"'Full Moon of the Virgins'" "Could it be?" "What if it is the same ring?" "And many of his strange and diabolical powers..." "Were attributed to this mysterious ring." "That gave him..." "That gave him extraordinary, supernatural, powers." "Not only over creatures of his own curious nature..." "But also over mankind." "There was a bright blood red stone mounted in the ring..." "And when the light of a full moon struck its surface..." "Strange and uncanny phenomena occurred." "And the sinister nocturnal creatures lurking in the shadows..." "Would have their black feast." "Once upon a midnight dreary..." "While I pondered weak and weary..." "Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore..." "Edgar Allan Poe." "He's a fashionable writer from the new world..." "His morbid style should be to your liking, Karl." "But don't you ever get tired of pondering, my friend?" "Franz, I believe I've made an important discovery." "I hope it's important enough to cover my gambling debts." "Lady luck hasn't been kind to me tonight." "I'm talking about the long lost ring of the Nibelungen..." "I think I've discovered its whereabouts." "The ring of the Nibelungen?" "I thought it only existed in Wagner's operas." "The brandy's finished." "The legend is much older..." "Yelda talked about in 200 BC." "As did Talfo in 1300." "And here, Sinesio the Greek says..." "Whoever possesses the ring will have power over all mankind..." "If they're willing to renounce love." "It's a sacrifice I wouldn't accept." "It's reputed to have passed through the hands of some of the most powerful figures in history..." "Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan..." "Attila the Hun, Ivan the Terrible..." "Schiller the archaeologist." "You can joke, but I'm convinced it actually exists..." "And I intend to find it." "I've decided." "I'll leave tomorrow morning." "You don't waste any time." "And what does this magnificent treasure look like?" "The ring is singular in its aspect, its band fashioned from common gold..." "But with a huge stone that, although similar in appearance to a ruby..." "Is comprised of a substance unlike that of any to be found on earth." "According to an old theory, the stone was extricated from an ancient meteorite..." "That fell in the Carpathian mountains." "I imagine it must be quite valuable." "Priceless." "A collector would pay millions to own it." "But if I found it I would never let fall into private hands." "It's too dangerous for mankind." "No, I'd donate it to the archaeology museum in Karlstein..." "Where it would be put on show..." "As one of the most important archaeological discoveries of all time." "Brother, your generosity shocks me." "I bet you're going to go looking for this ancient meteorite..." "Where did you say it was?" "In the Carpathian mountains?" "Yes, in Transylvania." "In Transylvania!" "But that's vampire country!" "Haven't you heard of those blood sucking creatures?" "It's your forte." "Eliphas, in his book of mysteries, describes them like this..." "Sine morte mortuus, sine vita vivens..." "Dead without death, alive without life." "Aren't you frightened you might get bitten on the neck?" "I never exclude any possibility, so I shall go well protected..." "I found this amulet during my expedition in the Valley of the Kings." "In Egypt it was worn in homage to the demon god Pazuzu..." "It protects the wearer against any forms of supernatural evil." "Naturally, that would include vampires as well..." "If they exist, that is." "It will protect me as well..." "Where exactly in Transylvania are you going?" "In case I have to rescue you." "In the proximity of a village called Ladracu..." "In Dracula's castle, to be exact." "Good evening." "A large beer." "To raise my spirits after a long weary ride..." "And a good bed." "Do you want to eat?" "A large beer, and a soft bed." "Are you stopping here?" "Why?" "What brings you to these parts, stranger?" "Especially in this period?" "I'm doing some research, for my studies." "Here, in Ladracu?" "At Dracula's castle." "Well?" "My room?" "My daughter will show you the way, sir." "Those youths below were very strange." "Is everyone like that in Ladracu?" "We're not used to seeing strangers around." "You mean strangers who have come to visit Dracula's castle?" "Or just those who come during this period?" "Both of them." "Especially the last one." "Why?" "Is it vampire season?" "Of course!" "Great." "Because, for all you know, I could be a vampire." "Forgive me, I didn't mean to frighten you." "I just can't take these stories seriously." "I don't really believe them either, but, you see..." "Tomorrow night is known as the full moon of the virgins..." "And everyone in Ladracu is a little nervous." "The full moon...?" "Yes!" "They say it happens every fifty years..." "The