“Just stand as my friend. I am afraid there is nothing…” He buried his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking in silent sobs.
“Is there any chance she will change her mind and escape on her own?” Jeremiah kept his hand on his shoulder. “She is very powerful. I’ve seen her shift in an instant or make men unable to move with just a glance. Marin could never be kept in a cell if she chooses to leave there.”
He took a breath and straightened. “Non. She is too weak for her usual powers. The priest lived because she took very little of his life force. Of course he claims it is because he pulled out his crucifix and she fell away from him. You know a cross has no power over us. Marin has been starving herself as she prepared to die.” He bowed his head again, lost in his grief. “I thought she would live for me, but clearly I am not enough for her.”
Jeremiah had nothing to say to that. “Where are you going now?”
“I have to see her again. Alain, our shifter, is keeping vigil, but I want to watch her as well. In case she changes her mind. I will be a bird sitting between the bars of her cell. It is all I can do.” He reached for the door handle.
“Wait!” Jeremiah stepped in front of the door. “Whatever Marin intended, this public execution will harm us all. We must rescue her from the Tower whether she wants us to do it or not. Stay and tell me more.”
“I’m afraid rescue will be almost impossible.” But Jean-Claude did come back inside to stand next to the fire. “The guards are wearing full armor. Since hearing that she drinks blood, they became determined to protect themselves. And someone has been talking. They are armed with bows and arrows.” He looked at me, then at Jeremiah. “Arrows made of olive wood, my friend. I could smell it from the window.”
“By God! Who could have told them about that?” Jeremiah paced the floor. “That is something only a few know. Our one vulnerability.” He gave me a hard look. “And I won’t hear a peep out of you, my girl, if I choose to erase this from your benighted memory.”
I shoveled food into my mouth. I’d need my strength for whatever was coming because I’d be damned if I submitted meekly to any plundering of my thoughts by this blood sucking scoundrel. Or be locked in this room while they went off to do whatever they planned.
Jean-Claude barked a bitter laugh. “Who is calling the tune here? You or your blood slave?” He shook his head. “No matter. You see how impossible this will be. Marin is lost to me. She is too weak to shift out of there, even if we could get her to try.”
“I won’t accept that. And I’ll thank you not to use that term for Gloriana. We prefer mistress, if you please.” Jeremiah walked over to gather his sword and belt. He strapped them on. “I want to see this arrangement for myself. We have hours before dawn. Fergus, stay here with Gloriana. Surely there will be something we can do for Marin before then.”
I laid down my spoon. The idea of any woman going up in flames had killed my appetite. Even if she was one of these cursed vampires, I realized I wanted to help her. I knew something about losing the will to live. I’d come very close to it when my belly had been empty and I’d despaired of finding food. Oh, but then I was the food this creature, Marin, would be needing to survive. I swallowed, wondering if the madness around me had affected me as well.
“Perhaps Fergus and I should go with you. I could distract a guard if that could help.” I threw aside my shawl and showed Jean-Claude what I had that could provide a distraction.
“Yes, most men would be diverted by your charms.” Jean-Claude took my hand. “Madame, I am sorry if I have offended you. I am not myself. I hope you understand.”
“Of course.” I flushed when he bowed and kissed the back of my hand. He was handsome and now charming. No wonder the missing Marin had been with him for hundreds of years. “No one should be carried out to burn in the sun. No matter who or what they are. If I can help Marin, I will. Women should help each other.”
“Marin would like you, I think.” He straightened and headed for the door. “But it is too dangerous. Stay. Eat and gain your strength. I’m sure Jeremiah agrees with me. You are no good to him until your blood is strong again.”
Well, that certainly put me in my place. Jeremiah studied me then glanced at Fergus. Some of their silent communication, no doubt. Oh, how I hated their mind reading.
“As soon as she has finished her meal, bring her to the Tower of London. If we find a way to release Marin, we will need blood for her right away. Gloriana’s is special and very potent. It will be just what Marin will need to put life back in her.” And with that Jeremiah followed Jean-Claude out the door.
