Bonded Souls

by Agnes H Hagadus

  Hoping not to wake any of her fellow orphans, or worse her caregivers, Cassandra eased her way down the stairs. Once again when she made it to the back door there was a gift. It was back to the usual. Two arrows were protruding from the deer’s neck.

  Cautiously, Cassandra closed the door behind her. She just had to see if her friend Elissa had remained so that she might actually get to speak with her.

  It was as if Cassandra could feel eyes upon her. Perhaps Elissa was waiting in the shadows to make certain she was alone. After all, she had been warned not to reveal their benefactor.

  When Cassandra had made it to the orchard, she had to stifle the scream. Elissa had not made a sound when she had pounced from the highest branches of the oldest apple tree.

  “I’m sorry I frightened you.” Elissa found herself smiling. When was the last time she had even wanted to smile? This child could so easily spark something in her that had been lost since Sarah had been taken from her, if not long before.

  “It’s all right.” Cassandra stared up into azure eyes. “I wanted to say thank you. Not only for the deer but for giving us new livestock and fixing the barn door.”

  A dark eyebrow rose. Elissa was becoming more and more intrigued by the young girl. She could truly see more than others, whether they were mortals or vampires.

  “I wanted to let you know something.” It took great willpower. Not to allow her fangs to show, but to keep from attempting to feast on the young girl. Even with all her years of existing, she still had a lust for human blood, even though she’d never sampled it.

  If the appearance of her fangs frightened Cassandra, she didn’t allow it to show. Instead, she cocked her head as if waiting patiently for the rest of what her friend had to confess to her.

  “I’m what some mortals refer to as a vampire.” Elissa waited for several heartbeats for a reaction. When there was none, she continued. “There are those of my kind who are evil. They would rather use mortals than attempt to live side by side. They are the ones who killed your livestock.”

  As if she had been told something ordinary, Cassandra merely shook her head. Her one teacher had told stories about how vampires lived in the forest. Some thought it was to scare the children away from the woods.

  But not Cassandra. Oh no. She had had a suspicion her friend was not like other mortals. As long as Elissa was nice to her, she didn’t care if she was different or not.

  Elissa was having trouble with this young one. Only in the fact she seemed so easily to accept what she was being told. She might as well inform Cassandra of the true dangers that lurked around her.

  “My former clan, the ones who are not good vampires, they have chosen to target you and the others.” Elissa watched for any sign of reaction.

  When there was none, Elissa continued. “I want you and the others to be weary of strangers. And know that I will be watching you. Especially at night when they are more likely to come.”

  Cassandra crinkled her nose. It was beyond adorable in Elissa’s mind. “I wish I could come live with you.” The words were innocent enough. But they were from the young girl’s very soul.

  “I’m…” Elissa wasn’t certain what to say. She wasn’t accustomed to speaking to mortals. She especially wasn’t accustomed to speaking with children.

  “It’s all right.” Cassandra’s expression changed. It was one of great disappointment instead of anticipation. “No one here likes me. They think I’m too different. I see stories in my head. While they think they’re entertaining, they also think it’s not right I see pictures in my head.”

  “I didn’t say I didn’t like you.” Elissa knelt down so that she was nearly eye to eye with Cassandra. “In fact, you are the reason I began leaving gifts. I saw you working in the garden one day. There was something about you. The only reason I can’t take you with me is mortals can’t live the way vampires do. And I won’t…”

  “Won’t what?” Cassandra stared deeply into azure eyes. There was something in those soulful eyes she just couldn’t quite make out.

  “There is only one way to become like me.” Elissa made certain Cassandra was still looking her in the eyes. “I would have to drain your blood. You would then have to taste mine. You would forever be ten-years-old.”

  The part about being drained and drinking blood didn’t cause Cassandra fear. In fact, it intrigued her. But to remain a ten-year-old. That wasn’t for her. “I can wait. When I’m closer to your age, you can turn me. Until then, we can be friends. You can teach me what I need to know to be a vampire.”

