Sylum Advent 2025: Day 4

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Title: The Patrician

Author: Paula Cas

Characters: Victor Franckenstein, Heidi, Cinderella, Eduard Cheirmine, Phillipe Cheirmine, Hans Gruber, Ehre/Weisheit Clan Members, Original Characters

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Needing to find a new home, a Vampire who considers himself The Patrician of their kind moves into the Kin Clans territory.

Sylum Timeline: 13^th & 14^th century

***

After nearly a hundred years as a member of the Venetian patrician family, Dandolo, Victor needed to end his life in Italy. He had been quietly converting his business interests to precious metals and gemstones while he laid his plans to leave the long and satisfying life he’d lived in Italy. He had been surprised when a rider appeared at the gates of his home in Milan with a packet of letters from the captain of his knights, who was in Germany doing reconnaissance work.

Euric Arese was the youngest son of one of the oldest Patrician families in Milan. The Arese family shipped their textiles on Victor’s ships, so he frequently enjoyed their hospitality. Having observed the intelligence and fighting prowess of Euric, he’d offered a place to the young man in his household. As the youngest son of four, he would have a difficult time making his way in the world. Victor felt that under his tutelage, Euric would become his most loyal servant.

Victor found Humans useful in furthering his plans, but he invested little emotional attachment since their lives were a blink in comparison. Euric was becoming the exception. With his impeccable bloodlines and extensive education, Euric fulfilled his orders no matter what task Victor set for him.

Reading through the letters and documents, Victor was suitably impressed. In the ten years he had been part of Victor’s household, Euric had never disappointed him. Perhaps it was time to reward such loyalty. Euric had found an Imperial Baron who held several titles in the Holy Roman Empire and had died with no living issue. The Franckenstein family left an empty castle, lands, serfs, and vacant titles that would be a perfect fit for the Patrician. He called for a servant to fetch the man who carried the packet from Germany so he could relate the experiences of Euric and his men in Odenwald.

Setting the servants to pack his household for the move to Franckenstein Castle, Victor called for his horse. After several hours with his business manager, he was satisfied his orders would be followed. To make certain, the man’s twelve-year-old son would be traveling with him. When the man came to Germany with proof that his orders had been fulfilled, he would release the boy.

The month it had taken for his caravan to travel from Milan to the Franckenstein family castle had been tedious, but it had given him time to perfect his high German. As much as he disliked the guttural language, he needed it to sound like his milk tongue if he wanted to rise above the other sycophants in Vienna. After all, he carried more royal blood in his lace handkerchief than the fools in the entire court.

Looking around the castle, Victor was pleased with what he saw. Euric had managed to bring the castle that had stood empty for nearly a decade up to his master’s standards.

Victor had wanted to travel directly to Vienna to get the minutiae of establishing himself as an Imperial Baron. He had walked the line between the Papal and secular factions. He held no spiritual beliefs but knew well how to pay lip service to whichever way the wind was blowing, so the letters he had acquired with the Pope’s seal should place the emperor’s eye on him. He did have eyes in Vienna, but it had been almost a year since they had corresponded.

The last he’d heard from his man, Gruber, the man had ingratiated himself to the wife of a wealthy Lord whose counsel is sought after in the emperor’s court. The name Přemyslid was not known to him, but it gave him a starting point when he finally traveled to Vienna. He would need allies.

While making his way to court was like an itch under his skin, Victor knew a better strategy was to establish himself as a power in his new territory rather than go to Vienna. Introducing himself to the money merchants in Darmundestadt garnered him a reputation for wealth and a keen business mind. Once his serfs and animals had food to make it through the winter and the surplus sold, he was set to spend the Advent season at court. He was looking forward to a winter living in comfort among the noble class before returning to Franckenstein castle for the spring planting.

*^*^*^

While waiting for Victor for arrive from Italy, Euric had taken it upon himself to sort through the serfs living on the Franckenstein lands, looking for a steward and someone to run the household. The couple that owned the inn, Klaus and Frieda Uber, stood out for their above-average education. Klaus had been taught by his mother, whose noble family had fallen on hard times. Frieda had been educated in a Church run orphanage and had passed her knowledge onto their children.

Now, Klaus managed the serfs and the inventories of foodstuffs and livestock while Frieda ran the castle with the same efficiency as her inn. The inn had been turned over to their eldest daughter and her husband. Their two youngest had recently seen their fourteenth and fifteenth year and shadowed their parents in learning to care for their Baron’s household.

