The Vampire's Crimson Kiss (Editing)

Chapter 9 London at night

I was standing on the large balcony over looking lake surrounding the black keep. 

Sadiasmann held out his hand "Hold my hand now, I won't let you fall?" 

I smiled "You sure?"

"Have no doubts child, I've promised your father your safe return". I had seen something like this in a dream. He held me with one hand one each bare arm. 

I held his hand  and slowly I followed the immortal out over to the railing at the edge of the tower. My felt her teeth start to chatter.

"How do you feel Princess?" he said now 

"Scared, my stomach feels like someone has tied a hang man's noose around it. Afraid"

"But your conquering your fear like a noble, well done. We master our fears or our fears master us." he stood behind me and held one hand on each arm. "Look see that line of ships with lights. This is what I wanted to show you. Today is the feast of souls, a celebration of the local fishermen. They do it to bring good luck in the harvests this year".

I looked down to the lake surrounding the old towers. Beyond them were half sunken buildings of the old city and between the builds boats with white and red lanterns hanging from them. The boats made a snaking line taking a tour through the flooded old city streets.

"Its, very pretty" I said.

"I like the feast of souls it reminds me of the old days" said Sadismann regretfully. It was night a little after sunset. I had lost all track of day and night this was a welcome reminder of the world beyond the covern. The moon light flickered on the lake's surface making it dance like silver. 

"The old days?" I said raising my voice above the win. 

He nodded "before the fall"

"You remember it?"

"These bones were there" he smiled. At least I think he did. 

I was confused for a second. He looked so young, it was odd to think of him being more than a hundred years old.

"What was it like before the fall?" I asked. 

"Well glorious. Dryer too" he smiled "before the London lake the streets were dry and flat and not a boat insight, but at night you should have seen the lights. See the precession of boats? Now imagine that tiny ribbon of lights in every street, white and red, white and red carriages with lights moving like warm blood pumping through the heart of the city. Everyone busy, going somewhere, doing something. Laughing, eating, drinking, celebrating... the now. No need for lanterns, every street was lit up"

 "Forgive me my lord but now you are taking me for a fool. All the tallow in the badlands couldn't light this city for an hour". I said. 

I felt odd, he was singularly easy to talk to. I caught my self relaxing with him then reminded my self who he was.

"No, I saw it with my own eyes. You could walk from edge to edge without ever stepping out of the street light."

"Wow they were rich" I said looking out over the city.

Sandsmann lent against the railing "Far beyond your imagination and you, you would have ruled the city."

"Me?"

"Yes the world was a box to be unlocked by intelligent beautiful young women like you." said Sadismann "In those days women could rise to achieve any greatness"

"My grandmother was a executive accountant" I remembered, not knowing it's meaning her grandmother had said it with pride.

The wind blew and I pulled a little closer. To him.

"Where were you during all this?" I asked genuinely. 

"We skulked in dark sullen corners. We tended to control the sex trade, every town had its night walkers and every city had its red light district. It suited our nature for a while. We hid behind the scenes, let the familiars do all the work, take the risks, shield us from prying eyes. Our talents sore service, in some cities there wasn't a dominatrix who wouldn't prefer to be paid in blood. We ruled the underworld of this city at its height." he paused "Come past splendours are poor feeding. You negotiated time in the sun. Feel free to return to this place during the day at those hours we agreed.  Now you have my symbol of protection you should be safe enough. Mary knows this place well, ask her. Come let's continue the tour of the keep. Lets' go back into your broom cupboard."

We did and this time I felt the world weaken as they descended to the tower's depths. For a long time they descended then the doors opened.