Vampires Are Forever

by Michele dBes

Lord Dyson drew a large circle around himself and his squire Jeffery. The silver tip of his cane ruffled the carpet and left a trail. As their voices joined in a sonorous chant the air around them sparkled in the candlelight.

“So the Circle is closed. Now we wait.” said Dyson. He had a thin aristocratic face with a long nose and thin lips. His hair once black was shot with grey and pulled back into an untidy braid. His eyes were grey and sharp and they centred on the girl in the bed. Her long dark brown hair flowed across the pillow . In the gloom her face looked as white as the sheets between which she lay.

Jeffery sat down on his chair, dug an apple from his pocket and took a bite.
Dyson glanced at him and shook his head.

“I have a feeling about this one. It is more than just the pallor and tiredness, Gwen is truly haunted.” He said.

Jeffery munched and swallowed. “With all due respect my lord, this is the third one this week and we have watched all night. It is interfering with my training. The tournament is in a week.” He took a another bite and sat back.

“You have a chance to see something rare and remarkable.” said Dyson.

“With all due respect my lord, when you say rare, your peers say extinct.” said Jeffery.

“Well I will prove them wrong. I’ve studied every ancient text and I’m convinced that they still exist. They still prey on innocent young women.” said Dyson.

“Sounds better than just watching them.” said Jeffery.

Dyson turned his attention back to the girl stifling a smile.

“If nothing else, it will teach you patience.” he said.

“Thank you lord. I sorely lack in that its true.” said Jeffery. He took a last bite of his apple, took aim and threw the core into the little waist basket across the room.

Dyson raised a brow. If your aim with the long bow is that good, I stand to make some money at the tournament.

“That’s the plan my lord.” said Jeffery, crossing his arms and settling back. “If I can get some sleep one of these nights.” He sighed and closed his eyes.

Dyson looked at Jeffery. His squire could sleep anywhere at any time of the day and did at every opportunity, when he was not whirling a sword or throwing a spear.

Dyson rarely slept well at night, the darkness put him on edge. It wasn’t the lack of vision. It was the silence. Training his ears out into the empty space for the slightest sound, he would lay and listen,. And now he heard something. The whisper of a breeze from an open window, the soft pad of bare feet down a marble hall. He shook Jeffery’s shoulder and his squire was awake in an instance, his hand on the jewelled grip of his dagger. For a moment they were the one creation, motionless with senses straining.

A young woman entered the room. Her long red hair was on fire in the candlelight and her bare arms and neck were aglow with orange freckles and the flush of exertion. She wore a plain olive green gown and it made her colouring sing. She crept towards the bed, an expectant smile spreading across her face.

Jeffery relaxed back shaking his head and stifling a yawn.

“Tsss” Dyson said leaning forward.

The redhead sat gently on the bed and selected a strand of dark hair and gave it a little tug. There was no reaction. She touched the sleeping girls shoulder and looked disappointed when she couldn’t rouse her.

“Come on. It’s Ruby. Wake up.”

“It’s just one of her friends.” said Jeffery. “If they are like the young people where I come from they would be sneaking around at all hours. You know, clandestine meetings, stable at night, that type of thing.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” said Dyson and his shoulders drooped.

Ruby lay her head on the pillow next to Gwen. She nuzzled her hair and stroked her face while whispering the girls name, trying to wake her as if this was a game they often played. Her fingers worked open the buttons on Gwen’s nightgown till a pale breast and nipple were revealed.

“I think our luck has changed my lord.” said Jeffery sitting forward, a small smile spreading over his face.

“Avert your eyes, Squire. I will put a stop to this when I close the circle.” said Dyson.
Gwen finally stirred smiling and arching under Ruby’s touch but her eyes remained closed.

Dyson raised his cane but froze.

Ruby’s mouth had pressed against Gwen’s neck and Gwen swooned back into sleep.
Dyson stared as the seconds ticked by and the lips stayed against the white neck, until it was painfully obvious that this was more than a kiss.

“As you are my witness Jeffery. I think I’ve done it. However unlikely the physical appearance this is certainly a vampire. I do believe she’s settled down to feed.” said Dyson.