first full moon of mid-summer..." "Five virgin girls are chosen, and called to the castle." "Chosen?" "And who chooses them?" "Do you know?" "No one knows." "But it happens." "They leave in the middle of the night, and they never return to the village." "They say terrible things happen." "But you don't believe this legend?" "No, I don't believe it, but all the old folks in the village swear it's true." "Then I arrived just in time to enjoy the party." "You joke." "And you're frightened..." "Please forgive me." "Do you really have to go to that horrible castle?" "But I have nothing to be afraid of." "You see this amulet." "It's magic!" "I put it on like this." "Around my neck." "And I'm protected against evil monsters of all sorts." "And given that they're only interested in virgins..." "I'm doubly calm." "Perhaps I'm being selfish." "I worry about my safety..." "When I should be worried about yours." "Be good." "Anyone home?" "Yes?" "I'm sorry, I didn't see you." "I hope you'll forgive this intrusion, but I'm anxious to see the castle." "I'm visiting the castles in Transylvania as part of my architectural studies..." "And I..." "Forgive me, I'm doctor Schiller." "Doctor Franz Schiller." "This way." "Interesting." "Countess Dolingen de Vries is away." "Do you know when she'll return?" "Perhaps in a few hours." "Or perhaps later." "Or perhaps tonight." "But..." "Perhaps." "Do your architectural studies always begin with an inspection of the ancestral crypt?" "Doctor Schiller." "You must be countess Dolingen De Vries, I imagine?" "I am." "Forgive me but I ended up in the crypt by accident." "By accident?" "I was following a..." "What?" "A shadow of some sort." "Really?" "And who was it?" "I didn't find out." "Do you normally wander around at night chasing shadows?" "Countess..." "This morning, I encountered a young woman who bade me to remain until you returned." "However, a short while ago, while I was out walking..." "I found that same woman dead!" "You mean my governess?" "Yes, she often gives that appearance." "You don't understand, I just found her corpse in an open grave." "I believe the legend surrounding this castle has played tricks on your mind..." "It has stimulated your imagination a little too much." "Don't you agree, Lara?" "As you can see, doctor Schiller, she's very much alive." "Although her demeanour does put strangers off at times." "When I first met her I told her she had the aura of a zombie." "But she didn't laugh, poor dear." "Lara never laughs." "Unfortunately, she doesn't have a sense of humour." "Lara, please set another place at the table." "You will stay for dinner, won't you, doctor Schiller?" "Yes, of course." "...doesn't it feel strange living here?" "In the same castle that once belonged to the diabolical count Dracula." "I assure you it has no effect on me." "Actually, I feel very much at home here." "Forgive me, I seem to have committed a faux pas..." "Are you related to the Count?" "Don't be afraid..." "In a strange way I'm grateful to count Dracula..." "Because, thanks to his dreary reputation, I was able to buy this castle..." "For a rather modest sum." "Yet I ask myself, how can a woman..." "As fascinating and gracious as you..." "Is wasting her beauty in the confines of these melancholy walls." "The outside world has so much to offer you." "What?" "Dances..." "Parties..." "And other mundane frivolities." "No..." "It cannot offer me more than what I already have..." "The peace and quiet..." "This marvellous sense of solitude and eternal tranquillity..." "Which permeates everything in this castle." "It makes me feel more alive, and sensitive..." "To certain sensations, certain things..." "That I wouldn't feel in what you call the outside world." "Now do you understand?" "Yes, I understand..." "But I'm afraid I could never give up what you call those mundane frivolities." "I confess they afford me much pleasure." "You may sample greater pleasures here." "No, thank you." "I'm afraid any more wine would make my head spin." "Mine, on the other hand, is already spinning." "But it's not because of the wine." "You have a strange manner." "I imagine women find you irresistible." "Am I right?" "Do you?" "Certainly." "But perhaps not in the same way as the others." "How, then?" "In a different way." "My dear countess..." "All the other women in my life are like..." "So many ladies of the night, compared to you." "But I am, in my own fashion..." "Also a lady of the night." "I love you, countess." "Franz..." "Excuse me, can you tell me the way to the castle?" "Thank you." "I hope I didn't frighten you, madam." "No, it's just that we're not accustomed to having visitors to the castle." "Or perhaps you're not used to having two visitors on the same day?" "Forgive what may seem presumption..." "But your