by Quinn Conlan
People were powerless to stop him. Word got around that there was a blood sucking mad man, living like an ancient Unabomber in the hills. People came from far and wide. Soldiers, Priests and Lawmakers. And the beasts, the night animals, who had heard Lucian’s announcement of his creation.
In those first years, Lucian did not know that he could turn others. But he had discovered that the wild beasts would do his bidding. He learned that he could silently instruct a wolf to tear a person to pieces as they slept in their bed. He could make the snakes attack the helpless farm animals. And he could make the bears rise up in fury, overturning buggies and gorging on the unfortunate souls inside.
Lucian was lonely and grieving still. And learning. He had to discover all by himself that the sun was his mortal enemy. He had to uncover his hidden talents and find ways to develop them. And he had to ward off the ever-increasing interest in trying to destroy him.
War came. The sides weren’t exactly balanced. In one corner was an army of a thousand men, sent from the capital. They were armed to the tooth and bursting with pride. In the other corner was a lone warrior, unarmed and still so unfamiliar to himself.
The army fought their way through the perimeter of wild beasts Lucian had created. It took them three days and three nights. They piled the wolf carcasses high and set an enormous bonfire that could be seen all the way from the capital. Bear blood filled the nearby river, turning it red for a week. The snakes were caught and skinned. The skins were sent back to the capital, where the best weavers in the world fashioned them into an enormous mural. It was hung in the palace as a symbol of man’s dominance.
All the fevered killing of the beasts buoyed the army. They progressed up the mountain. It was day. They did not know that Lucian was forced to hide in a cave and rest when the sun was out. They marched up the mountain, swords at the ready. The mountain was steep and treacherous. The marching slowed to a crawl. The men grew tired. The day wore on, and still they had not found their prize.
Eventually, as night fell, they stopped and set up camp. Lucian rose from his slumber and the moment he stepped out onto the mountain, he smelled the men who were sent to destroy him. He sensed the bloodshed that had occurred. He felt the pain of his only friends who had been torn to pieces and skinned and burned. He was filled with rage. Yet he also knew that the men would find the mountain terrain arduous. It was not a full moon, so he was able to keep his rage in check. He decided to toy with the men. He silently snuck down the mountain towards their camp, and snatched a man from his tent as he slept. He did not kill him, but dragged him back to his cave. He intended to keep this man prisoner, and feed off his blood each day. He bit into the man’s neck, drank from him, and then tied him up with tree roots deep inside the cave. Lucian returned to the army camp, intending to pinch another soldier.
One by one, he was going to cherry pick the men til there were so few left, they would disband in terror. But when he took the second stolen man back to the cave, he discovered something amazing. The first man, drained and restrained, was no longer man. He too was vampire. Lucian was shocked and overjoyed. The two vampires embraced. Lucian was so glad to discover that he did not have to be alone.
Each night, he would steal a man from camp, take him back to his cave and turn him. It didn’t take long til he had his own army. The first vampire army. When their numbers overtook the human army, Lucian led them down the mountain to the sparse camp, lit by a full moon. The vampires surrounded the remaining men, who cowered in terror. But these men were not killed or turned. Lucian looked into their eyes. He told them there was a new thing in the world, and that humans had to adapt.
The men were horrified to see what had become of their former comrades. Lucian told the men to pack up camp and return to the capital, to tell the King what had happened. He knew just how proud and arrogant men were. Especially the King. He knew that the King would never cower. He knew that he was starting a war. And so it began.
Miss Montgomery tells these tales like she’s reading a phone book, but it hardly matters. The whole class is glued to every word. Her lessons end with all of us itching for more, and Miss Montgomery looking vindicated. Homework for the time being consists of memorizing the stories we hear for the end of semester exam. Memorizing is the only thing at Alurian I know I’m good at, so I’m happy to comply.
*
As soon as I resume taking the Glints, I notice an immediate impact. I feel flatter and calmer. It’s not a bad feeling. In fact, each time the pills first kick in, it’s a positively great feeling. Plus, they do help me sleep better. But there’s a certain sharpness that goes from me. And, sadly, there are no more dazzling diving board displays.
