Post by mina on Mar 1, 2020 12:31:12 GMT
The woman in the fridge
Igor heard sounds from the castle in the middle of the night. Nothing unusual for a vampire castle. But for a few years now, since the new gentleman introduced the custom of sleeping at night, it was unusual. So the butler got up to see what was going on.
He followed the noises and saw a Vladimir standing by the window looking out into the night.
"Do the old vampire customs get through with them?" Igor asked politely.
"Do I look like Igor as if I want to go hunting now?" in fact, Vladimir didn't make that impression in his nightgown. He looked very thoughtful.
"No Igor ... it's only sometimes memories keep me awake ..." he looked out of the window again "... unfortunately I didn't get the grace of forgetting like my brother."
Igor groaned at the word "mercy", but Vladimir simply ignored it. "It must be nice not to be able to remember a lot of things. I don't think that he could sleep so well if he knew exactly what he was doing in all incarnations."
Vladimir paused and then went on, regardless of whether Igor wanted to listen to him or not.
"Mortals are well off when they return, they usually don't remember anything."
"You believe in the rebirth of mortals?" asked Igor.
Vladimir laughed. "We, my family, are vampire ducks! You are a butler who has served in this for almost 900 years! The castle can travel from place to place ... My brother is also my father and my grandfather, just like his father and again his father and so on and so on ... then why shouldn't I believe in rebirths? "
He looked at Igor. "In my ears it sounds more than plausible."
Igor didn't answer, he just stood next to Vladimir. "And what is bothering you, young sir? Have you committed any crimes?"
Vladimir shook his head. "No. There are other things that keep haunting me." He sighs.
"Another question Igor. I went through the records of what our family owned. But I didn't find anything up-to-date. Except for the title deed of the castle. Igor ... why is our family so impoverished? Were we expropriated?"
This time Igor sigh, he probably didn't want to talk about it.
"I don't blame you Igor. I know what was going on in this country, even when I was far from here."
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't help it ... I couldn't save anything except the castle."
Vladimir looked at Igor and patted him on the shoulder. "It's all right Igor. I'm not blaming you. It is an achievement in itself that you were able to keep the castle for the family. And I also understand that you had to sell a lot when none of us were there."
"Thank you for understanding young sir."
Vladimir nodded. "You know what Igor, we sit down at the table and we have a chat?"
Igor agreed, he was even happy about Vladimir's offer.
When Igor told the ancestors of the Duckula's about the history of the family from the old days, Vladimir only listened to pass his own thoughts.
At some point Igor noticed that the young men's eyes kept closing.
Igor picked him up and carried him to his bed. Vladimir was light in weight. It reminded Igor of days gone by when he carried little Vladimir to sleep in the coffin.
Now Vladimir no longer slept in a coffin, but got used to the same naughtiness as his lord the count, to sleep in a bed .. And yet when Igor, the young gentleman lay down to sleep and covered, Igor could not help. To remember the old days.
Vladimir almost looked like back then ... only now he had a scarred face. Igor suspected that it wasn't just his face that was scarred. Maybe he could make Vladimir happy?
When the next Count Duckula got up in the kitchen and let Emma take care of him, Vladimir did not appear, so he asked about him.
"Is Vladimir not well? Why isn't he coming?"
"Oh no my lord, he's doing very well. He's downstairs and chasing his breakfast." replied Igor.
Count Duckula fell from his hand in terror. "He won't be ...!"
"Oh no sir, unfortunately not ..." Igor sigh. "... he is not in the village to hunt the common people - he is in the basement for ..."
Igor didn't get any further. Because Count Duckula had already disappeared with a flash. To reappear in the basement.
Vladimir turned and looked at him, holding a mouse in his beak with a canine tooth that was still squeaking.
Count Duckula hesitated at the sight. "Sorry ... sorry ... I" he choked "... I sometimes forget what you are!"
Vladimir rolls his eyes. Sucked the mouse out and spat it on the floor.
Which seemed even more disgusting to his brother.
"I only protected your food." Vladimir replied, "Besides, being a vampire is a trait that I have inherited from someone ... who is very close to me."
He looked the earl straight in the eye. Count Duckula waved it off. "It's okay ... I was your father. Even if I don't understand it."
"And what did you want from me before you bothered me at breakfast?"
"Nothing ... I just missed you. Would you please come up to us right away?"
Count Duckula tried to turn away, but turned again to Vladimir. "And if you would, please move the mouse away before coming. I don't like it if you leave the food there."
"Of course, as the Lord wish ..."
Vladimir watched his brother disappear with a flash. After all, it looked as if he was able to use his ability in a targeted manner and, above all, no longer refused it.
Later, when Vladimir went to the others, he threw the dead mouse far out of the window.
At the same moment he heard an urgent scream from his brother. "IIIIIGGGGGOOOOORRRR!"
Before Vladimir reached the kitchen from which the scream had come, he heard what it was about.
"Igor's a village girl in the fridge again!" Count Duckula was upset. "You know this is not tolerated, I'm a vegetarian! It's just… disgusting!"
"It wasn't meant for you, my lord, it should be a surprise for Vladimir."
"Vladimir? What has he got to do with it?"
"Well he is a bloodsucker ... and I thought I would make him happy, a surprise ... only he preferred to go to the basement to ... chase mice. Therefore this unfortunate misunderstanding - it is intended for Vladimir. Not for her my lord. "
"Whether Vladimir is a bloodsucker or not Igor. I am the man at home here and I do not tolerate anything like that! Vladimir…"
Count Duckula didn't get any further because Vladimir opened the door.
"And I don't tolerate something like that to Igor. You may have managed a surprise - but not a joy ... on the contrary."
Vladimir went to the fridge. He had heard something that gave him hope. He opened the fridge and his hope was confirmed.
"She is still alive ... her heart is beating ..." Vladimir grabbed her and carefully took the girl out.
"Quickly Fridolin, we need a warm blanket ... we put it on the stove to warm it up ... Emma, please make her a warm tea!"