reaction is one I know quite well..." "It tells me that my twin brother, Franz Schiller..." "Is here." "May I see him?" "I am Karl Schiller." "It's true, Mr. Schiller..." "Your brother was here." "But he has already departed." "That's strange, we had agreed to meet here." "He probably forgot." "Mr. Schiller, your similarity (resemblance) to Franz is extraordinary." "Yes, I know." "Very often..." "I found your brother's behaviour, how can I say..." "Most unbecoming of a gentleman." "After having explored the castle all day..." "From the attic to the cellar, for his architectural studies..." "Architectural studies?" "That's what he said." "And then, with hardly a word of thanks for the hospitality accorded him..." "He left." "Like that, abruptly." "That certainly doesn't sound like Franz." "Where did he go?" "A lady may be forgiven for her curiosity..." "But not for her indiscretions." "As I told you, Mr. Schiller, he left without saying a word." "For no apparent reason." "I admit I was rather offended..." "But I must also admit that your twin brother's presence here..." "Had the most placating effect on me." "I hope you'll be my guest tonight?" "I won't permit you to refuse." "You wouldn't want to behave like your brother." "It would be a pleasure." "The amulet will protect you." "Franz..." "Franz!" "You don't need to worry about your brother." "I'm sure you'll hear from him tomorrow." "I'm sure of it." "Goodnight, Mr. Schiller." "Goodnight." "Franz!" "Do you have any idea how you ended up in there?" "Can you tell me what happened?" "I only remember seeing you come up the stairs." "I tried to call out to you." "Then nothing." "I don't know anymore." "Someone hit me on the head." "Franz, where is the amulet?" "Where is the amulet?" "I don't have it." "What do you mean you don't have it?" "You took it, didn't you?" "What have you done with it?" "I think I left it at the inn." "Yes, I remember showing it to the innkeeper's daughter." "Pretty girl!" "How could you be so careless?" "You've committed an unforgivable error." "Don't you realise that without that amulet..." "We could turn into vampires." "Franz." "It's me, Tanya." "I brought your amulet." "I thought you might need it." "Stay there, I'll be right down." "Franz!" "You look magnificent in his attire." "You are the living reincarnation of my husband." "Count Dracula?" "Yes, I understand." "And I feel different." "Not like myself..." "But like him." "It's like he's possessing me." "He is, my beloved." "You've taken his place, but only because he wants you to." "Your unexpected arrival here, tonight..." "Will allow the continuation of what must be!" "And what is that, my master?" "You mustn't be impatient, dear." "This very night, after our wedding..." "You will know everything." "And the greatest power that has ever existed will be yours." "And you will share it with me." "Yes, this ring will also be yours, my love." "The time is near." "I must be present at the ceremonial rite that will start our wedding." "My disciples are waiting for me." "What do I have to do?" "I will guide you." "Now rest." "I will call for you when the time comes." "Franz, you were great." "I heard everything." "Your performance was remarkable!" "You almost had me fooled for a moment." "Astaroph." "Help us." "Help us." "Asmodeus, we summon you." "These flames are in your honour." "Great God, Baal." "Satan..." "Satan!" "We offer you this blood sacrifice as a sign of submission." "Then you approve?" "Sure, sure." "Except for one thing." "Yes?" "What's that?" "The wedding ceremony..." "You don't really intend going through with it, I hope?" "I'm afraid I must." "No, it won't be necessary..." "I believe I have a better solution." "No, my solution is better." "I hope you're not being serious." "It might be dangerous." "I'm prepared to take that risk." "You can't do it, Franz!" "But I want to do it." "And I want you to be my best man." "After our nuptial ceremony..." "The demons will join their new found brides in their coffins." "They won't return here, among us, until the advent of the next black mass." "It's time for the final sacrifice, the most important one..." "The one that will finally consecrate our union." "And I want you to have this honour." "Powerful and mighty demons..." "As we recoil into the womb of darkness..." "Thirsty for virgin blood, we offer you, this night..." "The supreme sacrifice." "That man is an impostor!" "He must be punished." "It didn't help you when you were alive..." "I hope it helps you now." "Can I see the ring?" "Is it really as important as they say?" "Yes, it's important." "But it wasn't worth my brother's life." "Don't think about it anymore, Karl." "I cared about Franz, but I like you a lot more!" "Subtitled by Duke Ellington hisorchestra." "Revised/Completed 10th June 2011"