“We have to stop her. This is monstrous.” said Jeffery rising.

Dyson put a restraining hand on his arm.

“We will but not yet. We have no idea of this creature’s strength and we are only safe in the circle. Just watch and learn.”

A moment later Ruby’s head fell away from Gwen’s neck and they were both motionless.

With a twirl of his cane Dyson released the circle and he stepped forward warily. Jeffery followed, drawing his dagger. Dyson reached forward and touched Ruby’s toes but she didn’t stir. They stepped closer.

“There, you can see where the fangs were.” said Dyson pointing. The two spots of blood were visible on Gwen’s neck.

“How awful.” said Jeffery.

“How perfectly splendid.” said Dyson. “Come Jeffery there is not a moment to lose. Lift Gwen on to the lounge and I’ll secure the vampire.”

He bent down and pulled out the chains that he’d already attached to the legs of the bed and he manacled Ruby’s slim wrists. He tied her legs together with a leather belt.
“Bring the candle Jeffery. Stop fondling the Counts daughter and make yourself useful.” said Dyson.

“I was merely… very funny my lord.” said Jeffery and he went and got a candle and joined Dyson by the bed.

“Over here. Let’s get a look at her mouth.” said Dyson. He peeled back Ruby’s lips. It’s hard to see but there is some sort of channel here. I think the fangs retract automatically when the feeding stops.”

“So they fall asleep after feeding?” asked Jeffery.

“No I dosed Gwen with Laudanum and when the creature fed she too was put to sleep. See how modern man can triumph over these inferior beings.” said Dyson.

“Inspired my lord.” said Jeffrey.

“Research.” said Dyson.

The gold edged eyelids flickered and a soft moan escaped her lips. Ruby opened her eyes and they were a big and blue if not a touch bleary. She was very pretty with her round freckled cheeks and copper coloured eyelashes.

“It just doesn’t seem possible that this angel is a vampire.” said Jeffery.

“Careful Squire, you are particularly susceptible. Be vigilant.” said Dyson.

“Sorry my lord. I will.” said Jeffery.

“Please sirs don’t hurt me. Let me go.” She burst into tears and her cries were pitiful as she writhed against the chains.

“Ruby, we don’t want to hurt you. On the contrary we want to keep you very safe.” said Dyson.

She gulped back her sobs and took a shuddering breath.

“People are getting suspicious around here. It’s only a matter of time before they realise who you are, just as I have, and they will kill you and you will be dead and gone just like the rest of your kind.

“Please sir, just let me go home. I won’t be any more trouble. Why would anyone want to kill me.” She said.

“Then tell me dear.” said Dyson. “What were you doing with your mouth on Gwen’s neck.”

Her eyelids fluttered. “I feel faint.” she said and closed her eyes and her body relaxed back on the bed. Dyson stared at her face for a long time then he turned to Jeffery.

“I thing the Laudanum is still affecting her. We’ll have to wait till she comes round again.” He straightened and rubbed his palms together.” I’ll have to write this up. I could publish my findings now I have the proof.”

Jeffery went and sat on his chair and folded his arms across his chest. His blue eyes were already half closed.

Dyson and Jeffery awoke from the sound of a bird calling just outside the heavily curtained window. The candles were guttering and in the flickering light they saw that Gwen was gone from the lounge. They leapt to their feet but soon saw that Gwen was lying on the bed with Ruby. Gwen’s arm and leg were draped over Ruby’s body and their faces were close and sweet in sleep. Gwen stirred and opened her eyes. When she saw the two men approaching, her arms tightened around Ruby.

“Let her go. This is madness.” said Gwen. Ruby stirred and nuzzled Gwen’s shoulder until her eyes opened and she realised where she was. Her face turned tragic.

“Come away from her” said Jeffery. “It’s not safe.

“No let her go. Take these ridiculous chains off.” said Gwen, her face defiant.

“Where will she go with the sun already over the horizon.” said Dyson as he walked towards the window. When his hand gripped the curtains as if to fling them open, Ruby squirmed against the chains and turned her face into Gwen’s hair.

