“I certainly don’t have a problem if you wish to remain in my class,” Eligos said. “Having to leave school at an arbitrary age is a mandate of the Dark Gods, not mine. But then, that’s merely symptomatic of the dark deities’ arbitrary and capricious reign. Totalitarian regimes strive to limit education and control what little they allow to be taught, often blending propaganda and ‘alternative facts’ into the curriculum. But a skilled teacher can always slip in a few kernels of truth for the consumption of the more perceptive pupils. As for your extracurricular activities, I may possess the ability to discover hidden secrets and foretell the future but that doesn’t mean I can’t turn a blind eye when I choose.”
Alaric looked at Eligos in surprise. “I thought it unlikely you wouldn’t be aware of what we were doing, and yet odd you never voiced any objection.”
“Almost everyone is ignorant of the existence of a previous reality in which the Dark Gods were banished in mankind’s prehistory. Don’t look surprised, even the Dark Gods cannot keep secrets from me. Asabi has also told me of the alternate reality she comes from. But most believe in the inevitability of the reign of the Dark Gods. Many oppose their unjust rule but do so in silence. Henry David Thoreau said: ‘The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.’ That song, Alaric, is the song of freedom. But it’s a song unsung for they fear to give voice to the lyrics of rebellion against the omnipotent dark deities. So instead, they tacitly acquiesce to the arbitrary and capricious whims of a divine family that has proven the maxim ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’”
“I don’t believe the Dark Gods are omnipotent. They can be defeated. We can defeat them.”
“I know you believe that to be true and that’s what gives you the conviction to stand against them. But be warned: Nyx believes that as well. I just heard the broadcast before coming out: the Dark Gods have announced Julian Ward’s death and are blaming the Resistance. The Dark Gods now view you – all of you – as an existential threat. You no longer have the luxury of time. They’ll strike at you soon, and often, and you must be prepared if you wish to survive.”
Alaric gulped but maintained his steely eyed countenance. “Our numbers are growing throughout the multiverse, thanks to our friends in the Dreamscape, but I know we also need a physical cadre capable of taking the fight to them. That’s why we’ve been training constantly and learning to fight as a team.”
“All well and good boy, but think back to your lessons. What does any team, any army, any rebellion need to succeed? Leadership. And that means more than simply calling yourself a leader. You’ve brought together an eclectic collection of individuals loyal to your cause; now you must inspire loyalty to you, as their leader. They must be willing to follow you through the gates of Hell if necessary.”
Alaric nodded. Not only had Eligos been his teacher but the demon had an encyclopedic knowledge of history, including all the great military battles and rebellions. Alaric knew better than to ignore the great duke of Hell at his peril. “But how do I inspire personal loyalty?”
Eligos gave the boy a half smile. “You’ll know, when the moment comes.” They both turned toward a commotion coming from the schoolyard gate. A young boy no more than 10 years old, who might easily have passed as a student, grasped the heavy cast-iron gate and tore it off its hinges, flinging it aside as if it were made of paper. Despite his young age, as he drew closer his face betrayed a menacing mien seemingly incompatible with his youth.
Síofra gasped. “Artemus!” she whispered tremulously. She could run but Síofra knew it was foolhardy to think she might outrun a vampire’s superhuman speed. She had known there would be no way to hide from Artemus once he had discovered what she had done, but Síofra had hoped he might never find out, or if he did it would be far in the future. She also knew she wouldn’t be able to catch Artemus unaware as she had Natasa. The boy vampire would allow her no opportunity to stake him or escape.
Alaric intercepted him. “Who are you and what you want?”
Artemus bared his fangs. “You should be more concerned with what I am than with who I am.”
“So, the Dark Gods sent you to quash our Resistance. Where are the rest?”
“No one sent me. I came alone. I have no interest in the Dark Gods or your Resistance. Give me what I’ve come for and I’ll assure you of my silence about your activities.”
“What do you know about our activities?” Alaric asked.
