by Devin Morgan
Aris stood silent for a moment before he turned to his friends. Gabriela could see the concern in his eyes and she reached to embrace him. “Come, let us go to the Sanquinaria for a drink. She will be fine.”
“I know, I know. I just am concerned for her in there alone.”
“That is how she wished it to be. Come. Standing here is no help to either Sarah or to you.”
Aris nodded in agreement and the three Immortals walked slowly down the corridor toward the blood bar.
CHAPTER 9
She entered the huge room barren except for a tapestry hanging on the wall and a long table with thirteen chairs gathered around it; the largest situated at one end, the other twelve spaced six to a side. The men and women seated around the table all wore long black robes over their modern clothing. All thirteen in the room were very aware of Sarah’s mortality and very careful to sit quietly, not wanting to frighten her.
A tall Immortal rose from the end chair and extended his hand in greeting. “Hello Sarah, I am Bartholomew.” He motioned to a guard to bring another seat to be placed beside his. “Please, be comfortable. We are very grateful you have come to us and we understand how difficult all this must be for you.”
As she sat, the guard placed a water carafe and glass on the table in front of her. She smiled. “It’s not so difficult as it is unnerving, but I am glad to help in any way that I can.”
He introduced each of the members of the Council to their guest. Larence was a scientist aiding the Master Keeper of Records, Chanelle was a perfect Snow White look-alike with pure alabaster skin and raven black hair. Brilliant red curls cascading down her back and one long earring dangling to her collar bone gave the one named Adelaide the appearance of a free-spirited artist, yet she was second in command of the Council. Bartholomew continued introductions around the table until each member was presented and welcomed Sarah.
At last he sat next to her. “If it pleases you, Sarah, what can you tell us of the Spanish coven and its rulers?”
Sarah explained all she knew about the Spanish castle and the surrounding terrain. They asked questions about the Spanish army and their weapons. She had no information about the troops, but she shared all she had heard of the conversation between King DeMarco and Queen Mariska and anything else she could remember she thought might help the Immortals. When the interview was finished, she wished she could have told them more, yet they thanked her, telling her she had been a great service to them.
Bartholomew rose and told the guard to show Sarah to Queen Akira’s chambers. Sarah’s heart began to race. Even though her interview with the Council had been comfortable and without incident, she became anxious as she anticipated standing before the Queen of the Immortals.
CHAPTER 10
The guard ushered Sarah down a long hall and into a magnificent antechamber where she waited to meet Queen Akira. The walls were covered in cream-colored velvet and there were many high-backed comfortable leather chairs scattered around the room. The lighting globes glowed softly, casting a warm light on the silver tea service resting on the table near her chair. Her meeting with the High Council had gone smoothly, yet she couldn’t control her uneasy feeling as she anticipated her audience with the Queen.
She had been nervous before meeting the Council, however, she had no fear of them. As she waited for their monarch it was quite a different story. An alien. An ancient being from another planet. As she entered the ante-chamber, the guard spoke softly as he showed her to a seat. “Fear not, the Queen is kind and fair-minded.” Sarah smiled a tentative smile at him as he left the room. Yet as she waited alone to meet the Queen her stomach was tied in knots and the palms of her hands were wet with perspiration.
The sound of an opening door startled her as Sebastian entered the chamber. He greeted her warmly and she was grateful to see a friendly face.
“Her Majesty is ready to see you now.”
Sarah rose; she felt light-headed and dizzy. Smoothing her suit skirt, she took just a moment to compose herself before she followed him into the royal audience chamber.
No Immortal light illuminated this room. Instead, candles by the hundreds cast dancing shadows on the strange being seated on the majestic throne before her. A second unoccupied seat was positioned near the alien monarch.
“Welcome.” The voice of the Queen was soft yet commanding as she rose from her chair and glided across the floor toward the human woman. Sarah could see her legs bend and stretch as she stepped forward, but her gait was so smooth, she appeared to roll across the marble on wheels. Sarah had been afraid of what an alien would look like, but Akira was not frightening; she was beautiful. Her long silver hair reached almost to her knees, glistening as the candle light shimmered on its thick strands. She was tall and lean and her rich purple velvet robes rippled softly as she reached to touch Sarah’s shoulder. Her touch was light, but without warmth or chill, as if she were an inanimate object moving through her inhuman world.
“And so you have come to our kingdom.” Sarah was captivated by her strange unblinking eyes. “You are the first human to see our way of life who has no desire to become an Immortal.” Her voice was as melodious as the voices of all who lived in the Catacombs, yet her demeanor was cool, aloof as would be expected of any Queen. “We appreciate the courage you show in coming below ground.”
“I am grateful that you have allowed me to be here, your Majesty.”
“You are here and under our protection for as long as necessary to keep you safe from harm. You are free to move about the Catacombs as you wish. I understand Jane will be attending to your needs. Ask for her guidance at any time.”
Sarah wasn’t sure what to expect of her audience, but she didn’t think it would end so abruptly. She was startled by the sound of the great door opening as Sebastian entered the chamber.
