The Complete Vampire Project Series: (Books 1 - 5)

by Jonathan Yanez

  Jack wasn’t the most educated person when it came to art, but he could guess what the sculpture was going for. The fountain practically radiated strength and intimidation.

  Flags flapped on the tops of every building carrying the same royal sigil of crossed swords behind a black bat that was also on every soldier’s uniform. The color chosen for the flag itself was a crimson red. The sigil stood for power, advancement, and prosperity.

  Jack and his father followed the lieutenant up the long flight of stairs and to the main palace entrance. Guards saluted as they recognized Lieutenant Baker and opened both large doors for the trio to enter.

  Dark wood floors draped by thick carpets swallowed their boots as they entered. The wide halls were covered with portraits of New Hope and New Hope’s past leaders. The ceiling was twice as high as any Jack had ever seen, but despite all of this, it was how the area was illuminated that stopped Jack and his father mid-step.

  Villages and cities in the Outland relied on torches, candles, and lamps for light. The inside of the Queen’s palace was devoid of any of these things and yet light still shone through the darkness. Jack stared at tiny bulbs placed along the walls and ceilings of the palace. The bulbs varied in dimension from the size of his fist to no more than the width of two of his fingers.

  The bulbs themselves were no more than a thin glass holding what looked like nothing but pure white light. No visible source of fuel burned, but the light of a hundred candles was emitted.

  “Amazing, isn’t it?” Lieutenant Baker smiled at his two guests. “I had a similar reaction when I first witnessed them.”

  “What—what is it?” Marcus asked.

  “It was accidentally developed by our weapons and armory specialist. It’s called mage light. Power enough to brighten even the darkest room.”

  “This will be a turning point for mankind,” Marcus breathed.

  The three men stood in the hall, each evaluating Marcus’ last comment.

  “I know how beautiful it is, and trust me, I could stand here and talk about the Queen’s advancements for hours, but she is waiting.”

  Jack and Marcus tore their eyes from the lights and looked at one another. They remained speechless, as they continued to follow the lieutenant down the twisting halls of the palace.

  A few moments later, they heard a scream and booted feet against the floor. Lieutenant Baker stopped in his tracks, a gloved hand on the hilt of his sword. He relaxed his grip as a group of four soldiers appeared and made their way down the hall supporting a large man who limped and moaned with every step.

  The soldiers carrying their fallen brother tried to do a half salute but stopped midway as another scream of pain came from their wounded friend. As they passed, Jack could see the large man’s injuries better, a broken knee and bloodied face.

  “Private Pia, a word?”

  A female soldier trusted the weight she carried to the other three soldiers, who hurried down the hall. She saluted smartly. “Yes, Lieutenant Baker?”

  “Who is that man and where exactly are you taking him?”

  “It was Captain Sloan, sir.” Private Pia bit her lip, trying to hide a smile. “Ummm—this man volunteered to, uhhh—he volunteered for a sparring session.”

  “I see.” Lieutenant Baker nodded, his eyes twinkling with understanding. “But why are you taking him through the palace halls? The medic office is on the other side of the stronghold.”

  “Oh yes, sir. We tried going to the medic first, but they already have their hands full with soldiers involved in a bar fight earlier today. So we have to take him to the infirmary.”

  “Bar fight?”

  “Yes, sir. Not what you would think. They were on an assignment following orders and they got messed up pretty bad. I’m sorry, but I don’t know more.”

  “Thank you, Private. You are dismissed.” Lieutenant Baker and Private Pia saluted one another and she took off down the hall with a curious look at Marcus. Her eyes played across Jack’s shoulders and chest for a moment too long before she realized he was looking at her. She blushed and hurried off.

  “I apologize for the scene. Usually, we don’t have injured soldiers being carried down the palace halls.”

  “It happens.” Marcus shrugged.

  As the three men continued their journey into the belly of the palace, Lieutenant Baker’s strides quickened. “Okay, gentlemen, the Queen’s conference room is just ahead. I’ll have to ask you to remove any weapons you may have. I’ll take them and have them waiting for you in your rooms for the night.”

