My wrists and ankles were tied to the chair with huge shackles of steel and silver. The scarlet runes glowed ominously.
"Doesn't it look delicious, Ali?"
The long table spread out before me. I sit in the most distinguished place, which is where the "parent", the father, should sit. This is not normal. These dishes are not normal. They flickered in the semi-darkness like red-hot embers.
"Yes...of course Aunt Sarah!"
"What now?" she replied with a smile, "So, should we get started?"
Her eyes were not their usual gray. They are as dark and as empty as the place between the stars. My right hand was pulled toward the fork by the handcuff. I couldn't resist. The cutlery glowed blue when I touched it, and bloody blisters appeared on my skin. I held back a scream of agony.
"What's wrong, Ali? You're Ali, right?"
"Of course something is wrong, dear," Uncle Roger said as he sat down, soon followed by the rest of the family. Black eyes everywhere.
A strong hand grabbed my hair and pulled my head back.
"Sister, did you forget to say the prayer?" Surely only a filthy slut who sold herself to the devil to survive could forget to say these words?
"No! No, I'm just waiting for everyone to take their seats, as it should be!"
"Appropriate huh? Well, since you are so polite, dear sister, you go ahead and say it."
"But Akili, Dad should do it, shouldn't he?"
Father walked into the room. The ground shook with every step he took. He was so strong, so strong that he could break my arm with his fingers. On his collar hung a cross of the Order of Gabriel, and in his hand he held a wooden peg and a silver mallet. He took the seat across from me, at the end of the table.
"Tsk, tsk, daughter. We have been waiting for your return. Just this once, you can perform the ceremony in my place. This is a great honor, and only a slutty whore would refuse. You agree, don't you?"
"Oh...of course."
"Good. Now that we're here, you can get started."
They all stared at me, their hungry mouths too wide. The skin around their eyes cracked as darkness spread.
"Bless us, cough, oh, cough, O God, cough, cough, these..."
My throat was burning, and with each word came clouds of ash and droplets of charred blood. I have to go on, oh no, they're standing up, no please....
I woke up to an unfamiliar sight: the canopy of a canvas tent.
I was in a metal box with the lid open. I don't remember how I got there.
I sat up and a simple piece of brown fabric fell from my body. Beneath it, I still wore the same stained clothes I'd worn when I fell asleep.
I enjoy the scenery. A lamp glowed soft blue in the vast interior. A chest and a neat cot occupy one side, while the other accommodates a copper tub filled with water. There was soap and a folded cloth on a nearby chair.
"Hello?"
"I'm out there, girl."
I stood up. The box I was in looked a lot like a coffin, except it had a lock inside that allowed the occupant to lock it shut, and a symbolic quilt. This was quite thoughtful and tried to make me feel better after this nightmare.
I walked to the door and stuck my head out.
We were standing in a clearing. Two torches illuminated a circle of grassy ground where some sunburnt stakes stood. Large swathes of black, scaly skin were left to dry. Loth is dismantling the first one with ease, which speaks to his experience.
Tanneries usually smell like toilets and I was surprised when my nose only smelled chemicals and herbs.
"Good evening, Loth."
"Good evening Ariana, I gave you a bath and you can tell me if this dress fits you."
"Wait, you skinned and tanned a crocodile and made me clothes and a coffin in one day?!"
"I prefer the word sarcophagus," he replied with a smile, "Yes. You slept for more than 16 hours, you know? You must be exhausted."
"I understand, um, okay, I'll talk to you later."
The thought of taking off my clothes made me feel a little wary, since there was only a layer of fabric separating me from a man. When I walked into the bathroom, all my worries melted away.
"Aaaaaa."
After being on the road for over a week, it felt so good to immerse myself in scalding, clean water. I submerged my head in the water for a full minute, enjoying the feeling of weightlessness without the interference of air.
I sat up and grabbed a bar of soap. It's scented! Is that jasmine? I slather it on my hair and body.
"Oh, great!"
It feels incredible. Watch out, world, Ariana, the squeaky-clean Vampire Queen!
