THE CATACOMBS

The man wore a blood-red garment that reached down to his feet. A heavy golden cross rested on his chest. He leaned back in his magnificent but highly uncomfortable armchair, clasping his fingers in front of his lean body. A huge ruby glinted in the torchlight.

"I would have waited longer," assured the woman, nodding vigorously, the rustle of her veil accompanying the motion. "But then these three figures appeared, and I didn't know what they were doing in such a remote place at that time. And the giant dog they had with them, almost like a wolf! It would have tracked me down. I couldn't help it, Eminence, and he was already much too late!"

The cardinal raised his hands to interrupt her flow of speech. "I understand, Sister Nicola. I will send you a message if I need your help. You may leave now."

He waited until her tripping steps had faded away. Then he threw a long black cloak over himself and pulled a broad-brimmed hat down low over his forehead. He hailed a carriage that whisked him away over the bridge and then along the banks of the Tiber to the south. He stopped the carriage at the small round Temple of Hercules, paid the demanded coins, and disembarked. The rest of the way, he traveled on foot. Before him, the bell of Santa Maria in Cosmedin tolled. He was not too late yet. He would be there before the others, as was his custom.

The cardinal passed the church and headed towards the elongated oval that had once been the Circus Maximus, where, among many Roman emperors, chariot races and athletic competitions had taken place. Today, it was only a depression overgrown with weeds. The seating rows, the imperial box, and the obelisks had disappeared. Yet, there was still something here from the time of the great races. Something hidden, long forgotten, which made this place so valuable to the cardinal. He turned left into the alley between the Circus and an elongated building that had long been uninhabited. The roof had collapsed, and nettles and thorny bushes grew between the crumbling walls. Ivy climbed up the stone walls and stretched through the empty window openings. The cardinal passed through the stone arch, whose gate wings were broken, into a courtyard and made his way to the hidden staircase that led down into the depths. He followed the worn steps to the bottom. A grim smile flickered across his gaunt face as he thought of the famous "Mouth of Truth," the relief in the church's vestibule, just a few steps away on the other side of this block of houses. Legend had it that if one placed their hand in the mouth opening, it would be bitten off if they didn't speak the truth.

Perhaps, thought the cardinal, we should hold our meetings up there instead, and each of the circle's participants must place their hand in the Bocca della Verità while delivering their report. - Of course, everyone except the cardinal himself. After all, he was their leader and had founded the circle. And he owed them no accountability for his goals and methods!

The cardinal lit several lamps in the antechambers. A shiver ran down his spine as he removed his cloak. Once again, he wondered if this was only due to the chill of the underground chambers or if there was something else in this ancient Mithraeum besides damp stones and shadows. The originally Persian cult had spread throughout the Roman Empire before Christianity settled here, and even then, it had been surrounded by an air of mystery and mysticism. The Mithraea had always been built underground, and every new member had to pledge strict silence upon entry. Could there have been a more fitting place for the Circle of Red Masks?

Footsteps and voices on the stairs. The other members were approaching. Quickly, the cardinal produced a mask in the color of his garment and covered his face, and he also concealed his golden cross under the red fabric. In the former temple room of the ancient sanctuary, he sat at the head of the table. While the other rooms were now brightly lit, only a single candle burned in the center of this one.

The members of the Circle entered. The Cardinal caught the last snippets of conversation: "Let the Holy Father return to his beloved orphanage, Tata Giovanni, if he is too timid for this grand plan."

"He withdrew from the Risorgimento* early on. I don't believe he would be the right man to take the king's place anyway," another said.

"What do you want?" growled the unmistakably rough voice of the only man who did not aspire to a ecclesiastical career. "You've got your united Italy. Is it so important whether a king or a pope is at the helm? Kings and popes come and go."

"Well, our revered Pius has been around surprisingly long," another quietly interjected. "Has any pope ever sat on that throne for so many years?"

