The Dark Gifts Birthright

by Willow Cross

  “Where is my daughter?” A furious voice came out of the blue limpid flames. “Do you have my child or are you just wasting my time?”

  Minerva answered the woman, “We dare not waste your time. We are searching for answers. We have all had a dream and are searching the source.”

  “Have you harmed the girl?”

  Minerva glanced at Michael and looked back at the woman. “I’m sure I don’t know what you are talking about.”

  The woman took one look around the circle and promptly stepped through the portal. There was another loud bang and the portal closed. Even Minerva was unnerved; no one had known that a portal could be used to travel. In fact, as far as Minerva knew it had never been used that way before! But there the woman stood, beautiful, majestic and full of wrath. Even the vampires were fearful.

  Liz and Angie had remained at the house with Jenna, keeping tabs on what was happening with Michael telepathically. When the woman stepped through and the portal closed, Jenna became agitated. She clapped her hands, jumped up and down, and squealed, “Mommy! It’s my Mommy!”

  Liz was astounded. “That woman in the woods is your mother?”

  “That’s my Mommy. I knew she would find me.” Jenna smiled.

  Liz picked her up and headed for the clearing.

  The woman silently stared into each of the vampires’ eyes, probing their minds. No one said a word. Even Michael could find nothing to say. There was a great sense of anticipation that grew with each passing second. When Liz appeared with little Jenna in her arms, the woman finally uttered one solitary sound. A groan. Just a faint groan, but in that sound was the release of all the terror and fear of a mother that had thought her child gone forever.

  Jenna was out of Liz’s arms and into her mother’s before anyone could blink. Entwined, they laughed and cried. Tears of blood flowed down the woman’s cheeks. They spoke so rapidly to each other that their conversation made no sense to those watching. Everyone in attendance felt the emotions flowing from these two that so loved each other. The woman looked at Liz and then at Michael mouthing the words, “thank you.”

  At that point, conversation started buzzing. Everyone asked questions and made observations. Everyone, except Minerva. She stood silent. Knowing that what was to come would be life changing for everyone there. Possibly, everyone in the world. What had just happened was not only improbable, it was supposed to be impossible. That step through the portal should have killed the vampire mother. She must have her own very strong magic to have lived through that, and vampires were not supposed to have magic at all. So Minerva simply stood silent and waited.

  Seeing their leader quiet and motionless, the other witches hushed and waited with her. Eventually, conversation ebbed, and all stood silently waiting for the woman to speak. Several minutes passed before the vampire mother spoke, and just as Minerva thought, her words changed everything.

  Chapter Ten

  A Finger In A Hole Does Not

  Stop A Dam From Breaking

  “I am Cassiopeia. You may call me Cassy or Cass if you prefer. My daughter seems very well taken care of, and I thank you. I must admit, I never considered the possibility of her being protected by vampires. I am equally surprised to find not only vampires, but witches here as well.” She looked at Minerva, smiled, and said, “I know you, although you don’t remember me. You do your great-grandmother proud, child. The last time I saw you, you were an infant. It’s been many long years since I had a friend like her.”

  Then to everyone’s amazement, she walked up to Liz and kissed her on the cheek. “It seems that Jenna has grown fond of you, Liz. You are all throughout her mind and thoughts. You and this one,” nodding to Angie, “have won her heart. She is not quick to love and is an astonishing judge of character. You must be extraordinary people.” Jenna balanced on her hip, she turned to face Michael. Her face became cold and somber. “I know you as well, Michael. You, who have been the bane of our race and the hand of the Council, will now be our savior.”

  Cass placed Jenna on the ground and patted the top of her head. “The time has come, my friends. A battle must be fought; we cannot afford to wait any longer. There is a house nearby, yes?” The crowd murmured in agreement. “Then let us retire somewhere with more comfort. We have many things to discuss.”

  The group returned to the house and made themselves comfortable around a new bonfire. Chairs and makeshift stools were brought out to accommodate those gathered. Everyone found a seat and waited for the new arrival to speak.

  Cass took a moment to pull her thoughts together and began. “I am the oldest living among us. I began my second life thousands of years ago. Even the Eldest is junior to me. Several thousand years ago, I decided that I would be more. More than monster. More than human. Once that decision was made, I had no choice but to go into hiding.”

