The Gentle Vampire

"Really?" Louise said, a touch sarcastically. "So despite the fact that you were sleeping in a coffin and the sunlight would have burned you to a crisp, you're not a vampire?"

"Oh, yes, I am a vampire all right," he replied as he lit a candle. "But I suggest you not believe everything you hear or read about vampires, my dears. Not all of us are as vicious and cruel as the madman Drakul."

Thelma looked at him sidewise. "So then you don't drain people's blood and turn them into your undead slaves and children of the night?"

Yorga laughed pleasantly. "I am sorry to disappoint you, but no. Oh, we must drink blood to survive, but it need not be human blood - blood from any warm living creature will do. I myself prefer a good sheep's blood, though an occasional dram from an ox or a bear is often quite invigorating." He smiled and produced a platter of bread and cheeses for the three sisters.

"Thank you," Sigourney said. "Listen, we're very sorry about the sunlight and entering the house and everything."

The count waved it off. "My fault, really. I should have made sure the door was locked before retiring from the sunlight."

The three ladies sat and talked to the Count for hours. He turned out to be a charming and entertaining man, far superior in every way (except for being undead) to the vain and boorish prince they had just left.

Finally, though, the count stood up. "Ladies, I can't remember when I last had such a pleasant afternoon, but in all fairness to you, it is getting quite late. You are welcome to spend the evening here in my abode if you like, or if you prefer, there is an inn about two miles down the road. I will be happy to lend you the money for a night's stay there if you'd like."

1. The girls agreed to accept his hospitality and spend the night there.
2. The girls thanked him for his generosity and went to the inn.
3. The girls started to leave, but suddenly found themselves wanting to stay.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree