Tousling her sheets Alisandra sat up and looked around her sparse room. She wondered what had startled her. She pulled her coffee colored hair out of her eyes and rose from her bed. She slipped on a robe that complimented her fair skin. She made her way to the room next to hers. She gently pushed open the door and stepped into a world of dolls and bright colors. Leaning against the frame of the door, she smiled at the small child sleeping soundly in bed. Alisandra sat on the edge of the bed and caressed her daughter’s sherry colored hair. She saw that the girl was holding a photo of her dead father. She sighed, a tear rolling down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away. Alisandra was torn from her thoughts by an ear-ringing shriek. She strode to the front door. She pressed her hands against the cold metal and slid open a small peephole. Her heart dropped as she saw a wall of dark winged bats dive as if torpedoes at her. She could hear the cries of her neighbors, muffled by the thick walls off the house. Alisandra forced her fear down and she turned to her daughter’s room. She seized her frightened child who had just awakened. She was attempting to take refuge under her sheets. The girl clung to her mother’s long hair. Alisandra looked at the panic in her daughters pale green eyes, reminding her of the girl’s father. Setting her jaw, she clutched her fidgeting daughter.
“Shh it’s alright honey. Mommy will always protect you” Alisandra comforted her terrified child.
“I want you to take mommy’s favorite cross, you know the silver one daddy gave me, and hide in your special little cove in the basement.” She commanded to her now calm and apparently confident child.
“Alright Mommy.” Elizabeth whimpered betraying the fear she was attempting to quell.
Alisandra watched her petite daughter descend the narrow steps to the haven hidden in the basement. The moment she was no longer, visible Alisandra leapt to the door, slamming the coarse titanium bolts. In a final effort, she pushed her heavy antique table against the blockaded door. She grimaced as the screech of the metal floor penetrated her ears. It was of no consequence and she knew it, if a vampire wished to get in it would succeed, but she prayed to the lord it would deter those leeches.
While she was pacing in her fluorescent-lit kitchen, she could hear the sound of her neighbors’ steel and titanium doors being forced in.
She glanced at a picture frame, it appeared to be floating on the subtly lit wall. Inside it was happiness; a day at the museum, her husband smiled at her with those eyes that could always make her blush. Elizabeth was only three at the time she was still so happy. The moment of nostalgia was ripped from her as she heard a scream from her neighbor’s lawn.
Alisandra grabbed a large crystal vile containing precious holy water and doused the door with it, as well as the entryway to the basement. She emptied the last bit of it into her body hoping that if it sucked her dry she could still succeed in killing it. Abruptly the door began to tremble. One was trying to get in.
Alisandra reached for a stake and a small but fatally sharp dagger. She was prepared to fight to the death to defend her precious daughter. The vampires may have succeeded in stealing her husband, but they would not acquire her daughter as another sickening trophy.
Her enormous door fell, splintering the table beneath it. It landed inches from her feet. The house had been breached. Three of them stood egotistically before her. Fear and anger surged inside her petite.
A full grown and well-built man like my beloved Bryan couldn’t even take three and survive. Alisandra thought to herself fear slinking its way into her mind.
A lump of terror lodged itself in her taut throat.
“Hello darling,” taunted the leech standing front and center. He was apparently the most important of these three. He had dark wine like eyes with a suggestion of an evil greed for power and domination of all, even his own, and hair that flowed as if the wind was dancing in its blackened tendrils though there wasn’t any wind this humid night.
The one situated to the left and behind him had vibrant ivy green eyes similar to the one located beside him. The one to the left had a pink protruding scar accenting his sculpted chin and sunken cheeks. This one was not the highest in rank, but he did not care, he enjoyed it. He relished torturing his victims draining them leisurely and not using his hypnotic powers to entrance the weak minded. This was not just a nice escapade it was dinner and entertainment.
The one who had spoken previously strode towards her. She immediately tensed and was ready to pounce. She would have to allow her animal instincts to gain control. He made a motion fleet as a coyote in her direction, but not quick enough. She succeeded in ducking his swing and pulling his feet out from beneath him. He hit the floor with a shuddering thud that likely echoed to little Elizabeth‘s ears. Alisandra had just missed a blow to her head capable of knocking her into unconsciousness. He was back up on his feet in a second and the look of sickening pleasure left his ghastly face; he was fuming.
“My darling, you hurt me.” he spat while brushing his stray hairs from his face and straightening his coat.
She threw a punch towards the vampire that had slipped quietly behind her; it was the one from the right. He dodged it in time to avoid what for him was simply a slight annoyance. The one with the scar stepped in and delivered a painful blow to her stomach. Collapsing from the loss of air, the frightened mother pulled herself up and leaned against the wall.
“What is that stench?” inquired the frightening one with the scar.
“Holy water.” responded the leader as he pulled his hand back from a puddle on the floor. “The house is drenched in it,” he stated with amusement. “You’re not as dumb as you look my darling,” he laughed
“I am not your darling!” she shouted as she angrily staked the quiet one from the right.
It was now her and two vampires. They looked taken aback; she had succeeded in killing one of their own. Then the mood changed as the leader’s eyes transformed from the subtle burgundy to a vibrant fire red.
“You will pay for that little one. No one gets away with killing one of my own.” He whispered with unmistakable fury.
He dove for her and they locked into an epic battle. A mother protecting her young from a predator is the greatest battle. She clawed at his fiery eyes as he struggled to get her pinned to the cool iron floor. He succeeded after only a few short minutes.
He gazed at her with triumphant lust through the hair, which had fallen like a veil in his pallored face. He leaned towards her appetizing neck, his ivory fangs so close to her fair skin. His blissful snack averted when her left foot found his stomach and she kicked him off her shaking body. He slammed against the wall, the wooden coat rack going through his nearly non-existent heart.
Now it was a badly bloodied Alisandra and the green eyed one with the pink scar. She watched his eyes scan her figure gauging if he could win.
In a blink of an eye, he flew at her, obviously having decided he could take her. He kicked her in her ribcage with enough force to break two ribs and shatter another. The scream of intense pain she made filled the night air. She was in distressing pain, but she had to keep fighting. He paced around her as Alisandra wiggled fervently on her floor. She picked herself up and gained her balance when he took a knife off her onyx counter and dug it into her thigh. All the while, he had a sickening, devilish grin on his taut face. He wrenched it out and licked off the deep crimson till the knife shone eerily once again. The holy water did not faze him; it didn’t work. She thought to herself, the hope she had been clinging to was ripped from her heart.
She reached for a small statue of Jesus off her granite end table and smashed it into his head. He growled with pain and hit her across her head. He then stabbed the knife into her other thigh that was attempting to assist in her standing.
Alisandra’s world began to swim all around her. She felt the vampire’s teeth pierce her velvety skin; unexpectedly he ripped his teeth out and let her drop to the floor smashing her limp head against it. His ears seemed to almost pop up, he had heard something. “What had he heard?” Alisandra asked herself. “ELIZABETH!” she screeched. With hidden strength, she picked herself off the ground and stumbled down the stairs he had just descended. She came upon a horrifying sight his fangs were closing in on her squirming daughter‘s thin neck.
“Drop the kid!” she gasped. He turned and looked at her drooping figure looming in the doorway.
“I couldn’t figure out why you were fighting us with such ferocity. That is until I heard this little dear’s whimpers. Poor little pet was so frightened she couldn’t keep quiet.” the vampire cooed in a nauseating singsong voice, as he released his grip on Elizabeth’s nightdress.
He strode towards Alisandra to meet his gut with her dagger. She immediately tore it out and stabbed the dagger into his broad throat pushing him to the musty concrete basement floor. She put all hundred pounds of her weight into partially decapitating the convulsing vampire. Though only partial, the decapitation seemed to do its job. She collapsed at the side of her whimpering daughter and wrapped her bruised and blood smeared arms around her. She wept with pain and a mother’s joy until she slipped into unconsciousness as her daughter cried her name.
Once she reached the other side her loving husband and her, other late family members greeted her and welcomed her into bliss.
All this was being played out, like a movie, in a scrying dish. The scene of death faded away and the dish of water became only water again. The owner of the dish was a young gypsy named Ashley
“Your mother was a strong woman to fight off three vampires,” she told the now twenty-year-old Elizabeth. “I do wonder how you survived the night; you would think the other vampires would have come to see to their dead.”
“Maybe my mother hadn’t truly left me yet. Maybe she was still there protecting me. They say a mother’s love never dies,” Elizabeth said with a half-hearted smile.
“Are you sure what you saw was true?” asked a shaky Elizabeth.
“Yes, the dish doesn’t lie.” she replied. “On another note, how have things been going with your research?” Ashley asked Elizabeth.
“Well. We have found the hiding spot of the vampires. It’s in another realm and that is why we could never find them before. We are just trying to figure out how to access it,” divulged Elizabeth.
“You are telling me some very important information. Why?” Asked Ashley.
“It is very important and if the vampires find out what we know they will kill those who know about it to stop it from spreading. Therefore, I am telling everyone so it can’t be stopped. You already knew that though,” Elizabeth said as she stood up to leave. “Have a nice day.”
“You too.” What a smart girl, Ashley thought to herself. She will go places. Important places. She stood and began to put her devices away. She looked at a deck of cards that was a gift from a friend. They were similar to tarot cards except you threw them and how they landed foretold the future. Ashley had been reading up on how to use them in her spare time and decided it was time to use them.
“Spirits I ask for your assistance in the telling of Elizabeth Grant’s future.” chanted Ashley. She tossed the cards into the air and stepped back to watch them fall. The Gypsy sat and began to decipher the future. “Let us see what is in store for you, Elizabeth,” she muttered to herself. “We have a trip to a distant place, probably the other realm. She will see much death on her journey there. Alliances will be made as well as enemies. She will grow in strength and power.
What does this say? Oh my, this can’t be right.” The cards had spelled run or die amongst the others from the deck. The frightened gypsy leapt to her feet and flew out of her back door into the woods just as dusk began to set.
Chapter 2
“Open up Madame Gypsy. We’d like to hear our fortunes,” jeered a band of lowly ranked vampires. “Come on we won’t bite.” one shouted. He quickly became impatient. “Well, if she isn’t going to let us in.” Justin muttered. Backing away a few steps he ran at the door and it fell to the ground. The vampires flooded in and began to search the place. Justin stumbled across the cards scattered on the floor. “You guys, she isn’t here, she must have predicted us coming and fled,” shouted Justin from within the fortune room. He smelt the air until he picked up her scent and he sprinted towards the woods, the rest of them trailing not too far behind.
* * *
“Elizabeth!” shouted Eric one of the two scientists whom she was working with. He and Miranda stopped her on their way out.
“Great news. We may have found the coordinates to the rift. We are going to go and check it out tomorrow but first we need to get military assistance. See they were right under our nose. Do you remember that calculation we thought was just for energy levels well it was the coordinates. ” Miranda, Elizabeth‘s co-worker, rambled excitedly to her.
“We haven’t needed a team before. Why do we need one this time?” Elizabeth asked as they walked down the stark white hallways to the world outside.
“We may not be able to open it for awhile after we test it so we need a team of military officials to accompany us. We don’t know what is inside. Liz, you were right about there being three realms. They are connected in a triangular shape. There are two rifts. One to the realm of the vampires and another to a different realm. This other realm appears to be like our realm but older, much older. I mean it definitely has life and we don‘t know if it will be hostile,” whispered Eric with slightly annoying enthusiasm.
“Why not send a probe in?” Elizabeth asked, “No troops and no one will be in danger; it sounds perfect to me.”
“Like I said, if we open the rift it may take awhile to get it back open,” Eric reminded Elizabeth.
“A long time,” chimed in Miranda with a sigh.
“How long?” asked Elizabeth suspiciously.
“Well, it could be up to ten years.” Miranda said.
“How are we going to get back if it takes ten years to open?” asked Elizabeth as she covered her eyes from the bright sunlight.
“We theorize that the portal’s energy will be fine on the other side. See, the energy from our portal will be transferred to the other portal giving it the energy to be operational,” yammered Miranda.
“This doesn’t sound good you know General Dobinson, he won’t go for it unless we’re sure.”
“Well, we will have to look sure. We can’t wait any longer. Based on the vampires’ normal migration patterns we will be under a wave of attack in less than a year. Each attack is growing in severity. I think this one will wipe us out,” Eric told Elizabeth.
“Okay. How do we operate the portal?” asked Elizabeth as she opened the door to her car.
“Remember the machine you made; the one from those plans your father left you, the one you didn’t quite know what it was for? Well it should work perfectly. It will harness the energy and tear the rift open enough for us to get through,” Eric stated as Elizabeth climbed into her car.
“So let’s head to the base. You have your passes right?” asked Elizabeth.
“Yeah. See you there,” chirped Miranda as Elizabeth shut her door and drove in the direction of the base.
Chapter 3
“ID please?” asked a man wrapped in shades of green.
As Elizabeth searched through her bag for her ID, it occurred to her that this could be twenty times more dangerous than their normal missions were. While she pondered further on this thought, she handed the guard her ID. He scanned it and logged her in. He handed it back and motioned for the gate to be opened. She looked up as a wall of barbed wire pulled back, then the wall of concrete, and last a wall of titanium infused with diamond particles. She drove forward steadily. On her left, she saw the soldiers doing their basic everyday routine. Miranda’s car was parked right next to an empty space in which Elizabeth parked her car. Elizabeth walked inside the briefing room to see the general and several other people, sadly General Dobinson, whom she felt was a perverted creep, was going with them on the mission.
“Hello Elizabeth. Now that everyone is here, we can discuss this portal theory. Now you claim to have found a portal to the vampire realm. I am correct or am I not?” questioned General Dobinson.
“Well, actually, we don’t know where the portal leads. We think that it leads to another realm. The environment doesn’t seem to be sustainable for vampires. For one thing it has daylight and large deposits of silver and we all know the vampires cannot stand silver,” Eric informed the General.
“In fact the portal leads to a realm composited of the same materials as ours except it seems much older,” added Miranda
“So you didn’t find the vampires?” asked General Dobinson frustration flickering in his sapphire blue eyes.
“Well, not really. We don’t know what we have found.” Eric mumbled.
“Then this meeting is adjourned. Call me when you find the vampires,” snarled the General.
“Wait! We may have found a way to reach the vampires through this realm.” Elizabeth interjected.
“Go on,” commanded the General.
Elizabeth stood up from her chair and walked towards the dry erase board.
“My theory is there are three realms linked in a triangular shape. Now, we have been unable to locate the entrance to the vampire realm, but we could travel through this other realm into the vampire realm. In an attack such as this, we would have the element of surprise. It will be dangerous, but I am tired of them attacking us and we aren‘t fighting back. I don’t know how far we’ll have to travel but I do know that the vampires’ portal is in there some where. Are you on board or not?” Elizabeth said.
“One question. Why can’t we find the vampire realm from here?” asked General Dobinson.
“They have many magickal allies. They could have it cloaked with spells and enchantments,” suggested Miranda.
“Okay. When do you want a team ready by and who would you want for this?” asked the General.
Elizabeth looked at the General stunned that he had agreed so quickly.
“Well, we would want people that didn’t have a family because we may be gone for years. They will need to be creative, quick thinking and mentally stable. Oh, and they will need to be ready by dawn,” Eric informed him.
“I can do that for you. Meeting adjourned. I will see you tomorrow,” concluded the general. He left and walked into his office to speak with his assistant.
“Carl G. he doesn’t have any family,” said Cheryl the general’s assistant.
“Ok and neither does Dustin C, “Added the general
“We still need seven more people. We could use Kate L,” suggested Cheryl.
“No, she is going to be on maternity leave next week, remember.”
“Well there is Sandrah; she is new, but no family and her scores have been rather high.” Cheryl whispered.
“No. You know how I feel about her; she is a fucking half blood. She has the blood of those leeches running through her cold veins. Never!” the General shouted. After a pause, he began to sift through the papers again. “Now let’s see, David doesn’t have a family.
Chapter 4
“Hmm?” questioned Carl G as he answered his phone at two o’clock in the morning.
“Carl, you have been assigned to an important mission you will report to the briefing room at four o’clock am. If you have a significant other, I recommend you tell them good-bye and break it off as we may be gone for decades. Over and out,” Cheryl hurriedly informed him.
“Yes ma’m!” he responded as he climbed out of bed and attempted to rub the sleep from his eyes “briefing room at four o’clock.”
“See you there,” Cheryl said as she ended the phone call. She set down the phone and picked up the phone book to reach the others. On the other end, Carl turned the phone off, began his daily exercise routine. He hopped into the shower after an hour of curls, pushups, crunches and more. The hot water pounding on his face helped to finish waking him up. He turned the nozzle and hoped out of the shower. Suddenly, his eyes dilated and he grabbed his pants slipping them on as quickly as possible.
He had heard the sound of light footsteps in his bedroom. It was most likely an assassination attempt; he was the best General Dobinson had, and the leeches had sent teams out to kill him before. He pushed his bedroom door open and quickly grabbed his dagger off his dresser; he looked up.
“Hello,” whispered a woman who was hidden in the shadows of his room. Quickly Carl looked around the room to find the rest of the team.
“I’m the only one here. Well, besides you.” whispered the voice “Relax, I don’t bite.” she said as she slithered from his bed and made her way behind him.
For some reason, Carl couldn’t think clearly. He knew something was wrong, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. Suddenly he felt a soft hand on his chest. He turned around and the fog in his mind cleared away instantly. The light from the bathroom glinted on two fangs protruding from her soft mouth. However, as quickly as it dispersed, the fog came creeping back. He fought hard to push it away.
“Get the hell out of my mind leech!” he screamed at her setting the fog temporarily at bay.
He clutched the dagger and jabbed it in her direction. The only thing it came near was a long braid of blond hair. Carl collapsed to the ground from a kick in the ribs. He recovered and they engaged into battle.
“Why did they send one puny girl to try to kill me?” he asked her as he went in for the attack.
“I’m the best. That’s why,” she hissed as she threw him into the wall.
She grabbed his neck and stuck her fangs into it. After draining him dry, his limp body dropped to the floor. She wiped the blood from her mouth and chuckled, “Maybe I do bite.”
The vampire walked out the front door, but not before setting the place ablaze. She stepped back to admire her work. “Because I’m the god dam best that’s why,” she growled to herself as she lit a cigarette from the flames of Carl’s home, she stood there admiring the flames.
“What a pathetic creature,” she thought to herself as she stomped on the butt of the cigarette and morphed into a bat. Flying in the air, she let out the tell tale shriek of her kind. All would know this was her doing.
Chapter 5
General Dobinson was ripped from his sleep by a screech that echoed through out the night. He immediately grabbed his weapons and readied himself for a possible battle. “Those damn leeches must’ve found out about our plan. I swear they have someone on the inside. I bet it’s that wench Kate.” he grumbled to his empty room as he grabbed his keys. The general ran into his car and called Cheryl on his cell phone. “Cheryl can you find out where the vampire attacked?” the General asked her.
“Sir, I believe she attacked Carl. His house has been burned to the ground. He’s dead.” Cheryl confessed as she brushed a strand of red hair out of her eyes.
“Shit! They finally got him, the poor bastard. Cheryl can you please find me a replacement.” the exhausted General asked her.
“Anyone in particular, sir?” Cheryl asked him.
“No. Just find me someone,” he told her.
“Yes sir. Good bye.” Cheryl concluded.
“Bye.” the General grunted as he turned the phone off and pulled in front of Carl’s house. Or where his house should have been. The general stepped on the soft grass and surveyed the land. A small cigarette butt caught his eyes. He walked over and picked it up. “Carl doesn’t smoke,” the general whispered to himself. He put the cigarette to his nose attempting to discern who had put it there. He stiffened and closed his eyes.
“Erica.” the general sighed. Memories floating through his mind. Combat practice. Erica was the best. Her only faults were that she smoked and that she was slightly reckless. Only with her own life of course never with anyone else’s. The general threw the cigarette towards the fire. His face, hardened with the ruts of life peered into the fire. He walked towards his car. He couldn’t be late for the briefing. It wouldn’t do for the general to be late. He took one deep breath and turned the key. Thoughts raced through his mind as he drove back to the main building. I wonder whom Cheryl picked the general thought to himself. He parked next to a red suburban.
“What is Kate doing here?” the general wondered aloud “Cheryl!” he growled. As the general walked into the office he realized he had no choice, Kate had to come with him. He walked in and surveyed the room some one besides Carl was missing.
“Where is David?” Dobinson asked the room full of people. Before anyone could respond, the sound of footsteps could be heard down the hallway.
“Sorry I’m late. I heard about Carl and drove by to say a prayer.” David explained as he walked in, four minutes late.
“Just sit down,” he commanded gruffly. “Now Elizabeth, Miranda, and Eric will you please brief my soldiers on what we will be getting ourselves into.”
“Certainly,” Eric stated as he stood up. “I would like you to draw your attention to the screen.” As Eric filled in the soldiers Elizabeth observed the people she would be working with, some just seemed so young to her. She saw most seemed to be excited and interested in the mission. She also noticed Miranda eyeing up Eric. “How cute geek and geekette.” she muttered under her breath. As Eric finished explaining, they grabbed their gear and filed out of the room. They were heading to the rift “I hope this doesn‘t go bad.” Elizabeth sighed.
Chapter 6
“So basically if I flip this switch the rift should tear open and we should be able to walk through. Then we will be in another realm. Now when you pass through the rift, you must not travel too far ahead,” Elizabeth told the crowd of soldiers and scientists around her. “Well here it goes!” she shouted as she flipped the switch.
There was an immediate flash of light and a sound resembling what one would think a nuclear bomb would sound like. Everyone ducked and shielded themselves from the ball of energy that was slowly opening into what looked like a portal. Soon the noise ceased as did the flashes of light. All that they were left with was a faint glow and a 6 foot 9 inches gap in the forest.
As Elizabeth peeked into the gap, she saw such beauty that her icy heart thawed a great deal. She could see galaxies and stars, and by her feet was what looked like a trail of smoke. Yet she knew it was solid. With a slight smile, she stepped onto it and walked through. Everyone else followed her, in understanding silence.
***
A panting Ashley looked up and saw the young woman Elizabeth disappear into a ball of white light and the military force following her. She sighed and looked up to the sky, “I know what I must do.” And she too walked into the portal. As it closed behind her, the vampire Justin caught a glimpse of the light and dove to avoid it. He, like most of his kind, had evolved to withstand small amounts of sunlight, but this light was not sunlight, it was something else that contained more power than the sun.
“What the fuck?” he shouted while dusting the grass from his jeans. He came out from behind the tree he was hiding. A look of confusion crossed his face when he simply saw a tall oak where seconds before the ball of light stood.
“Yo man, do you have her?” screamed Deric as he spotted Justin a ways up ahead.
“No! Her scent is gone right at the oak,” Justin responded. “I think the humans have found a new weapon. It’s like sunlight but, but whiter and stronger. I mean look at my skin it looks like it’s been sun burned,” babbled the clearly shaken leech.
“What do you mean? The humans are too stupid to have converged energy that way. They are just cattle, man! You’ve gone off the deep end!” Deric argued.
“Then how did her scent just disappear?” Justin shouted. “The light it, it was like…” Justin spluttered.
“Like what, man?” Deric asked the still blabbering Justin.
“The portal! The fucking portal! It had to be another portal. We need to get back to our city and talk to Maksha. I think we have a serious problem,” Justin said, as he looked Deric squarely in the eye. “We have to warn the others. The humans have found Trinity.”
Chapter 7
Light the color of rubies danced on the face of the seductively beautiful Nioletin. She glided through the corridor stopping before two, large oak doors, embellished with a gold form of hieroglyphics. Two robust guards glared at the teenage boy who was accompanied by Nioletin. After a slight nod from her, they opened the doors to Maksha’s quarters.
Justin’s eyes widened as he saw his high king Maksha. Maksha had sharply chiseled features accompanied by emerald like eyes. He was at least a head taller than Justin was. He was dressed in black linen slacks and his chest completely bare. Justin stood at attention as Maksha sent away the woman who he had been preparing to feed off. She whimpered slightly and glowered at Justin for having stolen her chance at this honor.
“I have been informed that you have information for me concerning the cattle,” stated Maksha as he began to peel a light green apple.
“Yes, sir. I saw the humans at a portal like ours. The only difference was the light. This light was brighter your majesty. It burned me a bit and I quickly dove out of the way,” stated a fumbling Justin.
“Why didn’t you stop them from entering the portal?” asked Maksha the only hint of his anger the tighter grip he had on the handle of his paring knife.
“There were too many of them sir. It was their military,” Justin said in an attempt to defend himself. “They would have killed me.”
“I see. So you didn’t kill the cattle that had left there designated area because you were frightened.” Maksha said in a calm monotone voice.
Nioletin who had been standing several feet back walked out and returned with in seconds with a young maid who was holding a rag and a bucket in her small hands. Just as the petite girl lifted her head. Maksha raised his hand and gestured towards Justin. The paring knife found its way into Justin’s still heart. He gasped for air confusion crossed his face as he fell to his knees and saw the blood swell around him. Nioletin waved her hand to signify that she wanted the little girl to clean up the blood and the body. The girl went right to work.
“My lord. Would you like me to call a meeting of your counselors?” asked Nioletin as she began giving his muscular shoulders a massage. “What lies in the realm that the humans entered my majesty?” She questioned.
“I believe they entered a realm more ancient than our own. I think they entered the realm of the creators. Realm Trinity.” said Maksha as he pulled her to him “I have not had a woman’s company in a while, would you allow me to satisfy my hunger,” he asked with lust in his eyes.
“I will send Trebajin in to help you with that you can feed on her as well, her blood is especially sweet,” she said as she pushed his arms from her waist and rose. She glided out silently leaving him with hunger flickering in his eyes. He did not care that she was pledged to his brother, he wanted her golden body for himself. He pondered how to win her over while waiting for Trebajin. He sighed and resigned himself to the attractive blond Nioletin had sent him.
Chapter 8
“Mark!” Screamed a nineteen-year-old blond. She was dressed in simple movable green pants and a white beater that clung to her well-built frame. Her sapphire blue eyes frantically scanned the wooded horizon.
“Mark Dobinson! Where are you?” She shouted pleadingly as her eyes spotted the orange sun now barely hanging over the tops of the red and gold-decked trees. She dropped to the crunchy leaf swathed ground and removed a small silver bladed dagger that had been concealed in her boot. With her left hand, she pulled her long hair back expertly into a braid. She glanced around once more and pulled out a dog tag necklace from with in her shirt that read her name, Erica Dobinson.
“If that little brat isn’t dead I’m killing him myself.” Erica muttered to herself as she sprinted into the darkening woods. She ran to a large oak that he loved to play at. She stopped after fifteen minutes of searching to think more clearly.
“I hope I find him before the sun sets.” she whispered, concern sweeping her face as she noticed the darkening sky.
* * *
“So, Mark, are you sure you aren’t too scared to stay in the woods after dark? Asked a hauntingly pale face from the shadows of the autumn trees.
“No. My sister told me to never be afraid of the dark. Fearing it gives the monsters that live in it more power. Besides I know Erica would never let anything bad happen to me, she is a great sister and super tough,” said the smiling eight-year-old boy as he played sword fight with a stick he found on the woods’ floor.
“You really look up to your older sister don’t you?” The shadowed face asked as he shifted hinting at slight nervousness.
“Well of course I do she is the strongest and fastest and most smartest person ever. She is doing better in the military than our older brother and he’s twenty-six.” Mark explained. He sat down on a log and admired his newfound “Excalibur”.
“I know I’ve seen her in practice, she is very strong. Did you know only one person has been able to disarm her?” questioned the face as he settled himself next to the boy, his dark wavy hair acting like a curtain over his face.
“No, I didn’t know she was that strong,” whispered the boy with pure wonder on his round face.
“Oh yes, she is very strong. Would you like to know who that person is? The only person strong enough to defeat your sister?” the man asked, a smile creeping unto his inhumanly pale face.
“Yeah tell me!” Mark said and he leaned in to hear the reply.
“Me!” he said to the boy.
“Well that isn’t fair Rouks. You have a natural advantage. You’re a vampire. You’re immortal.” Mark complained with a frown.
“Incorrect. I’m only a half blood which means I’m only a little stronger than a normal human and I can walk in the light unlike vampires.” Rouks said with an unusually white smile. He heard a slight rustle and barred his fangs in the direction of the sound.
“Mark!” shouted a relieved Erica as she scooped him up in her arms and shed a tear of relief. “How could you do that? How could you go into the woods by yourself and at night?” Erica shouted at the boy squirming to get out of her tight grasp.
“I didn’t go by myself,” Mark told his sister as she set him down. “I came with Rouks he was telling me all about how strong you are, and the differences between half bloods and humans and vampires.” Mark explained confidently to his sister.
Erica quickly turned herself to face the shadow she knew Rouks would be hiding in. Her senses became immediately alert; she could feel the presence of eight other individuals.
“How are you Erica?” asked Rouks as he stepped out of the shadows.
“Fine.” she responded through clenched teeth. She was fully aware that the sun had set and she was miles from any other humans.
“You look pale. Have the pigs not been satisfying you lately?” she asked coldly as she took stock of her situation. She had never trusted Rouks being a half blood and all. Now it appeared she was right to be suspicious of him. She pulled Mark to her side.
“No, they haven’t. That is how I stumbled across my friends, I am sure you have noticed them by now. They are the ones surrounding us right now.
Mark’s eyes widened as he began to grasp the situation. He may have put himself and his sister in danger. He moved closer to Erica and tightened his hold on the stick still in his small hand.
“What do you want?” asked Erica. She knew she would have to do what he said with Mark here. She couldn’t risk putting him in any more danger.
“Simple, for you to come on a little walk with us and we will leave the kid alone.” Rouks said with a frightening smile that revealed his abnormal fangs.
“You promise my brother will be okay?” she asked even though she knew Rouks would never hurt him. He would hurt her, but never would he harm Mark.
“I promise. Now shall we go?” he said as he extended his smooth hand to her.
“Wait! Erica don’t go!” shrieked Mark. Erica bent and kissed him on the forehead. “I have to go, but here is my dagger I want you to run home and tell Mom and Dad what has happened.” She said as she handed the dagger to him and wrapped her shaking arms tightly around him. “Now go!” she commanded.
Mark ran in the direction of town and did not look back, he was sure he could get help for his sister.
“You know he won’t be bringing you help, not in time anyways?” asked Rouks.
“Of course I know that, but he doesn’t.” she growled as she walked past his extended hand.
* * *
Mark Dobinson awoke from his dreams of the past, by someone calling for him. He learned later that the vampires jumped his sister. She had succeeded in killing several before Rouks knocked her unconscious and turned her. It had taken them years to make her fully one of their own. They did eventually strip her of all her humanity. Erica had essentially died then to protect a naïve boy, Mark He was now no longer a young Mark but an older General Dobinson. He was seeking his revenge by leading a team of his best into the realm of the vampires, Sankoush de Mak, Vampiric for, Plain of Darkness. That night was the end of Erica Dobinson, but the beginning of the General Dobinson. Father was right, no story truly ever ends. It just gains new characters and new paths. The general thought to himself.
“Let’s get moving! I want out of here by five hundred hours,” he commanded to his team all groggy from dreams of their own, “We’ve got some leeches to exterminate.
Chapter 9
Trebajin kissed the caramel forehead of her king Maksha as she raised her naked body from the crimson chaise lounge. She pulled her light simple dress over her milky skin and walked to the heavy doors. Trebajin glanced back and smiled as she saw him begin to wake and search for her warm comforting body. He would wonder why she had left. He was used to having to send the women away from his bed; not wake up without one to hold. She knew he slept better with a woman in his arms, she also knew depriving him of this tonight would make him want her more. Perhaps someday he would change her into one of his own instead of having her as his human slave.
She went through the door and walked down the long corridor with these thoughts and others crossing her mind. The only reason he wanted Nioletin was that he could not have her. Yes, she was beautiful, but no more than most in Maksha’s court. Vampires were beautiful in general. They normally only turned attractive humans and immortality does a lot for one’s features.
Trebajin entered her dreary chambers and prepared a bath for herself. She added her magick glamour oils that would make her skin glow as if she were of the elvish kind. She once again dropped her linen dress, but this time she stepped into steaming scented water.
“Ahh. How relaxing after a night of hard work. Very hard.” she laughed to herself as she scrubbed her fair body.
After Trebajin finished bathing, she rose from the bath and wrapped her self in a cotton towel. She braided her hair and pulled on her dinner dress. A pale green that complimented her skin tone well. The shape of the dress accentuated her best attributes yet it covered almost all of her body including her neck. She admired herself in her antique mirror she had been given as a gift from a vampire that looted it from a human’s home. When she was finished, she strode from her room to the kitchens to help serve dinner.
“Alexis! You are covered in dirt and blood! Go to my room I still have water in my bath and clean yourself. You can not serve Maksha looking like that.” she chided her young sister and apprentice who had previously cleaned up the body of Justin.
Trebajin sent the girl away and began to observe the meal the chefs had prepared. Although vampires are sustained by blood, they do still enjoy the taste of a fine meal. She observed roasted goose and ham as well as trays of grapes and other hard to obtain fruits. Apple cider and wine were held in crystal pitchers. She picked up both pitchers and made her way to the dinning hall.
As she entered, she bowed her head to Nioletin and Nioletin’s promised husband Stephened. She turned and performed a full bow “Your majesty.” Trebajin lifted her head and met his hungry eyes. My God is this man unquenchable or something, we went for hours last night and he looks like he hasn’t fucked for a century. She could feel his eyes lower to her breasts and quickly look away.
“I would like some cider please.” Nioletin said calmly as if she was not aware of the way both Maksha and his brother looked at Trebajin’s fully covered figure. Trebajin knew she was walking on eggshells so she bowed deeply to Nioletin and tried to play on her ego. “Yes my lady, I do love your dress. The embroidery is simply exquisite. It must have cost you a fortune.” she complemented as she poured the golden cider into her crystal glass.
“Thank you. It was a gift from Maksha, our king.” Nioletin said warmly as she looked upon the seemingly nervous human. “I believe Maksha and Stephened would like some wine,” she said smugly to Trebajin. After she finished serving them their drinks, she returned to the kitchens where she released her white-knuckle grasp from the pitchers. “I hate that Bitch,” she muttered inaudibly.
Chapter 10
“I hate it when he uses the term leech.” Sandrah muttered to Cheryl. They were trekking with the rest of the team up a steep hill. The sunlight shinning unusually bright and the colors of the landscape were abnormally defined
“Oh, he just has a bad history with vampires.” defended Cheryl. “His sister was taken by a half-blood when he was young.”
“I know, but… Ugh. Not all vampires are bad and all humans aren’t good.” Sandrah whispered angrily.
“Well that would be a good argument, if he would listen. Mark is dreadfully stubborn. He wasn’t even going to have you come along but, well you know.” Cheryl informed a fuming Sandrah.
They continued surveying the landscape searching for signs of human or human like life. Eric was holding an electronic gadget to survey concentrations of energy while Miranda was recording information on the landscape.
“I can’t believe how many deposits of silver I’ve found.” Miranda shouted to Elizabeth who was recording the various types of plant life in this new land.
“Well make sure to take some samples. It could have different properties than our silver.” Elizabeth suggested to Miranda as she closed a small container and placed it in her bag.
“You had better hurry up or the general will flip.” David shouted to the three scientists that had fallen behind while conducting their research.
Miranda finished taking her sample and with Eric and Elizabeth, she hurried into the woods and stopped breathless next to David. “Why are we moving so quickly? We could find information about this realm as an alternate home if we keep on the path of destroying our own.” Miranda asked between heavy gasps.
“We need to find the vampires, and our world is perfectly fine. I know you scientists worry about global warming, but any normal person knows that it isn’t going to happen. Like my car is actually going to destroy my home.” David told her, laughing at the idea of his indestructible home frying.
