Black As The Night

Meredith Jarvis was more than aware that vampires were real; she’d been a part of a human family who had served them for many generations. Ephraim Hill Manor was an estate located many miles from the main city; the smaller surrounding buildings had sprung up to accommodate something like a small town or village, enclosed within iron gates and a stone wall around the entire property.

Outsiders were welcomed with caution, but most were able to scrap out a living and not feel the need to go elsewhere. Meredith’s mother ran a local laundry place that did surprisingly good business, while her father chopped wood and sometimes made carvings from the leftovers, which sold quite regularly.

The Jarvis family were not rich (Meredith had a feeling that there definitely weren’t any really wealthy humans around), but they managed to raise five children, keep a roof over their heads and provide food for their table; every now and then there was a little extra money, that was to be kept for emergencies only. 

Each year, at the same time, usually at the beginning of Autumn, young people from the age of sixteen to twenty, were taken to the Ephraim Grand Stall Park and lined up for visiting vampire nobles to look at. This time, at the age of eighteen, Meredith would have her turn. Out of the twenty available candidates, six were chosen, including her.

The nobles had permission from the local vampire leader, to use their new humans in any way they saw fit, and in return their families would have vastly improved circumstances. The catch was, whoever left with the vampires would probably never see their homes or loved ones ever again. 

      The drive was long and tiring, but the limousine itself ran smooth as silk along the winding roads. Meredith spoke not a single word and wouldn’t allow herself to cry in front of her new owner. Lenore Hanwell was dressed in the finest of velvet dresses and her fingers were decorated with flawless jewels. She wore a hat with a mesh veil, that concealed most of her face.

Her lady's maid who softly told her that her name was Celine, wore clothing almost as nice, but more suited to her station. She gestured for Meredith to hold her arms out. Silver bands were placed on her wrists. The young girl winced, although it did not really cause her pain. 

      Lenore smiled at her warmly. “I’m told that you are an excellent cook. Our last girl unfortunately needed to be replaced. She was handed over to another noble house. Have no fear Miss Jarvis, you will come no harm from me or my coven. We don’t believe in using our humans as slaves, even if we do buy them from our fellow immortals. You may as well know that I can sense things like this, but I would prefer if you confirmed for me, whether or not you have any health conditions or physical impairments that I wasn’t informed of?”

“As far as I know my lady, I am not aware of sickness or anything that could limit my mobility.” The female vampire stared at her closely. “You’re telling me the truth. Indeed, Miss Jarvis you are a healthy and fine young woman.” 

      Meredith was sent to one of four bedrooms in the basement of the Hanwell house, to unpack and have a few moments to herself. She wandered over to the full-length mirror after changing into her new garments, which fitted her just fine and would not restrict her movements. She twisted her hair into a knot and secured it in place. Then she slipped on her shoes and waited patiently for someone fetch her, not yet feeling comfortable enough to wander around on her own. Celine came in and with a nod of approval, asked Meredith to follow her.

She was led to a huge modern farmhouse kitchen, which had everything she could ever dream of. A menu had been placed upon the island bench. Two boys, probably no older than twelve or thirteen were introduced as her helpers. Celine explained who they were. “They are the sons of the Hanwell’s stable master. The older one is Ian, his younger brother is Rick.” Meredith closed her eyes and took in a breath, letting it out slowly. “Okay boys, what’s the time?” Ian replied after checking his watch. “2:30 pm, Miss.” She glanced at the cooking instructions and grabbed an apron. “Alright, let’s get to it!”

Dinner was usually served promptly at 7 in the evening. She knew the beef roast and all the trimmings could easily be done with time to spare. It did strike her as kind of funny that vampires actually ate normal food. That should teach her to rely on stories told or written only by human beings. She began to wonder what else might be wrong about them. 

She soon figured out that a lot of the myths surrounding creatures and vampires in general, were simply untrue. Fast healing, speed and strength were a given. Drinking human blood went without saying, sometimes animal blood was consumed, but apparently it never had quite the same nutritional benefits.

They could withstand the sunlight; however, it could get a little uncomfortable for the fledglings. Religious artifacts, chants and prayers had no effect on them whatsoever. Silver and garlic allergies were total nonsense. Shape shifting was possible, depending on which bloodline you came from. Hypnotic suggestion was only effective, if a human had drunk some of a vampire’s blood. 

True to her word, Lenore and those who shared the house with her, did not mistreat the staff or overstep any boundaries. One of the youngest whose name was Cynthia, became something like a friend to her. Meredith realized how lucky she was to end up with creatures who showed their humans some respect, shuddering to think of what kind of horrors other servants in different places may be going through. Although she would eventually learn in an unexpected way, just how cruel and ruthless vampires could be.

*********

Almost a Year Later...

“Come into my study Miss Jarvis and please take a seat.” Meredith sat down in a comfortable looking armchair and faced her mistress head on, wondering if she had done or said something wrong without noticing. Lenore rang a bell for tea to be served. “Don’t look so worried my dear, I am not upset with you. In fact, since you’ve been here, our everyday meals have vastly improved. I applaud your ingenuity and willingness to try new dishes which we always end up enjoying.

I’ve also been informed by my child Cynthia you have a knack for drawing. She has a rather lovely portrait done in pencil, set up on the dressing table in her bedroom.” “My mother used to dabble in various art practises, I guess I got that from her.” “Would you like to pursue this further?” “If I could afford it, sure.” “I shall keep that in mind and add art supplies to our next shopping order.” “Thank you.”  

