| Manes | |
| Fictional Character | |
| "Traditions" Fantasy | |
| Type of Appearance: | Direct POV |
| Nationality: | Duchy of Strymon |
| Cause of Death: | Killed by a vampire |
| Occupation: | Count |
| Parents: | Count Constans |
| Children: | Unnamed son |
Manes was the thirteenth Count of Sirmion, ascending to the title after his father, Constans, was killed by a vampire, the traditional death of the counts of Sirmion.[1] However, while the previous counts had been allowed to live to a ripe old age and meet a painless end, Constans was killed while using the garderobe during a feast he'd given for his neighbors. Determined to end the tradition, thereby saving himself and his son, Manes set off on a quest accompanied by the scholar Valerian, who Manes allowed to accompany him even though he didn't like how long-winded the scholar was.[2]
The two prowled every ruined ruined tower and fort in the county, finding and destroying a number of the vampire's hiding places.[3] After he'd burned every ruined building, he realized the vampire would have to hide in a hole in the ground during the day. Now he employed the best hunters. While they found holes in the ground and a stag that had been drained of blood, they did not catch the vampire.[4]
When the full moon finally rose one night, it was in eclipse. While Manes asserted that this was a good portent, Valerian disagreed, saying that it was a bad sign, but Manes cut him off in mid-explanation. However, two weeks later, Valerian explained his concerns to the hunters, who understood his points well enough to that their chief hunter declined to let any of his men hunt that day.[5] Angered, as it was daylight and the vampire was no threat, Manes stalked off on the hunt, dragging Valerian with him.[6]
As they penetrated deeper into the woods, Manes realized he saw a black cape in a clearing. As they approached, the sun was eclipsed by the moon, and the sky went black as night, just as Valerian had tried to explain to Manes. The vampire arose, safe from the sun, and killed them.[7]
References[]
| Royal offices (Fictional Work) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Constans |
Count of Sirmion ("Traditions") |
Succeeded by The 14th Count |
| |||||