“You are such an idiot.” Eric sighed as he cast a worried gaze towards Miranda. He knew that she was anemic and that if she didn’t get some iron she would likely pass out. She was not used to so much physical activity. “Miranda, are you alright?” He asked as he placed his surprisingly strong hand on her sagging shoulders. Concern flooding his soft hazel eyes.
“I’ll be alright if I can get something to eat.” she responded in a rather monotone voice.
David looked at her and began walking towards the General. “I think we should take a break the scientist Miranda isn’t looking very good she needs to eat.” He whispered to the tense man. Dobinson turned to Cheryl who turned on her compact PDA to access Miranda’s health information.
“Okay, it appears that Miranda is borderline anemic and may be prone to fatigue, easy bruising, and being excessively pale. Basically she needs more iron which she can get from eating foods high in iron such as liver or certain cereals.” Cheryl read aloud as the General sighed and resigned himself to losing an hour of daylight.
“Fine. We will be taking an hour break. Only an hour, you will eat, rest, and take a piss if you must.” Mark Dobinson boomed to his troops.
“Make sure, what’s her name, eats something healthy. We can’t have her hindering us,” he whispered to Cheryl and David.
“Yes sir!” they replied in unison. Cheryl pulled a REM from her bag and walked over to Miranda, Eric and Elizabeth. “You should eat this one it has liver which is high in iron,” said Cheryl with little compassion to Miranda who was hunched over.
“Thanks.” she whispered meekly. She tore open the package and began eating ravishingly. Cheryl moved towards Elizabeth who was sitting with her knees up looking at a piece of paper. She was obviously crunching numbers. Elizabeth’s small hand started to move as if it was searching for something. Cheryl saw a map of their realm a foot from her hand and picked it up and gave it to her.
“Thanks.” Elizabeth muttered her eyes never leaving the paper. Cheryl watched as her hands flew from the paper to a calculator in her lap. “Ha! I think I’ve got it!” She shouted. Elizabeth quickly stood up and showed her work to Eric and Miranda who murmured in agreement.
“What have you got?” the general asked her as he strode in her direction.
“I think I found the location of the third realm. If my calculations are correct it should be 300 miles north west of that ridge just ahead.” Elizabeth informed them with a large triumphant smile on her face.
“Well get something to eat and we’ll head that direction in a half an hour.” Mark said lightly.
Chapter 11
Elizabeth walked the perimeter of the campsite; she could hear the steady breaths the sleeping soldiers. She had hoped that it would subdue her wandering mind, but she found it still pondering the possibilities that this realm held. Elizabeth bent down and picked up a large clump of dirt. She broke it apart in her hand, studied its properties, and ran it through her fingers.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” a velvety voice whispered.
Elizabeth tensed and pulled a dagger from her steel-toed boots. She glanced around to find whom it was that had spoken. Elizabeth instinctively looked to the shadows expecting a vampire to lunge at her. Nothing was there. She began to question her sanity when she suddenly felt hot breath on the back of her neck. Vampires don’t breath. Elizabeth turned quickly and was faced with empty air. She looked about forty feet to the left and was surprised to see a man. He turned and then he was gone in a shimmer of light.
“What the hell!” she gasped, “Vampires were fast, but not like this and only a few have the ability to disappear or cloak themselves and they were normally royalty and not very good at it. She knew this was either Maksha the high King or another species similar to humans and vampires. Possibly the believed mythical Anchynt civilization. The people were god like some people swore they must be angels because of their golden and silver beauty. Elizabeth turned and headed towards the generals tent to report what had happened. What ever that may be.
Fifteen minutes later the general and Cheryl stood before the tired yet alert troops.
“We believe we have made contact with the inhabitants of this realm.” the general boomed.
“The story of the Anchynts may have some truth to it. The native has an appearance similar to the vampire. This creature seems to be stronger in magicks. We do not know the intent of these people. We are in their land so we must avoid conflict. I want constant teams guarding our perimeter. I want to warn you that if these are the Anchynts then their tactics and abilities are unpredictable. If you must approach, approach with caution.” Cheryl informed.
Elizabeth envisioned the image of the person. He was definitely not human or vampire. He was much too beautiful. Beauty couldn’t possibly come close to the prominent cheekbones. His hair seemed abundant with energy. Yet it was so black that light did not reflect off it. His skin looked silver or white gold. She ached to see more; however, she was denied this by unnatural shadows that hid his eyes, lips, and the expression on his face.
“Do you think he was one of the Anchynts?” Miranda asked a dazed Elizabeth.
“Hmm…Oh, well he definitely wasn’t human. He was built differently.”
“How so?” Miranda asked. Intrigue crossing her face.
“It was more elegant. He appeared strong, but not bulging muscle strong he had more of a strong aura as if they don’t need protruding muscle.” Elizabeth explained slipping back into her safe, methodical, scientific personality.
“Maybe they found a more efficient way to use energy.” Miranda suggested.
“That’s a theory.” Elizabeth said as she pondered its possibilities.
Chapter 12
“I see you met with one of the infidels, Yerix.” Udrea said to him as Yerix ran his hands through his unnaturally black hair.
“They aren’t infidels. They are just less evolved than us.” Yerix defended coolly.
“Come on! They still believe males are stronger than females. They are a whole millennia behind us.” Udrea argued.
“Yes, and they are more advanced than we were when our realm was that old. They already found one of the tears or rifts between the realms. It took us a hundred years longer to even conceive the idea of Trinitorial Division,” he stated. Yerix smiled at the irony, his people were being surpassed by a science experiment.
“You give them too much credit. They do not understand Trinitorial Division. The homosapiens simply saw a change in energy patterns.” she interjected.
“Then how did they build the machine that tore open the rift? They don’t have magicks like us to do it for them.” he chuckled, knowing he had won another debate. “I am going to my chambers to prepare for my speech. My people must not see the humans as intruders. If they do, they will kill them.”
“Of course Mr. President.”, she sighed, “I will make sure that everything is in place for tonight’s ceremony.”
“Thank you.”
* * *
“Welcome as you may or may not know we have some visitors. They have come from another realm so our ways will be foreign to them. If you should come across any of them, remember that they are our honored guests. Now let us move to the next topic on our agenda. The Snowflake Ball is scheduled for next week. The dance as you know is open to anyone who pays the fee of thirty crupels. We prefer that you keep to the traditional attire of white, blue, silver, grey, green, and black: dresses, suits or gowns. Does anyone have any questions?” Yerix asked the three reporters that stood in front of him.
Fifty years earlier, they decided that it was best to have three news agencies so that the government could monitor them and prevent any leaks into the media. This was implemented after the truth about UFOs got out. He looked at the reporters that at first glance would have appeared in their thirties but if you looked at their hands, another age might come to your mind. Their hands were worn; their veins and bones were protruding.
If you looked into his or her eyes, you saw someone who had seen too much. They were actually in their late hundreds.
Yerix smiled at the woman on the left who had a small camera in her hand.
“Our visitors are they like vampires?” she asked.
“No. They are not like the vampires. The humans are more like us. They don’t lurk in shadows and don’t have a predisposition for evil,” he answered.
“Thank you.”
“Well I think that is all. Have a nice day Mr. President,” one of the other reporters concluded.
“You as well.” Yerix smiled.
He walked into his study ten minutes later.
“How did it go?” Udrea asked.
“Well, they believe the humans were invited. They’re probably assuming the humans are here for the ball.” Yerix informed her as he sank into his favorite silver and silk adorned chair.
A look of worry crossed his sculpted face.
“I wonder why they are here, and why do they have their military.” he pondered. “Udrea, get the guards ready and three carriages. We are going to greet the homosapiens.” Yerix demanded.
Chapter 13
After hours of wandering in a strange land, Ashley found a small empty clearing in the woods. Her head snapped up and forced her gaze towards the stars Ashley collapsed to the ground and began convulsing; her eyes faded from being silver blue into a pool of frosty silver. Her body stilled and she looked as if pinned by an unseen force. She relaxed and let this pull take over her.
The world around spun from a green blue swirl to one of mahogany and candlelight. Her mind focused on the vision it was sent. In the quaint room was a beautiful blonde who appeared to be working magick. Her mouth moved sharply and vulgar words came out. The room was thick with the smell of burning herbs and oils.
Ashley felt the fumes were strangling her. Ashley made herself concentrate on the magick the woman was casting. It appeared to be a sort of fertility spell, but this one was using an unusual amount of power and delved into dark sources of magick. A dark glow surrounded this woman, she had a dark powerful aura, and she was a woman who would do anything for power including murder. She wrapped up her spell and put away her tools she brushed her tousled hair and applied some perfume to her wrists and the nape of her neck.
She glanced at the door as a young girl came in and said, “Trebajin, Maksha would like you to visit him.”
“Thank you Alexis. I won’t be back until late so I want you to bathe and practice your glamour spells. You have yet to fully appear like an Anchynt child.” Trebajin commanded to the girl. She kissed the young girl on the forehead and whispered, “Don’t worry my little sister. If all goes as planned you will no longer be cleaning up dead bodies, but you will be a lady in the court. You may even become the High Seer with your abilities. Good night.”
Alexis froze and her eyelids began twitching. Trebajin stopped at the door and turned towards her. Alexis began to speak in an ancient voice, “Tonight will change the balance. New warriors will be created but so will new enemies. A gypsy and woman of family revenge from another realm have arrived to battle you and the baby you will be carrying in your womb. The child will be a new source of power. She will become a goddess of sorts and control many. You will have to fight to keep her alive or the humans will destroy you and your empire. Fate is in your hands.” Alexis stumbled into Trebajin’s arm with a dazed expression on her face. “Did I have another vision?” she asked.
“Yes.” said Trebajin curtly. “I must be going now.” she stiffened her posture and walked down a long corridor to Maksha the High King of the Vampires.
Ashley awoke in a small room with strange women hovering around her. An older woman who appeared to be made of silver was staring at her. “You are awake. The vision you had knocked you out. You shouldn’t have been in that clearing if you do not have control of your powers. The air there is thick with magick. My name is Margajin. May I ask what your name is and where you are from?” the woman prodded.
“My name is Ashley. I am from the human realm. Excuse what is your name again?”
“Margajin. Why?” she asked.
“It is similar to the name of the girl in my vision. Her name was Trebajin.” Ashley explained.
“Trebajin would be one of my daughters. You saw her? Lay down, I think you will be staying with us for a while.”
Chapter 14
Yerix glanced out the window of his carriage. A half smile crossed his face. He loved his carriage rides he loved how historical it felt. He sighed with regret when he looked where the horses should have been; instead, it was a hologram of horse like creatures.
“I can not believe you are planning on meeting these infidels, and you are inviting them to the Snowflake Ball.” Udrea argued.
“It is a perfect way to explain them being here and the woman I met seemed nice. She appeared confused but she was not a feral animal.” Yerix pointed out to her.
The carriage began to slow as Yerix and his companions came upon the humans. A man with broad shoulders and a rough face seemed to be in command. The humans moved into groups and appeared to be aiming weapons at the Anchynts. Yerix performed a quick calming spell and he stepped out of his carriage. He stood fifteen feet away from the human man who commanded the others. Yerix surveyed the foreigners with a look of wonder.
“These are your beloved humans? They are short and their skin is dull brown or a tan white. Their hair is coarse not soft and flowing like ours. How can you care so much about these primitive creatures?” Udrea whispered with a thick Anchynt accent.
“They are our kin, Udrea! These “primitive creatures” are our children.” Yerix said coldly. He looked towards the humans and bowed; his knees rested on the grass. A woman that stood at the commander’s side moved forward and kneeled before Yerix. He was amazed at the color of her hair. It was colored like rubies. She looked into Yerix’s eyes and placed her hand on her chest. “Cheryl.” she said affirmatively.
Yerix smiled and laughed, “My name is Yerix. It is a pleasure to meet you Cheryl.” The corner of Elizabeth’s mouth turned up and she sighed. After she returned to her blank expression, she stepped forward. “My name is Elizabeth. We, as I am guessing you know, are homosapiens, but what are you?”