I heard Roth snickering. He heard it! Hi!
I stepped out and dried myself off with a nice, clean towel, just as my thirst was showing. I dug out the last set of relatively clean underwear and put on the skirt.
This is a miracle. The cut is very simple, without any embellishment, yet comfortable and flexible. The dark green and brown cotton provides a natural camouflage and I can see it being enhanced on the sleeves. And, miracle of miracles, pockets! And they fit me perfectly!
I came out in a hurry.
"No, that's incredible! How do you know my size?"
"I promise I haven't touched Ariana, I just have, um, a fair amount of experience with women."
"Oh..."
If I could still, I would blush.
"Wait a minute, I'll pack my bags."
"Oh, let me help you."
While he was collecting the skins, I was responsible for the tent and its contents.
"Thank you. Now let's move these to my car."
I picked up my bag and suitcase and followed him. Across the clearing stood a large metal box. I noticed the huge wheels glued to it and realized it was a carriage. If I had to transport all the jewelry in India from one side of the continent to the other, I would put them here.
"Wow."
What kind of beast could draw such a monster? I walked around in curiosity.
"Wow!"
Loth smiled broadly and giggled. When I see a mastodon-like beast of burden, his huge chest trembles with joy.
Someone must have managed to cross a bison with a blue whale! That shaggy, four-legged wagon was bigger than most I've seen. A set of horns capable of impaling a horse protrudes from its cow skull.
"Ha, this is Asni. He's really awesome, isn't he?"
"What's wrong? !"
"Ah, never mind its size, it's not the biggest thing around. Instead, come closer."
I hesitate.
"Hmm, Rose, the animals don't respond well to my presence."
"Asni is special. Come on, come on!"
We walked in front of the animals. His thick mane covered his eyes. Only its jaws were moving, busy chewing.
"Touch him."
I was surprised to see that Asni had not yet reacted to my presence. I slowly put a hand on its mouth and stroked it slowly. His fur was surprisingly soft and I found myself enjoying the experience. Rose stood in front of me with her chest held out proudly. He put one hand on the small of his back and showed Asni the other. He looks like a businessman showing off his latest investment.
"Have you ever sent your mount running after a werewolf's howl, or panicked at the sight of a giant magical hyena? Does the smell of blood make your ride unreliable? Worry no more, Scoo Loth of Lage has a way. This majestic beast is the result of decades of hard work and selective breeding, making it the absolute dumbest animal around."
I giggle.
"That's right, ladies and gentlemen!" The beast was too stupid to be scared. Asni, with a calm heart and an empty head, go and experience the infinite courage of stupidity!"
I applauded and Loth bowed perfectly.
"Let's go before..."
It started with a whistle, then a trumpet, then a whistle, then a trumpet, and finally the sound of wet cloth flapping in the wind.
It lasted nearly ten seconds.
I stared at Loth in horror.
"Yeah, that's a problem. Let's go before we smell it. That's why I never park it near an open flame."
I would love to sit in the back. I do appreciate this beast, but I'm not inclined to succumb to this massive flatulence. I know I don't need to breathe, but it's just a matter of principle!
We put all our stuff in the back of his car and it was quiet and comfortable. I noticed that his armor was stored in the center and could be used freely. The interior looks pretty defensible. This was deliberately designed to allow him to defend himself if the carriage was intercepted.
After we finished, I sat next to him. He took out a huge stick and spanked the beast with it. He put it back aside and we waited.
and wait.
and wait.
Finally, the beast began to move forward at a calm pace, pulling on the moving fortress as if it weighed nothing.
"It takes a few seconds for the signal to reach the brain. You have to anticipate when you want to stop."
I smiled and let the movement distract me from my thirst. I knew our truce only lasted until midnight and if I wanted to consider being with him, we needed to talk. I decided to start with basic courtesy.
"I wanted to thank you for your concern. You went above and beyond any reasonable expectation. I noticed you even grazed my gun."
"You're welcome, girl. Now let's get your reward and blood. By the way, how long can you last without food? More than a day?"
"No."
"I thought you were very young. You are not a courtier, are you? You are a fledgling."
