Chapter 14: The Baroness of Transylvania
Joseph landed next to a grave stone; even though he had leaped a good 10 feet into the air he
found that landing did not hurt his feet or legs in the slightest. Joseph heard a whooshing sound above
him and assuming it was Cassandra drew his sword and held it over his head pointed to the right in a
defensive manner. Cassandra came down on top of him with her sword out and the force and weight of
the impact was too much for Joseph, he stumbled back and fell over a grave stone, losing grip of his
sword.
Cassandra said “your stance was correct but you didn’t account for the extra momentum that
an airborne opponent would have darling. Next time jump back at the last instant and you may get a
surprise strike in.”
Joseph picked himself up and retrieved his sword “Yes of course my sire, we have not practice
with jumping attacks so far. Now on guard!” this time Joseph did not salute and came at Cassandra
swishing left and right, then back and forth across the stomach and finished with a lunge forward. This
time Joseph remember to keep his stance wide and when Cassandra blocked each thrust and got along
side of him he quickly turned to face her, stopping any chance of a trip.
Cassandra smiled showing her fangs “good, your footwork is improving darling. Be careful with
your strikes however, the lunge can be a strong strike but it does leave your vulnerable”.
This time Cassandra came at him, her strikes were fast and unpredictable, one would go for
Joseph’s head while another would go for his foot or thigh. Joseph was backing up with his wide stance
and felt his foot touch another grave stone.
Joseph smiled also showing his fangs and said “Not this time!” Joseph fell to his knees and jutted
forward with right elbow, quickly switch his sword to his left for a weak block. The effect was what
Joseph desired though as the unusual move caught Cassandra slightly off guard and a “whoop!” sound
came out of her lungs as his elbow made contact with her chest. Cassandra stumbled back for a second
but as soon as Joseph had his sword back in his right hand she had recovered.
Joseph pressed his advantage and again changed his tactics, he swung his sword underhanded
in a sweeping motion and advanced Cassandra blocked but did not notice the recently dug grave behind
her. The slight dip in the ground caused her to stumble and she feel on her behind, sword still in hand
but at a definite disadvantage. Rather than press the attack further Joseph stuck his sword in the ground
and offered his hand to her. Cassandra retracted her fangs and said “excellent progress tonight my
youngling and ever the gentleman. Come lie with me and we’ll get dirty in this fresh grave. It’s one of
your darker fantasies and I’m only happy to make it come true”.
Joseph sheathed his sword and says “there are benefits of us sharing our thoughts certainly.
Thank you for the compliment”. Cassandra also sheathed her sword and instead of pulling her up she
pulled him down. Luckily Joseph was right that no one was around as two vampires loved each other
quite nosily that night in a graveyard.
Afterwards Joseph got up and brushed some of the dirt off of his pants and shirt. Cassandra
giggled and said “You are still fussy about dirt aren’t you darling? Remember germs can no longer hurt
you and of course your clothes can be cleaned”
Joseph didn’t mind her laugh, it was a soft feminine one that he enjoyed and he could see her
point he replied “Yes of course that’s true but it’s a hard habit to break. We’re about to have some
animal company by the way. Since tomorrow is Dr. Miller’s gothic fiction class we need to sleep at your
room in residence and this will be way quicker than going back to CBS”.
As Joseph called out in his mind to a moose one on the other side of Kenmount Road
responded. This was a large bull moose who had a full set of antlers that came to sharp points; the
animal stopped eating and immediately started to trot out of the woods and onto the road. At the same
time two women in a red car were driving down Kenmount Road, having been to a movie themselves
both were now on their way home. With the radio on they were enjoying their night out.
Luckily one of the women noticed the large animal on the road and yelled over the music “holy
crap Marsha! Look at the huge moose! Slow down!” The blonde-haired woman put her foot on the
brake and pulled over the side of the road, she said “Ok Lacey! Geez you think you never saw a moose
before”. At that moment the moose went across the road and luckily for him Marsha and Lacey were in
the only car nearby. Lacey, who had bright red hair, said “That’s strange it looks like he’s going to the
graveyard”. Marsha laughed and said “Maybe the grass tastes better over there?”. Lacey looked at her
and they both broke into laughter. Lacey said “you silly goose! Come on let’s get going, one of us has to
work tomorrow”.
Cassandra replied as she put her clothes back on “That is a good idea darling. If it’s not a private
thing I’ll watch while you feed from the animal. I’ve never seen a moose that up close before.”
Joseph could see the moose coming down the pavement now, he turned his head back and said
“You can watch, it is somewhat private but something I’d like to share with you.”
Cassandra finished putting on her sweater and coat. She came over and kissed Joseph on the
lips saying “thank you darling, once we get back to our room we’ll do something else private if you have
the energy”
Joseph smiled and said “Once my friend shows up and blood is in my system that won’t be a
problem”
Joseph noticed the moose had trotted up to him and was now eating a little bit of the short
grass near the grave. The moose was quite large, almost 7 feet tall and weighed over 900 pounds.