Count Duckula was eager to get blankets, pulled them to the warm stove with Vladimir and wrapped them in the blankets.
"She's still alive?" he asked Vladimir.
"Was only passed out, I think, but you can hear her heart beating ..." Vladimir took a few steps away from her and gave a concert. He could see the blood circulating around her body. He nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Igor. Which was disapproving.
"How do you come to make me happy?"
"Now her parents and ancestors were always happy when I made them a surprise."
"Of course ... all my ancestors died very young for that! You couldn't give us any worse service than to incite the whole population against us! Who will be blamed Igor? Him, Count Duckula - and me once they do know about me! "Vladimir snorted.
"We have to live with your strange views. If you absolutely want to play in the torture chamber - well. As long as you don't" bother "it ... we can hardly throw them in the bulky waste!"
"Oh sir!" replied Igor, horrified.
Count Duckula meanwhile turned and grinned at Vladimir. Throwing the torture chamber onto the bulky waste was a seductive thought ... but not really feasible.
He turned back to the young woman. "Vladimir, she's waking up." he noticed.
Vladimir went to him and looked at her. He took her hand and felt her pulse.
When the young woman slowly opened her eyes, she looked right into Vladimir's face. And started screaming loudly. Vladimir immediately released her hand and jumped backwards.
"Alright! Alright! ... I think it's better if you take care of it Fridolin - you have no teeth in your face."
Fridolin? the name seemed to confuse the young woman, especially when the count came up to her and tried to calm her down.
"You don't need to be afraid, that's just Vladimir ... he's harmless. He's not the count ..." erected his full size. "I am Count Duckula."
It was probably not the right words that should have a calming effect. Because immediately she screamed again.
"Should I silence her?" Igor noticed dryly and with a certain growl in his voice.
"Beware!" the answer came from both beaks of the Duckula's at the same time.
He tried Count Duckula again, he took the hot tea from Emma and walked towards the young woman. "Calm down ... you're not in danger ... it's all right.
See ... I'm vegetarian ... I don't drink blood. And Vladimir ... is a tamed vampire. "
Vladimir rolled his eyes and snorted. He didn't like him when he was called "tamed".
When Count Duckula came up with the cup of tea, the young woman was back on the verge of screaming in panic. But this time she didn't get that far.
A strict voice, slowed her down. "Now don't be silly! Duckyboos Duckula just wants to offer you a hot tea!"
Vladimir soon burst out laughing when he heard Nanny, but the laugh died away in the next moment.
"And Vladimir Flea isn't dangerous either, so be polite and accept it!"
The young woman looked at Nanny in shock, but really fell silent and Count Duckula was given the tea.
"Well ... why not like that?" Nanny commented. "and now you thank them politely."
"There ... thanks ..." she stared at the count. "You Duc ... Duckyboos Duckula?"
Count Duckula looked at her. "No ... no ... my name is Count Fridolin Duckula." he looked briefly at Vladimir. "for a year at least."
"Fridolin?"
"That means" the Peaceful, "Vladimir gave me this name. See ... I don't want to do anything to anyone. I'm not like my ancestors. I'm ... different!"
She reluctantly sipped the hot tea. "And who is Vladimir?"
"Vladimir ... is my brother."
"There is a second duckula? Nobody in the village knows about it!"
Vladimir sighed. Now it was out! after so many decades. But at some point it would have come out anyway. So he stepped forward, but not close enough to frighten her again.
"I am the son of the previous count."
"But ... but ... there was no new count until he came back!"
"That's right. I was long gone - and besides, I was never the count, I was never entitled to the title."
She shook her head. "There was never a son of Count Duckula!"
"Now in front of them is the proof that it was." Vladimir commented on her words.
"You know Miss, I didn't know either. Until he suddenly stood at the door."
That was too much! far too much for Igor! "Mylord, why are you telling her everything ?! THAT is not a good thing! The Duckulas should have their secrets! The common people are not concerned with everything!" he protested loudly.
Vladimir involuntarily licked his beak. He wasn't quite there either. But maybe…?
"It would come out sooner or later that I exist. Igor. I am no longer a small child, that one has to keep it secret."
"But their names ... why did it have to be !?" groaned Igor.
"It's no shame to be called" Fridolin "."
"Bahhhhh ..." Igor groaned loudly. "... this name!"
"Is a very common name Old High German name Igor. Should I remind you what" Vladimir "means? And YOU gave me this name."
Vladimir crossed his arms and looks challenging Igor.
"No young gentleman ... better not."
"My name is Antanasia." Everyone turned to the young woman.
Finally Count Duckula walked up to her, took her hand and kissed her on the hand. "Delighted to meet you, dear Antanasia. And forgive us for the outrageous nature of our butler."
She looked at him irritated ... with everyone she had expected, certainly not!
Vladimir grinned contentedly and looked at Igor who was standing next to him.
"It is improper," the butler remarked to him. "it belongs to the rabble ... it doesn't belong!"
"What about my mother?" asked Vladimir quietly, turning to him.
"Your wife's mother was not a noblewoman, but she belonged to the upper middle class."
"And if so ..."
"She is a farmer's daughter!" outraged Igor. "and he belongs to a noble family!"
"Landed gentry Igor ... we are not a nobility. And anyway ... what time do you come from with such antiquated views ...?" Vladimir looked at Igor and cleared his throat.
"Forget it ... I forgot how old you are. Ridiculous remark from me." he crossed his arms. "In your case, you have the right to think so."
Vladimir watched his brother and the involuntary visit for a moment. Finally he turned around.
"I think we should leave them alone now ..."
"Like you my young master." Igor reluctantly obeyed the order. Just like Emma. Which did not want to leave her little duck cleaning with her alone.
So they left the room.
The young lady, however, barely uttered a word, just stared at the young count, who, in order to get her attention, had all the repertoire he could offer.
