Jack was starting to get the feeling that he was being watched as the hairs on the back of his neck began to prickle. A wave of goosebumps slowly washed over his entire body.
His eyes were constantly darting back and forth as he walked down the middle of town. He knew someone was watching him, yet there was no one around. A young female voice stopped him dead in his tracks.
“Strangers to the experiment ground? But are they safe or are they like the ones before?”
Jack turned to his left, his right hand already on the hilt of his wand. The voice came from a girl who stood on a porch he had just seen empty a second before. She was slender with bright red hair and a sad smile.
“We’re here in the name of Queen Eleanor Eckert. We’re here to help.” Sloan stepped forward.
Sloan must have seen the porch empty only a moment before as well, as her hand was resting lightly on the hilt of her mage sword.
“Oh, no. No, they’re not like the ones before.” The girl cocked her head to the side like she was listening to someone. “No, silly, look at them. How do I know? Shhhhhh… they’ll hear you.”
Jack was about to ask who she was and where all the people of Burrow Den had gone, but he thought better of interrupting the girl as she continued to carry on a conversation with herself.
“They said they’re from New Hope, but the evil men came from New Hope too.”
“Excuse me,” Aareth spoke, unable to hold his tongue any longer. “Who are you and where are all the people?”
“You’re tall and handsome.” The girl looked at him as if she was seeing him for the first time. A shy smile crossed her face as she straightened out her dirty grey jacket and shifted in her boots.
“Ummm… thanks.”
“My name is Elizabeth.”
“Elizabeth, where is everyone?” Sloan took another step toward the girl. This time, her hand was off the hilt of her sword.
“They are here and there.” Elizabeth tore her eyes away from Aareth and looked Sloan up and down.
“Elizabeth, that’s not very helpful. Where has everyone gone?”
Jack could tell Sloan wasn’t used to having to exercise patience as her gloved hands crossed over her chest.
“Oh, Captain, my Captain. Be serious, no more fun time. You’re not a very nice soldier lady.” Elizabeth crossed her own arms and stuck out her chest.
Sloan’s eyes widened at the audacity of the girl. Jack thought she might reach for her sword again, so he stepped forward with a smile. “Hi, Elizabeth. I’m Jack, and this is Sloan, Aareth, and Marcus. We’re here to help and need to find where all the people are. Can you please help us?”
“Yes.” Elizabeth turned and fixed Jack with a penetrating stare. “He’s handsome, too, but in a different way. In an innocent way. Yes, Jack, we’ll help you. But before you follow me, the captain has to be disciplined for being so rude.”
The girl, who had to be a few years younger than Jack, walked down the wooden steps from her porch and stood directly in front of Sloan with a scornful look. She was shorter than Sloan, but she didn’t let that intimidate her as she addressed the captain. “Give me your hand.”
“What?” Sloan didn’t move her hands from the sides of her body.
“Give me your hand; you have to be disciplined. You’re so rude.”
Jack didn’t see any weapons on the redheaded girl. Regardless, he kept his hand on his wand. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his father readjust his staff. Sloan was tense, but she slowly extended her left hand.
“Bad Sloan, bad.” Elizabeth gently took it in her right hand and softly slapped the back of Sloan’s wrist with her own left hand. “You have to be nicer to strangers. Or how are you going to make any friends?”
Jack’s eyes widened as he witnessed the toughest soldier he had ever known literally get her wrist slapped.
Aareth stifled a chuckle as Sloan withdrew her hand and turned her head, giving him a murderous stare.
“What?” Aareth shrugged. “She has a point.”
Elizabeth seemed content that Sloan had learned her lesson and skipped along the dirt road deeper into the town.
