by CJ England
"Let's start at the beginning,” Koran said tiredly. “How did she get poisoned?"
"We were eating at a restaurant. Suddenly we both started feeling sick, but she collapsed."
Lucas frowned. “You said you were talking about wizards just before you got sick?"
Danolas rubbed his hand wearily over his face. “We were talking about the possibility Sebastian had been removed by the wizard he went to see.” He went over his and Kira's entire conversation then looked at Patrick. “An inexperienced leader is always easier to control. We were just saying we needed to talk to you when, bam ... it hit us."
Patrick looked at Koran intently. “Can a spell be timed to go off with a word or a phrase?"
Koran's eyes brightened, as he caught Patrick's chain of thought. “Yes, if a magician didn't want something to be talked about, he could weave a spell into the very air so it would go off when certain key words were spoken."
"How can you ward against that?” Benjamin wondered.
"It wouldn't be easy, but it can be done. We would have to put traveling wards around us all.” Danolas was thoughtful, but then he raised his eyes to the rest of the men. “But we have to get her through this one first. What can we do?"
Lucas thought of something. “The witch Morag said it was attacking her life force ... right? Draining it away?"
Koran nodded. “What are you thinking, Lucas?"
Lucas was silent for a while. When he looked at them, his eyes glistened. “What if Gallegar is the key?"
Benjamin and Patrick looked at Danolas as he staggered to his feet excitedly.
"I don't understand,” Benjamin asked.
"You may be right, Lucas. Tell them.” Danolas could barely speak.
"Gallegar gave his life for Kira, remember? It is part of his joining with her. We all heard the words. If this curse was tailor made for Kira, then the person who made it would know the only one who might be able to help her, rests during the day. Set the magick so it goes off during the day and poof, Kira dies."
Patrick frowned. “Then why isn't she dead?"
"Because I got her to my Keep before the poison could take hold. The Keep will not allow harm to come to any unless I wish it. The Keep's wardings keep her alive,” Danolas answered.
"But the wardings can't heal her. And we all can feel her slipping away. Hell, I feel it myself. I'm weaker than I was when I got here.” Benjamin spoke despondently.
"True. She will die if we cannot figure this out. But it gives us something to work with.” Danolas looked at each of them, and his eyes burned with hope.
"Morag said there was no known magick to break a witch or wizard's spell, but look at us. Yesterday, we were unknown to each other. Our magicks have blended into a new power. Who says this new magick cannot break through this horrible curse?"
Patrick smiled for the first time since entering the room. “Maybe we just gotta have faith,” he said, quietly. The others smiled with him.
"And we need Gallegar. His is the life force that can heal her."
Koran looked at Danolas. “Do we dare take her to him?"
"If we remove her from the wardings, I think she will die immediately. Gallegar must come here."
Lucas looked at his watch, his jaw tight. “We still have two hours till sunset. And if Gallegar is feeling like we do, he'll be pretty weak."
"He won't have fed either. He might not even be able to walk.” Koran rubbed his head nervously.
Danolas turned to Jorad. “Go to A Crown of Thorns. There should be a caretaker there to whom you can tell what has happened. Bring Gallegar here as soon as he rises from his rest.” Danolas paused, and his eyes met Jorad's. “He will need to be fed as soon as he gets up. There will be no time to wait. He will have to feed in the car."
Jorad stumbled away from Danolas. His voice was pleading. “Not I, High Lord!"
Danolas shook his head impatiently. “No, no. There are always those nearby to allow the Master to feed. Bring one of them."
Jorad hesitated. It was clearly a job he didn't relish doing.
"You are the only one I can trust with this, Jorad. You know King Gallegar and he knows you. He will trust you are telling him the truth. He will know I have sent you."
Jorad bowed. “I will do as you ask, High Priest. I will bring him here as soon as I can.” They all watched as Jorad ran from the room.
"What do we do now?” Benjamin whispered.
Danolas just looked at him. “There is nothing we can do, but wait."
