The Blood In Between (The Safe Haven Trilogy Book 3)

by Randall G Ailes

  Once we were steadily moving along, don Lucido spoke in a hushed voice. “I don’t believe they will attack unless a good opportunity occurs. I think we left too soon for them to plan anything like an ambush. But they will track us and so we must not leave a trail.”

  “But… where are we going?” Though we walked as if there were no concern or hurry, in spite of being hurried and rushed, I had growing unrest. My future dashed headlong on a collision course with my life as it had been. Suddenly the life Mia and I knew, was becoming our past.

  “We will go down to the water and the docks. I have some ships there.” Lucido said. “Tracking someone across the water is a bit more difficult than on land.”

  My uneasiness continued as we walked in the shadows, taking an indirect route lest an ambush be hastily put together. As we neared the ships, my fear about being followed was not the cause of my growing discomfort. Finally treading the boardwalk, we paused before a ship I assumed to be his. I could take it no longer.

  “Are you going to eat me? Am I to be your meal and then cast away as a bag of bones?”

  “I should, you know. You brought murderers into my home. That was stupid and you are being stupid now.”

  “But I bear your mark. What does this mean? Why have you done this? What do you want from me? I’ll not go on board until I know.”

  “You’ll heed my advice if you want to live. But as I recall, I told you once before, you would be safe if you would just follow my word. But you left the safety of the small shack and have suffered greatly since. Will you be a little girl your entire life? You bear my mark because many who might cause you harm, can also see the sign and give you no trouble. I was trying to give you a chance at survival. You’d lost everything and were young and innocent. What do I want from you? I want you to live your life and I don’t mean for you to do it ‘in captivity’”.

  “But you have protected me and searched for me for these many years…. Do you want me? I have been trained in the art of pleasing a man. Do you want me for yourself? ”

  “There is specialness about you, more so now than when we first met. You are carrying something inside. But you have come to see yourself as they see you, and they see a tidbit, a pretty bauble, something to take pleasure and profit from.”

  “…and so I have made my escape.” I gritted my teeth. “But they tirelessly chase after me.”

  “No, little Veria, they are tired. They are exhausted and their dreams are dashed. Most of those who held you prisoner are now more broken than ever. They were twisted. Now, they are fractured and ashamed… happy to be shut of you. But those who formed the plan for your purchase still hope to have you back in their hands for many reasons, none of them good.”

  “But I am afraid to come with you. What about Mia? Am I bringing Mia into danger?”

  “Come aboard, now, little Veria. Start another life, far from here. Let’s get you away from this constant life of running and hiding.”

  My eyes scanned the shadows of the nearby buildings. I had no wish to stand at the pier as the boat launched and watched my escape sail away. We walked the boarding plank onto a ship as dark in the night as the sea itself. Before we had even reached our cabin, the boarding plank was withdrawn and the moorings were loosed. As we pulled away, so did two other vessels, and all three withdrew to deeper waters. Strangely, the ships drew near and anchored so closely that I remember hearing some of the crew in conversation between boats. In the morning the ship we were on was alone again and I thought nothing more about it.

  One thing I was acutely aware of though, and that was my growing fascination…awareness…desire towards the mysterious, powerful, don Lucido Del Rio. I had a growing fondness for him, and it wasn’t because he had saved my life more than once. I was intrigued that he was interested in me and further, something akin to magnetism grew inside me. I didn’t dare call it lust as I contemplated this, but surely that is what it was. Yet, I feared so much being a moth drawn to a flame.

  27

  It was dim in our room as the daylight grew but one corner of the room resembled a mass of spider webs, as silks and veils and coverings hung from the ceiling. The darkness of it was intimidating and even without word to Mia, she did not approach. But she did grow in frustration as the desire to run and play was restricted by this dim closed room. Our stomachs were hungry as well, and the challenges from last night had interrupted her sleep habits and my own. Fragile temperament resulted from this and after several emotional tantrums from Mia, the prospect of leaving the cabin and exploring the ship promised welcome relief. As I reached for the door handle, I glanced toward the shadowed corner. I’m not certain if this was because I thought I might hear something from within this loose woven cocoon, but I also felt that something might leap at us before we left.

