Dead Hearts (Book 3): Vengeful Hearts

by Susanne L. Lambdin

  “We discussed this,” Rose said, firm. “This is a Dark Angel problem, not Captain Highbrow’s or the Earth Corps’. Raven has taken her vows. Both are Dark Angels, and as far as I’m concerned, that means they are part of this council.”

  “And why isn’t Salustra here? Why didn’t Pallaton rescue our Maker from the Citadel? Where is Jean-Luc? Shall we overlook their unexplained absences as well?” Tandor’s fangs flashed as he spoke.

  Loki snorted. Highbrow lifted a hand, waving him to silence. He hadn’t cared about the Maker’s absence, though he noted Tandor’s questions produced concerned expressions with both Picasso and Rose. He let them argue.

  “An eye for an eye. Is that how it is?” asked Pallaton. He lifted the patch revealing a flesh-covered socket, and lowered it. “You blinded me, Tandor. I could challenge you to a duel to settle our grievances, as we did in the Shadowguard. But have I? No. I had to do unpleasant things to remain at the Citadel and keep the Kaiser satisfied. Killing Salustra and Jean-Luc aren’t among them. Both died in service to the Dark Angels, and Raven and I are fortunate to be here. Do you want us to leave? Is that what you all want?”

  Micah stood. “Pallaton and Raven have my vote. They stay.”

  “There is no vote,” Rose said. “As the leader of the Dark Angels, I say Pallaton and Raven stay. I’m sure Highbrow and Thor will agree with me. We need everyone.”

  “Good,” Thor said. “Then let’s get back to our battle plans.” He pointed at the map spread across the table. “I say we use nuclear missiles and target the vampire strongholds in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Rome. The fallout won’t affect us in Colorado Springs, but we will eliminate the Kaiser’s allies and their respective forces. As for this camp, I’m not leaving Lt. Sterling in charge of crap. You’re a guest, Highbrow. I lead the Earth Corps in Cadence’s absence. This is a joint op, and you’re not in command.”

  “I lead the Freedom Army, which you were once a part of,” Highbrow said. “There can only be one commander, and we’re not voting. I’m assuming command of this operation and that’s final.”

  Thor laughed. “We all know you’re good at that.”

  “No nukes. The airport remains intact. I’ve got Nomad and Sturgis trying to repair a few of those tanks we saw outside. We can agree on leaving someone else in command here but we attack regardless of Cadence.”

  “Do you want to kill the Kaiser or not?” Thor asked. “We have the means to destroy these bastards at our fingertips.”

  Luna let out a soft growl. “Skye and Monkey are at the Citadel. I’m taking a team tomorrow and so is Sheena. Skye was in our pride, but both are a priority. If Lotus was in this meeting, she would agree. I know Dragon does.”

  “I do,” Dragon said. “I’ll lead the first assault team. Luna, Sheena, and Moon Dog can join me. I’ll take Freeborn and Phoenix too. Thor can have Star, Lotus, Smack, Dodger, Xena, and Loki.”

  “You can’t be serious.” Loki said. His black, lanky hair hid half his face. His scar was exposed, bright red and throbbing. “There are over thirteen thousand Shadowguard and Vescali, but you’ve forgotten the zombie cyborgs. Not just fighters. I’m talking an army. We’ll be slaughtered. I agree with Thor, nuke them all and be done with it.”

  Thor grabbed Loki’s arm and jerked him back into his seat.

  “Let’s get back to discussing the Kaiser,” Star said. “What can you tell us, Raven? He must have a weakness. What did you find after I left?”

  Raven gazed at Star with true affection. “If you use his true name, Prince Balan, he can be stopped for a few minutes. I don’t know about killing him.”

  “Nukes,” whispered Thor.

  Micah stood again, excited. “Well done, Raven. You found his weakness. If someone with a pure heart and mind spoke his name, they can control him.”

  Highbrow rubbed his chin. “That still leaves us with another problem. What about Balan’s shadow? Pallaton, you’ve seen it. How the hell do we kill it?”

  “When Raven said his name, his guardian weakened too,” Pallaton said. “This thing is a demon that drains the life force of anything it touches. This will not be easy, folks. Balan has fought wars against every immortal god and goddess though the ages, and he has defeated them all. They were infected with the same virus that created Chameleons. You’ll be gods one day, if you live that long, but Balan cannot be killed.”

