Black Arts 101--Chapter 2
Date: 1/28/98
From: marcos1

Eliot Stokes begins his tale of his early days with Cassandra.

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It was in the year 1968. I was teaching a night class on the history of witchcraft, and the supernatural. There were the usual people in my class, mainly freshman that were seeking an easy credit. People that acquired most of their knowledge, and interest, in witchcraft from old B movies. To most of them, my class was nothing but a big joke. But in this particular class, there were two exceptional students. One of them was a young man named Charles Nesbitt. I will never forget him. He had the most beautiful blue eyes, dark brown hair, and wonderful smile. In those days, I was still hiding in my closet, sexually. All of my life, I've never had a romantic relationship with a woman. I always lied to myself. And told myself that I was more a scholar than anything else. That I didn't need romance. But in truth, as I later came to find out, I was gay. But at this point in my life, I was struggling with this. Whenever, I was near Charles, I would feel a certain tightness in my throat. But at first, I couldn't face the truth about myself. My problems came from a very strict upbringing, and you have to remember that this was the year 1968. If my true orientation had been discovered, I probably would have lost my tenure.

The other student was named Cassandra Blair. She was a very sharp looking lady, with jet-black hair, and blue eyes, that were most amazing. I'll never forget those eyes. She could look into your very soul, with those penetrating eyes. I knew from the beginning, that she wanted something from me. She always worn a very short dress; and never worn panties. She would sit with her legs spread slightly open, just so I could see. But of course, this had very little effect on me. However, I was very impressed with her knowledge of the occult. Witchcraft seemed to be very real to her. And sometimes, it seemed like it was she that should be teaching the class, and not yours truly.

One night, we were discussing the Countess Elizabeth Bathory. She was the famous 'Blood Countess'. One of the first documented cases of an actual vampiress.

"Does anyone know what first caused Elizabeth Bathory's fixation on blood?" I asked the class, while I was standing at the blackboard.

"She had the mistaken notion that merely being bathed in blood, would keep her eternally young," Charles Nesbitt replied.

"But its not completely mistaken," Cassandra interjected.

"Excellent," I said smiling. "Cassandra Blair, could you please explain to the class?" I sat down on my chair, trying not to look at Charles, because it made me increasing uncomfortable.

"A true vampire, can remain forever young," Cassandra said, smiling. "The vampire sleeps during the day, and feeds on its victims during the night. The vampire is one of the living dead, and so it never ages. In many ways, the vampire is cursed. But eternal youth and beauty is one of its blessings." She shifted in her chair, and her love mound was clearly visible. She smiled coyly.

"That's crazy talk," Charles said, as he played with his pencil, putting the eraser end, in his mouth. He was driving me to distraction! "Everything about being a vampire is a curse. To be forever separated from friends and family. And to be doomed to hurt people that you love. That would truly be living hell."

"What would be so bad about eternal youth, the freedom of flying through the night sky, no disease or illness, incredible powers, irresistible sexual attraction to everyone?" retorted Cassandra. She smiled warmly. "Some of my best friends are vampires."

"I believe that," sneered Charles. "There is just something evil about you." He glared at her.

"Charles, Charles," I said softly. "There is no need for such an attitude. Miss Blair simply has a different point of view." I wrote on the board. Elizabeth Bathory--1560 to 1614. "After murdering over fifty young girls, and draining their blood. What finally happened to the Blood Countess?"

"On December 30,1610, her castle was raided. And all of her accomplices were beheaded, and then cremated. Elizabeth, herself, was walled in a special room, where she was merely feed for four years. After four years, a guard looked through the food opening in the wall, and saw her body. The dreadful Blood Countess was finally dead," Charles said, smiling slightly.

"But what if she never died?" interjected Cassandra. "What if she finally achieved her dream, and became a real vampire?"

To be continued---