Out of Time- Part 1

I remember it so clearly, like a dream that you don’t forget, even after waking up. That’s what it was to me, a dream; one that I never wanted to end. I remember the clinks of the glasses, the smiling guests, each dressed in their finest clothes, and that table so filled with food that there almost wasn’t enough room for our plates. We were in the ballroom, awaiting the guest of honor’s arrival; Count Reginald Von Suma. I was talking with the guests, just idle chitchat about the new queen and what our opinions of her were. Some suggested we make her one of us, another wanted to make her a puppet; everyone had something to say about the topic. But I suppose that should have been no surprise, we had all seen the rise and fall of kings and queens, at some point we all had ideas on how to “improve” their reign.

As I was about to go and continue talking to more of the guests, the crowd’s attention was called to the balcony.

“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Castle Suma.” A man in a butler’s uniform announced. “Please allow me to introduce the host of tonight’s events; Count Reginald Von Suma.” With that, the butler stepped back, and the lord of the castle took his place on the balcony. I had met him years ago, on the worst day of my life, and the best day of my afterlife.

“Greetings, everyone.” The Count said. I’ve heard him speak countless times over the years, but I never quite got used to it. His voice was smooth, it flowed from his mouth like sweet cream out of a spoon, and it was just as cold. Not to say that he was a cold person, but rather that he could send a chill down the spine of even the eldest of our kind. “Thank you all for coming.” While talking, Count Reginald walked slowly down the stairs, allowing us all to see him more clearly. Count Reginald was a slender man, with pale skin, and piercing eyes. At one point, he locked eyes with me, and I felt myself hold my breath until he looked away. He smiled, “I hope everyone has enjoyed the food and games, because it is now time to begin our business.”

“Please Count Suma, do not keep us waiting. You’ve called us all here after all, so it must be important.” A man in the crowd said, but I couldn’t tell who.

“Yes, quite so. We have not all been together for some years now, so I wanted to make the evening memorable first.” Despite the rudeness of the interruption, the count never lost his smile. “The reason for my calling you all here tonight is simple, I have decided to take drastic action.”

“And what would that be?” The same voice called out, but this time I saw who it was. It was a heavier set man, wearing a black suit, and a top hat. He was standing just ten feet away from Count Reginald, but he yelled loud enough that everyone could hear him. Beside him stood a woman, frail and sickly. Maybe his wife, maybe a mistress, either way, I pitied her; he had clearly been feeding on her too often.

Count Suma started walking over towards the man. “The action I have decided upon… is to be rid of all of you.” He said, never once losing his smile. Not even as he plunged a hand into the man’s chest, and ripped his shriveled black heart from it. There were screams echoing around the room, and when I looked, I saw others in similar states. “My apologies everyone, I know this is terribly inconvenient, but it simply could not be helped.” The count nodded his head and shrugged his shoulders, then dropped the man’s heart to the ground. It hit the floor like a wet raisin. I caught a glimpse of the woman he was with, and saw a smile start to form on her face.

I looked around the room, taking in the gruesome sight, pleased that everything was going according to plan. Count Reginald slowly walked up to me, after pulling out his handkerchief and wiping the blood from his hand and shirt cuff. “What should we do with the servants and attendant’s guests?” I asked him.

“Let them go home. They can do nothing, and I doubt they wish to mingle with us now that they are free.” He replied.

“Are we sure this is the best course of action?” I asked, and looked around the room. Some of the guests saw fit to fight back against our people, they would have suffered less if they had just let it happen. Now all that will be left of them are stains on the floor.

“It is.” I re-met the Count’s eyes; he was still smiling. “Are you ready?”

“I am.” He placed his hand on my chest. I felt the frills of my dress fold and crease as it bunched up close to my skin.

“Then I will see you once you wake up.” He said and plunged his hand into my chest. I felt the burning, searing pain, the sudden shock of breaking bones, and the sharp tearing sensation as he removed his empty hand. Unlike the others, he left my heart intact. He placed his arms around my waits, and a hand on the back of my head as I collapsed to the ground. “Goodnight.” He whispered, and my vision blurred into darkness.

I woke up later, in a dark room with stone floors. I was laying on a stone table, a bit like an alter, but with no engravings. I sat up and let my eyes adjust. I examined myself, and saw nothing wrong. Although, my clothes had been changed, and my nails had been painted bright red. Beside the table was a mirror, tall enough that one could see their whole body. I spent a few minutes looking at my strange new attire. I was wearing a man’s pants, but they were blue, and rather course, and a green blouse that hung loosely from my shoulders.

“Times have changed I see…” I spoke to my reflection. A small light pierced the darkness and a voice behind me called out.

“Indeed.”. Without turning around, I knew who it was.

“Count Reginald. How have you been?” I asked, and touched up my make up in the mirror.

“I have been well, but it is now Earl Reginald. The monarchy changed many years ago, and no longer has such titles.” He said, and stood behind me, wait for me to finish.

“A shame. I liked the old system; it was so easy to get my way.” I said and finished with my make up, then turned around. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

“Not very, less than two centuries.” He said and offered me his arm.

“As gentlemanly as ever.” I said and interlocked my arm with his. “So, what is first?”

“I think perhaps… lunch.” He led me upstairs to a table. Around the table were several men and women, wearing odd robes. “Do any of these catch you eye?”

I examined them, “I think… this one.” I placed my hand on a young man with tan skin and dark hair.

“Excellent choice.” Earl Reginald said.

“I’m honored, my lady.” The man said, and offered his wrist.