by David Kempf
“Like I said, it would have been the worst mistake of our lives.”
“I think so.”
“I tell you something else, Doug. It would have been the last mistake of our lives.”
Doug guzzled the rest of the whiskey in the bottle. There was about half a fifth when he started to drink it.
“Hey, take it easy on that stuff would you?’
“Craig, shut the hell up and give me one of your cigars.”
“I thought you quit.”
“I did quit, and I also thought vampires were fictional creatures. Now give me one of those cigars.”
Craig watched Doug light up. The booze and nicotine were finally starting to calm his nerves. He wasn’t sure why he was doing well under these bizarre circumstances, while Doug was a nervous wreck.
“Craig, did what we saw tonight really happen? I mean, was it real? Are vampires real?”
“Yes.”
Then it dawned on him. Perhaps he didn’t like vampire fiction because on some deep level, he knew that these nocturnal creatures were not fictional. They were real and they were dangerous.
“We’ve had a hell of a night, haven’t we?” Doug asked.
“Yes. It’s been something else but the night is over, Doug. You can sleep now.”
He did. Doug fell asleep holding a lit cigar. Craig threw it out the window.
Craig couldn’t fall asleep. He couldn’t even get drunk since Doug greedily drank all the booze. Now all he could do was think. He wanted to know why the vampire couldn’t help himself.
Help me and I’ll let you live.
This thing could read minds but it was within the power of two young college students to let it die? That didn’t make any sense.
Nadah
Was this another vampire? It would seem like this would have to be a creature of the night to incapacitate the one they’d seen in the coffin. Even an old vampire would probably be a deadly foe for mere mortals. The old fiend was trapped by one of its own kind.
You should have helped me.
Doug wasn’t only dreaming of the old vampire; he felt like he was actually communicating with him.
When she comes for you and your friend, she will divide and conquer. She is looking for a mate, a companion, a slave.
Doug was trying really hard to get the image of the old man trapped inside his coffin out of his mind.
You should have saved me.
The vampire was talking about itself in past tense.
I’m gone now.
Doug was wondering how someone, even a vampire, could communicate after death.
The last thing we can do is haunt the dreams of mortals. You should have saved me and I would not have to hurt you.
This was odd, thought Doug. The vampire threatened to kill them over and over again.
I was frightened. When you are eight hundred years old, death is a truly terrifying concept. Now I’m gone….
What was the point of this thing telling him all this? He was dead and Doug and Craig were both alive.
One of you will die. She seduces you and then divides you. You will not remain friends and she will make sure one of you is dead.
What this creature did not know is that the two men were the best of friends – the very best of friends who would unite and kill her.
No. She will not kill you. One of you will kill the other.
That was impossible. Doug and Craig had been friends for life and they would make her see sunlight if she came after them.
“Doug, wake up!”
He opened his eyes and saw his exhausted friend. There was no need to ask where they were going.
“I thought I would see some bones but he’s only ashes now,” said Craig.
“He spoke to me last night or maybe even this morning.”
“Doug, he spoke to you in your mind before he died?”
“No.”
“What do you mean?”
“Craig, he spoke to me after he died! That thing claimed that the last thing his kind do after they physically die is haunt the dreams of mortals.”
“Maybe you were just having a nightmare.”
“No. My nightmares and dreams were never so vivid. They were never so real. He told me more than I wanted to know.”
“What did he say, Doug?”
“He said that this other vampire would come after us.”
“If she does, then she’ll end up like him.”
“That’s not what he said.”
“It doesn’t matter. He’s dead whether you had dreams or nightmares about him or not.”
“Craig, I swear to you that he came to me. He sounded like he was making predictions.”
“Doug, he’s an ashtray now.”
“So he is.”
The two friends returned that night to the aptly named Field of Horrors. The plan was to act as if nothing out of the ordinary had ever occurred. No one in their right mind would believe the experience that they had with the undead! There would be no one who would ever speak to them again. They probably would not be arrested for murder at this point. There was no evidence a murder ever took place.
“Don’t worry about the rain tonight. It’s supposed to be real nice cool weather,” said Mr. Jones.
“I’m sure we’re going to be fine tonight,” said Craig.
“We’ll be fine, Mr. Jones,” said Doug.
“Good. I expect a lot of customers this evening. I want you to scare the living hell out of them. Give them their money’s worth.”
“We will,” said Doug.
“Good. Isn’t it fun getting scared?”
“It’s a blast,” said Craig.
The farmer left them alone. He walked away from the coffins and the field back to the ticket booth.
“Do you think she will show herself tonight?” asked Doug.
“No. Do you?”
“I don’t know.”
“Doug, it sounds almost as if you want to see her. Is there any reason you would want to see her with your own eyes.”
“No.”
“Damn right. The old man was helpless and he still traumatized you for life. If we survived her, then you would be in therapy for life.”
