“Not in the least. My resolve to defeat the High Court of Elders is stronger than ever. That brings us to why I am here. When you join my mighty forces, we will be unstoppable —”
“And why should I join you?”
“The Court despises its own kind. Of course, it is up to us to stop them. Surely you do not like having to pretend to be a human at all times. Imagine if you could be yourself! Our people want to come out of hiding. Our kind needs your help. I am here to offer you the privilege to fight with me to free vampires from Lord Chastellain.”
“If you are so determined in your cause then why are you only now coming to me? The Court found me over a year ago.”
Ramdasha narrowed his eyes. “Chastellain is a very powerful man, he has many eyes and ears. Yet I too am powerful and together your forces and mine would be capable of defeating the malevolent ruler.”
“Believe me, Chastellain is no friend of mine —
“Wonderful! We will finally answer his call to war. We will begin preparations straightaway. How many men do you command —
“Not so fast. I have my own plans and I am not about to be distracted in order to help you — a complete stranger.”
“I assure you, it is not for me. It is for the good of all vampires.”
“You honestly believe your own rhetoric, don’t you? Vampires need humans to survive.” Vlad thought of Ilona. There were humans he cared about as well. “This is entirely about you. You want nothing more than to rule the vampire world.”
Blood rushed into Ramdasha’s cheeks. This was not going as well as he had hoped but he was not willing to give up. “Do not believe the lies you may have heard about me. I am a kind and generous soul. I only want to help my people.”
“You said, ‘your people.’ You wish only for power. I will not help you overthrow the Court for your own personal gain. I serve no one. I will tell you exactly what I told the Court. I am in this for myself. I have my own aspirations. My business is my own and I will leave you to yours. That is the only agreement I will make with you, is that clear?”
Ramdasha’s glower deepened. “They have already gotten to you.” It dawned on him that this might be a trap. Through clenched teeth he added, “Then we had best be on our way.”
“That would be wise,” Vlad threatened.
Not all was lost for Ramdasha. While he had developed a dislike for the arrogant Prince of Wallachia, he managed to find a treasure on this trip to the East. Something even more valuable than Vlad’s vampire army. He found himself a soothsayer.
On his way back to France, he caught the scent of vampires. This led him to a small cabin in the woods of Thessaly. Ramdasha had never been in love before but when a young female vampire stepped out of the cabin, he knew he had to have her. Her skin was pale — unlike his — and she had enticing full lips.
Ramdasha bowed. “My Lady, I am Lord Ramdasha and these are my men.”
His men glanced at one another in confusion. They did not know what had gotten into their leader. He never showed this kind of respect to anyone, let alone a woman.
The woman smiled, revealing her dimpled cheek and Ramdasha thought his knees might buckle. She had intense honey-colored eyes; he could not look away. “What may I call you?”
“My given name was stolen from me. I now go by Elda.”
“Elda ... that is beautiful.” Ramdasha felt awkward when she stared at him. He was a fish who had been firmly hooked by a fisherman’s line. He was powerless. “Do you mind if my men and I rest here? We are returning home from a diplomatic errand.”
Again his men looked at one another with uncertainty. They had only just begun their journey home and were far from needing to rest.
“What errand?” the mysterious woman asked.
She is shrewd. Ramdasha saw that she could not be fooled. “We paid Prince Dracula of Wallachia a visit.”
Her jaw tightened at the name Dracula. “And did your visit go well?”
“I should say not! He is an arrogant arse. Pardon my language, My Lady, but he is not capable of seeing beyond his own mundane desires.”
Elda revealed her dimpled smile. “Well then, you should stay and we should see what else we have in common.” She knew that this strange vampire might be trouble but she could not help herself. She too had never been in love — with a man. Much to her surprise, she found him irresistible. The dark-skinned stranger was simply glorious.
Chapter 57 Wallachia 1458 A.D
Late one morning in the dead of winter, a servant knocked rapidly at Vlad’s chamber doors. Vlad had been poring over some parchments at his desk.
The servant bowed briefly. “Master, it is the Lady Jusztina. She has gone into labor.”
“And does everything appear to be well?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Excellent. Inform me when the baby arrives.”
It was not until early the following morning when the servant returned. “I am pleased to announce that the Lady Jusztina has given birth to a healthy baby boy.”
“That is wonderful news.”
“What will you name your firstborn son?”
“Vladislav Dracula IV.”
“Of course, Master. Excellent choice.”
Vlad dismissed the servant with his hand.
The servant bowed and turned to leave. He stopped at the door. “But, Master, don’t you wish to see your firstborn?”
“Oh ... ”Not really, Vlad thought. “Yes, of course. Yet, there is much work to be done at this time. I will allow the mother and baby some time to recover and ... ” I don’t know what they do? ... “bond,” Vlad guessed.
No doubt Jusztina would still be afraid of him. Vlad had not seen her since that dreadful night he found out she was pregnant. He did not want to worry her now with his ... overbearing presence. She needed to focus on the new baby.
“As you wish, Master.”
A couple of weeks later Sergiu said, “You know, people will speculate about why you are not interested in your firstborn child. You should at least see him.”