I sat back, my mouth open but not so I could eat another bite. I needed no other confirmation that I was nothing more than the blood slave the Frenchman had called me. Or perhaps MacDonald had been even more accurate. I was Jeremiah’s blood whore. I threw down my spoon, daring Fergus to force me to eat.
I had volunteered to distract a guard or two, not serve another ravenous vampire. The woman would tear into me in her thirst. Just as Jeremiah had. Fergus stared at me, but I ignored him. Really, what could he say? He would drag me to the Tower if necessary, the master had spoken.
Did Jeremiah really think I would serve another vampire by opening my vein? He would have a fight on his hands before that happened. I finished eating, determined to be strong. I was getting ready to fight.
Chapter Eight
My wishes didn’t matter. I huddled in my cloak at the foot of the Tower of London in the middle of the night. Two hawks landed on the stones nearby then turned into men I recognized. I jumped and held onto Fergus when I almost fell. I would never get used to such a thing. How men fully dressed and wearing swords could be birds one moment and men the next was beyond my understanding. Yet here they were. No wonder sane folks thought they should be burned at the stake. I shuddered, still unnerved by witnessing it.
“What did you find?” Fergus pushed me down so I was sitting on a stone wall next to the river. It was cold and damp but I welcomed the seat. Blasted mind reader.
“Two guards, both in full body armor. They are well-covered and hold bows and arrows. Olive wood as Jean-Claude told us.” Jeremiah fingered his sword. “Despite that, I like the odds.”
“What about Marin? How is she?” I tried to understand this woman who was a vampire. I had no idea how it would feel to never see the sun, drink human blood or even live so long. Would it make you despair after a while? Even during my worst times, I had always been determined to do whatever it took to keep living. Why, look at me now. Gloriana St. Clair, blood whore. I had a ridiculous urge to laugh wildly. Was I going mad? It was possible. Jeremiah frowned at me and I breathed through my panic. No one was going to hurt me. He had promised. But then what did I know of a vampire’s promises?
“Marin still lives. Barely.” Jean-Claude paced around us. “We must hurry. I think we can take them, Jeremiah. Alain will help us. Three against two, I will carry Marin out of there.”
Jeremiah fingered his sword. “What are we waiting for?”
“There will be guards at the entrance to the Tower. The place is full of cells with more guards in the corridors as well. You cannot just carry a prisoner out of there and not expect to be stopped.” Fergus was being the voice of reason.
“I’ve heard tales of how prisoner are treated here. There’s been talk in the theater. I’m sure the guards are open to bribes. You have gold. I know you do.” I knew gold was the only way to get prisoners decent food, medicine or even a blanket against the chill of a winter’s night.
“Gloriana’s right. Bribes would work. But I am known to be in the king’s favor. I cannot ask about an accused witch. Word would get back to King James and my entire clan would be at risk.” Jeremiah frowned. “Marin would not want you at risk either, Jean-Claude.”
“What if Fergus and I approach the guards with some gold? I can claim I wish to visit someone else. A brother or father in gaol. I’m sure the guards won’t care who I visit as long as they get coin.
Fergus has brought along a basket of food. We can use it to make my role seem real. Surely we can distract them long enough for one of you to carry Marin to safety once you get rid of the guards in her cell.” I almost fell off my perch when Jean-Claude lunged at me, pulling me into a hug.
“Gloriana, you are tres sage. That is exactly what we should do.” He pulled me to my feet. “Open your cloak, comme ça, and all those guards will remember are your beautiful poitrines.”
I looked down. Obviously that last French word meant breasts because with a move that made both Jeremiah and Fergus growl, Jean-Claude had plumped them up to almost burst out of my dress. Yes, the guards would certainly notice them and, if not for a glowering Fergus, try to do more than look.
“Gloriana’s right. I brought a basket of foodstuffs for Gloriana.” Fergus glanced at me. “For after she gives blood. We’ll not need it if we don’t get Marin out.” He turned to me. But, lass, there’s no need to risk yourself. I will approach the guards. Stay here and wait for them to bring Marin to you.” Fergus frowned and pulled my cloak closed.
