Darcy found Mr. Tall near the center of the campsite where the tent for the night's show was being erected. He was giving orders to Cirque workers in his usual calm and quiet tone. He hardly moved his lips when he spoke, but somehow every word came out perfectly clear. Darcy always found Mr. Tall slightly daunting. He towered over everyone and had shiny black eyes that seemed to hold a cavern of dark secrets.

When she told him about Mr. Crepsley being unable to perform in the show, he merely nodded knowingly, and then returned to giving orders.

Evra was behind the show tent, dancing around with his performing snake draped over his bare shoulders. Seeing him wiggle around to imaginary music made Darcy laugh, easing the strain that Gavner Purl's appearance had brought.

"I thought the Cirque didn't usually do their Night Club shows out in the country," Darcy said when she walked up to him.

"We don't," he replied as he swayed from side to side. "I'm just keeping my groove up until next time."

Darcy snorted, shaking her head. Evra grabbed her hand and twirled her about. She giggled, but kept a wary eye on the large snake around his neck.

As Mr. Crepsley promised, Madam Octa's cage and the flute were waiting for her there behind the show tent. She immediately took up the instrument and whistled out a cheery tune while she and her friend continued to dance around. Her black gypsy dress twirled around her knees as she moved to the music. She usually changed into her funeral dress when performing with the Cirque Du Freak, but it was back in Mr. Crepsley's van. She didn't think her vampire master would approve of her showing up, no doubt interrupting his in-depth, secretive, personal discussion with Gavner. Darcy wanted to know what the men were talking about. But she knew her boundaries. Having Mr. Crepsley upset with her again wasn't something she needed right now.

Her gypsy dress would have to do for that night, even though it was a bit more revealing than her funeral dress. But she wasn't worried; she knew that modesty wasn't an issue by the way crowds went crazy over Truska in her tight-fitting costume.

As usual for the Cirque Du Freak, there was a full house in time for the show to begin. Darcy went on after Hans Hands, who exited the stage by walking confidently on his two hands. Even though she was taught to keep a morose expression while performing, on the inside she was glowing with joy and excitement to be back on stage. But what brought her the most joy was seeing audience members scramble to buy the candy spiders during intervention.

After another successful show, Darcy hung around to socialize with the other performers. But her growling tummy made her realize she hadn't eaten any dinner that night, so she left the bright lights and excitement to find a quiet campfire with some food.

She took her time chowing down on a chicken pie while Cirque workers labored late into the night to clean up after the show. Despite it being a rather cool night, especially in her wispy black dress, the crackling fire enveloped her with warmth. People came and went, helping themselves to food and company. Truska passed by once, twiddling her fingers at Darcy with a young man on her arm. He was the same young man the exotic woman frequently invited back to her tent, and it was no question where they were going now.

She just placed her dirty dishes in a bucket full of soapy water when Gavner Purl came to her. He asked her how her night was while he warmed his hands by the fire. The knives at his sides glinted in the light.

"One of these days I'd like to see you perform," he said, giving her one of his broad smiles. "Your, uh . . . master, Larten tells me you seem to enjoy being on stage, he says you're almost as good as he is at the flute."

"Mr. Crepsley said that?" Darcy asked in awe. The vampire master seldom shared his compliments. She wasn't hearing it from his own mouth, but with it coming from Gavner still surprisingly pleased her.

Gavner nodded. He tilted his head sympathetically. "I'm sure you have loads of questions, Darcy." He waved her forward. "Come. Take a walk with me."

He led her away from the warm light of the campfires, taking them towards a forest where the main path resided.

"I prefer to sleep in cool underground basements," he said after a few moments of silence. "There's something about the dank darkness that just . . ." he inhaled deeply, "feels like home."

Darcy laughed softly.

"But even if the Cirque had a basement, I'm afraid I can't stay," he said.

"Why not?" she asked.

"I'm a Vampire General. Our lives are always busy, always keeping us on the move."

"What exactly is a Vampire General," Darcy asked curiously. She knew so little about them.

"Ah," he hesitated, probably thinking about how much Mr. Crepsley wanted her to know. "We're like the vampire police. We make sure everyone in the clan stays in line, doesn't get into trouble, like involving humans and such."

"You mentioned that Mr. Crepsley was a Vampire General once, right?"

"He will always be a Vampire General. But he has, however, withdrawn from his responsibilities as one. He was also one of the most respected vampires in the clan. So respected, in fact, he was in line to become one of the Princes."

"A prince?" Darcy whispered in amazement.

"Yes, our clan has several Princes and Princesses. Vampire Generals keep the peace, but the Princes always have the final word."

