by Dylan Keefer
“Okay, that’s enough for today. Sunday morning, we will run through one more time before the service. I’ll see you at 8:30 am.”
His voice sounded strong and deep. It was unexpected to come from someone who looked so gentle and soft spoken. His balding head held tight to several wisps of dark hair, and his glasses tilted forward leaving some space between his ears and the handles. He crossed his legs and swiveled in the pew to face them as the choir dismissed.
“It’s not very often that we have guests at choir practice,” he said with an amused gleam, “and by often, I mean never.”
“We didn’t know that there would be anything going on,” Clayton said. “Are you Father Moore?”
“I am,” the priest said. “Something tells me you aren’t here for a confession.”
“We’re here to ask you questions about something--a book.”
Father Moore laughed. “Well, I know a great deal about different books. One, in particular, I’m kind of an expert in.”
“What about the Sanguinem Liber?” Madi asked. Father Moore’s face fell into a stone-cold glare. He glanced around at the now empty sanctuary.
“Who are you? Don’t mistake my being a priest for weakness.” Seemingly out of thin air, Father Moore produced a knife. The blade glistened even in the low light of the room. His stance seemed trained. He leaned on his back leg and kept himself light on the front just in case.
“Whoa! Whoa!” Clayton held up his hand. “Father, we were sent here by Father Eric Bishop! He told us you could help us?”
“You don’t just mention the Sanguinem Liber,” the priest didn’t let himself relax. “Who are you!? I will not ask twice!”
“My name is Madi,” she said calmly. “This is Clayton. We just want to ask some questions. Please.”
Father Moore eyed both of them carefully. He stood up straight but kept the knife out. The blade was long, and Clayton couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship.
“You don’t simply ask about the Sanguinem Liber. It isn’t something you take lightly.”
“We know,” Madi said. “We know about the Dominion, and we know that the Vampire Bible has a key to take them down.”
“You know about the Dominion,” Father Moore laughed. “Then you are already in a hell of a spot. Little one, the Dominion are just like any other creature. They are created by some divine entity, and that divine couldn’t make a rival of Himself. He had to make a way to destroy the creation in case the creation lost its purpose.”
Clayton knew this. “Vampires were created for good originally. They are a byproduct of witches and the church working together.”
“Good,” Father Moore relaxed a bit more. “But man is fallen, and we tapped into a supernatural power that was never meant to be unleashed when it comes to vampires. But we know that the Divine has not left us without a way to defeat vampires.”
“So, why does there need to be a book in order to kill the Dominion?” Madi asked. “I get it. The Dominion are powerful, but why the book?”
“First,” Father Moore said pointing the blade at both of them. “Tell me who you are.”
“I’m Madi. I’m a lover of history and the supernatural and--I’m a witch.”
Father Moore looked amused. “A witch? Which line are you from?”
“I’m a Summoner,” Madi said. Father Moore’s eyes widened, and then he laughed.
“You both are just full of surprises,” he said. “I did not think the Summoners still existed.”
“I may be the last,” she said looking at Clayton. “Kind of.”
“My name is Clayton, and I’m…”
“A vampire hunter,” Moore declared. He nodded. “It took me a while to sense it. Vampire Hunters can also sense each other. You, however, aren’t a full hunter.”
Clayton nodded. “No, I’m not.” He had forgotten that while the church had created vampires, they also created the hunters. There was said to be a sect of priests in the church--a select few--that were chosen to be hunters in the early days of the church. Their mantle would be passed down from generation to generation of priests. Obviously, Father Moore was a part of that sect.
“Why the book? I believe that was the question you asked,” Father Moore said. “If there is a key to eradicating vampires as a whole then why not use it now? Well, Madi, the book holds the key to defeating the Dominion, vampires, and any supernatural creature that you can imagine. However, the key itself cannot be destroyed. If it could then, it wouldn’t be all powerful. And if someone were to get a hold of that key then…”
“Then they would have all of that power,” Clayton finished. “Power too great for a mortal being to wield.”
“Mortal or immortal,” Father Moore said. “We were not meant to have this power. God was, and if we use it, then it could very well destroy us.”
“Isn’t it worth the chance?” Madi said. “Have you seen how vampires have become more destructive in our world? The killings, the mind-control, the manipulation, and the Dominion cover it up. And I know that doesn’t seem bad, but now they have Larent. Do you know what they could do with his research? History shows how the Dominion have taken control in Europe. Did you know there are still Gladiator games going on over there for the supernatural with humans? Did you know that in Ireland, the Dominion control all of the major government positions.”
“Madi, the Sanguinem Liber is too unpredictable. If you do unearth it somehow, there is no telling what could happen.” Father Moore looked at her with pity. “I can’t stop you from looking for it, but I hope that you do leave it be.”
“Fine,” Madi said pulling a piece of paper from her pocket. She handed it to the priest. “Can you at least help me make sense of this?”
