by K A HAMBLY
Stride got up from the chair and went over to calm Blaze down.
‘Blaze, you should have a drink and try and calm down alright. If only you’ll listen to him...’
‘Listen to him? Why in the hell couldn't you tell me this before, at least I would've had the sense to stay the hell away from him?’
There was no let up of his anger towards me, and I had to respect that.
‘So, come on then, tell me, how the fuck could you be a vampire, when they only exist in the movies and fucking books…how come nobody knows about this?’
‘If you calm down, he'll explain...’
Stride huffed, and shook his head at me.
‘Jyrki, where the fuck did you find him?’
‘You, you Scottish prick were in on this too, you’re just as bad as he is,’ Blaze yelled, pointing a finger at me.
‘I don’t have the authority to say anything. Now will you calm your fucking self-down and listen to the lad,’ Stride said, getting rather impatient with him.
‘Lad? Don’t you mean a fucking monster?’
I was not expecting his reaction to be this bad.
I only went to get up from the chair when he flinched.
‘I’m not going to hurt you alright. So do you want to know the truth or not?’
He could not look at me.
‘Yeah, I may as well,’ he said.
‘Vampires,’ I began, ‘were created in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramesses, after an ancient spell that went wrong. You see, Ramesses needed an army that was powerful enough to overthrow his enemies. So, he called upon Sekhmet, a powerful warrior goddess for help, but he received the kind of help he wasn’t expecting. Sekhmet drank blood, and infused her ways on to the human form.’ I paused allowing the information to sink in, ‘. My father Amroath, was summoned to keep the Ankh, a powerful symbol of the ancient gods, safe from these creatures who were slowly taking over the whole village...’
‘Ankh? What is this fucking thing good for?’
‘It was soon discovered that the Ankh which hung in the tombs of Anubis, the protector of the dead, would enable us to walk in daylight. This obviously caused great concern as they started killing the whole village of Deir el-Medina. Most of the vampires were slayed by the Serpent Sword wielded by my father, who was despite his lowly caretaker job at the temple, had once been a great warrior himself. Unfortunately, he got bitten, but his strength and resilience to the demon was recognised by the Ancient Gods, and there was born the prophecy...’
Blaze did not look too convinced.
‘What you are spouting off is all myth…’
‘Yes, but even myths have their roots in facts. Why do you think the modern world knows about the vampire figure? Because of what I have just told you that’s why. Your Hollywood version of the creature is myth. I am not. I am as real as you are to me right now.’
‘This is bullcrap! Why doesn’t anybody know anything about this huh? And why now? Why me?’
‘Listen laddy, I can back up everything he has told you as the truth....’ Stride piped up.
‘What do you know?’ I asked Stride.
It was about time I heard his side of the story. All the mystery surrounding him was beginning to aggravate me.
Blaze got up from the sofa; luckily, he had escaped our encounter with a few minor scratches.
I could not tell what he must have been thinking. Poor guy though, I thought, as I saw him limp over to Stride's file cabinet with blood trickling down his face. If I had seen what I turned into, I probably would have reacted in the same way.
‘I need a bottle, is that okay?’ he said nonchalantly.
‘Sure, but don't try to leave now...’
‘Leave? You must be fucking joking. If there are vampires in here, I dread to think what the fuck is out there?’ he said, pointing towards the door.
Stride sat deep in thought for a while. I didn't think this would've been too difficult for him but looking at him, there seemed to be a lot more going on with him than I initially thought, but nothing could've shocked me more than what he was about to tell me.
‘Jyrki, you know how you think you are the last? Well, that isn't entirely true.’
I gasped.
Blaze thumped the bottle down on the cabinet.
‘What?’ We both said simultaneously. ‘Yes, there is, and he has been helping me. You see, I've been looking for you for the past 40 years.’
I was dumbstruck by his revelation.
