h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

You must keep this to yourself mistress as I be revealing something about not only me, but of my friend. I not be alive anymore. I be a ghost, and I must stay close to Volkert. He killed me in battle 150 years ago. I hold him no grudge for that, we were mercenaries on different sides of the war. He be my closest friend, but he also have a secret.

*blinks, but seems a lot less surprised than one might think* Mr Goodschad, you and Mr Volkert are good men, whether you are dead, or formerly dead, or whatnot. At this point, having good and loyal friends is all that matters to me. *puts her hadn on Goodschad's arm, a bit surprised that she can, but not enough to question it just now* But, do you wish nothing for yourself? And what is this of Mr Volkert's secret? Is it something that ould endanger the ship? I cannot believe that it is, as he has served Benjamin for many years...

Well, there be one thing. Volkert and I have each one of these. Mine lets me be solid as I want. Volkert's let him function as a normal human. Volkert be a vampire. He get the Hunger less often with his. I think something be wrong with his as he got the hunger too early last time. If you know any of the Old Arts you may be able to fix it? I do not want mine to be damaged or lost either. Magic be lost I thought. The last few h ours have told me this be no longer true.

Magic is most definitely with us, Mr Goodschad. And I will do my best to help you both with this knowledge that you have just given me. I may be forced to share it with one other - Uli - who is helping me to learn magic better. I swear that no other will ever know by my lips, however. Thank you for trusting me. *smiles up at the man, looking very happy that he has shared his story*

That be good to know Mistress. I think that I can trust Uli for some reason. You have always been good to Volkert and me, and you husband be a good captain.