The Vampiric Chronicles Part Eighteen: Illustrious Guests

I just saw an interesting anime on the TV before I went to work today and it struck me with an interesting batch of ideas now embroidered within this Chronicle~

It was a stormy midnight in the Manor when a sinister carriage pulled by four skeletally thin black horses stopped in front of the doors and sounded a sinister bell ring from within it. At once Mark was shaken from his nervous seat in his armchair and immediately hastened to open the door, a black cloak in hand. He was the only one at the Manor, for John and Paul accompanied Sandra and Tom to visit the witch Krystelle.

As Mark opened the doors and awaited in front of the carriage doors, his heart beat with extreme nervousness and fear - only twice had his illustrious guest visited his Manor. The carriage still bore the similar emblem he saw decades back - a human heart impaled by a shining silver dagger and shrouded by burning fire - the Dark Legion of Blood.

The vampire coachman brushed in front of Mark and opened the carriage doors, and two persons stepped out of it - Count Arcanum, head of the Dark Legion of Blood, the Unholy Order of Vampires. With him was an aristocratic-looking witch wearing long black silk robes and a fine ebony witch's hat. She caressed a devious-looking black cat in her hands as she shielded it from the tempest.

"Good Evening, Count Arcanum." Mark said, bowing before the regal-looking vampire. The title 'Count' is a position held with high esteem among the ranks of the vampires, as it signifies veterancy and age within the Legion.

"Good Eve, Sir Mark." Count Arcanum said, acknowledging the vampire with a curt nod and a flick of his hat. "Before you take us in your hospitality for a few hours of serious talk, I would like to introduce to you, Countess Cassandra, Grand Witch of the Occult Order of Witches."

"It is my pleasure to meet you, madame." Mark said, taking the witch's free hand and kissing it gently.

"Charming vampire." the witch said, her aristocratic figure breached by a sudden tinge of a girlish giggle. "Shall we get inside? My cat is starting to feel drafty."

"But of course."

Mark led the two towards the guest chambers of the Manor, where they seated themselves comfortably by a burning fireplace, the servant bringing them refreshments.

"It is quite an honor to have you in my humble Manor, your Grace, but pray might I ask why at so short a notice? I barely had time to prepare the accommodations."

"Oh, please, it is no bother, my lad." Count Arcanum said, leaning on a silver cane with a heart-shaped grip. "We have serious business to discuss... you are alone?"

"As of the moment. My friend vampire and my little vampire have accompanied their friend witch and warlock on a woodland not far from here. I daresay they might be back tomorrow given the weather."

"Ah... the cast of this thickening plot." the witch said prophetically, her eyes on her cat, which she lovingly stroked, the cat purring contentedly. "Perfect, Arcanum. Simply perfect."

"In which case..." Arcanum said. "Let me begin."

And we will cut the story there to avoid a lengthy statement! XD