It was not at all what I was expecting to hear from him. I assumed maybe he was a little crazy, perhaps a mental asylum patient gone AWOL, but he really did take me by surprise. I sat on the edge of my seat, waiting for him to unravel his story.
‘So, who is he? I've been feeling like I have been followed, and just earlier I thought I saw someone outside the studios...was that him?’
‘For everyone's protection right now, I can't say who he is, and yes I've sent him to keep an eye on you. These Secret Order people, or whatever, only knows you are here, apart from us and one other, we are the only ones who know of his existence, and in fact we are the only ones who know of the existence of Vampires.’
‘Another vampire?’ Blaze wiped the sweat from his forehead and took another swig of the bottle.
For the first time since I saw everyone disintegrate into ash before me, I felt a sense of peace within me. Yet, in my mind, I did not know how this could have been possible. There was nobody left, for which I was certain. My clan was the only race of vampires in existence. I could feel the rush of excitement run through my veins, as I waited for Stride to unfold his story.
Stride sat back against the chair and took another sip from the bottle he was holding.
‘My father was in the Korean war, when his best friend got shot by a sniper. Up until the day he died when I was seventeen, he was adamant that what he saw on that fateful night was the God’s honest truth. He watched this human-like creature drag the body through a hedge. He called out to him, but he scarpered. My father chased after him and found his friend with two bite marks on his neck; his blood was almost completely drained. Beside his body he found a piece of brown parchment that the creature must've dropped.’
‘So, hang on there a moment, this vampire obviously cannot walk in daylight? How has he survived? Where is he now?’
‘He survived in the underground. He traced me about a year ago, wanting the parchment back, but I had already done a lot of research and so I offered to help him, not fully realising what he was at the time...’
‘What was in the parchment?’
‘It was the prophecy, written in an Ancient Egyptian language.’
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
I heard Blaze’s mobile ringing in the distance, just outside of my own thoughts on the news that the ancient prophecy had been found. I heard talk of ‘I'm coming now,’ and ‘murder weapon,’ swim into my own stream of consciousness. I turned to Blaze, who still looked very much on edge, holding the mobile phone a few inches from his ear staring into oblivion.
I shot up from the floor, as I could sense the instilled panic and fear that surrounded him. Having forgotten about my own revelation just earlier, my move was not very tactful.
Blaze flinched as I approached him.
I stood only inches away from him. He made me feel like a predator after its prey.
I saw the pain in his eyes.
He began to sweat profusely, and his breathing became heavier. He looked as though he wanted to say something to me, but instead he turned to Stride who was stood next to me looking at him inquisitively.
‘What's the matter with him now? Stride asked me.
‘Boy, you may as well accept it now, he is a vampire, and yes, he almost killed you, but, and what I’m gonna say is important, he didn't so get over it and tell us what is going on with you?’
‘Do you have to be that harsh?’ I said to Stride. ‘He's obviously had a shock tonight can't you be a little more sympathetic? You've had forty y
ears to get used to this.’
Blaze shook his head. ‘April,’ he sucked in a ragged breath and a look of dread melted across his face.
‘What's wrong with April?’
‘What has a month of the year gotta do with this?’ Stride asked.
Blaze flew into a rage. ‘It's my sister you fucking moron,’ he yelled.
‘Ok Blaze chill, tell us what has happened? Is she okay?’
‘What do you care huh?’ he spat.
I did care, perhaps a little more than I should.
‘She's been taken hostage and I bet it’s all your fucking fault,’ he said breaking down into a heap on the floor.
Somehow, I knew where all this was going.
‘Has this got anything to do with Dr. Matthews’s murder?’
‘She was at the museum earlier, sorting out Dr. Matthews’s office when some Egyptian men took her. She's locked in a hotel in the city somewhere,’ he said. ‘They better not lay a finger on her, she's all the family and I have.’
He looked at me, begging me to help him whilst still undecided about whether he could trust me.
‘Why would they want your sister?’ Stride asked.