The previous speaker was not deterred and added, "Whether king or pope, the strings are pulled in secret places. And besides, we are not here to engage in politics but to fight the demons of the night."

The men took their seats. The last of the six veiled figures arrived a bit later and silently slid into his chair. The Cardinal glanced over the wide robes and the red velvet masks under the hoods. Suddenly, he paused and leaned forward in his chair. What was this? The man did not wear the mask he had given him during his oath. It was a cheap copy made of paper and thin red fabric. The one being stared at lowered his hood a little further over his face and bowed his head in shame. "Forgive me, Eminence, I couldn't find it. I must have misplaced it. It will turn up again," he added hastily.

"I hope so! And such a thing will never happen again!" growled the Cardinal. Then he rose and opened the assembly. After the usual introductory words and the oath to remain faithful to the circle and keep all matters confidential, he sat back down.

"Dear brethren, you may have already heard that Count Barbo had a - let's say - inexplicable fatal accident. He will no longer be able to advocate against the Vatican's plans to the king!" Approving murmurs arose. "So, this problem is solved, and I assure you that we no longer need to concern ourselves with the minister from the House of Colonna."

"I would dearly like to know who his assassins are," muttered the man with the hoarse voice. "If my suspicion is correct..." The Cardinal shot him a sharp look. The mask lowered, preventing him from meeting his eyes.

"Very well. Unfortunately, a - discrepancy has arisen, so we cannot immediately proceed with the task assigned to us. Today, I cannot provide you with the location and time for our next deed in honor of God." He raised his hands to silence the rising murmur.

"It's just a minor irritation that I will resolve soon. I will summon you in the usual way when I have new information in hand. Do any of you have anything to report?" He scanned the room. "There are plans regarding the Palatine," said the third from the left. "And? You know it must be prevented!"

The masked man nodded. "Yes. I will see to it. No one is currently discussing the Colosseum." "Good, then I adjourn the meeting for today." The six members rose, bowed to the Cardinal, and left. The Cardinal watched them go and listened to their voices until the old sanctuary lay silent again.

The torches outside on the walls danced restlessly. A draft pushed against the candle flame. Something was rotten here. The Cardinal closed his eyes and recalled the meeting once again. He saw the six members of the Circle in their robes and red masks, heard their words and whispers. No, that wasn't what troubled him. It was after the meeting. The members rose one by one, left the dim room, and stepped into the illuminated vestibule. Their shadows glided behind them over the threshold.

The Cardinal froze. That was it. The last circle brother slipped out without a shadow. A vampire had mingled among them unnoticed! It didn't surprise the Cardinal when the next day, the body of a naked man was pulled from the Tiber, with a small wound on his neck, but otherwise strangely bloodless. The Cardinal knew the man's name but refrained from interfering in the police's investigation.

"If we have another lesson with those torturers Umberto and Letizia today, I'll call in sick," Tammo announced some weeks later as they fortified themselves under the golden canopy for the upcoming lesson. Zita and Raphaela, who had the child strapped to her back, generously supplied the young vampires with fresh, warm blood, but Tammo didn't seem to have much of an appetite today.

"And what excuse will you give? That you caught the flu from a human? Or better yet, cholera or plague?" his sister asked.

"They won't believe that, will they?" Tammo retorted.

"No, you won't get away with that," his sister replied.

"I could break both your legs," offered Fernand, who had just approached. He retrieved his rat from his pocket and placed it on the table before taking his seat with the others.

"I'm not sure if that's such a good idea," Tammo said doubtfully. "It will probably take two or three nights for the bones to heal again. And besides, does it hurt?"

The others looked at each other and then burst out laughing.

"Definitely more than the cane! - Well, I guess. I haven't tried it yet," Alisa said, rubbing her hands in memory of the beatings she had endured, which were of course long since healed.

"I wouldn't pursue this plan any further," Ivy advised him. "Besides, I heard we're going on an outing today - with Signora Enrica and Signor Ruguccio."

