"Major, twelve will be perfect. Where shall we start?" Ernst motioned to one of the guards. The guard was of normal build and features. He appeared to be in his early twenties. His face was covered in grime and dirt from all of the activity.
"Corporal, take Herr Romanov to car 12. He is allowed to choose only eleven people. Make sure he picks those who appear to be inferior for the long trip. Oh, and make sure they are wearing a star. General Von DerGraff informed myself and Colonel Eckhardt that there are plenty of fine accommodations for the Jews."
The corporal snapped a quick salute of raising the right hand, clicking the boot heels together, and spoke the words, "Jawohl, Herr Major. Heil Hitler."
The major raised his right hand as if it was a lead weight and replied properly with a resounding "Heil Hitler!"
The corporal looked at Nikoli and spoke to him like he was school boy. "Follow me." Then he turned around and headed for a line Nikoli couldn't see.
The mass of people parted like the Red Sea as they headed to car 12. Nikoli was amazed at the length of the train. There must have been thirty box cars with a heavily armed guard standing on top of each one. The guards were positioned to open fire at a moment’s notice. The sight brought amusement to him. He turned to Svetlana as they walked through the mass of humanity. "What a waste of good soldiers guarding defenseless people."
Svetlana nodded in agreement. As Nikoli was about to let out one of his boisterous laughs, he bumped into the back of the young corporal leading them to car 12.
"Peasant, watch your tongue. Those men are serving the Third Reich with an honorable duty."
Nikoli felt his blood boiling again. Peasant! Peasant? I could drain your blood in minutes you insolent boy! He held his tongue.
"My apologies, Corporal." Nikoli couldn't help but notice the emptiness in the boy’s eyes. Apparently the look wasn't privileged to only officers.
"Follow me and be silent," barked the corporal. Those standing around, waited for the guard to raise his rifle and shoot Nikoli on the spot. Instead, he moved forward through the throngs with Nikoli and Svetlana close behind.
"Here we are. Choose your eleven and be quick about it."
Nikoli was becoming accustomed to the arrogance and insolence of the Germans and shrugged off the remarks. It didn't take long to perform the selection. The majority of the people had the large yellow star on their clothes. He chose six men all in their late fifties and five women who had the look of loss and despair in their eyes (they would never survive the trip to Germany, so he was holding up his part of the bargain). The corporal pulled them out of the line and ushered them towards Nikoli.
"Here are the swine you have chosen. Now leave this area immediately. You are disrupting the loading." Nikoli knew he should stay quiet for the moment. A good general picks his battles and the place when the odds of success were more favorable. But he couldn't help let the thoughts flow through his mind. Someday my friend, we shall meet and settle a score.
He smiled at the corporal, "Danke Herr Corporal, … Corporal?" Nikoli raised his eyebrows in a questioning manner.
"Corporal Schmidt, peasant. Proud defender of the Third Reich. Now leave."
Nikoli rounded up the chosen ones and started back to the livery. The people they chose said nothing. Still like sheep to the slaughter, they fell in line and accepted their fate whatever it might be. The loading resumed and the loudspeakers screamed.
“Raush, raush. Board the train now. The Third Reich needs your services today. You have been chosen to serve a new master and usher in a brave new world."
The guards kept pushing and shouting as the last of the cargo reluctantly climbed into the box cars. The sound of thirty doors slamming shut and the latches being thrown echoed across the train yard. The steam whistle shrilled as the massive wheels started turning and grinding on the metal below. And slowly, the cargo started moving west.
Nikoli led the group to the livery and motioned for them to find a place and sit down. Stephan, as instructed, had already loaded the dead man onto the wagon and had seen that the needs of the horse had been properly tended to. He knew when Nikoli arrived, he would be ready to leave this place and start at once for home to enjoy the feast to come.
"Good work, Stephan. I'm glad you anticipated my orders. Someday you might be worthy to lead this group." His tone implied otherwise.
Yakov helped the dispirited people onto the wagon. One of the men stopped and commented, "Thank you my son for saving us from the Germans. I do not believe they were taking us to a better future. Thank you."
Yakov felt his throat starting to dry and his blood becoming thick, making his mind a fog. The closer he got to the man, the worse it became. Then he saw it. The man was wearing a crucifix. He was becoming more agitated helping the old man onto the wagon. He would need to place this man at the very back of the wagon away from the other members of the clan. The crucifix's powers would be detected by the others causing much discomfort.
"Father," Yakov addressed the priest, "the Germans are the least of your fears. Get up and take your seat there." He pointed to the back of the open wagon.
"Thank you my son, thank you." The priest was too tired and too relieved to have caught the warning in Kharkov’s words.
With the last of the selected ones loaded, Yakov approached Nikoli and informed him of the man's jewelry. Nikoli felt the hair on the back of his neck tingle. The power of the crucifix would be felt by all of his clan members, and could cause them to become extremely agitated and uncomfortable. He would have to dispose of this man quickly. They would not be able to endure him for the eight hour journey home. Yes, this priest, a man of God, must be disposed of quickly and I know exactly where to let him off.