Joseph thought he wouldn’t want to mess with this animal. Joseph commanded the moose to kneel
down on his front legs and he put out his soothing thoughts. The moose did still squirm and make some
alarmed noises as Joseph tore away part of his fur and bit down with his fangs but with vampire strength
and increasing skill Joseph was able to hold the large animal in place. Joseph drank from the moose until
he was full and then bit his tongue, allowing a little of his own blood to wash over the moose’s wound,
instantly closing it. While Joseph drank Cassandra examined the moose’s antlers, being careful of the
tips, rubbed his head and gently petted his back and sides.
Cassandra said “He is quite an impressive animal. You are quite good with him and it’s impressive
how quickly you got one to show up. It’s a talent that could come in handy for you.” Joseph went up to
Cassandra and kissed her passionately, she responded in kind and a little of his blood went into her
mouth. Cassandra said “Moose blood doesn’t have such a bad taste; it’s very pure and of course
sweetened with your own blood makes it even better. Now let’s go back to my room darling”. The two
vampires drove back to Hatcher house and the moose eventually wandered off into the woods.
Joseph and Cassandra woke up the same time as the sun was starting to set on a Tuesday
evening in Newfoundland. Both of them had a quick shower together, not caring what anyone in
residence might think and they just made it to Dr. Elizabeth Miller’s gothic fiction class. Memorial was an
unusual university in that often lots of arts courses had class in the science building. This was the case
tonight as two vampires made it to one of the lecture theatres on the main floor. Joseph and Cassandra
sat in the front, Joseph always believed in sitting in front of the class because he didn’t want to miss
anything and it was easier to ask questions that way. Dr. Miller was setting up her notes and a slide
projector. Cassandra whispered to Joseph “this should be interesting; Bram Stoker’s novel is somewhat
of a legend among vampires. Dracula himself allowed Bram to write his story; it was a real interview
with a vampire that lasted for days. At the end of it, unlike Anne Rice’s imaginary tale, Dracula enslaved
Bram and made sure he would never tell the truth of what he knew to anyone.”
Joseph whispered back “That is incredible! You told me how you knew of the count’s existence.
Soon you’ll have to reveal this whole story, please”
Cassandra whispered back as she briefly put her hand on his and whispered to him one last
time “Yes darling it’s a story you should hear. We’ll experience it together later tonight, now let’s pay
attention”
Dr. Miller began the class as the last stragglers came in. “Good evening everyone. I’m Dr. Miller
and you’re in the Gothic Fiction class. If you’re in the wrong place, either leave or listen quietly”
This was met with one or two people grumbling and getting up to leave. Once they were gone
she continued “Normally we discuss Bram Stoker and Dracula later in the course but I might need to
have someone else fill in later in the semester if I need to get back surgery, so we’re going to start our
discussion tonight”.
Students in the hall started to take out pens, paper and pencils. Joseph and Cassandra were
only here for the discussion and conversation so they didn’t bother. Dr. Miller continued “As some of
may know I have devoted much of the last 9 years of my life to showing that Bram Stoker did not base
his Dracula novel on Vlad the Impaler. In fact the only connection we know of for sure is that he used
Vlad’s last name, Dracula, which meant son of Dracul, for the title of his book and the name of the main
character.”
Joseph nodded and Cassandra leaned forward to listen. Dr. Miller continued “The trouble
started when two researchers, who incorrectly connected the two, back in 1972 Radu Florescu and
Raymond T. McNally’s In Search of Dracula book brought forth the story of Vlad Tepes, or Vlad the
Impaler as he is most commonly known. In their book they suggest that Bram Stoker had a great amount
of knowledge on Vlad and based Dracula to a great extent on Vlad’s life and the many atrocities he
committed.”
Dr. Miller continued as she put on a slide of Vlad Tepes projected on a screen. “Since then
movies, books, comic books and TV shows have all contributed to the myth that Dracula was meant to
be Vlad. Before I continue I’m sure some of you have already read the novel and yes there is a passage
where Van Helsing says ‘He must, indeed, have been that Voivode Dracula who won his name against
the Turk, over the great river on the very frontier of Turkey-land’ so yes there was a small connection.
Remember though that Dracula himself never confirms this and it was only spoken of once in the entire
book. I think Bram Stoker himself would be upset to see the 1992 movie called “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”,
as the movie shows that not only is Dracula Vlad Tepes but that it was his own insolence and defiance of
God that actually caused him to become a vampire!”.
Dr. Miller then changed the slide to show Dracula as played by Gary Oldman in the 1992 movie.
She continued “I’ll certainly admit Gary Oldman was a creepy Count, especially with all the make-up to
achieve his century’s old look. I’ll also say that the movie had wonderful art direction, costumes and
certainly does capture parts of the book very well. The scene where Jonathan Harker is on way to the
Count’s castle in Transylvania is excellent and my favourite part of the movie but saying that the movie
is based on the book is something of a joke. It is one interpretation of the book certainly but by no
means the best one” Dr. Miller brought around a large television set with a VCR underneath it. She put
in the tape of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and played the scene of Harker going to the castle.
