Ring of Madness

by Royden Labrosse

  - I'm much stronger. You have no idea how much stronger my Power is than it used to be!

  - How did you do it?!

  - Think about it, - Mechislav openly bullied the enemy. - Maybe that's what you'll make up.

  - We'll see who's laughing last!

  That's why the vampires broke up. Duke came out slamming the door. Mechislav lay motionless for a while, but in full consciousness. Then he made himself comfortable on the table and closed his eyes. I watched the vampire in silence. I was afraid to show myself even with questions. Caution is not cowardice. It's not enough! What if we're being watched? Oh, I think that's it! There was a blueish cocoon all around me.

  - Don't worry, curly, it's all right!

  Mecislav! How glad I was to hear him now! The fog tightened around me, and when it dispersed, it turned out that I was standing in the same scarlet room. And even dressed alone in the same room as it was. And Mechislav fell apart on the bed, as if talking to Andre was just a dream.

  - How do you feel, Curly?

  I shaken my head.

  - Seems like nothing. It's okay.

  - Did you hear our conversation?

  - That's good to hear. - I sat on the edge of the bed. - Mecislav?

  - Yeah, baby?

  - And why did you talk so... so peacefully? As if you were old friends?

  - But we are old buddies. Old acquaintances, anyway.

  - And how long have you known each other?

  - A lot, curly. A lot of it.

  - If you don't want to, don't answer. - I took a look around the room. - Didn't you have enough fantasy for the other decorations?

  Or is it not enough?

  - You came out of this room, the easiest thing for you to do is go back to this room. And usually I can build any decorations for guests in my dream. Did you hear the whole conversation?

  - I heard everything perfectly well. I was standing in the corner of the room. And I heard you talking about me.

  - I had no choice, Curly. Are you offended by any of my words?

  - Anyway, no. Was that necessary?

  - Yes.

  - I'll take your word for it.

  - Now you have to go back into your body and talk to Mr. André again. But don't schedule anything before tonight. Do you understand me, fuzzy?

  I understood perfectly well. A whole day's delay is a lot. Twelve hours of life, for which anything can happen.

  - If you say so.

  - At dawn, I'll go into a coma.

  - In who?

  - Yes, that's what we called our dream. It's easy to mistake us for dead, but there are advantages. I won't feel anything, not even my death. And you, if you can come, will wake me up easily. You are my family name after all, and there is a connection between us.

  I had a curious idea.

  - And during your fight, can I go into a trance? Will that be considered an intervention?

  Mecislav thought for a few seconds, and then shook his head.

  - I don't think you can do it, Curly. Even the surnames with four Seals couldn't do that sometimes. But it won't be considered a violation. You're my surname, part of me. And, of course, I can use your Power as my own, you as my hand or foot.

  I nodded. I didn't like what he said about me being part of him. But for now, you can be patient. After all, if I get in Duška's paws... No, if I choose between Andre and Mečislav, I made a choice immediately, finally, and in favor of the second. At least he doesn't make me sick.

  - I'll try after all.

  - Try it, honey.

  - Now let me go back. Danielle must be going crazy.

  - You're right, it's not worth staying in a trance this long. So I'll make an exception, curly, and I won't even seduce you. But it's only today.

  I smiled at a vampire. For some reason, I was at peace with him. Did the seals affect? Or just like that? Because Mecislav is a rare bastard, but he always protects his own, and I'm mine for him too. Although it's property, not a friend. Last name.

  - I assure you, on other days, it will be useless.

  - Would I have a chance today? - a vampire moved to me in one quick sliding motion.

  - Not today either," I said, looking into the deep green eyes. High Powers, why is he so damn handsome?! And why, when I look at Mieczysław, I have a bad idea that this bed is very comfortable and in general - every woman should have a husband and a lover. Or just two lovers.

  To keep you in good physical and moral shape.

  The vampire was smiling. Snow-white, sharp fangs showed up. But I wasn't afraid. I wasn't afraid at all. Did you study it? Or are you just tired?