* * * *
Time seemed to crawl after that. The men spoke of different things, trying to keep their minds off what was happening. Danolas told them about the houses and the loft Kira wanted to see. He had Tobias send word to the realtor, Sarah, there would be a delay. Everyone took hope from that small gesture.
But as time slipped by, they could all feel themselves weakening. Lucas continued to hold Kira, but even his strong arms began shaking after a while.
Kira woke just as the sun touched the top of the buildings in the west. She gazed around at the circle of men. It seemed she was too weak to speak, but she slowly and painfully touched each of the Chosen on the cheek. Then they heard her mind-speech. It sounded very far, far away.
"I ... love ... you ... all..."
Her eyes closed and her body went limp.
"No!” shouted Lucas. He rose, staggering, and laid her down on a fur in front of the fire. Taking her hand in his, he willed the remainder of his strength into her body. “We ... just ... need ... to hold ... on ... till ... Gallegar gets ... here..."
The others crowded around her, and touching her in some way added their strength to Lucas's.
"Her ... heart ... still beats.” Danolas’ eyes teared with emotion.
"Hold on, sugar.” Patrick gritted his teeth to keep his hand in corporeal form so he could add his touch to his brethrens'. “Just hold on."
* * * *
Gallegar awoke in his Sanctuary with the knowledge something was very wrong. His heart was beating overly fast and he thought he'd heard Kira call his name. His body felt odd as well.
Usually he was well rested when he rose, but tonight he felt drawn and weak. He barely had the strength to lift his body from his bed. Pushing himself to the floor, Gallegar staggered to the closet. It seemed to take hours just to get a pair of pants on, let alone his shirt and shoes.
He shook his head to clear it. What is wrong with me? He checked himself. There were no wounds on his body. Nothing to account for his weakened state.
He unlocked the door of his special chamber, and stumbled into the outer room. Once there he unleashed his power and opened the door that couldn't be seen by any eyes other than his own.
He recoiled back, when as soon as the door opened, Jorad rushed into the room. As soon as Gallegar saw him, he realized why he was so weak.
Kira ... Something had happened to Kira.
"What...” he tried to say, but the witch was already manhandling him out the door.
"We must go, my Lord. There is not much time. I will explain in the car."
Jorad was as good as his word. He quickly had Gallegar in the back seat of Danolas’ Volvo. A second later, he sped out of the parking lot and down the street.
"What is going on?” Gallegar found the strength to say.
"I will tell you, Lord Gallegar, but first you must eat. I ... brought someone for you."
Gallegar turned and saw Alex, one of the humans whom he fed off of once a month. He frowned. “Alex, it is not your turn. To feed from you will weaken you greatly."
Alex shrugged. “There was no time to find anyone else. I happened to stop by to pick up my paycheck when I heard what was going on. I was the only human in the building. It was me or nobody."
"Please, Lord Gallegar, we don't have much time. I will explain while you ... feed."
"I am too weak to enthrall you, Alex. It will be more painful than normal.” Alex just nodded and closed his eyes.
Gallegar was ravenous, but he co
ntrolled himself enough to break the skin as gently as possible before allowing the blood to flow. While he ate, Jorad told him what was happening at the Keep.
* * * *
Gallegar's heart pounded in fear when they reached The Magick Box. He had fed fully, thanks to Alex, but even with the fresh blood, he didn't have his full strength. He was terrified that in his weakened state, Kira might have slipped away and he wouldn't know it.
When they pulled up to the door, Gallegar threw open the door and jumped out. He was still so weak he couldn't hide his vampiric qualities. His green eyes glowed and fangs showed as he stumbled to the door. He shocked several couples in the parking lot. There were muttered exclamations and screams.
Jorad hurried around to Gallegar's side and braced the vampire king against him. He smiled radiantly at the crowd. “Just part of the show, folks. We're thinking of bringing in actors to play vampires. What do you think?"
A smattering of applause was his answer. He bowed to the patrons, and then turning, led Gallegar to the side door.
"Quick thinking, witch. I can barely manage to walk, let alone pretend to be human."
