Transylvania Towers
Morris introduced Christa to the other guests. There was a tick of recognition on everyone’s face. She swung her hand in a dismissive gesture.
“Christa will be the other guide to role-play until the Lady arrives.”
Christa passed scripts around the table and assigned roles to the guests when there were no other volunteers for the other positions. She placed a script in front of me with a great flourish. The edges were yellowed and the back few pages were charred beyond readability. As we flipped through the scenes, Christa apologized for the shabby state of the scripts and gave the standard reason for their tattered appearance.
“It gives them character,” Mrs. Williams said, petting the old leather binding.
Around the table, we introduced our characters. The Williams were Jonathan and Mina Harker, Morris was his namesake Quincy Morris, Sam was Arthur Godalming, Tara & Melissa were both Lucy Godalming, Mariah was Dr. Seward, Leah was the vampire-killer Professor Van Helsing.
Christa explained that during role-play sessions, contact between Vampires and Vampire Hunters was expressly forbidden and violating this prohibition would cause a forfeit of the free vacation and seven thousand dollars. Leah asked when role-play would be finished, and Christa replied that when the Lady Karnstein arrived from Ontario in three days, role-play would be officially over.
“And Nathan will be playing the Count himself. His part must be executed perfectly. To this end, I will coach him personally. Morris will guide the rest through your parts.
“Role-play begins now. Everyone but Nathan, please follow Morris to find your new room assignments.”
Everyone filed from the room quietly. Leah kissed me on the cheek as she passed. In a moment, all of the other guests had left the room. The overhead lights seemed to dim and the shadows along the wall lengthened. Without any noise, Christa moved around the table and tapped me on the shoulder. I nearly gagged on my spit.
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