“Gloriana, this is too dangerous. I’m not sure you are even strong enough to do what is necessary. Wait here for us. No one is nearby to bother you.” Jeremiah was showing actual concern for me. Or was it only for the blood in my veins?
Suddenly I was tired of being nothing but a vessel to them. “I’m fine. I forced myself to eat some cheese and drink wine before we came. And I doubt Fergus will be enough to distract a guard. They will gladly take his gold, but send him on his way with threats, waving weapons in his face.”
I threw my cloak open again. “I think I can use my powers of persuasion to get us inside those walls. All I need to know is when to distract the guards on the stairs.” Was I mad? Perhaps. Terrified? Definitely. I linked arms with Fergus. His bulk was reassuring but trying to fool armed guards at the Tower of London could well end with me in a cell alongside Marin. I swallowed, that wine and cheese sitting uneasily in my stomach. But I was tired of being nothing but a blood giver. I needed to prove my worth and not just in the bedchamber.
Jeremiah stared at me, reading my mind of course. He finally nodded. “One of us will fly down the stairs. The guards won’t notice a bird or a bat. That will be your signal to do whatever you can to move them out of the main stairway so we can bring Marin down. We will take out the guards in her cell as quietly as we can.” Jeremiah turned to Jean-Claude but he had already changed and was flying back up to the Tower window where Marin was kept.
“He is impatient and I don’t blame him. She looked very weak. I’m not sure we can save her.” He grabbed my shoulders and looked deep into my eyes. “Go quickly and have a care.” He pulled me to him, giving me a hungry kiss that shocked me to my toes. “Fergus, if the guards prove difficult, take no chances. Get Gloriana to safety.” And with that he stepped back and did his own change, a blur of man and then feathers that made me slightly sick to my stomach.
I watched him go. Would I ever understand him? I could still taste him on my tongue. Smell the wool and masculine scent of man that had made me want to cling to him. He’d used me. I shouldn’t want him. Yet, there was something about him …
“Settle, lass. The men will handle the guards easily.” Fergus led me around the stone building.
“You think I’m worried about Jeremiah?” I shook my head to try to clear it. It might be best if one of those guards shot him with a deadly arrow. Then I’d be free of whatever spell he’d cast over me. Olive wood. Oh, yes, I’d made note of the fear in the vampires’ eyes of that particular wood. So they could be killed by it. Not that I knew where one would get a piece of such a rare wood. You’d not see an olive tree in London, not to my knowledge.
“I see you’re still angry at the master. Not that I blame ye.” Fergus pulled out some coin, ready to approach the gate. We walked a good ways around a forbidding stone wall to the courtyard. While we watched, a man came out with a weeping woman clinging to his arm. Money changed hands before they hurried away.
So I’d been right. Bribes were taken. The guard didn’t bother to lock the heavy iron gate as he waited for us to approach him, eyeing us suspiciously. I threw back my cloak, letting my low cut bodice lead the way. The night air was chill and I shivered as I walked up to the burly guard who smiled at me.
“Please, sir. My father is in a cell in the Tower. Innocent, I swear it. He was taken off the street by mistake. Could I see him for a minute or two and take him some bread and cheese? My servant carries a basket.” I lifted the cloth and showed him that we only carried food inside.
“To hear prisoners and visitors alike tell it, there’s not a man or woman here who is anything but a saint.” He laughed and leaned closer, his breath reeking of garlic and ale. “Tell me this, my girl. Why would I be wanting to do you any favors?”
“Mayhap a coin would persuade ye.” Fergus slipped one into the guard’s hand.
“Mayhap a favor from the girl here and two coins would make me happy to walk you inside.” The guard pulled me close with a hand around my waist.
“Three coins and no favor until I see that my father is all right.” I poked the man in the middle of his doublet. “Jenkins. My pa is Alfie Jenkins.” It was such a common name that I was sure there had to be someone in there with it.
The guard frowned. “Don’t rightly know…”
“Two coins now and another when we come out if we’ve found him.” Fergus shoved me past the guard. “There’s another man inside who keeps a list, no doubt.”
