For the last couple of weeks, JennyO had been feeling uneasy - as well as the strange way Magenta had been acting, there had even been moments at the folk festival in Jamberoo when she had felt someone's eyes on her, and she even thought she had caught sight of a swirling black cape out of the corner of her eye while in the Guinness tent on the last night, sipping a final half price Kilkenny with Sandra. Yes, there definitely was a chill in the air that night - not totally accounted for by the fact that the gas in the big outdoor heaters had run out.

She had thought of voicing her concerns to jack halyard, a larger-than-life bearded folkie, who did not look like Santa Claus, and with whom she currently shared her life and her lodgings, but lately he had been very busy writing new songs and she, not wanting to interrupt the creative flow, decided not to bother him.

Now, lost in thought as she stared in the window of Amera's Palace at the colourful drapings of chiffon, coin belts and zills, she remembered a time not long ago when her friend Magenta had brushed with a rather unsavoury character named Vlad.

Then, as if the very thought had called him into existence, she caught sight of a gloved hand on Magenta's shoulder, and raised her head to look into hollow liquid eyes tinged with madness.

"Bloody 'ell, not you again!" she gasped. "What the hell are you doing in Newtown? Got kicked out of The Stafford hotel, didya?" She was having some trouble speaking, especially since she had never heard of the Stafford Hotel.

Yes, there he was, large as life, Vlad himself. He was hovering over Magenta, needle-like teeth flashing in the light of a nearly-full moon. A large black cloak enveloped pale gothic features with slick oily black hair - someone who wouldn't rate a second look in Newtown - he would blend in easily with all the other goths.

He looked ready to sink those fangs into Magenta. "Look out Magenta!" she screamed. "It's Vlad the Inhaler!"

"Who?" asked Magenta, as if in a dream.

"Wake up Magenta!" - JennyO pulled her away. "He must have you hypnotised. Don't you remember Vladimir the Inhaler; Vampire Villain?"