"Odin," Vladimir called his servant, and Odin thought his master wanted him to complete turning the lever. Thankfully he didn't, because his Master said, "Go get me a cup of blood tea. I can spare some time for some chit chat, and it seems like the night hasn't moved much since the time we left."
Being the dutiful servant he was, Odin bowed his head, leaving behind Madeline and Vladimir in the room.
"Now I see," it dawned in Vladimir's mind. "I was wondering why there were uninvited guests in the castle, but this explains it." Suddenly, Vladimir started to laugh like someone had told him a joke, and his laughter echoed through the almost empty room. Madeline felt uncomfortable as it sounded malicious to her ears.