(Glory St Clair 11) Real Vampires Say Read My Hips

by Gerry Bartlett

  “First, let me remind you who belongs to the house of Zeus. My dear wife Hera and her family of course. That includes her sisters, brothers and their children, both inside marriage and out of it. Please let yourselves be known.” He nodded and about a dozen people rose and bowed.

  “Thank you, Zeus.” Hera smiled.

  “Then there is my side of the family. My sisters and brothers, along with their children both inside and outside of marriage. Stand, if you please.” Another two dozen people stood and bowed. “Beloved family, I honor you.” Zeus nodded. “But dearest of all are the children of Hera and myself, both inside and outside of our marriage. This includes their children as well. I shouldn’t have to mention our newest member Gloriana is in that esteemed grouping.” He looked at me while at least twenty other people stood and bowed.

  I got to my feet too, though my knees were weak and I wished I had something to hold onto. Hera smiled and took my hand. I felt her power surge into me and I stood straighter.

  “I want to make something perfectly clear. If anyone does harm to a member of my family, you are harming me, your exalted leader. I shouldn’t have to remind you that my wrath is to be feared. Do you understand?” His roar was probably causing a Cat 5 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico on Earth.

  I would have covered my ears if I hadn’t been afraid he’d have mocked me for such weakness. He gazed about the field so I did too. At first I thought no one had moved. Then there was a slight ripple in the sea of white togas.

  “Seize her!” Zeus thundered. He pointed when a woman stood and darted as if to run from the crowd.

  Her scream made the hairs on my arms stand up. When the soldiers dragged the woman out to the center of the field, I heard several cries of shock and horror. Charis reached out but someone dragged her arm down to her side. Oh, no, it couldn’t be.

  “Lady Roxana,” Zeus said after the woman was thrown to the ground in front of him. She laid still, her face on the grass, eyes closed. “Do you deny you meant harm to my granddaughter Gloriana?”

  She didn’t answer but I could see her shoulders move. Sobs? Breaths? Was she hyperventilating?

  “Answer me!” Zeus snapped, lightning sizzling around her prostrate body.

  “Sire!” She screamed when the soldiers dragged her to her feet. “Please. Understand. My husband humiliated me. He brought his bastard here and flaunted her. My daughter sought her out and called her friend. What am I? Nothing! Left to pretend it doesn’t matter that I am abandoned while Mars is jaunting about with his mistress.” Her eyes were wild when she grabbed a spear from a startled soldier. “I won’t have it!” She aimed the weapon and launched it straight at Mars who’d come to stand close to the thrones.

  “Dad!” I threw myself toward him, knocking the spear off line and into the dirt where I fell too. The soldiers had Roxana in hand now and shoved the weeping woman back to the ground. Mars helped me up and pulled me into his arms.

  “Gloriana, are you all right?” He looked me over. “What were you thinking?”

  “She tried to kill you.” I was out of breath and turned in time to see the soldiers carrying a struggling Roxana away. “What’s going to happen to your wife?”

  “The cells, I’m sure, and she’s lucky that’s all she’ll get.” Mars looked up at Zeus. “Thank you, sire, for not killing her on the spot.”

  “She’s clearly mad. What would be the point?” Zeus studied me. “Impressive, Gloriana. I hope your man has as much courage as you just showed us.”

  “Grandfather…”

  “Don’t ask.” He looked back at the field. “I see they’re ready to start.”

  Mars helped me back to my stool. Yes, they were ready. Jerry and Kratos were stripped down to loin cloths. They each had a sword in hand with two knives strapped at their waists. I swallowed, not sure I wasn’t going to throw up after all. Grandmother took my hand and squeezed it.

  “There’s nothing you can do now, child. Let them decide your fate. They both look like fine potential mates.”

  “But, Grandmother, I love Jerry. He’s the only man who will make me truly happy.” I heard Zeus begin the instructions again. This time he was firm. This was not to be a fight to the death unless an accident happened. There had already been one of those today and he hoped that wouldn’t happen again. Then he nodded and the men began to circle each other. I wanted to close my eyes but didn’t dare. If I could will Jerry to do well, then that’s what I had to do.