Count Duckula danced in front of her, spun like a ballerina, and twirled his cape around so that it puffed up. He stopped in front of her, looked her in the eye and practiced a "seductive" rash. Then to jump from left to right alternately. Grab the cape with one hand and hold it close under its beak to turn in circles. He leapt into the air and landed skillfully on his fins. He bowed to her, dancing the kazachok ... and, panting, held on to a chair. But quickly recovered and gathered himself again. He practiced his rash again.
"Dear Miss ... I hope you are not married?"
She shook her head and stared at him speechless.
"Guuuut. I'm going to start all over again… dear Miss… I feel honored to welcome Count Duckula to my castle… and it would be nice for me to show more… private rooms of the castle…"
She just sat there staring at him, there was no answer.
She just couldn't believe what she was experiencing, what was that ?! was she dead, fantasizing? were they delusions in a dream?
Count Duckula apologized and disappeared briefly to find Vladimir.
This was in his room and was about to re-tune his violin.
"Vladi ... Vladimir ... I don't know what's going on with her? She doesn't talk at all!"
Vladimir looked at his breathless brother. "I think she doesn't know what to think of all of this?"
"How? What? What should she think of me?"
Vladimir raised an eyebrow. "I guess she's going to think you're a pretty ... banged guy."
"Go ... Vladimir what are you allowing yourself ?! don't forget who you are talking to!" Count Duckula was outraged.
His brother put the violin aside, "I didn't forget who I was talking to. I was just wondering how it might feel you ... given your ... your ... manner."
Count Duckula crossed her arms. "And you mean she thinks I'm" crazy "?"
"Would be at least possible."
"And ... maybe you have an idea how I can get to her?"
"You mean get a kiss or something?"
"That would be a start!"
Vladimir considered. He shrugged and then grinned. "Maybe you should eat spaghetti with her?"
"Spagetti ... how is that supposed to solve my problem?"
Vladimir's grin broadened. "Well, I mean a plate! ... you just have to grab the same spaghetti ..."
Count Duckula was outraged. At least at the beginning. "As with ... THAT is the stupidest suggestion ... that ... that ... it's awesome! ... and I already have an idea!"
with these words he ran away again.
Vladimir looked after him and took up his violin again.
Shortly thereafter, the castle trembled.
Vladimir sighed and rolled his eyes. Travel ... it just wasn't his interest anymore.
He was playing a piece on the violin when Igor entered his room. His mood didn't seem to be the best.
"Young sir, did you persuade him?"
"What did Igor talk you into?"
"My lord has traveled to Italy to eat spagetti with these farmer women!"
"Oh ..." Vladimir didn't know any more about that.
"So it was your idea?"
"The spaghetti yes ... but not Italy." He put the violin aside again, went to the window and looked out.
"Oh ... well ... if Mr. Graf does something - then thoroughly! Spagetti - in Italy."
Vladimir leaned against the window and looked out. He wished his brother good luck.
Antanasia stepped out of the castle at the count's hand. Where were you now? There had to be voices, she was as good as death and only fantasized.
"I took the liberty of taking us to warmer areas. Should it be more pleasant for you after you've been so cool?"
Whatever the fantasy dream was, he was totally insane, Antanasia said. She would hardly go through a place in Italy with the dreaded Count Duckula by the hand - and now he invited her over for dinner!
THAT would be her end now. He would surely bite her now! and then this crazy dream would end.
Count Duckula led the young woman to a table and ordered spaghetti with vegetarian tomato sauce.
"But please bring us a big plate! - and two forks ... you understand?" He winked at the waiter.
The waiter looked at him helplessly, he didn't understand anything. But after all, the customer was king - or in this case, rather count. What the waiter knew nothing about, however.
"What wine does the Lord want?"
"Wine?" For a moment, Count Duckula was irritated. He had never drunk wine! but he didn't want to embarrass himself either. "which would you recommend to me?"
"Sauvignon Blanc, Ebling or Silvane."
"Um ... which one tastes the most fruity?"
"In this case I would recommend a Vin Santo. Its taste is a little citrus, which includes lovage, pument and cardamom, a little clove and star anise in the finish it tastes a bit of coffee and gingerbread."
Count Duckula nodded. He didn't understand anything about it, but in that case he would have to rely on the waiter.
"Then bring us a bottle of it."
It didn't take long for them to be delivered to the table, along with wine glasses. The waiter opened the bottle and read the count.
The taste was ... unusual ... a bit bitter ... but also fruity. That alone did not help the count show anything.
Finally they started to eat the spaghetti, but there was no real conversation, it was very one-sided.
At least until they started drinking the wine ...
"Your eyes are just wonderful ... I could be lent in them ... lent ... lost ..." whispered Count Duckula.
Antanasia started giggling. "It must be a dr ... dre ... dream ... iiiii I sit with Couuuuntttt Ducklllllual ..."
"It is…. Is… is… ne… act… dream… dream… from… but my… mine…. know… you know that you are a… wond… wonderful… baarrre Fru… fruit… no .. are women !? "
Count Duckula shook, holding on to his beak. What was his beak talking about?
"In the end… in the end, please… me… my beaaaaaak… i… … don't know…. No… not… when he was talking!"
She starts to laugh. "You ... are ... so funny!"
Count Duckula gulped. "I ... I ... don't drink ... otherwise ... alll ... alll ... wine!"
"You drink ... Bl ... Blll blood!"
The count began to choke. "No ... that's Disguuuuustttttting!" he looked at her. "... i ... I just drink my greetings!"
He paused. Was there anything wrong with that? but what?
Finally the waiter put the steaming spaghetti on the table after the wait, the count and his guest. As desired with two forks, which he handed them. He still shakes his head inside. "Pasta with Green Pesto". He declared kindly.
They started eating. Meanwhile, Antanasia was too freaked out to find the fact of eating a plate strange.
They continued to talk, drink wine and eat their spaghetti with pesto.
"Then s ... sin are you k ... a wlampire?"