Father Moore took the paper and stared at it. “Over sea the power of Eden.” He raised an eyebrow and motioned for them to follow him. They walked down a hallway that led around to the back of the church. They entered a room where Father Moore closed the door. It looked like a study that any parishioner would have. Father Moore walked over to the far wall and pressed in on a loose piece of wood. The wall began to move and swung open to reveal a hidden room. It was filled with bookcases and books. Maps on walls and a desk cluttered with papers.
“I guess you are something of a historian, too,” Clayton said.
“Religion is history. Part history, part science, and a lot of faith mixed in there.” Father Moore held out the paper and turned to look at one of his bookcases. “The book that we’re talking about has often been called the Eden book. This could be referencing that. It also could have a double meaning.”
He grabbed a book and put it down on the desk. Clayton watched as he flipped through the pages.
“What are you looking for?”
Father Moore pointed to something. “Supernatural history records that, while Salem is noted as significant for the start of supernatural witchcraft starting in America, there was a place where another supernatural event occurred. It’s not far from here in Lynn Woods.”
“What happened there?” Madi asked.
“A vampire massacre. I’ve been there, but—I am not a witch. I can only sense that there is supernatural evil has been there,” he said to her. “Maybe there is something that you can do to enhance that.”
“Can we go now?” Madi asked already edging towards the door.
“Why?” Clayton said.
“Because this place may have some answers that we need.” Madi said. “And—maybe this will help us with our other problem.”
“What other problem?” Father Moore raised turned back to them as he gathered a few items into a bag. Clayton shook his head at Madi, but she narrowed her eyes.
“We will tell you on the way, Father?” Clayton sighed in frustration. Father Moore grabbed the bag and nodded.
“Then let’s take a field trip, kids.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Sleep had never felt so good. Larent’s eyes opened to a white ceiling staring right back at him. Su
nlight peeked through the window across the room. All was quiet. He wasn’t exactly sure how long he had been asleep, or where he was. All he knew was that his body no longer felt like he had been tortured repeatedly over a short period of time.
“You’re awake.” Larent sat up quickly to a smile on Nya’s caramel face. She beamed as she exited the bathroom in a short dress and heels. At that moment, Larent was painfully aware that he was naked under the sheets.
“How did I? I mean, when did…”
Nya tapped her heel on the floor. “I brought you back to my room, and you passed out on my bed. 48 hours ago, and yes, I stripped you of your clothes and threw them away. I got you some news ones.”
“How did you know my size in --anything?”
“I measured you.”
“With a tape measure, I’m assuming?”
“Right,” she smirked. “Tape Measure. Anyways, I’m going to have you meet someone. Someone who can help you stay out of trouble.”
“Isn’t that what you’re here for?”
Nya walked to the edge of the climb and slowly climbed up towards him. “It’s cute that you think I’m not trouble.” He felt himself feel jittery as she lay next to him with her on her propped-up hand. She let her free hand relax on his chest.
“Did we--um--you know,” he said looking down to his crotch region. She shook her head.
“Vampire, not a rapist,” Nya said. “You were pretty knocked out.”
A knock at the door interrupted them. Nya rolled her eyes. “Come in, Peter,” she mumbled barely loud enough for Larent to hear her. The door opened, and a skinny, Caucasian boy stepped into the room. He was dressed in a shirt and tie. He looked younger than Nya, but not by much. His eyes went from Nya to Larent and back again several times.
“You know Gregory pitched a fit when he heard you had taken his little pet.”
“I’m not a pet,” Larent said. “Who is this guy, Nya.” If she wasn’t afraid of this guy, then he wouldn’t be either.
“Larent, this is my brother, Peter.”
Larent paused. Wait, brother!
“Mom is waiting for us,” Peter nodded. “For him. So, let’s go.”
“He just woke up. Let him get a shower first.” Nya looked at him. “Too bad that I already got one; otherwise, I would join you.”
Larent felt the morning wood starting to get up. He nodded. “Well, I’ll be quick about it.”
Nya shrugged. She and Peter started to talk about something else. Larent quickly made his way to the bathroom and closed the door. He wasn’t embarrassed to say that his shower had lasted a long time. He didn’t know how much he missed the refreshing warm water which felt amazing on his aching bones. It must have been twenty minutes until the water started to lose its potency.
“Oh, man,” Nya moaned. “Your blood smells so good. Fresh. Like really fresh.”
“Nya, stop,” Peter said. “Can’t you control yourself for once?”
“We’re going to see your mom,” Larent said trying to ignore the fact that he was getting dressed in front of them. Nya nodded.
“Yes, we’re going to take you to her now, and please, don’t leave my side. Everyone in the Palace is Dominion; so, not only is vampire blood that flows in us--it’s royal blood. And you--are the only one that does not have it. And while it is illegal for us to kill humans, it won’t stop them from figuring out a way to get your blood.”
“Comforting thought,” Larent said. They walked out of her room. Larent had almost forgotten that the Palace was just an old hotel property which had been beautifully renovated. He couldn’t imagine what it was like living in one of several hotel buildings. “So, when you say that you two are brother and sister…”
“We are sired by the same person,” Peter said. “Don’t read into it as much. Blood doesn’t matter here--loyalty and obedience to the King and Queen do.”
“The King and Queen who don’t live here?”