Nikoli took his seat, released the brake and started the carriage east. He waved to Jacub Polasky as they passed his office. Jacub was standing outside sweating like the pig he was, talking to Major Ernst and Colonel Eckhardt. He was trembling in their presence. Poor Jacub, never one for conflict, always a pacifist. Maybe the Germans can make a man out of him? Doubtful, but maybe someday. He returned his attention to the current dilemma, the priest and his God.
He cracked the whip and headed down the rough road. It was worse than when they had come to town. The ruts were deeper and more pronounced. He could see where steel pads had been unmercifully pounding the soft dirt into dust.
They passed the check points as they left the area. Again, all he had to do was present the letter from Major Ernst and no questions were asked. After an hour, they reached the bend in the road where the abandoned track was becoming more overgrown. A good sign. No one was using the track, and by now, the first body would have long since disintegrated or been removed by the forest animals. He pulled the carriage four hundred meters up the road and brought the carriage to a halt. He and Svetlana debarked from the carriage seats and walked to the back. Svetlana was becoming agitated as she came closer to the old man.
"Yakov, bring the dead man out. Priest, you get off here." Nikoli barked out the orders.
Yakov followed his orders without question but the priest was less than accommodating.
"My son" the priest spoke, "what are your intentions with me and the body?"
Nikoli did not like being questioned and quickly responded. "Priest, I do not acknowledge your God or any affiliation with the religion. I am a follower of only myself. If you argue, the fate I have in store for you will be much worse than anything the Germans have to offer, so be gone."
The priest was a bit shocked but not deterred. "What shall become of the man who died? He should be entitled to his last rights and given a proper burial."
Nikoli could take no more. "Priest, if you do not leave immediately, you shall be joining him! Leave now!"
The closeness of the priest, the presence and power of the crucifix, were becoming too much. He could feel the bones in his jaws starting to move. His finger nails were slowly growing. The change was coming on. No, it is too soon. Too soon, but the prie
st continued questioning him.
"My son, I shall not leave this man."
Nikoli could take it no more, nor could Svetlana. This man must leave immediately. They could not return to Tarnow with a carriage full of dead bodies for those waiting, but if the priest stood his ground, they would all transform and be forced to kill everyone in the wagon. It was doubtful they would not try to escape during the long trip once they realized who their captors were. Nikoli’s black eyes turned to fire. His teeth were breaking through his lips. The jawbones were contorting and sliding as the death seekers were taking their place.
“Priest," cried Nikoli, "this is your last warning. Leave now or die!" The priest's eyes saw and heard the change coming over Nikoli, but it was the sharp razor teeth that were growing with each word that terrified him.
"Vampires." The word was short and hoarse. No one else heard him but they knew something wasn't right with the exchange between the priest and their new masters. Nikoli could barely restrain himself. Svetlana spun the priest towards her. Her eyes locked on his putting him into an instant trance.
"Yes priest, vampires. You shall leave this place and say nothing or we shall feast on your tainted, vile, Godly blood. Go now," she quietly hissed.
The priest said no more. He instinctively tipped his hat and hastily headed down the road. The farther he separated himself from the small group, the faster the feelings of agitation diminished. Nikoli and Svetlana were able to stop the change before it overtook them. Yakov had stayed far enough away to avoid contact with the priest, but close enough to make sure no one attempted to follow him or run off into the woods.
Nikoli's energy had been sapped by the slow change and the priest's crucifix. He had hoped to feed on the dead body the major had shot, but the encounter with the priest had drained his energy. For the first time in a long time he showed a little compassion.
"Stephan, you and Svetlana dispose of this body. I shall entertain our guests."
Stephan and Svetlana obligingly headed deep into the woods before Nikoli changed his mind. The body was still fresh and they should be able to retrieve a liter and a half each. They reappeared within five minutes looking fit and refreshed. Nikoli's strength had still not yet returned upon their arrival.
“Stephan, take the reins for the ride home.” He climbed into the back of the carriage and fell off into a deep sleep. Stephan turned the carriage around, rejoined the main road and pushed the mare on towards Tarnow. The feast had only begun.
Stephan pushed the mare relentlessly towards Tarnow. As much as he despised Nikoli and his arrogance, he was still their leader and losing him to a priest was unacceptable. If he wanted to rule the clan, he would do it in combat, not by default.
They arrived at the run-down castle around midnight. Nikoli was still weak and sleeping. Stephan went inside and called Taras to help assist Nikoli into the main chamber, then they both returned to the carriage. Svetlana and Yakov helped their cargo off the back of the wagon while Taras took Nikoli and helped him into his study. None of the people spoke. They were hungry and tired and glad not to be in the hands of the Germans. Yakov escorted them into the dimly lit foul-smelling chamber. The subjects stood weary and tired, wondering what fate had been bestowed on them. They wondered if maybe the Germans weren't such a bad choice. Stephan and Svetlana took the lead. They chose their prey, one by one, moving each victim to their respective pairings. The women would go into one of the bedrooms that was rarely used but was large enough for the upcoming feeding. The men would move to the study where Nikoli was recuperating. He would need help with the feeding. Stephan would have to inject half a liter into Nikoli's body so he could rejuvenate and feed on his own.