‘She's the curator of the museum; she was the one who organised that bloody Egyptian exhibition.’
‘Oh this is getting interesting,’ Stride nodded.
‘Did she say what hotel?’ I asked him.
‘No, her mobile cut off.’
‘Stride, do you have the prophecy on you?’
‘Er, no, the other guy has it.’
I had to take a minute.
So far this evening was in the running for being the worst night I've had since I arrived in New York.
‘I’m just going out a minute, I need to think.’
I leaned against the doorframe of the warehouse watching the rain beat down into the puddle by my feet, when I sensed something was standing around the corner of the building. It was the same feeling I had in Finland when I sensed the 'Others.' I did not want to alarm Blaze and Stride, so I looked back to check that they would not notice me gone. Stride was talking to Blaze on the sofa with their backs turned to me.
‘Jyrki?’
‘Huh?’ I looked around me not sure of what I was expecting to see; until the voice called me again and I realised it was the same voice I had in my head from Finland.
‘What do you want?’ I whispered, as I edged slowly around the building.
‘You should go to the museum.’
‘What? What are you talking about?’ I whispered back.
‘The answers are in the museum.’
‘Right, I've had enough, who are you?’ I demanded.
I was not prepared to wait for an answer, after all I have waited too long for this moment. Curiosity was surely gnawing away at me, as I could see its shadow stretched out on the ground.
Just one more step, one more step, I thought, to finally solving this mystery.
I gripped the edge of the building, and quickly snatched a glimpse behind.
‘Oh shit!’
I pulled back instantly unable to believe what I saw.
At the corner of my eye, I could see the shadow moving towards me.
‘Did I just see right?’
‘Yes, you saw right.’
I glanced down then back up again, unable to believe what I had just saw. A large black wolf stood peering up at me with its green eyes that illuminated in the darkness.
‘You're the others, wolves?’ I spluttered. ‘This has to be a fucking joke right?’
The creature did not move its mouth, but preferred to communicate with me telepathically.
‘Yes, we're wolves, and we’re also the guardians of the ancient secrets,’ he said, walking around me. ‘Don’t act so surprised by the mere fact that I am a wolf, we aren't your enemies you know, despite what you may have been led to believe.’
‘You're the guardians? So that would mean Jafar is one of you too?’
‘Yes. Well, he was until he was lured into the underworld.’
‘Underworld? What can you tell me? I need some help as Blaze’s sister has been kidnapped.’
‘I shall meet with you later. For now just take my advice and go to the museum. Something awaits you there.’
‘Jyrki! Where the fuck are ya?’ Stride yelled.
‘Go now, you must go back indoors and not mention us to anyone yet.’
I could not believe it, my mind swam with this new revelation, all this time and they were wolves.
I was expecting a lot worse, or was I underestimating them.
‘Maybe we should go to the museum, check things out?’ I said, ‘Do you have any four wheel transportation?’
‘Sure, my van is out the back. I'll get my keys. Er, any particular reason?’
‘Just trust me on this.’
I looked at Blaze who was sitting on the sofa.
‘You can trust me y'know.’
I didn't expect forgiveness right away, I just wanted him to know he could still trust me and despite the demon, my curse, I was still the same Jyrki he had met at the bar.
He looked up at me with a little less hatred, and nodded.
‘We need to work together ok, these people have something we both need.’
‘Sure, just can't quite believe it y'know...’ he said, unable to look me in the eye.
‘I know, and I'm still very sorry about this. I never wanted you to see me like that.’
‘Yeah,’ he scoffed. ‘You and me both, man. You're fucking scary. Remind me not to get on the wrong side of you!’
I smirked. ‘It's gonna take a while to get used to, but hopefully when this prophecy has been found, I'll be able to break this curse once and for all.’
‘Come on you two,’ Stride yelled from the van, ‘there's an ancient prophecy to be found.’
