by Jeff Schanz
“Excellent,” said Viktor.
Really? It is? The response was not what Brandt was expecting and he wasn’t sure where to go with it. He glanced at the bowl of fruit on the table, thinking maybe he could divert himself by munching on something, but as he examined the bowl, he found there was no fruit in it. Tomatoes, squash, eggplant, and peppers. Something that resembled blackberries was buried underneath the eggplant, but before he could rummage for them, Viktor spoke again.
“My dear Natalia tells me that our sunsets are amazing. Have you experienced them?”
The last one was a doozy. “Yes, sir. They are beautiful. The whole island is beautiful.”
Again, the satisfactory Viktor nod. Viktor made two more comments about Brandt’s stay on the island, which Brandt answered tactfully. Lia kept her eyes on her work in the kitchen, not looking up again until she walked out and brought Brandt a plate. On the plate was a filet of chicken, sautéed in something that looked like peppers, with some scrambled eggs on the side. Despite the atypical combination, it looked terrific. Viktor received no plate.
Viktor noticed this and turned to address his daughter.
She was ready to explain. “You ate earlier, Papa. And you aren’t feeling well.”
Viktor reluctantly nodded. “Ah, yes. My apologies. Very rude of me.” He gave a more formal head-bow to Brandt, and said, “Please, Mr. Dekker. Enjoy your meal. I am not feeling well and will simply sit for a moment before I retire.”
Brandt returned the formal gesture and decided to tuck in without more delay.
The chicken was an improvement from their joint effort last time. Lia probably dug around in one of her cookbooks and found a recipe that better fit her available ingredients. Whatever she did, it was wonderful, and Brandt downed it with as much patience as he could muster. He was hoping Lia would join him, but she didn't. Her company and conversation were enjoyable the last time they sat here and ate together. Of course, that was before he knew what she was. And now that he did, he wondered if it should matter.
The dinner experience didn’t take long, even trying to eat with good table manners. Brandt slid his fork onto the plate. He was going to stretch for a second to diffuse a burp, then planned to get up and bring his plate to wherever they washed things. But within seconds of him clinking the fork, the plate was whisked up by Lia. Brandt barely had time to say, “I’d be glad to help.”
Lia was the person he was hoping to make amends with, but Viktor was the master of the house, and Viktor decided to respond for her.
“Nonsense,” Viktor said. “You are our guest. Our staff will take care of it. Please enjoy yourself.”
Again with the staff. This is not good.
Lia never balked at any of this. Perhaps she expected, or was used to, this kind of thing from Viktor. After a short silence, Lia said, “Your offer is appreciated, but unnecessary, Mr. Dekker. Thank you.” Mr. Dekker with her too, now.
Unsure of what else to do, Brandt folded his hands in his lap again and tried to look interested in the features of the house. Viktor stared at nothing for a minute or two and then introduced his after-dinner plan.
“Do you enjoy cigars, Mr. Dekker?”
Brandt didn’t smoke, but he learned a long time ago that if an important person is meeting with you and offers you a cigar, you take it, smoke it, and there is a kind of bond that gets shared. “By all means, sir,” said Brandt. He had picked up the strange little phrase in his travels to address a situation that you didn’t want to officially answer as affirmative or negative. It was a noncommittal answer that said, “I shall happily do as you like.”
Viktor slid a box of Cuban cigars to Brandt and pulled opened the lid. Inside was a full complement of cigars with only one missing. Brandt plucked up one, and Viktor closed the lid. Viktor already had a cigar in his hand, one which had previously been lit at some point, but was not lit at the moment. He struck a match that came from some unknown place and lit Brandt's cigar, then lit his own. Brandt did his practiced suck and puff on his cigar without taking much into his lungs. Viktor placed the cigar to his lips and sat back like he planned to take a long leisurely drag from the cigar. But nothing else happened. The cigar burned and smoked, but Brandt didn't see any kind of inhale or exhale come from Viktor.
