracula.
The soldiers were speechless, but clearly they knew what they were now dealing with.
Dracula was a dangerous man, and now the proof was standing next to him. The women were dressed in low-cut, black dresses and high heels.
The three of them were holding hands and looking at the men in a seductive fashion. Riley had a look of terror, but he was also intrigued by the women.
Dracula looked at the women, and smiled. "Ladies...meet our guests." He said, in a somewhat playful tone. The women looked at the men with lustful eyes, while the men looked at them with a look of curiosity.
They weren't sure how to react to what was happening, but it was certainly exciting. Nothing this exciting had ever happened to them.
Dracula was now playing a different game, and the soldiers were the pieces. It was something they had never encountered before.
"Come a little closer, gentlemen." Dracula said in a commanding, but calming tone of voice.
11
The soldiers cautiously took a step forward. They were moving extremely slow and keeping their eyes on the women who were standing there with a look of arousal on their faces.
They were hypnotized by the women, and mesmerized by the scene that was happening.
Riley remained seated, completely stunned. He was completely speechless. Dracula was moving things forward, and the men were going along with it. They were now standing face to face with the women.
"May I present to you the beautiful, luscious and charming, Carmen." Dracula said as he introduced the first of the women.
She was dressed in a very low cut, black dress that showed every curve of her body. She was almost naked in front of the men. She was looking at them with an almost seductive look on her face.
She clearly knew what her body was doing to them. She was now standing right in the face of one of the men, and looking at him with big, wide eyes. She was inches away from his face. The tension was beginning to build.
"Next, meet my personal favorite...the sensual Angelica." Dracula said as he introduced the second woman. She was slightly shorter than the first, but her curves were just as well toned. Her highheeled shoes were showing off her slender legs. She had on the same kind of dress, but it showed even more of her body. She was standing in front of a different man, almost pressing her body up against him. The man could barely speak, let alone function.
Their fear was turning into desire.
"And for my masterpiece...the lovely Selina. The youngest, but possibly the most deadly." Dracula said as he revealed the third woman. She was clearly the youngest of the three women but just as beautiful as the other two. Her body was perfect in every way. Her low cut dress was showing off every curve on her body. She was now standing close to Riley, who was completely hypnotized by her appearance. He was lost by the site and couldn't say a word.
"I want you men to pick one of these three women. Only one of them can be chosen number one. You decide as a group. Then reveal the lucky lady to us." Dracula instructed.
The Count then walked over to Riley, who was still in his seat. Dracula whispered in his ear. "You're going to love this part."
Riley was completely dumbfounded as Dracula whispered in his ear. He was completely confused. He was overwhelmed, and he was now wondering what was going to happen.
This was a situation that he never thought he would be in before. The men were discussing which of the women they were going to choose. It was becoming quite the debate and there was now high tension in the room.
The men were arguing and the women were starting to move closer to the men. They were all within inches of one another. The tension and sexual energy was now off the charts.
The women were looking more and more aroused. They were almost salivating. Dracula was watching them, and enjoying the entire situation.
He now moved in closer to Riley. Dracula leaned in and whispered to him. "Any guesses as to which woman will be chosen?"
"I think Selina, sir. You did a best for last push." Riley answered.
Dracula chuckled to himself. This was all working better than he ever imagined. "She is the youngest of the three, but she's definitely the most dangerous. You have a keen eye, young man." He whispered back, still leaning towards Riley. This was definitely getting interesting.
"You're very intelligent for such a young man." Dracula said. Riley was now starting to feel very proud. He was gaining the respect of Dracula.
He was in awe at the fact that the Count was paying all of these kinds of compliments to him.
He was now getting even more excited for what was about to happen. The men were still arguing over who was going to be chosen.
The women were now touching the men as they stood there. The tension was intense. Dracula was still next to Riley. "I want you to tell me something."
"What do you want to know, sir?" Riley asked. He was now totally engaged in what was happening, and paying attention to every subtle detail.
The men were still arguing, and the women were getting more and more aroused. The tension was almost overwhelming.
"Are you experienced with the ladies, son?" Dracula whispered. He kept his eyes on the other men.