“I can’t afford therapy, Craig.”
“I know. These vampires cause a lot of problems.”
The two friends laughed at their ability to make light of the situation. It was good to ease the tension of their experience. Craig and Doug had been through an ordeal that most people could not handle. A few days ago, both of them believed that there was no such thing as vampires. At least, that was what they believed most of the time.
“I still can’t believe it,” Craig said.
“Believe it,” said Doug.
There were many customers that night. Craig and Doug tried very hard to be as scary as possible. They would often team up and find various creative ways to try and make sure people got their money’s worth. It was a value shared by their families and by the Jones family. Farmers typically had the reputation of being thrifty but the truth was that farming families wanted customer satisfaction.
“We’re pretty scary tonight,” said Doug.
“Yes, we are,” agreed Craig.
There was one young woman who looked like she wasn’t enjoying herself too much. She was sitting in the back of the hay wagon. She looked bored and appeared as though she thought this was a waste of money.
“I got you now!”
Craig grabbed her arm and screamed at her. He made a face that gave her chills. He was especially proud of how loud she screamed.
“That was an interesting expression,” said Doug.
“Thanks.”
“Where did you learn that from?”
“I don’t know,” said Craig.
“I think maybe you do.”
“Doug, what are you talking about?”
Then it dawned on him. He knew who he looked like. Craig had the same expression as the old man who begged for his unnatural life. The old
man who haunted Doug’s dreams was a great inspiration.
“Why do you think I was imitating him?”
“Craig, I think you know why. He was the only real vampire that either of us has ever seen. He’s a good role model for an actor playing the part of the undead.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
“Thanks, Craig. Now I hope you don’t ever make that face again.”
“Doug, I’m sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose. I think the old man seeped into my subconscious.”
“Yeah, I can see that.”
“Doug! These creatures are not something you see everyday. I guess it’s hard for me to get him out of my mind even if I want to.”
“Yes. I think we should call it a night, Craig.”
“Hold on. There is one more wagon coming.”
It was quite strange. A fog, seemingly from nowhere, drifted in. It seemed to cover the entire field. There was one more wagon. There was only one person in it.
“That’s strange,” said Craig.
“Yeah, I know. Why would they let one customer ride alone?”
The wagon went by rather quickly. Inside of it was a beautiful woman. She appeared as though she was of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean descent. Her stunning green eyes seemed to stare right into Craig’s soul. The wagon went by fast and disappeared into the fog.
Tomorrow night I’ll be back.
Craig realized who it was.
Doug couldn’t believe it.
“Nadah?”
Yes, Craig.
Doug started asking many questions inside his mind. There were so many he could barely stand up straight.
All will be known tomorrow night.
The mysterious woman’s voice suddenly ceased before Doug could think of any more questions.
This time they would be prepared. They went to Saint Michael’s. They talked to one of the resident priests, Father Johnson.
“Hello,” said Father Johnson.
“Hi, Father. Listen, we need to talk to you,” said Craig.
Doug was visibly worried. He kept thinking that Craig was going to embarrass them. Vampires were awfully hard to believe in, even for a man of the cloth.
“What is it?” asked the priest.
“Well, we’re doing this book report on Gypsy legends and Transylvania history. You see, since you are a priest, we thought you would be the guy to talk to.”
“Well, Craig. I think you may have come to the right place. It’s always been a guilty pleasure of mine to study myths and monsters.”
“Yes, Father,” said Craig.
“Well, I would be happy to help you two.”
“Thanks, Father,” said Doug.
It was strange but Doug had to admit that Craig was showing signs of true genius. Since Father Johnson believed they were on an academic pursuit, they were safe. They could gain knowledge from this man and still be thought of as sane! It would be good to learn how to fight off their undead nemesis.
“Now look, I’m delighted you two are getting an education. However, please make these myths and monsters an occasional reading treat. Please study the classics. That’s the best way to learn about civilization when you are fortunate enough to have an education.”
“We agree,” said Doug.
“I suppose that now you will want to make the focus of your report on vampires. Is that correct?”
“Yes,” said Craig.
“Very well,” said the priest.
The priest went on to describe the history of the vampire legend. He also discussed the best ways to kill a vampire. Father Johnson also knew that there were several different myths. Some say that you could kill a vampire with a cross or holy water. Some other stories stated only the sunlight could end the damned life of the undead.
“Father, how do you know which stories are true?”
“What?”
“I mean, which stories are the oldest?” asked Craig.
“Oh, I see.”
“We just want to do the best report we can,” said Doug.
“I see. I can understand that,” said Father Johnson.
“Let’s continue,” said Craig.
“You see, the oldest vampire stories don’t come from Byron or Stoker. They are legends that come from Eastern Europe and Africa. Shape shifters and She-Wolfs are popular myths.”
“So there are no absolute answers on how to kill a vampire,” said Doug.