"How do you know so much about us?"
"I remember mentioning that I met one of you near Boston. His name was Constantine, and he was a scholar. We talked a lot, and under his protection I did some good work. "
"I understand, to answer your question, yes, I'm a newbie."
"How old are you exactly?" By the way, you don't have to answer. I just know that younger vampires have more needs, so I know to adapt. "
I hesitate. I had no reason to share this with him. The less he knew, the less likely it would be all for naught if the deal fell through and I failed to kill him.
Loth gave me a sad smile. For some reason, seeing the pain on his bushy face made me uncomfortable. Between his rosy nose and gorgeous beard, he looked like a favorite uncle or grandfather. It was a face designed for yelling and laughing, not the raw hurt I was seeing now.
"You know, I can see the gears turning behind those blue eyes of yours. I know we just met, but I believe I've always been true to my word. Even if we part ways, I'm sworn to secrecy. You don't have to fear me."
I believe in him. I spend so much time with scumbags that I forget there are people out there whose only purpose is not to make my life as miserable and short as possible.
"I'm twenty."
"Oh, I thought it was less. Then you are almost a courtier."
He stopped.
"You know that a vampire's age starts from the day he is resurrected, right?"
"Well, now that you mention it, I think my friend mentioned it the first day we met. I was six months old at the time."
It sounds wrong when I say that, as if it doesn't matter who I was, as if you can throw away nearly two decades of life experience on the grounds that I was human when I had them.
Luo thought for a while. He looked angry.
"That's not right, girl, that's not right at all. You haven't committed any terrible crime, have you?"
"You mean besides existing?" No. If you must know, my hands are covered in blood. "
"All vampires are like this. It's not right to force a new acquaintance to run away. A yearling should feel the need to hunker down and build a nest for safety's sake. I shudder to think of you if you have to go down this route What have you experienced.
I don't have a problem anymore, so you know, I'd like to invite you to live with me. I will protect you and in return there is something I need your help with, you are an immortal killing machine. I will of course make it up to you, it will be an exciting job, you can trust me. Oh, don't bite me. Ask your questions. "
"Before we begin, I want to be clear. I am not doing anyone any...favors."
Loth suddenly became very embarrassed and his nose turned redder than usual.
"Well, once again I apologize for yesterday's rudeness. I thought you were much older and that vampires were somewhat famous after that...please forgive me. I have never violated a woman's will and I never will Do it! Of course, I would never expect anything like this to happen. Please! Let’s not talk about it again. Rest assured, I would never do anything unpleasant. My shame…”
"It's okay, Loth," I replied with a smile, "I believe you. I just needed to say it."
"Human resource management! Of course, of course."
"I don't have any questions at the moment. Tell me, what do you suggest?"
"Yeah, that's easy, girl. I have a manor with a basement in Higginsville named after its founder, Philip Higgins. I met him, you know? A nice guy, A bit obsessed with garters and Rubenes…”
"No?"
"Yeah, I said. A manor. I'll give you a safe room and protect you during the day. I'm one of the two doctors in town. They think I'm a bit eccentric, a scientific gentleman. Why, one time , young Tim Letson came to me, and..."
"No."
"Sorry, as the town's doctor, I'm asking everyone to donate blood in lieu of payment, understand?" I would say it's for experimentation. So you can drink straight from a fresh communion cup. You'll need a few drinks a night and occasionally, but you should be fine. In return, I need your help to do things like hunt dangerous beasts, explore caves, and kill strange bandits and werewolves. He also helped me carry heavy objects. All I ask is that you don't kill anyone in the town. Limit yourself to criminals and outcasts. "
I stared at Loth, who was now focused on the trail. He was giving me time to think.
This sounds too good to be true. I could hide in a remote town where no vampires would come for me, protected by a respectable gentleman who would protect me and hide me away against my will. I can get through my most vulnerable years safely. I can build something. I can learn something. I can write to Jimina and Dad.
I can live, not linger.
"This is a very generous offer."
"Yes, that's right."
"Is there a trap?"