Yerix stood and surveyed her “We are known as the Anchynts, the fathers of several civilizations.”
“This man is our General. He prefers to be addressed as General Dobinson. We are on a mission to find the realm of a creature that has plagued our homeland. It sucks the blood out of our people and trashes our homes and then hides where we can’t find them to have our revenge.” Miranda explained to Yerix and his companions “I’m Miranda.”
“The vampires?” Udrea asked.
“Yes.” grunted Dobinson.
“Well you will need rest you may come and stay with us. I would like to gain a mutual friendship between our two realms. Please, we have enough room for all of you and your supplies.” Yerix offered.
“No!” the General boomed.
“Yes!” Elizabeth interjected “We would love to discuss an alliance with you at your residence. Everyone, get your supplies we will be riding with Yerix and Udrea. Now!” Elizabeth glared at General Dobinson before he could disagree with her. He pulled her aside, “What are you doing? I am in command here. Don’t forget that.” The general sighed and gestured to the carriages. “If it is possible I would like to ride with Elizabeth and Cheryl. We have matters that need discussing.” General Dobinson asked curtly.
“Certainly. In addition, I would like a meeting with you three when we arrive in my city Ishka. Have a nice ride.” Yerix said.
Chapter 15
“I hope you had a pleasant ride here.” Yerix stated. He glanced at the humans most of whom stood rigid and observant. The General stepped towards him and questioned, “I assume that our visit is unexpected and may cause some problems. How are you planning to explain our arrival to your people?”
“There is a Ball in a week’s time and you will be our guests from a neighboring realm.” Yerix explained.
“We are not aware of your customs so we may need a crash course in edict. We also may not be able to eat your food because our bodies are different.” Cheryl mentioned.
“All this will be taken care of. Your weapons are of concern, they cannot injure us but they are loud and frightening. I would prefer that you leave them with my military. They will store them until you are prepared to leave. Now, your rooms are this way. Udrea will take the women to their quarters and I will take the men to theirs. Alternative clothing will be provided within the hour and I will send someone to bring you to dinner. Do these plans suit your needs General?” Yerix asked.
“Yes they will work for now. After my associates and I finish being situated then we would like a meeting with you.” Dobinson demanded.
“After dinner and a good night’s sleep we could discuss the situation?” Yerix suggested.
“Sounds doable.” General Dobinson agreed.
“Men, follow me.” Yerix shouted across the crowd.
“Women this way.” Udrea bellowed.
Miranda looked at Elizabeth. “So I am guessing that was the creature you saw, Yerix? Miranda inquired.
“Yes, he was the one I saw.” she responded. Elizabeth sighed as she shifted her pack and looked onward at the impressing city before her. “Destiny awaits” Elizabeth heard a familiar voice echo through her mind.
“Ashley.” Elizabeth whispered with a smile at the corner of her mouth. Elizabeth looked around at the light blue city. Udrea led them to a dark blue building. It was similar to an ancient spire. Udrea walked to the arch shaped doorway it appeared to have a waterfall spilling over it. Udrea reached forward and pulled the waterfall aside. “Come through here.” she ordered. They walked into a room with water running down the walls the floor looked like a lake with stepping-stones but their feet did not get damp. Miranda brushed her had against stone that had a moss formation on it. “I don’t understand how moss can grow here. This isn’t the proper environment for moss.” Miranda questioned aloud.
“It’s most likely genetic engineering.” Elizabeth suggested.
“These are your rooms. Clothing and baths are already set up in your rooms; dinner will be provided at sun down. Now I assume you have questions?” Udrea said crudely.
“No. I do not believe we have any questions.” Cheryl whispered coolly. Her hand was squeezing Sandra’s back. Udrea turned sharply and walked away.
“God she’s a Bitch!” muttered Sandra.
“Yes, but this is her land. We can’t afford to piss her off.” Cheryl admonished.
“Fine let’s just get to our room.” Sandra sighed. She looked into Cheryl’s eyes and paused.
“Yeah, let’s take a rest.” Miranda said with a smile. Elizabeth glanced at Cheryl and walked through the archway to her and Miranda’s room.
“What was that?” Elizabeth asked Miranda.
“I think there is something going on between Cheryl and Sandra. I heard rumors about Cheryl after her engagement was broke off, but I thought they were just that, rumors.
“Hmm, gossip, I never listen to it. I just hope they can keep their pants up until we are home. We don’t need any extra drama.”
Chapter 16
Nioletin softly kissed her husband to be, “Good night my dear.”
“I do not understand why you must sleep alone. We are as good as wed.” he argued.
“I am not that sort of lady. My sweet, I thought you understood that I have virtues.” whimpered Nioletin. She looked up at him trying to appear meek and innocent.
“Well we will be married in a week’s time. I can wait.” he grunted. He turned and stomped out of her room. A devious smile crossed her face.
“My little puppets do please their puppeteer.” laughed Nioletin. She slipped off her heavy robe to reveal a bare body. It was common in Maksha’s kingdom to sleep in the nude. She walked to her door and left it partially ajar. Nioletin smiled as she slipped into her bed. She hummed quietly to herself until she heard light footsteps come her way. She slid into the most alluring position she could contrive that was not overtly sexual as she waited for the high King to enter her bedchambers. Maksha pulled her to him and she sighed, “I can’t do this any more. I am going to marry your brother don’t you see that this is wrong.” She turned from him and smiled, little did he know but his brother was in the other room.
“No. You will not toy with me woman. I am King and you will do as I command and be glad to.” he shouted at her. He hated how she controlled him. She was truly Queen material. Nioletin knew how to play every person in this castle.
“I am nothing more than a tramp to you. I am just another one of your sex slaves and I will not have it!” Nioletin cried. Maksha grabbed her arms and in a rage flung her to the ground.
The door to her room flew open and smashed against the wall. “Get away from my wife brother.” Stephened bellowed. He raised a sword and brought it down on his startled brother Nioletin shrieked as Maksha’s head landed at her feet. A guard ran to the door and after seeing his dead king, he shot an arrow into Stephened’s jealous heart. He fell to the floor beside his brother’s head. “My love and my King.” Nioletin sobbed and fell to her knees. The guard gave her his hand and said, “I know this is difficult but Maksha has no heir. You are now Queen. We will have your ceremony tomorrow and the funerals the day after.”
“Thank you, I will do my best to lead us in this time of sadness.” she sobbed as she stood and put on her robe.
Chapter 17
Miranda looked up from her book when she heard some one with a heavy indistinguishable accent call through the doorway to hers and Elizabeth’s room.
“Yes?” She questioned as she walked towards the waterfall curtain.
“The dresses for you and Elizabeth are here. If you need help with them Udrea is sending an assistant up in fifteen minutes to do hair and make up as well as to instruct you in our customs.” a stiff man stated as he handed her two boxes.
“Thank you.” she said. Miranda turned away from him and walked into the room again. She knocked on the door of their peculiar bathroom. “Hey, what are you doing in there?” she asked through the frosted doorway.
“Taking a shower I think.” Elizabeth responded.
“What do you mean, I think?” Miranda questioned.
“Well, there isn’t any water but it is cleaning away the dirt with some sort of light-ray thing. There is a small box like thing that does the same thing for your clothes.” she tried to explain over her bare shoulder.
“Well hurry up I need to shower or bathe or whatever too. Moreover, I would love to see if I can see how they do it and our dresses are here. I haven’t looked at them yet but I’m getting ready to.” Miranda ordered through the door. “Oh my God these dresses are amazing!” Miranda shrieked.
“Can you hand me mine through the door please?” Elizabeth requested. The door opened a crack and flowing gown was handed to her. It literally appeared to be flowing. It was an aquatic green with scale like detail added to the bust and the train. It had rouching (sp?) in the front and opened in the center just below the knee. She stepped out of the bathroom to reveal the dress to Miranda.
“Wow, you look amazing. You should wear green more often.” she gaped.
“Thanks. You should clean yourself up and put yours on.” she suggested.
Elizabeth smiled, as she looked the mirror. She looked like the goddess of the sea. She turned quickly when she heard light footsteps nearing her door.
“Hair and make up are here.” a woman called in.
“Come in.” said Elizabeth.
“Hello. Why don’t you take a seat? I studied the styles common for your realm. I was thinking an up do with tendrils falling down around your face and a natural pale blue green look on your face. What do you think?” she said quickly.
“Sounds good to me.” she replied. “Hey what do you do at Balls?” Elizabeth asked.
“We dance and eat delicacies. Some people go for carriage rides. It is rather similar to your customs.” she told Elizabeth.
“What do you think?” asked Miranda as she walked out of the bathroom in a stunning formfitting dress.
“Perfect.” gaped Elizabeth.
“I’ll work on you next.” the make up artist told Miranda with a smile.
Chapter 18
“I would like to use this opportunity to thank everyone for coming tonight. I see many familiar faces. We have had a productive year. On another note I would like to introduce our guests from our neighboring realm to my left is their General Mark Dobinson and his comrades. Well I am honored that everyone has come and I hope you enjoy yourselves.” Yerix announced to a crowded audience. He smiled and walked off the stage to shake hands with a short woman wearing a copper plated dress.
“It is amazing what they can do with fabric here.” Miranda mentioned to Elizabeth as they admired their surroundings.
“Yes, I have to admit it is beautiful.” said Elizabeth with a far away look in her pale green eyes. “Wow.” gasped Miranda. Her eyes were focused on the other side of the room. There was Eric in an amazing suit like outfit with a tone of a tunic about it. Eric looked up and locked eyes with her. He walked straight for her. “You look amazing.” Miranda blurted.
“Me, you look gorgeous.” he choked.
“My cue to leave.” Elizabeth muttered under her breathe as she smiled at Miranda. Elizabeth walked over towards a man with a strange tray covered with what she assumed was food. She picked up a large grape like fruit. “They are aroiks, a genetically engineered grape and kiwi mix.” Yerix informed Elizabeth as he popped a small one in his mouth.
“Interesting, I wouldn’t think that combination would look like this. I would think it would have more of a shell.” Elizabeth said.
“So how have you been since we first met?” Yerix asked.
“I’ve been well. This place is very interesting. Your plant life is much more evolved than ours is. They seem to be pollution resistant.” she smiled.
“Your race is an interesting one. Did you know that you are evolving almost twice as fast as my race did?” he asked her as he took a sip from a silver cup. Yerix looked up as the music changed.
“Would you like to learn a bit about our culture?” Yerix asked her slyly.
“What do you have in mind?” she questioned him suspiciously. Setting his cup down he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the dance floor.
“Can I have the honor of this dance?” he asked.
“Do I have a choice?” she grinned.
David looked up at the waves of people and the whirls of colors. He sighed and looked down at his plate. “What the hell is this trash?” he grunted.
“I know this isn’t what you signed up for but this will be an important step in the war against the vampires. We are making a strong ally in our stay here.” General Dobinson said as he pulled a chair next to David.
“I just feel useless right now. I don’t see why I’m here. Before this mission, I asked Alison to marry me. I wanted to start a family.” David mumbled.
“Don’t worry. I don’t think we’ll be here much longer. I have another meeting with their government leaders. We are going to discuss an alliance.” General told him.
“Good. I want to kick some vampire ass or go home.” grunted David as he saw Yerix and Elizabeth spun by.
Chapter 19
The sky was purple velvet bejeweled with sapphires and diamonds. It canopied over a long procession. At the head of the procession was a carriage in which late King Maksha rested his body turned from a golden rock to a stiff corpse with sallow skin and veins protruding grotesquely from his forehead and neck. Nioletin walked directly behind the carriage with two guards, behind them was Trebajin. She walked with her head down and her hand on her stomach. She could feel energy already forming inside her.
“She will be strong.” Alexis said to her sister. Trebajin smiled slightly and turned her head back down.
“We can not allow Nioletin to be sworn in. After the funeral we have to confront Nioletin and the council with my daughter.” Trebajin whispered.
Alexis looked over at Maksha’s old seer; her hands were thin and sharp. Her hair was chunky and greasy; she looked towards them and bowed her head.
After the burial, everyone returned to the grand hall and sat on their assigned pillows. Except for Nioletin and Trebajin. They stood next to the throne Nioletin on the right and Trebajin on the left.
