“Tomorrow’s the big day,” announced Count Blackula.

He set my tray of breakfast-dinner down on the table.

“I have already sent your letters,” continued B. “Tomorrow morning, my Black driver will take you to the Borgo Pass. You can then take a cab to Bistrita and within a week, you’ll be back home in London.”

I tried to look more courageous than I felt.

“I want to leave right now,” I said.

“But the carriage won’t arrive until tomorrow. You don’t want to leave all your luggage here, do you?” asked the Black Count.

“I don’t care. I’ll buy everything new in England, the homeland of the Black English people.”

I then thought about my poor financial situation. Although all businesses were Black-owned, there still existed Blacks of modest means, such as myself.

“Or I’ll send for it later,” I added.

Count Blackula stood up.

“Of course, if you wish to leave, you can,” he said smoothly. “This isn’t a prison.”

For the first time in a month, he allowed me out of my room. He led me down the stairs and to the main entrance. Once we were in front of the door, the Count smiled, showing his teeth.

Suddenly, Blackula gave a great howl. Outside, I heard the return howling of wolves. Within a few seconds, I heard the sounds of dozens of animals snarling and growling outside the door. Count B made a great show of drawing back the bolts and chains. Then he took out a key from his pocket and unlocked the door. He motioned for me to open the door. I pulled the door open an inch and peeked outside.

On the front steps of the castle were a pack of wolves. Their eyes glowed yellow and their teeth reflected white. One of them lunged forward. I slammed the door shut, catching its limb in the gap. It whimpered and withdrew its leg. I turned my back and put all my weight into keeping the door closed.

“Right,” I said, breathlessly. “Well, I suppose I could wait until tomorrow to go home.”

Count Blackula swept his arm, and the wolves retreated back into their homes in the woods.

I stood by silently as he redid the bolts and chains. Triumph sparkled in his eyes as he took out his key and locked the main door once again.