She had heard correctly. In addition to the professors, Hindrik, Francesco, Leonarda, and a few other servants also joined. Of course, the Dracas also did not part with their shadows, which remained close to them, always ready to receive their commands. Everyone gathered in the large courtyard.

Professor Enrica raised her voice. "Under our guidance over the past few weeks, you have trained and strengthened your powers. Now we want to see how far you have come so far. We will now set off together to visit one of the ancient Christian catacombs. Along the way, you will catch a glimpse of the famous Colosseum and other monuments of the great Roman era."

The students spoke excitedly among themselves. Luciano winked at Alisa. Hindrik leaned in toward them and said softly, "This will be especially exciting for you, won't it? The very first glimpse of the Colosseum!"

"But yes!" Alisa replied innocently.

"He knows!" Luciano whispered in horror as Hindrik moved away.

"He always knows everything," Alisa sighed. "Don't ask me how he does it. But at least he rarely interferes."

The professor divided the students into several groups and appointed a local vampire as a guide for each. The groups were to depart one after the other at intervals of a few minutes. It would have been too dangerous to travel together through the still young night. While humans tended not to see what frightened them, such a large gathering could not be concealed even with mind control.

Alisa, Ivy, and Luciano followed the others through the main portal. From the outside, it was well camouflaged by dense bushes. Their group was led by Hindrik and Raphaela, who apparently had no objections to leaving the little screamer behind for a few hours in the Domus Aurea. Furthermore, she seemed to have taken a liking to Hindrik, who clearly reciprocated the feeling. They walked along amiably together. They stopped repeatedly, and Raphaela talked about the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus, whose elongated racetrack could still be faintly discerned to their right. They passed the ruins of the Caracalla Baths and then followed the ancient Appian Way. Palaces lined their path up to the city wall, hidden behind walls and somber cypresses.

The vampires left the city through the Porta San Sebastiano, which had not been guarded since Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. After leaving the Aurelian Walls behind, which had once been intended to keep plundering Germans away from Rome, they passed fewer and fewer houses. The Via Appia now ran straight southward.

Hindrik and Raphaela silently darted along the street. Gardens and the occasional palace flew by. Not even the best human runner could keep pace with them. Even Alisa felt the strain, and Luciano groaned louder and louder. The first mausoleums appeared along the roadside. Many were in ruins, but many statues, inscriptions, or domes testified to how magnificent the Street of the Dead had once been, where rulers paraded triumphantly into Rome when they had successfully subjugated a region and returned home with plundered treasures and exotic slaves.

The moon had barely moved further when they stopped in a cypress grove. A human would have surely taken many hours for this journey. Professor Enrica was already waiting for them, and soon the others arrived as well. The young vampires gathered around the two teachers.

"Over there is one of the entrances to the Catacombe di San Callisto, one of many burial labyrinths of early Roman Christians. It extends over four levels for several kilometers, making it not the largest catacomb, but certainly suitable for our exercises. We will go down together first. I will explain what you should pay attention to. And then we will do an orientation and sensing exercise, where you will be on your own in pairs. But first, let Signor Ruguccio give each of you an amulet that will strengthen your powers in repelling the holy. I fear the exercise would otherwise be too painful for you, and we would surely have to search for some of you at the end of the night, because you would be exhausted and unconscious somewhere in the labyrinth."

"That sounds exciting!" Tammo whispered, making a face.

"Do you think so?" Luciano didn't seem convinced.

"Well, you don't have to worry," the younger one retorted. "You Nosferas already have much stronger powers by nature. For us, it will be a real challenge!"

"Nevertheless, I wouldn't do without the amulet," Luciano confided to the two girls. "I've been in such a catacomb before, and believe me, it was anything but pleasant!"

Alisa and Ivy hung the leather cords with the red stones around their necks and then followed the professors down the narrow stone staircase into the depths. Ivy clasped the ruby. It was heavier than she had expected from its size and seemed to pulse in her grip. It was unusually warm, as if it harbored a kind of life behind its skillfully cut facets. Even in the deepest darkness, the stone emitted a red glow, wavering like embers in a piece of wood and constantly changing.