“Nioletin. Maksha appointed you as the lady of the court. If there is no opposition, you will be our new Queen. Does anyone have any valid reason for Nioletin to not be crowned High Queen?”
“I know of a reason…Maksha has fathered a child.” the seer announced to the room.
“What! Have you lost your mind old hag? Maksha has no children. He only slept with that human and me. I am not pregnant and there is no way that she is pregnant. Humans and vampires can not breed.” screeched Nioletin.
“Actually they have been known to breed under rare circumstances. Normally only when the fates have something planned for the child.” continued the seer.
Nioletin turned quickly to Trebajin “You claim you are pregnant.”
“I do not claim any such thing, I am pregnant with Maksha‘s daughter.” Trebajin growled. Nioletin’s hand grasped a long scepter that had been rest against the throne. She whirled it in the air and threw it towards Trebajin’s stomach. Trebajin waved her hand and said a quick enchantment. “Do not throw things at my child, your future Queen.” Trebajin commanded, a rush of power surging through her. “Until the birth of Maksha’s child I am Queen and as my first order as Queen I demand the beheading of this traitor.” she shouted. Her voice filling the room she said, “Nioletin, you conspired to have our King murdered by his brother and attempted to murder Maksha’s unborn child. You will tarnish this court no longer.” Trebajin turned and sat in the throne and admired her work. She watched proudly as the guards drug away a stunned Nioletin. Alexis came and knelt before her sister. Turning her head “Woman, I would like you to teach my sister how to best use her gifts.” Trebajin commanded the seer.
“It would be an honor.” she cackled. The old woman looked to young Alexis and held out her hand. She grasped it and they made their way to the Seer’s chambers.
Chapter 20
“God this place is beautiful.” Elizabeth sighed as Yerix handed her a glass of what appeared to be wine.
“It is beautiful isn’t it? We have found that the appearance of the world around you affects your mood and health so for several hundred years we have worked to make our surroundings beautiful and calming.” Yerix informed her. “Would you like to see our library? It is quite impressive.” he asked her looking into her distant eyes.
“Why not?” she replied. Yerix led her down a long corridor to a set of doubled doors. She pushed the door open and stepped into a large circular room. The walls were covered with leather bound books. In the center of the room was a floating screen, it was blue and seemed to scanning for something. She recognized some of the titles that flew by the screen. Pride and Prejudice, Sum of All Fears, and Alice in Wonderland.
“The computer is scanning to find a good book for you. It is matching the perfect book to your brain wave patterns. Here you go, this one is pretty recent only a couple of years old. It was written by an old seer. It’s called Oen`ashka. It is about a woman who kills for a living. I heard it’s relatively good. Who knows it might even be destined to happen in your world or another.” Yerix said as he walked towards a bookshelf and pulled a dark brown book with the title burned into it.
“Thanks. I’ll start reading it tonight.” she told him. Elizabeth smiled as she sat in a chair he motioned to. Yerix sat in one across from her. She slid her hand over the cover of the book and opened it slowly. Her eyes widened as she looked at the pages they were a yellow color and the book was hand written not typed.
“Hmm. This is amazing, the pages are hand written. I can almost feel the vibe of the author.” she gushed.
“You can keep it. It will be a souvenir for your trip.” he suggested.
“Thank you.”
“My colleagues and I are trying on how best to aid you in your war with the vampires. We are leaning towards a vaccine we created. See, we can make your blood useless to the vampires. Another option we have is to help you find and close their portal to your realm. If we do that they will eventually die out. What do you think?” he told her as he shifted in his seat.
“Why not both?” she asked leaning back into her chair.
“What would we get out of it?” he questioned her. “These are costly actions and we would be killing in many ways our children.”
“Our realm has resources that yours lost centuries ago. We could provide you with some of those resources. You could learn from our DNA and our evolution process find the links between our races. You could discover so much.” she argued.
He nodded his head and tilted it slightly. “Maybe. I’ll bring it up in the meeting tomorrow. You know could learn a lot too. If you chose to stay.” said Yerix as he walked out the double doors. “Good night”
Sitting in peace she sighed. Elizabeth picked up her book and walked to the other set of doors. She pushed it open and wandered the halls. She found her way back to her room and walked inside.
“What the Hell!” shrieked Elizabeth. Her eyes were locked on the intertwined bodies of Miranda and Eric.
“Uh. Hi?”
Chapter 21
“Today is the execution of the traitor.” stated Alexis as she was tying up the back of Trebajin’s dress. She was already showing her pregnancy. The fertility spell Trebajin cast went a little overboard. She was looking in the mirror pinning her hair back and placing her delicate crown on her head.
“I know, that is why I must look beautiful. The traitor must know that she has lost completely. I am now Queen and my child will rule this realm and if we raise her appropriately she may rule all in existence.” Trebajin declared.
“Your baby will become a goddess and she will be worshipped by many.” Alexis informed her as she brought Trebajin her shoes and earrings. Trebajin adjusted her dress and walked out of her chambers, Alexis following at her heels.
“After the execution come to my chambers I have a tea I am working on to help the baby develop. You do need your rest. Also, the council wants to talk to you about your plans for the humans. They seem to be making friends with the creators.” Alexis updated Trebajin while they made their way to the execution room. Trebajin pushed open the door to the room and several guards bowing their heads greeted her. Nioletin was in the garb of a servant. She was chained and covered in bruises she was thin because she had not fed in weeks.
“Nioletin, you had your King and his brother killed. You manipulated this Kingdom. You tried to kill your new Queen. Do you object to these charges?” announced Trebajin.
“No. But I will explain. I did what I did because Maksha was a weak leader and Stephened would have been worse. I am a strong woman that has always wanted the best for my people and I would have brought prosperity to you all. We would bathe in rivers of blood and would work no more.”
“These are not your people and you are weak. You weak in your vanity and would have brought us only misery. You are condemned to death by decapitation.” Trebajin turned to a large man dressed in black. “Glaive please?” Trebajin took the glaive in her hand and raised it above Nioletin. She stared up at the blade and with one quick swing, her head rolled to Trebajin‘s feet. Alexis bent over and scooped some blood into a cup.
“She will be bound to this Earth and not be allowed eternal rest.” chanted Alexis as she mixed the blood with several herbs and swallowed the contents of the cup. She left just a sip for Trebajin.
“Here, it will give the baby power of the supernatural.” commanded Alexis.
“Thank you. Now let this serve as an example. I will not be a lax Queen. Under my rule, this realm will be more powerful and feared than any other time in our history. We will take back our powers from the earth and will once again hold dominion over all creatures. I will see you all at a meeting this afternoon when I will give details for my plan involving the humans. You are dismissed.”
Chapter 22
“Your daughter?” questioned Ashley fear wrapping itself around her.
“Yes, well, she is technically my daughter, but I disowned her about seven years ago. When she left with the vampires she kidnapped my other daughter who was only one. Her name was Alexis. See I banished Trebajin because she was fooling around in the dark arts she was also aiding the vampires in their quest to get into your realm without having to worry about energy displacement. I don‘t know what drove her this way.” Margajin told Ashley. Ashley relaxed and looked at Margajin “Well, you probably know that your daughter Alexis is a powerful seer. I could feel her power emanating from her when I saw her and her sister in my premonition.” Ashley said.
“So, Alexis is well? That is wonderful to hear. I was so worried about her growing up in that heathen environment.” Margajin confided in Ashley.
“Listen. I am looking for a way to help my human comrades that have come here on a mission. I know the fates sent me here for a reason, and I would like your help in finding that reason” Ashley requested.
“Well, we are working on a spell to weaken the magick of the vampires. We are hoping they will lose their control over the portals. If you want you may be able to help us with that.” Margajin suggested.
“It sounds like a good idea to me.” Ashley sighed as she pulled the sheets aside and tried to rise from the cot in which she had been resting.
“Now I want you to relax. I’ll bring you something to eat in a bit. Ashley I feel I must warn you, Trebajin although I love her she is a disturbed girl. She viciously killed her own little brother when he tried to stop her from taking my Alexis. There is a lot of blood on her hands.” Margajin said as she walked out of the small tent. She paused and looked around herself, taking in the smell of the woods she fixed her skirt and clasped her hands .
“Thank you for sending us this bit of hope.” Margajin whispered to the stars.
Chapter 23
“So, how did the meeting go? Did you make an agreement?” Elizabeth anxiously asked as she wrung her calloused hands.
“We came to an agreement. There will be open trade and they will provide us with aid in our fight against the vampires. They have a vaccine that will make our blood useless and a way to weld the portals shut. It seems that the meeting you and their President had made a difference. He has made a request that while we travel to the portals that Miranda, Eric, and you stay here and work with his team to decide the details in our import export agreement.,” the General informed her. She looked at him half pleased she had convinced him and the half worried about being there alone.
“Yes sir. I believe Miranda and Eric will be pleased to hear they can stay a bit longer,” she told him.
“Good.” he said as he turned sharply and walked to the dinning hall. Elizabeth turned and made her way to her room.
“Wow, I can’t believe I’m staying,” she whispered as she entered the room.
“Staying here?” Eric asked as he walked out of her room with his shirt buttoned improperly.
“Miranda will fill you in later.” Elizabeth laughed as she pushed passed him to tell Miranda the news.
“Get your clothes on. I got some news.” Elizabeth informed Miranda, who was pulling up her pants. “We will be staying here for a bit longer.” she said as she reached for a piece of produce.
“What? Why?” questioned Miranda.
“I thought you’d be excited.” Elizabeth paused and then bit into the strange piece of fruit she was holding.
“Well, scientifically this is great news, but I was missing home. We haven’t been there in six months. I mean yeah, to us it feels like only three months but if my calculations are right it has been six. People back home have to be anxious” Miranda divulged, worry evident on her face.
“I know, I did the calculations too, but we could do so much here. You and Eric can study the wildlife like you wanted. This would also be a good way to show the Anchynts some respectable humans so their infidel pictures of us are erased. It is rather absurd that they look at us like cavemen,” said Elizabeth hoping to convince Miranda like she had convinced herself.
“Yeah, I guess your right. Maybe I can find out how those showers work.” she sighed attempting to see the bright side. Miranda looked at herself in the mirror and grabbed her id; “I am going to go tell Eric our news.” she smiled.
“Well hurry back, we need to get ready to say good bye to the troops. They are going with some of Yerix’s men and some gypsies to close the portals.” Elizabeth told her.
“Okay, see you in about fifteen.” she replied. Miranda left and Elizabeth plopped down on her bed fruit in hand. “I hope the troops don’t run into any trouble.” She thought to herself as she took another bite.
Chapter 24
“We have approximately four miles to go. The plan is to close this portal permanently. The Anchynts have some allies that are going to attempt to close the portal linking the vampire realm to our own. We do not expect a battle against the vampires, but I want you to be prepared. Now one of the Anchynts is going to close this portal, we are simply here to protect him if fighting ensues. Does everyone understand the plan?” the general announced.
“Well this should be boring.” Sandrah whispered to Cheryl who looked anxious.
“I don’t think we should see each other any more.” Cheryl sighed as she turned away from a startled Sandrah and picked up her pace. Sandrah took a deep breath, steadied herself, and matched her speed. “Why? I thought you and I were doing well.” Sandrah choked.
“I care for you but I don’t see this going anywhere good. I think it’s time to break it off. We agreed nothing serious and to not get attached. So a break up really shouldn‘t be a problem,” Cheryl whispered as she trudged along beside a broken woman.
“I can’t believe this. We haven’t even been technically dating. We’ve just been courting for a really long time. We’ve only slept together twice, well three times if you count that one night stand three years ago.” Sandrah said smiling at the memory of what too much vodka had brought about.
“That was fun.” smiled Cheryl.
“So why don’t we give it a real try. We should be home soon,” she suggested. “We have already had so much fun courting for these past three years maybe we should finally date.”
Cheryl paused and said, “One try that’s it. If it doesn’t work out then it’s over.”
“Good.” Sandrah said as she watched David mope along.
“So what is up with you and Alison? You finally pop the question or what?” a man in his thirties asked David.