Count Duckula pointed at himself with a fork. "I ... I ... am a veg .. veg .. vegellarian ... a vegetable wlampire!" he proudly said "... and fruit." he added.
"And ... the .. this other one?"
"Vla ... Vladi ... me ... he issel Bl ... bloodsucker. A ... a ... but only ... only rodddddentttt…" he looked at her. "... are you ... a rodent?"
She considered for a moment. "No."
Count Duckula looked at the plate again. "There ... then it's good!"
In fact, both managed to put the same spagetti on the fork and then into the beak ... and the miracle happened ... the beaks touched gently.
Vladimir's proposal was open! Count Duckula was beaming with happiness!
Antanasia reacted embarrassed, but in any case not negative.
Igor was getting nervous in the castle. "Mylord has been away for so long now. It's time for him to come back!"
He only glanced at Vladimir, then looked at Nanny. "Come on Nanny, we're going to take the count home now. It's time."
"Please don't forget to bring his lady visit back too. We don't want her to be left alone in Italy?" interjected Vladimir.
Igor groaned, actually it would be just right for him.
"I insist!" Vladimir underlined his words.
With a groan, Igor agreed, Vladimir's words were unmistakably an order, which he couldn't contradict as a butler.
So he started walking with Nanny. It wasn't long before they found their host sitting at the table with the young woman. They both looked at each other, the plate was eaten empty and the wine bottle was empty on the table.
Count Duckula hiccups. The waiter came out and gave him the bill. Hickste Graf Duckula again, but with fright.
He reached into his pocket and gave the waiter everything he had. "Th ... the rest ... eat for them!"
This counted. "But that's not enough!"
"I ... always nice ... know ... with the tip." warned Count Duckula.
"I didn't mean the tip!"
At that moment Igor and Emma arrived, the butler gave the waiter such a look that he immediately fell silent.
"You should be lucky to have caused such a drake of nobility at all!"
"But…"
"Nothing but come on Nanny, grab his escort now! We're going!"
He grabbed Count Duckula by the collar and carried him away. Nanny followed with Antanasia.
"Thanks ... e ... I ... Igor!" Hottest Count Duckula.
"Actually, it would do them good to wash dishes again!" Igor growled.
Vladimir stood at the gate and was already waiting for the returnees.
"I'm going to put Duckyputz in bed now," said she "such a bad drake! He's completely drunk!"
Vladimir frowned and took a closer look at his brother, who smiled foolishly at him. "It was ... sore ... beautiful."
"He's not drunk Emma, he's just a little tipsy. Nothing that a night's sleep won't cure."
Igor was about to take Antanasia away, but Vladimir stopped him. "No! I take care of the young lady ... I don't really trust you!"
With that he led her away. Igor growled.
Vladimir stayed at her bed all night. He really didn't trust Igor and wanted to prevent him from giving the story another twist.
At some point the castle traveled back.
Sunrise Middle - Transylvanian local time.
Vladimir was quite tired and exhausted, but hardly startled when they were home. He went to the window and looked out.
Then he ran into his brother's room and gently woke him up.
"Wake up you sleepyhead!"
"Vladimir! What's that ?! Count Duckula wanted to pull the blanket over his head, but Vladimir held it tight.
"No! Listen for yourself ..." With that Vladimir went to the window, opened the curtains and opened the window. "listen carefully!"
Voices came up to the castle, voices several people went up to the castle.
"... a stake through the vampire's heart!" they sang half.
Startled, Count Duckula jumped up and ran to Vladimir's window.
Down there, a pack of farmers from the village came toward them, armed with pitchforks and torches. "... now we’ll kill him!"
Garf Duckula swallowed.
"I think you should send your lady visit home now." noticed Vladimir. "You think you killed her."
Count Duckula no longer paid attention to the fact that he was still wearing his nightgown, he ran out of his room, afterwards to show Vladimir where she was sleeping.
Count Antanasia shook awake. She blinked at him sleepily. "You have to go now!"
"But why?" she yawned.
"Your people ... they want to kill me!" He ran to the window and opened it so that she could hear it too.
"... a stake through the heart of the vampire! Kill the beast!"
Antanasia looked down, then at the count. "It's better if I go now ..." she gave him another kiss when she left the room.
Which paralyzed him. She glanced at Vladimir somewhat skeptically.
"I ... I'll take you to the gate." Still in nightgown, Count Duckula led her to the gate.
Before she stepped out, she turned to face him again. "Thank you. For a wonderful day."
The villagers had almost reached the entrance to the castle when they came to them.
They looked at her in amazement. "You live?!"
"Yes ... and I'm fine!" she smiled. "The count is so ... nice ... he invited me to Italy to eat spaghetti."
According to these statements, all those present decided that the poorest had to be turned over ... but for the time being they refrained from killing the feared vampire count and went back to the village.
Meanwhile, Count Duckula and Vladimir stood at an upper window to watch them go.
"What will become of us now?" remarked Count Duckula.
"Who" us ", you and you? - I don't know. I hope that this won't turn into Romeo and Juliet's story. If you mean both of us. I don't know either. You will now find out that there are two Duckulas. And whether this alleviates her anger ... it probably also depends on her. "
Vladimir considered. He wasn't quite there. Whether they believed the story of the vegetarian counts, and if ... what became of him? After all, there was still a bloodsucker in the castle ... and THAT was Vladimir.
Vladimir shook off the thought, turned to his. "And you had a nice day yesterday?"
"Oh yes ... wonderful!" He sighed contentedly. "She kissed me! She likes me! ... maybe more than that?"
"Maybe." Vladimir nodded. He wished his brother, although he knew that relationships with mortals were difficult. Because they were just one mortal! their life expectancy was far below that of a vampire ... if you disregard the life expectancy of their family members.
It was a Tuesday. This Tuesday Count Duckula was not on the battlements to scream, but to sing a love song. It was a little weird, but the will counts, accompanied by his brother playing the violin.
