was the first time a Prince had negotiated with a human delegation and it was a momentous event in the history of the clan. Mika had to choose a General to be his second, someone he could discuss the complex issues with. Most thought he would opt for an elderly vampire with a proven record, but to everyone’s surprise – not least of all Larten’s – he had asked for Seba Nile’s ex-student.
The pair had been engaged in talks with the Nazis for several weeks. Franz was only the latest in a line of party members that they had dealt with. They’d been treated to a tour of Germany, to meet a variety of the National Socialists in the flesh. Mika had read many documents about the party, their beliefs and aims. They had dined well, slept in fine hotels and been treated like honoured dignitaries.
Yet Larten hadn’t felt at ease since linking up with Mika. He couldn’t put his finger on the exact reason for his discomfort. He just didn’t trust these people. They reminded him in some ways of Tanish Eul, only far more dangerous than the cynical, self-serving Tanish had ever been.
Larten listened with a polite expression but heavy heart as Franz outlined a list of reasons why vampires should support the growing Nazi movement. He promised to provide the clan with an army of new, German recruits. They would be equals, sharing all that came their way. He said the Nazis wished to learn from the wise vampires and emulate their great deeds, to turn the world away from the petty vices of the day, towards the noble pursuits of the night.
Gavner Purl and Arra Sails sat several feet behind Mika and Larten. Arra was a respected General now, but she still considered Mika to be her mentor. When he had need of her, she acted as his assistant, the way Gavner assisted Larten. She hadn’t hesitated when he’d asked her to come with him. There was no dishonour in serving the wishes of a Prince, no matter how experienced a General you might be.
Larten hadn’t spoken much with Arra. Their nights were packed with meetings and fact-finding outings, and by day they slept. Besides, he wasn’t sure what to say. He had made his admiration of her clear in the past, but that was before he’d renewed his relationship with Alicia. His French amour might only be a close friend now, but he still hoped that she would one night ask to be more. Any romantic entanglement with Arra would have felt like a betrayal. It was easier to keep out of her way and avoid a potentially complicated situation.
“The world is changing,” Franz said. He was still smiling, but not as widely as before. Larten had sensed a change in the atmosphere over the last few nights. The Nazis had grown impatient and Franz was having a hard time hiding his mounting frustration.
“The world is forever changing,” Mika said.
“True,” Franz nodded. “But now more than ever. Faster than ever. A storm is coming. We will all need friends if we are to survive. You will find us friends of the highest calibre. Strong. Loyal. Dependable.”
“What are you like as enemies?” Mika asked casually, and although he said it with a chuckle, Larten saw Franz’s face darken.
“Why speak of us that way?” Franz growled. “We have no wish to be anything but your allies.”
“You misunderstand me,” Mika said. “If we become your friends, your enemies will be our enemies. If you go to war, it will be our war. I want to know how you plan to deal with those who don’t share your vision for the future.”
“I see.” Franz was beaming again. “First, it is important to recognise that we do not seek war. We hope to expand and re-draw the boundaries of our once-great nation, to again be a force of true power in the world. Ideally we will exert our influence peacefully. If others resist and threaten us, we will of course fight – and win – but war isn’t something we wish to actively pursue.”
“Yet there are some you long to destroy,” Mika pressed. “People of certain nations and religions…”
“Destroy is the wrong word,” Franz purred. “We believe this world would be better without certain types of people. We have always been upfront about that. But vampires share those beliefs. You cut loose the old and infirm, those of low character, base creatures who would drag you down. We seek to do the same. Surely that cannot be an issue for proud, pure warriors such as yourselves?”
Mika nodded slowly, considering Franz’s words. This was the heart of their debate, even though they had largely skirted the issue so far. Vampires came from all corners of the earth, regardless of colour, race or creed. If you were strong, determined and honest, you could join the clan and be entitled to respect. The Nazis weren’t so eager to include people of specific backgrounds.
“What do you think?” Mika asked suddenly, turning to Larten.
The orange-haired vampire blinked and stared at the Prince. Larten still wasn’t sure why Mika had invited him to be his second. The raven-like Prince had said little to the General. He hadn’t asked for Larten’s views or discussed matters with him in detail. Until now.
As Larten struggled to form a polite, diplomatic response, Mika shook his head. “Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear. And don’t worry about our hosts. I want your true opinion. Share your thoughts with me, openly and honestly. That is the vampire way,” he murmured to Franz and the officers who flanked him. “I hope you won’t be offended.”
“Of course not,” Franz said, but he was squinting at Larten suspiciously.
“On which particular points do you wish me to comment, Sire?” Larten asked.
“All of them,” Mika said. “I want your general reaction. Tell me what you think of the National Socialists and their desire to merge with us.”
“I dislike and distrust them,” Larten said bluntly. Some of the officers gasped but Franz silenced them with a sharp gesture. He was glaring at Larten, but he said nothing, waiting to hear the rest.
“They are cruel,” Larten went on. He didn’t enjoy airing his feelings this way, but Mika had asked him to be open, and Larten would never disobey the demands of a Prince. “Vampires are hard, yes. We ask much of ourselves and those who would be part of the clan. We execute the mad, the weak, the injured, the old, or urge them to make an end of their own. In that respect we are like these humans.
“But those we treat harshly have chosen the path of the night. They left their human ways behind when they joined the clan. They understand why we treat them so pitilessly. They acknowledge our rule, live by our laws, accept death when they are no longer fit to fight.
“The enemies… no, the victims of the Nazis have no such choice. These people hate without reason. They pass judgement on innocents. In that way we differ. Vampires are harsh, Nazis are vicious. We are merciless, they are monstrous.”
One of the officers cursed and leapt to his feet. He drew a pistol and levelled it at Larten. Before he could fire, Franz barked a command and the officer angrily holstered his weapon and sat. When he had control of the room again, Franz faced Larten and sneered. “You understand nothing of us or the problems we face.”
“Perhaps,” Larten said calmly. “But I was asked for my opinion and I gave it.”
“Do you share his view?” Franz snapped at Mika.
The Prince smiled thinly. “In any group you will find people of differing beliefs and standards. I’m sorry if my assistant’s criticism upset you. I simply wanted to know where he stood on this issue.”
“And now you know,” Franz said. “But where do you stand?”
“I will have to think about that before I give my answer.” Mika rose and offered his hand. Franz hesitated, then shook the Prince’s hand.
“We have been patient,” the officer said softly, “but we cannot wait forever. I must know if you are with us or against us, and I need to know soon.”
“You shall,” Mika promised. “I’m close to making a decision. There are just a few minor matters I need to think over. You will have your answer shortly.”
Franz didn’t