Thrusting into her repeatedly, Abner could feel her muscles tensing even more and he could tell she was reaching her climax. She was tight around him. He wouldn’t be able to hold on much longer. All it took was slamming into Lois three more times. She groaned slowly as she forced her hips upwards and her toes curled. Before Abner could muster any control, he found himself spilling his seed inside of her. Exhausted, the pair fell off to the side and reclaimed each other in a tight embrace. Lois snuggled into Abner, her head rested on his chest.
“Why haven’t we done that sooner?” she asked.
“I don’t know, but I’m glad we have,” Abner said.
25
The Pairing
The next morning Barros stormed around the Huntrey grounds searching for both Abner and Lois. Novices and other Hunters liked to sleep in after a rainy night, but never to this degree. He’d checked the mess hall, barracks and all throughout the main Huntrey tower. His last option was the cabins themselves.
“Why aren’t you making preparations for the Blood Ceremony, Barros?” Rowan asked out to him as both men came across each other in the courtyard.
“I’m trying to track down two bothersome potential Hunters. They were meant to be on the practice yard more than an hour ago and I haven’t seen or heard about them,” Barros said.
“Well, have you checked the fields?” Barros just scowled at his friend. “I’ll take that as a yes. Suppose they’ve slept in. Some people aren’t super soldiers like you, Barros.”
“That’ll be the reason for it,” Barros said. “Smartass.”
“You didn’t think of it so someone had to say it.” Rowan smiled as they approached the cabins. “How did you want to handle this?”
Barros remained silent until he was in front of Abner’s door. With a savage kick straight to the middle of it, the door shattered, sending shards of wood flying in every direction. He ducked inside quickly checking each room.
“Neither Alexander or Abner are here,” he said.
“Alexander would be fucking what’s her face and if Abner isn’t here there’s only one place that I’d imagine he’d be. Oh and you’re paying for that door to be fixed,” Rowan said. “That wasn’t really necessary.”
“I’ll be paying for another one right now,” Barros said as he lined up Lois’ door only meters away. “Lois you’ve got five-seconds to open this door!”
With no response Barros aimed another angry kick at the center of the door. This one shattered as well, however buckling under the force of the blow. The scene inside made Barros satisfied with his choice of asset. Armor and clothing were strewn throughout the main room of the cabin, with both younger Hunters huddled in a tight, naked, embrace, the fear in their eyes dying when they realized who had just forced their way in. They both bolted upright, explanations on their lips.
“Barros, we’re sorry we lost track of time!” Abner said.
“What a piss ass weak excuse,” Barros said as his eyes danced over the amulet on the floor. “As a Hunter you have to be where you say you’re going to be at a certain time then be there. You said you’d be on the training fields!”
“By the gods, Barros, just calm the fuck down,” Rowan said. “They’re young and they’ll learn as they get older.”
“Well whatever’s been going on here better have been fucking worth it. You two both missed my final training session. That’s instantly a grade dropped from your final report. I expect you on the training field in no less than fifteen minutes!” Barros stormed out.
“Give the quartermasters the gold for the doors before you get there!” Rowan said. Turning to the naked Hunters on the floor he laughed. “Wow, I didn’t expect that to happen. All in all, it went rather well.”
“That went well? How was him going off at us like that good?” Lois asked.
“He’ll train you harder and you’ll learn more. Not that there’s much left to teach you. Sure, he was annoyed at you not showing up but with the beating he’ll dish out on the two of you it will be a great experience,” Rowan said.
“How’s a beating going to be a great experience?” Abner snorted.
“Get dressed, be prepared for anything. Just get down to the field,” Rowan said. “I’d also like to make note we’re pairing the two of you together full time in light of your recent... err exploits. Since we usually believe that Hunters and their Seekers should share a bond, the two of you are perfect for each other.”
Lois threw the sheet off her and began to dress while Rowan was still talking. His eyes lingered over her body as she dressed. A lump began to rise in Abner’s throat.
