Set in the late 18th century to the late 1980s, the story follows the
200-year-long life of the vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, and his rise from
humble beginnings as an impoverished aristocrat in the countryside of
France to the city of Paris to become a vain and arrogant vampire.
After escaping his family and running off to Paris with his friend and
confidante Nicolas de Lenfent (nicknamed Nicki by Lestat), Lestat is
kidnapped and bitten by the rogue elder vampire Magnus, who orphans him on
the night he is made. Later, his dying mother, Gabrielle, arrives to say
goodbye to him. In order to save her, Lestat bites her, transforming her
into his first companion. Lestat abandons Nicki for fear of causing him
harm and shuns contact with his loved ones.
He later turns Nicki into a vampire after Armand kidnaps him and they
begin to grow apart because of Nicki's sullenness; he later commits suicide
by "going into the fire," from severe depression. Armand "shows" Lestat the
history of how he was made by Marius. Compelled by the idea of Marius,
Lestat leaves markings carved into rock in numerous places while traveling
with Gabrielle, hoping that one day, Marius will see them and find Lestat.
Whilst in Egypt, abandoned by Gabrielle, Lestat sleeps in the ground and is
recovered by Marius who takes him to his Mediterranean island.
Then, Marius shares his past with him, and shows him Those Who Must Be
Kept, Akasha and Enkil. Once Marius has given his warning to Lestat not to
go see them again and leaves on a short outing, Lestat takes Nicolas's old
violin and plays for the King and Queen, awakening them. Akasha feeds from
Lestat as Lestat feeds from her. Then, Enkil, furious as ever, nearly kills
Lestat, who is saved by Marius, and sent away.
Then, Marius shares his past with him, and shows him Those Who Must
Be Kept, Akasha and Enkil. Once Marius has given his warning to Lestat not
to go see them again and leaves on a short outing, Lestat takes Nicolas's
old violin and plays for the King and Queen, awakening them. Akasha feeds
from Lestat as Lestat feeds from her. Then, Enkil, furious as ever, nearly
kills Lestat, who is saved by Marius, and sent away.
--
Peace in the Shadows,
Mistress of the Night
http://thedarkgift.freewebspace.com