Igor stood there growling. His only reassuring thought was that the singing might scare off a villager.
Igor heard sounds from the castle in the middle of the night. Nothing unusual for a vampire castle. But for a few years now, since the new gentleman introduced the custom of sleeping at night, it was unusual. So the butler got up to see what was going on.
He followed the noises and saw a Vladimir standing by the window looking out into the night.
"Do the old vampire customs get through with them?" Igor asked politely.
"Do I look like Igor as if I want to go hunting now?" in fact, Vladimir didn't make that impression in his nightgown. He looked very thoughtful.
"No Igor ... it's only sometimes memories keep me awake ..." he looked out of the window again "... unfortunately I didn't get the grace of forgetting like my brother."
Igor groaned at the word "mercy", but Vladimir simply ignored it. "It must be nice not to be able to remember a lot of things. I don't think that he could sleep so well if he knew exactly what he was doing in all incarnations."
Vladimir paused and then went on, regardless of whether Igor wanted to listen to him or not.
"Mortals are well off when they return, they usually don't remember anything."
"You believe in the rebirth of mortals?" asked Igor.
Vladimir laughed. "We, my family, are vampire ducks! You are a butler who has served in this for almost 900 years! The castle can travel from place to place ... My brother is also my father and my grandfather, just like his father and again his father and so on and so on ... then why shouldn't I believe in rebirths? "
He looked at Igor. "In my ears it sounds more than plausible."
Igor didn't answer, he just stood next to Vladimir. "And what is bothering you, young sir? Have you committed any crimes?"
Vladimir shook his head. "No. There are other things that keep haunting me." He sighs.
"Another question Igor. I went through the records of what our family owned. But I didn't find anything up-to-date. Except for the title deed of the castle. Igor ... why is our family so impoverished? Were we expropriated?"
This time Igor sigh, he probably didn't want to talk about it.
"I don't blame you Igor. I know what was going on in this country, even when I was far from here."
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't help it ... I couldn't save anything except the castle."
Vladimir looked at Igor and patted him on the shoulder. "It's all right Igor. I'm not blaming you. It is an achievement in itself that you were able to keep the castle for the family. And I also understand that you had to sell a lot when none of us were there."
"Thank you for understanding young sir."
Vladimir nodded. "You know what Igor, we sit down at the table and we have a chat?"
Igor agreed, he was even happy about Vladimir's offer.
When Igor told the ancestors of the Duckula's about the history of the family from the old days, Vladimir only listened to pass his own thoughts.
At some point Igor noticed that the young men's eyes kept closing.
Igor picked him up and carried him to his bed. Vladimir was light in weight. It reminded Igor of days gone by when he carried little Vladimir to sleep in the coffin.
Now Vladimir no longer slept in a coffin, but got used to the same naughtiness as his lord the count, to sleep in a bed .. And yet when Igor, the young gentleman lay down to sleep and covered, Igor could not help. To remember the old days.
Vladimir almost looked like back then ... only now he had a scarred face. Igor suspected that it wasn't just his face that was scarred. Maybe he could make Vladimir happy?
When the next Count Duckula got up in the kitchen and let Emma take care of him, Vladimir did not appear, so he asked about him.
"Is Vladimir not well? Why isn't he coming?"
"Oh no my lord, he's doing very well. He's downstairs and chasing his breakfast." replied Igor.
Count Duckula fell from his hand in terror. "He won't be ...!"
"Oh no sir, unfortunately not ..." Igor sigh. "... he is not in the village to hunt the common people - he is in the basement for ..."
Igor didn't get any further. Because Count Duckula had already disappeared with a flash. To reappear in the basement.
Vladimir turned and looked at him, holding a mouse in his beak with a canine tooth that was still squeaking.
Count Duckula hesitated at the sight. "Sorry ... sorry ... I" he choked "... I sometimes forget what you are!"
Vladimir rolls his eyes. Sucked the mouse out and spat it on the floor.
Which seemed even more disgusting to his brother.
"I only protected your food." Vladimir replied, "Besides, being a vampire is a trait that I have inherited from someone ... who is very close to me."
He looked the earl straight in the eye. Count Duckula waved it off. "It's okay ... I was your father. Even if I don't understand it."
"And what did you want from me before you bothered me at breakfast?"
"Nothing ... I just missed you. Would you please come up to us right away?"
Count Duckula tried to turn away, but turned again to Vladimir. "And if you would, please move the mouse away before coming. I don't like it if you leave the food there."
"Of course, as the Lord wish ..."
Vladimir watched his brother disappear with a flash. After all, it looked as if he was able to use his ability in a targeted manner and, above all, no longer refused it.
Later, when Vladimir went to the others, he threw the dead mouse far out of the window.
At the same moment he heard an urgent scream from his brother. "IIIIIGGGGGOOOOORRRR!"
Before Vladimir reached the kitchen from which the scream had come, he heard what it was about.
"Igor's a village girl in the fridge again!" Count Duckula was upset. "You know this is not tolerated, I'm a vegetarian! It's just… disgusting!"
"It wasn't meant for you, my lord, it should be a surprise for Vladimir."
"Vladimir? What has he got to do with it?"
"Well he is a bloodsucker ... and I thought I would make him happy, a surprise ... only he preferred to go to the basement to ... chase mice. Therefore this unfortunate misunderstanding - it is intended for Vladimir. Not for her my lord. "
"Whether Vladimir is a bloodsucker or not Igor. I am the man at home here and I do not tolerate anything like that! Vladimir…"
Count Duckula didn't get any further because Vladimir opened the door.
"And I don't tolerate something like that to Igor. You may have managed a surprise - but not a joy ... on the contrary."
Vladimir went to the fridge. He had heard something that gave him hope. He opened the fridge and his hope was confirmed.
"She is still alive ... her heart is beating ..." Vladimir grabbed her and carefully took the girl out.
"Quickly Fridolin, we need a warm blanket ... we put it on the stove to warm it up ... Emma, please make her a warm tea!"