  Mia didn’t want me to hold her hand as we strolled. She was anxious to explore and wanted freedom to do that and to play, but I would not release her tiny hand. She had been rushed and shushed so much during this last day that, though she was now rested, new adventures were large in their appeal. I swear, I tried to be invisible and out of the way, but we were noticed almost immediately. I could almost watch the news of our appearance on deck spread from man to man. I have heard before of an English woman with blonde hair who visited a tropical land, peopled by a dark-haired population. Everywhere she went people noticed her movements, some even reaching out and touching her hair or pointing it out to others. This was what it felt like, the first few minutes after leaving the cabin. I was still innocent enough to assume that it was little Mia who was turning the heads of the crew. But curious glances turned into gawks and stares and from there came obvious leers. Work stopped and it became uncomfortably still.

  “I am trying to bring fresh air to my daughter and give her some exercise.” I explained. Apparently, a maternal appeal did nothing to change the awkwardness of the moment. I felt I was a morsel of tender meat tossed into a cage of hungry lions. No one behaved differently after I had given my explanation regarding the walk Mia and I were taking. Mia must have felt the strangeness because she looked about her at the crew and drew to me, hugging my leg.

  “I would remind you,” I said to the men now surrounding us, “I am a guest on this ship, the guest of Lucido Del Rio. I would appreciate it if you would allow me and my daughter some room.”

  During my time in captivity with the river people, I had felt the long deep stare of desire many times but usually I was protected by my confinement. There were no such cages or bars between me and those whose eyes swept over me with lust. I recalled all of my lessons from teachers and trainers utilized by the river people, from the rich to exotic to harlots. None of that preparation would help me here. I wasn’t trying to capture men’s attention. I already had it. I did not turn my head to look longingly or expectantly towards the cabin. This would be seen by those around me and might be interpreted as my being vulnerable without the company of a vampire. That would not be a good thing at the moment because in this sunlit day, don Lucido Del Rio was not likely to come to my aid.

  It seemed my reminder might be having some effect though I thought I could spot several internal battles, nevertheless, they began to disperse and return to whatever they had been doing. As the loose gathering thinned I was surprised to see Getagin leaning cross-armed against the mast. He looked amused at my circumstance but once Mia spied him, his face lit up and she shyly ran to him. They hugged, but Mia did not want to be corralled. She squirmed to be released, still eager to explore.

  Getagin and I embraced as well, and after fond words of greeting, I scolded him for standing by during my frightening encounter.

  “You could have come to my rescue.” I reproached.

  “No!”

  “What? What do you mean?”

  “They are all rough and hardened men, well familiar with a scrap. Even one of them would be a challenge.”

  “I do not believe you. You are a brave man. I have seen this many times.”

&n
bsp; “I could argue that it is not about chivalry, but rather timing and wisdom. But you are being watched over. And though they are a well-seasoned group, they are not stupid. They know who protects you. Still we had to know how you would be…the lioness or the lamb.”

  “I am afraid I have led to disappointment. I cowered like a baby.”

  He smiled at this and said, “You are still alive and untouched.”

  We walked the deck, watching Mia’s sense of wonder as she explored. Soon hunger began to send its insistent message and we rerouted for the cabin.

  “Getagin, I am keeping company with a vampire. I’m important to him for some reason. He… protects me. He…saved my life. There is not much guesswork needed to know where this will end. It would be lunacy not to run.”

  “Don’t run. There is no need. You will be placed safely on shore and given a chance for a new life. The lunacy is that you would walk away.”

