A Dark Intrigue

Prologue It was the spring of 1348. The Black Death had entered Europe and quickly started to spread through the countryside. Death seemed to be all around and Lucius Van Walken, Duke of Southerland was seeing his loved ones perish all around him. He was told to stay close by his mother. His father was already sick and his manservant Ivan was trying his best to keep young Lucius away. Lucius was now 28, the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Southerland. They were very watchful of Lucius now. He was the only one left of their three children. The others, his eldest brother Markus and his sweet, caring older sister Anna, had been taken by the plague. As Lucius’s father lay in his bed the realization that none of them were going to survive hit him full force. He decided that at least one of his children must survive. His son must make it he told himself. So with a determined brow, he called Ivan into the room telling him that it was time to repay his debt to him for saving his life from the headsmen all those many years ago. Ivan said to him, “Master, you have treated me with and kindness. Protected me and my secret from the world. Tell me my dearest friend and master, what can I do for you to repay your friendship.” “Ivan” Lucius’s father replied, “Save my son, please that is all I ask of you. Do this one thing for me. Save my son Lucius so that he may live on.” Ivan said, “If the boy gives me his consent then I will do this one thing for you my old friend to repay all the kindness you have shown me.” Lucius’s father called him forth telling him, “My son, Ivan is now your mentor and guardian. He is my faithful servant as well as my confidant and dearest friend. You are to do as he says. You are to allow him to see your neck.” “My neck, father?” asked Lucius. “Yes, your neck, son. You are to close your eyes and not move no matter what, Lucius. Is that understood?” said the Duke. Lucius was worried and a bit afraid but did as his father asked. “My son,” said the Duke, “remember always I’m doing what I must see to your safety. Always remember that your mother and I love you with all of our heart now and forever.” “Yes, father,” Lucius said. Ivan started toward him and as his father told him he bared his neck and closed his eyes. Ivan asked, “Are you sure this is what you want.” Lucius said, “Yes.” Lucius felt a sharp pain in his neck but did not run. His father said don’t move so he stood his ground. Feeling weak Lucius swayed and fell into unconsciousness. He awoke the next night feeling so hungry it hurt, pain ran through him. Lucius sprang from the bed and started running through the house. Calling for his mother, but no one answered. Suddenly Ivan appeared with a large mug and told him, “Lucius you must drink this. It will make you strong and the pain that you are feeling will go away.” Lucius said in a weak voice, “I will do as you ask if you answer me one question, Ivan.” Ivan said, “Ask me, young master, I will always tell you the truth.” Lucius asked, “Where are my parents?” Ivan looked at him and replied in a sad voice and tears in his eyes, “Dead, young master, I’m truly sorry.” Lucius drank long and hard from the large mug that Ivan had given him. He noticed the strong taste but couldn’t place what it was. No matter, he thought all he knew was that he was feeling better. He felt strong and better than he had in a long time. “Ivan,” asked Lucius, “What is in this mug you gave me?” “Feeling better, young master?” Ivan asked. “Much better,” Lucius said. “Good,” Ivan said, “We have a lot to discuss. I gave my word to your father that I would take care of you and make sure you live on. I intend to keep that promise, sir. So you must learn to survive. Must learn to take care of yourself if something happens to me. Now finish your mug sir, it's nearly time to show you who and what we are.” Ivan walked away with the empty mug and Lucius pondered over what he had said “What and who we are” “I know who I am, I’m Lucius Van Walken, Duke of Southerland. What else could I be?” said Edward. Ivan came back an hour later deciding it was time for Lucius to know what he was. He went to the bed and sat down. Ivan called Lucius to his side and told him to sit. “What we are is what some humans call dangerous.” “Why?” Lucius asked. “Because we are that undead,” Ivan explained. After he explained what a vampire was and what they did, Lucius stared. He finally understood why his father kept the house in total darkness. It was to protect Ivan. And now he understood why his father asked Ivan to do what he did, to protect HIM as well. “I’m a vampire,” Lucius said, “one who will live forever.”