With things well in hand at the castle, Victor had no worries about taking Euric and his hand-picked knights to Vienna. The rest of the soldiers would remain at Castle Franckenstein. They would be patrolling the roads and borders to keep out poachers and highwaymen. He was hopeful the letters he carried from Italy would still carry weight to put him in good standing with the emperor.

A week before they were to leave for Vienna, Victor summoned Euric to his solar. The man had returned from Vienna the evening before, and this was the first opportunity Victor had to meet with him. There was a bit of a qualm about making the man travel back to Vienna this quickly. Making the rooms as secure as possible, the Vampire invited the young man to sit.

“How may I be of service?”

Standing by the window, Victor studied his knight. “Euric, you have been a stalwart protector and agent for me these past ten years. I feel blessed to have you in my service, but today I wish to speak of the future.” He paused to fill two goblets with wine they’d brought from Italy. Handing one to Euric, he watched him closely as he asked his questions. “What do you see for your future. Are you in search of a lady wife to raise a family on lands of your own?”

Setting aside his goblet, Euric straightened in his chair. “I have no desire to leave your side. I have brothers to carry the family legacy, and being in your service has given me opportunity to become more than the youngest son. You have given me your trust to act in your stead as we travel into new lands.”

“As we go forward there may be times when I will ask you to do things you may find distasteful, though I suspect you will soon have built a team of men who will be deeply loyal to you as you are to me and my goals. We will make a place for ourselves in this new land.”

“I am no longer the naïve child I was when I left my home. Though I have seen things and done as you bid me, I do not understand why we left Italy. You were the most respected of the Patrician nobles.”

“That is what we are here to discuss. What we discuss must not be spoken of without my express permission. Now tell me what you think you have seen, Euric.”

A light blush lit the high cheekbones as he took a moment to gather his thoughts. “People of all ages were drawn to you like bees to a flower. You would take their hand in greeting but stood so the hand was hidden. When they stepped away it was as though they had shared an intimate moment, but nothing untoward had happened. There are whispers from those that travel to Rome they call The Chosen, but I have heard little else.”

Surprised at Euric’s knowledge, Victor’s mouth turned up in a slight smile. “It would seem I have underestimated your information gathering skill.”

“People treat offspring that are not the heirs much like servants. They do not guard their words in our presence.”

“Indeed. Would you like to be one of The Chosen?” Victor’s voice practically purred with the control he had over the young man.

“Only if it were in your service, Baron.”

“You should be careful before making such statements. Have your whispers told you who these Chosen are sworn to?”

“Only that they are of ancient myths and folklore.”

“What if I told you they were true?”

“Since I know you are not a man of foolishness, I would say I believe you. For if it is true then you truly are The Patrician. I would also say it is my honor to serve, and if it would further you plans to become as you.”

Victor thought at his age little could still surprise him, but Euric just did. He never considered Humans irreplaceable. It always tested his temper when they got old and he had to train new ones, but with a simple statement of loyalty, Euric may have solved that problem. His security forces would be about stealth and training, not numbers.

“If something were to happen to endanger your life, I will Turn you, but until then I will take you as my Chosen until we are established and I have the ear of the emperor. We need to recruit strong, intelligent men that will be a credit to our knights and will not go haring off on those ridiculous crusades.”

“It shall be as you wish.”

“How soon can we be on the road to Vienna?”

“We can leave after we have breakfast the day after the Sabath. I was able to procure a residence and enough staff to make it livable until we arrive.”

“It is true your horse was your closest companion this summer.” Victor’s tone was dry. “And the knights that traveled with you?”

“Our best. Ready to travel back to Vienna with us. There was something odd that occurred. A man calling himself Hans Gruber approached me with a packet of documents.” He laid a leather folder on the desk. “He told me to relay to you that his position is secure at this time, but should that change he expects you to render aid if he needs to make a hasty retreat.”

“I will leave you to your letters. Is it you wish to have a meeting like this each morning?”

“Immediately after breakfast.”

With a bow of acknowledgment, Euric left Victor to his letters.

*^*^*

Gruber’s letters were filled with the type of information that would help Victor establish allies within the emperor’s court. There were tidbits that would be considered beyond the pale if the escapades became public knowledge, but nothing that was unusual from any other gathering of nobles.

Putting the letters with others he’d received from Gruber; he gave a brief thought to Gruber’s request for aid should his circumstances cause him to make a retreat from Vienna. He dismissed Gruber’s request like dusting link from his jacket. People like Hans Gruber rarely suffered for their actions. They kept their assets portable and were always assessing their escape routes. Likely his own actions would see him on the run with no blame falling on Victor for his lack of care for the man. If he was still in Vienna when Victor arrived, it would be good to meet with Gruber in person to take the measure of the man and the validity of his information. From there he could decide whether the man was worth the effort to retain him further.