The women exited the room with their dinner partners. The men moved into the cramped small study. Stephan led the chosen men into the room, had them stand by the wall, walked back to the door and locked it. The five men they had chosen seemed very confused and disoriented. One of them spoke up.
"What business do you have with us?"
The sound of cracking bones was starting to drown out the man's words. Teeth could be detected moving around the jaw line through their skin as the incisors started to grow. Their brows were taking on a hideous inhuman form as the bones continued adjusting. The sound of muscles and tendons ripping and shifting echoed across the walls. The chosen men stood in horror as their captors changed before their eyes.
Stephan looked at the man who spoke with his dark brown penetrating eyes and provided a one word response:
"Dinner."
With that, the feast began.
The women repeated the scene in the bedroom. Their victims had the same look of horror and fear as they watched the change. One dropped to her knees and started praying out loud. Svetlana slapped her hard, "No God can save you now."
The woman fell to the floor unconscious but still breathing. Svetlana glanced at little sweet Dina and pointed to the woman lying before them. She needed no other gesture. She approached the woman, opened her mouth wide and sank her fangs deep into the neck. The remaining women stared on aghast at the fate chosen for them. One by one they were taken, and one by one, the Romanov women filled their veins with fresh sweet blood.
When Stephan had finished his victim, he approached Nikoli and forced half a liter of blood into Nikoli's mouth. The scent and taste of fresh blood provided the necessary boost to his system. Slowly his body started reviving and began to gain some of the strength he had lost when dealing with the priest.
Stephan motioned to the man on the floor. Nikoli was too weak to rise. He needed all of his new found strength to complete his transformation. Stephan moved to the man and picked him up. He brought him to Nikoli, holding the man's body in a position where Nikoli could bend forward and start feeding. The task was complete. The men had filled their veins and bellies with new blood. The feeling was more gratifying than any acts of humanly pleasures.
With the feeding complete, the clan met back in the main chamber. They were all refreshed and vibrant.
"Dear husband," spoke Svetlana. "What a fine feast you provided us tonight. It has been a long time since we didn't have to share. I look forward to the next gathering. But what shall we do with the bodies? There are plenty of wolves about, but even they will not be able to devour all of the leftovers."
Nikoli rolled the thought carefully around in his mind. "Stephan, Yakov and Taras. Take four of the bodies and spread them over the surrounding forests. The remaining six will be thrown down into the cesspool. But I wish not to spoil the feast we all enjoyed. Perform the tasks tomorrow."
* * *
And so it was. For six months, the Romanov would travel once a week to Krakow and select their victims. But something was changing, something very disturbing. Nikoli never really believed the Germans would eliminate an entire population, but they were. Fewer and fewer locals were seen on the streets. The town teemed only with soldiers of the SS and Luftwaffe. The amount of rail traffic had considerably diminished.
The day finally came when Nikoli and Stephan showed up on the appointed date only to find no trains at the depot. He felt that he had possibly chosen the wrong day and went to discuss the matter with Major Ernst at the Amadeus. The major was not pleased to be disturbed and even more offended by the intrusion of Nikoli.
"Peasant, what do you want? I am very busy and have no time for your trivial matters."
Nikoli hated the word peasant. He thought he and the major had an understanding. Apparently not.
"Herr Major, I came to collect my workers, but I see the depot is empty."
"Peasant, there will be no more workers for your cause. Everyone is being relocated to other locations and your services are no longer required. Our business here is finished. Return to your home. If I see you again, it will not be a pleasant encounter I assure you."
"Herr Major, surely there is some function we can perform to obtain workers?" Ernst dropped his right hand on the well-polished pistol holder.
“Peasan
t, you are trying my patience. There are no more workers to spare. If you do not leave immediately, I will shoot you where you stand!"
Every fiber in Nikoli's body was resisting the change that was threatening to overwhelm him. Svetlana had been right. I should never have trusted the Germans. I should have killed this man when I had the chance. Nikoli exited the Grand Hotel full of fury. As he passed by the guards, one of them couldn't resist speaking.
“Peasant, I would take great pleasure if you returned. You will look good between the sights of my rifle."
Nikoli turned and looked deep into the young guard’s eyes. He recognized the face. It was Corporal Schmidt. The same guard he had encountered on their first trip to town. "Corporal Schmidt, I also look forward to our next meeting."
The smile drained from the guard’s face. It was replaced with an unsure glare.
Nikoli climbed back onto the carriage and looked at Stephan. "It appears the agreement has disintegrated. We shall have to hunt on our own."
Chapter 4
Hunting
April 1940
Kirilli felt the old feelings of the past rising in his veins as he exited Jacob’s office. He knew Nikoli would exploit any advantage he could garner with the Germans. He quickly made his way to his carriage. He needed to return to the safe confines of Bezpieczenstwo and study the events that had transpired between the three men. This Major Ernst appeared to be a formidable opponent and the new order of the Third Reich could possibly erase everything they had fought for and tried to keep secret. He knew his friend Jacub would keep the true secrets of Kirilli and Nikoli to himself. No one would believe such tales and stories of monsters prowling the forests in search of fresh blood to live on. These were only fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm or fantasized fables from the past.
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