The Queen spoke her last words. “Sarah, please enjoy the delights of the Catacombs and I know I need not caution you about revealing our presence to those above ground.” Her beautiful mouth was stern as the alien female lowered herself silently onto her throne and watched as Sebastian ushered Sarah from the chamber.
CHAPTER 11
Sitting on a cold rock ledge in the heart of a frozen cave, Mariska and Esteban spoke in soft whispers so as not to be heard by the others who were standing nearby.
“The troops are coming along although the training is slow and treacherous in this deep snow.”
Her forehead wrinkling in a scowl and her lips pulled tightly across her teeth, Mariska spoke angrily to her general. “I do not want to hear of your problems. We must pull this army together to march on London. It was your choice to bring them to this hell hole, now handle it.”
“My Queen, it is not an easy task to hide a thousand soldiers.” He was silent, looking for the words to tell the furious woman beside him his true thoughts.
“Well, what is it? Speak up.”
“We know there are over two thousand Immortals. Our thousand soldiers will not be enough to defeat them even if we could surprise them. A thousand undead marching on London would be a death sentence to our cause.”
Jumping to her feet, she stooped so her face was directly in front of his. Menacingly she asked, “What are you saying?”
“Within days DeMarco will leave for London. His troops are loyal to him and will fight to extinction. I have heard dissension among our people. My fear is some will flee. There are even rumors of some wishing to return to the King. Can you not put your anger aside and rejoin him in order to complete our task? To win this war?”
The sound of her hand slapping his face echoed throughout the cave. “How dare you. Now get back to work. Do your job or you will be the one who is made extinct.” She spun on her heel and walked away.
CHAPTER 12
Sarah and Jane sat before the dancing fire as she waited for Aris to call for her. He was taking her on her first excursion into the center of the Immortal’s underground city. Hawke lay sleeping, curled on a Persian rug close to the
warmth of the blaze. At intervals he would raise his head as if he were checking on Jane to make sure she was safe with the human woman.
“You must have so many questions about our society.” Jane smiled sweetly as she spoke. “Please ask anything. I will do my best to help you understand our way of life.”
“Really, I’m so overwhelmed right now I don’t even know what I don’t know. I’m not sure where to begin.” Sarah laughed at her own confused answer. “Why don’t you tell me more about you? I am fascinated by your human life in the court of Elizabeth I.”
The Immortal vampire sat silently gazing into her distant past.
After a moment, Sarah spoke again. “Does it pain you to speak of it?”
Brought back into the present, Jane answered. “No. My life at the royal court brought me a great deal of joy as well as a garden of sorrow. I am just not sure where to begin.”
“Were you born into court life?”
“Most of my family held positions at the royal court throughout the reign of all the Tudor kings and queens. I was born in the year 1571 twelve years after Elizabeth came to the throne.”
“Will you tell me about your life in the palace?”
“As a child, I was raised as all females were. I was schooled in language, music, embroidery and dance, destined to be a perfect courtier.” She was silent for a moment, pensive, thinking of what might have been. Sarah waited without question.
“I was twelve years of age before I was ever brought before the Queen. I remember the awe I felt at seeing her glorious jeweled golden gown. Bright copper curls were piled high on her head and her fingers were heavy with precious stones. She absolutely glowed in the light of the candles.
“When it was time for me to be presented, I could hardly breathe. I made my very best curtsy and she laughed as she took my hand to raise me. When I lifted my gaze to hers, her eyes were such a dark brown they appeared black and they danced with delight. I remember distinctly, she said I was a lovely child. She promised when I was of a more suitable age, she would call me to be one of her maids-in-waiting.
“I could barely contain myself. It was the sole desire of every maiden in the royal house to wait on the Queen. And I had been chosen. I have no memory of the rest of that evening, my mind so lost in the great opportunity that was laid before me. My family was infinitely proud of my achievement. I was granted a new wardrobe and the very first horse I was to ever own. He was snow white with a mane thicker and a tail longer than any stallion I had ever seen. He became my constant companion when I was able to escape my lessons.” Jane laughed as she remembered her human life.
A quiet rap on the door interrupted the two women.
“Come in.” Sarah rose as Aris stepped into the room. Without thinking, she moved into his open arms, his soft lips covering hers, her body pressing hungrily into his. Jane rose, motioning Hawke from his sleeping place. She moved as silently as she could, but they still heard her. Sarah turned toward her smiling shyly.
“I’m sorry Jane. It seems an eternity since Aris and I have seen each other.”
“Please, no apologies. I will show myself out. We will speak again soon.” She cast her eyes toward the carpet as she and the white wolf passed through the door leaving the couple alone.
“I hope I didn’t embarrass Jane by flinging myself at you. I couldn’t help it. Everyone has been very kind, still I’ve missed you so much today.”
Aris led her to the sofa. He sat, pulling her down on his lap. “I, too, have missed you.” His words were put to an end as she, once again, kissed his thick tender mouth.
Desire rose in her like a hungry eagle stalking prey. She twined her fingers in his thick black hair, her kiss becoming more demanding. His body responded to her demand as arousal coursed in his vampire veins. Still sitting on his lap, she felt the power of his manhood hard against her. Melting into him she longed for him to take her. Gasping for breath, she spoke. “Please Aris, make love to me. I’ve never wanted anyone or anything as I want you.”