Count Duckula was eager to get blankets, pulled them to the warm stove with Vladimir and wrapped them in the blankets.
"She's still alive?" he asked Vladimir.
"Was only passed out, I think, but you can hear her heart beating ..." Vladimir took a few steps away from her and gave a concert. He could see the blood circulating around her body. He nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Igor. Which was disapproving.
"How do you come to make me happy?"
"Now her parents and ancestors were always happy when I made them a surprise."
"Of course ... all my ancestors died very young for that! You couldn't give us any worse service than to incite the whole population against us! Who will be blamed Igor? Him, Count Duckula - and me once they do know about me! "Vladimir snorted.
"We have to live with your strange views. If you absolutely want to play in the torture chamber - well. As long as you don't" bother "it ... we can hardly throw them in the bulky waste!"
"Oh sir!" replied Igor, horrified.
Count Duckula meanwhile turned and grinned at Vladimir. Throwing the torture chamber onto the bulky waste was a seductive thought ... but not really feasible.
He turned back to the young woman. "Vladimir, she's waking up." he noticed.
Vladimir went to him and looked at her. He took her hand and felt her pulse.
When the young woman slowly opened her eyes, she looked right into Vladimir's face. And started screaming loudly. Vladimir immediately released her hand and jumped backwards.
"Alright! Alright! ... I think it's better if you take care of it Fridolin - you have no teeth in your face."
Fridolin? the name seemed to confuse the young woman, especially when the count came up to her and tried to calm her down.
"You don't need to be afraid, that's just Vladimir ... he's harmless. He's not the count ..." erected his full size. "I am Count Duckula."
It was probably not the right words that should have a calming effect. Because immediately she screamed again.
"Should I silence her?" Igor noticed dryly and with a certain growl in his voice.
"Beware!" the answer came from both beaks of the Duckula's at the same time.
He tried Count Duckula again, he took the hot tea from Emma and walked towards the young woman. "Calm down ... you're not in danger ... it's all right.
See ... I'm vegetarian ... I don't drink blood. And Vladimir ... is a tamed vampire. "
Vladimir rolled his eyes and snorted. He didn't like him when he was called "tamed".
When Count Duckula came up with the cup of tea, the young woman was back on the verge of screaming in panic. But this time she didn't get that far.
A strict voice, slowed her down. "Now don't be silly! Duckyboos Duckula just wants to offer you a hot tea!"
Vladimir soon burst out laughing when he heard Nanny, but the laugh died away in the next moment.
"And Vladimir Flea isn't dangerous either, so be polite and accept it!"
The young woman looked at Nanny in shock, but really fell silent and Count Duckula was given the tea.
"Well ... why not like that?" Nanny commented. "and now you thank them politely."
"There ... thanks ..." she stared at the count. "You Duc ... Duckyboos Duckula?"
Count Duckula looked at her. "No ... no ... my name is Count Fridolin Duckula." he looked briefly at Vladimir. "for a year at least."
"Fridolin?"
"That means" the Peaceful, "Vladimir gave me this name. See ... I don't want to do anything to anyone. I'm not like my ancestors. I'm ... different!"
She reluctantly sipped the hot tea. "And who is Vladimir?"
"Vladimir ... is my brother."
"There is a second duckula? Nobody in the village knows about it!"
Vladimir sighed. Now it was out! after so many decades. But at some point it would have come out anyway. So he stepped forward, but not close enough to frighten her again.
"I am the son of the previous count."
"But ... but ... there was no new count until he came back!"
"That's right. I was long gone - and besides, I was never the count, I was never entitled to the title."
She shook her head. "There was never a son of Count Duckula!"
"Now in front of them is the proof that it was." Vladimir commented on her words.
"You know Miss, I didn't know either. Until he suddenly stood at the door."
That was too much! far too much for Igor! "Mylord, why are you telling her everything ?! THAT is not a good thing! The Duckulas should have their secrets! The common people are not concerned with everything!" he protested loudly.
Vladimir involuntarily licked his beak. He wasn't quite there either. But maybe…?
"It would come out sooner or later that I exist. Igor. I am no longer a small child, that one has to keep it secret."
"But their names ... why did it have to be !?" groaned Igor.
"It's no shame to be called" Fridolin "."
"Bahhhhh ..." Igor groaned loudly. "... this name!"
"Is a very common name Old High German name Igor. Should I remind you what" Vladimir "means? And YOU gave me this name."
Vladimir crossed his arms and looks challenging Igor.
"No young gentleman ... better not."
"My name is Antanasia." Everyone turned to the young woman.
Finally Count Duckula walked up to her, took her hand and kissed her on the hand. "Delighted to meet you, dear Antanasia. And forgive us for the outrageous nature of our butler."
She looked at him irritated ... with everyone she had expected, certainly not!
Vladimir grinned contentedly and looked at Igor who was standing next to him.
"It is improper," the butler remarked to him. "it belongs to the rabble ... it doesn't belong!"
"What about my mother?" asked Vladimir quietly, turning to him.
"Your wife's mother was not a noblewoman, but she belonged to the upper middle class."
"And if so ..."
"She is a farmer's daughter!" outraged Igor. "and he belongs to a noble family!"
"Landed gentry Igor ... we are not a nobility. And anyway ... what time do you come from with such antiquated views ...?" Vladimir looked at Igor and cleared his throat.
"Forget it ... I forgot how old you are. Ridiculous remark from me." he crossed his arms. "In your case, you have the right to think so."
Vladimir watched his brother and the involuntary visit for a moment. Finally he turned around.
"I think we should leave them alone now ..."
"Like you my young master." Igor reluctantly obeyed the order. Just like Emma. Which did not want to leave her little duck cleaning with her alone.
So they left the room.
The young lady, however, barely uttered a word, just stared at the young count, who, in order to get her attention, had all the repertoire he could offer.
