by M. P. Taylor
Irena's features softened a bit, “Tool is such an impersonal word. I prefer servant.”
“So you want me to be like them,” I nodded towards the door beyond which her servants lurked, “A bunch of brainwashed zealots, shouting out about their 'lady's' honor.”
“They are zealots because each of them have learned the value of servitude towards me. Did I not return your friend from the clutches of one of my subordinates. Is there not a dragon forged blade in your possession. Each of those things are equally invaluable and most would be thankful to have an opportunity to repay such a debt. Were they not valuable? Did they not help you uncover a enemy and secure safety for yourself and your kin?”
I opened my mouth to speak, to contest her point, but closed it a moment later.
She had a point. I'd benefited greatly from her aid. Almushil's minion had been a direct threat to myself, and Gerald's freedom was indeed priceless.
“It isn't that I'm not thankful,” frustrated, I explained to her my concern as bluntly as I could, “I just don't trust you. One day, you could make me turn against my wishes and, on that day, I could be a greater evil that those we faced this day. The very nature of a geas makes me a slave. Don't pretend otherwise.”
“That is the nature of our bargain,” Irena said, agreeing with me, “But I must admit that I find myself annoyed by your unwillingness to be cooperative. I wouldn't like to order you, but I will if needed. Will you not simply accept the knowledge that I can offer you?”
My eyes couldn't help but glance to the shelves of the library. So many of those books contained a great deal of knowledge and, to wizards, such knowledge was literal power. Some of it could be dangerous, hell, a good deal of my problems stemmed from learning too much too fast. I'd stumbled through the notes of my mentor's old apprentice and ended up inadvertently summoning a demon. One might have thought that would be enough, but power was addictive. It would be a lie to say I didn't crave to read everything within the study.
“Fine,” I gave in. Morals be damned, I was a wizard and I wanted power. Books such as these would make me strong, strong enough to make enemies many times my age an easy obstacle to overcome, “I will learn.”
“Good. You will be far more useful this way,” she leaned forward and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. I didn't pull away, but neither did I response in kind.
She broke this kiss after a moment and gave me a playful smile, “So cold Vane. Am I truly so unappealing?”
“You'll forgive my unwillingness to throw myself at you,” I said as evenly as I could, “I spent the last few weeks having nightmares about being raped to death by a demon. It doesn't exactly put one in a position to be approachable.”
Irena frowned, “How is it you manage to always make me feel guilty?”
“Perhaps because you should?”
She laughed a that and I smiled, it was impossible not to smile at her laughter even with the grim subject that I'd just spoken.
For a moment, I considered allowing her continue her advances upon me. It would doubtless feel good, and there was a yearning within me for companionship. I'd been alone for a long time and had never been truly intimate with another. It would be so easy to walk a step forward and return the kiss she had given me. But my words had been true. My nights were plagued by the painful thoughts of what might have happened if I were even the slightest bit weaker than I was. Had Harold taken me to his master...Those thoughts gave pause to every touch I had with another since.
“Very well,” Irena let out a sigh, “Will you at least allow me to make you some tea? I imagine you will be up quite late...though not for the reason I hoped.”
I rolled my eyes, “If you insist.”
“I do,” Irena said before literally melding into the shadows of the room and vanishing from sight. Neat trick. Once more I made a note to learn what the hell vampire's could actually do.
With a sigh, I took off my coat, threw it on the table and wondered just what I'd gotten myself into. Irena seemed nice but one didn't get to be a blood knight by being kind for kindness sake. She was playing me, doubtless trying to convert me into a loyal citizen of herself and her master. I simply needed to remember where my loyalties lay.
That answer wasn't as easy as I'd like. The elders were useful for now, and I even liked some of them, but Irena was a potential alternative – one with great power at the cost of chains.
Dismissing the errant thought, I studied and prepared for what was to come.
Author's Note
The journey with these character began in February of 2016 when I found myself desperate to finally sit down and write something from start to finish. Two months later I had my first draft and from there came editing, rewriting and many shifts at my dayjob to keep the lights on. It was hard work but certainly worth it as I've never completed a project of this scale before. I intend to complete many more be they the further journeys of Vane or other tales that have yet to be told. It is my hope that you will join me in such endeavors. Thank you for reading.
-M.P. Taylor
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