  “Not without a holy relic,” Micah said, “and we don’t have one of those.”

  Loki laughed. “Oh, that’s just perfect. A demon from ancient times has killed every known god and goddess, and you think you can stop him by saying his name?”

  “Would you shut up? If you are afraid, Loki, then stay here with the children and hide,” Thor said.

  “It won’t work. We’ll all die under you.”

  Highbrow made a quick decision. “Dragon, please see Loki to his quarters. If he doesn’t believe in our cause, he doesn’t need to be here. I’m tired of listening to him. Make sure he doesn’t leave his room. I don’t want him talking to anyone and getting them stirred up.”

  “I’ll do it,” Freeborn said, rising from her chair. “Dragon needs to be part of this meeting. Plus, I’m the strongest.” She held Loki by the neck and hauled him to the door. “Come on, Loki.”

  “If you lock me up, you should do the same with those two killers!” Loki pointed at Pallaton and Raven. “The Kaiser’s wife killed Salustra in the arena! And, well, what isn’t on Pallaton’s list? You might as well call the Kaiser and tell him your plan. These two will. They’re on his side, not yours!”

  Pallaton’s eyes flashed yellow, and his fangs protruded as he advanced on Loki. “It wasn’t Raven’s fault,” he said, with a snarl. “It was the ring! A cursed ring given to her by the Kaiser, but she no longer wears it. Raven didn’t mean to kill Salustra and you know it, Loki.”

  “Salustra was my friend,” Raven said. “It’s not what you think. I wasn’t wearing the ring when she died. Zombies had surrounded her. They’d already bitten her and the Kaiser’s shadow was moving in on her. I killed her to spare her agony.”

  “Liar,” Loki shouted. “You enjoyed it! I saw your face!”

  Freeborn lifted Loki over her shoulder, kicking and screaming, and took him out of the conference room. Tandor stood and moved against Pallaton, but Picasso and Micah interceded and stopped him. Lieutenant Sterling drew his weapon, and Thor disarmed him as they bickered over command.

  Highbrow’s temper skyrocketed, and he felt the tips of his ears twitching. He reached up to furry puma ears and realized his fingernails had turned into claws. Luna jumped and reached Highbrow first. She dragged him away from the table and removed his uniform as the seams ripped.

  “You’re changing,” Luna said. “Don’t fight it or it will hurt. Just let it happen. I’m right here. You don’t have to be scared.”

  Highbrow tore off his shirt and roared. Every muscle ached. Within seconds he had transformed into a towering, dark brown werepuma. Luna shed her clothes, dropped to the ground, and morphed, though she was only half his size. Highbrow looked around the room, unable to speak his mind, but he felt his temper abating as Star and Rose calmed everyone down. They all turned to watch Highbrow and Luna.

  A moment later, Highbrow transformed back to human form, as did Luna. She wrapped herself in her coat and tossed Highbrow his pants. Luna had grown accustomed to her nudity, but it mortified Highbrow, and he spared no time getting dressed.

  “You don’t expect it the first time,” Luna sympathized. “You’ll get used to changing and be able to handle it when it happens, if you don’t lose your temper. But until you can control your wild side, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to lead the attack. Your battle plan is sound, Highbrow, but you can’t command as a werepuma. One of the team leaders will have to lead in your place.”

  “I know, I know,” Highbrow muttered as he zipped up his pants. His hands shook, which made it difficult. Luna already had her clothes on and sat, smooth
ing back her hair, as he laced up his boots.

  “You should have told us about this beforehand,” Thor said. He turned to Rose. “As camp doctor, you might have mentioned Highbrow was a mutant. Isn’t that what you call us, Highbrow? Mutants? How does it feel?”

  “Miserable,” Highbrow said. “I have Chameleon and werepuma blood in me. Luna is right. I can’t command if I can’t control this, but your temper is no better than mine. The only two real soldiers are Picasso and Sterling. One of them should lead this mission.”

  “Picasso will be in a chopper,” Dragon said. “Sterling should stay here. Picasso can show him how to run the satellite. Then he can watch the battle from here and respond if we’re contacted by anyone in the military. As for a battlefield commander, Highbrow can stay in command. Just because he’s some super-werepuma doesn’t change things. I’ve never known you to lose your temper in battle, Highbrow. You’ve always been cool under pressure. You’ll be fine.”

