by R. J. Wolf
“What?” He pulled his gaze away from the river and looked up.
Aleke turned around and took a seat facing Eric. “They tell me you swam down the Aeternum. How did you come to find yourself in the water?”
Eric’s hand instinctively shifted toward the medallion he wore around his neck. It warmed against his chest and he felt his heartbeat tick a little faster.
“A powerful and mysterious trinket,” Aleke whispered.
Eric dropped his arm to his side. “I didn’t know I needed a coin,” he said.
Aleke gave him a blank look.
“For the ferry,” Eric continued. “For the troll. I ended up diving into the canal. That’s how I ended up in the water.”
Aleke nodded. “What do you know of this place?”
“Nothing.”
Aleke folded his hands across his knees. “This place is a source, a conduit for incredible power,” he started. “When the first underworlders came to this realm, ancestors of what are now the druids, they began to build the straits.”
“I thought the elves or the dwarves built the straits.”
“No, they are simply stewards. The magic that hums down here is far beyond them both.”
Eric grabbed the side of the boat as it bobbed to the right and sped up. He’d never been this far down the strait and determining which way was which suddenly became impossible. Tightening his jaw, he settled himself and looked back to Aleke. “So, why can’t we take the strait all the way to Hilyrah?”
“As strong as the magic is, it is not enough to reach any of the old worlds. No, Eric, our journey to Hilyrah will be much more than a boat ride.”
“The old worlds?”
“There are many worlds outside of this one. Many more than what are actually known. Hilyrah may very well be the oldest and is believed to be the place magic originated. But there are no records to prove it. Much was lost to the winds of time.”
“So, what is it that we’re going to learn from going here? You say that learning my past and remembering what I am will help but how can I do that? How can I recall something I’ve never known?”
“Hilyrah is a special place, Eric. Uncovering your past is necessary. Magic is about connection and without one you will never be able to tap into your real power.” Aleke paused and watched as ripples floated across the surface of the canal. He lifted his gaze and stared. Another boat sailed past them. He watched it curiously, the occupants not sparing a glance in his direction.
“Who are they?” Eric whispered.
“Travelers. Same as us.” Aleke continued to stare until their boat slipped into the darkness ahead and vanished.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I expect to see others on our journey but we can trust no one. Rabelial likely knows we have left. He will send his men to apprehend you, if they can—before we make it to our destination.”
“And once we make it?”
“We should be safe. After the war between the elders and the inferni, Hilyrah became inaccessible to all.”
“So how are going to get there?”
“I would think an inferni would still have access.”
“You would think? Aleke, there’s too much at stake for you to think.” Eric shook his head. “Don’t you understand that?”
Aleke took a deep breath. “I question if you completely understand, Eric. Without knowledge of what you are, who you are, you will never return from the shade. Hilyrah is the only way.”
“So, what if an inferni can’t access it? What if I’m not even an inferni?”
“Then we will die.”
Eric gasped.
“Which is no different than what would happen anyway. You are either Rabelial’s brother or we are all dead. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you can become what you are.”
Eric sighed. Aleke was so consumed with the fate of the world but Eric wanted only wanted his wife back. “How do you even know about Hilyrah? Or the inferni, or any of it?”
Aleke snickered. “I’ve lived many lives.”
“Were you this cryptic through all of them.”
“It is not my intent, Eric. Less than a weak ago, it was the charge of the druids to kill you. I’ve always found myself at odds with murder even for the greater good. But centuries ago, our order was charged with the protection of this world. We are merely servants of the gods.”
“Gods?”
“God, gods. Whatever way one wishes to rationalize it. Druids were touched by the Nephilim and serve the will of the heavens.”
Eric didn’t reply. He stared at Aleke with a puzzled face. The will of the gods was not something he’d ever considered. But he’d grown to accept that anything was possible.