“Oh, Yeah” David responded as he fell back into reality. “She accepted. I am going to marry her as soon as I get back,” he told Dustin. David smiled and looked at Dustin. “I love her.”
“Good for you.” Dustin smiled. Dustin glanced around and saw the general in deep thought. “Do you know what happened to him?” he asked David.
“No, what?”
His sister was changed into one. Any money she is the one that killed Carl. I guess he has vowed to kill her, you know, set her free from the leeches and all,” he informed David.
“Gees that sucks.” he sighed. “No wonder he is such an asshole.”
Chapter 25
“So you’re saying that they will have closed the portal in less than a day?” Trebajin asked her sister.
“Yes, they are prepared for a small scale attack, but nothing more. They have gained an alliance with the creators, the Anchynts. Their plan is to close this portal permanently and they appear to have some gypsies closing the other one that leads into the human realm. They are using both science and magick.” Alexis stoically informed her.
“What do we do?” Trebajin asked as she slumped into her throne.
“We send in our fighters. We cannot fight the gypsies, but it will be an easy battle against the humans. I need you to do what I say to win this. Do you understand?” Alexis stated.
Trebajin raised her eyes to her sister. She straightened herself and said, “Do not speak to me in that tone. I made you everything you are. You should be groveling at my feet.” Trebajin paused, “You are dismissed.” Alexis turned and walked out of the room. She turned down the hallway and made her way to her workroom. She sat on a stool before a large bowl of water resting on a table. From under the table, she pulled a canteen of bitter smelling liquid. Tilting her head back, she drank the whole canteen. The room’s atmosphere changed quickly to a humid thick environment, Alexis raised her hands above her head and then dove them into the bowl. The water’s color turned silver and its consistency thickened.
“What do the fates have planned for Trebajin’s daughter?” Alexis called. Her eyes appeared old and wise and starkly contrasted her child body. The liquid swirled and a picture came into view. She saw two futures for the baby. One was with its mother, Trebajin. In this future, she became a maid to the court and gets married. The child Kashui dies in childbirth to her husband’s child she is moderately happy like any foolish human would be.
“Well that will not do. Let me see a future with me raising the child.” Alexis requested. Kashui’s other future came into view. Alexis saw the girl would grow in power she will rule the realm and bring prosperity. This girl will create a new religion and discover a new power source. She will be worshipped as a goddess and her powers will bind her soul to the earth long after her body rots. Her powers will be eternal.
“That is much better Alexis smiled as she removed her hands from the bowl. She dried them off on her skirt as she stood and glanced out the window. Alexis stared at the moon. “I wonder how I will convince her to give up her child to me,” she questioned. She grasped herself a glass of water and dropped it. She began to convulse and her eyes became grey and hazy. After fifteen minutes in this trance, she woke up on the floor and sighed.
“Well I guess I will not be using my methods of persuasion to gain this child,” she whispered as she opened a chocolate brown leather case with a black satin lining, inside it was a beautifully crafted glaive.
“Hello my child. It seems you will be needed once again.”
Chapter 26
“This is amazing.” Elizabeth gasped as she looked upon the forest by the palace. Yerix smiled as he rested his elbows on the rail of the balcony.
“It is beautiful is it not?” he whispered as he brushed a stray hair from her face. She turned and looked at him. “Would you like to go there? We can take a visit there tomorrow,” he asked.
“Yes, I would love to go. What should I bring? I hope we are walking.” she responded.
“Yes we will walk. I don’t want to trample the plants with a carriage. You should wear comfortable clothes and boots. If you want, you can bring some test tubes. I know that you would want to study the plant life,” he said with a grin.
“That would be nice.” she sighed. “I guess I should be going to bed so I’m rested for tomorrow,” she suggested as she turned away from the ledge. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She walked out of the room a slight smile glued to her face. She went to her chambers and as she closed her door, Udrea knocked on Yerix’s.
“Yes?” he asked as he opened it.
“May I come in?” she requested, as she stood stiff at his doorway.
“Yes, of course.” he answered as he moved out of her way. “What do you need?” he asked worry fleeting across his face
“We have gained intelligence about a possible assassination attempt on you. I suggest that you stay in the palace until we can find the person planning the attack.” Udrea informed Yerix.
“I will not hide like a coward I will continue with my plans, but I will bring extra guards. There are always people who want me dead. You know how difficult it is to kill someone these days,” he told her.
“This person is believed to have a new weapon. It is designed to stop the heart and cut the spine. It is also believed that it can decompose organs. Basically you would drop dead and there wouldn’t be a cut on you,” she said.
“I am guessing it is one of those radiation guns we’ve been researching?” he asked as he ran his hand through his black hair.
“Yes, it is someone on the inside.” she told him disgustedly.
“Then maybe it would be better for me to take a trip outside of the castle.” he suggested as he walked to the window. He leaned against the wall the stress of leadership emanating from his heavy body. He looked as if walking was becoming hard.
“I need a break. I do not think I can take this much longer.” he admitted.
“Fine, but I will organize the guards that will accompany you,” she demanded as she set her face stiff. “I care about you I do not want harm to come your way.”
“Alright. I am planning to visit the forest with Elizabeth. She would like to admire the plant life.” he said as he sat down and smiled at her. “She is nice, very smart,” he divulged to Udrea.
“She does seem nice enough, but she is not of our own. She is a mere human. You must understand that. To ask her to be anything more is cruel.” she scolded him as she walked for the door, “I will see you tomorrow. Little brother.”
“Goodnight.” he sighed.
Chapter 27
“Now the portal should be just past those trees,” shouted Shackni, the Anchynt sent to close the portal. The general and Sandrah tensed simultaneously.
“Ambush!” she shouted. The soldiers turned their attention to the vampires pouring from the portal. At the front was a tall well toned blond a single braid trailing down her back.
“Hello little brother. Are you happy to see your big sister?” she asked as she lit herself a cigarette. “You look well. I see you made something of yourself. Bet Mom and Dad would be proud.” she said as she exhaled a tendril of smoke.
“You are not my sister.” he growled pain crossing his worn face. She pouted her lips and stomped out her cigarette, “Fine then let’s get to work.” she snapped pulling a dagger from her boot. She then lunged forward. While the general and his sister fought, Shackni pulled a wall of invisibility around him and went to work on the portal. Approximately twenty vampires had made it through the portal. It was his job to prevent more from coming through.
“So this is the sister?” Sandrah asked herself as she absentmindedly battled a low-level vampire. She watched the General as he circled around his sister, Erica. He held a jagged blade in his hand. She held a small dagger. She leapt at him grazing his cheek; he jabbed at her stomach but only ripped her green tank top. She turned quickly and kicked him in the jaw. The General stumbled backward but caught himself. He used this momentum to land a punch to her stomach and stabbed her in her left shoulder. She then kneed him in the gut and reeled for a moment. Erica used this opportunity to kick the blade out of his hand.
“Let’s dance.” Sandrah turned away from the General to see a broad shouldered vampire in front of her. He had blood dripping from his mouth. Looking around she saw Dustin limp on the ground and several decapitated vampires. Allowing the rage to fuel her, Sandrah threw a punch at him and hit him in the stomach. He grinned and hit her in the face. She turned her face back to him, growled and pushed him to the ground and sat on his chest. She clasped her arms around his throat and twisted she broke his neck.
“Asshole.” she spat. She stood up and pulled a female vampire off David. “Bitch!” she stabbed her in the heart. She reached to help David up “Did she bite you?” she asked him urgently.
“No I held her off.” he responded as he looked to see who was left. It appeared that the portal was closed and that Erica was the last vampire. The General looked badly beaten. He had several bruises and he was bleeding profusely. David and Sandrah stepped forward to go to his aid, but he held his hand in protest. Just then Erica grabbed a tree branch and swung it full force at his stomach. She made contact.
“Fuck!” he gasped. He looked at his supposed sister and whispered, “I’m sorry about what happened to you. I’m also sorry for what I have to do.” The general pulled a gun from under his pant leg and aimed for her throat. Erica’s eyes widened he pulled the trigger and in a fountain of blood her body dropped.
The General coughed and blood spilled before him. He stumbled to her body and finished detaching her head.
“Well at least you’re free,” he whispered to her body. The General collapsed. David and another soldier rushed to help the General. They helped him walk two miles but he had lost too much blood. “What are we going to do with all these bodies we can’t just leave them here but there are to many to carry?” David asked Sandrah.
“You are going to buck up and grab another body because these men and women deserve to go home to their families.” He walked away and lifted up the General placing a towel over his face. Cheryl walked over to Sandrah, “I can help, is there anyone left to carry?”
“You can help them with Dustin’s body.” Cheryl nodded her head curtly.
“You do know that by chain of command you are in charge now?” Cheryl asked.
“Yes I know. Let’s get moving.”
Chapter 28
“So what is it like to be president of the people that created two other races?” Elizabeth asked Yerix as they maneuvered through the thick forest.
“I hate it. If I honestly thought I could find some one who would take care of my people I would quit in an instant,” he said as he admired an unusual looking flower. “This is a Nyuth it is the most beautiful and the most endangered flower in our realm. Take one maybe you can study it and learn something from it. They’re fascinating,” he told her as he plucked it from the ground and handed it to her. She looked uneasy at first at the thought of plucking this endangered flower. “I need to learn to relax” she thought to herself.
“Thanks. Miranda and Eric will love studying this.” she smiled and took a case from her backpack. She took one sniff, placed it in the case, and sealed it. Yerix gazed at her and brushed that one rebellious hair from her face. He leaned in and kissed her softly and tenderly. She pulled away.
“We’re two different species and I’m guessing you are old enough to be my grandfather probably my great grandfather,” she protested stumbling backwards.
“It is actually closer to grandfather and our species are similar. Besides you have to feel it.” He said as he ran his finger up and down her arm pulling her closer. “I think I love you. Can you honestly deny feeling the same?” he whispered into her ear kissing the top of her earlobe.
“I don’t like relationships and I do not believe in love,” she stated as she stepped away from him more sturdily this time.
“Well maybe I can make you believe,” he asserted as he followed her.
“No.” she cut him short. He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. He kissed her strong and passionately. He wrapped his arm around her small waist and held her to him they were both breathing heavily.
“I guess I could give you a chance.” she smiled and returned her lips to his. She smiled and adjusted her bag. She turned herself slightly still in his arms. Suddenly he went limp and his face went blank. “Yerix?” she said as he slid out of her arms. “Yerix!” she cried as she saw his eyes, blank with death. She dropped to the ground with him.
“Oh god!” Udrea shouted as she and other guards raced to his dead body. She looked at him and shook his shoulders. He did not respond. “Oh my brother my sweet little brother. It’s all my fault.” Elizabeth lay stunned on the ground at his feet and Udrea sobbed.
“Why?” Elizabeth whispered to the cool earth beneath her. “Why?” In the distance she heard a shot and knew his murderer was dead.
Chapter 29
“Holy shit! Make it stop” Trebajin screamed. Her golden hair was greasy and her forehead was drenched with sweat.
“This is what you get for using a fertility spell. You must suffer an inconceivably painful birth. Now suck it up and push.” Alexis commanded her eyes holding an unusual fire. She and a midwife were the only one’s there for Trebajin giving birth to her daughter.
“One more big push.” the midwife murmured to Trebajin.
“Ooohhaghhhhh.” she screamed. Alexis took the wriggling infant from the midwife and washed the blood from it.
“What will you name her?” the midwife asked as she pulled away the bloodied sheets.
“I don’t care what she is called.” she said as she moved to a more comfortable position. “You can have it, aren’t you infertile? On the other hand, you can give it up for the sacrifice that would look good to my people. It doesn’t matter, It has completed its job I am now queen.” Trebajin said.
“No you should keep your daughter.” the midwife refused.
“Okay whatever you want. I will have her trained to be a lady of the court. I can‘t have her fighting me for power so when she turns fifteen I‘ll marry her off to a servant.” Trebajin sighed as she washed her face with the bowl of water the midwife brought her.
“Ma’m, I think Trebajin and I need to speak alone would you take young Kashui with you.” Alexis told the woman.