  Elissa was uncertain how to proceed. It was tempting to see if this young girl was worthy of the gift/curse of becoming an immortal. But she was too young to know her heart. Wasn’t she?

  “I definitely want to remain friends.” Elissa didn’t want to disappoint her new friend. In this case, protecting her was of the utmost importance. Especially if that meant protecting Cassandra from herself. “I can’t promise you the other things.”

  “But why?” Cassandra’s age was revealing itself. “I promise to do what you tell me. I don’t see a future for me in the mortal world. My momma died was I was born. Papa left me here on the doorstep of the orphanage when I was only a couple months old. I don’t even know the exact day of my birthday. I just want to belong somewhere.” Barely above a whisper, but with Elissa’s better than human hearing she heard it, Cassandra added, “To someone.”

  “I’ll tell you what.” Elissa continued to stare into sad emerald eyes. “Friends. I’ll teach you what they won’t teach a young girl at an orphanage. And when you are old enough, we’ll talk about making you just like me.”

  It’s how Elissa had to think of turning a mortal was as if she were adding a family member. Otherwise, it was a gift to some and curse to others. If she was gaining a family member, she could easily turn Cassandra. But not until she had lived at least twenty years on this earth.

  Elissa wasn’t ready for the hug. She found herself on her back, arms full of a small young bundle. “Now, you head back to bed. Be as quiet as you can. I can see you tomorrow night. I can be out in the day, but I try not to as I easily sunburn. I don’t want people knowing I live in the forest.”

  The vampire had yet to discover another building to call home. She had built a shelter about a half hour walk from the village.

  Before Cassandra could respond, Elissa’s entire body stiffened. Her voice was like the wind. “There’s someone watching. It’s not one of your friends or those that watch you. It’s someone who is after me. Someone I need you to stay away from. Go. I’ll deal with her.”

  Cassandra understood. At least, she thought she did. It wasn’t every night one had their suspicions confirmed and the dream of something exciting happening planted in one’s soul. Even if she was never like Elissa, she would treasure their friendship. Always.

  Elissa was grateful when Cassandra entered the orphanage. She waited several breaths. There was no noise from the building. It meant her young charge had made it safely inside.

  Now to deal with one of Devlyn’s lackeys. Elissa was like a ghost she moved so stealthily. The young vampire never even heard her before she had her pressed against the tree.

  “Devlyn is not going to like it if you kill her favorite plaything.” Amanda’s voice belied the bravado with which the young vampire attempted to put forth.

  “Devlyn didn’t like when I walked out on her. There’s probably a bounty on me.” Once again Elissa moved with such speed, Amanda couldn’t keep track of their positions. She found herself now facing the elder.

  “I could end you now. It would send a message.” Elissa held her forearm against Amanda’s neck. Even though there was no need for breath, it still hurt being pinned like this. “But I think I need to reinforce what I told Devlyn.”

  Without releasing her grasp on the younger vampire, Elissa tore open her shirt. Amanda attempted to struggle against the one-armed grip. The elder vampire had strength, but also knowledge of how to use her body. In mo
re ways than one.

  A dagger was in Elissa’s free hand. Amanda’s brown eyes grew wide with fear. “Relax. You’ll eventually heal. But before you do, your lover can receive my message.”

  It took nearly twenty minutes to carve the message onto Amanda’s stomach. Elissa stayed away from the breasts. She wasn’t that cruel, unless she was given sufficient motive.

  The message was clear. The orphanage was Elissa’s family. If she caught wind of even one of her former clan anywhere near the orphanage or the village, she would slaughter the entire clan.

  “I might be alone, but I can follow through on my message.” Elissa’s gaze bore into brown eyes. The intensity caused the younger vampire to shudder. “After all, I trained everyone. Including Devlyn.”

  Amanda swallowed hard. She could be a message dead or alive. It took a week for a vampire’s body to disintegrate, unless fire was the cause of death or a stake directly to the heart.