Aleke watched him for a moment. He cocked his head to the side as if he could see Eric’s mind working. Smiling, he continued. “The more you know, Eric, the better prepared you will be. Ask what you will and I will try my best to clarify things for you.”
Eric nodded. “Are you an immortal?”
Aleke laughed. “I fear you will find the answer–cryptic. But, it’s complicated. As the leader of the brotherhood this body, this shell is temporary. I am what you see but also much more.”
“You’re right, I do find the answer cryptic.”
“You see, when a new leader is selected, they are endowed with the essence, the spirit of all other leaders that have come before them. So, while I am myself, I am also my predecessors. In that I have lived thousands of lives and will live thousands more.”
Eric narrowed his guise. “You’re a complicated man, Aleke.”
“One more thing, Eric. I hinted at this back at the hotel but it’s very important that you understand.”
“I’m listening.”
“For inferni, time is not what it is for the rest of us. They see time as the gods do.”
“What does that mean, Aleke?”
“Hilyrah is your home as it is the home of all inferni. There is no way to know how this will impact you or what timeline we may enter when we step into that realm.”
“Timeline?”
“Perhaps that is a misleading term. It implies that time is linear, it is not. Without getting lost in the details, I feel it’s sufficient to say that it is imperative we tread lightly.”
“I thought we were trying to discover my past, the truth. How can we do that and tread lightly? Aleke, what is really going on?”
Aleke looked away, trying to hide the worry in his face. “Eric, not much is known about the inferni. There are books, historical text but the majority is stories passed down to families through the ages. I can’t say for certain what we are looking for or what we need. But I know this much is true, no one has gone in or out of Hilyrah since the war.”
“What?” Eric jumped to his feet and nearly capsized the boat. He held his hands out to steady himself then glared at Aleke. “Why the hell are we going here?”
Aleke’s face tightened and he pressed his lips together before speaking. “We are going to Hilyrah, Eric, because when faced with the fate of the world, you chose your wife. And the only hope we have of accomplishing both, lies there.”
Eric’s mouth fell open. He bit his lower lip then looked away. Suddenly, the boat came to abrupt stop and Aleke stood up. He grabbed his bag and stepped off the boat onto a plot of faded gray sand. “Come now. We go the rest of the way on foot.”
CHAPTER 8
FAMILY BUSINESS
Gary stepped off the elevator and into the lobby. He yawned then tucked a small glass bottle of gin into his coat pocket before joining the others.
“About time, old man,” Theo said as Gary rounded the corner.
Gary smirked. “Where is everyone else?”
“Well, while you were sleeping, brother, the others got on with their day. And while I can walk the sunbathed streets, the vampire clubs don’t get busy until sundown.”
“Vampire clubs?”
“Oh yes. The three of us will find whatever remains of the vampire hierarchy.
We will need every fang we can find.”
“The three of you?”
“Vampires, Gary. Although you’re welcome to join but I know how you loathe my blood sucking brethren.”
Gary sighed. “Well, what am I supposed to do?”
“You’re with the kids, old man,” Theo said with a wide smile.
“I am not babysitting you, Theo.”
“Babysit me? No, no, no. We are babysitting Chandler here.”
Chandler grinned and shook his head. “I wanted to go alone but apparently,” he paused and cleared his throat. “These are not times for zeroes to wander the back streets of the underworld alone,” he said in a mocking tone and cast an eye toward Safron.
“Say what you will boy,” Safron replied. “I will not have your death on my conscious.”
Gary waved his hand. “Richard, what are these children talking about?”
“Aleke has given us access to the druid archives. Centuries of information to peruse. And since you’re finally awake, maybe you should take Chandler to review the nomadic scrolls kept in the La Brea crypts. The more information we have about Rabelial, the better. And as you know, La Brea can be a warzone on its best day. You and Theo will ensure the safety of our zero ally.”
Gary rolled eyes and shrugged. “So, I’m babysitting.”
