Kingdom of the Damned: Provocation (KIngdom Journals)

by Tricia Copeland

  Raising my chin, I assert my wish. “I would like to meet with your leader.”

  “And, so you shall, my lady.” Jacob bows, and he and the brother step back, making a lane for me between them.

  They walk on either side of me with Will following. I cut my eyes to Jacob and he smiles at me. With his seeming amusement at my expense, I feel like the crazy, small, heartbroken female I described to Will. Even though I’d said the words, I’d never really felt them till now. I stand tall, shoulders spread. I’m Anne of Scotts, I think, shoring up my resolve. But the slow pace makes my nerves worse, and I wish to run just to shorten our journey.

  An hour passes before we reach their village. It is large, bigger than the last that welcomed us. It spreads out hundreds of feet, the houses built on stilts, I assume because of the possibility of flooding from the sea.

  “We’re busy preparing for Mabon. My father, the leader of this tribe, invites you to stay for the holiday. You may rest here for the day.” Jacob motions to a small log cabin structure.

  “Thank you.” I jump up onto the porch. “We’ll see you at sunset.”

  Will and I wait as Jacob and the other retreat into their cabins. I scan the landscape. Blades of grass reflect the first rays of light from the rising sun. As vibrant as a sea of emeralds, the wind produces waves of green.

  I shield my eyes light in the east. “It’s beautiful here.”

  “Aye, it reminds me of home in spring.” Will opens the cottage door and motions me in.

  I shed my coats. “Will you miss it?”

  “I imagine I’ll see many more beauties before our journey ends.”

  “That we will. You rest.” I position myself in front of a small opening, too wound up to think of lying still.

  When the sun crests in the sky, I feel worn from worry and am not able to rest for long. I rise as noise from the village grows. Hearing approaching feet, I slide into my coat, sling my spear to my back, and exit onto the porch. Jacob and another soldier appear in front of the cabin.

  Jacob steps forward. “We celebrate the equinox for three days. My father has asked you to be his guests at the celebrations.”

  Will expands his chest. “Are we guests or hostages?”

  “Guests, we have not taken your weapons. Come.” Jacob extends a hand to me. “I’ll introduce you to my mother.”

  “We stay together.” Will inserts himself between Jacob and me.

  We’re introduced to Jacob’s mother and several others gathered with her. They all have European names, and intrigued, I ask their origin. She tells me they are new to the area, having traveled there from Germany only some fifty years earlier. I’m unfamiliar with the violence that broke out over Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses urging Christians to use biblical scripture rather than the church to interpret faith.

  “We had no interest in fighting men over religious edicts, and the violence left bleeding humans in the street. It wasn’t a good time or place to be a hidden race. As they were in France, we figured the witches would be on the heels of the Catholic church soon enough.” She finishes the story.

  As the meal is prepared, the villagers gather around a large bonfire. I’m introduced to Jacob’s father, leader of the tribe, and seated to his left. Jacob hops into the spot beside me, leaving Will at the end of their family’s line. We eat and drink. Some tell stories, and others sing and recite poems. Dancing begins, and I’m caught up in the scene. A mix of civilized culture and raw celebration of the land’s bounty, it’s hard for me to meld the two in my mind. The movements of the vampires, so primal and wild, are so opposite to the restrained social etiquette of my life in London, and I wonder how I ever fit into the social society in England.

  Jacob jumps to his feet and bows. “May I?” He extends his hand to me.

  “Thank you, but no,” I tell him, never intending to dance with a male again.

  A child fits a wreath of flowers in my hair and offers me her hand. I accept her invitation to dance, and we skip and twirl, circling the fire. Jacob joins in the merriment, as does Will, and I end up sandwiched between them for most of the night. Still, it feels freeing to move to the beat, let the melody flow through my body.

  We drink and dance well past sunup, and Jacob escorts me to my cabin with Will trailing behind.

  “My lady.” Jacob bows as he bids me good night.

  I look between Will and Jacob. “If my friends could see me now, they would have gossiped for days.”