Dyson nodded gravely. “Just as I thought. Don’t worry child it is still an hour till dawn.”
There came the sound of the front door being pounded on. It echoed up from downstairs. Soon after there was a polite knock at the door.

“Don’t’ take your eyes off them.” said Dyson to Jeffery. Jeffery who hadn’t stopped staring at them, nodded firmly.

Dyson opened the door just enough for him to slip though and he closed it behind him. It was the butler, a small impassive man.

“It’s Lady Fanshore’s Game keeper sir. He says her maid is in the house and he will take her back. The lady sends her apologies and the maid will be punished for disturbing your privacy. ”

Dyson stroked his chin.

“Tell him the maid is ill and I’m caring for her. The lady must come herself to fetch the girl.”

“Very good Sir.” said the butler and he moved off down the hall. Dyson returned to the room.

“Jeffery control yourself. Stand up at once.” said Dyson.

Jeffery was lying beside Ruby kissing her cheek while Gwen stroked her body, lingering around the swell of pale breasts again the neckline of the green bodice.
Jeffery groaned then pushed himself away.

“I am very sorry. I don’t know what happened my lord.” he said.

“She is an enchantress. I told you to be wary.” said Dyson shaking his head.

Later that evening they were called down to the parlour where Lady Fanshore was waiting. She was a raven haired beauty with large dark eyes and creamy skin. She was dressed in a red silk gown with black lace trim at the modest neckline and hem. For all her beauty, Dyson was struck by the feeling of cold power that emanated from her and the hairs on the back of his neck prickled.

She inclined her head when he introduced Jeffery who bowed low to her. Her eyes took an approving tour of his long shapely legs in his brown tights, his muscular shoulders and handsome boyish face.

Dyson’s eyes narrowed.

“Pray be seated my lady. Can I offer you some excellent sherry?”

“No thankyou. I wish to speak to the Count.” She said, standing still in the centre of the room. All the light seemed drawn to her lustrous presence leaving the rest of the room dull in comparison.

“He was called away on an urgent matter. As his physician he requested that I represent him in this matter. I feel it best to keep your maid here for another night.”
“That is not suitable” she said. “Send your squire to fetch her now.”

Jeffery started towards the door but Dyson stopped him with a look of reproach.
“Lady Fanshore, if I may explain. The count sort me out in London where I run a a successful practice in medicine. He asked if I could come and investigate his daughter health. He was detained in London but sent me on ahead. I caught your maid in Gwen’s room up to a grave mischief. I suspect your maid has been sharing some sort of local potion with the Count’s daughter. I know he would be most aggrieved to hear of this.” He let those words sink in for a moment as he poured two glasses of sherry.
“I don’t think that will be necessary however.” he said as he took the glasses and crossed to her and handed her one. “I thing a Lady should be given the opportunity to protect her households’ reputation and given a chance to deal with this privately.”
Up close she was magnificent. Her eyes were like pools of soft darkness, scattered with stars. A small smile dimpled her cheeks.

“Thank you Lord Dyson. You are a gentleman.” She raised her glass to his and they clinked. Her skin glowed with golden life, that made the whites of her eyes seem whiter.

Dyson took a sip of his sherry.

She studied him from head to toe and when she looked at him in the eyes again it was with slight disapproval. Her eyes dropped to the glass in her hand and back to his.
“I’m sorry I must forgo the sherry. It does not agree with me.” She said handing the glass back to him. “I will see my maid now.”

“I’m afraid I cannot not allow that just now. She is asleep after a feverish night and the rest will do her the world of good. I am sure tomorrow she will be ready to leave the house.”

She smiled but it was icy.

“Then I will take my leave and send my man in the morning” she said and turned on her heel and left the room.

Jeffery came forward.

“She saw through the laudanum in the sherry trick” he said.

“Yes that is painfully obvious, thankyou Jeffery.” said Dyson. “We’ll set another trap for her tonight. I’m thinking she will come in the early hours of the morning and we will be waiting.”

“Why is it always in the early hours.” said Jeffery as he followed Dyson out of the room.