Richard laughed. “Oh, no, brother. I would consider it a form of security services. Perhaps you can even be of some help with the research.”
“This is cute and all, Richard. But we need to get going,” Marcel interjected.
Richard sighed and curled his lips into a slight grin. “The clubs await. Lead the way, Marcel.”
“Wait!” Gary called out like a toddler being left at daycare for the first time.
Richard slowly turned around. “I’m sure you’ll be fine, Gary. Just don’t let the zero lose his head.” He smiled then followed Safron and Marcel outside.
Gary huffed and turned back to face Theo and Chandler. He shook his head with frustration then shrugged. “Who’s driving?”
~~***~~
The uber driver looked into the rearview mirror then back to the road. He did it at least three times before turning around and staring into the backseat.
“Can we help you?” Safron asked with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
The driver quickly shook his head then turned back to the road. Safron glared at him, suppressing a hiss. Richard laughed. “He’s wondering why he can see our reflection. Silly human fairy tales.”
“Why would he think that?” Safron asked and sat back.
“My dear friend, Safron, you’ve hidden behind those walls for too long. There’s a pretty rampant rumor that vampires frequent your establishment. I’d imagine he’s come to the conclusion that we all are night walkers, and rather correct he would be.” Richard cleared his throat. “Teddy, is it?”
The driver nodded. “What do you need?”
“My acquaintances and I, we just flew in from Las Vegas. We’re meeting up with a friend of mine, a producer. Maybe you’ve heard of him, Howard Bisson.”
Teddy shrugged.
“Well, Howard booked us in this ratty hotel, Hotel California. A terribly woeful place. We are not from around here and we were wondering if you knew anything about this hotel and if you could possibly recommend something better suited.”
The car slowed as they pulled up toward a red light. Teddy swallowed then looked back over his shoulder. “Well,” he paused and looked around as if someone was watching him. “I’m glad to hear you’re not regulars at that hotel. I can tell you this, that place is full of fucking vampers!”
Richard bit his lips to hide his smile. “A vamper?” he repeated. “Whatever do you mean, Teddy?”
“Vampires. That’s all that’s in that place. Freaks. It’s a miracle you guys got out when you did. I mean, lucky I was here to pick you up.”
“Vampires,” Richard echoed with a chuckle. “Certainly, you can’t be serious.”
“Serious as a heart attack. If I were you, I wouldn’t go back there. It’s not a good place. There’s a Hilton not too far from here. You should try that out.”
Richard smiled and turned to face Safron. “I’m afraid you’ve done a poor job at keeping our secrets.”
Safron sneered. Marcel let out a chuckle and leaned his head back. “You have a very odd sense of humor, Richard.”
“Teddy!” Safron growled. “We will walk from here.”
“Are you sure?”
Before Teddy could blink, Safron was in the passenger seat beside him. His fangs were bare and his face looked more animal than human. His red eyes gleamed behind his feral mask like a raging fire and the illusion that there was any hint of humanity left in him was immediately erased.
He grabbed Teddy by the throat and pulled him within an inch of his canines. “Freaks, you say?” Safron lunged forward and buried his teeth into Teddy’s neck. A rush of blood cascaded over his tongue and he wrestled every bit of will power to pull himself free. Wrangling back control, Safron released him and wiped the blood from his lips.
Teddy was dazed but Safron hadn’t fed long enough to keep him that way for much longer. So, instead he leaned toward him and glared into his eyes. “Go home, Teddy and never speak of Hotel California again. Never go there. From this moment forward you don’t even know it exists.” Safron then bit his own finger and rubbed the blood onto Teddy’s neck. The bitemarks immediately healed. Safron glared into the back seat then stepped out of the car. “Let’s go,” he said angrily.
“I can’t for the life of me understand why you’re so angry with me, Safron,” Richard complained as he left the car and followed Safron down the sidewalk. “I was simply giving you a crash course into the real world.
“Fuck you, Richard,” Safron snapped.