“Well, hurry up.” Elizabeth looked over her shoulder as her red hair swung in line behind her. “Before the puppy comes. We can’t wait forever.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Jack
Jack exchanged looks with the rest of the group as they followed the girl into Burrow Den. Jack didn’t think that Elizabeth was dangerous; still, he kept a wary eye on every building they passed. Soon Elizabeth led them to the center of the city that opened up into a large circular space with a fountain placed dead center. Water splashed from the top of the fountain shaped like a spitting fish.
Elizabeth stopped and pointed to a large building with a sloping roof. Jack could tell that the building was a church by the bell tower and crucifix that jutted from the top of the structure.
“Most everyone’s inside. Town meeting, you know, a lot of blah, blah, blah, and thinking deep thoughts.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
“Thank you for your help, Elizabeth,” Jack said.
“Of course, Jack, sure. Just don’t believe what he says. He’s a liar.”
Jack was about to ask her who she was talking about and what she meant, but Elizabeth turned and ran away.
“What a weirdo.” Sloan dusted off her military jacket that showed the Queen’s emblem.
“I don’t know.” Aareth winked at Jack. “I kind of liked her. She was a good disciplinarian.”
This time, Marcus stifled a chuckle.
“If the city is gathered for a council meeting,” Sloan ignored them both and walked up the church’s wooden steps, “then this is as good a time as any to make our presence known. We need to formally offer our services on the Queen’s and the city of New Hope’s behalf.”
Fearless as ever, Sloan grabbed one of the wooden handles to the double doors and swung it open, stepping inside. Jack followed close behind.
The first thing that Jack noticed as they stepped into the large room and slid in near the back was the amount of people in attendance. The gigantic one-room building looked large from the outside, but the sheer number of people packed inside dwarfed the size of the structure.
Long wooden pews were set up for attendees, and from what Jack could see, every seat was filled. It was standing room only and it seemed like even a few inches of space for one’s feet to rest was high-demand real estate.
Shoulder to shoulder, people craned their necks forward or tilted their heads to the front of the room, trying to catch what was being said. With the entire town in attendance, Jack was certain they would be spotted as outsiders. To his surprise, besides a few confused looks, everyone was too busy trying to hear the debate taking place at the front of the building.
Jack stood on his tiptoes and found a spot where he could see through black and brown coats and tall hats and goggles. There was a lanky man speaking at a podium on a raised platform in the front of the room. Jack couldn’t make out specific details, but the man was fair-skinned with thinning hair. He seemed like he was trying to calm the gathered people.
“Yes, elections for the new mayor and sheriff will take place soon, but in the meantime, I have taken it upon myself to act as the lead shepherd during this dark time of crisis. My position as a preacher has given me training on how to deal with serious situations in times of distress.”
“This is more than a time of crisis, Elijah!” a timid voice said from somewhere from the front of the room. There was a murmur of agreement as the man continued. “We’ve lost over three dozen members of our community to these attacks. This is an extermination!”
“Please, brothers and sisters.” The tall man called Elijah stretched out his long arms and waited until the crowd was silent. “Have reassurance that everything happens for a reason. We have to keep faith that there is an ultimate plan in place for us. The attacks, although still occurring, have decreased in the past few days. Perhaps w
hatever it is that is performing the acts is moving on.”
“But how can we be sure?” the same man said. “I—We fear for our families, for our children. What we need to do is leave this cursed place.”
Louder murmurs escaped the crowd as Jack listened in and caught what the people nearest to him were saying.
“Leave Burrow Den? Should we?”
“This is all we’ve known. Where would we go?”
“Better alive and gone than buried here.”
“Peace, peace,” Elijah crooned in a comforting voice. “There is no need to go anywhere. We have sent word to the Queen for assistance—”
The man who was arguing with Elijah stepped onto the raised dais and turned to address the crowd. He was short compared to Elijah, with a rounded belly and bald head.
“The Queen? Please, the Queen of New Hope sits in her royal palace counting her treasure and sipping her wine. No help from the Queen is coming. They don’t care about us poor Outliers. We have only ourselves to rely on.”
“That’s not true!”