Much later that night Dyson was in his magic circle. Candles were place by the bed where Ruby lay under the covers in a laudanum induced sleep. Gwen was on the lounge her hair swept back from her long pale neck sleeping peacefully as well. Close by Dyson’s circle, Jeffery sat at the dressing table. Two candles burnt in ornate candle sticks beside the mirror.

He had slumped down on the table, his face resting on his hand. Dyson had carefully arranged his curly brown hair back from his face and the candle light glowed on the tender skin of his neck where a vein was pulsing.

After Dyson had seen the look on Lady Fanshore’s face when she’d spied Jeffery , he had decided to include his squire in the laudanum dosage. Surely she would be tempted to take a taste of one of the three. Jeffery hadn’t noticed the drug in his pudding after dinner.

A lot was riding on the success of this enterprise. He couldn’t keep Ruby indefinitely and he was beginning to feel the strain of controlling the whole household with his magic.

His long vigil was rewarded when at three clock in the morning a shadow appeared by the open door. He tensed, he hadn’t heard any footsteps, nothing to give away her presence in the house. Suddenly she was stepping into the room.

He stopped breathing even though he knew he was invisible as well as inaudible inside his circle. She wore a black velvet gown with a short cape with a hood that concealed her face.

Poised inside the door, her gaze went between the three sleeping people in the room, then she crossed very quietly to the dressing table. Dyson blinked. He’d seen her taking steps but she seemed to arrive beside Jeffery before expected. He’d no time to ponder this as she pushed back her hood and her beautiful face was revealed. Her long hair braided and coiled around her head like a crown set with blood red stones.

She leaned forward slowly and again Dyson felt the prickle of excitement. There was something feline about the way she slowly glided closer and closer. Dyson had a perfect view of her lips approaching Jeffery’s bare neck. Her nostrils flared as if taking the young mans scent and her lips lingered just above the skin for a long moment. Very gently they touched and softened over the vein. Her eyes closed for a long moment then slid open. There was a tightening of her jaw, a small twitch and he saw a ripple in her throat.

Dyson’s knuckles whitened on his cane as he fought the fear and revulsion of seeing her feeding on his loyal squire but he remained still.

In a matter of minutes the laudanum would work and he would have not one but two live vampires. A small smile tugged at his lips. There would be no more good natured teasing at his club after tonight.

The moments passed in an agony for Dyson. Lady Fanshore slowly settled over Jeffery, the fingers of one hand wove into his hair while the over circled his neck, the thumb pressed against the vein like she was gauging the flow. Her hand slid down to Jeffery’s shoulder softly massaging the muscles, tracing around their curves. It moved on down to Jeffery’s chest around to his stomach and loins. Jeffery’s eyes flickered and his lips parted into a sleepy smile and he groaned softly. She responded with a low sound. It was a cross between a purr and the urgent whine of a lover.

Dyson flushed and felt a responding tightening in his loins. It was altogether the most erotic sound he had every heard and Jeffery stirred and groaned again as her fingers closed over his crotch.

Dyson swallowed. I must look at this scientifically he said to himself. I am witnessing a wonder of nature.

Lady Fanshore frowned as if the blood had suddenly become sweeter and she drew harder as she pressed down with her whole body over Jeffery’s back.

At last the drug began to take effect. She softened, her lips came away from the vein and she slid slowly to the floor.

Dyson let out a shuddering breath and took a moment to compose himself. He raised his cane and with a flourish released the circle. He crossed to Jeffery and felt the strong pulse in his neck and was much relieved. Then he turned to the vampire. She lay sprawled on her back on the floor.

“How extraordinary. Well, what a fine specimen, and how well my plan worked.” he said.

Her eyes sprang open and she flowed up from the ground ,her cape billowing out like wings and in an instant her face was close to Dyson’s. He staggered back, her fingers like iron claws in his shoulders.

She smiled and he saw her slim glistening fangs against the red of her lips.

The sudden stinging impact of her mouth on his neck sent him staggering back again. He fell to his knees from the weight of her, forced down under a strength he was no match for. Everything darkened and feeling left his body . His last thought before he lost consciousness was, perhaps I shouldn’t have drugged my combat expert.

