Take out your holy symbol
From Create Your Own Story
You take the holy symbol out from under your shirt. Michael hisses and stumbles back. The other vampire seems rather less impressed, though he regards it respectfully.
"Vell," he says. "That vould explain vy you aren't dead already. And vhot are you doing in my castle?"
Micheal's still writhing, so you hide the cross again. "You're Walfreid von Furchstam then?" He nods. "I'm Melissa Parker. I've been trying to find... you. I work for the same firm as Micheal."
"Anozzer lawyer, zen. Looking for ze rightful owner of my castle." He looks at you sourly.
Micheal has recovered. "Actually, the rightful owner might be you. If Melissa leaves in safety, I'm sure she can ensure that the proper paperwork is drawn up. I can assist you with the legalities."
Walfreid gives Micheal a sharp glance. "In safety." he mutters. Walfreid locks gazes with you. It feels like he can see your very thoughts. "And vhot if she doesn't?"
Micheal's voice seems to come from very far away. "Then she won't be able to make you the rightful owner of this castle, and it will default to the state. They can do whatever they like with it. Tear it down, even, like they do most derelict buildings."
Walfreid's gaze bores into you for a couple seconds more, then he looks at Micheal and releases you. "Very vell. I vill trade you your friend for my castle. After all, zere vill be ozzer younk ladies. Zere alvays are." He turns away with a flash of cape. "And you, Miss Parker, I trust you vill keep your end of ze bargin. If you do not, I vill find you." With that, he is gone.
You shiver. "Would he really hunt me down?"
Michael shrugs. "I don't know. We've got to get you home for now, though. There are other things here besides vampires."
He walks you through the dungeon, up the stairs, and to the door of the castle. The stormy sky makes it unusually dark for this time of day. "Are you going to walk me all the way to town?"
Michael seems startled at the idea. "I suppose I could." He thinks a bit longer on the idea. "No. All the people around... not a good idea." His eyes flash for a second. "Not with you still here, anyways. Maybe when you're safely away..."
You stare at him incredulously. "Are you you thinking about biting people?"
He looks at the ground guiltily. "I can't really help it. It's a very strong desire. The only thing keeping me away from you right now is your crucifix." He pauses, and you silently thank Hans. He continues, "How long will it take you to be ready for Walfreid to take ownership?"
You do some quick calculations. "Give me two days. Can I meet you in the record's room at 2:00?"
"Um, no. There's a window there. Sunlight is a bit of a problem."
"Oh. You turn to dust?"
"No. Just get really weak."
"The dungeon, then?"
"That will work." With that, he returns to the castle.
By the time you reach town, it has gotten fully dark. You're exhausted.
The innkeeper gives you a very queer look as you shuffle in. You address him. "Could you send word to Hans that I'm okay? I need to get something to eat."
He nods.
You go to the bar for supper. Some of the locals want to talk to you, but you're really not in the mood. You go back to your room and fall asleep to the sounds of the storm.
You wake, and realize that you're still wearing Hans' cross. Unfortunately, it wasn't a dream. You've agreed to get Walfreid von Furchstam ownership of his castle in exchange for your life. You wonder if he'd be able to get you in America. Surely his reach doesn't extend that far.
It crosses your mind to split. You want out of this mess as soon as possible. That might not be so wise, though.