Count Duckula danced in front of her, spun like a ballerina, and twirled his cape around so that it puffed up. He stopped in front of her, looked her in the eye and practiced a "seductive" rash. Then to jump from left to right alternately. Grab the cape with one hand and hold it close under its beak to turn in circles. He leapt into the air and landed skillfully on his fins. He bowed to her, dancing the kazachok ... and, panting, held on to a chair. But quickly recovered and gathered himself again. He practiced his rash again.
"Dear Miss ... I hope you are not married?"
She shook her head and stared at him speechless.
"Guuuut. I'm going to start all over again… dear Miss… I feel honored to welcome Count Duckula to my castle… and it would be nice for me to show more… private rooms of the castle…"
She just sat there staring at him, there was no answer.
She just couldn't believe what she was experiencing, what was that ?! was she dead, fantasizing? were they delusions in a dream?
Count Duckula apologized and disappeared briefly to find Vladimir.
This was in his room and was about to re-tune his violin.
"Vladi ... Vladimir ... I don't know what's going on with her? She doesn't talk at all!"
Vladimir looked at his breathless brother. "I think she doesn't know what to think of all of this?"
"How? What? What should she think of me?"
Vladimir raised an eyebrow. "I guess she's going to think you're a pretty ... banged guy."
"Go ... Vladimir what are you allowing yourself ?! don't forget who you are talking to!" Count Duckula was outraged.
His brother put the violin aside, "I didn't forget who I was talking to. I was just wondering how it might feel you ... given your ... your ... manner."
Count Duckula crossed her arms. "And you mean she thinks I'm" crazy "?"
"Would be at least possible."
"And ... maybe you have an idea how I can get to her?"
"You mean get a kiss or something?"
"That would be a start!"
Vladimir considered. He shrugged and then grinned. "Maybe you should eat spaghetti with her?"
"Spagetti ... how is that supposed to solve my problem?"
Vladimir's grin broadened. "Well, I mean a plate! ... you just have to grab the same spaghetti ..."
Count Duckula was outraged. At least at the beginning. "As with ... THAT is the stupidest suggestion ... that ... that ... it's awesome! ... and I already have an idea!"
with these words he ran away again.
Vladimir looked after him and took up his violin again.
Shortly thereafter, the castle trembled.
Vladimir sighed and rolled his eyes. Travel ... it just wasn't his interest anymore.
He was playing a piece on the violin when Igor entered his room. His mood didn't seem to be the best.
"Young sir, did you persuade him?"
"What did Igor talk you into?"
"My lord has traveled to Italy to eat spagetti with these farmer women!"
"Oh ..." Vladimir didn't know any more about that.
"So it was your idea?"
"The spaghetti yes ... but not Italy." He put the violin aside again, went to the window and looked out.
"Oh ... well ... if Mr. Graf does something - then thoroughly! Spagetti - in Italy."
Vladimir leaned against the window and looked out. He wished his brother good luck.
Antanasia stepped out of the castle at the count's hand. Where were you now? There had to be voices, she was as good as death and only fantasized.
"I took the liberty of taking us to warmer areas. Should it be more pleasant for you after you've been so cool?"
Whatever the fantasy dream was, he was totally insane, Antanasia said. She would hardly go through a place in Italy with the dreaded Count Duckula by the hand - and now he invited her over for dinner!
THAT would be her end now. He would surely bite her now! and then this crazy dream would end.
Count Duckula led the young woman to a table and ordered spaghetti with vegetarian tomato sauce.
"But please bring us a big plate! - and two forks ... you understand?" He winked at the waiter.
The waiter looked at him helplessly, he didn't understand anything. But after all, the customer was king - or in this case, rather count. What the waiter knew nothing about, however.
"What wine does the Lord want?"
"Wine?" For a moment, Count Duckula was irritated. He had never drunk wine! but he didn't want to embarrass himself either. "which would you recommend to me?"
"Sauvignon Blanc, Ebling or Silvane."
"Um ... which one tastes the most fruity?"
"In this case I would recommend a Vin Santo. Its taste is a little citrus, which includes lovage, pument and cardamom, a little clove and star anise in the finish it tastes a bit of coffee and gingerbread."
Count Duckula nodded. He didn't understand anything about it, but in that case he would have to rely on the waiter.
"Then bring us a bottle of it."
It didn't take long for them to be delivered to the table, along with wine glasses. The waiter opened the bottle and read the count.
The taste was ... unusual ... a bit bitter ... but also fruity. That alone did not help the count show anything.
Finally they started to eat the spaghetti, but there was no real conversation, it was very one-sided.
At least until they started drinking the wine ...
"Your eyes are just wonderful ... I could be lent in them ... lent ... lost ..." whispered Count Duckula.
Antanasia started giggling. "It must be a dr ... dre ... dream ... iiiii I sit with Couuuuntttt Ducklllllual ..."
"It is…. Is… is… ne… act… dream… dream… from… but my… mine…. know… you know that you are a… wond… wonderful… baarrre Fru… fruit… no .. are women !? "
Count Duckula shook, holding on to his beak. What was his beak talking about?
"In the end… in the end, please… me… my beaaaaaak… i… … don't know…. No… not… when he was talking!"
She starts to laugh. "You ... are ... so funny!"
Count Duckula gulped. "I ... I ... don't drink ... otherwise ... alll ... alll ... wine!"
"You drink ... Bl ... Blll blood!"
The count began to choke. "No ... that's Disguuuuustttttting!" he looked at her. "... i ... I just drink my greetings!"
He paused. Was there anything wrong with that? but what?
Finally the waiter put the steaming spaghetti on the table after the wait, the count and his guest. As desired with two forks, which he handed them. He still shakes his head inside. "Pasta with Green Pesto". He declared kindly.
They started eating. Meanwhile, Antanasia was too freaked out to find the fact of eating a plate strange.
They continued to talk, drink wine and eat their spaghetti with pesto.
"Then s ... sin are you k ... a wlampire?"