The women were now practically attached to the men, and they were all arguing and completely unaware of the conversation between Dracula and Riley. This was going to be good.
Riley was surprised by the question, but he knew the answer to Dracula's question. Dracula was still whispering. "Have you any experience with females at all?"
"And I believed you were telling the truth. That's why I'm curious." Dracula whispered. He was now standing directly behind Riley. Riley was now fully aware that he was going to see and hear something that most men had rarely ever seen.
Dracula was going to show Riley the one thing in life that many men will never get to experience. Riley was sitting and staring at the scene in front of him, waiting for what was going to happen.
"They're picking for you. Whoever they choose is going to claim your innocence. You're in ths spot for having enough balls to converse with me...and honestly, right?"
"Oh yes, yes sir...all of it." Riley assured him.
"Then you will be rewarded for your honesty and your courage. I can't wait to see it." Dracula whispered. Riley had a look of excitement as he watched the men choose who their choice was going to be.
The women were now pressed up against the men, almost licking their faces as they stood there. They were completely in a trance over the women. They were so wrapped up in their desire that they had no idea that Dracula and Riley were watching them.
The anticipation was getting more and more intense. Then it happened. The men chose a woman. It was a very close vote, and it was a bit surprising, but they chose her.
Riley watched as the men pulled the chosen woman from the group. Angelica had been selected the chosen one. The two other women were then pushed away.
One woman walked over to Dracula, and the other stood against the opposite wall.
There was now a look of excitement and anticipation on the chosen woman's face. The men were still with her, and were guiding her across the room, bringing her to Riley.
The other two women were standing to the side, watching and waiting their turn.
Riley was in pure shock as he looked at the Angelica. She was absolutely gorgeous, and she was now walking towards him. This was something that he had never imagined happening before.
"Don't be nervous, young man...relax." Dracula whispered.
Angelica, was now standing in front of Riley. He was sitting in his chair, staring up at her. He was now speechless.
Angelica was looking down at him hungrily, and there was a twinkle in her eyes. She was the most stunning woman that he had ever seen in his life.
Angelica was still standing over Riley, staring down at him. He was looking up at her with a look of utter shock and desire.
It was as if he was hypnotized. Dracula had a smile on his face as he watched the scene in front of him.
It was working perfectly.
He was watching the young man who was now going to experience the most pleasurable thing he had ever dreamed about.
Angelica was now closer to Riley...and he could see just how gorgeous she was. Her skin glowed in a way that he had never seen before. She was flawless.
Riley was speechless as he looked up at her. She was now towering over him, and he could take in every detail of her body. He had a thought of the Bible verses that he had heard, but he could not bring himself to say the words. This was beyond any of that. This was primal...animalistic in nature.
Angelica slowly knelt down so that her face was right in front of Riley's. She was now looking at him so close that he could smell her breath. He had never been this close to such a beautiful woman before.
Her face was now very close to his, and he could smell here skin. It was incredible. Their faces were inches apart, and he could hardly contain his excitement.
Every emotion was raging inside him. The sexual tension was now almost unbearable. He was trembling. Dracula watched on in amusement.
Angelica and Riley's faces were still inches apart from each other. He was staring into her eyes, almost without taking a breath. Her eyes were hypnotizing him, and the scent of her body was making his head swim.
Dracula was now watching intently and thoroughly enjoying the moment. This was all exactly the way he had wanted it. He was seeing the beauty of the young man's desire. He was experiencing an awakening of his own emotions that he had to keep in check to remain in control of the situation.
He was feeling the tension as strongly as the young man.
Riley couldn't speak. He was so overwhelmed with excitement and arousal that he had no control over anything.
His body was trembling as he sat in his chair. Angelica was still so close to his face. He was staring into her eyes, and his breath was ragged. He had never experienced anything like this before.
He was being consumed by her. All he could do was sit in his chair and let the event unfolding play out.
Angelica was now moving her face closer to his neck. She was now kissing his exposed flesh, leaving light little kisses upon his skin. Her lips were soft, and he was completely lost in the moment.