  Swords clanged together and sparks flew. The men were well matched and the courtiers began shouting. Some actually yelled for Blade. But maybe they’d bet for him to last a certain number of minutes. I saw gold coins exchanging hands. I wanted to scream at them to quit betting on my lover’s life. I tried to get up but my grandmother’s hand was like a vise, holding me in my seat. I didn’t doubt she would freeze me in place if I moved again.

  Zeus glanced at me and smiled. “He’s putting up a good fight. You should be proud.”

  I didn’t answer him. I’d always been proud of Jerry. Of his strength, his integrity, the way he’d loved me all the years we’d been together, even when I didn’t deserve his love. I gasped when I saw a red line appear on his chest. First blood. Kratos had managed it and the crowd went wild. A movement at the edge of the throng caught my eye. Calista was struggling in her father’s arms. She clearly wanted to do what I was so desperate to do—run into the circle and stop this madness. I knew just how she felt, especially after Kratos took a chunk out Jerry’s thigh. Then Jerry managed to slice open a gash on Kratos’ arm. I could swear I heard Calista scream. My own mouth was sealed shut. Grandmother’s work, of course.

  Jerry’s sword flew out of the circle. I covered my mouth, ashamed of the mewling sound of fear I managed to make but also afraid he’d hear me and get distracted. All I could do now was pray. Kratos laughed and threw his sword away as well, earning a cheer from the mob that had drawn closer to the circle, almost touching the chalk line. Of course they were careful not to block Zeus’s view. Now Kratos and Jerry had drawn their knives and were moving again, sizing each other up, Jerry would say. Oh, God, but I didn’t think I could stand to watch. But of course I couldn’t look away.

  They lunged, going down in a tangle. Jerry was on top. No, Kratos. They strained against each other and the crowd hushed, intent on the play of muscles as the men seemed almost too well matched, trying to best each other. I glanced at Zeus. Could he call it a draw? He looked at me and shook his head. He wanted a winner.

  “Please.” I stretched across Grandmother, reaching for my grandfather’s fist lying on the arm of his throne.

  “No. One of them must win.” He stood and stalked toward the circle.

  I still couldn’t move, of course. Grandmother made sure of that. We watched the men struggle, their faces reddened by the pressure of trying to take each other down. Finally Kratos hooked his leg over Jerry’s and flipped him, his knife plunging into Jerry when he landed on top of my man. The crowd roared again and Kratos staggered to his feet. Jerry laid still, bright red blood pooling under his body.

  My silent scream had to have reached Zeus but he didn’t look back. Jerry! Oh, God. He wasn’t moving. Cornelius and Richard ran to his side while Zeus strode into the circle and raised Kratos’ hand when he tossed his bloody knife away.

  “I declare Kratos the winner of this match.”

  Kratos swayed on his feet and didn’t smile. He looked down at Jerry who hadn’t moved and shook his head.

  “He was a worthy opponent.” Then he dropped to his knees and bowed his head. “Thank you, Lord Zeus.”

  Cornelius was busy pulling things from a leather bag to staunch the flow of blood from Jerry’s wound. It seemed as soon as he covered Jerry’s chest with a white bandage, it was soaked through.

  Cornelius gestured and two soldiers hurried forward, obviously ready to carry Jerry off the field. Richard shooed one of them away, carefully taking Jerry’s head and shoulders himself, a tearful Flo beside him. Z
eus stopped them with a look.

  “How is he?” Zeus’s question was easily heard since the crowd had gone silent. Cornelius just shook his head. Flo touched Jerry’s chest.

  “He is breathing, Glory.” She tried for a smile but failed. Then she followed the men as they took Jerry off the field.

  “Gloriana, come here.” Zeus stretched out his hand.

  I stood and walked to my grandfather’s side, surprised that I could finally move. I wanted to run to Jerry but Zeus was compelling me. I couldn’t cry, scream or pick up Kratos’ bloody knife like I wanted to. If I hadn’t been under some kind of spell I might have thrown myself at my own grandfather and taken him to the ground in my grief and rage. Instead I was in a haze, a bubble of unreality that turned me into a puppet being controlled by the master.

  “Kratos, you have won the hand of my granddaughter by vanquishing her lover fairly. You will be able to join the house of Zeus when you are married to Gloriana and your children will be tied to our family forever.”