  - I'd really like to check your words, kitty, but it's dawn soon. I'm letting you go. Go into your body and be very careful. VERY.

  I nodded.

  - I promise to do my best so that we can see a few more dreams.

  - See you soon, Curly.

  - I'll see you around.

  The space in front of me was already spiraling. I was drawn into a bluish fog, and I swam in it until everything curled up in one dense ball of darkness. And I realized it was just my eyes that were closed. And I opened them in my lousy country house. I was also lying on a cracked bed, Danielle sitting next to me, and I was also terribly cold. And if I hadn't been in a trance, I would have woken up much earlier.

  - Jane? Are you all right?

  - Danielle?

  Is everything okay?! Yeah, snap out of it! Even now I could hear my voice wheezing. It's a cold, no less. And I'd better get some rest, but I don't have time. There's no time. Then I'll hurt my heart. I'll lie on the sofa with a book wrapped up in my ears, and my mother will make me a healthy herbal tea with honey and talk me into wrapping my neck with a warm scarf. And I'll be naughty, saying the scarf's biting, and demanding a piece of ice cream...

  - I think I caught a cold.

  - You're not supposed to! Seals ensure resistance to disease!

  - The forces of the body are boundless," I answered.

  - That's right, too! Three hours in a trance! I thought you weren't coming back at all!

  - Has this ever happened?

  - As much as you want! And it's been worse!

  - How could it be any worse?

  - Believe me, there is somewhere. For example, a human soul can get lost in space forever. The body will die, and you will become a ghost.

  - So that's where they come from?!

  - Not only that. It's not just that. You could also have been inhabited by another soul. You're completely defenseless, aren't you?

  - And the three vampire seals?

  - It's not the worst defense, but you have to learn to use it. Even a bulletproof vest wouldn't do you any good if you put your head in a gunshot.

  I decided to stop the theory and raised my hand. My muscles were whining like I was running a marathon run.

  - Danielle, can you stay awake tonight?

  - I can. What do you want?

  - Many things, I smiled sadly.

  - And yet?

  - First I need to know where and when the emissary of the Council of Elders will arrive. And I'm going to need your help. Danielle, can you handle a werewolf?

  - If he's in human form.

  - I'm sure.

  - Then I can handle it.

  - Well, that's great. We're gonna have to track down the Council's emissary and stick to him so that no force is taken away.

  - That's funny. And what else?

  - Give me your cell phone.

  - Here you go.

  I looked at the phone like a poisonous snake. I hate to call. But I have to!

  - Hello. Mr. André?

  - You can just call me sir, curly. Get used to it.

  - You'd better start living in a coffin, I don't owe you one. - Sword is safe and sound, I'm happy about it. I wouldn't like to break our agreement. Bye. Where and when will the fight take place?

  - How do you know about your friend's condition, Curly?

  - And he didn't tell you? We're connec
ted. I gave him my blood.

  I was almost word for word repeating what Mecislav said. Bullshit, Dyushka, not too much information! Fuck the butter!

  - And how do you know what we said?

  - Haven't you told me yet? Excuse me. It's hot.

  - Curly, don't test my patience!

  Foot-nuts, please tell me what a king! Personally, my patience is already cracked at the seams!

  - You fucking bastard, I don't even have a name for you yet! And the advantage is in force, and our deal does not give you the right to question me and command me! If you live to see the next dawn, we'll talk for patience! In the meantime, you're gonna lose it!

  There was a short chuckle on the phone.

  - When I'm your master, Curly, I'll remember that for you.

  - I can't answer you with the same kindness," I said. - The thing is, I've already asked Mieczysław for your head, and he promised me, but it's difficult to command your head. And it's difficult to remember something about a dead body, too.

  - No, you're just a little nerd!

  - I know. Can we get back to the question of the fight?

  - The Emissary of the Council will arrive at five o'clock and twenty minutes. The fight will take place at 10:00 p.m. I rented him the Carnival Youth Home. Do you know where that is?

  - I know.