After giving his final orders to his people staying behind at Franckenstein Castle, Victor mounted his horse and led the group out the gates. Since the only women traveling with them were the wives of the cook and the drover on the baggage wagon, Victor would push to cover as many miles as possible. Even with good weather, it would take a month for the small caravan to reach the capital of the Holy Roman Empire.

For all the tediousness of overland trips, it gave Victor time to learn about and evaluate the people that were part of his new life. The men Euric has chosen and trained met Victor’s expectations. As the servants learned his ways, they too, soon were up to the standards to which he’d become accustomed. Euric had settled into his role as Victor’s Chosen and even suggested a few others among his knights if he could not provide what Victor needed.

The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea of not having to constantly replace his top people. Since he refused to tie himself to one of Vampire Clans, what became of those he Turned would be solely at his discretion. He refused to be judged by those who thought they knew better. Never in his long life did he allow others to control any aspect of his life. What he gave, you could take away.

By the time the group from Franckenstein Castle stopped in front of a townhouse worthy of Baron Victor Franckenstein with its stable and separate quarters for his knights. Euric had once again proven his worth to Victor’s plans. The servants had the house ready for occupation. They would only need another week to be ready for the entertaining expected of an Imperial Baron.

Euric and the youngest of the knights had ridden ahead of the caravan so the servants would know of their new master’s arrival. He had obtained Victor an appointment with the city’s top tailor.

As Euric and his men made haste to Vienna ahead of the Baron, they rendered aid to the Prince-Elector, Archbishop of Cologne and his men from a gang of highwaymen. The Archbishop, to show his appreciation for being saved from the indignity of being robbed, had promised Imperial Baron Victor Franckenstein would receive his first invitation to the emperor’s castle before the week ended.

Listening to all that Euric had accomplished in the days it had taken to travel to the city and back, Victor was more convinced than ever that Turning his most skilled and talented people would serve him well in the years to come.

Taking a moment to relax after a dinner with two hundred of the emperor’s friends. His patron, the Archbishop of Cologne had introduced him to Charles IV of Luxembourg. The aged emperor was still in control of all his faculties, but his heir was a bit a wastrel. He had to agree with the Prince-Elector who gave him a synopsis of the court that the Arch Dukes from the Habsburg dynasty would soon be a powerful political force in the Empire. Mentally congratulating himself on the ease at which he was inserting himself into the power structure of his new home, he walked back into the ballroom. He was nearly bumped into Prince-Elector Friedrich, who grabbed his elbow to pull him across the room. Not one for being manhandled, Victor used just enough of his Vampire strength to slow down the Archbishop.

“What is the hurry, Friedrich?”

“I can’t let the evening end without introducing you to my great friend and his beautiful wife.”

Not wanting to insult the man who had been instrumental in getting him established, Victor caught Euric’s attention and indicated for him to join him. Watching the people in the general area, he noticed a handsome, bearded man with salt and pepper hair standing next to a beautiful blonde woman. Talking to the woman was another blonde woman who looked to be in the twenties, and a man with the look of a warrior, whose eyes missed nothing in the room. The strange thing was when Victor concentrated his senses on that part of the room there was a quiet … No breath … No heartbeats … His new friend was leading him directly toward a group of Vampires.

“Lord Přemyslid.” Friedrich drew their attention.

“Archbishop, how can my family be of service?” Four sets of eyes turned on Victor.

“I wish to introduce you to my new friend, Imperial Baron Victor Franckenstein.”

“Baron, these are my good friends, Lord Wenceslaus Přemyslid, his Lady, Cinderella, Lady Heidi, and Herr Brandtenstein.”

Wenceslaus stepped forward giving a slight bow. “Baron, a pleasure to meet you.”

“As I you.” Victor turned attention to his wife. “Milady.”

“Baron.” Her tone was chilly.

Brandtenstein and the lady Heidi remained behind their Lord and Lady. Victor guessed they were Hunters from their sharp eyes and ready stances.

On the surface, their introductions looked proper to any watchers. The archbishop was pleased to bring together two such charismatic men.

Victor did not want to appear weak to the other Vampires but acknowledged that he was not in a position of strength at the moment, so he pulled out his best Patrician manners until Friedrich pulled him away to the next introduction.

With the appearance of other Vampires, the name Wenceslaus made him wonder if he was the pious Duke of Bohemia that had been killed by his brother. If they had an established Clan in Germany, it was going to take him a bit longer than he planned to have his influence felt in Germany.

Time was something that was not in short supply.

~ Fini ~