  Kratos was still on his knees. He raised his head. He was dirty, bloody and yet was more handsome than I’d ever seen him as he looked at me. “Gloriana.” He smiled. “Please know that any man would be honored to be your husband.” Then he took a breath and stared down at my grandfather’s sandals again.

  I felt like I should say something but couldn’t. I was still in that state of shock or whatever it was that my grandfather had done to me. Kratos put one hand on the ground, like he had to steady himself.

  “My lord Zeus.” He met my grandfather’s gaze. “I am honored by the prize you are offering and I did win this victory fairly against a worthy opponent. But I regret I must refuse your granddaughter’s hand in marriage.”

  The crowd as one leaned in, gasps and whispers silenced when everyone realized my grandfather hadn’t immediately burned Kratos to a cinder.

  “Is this about the lovely Calista?” Grandmother was suddenly there, her hand on Zeus’s preferred throwing arm for lightning bolts.

  “Yes, Lady Hera.” Kratos met her smile with one of his own, though it was strained. “I am in love with her and her with me. I’ve realized that it wouldn’t be fair to Lady Gloriana to marry her when my heart belongs to another.”

  “Nonsense.” Zeus jerked his hand from Hera’s. “I took you for a fighting man, Kratos. Making you mortal has obviously muddled your mind.” He waved a hand and Kratos straightened from his slouch. “There. You are a god once more. Surely you don’t truly wish to turn down a chance to ally yourself with the house of Zeus. Stand and speak to me, god to god.”

  Kratos did stand, his shoulders back. It was clear he was a proud man. “Sire, I can think of no greater honor than to be part of your family. But how can I marry your granddaughter when I may have just killed her lover? She must hate me.” He turned to me. “I am sorry, Lady Gloriana. I knew the rules of course but Blade and I were well matched. My knife slipped. I wasn’t aiming for his heart when I struck him and I hope that I missed it.”

  I still couldn’t speak but the fact that Kratos was willing to give me up… I sent my thoughts to my grandmother and she nodded.

  “Zeus, the man has made a decent choice here. Calista’s father is a well-placed sorcerer and it is a fine match. Gloriana needs to see to Blade’s condition and you want her gone anyway. If she marries Kratos, you will either condemn this fine god to an Earthly life he doesn’t deserve or she’ll be stuck here, getting involved in causes that make you unhappy. Do I need to remind you what they are?” Hera looked around and tapped her foot. “Where is Dionysus? Are Zeus and I to provide the entertainment today?” She glanced around at the avid listeners and the courtiers began to back away from the circle. “Dionysus! To me now! This party is boring me. Where is the music? The dancing? And my wine glass has been empty since I got here.”

  “So sorry, my dear.” Dionysus hurried forward with a tray of full glasses and delicacies. He gestured and music filled the air. A troop of acrobats tumbled across the grass and the circle disappeared. He clapped his hands. “People, what are you staring at? Eat, drink and be merry. Didn’t someone say that once?” Excited chatter suddenly filled the air and birds started singing.

  “You have made a good point, Hera.” Zeus took a glass of red wine. “You always do think ahead.” He looked up and saw a woman hovering just feet away. “Calista, come here, child, and bring your father.”

  Calista came running to Kratos and wept over his wounds. “You are so hurt.”

  “No, it is nothing. I have had worse wounds out hunting for wild boar.” He pulled her into his arms. “Sire, I remain your faithful servant, always. Whatever you decide, I will do. I hope you know I mean no disrespect. I will remain loyal to the house of Zeus forever.”

  “Yes, you have proven yourself to me time and time again.” Zeus spoke to Calista’s father. When he was sure the sorcerer approved of the match with Kratos, he turned to me. “Enough. Your frantic thoughts are getting on my nerves, Gloriana. I know you are worried about your lover and will hold you no longer.” He shook his head. “Yes, the wound did look grave but Cornelius can work wonders, you know. Go, see to your man. If he is dead, I am sorry. Take him or his body home with you. And be sure to drag your friends there with you as well. All of you need to go back to Earth immediately and stay there.”

  “Yes, Grandfather.” I would have run off the field but he hadn’t released me yet.