“You never told us what was going on with the initiation this afternoon,” Lois said. She looked up forcing him to avert his gaze.
“That’s for me to know and for you to find out,” Rowan said. “It’s something I’m sure both of you will excel at.”
“So, you’re not going to tell us?”
“Not a chance in hell!” Rowan said. “Now you two best hurry up. Barros is waiting for you!”
The three Hunters arrived at the training yard a short while later to find it changed from its usual state. Overnight small knolls of grass and dirt had taken over much of the flat field while trees also dominated it in parts giving the landscape a similar forestry feel as the Blackmire. Abner looked at Lois who drew her broadsword, ready for whatever challenge Barros had in stall for them.
“Good luck,” Rowan said. “You can’t turn back now!”
Abner drew his sword as well before moving into the new terrain with Lois by his side. Each step was judged carefully, waiting for a trap to be sprung at any moment. Up on the hill that the Huntrey tower sat on, Hunters and novices gathered to watch.
“Where’s Barros?” Abner asked Lois.
“I have no idea,” Lois said. “I can’t smell him; do you think I should seek?”
Abner nodded and took up a defensive position in front of her as she planted the broadsword into the ground. She went through the same process of cutting her hand open with a dagger before filling the wound with Vampire blood. The flesh around it sizzled as usual before the wound closed upon itself. With a violent shudder, her eyes turned red and she licked at the wind.
“We aren’t alone here,” she said.
“How many others are near us?” Abner asked.
Lois ripped her broadsword from the earth. “Only two, one is massive, but it isn’t Rowan.”
“Who is it then, are they Hunters?”
“I think so, but I don’t know their scent,” Lois said.
The two Hunters pushed into the changed training yard, their eyes keen, watching for any sign of movement amongst the stagnant trees. Abner drew his crossbow, Lois now covered from all angles as she stalked through the grassy knolls and dirt mounds.
“Do you see anything yet?” she asked.
“Nothing,” Abner said. “Are you sure that we’re not alone? There’s nobody here.”
“I’m sure,” Lois said. “Their shadows linger. I’ve found a trail, follow me.”
The trees in the center of the yard were larger than ever, the sweeping branches blocking out most of the day’s sunlight. There was no sound except for the Hunter’s footsteps crushing leaves underfoot. This glade was a perfect place for an ambush.
Abner saw a shadow flicker in and out of his peripheral vision and lashed out, his blade stopped by another. He spun around and struck out with a wild, blind punch, his fist stopped by a massive black glove. Lois was beside him, a second attacker had already disarmed her. She now held a dagger out in front of her slashing at the Hunter. It was too large to be Barros and his face was covered by a black mask.
In a mad surge, Abner fought back against his foe, aiming a kick at his knee. The Hunter grunted his grip loosening on Abner’s hand. With a twist the young Hunter ducked away and raised his sword once again. After a quick flurry of blows, the Hunter blocked Abner at every turn.
On the last strike, Abner lowered his blade at the last se
cond, missing the crosspiece entirely, cutting through the glove on the Hunter’s hand. He let out a cry and dropped his sword in a heap. With another savage strike, Abner knocked the mask clean off the Hunter’s face. Havoc’s ugly face greeted him which could only mean one thing.
“Lois, it’s Gunthos!” he said.
“I’ve got it covered, Ab!” She ducked underneath a palm strike from the giant black man.
Gunthos struck next with a high knee, knocking Lois straight back. Dashing forward Gunthos grabbed her by the throat holding her hostage.
“One step and she dies, Abner. How sweet is this opportunity?”
Abner’s fingers twitched for him to grab the crossbow on his back, but Gunthos’ grip on Lois’ throat was too much. With a simple movement of his hand her windpipe would be crushed.
“Put your weapons down, boy, you don’t want her getting hurt, do you?” he asked. “Havoc get up off the ground for fucks sake.”
“Sorry, Gunner, the kid caught me by surprise.” Havoc groaned rubbing his face.
