Radu, Mihail, and LaPierre, three servants of the vampire lord Draka, discuss unexpected events:
“Why did you leave the castle, Radu? Your place is there. The Master will not be happy with you.”
“I… strange things are happening, Mihail. Dangerous occurrences. The Master will understand, if I...”
“Radu! How nice to see you, my old Romanian friend. You know, I feel a little… neglected here, with only the company of grim Nosferatu or silent Szekely servants who willingly give up their blood according to our Master's orders. How are you? They haven't turned you into a vampire yet, have they? With a face like that, my friend, one can never be sure.”
“I am still human, Monsieur LaPierre. And how are you? Are you still opposing the Master's will?”
“No, on the contrary. I believe that I will become his biggest ally, for the very best of reasons: I would do anything to get out of here. Mihail would gladly tear me to pieces… but I believe that these gloomy hooded men are here to protect me.”
“The Master only wants the good of my land and my people, and I do not judge his methods.”
“What about Brand? Have the terrifying attractions of Dracula Park already softened him? Is he willing to cooperate?”
“Herr Brand? I do not know where he is.”
“You were supposed to keep an eye on him, Radu!”
“The situation has escalated! There are other problems… unexpected intruders… Things are not going as they should. Mihail, you have been transformed by him! I must immediately contact the Master. Do you understand me?”
We haven't seen LaPierre since pages 19-25. He's partial to wearing plaid. His role in all this was not entirely clear, but he talked as if he had responsibility for designing the theme park. Here, he appears to be a human who understands that he works for real vampires.
The panel where Radu says "Herr Brand?" is a particularly good portrayal of actor Peter Lorre, on whom Radu was modeled. LaPierre looks like actor Michael Douglas more in some panels than others.
