Tainted Blood Anthology

by Jeff Gunzel

  “Release me!” Jarlen demanded, tugging at his own collar. “We had a deal. I bring you another of my species and you let me go.”

  “Yes, yes, so we did,” said Milo, waving his hand dismissively. “Let it not be said that the king of Shadowfen goes back on his word. You have outlived your usefulness anyway. Your time with me is spent.” He snapped his fingers towards Diovok. The masked shaman swung down off his horse. Jarlen approached him cautiously. Placing his hands on Jarlen’s neck, Diovok uttered a single word and the collar snapped free. The moment it hit the ground, Jarlen kicked it, then streaked away a good twenty feet or so. He was free! Rubbing his bare neck, it was all he could do to keep his emotions in check.

  “Oh, one last thing,” said the king, motioning to one of the horsemen towards the back. A soldier trotted forward with a long black sack draped across the front of his saddle. After untying the drawstring, he pushed it off the horse with a hard shove. Hitting the ground with a thud, Queen Bella turned face up.

  Her nose was broken, and both eyes swollen shut. She rolled over with a groan.

  “I do believe you’ve met my wife,” said the king with a chuckle. “Since you are now a free man, consider this a parting gift from me. After all, your plans were to run off together, yes? I offer you that very same opportunity. Go on. Take the bitch, and be gone from my sight.”

  Jarlen looked at the broken woman. Displaying just enough vision through her swollen eyes, she wormed her way from the sack and began crawling towards him. “Jarlen,” she pleaded, crawling along on all fours.

  When she clasped his ankle, he kicked her hand away. “I’ve no use for a broken human,” he snarled, spitting on the back of her head.

  The king leaned back in his saddle, roaring with laughter. “Funny,” he said. “I was thinking the same thing. Perhaps you and I are not so different after all.”

  When Bella reached up for Jarlen’s shin, he kicked her hand a second time. “We are nothing alike!” he shouted, then turned and sped off into the forest.

  The king shrugged and looked around at all the undead bodies. A few were still wandering around aimlessly. “Dispose of all this,” he ordered, displaying no real curiosity as to what went on here. It didn’t matter to him. He had what he came for. He turned his attention towards Bella, who lay on her back, sobbing softly. “Well, my dear, it seems that nobody wants you after all. I should just kill you and be done with it.”

  She continued to sob, showing no interest in his threat. It didn’t matter what he did to her anymore. Nothing mattered. Her heart had been shattered.

  “But I won’t,” he said after a moment. “You are free to go. Free to wander the world as a former queen who will only be recognized as the traitorous whore you are. Your existence means nothing, and not a day will go by that you aren’t reminded of that. That is...if you even live another day.”

  Milo hopped down off his horse and lifted Viola by the back of her collar. Paralyzed, all she could do was stare back at him with watery eyes. “You, however, are not free to go,” he said, flicking her nose in a humiliating fashion. “I have plans for you.” He draped her over the front of his horse and smacked her on the backside. He and half the men galloped back towards the city while the other half remained behind to clean up the mess, disposing of any signs that the undead were ever here.

  Face down, the only view Viola had was of the horses’ galloping hooves. She was terrified, heartbroken, but most of all she couldn’t stop thinking of Xavier and the others. It was so clear to her now that they never would have betrayed her like this. How could she have been so blind? And now it was too late. She would never see her friends again.

  Epilogue

  Lightning flashed, illuminating the room through the window. Assirra bolted upright in her bed, panting and sweating as she rubbed her eyes. Nightmares had haunted her dreams of late, and tonight was no different. Driving rain drummed against the window, its rapid beat echoing throughout the temple. She wanted to lie back down but decided against even trying. She had gone to bed this evening with a strange feeling, and that feeling had only grown stronger throughout the night.

  Unable to shake these distracting thoughts, she swung out from her bed and went out into the dark hall. The floorboards creaked under her bare feet as she made her way towards the temple entrance, this strange feeling urging her on. Briefly, she considered waking someone from another tree hut to accompany her, but discarded the absurd idea. Her actions appeared crazy already, why draw further attention to them?

  She scooped up a knife that was sitting on the table as she passed by. Just holding it might help put her mind at ease. At least, that’s what she told herself. As she stepped out onto the outer platform, driving rain peppered her face and soaked her nightgown. A flash of lightning lit up the sky, followed by the slow rumble of rolling thunder. Blinking against the elements, she made her way down the spiraling steps. Even she didn’t know what she was looking for.

  Reaching the bottom step, she strained her eyes to see in the dark. A triple flash of lightning lit up the area, allowing her to get her bearings before the scene plunged back into darkness. Knife in hand, she stalked towards the trail leading into the forest. She had no intention of going very far, but still had a driving need to satisfy her curiosity. If she could just do that, then perhaps she might still get some sleep before daybreak.

  After wiping rainwater from her blurred vision, another flash lit the trail. Brilliant and nearly blinding, she thought she saw the outline of a man standing on the trail. A second bolt, not nearly so bright, illuminated his face for just an instant. “J-Jarlen,” she gasped, her trembling fingers barely able to hold the handle of her knife. In a single step, he flashed towards her with impossible speed. Bringing the knife up in a panic, she lost her grip and it tumbled to the ground.