He drifted back to reality to a feeling of warmth and fuzzy numbness. He was lying on his back on something soft. His arms and legs stretched wide but it felt good, like a morning yawn. He recognised natural rock in an uneven surface above him, flickering from the glow of firelight. He could hear the crackle of a fire and smell the smoke.
He heard footsteps approach.

“Lord Dyson welcome.” Came the velvety tones of Lady Fanshore. He found if he really concentrated he could roll his head to the side a little so he could gaze on her. It seemed to take forever. She glowed in his hazy vision, golden skin and long black hair free and rippling like water when she moved. At first she seemed naked from the waist up but as his focus improved, he saw she was clothed in a dark spider web glistening with points of light. Her nipples were pieced with silver and jewels. A dark lace skirt covered but hinted at her loins beneath.

“You are a vision of loveliness. “said Lord Dyson.

Her eyebrows rose a little.

“Thankyou my lord, Always the gentlemen, except perhaps for your little trap.” She said.

“I see now I grossly underestimated you. Are you immune to laudanum. It worked on your maid.” he said.

“No I’m not immune. That part of the plan was sound. You see I did not feed on that young man. Just the opposite. I was feeing him.” she said.

“Injecting him with your juices. How intriguing.” he said. “There was no mention of that in my research. How intriguing.”

There was the sound of echoing voice and scuffing feet. He recognised Jeffery’s voice as they came closer. Suddenly Jeffery’s voice was clear.

“Get them off him. Don’t let them. Oh God Lord Dyson. Get them off.” There was the clink of chains and gruff words.

Dyson raised his head and looked down his body and his head flopped back in shock. Now he could feel them. There were many vampires feeding on his naked skin. Two were on his upper thighs, attached near his groin, their mouths pressed over the large veins in his legs. Over their glossy hair he could see others on his legs. He felt hands run along his arms then two hot stings on the inside of his arms then numbness spreading .He rolled his head and saw more vampires, their eyes closed her jaw pumping.

And above him Lady Fanshore smile down, a triumphant gleam in her eye.
“Welcome to my feeding chamber. So glad I could be an aid to your research.” She said.

There were hands moving over his body now and his manhood was being teased His body was flushed with the most exquisite feeling and it wasn’t long before he come. The sting turned to fire as he felt the dragging of their lips.

All the time Lady Fanshore gazed down at him, eyes fiery, a grim smile on her lips. The vampires moans of delight rose around him.

Finally she clapped her hands.

“Enough.” She said. “Leave him. My pets are hungry and wait for their turn. Goodbye Lord Dyson. Bring the young man, we save him for when his blood is clean.”
The mouths withdrew and he was left alone.

He heard noises, a rub of fur on his leg, a low growl, then a sharp slash on his thigh, He felt fangs penetrate his skin. But they were not the fine injections of the vampires. He felt blood trickle down his leg. More sharp pains. Something, maybe a paw pressed into his stomach.

Above him bats circled. He squirmed feebly but they winged down and scuttled over his body, their claws scratching his skin, followed by the sharp pricks of pain.

He groaned in horror as he felt his life blood being sucked from him. He grew waker and weaker and his vision blurred.

I’m sorry Jeffrey I have failed you terribly.

“Be gone!” A light high voice above the noise of the animals and they scattered.
He was looking up into Ruby’s face. A halo of circling bats surrounded her bright red hair.

“You must get up quickly.”

He found that his arms were already free, but they didn’t obey his will.
“I can’t move” he managed to say.

She leant down and pressed her mouth to his neck. He felt the fine prick and then a moment later his limbs started twitching as adrenalin hit his system. She withdrew her fangs and gave him her hand. She supported half dragged him from the cave through labyrinth of tunnels where he soon lost his way. At last they were outside and she helped into a waiting carriage.

“Why are you helping me?” he asked and she turned her blue eyes on him.

“I don’t want to be like her. I want to be human like Gwen.” she said.

“Your bravery in helping me shows more humanity than many of my fellows. I owe you my life.” He said and patted her hand. “You have made a good start.”