At last the day was past. The seven of them got themselves presentable for the costume ball. Aidan cleaned off his somewhat rumpled tuxedo as best he could. Lavasida was likewise dusting off his similar finery. Brianna, Lon, Seymore, and Flame Song didn’t need to do much, they all looked right with somewhat ragged clothes, and Belak of course didn’t need to do anything, as he was still entirely invisible.

They set out for the party just after sundown. Ahead, at the top of a slight hill, the castle loomed forbiddingly. The main entrance was lit up with dozens of lights, but the main bulk of the building was still dark and gloomy. Beyond it cliffs dropped off to the crashing sea below.

The group was soon mingling with other partygoers. Most arrived in carriages, but some were on foot. All were dressed in Halloween costumes, some simple, some outlandishly elaborate. The crowd all streamed in together through the front gates of the castle. Inside the courtyard there was music playing, fountains splashing, and food being served. Sitting in a dais overlooking the revelry was a bearish man with flaming red hair. He could be no other than Baron Almaric. But as the little group made their way toward the baron, they suddenly noticed a second figure standing at the baron’s side. He was a tall, thin man, dressed impeccably all in black. His skin was unnaturally pale, his eyes and hair were very dark, and his lips were startlingly red. Brianna let out a little gasp of dismay. It was Drago!

The Vampire Lord hadn’t yet noticed them among the crowd. His eyes passed blankly over the little group that was, after all, unremarkable among the many costumed nobles and dignitaries present.

“What are we going to do?” asked Lon.

“I don’t know,” answered Brianna. “I didn’t quite believe the old gypsy when she said Drago was here too, but it looks like it’s the truth. And he got here before us.”

“I doubt he has gained the shard yet,” said Lavasida.

“Huh?” Aidan chimed in brightly.

The other vampire smiled. “I know somewhat how Drago thinks. I thought much the same when I was as young as he is.” Aidan wondered a bit at that. Drago was well over a century old and Lavasida was calling him young? “He wouldn’t bother with being at this party, or even on this world, if he’d gotten what he came for. He’d have moved on already. I think the Baron has refused to give it to him. Didn’t the gypsy woman say that the Baron wouldn’t give the shard up freely?”

“You’re right,” said Brianna. “So we still have a chance. And in that case I see only one option. The longer Drago’s up there whispering in the baron’s ear, the less likely we are to get the shard, so there’s no time like the present.” And with that Brianna headed straight for the raised dais where Baron Almaric sat.

Lavasida smiled at her. “She has quite a bit of courage, doesn’t she?”

The rest of the Clan just gaped. “Courage, yeah,” said Aidan. Lavasida smiled and set out after Brianna, the others close on his heels.

“Baron Almaric.” Brianna presented herself in front of the dais, curtseying respectfully.

“I don’t think I know you,” said the baron, his voice rich and deep.

“These are the strangers I’ve been telling you about,” said Drago, his eyes narrowed with instant hatred at the sight of Brianna.

“Are they?” The baron gave the little group an interested look. “Well, I have heard much about you from this man here. Now I think I would like to hear your own story. Why are you here?”

“We’re looking for a crystal shard. It is needed to heal our world. I don’t know what Drago’s told you, truth or lies, but he has attempted to hold the world for ransom with theses shards. He will be responsible for the destruction of a world if the shards can’t be regained.”

Baron Almaric nodded. “Well now I have heard two different tales, and which one is truth I honestly don’t care. I’ll simply ask this: why should I give you the crystal?”

Brianna looked for a long time at the baron. At last she said, “My lord, I could give you many reasons. I could talk about doing good, I could talk about saving lives, but instead I’ll tell you this. I will do anything you ask, complete any task you set, give you anything I possess, in order to gain the shard. And all of these my companions can say the same.”

The baron smiled. “Your friend here has tried to tell me I must give him the shard since he claims it as his own. I frankly find his hubris and pride irritating.” Aidan grinned at Drago, who was scowling angrily. “Your attitude is refreshing. No nonsense about how I must do this or must do that. You have the wisdom to know that the shard is in my possession and I shall give it to whom I please. Very well then. The shard shall be yours… if you do one favor for me.”

“Ask it, we’ll do it,” said Brianna confidently.

“You want the shard. Well, there is a talisman I want. It is held by a powerful witch and vampyress who also happens to be my sister. A long time ago we divided our father’s realm between us, and each promised never to set foot on the other’s land. But some years ago a servant of hers stole an amulet that belongs to me. I want you to retrieve it for me. Her half of the barony is an island; perhaps two day’s sailing from here. I’ll give you a ship and whatever supplies you require.”

“We’ll be ready to go as soon as the ship is,” said Brianna with confidence. Aidan just sighed. Two days there, two days back, and probably a day or two getting the thing, he thought. I am so sick of this world! I want to go home. Home… With a kind of inward start her realized that he had really started thinking of Mysteria as home. When had that happened? Earth used to be home. But it’s true. Mysteria is my home now.

“The ship will sail on the morning tide,” said the Baron.

“Almaric! You can’t do this! These… these thieves have no right to the crystal! It belongs to me!” Drago’s face was a mask of rage.

“No, Sir Drago, it belongs to me,” said the Baron calmly. “I have it in my possession. Whatever claim you or they have on it changes nothing. The shard is mine, and I will not give it to you simply because you tell me I must. You offered nothing in return for the shard. You simply greedily demanded that I give it to you. This woman has said she will give me anything within her power to give. If she succeeds in this quest, I’ll give her the shard. It’s that simple.”

“But…”

“No. I’m tired of hearing your inane babble. Leave us.”

“I’ll go. But you!” he pointed at Brianna, “I have six of your precious Clan in my dungeons. They will suffer for this insult!” Drago snarled hatefully, gathered his cloak around him and vanished in a melodramatic puff of smoke.

Lavasida shook his head. “Dramatics. How childish.” Brianna simply bowed her head, knowing she was unable to protect those the Vampire Lord held prisoner.

The baron laughed. “Indeed. And now, as you can’t leave until the morning, I invite you to enjoy the party. I must say your costumes are quite excellent.” The twinkle in the baron’s eye as he said that last made Aidan suspect that he knew the “costumes” were nothing of the sort.