  The smaller vampire nodded. Truth be told, Amanda had always been more afraid of Elissa than Devlyn. This show of speed and strength reinforced her fears.

  Elissa released the younger vampire. She could nearly see the dust Amanda left behind as she sprinted from her grasp. A deep breath was released. This was not how she had wanted to spend her night.

  After feeding, Elissa had planned on using the animalistic energy to begin working on making the orchard more productive in bearing fruit.

  Instead, Elissa was having to deal with Devlyn’s lackeys. The animal inside her wanted to storm the clan now. It was tamed by thoughts of little Cassandra.

  Elissa glanced up at the window she knew held Cassandra and seven other young girls. A smile was on her face as the innocent young face was searching for her.

  The vampire made her way to just beneath the window. Elissa waved at her new friend. The glow from Cassandra was worth making Elissa feel weak.

  The window was abandoned shortly after Elissa had waved. Her senses went on full alert. The vampire cursed. Devlyn was not listening to her.

  The flame lit arrows were directed toward the very room Elissa had been gazing into. A low growl escaped her soul as she leapt into action. She only hoped she wasn’t too late.

  Chapter 4

  Elissa’s hands burned. Her timing had been a millisecond off and she had caught two of the burning arrows by the tips. Worse, the third and forth had shattered the window. Screams were echoing throughout the night.

  Without thought, Elissa launched herself after making certain the two arrows she had caught could do no damage. The immortal’s arms braced against the windowsill. As she peered inside, there was near chaos.

  There was one exception. As Elissa hauled herself into the small room, Cassandra was organizing the other females. It appeared she wasn’t even the eldest, yet she was the one taking charge. She was the one making certain everyone made it out of their shared room.

  Azure eyes met emerald ones. Elissa winked at her young charge before becoming a blur. Cassandra watched. Her mouth was agape as her friend used the water left for washing in the basin to begin dousing the flames. When there was no more water, Elissa used the tattered and worn blankets.

  Before the adults could make an entrance, Elissa was once again by the window. Her senses were on full alert. Before launching herself from the second story window, she turned toward Cassandra. “Be safe. My enemies are coming for you. I won’t let them get you. Ever.”

  With those words, Cassandra watched as her friend leapt from the room. It took the young girl a moment to be able to move. She stared out into the night.

  Even though Cassandra had moved nearly as soon as Elissa had disappeared, there was no sign of the immortal. The young girl shook her head in wonder. Her friend was many things. Amazing was one excellent word to describe her.

  A stern voice from the doorway caused Cassandra to turn her gaze from the window. What had happened? The young girl could not say. When she was able to take in the room, the evidence of the arrows was missing.

  Fear loomed over Cassandra. She was the only child remaining in the room. Ms. Anks grabbed her roughly by the upper arm. “You did this.”

  To Cassandra’s dismay, it wasn’t a question. It was a statement. “You attempted to cover up your sins by remaining behind. You, girl, will be severely punished. Since it’s the Sabbath, you have all day to think about your punishment. In the meantime, no meals only water for the next three days.”

  Cassandra knew saying anything would only worsen her punishment. She knew she would be forced to kneel at her bed, after returning from church, praying the rest of the day. She would barely be allowed to drink.

  How Cassandra missed her friend. Elissa would never allow them to do this to her. After being forced to pray the entire day, first thing Monday would find her behind the outhouse. A leather strap had her name upon it.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  Elissa would make certain Cassandra was all right mentally tomorrow. Right now, she had her own kind to track down. If she was successful before they made it back to the safety of the compound, they would be slowly withering, begging for dust to take them.

  The acrid scent of smoke clung to the bodies moving toward the safety of the compound. There were four of them. It begged the question of why they didn’t continue firing? Was this a warning? Would they have if Elissa had not been there?

  It didn’t matter the answer to any of the questions. Devlyn had once again crossed the line. The one Elissa had warned her not to. Children could have died. Cassandra could have died.