All eyes turned to Sloan as she returned each and every stare. A small opening was made for her, Jack, Aareth, and Marcus as everyone tried to remember seeing them walk into the room.
“Queen Eleanor Eckert of New Hope has not abandoned her neighbors and friends. My companions and I have traveled hard and far to come to your assistance at her direct request.”
Everyone stood stunned, trying to decide if they approved or disapproved of the strangers in their council meeting. Jack forced himself to stand by Sloan’s side and not shrink back. He could practically feel the eyes on him, looking him up and down and deciding his worth.
“You were sent from New Hope?” The short man next to Elijah was first to find his voice. “From the Queen?”
“That is correct. My name is Captain Sloan and I am head of the Queen’s personal guard. With me are the best sorcerers and trackers in the Outland. We’re here to help.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Sloan
People started to smile and clap as they looked on optimistically. Sloan could practically see hope in their eyes as the city population examined their saviors. The room erupted in talk and speculation. Sloan even received a few handshakes and claps on the back.
“Order! Please, order!” Elijah yelled from the podium. The crowd quieted and looked to their leader. “It seems as though our prayers have been answered. Let us not forget who we have to thank for this blessing.”
Heads nodded as the citizens of Burrow Den again turned to Sloan and her companions. More hands were shaken and smiles exchanged as people thanked her for coming. In seconds, Elijah was standing in front of the group himself. He was as tall as Aareth but not nearly as muscular. Distance had deceived Sloan. Elijah was much older than she originally thought.
Elijah was clean-shaven with a warm smile and thinning hair. Sloan guessed that he had to be just as old, perhaps older than Marcus. His hand was strong as he introduced himself above the din of the crowd.
“My name is Elijah Ahab. I’m the pastor of the community. Perhaps we can talk somewhere where there’s more room and less noise?”
Sloan and the others nodded as they followed Elijah through the front door and outside. The crowd trailed after them, eager to catch any news of New Hope or plans the strangers had for aiding them.
Elijah led the group past the town center and fountain and down a dirt path. There was still a large group of excited citizens following as Elijah stopped at a single-story white house and turned to address the crowd.
“Friends, I know how eager you are to converse with our guests and how hopeful you feel to see them in our city. But please give me some time to talk with them and let them rest. I’m sure they’ll be here for a few days and everyone will get a chance to interact with them.”
Some members in the crowd nodded and said farewell to the strangers; others scowled at Elijah for being dismissed like small children.
“I’m sorry.” Elijah turned to his visitors. “I’m afraid they are a bit over eager about your arrival. Please come inside and we can talk.”
Sloan led the way following Elijah inside his small house. Clean wood floors and furniture gave the space a warm, inviting look. Elijah motioned them to all sit at a table as he lit candles and lamps in the light of the setting sun.
“Thank you for your hospitality.” Sloan was the first to speak when they were all seated. “I’m Captain Sloan. This is Aareth, Marcus, and Jack.”
“My name is Elijah Ahab. I’m the pastor here in Burrow Den.”
“No disrespect, Pastor Ahab, but is there a mayor or sheriff available we can speak with?”
“I’m afraid not, Captain.” Ahab lowered his eyes and shook his head slowly. “They’re all dead. Fallen victims of the animal that has ravaged our city.”
“So you’ve assumed control?” Sloan raised a skeptical eyebrow.
“I had no choice.” Elijah looked up, shocked at Sloan’s tone. “The town needed someone to turn to.”
“Of course,” Sloan responded.
Sloan let the silence build before she was willing to speak again. There was something about the way the man fidgeted that reminded her of Fenrick Trilion.
“Well,” Sloan began again, “we’re here now. What can you tell us about the animal and the attacks?”
Elijah opened his mouth but stopped himself short. “Wouldn’t you like to rest or have something to eat before we jump right into business? I’m sure you all have had a long journey.”
