The winter was mild, which was a mixed blessing. No one froze to death, but the snow was soft and deep, and there was plenty of it. That made getting around difficult, which created difficulties for the hunters.
Five minutes later,
Camella shrugged, sipped her tea, laid it down on the nearby table in an elegant manner, and changed the subject. "I am feeling entirely generous, Cornelius dear," she threw out. "I think I will give you your first territory and your first coven of vampires to rule, the Redberg Village."
"Why, thank you, madam," said Cornelius silently. "That is very thoughtful of you."
"And you shall be named, 'Count Cornelius.' Under my counsel, of course."
"Of course, my lady. I prefer it."
Cornelius thought, however, that she would still eviscerate him, skin him alive, and parade on his living carcass. He knew this was her old tactic. She was a clever witch, for that matter. She was a cunning witch indeed.