Jorad opened the door and pushed Gallegar through. “This joining is fraught with more danger than anyone knew."
Gallegar smiled weakly. “Maybe that means it will be more successful than we believed as well."
"Optimism is good, my Lord."
Gallegar threw a look behind him. “Alex will need sustenance. I took much from him tonight."
"He's not dead?"
Gallegar scowled at him. “I do not kill those who are loyal to me. Alex has been with me for many years. He will need food and drink and a place to rest himself."
Jorad nodded. “I will take care of him as soon as I get you inside to the Lady."
Moments later, Gallegar stepped alone through Danolas’ bedroom door. He was greeted by a sight that chilled his heart. Kira was lying on the floor next to the fire, and all the Chosen were laying around her, completely limp.
"By the Power,” he breathed as he staggered forward, closing the door firmly behind him. He dropped to his knees next to Danolas and put his hand sorrowfully on his friend's shoulder.
"My brother,” he choked out. He caught his breath as Danolas wearily opened his eyes. “Gallegar, you're here..."
Gallegar wiped his arm across suddenly damp eyes. “I thought I was too late."
"Almost are ... She needs ... your life force. It may be all that can cure her."
"And you?"
Danolas smiled. “And us all...” He reached up, and took Gallegar by the hand. “Go inside. Let your power do what needs ... what needs to be ... done. We know you can do it.” His eyes closed, and his hand dropped to his side.
Gallegar felt a moment's panic as Danolas fell back unconscious. What did he know? His wasn't the gift of understanding. He looked down at Kira's pale face. His eyes burned with unshed tears, as he reached down and touched her face. It was like ice. Its coldness shocked him into action.
Letting his magick guide him, he put his hand on the brand he had marked her with. Drawing a deep breath into his lungs, he allowed his power to carry him inside her.
Through skin, and muscle and bone he traveled. Deep inside, he let his magick take him to the source of Kira's deathlike stillness. He could sense she was still alive, barely. Her heart was beating, but so slowly it was frightening. He worked his way through the body to the source of life. Her heart.
The green poison that Danolas and Koran had seen was there. Stronger now and more vile. It saw him coming and undulated wickedly, squeezing her heart with poison tendrils. Gallegar reached for the green menace, but when he touched it, the poison wrapped itself around him and he screamed in pain.
It burned him, just like the Words of Death had done.
He jerked away, putting distance between himself and the poison. What can I do here? How can I break the poison's grasp on Kira? Danolas said she needed his life force. But how can I give it to her?
Suddenly, he heard the Power whisper in his mind. Hearing the words, Gallegar came out of Kira's body and looked around at the unconscious men. They had to wake up. He didn't know why yet, but it was necessary to help Kira. But how? He did not have the knowledge.
He moved back to Danolas’ side and shook his friend hard, trying to awaken him. Danolas moaned and his eyelids trembled. When his eyes finally opened, his gaze was out of focus and weak.
"Danolas!” Gallegar called to him, his voice frenzied. “I need you and the others to come out of it. All of us must combine powers to fight this menace."
Danolas tried to sit up, but his arms wouldn't support him.
"Danolas! The Power says we all have to be awake to help Kira. How do I wake the others? I need your help!"
Danolas shook his head, trying to concentrate on Gallegar's words. “Strength...” he muttered. “We need more strength."
Gallegar went still. He knew how to give them the strength they needed, but in doing so, he would run the risk of alienating them all. He looked back at Kira, who was looking grayer with every minute that passed. As much as he feared the choice he must make, it was the only way he could think of to help them all.
Glancing around, he caught sight of the ceremonial dagger Benjamin wore strapped to his thigh. He eased it out of the sheath and turned back to Danolas who was looking at him with bleary eyes.
"It is the only way,” he said hoarsely, as with a quick motion he slit open his wrist. He held it against Danolas’ mouth and then squeezed his hand into a fist, causing the rich blood to flow into the witch's mouth.
Danolas's eyes widened as he choked and swallowed. He fought against Gallegar's grip. Gallegar felt his own eyes fill with tears. “Forgive me, my friend."