Darcy tried to imagine Mr. Crepsley, severe and serious, in a glittering crown and velvety robes. The thought of it made her giddy. "If he was in line to become a Prince, then why would he suddenly withdraw from his responsibilities?"

"Who knows," Gavner shrugged. "Many men and women would jump at the chance, but . . . maybe he just grew tired of all the fighting and the killing."

Darcy's brows knit together in concern. Killing?

Gavner must have noticed her wary expression, because he jumped to say, "I've said too much. Do me a favor and don't tell Larten I've told you. He'll flay me alive if he knew."

"I promise."

"Good girl," he said with relief. "You seem like a fine young woman. I wonder . . ." he hesitated then stopped walking to look down at her. "Are you happy, Darcy Shane?"

She was taken aback by the sudden question. But it made her think. Was she happy?

She was content with her life at the Cirque. It had become her home, but she still missed her first home, her real home. Mom, Dad, Annie. She missed her family; she wanted to be wrapped safely in their arms. Sometimes she daydreamed of sneaking away to return to them, but the thought of Mr. Crepsley pursuing her always interrupted these daydreams. She was confident he wouldn't let her get away easily.

Darcy focused back up at Gavner and gave a little shrug. "I'm not unhappy."

"I mean," he elaborated, "are you happy being here? Are you happy being a half-vampire?"

She bit her lip and looked away. "No. I hate being a monster. Because of what I've become, I can't go back to my old life."

"I was afraid of that," Gavner said softly. "The decision to become a vampire is a heavy one. That's why the clan feels it's wrong to blood someone as young as yourself. We prefer to change those who are completely prepared for the tough life ahead of them. It's not easy being a vampire, especially in this world."

"Mr. Crepsley is in trouble with the Vampire Generals, isn't he?"

He sighed with frustration. "He should have never blooded you. It was out-of-character for him to be so irresponsible. He told me the story about how he came to change you, but still . . ."

Darcy asked, "Was that the personal matter you had to talk to him about?"

"No, no, I came to tell him about a rumor I heard," Gavner explained. "It has nothing to do with the Vampire Generals."

She took a deep breath in relief.

"I won't tell you any more about it, though," he said apologetically. "If Larten wishes you to know more, I'll leave it to him to relay it to you."

Darcy glared at the front of Gavner's plain white t-shirt and said bitterly, "That is if he'll ever tell me."

Gavner placed a hand on her shoulder. When she looked up at him, he was smiling kindly.

"The thing you have to realize about Larten Crepsley is that he is a good man. His long and hard life has left him bitter, but you won't acquire a more loyal companion than him." He scratched the deep scar on his chin. "He means well, I know he does. He has his reasons for keeping you in the dark about his past. With time, he may reveal them to you. But for now you need to trust him."

"How can I trust a man who can't even tell me something that happened years ago? Is he afraid I'll tell someone?"

"No," he said slowly. "I don't think that's what frightens him. Perhaps," he hesitated, and then nodded, "You know what? I don't think he's afraid of what others would think. I think he's afraid of what you'll think of him."

"Me?" she repeated softly.

He nodded then waved to her good-bye as he turned to walk down the empty path.

"But why would he care what I think?" she asked herself. Thoughtfully, she watched Gavner leaving. Her mind wondered about her vampire master. He was a mystery.

Then she remembered that one time in his van.

"Hey!" she called out to Gavner who had started to jog his way down the road. When he stopped, she ran over to him. "Hey, I . . . I'm just curious about something."

"Go ahead, and be quick about it. Dawn is approaching."

"I haven't told anyone about this," she said timidly. "I think a part of me wanted to forget about it completely, but . . . Mr. Crepsley did something to me that I think he regrets."

Gavner chuckled, "You mean other than blooding you-"

"He kissed me."

His eyes popped out of his head. He gaped at her and raised his eyebrows questioningly.

She nodded, but then gave half a shrug. "At least, I think you could call it 'a kiss.'"

Gavner took a step away and surprised her when he doubled over, roaring with laughter.

"That old dog!" he bellowed, wiping tears from his eyes. When he straightened and saw the utter seriousness on Darcy's face, he coughed back the rest of his laughter and nodded solemnly. "Yes, my dear, I'm sure that was a very, uh . . . traumatizing moment for you." He pursed his lips to keep from smiling, but within seconds he was chuckling uncontrollably again.

She crossed her arms, scowling.

"Listen, Darcy," he said once he calmed down. "You are growing into a beautiful young woman. When men travel alone for as long as Larten has, they gain certain urges." He nodded encouragingly. "You understand where I'm going with this, yes?"

She sighed, wrapping her arms around herself. "Yeah, I think I know what you mean."

