Both father and son stared in surprise at this man whom had collapsed in their hallway.

 "Well. That's unusual," said Herbert. "Where do you suppose that poor soul came from?"

 "I have no idea," von Krolock replied. "But we should not leave him lying there like that. Come, help me lift him."

 "Where are we taking him?"

 "Upstairs, of course. He looks to be in horrible shape."

 "Is he going to be a guest?" Herbert asked as they lifted the body and began to move towards the stairs.

 "For the moment, yes. Whether he will he stay for long will depend on the sort of person he is."

 "Well, there's plenty of rooms," Herbert said as they got to the top of the stairs. "Where do you want to put him?"

 "They're mostly empty, so any one will do."

 They brought him to the nearest and gently set him down upon the bed.

 "He's quite the sight, isn't he?" Herbert remarked. "Doesn't smell all that well, either."

 von Krolock looked down at this stranger. "Herbert, perhaps you fetch him some food, and perhaps we should draw a bath as well."

 "Fetch him some food?" Herbert repeated. "Oh, of course. No matter that vampires don't need food, so we'll certainly have some food simply laying around."

 "Herbert." His father gave him a dangerous look.

 Herbert held up his hands and backed away. "Very well. I'll return shortly."

 von Krolock continued to look down at this unexpected guest. His coat and boots were dirty and covered in mud. His hat had fallen off when he fainted, giving a better look at his face. He wore a white mask on the right side of his face.

 To completely honest, there didn't seem to be anything remarkable about this man at all. In fact, if it weren't for the mask, he would have looked completely ordinary.

 The Count wondered what was underneath the mask. He reached his hand out, considering pulling it off. But he hesitated. Suppose this man woke up just when he was pulling the mask off. He didn't know what sort of man this was. Of course, it didn't really matter how dangerous he was, but he still thought it was best to stay cautious.

 When the man began to stir, von Korlock stepped back. He opened his eyes and looked around the room. He then sat up with a jolt, apparently startled by his surroundings.

 "You fainted in our entrance hall," von Krolock said. "I thought it might be best to give you a bed."

 The man whipped his head around and looked at the Count.

 "Who are you?" he asked. "Where am I now?"

 "There is nothing to fear," the Count said calmly. "You are in the castle of Count von Korlock. No harm will come to you here."

 The man didn't look very assured. He got up from the bed, and seemed to be a bit wobbly in his feet.

 "I assume you are the Count von Krolock?" he asked.

 "I am, indeed. Pleased to meet you. Might I ask your name?"

 The man shrugged. "I have had many names. Which one do you want?"

 "Whichever you prefer."

 He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Erik. That is my name."

 "Very well, Erik."

 Herbert came clambering into the room with a tray in his hands.

 "I've found something," he announced. "Oh. He's awake. Hello."

 "This is my son, Herbert," von Krolock said. "Herbert, this is Erik, our guest."

 "Oh, yes, we're already slightly acquainted," said Herbert. "I helped him carry you up here."

 "Oh. Thank you, I suppose."

 "Well, here you are." Herbert set the tray down on the bed. "You look like you need a meal."

 "We will give you a few hours to eat and rest," said von Krolock. "Come along, son."

 They left the room, and stood out in the hall.

 "Well, what do we do with him now?" Herbert asked.

 "I have not decided yet. I suppose we'll have to kill him eventually, especially if he discovers what we are. I do wonder, however, where he came from."

 "And perhaps why the mask," Herbert added. "It's rather strange, isn't it? A mask like that? He must be hiding something rather gruesome."

 The Count nodded. "Perhaps he is."