The boy vampire smiled. “I’ve survived for nearly five centuries by not rushing into situations unprepared. I’ve studied all of you for days, observing your strengths and weaknesses, the terrain, and even the possible escape routes. I’ve overheard your talk of resistance and your foolish efforts to challenge the Dark Gods, but as I said, I don’t care about any of that.”
“Then what do you want?” Alaric asked.
“Give me the changeling and I’ll leave you in peace to continue your frivolous pursuits.”
“What do you want with Síofra?” Alaric asked.
The boy vampire’s lips curled into a malevolent grin. “Why, to kill her of course. But only after I’ve tortured her until she begs me to do so. She’s of no use to you anyway. She’s a Fae trapped in human form with no powers of her own. Your cause will not be diminished by her loss. Besides, you can’t trust a changeling: they’re evil and selfish – not the sort you want by your side in battle. Now surrender her to me and you can go about your rebellion.”
Kaya saw the terror etched on Síofra’s face and raced toward Artemus. “No! You can’t have my friend.”
Artemus reached out and grabbed the Japanese girl pulling her up against his body. He laughed. “The child thinks the changeling is her friend. Fatuous child; as I said, changelings are selfish and evil creatures with no loyalty to anyone but themselves. However, you’ve made yourself useful.” Artemus looked up at Alaric. “Surrender the changeling or I’ll snap her neck before you take another step.”
Alaric realized Artemus’ vampiric speed meant he would not have enough time to cast a spell. He felt the eyes of everyone around him waiting to see what their self-proclaimed leader would do. Eligos had said he would know what to do when the moment came but Alaric had no idea what his next move should be. Yet he was painfully aware whatever he did, or even by his inaction, Kaya would likely be killed in seconds and her blood, the first of his team’s to be spilled, would forever be on his hands.
“Release her!” Síofra stepped forward. She knew her fate was sealed but there was no reason to let the annoying little girl who idolized her die as well. “I’ll surrender tae ya if ya let the lass gae unharmed.”
Alaric was shocked by the changeling’s act of self-sacrifice. Asabi shot him a knowing glance, reminding him of their conversation about the nature of changelings. When he had questioned the wisdom of keeping Síofra on their team, Asabi had called it the burden of leadership but she had also said “perhaps the act of making that decision is what will set her on the path you wish to see her follow.”
Artemus flung Kaya away from him. “Agreed, changeling. Come with me.”
“No!” Alaric cried in a commanding voice. “Síofra is one of us. She’s a member of my team and the only way you’ll take her is over my dead body.”
“How brave of you to make such a declaration, backed up by all of your allies,” Artemus said. “But even if your numbers force me to leave you’ll only be postponing the inevitable. I know where to find her and I can wait until she is alone.”
“No, I won’t let you make Síofra live her life in fear, continually looking over her shoulder,” Alaric said. “The ends here and now.”
The boy vampire eyed the faces behind Alaric. “You don’t know what she’s done.”
“I don’t care. She’s one of us. You’ll have to get past me to get to her.”
Artemus chuckled. “A challenge, then. A battle between the two of us for the fate of the changeling. Agreed?”
“Don’t do it, Alaric,” Emma cried out. The others – Eligos, Asabi, Katsumi, Asmodeus, Ursula, Quinn, Kita, Nitrate, Kaya, and Síofra – watched, waiting for his response.
Alaric nodded. He faced the others. “No one is to interfere, no matter what. This fight is strictly between me and Artemus.”
“But Alaric,” Emma began.
“I understand.” Katsumi’s eyes expressed the deep emotion her words did not. “It is a matter of honor. I shall make sure your orders are obeyed.”
“Excellent,” Artemus said. “Just two more things. Since we both seek closure to this matter, this shall be a fight to the death.”
Alaric frowned. “And the other thing?”
The boy vampire reached into his pocket and tossed Alaric an unusual stone with a hole. Instinctively, Alaric reached out and caught it.
“Don’t touch it,” Emma cried too late. “It’s a hagstone.”
“A remarkable periapt I picked up in a quaint curio emporium in Copenhagen,” Artemus said. “The proprietor told me mortals have used hagstones for centuries to protect themselves from witches. One touch and it’ll sap a warlock’s magic for twenty-four hours.”