By mid-week, I’m allowed back into my own coffin. The problem with airing it was that the smell would have gone through the bedroom and affected everybody. That was the genius of the Penties’ prank. So Kate had to put in a request for a special garlic neutralizing spray. It’s expensive, and it had to come from above ground. But when it arrived, it did the trick nicely. The bathtub came up good as new. The only loose end that refused to be tied off was Jason, who couldn’t understand Kate’s no-retaliation approach.
Not that it seems to dampen things between them. The kissing rumor has well and truly swept through the five Houses by the end of the week. There are a handful of steady couples down here, mainly amongst the Senior ranks. But it’s a big deal if a Senior hooks up with a Junior. It certainly gives Jason cache, not that he needed much help in that department. He’s been adopted as an honorary Senior, well and truly trumping my own nervous social forays. Since Kate’s group has taken Jason in, I find myself keeping my distance. They invite me down to hang out in the Mess a couple of times during the week, but I tell them I’m buried in homework.
Jason is well and truly back to Blake-baiting. His favored maneuvers are flicking my ear as he walks past at the lockers, kicking the back of my chair in Fables, and terrorizing me with a fake blood dart he swiped from Combat. These pranks infuriate me, but deep down I’m glad. It’s funny how my first real friendships with boys involve a lot of tomfoolery. Between Jason’s antics and Garret’s frequent verbal goading, I’ve clearly got a preferred mode of interaction with the opposite sex.
Saturday badminton comes around again, although I’m not sure you could actually call what us sporting misfits do, badminton. We start devising our own rules, in the misfit spirit. The most popular rule involves the shuttlecock being allowed to rest on the ground for five seconds and still be in play. It finally allows for some rallies.
As busy as I remain, my mind stays fixed on my dad the whole week. By Monday, I’m positively beside myself. As a final insult, my timetable informs me that I don’t have Skill Sets til last period. Actually, the final insult is that the preceding lesson is a Vampyrric double. I get down and dirty with an old Vampyrric ballad that we have to recite at the end of semester. It’s the foulest sounding ballad I’ve ever heard, but the translation’s nice enough. Lots of stuff on the call of the fullest moon, the blood beasts fear to shed, and so on. I don’t think I have a great ear for languages, but then again, my yardstick is a woman who’s been reciting Vampyrric love poems for 400 years. It’s a hard slog, breaking down each syllable.
Finally, it’s flying time. When I see Lily, she betrays nothing of her panicked, pitch-black chat with me last week. She wields her usual calm smile and measured movements.
It turns out that today is not given to fly. Instead, we’re introduced to a vampire version of meditation. Lily tells us it’s designed to help us learn how to fall. We sit on the ground, cross-legged and with our hands in our lap. Then, we pick a candle somewhere in front of us and start to focus on it. We do this until all we can see is that lone, burning candle. We keep focusing, narrowing in on the flickering flame, until all our senses cotton on. We start to smell the candle. We start to hear the flame as it bends in the slight breeze. Eventually, all our senses are supposed to merge and we become, to use Lily’s typically
Zen turn of phrase, “one with the candle.”
I don’t think I get much further than managing to block out some of the sights on my periphery. We’re works in progress. My efforts are hampered by the fact that my eyes keep sliding across the room to the storeroom door. In no time at all, I will be in there, hearing word of my dear old dad.
When the horn finally blows, Lily calmly asks if I can stay back for a moment to discuss an assignment. Thankfully, we’ve been flooded with assignments already, so it’s rock solid. When all the students have filed out, Lily and I make our way to the storeroom. As we approach, I look through the window into the gym and I see Crystal. She’s been practicing a cheer. She picks up a stray pompom and as she straightens, she sees me. I see her eyes narrow, as she realizes I’m following Lily into the storeroom. God knows what Crystal makes of it, but at this point, I couldn’t care less. She parades off out of the gym and Lily and I step into the darkness once more.
