Death Waltz

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By Divine Macabre

"It is extreme evil to depart from the company of the living before you die."
-Seneca, Roman philosopher

"Evil is just a point of view."
-Anne Rice

Chapter 1

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We came under the cover of nightfall in sleek black limos. Outsiders viewing from the street side as we passed no doubt regarded the show as a funeral precession. The irony of that statement didn't escape me.

As I stepped out of the limo I stared at the vast complex we'd been brought to. It was fashioned in the gothic style, a nod to vampire tastes, however cliche it may have been. The rolling grounds surrounding the estate were crawling with vampire guards, though during the day the shift probably went to human servants, pandering for a seat in the immortal world. Staring out at the few moving dots that roamed the grass I was positive security was slimmer this night. The toughest vampires had been positioned inside, for tonight the greatest threat would come from within.

Staring around, I saw the three other vampires from the clan, chosen for this entourage because they were the strongest. In one fluid gathering we all fell in step behind our Master, Shadi. He had lived during the times of the Persian Empire as a grand soldier in the kingdom's mighty army. From lowly fighter during the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, his position soon rose elevating him to a rank among the greatest warriors, deemed in modern times The Immortals. Strange that history has garnished them such a name, for some among the elite guard truly deserved it. Disguised amid the humans, vampires joined the military lines intent on partaking in the carnage and death of war. Perhaps it was Shadi's skill or his ease mingling with the killing, but soon the vampires among the guard descended upon him. They had found a new Master in Shadi and turned him at some point during the countless bloody battles waged. The vampires had been foolish though, for his power far surpassed their own and all too soon he left them in the dust, quite literally. He found them a nauseating reminder of just how human he had once been. His plight of vanity only drove his ego further.

There is one important fact to be understood about vampirism, immortality is only a reflection of the soul's mortality. If a person was weak and useless as a mortal, so too would they be as an immortal. The strength of the gift feeds off of the power a person had as a human. The length of time that they remain immortal only fortifies that gift adding knowledge and the slow progression of strength, both mental and physical. So it is entirely conceivable that someone christened a vampire before the dawn of Christ could, in modern day, still be a servant to a stronger Master. Likewise, someone else a mere decade after their siring could climb the ranks to lead. Given this understanding it was no wonder Shadi, with his fierce will and combat skill, so quickly began to ascend the vampire ladder, gaining title and prestige. He also interestingly enough held the same desires imparted on him by the Persian Kingdom during life, a desire to take over and a taste for collecting beautiful and dangerous things.

This trip had been set up in secrecy by Shadi. He had spent months making sure he was requesting a meeting with the correct clan. He had to be assured that the conversation that was about to take place was not leaked to outside ears. The results of such a mishap would be disastrous, forever sending shockwaves through the vampire community. He needed his play to be made in secret.

Making our way into the complex we walked through a long hall, led by an escort of announcers who would formally introduce our arrival before we entered the meeting chamber. I walked in a steady stride just to the left of Shadi and slightly behind. I appeared strangely out of place as Shadi wore lavish adornments and exotic fabrics that barely covered his sleek tanned body. The other vampires also dawned elaborate outfits graced with far too much jewelry, though they weren't as scantly clad as the Master. I think Shadi kept a strong taste for the fashions of his time, at least when other vampire clans were involved because in the outside world such ostentatious looks would draw too much attention. In everyday attire he actually managed to look quite dashing in a tailored suit. His dark brown eyes set wonderfully against his bronzed skin, which stood out greatly from the majority, milky skinned vampires identical to the idealized portraits made by man. Thick black hair draped from his head, gleaming smooth and silky as it ended just below the ear. I on the other hand walked barefoot amongst the overt style in a sheer white dress that billowed at the slightest draft. The floor length ensemble made me look ghostly as the white blended into my pale skin, only made more translucent by my thick wavy black hair and equally black eyes.

"Master Jilian, I present to you, Master Shadi," a vampire's rich voice called ahead of us as two heavy wooden doors slid open to reveal a lavish throne room.

At the end of the chamber sat the other Master vampire, clad in a distinctly European getup, far too drenched in velvet and white ruffles. I estimated his garment was made in Regency Era fashion, though what period within that span I was uncertain. My knowledge was not too vast on the subject. Master Julian sat in his rightful place of honor where he too was surrounded by an entourage of his strongest. Flanking the intricate carpet leading to the throne however was a reminder of just how outnumbered we were. A line of silken couches graced each side with lesser clan vampires lazily draped over them. Within seconds their demeanors had shifted as they maintained a keen alertness on our entrance. Some even watched on with vague interest as they wondered what would happen as these new kindred entered their halls. All too quickly however eyes began to shift to me, burning with an intense distain. The hungry stares did little to sway my mind. I had been expecting their reactions. It was my usual reception; after all, I was the only human in the room.