Vlad appeared in the doorway of Jusztina’s relatively small chambers. He had given her her own quarters. She no longer lived with the other women. He watched as she patted the back of her fussy newborn. When the baby’s cries ceased, she lowered him into the bassinet. She covered him as she sang a lullaby. Vlad decided that she would be a fine mother to the heir of the Wallachia throne.
“How is he faring?” Vlad asked.
Jusztina jumped and he chuckled. He didn’t understand why startling people had always amused him so. Yet it never seemed to grow old.
She protectively moved to stand between Vlad and the baby.
“Please do not be afraid. I am no longer angry; in fact, I’m rather pleased with our arrangement. I will not harm either of you, you have my word.” Vlad tried to further reassure her with a warm smile.
While she did not return the smile, her shoulders relaxed.
“May I see him?”
Jusztina nodded in agreement and moved to the side of the bassinet.
Vlad stood over the sleeping baby. “He is ... incredibly tiny. How will he ever grow enough to become a warrior?”
“You don’t have much experience with babies do you?” she asked.
“No, none.” It had been a very long time ago when his little brothers had been born. He could not believe that they were ever this small.
“Little Vlad is a perfectly normal baby and he will grow to be big and strong. Under your tutelage he will become a great defender of Wallachia.” She gave her newborn a warm smile. “Do you want to hold him?”
“No! Certainly not. Surely I would break him.”
Jusztina chuckled even though Vlad was not joking. He was confident that he would somehow accidentally hurt the baby if he even so much as touched the fragile creature.
He placed his hand gently on her shoulder. “I’m grateful that the two of you are well.”
Vlad was almost out the door when she stopped him
. “Vlad.”
He paused.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me, thank Sergiu.”
Vlad increased Wallachia’s defenses all the more, as they had learned that their enemy was even stronger than they had originally thought. Vlad had prepared for an attack from the world’s largest human army but now they had to take precautions for a vampire attack as well. Not to mention the battle at Giurgiu had been a clear display of Wallachia’s strength. The sultan would know that Vlad’s army would not be easily defeated. The Ottomans would need to regroup and prepare to fight an army that was stronger than they had anticipated. Plus the sultan had lost hundreds of his best men at Giurgiu. This left Wallachia with some time before the sultan would make his next move.
Vlad did not want to attack the Ottomans. He preferred that his enemy come to him, as his men knew their own land best and they would be more prepared if the sultan had to bring the fight to Wallachia. Vlad wanted every advantage and he took great precaution. He would do this with as few of his own casualties as possible.
The Wallachian court was doubly on guard for an attack throughout the entire spring but none came. Vlad worried that Mehmed was building his own vampire army.
“Perhaps his defeat at Giurgiu made it clear that he cannot beat us,” Abdullah pondered.
“This is Mehmed the Conqueror we are talking about. He will never settle for a loss. He is carefully planning something,” Vlad said.
Sergiu arranged for two of their trusted Turkish Janissaries to discreetly make their way to Istanbul to see what they could learn. Interestingly, the first to volunteer for the mission were the two palace guards Vlad had saved from Sultan Mehmed I’s execution. These soldiers had no devotion to the sultan, they were perfect for the job.
The years continued to fly by with no attack from Mehmed, yet Vlad did not let his guard down.
As little Vlad grew he became the object of much of Vlad’s attention. The precious little boy brought him much joy. The boy’s favorite pastime was when Vlad would throw him up high. The child would squeal with delight as he gently landed in his father’s arms.
The first time Jusztina witnessed her baby flying through the air she screamed. She snatched him from Vlad’s arms. “You will surely drop him.”
“I would never do such a thing.”
Little Vlad reached his pudgy arms out for his “father” to take him again. Vlad reached for him.
But Justina turned away. “It is his nap time and you are getting him too excited.”
Vlad did not argue, as women knew best about such matters.
Vlad waved goodbye to the little boy as he cried for his father.
As for Jusztina, Vlad left her alone, never calling her to his bed. Her heart belonged to someone else and she appeared to prefer this arrangement.
As the boy grew, Vlad carved him a small wooden sword. It was not the best of carvings, as Vlad was not skilled in working with wood. Nevertheless, the boy cherished it. He would “sword fight” with his father until his little arm grew too tired to hold the sword.
Overall, Vlad was content. The problem was Ilona. With every year that passed, she remained childless and she grew more depressed. She also became fiercely jealous of Vlad’s “son” and all the time and affection Vlad lavished on him.
Vlad decided to consult Sergiu about what to do with Ilona.
“On matters of politics, even war, I can be of service; but when it comes to women, you may need to find yourself another Grand Vizier,” Sergiu mused.
“Come now, Serg. I am beginning to think that women are not as complicated as you say. They only want to be cared for and to have children.”
Sergiu laughed. He was clearly not convinced.
“I could marry her to a widower who could care for her and give her the children she desires.” The thought of Ilona with another caused a rage to stir inside but Vlad was concerned for her wellbeing. He was trying hard to put his needs aside and think of hers.
Sergiu laughed again. “Have I not taught you anything after all these years? Ilona does not simply want anyone’s child — she wants your child. If you were to release her from her duties as a concubine she would most likely be heartbroken at your rejection.”