He watched carefully, interested in seeing if that sort of thing was even possible since Lia’s book said that Undead vampyres don’t breathe. So perhaps they can’t push air out at all. Viktor looked like he might be pulling in some kind of air, but it was definitely not a full inhale, and the cigar acted more like a burning prop. Brandt kept his own cigar between his fingers and once again surveyed the house from his chair. He wanted to look satisfied and leisurely, which was usually the goal of any formal host. Viktor seemed pleased. After about ten minutes of the awkward leisure, Viktor stubbed out his cigar into an ashtray and began to stand up. He did it slowly, carefully, masking the weakness of his muscles and joints.
He straightened his suit and bowed his head in Brandt’s direction. “My sincere apologies, but I must lie down for a few minutes. I am not feeling well. You will stay and enjoy our hospitality in the meantime. Please – do not get up.”
Brandt had made a small motion to stand, nixing it on Viktor’s request. Viktor looked around the room for a moment. He then turned to Brandt again. “If you’ll be so kind as to stay, I should like to come back and talk with you further.”
“Of course,” said Brandt, not certain what that really meant. Wherever he was going, would Viktor’s faulty mind forget about his desire to come back and leave Brandt waiting here until morning?
Viktor seemed to have gathered enough strength and composure to walk stiffly but proudly through the kitchen. He and Lia exchanged a cheek kiss and he shuffled to the heavy basement door. He opened and shut the door, disappearing behind it.
Brandt placed his cigar in the ashtray. Lia had disappeared somewhere already and Brandt wanted to find her to talk with her for a moment. He made it into the kitchen when she reappeared.
“Oh, hello again, Miss Natalia Zakharyina,” he said in mock formality.
Lia grimaced in exasperation. She ignored the greeting and said as she lowered her head, “Thank you for – humoring him. And not saying anything. It was a kind gesture.”
“You’re welcome,” said Brandt. “And thank you for not explaining to him how I reacted to your – news.”
She nodded, then walked over to the counter to collect some peelings and discarded pepper pieces.
Brandt followed her. “But I’m confused. When I saw him this morning he was magnificent. He was the most vibrant, awesome thing I had ever seen. But tonight? It was like he’s two different people.”
Lia nodded again. “He was in his real body tonight. It is difficult to explain.”
“Oh, ok, I think I might understand, then,” said Brandt. “So, this morning was a projection, and tonight wasn’t?”
Lia straightened and snapped her eyes to lock on his. He didn’t need to read her mind to know what she was thinking. It was one of the reasons he wanted to speak with her.
“I wanted to tell you that I read your book,” he said proudly.
Lia’s eyes grew as large as tangerines and her mouth fell open. “You did? You really did?”
Brandt nodded. “Yeah. You, uh, told me I should read it to understand what – you are going through. So, I did.”
Lia’s face might have been a light bulb, every pore glowed. It was that same mix of maximum joy and curiosity that he had seen from her a few days ago. For a little moment, Lia seemed to have forgotten any friction between them.
Brandt continued. “I read it this afternoon. I hope it was ok that I came into the house while you were gone.”
“Yes, yes, you are our guest,” said Lia in a faraway tone, an automated style response as if her mind was somewhere else. “I saw you go in, but I assumed it was to only borrow the books I laid out.”
“Well, I
did come for that. And thank you. But… Wait a sec. You saw me? Where were you?”
“Nearby,” she said quickly. She bit her lip and took a small step back. “Did you enjoy the book?”
Difficult question. The book was a textbook of a medical condition. It was detailed and informative, and helped him understand things immensely. But how do you really enjoy a textbook? Lia clasped her hands together expectantly. It was like she was waiting for a lottery drawing. And then he understood.
No one had ever read the book before. Lia had been on this island for however long, pouring every ounce of time and energy into making her book the most complete and perfect thing of her life, and here Brandt had just casually tossed out the comment that he had read it. It’s cool, but it won’t make a good movie. Poor Lia was killing herself from the anticipation of his judgment of her writing.