“There may be. But that’ll cost you as well.” He tried to grab me as we went past. “Guards up and down are keeping watch o’er the prisoners. Best have plenty of coin. Or favors.” He winked.
“Here. Squeeze this until I get back, handsome.” I grinned and wiggled my bum as I tossed him a hunk of bread from the basket. “I’ll save my favors for you.” I winked back.
“Left him right besotted, lass.” Fergus led the way. “Careful or I’ll have to kill the man.”
“I thought you could just make him lose his memory.”
“That’s not my trick, ’tis the master’s. Careful now.” Fergus nodded toward a pair of guards ahead.
The place was certainly a prison. I heard moans from the people locked up in the cells that lined the narrow hall, then one long scream that made me stop in my tracks. Fergus nudged me to keep going. The smell made me gag and I pulled a handkerchief from my bodice to cover my nose. That act did double duty, filtering the stench and drawing the eyes of the two men who stared at us as we approached.
“Who let you in here? State your business.” A tall man with a padded waistcoat and a helm with the royal badge on it moved forward and blocked our path with his lance.
“Please, sir.” I moved the handkerchief to my eyes, feigning tears. “My dear papa is said to be in a cell here. We brought him food. Would you be so kind as to let us slip him a bit of bread and cheese?” I leaned forward, my breasts about to tumble into this guard’s hands. He noticed, of course.
“If your Pa is here, it’s because he broke the king’s laws. He’s probably set to hang. Best you forget him, missy.” The guard looked Fergus up and down. “Get you gone, man, before I hurry you along with the end of my lance.”
A big black bird flew overhead with a squawk. “Blast!” The other guard threw his own lance at it. “What’s afoot? That’s the second pass by the creature. The witch must be casting a spell up there. The sooner we see her burned at the stake, the better, I say.” He stalked over to retrieve his lance.
“Ooo. A witch? Have you seen her? What does she look like? Tell me all about her.” I pulled both men into an alcove when I saw shadows coming down the stairs. “My servant here doesn’t believe in such things. Have you seen her do magic, cast those spells?” I leaned in so they could both take a good look down my bodice. Fergus was at my back, his bulk blocking their sight of the stairs, as a man silently went past with a bundle in his arms.
“I stay well away
from such evil.” One of the guards pulled out a cross and kissed it.
“Of course. Do you think she turned a man into that raven? I heard witches can pull such tricks.” I clutched each guard by the arm holding his lance. “You will protect me, won’t you?” I shook and pressed my breasts against a burly arm.
“Now, missy, you know we will. Right, Billy?” One of them grabbed me with his free hand, thinking to steal a kiss. “You’ll be grateful, I’m sure.”
I gasped when Fergus suddenly pushed in between us. “Mistress, your father would skin me alive if he knew I let the likes of these varlets put their hands on you.” He thrust the basket at them. “This was a mad idea. We’ll be going now. If you have a heart, you will see that the man Jenkins gets the food. But I hold no hope of that.” He grabbed my arm and hurried me down the walkway toward the gate.
“Hold! There’s no Jenkins here that I know of, not alive anyways. What’s your business? You, girl. Come back!” The men were close, and one of them grabbed my cloak, stopping me in my tracks.
Suddenly there was a roar, one so loud I swear the stones beneath my feet trembled. Next to me a giant bear stood on its hind legs and raised paws with long lethal claws that swiped at the two armed men. They fell back, shouting of witchcraft and waving their lances before drawing dirks and stabbing at the beast.
A black bird flew in behind them and, in an instant, became a man armed with a sword. Jeremiah. His surprise helped him make quick work of one guard who fell bleeding to the ground. But more guards were coming, we heard their boots hitting the stones.
“Quickly, follow me. This way!” Jeremiah left Fergus the bear to handle the other guard, who realized he stood no chance against such a giant creature and ran away down a corridor. We hurried in the opposite direction, toward a door that led to a warren of twisting passages that ended at the river. I sensed someone behind me and glanced back. Fergus, in his human form again, stayed with us but kept watching for pursuit. I hoped we had lost the guards but I still heard their shouts.
Real Vampires: When Glory Met Jerry Page 10