Dracula remembered being in the boy's position. A soldier for the Transylvanian Defense Brigade - 34th Company, and in love, bullied by the most evil, sadistic, psychopathic, son of a bitch, and the turning point of a young man's life. The similarities were staggering. "I'm not the cruel person that the stories say I am."
The other soldiers were watching Riley, as he was being taken by the most beautiful, elegant, as sexual aggressive, woman they'd ever been in the presence of. They too wanted a turn.
"You know that you want it, don't you?"
Riley was watching as Angelica was slowly kissing his neck. He was trembling and shaking. He was trying to speak but was unable to form any words. All the feelings were rushing through him at once. It was almost too much to handle. He thought he was going to lose himself.
"You...can't...deny...your...wants..." Dracula whispered as he watched the scene in front of him. He could see how badly Riley wanted to resist, but his desire was stronger than his will power.
He was now being overcome by the situation. There was no going back.
Riley was completely overcome with desire. He was now trembling with lust. He had no words or strength to speak. He was paralyzed by the overwhelming feeling that was consuming his body.
He could see Angelica's face hovering his neck. His eyes were fixed on her. He wanted it more than anything he had ever wanted before. He could hardly move, let alone speak. He was now completely in her power.
Angelica pulled herself away from his neck. The sensation of her soft, sensual lips on his skin was replaced by the cold, harsh air in the room. Riley was still sitting in his chair, staring at her in a trance-like state.
He could hardly think, let alone speak. She was standing over him, waiting for his answer...waiting for the words.
Dracula could see that it was taking every ounce of strength she had not to bite him. This was clearly more of a struggle for her than for him.
"Son, I need you to understand something." Dracula began, as he stood up and began walking around Riley while he sat still in his chair. He was slowly pacing in front of Riley, and watching the young man, who was clearly overtaken by desire.
Riley's eyes were fixed on the Count as he walked around him.
"Angelica wanted to do something to you. It's something she's been wanting to do since you first sat in here." Dracula continued.
He was watching Riley closely. He was waiting for a response to his words, but Riley was silent. His breathing was still ragged from the feelings that were racing through his body.
There was a silence.
"She's been holding herself back...barely." Dracula said, as he continued to pace behind Riley. He was watching the young man closely, noticing every little movement he made.
Riley was still trembling as the after effects of the desire still lingered in his mind. The thought of being bitten and completely taken in by her was now the only thing he could think about.
Dracula knew this very well. "She's beautiful, huh?" A knowing smile adorned his face.
"Yes sir, she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." Riley said. His voice was shaky, but he was finally starting to speak. He was still staring straight ahead as Dracula paced in front of him.
He wasn't able to move...he didn't want to move. His mind was on the beautiful woman that he had just seen.
"You could've been with her, my boy, but you froze. What if you did that in the heat of battle? Should I give you another chance, or do you want to join your crew. They're not laughing anymore."
"Could I do it again, Sir?" Riley asked, still trembling. He wanted to try again. He didn't want to give up so easily. He thought of the beautiful women once more. Dracula chuckled to himself.
"I could give you one more try. Only one. After that...there is no going back. Your fate will be sealed." Dracula said.
"Please, a second chance, sir. I'll do anything." Riley responded, his voice weak but his words strong.
He wanted this more than anything. He could still feel the presence of her lips on his neck, and the feeling was overwhelming. He was trembling with excitement. He couldn't let this chance escape him. He would do anything to be with her.
"How can I trust that you won't freeze the next time?" Dracula inquired. He was now standing behind Riley, looking down at him. This boy was desperate. He was pleading with every fiber in his body.
Dracula was intrigued by this. He had never seen someone so overcome with desire before...especially for a woman that they had just met a few minutes ago. Riley was practically begging for this to happen.
"Please give me one more chance. I won't freeze next time. I can't believe I was that much of a fool and lost my chance." Riley pleaded. He was sitting in his seat, barely able to move.
He was desperate. He wanted this chance more than anything. There were tears in his eyes.