“Well, I’m afraid not. I think you just have to come prepared and assume all the myths are true,” said the priest.
“Is that the best answer you have?” asked Doug.
“Yes. Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Houseman, I would say that is all I have to say about the matter. If you need any more information, then just look it up online.”
“We will. Thank you Father,” said Doug.
Craig and Doug filled up on holy water. They got five bottles filled. Doug suggested they go to the local religious store for crucifixes and anything else they could think of.
“I suppose you want to go and buy garlic at the grocery store now,” said Craig.
“Hey, I almost forgot about that,” said Doug.
It was as if they were trapped in some late night creature feature movie. The two friends had holy water, crucifixes, garlic, and they made their own wooden stakes. They were ready for battle. Nadah would have a fight on her hands!
Everything they needed was in one relatively small case. They went to work and pretended once again that there was nothing out of the ordinary going on, but something was expected tonight. A supernatural being was going to do battle with them.
“It’s almost sundown,” said Doug.
“I know, Doug. I can see the sun going down through the trees. I don’t think she’ll come until it’s completely dark. If she shows up, I’ll be surprised.”
“Craig, she’ll show up. Her voice has already been in our heads. She’s going to come for us tonight. Nadah wants to kill us.”
“There is two of us and only one of her.”
“Yeah, that’s a nice story. She’s a vampire. I’ll just bet that she has the strength of ten or twenty or even a hundred men.”
Doug looked seriously worried. He was on the borderline of having a panic attack, something frequently experienced in his family.
“I hope you’re right. Craig, I hope you’re right.”
“You hope I’m right about what, Doug?”
“I hope vampires are lame!”
Hours went by and there was no sign of the evil creature. Craig and Doug scared people as they went by in their wagons. They had this little act down to a science. When there were no customers, they made fun of what an idiot Al Candy was. Soon, their thoughts went back to vampires.
“Maybe she was just trying to scare us,” said Craig.
“Why?”
“So we wouldn’t tell anyone about the old man. She must have wanted him dead although I can think of much more subtle ways to commit murder.”
“I think you’re wrong, Craig. I think she wants to come tonight and kill us. I don’t know if she wants to get us now or later. I can feel deep down inside of me that she wants to kill us.”
“Perhaps I just want a companion,” said Nadah.
The voice wasn’t in their heads. There was no visible sign of her anywhere.
“Where the hell is that coming from? We’re not afraid,” said Craig.
They heard a sinister laugh in the darkness.
“You should be,” she said.
“We’re not,” said Doug.
“I think you are. I can smell the fear all over you!”
“You’re not going to kill us,” said Doug.
“That’s correct. I’m not going to lay a finger on you.”
Doug got really scared, really fast. Craig could see the terror on his face. Doug looked at Nadah’s hypnotic eyes and started to run away. He kept running and running. Then he hit his head against a tree.
“Your friend is going places,” said Nadah.
Doug opened his eyes and he was in another place. He was in a mansion surrounded by treasure. All around him were beautiful servant girls. One of them approached him. She was holding a gold chalice.
“Are you thirsty, master?”
“No, I don’t think so,” said Doug.
Then he gazed down at the chalice. Inside the cup was a bright red liquid. The chalice was filled with human blood.
“Please, drink, master.”
“Okay.”
Doug drank the blood. He drank it down very deeply. It wasn’t nauseating like he thought it would be.
“The blood is the life,” said the servant girl.
“No.”
“No?” she asked.
“The blood is more than that.”
“Yes,” she said.
“The blood is the power!”
Doug drank and drank. He looked around at all his servants. The beautiful women gave him many gold and silver chalices of blood. Then they paid homage to him.
“Treasure from the east,” said a servant.
“Diamonds, rubies and great pearls,” said another.
He had to laugh. A working class fool who was descended from working class fools was not wealthy. Doug wasn’t rich. No! Rich people could lose their money and live the rest of their life in defeat. He was wealthy. This meant he had more money than anyone could spend in a hundred lifetimes.
“Does master require anything else of us?”
“Yes!”
“What does our master require?”
“I require more blood. I thirst for more power!”
Doug drank more of the blood. He drank much more of it. It wasn’t long before there were hundreds of empty gold and silver chalices.
“I want more!”
The servants gave him more. He was in a state of vampire ecstasy. His lips quivered and his head was light.
“This is intoxicating! It’s great to be damned!”
“We live to serve you,” said a servant.
“I live to be served!”
Now all this time, which was really only about a moment or two, Craig grew concerned about his friend.
“Doug, you’ll be okay. Please wake up.”
Nadah looked deep into Craig’s eyes. She knew that saving Doug was not the deepest ambition of Craig’s heart. It certainly wasn’t his ultimate desire. Craig thought it was. She knew it wasn’t.
“We have over five hundred crew members for this next shot,” said the assistant director.