  “I agree with Dragon,” Star said. “Highbrow, you shouldn’t be embarrassed. Your change doesn’t diminish your effectiveness as a leader. In fact, it makes you one of us. Luna warned you to be cautious, so you’ll be cautious. Control your temper and lead us to victory.”

  Highbrow started to take a seat, but Micah appeared at his side. Luna came over and touched Highbrow’s forehead. She gave Micah a knowing look. They each took one of his arms and led him to the door. The group stared, concerned, as Dragon opened the door for them.

  “He needs rest,” Micah said. “Luna and I will take him to his room. Thor. Dragon. You two sort out the details with the rest of the group. We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

  “Morphing has worn him out,” Luna said. “He’ll be no good tomorrow if he doesn’t rest.”

  Luna and Micah led an increasingly woozy Highbrow to his room, and they helped him sit on the bed. After he was seated, Luna took a bottle of water and a bag of nuts.

  “Drink and eat,” Luna said. “Eating will help clear your head. Just pretend it’s a big juicy steak. You’ll need your strength sooner than morning.”

  While Highbrow devoured the water and nuts, Micah filled a bag with apples, a bag of chips, and a protein bar. He topped it off with a medical kit, a revolver, and a box of ammo. He zipped it up and put it on the bed next to Highbrow.

  “What’s going on?” Highbrow asked. “Am I going somewhere?”

  “It’s Cadence,” Micah said. “I don’t think Logan and Rafe were the best people to send after her. Cadence is vital to the success of the assault on the Citadel. Luna and I think Thor sent Logan and Rafe on the mission hoping they wouldn’t make it back. Only an immortal can use the portal. If they don’t find Cadence and the others, they can’t come back.”

  “What am I supposed to do?” Highbrow asked. “Thor leads the Earth Corps. He’s not going to let me go after her. I need to stay here and concentrate on defeating the Shadowguard. Without his army, we don’t have a chance to capture Balan and hold him until Cadence arrives.”

  Micah gave Highbrow a funny look. “We’re talking about Cadence here, the girl you’re supposed to love. We’re not asking you to do anything we’re not willing to do, Highbrow. Luna and I already spoke with Phoenix. She’s agreed to take us through the portal to find Cadence.”

  Highbrow choked. “What? Are you two serious? I’m not even sure I believe any of this yet. And further, I’m told you need a blood sacrifice to open that thing. This is ridiculous. I’ll go after her. Thor needs you guys, but I’m expendable.”

  “I thought you’d say that,” Micah said. “You’re a super-werepuma. You can go through the monolith on your own. All you have to do is step through it and once you find them, step through it again. Phoenix has arranged everything.”

  “You can’t wear your uniform,” Luna said, “or you’ll stick out like a sore thumb.”

  Luna pulled out tall boots and an altered blue sheet from the closet, made into a tunic for a knight. “I took the boots from Phoenix. She has others, and she has big feet. We don’t have armor for you, but you can use Micah’s sword. We’ll dress you like a knight the best we can and help you get to the stone. Dodger and Xena are on guard duty, so they won’t be a problem.”

  “This is the right thing to do, Highbrow,” Micah said. “If Cadence is captured or the monolith is destroyed, wouldn’t you rather be with her?”

  “This may be the only way to make up after throwing her out of camp,” Luna said. “What I said about you not being able to command wasn’t true. I said that because you needed a reason to not be able to lead the attack tomorrow. You might not get back in time. Are you sure you want to do this alone?”

  “Because we will come with you if needed,” Micah said. “We have two black cloaks we can wear. Lotus told us where to find them. She’s in, too, and is creating a diversion. She went to the fourth lake before the war council. Tell us what you want to do.”

  Highbrow felt whiskers sprouting on his face and butterflies taking flight in his stomach. Luna sat next to him and put her hand on his shoulder, but the whiskers and butterflies remained. If anything, she made him more nervous.

  “You have a chance to set things right. Cadence is in another time and place. Do you want to spend the rest of your life missing her, or do you want to find her?”

  “All right,” Highbrow said. “This is crazy, but I’ll do it. On my own.” If Cadence would ever forgive him, he had to do it on his own and prove how much he loved her.

