by Casey Knight
I nearly jumped across the table to choke him. Of all the arrogant, obnoxious fools, I’d ever meet. He might be the worst. Jason, what in the world were you thinking? Tokem and I’d be better-off without him. Instead of chocking him, I waited, controlling my breathing, silent. Realizing I hadn’t answered, he raised his head and looked at me. “That’s a start. Now will you answer my question? I want to make myself clear. If you can’t work with us, then we’ll go without you. Understood?”
“Lauren, I don’t like this any better than you do. Nevertheless, we both know Jason will not allow you to go alone. I’ll do my best to work jointly with you on this rescue. Good enough?”
I looked closely at Zane before I answered. He was right about Jason and he seemed to be sincere. I’d keep an eye on him and hold him to his word. Then I asked, “What do you think is our best approach?”
“I found the area where I believe the Paradise Islands are found. I’ll show you.”
He turned the map he had been studying around to face me. It looked like he was pointing at an area off the coast around the Hebrides.
“Is this around the Outer Hebrides?” I asked.
“In our century, yes. In this time and place the area hasn’t been thoroughly mapped. I suggest we get Trevor and his dragons to fly us to the coast. Then we can gather our supplies and plan our trip. What do you think?”
“Are you trying to tell me that the islands might not be in the same place in this time period? How is that possible?”
“For the same reason that Atlantis isn’t still above water, they may have sunk. Remember, these islands are enchanted by strong vampire courts. They’ll be shrouded in the Mists. The vampires will in all likelihood find us, not the other way around.”
I let out a low whistle.
“Exactly, all we can do is prepare, as thoroughly as possible, to defeat theses vampires on their own turf.”
I’m sure my jaw dropped. Before I could embarrass myself further, Tokem zipped past me.
“It isn’t nice starting without me. I’m little, but I still have feelings you know. Did I just hear you say that we would have to fight the Black Court and the Red Court on their turf?”
I nodded numbly. All I could think about was how close I had come to being killed by Vicor. He was a Daywalker from the Red Court.
“Lauren, you better get your affairs in order. If these vamps are related to Vicor, you can kiss your ass goodbye. Those islands will look like…”
“I hate to interrupt but, we do have work to do. As I was…”
Before I could grab him Tokem darted at Zane’s face. Zane was studying the map and didn’t see Tokem coming. He hit Zane on the side of his face and climbed up out of reach.
“Tokem, what in the world are you doing?”
“Teaching him some manners.”
Zane gave Tokem a murderous glare and started in his direction.
“Enough, both of you. This isn’t going to help us rescue Traygen. Tokem, you behave or I’ll take away your TIVO. Do you understand?”
Tokem didn’t speak, but he nodded.
“Zane, if you’ll please continue.”
“The islands will be cloaked by The Mists. This makes detecting them without being sensed, next to impossible. Lauren, is your magic strong enough to penetrate The Mists?”
“I can see through The Mists. Unfortunately, I can’t mask my presence. I’d need to get lucky. Employing my sight during the day, when there is less chance anyone would be looking. Do you know much about the two courts? How they operate?”
“Yes, I’ve studied a fair amount about the Red Court and the Black Court. Your sight will help. However, the ocean will be our safest refuge. Vampires hate water and they will not willingly venture out into it. This is why I suggest we begin our search from the water.”
Before I could say anything further, Trevor returned followed closely by General Wingo.
“Lauren. Zane. I’ve discussed your request with General Wingo. I’ll let him explain.”
“Thank you Prince Trevor. The prince tells me that you need a small sailboat, perhaps a cutter. We took possession of a Viking cutter that might be just what you are looking for. It is a twenty-four foot, single mast boat that can carry four people. I can fly you out to it, if you like.”
I looked to Zane for a response to the general’s question.
“General Wingo, that sounds like just what we need. Is the vessel in good order?”
“It is sir, and if you’d like I can send a crew to ready it for sailing.”