Count Duckula pointed at himself with a fork. "I ... I ... am a veg .. veg .. vegellarian ... a vegetable wlampire!" he proudly said "... and fruit." he added.
"And ... the .. this other one?"
"Vla ... Vladi ... me ... he issel Bl ... bloodsucker. A ... a ... but only ... only rodddddentttt…" he looked at her. "... are you ... a rodent?"
She considered for a moment. "No."
Count Duckula looked at the plate again. "There ... then it's good!"
In fact, both managed to put the same spagetti on the fork and then into the beak ... and the miracle happened ... the beaks touched gently.
Vladimir's proposal was open! Count Duckula was beaming with happiness!
Antanasia reacted embarrassed, but in any case not negative.
Igor was getting nervous in the castle. "Mylord has been away for so long now. It's time for him to come back!"
He only glanced at Vladimir, then looked at Nanny. "Come on Nanny, we're going to take the count home now. It's time."
"Please don't forget to bring his lady visit back too. We don't want her to be left alone in Italy?" interjected Vladimir.
Igor groaned, actually it would be just right for him.
"I insist!" Vladimir underlined his words.
With a groan, Igor agreed, Vladimir's words were unmistakably an order, which he couldn't contradict as a butler.
So he started walking with Nanny. It wasn't long before they found their host sitting at the table with the young woman. They both looked at each other, the plate was eaten empty and the wine bottle was empty on the table.
Count Duckula hiccups. The waiter came out and gave him the bill. Hickste Graf Duckula again, but with fright.
He reached into his pocket and gave the waiter everything he had. "Th ... the rest ... eat for them!"
This counted. "But that's not enough!"
"I ... always nice ... know ... with the tip." warned Count Duckula.
"I didn't mean the tip!"
At that moment Igor and Emma arrived, the butler gave the waiter such a look that he immediately fell silent.
"You should be lucky to have caused such a drake of nobility at all!"
"But…"
"Nothing but come on Nanny, grab his escort now! We're going!"
He grabbed Count Duckula by the collar and carried him away. Nanny followed with Antanasia.
"Thanks ... e ... I ... Igor!" Hottest Count Duckula.
"Actually, it would do them good to wash dishes again!" Igor growled.
Vladimir stood at the gate and was already waiting for the returnees.
"I'm going to put Duckyputz in bed now," said she "such a bad drake! He's completely drunk!"
Vladimir frowned and took a closer look at his brother, who smiled foolishly at him. "It was ... sore ... beautiful."
"He's not drunk Emma, he's just a little tipsy. Nothing that a night's sleep won't cure."
Igor was about to take Antanasia away, but Vladimir stopped him. "No! I take care of the young lady ... I don't really trust you!"
With that he led her away. Igor growled.
Vladimir stayed at her bed all night. He really didn't trust Igor and wanted to prevent him from giving the story another twist.
At some point the castle traveled back.
Sunrise Middle - Transylvanian local time.
Vladimir was quite tired and exhausted, but hardly startled when they were home. He went to the window and looked out.
Then he ran into his brother's room and gently woke him up.
"Wake up you sleepyhead!"
"Vladimir! What's that ?! Count Duckula wanted to pull the blanket over his head, but Vladimir held it tight.
"No! Listen for yourself ..." With that Vladimir went to the window, opened the curtains and opened the window. "listen carefully!"
Voices came up to the castle, voices several people went up to the castle.
"... a stake through the vampire's heart!" they sang half.
Startled, Count Duckula jumped up and ran to Vladimir's window.
Down there, a pack of farmers from the village came toward them, armed with pitchforks and torches. "... now we’ll kill him!"
Garf Duckula swallowed.
"I think you should send your lady visit home now." noticed Vladimir. "You think you killed her."
Count Duckula no longer paid attention to the fact that he was still wearing his nightgown, he ran out of his room, afterwards to show Vladimir where she was sleeping.
Count Antanasia shook awake. She blinked at him sleepily. "You have to go now!"
"But why?" she yawned.
"Your people ... they want to kill me!" He ran to the window and opened it so that she could hear it too.
"... a stake through the heart of the vampire! Kill the beast!"
Antanasia looked down, then at the count. "It's better if I go now ..." she gave him another kiss when she left the room.
Which paralyzed him. She glanced at Vladimir somewhat skeptically.
"I ... I'll take you to the gate." Still in nightgown, Count Duckula led her to the gate.
Before she stepped out, she turned to face him again. "Thank you. For a wonderful day."
The villagers had almost reached the entrance to the castle when they came to them.
They looked at her in amazement. "You live?!"
"Yes ... and I'm fine!" she smiled. "The count is so ... nice ... he invited me to Italy to eat spaghetti."
According to these statements, all those present decided that the poorest had to be turned over ... but for the time being they refrained from killing the feared vampire count and went back to the village.
Meanwhile, Count Duckula and Vladimir stood at an upper window to watch them go.
"What will become of us now?" remarked Count Duckula.
"Who" us ", you and you? - I don't know. I hope that this won't turn into Romeo and Juliet's story. If you mean both of us. I don't know either. You will now find out that there are two Duckulas. And whether this alleviates her anger ... it probably also depends on her. "
Vladimir considered. He wasn't quite there. Whether they believed the story of the vegetarian counts, and if ... what became of him? After all, there was still a bloodsucker in the castle ... and THAT was Vladimir.
Vladimir shook off the thought, turned to his. "And you had a nice day yesterday?"
"Oh yes ... wonderful!" He sighed contentedly. "She kissed me! She likes me! ... maybe more than that?"
"Maybe." Vladimir nodded. He wished his brother, although he knew that relationships with mortals were difficult. Because they were just one mortal! their life expectancy was far below that of a vampire ... if you disregard the life expectancy of their family members.
It was a Tuesday. This Tuesday Count Duckula was not on the battlements to scream, but to sing a love song. It was a little weird, but the will counts, accompanied by his brother playing the violin.
Igor stood there growling. His only reassuring thought was that the singing might scare off a villager.