Those were the vampires who walked the earth, tested, purified,

Children of darkness, born of a fledglings blood,

Never the full power of an ancient master,

So that time would bring the wisdom to use the dark gifts

Before they grew truly strong.

And on these were imposed the rules of darkness.

To live among the dead, for we are dead things,

Returning always to one's own grave

Or one very nearly like it.

To shun the places of light,

Luring victims away from the company of others to suffer death

In unholy and haunted places.

And to honor forever the power of God,

The crucifix about the neck,

The sacraments.

Anne Rice