  “Rooms?” Jack repeated as he removed both pieces of his staff. “We’re staying here?”

  “Of course. You are honored guests of the Queen. You will be invited to stay the night.”

  Jack and his father handed over the staffs slung on their backs. Jack thought about how much had changed in the last few days.

  One day you’re sleeping on the forest floor, thinking about where your next meal is coming from, and now you’re in the Queen’s palace with mage light coming from glass.

  Jack shook his head and let air come from his lips in a low whistle. Soon Lieutenant Baker and the sorcerers stood in front of another door guarded by two large men wearing the Queen’s emblem and colors.

  The lieutenant talked in a low voice with the men before he turned to address his guests. “Well, it looks as though our time has come to an end. I’ll make sure your weapons are in your rooms waiting for you. The Queen is expecting you.”

  “Thank you,” Jack and his father said at the same time.

  Lieutenant Baker smiled then retreated down the hall. The two guards in front of them opened the doors and ushered them inside without a word.

  Chapter Seven

  Sloan

  The room was large and circular with a narrow carpet on a marble floor that led to a raised seating area. A high-backed chair with wings coming out of the top of both sides was set in the middle of the room. An familiar female face anticipated her arrival. What was most impressive about the room wasn’t its size or even the noble woman waiting. It was the giant chandelier filled with tiny white mage lights that bathed the room in a soft glow.

  Sloan felt a sense of comfort as she marched toward the Queen. Eleanor Eckert had been like a mother to her since she joined the palace guard. Her quick rise through the ranks she had done on her own, but she knew the Queen was rooting for her from day one.

  Sloan crossed the large room quickly. She fell on one knee in front of the Queen’s throne, her eyes down, right hand on the hilt of her sword that swung by her hips.

  “Please, Captain, stand.” The Queen’s voice was feminine without sacrificing strength. “I hate that you still have to get down on your knees every time I need to speak with you.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry about, my Queen,” Sloan rose to her feet quickly. “It’s my duty as your captain as well as a tradition that must be followed.”

  It was easy to forget exactly how old the Queen had become. Her grey hair was wrapped around her head. Wrinkles pulled at the corner of her eyes and mouth. Her white gown hid most of her body well, but Sloan imagined there was more skin and bones than muscle under the fabric.

  Sloan leaned in, catching the paleness of her skin for the first time. It wasn’t her imagination Queen Eleanor Eckert’s pigmentation was a shade whiter than it had been before.

  “Are you well, my Queen? Have you been il—”

  Sloan’s words were cut off as the doors the room opened again. Two magicians walked in. One older, strong but worn from the years of travel; the other looked so similar to him it had to be his son. He was handsome with wild brown hair. Sloan found herself intrigued by the pair, magicians were not commonly found in the city. Their mastery of the mystical arts were better suited for a life apart from the everyday hustle and bustle of New Hope.

  “Right on time.” The Queen motioned the two visitors forward. When they too fell on their knees, the Queen smiled faintly. “Please rise; we hav
e much to discuss.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty, thank you,” the older magician answered.

  “You’re very welcome, and thank you both for coming so quickly. I’ll be able to explain everything in detail soon. We are waiting for one other to join our party. In the meantime, I’d like to introduce you to the captain of my personal guard, Sloan.” The Queen turned to address Sloan. “Sloan, these are the very best magical trackers in the Outland, Marcus Walker and his son, Jack.”

  Sloan exchanged short bows with the two magicians. Without thinking, her instincts told her these two men could be trusted. Something about their eyes was genuine.

  Before any further words could be exchanged between the parties, the doors to the room opened once more.

  “Ahhh, and here are the final members of our council,” the Queen said.

  Sloan felt disdain grow in the pit of her stomach. The first man to walk through the door was the Queen’s treasurer, Fenrick Trilion. He was a weasel of a man that could never look her in the eye. To this day, Sloan was uncertain why the Queen had kept him as part of her staff as long as she had.