  “You haven’t told us anything about yourself.” Jacob holds my gaze.

  Will passes me and jumps to the porch. My eyes cut to him and back to Jacob. “That is a story that will have to wait till I’m sober and rested. Good night.”

  Sunset of the fall solstice finds the village abuzz with excitement. The children hang lanterns on poles wringing the fire circle. Deer hang from spits above a line of flames. The vision of my family home consumed by fire skirts my brain, and I focus on the present.

  “Guess who’s coming?” Will bends over and whispers in my ear.

  A second later, Jacob is before me. He bows low and, rising, holds my gaze. “Father and Mother would be honored for you to join them.” Motioning to the large center building, he holds his elbow out to escort me.

  “Of course, I would love to share their company.” Ignoring his outstretched arm, I grab my skirt in my hand and start off to the structure. Jacob and Will trail me. Inside, I greet all the family members and sit beside the leader and his wife. He tells the story of his tribe’s trek from Germany and how they chose the tip of the continent to call home.

  His wife laughs and hands me a cup of wine. “It was the summer and so green. The deer gathered near the streams, the birds numbered hundreds. Little did we know what the winters would be like.”

  Knowing there will be much celebrating, I take small sips of the fermented fruit drink. The family begins a procession and wind through the village, with everyone joining the parade. The children overtake the leaders, running ahead to the fire circle.

  We eat, drink, and dance, until sunup. The experience fulfills my yearning for belonging, family, a people to call my own. I wander to the seashore the next day while Will rests. Shedding my shoes, I dig my feet into the sand. I aim my face at the sun and take in its warmth.

  “You favor the days.”

  I find Jacob some twenty feet away and reprimand myself for dropping my guard. “I like the feel of the warmth on my skin.”

  “You like the sea?”

  “Yes, I haven’t been to the ocean many times. It’s very peaceful.”

  “Full of possibility.”

  I marvel at the ability to see the next continent beyond the straight.

  “May I be frank?” Jacob inquires. “I wish to accompany you on your quest. My father has released me from my duties here and given me leave to join you.”

  “Oh.” I hug my blanket to my shoulders as the wind picks up.

  “You should know I favor you but have no expectations of a relationship.”

  My cheeks flame with embarrassment. I feel like an old maid. While I realized he may be attracted to me, I didn’t entertain the idea further. I don’t want to think of courtship and look out over the water, marveling at how the sun reflects off the top of the waves. “I don’t believe it’s a good idea for you to join us. I will not love you.”

  “We got off course. I want to join you because I believe in what you’re doing. I—”

  I shake my head. “Jacob, I don’t even know what I’m doing. The love of my life died, and I started on this mission.” I steel my jaw to fight the tears forming. “I don’t plan on settling till I’ve met every vampire group on Earth. It’s not a great way to live.”

  He grips both my biceps, and I tense from his touch. ‘What of Will? Why did you let him join you?”

  Eyes trained on his, I swallow. “He killed my mate. I believe he seeks redemption.”

  Jacob’s face contorts, and his eyes narrow. “And you are friends?” He rel
eases me and steps back. “Now I am even more decided. I see a woman seeking a brighter future for herself and our people. I want to be a part of that. Please, let me join you.”

  I scan the sky and then refocus on him. “I need to ask Will what he thinks.”

  “This is the first time I’ve seen you alone.”

  “He’s a faithful companion.”

  “I’m strong, a good warrior and hunter, and I know everything my father does of our histories. I can help.” His eyes hold mine again.

  “I must speak with Will when he finishes his rest. We leave at sunset.”

  He bows. “I will be ready.”

  The wind from his exit blows strands of hair across my nose. I strip my clothes and swim as long as my muscles allow. Later, Will finds me sitting on the sand, watching the waves.

  He lowers himself to the ground beside me. “You need rest.”

  The decision seems enormous and I long to be held, cradled and safe in another’s arms. My body twitches with wear, and I move a foot away from him. “Jacob wants to come with us.”

  “Figures.” Will shakes his head. “Knew something was brewing with him. He profess his love for you?”