“I’m glad to see you’re back on the meds,” Lily says, in the animated tone of voice I was hoping to hear.
“How did you go?” I ask, dying to hear word of dad.
“Yes, it went well Blake. I was able to sneak away over the weekend and travel to Iowa to see him.” I’m overwhelmed with gladness. I didn’t think she’d actually see him in the flesh. “He’s fine Blake. He says he loves you and he misses you.” I’m so relieved.
“How’s his health?” I inquire.
“He’s an old man, as you know. But he seemed alright to me.” I am so grateful for these words that I give Lily a hug. She hugs me back. She then takes my hand and folds something into it. I can’t tell what it is, but it’s small and round. Lily closes my hand over it. “Put it in your pocket Blake.” I oblige. “And now, you must go.”
Lily senses that I have a ton of questions. “I know you have questions, but the transport to Dorms will be leaving any moment.”
“It’s fine,” I say, “they do a head count first.”
“But still Blake, it’s dangerous to meet like this. The best thing is for you to lay low, stay on your meds, and do the work. If I hear any fresh news about your father, I’ll make contact.” Lily leads me out. I realize she’s gone out on a limb for me and not to push things any further.
“Thank you,” I whisper, from the bottom of my heart.
*
When I go through the heavy double doors into the reception room, I am surprised to see that it’s empty. I thought it was strange as I approached that I couldn’t hear chatter echoing down the corridor. I turn to go back into the school, to ask a teacher for help. Suddenly, the double doors slam shut. I hear them being locked from the other side. What on earth is going on?
I’m all alone in here. The fire is dead. The front door is bolted but unguarded. I bang on the double doors and call for help. The wood is unbelievably thick. I put my ear to the doors and can’t hear a thing. Next, I try the half door. I knock furiously and call out “Helpers!” in my most authoritative voice. Nothing. Maybe they’ve turned in for the night.
My mind turns to the departing trains. If I unbolt the front door and head into the Square, there’s a good chance they’ll still be in the midst of leaving. It’s my only shot at getting home.
The bolt is fierce. It takes everything I have to move it. Those pint-sized Helpers are deceptively strong. When it’s finally free, I prize open the door and hurriedly step into the Square.
All the trains have gone! I can’t believe it. I stand there in front of the school, frozen in panic. I look around the Square. It’s busy. It’s as wild as ever. People are already staring at me. I’m in my school uniform and I’m all alone, without the usual holy water Helper detail. I’m in trouble.
I can’t just stand here. I have to do something. I take a few tentative steps into the Square. I search for a familiar face. It’s not easy, given the traffic. I look around for a teacher, thinking it plausible that they’d be out here on business after school. None of the faces I see are known to me.
I take a few more steps. I’m getting some serious attention by now. The wolf whistles have fired up. My anxiety grows. I look around at the various buildings. I spot a bank, a jail, a courthouse, a Council building, and a bar. I decide to try the Council building.
I do my best to weave through the masses and cross the Square. It’s slow going. Everyone stops and stares. I don’t even bother trying to convey strength right now. I’m a nervous wreck and everyone knows it.
Finally, I see a break in the traffic and run the rest of the way. I approach the Council door and to my horror, it’s locked. I peer in the window and see that all the candles have been extinguished. I search for the next possibility. There is a particularly persistent cat caller on the balcony of the bar. I try to subtly glance up at him, so see what potential trouble looks like. I see a young-looking vampire in a singlet, drinking with some friends. When he sees me staring, the hoots and whistles skyrocket. As do a bunch of lame double entendres about teachers, students, extra credit, and so on.
I notice a shadowy figure sitting alone at the neighboring table to these louts. He’s wearing a wide-brimmed, black fedora. I can hardly see his face, but I can tell he’s looking at me. Actually, I get the distinct feeling he’s been watching me the whole time I’ve been out here. I think it’s safe to say the bar is best avoided tonight.
