The Vampyre Troubles

Chapter 1

The Vampyre Troubles

by

R.S. Sheehan

©Copyright 2015  All rights reserved

- Chapter 1

“This way Captain. And mind the step.” Said the fresh-faced Lieutenant, as he gracefully walked down the long corridor ahead, the floor of which was covered in rich red carpet. The walls on either side were cream painted, and upon them hung huge fine portraits of various historical figures – Churchill, Queen Elizabeth I (and the II), Shakespeare, Newton, Darwin, Wellington, Nelson and so on and so forth. They were the greatest of Great Britons, hanging proudly and encased in golden frames. Each of them staring across at another and each of them oblivious to the burning Britain outside.

Although they were mesmerising to the Captain's eyes and perhaps almost hauntingly so, to his mind they were no more than useless relics from the glorious past of a Empire that was long at an end. Like the pillars of Ancient Rome, they too would burn in fire and their beauty along with their pride would crumble into ash and dust. He thought of them burning as he walked past each one, his footseps following the Lieutenant down the corridor that seemed to never end.

“Wait here Sir, while I announce your arrival.” Said the Lieutenant as he finally stopped just short of the rich mahogany double doors and turned to face the Captain who was unimpressed by the formalities.

“It is important Captain, even in barbarous times such as these, that we remain ourselves and remain courteous.” Continued the young Lieutenant, seeing the Captain's disregard for the procedures.

“Open the fucking door Lieutenant and after you do, I suggest you pray that the General never delicates, that your duties lie outside of these walls because if the damned Vampyres don't kill you – I promise, that I will!” Replied the Captain, his face unhesitatingly showing that he meant every word of it.

The young Lieutenant's face gasped at the brashness and openness of the Captain. Fearful, he did not retort or even reply out loud at all, he simply nodded and smiled passively. Although clearly unhappy and non too thrilled he was, at the prospect of the Captain's promise, he continued his duty and with some effort pushed forward the two thick mahogany doors which led into the great hall.

“I present to thee, Captain Liam McKenna.” Announced the Lieutenant to the room, loudly and in a mannerism that was quite over the top.

The Captain unimpressed, didn’t wait for an answer and walked straight into the great hall and stood unenthusiastically at attention, saluting lazily as he done so and with the intent of it being noticed by all the occupants of the room. Which as his eyes soon learned, numbered twelve, some of whom he knew, some he knew of, others he wished he didn’t know and others still, that he knew nothing of. All in all they were, each of them, members of high society and whilst some like Doctor Johnson, the Captain very much did like and others, like the General, he at least did respect, most of them he hated and they likewise hated him. And the stares, glares and judgement that most of them did give at that moment, proved the Captain's feelings to be true.

“At ease Captain.” Said the General, seated closest to where the Captain was standing. His distinguished Scottish highland accent hitting straight into the Captain's ears.

“Come lad, sit, join us for dinner.” He continued. His face red and puffy. It was clear to the Captain that the General had recently had at least, a few glasses of drink. Perhaps brandy. He knew it was the General's favourite. Although he was not expecting the offer and was very much uncomfortable in such fine surroundings with such unappealing people, the Captain reluctantly accepted, knowing anyway that it was more of an order from the General rather than an invitation.