Seymour pressed himself so close to his mistress that Ivy could feel the warmth of his body through her thin garment. Alert, he scanned the surroundings.

Alisa placed her hand on her chest. "Do you feel that too? It doesn't hurt properly, but there's a whispering and murmuring inside me that is getting more and more penetrating."

Ivy nodded. "Yes, I have the impression that the countless souls are protesting against our intrusion. They reach for our minds and try to confuse us."

They reached the bottom of the stairs and crowded together in the long corridor that disappeared into the darkness. Even the eyes of a vampire could only penetrate the darkness a few meters ahead down here.

"This part was created toward the end of the second century. The Christian community had grown so large by then that the many needed burial places posed a problem for them. They were not allowed to bury their dead in the city, and cremation was out of the question due to their belief in resurrection. But even out here, the plots of land were too expensive for above-ground cemeteries, so the communities came up with the idea of ​​building these underground labyrinths. The idea was not new, but here in the tuff stone, it was possible for them to build these huge facilities without fear of them collapsing overhead. The stone made of solidified volcanic ash is easy to work with and then very durable."

The professor continued on and then turned right. Graves upon graves. One close to the next. Ivy placed her hand on Seymour's neck. It was a comforting feeling, although the voices of the dead were now even clearer. Yet they did not frighten her. It was more a deep sadness that resonated within her. She looked at Alisa, who walked beside her. She, too, wore an unhappy expression and pressed her lips tightly together.

"Do you hear the voices?" Ivy asked.

"Voices? No, it's a buzzing in the air, and I feel like I can't think clearly anymore. A pain is building up inside me and spreading further. Perhaps this won't be as enjoyable as we hoped," replied Alisa. Luciano nodded beside them, but he didn't seem to be affected by the catacomb as much as the others.

The professor turned right again and led the young vampires to several larger chambers. "In the early years, all the dead were buried in simple niches, but later, lavishly painted mensa tombs and vaulted crypts were created for the privileged. These burial chambers you see here are called cubicula. Over there, nine Roman bishops are buried. Go in as far as you can and pay attention to your feelings. You must pass slowly by the tombstones. We will meet again in the first sacramental chapel up ahead."

With Seymour still close by her side, Ivy glided along the graves ahead of Alisa. Some were empty, she could feel it distinctly, while others still contained the old bones of the early Christian centuries. She would have expected the uncomfortable feeling to intensify near the magnificent mensa tombs, but nothing happened. Even with most of the bishops in their niches along the wall, she felt nothing. It wasn't until she reached the head of the chamber that she felt a sharp pang, hotly coursing through her body. She leaned forward to decipher the inscription on the slab.

"It's the tomb of the martyr Sixtus," Professor Ruguccio informed her, stepping up behind her. "Surprising, isn't it?" Alisa let out a groan, quickly stepping back a few paces.

"Apparently, he was truly a holy man, which cannot be said of many who are claimed to be so. However, here in the corridors, you will come across simple graves in the walls, without adornment or names, whose aura is even stronger than that of the martyr," Professor Ruguccio continued.

Alisa tugged at Ivy's sleeve. "Come on, let's go." They followed Luciano to the lavishly painted sacramental chapel. Professor Enrica explained the images and symbols, and once again, the young vampires had to practice focusing their defense powers against the church's forces.

Ivy placed her hand on a small oil lamp and touched a broken sculpture. She felt resistance but no pain. Then she brought her fingertips to a marble slab with an inscription. The pain shot up her arm so abruptly that she cried out and stumbled backward. Seymour howled and jumped back.

Alisa caught Ivy. "Are you alright?"

Ivy gasped and looked down at her fingertips, which were turning black. "Yes, I think so. I didn't expect that! - Easy, Seymour, nothing happened to me."