“It was exceptional,” he said, tactfully. “And it truly helped me understand things better. And I wanted to thank you for allowing me to read it.”
Lia was about to burst. She might be the happiest he had ever seen her since he got here. And then the light bulb dimmed, and suddenly the cautious Lia returned. Brandt couldn’t blame her. He had been pretty rough on her disclosure the other day.
“I’m glad,” she said, in a more restrained, but pleasant tone.
“So, why the change from projection to real body tonight?”
Lia wasn't surprised at the question but wasn't comfortable with it either. She looked away and tried to act like she was busy. Probably realizing she wasn't going to get away with ignoring the question, she sighed and faced Brandt directly, returning to her regal posture. Whatever she needed to say, she had to make herself courageous to say it.
“He wanted to see you with his real eyes at least once,” she answered.
“Well, I’m flattered,” said Brandt, assuming that the gesture on Viktor’s part was significant. “But why? I’m nothing special.”
Lia didn't hesitate this time. She had anticipated the question and had already decided her response. “He believes you are special to me. He is under the impression,” she said, taking in a slow breath, “that we should be married.”
Uhhh.
Lia was obviously embarrassed, yet held her head high as she continued on with her disclosure. “I saw you when you were floating in the ocean. He noticed that you were young and fit and thought I might be attracted to you, and he brought you back here hoping you might be attracted to me.”
Oh, man.
Lia absently began to clean the countertop as she continued gamely. “He assumed you were gravely injured and would need to be repaired by our blood. He wanted me to turn you so you would have no recourse but to stay with me. I refused this.”
The churning in Brandt’s stomach that he had felt the other evening, when he was told she was a vampyre, was back.
Lia continued. “I explained that you were not gravely injured, and simple medical attention and rest would allow you to fully recover. He was not happy about this. He figured you would leave if given the choice. But I insisted that the choice not be taken from you.”
Brandt blinked slowly, trying to maintain his composure so as not to appear disgusted, or upset, or even dumbfounded this time. He was determined to act like he was simply listening calmly and intently. He hoped it was working. But… oh, dear Lord.
“Do not worry. There is no obligation, nothing owed, and no danger. Father is just disappointed. He worries about my future without him. He believes he is dying.”
“Isn’t he? I mean, you wrote that all Undead vampyres are in the constant and slow state of deterioration?”
Lia’s bright look snuck back onto her face for a moment. Was it because Brandt had remembered things she had written in her book? If that was the path to her happiness, she was probably suppressing the emotion believing that Brandt found her affliction repulsive, which made Brandt feel even guiltier.
She answered, “Yes. He has been deteriorating for a while. However, there is no easy indicator of when the end is approaching. And he worries that I will be left by myself, without a protector.”
Brandt could understand that somewhat. Despite being an Undead vampyre, Viktor was still a father, and all fathers worry about their daughters’ safety and future. Brandt wasn’t happy being the subject of the solution to this dilemma, but he could see how it would make sense to Viktor. In fact, if it didn’t concern him directly, he would understand the strategy. But it did concern him.
“I see,” said Brandt.
Lia nodded. “I do not need a protector. I can take care of myself. Father doesn’t want to accept this, but it is not his decision to make. It is my life to spend or risk as I choose.”
Brandt noticed that the confident, take-charge Lia had shown up, once again. She was still embarrassed but was in control.
She finished cleaning up the scraps on the counter and faced Brandt directly. “I love my father and I wish to make him happy, but he will simply be disappointed for a little while once he realizes that my marriage is not going to happen in his lifetime. Or likely ever. Living out here is both a necessity and a curse. It will not do for any human to spend their lives out here, and I will not inflict vampyrism on anyone else for the relief of my loneliness. I have accepted my fate, and I am comfortable with my life however it turns out through my remaining years. Please don’t worry about my father’s wishes. You are free to leave anytime you like. I have truly appreciated your company even in this short time, and that was all I ever hoped for.” She smiled genuinely for a brief moment. She reached forward and gave his arm a light squeeze. “Just hearing a human voice again was a joy that you brought to me. I will be satisfied with that memory. Thank you.”
