Not that long ago, the mere sound of his name terrorized the world.
But that was then…
“You know WHAT?” He says, pointing a bony finger to no one in particular. “I was bloody famous once.” He stops and bursts into laughter. “HA! Get it? BLOODY famous?” Stumbling around, he continues to mumble to himself. I roll my eyes and down another shot.
I was always a simple man. Didn’t want much, only immortality. Well, forever isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Abraham smirks and hands me another drink, shaking his head. As far as he’s concerned, this is exactly the life that I deserve. Vlad’s mind has been gone for over a century now. Before that, the world was ours. But it stopped believing in legends like him.
And that’s what broke him.
I suddenly realize that I was being watched. “Back off, you ancient windbag,” I muttered, wanting to drink in peace. He ignores me and continues to approach, his black cloak raised. I refuse to turn around, I know what that look of his can still do to me. Realizing that I’m not giving in, he stops, lets out a hiss, and begins to creep around the bar. He still thinks he looks menacing, although they all laugh at him now. Even the tourists don’t believe he’s real.
I just don’t have the heart to tell him the truth.
With my last drink finished, I stand up, tossing a handful of bills on the counter. It was time to go. “Come on, master,” I say half-heartedly.
Walking over, I take him by the shoulders and begin to steer him towards the exit. “Night, Abe!” I call out. “Night, Renfield!” he calls back. “See you tomorrow?” I nod as the pub door opens, letting in the winter’s chill.
Where else would we be? I sigh, watching as the carriage pulls up. We climb in and make it home just before the sunrise.
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