by Imogene Nix
“I have an appointment in two hours. Given that, I should be home before you finish your training.”
He only hoped it was that simple.
* * * *
The room hushed as she entered it. Row upon row of seats were laid out, so others could attend the Trial of Justice for Gervaise. At the beginning of the procession was Caridad, who made her way down the hall. The regal manner in which she conducted herself never ceased to amaze Cressida.
A line of Councilors rounded the corner and filed behind the long, scarred wooden table.
Cressida shivered a little as the chill of the dungeon-like room invaded her bones. Never before had she attended one of these ceremonies as Councilor, let alone Conseil Superieur.
Scanning the sea of faces showed her that the most senior vampires, including the nest Masters and Mistresses, their consorts, seconds and even human Yeux Secondes were in attendance. She wasn’t sure if it was a show of solidarity or something altogether different.
“The power of our unity is our strength.” Cressida turned in Caridad’s direction as the ceremony opened. “One of us has betrayed the trust we invested in them. They gave an oath of honor, loyalty and righteousness, but they have sullied that. They bring disrepute to the name Vampire. Tonight we come together to test the truth. Let the De Premiere Instance de la Justice commence!”
Caridad took her seat and the vampires followed like a waving sea that subsided beneath her power. “As is our way, there is one who will make the final determination. We, who are flawed. We bring forth another, far removed from this place. They shall listen. They shall see and they shall determine.” The room shook as Caridad spoke the words that would open the trial.
Samra escorted Gervaise to the dock. The wooden box was more like a cell, reinforced on the outside with copper bars, so even if he managed to tear it apart, he still couldn’t escape.
He whimpered and shook. Cressida hardened her heart against the sliver of sympathy that raised its head. He endangered all of us.
“Gervaise, according to the rites of Masterhood, you gave an oath. The pledge you made was the same as all who accept that role. As a Councilor, you gave a further oath. In all you do, the greater good of the nests shall override your own position. That you will give your life and immortality to ensure survival of vampire and innocent alike. Remember you this oath?” Caridad leaned forward in her seat and Cressida heard the gasp that he gave. Gervaise cowered away and the ripe scent of terror filled the air.
“I… My lady, I did give that oath.” His face glowed bone white and he struggled with the words, but the tingle of magic in the air told her Caridad was forcing him to speak truthfully.
“You partook of the blood and underwent the test. Tell me then, are the charges against you truthful or no?”
Cressida clasped her hands. She knew the truth. Knew that he’d made that pact, but now they needed him to admit that he’d broken it. How could there possibly be any question?
“I…I…” He shook his head and closed his mouth. His only hope now was to refuse to answer. Then, the pact would hold, though be severely tested. Clearly that was the option he’d chosen. Caridad turned to Cressida as if to say ‘it’s your turn’.
“Make your case, Councilor.”
Cressida rose, the scrape of the chair filling the almost silence. Only the sobbing of the man in the dock echoed. Cressida gnawed at her lip. Where to begin?
“I became aware of the anomaly several weeks ago, as I began working with a select and trusted team, hoping to uncover the identity of the one who conspired against us. The situation was precarious, but I had a feeling that information was being made available to Creedar.”
She stepped along the front of the seating area, and gazed on Gervaise while pondering the reaction of those gathered. “This was just before the massacre in New Orleans. I felt at the time that it would be unwise to send most of our warriors to the site, but it was appropriate to send enough of a force as was necessary. Not long after committing ourselves to this course of action, Creedar made the decision to attack the house Grimardi. Of note is that it happened to be the one that sent the most warriors to New Orleans. These warriors were offering succor to our kin. It left their house exposed and vulnerable. This was known only to those of the Grimardi house and a select few, under orders from myself.”
Anger suffused her, and she moved with a jerk in the direction of the dock.
“Who knew of this decision?”
Caridad’s words stopped her. It was probably just as well, as fury coursed. She’d probably rip Gervaise apart—limb from bloody limb.
“The Councilors, the Master of the nest and my own people.” She shrugged and turned her eyes back to Caridad.
“You have said that information about the safe rooms in the New Orleans nest was divulged. You received a video message?”
The remembrance of that terrible message had her gut clenching. “Yes, that’s true. I had known the second as we’d shared a nest before his elevation. I also knew the Master’s Yeux Secondes, as he was one of my own nestlings. The Master messaged me and asked me to care for the child. His only surviving issue, now.”
She turned back to those watching the drama unfold.
Anger speared her again as she considered the situation of the child. “She’s seven, a slight little thing with blonde hair and blue eyes. Now she’s an orphan. A child who was only saved from death because a seer warned her father that for her safety she should be sent away. If not for that act, her bones would have been burnt in the crematorium as the rest were.” She whirled around, looking at Gervaise. “Like all the other children whose bodies lie in the morgue right now. The innocents you swore to protect.”
Gervaise flinched but didn’t make a sound.
“You used a resource?”
At that Cressida gulped and turned, her gaze seeking Daniel. He nodded.
“I did. One of the neophytes can read the thoughts of others.” Now a ripple of sound wove its way around the room and back again. Eyes narrowed and vampires sat forward in their seats. “My life partner.”