  “How are you?” Fenrick ignored Sloan completely, which was more than fine with her. “You must be Marcus and Jack Walker, the famed trackers. Please let me introduce myself. My name is Fenrick Trilion, treasurer and advisor to the Crown.”

  Jack and his father shook the man’s hand. Sloan’s attention landed on the last two men to enter. One she knew, the other looked like he belonged in a bar instead of the palace.

  “Quick introductions once again. This is Captain Charlotte Sloan.” The Queen introduced her captain as if she were a proud parent. “And Marcus and Jack Walker, our tracking magicians. Oh, and Edison, it looks like you found the young man you were looking for.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” The elderly man stepped forward and bowed to the Queen. He also made time to catch Sloan’s eye and give her a smile. “We have arrived.”

  “Marcus, Jack,” the Queen continued, presenting the man she had just addressed. “This is Edison Reeves, the man responsible for our magical and technological advancements.”

  Edison gripped Jack’s hand firmly and gave him a grin. After he had done the same to Marcus, he turned to the Queen and motioned for the last man to approach.

  “And this, Your Majesty, is Aareth Emerson.”

  Aareth approached the Queen but neither bowed nor knelt. His blue eyes looked her up and down as he pushed long dark locks from his face.

  “It is appropriate to bow to your Queen.” Sloan’s voice came out loud and clear. Her distaste for the man quickly turned to dislike. “Appropriate and demanded.”

  “My queen?” Aareth looked at her and smiled. “I didn’t vote for her.”

  In one quick motion, Sloan found the hilt of the sword that hung from her hip. Years of training had it aimed at Aareth’s throat in the blink of an eye. Her blade tickled the hair at his throat.

  “You’re talking like any of this is an option.” Sloan leaned in, making sure her blade touched his skin. “You’re mistaken.”

  “Peace, Captain,” the Queen said softly. “He’s still our guest.”

  Sloan lowered her weapon slowly, but there was no doubt that if it weren’t for the Queen’s interference, she would have loved to teach Aareth a lesson in respect.

  There was an awkward silence as the Queen looked Aareth up and down. “I’m sorry. I wish things could have started off on a better note. But I want to thank you all for coming. Fenrick and Edison are only here in an advisory capacity. You four—Sloan, Aareth, Marcus, and Jack—are the ones that were chosen.”

  “Chosen for what, Your Highness?” Sloan asked as she sheathed her saber and shot Aareth a look that said, “Just you wait.”

  As you all know,” the Queen began with a deep breath, “the city of New Hope has struggled forward in the last decade. We have clawed and fought our way from the brink of collapse to be the most prosperous and technologically advanced city in the known world. Now we have the opportunity and resources to not only help ourselves, but also those around us in the Outland.”

  “I’m not talking about conquest or trying to claim each outlying city for the Crown.” Queen Eckert caught sight of Aareth’s dark look and shook her head. “I’m talking about strengthening bonds with our neighbors one day at a time. I know what the Outlanders think of us and I don’t blame them. I understand gaining their trust will be a slow process, but it is a process that must be started.”

  “We have the resources now in every way,” Edison added with a proud smile. “Our army has never been better trained, our advancements in magic never further along, and our leaders never stronger.”

  “New Hope’s economy and treasury are at their peaks as well,” Fenrick added with a smile that reminded Sloan of a predator’s grin.

  “They will have to be small steps and even smaller acts of kindness,” the Queen took time to look each member in attendance in the eye, “but we have to start somewhere. That leads us to why you have all been called. We have received reports and requests for aid from a small Outland city called Burrow Den.”

  Sloan furrowed her brow, trying to remember all she knew about the city. It was a small town, no more than a few hundred people from what she had remembered about the report. But that had been a few months ago. A lot could happen in a small town in a few months.

  “Reports of what manner, Your Highness?” Marcus asked.