"Remarkable, isn't it? Who would have thought that of the small tablet," Professor Ruguccio remarked with satisfaction. "It seems to have come from a loving wife who wanted to protect her husband from evil demons in death."

The signora waved them back into the corridor and led them upward. Ivy felt Seymour's impatience and his relief as they left the last steep steps behind and stepped out into the clear night air. She tilted her head back and looked up at the stars twinkling between the tips of the slender cypresses. The young vampire took a deep breath. How delightful the dew-damp grass smelled and the resinous bark. No voices, no whispering of dead souls fighting against them, just the night wind and the rustling of mice and other small animals. A plaintive squeak broke the peace. Moments later, Ottavio the cat brought his master the prey. This time, a young rabbit.

"So, if Maurizio is ready again, we can move on to the second part of today's exercise," the signora said, giving her nephew a disgusted look, but Maurizio remained unfazed. He sucked the animal dry and shoved the remains between two clumps of grass. "You will now follow a trail. It's not very difficult when it's fresh, but don't rejoice too soon! The strong vibrations in the catacomb will distract you and make concentration increasingly difficult. Try to recognize and avoid places and objects of great power early on. They will drain your strength." She looked around. Some of the young vampires nodded, while others exchanged fearful glances. Only the Dracas displayed their usual arrogance, although Ivy had clearly felt how miserable they had felt in the catacomb.

"We will start from different entrances and lead you to different floors. You'll go in pairs. Your task is not only to follow the trail laid out for you but also to find and identify the three objects that pose the greatest danger to you."

"Oh no," groaned Luciano. "I've never been good at that. Every time I lose the trail after a short while! I could really use Seymour's nose right now, but I suspect he'll have to stay up here."

Ivy shook her head regretfully. "They won't make him leave my side."

Luciano looked from Alisa to Ivy, then a cunning grin spread across his round face. He positioned himself next to the Irish girl. "How about we team up? Seymour will find the way for us, and we can focus on the dangers and try to avoid them as much as possible. What do you think?" He looked at her hopefully.

Ivy smiled gently. "If you want to, and if the others have no objections."

"Who would object?" said Luciano, casting a pleading look at Alisa and a dark one at Franz Leopold. Alisa opened her mouth soundlessly. She didn't mind Luciano teaming up with Ivy, even though it stung a bit that he obviously preferred the beautiful Irish girl over her. Before she could reply, Francesco joined them.

"Are you ready? Come on, Luciano, I'll be your fox laying the trail. We'll start from another entrance. Here's the hourglass. When it runs out, you can start the pursuit. I wonder if you'll be able to catch up with me?"

He led Luciano and Ivy away. And before Alisa could fully grasp what was happening, only she and Franz Leopold were left. The two vampires silently scrutinized each other. Alisa felt anger welling up inside her, and she wanted to punch the handsome boy in the face.

"Well, let's get on with it," she said cheerfully. "I think it's best for both of us if you limit your remarks to solving our task and refrain from your usual maliciousness."

"Yes, let's get it over with before you can't resist your urge to harm others, as usual."

"Me?" exclaimed Alisa indignantly. "I only defend myself when I'm attacked."

Signora Enrica interrupted their argument. "Well, are you ready? Then follow me to the stairs."

Franz Leopold and Alisa exchanged angry glances but followed the professor until she stopped at the first landing of the stairs. She handed Alisa an hourglass. "Wait until it runs out, then follow me. Sharpen your senses and don't get distracted. And beware, especially, of the powerful artifacts that often resemble ordinary objects like crosses, rings, or inscribed plates, but contain strong magic. Even the amulet won't protect you against them!" She nodded briefly to the two of them and then disappeared into the darkness.

"Is the sand still not running out?"

"No! And it won't go any faster if you ask three times!" She held the glass up to his eyes. Both stared at the yellowish sand, which was flowing much too slowly into the lower half. Finally, the last grains fell.

