The Master of the Manor

Kelantha's Diary

Though there was nothing overt to imply my distress, it grew as we frequented the deep shadows of the house. The Count had welcomed me with warmth and enthusiasm to his dwelling place, but there was in his manner something to cause offense. He had been surprised at my ability to travel alone, as though I were some simpering child incapable of setting foot without the company of an irksome male on her arm. This diminished my feelings of liking toward him, particularly with the odd movement he made to seize my hand and examine the blood on my fingertips. It was not wholly concern for my well being, I felt, but some darker and infinitely more mysterious affliction. The nature of my expression must have all too readily displayed my thoughts, for he became apologetic and after a faint attempt at rekindling conversation, led me to my rooms. 

There had been no intimation of life within the house aside from our progress down the corridor, and I realized with dawning concern that this was due to a lack of servants. In every other well established domain I had crossed in scientific or pleasurable pursuit, there was at least one valet or maid lingering about. The Count had responded to his own knocker, and now carried his a candle to illuminate our path. The darkness seemed to swallow the pallid flame, enveloping us in a desolate gloom. The mood suited me, for I was a night owl. The companions at school who dared speak to me in earnest fascination wondered at my nightly excursions. I often spent from dusk until dawn in the laboratory conducting experiments outside the watchful eye of my instructors.

This obscure lack of detail led me to wonder at the safety of my courageous experiment, for with no servants in the house, I was at the mercy of my host. He seemed in all appearances a very pleasing sort of man, older and accomplished in ways I could not begin to fathom, for there was an air of knowledge to his features, the faint glow that marks one of remarkable intellect. In this he could not be more dangerous, for those of great minds are much more perilous than the common man. Yet the house was so beautifully kept that I could not long entertain the notion of our solitary existence. Surely there were servants, and he had dismissed them for the evening. The house seduced me with morbid beauty. I felt my feelings of agitation lessen as we ascended a flight of stairs. In renewed interest, I allowed my eyes to wander from the grand architecture to the figure beside me. He was at least twenty years my senior but had not lost his powers of masculine attraction. Though he was uncommonly pale, his long, carefully tended black hair was free of silvery strands and his piercing eyes were mesmerizing.

Sensing my scrutiny, he looked at me then, and forced a feeble blush into my countenance.

�I must apologize, Count, for being insolent just now. I have had a very tiring day and am afraid the coach incident has set my nerves on edge. Do you have many wolves in the region? Our horses violently shied at the crossroads, lending to our unfortunate plight. I thought I might have been followed here tonight.�

�Most in the village have learned not to go out at night,� he replied, lifting the candle higher as he came to an arched doorway. The door was made of very old, carved wooden paneling and its beauty gave me cause to gasp. His eyes flashed upon me and again I was aware of their unusual texture, indescribable save to say that they were remarkable. I had never seen such eyes, nor liked any so well. I gathered he was pleased with my interest in the architecture of his home, and hoped it would lend to many conversations in the future. Beneath his agile fingers, the door slid silently open on a room filled with brilliant light. With a sweep of the arm, he elegantly beckoned me to enter. My weary feet trod on rich carpeting that was obviously very old, but well preserved. It was a magnificent room with high windows overlooking the sheer drop into the valley below. The furniture was ornate but well polished and there were no traces of mustiness, as though the room was kept aired. He stood in the doorway watching me, his slender form half concealed in the shadows looming in the hall.

It was only then that reality descended and I turned with a sudden, �Oh! my things! Surely they are scattered halfway across the mountainside.�

�Do not trouble yourself, I pray you. If you will but make yourself comfortable here, I shall return presently with your possessions.�

I gratefully agreed and as the door began to close on his retreating figure, I inquired, �The wolves�! Will they not�?�

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