"Good. Look, do not worry about it." He started to walk backward. "All Larten needs is a little slap on the wrist now and again and he'll straighten out." He stared off into the distance and laughed softly to himself, as though enjoying an old memory. When he was a good distance away, he focused his eyes back on her and said with amusement, "One day, you should ask him how he got his scar. I think you'll enjoy that story."

Darcy watched as he turned and began to jog down the road. After a minute, he quickened his pace to a run, and before she knew it, he reached flitting speed and was gone.

There was still an hour or so before dawn when Darcy returned to the Cirque campsite. The workers were more or less finished cleaning up and things were starting the quiet down. Her eyes felt heavy after a long day and she was ready to burrow into her little bed in the van.

She found Mr. Crepsley sitting casually on the lid of his coffin, staring ponderously off into space. She climbed into the van and closed the door behind her.

"Gavner came to see me before he left," she said as she covered herself with her blanket.

He nodded. "I am sure his curiosity for you doubled after speaking with me."

"You two talked a lot about me?" she teased. When he gave her a look, she smirked into the blanket. "I like him. He's nice. It's . . . refreshing."

Mr. Crepsley glared at her. "So . . . how much did he tell you?"

"Huh?" she chirped innocently. "Oh, not much."

"Hm," he grunted.

"He and I discussed some personal matters," she said mockingly.

"Ah," he leaned back, crossing his legs, "and you are wondering about my own personal matter he and I discussed."

She shrugged indifferently, looking away. Taking Gavner's advice to heart, she wasn't going to try to force him to tell her the truth. Trust. It was all about trust.

Mr. Crepsley stroked the scar along his face in a slow, rhythmic manner. "I was just thinking about my talk with Gavner when you returned." He dropped his hand and looked at her full-on. "I am leaving."

"What?" She leaned forward, letting the blanket fall from her body. "You're leaving the Cirque? Why?"

"I must go to the city," he calmly explained. "There is business I must attend to."

"But," she stammered, "what about the Cirque? Mr. Tall? Me . . . does this mean you're leaving me?" There was a small spark inside her, the same spark she felt whenever she daydreamed about running away to her family.

"That is what I am wondering about," he said. "My business may prove to be too dangerous for you to come, but I can imagine needing you at some point. I would prefer you came with me."

"You want me to leave the Cirque?" She couldn't keep the bitter disappointment from her voice. "But . . . I don't want to leave."

"You must. It is your duty as my assistant to be with me when I wish it."

Darcy gripped the blanket angrily in her fists. "I'm happy here, Mr. Crepsley. For the first time in a long time, I'm actually happy. You . . . you . . . ," she bundled the blanket around and around, wrinkling it between her white-knuckled fingers. Finally she spat, "You can't make me!"

Mr. Crepsley quickly made for her as though to grab her and Darcy glared up at him with stern resolution. Instead, he sighed and calmly dropped to a knee before her.

"You must know that I never intended to make the Cirque Du Freak our permanent home. I knew that one day we would have to set out on the road again. We are vampires, after all, not circus performers. You may be happy here, but you and I are not like the others at the Cirque."

"But . . ." she whispered, calmer now, "I'll be lonely again if I leave, like I was in the beginning."

He reached to take her hand and she let him. He untangled the blanket from her fingers. The fabric was riddled with wrinkles.

"I know," he said quietly. He looked out the open window over her shoulder. With the dawn approaching, it was almost time to close the shutters to keep out the sunlight. His gaze was blank, but then suddenly, like a light bulb, his eyes lit up. "Maybe . . . yes, I think that would work perfectly."

"What?" she asked and glanced out the window to catch a glimpse of whatever he saw. There were still a few Cirque members milling around, sitting by the fires, chatting softly. A short distance away she spotted Evra walking over to his tent.

"You are good friends with him, are you not?" Mr. Crepsley asked, bringing Darcy's attention back to him.

"Who?" she asked, "Evra? Yeah, we're close."

"How would you like for him to join us?" he proposed. "The boy could keep you company and entertain you while I am asleep. He is slighter older than you and wiser; he could keep an eye on you."

"You mean a babysitter?" she coaxed.

"Of sorts," he replied with a mocking smile. "But I know full well nothing could ever keep you from finding trouble."

"I don't find trouble," she said in defense, "trouble finds me."

"However way you look at it, I think an addition to our party would be a wise move." He raised his orange eyebrows at her. "So what do you think?"

"I don't know," she hesitated. She loved the idea! But she wasn't sure how Evra would like leaving the Cirque. She imagined he'd be hesitant to leave its comforts behind, like she was. "I'll talk to him about it."

