If I leave certain areas of the cas- tle open while we are gone, would that be more acceptable? Of course, the daytime restriction would still have to apply.If I leave certain areas of the cas- tle open while we are gone, would that be more acceptable? Of course, the daytime restriction would still have to apply." Simon's eyes flickered. Victoria had started him thinking. I was impressed by Victoria's negotiating skills. She wasn't using any hypnotic power as far as I could tell. "In fact," Victoria continued, "I could leave you everything except the second floor and dungeon. Even when we would be here." "What about concessions? Food and souvenirs?" Simon asked, obviously warming to the idea. An alarm started going off in my head for some reason. I looked around the room nervously. Benjamin's eyes were closed; his snifter was empty. The mayor was sitting defensively, glowering alternately at Vic- toria, Simon and me. Victoria walked over to me for another light. She kissed me on the cheek for the courtesy. "The courtyard. The stable area could be arranged to provide shel-" Mayor Hunyadi jumped to his feet. "Enough!!! You!" he shouted, pointing a finger at Van Helsing. "I called you, the great vampire hunter to destroy the devil's spawn! Now you would make deals with them!" His eyes were wild. I tried to grab his mind, but I couldn't catch his eyes long enough to make contact. "DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!" the mayor roared and began to chant. I recognized the language from that endless high school torture known as Latin. |