  The Carnival Youth House was a terrible perestroika monster. Previously this nightmare was called the House of Culture, and after perestroika it slowly died. Although he tried to rebuild, spending exceptionally nasty evenings for those over forty or sixty. And it was located on the very edge of town. There were only private houses around. At least there's a pig carving, no one will hear anything.

  - Okay, great. Any complaints about the uniform?

  - No complaints, Curly.

  - Password? Forty-six irons on the window sill?

  - I can't put together that many irons. And you shouldn't hang them either. Let's do something easier. You'll have to knock twice, then three, and then, after a short pause, two more. Knock-knock, knock-knock, knock-knock. And they'll open the doors for you.

  - Okay, great. I know this youth home, it'll be easy to get there. Aren't you lying to me?

  - What's my point, Curly?

  I could have listed all the fucking meanings, but that's the point! With my outburst of anger, and before, I've established myself as an idiot with the Force! And that's how Duke saw me. And he underestimated me. And I tried to avoid direct answers whenever possible. God forbid he'd feel a lie before the time!

  - I don't know. But somehow I don't trust you!

  The answer, worthy of an idiot!

  - I'm not gonna hurt you, Curly!

  Yeah, there's a lot of you who aren't! Soon you'll be in line to sign up!

  - You promise?

  - I swear!

  I would even believe it. Except we have completely different ideas about harm!

  - I'll see you then.

  - See you later, Curly.

  I hung up and smiled at Daniel.

  - An ambush will be waiting for us at 10pm at the Carnival Youth Home.

  - So what are we gonna do?

  - How - what?! - I was surprised. - Selling your soul to the devil!

  - I don't understand," Danielle was surprised. - How so?

  I took a long, close look at the vampire.

  - Your happiness, if you really don't understand.

  I refused to give an explanation. Enough of this dirt and I'm alone. Artists shouldn't get their hands dirty if there are soldiers.

  Chapter 7

  I'm attacking. Or am I just falling?

  Someone in heaven has favored us. Very gracious. The day was overcast, and the sun was covered with clouds, so heavy and frowny that no wind could quickly disperse them. Danielle looked at the sky and nodded.

  - I can move around in this weather.

  - Shall we go?

  We've been sitting in the lodge for five hours now. The hour hand was coming up at 9:00 in the morning, and I was getting more and more nervous. Then I asked the vampire to dial the number.

  - Hello? - asked a man's familiar voice.

  - Tell me, how far is Tanya? - Danielle skillfully faked a Caucasian accent.

  - There's no Tanya here. Dial more carefully.

  There were long beeps coming out of the tube. But that was enough for me.

  - We're on our way to town now. We need to go to an internet cafe.

  - If you say so. Let's hope you know what you're doing.

  I'd like to hope so, too. But you don't have to know about my hopes, dear.

  - Not me. Mecislav. This is his plan.

  I was almost telling the truth. So Danielle nodded and focused on the road. Danielle's man was hypnotized and impressed that he had picked up a random hitchhiker on the road. And spent a passionate night with her at the cottage. He could have killed her, but he didn't want to. Danielle didn't want another innocent victim.

  However, if things had turned out differently, he would have killed and not blinked an eye. And now, why? We're not going back to the dacha anyway. He's drunk enough blood, but not to death. And why leave an extra corpse behind? Even if the driver is found and talked to, it won't affect anything. I was in complete agreement with him. Although murder wouldn't have touched me at all. Since when did I become so cynical?! I don't care about other people's deaths anymore! Maybe it's because mine was just around the corner. Not before mercy. Like Filatov: "You'll be sad if you die behind your shoulders." And not only will you be sad, but you'll be a bastard too!

  We let the driver go a block away from the internet cafe and walked that distance. I held the hand of my most beloved vampire on earth - and knew firmly that no matter what day it was, I would remember it forever. The grey sky, the black silhouettes of houses, the branches of trees that had drawn a bizarre web against the clouds, and a strong hand that supported me and kept me from slipping. And above all this, tender gray eyes. The most expensive in the world. Loved ones.

