Lord of the Vampires Read Free

dubiousness, I addedloudly so that those standing watch at the entry would hear: And send in two guards. I am not of a mind to wait alone.
    They heard and entered without waiting for Gregors relaytwo fine strong Moldavians, one dark and the other golden, both tall and armed with swords, both left behind as tokens of Stefans guilt over past infidelities. This I did so that Gregor might not, should he arm himself in his absence, return and indulge his anxiousness to see me destroyed.
    Later, when he returned, cheeks and nose reddened and glistening from the cold, to report that the horses should be ready within the hour, I sent him straightway on another errand: Fetch clothing for me and yourself and bring it here, to my private chambers. We shall go disguised as Turks.
    This gave him great alarm, which he barely stifled. Did I know of the boier plot to send Basarab and the Turks to slay me and my army? Did I suspect him?
    In his veiled eyes I saw the machinations of a traitorous mind. I had given no clear sign of suspicion yet; certainly I could have easily ordered the bodyguards to dispatch him had I discovered the truth. Was this one of the fearsome voivodes fatal gameswas I delaying his execution in order to savour itor was it chance that I had chosen this moment to leave my stronghold disguised, alongside the man who would play my Judas?
    He left, and in moments returned with clothing: a peaked cap, tunic and wool cloak to shield against the cold. He assisted me with my dress under the attentive eye of the Moldavians, watched as I wound the turban round my head, and looked askance when I asked him:
    Olmeye hazirmisin? Are you prepared to die?, for I am as fluent in the speech of my enemies as I am my own tongue, having spent my youth as the sultans prisoner. I know their dress, their mannerisms, and can pass for one of them. And I laughed, for though he is their minionhe who serves the boiers serves the Turkshe understood not one word I had uttered. He laughed also, yellowed teeth flashing beneath the drooping mustache so like mine, thinking my mirth sprang from my successful impersonation.
    Then I went over to the wall and lifted down from its place of honour a great scimitar, gleaming in the firelight, and with it a curving sheath. This I fastened to my belt, then said:
    Dress.
    He did so, and I looked on in silent approval at a body small in stature, but muscular, broad of chest and shoulder. His scars are fewerhe has not been tested in battle as often as Iand he lacks half a front tooth, but the similarities are enough.
    After a time, a boy ran up to say the mounts were ready. But I would not be rushed. I had begun this entry and was obliged to finish itfor this will be my last remembrance as a mortal. I had learned from the Dark Lord in Circle the hour of Basarabs coming and knew I was still safe, and further, I was not inclined to end Gregors anxiety. Let him wait! Let him suffer in uncertaintywhich he does to this very moment, pacing in his Turkish robes, praying that I will change my mind and remain here, to be slaughtered.
    Were the guards not here, he would risk killing me now. I know that the moment we are alone on horseback, he will seek the first opportunity; for that, I am ready.
    I must not die now! Not so close to the touch of the Dark Lord, and Eternity
    * * *
    Snagov Monastery, 28 December.
    To the north we rode upon black stallions, first along the banks of the Dimbovita, then across the frozen ground into the bare-limbed Vlasia Forest, tinged with evergreen. The air was grey with smoke and the approaching storm, and laden with a strange, fleeting smell: of lightning spent, of iron wielded; of blood and snow.
    I galloped at full speed, wind stinging my eyes, keeping Gregor well behind mea danger, perhaps, but I had seen him dress and knew he carried no weapon save the sword at his waist. If he wished to kill me at that moment (and he did), then he would have to overtake me, throw me from my horse, slay me