Reading the Vampire in Europe

'Reading the Vampire in Europe' by Jon Hartless

S traddling the gap between the ordered western lands of science, religion and syphilis, and the chaotic eastern lands of superstition, paganism and yeast infections, the Nobles' Rest offered a symbolic gateway between each world, offering the unwritten adage 'Abandon hope all ye who enter here' to all travellers, regardless of which way they were bound.

On this evening, however, travel was impossible as a sudden storm had isolated the rocky pass upon which the hotel stood. Torrential rain thundered down the mountain sides, while a thick fog enveloped the land; nothing could get in or out.

"We'll just have to make the best of it," grumbled Lord Horton as he gazed out of a window, squinting through the glass darkly and seeing nothing but his own reflection, behind which the reflections of his fellow guests could be seen; Doctor Scott, physician; Doctor Roberts, Master of Lounds College, present with some half dozen of his students, and lastly Stephens, the foundry worker, and his seemingly endless supply of grimy male children, ranging in age from eighteen to twenty two. Also somewhere in the hotel was Sir Montague Newell, banker, and Sir Ian Clarke, scientist.

Lord Horton turned and saw that he had somehow missed one of the retinue, despite the fact that he was leaning against a table in the centre of the room in clear view. This was Count Gryff, a foreigner from the far edge of the lands of ravines and forests. And then of course there were the ladies, segregated in the tiny drawing room at the other end of the hotel, along with the women from Stephens' family.

Lord Horton sighed again, wondered how he could pass the time, and jumped as a thunderous knocking sounded from the front door. The guests looked at each other in surprise; for anyone to risk travelling on such a night indicated great urgency or suicidal insanity. The German manager gestured to the Swedish deputy manager, who in turn rang the bell to summon the Spanish bell boy, who ambled forward and opened the door.

He was brushed aside by a tall, thin man who radiated command and energy. The man strode into the hotel, looked around at the guests, and settled on Count Gryff.

"A-ha!" he exclaimed. "You thought to throw me off with the weather, but by God's grace I survived the merciless ravine that swallowed my three companions, valet, assistant, both mules and native guide, and now I am here."

"You are no match for one who has stood outside the enormity of time!" shouted the Count, springing into an alert crouch. "I tell you now that all will suffer before my night of terror is done."

"Oh, I say," said Doctor Scott, "what is going on?" Lord Horton frowned