  I push his shoulder, and he tips away from me, catching his fall with the other arm. “He didn’t go that far. He did admit affection. But that’s not why he desires to join us.”

  “And you believe him? What do you want to do?”

  “I don’t know. He may be helpful. He knows the eastern territories. He’s strong.”

  “I did say we could use another body.”

  “Is the answer yes, then?” I jump up and take a few steps to the water, bending to pick up a shell and throw it in.

  “I’m not sure I like him.”

  “That’s because he likes me.”

  “True.”

  My face grows warm at his statement, and I stoop, snatch a rock, and lob it into the water. Turning, I approach Will. “Yes, then?”

  He rises and strides to me. “I knew I’d have to share you someday.”

  Sensing the affection he feels for me, part of my heart melts. The second I register this emotion, anger replaces it. “We’re friends. Nothing more. I shall call Jacob comrade too and whoever else wishes to join us.”

  One side of his lips rises, and a smile forms on his face. “So, you’ve decided on your quest?”

  “I have.” I place each hand on a hip and broaden my shoulders. “We shall visit all the vampire tribes in the world, make a plea to unite in the aim of preserving our race and peace among ourselves and with other beings.”

  “And so it shall be, My Queen.” Hand over his heart, he bows to me.

  21 December 1599 - Pamir Mountains, central Asia

  “Are you excited?” Will asks as he sets a candle and sheets of parchment on the table in front of me.

  I smooth the black silk sash around my waist and secure the arm-length gloves on my biceps. “Nervous. I don’t know if they can agree on anything, and everyone leaves tomorrow.”

  “With your leadership, they can.” Will lays his hand atop mine.

  A wooden door reaching to the ceiling opens, and Jacob strides in. “They’ve eaten and are heading this way.” His eyes narrow as he reaches us. “Black? Again? At least you’re wearing a dress.” He plops down in the chair to my right.

  Will rounds the table and sits on my left. “I think she looks stunning.”

  The doors open, and I rise. Some three hundred vampires file into the hall, and I study each of them as they line the stone walls, forming a circle. Originating in Asia, Europe, and Africa, ambassadors of their tribes, light, medium, dark skinned, some with red, some with blond, some with jet black hair, a third of them female, come together to represent their tribes at this first conclave of the vampire species.

  A female, Mambi, from Africa speaks first and another from eastern Asia counters. A male from Russian chimes in and then Erik’s ambassador, Gregor. Some wish to create a reigning body, but most oppose. There are many issues, and after a few hours pass, I grow anxious.

  Standing, I stride to the center of the circle. “What’s one thing we can agree on?”

  Gregor approaches me. “We want freedom and peace.”

  My mind cheers. “What’s the first step to this goal?”

  “Agreeing on the sanctity of life.” Sambia, also of Mambi’s tribe, joins us in the center.

  Mumblings of agreement pass through the crowd, and I bite my cheek, so I don’t smile. “Can we agree on that? A show of hands on that premise?”

  Hands begin to rise.

  “Are any opposed?” A gale sweeps over me, and an ancient, pallid, wrinkled vampire appears in front of me. I swallow. “Dracula.”

  He closes in, rancid breath hot on my face. “The old order will suffice. Werewolves I have no want for. Faeries I will agree to let be, although they smell good. Perhaps even witches”—his eye brows peak—“so as to avoid retribution. I submit that killing each other doesn’t make sense, but humans are my food source.” Spit lands on my forehead. “No conspicuous killing, as it has been through the millennia. That will suffice as law.”

  His cape hits my legs as he whirls to face the others. “Do we deny our birthright to follow this olive-branch-waving youngling of a lass?” His eyes cut to me as he finishes the oration with a hiss. Holding my gaze, he circles me. “I have been alive over a thousand years. Do you know why?”

  I shake my head.

  “Because I consume only human blood. Have you tasted it?” Dracula runs a long-nailed finger down my cheek. “I wonder how long you’ll live only consuming animals.” As he jerks his head towards the others, a hush falls over the crowd. “I’m done here. Let those who stand with me abandon this foolish charade.”