“Oh no!” Ursula whispered to Quinn. “Alaric won’t be able to cast any spells.”
“Or summon his trident,” Quinn said. “We’ve got to help him.”
“Stay back,” Katsumi said stoically, fighting back her own instincts. “We must follow Alaric’s orders.”
Artemus grinned. “I have the strength of fifty, the speed of a cheetah, and the deadly bite of a vampire. You have nothing now. You’re as mortal, and therefore as vulnerable, as the changeling. At least the changeling possesses the killer instinct. Step aside or die.”
Alaric lunged at him, tackling the boy vampire. Having gained the advantage by his surprise attack, Alaric punched Artemus in the face. After the third throw, Artemus reached out and caught Alaric’s fist. “You’ve got spirit at least,” he said. “But despite my smaller stature I’m far stronger.” He pushed Alaric off him. “Rest assured, I will kill you. I have five centuries of combat experience. You’re outmatched in every way. I’ll offer you one final chance to save me time and save your life: surrender the changeling.”
Alaric grimaced. “You talk too much.” He rushed forward, swinging at Artemus.
Artemus staggered beneath a blow from Alaric’s fist.
“I told you before, Síofra’s part of my team; the only way you’ll take her is over my dead body.”
“Then let’s end this now.” Artemus punched back at Alaric but his blows landed with the force of dozens of young boys. This time it was Alaric who staggered, unprepared for the unexpected intensity of the impact from Artemus’ fists. There was a sharp crack.
“It sounds as if I’ve broken one of your ribs,” Artemus said, throwing another punch.
Alaric heard another rib crack. He swung at Artemus but missed, his reach curtailed by the pain in his chest. Artemus continued his unrelenting assault. Alaric’s face was bruised and his eyes puffy. He spit out blood as Artemus drove his fist into his cheek with the force of dozens of boys. Alaric felt his jaw crack and struggled against the pain to remain conscious.
“My next strike will end your life and I’ll claim my prize,” Artemus warned, preparing to deliver the death blow.
Through the fog of his waning consciousness, Alaric heard Eligos call out his name. Peering past his puffed eyelids, Alaric saw a glint of silver and realized the grand duke of Hell had hurled his lance within inches of him. He reached down, grabbed the silver lance, and pivoted, thrusting it through Artemus’ chest. A shocked expression formed on the boy vampire’s face as he gazed down at the silver lance that had speared his heart and realized he had been staked with the only metal more deadly to vampires than wood.
Bruised and bloodied, Alaric staggered to his fallen foe. “I’m the scion of a demon: what made you think I lacked the killer instinct?”
Emma raced to her nephew. “Hold still. My healing spells will mend your wounds but you mustn’t move while I’m casting them.” Alaric needed little persuasion. His body was racked with pain and he was exhausted.
Katsumi raced to him as Emma invoked her healing spells. “I wanted nothing more than to join you in battle but I felt compelled to obey your wishes. I hope I did not err.”
Alaric smiled at Katsumi as the healing spells took effect. “You didn’t err. None of you did. You followed instructions and trusted in your team leader.”
Quinn grinned widely. “And you got him in the end. You speared him like a shish kebab! That was awesome.”
“For gosh sake, Quinn, Alaric was almost killed,” Ursula said. “He lost his magic, remember?”
Quinn nodded. “If he’d had it, he could have blasted Artemus with his trident right away.”
Alaric, now fully recovered, held out his arm and summoned the Devil’s Pitchfork.
Quinn was shocked. “I thought the hagstone sapped your magic.”
“It did, and from what Emma says I won’t have it back before tomorrow,” Alaric said. “But I don’t need my mother’s magic to summon the trident. The Devil’s Pitchfork is my father’s heritage.”
“I don’t understand,” Quinn said. “If you could have summoned the trident the whole time, why didn’t you?”
“Because I have to lead by example. Not every team member has a magical trident they can pull out of nowhere like some deus ex machina. I brought to the fight only what each of you share – my wits and determination to win.”