When the scene was over asked “What would you consider to be a good adaptation of Bram
Stoker’s book?”
Dr. Miller smiled at him and said “I’m glad you asked. There is a mini-series done by the BBC in
1977 that was very accurate to the book. Of course the special effects don’t hold up so well. Also the
problem is that the story was written so long ago that it was never meant to be turned into a movie,
doing it always seems to make it look silly, at least to me but you all can decide as I’ll play a few minutes
of it”
She continued “this is the scene where Lucy sleepwalks and heads out into the graveyard. Of
course the Count finds her”. The class then watches the scene and there is some laughter when the
large obviously fake looking bat is shown suspended in the air. Once it is over Cassandra asks a question
“Have you ever been to Transylvania and seen the Voivde’s castle?”
Dr. Miller smiled at this question and answered “Yes I’ve been there several times. The castle is
in desperate need of repair but I climbed the steps to get to it. While I certainly don’t believe vampires
exist I will admit that the sound of wolves howling in the distance and the decrepit old castle make for a
very creepy experience. It’s certainly not a place I’d want to visit at night. As you might imagine there is
some tourist attractions there including a hotel nearby that has a coffin in the basement. People lie in
the coffin and have their pictures taken, while I was there a few years ago one person asked if they
could sleep in the coffin but the owner said now” with that she laughed a little and students laughed as
well. During the laughter Cassandra and Joseph exchanged knowing glances at each other but they
managed to laugh a little to cover any suspicion.
Joseph found it a pleasure to hear her speak. It was obvious she had great passion and interest
with this topic and this enthusiasm made you feel excited about the topic. Dr. Miller continued “It’s
amazing what can be seen as controversial. A few years ago a student told me he wanted to do my
course but couldn’t because his grandparents didn’t want him studying devil worship by heathen
authors! Ha! Bram Stoker was a good protestant who believed in science and medicine. Dracula is a tale
where good triumphs over evil and vampires are shown as devils in a human guise”.
They was a little bit of laughter at this, when it finished Joseph asked “At the end of the book
Dracula smiles as the sun is setting. Is it possible that the Count fooled them all and was really dead and
Bram Stoker intended to write a sequel?”
Dr. Miller’s eyes opened a little wider and said “you naughty boy! Some people may not have
known the ending! I’m just kidding, yes its possible Bram Stoker did intend for a sequel. It was
discovered in 1980 that the original ending had the entire castle explode and that this distraction
allowed Dracula to escape but for whatever reason no sequel was ever written”
Joseph responded “That’s interesting, about an alternate ending. Dracula would have been too old and
cunning to have been killed so easily”
Dr. Miller said “You’re obviously a big fan of the Count, he is certainly an interesting figure. There was a
book written where the whole story of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is written from the Count’s point of view.
In that he is alive after the events in the book and puts all his experiences on tape. It’s called,
appropriately enough The Dracula Tape by Fred Saberhagen. You should read it sometime”
Joseph smiled and said “Thanks I will”
Dr. Miller continued “So everyone please have the book read for next week and we’ll conclude our
discussion of it. Also for those who are interested the Dracula Ballet is on Thursday night at the Arts and
Culture Center. I’ve seen it before and it’s quite good, so maybe I’ll see some of you tomorrow night”.
As everyone got up to leave and Dr. Miller started to put away her equipment and notes Joseph went up
to ask her a question. Anytime he really enjoyed a course he asked the professor more questions.
Joseph said “When you were in Transylvania did you ever ask anyone about tales of a real vampire?” as
Joseph was doing this he didn’t see Cassandra writing a note and placing it inside Dr. Miller’s bag,
neither did she. Cassandra then went outside of the class to find her meal for the night.
Dr. Miller responded “Oh no of course not! The people there all know it’s just a story and would be
insulted if you asked them about vampires. That didn’t stop some other tourists from asking though!
You seem very interested in vampires; I hope you’ll be at the ballet Thursday night.”
Joseph said “Yes I will and thanks for a great class”
Dr. Miller packed up the last of her things and said “Oh you’re welcome, thanks for coming. See you next
week”
Joseph knew when he went outside the classroom and Cassandra wasn’t there that she was in need of
her blood. He sighed and accepted this was just something she needed to do. He decided to head to the
breezeway for a drink and wait for her there. With their strong connection she would no doubt find him
and of course he did have his cell phone. Dr. Miller returned to her office to get her coat and go home
for the night but just as she was locking up her office she noticed a piece of paper in her briefcase that
wasn’t there before. She took it out and read it “Interesting class darling, just wanted you to know that
two vampires were in your class tonight and that the Count is alive and well. “it was simply signed “C”.
Dr. Miller laughed and crumpled up the note throwing it in the garbage. Just before she closed the door
though something made her wonder if those two sitting up front had swords on them. She shook her
head and said “can’t be, I’ve just had a long day” but later that night she wondered and dreamed of a
Count who now looked every different and lived in a cave.