  Another growl was suppressed. Elissa didn’t want to alert the young immortals. She was faster, stealthier and wiser than any of them. Including the three that outranked her in years.

  Adrenaline was overtaking Elissa. The animal in her could no longer be contained. The four immortals were only two thousand yards from her. She leapt without thought.

  Elissa completed a perfect summersault and landed before the four younglings. They didn’t have time to react as she thrusted her hand into each of their chests. She easily ripped each of their hearts from their bodies.

  Stunned. Shocked. Disbelief. Those were the expressions left on the two males and two females. Their eyes were glassy, but could still see who had taken their eternity from them.

  “War. It’s what Devlyn wants. It’s what she’ll get.” Elissa bound some vines together. She tied them together and to each of the feet of the younglings.

  Without emotion, Elissa dragged the four lifeless bodies through the forest. It wasn’t long before she was again at the main gate. She left the bodies without a word.

  Elissa’s thoughts were on her young charge. While she knew the fire had been doused, it didn’t mean Cassandra was unharmed. After all, she was the last of the children in the room.

  The sun would soon be rising. Elissa didn’t care. There were places she could hide out if necessary. Cassandra was someone she needed to desperately protect. She hadn’t felt like this since Andrea.

  Thoughts of Andrea were shoved from her mind. It wouldn’t do to dwell on how her first love had begged her to be turned. But Elissa had refused to taint her innocent blood that way. There were moments when she wailed in regret over that decision.

  As Elissa made it to the orphanage, a long ago glimpse at the image of her first lover entered her mind. Blonde. Emerald eyes. Always smiling. Intelligent beyond her years. She shivered at how alike Cassandra and Andrea were.

  There was silence in the house. It wasn’t surprising seeing the hour of the night. Still, something was amiss. Elissa could sense Cassandra was ill at ease.

  Elissa once again launched herself to the second floor. The window was now closed and partially boarded. That was stupid as the acrid smell of the burned wood and blankets clung to the air. Inside was a single soul.

  Though the window was locked, Elissa easily pried it open. She soundlessly lofted herself fully into the room. Her charge was kneeling. Her lips were moving, but no sound escaped her tiny lips.<
br />
  The immortal hesitated. If Cassandra was in prayer, Elissa didn’t want to startle her. As if sensing her presence, Cassandra froze. She glanced up into azure eyes. She was crying.

  It took less than a blink of an eye for Elissa to be sitting upon the singed bed. She pulled Cassandra onto her lap. “What’s wrong?”

  Cassandra had to take several deep breaths. She had to clear her throat. “They blame me for the destruction. I’m to spend my Sunday at church or in prayer. I’m to only have water, no food for three days.”

  Elissa managed to stifle her growl. This would not do. Punishment for something she didn’t do was one thing. But to be as excessive as it was would not be tolerated. “Come with me.”

  The immortal stood with Cassandra remaining in her arms. Emerald eyes blinked several times. “I promise to continue to protect the children living here. As long as I remain in this area. But I won’t stand by while they punish you unfairly.”

  Cassandra wanted to leave this place. She had never fit in. But Elissa had asked her to wait. She had asked her to be patient. “What about what you said before?”

  Taking her time before giving an answer, Elissa finally spoke. “I made a promise. Circumstances have changed that place you in danger. Not only from my enemies but from those that are supposed to protect you. That changes everything or I would not change my promise.”

  The explanation caused Cassandra to smile shyly. Being held by Elissa was like coming home. It was like what her soul had craved without her even knowing it. It was a shocking realization for someone so young.

  Elissa also felt something. It was familiarity. It truly was as if Andrea flowed through this young mortal. There were those that believed in reincarnation. The vampire had never believed in such things.

  After spending a minimal amount of time with the young girl, Elissa was slowly becoming a believer. She studied emerald eyes for the longest of moments before making her request once again. “Come with me. I’ll feed and clothe you. I’ll make certain you are well educated. We can even leave this area. If you want.”