Something else occurred to Jedd as he listened to Juno’s story unfold. “Wait, you said that was part of being in the Traditor Family. In our world, if you’re bitten, you can become a vampire.”
“There is no can about it. If you are bitten by a true vampire, one of the royal family, the contagion will take hold and you will turn within a day’s time. But if you are attacked by someone who has been turned, the contagion cannot be passed on. The one way for the contagion to live long enough to spread is in a body genetically suited to sustain the disease.”
Juno stopped before he could say more, then took a moment to compose himself. “I thought adopting the Selection process was brutal and pitiful in the beginning, but necessary for the family to survive. They were managing their thirst and governing the town well, having learned from the mistakes of Alain’s tyrannical father and his predecessors. But, over the last hundred years, things have changed.”
“Wait,” broke in Daniel. “You said a hundred years.”
“Yes, Alain and his family have, in fact, been here for four hundred and sixty-seven years.”
“But how old are you to know their past?” asked Jedd.
Juno rolled back on his haunches as he considered Daniel’s question. “You have nothing to fear from me. However, I am of the Traditorian line. I am nine-hundred and thirty-two years old, and Lord Alain is my eldest brother and leader of the family.”
Daniel tensed in the rocking chair, inches away. “And you aren’t worried about passing that damn contagion on to me?” he asked, horror etched across his face.
He glanced at the wound as though expecting to see a large abnormality growing from where Juno’s hands had been. Instead, the salve adhered to the edges of the wound and stimulated the cellular growth of his skin. As he watched, the skin began closing over the bullet hole with unprecedented speed. What would have taken weeks of care and attention was healing before his eyes. Daniel stared in amazement.
“It should be good as new by morning,” added Juno with a quaint smile.
“B-b-but how?” asked the scarred veteran, struggling for words.
“It’s a concoction of my own design. The ingredients can be found in my garden.”
“That’s impossible,” commented Jedd, although his eyes were also glued to Daniel’s side.
“When you have hundreds of years to test different combinations, it’s only a matter of time before you come across one that works. When Madelin wakes up, she should feel much better, too.”
“I hope so,” commented Jedd as he peered over at the couch.
When Daniel looked up from the wound, he met the vampire’s gaze. Juno looked down at the injured leg hidden beneath the soldier’s pants and asked with a mocking smile that displayed his enlarged canines, “Would you like me to take a look at your leg, or leave it to get infected and fall off?” His thick accent added a sadistic feel to the question.
Daniel wanted to laugh, but first hid the shudder that ran down his spine. The proof of Juno’s ancestral heritage was unnerving. He nodded and gave in.
Juno lifted his pant leg and administered the salve to both sides of his calve. “As I was saying, Alain and the rest of the family began abusing the selected people. Instead of respecting their sacrifice and being thankful for their contribution to the family, their perspective on humans changed.”
“After the humans began forgetting the origins of the royal family, Alain saw a chance to dominate them. Because of their strength and speed, everyone within the Traditor line was capable of far more than any normal person. Alain was unstoppable with the added power over the local constabulary. Their sacrifice from the Selection became a sham as a result. Anyone who spoke out against them found themselves selected for the monthly family reunion.”
“That’s horrible!” interrupted Jedd. “It sounds like he became what they were trying to avoid.”
“Yeah, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree,” Daniel contributed.
“Well, it gets worse,” Juno replied with disgust. “The family chose one member to catch their selection a day early. They would then bite them so that they became infected. By holding the sacrifice overnight, the transition would be complete. This way, the victim had a bit more fight in them, possessing the speed, strength and other benefits of a vampire. Selection became a source of entertainment for the family, not sustenance. It’s the thrill of the chase, you see?”
Juno could tell from the revolted look on their faces that they were listening.
“This extreme exploitation of our family’s traditional beliefs was the last straw for me. When we came over, we swore not to disrupt the lives of this world’s inhabitants any more than necessary. I couldn’t live a life so corrupted that even the core principals of the family had been perverted. So, they ostracized me. I was given a job that was worthy of no respect, nor power over any adult. I am an outcast due to my beliefs and the changes brought about by the atrocities of my older brother.”
After Juno finished, the two men thought over what he had said. They both recalled the fleeting encounter with the ghost-like men in the forests, but Daniel was the first to speak up. “The other day, we saw a bunch of people flyin' past, chasing one guy. Is that what you’re talking about?”
“Yes, that was Falos, Farlin’s cousin.” Juno looked over at his associate. “I am sorry to say that he did not make it.” Farlin looked up at the mention of his relative and friend. Then without a word, he returned to staring out the window. “They found out about Falos’s ties to me. Last month his name was chosen ‘at random’ for Selection.”
Even if I hadn’t heard Juno’s explanation, anyone listening to his sarcastic tone would know how random such a selection was, thought Jedd. To think, if a demi-vampire like Falos could tear through Leodenin’s agents like they were gingerbread men, what are the real ones capable of?
“Falos was very adept; after going through the transition, he hid for all of the month. But someone eventually found him. At that point, there was little we could do. They were all after him, as you saw.”