Surrounded, Abner had no choice but to comply with Gunthos’ demands. He dropped his sword to the ground feeling helpless without it. Havoc’s wicked curved blade tucked around underneath his neck.
“Thought you were too good for Barros?” he said. “It’s your own fault you’re going to die today.”
“Ab, I’m sorry!” Lois said. Tears began to form in her eyes. “I shouldn’t have pushed you last night. I should have known this would have happened.”
“Alright cut the shit!” Gunthos said. “Havoc tie him down, so he can watch her die. I can’t believe the insolence these two showed with the Lotu. It’s time we ended this farce.”
“Barros will come after you with a vengeance,” Lois said.
“And we welcome him to,” Havoc said. “Get on your knees, boy!”
“No, I won’t kneel before you!” Abner spat on the ground at his feet.
The dagger pressed tighter on this throat. “Now or I won’t make this quick.”
With a grunt, Abner slumped into the dirt, his arms behind his back, his gaze not moving from Lois’ reddening face. Gunthos looked to the spectators on the hill, laughing as none of them moved to save the two.
“She is rather lovely, is she not, Abner?”
“I’ll kill you!”
“I’m sure you will.” Gunthos laughed again. “Now watch as her head bursts.”
As Gunthos began to tighten his grip, a flash of steel struck his shoulder. The Hunter roared in pain, ripping the dagger from his shoulder throwing it back at his unseen attacker. Another Hunter dropped from a nearby tree, mimicking the movements Balzac had used in the Blackmire.
“Though you’d try some shit like this, Gunthos,” Barros said as he marched forward with the dagger in hand. “Just because it appears like there is no threat in an opponent, always assume there is another danger nearby. Didn’t your mentors teach you anything? And now since you’ve laid hands on my novices I will end your lives. Give me your best, one final time!”
Gunthos seemed reluctant at first at the sudden appearance of Barros. Regardless he drew his blade, not backing down from the fight. “I’ll give you one chance to walk away, Barros.”
The Hunter frowned. “In doing so, I’d give up a chance at cutting you and your worthless brother apart? You didn’t think that one through real well.”
“You came to us with the opportunity to fight your novices, Barros. This was your doing so you could fight us!” Gunthos said.
“Yup,” Barros said. “Now come.”
The black Hunter charged Barros, crossing the distance in several of the large strides he was known for. As he drew near, the smaller Hunter dropped his dagger, waiting calmly for the wrecking ball that was Gunthos to reach when. Faster than Abner could blink, Barros ducked underneath Gunthos’ first strike before picking him up clear off his feet tossing the giant Hunter into the closest tree. Upon impact the tree broke in half, sending Gunthos straight through it, his sword still at Barros’ feet.
Seeing his brother injured, Havoc leapt over Abner’s prone body, slashing at the air as if he was possessed. On his final approach, Havoc leapt up in the air once more, flicking a knife out from his cloak. Barros caught the knife in his hand but had no time to use it as a weapon against the other Hunter.
Havoc was a play toy for Barros, the older Hunter taking his time to avoid the knife or blocking it with his armor. They battled to a full circle, Barros ducked again this time to retrieve Gunthos’ blade. Havoc followed him down attempting to cut at a leg, but he missed entirely. Seeing the weakness, Barros capitalized ramming his knee into the exposed nose of Havoc.
The younger Hunter fell backwards, hitting his head on a tree root. Blood gushed from his now broken nose and Barros slammed the sword he’d recovered across Havoc’s neck, the steel just kissing the skin.
“You tell your brother that if either one of you lays a hand on my students again I will end you both. Do you understand?” Havoc nodded, understanding the clear message. “Good,” Barros said with a flat tone. He punched Havoc in the head once more, knocking him out. He stood up turning to Abner and Lois. “Now that’s taken care of they won’t bother you again. Be in the tower at dusk so we can complete the final piece of your journey.”