"Do you understand the magnitude of your decision? That woman is going to make you completely happy, and in ways that you never imagined possible. She will satisfy you sexually, but you are not seeing the forest for the trees. The bite is like a thousand orgasms. You'll only feel it once, but you will have all of the lingering benefits. You'll never be weak, sick, or dead. You will have a thirst for blood, knowing that it gives you a little bit of that feeling of being bit, but nothing else will ever compare to that first bite."
Dracula's words were like sweet music to Riley's ears. He was hanging on every word of what Dracula was saying. He was eager to be part of this. He tried to speak, but no words came out.
The whole thing was almost too much for him to process. The promise of everything that Dracula was listing off was more than he could imagine.
This was what he wanted. He wanted it all.
12
Dracula led his young protege into the bedroom chambers. Where Angelica was awaiting his arrival. Fully undressed with back against the headboard, her pert breasts exposed, and a seductive look of satisfaction on her face.
"Wonderful...I'm so excited, Dracula. We didn't have to kill him. He's absolutely adorable." Angelica said, her voice filled with excitement.
Dracula smiled. "It worked out."
"So he's mine?" Angelica's excitement was so powerful and bright.
"Provided the boy wants it that way, yes." Dracula still smiling.
Riley could hardly breathe when he saw Angelica waiting for him. She was even more beautiful than before, and the sight of her body was beyond anything he had ever seen.
This was the woman he had been dreaming about for the last several minutes, and she was now there...waiting for him. He could hardly stand the thought of it. He began to walk closer to her, his eyes locked on hers. Every step that he took made him want her more. He could feel every nerve in his body tingle with excitement.
The door was slammed shut behind Dracula as he exited. He smiled; everything was going well so far. Riley stood in the middle of the bedroom looking at Angelica, his face and body trembling. He was consumed by the feelings of desire.
It was unlike anything he had ever felt before. Angelica was now beckoning him to her. She was lying on the bed, completely naked. She was beautiful.
She was everything that Riley wanted...his mind was racing. He wanted her, but he was still too frightened. He had no idea what he was doing.
"Do not worry...I can take you there, if that is what you want." Angelica pushed up on her breasts.
"Show me." Riley's answer was quick, and his desire was overwhelming. He was ready to do whatever it took to be with her. He was completely caught up in the moment. He was still shaking with excitement. He had never been this close to a woman in his life.
"Come to me, little wolf. Come to mama." Angelica's voice was seductive and sensual as she beckoned with her index finger, telling him to come closer. There was a sly smile on her face. She knew that he was about to be completely taken in by her, and she was enjoying every second of it.
Riley obeyed, slowly making his way towards the bed. He was shaking and trembling just like a puppy. His eyes were locked on to hers. He was now standing at the edge of the bed, looking down at her, and trying to keep his composure. Angelica grabbed his hand with hers and pulled him into the bed with her.
"I want to claim you, feel you, and taste your essence." Angelica's hot breath teased his flesh. Goosebumps popped up, and she couldn't control herself anymore.
"Do whatever you want with me. I don't care anymore. I just want you." Riley's words were trembling, but his body was still shaking. She pulled him onto the bed. He was now sitting on the edge, staring at this beautiful, naked woman. Her skin was flawless, and her body was magnificent. She was an angel.
Suddenly the atmosphere in the room changed. She sat upright on top of him, her fang teeth extended, he beautiful face contorted, and he could see what hid beneath her beautiful facade.
In one swift motion she locked on his neck, her mouth moving, sucking and applying pressure on the bite. Riley's mind and the feeling of bliss had taken him away. He was not in a trance or a imaginary happy place. He'd transcended realms and was on another level.
The first moment he felt her fangs puncture into his neck he tensed. She was gentle and didn't cause him any real pain, it was actually quite pleasurable. He felt a wave of ecstasy shoot through him. He was paralyzed with bliss, and he was overcome with the overwhelming sensation of her sharp teeth in his neck. It was the most erotic thing he had ever experienced...he had no idea this was going to happen. The feeling was mind blowing.
The second she had locked on he was in another world, a world of pleasure that he could not have possibly ever imagined. She was feasting on him, but he could never feel or imagine pain. She was drawing his life force, making him completely hers. The feeling of her lips on his neck was sending waves of pleasure through his entire body. He was under her spell. She was her prey now. She was drinking him in and completely owning him.