“Temper, temper. And where exactly are you going?”
“I don’t know!” he turned around and roared.
Richard and Marcel broke into laughter. “Please, Safron,” Richard stammered. “I promise you, I did not mean to offend.”
“Where are we going, Richard?” Marcel asked as the laughter died down.
Richard looked at his watch. It was five minutes until midnight and the street up ahead was beginning to thrum with the Los Angeles nightlife. “We are meeting Howard at Club Ecstasy.”
“Why do we need Howard?” Safron asked and reluctantly joined them.
“Because Howard knows everyone and if we are to recruit the other covens, it’s best we at least try to blend. How does it go? When in Rome?”
“What about the blood clubs?”
“You’ve been away a long time, Safron. The night clubs are the blood clubs. Now follow me, we’re going to be late.”
Richard started off down the sidewalk with Marcel and Safron behind him. They crossed the street then joined in with the crowd meandering down Sunset. Oblivious zeroes shouted and screamed, high off whatever drug was the easiest to get. Los Angeles was a mecca for sex, drugs, and rock n roll. What better place to be a vampire?
Richard and Marcel quickly blended in with the crowd. But Safron had a much harder time keeping with the pace with the eager partygoers. “These cattle are pathetic,” he complained as he bounced around the mob like he was stuck inside of a pinball machine.
“Keep up, Safron,” Richard warned. “It would hardly be acceptable for you to get lost on your first night into the real world.”
The line for Club Ecstasy snaked down the edge of the building and around the corner like it was trying to constrict the entire block. A long, red rope marked the entrance and kept the slightest semblance of order. But order was for zeroes, or at least those that weren’t connected.
Richard made his way to the front and flagged down one of the bouncers. “Howard is waiting for us,” he whispered into the man’s ear.
The bouncer gave him a once over then tapped his earpiece. “I have three for Howard. They look sketchy.” He then nodded at Richard. “What were your names?”
>
“Richard, Safron, and Marcel.”
The man frowned then tapped his earpiece again. Voices crackled from the speaker and he pulled the rope back and stepped to the side. “Go on in,” he said.
Richard smiled. “See, Safron, it’s good to know people.”
They walked into the club and were immediately greeted with dazzling lights and neon lasers bouncing from the walls. They passed the dancefloor and headed for a line of VIP booths toward the back. A trio of scandalously dressed ladies offered them shots from a tray. Richard declined but Marcel stopped and grabbed one. “Thank you, ladies,” he said and downed the clear liquid. He wrapped his arm around one of them and smiled at the others. “What are your names?”
“We have business, Marcel,” Richard grumbled.
“Oh, come on, Richard. Don’t blame me because I still find joy in the opposite sex.”
“You forget yourself. I’m certain you find joy in nearly anything. Now, let’s go.”
Marcel cut his eyes. “Apologies, ladies. My friend is rather crass.”
They continued toward the back and found Howard huddled over a marble table beneath a pergola cascaded by a light white fabric. He had a bucket of champagne in front of him and a drink in each hand. Several people were gathered around laughing and falling over one another as Howard waved his hands and dazzled them with his showmanship.
“Richard,” Howard shouted as soon as he saw them. “And Choclodonis,” he smiled and glared at Safron with a hint of seductive lust.
“Seems Safron will have his hands full tonight,” Marcel whispered.
“Come, come have a drink and sit with me.” Howard waved them over and forced others to move to make room. Richard took a seat and Marcel squeezed in beside him. Safron stood off to the side with an exhausted expression on his face.
“Another bottle, Mr. Bisson?” a pale man asked as he cleared the cups and empty bottles off the table.
“Yes, yes many more. Keep them coming all night, Jude,” Howard said with a wild grin.
Jude nodded and quickly made his way to the bar. He set the empty bottle onto the counter and shot a glance over his shoulder. Howard was gleefully swaying from side to side, swinging his arms erratically.