  The internet cafe was quiet and peaceful. I hardly knew how to work with a computer, but I had enough to run the database. I could easily find the name and address on the phone.

  - Daniel, write: Kovalkov Peter Sergeyevich, Green Twelve, apartment thirty-six.

  - I wrote it down," the vampire responded. - Is that it?

  That was all. It was the same werewolf I talked to on the phone. Funny thing is, I thought my conversation partner was called Valentine. But I didn't have a choice. If that guy was a werewolf... I was determined to pay him a visit of friendship and love. And Danielle would be my main argument. A vampire can snap a man's neck with one move. And for a werewolf, that would be an argument, too.

  - Here we go! They're waiting for us on Green Street!

  - Where's that?

  - I don't know.

  We had to stay a while longer and display the city map. And then you had to find Green Street on the map and print the passage to it. It turned out to be faster to go there than to go there. On the map, 20 minutes through the alleys.

  - I hope the cops don't stop us on the way.

  - Don't worry, I can hypnotize one cop.

  - That's good. And two?

  - Even three.

  - Come on, then!

  - Let's fly.

  And on the way, we'll get a couple more things and something to eat. Yeah, we should.

  ***

  Green Street didn't make any impression on me. Millions of these streets, millions of monotonous houses, millions of the same destinies... House number 12 turned out to be a rare shabby panel nine storey. Fortunately, the door was without a code lock. The entrance was a match. I don't know whose bright head decided to set up a garbage chute in our entrances, but it's obvious that this genius himself lives in a different environment. And he's the reason we have one in three garbage dumps in our driveway. That's how it is in here. It smelled disgusting. The vampire even had his nose in it. I walked up to the door of apartment number 36 and made my
face squirm. It's been a long time since I've seen a door this shabby. Looks like all the dump cats in town were sharpening their claws on it. Danielle looked at the door and made a face.

  - Jane, it's a steel door. But well disguised.

  - Step aside," I whispered. And I pressed the bell button. There was a bell in the back of the apartment.

  It didn't take long to wait for the master's reaction.

  - Who's there?

  - Urgent telegram! - I barked grudgingly. - Get it and sign it!

  I waved a piece of paper before my eyes. I typed it myself, I cut it out! And I wrote it myself. Very urgent, in my opinion, news. Verbatim: "Congratulations, Balloon, you fool! »

  - Kovalkov Peter Sergeyevich?

  - Yes. But I'm not waiting...

  - I don't care if you wait there or not! Get it and sign it, and then figure it out! I've got half a dozen more telegrams, and everyone's so smart! What am I, the Arab terrorist Sema Benya Latan?! With your fucking genius!!!

  I could feel my skin looking out the door. But I didn't cause any distrust. A fragile girl with a sheepskin sheepskin and a potty hat, which is three thousand out of five. And the vampire was hiding in such a way that it couldn't be seen from any angle at all. The door opened.

  The next second, a dark blurry streak swept past me. Neither a werewolf nor a human with a vampire can compete. Especially if a vampire attacks without warning. Danielle literally put the landlord in the door jamb and put him in the apartment. The sound of a contraction was heard. I rushed inside and shut the door. There you go. Now no one can hear us and we can talk. Danielle had already dealt with his opponent. Stunned Peter was lying on the floor with his arm broken.

  - If you move, I'll break all your bones, just in case Danielle warned you. - You'll heal, of course, but imagine how much it hurts!

  The man was lying on the floor completely still. You bet he was twitching. Judging by the eyes looking in different directions, he was just trying to disperse the little pink elephants. I gave the vampire a scotch roll in silence.

  - Wrap his legs up," Danielle ordered. - Hands later.

  That's what I did. It wasn't even ten minutes before our conversation partner began to resemble a sausage. I duct-taped it in a few layers. Thighs, knees, ankles, shoulders, forearms, wrists. I made two skeins, but it was worth it. Even a vampire, not like a werewolf, couldn't rip that much tape. Or isn't it a werewolf after all? Then Danielle rolled his opponent sideways and put his mouth in.