  They came together, arms wrapping around each other tightly. Ignoring the elements, their kiss was long and passionate. Lightning flashed, revealing two long-lost lovers in the night as they melted together as one. “I never thought I would see you again,” Assirra whispered once she found the strength to tear her lips away. “Your sister, she was here, and—”

  “I know,” he said, cupping her face in his hands. “She came for me. She is the only reason I stand before you now.” His red eyes shied away, clearly somehow bothered by that fact. Regaining his composure, his eyes blazed. “How much do they know? What did you tell them about me?!” His questions sounded urgent.

  She smiled innocently, a flash in the sky lighting up her creamy blue eyes. “What did I tell them?” she repeated the question. “I told them a tale. I told them exactly what they needed to hear.”

  Winds

  of

  Chaos

  By

  Jeff Gunzel

  Copyright 2015 Jeff Gunzel

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Books by Jeff Gunzel

  The Legend of the Gate Keeper Series

  The Shadow

  Land of Shadows

  Siege of Night

  Lost Empire

  Reborn

  The Trials of Ashbarn

  End of Days

  Tainted Blood Series

  A Rip in Time

  Of Blood and Blade

  Winds of Chaos

  A Rising Storm

  Blood of the Fallen

  Legacy

  Prologue

  Stepping out through the temple doors, a light breeze caught Assirra’s face, cooling the sweat on her forehead and neck. Early as it was, colorful birds in the treetops still sang their songs, determined to wake every tarrin in the village of Eldham. Already, the forest w
as coming alive. But many were already up and working on the morning meal. After a long stretch, she brought her hand down to her mouth, stifling a yawn. Rest had not come easy as of late, and she was feeling the effects this morning.

  Heavy eyelids betrayed her attempt to hide her fatigue as she forced a smile, waving at her brothers and sisters down below. Descending the steps around the boxa tree, her legs felt heavy, each labored step making her feel aged beyond her years. Distracted, her mind whirled with pressing matters beyond her control—an exercise in futility, to be sure, but she couldn’t help herself. So much had changed as of late.

  After reaching the bottom, she made her way towards the rows of tables pushed together. As usual, they would all enjoy a morning breakfast before starting their day. Face muscles straining to maintain her smile, Assirra rounded the first table, touching shoulders in silent acknowledgment while making her way to its head. As usual, sliced fruit and pitchers of juice were laid out in an array of color. To the eyes of a human, it may well have appeared too beautiful to disturb. But these orderly, artistic meals were nothing new to the tarrins.

  “Brothers, sisters,” she said, raising a glass in toast. “Once again we give thanks to Odao and all his blessings on this fine morning. Once again I awaken, even though this day was never promised to me, and I may look upon your smiling faces knowing each breath is a blessing.” Glasses were raised to whispers of “Odao,” a few stronger voices rising up above the others. “And let us not forget our human friends as they embark on their journey. Keep them in your prayers and close to your hearts, for I know that Odao will watch over them as well.” Far less enthusiastic grumbles resonated around the tables, a few outright scoffing at the unpopular premise of this morning’s prayer.

  Assirra’s lips tightened at the cool response, her eyes skillfully singling out the most vocal among them. “Odao’s patience has no limits,” she said, her eyes squarely focused on one individual. “So I shall do my best to lead by his example. Sister Rhendal, please speak your mind so we may all be enlightened by your wisdom.”

  With pasty white eyes so perfectly round that they looked more like a doll’s, the lean tarrin slowly rose to her feet. “I meant no disrespect, Assirra,” she said with a slight nod.

  “And yet disrespect is exactly what you’ve shown me,” Assirra replied, her tone calm and even. “So why don’t you share your thoughts with us so we might understand why you felt the need to interrupt our morning prayer?”

  The wide-eyed tarrin’s green skin appeared to turn crimson as she cleared her throat. “High Cleric, it’s just that not all of us share your views regarding these...humans.” A slap on the table here and there, followed by more than a few nods, seemed to support her claim. “Never have we meddled in the affairs of humans, yet they came into our world bringing with them the trouble and violence they are renowned for. Brothers and sisters have died for them, and still you sing their praises as if they were one of us. I wish to remind you that they are not of our world.”

  Rhendal lowered her head, as if unsure of how much explanation would be too much. “Although blood has been spilled, it is over now, and I don’t wish to live in the past. But why must we continue to be reminded daily of the ruin they left behind? They are gone now and that’s fine with us.” More grumbles of agreement resonated around the tables. “Why can’t we just move on with our lives and forget about those nasty creatures?”

  Assirra smiled at her, holding Rhendal’s gaze an uncomfortably long time until she had to look away. Even then, at least another minute passed before she spoke. “Indeed, we can move on with our lives,” she said at length. “For you see, with each passing day that those nasty creatures manage to keep Viola alive, they provide you all with yet another day in which to eat,” she flicked a grape from the bowl in front of her, sending it rolling across the table, “sleep, pray, breathe, and even criticize those who have done nothing but help you.” Tarrins shifted in their seats, eyes dropping.