  His boots scrape the floor as he glides to the door and swings both panels open, causing a cold blast of air to sweep the room. A rumble of discussion grows, and foot falls on the wood floor echo though the stone hall. One by one others follow Dracula out the door. As a group forms at the exit, it’s hard for me to assess their numbers. When I return my gaze to the remaining vampires, half the space is empty. My heart drops.

  Gregor steps to my side. “I count one-hundred seventy-eight of us left,” he whispers. Raising his chin, he motions for those left to draw in. “What do we propose?”

  I take a deep breath. “There have been many ideas put forth in these meetings. What if we say murder, the taking of a life—human, vampire, witch, faerie, or any intelligent being walking primarily on two legs—is forbidden? Any accused will be tried by jury of his tribesmen and punished as the jury sees fit. Each tribe may decide the rules of this jury and type of punishment appropriate. Can we agree on that single edict?”

  Silence reigns for a few moments, but then chatter spreads through the group. I hold my breath.

  “I will support a vote on the edict.” Sambia smiles as she takes a position on my right.

  Gregor resumes his stance on my left. “As do I.”

  One by one, from different sides of the room, vampires step forward in support of the edict, until those remaining agree.

  Walking to the table, I dip a quill in ink and pen the edict on the parchment. Signing underneath, I invite the rest to do the same. My heart thumps in my chest as Gregor, Sambia, then Mambi come to the table and sign the page. I greet each ambassador as they step forward and pledge their tribe’s support, with a name, line, symbol, or cross mark.

  When the doors close behind the last conclave member, I slump into my seat, my adrenaline spent. I look to my right and then left at Jacob and Will. “I’m not sure that was a victory.”

  Will grabs the page and hops to the tabletop, holding the edict high above his head. “You did it. More than half signed.”

  He offers his hand to me. I take it and jump to his side.

  “I knew you would, Queen.” Jacob bows and joins us.

  My mind swirls with the thought of victory for a half second and then lands on the next move. “Call f
or the witnesses, two from each tribe, now.”

  Jacob shoots out the door. Wiping my boot prints from the table, I set the edict document in front of me.

  “I can’t believe you stood up to Dracula.” Will leans in so our faces are inches apart.

  “It’s a good thing I had these high boots.” I shiver, thinking of his foul breath on my head.

  Jacob returns followed by a stream of witnesses. They’re packed for travel, and as they view the document, we bid each farewell and God’s speed on their journeys. Once the last leaves, I stare at the sheet as if it might disappear. Flanked by my champions, I relish the moment.

  “We did it.”

  “And now we shall eat, drink, and be merry!” Jacob pulls me to the center of the room. We skip and dance to imaginary tunes like children. Eventually, the wear of the day catches up with me, and I recline on the table.

  “Time for tea and rest, my lady?” Will offers me his hand.

  Rolling the parchment and tying it with a ribbon from my hair, I hook one arm in Will’s and the other through Jacob’s. We make our way through the now quiet halls as the sun rises in the east. In my suite, I lay the parchment roll on the table and hang a kettle of water above the fire.

  Will sets cups and saucers in front of us, and he, Jacob, and I stare at the flames in silence. A cloud forms on the horizon, causing the room to go dark. Will finds a match on the hearth and lights the candles in the center of the table. Wind begins to stream through the cracks around the windows and doors, low and howling at first but rising to a shrill whistle. My shoulders shiver in response.

  “This is odd.” Jacob walks towards the doors.

  The hinges rattle. Both the panels, still held by the lock, bow into the room with the force of the wind. As he reaches the door, the bolts holding it give, and a panel flies inward, slamming him to the floor.

  Hands grip my biceps when I start towards Jacob. “Anne, get behind me,” Will yells, shoving me to the wall and holding me against the cold stone behind him.

  Scents I’d know anywhere reach my nose—honey and fresh-cut hay. My eyes cut to the opening in the wall. A woman, dressed in a jet-black cloak, flanked by a tall man in a double-breasted black suit, strides towards us. Witches.