Murmuring slid through the crowd at those words but they steadied her, now that she’d spoken them.
“What did they see?” Caridad spoke quietly now and Cressida sucked down a lungful of air.
Her diaphragm expanded. “A traitor.”
The room erupted. Cries of “Death to the traitor” and “Let the deed be done” echoed as Cressida closed her eyes, gathering herself.
“Can you prove this?”
Cressida walked down the aisle, stopped before Daniel and watched as he gave a slight nod.
“Yes, my lady. I would ask you think of something. Keep it in your mind.” He stood. “You are remembering the first time you met Councilor Cressida. In a field. She wore a pale pink gown.”
Cressida squeezed his hand briefly before turning back to face the front and Caridad.
The Overlord spread her hands to those present. “Then he speaks the truth. Let the decision be made.”
“Wait! Mercy, Caridad! I ask for mercy!”
The room quieted and all eyes found their way to the dock where Gervaise cried out piteously.
“You seek mercy? After your actions?” Caridad tapped the tabletop. “Give me something worthy. A way to beat Creedar and face the assembled masses. They will decide on that.”
The vampire paled further. “But…I cannot! He will kill me and mine.” He wiped a bead of sweat from his face and Cressida’s stomach turned. He sought mercy, yet he’d shown none in allowing the innocent children to die.
“You deny us information, yet you shared it with Creedar?” Caridad spoke quietly and Cressida’s hair rose as magic filled the air, arcing and flashing.
“I…”
Caridad waved a hand in the air. “Cressida?”
“I have presented the facts as known. I’ve explained the process. The witness has had a chance to speak, but chooses not to. I will rest my case there.” Cressida
walked with slow, measured steps back to her seat.
The powerful cloaking spell that had hidden an elder vampire behind the box during the trial dropped away with a sharp crack. He stood, showing himself to the assembled witnesses.
“In the way of our people, the case has been prosecuted. The evidence has been laid out before us. The defendant has not proved himself innocent, but the prosecution has presented compelling evidence. Normally, the one in judgment would retire to consider the evidence, but it is clear to me. You conspired with Creedar, causing the death of many hundreds of humans and vampires. You’ve passed on sensitive information. Privileged information.”
He stepped slowly, peering at those assembled with his pale blue eyes. The frisson of power surrounding him rose and swelled with every movement until he reached the center of the table, where he turned to Caridad.
It was an act of a second to reach out and clasp hands with Caridad and Cressida knew she was reading his decision. Caridad blinked rapidly then gave a tiny nod. “He has been found guilty of conspiracy. The only allowable sentence is death. Let it be done and may the immortal God have pity on your soul, Gervaise.”
The presiding vampire, now having passed judgement, strode from the room, no doubt to be transferred away, back to his own nest far from their location.
“The judgment is made. I will have the guilty transported to my stronghold and dealt with by my executioner. I thank the Conseil Superieur, her nest and the Council for their honesty.”
It was over.
Caridad rose and exited the chamber while her personal guard filed in to take control of the prisoner. The crowd remained silent, watching as Gervaise was removed from the dock and marched from the room.
As the room emptied before her, she had the impression it all happened in slow motion.
Javed stopped and turned in her direction. “Cressida, we will need to arrange for a new Councilor.”
“Yes. But I fear that may have to wait, my friends. Let us attend to the urgent matter of protecting ourselves first.”
Now the need to leave the chamber swamped her, and she hurried from the room.
* * * *
“We don’t have to do this tonight, you know.” Daniel reached for Cressida’s hand. It was cold and he detested the distance she’d put between them since the trial had ended nearly a week ago. Even now, as he reached for her, she tugged away.
With every step forward, he seemed to take a step back.
“Tonight. I need to do something useful.” Her voice echoed the exhaustion he’d seen on her face. But she was a stubborn woman, he’d learned. If she wanted to do something, she’d just plow on regardless.
He reined in the urge to sigh. After all, he could understand her mindset. A Councilor, someone she’d known for a long time, in all likelihood, had betrayed her and the whole of the vampire species. Not to mention the nests.
With all the oaths, and their joint history, he’d still treated every benefit and connection he’d enjoyed with contempt and thrown away any hope of a future. At least, that was what he guessed she felt. She’d been too remote to share her emotions again tonight.
“Fine, then. I’ve spoken to Hope and Xavier as well as Celina and Javed. They will stay if I let them know.”
“I told you earlier…”
“Yes, okay, Cressida. I get it.” He didn’t mean to sound testy. All he wanted was to give her a break, but she wouldn’t let him. Instead she pushed back as hard as she could.
Beside him, she stiffened then shrugged. “They’re on their way.”
A bubble of frustration rose. “Why did you do that?”
“What?” She spat the word and he balled his fist.
“I said I would let them know. Every time…” He flung his hand in the air. “You have to do everything before I can. Sometimes, when you do things like that…” You unman me. He stopped before he could unload his grievances. This wasn’t helping. They were all on edge and the proceedings certainly hadn’t helped.
