A Cautionary Tale for Young Vampires by G. D. Falksen

Author:G. D. Falksen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fantasy, vampires, horror, werewolves, supernatural
Publisher: Wildside Press LLC
Published: 2014-04-21T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

London

Friedrich was a great lover of red meat. Indeed, he had once been told that the three keys to being a proper von Fuchsburg were love of wine, love of meat, and love of country—which naturally meant Fuchsburg, and the Prussians could go hang if they thought they were included just because the Fuchsburg barons had been forced to swear their allegiance to the Kaiser. Of course, back in Fuchsburg a proper meal meant venison hunted fresh from the vast Fuchsburger forest; but as it was in short supply in London, Friedrich had learned to make due with humble British beef. And while it wasn’t perfect, it was near enough to satisfy.

Tonight he dined at his usual evening haunt, a charming restaurant near Mayfair that had captured his fancy months ago with its rustic charm and surprising selection of wine. He understood it to have been built some time after the downfall of Napoleon, and the place still had a portrait of the Duke of Wellington prominently displayed over the hearth.

He was joined by Doctor Constantine, who had taken a few hours off that evening for the sake of a civilized meal, and also by Doctor Thorndyke, whom Friedrich had invited for the express purpose of meeting Constantine. He’d hoped that he might be able to forge some sort of accord between the three of them, an understanding as men of science that might lead to great things—in particular, his Great Work, which desperately needed the assistance of other, more experienced men.

But perhaps it was not to be, for the conversation had been stilted since their arrival, and the sound of the cutlery was especially loud in contrast. Still, some effort had to be made, if only for the sake of science.

“You know,” Friedrich said, as he ate his meat, “Doctor Thorndyke is a vegetarian.”

“Yes?” Constantine asked. At the very least he gave the appearance of interest. “I wondered at that when you specified nothing but mushrooms and salad greens.”

Thorndyke bobbed his head, mouth full of some vegetables, and said, “Oh yes, oh yes, strict vegetarianism. I never partake of meat of any kind, nor should you, Baron,” he added, directly to Friedrich. “It is the most dreadful of vices.”

“Oh, come now, Thorndyke,” Friedrich said. “Surely—”

To his surprise, Constantine came to Thorndyke’s rescue.

“No, no,” he said. “Do not dismiss vegetarianism too lightly, Doctor von Fuchsburg. While I do not ascribe to it myself—for medical reasons principally—I have met a great many people who do, and I am most impressed by their dedication. I am led to understand that it is a strenuous moral undertaking. Isn’t that right, Doctor Thorndyke?”

“I’m certain I do not know what you are implying, Doctor Constantine,” Thorndyke replied, harrumphing a little as if he thought that Constantine might be having fun at his expense.

Taken aback, Constantine gave Friedrich a questioning look. When Friedrich was unable to answer, Constantine took a drink of his wine and shrugged a little.

“Well, you know,” he said, “the dedication to nonviolence.

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