I see that the bank is next door to the Council building. It’s the next best option, so I stay close to the storefronts and make my way over. It too is locked. It occurs to me that it’s late, and that all the administrative buildings must be closed for the night. I don’t know what to do. I feel helpless.
The bar appears to be the only place open. Maybe the bar tender can help me? It’s tenuous, but it’s all I’ve got. I creep along the edge of the buildings, slowly making my way around the Square. I try my best to look casual, but who I am kidding? I stand out like a sore thumb. I arrive at the bar entrance and take a deep breath. I’ve never been inside a place like this in my life.
Tonight turns out to be no exception. As I put my hand on the door, someone comes and stands in the way. I look up and see a rough-faced vampire, who must have been a Hell’s Angel in his former life. He puts his huge, coarse hand on mine, and slowly brings it away from the door. “Best not be going in there little darlin.” His rough voice is in keeping with the rest of him.
I don’t like my reaction to this guy one bit. His smile chills me. I look around and realize that he’s not alone. There are three other men of similar stature and coarseness, and they’ve formed a circle around me. I was hoping for Helpers, but instead I get outlaws from a John Wayne movie.
“What’s your name pretty lady?” asks the ringleader, still holding onto my hand. I’m terrified. I’m quite sure they sense this. However, I’m not a push over. I yank my hand free and meet his gaze.
“None of your business,” I say. They seem to enjoy my sudden defiance.
“You’re a feisty one,” says the ringleader. “I like that. By the way, the name’s Hex. This here is Boof, that’s Biff and that rotten scoundrel right there is Numnuts.” The rotten scoundrel takes off his hat and tips it.
“Pleased to make your acquaintance my lady,” he says, before shooting me a menacing grin.
“I like your uniform,” says Boof, or possibly Biff. “How’s school been treating ya?”
“Look,” I say, “I just want to get back to the Dorms. I was late and the trains left without me. I don’t want any trouble, I just want to go home.” I start to move away from the bar. The gang tightens around me. I feel so tiny standing in the middle of them. My heart is screaming at me to run. I would if I could.
“Now hold up just a minute sweetheart,” says Hex. “We don’t even know your name. Surely you can spare that?”
“It’s Crystal,” I say. A girl’s gotta improvise.
“Crystal?” says Hex. “Hmmm. I’d have picked you more for a…Blake.” The others snigger. I’m aghast. Either he knows who I am, or he can rea
d my mind.
“My name is none of your business,” I say. I’m angry that he’s enjoying my rising panic. Hex leans in close to me.
“Why don’t you come with us for a moment Blake, and show us where that sassiness can take ya.” With these horrid words, two of them put their arms around me and I’m lead away from the bar and down a side alley.
The alley is lit by a lone candle. The thugs push me against the wall of the bar and surround me. Hex goes over to the candle, wets his finger, and extinguishes the flame. I feebly think of my Combat training. It’s only been two weeks, and all I’ve learned is how not to throw a blood dart or a stake. I’m at the mercy of this gang and I know it.
In the darkness, Hex pushes me hard against the wall and puts his hand around my throat. He opens his mouth and I see his huge fangs. The others snigger and jump around approvingly at the thought of the coming violence. I can hardly move, Hex’ grip is so strong. He lifts me off my feet and holds me in the air, impressed by his own strength. “Not so sassy now huh, little one?” he asks. I can’t speak. I can’t move. I can’t think.
Hex slowly licks my cheek. He stinks. With my head turned to the side, I can see back towards the Square. Suddenly, a figure appears at the alley entrance. My first thought is that misery loves company. It’s probably Hex’ cousin. Then I notice the fedora. It’s the shadowy figure from the balcony.
He takes a few steps towards us, pulls back his cloak and takes out some kind of weapon. It’s so dark down here, it’s hard to make out much detail. The thugs are oblivious. They’re quite taken with Hex’ licking prowess. With his free hand, he starts to unbutton my blouse. I feel horror and disgust. But I keep watching the fedora-clad badass on the approach.