“It’s no trouble. You must miss your family.” “Yes. Is it at all possible for me to see them?” “Gerard and I have another trip to Ephraim Grand Hall coming up. I expect to be gone for at least two weeks. It seems my old friend Jordan Guildforth has finally agreed that his only daughter Safrina can marry Finn, the warlock she fell in love with.

There’s going to be a grand celebration for their engagement. If you wish to accompany me and visit your parents and siblings before we depart, I will not mind in the least. Cynthia and her brother Tobias will be coming along as well. They both like you.” “Really, you would do that for me?” “Shall I remind you once more, that you are not a slave to my every whim? I see no reason why I shouldn’t grant you this favor, for the care and dedication you’ve shown to your work.” 

September the 23rd would be a date forever seared into Meredith’s memory; if any of them had known what was going to happen, perhaps Lenore would have been able to come up with a suitable excuse to miss the engagement party. In total fairness, the day and early afternoon started off relatively normal, well as normal as getting ready for an evening out with her vampire employer and her teenage fledglings.

Cynthia and Tobias were twins and had just turned nineteen, when their village turned against them, branding them as demonic witches, mainly because both had shown hints of psychic abilities. The brother and sister were led to a wooden pyre, which was immediately lit as soon as they were bound together on the pole.

Lenore and her partner Gerard rescued them and without a second thought, turned them into vampires, since their injuries from the flames would have otherwise proved fatal; that was about a hundred or so years ago, but the two of them were still practically babies in their newfound supernatural world, which is probably why they so quickly warmed up to Meredith.

        Cynthia was excited to help her human friend choose a nice dress and even offered to fix her hair and makeup. In the end, the girls agreed on a pale blue embellished gown, with loose flowing sleeves and bound in at the waist. Cynthia gave her small silver hoops to put in her ears ‘“Oh and don’t forget this.” She handed Meredith a pendant with Lenore’s crest on it, then opened up her cosmetics case.

“This is one night where those silver bands won’t be necessary.” She unlocked the cuffs and set them down. “However, it doesn’t hurt to have a reminder upon you, of who you belong to. I’m sorry, but certain guests might decide to mess around with you. They should recognize your status as off limits at gatherings like this. Rest assured though; humans are meant to be kept safe during these kinds of events. Make sure your guard is up anyway and be careful what you drink. My brother and I shall be watching over you too.” 

**********

Twilight was beginning to descend as the Hanwell limousine arrived. Gerard stepped out first, followed by Lenore, the twins, then Meredith. Tobias politely held out his arms for the younger girls, informing the only human in their midst on the people who would probably be attending.

He warned her about Rupert Guildforth in particular, who was the eldest son; he had a reputation where women were concerned. “I have no doubts he shall try to sway you to his way of thinking. He has a thing for pretty females, regardless of species.” “Great, that’s all I need, a playboy vampire chasing after me.” Little did Meredith know, it wouldn’t be Rupert she had to be worried about...

     Ephraim Hill Manor was an imposing structure, three stories high, made of brick and stone, more like a European castle than anything else. The ballroom was decorated within an inch of its life. Meredith was captivated by the huge sparkling chandelier which was right in the center. Candelabra dotted around the room, gave an eerily beautiful glow to the expensive eighteen century style furnishings. A live orchestra played classical music in the background.

She stood on the left of Gerard and Lenore and was easily able to distinguish the humans from the others that came through the entrance. There was just something in the arrogant, predatory manner that surrounded most creatures, and the docile and extremely polite yet nervous energy she could almost feel as the mere mortals walked in behind them; they probably considered themselves lucky to even be in the presence of the superior non-humans. 

Meredith had never felt this way with her own master and mistress, so it was rather disturbing to witness the obvious power imbalance in action. She saw a man, that Cynthia identified as Rupert, chatting to a group of women. Although she was unsure yet of what type of man she might find interesting for herself, she could definitely say it wasn’t him. He noticed her staring and smirked at her. She couldn’t help rolling her eyes. 

    Three hundred guests had been invited, and it certainly looked like the majority of them had shown up. The conductor stopped his movements, and the music stopped at once, when he spotted the Lord and Lady Guildforth approaching the small stage set up. He bowed and stepped to one side.

Jordan held out his hand for a microphone and once it was placed in his palm, began his speech. “I am the first to admit I wasn’t convinced at first that my daughter Safrina made the correct choice when she finally admitted to her relationship with the warlock Finn De Gelder; old school dad that I am, I would have preferred it, if she married one of our own kind. However, there is no question about their love for each other. He even saved me from an assassination attempt, with an impressive display of magic. I ask you all to join us in a toast to the couple and bless them for a happy life together.” Glasses of champagne were handed out. Safrina and her fiancé’ kissed sweetly, unable to wipe the smiles off their faces. 

   Applause and shouts of congratulations were heard around the room. All of a sudden, the lights went out and the celebration was thrown into darkness. Instantly, Meredith felt a very strong icy cold grip around her waist, the sharp scrape of teeth at her neck and then the pinprick of a needle. She couldn’t hear or see anything, but the breath of the one who held her had a strange metallic odor to it, like blood, which should have made her panic. Yet at that moment she was unable to react at all.

She was being moved along at a rapid pace, away from safety. An overwhelming drowsiness started to set in. Her senses dulled and her eyelids were getting heavy. Meredith had no idea what might become of her when she did regain consciousness; she would deal with that obstacle when she came to it. But for now, it was a dangerously easy option to just give up and let whatever had been injected into her body take effect...

     TO BE CONTINUED...