The Vampire's Trophy

The Darkest Night

As Grace went into labor Greg sat in his chair polishing his sword, cleaning his weapons. He knew in his gut that Czarina would come. Anna wouldn't be wasting her breath near the windmill otherwise.

Late in the night in the wee hours of the morning, a lone shadow climbed up the windmill. The ladder was old and creaked under the weight. The climber was immediately received and soon it was all quiet again. A little later, the ladder creaked again and another slightly larger shadow moved onto the ledge of the windmill.

Again everything was still. Not a blade of grass moved. It was a starless, moonless night. Cloudy, humid and windless. As if nature was too excited to breathe.

Then a male voice, "What are you waiting for? Will you do it, or want me to?"

A female voice spoke up, "no, it's mine. I'm going. Get me the baby at the window. They are in the first floor. Looks like the baby is due anytime now. I can hear Grace."

Fine then, make no mistake this time. You know what you are supposed to do, kill the baby after he's born, just the way they've killed all ours.

I know.
She snapped.

Just hoist me down. That wretched ladder is getting on my nerves.

Here you go. If anything is wrong, I'll be right over. Okay?

Yeah. As if this is my first hunt!
I've sent the decoy. Should be there right about hmmm now.

Greg was pacing about the room when suddenly there was a young man in front of him. A shocked Greg nearly shot him. On recovering from the shock, he asked him, "how did you get here?"

Through the door.

Huh? Who are you?

Err Troy.

Troy, my boy?

No, I'm not your son. You left me when I was a baby remember?

Why are you here?

I came to see Mom. Where is she? I heard she's going to have a baby. Will you stay this time round or will you leave her again, eh?

Troy, it's been so many years since I saw you.

He went over and tried to hug him.

Whoa! Stay away. I've had my fill but won't think again if you come that close.

Oh! Ok. I'll stay right right here.

He moved close enough to be able to see him yet far enough to use his gun if required.

I've been around for a while now and I heard your talk. But neither you nor mom ever talk about me. Looks like you are all happy without me. You don't even have a picture of me in the house. Czarina was right. So right.

We are the way we are because of her, and yet you take her side. What else has she told you? Did she tell you that she made you a vampire to take revenge on me? Did she tell you how she cheated your mom into believing that she could transform you back to your original self. Your mom did all she was asked to, to save you from becoming a vampire and yet here you are. And it's because Czarina lied.

But you didn't do anything to save me.

Son, in my defense I kept you away from me, so something of this sort doesn't happen. I pledged to avenge your life by giving your mother Czarina's head. But would you believe me?

Anyway, now that you are here, tell me what would you like to name your brother or sister. As an elder brother it's your right.

Seriously. After all these years?

Yes. You will always be our son.

Greg, pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his tears. A small blue ribbon slipped out of his pocket. Troy picked it up and looked at him questioningly.

That's the ribbon we used to tie to your crib. When you were small, you used to try to catch it as it fluttered in the air.

I've seen it in pictures.

Yes, we tied it as a bowtie on your first birthday.

Greg's eyes were still misting. Troy's cheeks had tears flowing on them.

Why did you allow her to make me like this?
Said Troy hugging Greg.

I couldn't save you, Troy. I'm sorry.

Just then, there was knock on the door, Troy hid behind the curtains. Greg cleared his throat and wiped his face. He picked up his gun and said a bit loudly, "yes, come in".
It's a girl sir,she said.

Wow, thanks.

She left.

Troy did you hear that? what would you like to call your sister? Don't you like to see her?

Troy nodded his head. He was happy. The sudden sense of belonging brought happiness and pride and also hope with it. He said, "Can we name her Asha which means Hope?"

Asha. That's a beautiful name and hope she is.

He took him by his arm to meet Grace.

No, dad, father? What should I call you?

Dad sounds great. I never got to hear that. Always Mama. Huh. Funny little kiddo.

Dad, you are a vampire hunter, no? Won't you kill me?

No son. I won't. I left hunting Vampires. But I won't leave Czarina. Grace wants her head and ...

she shall have it.

Finished Troy.

They reached the room and as they entered, Troy looked up at the window. Czarina was sitting with a baby in her hands. Troy grabbed his father's gun and shot her. As she fell to the floor, Troy scooped up the baby. She let go with a smile" blood IS thicker than water."

Troy was happy to have saved his baby sister from Czarina.
Czarina raised her hands and motioned for Greg.

Troy was looking at the baby and seemed a bit perplexed. The baby let out a yawn and he whispered Asha.

Asha, nice she's MY daughter. Troy's daughter. Bring her up well. Teach her to live and let live. Teach her to not make the same mistakes as I did. Won't you Greg?

Troy placed the baby in the crib alongside another baby. Grace was trying to sit up when Czarina stumbled towards her.
She is my only hope, a queen. Please promise to bring her up like your own with your own. I promise no one will ever disturb your peace.

Grace looked at the babies sleeping side by side. Their little faces aglow with innocence. She looked at Czarina, took her outstretched hand in hers and tears flowed from their eyes.

Czarina breathed her last as Troy held her in his arms saying, "I die a queen."

Troy held her lifeless body and there was a sudden flutter at the window. Karl had come. Greg realized his son was in danger and stood guard. Karl picked Czarina's body and stared at Troy. His eyes looked as if saying,  "I knew this would happen."

Troy slouched on a chair as Greg lead Karl out of the house through the front door. Greg's sympathy seemed to have melted Karl and he didn't say a word and left in silence.

The sun shine unusually bright that day. The two little girls were fast asleep oblivious to all that happened in the very room, dreaming perhaps of a better and bright future.

[I didn't want to end the story at chapter 13, so please read on.]