"How do you feel, my love?" She asked, her breath smelling of blood. She was still on top of him, looking down at his now pale skin. She was watching this young man lay on the bed, drained of all his energy. He was weak, but he was happy. He had been bitten, and he was completely hers, all of the young man's innocence was gone.
He had given himself over to her in every sense, and he was thrilled that he had.
He was hers to do whatever she wanted with him, and he didn’t care anymore. He had crossed a line from which there was no retreat.
He was now hers for eternity, and that's what he wanted so desperately. He had never felt this alive, and he was completely under her spell. Her eyes had a glow to them now, and the look in her eyes was one of desire and ownership.
"You will feel this way, always and forever my love." She said as she leaned down and caressed his face. "I will be with you forever and always. We shall be together for eternity, you and me. Just you and me." Her touch was like a drug. He was completely overwhelmed. This was all he had ever wanted. He had willingly given himself completely to her, and had become her plaything.
"Did Sir Dracula give you to me? Did you belong to him?" Riley asked.
"Yes, Sir Dracula gave me to you." Angelica said. "I had to ask for you, but he agreed." Riley's reaction was more than both of them had thought. There was such a hunger that she needed to be sated. "I will take good care of you, my love. I will teach you everything I know." Angelica was leaning closer to him now. Her face was hovering above his. The look in her eyes was one of pure desire.
"What if the Count wants you back?" Riley's mind raced.
"We will worry about that when it becomes a problem." She said. "And let me assure you, it won't be a problem." Angelica assured him.
She could tell that he was still trembling, and he still could barely speak. "There will be no more questions for tonight." Angelica was in complete control, and Riley knew it.
"Tonight you rest." She said, as she leaned in closer to him.
He couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and she was his. She pulled his head to her chest and held him.
"Where are the soldiers?" Riley asked.
"Dracula has them tied up and they are completely sedated. They can't leave, and they can't remember anything from this night." Angelica explained.
She was holding the young man in her arms, and he was completely consumed by her. He was laying on the bed, completely exhausted. She was running her fingers through his hair. He was still shaking and he could hardly think.
He was overwhelmed with the events of the evening. The feelings of pleasure and desire had completely consumed his brain. He had never felt anything like this before, and he couldn't begin to imagine ever getting enough.
"How can they not remember anything?" Riley inquired.
He was shaking and almost in a trance like state after the incredible experience that he had. His skin was pale, his mind was spinning, and he was now at her mercy.
She could have asked him to do anything, and he would have done it with no hesitation.
She had complete control, and he was completely helpless.
The thought of this was even more exciting for her. She had complete and total ownership of this young man.
"They were given a sedative to help them sleep." Angelica explained. "They won't remember anything that happened here and they are no longer needed." She began tracing his face with her fingertips, just like she was admiring a piece of fine artwork.
"Do not worry yourself about them, my darling." Angelica continued, looking into his eyes. "Tonight you belong to me, and only me." Her eyes held him in a moment that they both would remember for the rest of eternity.
He was hers, and he didn't care about anything else but her. He was completely under her spell, and his brain was completely blank. He could barely focus. He just wanted to be held by her. All he could say was "Yes my love." He was helpless to deny her anything.
"Are we under attack...are they coming back to kill us? Damon Riley asked.
"They will not be returning." Angelica assured him. "We are completely safe, and all will be fine. Just rest, my love." She was gently stroking his face, still holding him in her arms.
He put his head against her chest, and he could hear her heartbeat. It was steady and slow, and he began to relax. The sound of it was lulling him to sleep. He felt comfortable and safe in her arms. His body was still trembling, and his mind was racing. He was still weak from the evening's event, but he was satisfied. He had given himself over to her, and she had taken control. He was hers, and he was happy.
13
The Curse of Dracula: America
The time had come to leave the old country. They left the castle after Romaina took the land. They didn't want to move on with the Romanian's new rule.
John Ward had did what he said, and worked out a deal for the Count to move in an abandoned mansion on the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. He got the paperwork approved for an incredible price.