“Thank you general. We will need food and water for several weeks. I have no idea how long it will take to find the vampires.”
“I’ll see to it straight away. Will you need men to run the boat?”
“No, I can sail it and I don’t want to risk any more lives than necessary.”
“Is there anything I can do to be of assistance?”
“Prince Trevor, what do you know about the waters around the Hebrides? Have you or your men sailed them?”
“Zane, I don’t know much about the waters in that area. We usually fly. It is faster for us. If you’d like, I’ll check with my father and see what he knows. Nations have traded with us for years. My father will know something.”
“Thank you, Trevor. Please give your father my best,” he said.
Trevor left and I turned to Zane for some direction. “What would you like me to do?”
“Lauren, you can read everything you can find on the two vampire courts. I noticed this library has a fair amount about them. We will need to know anything we can that might help us. I know more about the Red Court. I’ve had run-ins with Erol and his lackey Mavre. Fortunately, I haven’t had to deal much with the Black Court.”
“I’ll see what I can find. If you don’t mind my asking, how do you know Erol? He represented the Lazarian Court when I battled Vicor.” I had to strain to hear his reply.
“Erol is the Prince of the Red Court. He is the most powerful of the Red Court vampires. He ordered my family’s deaths and he ordered them killed by his top assassin Mavre.”
“Zane, I’m sorry.”
When he didn’t respond I asked, “Where do you suggest I begin?”
He answered by dropping several large tomes on the table in front of me. Resigned to my fate, I opened the nearest book and began reading. I’d have preferred the condensed version. Unfortunately, this wasn’t going to be my lucky day. I mean I couldn’t Goggle the answer. I’d have to sift through the kingdom’s history. I read until my eyes began to glaze over and then some. Rubbing my eyes, jiggling my legs and shrugging my shoulders, I tried hard to keep myself awake. Then I found something that got my full attention. The section was titled Vampires Raid Coastal Mountains. It wasn’t going to win a Pulitzer. Still it gave me a fair idea what we were up against. From what I could gather, the Black Court was comprised of the garden-variety, bat changing, cape sporting, and Dracula type vampire.
The Black Court vampires looked human. In all aspects except, they didn’t have a heart. It sounded like one or two men I’d dated. They had super human strength, tremendous jumping ability, stealthy, silent movement and they fed off blood. They clearly were not picky. They consumed animal, reptile or humans. It didn’t seem to matter. They usually drained their victims and left them for dead. Those were the lucky ones. Black Court vampires turned a select few to do their bidding.
I kept reading until Tokem buzzed my head. “It is about time you joined us. What have you been doing?”
“The usual. You know eating, sleeping and watching The Price Is Right. No, I’ve been ease-dropping on the captives. You never can tell when a useful fact will slip from someone’s lips.”
He looked so proud of himself. I knew he had overheard something of importance. I waited a few minutes before asking. “What have you found out?”
“Well since you asked nicely, I’ll tell you. It seems there is a price on your head. The vampires are willing to pay anyone that kills you a
million dollars.”
“That is a flattering amount. To what do I owe this honor? The vamps have come after me before. What makes this time different? And who is after me?”
“One question at a time, you know I don’t like to be rushed.”
“Out with it now or I’ll take back the TIVO.”
“All right, you don’t need to get nasty. He is one of the vampires that General Wingo brought back from the Isle of Man. He claims to be a member of the Black Court. Would you like to meet him?”
“How do you know he is trying to kill me for a bounty?”
“I overheard him asking the other captives about you. This naturally caught my attention. He claims someone in the Lazarian Court has put a price on your head.”
I pushed back from my chair and started for the door. “I’ll follow you, just lead the way.”
Tokem buzzed by me and down the corridor. I followed him through the castle and down into the dungeons below. The air was humid and smelled of mildew. If I had to guess, I’d say we were at least a hundred feet underground. Torches lined the wall every ten feet or so. They sputtered and threatened to go out. They were being buffeted by some unseen breeze. Visibility was limited. The torches only offered flashes of broken light. They produced just enough light to keep me from losing sight of Tokem.