  Our course was taking us south and west through the Bosporus Straights to Constantinople. This much I learned through Getagin who told me this straightforwardly when I inquired, but became vague about any plans or routes beyond that. Our meals, prepared on the ship, were actually better than our usual fare, which as a rule were meager and bland. Mia and I enjoyed the change. The day was spent in Getagin’s company and loose oversight. When we left the cabin for some fresh air we did not wander far. As the sun was setting on our day, Mia and I heard rustling movements from the darkened corner of the room, where hanging covers had held a certain intimidation all day. At one point I felt I was being watched from within those shadows. It was an uncomfortable feeling, not much different than what I had experienced with Mia and me under the scrutiny of the deck hands earlier. Mia drew near and eventually wanted to sit on my lap. During her transfer from the floor to my knee I became aware of someone sitting next to me, and jerked with a start at Lucido’s sudden appearance.

  “Oh! Your appearance was so quick and quiet.” I managed.

  Typically, Lucido paid no attention to my remark but he bade me to stand up and accompany him at his arm. Getagin took Mia away placing her on his shoulders. Once outside the door on the deck. I did not see them for a while but don Lucido and I went to the galley and discussed parts of my day was we strolled there.

  “You encountered unwanted attention today after you left the cabin.” Lucido said.

  “Yes, I was very uncomfortable.” I replied.

  “We’ll fix that.”

  “Will you punish them?”

  “Punish? No. We learned some valuable information and they were more or less set up. They behaved as men do. I’ll not punish them for that. But you needn’t restrict yourself from walking the deck and getting some fresh air. Let us tend to that right now.”

  When we arrived before the cook I acted in accordance with Lucido’s instructions. I asked that the crew be fed the same fare I was eating and that their grog rations be doubled for as long as I was on board. The cook regarded me and then Lucido, who nodded his tacit agreement. Next we walked the deck, my arm in the crook of his. We sauntered and stopped to notice one thing or laugh at another as we made the rounds. We were noticed by one and all which I am sure, was the point. Once we returned to the cabin, don Lucido gave me instruction.

  “Now, I am going to take my leave and attend to my feeding. Once you have Mia down for the night I want you to walk the deck again as slowly as we just did. Wear the cloak here by the door. Keep the hood up and say nothing to any attempts to converse. You can wink, you can stare, turn your head…whatever but do not cower. Do it again before you go to bed. Hear me? Act as if you have nothing to fear. It is the truth. If someone purposely steps in your way, meet their eyes with yours, yet still say nothing. Let your eyes smolder. They’ll move along.”

  “But you wish me to be alone in this? Can’t I walk with Getagin?”

  “No. Its best they aren’t exactly sure where he is.”

  “But a woman would be crazy to walk among these men at night, unchaperoned.”

  “Crazy or so powerful she is unconcerned. You’ll do it twice before I return, Veria. Let’s start taking your life back.”

  I did do the deck walk… twice, as the vampire don Lucido Del Rio told me to. Getagin reassured me he would stay in the cabin with Mia, which was a relief as far as guarding her sleep and safety. However it was unnerving for me to know he would be busy with that, while I would be wandering among a rough crowd on areas familiar to them and nearly foreign to me. It was not encouraging for me to know I was bred to attract attention, if not desire, and whether with purpose or unwittingly, I was very good at it. I rebelled inside against these passages and cursed Lucido, but at some level I felt I understood the purpose.

  Getagin was no help with assurances other than for Mia’s safety. He knew I must do this but there were no promises of aid if I needed any, just a nod as I went past him and through the door. The temperature required no cloak but the dampness of the air was kept away with my wrap and hood. I began my solo promenade going to the rail and staring out into the darkness. I was nervously shaking and thankful for the night and its cover. As I had considered my course on deck earlier, I told myself I would not rush, and now in its reality, I held to that plan. Though there were less men milling about in the evening hours, they were about, but none called out to me or approached. I was left alone, undisturbed and my walk later on gave me no further incidents to navigate. It was from those wanderings on deck that the first whispers came to me of The Lady of Darkness. How foretelling this was.