“If it’s all the same to you, preacher,” Marcus spoke up for the first time, “we’d like to get started as soon as we can.”
“Of course. Well, the attacks started just over two months ago.” Elijah took time to look them all in the eyes as he spoke. “Since then, dozens of men and women have been killed. I haven’t seen the creature myself, but there are some eyewitnesses I can refer you to.”
Sloan wasn’t sure what information she expected from the preacher. Still, she expected more than what was offered in the brief few sentences provided. For someone whose town was under attack, Elijah seemed rather comfortable with the fact.
“What do you think is causing the attacks, Pastor Ahab?” Jack leaned forward, awaiting the answer.
Elijah looked at Jack with a startled expression as if he hadn’t expected the young man to speak.
“I’m not sure, Jack. I know that the reports are of an animal, and of that I have no doubt, but—” Elijah looked down as he chose his next words carefully. “Something inside is begging the question of what if this animal was sent by the Divine as a persecution for our sins?”
“Explain.” Sloan crossed her arms over her chest.
“I mean,” Elijah wet his thin lips, “no one has been able to stop the beast. Before the attacks began, Burrow Den was heading into a morally dark place. I’m not saying I think the attacks are justified in any way, but the way the creature turns up and disappears has to be answered. In the last few months, the church has seen its best days as more and more people realize what’s important in life and turn to the Divine One for hope.”
Sloan was going back and forth in her mind, asking herself if she trusted the preacher or if the man was a bit overzealous in the crazy department. She was forced to shelve the question, when the door to the small house opened. In walked a young girl somewhere around Jack’s age. She was slender with thick dark hair and a quick smile that accentuated her pearl-white teeth.
A loud crash echoed in the room as Jack fell backward on the wood floor. Everyone, including the girl, looked at him with a mixture of mirth and concern.
Jack immediately regained his feet, and righted his chair. His face brightened to a shade of dull red.
“Are you all right?” the angel in the doorway asked, hiding a smile.
“Ummm—I—uhhh…” Jack sputtered as if he’d forgotten how to speak.
Sloan kicked Jack hard under the table. Not only was he being a poor represe
ntative for the Crown, but he was embarrassing them all in the process.
The pain from the strike brought Jack’s vocabulary back from the stone age in a rush. “I’m Jack—I mean, I’m fine, thanks.”
“This is my daughter, Abigail.” Elijah gave Jack a skeptical look as he rose from his seat and introduced the stranger. “Abigail, these are travelers from New Hope who have been sent by the Queen herself to offer assistance.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Abigail smiled at them all, inviting another fall from Jack. “I’m sure my father is answering all of your questions. If there’s anything I can do to help, please just ask.”
“She’s cute, right?” Aareth nudged Jack in the ribs. “I mean, too young for me, but perfect for you.”
“Actually, you can both help us.” Sloan turned the conversation away from Abigail with a searing stare at Aareth and Jack. “I’ll need a list of victims and the places the attacks took place as well as interviews set up with eyewitnesses. With any luck, we can start tracking the beast tomorrow.”
“Yes, of course.” Elijah’s eyes were locked on Sloan’s as he nodded like he was in a daze. “I can do that tonight. Right away.”
Elijah grabbed a coat off of a hook that stood fixed next to the door. As if it was an afterthought, he looked back at his daughter. “Abigail, can you show our guests where they can sleep for the night, and prepare a meal. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Abigail nodded and was opening her mouth to say something, when her father pivoted on his heel and headed out of the house, closing the door behind him.
“Sorry.” Abigail turned toward the table of guests and cringed. “My father is a bit—”
“It’s okay.” Marcus waved her apology away. “No explanation needed.”
“The house next door is vacant, and it will be a great place for you to live as long as you need. I would invite you to stay here, of course, but there wouldn’t be enough room. I wouldn’t want any of you to sleep on the floor.”
The Complete Vampire Project Series: (Books 1 - 5) Page 12