"No, no miss. You need a break. I'd be happy to help. I hope someone can help me when I need it."
"I wouldn't kill anyone if I didn't want to."
"Hahaha! Little girl, I would never force a vampire to kill someone, right?"
"I won't break my promise for you."
"I do not know either."
I want. I want it now.
"If I want to leave, I can leave, but you have to let me go and swear to secrecy."
"clear"
I want.
"I want to try."
"Then open your palm and we shake hands on it. You know you are a magical creature now. You can lie, but you cannot break your oath without destroying yourself."
We cut our hands, he with a knife and me with a claw. We shook them unceremoniously.
A powerful wave of magic washed over us both. I sense the mountain and steel essence of Loth, the scent of thorns and wet earth in another.
finished.
I sat back in the chair, letting the oath weigh on me, and the wounds on my hands healed. This is both strange and wonderful. This is an experience I would never have imagined a year ago. Maybe, things don't have to be so bad.
After half an hour we reached the edge of the valley where we met the Choctaw. Asni is strong, but also slow. I do not mind.
We walked down the stairs towards the statue, apparently a totem, and witnessed a strange procession arriving.
Nashoba walked, assisted by two sad-looking women. He looks cleaner and tidier than yesterday. Minko walked angrily beside them, and Iskani followed behind with an awkward expression of being caught between two friends.
They stopped ten paces apart, and Iskani came up slowly, bowed to us both, and asked us how the hunt was going.
Loth smiled and tossed me a bag that smelled like dead meat. The translator opens it up to an interesting green color. Only I could hear Rose's whisper.
"It's the other eyeball."
I adjusted my expression so I wouldn't laugh. The man brought the trophy to his leader, who also turned visibly pale. Yes, Minko, we weren't impressed with your little spear.
Iskani grabbed a schoolbag and handed it to Loth. My companion examined the contents and nodded. It was right to make sure he was paid appropriately, even if it was of little value to him.
It's my turn. I reach out to my supplicant. Nashoba tried to break away from the two women, but the woman on the left stopped him and started arguing with him and Minko.
My hands are still out.
They dare not. They dare not break their promise to me. I have to let them know the consequences of their actions. I have to teach this lesson very thoroughly.
"Hssssssss"
I felt the rage overwhelm me and I felt the beast beneath the surface awaken.
The valley is frozen. Even the wind stopped.
Loth's measured, soft voice slid through the fog of my mind.
"You're not going to renege on a deal you made with a pale man, are you?" Because that's a bad idea. "
In the silence that followed, Nashoba used the slightest touch to free himself from the paralyzed woman.
Great, now I'll just kill her.
My supplicant places his hand in mine. The other brushed against the skin of my wrist.
I looked at him. With an innocent smile, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of earrings. Today, his eyes are clear and focused.
"Gift."
The jewels were made of copper and clear stone and were engraved with strange pictures. No matter how much I focus on them, they always seem unclear.
Nashoba placed my hand on the offering and slowly came closer to me. He grabbed one of my shoulders and offered his throat to me.
Well, maybe there's no need to kill tonight. That's how it should be.
I lift him up while I feed him.
This is unexpected. Sure, he's delicious, but there's something else. His power resonates within me. There was something familiar that echoed the sanctuary in which I found myself.
I stopped long before I needed to. I've gotten what I deserve, I don't need more.
I licked the wound tightly. The shaman smiled one last time. He walked towards the two women, who picked him up and hurried away. They didn't meet my eyes. The two men looked at me, then at each other, and then looked back. I didn't know people could run that fast without running.
Loth and I also left and got into the steel carriage.
"You sure know how to make an impression. Well done."
"Do you approve?"
"I would like to say that you left a warning without hurting anyone, which is for the best. I would also like to say that how you deal with the Oathbreakers is none of my business. Are you ready to go? "
"Yes, I'm ready and eager."
Loth poked Asni.
"Good, now I want to talk about your lair. All good lairs need to be hidden, protected, and not worth the effort, as cousin Okri used to say."
"He's a locksmith?"
"No, it's a thief."
The carriage drove slowly into the night.