“So, does that mean they won’t want to have another sacrifice this month?” asked the veteran.
Juno shook his head, “That is doubtful. It’s their only real entertainment. It just whet their thirst. They even selected someone else a few days after Falos escaped.”
“When do you think the next one will be?” asked Jedd.
Juno was prepared for this question and gave a solemn reply. “Any day now. Like I said, the Selection has become more common because the family is growing. One sacrifice may not be enough anymore.”
“Shit,” both men said in unison.
Juno gave a sadistic chuckle. “Yes, indeed, and I am responsible for the deaths of the chosen. There are no coincidences when it comes to Alain.”
After a few moments, it occurred to Jedd that Juno, while being an outcast, still required the same nourishment for survival. “Juno, how do you live if you don’t take part in the Selection?”
It took a few moments for Juno to answer. “I am ashamed to say that at first I went to Lord Alain for blood at the end of each month. Although mortified to have me for a brother, he would not deny my survival. Later, I found that the blood of animals was enough to sustain me, but resorting to such low life forms for nourishment is a disgrace. Those that choose my path are called the Dedecorum, the shamed. I was cast out because of my beliefs. I teach children because none of my family can bring themselves to look upon me. I enjoy the children, but even pleasure becomes a struggle when it is all you have.”
An image came to Daniel; Juno chasing after squirrels and lifting them to his lips one at a time. Although disgusted, he chuckled at the picture. It was almost comical.
Juno heard the guttural sound and peered at him as though reading his thoughts.
Spotting his intimidating gaze, Daniel muttered through stifled laughter, “Sorry, Juno.”
“Not long ago,” Mr. Paria continued, “I found a blend of veg
etables capable of suppressing my thirst for months at a time, while giving me enough nutrients to survive. However, eventually I will have to resort to the real thing.”
The two men looked to one another at the mention of Juno’s necessity. Seeing their concern, the teacher interrupted, “I would have a hard time taking a life ever again, but it will happen. I swear to you though, I will never take the life of a friend. I would give my own first.” Jedd shook his head in agreement. The man's words rang true.
As the night wore on their discussion persisted, until Jedd fell asleep in his chair. The sun was perched on the horizon when the other two submitted to their body’s desires and slunk off to bed.
* * * * *
Chapter 24: Revelations and Inevitability
Sunday, June 25th
I feel like I’m staring down the barrel of a gun. I know I will never be able to truly thank Juno for his help, but I just hope we haven’t brought him too much hardship. Maybe I can make it up to him, if we somehow live through the next few days…
~Excerpt from the Journal of Madelin Boatweit~
Late the following morning, Jedd and his friends awoke to the delicious smell of a hearty breakfast. Fresh fruits, vegetables, biscuits and sausage were cooking in the kitchen. They massaged the stiffness out of their muscles and followed the aroma wafting through the house. Farlin had left earlier that morning and was nowhere to be seen. When they entered the kitchen, they found Madelin picking Juno’s brain as he slaved over a pot of sizzling gravy.
Madelin greeted the men from a barstool with a merry, “Hey there, gents.”
“Hola, seniorita,” proffered Roger. “You’re looking chipper, little lady. Much better than last night, if I might add.”
“I feel better,” she replied. “I can’t believe the bruises already disappeared. It’s not even tender.”
Jedd and Daniel waved with half-hearted vigor and mumbled as they seated themselves at the corner table. Roger grabbed a barstool next to Madelin and propped his elbows on the kitchen island.
“Guys, if you want, there’s coffee,” teased Madelin.
The mention of the dark, caffeinated beverage perked Daniel’s ears after an awkward night spent in the wooden rocking chair. He felt drained, more-so than he should have. It must be a side effect of the medicine, he thought. He willed his body into motion and stumbled across the kitchen in a sleep induced stupor. He filled cups for the three of them and returned to the table with mug in hand. “Thanks,” he mumbled. Seconds later, the caffeine was coursing through their veins, infusing them with life.
Daniel gave a contented sigh and struck up a conversation about the most enthusiastic topic of late, their developing abilities. Unbeknown to the others, a deep crease appeared in Jedd’s forehead. A familiar violet orb was moving in the distance. He watched it as the others conversed, tuning out the chatter. Satisfied that Leodenin was not making his move, Jedd turned his attention back to the table.
“So, your people require nine family members to shift?” asked Madelin.
“Yes, how many do you require?”
Madelin blushed as her power became clear. She raised her hand in answer to his question, but said nothing.
“Just you?” he asked, astonished.
She nodded.
“Can you do it right now?”
“You want to leave?” Concern marred her rested face.
“No, but can you?”
“Yes,” she replied and glanced at the available webs glimmering at the corners of her vision. That would be the easiest way, she thought.
Juno looked over at the groggy ex-mercenary, again noticing the subdued gray glow around him. “How about you, Daniel?”
Daniel rubbed the scarred skin over his wounds, still unable to believe how well they healed. “I don’t know,” he muttered after swallowing the last of his coffee.
“What do you mean?”
“Haven’t been able to so far, but I can see the webbing like Madelin.”