“The King and Queen who we serve--yes.” Peter’s answer was curt, and he felt like he struck a nerve. Nya nudged him with a smile.
They continued down a staircase and out into a huge lobby area that lead outside. The Palace was more than just one building. Though it may have been an old hotel when it started, the Dominion had obviously done a lot of work into making it look more like a university campus. Larent could see seven huge buildings from where they were walking not including the big housing/apartment one they had just walked out of. The age thing explained why not everyone looked so young. There were subtle and not so subtle differences between the creatures wandering around the palace and the ones that Larent was used to seeing in daily life. Even in just watching Nya and Peter, he noticed them. They walked with a glide that seemed almost effortless; as if at any moment, they could bound forward with unimaginable speed and leave him in the dust. Their eyes were wide, and pupils dilated like they were on a constant high. He had noticed it a little with Mei, but not to this level. There was also a perfection to their stature. No slouching or slumping of the shoulders.
“You’re staring,” Nya glanced at him out of the corner of her eye as they walked into a small building that looked and felt like a place where he would be more comfortable.
“What does your mom do?”
“I’m a mortician,” someone answered from nearby. The lab-like room had several tables filled with the latest technology and numerous scientific charts. The Asian woman who walked towards them was no older than he was. She wore a white coat and had long dark hair. She gripped his hand with incredible strength and only shook it once. “My name is Lao Che. Children, thank you for bringing him. You can leave now, and Nya…”
Nya rolled her eyes and nodded. “Talk to Gregory. I know. I’m sure he’s in a pissy mood.”
When both Peter and Nya left, Larent turned to Lao Che. “What are you going to do with me? More torture?”
“I don’t agree with Gregory’s tactics; although, he is very close with the King and Queen, he tends to do his own thing. And I feel like you’ve gotten a bad impression of us. My daughter says that she explained to you what we want with you.”
“You want my research. You want it for mind control.”
Lao Che smiled. “Another misconception. I think that Americans have especially made us out to be selfish creatures. In older European times, these falsehoods were just rumor. No, Larent, we don’t control minds. We simply had a strong power of suggestion that permeates a human’s conscience. For instance,” Loa said, “I wouldn’t be able to directly tell you to go jump off cliff. You wouldn’t do it because you are afraid of getting hurt. But I can make the cliff a desirable thing for you. I can put the thought in your mind that you really want to jump off the cliff.” “And I’ll do it?” “Maybe,” Lao said. “Most likely. Humans don’t use a majority of their brain power; so, they don’t know how to resist compulsion. They react on impulse rather, and that is a weakness. It is purely emotion. Even your logic is based off emotion.” “That isn’t always bad,” Larent said. “The reason we have the memories and recurring thoughts that we do is because of emotion.” “And the reason why humans lack the ability to govern themselves properly,” she said. “Larent, you see this. You see the turmoil that is going on. We stand by our rules of keeping humans out of the vampire world, but what if we step into yours and help out a little. You’ve seen what we’ve done in Boston. The reason that we’ve been able to function is because we control the supernatural here, and we control how humans provide what is needed for us. We work side by side with them. You can see we aren’t monsters.” You just want to play God, Larent thought. He couldn’t deny that everything they were saying was true, but no matter if you called it suggestion or mind control, they were going to take away free will in order to create a ‘perfect world’.
“Do you know what happened to your patient?” Larent frowned. Lao continued. “The woman that you helped remember about her attack. Do you know what happened to her?”
Larent shook his head.
“I--I don’t.”
“She’s dead.” Larent felt a nausea come over him. “She’s dead because people told her she was crazy to be speaking about vampires and monsters. They admitted her into the hospital again, but this time into the psych ward. She thought she was crazy, and she killed herself.”
“Okay, stop!” Larent said. “You’re saying that’s on me?”
Lao shook her head. “I’m saying that you now have a key to helping us truly make the world a better place. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?”
Larent frowned. “Tell me more about the Dominion. More about Mei.”
Lao shook her head. “You do know that once we are done with you, you will be compelled to forget all of this, don’t you?”
“Then there shouldn’t be any issue telling me,” Larent countered. “You can ease my curiosity a little, right?”
“Maybe,” she sighed. “I could give you a brief history. Vampires go as far back in time as history can remember. The legends say that those creatures weren’t the vampires that we know of today. They were demons called upon by sorcery and magic to do the bidding of evil men. The religious sects during the time of Julius Caesar in Rome partnered with the sorcerers and witches of the day to create a powerful being that would only need to feed on the blood of its enemies in order to survive. Introduce the very first vampires. Fed on blood, sensitive to sunlight, heightened senses, and extraordinary abilities, they were beautiful but wild. It wasn’t until around 40 AD that vampires started to form an actual community, and that was thanks to the church—well-parts of the church that believed in more than a man who died on a cross and rose from the dead. Fast forward to 300 AD, when the vampire community began to grow. The oldest living ones decided that just like man needed to be governed, vampires did, too. The Dominion was formed and with it a set of rules and regulations for all vampires in the known world. Royalty would be determined by birth and by siring.”