The house had been owned by a NYC gangster that was taken down in one of the largest busts in state history. The property was taken and placed in state holding. Then went on the market at 120k. A million dollar mansion.
The Count of Transylvania was satisfied with the deal. He got on the ship the following week, and he and his two women departed the old country. The trip was long and at times treacherous. Deadly winds and powerful waves.
But he had been through a lot worse. And in the end, the journey was worth it. They arrived in New York and took a train west to Buffalo. Once there they took an automobile ride to the mansion.
When his horse drawn carriage arrived, Dracula looked up at the estate and smiled. It was his now and he felt a sense of relief and anticipation. The house was in need of immediate repair, but nothing more than some paint work and a little lawn work.
It was a beautiful two story estate, situated on 25 acres of wooded land. The location was perfect, as it was secluded but in a town. Dracula paid the driver the amount they agreed upon, and the driver drove away.
Dracula took a deep breath and stepped out onto the sidewalk. His women followed, and they all began to take notice of the surroundings.
It was a nice and quiet neighborhood. People were walking around the streets, and the nearby stores appeared to be well kept.
"Well...what do you think?" Dracula asked. He was looking at his two women, wondering what they thought about the location.
They both had a look of wonder on their faces. They hadn't seen anything so modern before, and they had a bit of culture shock.
Everything they had seen so far was like nothing they had ever scene before. This was a whole new world from what they were used to.
"It looks different than the castle. She was taking in the sight of everything.
Dracula could see the look of intrigue on her face, and he was pleased.
"It's certainly not what we had back in the homeland." Dracula said with a smile.
He was watching her and could almost feel what she was going through. It was the same for all of them, but for Selina in particular. She was seeing and experiencing something completely new.
She was walking on a road for the first time, and the trees around them were a completely different species than what they had encountered before. She was taking everything in and could hardly speak.
"I like it." was the first thought that escaped Carmen's lips. She had a wide smile on her face. She was always more open minded than the others, and a woman who could adjust to any situation. These surroundings were much more appealing than the dreary castle. There was a certain sense of liberty and freedom here, and she liked it.
Damon Riley and Angelica both looked forward to the future in America. Neither had ever imagined moving there, but it's the land of opportunity. They all knew that you had to get your community behind you. Help those who were building a better community, as well as a better way of life.
There was a sense of comfort, a sense of freedom and liberty in the air. They looked at the estate and the surroundings and all of them smiled. They could already see the possibilities, the opportunities this location presented. They could all imagine the fun they could have here.
The women took in the surroundings and began to smile. They could see the possibilities. The men watched as both of the women let their imaginations and excitement start to take over. They both had a glow to their faces and a look of excitement. Dracula noticed that both of them were beginning to get animated. He knew that they were both looking forward to the opportunities and possibilities here.
"Can we go for a walk later?" Selina asked, with an eager look on her face. She was clearly itching to explore the location. She had been cooped up in the castle for a long time, and she was more than sick of being locked up. She needed some freedom and wanted to stretch her legs. She wanted to see what kind of society they were in and what she could expect.
"Of course you can, my love." Dracula responded, with a slight smirk on his face. He was pleased to see her excitement. He understood how she was feeling, not having any freedom or a change of scenery, it was understandable. He knew what it was like to be cooped up, and it was hell. He had to admit to himself that he had begun to get a bit stir crazy, and he was eager to get out and explore as well.
"I think I'd like a walk, too." Carmen said. She had a twinkle in her eyes. She was also tired of being cooped up. She was craving a change of scenery and a breath of fresh air. She wanted to get a sense of the neighborhood and the people. She was also a people person, and loved to socialize whenever possible. She was the one who could get them acquainted with this new community.
Damon and Angelica were kissing passionately on the driveway. Excited for a new start with new ways, and unrecognized dreams fulfilled. Everything they had ever imagined seemed possible.
They were still kissing, as their passion grew. It was an intense kiss, and it was clear that they both needed this.
They had barely had any privacy in the castle, and their time together had mostly been stolen moments under less than ideal circumstances.
They were now getting an opportunity for some real excitement, and they were eager to get started.
"
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