  “If you’re questioned,” Micah said, “use a bad English accent and tell them Richard Mallory sent you.”

  “And if it gets ugly, turn into a werepuma and eat them.” Luna smiled. “I’m teasing. You don’t have to eat anyone. I never have.”

  Highbrow changed his boots and held out his arms. Luna and Micah placed the tunic over his head and buckled a sword around his waist. They fastened a black cloak around his neck with a silver brooch. When they finished fussing over him, Highbrow went to the mirror and gazed at his reflection. He felt…and now he looked…like a knight.

  Micah and Luna stood as lookouts while Highbrow ran to the lower level and waited at the door to the lake for the pair to follow. Luna went inside to create the diversion with Lotus, leaving Micah to watch the hallway. The door opened, and Highbrow heard the diversion, a heated argument between the girls. Micah walked through the doorway and motioned for Highbrow to make his move. He charged into the cavern, jumped the barrier, and ran straight for the monolith. He stopped at the sight of a dead rabbit on the ground. The blood sacrifice. As Highbrow approached, the rock opened and a blinding, green light hit his face. He entered and vanished from sight.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Twenty-One

  A thick mist blanketed Pevensey Castle. Lit torches created a golden halo at the battlements and spread across the battlefield. The dead bodies of foot soldiers, knights, horses, dog soldiers, and wraiths cluttered the field. Thin forms in rags searched the fallen warriors, sucking blood from the wounded. The creatures fled at the approach of Cadence, Whisper, and Blaze, who walked with their bloodied swords drawn. Lord Darkmoore’s reinforcements had been waiting in the forest, and the enemy forces had kept them from arriving at the castle in time to turn the tide.

  Cadence had seen the aftermath of war and had lived a year with the walking corpses, which had somewhat dulled her senses. Her sense of smell, though, was not one of them; the stench permeated her nostrils and made her want to gag. The wholesale slaughter of medieval warfare had its own gory allure and morbid fascination. The dead were torn, trampled, and devoured, and body parts were scattered across the soggy ground. Among the dead was Sir Thomas Mallory, trapped beneath his slain horse. The evidence showed he died of a broken neck. Cadence stared into Thomas’s open, glazed eyes.

  “What possessed you to ride out and meet the enemy?” Cadence asked. “You had the superior position with a high wall, catapults to launch fire, archers with silver arrows, and a castle keep to fall back to if the wal
ls were breached. All you had to do was wait for us.”

  “Cadence, you’re creeping me out,” Blaze said. “Stop talking to dead people. That’s Smack’s specialty.”

  Cadence gazed at the castle. “See if the drawbridge is lowered, Whisper. The enemy may be waiting inside. We need to be extra cautious. It’s too damn quiet.”

  “The dead should be silent,” Whisper said.

  Whisper ran toward the castle, vanishing in the thick fog. The moon slid around a cloud and added a touch of silver light upon the slain. Blaze walked ahead of Cadence through the mangled bodies. She stabbed something that gurgled as it died, and then moved on, continuing the process until she came across someone familiar.

  “It’s Logan,” Blaze said. “He’s dead.”

  Cadence hurried over to a body wearing a black cloak; she recognized the former FBI agent despite the sword jutting from his chest and a torn throat. She pulled the sword from his body, tossed it aside, and knelt beside him. Placing a hand on his frigid skin, she reached beneath the neckline of his sweater and pulled out a gold chain with a diamond pendent. She ripped the necklace from his neck and slid it into a leather pouch on her side.

  “Rose will want this,” Cadence said.

  “What the hell is he doing here?” Blaze asked. “Was he part of a rescue team? We need to keep looking. More of our people may be here.”

  Blaze sped away, examining the dead bodies, moving so fast she covered the entire field within seconds. On her way back to Cadence, she let out a gasp and knelt beside another corpse. She said nothing, and waited for Cadence to join her. They stared down at Rafe’s lifeless, pale form. A scaled, bat-like creature enveloped him. The creature was Rafe’s final kill. He had ripped out its heart and still held it in his rigid hand.

  Cadence shook her head. “How did they get here? Logan was at the Citadel and Rafe was being held prisoner. Yet, here they are. Dead. The thing that killed Rafe must be a Vescali demon. Get it off him, please.”