"Very well," he said as he sprung to his feet and opened the coffin. "And I shall speak to Hibernius upon waking tomorrow evening. I plan to be packed and ready to leave within the hour."

She nodded in agreement and reached up to close the shutters. When they were fastened, she burrowed down among her few blankets and pillows with a heavy sigh. She watched through the gloom as Mr. Crepsley climbed into his coffin. Before he closed the lid on himself, she spoke quickly.

"Thank you."

The lid froze a couple inches above the coffin.

"Thank you," she repeated, "for doing this for me." Evra didn't need to come. She knew the vampire master could force her to leave with him if he truly wanted. He was stronger than her. But he was letting Evra come. Because it would make her happy.

Silence hung in the air until she heard the sound of the lid close over the coffin, and nothing more was said.

"Leave the Cirque!" Evra exclaimed later that day when Darcy told him the plan. He looked shocked at first, but his snake features settled into curiosity. "I don't know," he muttered.

"Please," she begged, "it could be fun. We wouldn't have to get up early every morning to do chores. I could finally get more than a few hours' sleep, for once. It'll be in the city, so there will be lots to see and do."

"I've been with the Cirque for most of my life," he mulled over. "It would be interesting to explore a whole city without the pressure of staying close to the campsite all the time."

"It would be like a vacation," she added for encouragement. "We wouldn't be gone long. Mr. Crepsley said we'd return to the Cirque once his business there is done."

Evra narrowed his snake eyes in thought. His light green lips twitched into a quirky smile. "A vacation, huh . . . Yeah, I like the sound of that."

Darcy whooped with excitement and wrapped him in a bear hug.

"Wait, wait, wait!" he interrupted, pushing her away. "What about my snake?"

"Can you find someone to look after her?"

He paused a moment, then nodded. "I think I could. She's especially easy to handle now with this weather. The cold makes her sleepy."

"Perfect," she sang with excitement. "And I'll find someone to look after Madam Octa."

That proved to be a harder task than she had expected. Few people were keen on taking in one of the world's most poisonous spiders, especially one bigger than the size of her fist.

When Darcy approached Truska with Madam Octa's cage, the woman recoiled and ran away, shouting out in her strange seal language. Remus Twobellies licked his lips hungrily when she came to him. But when he saw exactly what she was carrying, he frowned and waved her away.

Finally, she came to Hans Hands who hesitantly accepted as long as she was okay he never had to open the cage.

Once Madam Octa's living arrangements were settled, Darcy returned to Mr. Crepsley's van to start packing. Her own bag was easy to fill; she only had a couple things including her funeral dress, her fifteenth birthday dress, and a change of shoes. Earlier, Truska gave her some handmade soap that smelled of cinnamon and ginger, and Darcy looked forward to soaking in a warm bathtub somewhere along their journey.

Mr. Crepsley, however, was harder to pack for. Inside his trunk in the van, he had several tailored suits made of deep shades of red and black. The fabrics of his clothes were all vintage and felt rich to the touch. He only had enough room in his pack for two suits, so when she lifted them out of the trunk, she brought them briefly to her nose to make sure which were clean. No matter how many times she washed them, she could never rid his clothes of the smell of the outdoors. Of trees, and grass, and fresh air. The scent of it brought back memories of trekking through the forests during cool evenings.

Darcy settled on each a red and a black suit, folding them carefully and packing them into Mr. Crepsley's bag.

When the vampire master woke later that evening, he seemed distracted. He was still grumpy, as he usually was right after waking, but looked unfocused. He failed to thank her when she handed him his bag, all packed and ready to go. His behavior made her wonder what exactly his business was in the city.

The evening air was nippy. Mr. Crepsley donned a heavier traveling coat and suggested she find warmer clothes as well. When she reminded him that she didn't have any warmer clothes, he paused and sighed, "Then I suppose you and I have some shopping to do."

Darcy warmed to the thought of checking out the department stores once they reached the city.

When ready, they left the van to find Evra. As the three of them walked through the Cirque campsite, people stopped to say goodbye. Darcy tried not to get misty-eyed as she waved to all her friends. Once they were out on the main road, she linked arms with Evra for consolation.

There was to be no flitting on this trip. Mr. Crepsley couldn't carry them both. That was bad news for Darcy. She had been looking forward to a warm bath at some hotel in the city. Being forced to take buses and trains was really going to draw the journey out.

They were hardly five minutes down the road into town when Evra chortled, "Hey. Hey, guys." He elbowed her ribs. "Hey, do you wanna hear a snake joke?"

Oh god, Darcy inwardly groaned. It was going to be a really long journey.