A shout went up that soon turned into a chant – “Al-a-ric! Al-a-ric!” – showing Alaric his troops were now totally committed to, and loyal to, him. Professor Eligos bestowed his approbation on his former student with a beaming smile. Síofra approached Alaric. “I cannae believe ya risked yar life for me. No one’s e’er done that before. What ya said – about me being one of ya and a member of yar team – I want ya tae ken, I will be. I promise ya, ya can count on me.” Having pledged her loyalty, the red-headed Irish changeling turned and rejoined her companion Kaya.
Alaric approached Asabi. “You were right about Síofra. She’s a spitfire but I think she’ll work out fine.”
Asabi smiled, reminded of his own Síofra. “All she needs is a bit of direction and some positive reinforcement. I’ve no doubt you’ve earned her loyalty.” He gazed at the group scattered across the schoolyard. “I’d say you gained all their loyalties.”
“I hope so.” Alaric glanced at the others and his eyes fell on Professor Eligos. “Would you excuse me? There’s someone I need to speak to.” Alaric approached the demon knight. “Professor!”
Eligos turned. “Alaric. Congratulations, my boy. It felt good to watch my lance once again in battle, even if not wielded by me.”
“I’d be dead were it not for you. I told the others not to interfere but I suppose that didn’t apply to you since you’re not part of the Resistance.”
Eligos shrugged. “I didn’t interfere. You did all the work. I merely loaned you an implement. The glory is all yours.”
Alaric shook his head. “There’s no glory in battle. And this was never about glory.”
Eligos grinned. “Then I have taught you something, after all.”
“You were right about knowing what to do when the moment arrived, just as Asabi was right about Síofra. The only one who got it wrong was Artemus: I am my father’s son.”
Asmodeus joined them. “Your father would be proud of you, Alaric.”
“I’d like to hear him tell me that,” Alaric said in a wistful tone.
“We’ll find Lucifer.”
Alaric nodded and walked away.
“What’s wrong with him?” Nitrate asked. “Kita and I were going to congratulate him on his astounding victory but he seems so morose.”
“He desires to be reunited with his parents,” Asmodeus said.
Kita nodded. “Then we shall make that a priority in our battle against the Dark Gods.”
“I must retire to prepare my lesson plans for tomorrow,” Professor Eligos said. “Besides, I’m no longer needed here.” He returned inside the schoolhouse.
Quinn turned to his sister. “We should head home. Mom will be wondering where we are.”
Ursula frowned at the suggestion. “Alaric’s been through an ordeal. His body may have been magically healed but he still needs emotional support.”
“He’s with his father’s buddy Asmodeus.”
“I meant feminine emotional support; a girl he can lean on and open up to.”
Quinn shook his head. “Let’s just go home.” But his words were wasted as Ursula was already heading toward Alaric.
Katsumi reached him first. “You also wear a mask to hide your feelings, but I can see through it. You’re thinking of your parents again, aren’t you?”
Alaric nodded, as Ursula approached behind him, followed by Quinn.
Katsumi grasped his hand. “Know that I am here for you, as you were for me. Always.”
Alaric smiled at her. “I may not have my parents but I have the best girlfriend I could ask for.”
“Girlfriend?” Katsumi asked, surprised.
They kissed passionately, caught up in the moment, neither noticing the twins behind them. Ursula gulped and turned away. She ran to the schoolyard fence and Quinn ran after her.
“Ursula,” he said softly when he had caught up with her.
“Go away.”
“Alaric’s a great guy but sometimes he can be a real jerk.”
Ursula sniffled, her face hidden. “He doesn’t even know how I feel about him. I’ve been fooling myself all this time. He sees me as a kid. Look at Katsumi: she’s a woman. She’s older than Alaric. Compared to her I’m—”
“You’re my sister. And Alaric would be lucky to have you for a girlfriend.”
Ursula faced Quinn, wiping a tear away. “I’m lucky to have you as a brother.” She hugged him.
Alterverse Page 21
