The Kaiserine's Champion

"Quite impossible," Thenck said. "It is necessary for my plans that the vampyre's gift stays with you until the Arena contest ends."

"Damn you, you should have asked!"

Thenck shrugged. "To what end? Do you wish to die in the Arena? Of course not. Had we explained everything first then you would eventually have said yes anyway, but we could afford no delay, since we had no idea when the vampyre's gift would leave you. What's done is done, for the good of all. You must accept it, Herr Manfred. The alternative must surely be obvious?"

Rather than make me think rationally and strive to prolong my life, Thenck's unsubtle threat only served to anger me. A low growl began somewhere deep in my throat and I decided there and then to end this charade and take my chances against the guards' muskets. A burning pressure built up within my skull and my teeth throbbed. I took a half-step forward, intending to show Thenck exactly what I thought of him and his damned plans.

A sharp pain on the back of my head made me turn around. Ludwig had climbed up onto a chair behind me and struck me with a wooden club. I only had enough time to say, "You little!" before the laboratory floor reared up and slapped me hard.