“Webbing,” Juno asked before their meaning dawned on him. “Oh, you mean the croisement, the point where two planes overlap.”
Daniel and Madelin both shrugged at the unfamiliar term.
“I still can’t see those damn things,” commented Jedd, breaking his morning silence.
“Hmmm, that’s odd,” replied Juno. “My people can see them.”
Jedd rolled up the sleeve of his blackened arm. “Do any of them have this?”
Juno glanced up from his pot where the gravy now simmered, and the sight staggered him. He slumped onto a bar stool, staring at the sickly appendage.
“Can you heal this?” Jedd asked.
“How did I not see that before?” he whispered. “Why would you want to do such a thing?”
“It’s dead. It spread all the way up my arm and I’m afraid it might kill me in my sleep if it gets worse.”
“It isn’t anything like that,” Juno reassured him. “You’ve been selected…”
Before he could explain further, the meaning of the term ‘selected’ occurred to Jedd. “Oh crap!” he exclaimed. “How can that be? It started when we were in a different world.”
Juno amended his statement. “Okay, not selected. You’ve been chosen by a higher power. Our ancient religious teachings tell of a guardian that will be summoned when there is need. Sometimes, the world pulls people together with similar abilities to help one another. You are to become a guardian.”
Jedd let out a sigh of relief, but his brows remained furrowed with the vague explanation. “So, it’s a kind of a survival of the fittest philosophy. But what am I supposed to be a guardian of?”
“A powerful shifter,” Juno answered. His eyes were alight with the discovery. “Many years ago, not long before much of our family was slaughtered, there was one man who was to become a guardian, like yourself. His name was Persain and he was my friend. He almost killed himself many times, but always managed to survive without severe injuries. He was able to rip open a window into another world with just his hand. But as he did, the very essence of the worlds infected his arm, hardening it to everything around him. It was as though it existed outside of reality. My people revered him for it, but a few were jealous of his potential.”
“Persain was ambitious, though, and a risk taker. One thing I know was, like you, he wasn’t able to discern between different planes. Instead, he thrust his arm through the fabric of this plane and into that of another, ripping a hole between the two. Where he would end up was anyone’s guess. He wasn’t afraid of anything and cared nothing for the family reputation, which might be why we became close. The difference between Persain and you, though, is that he didn’t live long enough to find his charge, the person he was supposed to protect. Someone took care of that. There were many opportunities. As I said, Persain wasn’t adverse to danger.” Juno paused so that Jedd could make the next logical leap.
“I see, and you think I’m destined to become Madelin’s guardian,” Jedd finished, thinking back to their unique connection when she was a child.
Juno nodded, “Look at her aura.”
Jedd and Daniel appraised her with searching stares. Even Roger tried, but he saw nothing of what Juno described. Those that could see it watched the emerald glow pulsate with a life of its own. Madelin tried not to blush under the scrutiny of their gazes.
“I wish I could see it,” she muttered.
“Unfortunately you cannot. Mirrors only work for the physical and you would have to see your own true form in its entirety.” Madelin gave a subdued nod as Juno continued. “You have seen the auras of most of my family moving through town. As you can see, they aren’t as deep in color as hers. That is a sign of her potential. I suspect that because of her power, you have been chosen as her guardian.”
Jedd nodded, “Makes sense, but how do we know for sure?”
“We don’t. As I said, Persain died before he could become a guardian, but our family archive mentioned their existence on rare occasions. To my knowledge,
there were no others during my lifetime.”
Madelin’s thoughts turned to his earlier comment. “You said that a true shifter can see which plane to choose.”
“Yes, that is right.”
“I can get an idea of what a world’s like from a touch, but it’s just a feeling. Do shifters choose based on a feeling, or is there more to it?”
“No,” he replied, “when we were looking for a place to move, Alain peered into other worlds for hours. He just touched the lip of the croisement, the thread or webbing as you call it. I’m sure there’s more to it, but…” Unable to explain further, he waved the question away. “… I’ll help you figure it out after breakfast if I can.”
Juno lifted the wooden spoon to Madelin’s lips and she declared the meal ready with a smile. He set a stack of plates on the countertop and filled one for Madelin. The others were left to fill their own and did so without moderation.
“Hey, Jun. Wha’s this meat from?” asked Roger. His Cajun accent blended with the thick coffee on his tongue. “I neve’ saw pigs or nothin’.”
“Sectaches…” Juno replied, but the others only stared back with incomprehension. “Um … it’s a big lizard. I have a pen in the forest.”
They nodded and tried the meat in turn. The conversation dwindled to idle commentary and a slew of risqué Naval jokes over the scrumptious breakfast. They laughed at the Cajun’s accented stories and Madelin toyed with the crumbs of food left on her plate.
When they had their fill, Juno grabbed Madelin’s attention, saying to the others, “Gentlemen, I hope you’ve enjoyed the meal. Please make yourselves at home. I have a few things to show Madelin and questions to answer, but we will return soon.”
Jedd thrummed his fingers on the table in thought, but Madelin reassured him. “Guys, it’s okay. I need the help if I’m ever going to take on PASTOR.”
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