  He smiled. “When your grandmother wants you, you may come back, but not for a while. You have caused me nothing but trouble. But that is because you are so like me, I think. With a strong will and spirit.” He kissed my forehead. “Call me if you need anything, Gloriana. And never forget that you are from the house of Zeus. If anyone tries to hurt you, I will end them.”

  “Thank you, Grandfather.” Finally I could move. Even though I was desperate to check on Jerry, I paused long enough to hug Grandmother then even dared hug Zeus. He didn’t seem to mind it. “Kratos, thank you too for choosing love. Calista, have a happy life.”

  That done, I turned to her father. “Where would I find Cornelius and Jerry?”

  He took my hand and nodded gravely. “Hold on and I’ll take you there.” In a blink we were teleporting. I had no idea where we were going and I didn’t care as long as Jerry was at the end of the journey and he was alive.

  Chapter 13

  We landed in what must have been Cornelius’s rooms. There was a table with the kind of equipment I’d seen at Waldo’s and various bottles containing elixirs. But I wasn’t interested in that. I could only focus on Jerry. He lay on a wide bed. His eyes were closed and he wasn’t moving. Richard and Flo hovered nearby while Cornelius listened to Jerry’s heart with what looked like a modern stethoscope.

  “I think that’s the first thing from this century I’ve seen you use.” My voice was raspy with suppressed tears. “He’s alive?”

  “Barely. Your father healed his wounds but he’s lost a lot of blood. He’s in a coma.” Cornelius stepped back so I could run to Jerry’s side.

  I picked up my lover’s limp hand and held onto it. “Jerry, can you hear me? Wake up. I’m not marrying Kratos and we can go home now.”

  “That’s wonderful, amica!” Flo clung to Richard. “Once he’s there we can help Jeremiah our way. Isn’t that right, Ricardo?”

  “That depends.” Richard looked over his shoulder. “Mars, how do we get home and what are we going to be like when we get there? Will we be vampire again?”

  My father must have been standing in the shadows. I’d been so intent on Jerry I hadn’t even noticed him.

  “Dad! You healed his wounds. Thank you!” I threw myself into Mars’ arms and cried. “Answer Richard. I have to get Jerry back. All the way back.”

  “You really want to be a vampire again? Even you, Gloriana?” Mars held me away from him and stared into my eyes. “Surely you realize that’s not any way to live.”

  “It’s the only way for us to save Jerry.” I turned and laid my han
d on Jerry’s chest. His heart was beating but barely. You didn’t have to be a goddess to realize that. He was so pale, so still, his breathing shallow.

  “He needs blood, Lord Mars.” Cornelius stood beside me now. “I can’t give it to him here. We are ill equipped. I have told Zeus time and time again that we should upgrade but he is stubborn about certain alterations to Olympus. He clings to the old ways and won’t allow me to materialize what I need. It would be my death if I went against his wishes.” The sorcerer didn’t need to add that he wasn’t about to risk his life for Jerry.

  I could snap on clothes but had no idea how to make anything else magically appear. Certainly not medical supplies. I leaned over Jerry. If I could have breathed life into him, I would have.

  “Dad, isn’t there anything else you can do? You brought Jerry back to life before, I saw you do it.” I stood, ready to beg if it would do any good.

  “He’s not dead, Gloriana. And I am grateful for that.” Mars put his arm around me. “I did what I could, but this deep sleep of his is because he does need blood. Giving him that is beyond my capability.”

  “But not mine. When we are vampire, we give and take blood all the time. Send us home, Dad. Restore us like Flo said and we can give him our ancient blood. It will make him whole again in no time.” I leaned against him, my arm tight around him. “Please. I know you and Mother don’t approve of my lifestyle but I’ve had centuries to get used to being a vampire.”

  “Used to never seeing daylight again?” Of course my mother had to make an appearance. “Drinking blood instead of your favorite chocolate or eating the food you love?” She stepped back when I whirled, my fingers held out like claws.

  “You have nothing to say to me, Mother, that I want to hear.” I strode toward her. “Jerry wouldn’t be in this fix if you hadn’t meddled in my life, dragged me up here against my will. I told you before that I don’t want to see or speak to you again. I meant it.”