Danolas took in Gallegar's blood for several minutes. Then with an oath, he pushed away from him and struggled to his knees. He stared at Gallegar with something like loathing in his sapphire eyes. “What have you done to me?"
"I have given you my strength,” Gallegar returned, his face pale, his bloody arm dripping at his side. “I knew of no other way."
Danolas stared at him. He saw the vampire's weakness and felt Gallegar's anguish through their link. He knew why the vampire had done it. Supernatural creatures didn't react to vampire blood the way humans did. Instead of turning them into vampires, it gave a supernatural ... special powers.
But knowing that didn't stop the repugnance that filled Danolas now. He had drunk blood and it had strengthened him. He hated himself for it as much as he did Gallegar for making him do it. He wanted to vomit it all out, but his gaze fell to Kira who looked so frail and insubstantial, so close to death.
He wanted to rail at Gallegar for what he had done, but Danolas knew in his heart, Gallegar had done the only thing possible to help them all. He fought the inner battle for several minutes.
"I'm sorry.” Gallegar's face was filled with self-condemnation. “I should have thought of another way. I panicked. I..."
Danolas stopped him with a hard squeeze to his shoulder. “You did what was right. Forgive me for my reaction. I was thinking only of myself. Not of our Lady or of you."
Gallegar looked at him in astonishment. “You're okay with...” He motioned to his bloody arm with the dagger.
Danolas felt his insides cringe, but he held it together as he looked at his friend. “It is not an easy thing to accept. It is not a part of who I am, but if your blood is needed to help us cure Kira, then we must take it with gratitude."
"The others?"
Danolas shrugged. “They will do it because they must. Do not allow yourself to be hurt by their reactions. You are doing the right thing."
Gallegar sat totally still as he reflected on Danolas’ words. He had made the decision out of concern for Kira, but he had known before he started how the Chosen would respond. What was natural for him was repulsive to them. But he would deal with their anger if it meant saving his beloved. Kira was everything to him.
He m
oved next to Benjamin, who was lying unconscious next to Danolas. Danolas lifted the Suprahuman's head and with a quick motion, Gallegar pressed his arm against his mouth. Benjamin groaned and tried to twist away, but then some inner knowledge of self-preservation took over and, after a few moments, he was drinking down Gallegar's blood as fast as he could.
"Be careful,” Danolas warned, when after several long minutes, Gallegar finally removed his arm from Benjamin's grasp. “It won't do us any good for you to keel over due to blood loss."
"I will measure the amounts I give carefully, my friend. I must have enough for Kira if necessary."
They both watched as Benjamin gained consciousness. His first act was to wipe away the blood smeared on his mouth. He looked sick as he realized what had happened. He wouldn't meet either of their eyes.
Gallegar moved on to Patrick, whose essence was draped over the rug next to Kira. He was only partially corporeal, his upper body able to be touched. Gallegar breathed a prayer of gratitude as he was able to open Patrick's mouth so he could take in the life-giving blood.
"Gallegar...” Benjamin came up behind him.
Gallegar stiffened, expecting the worst. He was shocked when the Suprahuman moved around him and carefully held Patrick's head so the blood would go in easier.
His eyes met the vampire's. “I'm not angry with you. Not much anyway.” He gave him a crooked grin. “It was just a little unnerving to find myself enjoying something I thought I would find gross."
"Enjoying it?” Gallegar stared at the big man.
"Well, not really enjoying it. But it was kinda an instinctive reaction. I knew I needed it, so getting it felt ... good. It was embarrassing."
They both went silent as Patrick's eyes flew open. He struggled weakly against their grasps, but they held him until he had drunk as much of Gallegar's blood as the vampire felt he needed. Only then did Gallegar move away.
He watched as Patrick painfully got to his feet. He stood swaying, as he waited to get his equilibrium back. The Ethereal touched his mouth, and looked at the blood that stained his fingers, and his face turned red with the effort of keeping the repast in his stomach.
"Why?” was all he asked.