  “Over the last few months, a string of brutal murders has occurred. Eyewitnesses have said there’s a wild animal on the loose that does not resemble anything they have ever seen before. Reports vary; however, whatever it is has eluded the local town authorities as well as anyone who has gone to help. In the meantime, the attacks and deaths have continued. It’s not every day a request for help comes our way, but it has. This is the perfect opportunity to make an ally. I am asking the four of you to go to Burrow Den, find out what is causing these attacks, and handle the situation in the name of the Crown.”

  “You know my sword now and forever belongs to you, my Queen. You need only tell me where to direct it.” Sloan fell to a knee once more, her eyes lowered in reverence.

  “Both my son and I are at your disposal, Your Highness,” Marcus said with another bow. “Where you command, we will follow.”

  Everyone in the chamber turned to Aareth. He was scratching the scruff that formed across his face but stopped as every eye turned his way. “Listen, I don’t think you have the right man for the job. I mean, it sounds adventurous and romantic and all, but I’m not the guy you’re looking for.”

  “If it’s money you are worried about, trust me, the Crown has more than enough to compensate you for your time.” The Queen frowned. “Or if it is something other than wealth you desire?”

  “No, I’m sure you have enough money and I’m not looking for power. Your plan just sounds dangerously close to schemes tyrants have tried in the past.”

  “Explain yourself.” The Queen squinted and tilted her head to the side.

  “I’m not accusing you of anything but having the noblest of intentions. However, there’s a fine line between bringing unity and peace to the Outland and making every city outside of New Hope your own.”

  Sloan couldn’t believe what she was hearing. If Aareth thought he was going to get away with addressing the her Queen in such a disrespectful way, he had another think coming. Sloan rose to her feet, her hand on the hilt of her saber once more.

  When the Queen spoke next, there was an edge to her voice Sloan didn’t expect.

  “Well, Aareth Emerson, thank you for your time and honesty. You are obviously not the right man for the job. You are dismissed, then. Please don’t let me keep you from the bar we found you in and the alcohol you were drowning yourself with.”

  Aareth made a move to speak.

  Sloan couldn’t help but pull her sword an inch from her sheath. She took a step toward him.

  Aareth’s lip curled into a sneer. Instead of words, he w
alked out of the room.

  “Please, Your Majesty, I know he’s rough around the edges. Still, he’s the best chance we have,” Edison looked at the queen with desperation. “Let me go after him.”

  “He’s strong and cautious. If you think he’s the one we need…” The Queen thought for a moment before continuing. “…then go and get him if you can. Over the course of the last ten years, you have never failed me. I don’t expect you’ll start making bad decisions now.”

  Edison bowed, his long grey cloak swishing behind him as he half walked, half ran to catch up to Aareth.

  “Your Majesty is gracious as ever,” Fenrick added in a sly whisper everyone could hear. “I would have had his tongue or thrown him into the dungeon and whipped at the very least for speaking that way.”

  “Yes, well, sometimes faith in our friends and their choices is required. Please, Fenrick, will you show Sloan and our guests where all the material on the attacks is held?”

  Fenrick bowed deeply.

  “Thank you, all of you, for your willingness to help. The road will be dangerous. We will be sure to send you well prepared. Fenrick will show you all the information we have gathered from the murders and the reports from eyewitnesses. It’s best that we start as soon as possible to avoid more deaths.”

  “We will, Your Highness,” Sloan bowed once more. “We can start first thing tomorrow morning. We’ll take the locomotive as far as the tracks will let us and then travel by horse from there.”

  The Queen nodded.

  “What’s a locomotive?” All eyes turned to Jack, who looked as though he was even surprised he had asked the question. “I mean, if I may ask?”

  “You’re in a for a treat, Jack,” The Queen smiled at the young tracker.

  Chapter Eight

  Aareth

  Did they think he was stupid? He knew where even the best of intentions led. With this much power, there would be no stopping the Queen if she decided to rule the Outland cities as opposed to “helping” them. With the magical technology New Hope now held, it would be a war of swords against sticks.