"Go!" By the time Alisa had pocketed the hourglass, Franz Leopold was already a landing below. "Stop dawdling!" Alisa ran after him. Luckily, she didn't have to wear skirts anymore. Although he visibly tried to escape her, she caught up with him before they reached the third level.

"Wait, you don't know which passage she chose." Alisa came sliding to a stop next to him. He stood completely still, eyes closed, and nose twitching, sniffing at the three passages leading away from the landing. Alisa walked past him and descended a few more steps. She shook her head. "No, she hasn't gone deeper. Do you sense anything?"

He still stood motionless, eyes closed, nose pointed forward. "Don't disturb me! Women always have to flap their mouths."

Offended, Alisa turned away and focused her senses on finding the trail as well. "It's the left one," she said decisively.

Franz Leopold opened his eyes. "Yes, I know. I was just waiting for you to figure it out too. You need practice!"

Alisa clenched her fists but kept her composure. "Fine, let's continue." At the next junction, they each took a passage. "This way," called Alisa. For once, Franz Leopold followed her without one of his cutting comments. At the next intersection, he found the trail first. The two young vampires hurried on. Simple grave niches lined the walls everywhere. Occasionally, they saw elaborately decorated tombs. They passed several entrances to burial chambers but didn't enter them. Some of the graves emanated greater power, requiring them to slow their pace and exert all their strength to pass them. Alisa felt sweat forming on her forehead, something she had never experienced before. She clutched the amulet and focused on putting one foot in front of the other. Even though complete darkness prevailed down here, Alisa could see Franz Leopold's face contorting with effort. The church's magic was weighing heavily on him too.

"That way," he gasped, stumbling into a passage. He wiped his forehead and temples with his embroidered handkerchief. "It's easier here again."

Alisa nodded. She still felt the whispering and murmuring that had filled her head and body since they entered the catacomb, but she needed less strength now.

"To the right! I think we're getting better and better!" She smiled.

Franz Leopold overtook her and leaned into the next intersection. "That way! Yes, we'll catch up with the signora!" He laughed. It was the first genuine laughter she had heard from him, without malice or spiteful thoughts.

Suddenly, Franz Leopold recoiled and grabbed his head with both hands. "What's wrong?" As she approached, Alisa too was enveloped by the tremendous aura. She couldn't suppress a groan. "What is this?"

"I don't know, but let's get out of here."

"But we need to know which object is emitting the power. It's part of our task."

Franz Leopold growled and bared his teeth but didn't object.

Alisa struggled into the burial chamber where six niches were set into the painted walls. The floor was covered with marble slabs, shattered into numerous pieces. What was emitting this destructive energy?

"I think it's coming from one of the graves on the back wall," Alisa gasped. She felt Franz Leopold close behind her. She could feel his breath on her neck in short bursts. Alisa took a large step forward. She caught a glimpse of a clay vessel in the tomb. A crack echoed like thunder through the room.

"Back!" Franz Leopold yelled, but Alisa felt paralyzed. The ground swayed. She threw her arms in the air. There was another crack, and the ground beneath her feet gave way. Stone fragments rained down around her as she plummeted into the depths. For a few moments, she hung in the air, then she crashed onto the stone floor. The impact was brutal. A human would surely have broken every bone. Alisa hugged her head protectively as more marble and debris rained down on her. Then it was silent. Through a haze, she saw that she had fallen into another chamber with a vaulted ceiling. Perhaps the humans had hollowed out the rock too high, and now the vault had collapsed. The roaring in her head grew louder. The images and niches seemed to shift. Slippery hands reached for her, touched her, squeezed her chest. Had she been so severely injured in the fall? Alisa turned her head and looked up at the hole in the ceiling.

She vaguely perceived Franz Leopold's face. His lips formed words. Surely he couldn't contain his mockery of her mishap. Why should she listen to that? If only the pain weren't so intense. Snakes writhed within her, tearing through her flesh, devouring her skull. That's how it must feel. At least, that's how it felt to her. Alisa closed her eyes. Her senses faded.