‘Yeah and my sister,’ Blaze muttered as he walked out of the warehouse.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
‘Bloody weather!’ Stride tutted, as he switched on the windscreen wipers.
I had to agree, it had not really stopped raining since I arrived in New York over a week ago.
The conversation in the van was becoming a bit stale since Blaze had found out I was a vampire. For the last ten minutes, we sat staring out of the window watching the museum for any sign of trouble.
‘So what are we doing here?’ Blaze asked.
I must have nudged him with my elbow as I shrugged because he flinched and edged towards the van door away from me.
‘Yeah, what are we doing here?’ Stride asked.
‘I just have a feeling we should be here.’
‘I don't know what you're hoping to find mind you, the book has gone.’
‘Hey Stride, where's your enthusiasm gone? We've got to start somewhere, and besides when were you planning on introducing me to the other guy?’
‘Soon, as soon as he has finished putting false tracks down for you. We can't let on that there are two of you.’
‘Why?’
‘Well, didn't you ever read the first part of the prophecy?’
‘No, I can't read Egyptian. My father wouldn't tell me much either, whether it was because he couldn't or what, I don't know.’
‘Well, according to the Secret Order, you my friend are the last vampire, so whoever was sent to kill you all that day, either, didn't realise this vampire was still alive, or they knew. My guess is they didn't.’
‘Right, so this is why he has been keeping low. So he can help when the time comes to end this curse?’
‘Yep, so if we had the second part, we'd know what we're meant to do. I'm just getting so pissing annoyed now that it's taking so long.’
‘There’s a second part?’ Blaze asked.
‘Yes, it’s an ancient prophecy, oh long story, but the Book of The Dead was supposed to contain it, but that has been stolen now, and we haven't a fucking clue where to start looking.’
‘Oh that book. I remember April had a strange call the other week s
aying she could have it on loan for her exhibit. She said the call was totally unexpected.’
I looked at Stride. ‘Are you thinking what I'm thinking?’
‘What? What you're talking about?’ Blaze panicked.
‘I think that's why they have April,’ I said, ‘they must have the second part already and if April can decipher it for them...oh shit.’
I slammed my fist down on the dashboard, startling Blaze sat next to me.
‘Do you think she's alright? They won't harm her will they?’ Blaze said.
‘No, no, just calm down, ok, let's do what we've come here to do first. So come on Jyrki, what the fuck are we doing here?’
‘Just wait a bit longer, I have a feeling something will show up anytime soon.’
‘What are you now, a psychic vampire?’ Blaze said.
‘Not quite. Although, my instinct is much better developed than yours.’
Blaze sighed and tried to relax a bit, but his insistence on tapping the dashboard to whatever song he had playing in his head was pissing me off.
‘So Stride, how did you become involved in all this then?’ Blaze asked obviously trying to take his mind off things.
‘Ah, well laddy, I'll tell you. If you want that is? It all began with my father, as you know. When I saw the prophecy as a young lad, it fascinated me so much, I read everything I could on demonology and Ancient Egypt. I can even picture my dad talking to me about it now. No one ever believed him thankfully.’
‘But you kept researching, why?’
‘Of course I did. I was in a biker bar in Wales one night talking to this lad. Well you know after a few drinks everyone looks the same, yeah? Well, you know me, and my big mouth; I started yapping about the prophecy to this guy. He reminded me of the great Brandon Lee, you know of him don't you?’ He said as he looked at me, ‘Oh maybe not, well, he was extremely interested in all this shit I was spouting off about vampires, and the end of the world. In fact, he was too interested and that should've been a sign for me to shut up. Well, it must've been about closing time, and the most of the punters had gone home. I was sat in the corner of the pub talking to him, and the next thing I know he asks if my father was in Korea. I almost crapped myself. Since then I've been helping him to find you. You're not much of trackers are you for a bunch of animals? Took him sodding years to try and find my dad but he ends up finding me instead...’ he laughed, ‘In a little town called the Mumbles.’