Chapter 9
Lucian
The next day Vallaya was astir with the return of Magistrate Lucian. He rolled into town in his elegant horse-drawn carriage, his usual powdered wig atop his head and a large smile on his face as he stepped out of the carriage door. Though he had not publicly announced it, the word had spread throughout Vallaya that it was concerning a treaty between vampires and humans. Lucian had met almost no dissent in his attempt to convince all of the nearby towns and villages as well as the landed aristocracy of the region to join him in this agreement.
When Andrei heard the sound of the horses and stepped out of his shop to see who it was, he saw Lucian, glowing with joy, waving to Andrei when he saw him. He could see that Lucian’s quest had been successful in the way that Lucian glowed and swaggered. Beniamin, Lucian’s secretary, seemed pleased with himself too and followed behind Lucian, if not with the same swagger and confidence, at least with the same pleasure of success.
Lucian approached Andrei and said, “How are you doing? It’s so good to see you. You can’t imagine how successful my trip was. I’m calling a town meeting. Maybe we can get everyone together tomorrow evening. Does that sound good? Is your lovely wife back? It’ll be a pleasure to see her once again. I thank God every time she returns from one of those dangerous trips. It’s so risky for a woman alone on these roads. I hope you’re not bitter about this agreement. It’s not good for you, but it is for the greater good. Without vampires to kill, your business won’t be quite as lucrative I imagine. Though it seems like you have huge stocks of those vampire wares, which should take many months, maybe years to sell out. I think Vasile should be the one more disappointed. Though I’ve heard he has gold enough stored away to live like a king for the rest of his life.” Lucian’s words poured out of him in one continuous stream. He didn’t bother to wait for answers to any of his questions, and finished up his sustained monologue by saying, “I’ll see you tomorrow, it’s been good talking to you,” and shook Andrei’s hand before he walked away.
Elixir of Flesh Page 20