Within Dreams Part 12

I closed my eyes against the threat of tears. I was in a deserted place in Romania. I couldn't continue to do this. My heart weeped to be with Damien. I loved him...and even though Elizabeth kept wanting me to be with Dracula...something in me survived. Wouldn't Damien come looking for me? I studied myself in the big oval mirror. My belly was becoming a slow visible bump. I didn't want to be here suddenly. I raced down the winding staircase and down to the dungeon where he was holding Judith captive. Suddenly a voice rang out, echoing throughout the holding cell, "You are not supposed to be down here."

I figured I would turn around and there would be standing Dracula behind me. But instead of Dracula, there stood a more docile source. His eyes were the same dark and Vlad's and he had more calm features. He still had the dark circles under his eyes, "Who are you?" He smirked and came out of the shadows. "I am Radu Amzulescu. I am Vlad's younger brother. You are Stephanie...are you not?" I nodded. "Yes I am Stephanie. So you are the infamous Radu, betrayer to your brother? Interesting how Vlad can never keep someone on his side, or are you on his side?" I raised an eyebrow keeping my glance towards him neutral.

He shrugged. "Vlad would not give in to the sultan...I did what I had to do."I shook my head. "No you didn't, Radu. You did what you wanted to do. You were jealous of Vlad because your father always favored him above you. The Sultan gave you the attention you craved and so therefore, you have no reason to side with your own flesh and blood. I saw the panged, guilty look enter his eyes. I chuckled. "No worries though, it's in the past. I came down here for a reason. I don't ever do what Vlad or anyone tells me. Maybe Elizabeth did, but I don't. I want to go home. I want Judith released and I want Vlad to promise to never come to America again. He doesn't belong there." He laughed then. "That is easier said that done. He's the prince of our kind. He will stop at nothing till he gets what he wants. If he wants you, then you will be his...or do as you did in your past life. Die trying to get out."

I sighed and came closer giving him a sultry look, "If you help me it wouldn't be so hard...think of it. I mean you've been in Vlad's shadow for centuries...and why calm down now? Are you afraid of him, Radu?" He shook his head, "No I am not afraid of anyone! I was taught by the best scholars around how to fight and combat. Why would I be afraid of him?" I shrugged and frowned, "Because you act like it. I've never seen anyone such as yourself so frightened before over a single vampire. He was once flesh and blood just as I was, just as you were. He tortured and killed thousands of people. The Sultan saw how wrong that was. People over centuries have seen how wrong that was...are you going to let him continue to do this?"

He shook his head and sighed running a hand through his long dark hair, "No and why should I? I am here to get you both out. You must remember though, if we are caught, we will all be killed. Vlad has no mercy on anyone, immortal or mortal. Come we must hurry." He rushed me into the cells where Judith was sleeping on a bail of hay. I raised an eyebrow, "How primitive can someone be? This is not the medieval period anymore." I rolled my eyes and took the key Radu offered. We did have to hurry. I couldn't understand why Radu was out in the sun but I didn't want to stop and ask stupid questions. I kept my gaze planted on things going on.Judith came awake and sighed looking at me, "You did come after all. Why though? I don't understand." I shook my head, "It doesn't matter. We have to hurry, Judie."

We ran through corridors towards the outside cave. Radu looked frantically in my eyes, "You must go without me. I cannot go out into the sun. It would kill me." I gulped. There had to be a way to get him out of here too. I wouldn't leave him. I looked at Judith, "You go to the river. Follow it into the town and don't stop. Whatever you do, do not get off the trail. It's important that you reach Damien. I'm not leaving Radu hereby himself." Radu took my hand and squeezed it. I turned to him and grabbed his hand, running through the tunnel. When we came to rest on the other side, I screamed out, "Vlad!!! Judith has escaped!" I knew he would be angry but I had to help pull this off.

Vlad was delayed in getting to the tunnel because of the heavy lid on his coffin. When he got there he looked at us both, "I cannot believe that you let it happen! Radu, you were supposed to be watching her at all times. And my dearest Elizabeth..." He put his finger under my chin, "You were supposed to be guarding the fortress at all times." I rolled my eyes, "Yeah I know but she happened to come across some sort of gliche in the system. She escaped and we must get her back!" I was a good actress I mused. Radu looked at me clearly fearing the wrath of his brother. I sighed, "Look Vlad let's get the heck outta here and then we'll be ok."

I could only hope Judith would reach Damien in time....