“I…I didn’t mean…” Her halting words told him of her inner turmoil. When she gazed at him, her eyes were full of regret. “I just… I want to make things easy for you.”
He sighed this time, letting the sound float between them. “I know. But, Cressida, I’m a man.” She opened her mouth and he raised his hand. “I know, I’m a vampire, but that doesn’t make me any less who I am. Who I’ve been raised to be.”
“I’m sorry.” Her whisper gutted him and he lurched toward her, scooping her up into his arms.
“I’m sorry too. I know it’s difficult. You’ve been alone for a long time and aren’t used to someone hovering. I just want to help carry your burdens. They’re teething problems in a relationship like ours. We’ll get there, in time.” He inhaled her scent, her hair tickling his nose as she nestled into the embrace. “But I need to protect you. My woman. My lover.” Dipping his head while she raised hers felt natural. When their lips met, tiny sparks of electricity played through his veins.
“Ahem. While I’m sure this is really romantic, I don’t suppose we can start training?” Xavier’s voice cut through the silence. Neither of them had heard the four vampires arrive on silent feet.
“Besides which, I have an idea.” Hope pushed her way into the center of the room and tugged out the amulet she wore around her neck. “I had a dream. I think…I know how these work.”
Everyone spun in her direction. “How, Hope?” Cressida held the chain of her amulet tightly in her hand, and the action made Daniel grin.
“They’re conduits, just like the Graces said. But while three of us can make them work, they’re not as effective as it would be if all six of us are working together. See, they connect us. All of us.”
“If that’s so, then why are there three black and three silvery white?” Celina’s musings made Hope laugh.
“Oh, that’s so simple. Think of it. What were we when we each met our mates?”
Daniel couldn’t help himself. “Alive?”
Hope and Celina snickered, then Hope shook her head. “You’re much closer to the truth than you know, Daniel. See, if I’m right, the black corresponds to the dark. You’ve all been vampires longer than you were human, yes?”
The three vampires agreed.
“Good, and we’ve been human longer than vampires…” Hope arched her eyebrows and Daniel tapped his forehead.
“Day and Night. Black and White.” So simple and yet… It makes so much sense.
“So how do we use them, Hope? You said you’d seen?”
“Sure. Our powers can be shared through them, but only to our partners. The biggest positive is that we can communicate widely between the six of us. Last time, when it hurt? That was two groups of three, not all six at once. We didn’t realize that it’s meant to be all of us and so there was a kind of feedback.”
“That’s why it hurt? Hmm, so how do we…?” Cressida frowned.
“It’s simple. If everyone grabs their amulets, I can initiate the contact.”
“And you know this how?” Cressida’s question rang out in the quiet room.
“Hope told me.” Daniel started to close his eyes and heard a snicker.
“Hey, big brother, I don’t think closing our eyes would be a great idea. I mean, if we’re in the middle of a fight, it might make things worse.”
He blushed a hot, deep red. Celina was right, of course. “I was only trying to make it easier.”
“Daniel? Can you hear me?” This time the process didn’t hurt, it just felt like a kind of molasses was being drizzled over him. It was tingly and not uncomfortable, but odd.
“Okay then, I want Daniel to grab Cressida’s hand and Celina to do the same to Javed. Xavier, you hold mine. We’re the weakest link here though.”
They did as she asked, moving slightly apart from the other couples.
“Now, you need to kind of push a bit of your power through the link to your partner. Don’t worry about it going astray because you’re connected to eac
h other, just like the amulets link all six of us.”
In his mind Daniel conjured an image of a flame, then shunted it to Cressida, who held out her hand. A flicker, a tiny whisper of lights, played over her palm. She smiled and cupped it. “Ow!”
The connection snapped back. “What happened?” His heart pounded wildly in his chest.
“It burned me.”
He laughed at her startled tone. When she frowned at him, he cupped her soft cheek. “I’m sorry it did, but just think, it worked.”
Wonder crept over her face.
* * * *
The following evening, Cressida followed Daniel down the stairs. He twitched but stood alone. The air about him of grief almost broke her heart.
“Daniel?”
He turned in her direction, his face a mask of white so his eyes looked like bright orbs.
“I want you to know I’m going to support you.”
He nodded and for a moment she saw a shimmer of moisture, then he blinked and it was gone.
“I know.”
* * * *
The cars waited on the asphalt, ready to take them to the memorial center he’d chosen. The crunch of many feet on the gravel filled the air while the bite of cold nipped at her. He wore unrelieved black, as did she, only a red band at his arm. In fact, as she scanned those leaving for the service, she saw a sea of black with the red bands and shook her head. How unlike the memorial for the lost vampires, where everyone had worn bright colors, she thought.
Most humans wouldn’t understand the band of red on their arms, but it was a tangible memory of the humans lost from their world, the red signifying the blood connection they’d shared.
Once within the vehicle, she and Daniel settled themselves in the back and she took his hands, shocked to find just how chilled his skin was to the touch.
He didn’t pull away, but had erected an icy wall around himself, and she mourned the loss of his presence. She understood his grief but struggled with understanding that he felt the need to grieve in a solitary fashion.