Vlad had not thought of this. “It seems you may know more about a woman’s heart than you think.”
That settled it. Vlad would keep Ilona for himself and do his best to make her happy. He immediately sent for a servant to head to the market to buy a new silk gown and a gold necklace. Surely that will please her.
Chapter 58 Wallachia 1462 A.D
From what Vlad’s spies could gather, Mustapha had managed to recruit no more than five vampires to serve the sultan. That made six with Mustapha in the lead. It was also apparent that Mehmed did not know of their true nature — they were simply the best of his warriors. Mustapha knew that Vlad was a vampire but he did not know that Vlad’s elite men were vampires as well. Mustapha was under the impression that Vlad and perhaps only one or two of his closest men were creatures of the night. Mustapha believed that he had found enough vampires to conquer Wallachia.
When a hundred thousand troops crossed into Wallachia, the populations of Targoviste and Bucharest were barricaded safely within Vlad’s compounds. He sent his concubines and their entourage to the palace of Poienari and left two Janissaries there to guard them. Two of his top men were all he felt he could spare. Vlad’s soldiers were needed on the battlefield. Sergiu was to remain at Poienari as well.
The summer of 1462 was an unusually hot one. The unyielding sun beat down upon the two armies as they collided near Targoviste. Most of the day was spent fighting. Vlad and his Janissaries killed hundreds of the sultan’s men but there were thousands to replace the dead. Not to mention, the handful of vampires in the sultan’s front line kept Vlad’s best men occupied. Abdullah, Costel, Cosmin and Vlad focused their attention on the enemy’s vampire soldiers. Vlad’s time was spent fighting Mustapha, who had greatly improved over the years. Vlad was unable to kill him during the initial assault. It was going to take longer than Vlad thought to defeat these numbers. The hampering effects of the relentless sun on his Janissaries did not help matters.
The Ottomans aimed their artillery at the government compound in Targoviste. They wanted their spoils of war — women and loot. Their cannons fired endlessly on the rubble walls. Vlad did not know how much longer the walls would hold out.
“Fall back!” he yelled to his men. They had to lead the army away from Vlad’s people. “Retreat to the valley opening at Poienari!”
The sultan would assume he had Vlad on the run. As Vlad had hoped, the Ottomans pursued the Wallachian army, thus leaving the compound and its contents locked safely within.
When Vlad reached the valley opening he yelled, “Hold your ground!”
As planned, his soldiers prepared a front line of defense across the narrow valley opening. Vlad had lost two Janissaries to cannon fire, as well as a handful of human warriors. This was more than he had ever lost before. They may have slaughtered five hundred or more Ottomans, and Abdullah had killed one of the sultan’s vampire soldiers. Yet the enemies numbers were so large that it did not seem to make a difference in the endless supply of men who kept pouring down upon them.
By the time the Ottomans arrived at Poienari, it was growing late. Thankfully, Vlad and his troops were safe from cannon fire, as the enemy could not get their large artillery through the mountainous pass.
The sultan’s men did not attack. They busied themselves with setting up a well-guarded camp for the night. They would attack at dawn.
“He thinks we are trapped in this box canyon,” Abdullah said. “He will let his troops rest until morning. Then he thinks he will be able to finish us with ease.”
“Good. Little does he know that this is right where I want him. We will be able to limit the number of men we have to fight at one time in this narrow valley. We will kill every last one of them, if we must. Then I will be able t
o march into Constantinople and easily reclaim it.”
Abdullah and the twins smiled as if they could taste the victory.
They had begun to let their guard down and Vlad’s human troops were exhausted. “We camp here tonight. Janissaries, you keep watch. The rest of you get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow,” Vlad announced.
Sergiu appeared in front of Vlad.
“What are you doing here?” Vlad did not want Sergiu in harm’s way. He was not a fighter.
“It is Ilona. She has gone missing. Her guard has looked everywhere in the castle but he can’t find her. He found this on your bed.”
Vlad snatched the papyrus from Sergiu’s hand.
I am sorry that I must leave you, my love. Life is meaningless since I am not capable of bearing your children. I will not be a slave to the Ottomans. It is time for me to leave this life.
Ever yours,
Ilona
Vlad’s teeth clenched. He let out a growl and headed toward the castle in a flash, pausing only long enough to leave Abdullah in command. As soon as they could, Sergiu and Vlad took flight for the hilltop palace. In Ilona’s chambers her sweet scent was not fresh but still lingered. The chamberlain and Ilona’s eunuch looked distraught. They joined Vlad as he followed her scent. It led them to the tower overlooking the river bottom. Filled with dread at what he would find, Vlad ran to the overhang — perhaps he could save her. Her broken body lay on the river rocks far below. Her white silk brocade moved gracefully as the shallow water flowed around her lifeless body.
“Vallachia!” Vlad yelled.
Without a single thought for pretending to be human, he leapt from the tower. In no time he held Ilona’s limp body. “No, no, no, Val. I’m so sorry.”
Vlad heard the faint sound of Sergiu landing behind him.
Of Princes and Dragons: Book 2 (Lords and Commoners) Page 23