“Lauren, we are almost at the prisoner’s cells. I’ll point out the vampire I heard talking about the bounty on you. Follow me.”
I trailed along behind Tokem and waited until he stopped. He hovered in front of a nearby cell. Then he nodded and I stepped up and looked into the cell. The cell’s only illumination came from the small window in the door. It took several minutes for my eyes to adjust. Still I nearly missed the cell’s occupant. A shiver slid involuntarily down my spine and I drew in my breath. The vampire hung from the ceiling which clearly, identifying him as a member of the Black Court. His hideous features meant only one thing. This vampire hadn’t eaten in a while and it was near death. I thought for a minute that I might be too late, but then I heard a hiss.
“I’d invite you in, but I have lost my key,” he said as he dropped, falling silently to the floor, before gliding toward the cell door. He moved silently and smoothly like a rain drop down a pane of glass. So, fluid was his movement that he appeared to have no bones, no joints, just liquid motion.
I gasped and stepped back from the door. The vampire leered through the bars at me. His black skin hung in loose folds around his face. He grabbed the bars with filthy hands. The fingernails curving into claws, at the end of each finger, and drool dripped from the corner of his mouth. A horror right out of Bram Stokers fertile imagination, I trembled.
“Vampire, what court are you from?”
“Where are your manners? Am I not to know to whom I’m speaking?”
“My name is Lauren, and I’m a…”
“Say no more, I know who you are. It is unfortunate that I’m otherwise detained. You would make a nice meal and then provide me with a steady income.”
“Sorry, the only blood bank I donate to is the Red Cross. I’ve answered your question. What court do you belong to?”
“I would think it rather obvious. One look at this beautiful face ought to answer your question.”
“The only thing your face tells me is that you’re butt ugly. What is a Black Court vampire doing working with the Vikings?”
“Why should I answer your questions? I’ll never get out of here alive. I’m dead either way.”
“Thankfully, you are smarter than you look. However, you can die quickly or very, very slowly. Answer my questions and I’ll make sure you don’t linger.”
“Well, when you put it that way what choice do I have? I’m a member of the Black Court. Mavre is my mentor and I have sworn an oath to kill you.”
“Why do you want to kill me or more accurately why does Mavre want me dead?”
“There is a bounty on your head. It seems you have offended someone in the hierarchy.”
“You’ll need to be more specific. I seem to have a knack for irritating people. This isn’t the first time, but is nice to be appreciated. Who wants me dead?”
“I honestly do not know, and even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you. What I can say is that it is someone with considerable clout. The bounty is far too high. Unfortunately for you, they want you dead, not alive.”
“I can’t release you. However, I can see to it that you are given a fair trial.”
Tokem and I left the dungeons and returned to the library. I needed to finish a few things before I met again with Zane. It was hard to concentrate. The vampire had given me one bit of valuable information. I just didn’t know what to make of it. There was no use wondering whom or why. I’d offended too many people or vampires or whatever to count. I needed to focus all my energy on saving Traygen. Yeah and I’d need to watch my back, because many vampires would be. Lucky me.
Chapter Four
I read for another hour before Zane returned from who knew where. He walked over and stood in front of my desk. “Find anything of interest?” I asked.
“Lauren, I’ve arranged with General Wingo to fly us to the coast at first light. The general has given us one of the Viking vessels and supplies enough to get us to the Paradise Islands. Have you learned anything that might help?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. My knowledge of vampires has always been more about how to kill them. I never took the time to find out much about them. However, from what I’ve read I think it is unlikely that either the White or Jade Courts are involved. Something this big is out of their league.”
“My thoughts exactly. The White Court vampires are into prostitution and white-collar crime. The Jade Court sticks to smuggling of drugs and precious gems. This could only be a grudge of some sort. Do you know if Traygen or his family has stepped on any toes lately? Any group with an ax to grind?”