  28

  When Lucido returned, he inquired regarding my wanderings on the deck and I told him my experience. We walked again upon the deck, passing the deckhands as if they were not there. I could smell the scent of blood on him though his appearance betrayed nothing to indicate anything so gory. He had fed, and who knew where he’d been, how far he’d traveled or what he had done with his time. Now he was back on the boat and fully engaged with life here, upon his return, having left the trauma of his meal behind, as we walked in the early morning

  “We will arrive in Constantinople before the end of the day. We will have some decisions to make then. You need to consider your new life and what you’d like to do with it.”

  “Is there no way for us to continue to stay with you?”

  “Veria, you need to live and love, have children and grow old. Throw yourself into a new life. I know it sounds safe in light of what you have been through, but I assure you, traveling with me it is not safe.”

  “Please don Lucido, I…we would stay out of the way, please!”

  He looked at me…at my eyes, silently. I grew uncomfortable about this but still could not turn away until I felt he allowed it.

  “No. If you were a fish I would throw you back so you could grow bigger. I will not just toss you to the wolves though. Our encounters have something mystifying woven within, and I will not ignore what some might feel is happenstance. Besides, I want your beating heart to go on beating.”

  My eyes rose again to his but this time it was my move, and I searched for a sign that ‘beating heart’ wasn’t some accidental phrase. However, his eyes told no tales.

  Lucido continued. “I will do this for you though. I will not leave you at Constantinople as I had first thought. I think Athens would be better. It’s better distance from those who give chase. Also, perhaps I can leave you with someone safe. So, your stay in our company extends a bit more. Continue these nightly turns in the darkness. They know you are my guest and that buys you some distance from being accosted. But these are men, hardened and rough. Being under my canopy won’t stop some who have more lust inside than brains. You cause heads to turn and thoughts to wander but even in your so called schooling, you are an innocent among the wolves. Learn to use what you have that causes people to approach. You would be a much stronger person if you also learned how to back them off or send them scurrying. Vampires are very skilled at this. Work with Getagin. I’ll help you too. Vampires go where they
wish. You have every right to walk the deck naked in the noon day sun if you like, or promenade the deck at midnight.”

  “I want people to see me, see beyond my features and know me for my qualities inside.”

  “Good. So do I. Then, work every bit as hard at that as you have to be a visual pleasure. This is a gift. Learn how to skillfully use it.”

  “Do I have the strength?”

  “It’s a lot easier if you are a vampire.”

  --------

  We had reached the cabin and I was tired, so was he. I don’t remember getting ready for bed or trying to go to sleep but none the less I awoke the next morning snuggled in my covers. Across the room, among pyramids, veils and coverings draped in small tents; Lucido was sleeping…perhaps. This dark area within the twilit room had an unnerving quality. It reminded me in its appearance, of a spider’s larder.

  I once asked don Lucido, when we ventured out together, why he did not sleep in a casket as I’d heard vampires do. We were gazing out into the black nothingness of the broad sea and he changed not his watch as he replied. “Many do. It’s effective in blocking the painful light.”

  “But you do not?”

  “No, I find it confining and stuffy. Also, if I am accosted as I sleep, by someone who means me harm. It makes no sense to be boxed in when room for battle or escape could make all the difference.”

  I nodded, as I considered his answer.

  “We are within two days of parting you from the ship, Veria. Each will go their own way. How have your nightly jaunts along the ship gone?”

  “I remain unapproached on these ventures. It would seem they are too afraid.”

  “Hmm, we just are not trying hard enough. Here is what you will do, and mark me on this. Tonight, you will remove all of your clothes, wear your most enticing jewelry and paint your face well as you do so well. Walk the deck in this manner. And lest you have confusion with my direction I will say it again: Two times this coming night and two times on your last night, you will primp to your best efforts, remove your clothing and walk the deck.”