“Certainly.” she agreed and left with the baby.
“Kashui? Doesn’t that mean destined to godliness?” Trebajin questioned Alexis who was bent over a chocolate leather case.
“Yes it does.” she answered.
“Why would you name her that? Did you have a vision of her future?” Trebajin asked as she rose from the bed and peeled off her sweat-drenched clothes.
“Yes, I saw yours too.” Alexis whispered as she lifted her glaive from the leather case.
Trebajin turned and looked at her little sister. “Alexis what are you doing?” Alexis only stared at her. I am your Queen and I am your sister.” Trebajin screeched as she moved forward wielding the glaive.
“I am ensuring your daughter and your kingdom the best future.” Alexis responded as she brought the glaive down upon Trebajin, who had stepped back and was now cowering in a corner. Blood spattered the silver and gold wrought mirror.
“I will make that child a goddess. I will be patient and when she is ready she will take over everything and break down the walls of the realms.” Alexis told Trebajin’s deformed body. “I have seen it, it will come true.”
Chapter 30
“Well here you are.” Udrea sighed as the remaining humans lined up before the portal home. “It seems one of your own came here and you weren’t aware of it. I believe she is mostly unharmed. She should be here any minute.” Udrea told them. Seconds later Ashley worn and ragged walked through the trees to Elizabeth.
“My poor Elizabeth, it looks like love has left you bleeding and scarred. At least now you’ve been touched by true love before you die.” Ashley said as she hugged a weeping Elizabeth.
“It’s more like I was slapped in the face and punched in the stomach.” Elizabeth whispered as if every word would tear open her wounds. She then held her head up and tucked her hair back. Her jaw tightened and she looked forward her pale green eyes were glistening and looked as if they aged a hundred years death looked out from her black pupils.
“You’re dying aren’t you?” Ashley asked.
“Slowly and painfully. The Anchynts have treated me to the best of their ability. They’ve prolonged my life and made it so that the radiation won’t hurt anyone else. Elizabeth looked away from Ashley and saw David talking with Udrea.
“Udrea, I’m sorry about your brother.” David attempted to console.
“Thank you. Now I think you should head home.” Udrea stated her body stiffening. The remaining humans with a cart of coffins walked through the portal, home only Elizabeth was left. She looked back her pain apparent one last time and Udrea nodded in understanding as Elizabeth disappeared into the light.
“They’re back.” a scout called through a walkie-talkie to the base. “It appears we have several dead.”
The troops looked upon their home they were completely silent. Suddenly David pushed past the scout and sprinted for town, “Alison. Alison” he shouted.
Sandrah and Cheryl looked at him with surprise and smiled tiredly. “Let’s go get a drink. I need to wash these past few months out of me.” Cheryl suggested to Sandrah as they clasped hands.
“You know they will probably promote me.” Sandrah sighed.
“Would you accept it?”
“Not for all the money in the world. I am sick of this shit.”
Miranda hugged Elizabeth and whispered goodbye. Elizabeth sat down and ran her hands across the grass and watched the others slide back into their lives. Miranda and Eric walked arm in arm past David and his fiancée Alison suffocating each other. They watched him pull away and smile at them. “We’re engaged,” he shouted. They smiled and waved. They walked down the rest of the block Miranda paused and looked at Eric, “We should get married,” she stated.
“Alright.” he responded and drew her in for a kiss.
Elizabeth looked up as Ashley sat down beside her.
“So, what are you going to do?” Ashley question.
“Well, tomorrow I am going to wake up and go to work. I have a flower to study.”
Author notes
still in the process of writing
some of the more recent chapters are first drafts
it is meant to be paired with my poem twisted mirror .
http://allpoetry.com/poem/1911487
the picture at the top is of Trebajin that is how i see her.
A contest entry
- Impress me! by QueenWolf.
350 points, ended January 14, 2007, 14 entries
• next story in this contest, remove from contest - This is a little random... by Taylor Renee.
130 points, ended April 8, 2007, 97 entries
• next story in this contest, remove from contest - Novels by The Wall.
390 points, ended June 13, 2007, 18 entries
• next story in this contest, remove from contest - SW Presents-Science Fiction/Science Fluff-Gold and Silver Membership up for grabs by Violet Moodswing.
700 points, ended August 25, 2007, 17 entries
• next story in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 25 of 25
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Hi
I am going to be helping to judge this contest. When I comment on a poem or story, it is always with the idea of making the piece publishable. I base my suggestions on things I have learned in college, through my personal reading, and through my own experience in submitting things for publication, as well as working as an editor. Your goal may not be to publish the piece though, and if that is the case, just take the critique for what it is, an opinion, which is neither right nor wrong. Take what works for you and ignore the rest.
I ask lots of questions when I critique a story. I don’t ask them to challenge you personally, but to challenge your creativity and to help you see your story from a different perspective.
pulled her coffee colored hair out
***You may want to re-think the phrasing of that. Maybe “pushed” would be a better verb.
***The way you work the description of this woman in the first four sentences is extremely clumsy. It screams to the reader, “I don’t know how to work this in naturally, so I am going to just lump it all in at once!” Try holding back and peppering in the description as you go along.
She seized her frightened child who had just awakened.
***This again is clumsy. You should definitely mention that the child is awake before she “seized” her. Show the reader instead of merely telling them, for example:
[Her daughter’s frightened cries made] Alisandra [force] her [own] fear down and [raced back] to her daughter’s room. She seized [the screaming] child [and attempted] to take refuge under her sheets. The girl clung to her mother’s long hair. Alisandra looked at the panic in her daughter[’]s pale green eyes, [so much like her father‘s, and she found the strength to do what she had to do.] “Shh it’s alright honey. Mommy will always protect you” Alisandra comforted her while running her hand through her daughter’s choppy hair.
***This paragraph is a terrible place to work in that the sheets are violet. That is a non-detail. It does not move the story ahead in any way. There are times when you can give little details to give the story more “flavor,” but in the middle of a bat attack is not one of them.
***When you say she “She glanced fervently,” what is she glancing at? And how does she have time to stare at her daughter in the midst of all this? You have to be aware of the action that is happening in your own story and be careful not to contradict it. I suggest reading the whole thing aloud to yourself. That should help you smooth out any rough spots.
“I want you to take your mommy’s favorite cross, you know the silver one daddy gave me, and hide in your special little cove in the basement.” She commanded to her now calm and apparently confident child.
***A moment ago this child was terrified. What happened to calm her and give her confidence? It doesn’t make sense. Something like this might:
She took her child’s face in her hands to make eye contact, “You have to listen to me,” she said in the calmest voice she could muster, “Take Mommy’s favorite cross, you know, the silver one daddy gave me, and hide in your special little cove in the basement.”
Her calm words had soothed the Elizabeth’s cries, “Alright, Mommy.”
While she was pacing in her fluorescent-lit kitchen, she could hear the sound of her neighbors’ steel and titanium doors being forced in.
***The above line is good. It really sucked me in and made me want to continue reading.
she was a full-grown well-built woman protecting her offspring, and she could take them.
***You throw in so many inappropriate details. This is not the place to tell the reader that she is “well built.” It just sounds clumsy.
“My darling, you hurt me.” he spat while brushing his stray hairs from his face and straightening his charcoal trench coat.
***The first “his” in the above line is not necessary, and the fact that his trench coat is charcoal is completely superfluous. Stick to the details that matter.
***What happened to the idea that a vampire can not enter your home unless he is invited?
The scream of intense pain she made filled the night air. She was in distressing pain, but she had to keep fighting.
***You stated she was in pain in the first sentence here. Repeating it in the second sentence is redundant. Try rewording it, for example:
The scream of intense pain she made filled the night air, but she had to keep fighting.
Alisandra’s world began to swim all around her. She felt the vampire’s teeth pierce her velvety skin;
***Calling her skin velvety at this point is almost comical. “Oh my velvety skin!” It is really not the place for that sort of detail. If you are going to describe someone’s skin as velvety, you may want to do it in a love scene, but certainly not when they are being bitten by a vampire.
other late family members greeted her and welcomed her into bliss.
***This is an odd detail. If you are not going to mention who the late family members are and how they died, don’t mention them at all.
Chapter one held my attention better than the rest of the chapters did. The rest of the chapters seemed rushed. That is okay, you can always go back and add more details. Just make sure that it flows naturally. You are good with dialogue, and I really like the idea of the story, it is quite original.
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Descriptions were good and the details were also good. Good luck in the contest and thanks for entering.
~*Brooke*~ -
I can't read all of this in one setting, so I'll have to come back. But, off the top, I noticed a couple things.
when you do dialogue, there should be a comma at the end, before the 'he said' part. The period used signifies the end of the thought, or moment, and you're left with 'he said what?' -
wow... very long. I have to agree with one of the comments below me, the races seemed a bit stereotypical, but other than that it was a good story. Good work and good luck inb the contest.
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that was hugee!!!! im in school, i have to recomment later, but i reallly think this was awesome!!! great job!!!!!!!
Tay -
it was a little long for my taste but i slowly got through it.... good but the lenght killed it for me. not saying its bad but thats just me
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I Love It
This is one long story and I read at 245wpm on average. You got ta love the chracters. Tres Bien! -
This story was alright, as a whole. Each of the respective races were too steryotypical in their individual ways. The vampires were dreadfully evil, the humans were full of so much hate, and the ancients were sickeningly good. A little more originality on races might make it a better story. I found the characters at times to be shallow, and the passage of time was not described clearly. Much of the time I was raising an eyebrow at things that happened, and some things I had to read twice to know what happened. Characters who seemed to have promise and future in the story turned out to be minor characters. Characters who didn't have enough description and should have by all rights been minor, turned out to be major. Who killed the king? I found the hidden intrigues and shadowed agendas a nice touch to this story, adding depth where without them, there would be none. All in all, it was worth reading all night, I think.
-Ethan
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i think that it was a good story..i dont usually read these tyes but i think that your story was great. keep up the good work.
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interesting
it's a great vamp story but as some had said too much discription of the hair
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Too much description of hair.
Good for the genre (I think). Some of the science is a little sketchy, and the vampires go down too easily. That makes them seem like less of a threat. And if you're going to slip feminist stuff into a story, try to make it less obvious Good luck!
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great job, loved it
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thanks
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Took a whole, but well worth it. Great job.
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This is a great story and it was very interesting. I am not a fen of vampire stories but felt this was still an imaginable write. Good luck in the contest.
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Thanks for sharing your imagination and creativity.
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A very well thought out story, and a new vampier plot!
I found your work smooth to read and enjoyable. You have a well thought out beginning middle and end.
I would sugesst some more paragraphs to make it easier to read.
Well done, thanks for entering
Penny x x x. Rewarded 4
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Applauding your entry. Congratulations on the contest. (sorry about the double post, it showed an error the first time)
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applauding your entry, congratulations in the contest.
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Wonderful!
That was a wonderful story. Truly a great entry! It took me an unusual amount of time to get through, but it was very well written. It had a great story line. I got a little confused on the characters, though. There were a lot of different characters and several times I got them confused. A great write overall! Good luck in the contest!!
-Moose: OUT -
Vampires.
A story a novel in length. I had to finally come and see it. It had set there on the Featured Stories for the past two weeks. I am playing around with some vampire stories. And it was good to research the length of yours to gain insights into the genre.. Rewarded 4
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wow!
Great story! -
I think this is a very well thought out story, very unique and with a pretty good ending. Some of the chapters did seem more hastily written somehow toward teh end, it seemed after all the setting up and preparing for the end the ending came too quickly. Also with all your characters it was hard to keep up with who was who- that might just be me though. Overall I really enjoyed this story, it was very interesting and original.
. Rewarded 4
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Good
This was wonderful, though long, it keeps one entertained throughout the whole tale. What a wonderful sotry line, keep up the marvelous work. I also look forward to reading future updates. ^_^. Rewarded 4
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Normally I stop reading vampire stories. There are just to many of them out there. You've come up with something very different from the normal vampire and the ideas of realms is very interesting. From your author notes, it sounds like you will be revising this. I look forward to reading it again when you are done.
. Rewarded 4
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