She gathered a plate of the scraps she had collected and turned to walk away.
“Wait,” said Brandt, not sure what he wanted to say. But he was feeling a little dismissed from the decision of his own fate. Although he would have declined the offer anyway, it would have been nice to have been able to answer it himself. Maybe it was better this way.
Lia slowed and turned her head back, but didn’t completely stop. Brandt didn’t have a follow up to “wait,” having to think something up quickly. “I’m sorry,” he said. “For everything. For the way I’ve acted. You deserve better than me, anyway.”
She smiled appreciatively, took another step and then did stop. In a soft murmur, she said, “You are a better man than you allow yourself to think.”
“Then I guess we can be friends?”
“I would very much like that.” She contemplated something for a moment, then said, “Father will come back. Be warned, I believe he wishes to discuss our marriage.”
“Ah,” said Brandt. “That won’t be awkward at all.” Shit.
“Humor him if you can, but he has already agreed that you are free. And he already knows my decision. There is nothing you need to do. Nor will he take any action against it.”
Lia disappeared through the dark room in the back.
In a matter of days Brandt had gone from ward to friendly acquaintance, to lover, to potential victim, and now friend-zone.
Brandt turned around and went back to the table. He was looking forward to Viktor’s return like he was looking forward to a dental appointment. Luckily he didn’t have to wait long.
The room darkened. The candles flickered. An eerie mist descended upon the room, surrounding the table. Examining the phenomenon more closely, Brandt saw no actual mist, but the darkness seemed to be physical nonetheless, shrouding the dining area like a curtain. The old tingling of numbness and drowsiness intruded again like it had so many times during his convalescence. In his earlier state, without the knowledge of Lia’s book, the combination of the creepy visual and mental effects probably would’ve made Brandt piss his pants. But Brandt knew what was going on now. He ignored the illusions, shook off the weird feelings, and waited patiently.
Lia had written that some Undead
vampyres prefer to represent themselves in an intimidating fashion. Viktor was making an entrance.
Viktor walked, or rather glided, through the dark curtain of mist and came to a stop at the chair he had sat on not ten minutes ago. He was back to his fitter, stronger, and younger projection image. Even without his wings, he was intimidating.
Brandt wasn’t sure how this was going to play out, but he was glad Lia had briefed him. Intimidation or not, Brandt was free. Viktor would be disappointed, but Brandt had been the sheep long enough on this island. He was as much of a wolf as Viktor. Brandt had commanded men and sent them to their deaths. A stalemate was coming.
Viktor may have sensed this, but was icy calm as he beckoned Brandt to sit down. Though Brandt sat, he was no longer the meek guest. He understood the situation now. And for the first time in a while, he felt he had some control over his life, just as Lia had over hers.
Viktor said in his frigid voice. “We shall discuss the hand of my daughter.”
Brandt said nothing and folded his hands across his lap.
Viktor made his case as Lia had predicted, except, of course, from Viktor's point of view. In his opinion, Lia was naïve and sheltered. Viktor had taken care of her for over a hundred years, but he was dying and was afraid that once he was gone, there would be no defense against those who might wish to harm her. Viktor was holding something back in his reference to “enemies,” but Brandt had the feeling that would be disclosed if he agreed to Viktor's proposal. Lia needed a husband and a protector. And if Brandt would agree to turn vampyre and take good care of her for the rest of her life, Viktor would deed him the island and all his remaining wealth. Brandt had no idea what that wealth may be, but considering the ownership of the island and the extreme effort it would've taken to build this place, he guessed the wealth was probably not a bluff. Viktor's only other stipulation to the marriage would be that Brandt would have to abide by the customs of courtship, whatever that was.