  “Of course, helping the tarrins was never the humans’ goal,” Assirra continued. “And still, the entire realm benefits from their tireless efforts. They did not come here to inconvenience us; they came for our help when there was nowhere left to turn. And help them we did,” she said in a softer tone. “For that, I couldn’t be more proud. I am not asking any of you to sacrifice any more than you already have. My request is a simple one: Keep them in your hearts and wish them well on their journey, for the price we’ve paid is but a fraction of what lies before them.” She dipped her head, arms rising from her sides. “That is all I ask, nothing more.”

  Without another word she retook her seat and all began to eat in an uncomfortable silence. But for Assirra, the silence was welcome, for her mind was elsewhere. She was not in the mood for conversation or any other distractions this morning. Even the scolding speech she was forced to give barely registered anymore. Already if felt like an old memory, something that had happened months ago.

  Once the meal had concluded, Assirra rose from her seat and headed towards the trail leading into the forest. A few questioning glances were flashed in her direction, but no one said anything as she disappeared into the greenery. The High Cleric had been acting strangely as of late, wandering off whenever she felt like without any explanation. For the most part, they decided to just let her strange behavior run its course. She, like the rest of them, had gone through a trying time. Sooner or later she would be her old self again.

  After a time, Assirra stopped and glanced around to make sure she hadn’t been followed. She gazed back down the trail, searching for even the slightest hint of movement. Once certain, she stepped off the trail, slipping her way between two bushes. Wincing, she pressed through slowly, feeling their spiny thorns drag across her skin. Low-hanging branches rustled about at her feet, no doubt a family of surprised rabbits scurrying off. Scratched and further irritated, she nearly fell when stumbling out through the other side of the bushes. “Where are you?” she whispered, glancing left and right.

  Slinking out from the other side of the small clearing came Jarlen, creeping along on his backside like some crab on a beach. She cast out her hand, sending an apple tumbling towards his feet. He snatched it and bit it in a single motion. A moment later he was assaulted by several more tossed fruits. Juice dripping from his chin as he gorged, he glanced up. “Is this all you brought me?” he asked boldly. Assirra quickly covered the distance between them, then blasted his cheek with a backhand. He turned back to meet her glare, flashing an open-mouthed grin with a mouthful of apple.

  “I should have just let you starve,” she hissed. “But even that wouldn’t make up for the things you’ve done!”

  He rolled his eyes, spitting out what little bit he still had in his mouth. “We’ve already been through this!” he protested. “How many times must I explain myself? I didn’t have a choice. It was either her or me.”

  “Then it should have been you!” she roared, kicking leaves and dirt across his legs. Jarlen flinched and looked away. Raising a yellow fruit to his lips, he changed his mind and tossed it aside. Starving a minute ago, he had suddenly lost his appetite.

  “I know,” he admitted softly, mostly to himself. “But how was I to know? I’ve been locked up like an animal for the better part of a decade. I suppose I have you to thank for that.” This time Assirra dropped her eyes. “It’s not like her importance to the ghatins was common knowledge, even less to a slave forbidden to see the light of day. If I had known—”

  “If you had known, nothing would have changed!” Assirra cut him off. “Because that’s the kind of man you are: greedy, violent, and small. You would have sold your sister for a mug of ale!” She continued speaking right over his attempted protest. “Two days... Two days and I want you gone from here. I don’t ever want to see you again.”

  “Where will I go?” he said with a dejected sigh.

  “What do I care?! Go live in the forest like some kind of animal. Go jump in a river and see where the current tak
es you. But whatever you do, you must do it soon. Two days!” she repeated, turning to leave. She wiped a tear from her cheek, thankful he hadn’t seen it. “I can’t believe I ever loved you,” she whispered to herself.

  Chapter 1

  Laughter radiated throughout the smoke-filled room. Frosty mugs clanked together, ale splashing up and over their sides. Topless barmaids held trays of mugs above their heads, inching their way across the crowded tavern. The energy was wild tonight, far beyond anything that had been seen in years.

  Liam turned at the sound of shattered glass. Ignoring the broken mug at his feet, the man at the corner table spun a passing girl down onto his lap. His fingers raked down the front of her dress, spraying buttons across the floor. She squealed as her breasts popped free, though made only a halfhearted effort to cover herself. Patrons around them whistled and shouted, urging the man on as he groped away. She leaned back into his chest, allowing him to suckle her nipple.

  All but ignoring the man latched to her breast, she leaned back across the table and began kissing another man. Seeing her engaged with two men, more moving in to get in on the action, Liam sighed and looked away. This was obviously going to get worse before it got better. It was clear that the local patrons wouldn’t be easily contained this night.

  And it wasn’t just this particular tavern having some sort of private celebration. The whole city had come alive with the news. Yet another creature, just like the one they had watched for years, had recently been discovered. A female no less. What did this mean? Was she a killer just like the other one was? The king had made no secret of his discovery, so it could only be assumed she would be used in the same way. The city of Shadowfen buzzed like a living entity, its energy reaching new heights that bordered on chaos.