Her plea brought him to his senses. “No, my sweeting.” He shook his head to clear his mind then gently he took her hands in his. “Wanting you this way is torture because it is impossible as things are.” He stood, lifting her to her feet. “I am in torment as you are, yet we cannot make love as human men and women can. I am not a man. It is impossible.”
She wanted to weep. Her body cried out for him, yet she knew if he could control his desire so must she. Closing her eyes, she took several deep breaths to compose herself then carefully smoothed her skirt.
He held out his hand to her. “Come. There is much to do before we leave for Spain. I must stay focused.” He wanted to take her in his arms once again, but knew he couldn’t trust himself. “Our friends are waiting. Shall we go?”
Placing her hand in his, she spoke. “Alright, I understand.” Her lips curled in a playful smile and her voice was a suggestive whisper. “But there are many other things I would rather do right now.” He stared into her eyes, the back of his mouth dry with desire; the silence of the room broken only by the rasping of her breath.
A soft rap on the door jolted them from their trance. “Sarah, may I take your tray?” Jane’s question was muffled by the thick wooden door that stood between them.
“Yes.” Sarah opened the door for her friend. “Please come in. We were just leaving.” For just a moment, her eyes brimmed with unshed tears of frustration as she moved into the corridor. “Let’s go; our friends are waiting.”
Aris still held Sarah’s hand as they walked the length of the corridor. She felt she was in a labyrinth, twisting and turning corner after corner. Richard and Gabriela were to meet them at a dining hall in the center of their Immortal village. Sarah nervously wondered what her companions would be eating, but Aris assured her they were visiting a restaurant that catered to those who lived above ground. She was relieved. She wasn’t sure she was quite ready to see her friends drink blood from goblets as she had seen DeMarco and Mariska do when she was held prisoner in their castle in Spain.
Their footsteps echoed as the corridor turned into a narrow rocky tunnel with an incredibly high ceiling. The tunnel turned at ever tighter intervals until, quite suddenly, they stepped into an enormous cavern larger than an American football field. Sarah knew they were still underground, but it appeared as if the cavern opened straight up to the sky. Late afternoon light fell from above as if a perfect sun shown down onto the cobblestone road leading through the town center. Shops, taverns and restaurants lined the street.
Sarah’s eyes found no rest as they darted from one amazing sight to another. She noticed two distinctive modes of dress. One, clothes worn by those Immortals who led human lives above ground and the other, more simple. Softer fabric. Flowing lines. Similar to Queen Akira’s beautiful robe.
All of the inhabitants of the Catacombs had one thing in common. An unearthly physical beauty, ageless, timeless. Sarah felt out of place in her human skin with her human flaws, yet everyone smiled and greeted her as they passed. She was a celebrity, the first human freely allowed below ground. One who came below of her own choice to assist in a battle that had little to do with her. She was known and respected in the Immortal world.
“Aris.” A soft feminine voice spoke from just behind them. Turning, they stood face-to-face with Kitsuko. “Hello.”
Aris smiled, returning the slight bow given by his newest commander. He had watched her a few times on the training field and was impressed by her skill and leadership. His respect was apparent when he spoke. “Kitsuko, I would like you to meet Sarah.”
Kitsuko watched as the blond woman released Aris’ hand in order to shake hers. A tide of jealousy washed over her at the human touching her general with such propriety. The powerful Immortal warrior had no business being with a human. Especially when Kitsuko grew weak every time she thought of him. When she worked with her troops and he was present, it took all of her control to keep from telling him her feelings. Feelings that were present
from the first moment she saw him. Sweet passions that as a warrior she had never believed it possible for her to feel and she didn’t know how to deny.
Sarah sensed the animosity brewing in the air between herself and the martial artist, but didn’t understand why it was there. Aris told her about his amazing new warrior, about her speed and authority. He praised her abilities to teach. Sarah had been glad he had someone so accomplished to help him. She assumed such a woman would be powerfully built to have such prowess at battle and was surprised at the diminutive size of the soldier standing in front of her. She hadn’t thought she would be so feminine, so beautiful.
The two females acknowledged each other, but the greeting was without warmth or welcome. Turning to face Aris, Kitsuko smiled. “I look forward to seeing you on the training floor.”
Aris lifted his hand in farewell as she continued on her way.
Sarah reached for Aris’s hand once more, “Very attractive.”
“Who?” Sarah motioned behind her at the retreating figure. “Oh, Kitsuko? I had not noticed, but I will be more aware the next time I see her.” He laughed and kissed her softly then continued toward the restaurant.
Café tables lined the walk-way. They chose one situated beneath an awning. Filtered light shining through the soft golden fabric created interesting shadows on their faces.
“Richard and Gabriela are going to meet us here. As well as someone else who is looking forward to meeting you.”
“And who is that?”
“Henry.”
“Henry?”
“Yes, the Master Keeper of Records.”
“Isn’t he in charge of the Infinity Diaries?”
“He is.”