26
The Blood Ceremony
Dusk came quickly for Abner and Lois who spent the rest of the day recovering from the events of the morning and what could potentially lie ahead. As the sun turned orange they ventured to the tower and found Hunters from all across the Huntrey gathered outside the Hall of Worship, a like part of the Huntrey that was set aside as a church.
A run of blood red carpet ran out of the hall, with Barros waiting for them in a clean uniform. He peered out from underneath his hood as they approached and gestured they walked before him. As they entered the hall, the Hunters saw more of their colleagues packed in the room on either side of the walkway.
Rowan stood alone on the altar, his head down facing directly at the entrance. As he saw Abner and Lois approaching he and the other Hunters raised their heads.
“Come forth Lois Behan and come forth Abner, son of none! This is your final initiation before you are Hunters in full,” Rowan said. The assembled crowd of Hunters watched on in silence. “This is the Blood Ceremony.”
They walked along the red carpet, quickly passing the dozens of Hunters in attendance that dropped their heads again. Abner felt the goosebumps rising on the back of his neck as he passed them. The hall was eerie silent, made worst by the vast size of it. Each footstep echoed off the walls and roof, resounding back at Abner making the walk seem longer. Once they reached the altar on its raised steps, Rowan held out two silver chalices, one in each hand.
Barros brought up the rear, taking his place by Rowan’s side. He took the second and handed it to Abner across the altar.
“Abner, Lois, welcome,” Rowan said, looking them both in the eye. “For the time you have been here you have only seen snippets of our powers outside combat. Your ability to learn quickly and your past achievements have only accelerated your rise within our ranks. You have only experienced a small part of what it is to be a Hunter, but now what you are about to experience will change you forever.”
Abner took his chalice from Barros. He looked over at Lois who was staring down into the basin of hers. He peered inside seeing the black liquid he’d only seen inside the vials that Lois carried. Vampire blood. Abner looked back up at Barros who narrowed his eyes.
“Drink it.”
Lois raised her chalice to Rowan before drinking deeply, the black liquid passing through her slightly open mouth. Abner had a feeling of déjà vu as she shuddered again, like when she was seeking. She dropped the chalice, the silverware smashing onto the stone tiles of the hall sending what remained of the Vampire blood flying in every direction.
Her eyes flashed red and she lurched forwards. Now this was getting out of hand. Abner ran forward to help her, but Barros he
ld him back. “Drink,” he said. Lois’ teeth were rattling and her whole body was shaking as she fought the Vampire blood. She let loose a scream, throwing her head back before her eyes changed in a flash of red.
“Look at her! How can you get me to drink if the same will happen to me?”
“She’s fine!” Barros clasped Abner around the shoulders holding him in place.
A split-second later Lois’ became silent, grabbing her head before standing up. “I feel fine, Ab. Just different… faster.”
“Excellent news! Rowan said. “Lois has been given the gift of Vampire speed!” A thunderous applause greeted the news. “Is there anything else you can feel?”
“There’s something else,” Lois said. “I think my eyesight is becoming clearer.”
“She has also been given the gift of Vampire sight! What a Hunter you will turn out to be one day.” Rowan smiled. “Welcome to the Hunters, Lois Behan.”
Abner still hadn’t touched his chalice.
“What are you doing, boy?” Barros said. “We’re here for a good time, not a long time. You’re making yourself look like a fool. Now drink it!”
“I won’t end up like Lois,” Abner said. “I don’t need to be like the rest of you.”
Barros recoiled before a lightning fast backhand connected with Abner’s face and he ripped the chalice free from his grasp. “Last chance. Drink or I’ll force you to.”
“No.”
“Right! Yornal get up here!”
A Hunter from the front row marched up to the altar. He grabbed Abner’s arms and held him tight. With his free hand, Barros cut off Abner’s air supply holding the struggling boy’s nose shut. Before Abner could take in air and shut his mouth, Barros had already poured a generous amount of blood down the opening. Abner tried to cough some back up, but by then the damage was already done.
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