“It is possible and a good question to ask Trevor. But from what I know he hasn’t had any run-ins with the Red or Black Courts? I’ve had more issues with vampires than Traygen. I have offended them again and again.”
Zane’s head snapped up, and he looked at Lauren. “What do you mean?”
“Tokem overheard one of the captive vampires telling someone there is a price on my head.”
“And?”
“He didn’t know much. The vampire just said it was someone in the hierarchy, and that it was a large bounty. He may just be trying to buy his freedom and besides, there are several people that want me dead.”
“Good to know, and you’re probably correct. I’ll chat with him later if I have the time before we leave. If there are not any more questions I need to prepare to leave.”
“Nothing that can’t wait. I’ll finish here and get my things ready for our departure. It’ll be light before we know it.”
Zane left the library and I sat in silence for some time reflecting on his earlier question about Traygen. I decided to find Trevor and ask him if Traygen or the kingdom had any feuds with the vampires. Pushing myself up from the table I went in search of Trevor. Fortunately it only took me a moment. We nearly collided as I left the library.
“Lauren, I’m so sorry. Are you all right?”
“Trevor, I’m fine. I was just looking for you. Do you know if Traygen or the kingdom had any ongoing feuds with the vampires? Any reason that they might take him?”
“I’ve asked myself that same question, since he disappeared. The kingdom has had skirmishes with the vampires throughout our history. They were usually turf disputes of one type or another. However, I’m not aware that Traygen had any personal disagreements with a vampire. That doesn’t mean he didn’t, but it never came up.”
“What courts have you had the most interaction with?”
“The Jade Court. They try to use our lands to shorten their trade routes. I’m not sure what court the vampires that helped the Vikings were from. Do you?”
“They were primarily Red Court, mercenaries for hire. I don’t think t
hey have any loyalty other than greed. It doesn’t mean I’m right but, I would think they would have put Traygen up for ransom by now. Since we haven’t heard anything, I believe we can rule them out.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t be more helpful. General Wingo tells me that you are leaving at first light. I wish I could go, but my father hasn’t fully regained his strength. Please be careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you and Tokem.”
“We’ll be careful and we’ll bring Traygen home. After all, we have a wedding to plan.”
We finished our goodbyes and I returned to my room. I would be traveling light. No designer clothes needed for this trip. Basic black fatigues, soft soled leather combat boots and no makeup. I shuddered to think. I felt my bracelet vibrating softly on my wrist, and I carried my staff. There were numerous concealed weapons and I carried several knives. I had my Smith and Wesson securely strapped to my thigh and I wore an ammo belt full of vials. I was as armed and as dangerous as I could make myself. God only knew what we would face and I didn’t want to be unprepared. Knowing I’d have to make do with whatever I could carry. Satisfied that I had everything I could possibly need, I stretched out on the bed.
I don’t know how long I dozed, but a persistent rap on my door woke me. “I’m coming.” I mumbled as I staggered to unlock my door.
Zane was standing there. “We are ready to go if you are.”
“I’ll be right down,” I said without preamble and shut the door in his face.
By the time I’d finished dressing and got downstairs, the general and four dragons were waiting.
“Nice of you to join us,” Tokem teased as he darted just out of my reach.
We got underway without comment or fanfare. The sun wasn’t up yet and the only hint of the coming dawn was a few smudges of orange in the eastern sky. I hauled myself up on the nearest dragon, settling in for the ride. My teeth were already chattering and my hands were numb. I pulled my chin further down inside my jacket and leaned down close to my dragon. I was trying to make myself as small as possible. We flew for what seemed like an eternity. By the time we landed, I had all I could do to slide down off my dragon. My legs were so cold they dropped me unceremoniously on my ass. Very ladylike, my mom would have been so proud. I struggled to regain my footing and pride. I managed to regain my footing. Pride, as everyone knows, goes before the fall and in my case literally true.