  The vampires murmured in approval of her decision.

  “When the Council united, I should have taken command. I had no use for vampire ways. New or old. I have spent countless centuries meddling in the affairs of men, and have helped in places where no mortal hope would abide. Command is that last thing I wanted. Not then and not now. Once again, I have no choice. I suppose this has always been my destiny. And like it or not, I must come forward now and try to put right what my absence has created.” Exhaling, she searched the faces in the crowd. Enthralled with her story, they watched silently.

  “Are you hungry? We don't have much, but you are welcome to some,” Liz said.

  “Yes, thank you. I've spent these last few days searching for Jenna and haven't fed.”

  Liz raced to fetch her a glass of warm blood. A voice from the back called out, “What of Jenna? How did she come to have vampire talents?”

  “Vampire talents?” She laughed, thought for a moment, and continued, “Well I suppose it's natural for you to think that. Her ability has nothing to do with vampire talents. All mortals have psychic ability, most just don't realize it.”

  “Here you are, I hope it's warm enough.” Liz handed her a large glass.

  “Thank you.” She paused and drained the glass quickly. As they watched, her hair began to shine, brown eyes glowed brighter, and exhaustion faded from her face. “As I was saying, they all have the ability, they just don't know it. I'll start at the beginning. I met Dan, Jenna’s father, when she was just seven weeks old. I had been working as a nurse in a pediatrics' ward. Jenna's mother died during child birth, and he was alone with the sick baby. Pneumonia had set in her lungs. Over the few days she was there, he and I became close. They needed me, although I needed them much more. It didn't take long for us to fall in love.”

  Gasps escaped those listening.

  Cass smiled and nodded. “Yes, I said love. Don't you see? We are not monsters. We can be whoever or however we choose. The darkness inside you does not have to own you. Those of you here already know that or you wouldn't be here.”

  Many heads wagged in agreement.

  “I refuse to release my humanity. I will not allow it.” Turning, she gazed into Liz's eyes. “I am not the only one to see or feel this need.”

  Liz smiled shyly before looking at her feet.

  “That doesn't explain Jenna's...oddity.” Minerva said.

  “Right. It is simple. From that first day in the hospital, I went into her mind. At first she communicated with visual impressions and emotion, then after awhile, with words. She could speak internally with full sentences before she learned to pronounce words. We've never had her tested, but she is a brilliant child. Her mind is capable of comprehending so much more than most grown mortals. She inspires me. Mortals like Jenna are why we must fight and regain control. I believe they are evolving. After thousands of years of watching and interacting with them, they are finding their true potential. We cannot allow this advancement to be interrupted.”

  As Cass told them her history, they listened with rapt attention. She had visited nearly every civilization on the planet.
Each held a place for her in their histories. Two peculiar pieces of information shook the crowd to the core. She could walk among men during the day. Vampires die in sunlight. They burst into flames if they are in it too long. But this woman could walk around in the sun all day long.

  “It’s a simple--but time consuming--process. Each day, I went out for a few seconds in the sunlight, just long enough that my skin would tingle. The next day, I’d push the limits, until eventually I could stand in the sun for hours. Any one of you could do it.”

  They did not have to be prisoners of the night anymore. Most there didn’t believe her at first. None of them had ever heard rumor of a vampire that could be out in the daylight. It was not supposed to be possible.

  When she told them she could use magic, the witches went crazy. Many angrily voiced their disbelief, while others shook their heads and laughed hysterically. There was no such thing as a vampire who could perform witchcraft.

  A sardonic smile came over her face as she watched their reaction to her claim. “It isn't rocket science people. Watch.” She turned to Jenna and winked. The young girl clapped her hands and smiled. Raising her hands toward the fire, she muttered four words. A small ball of light appeared in the flames.

  One of the witches cried out in fear. “No! Stop!”

  “You'll blow us all to hell!” Minerva yelled.

  Some jumped up and ran from the circle, trying to escape the explosion they knew had to be coming. The vampires were in awe, not one of them moved or spoke. The portal opened with little fuss at all. There was no sound. No bangs, no buzzing, it just appeared. She turned and grinned at those watching and stepped inside.

  In less than a minute, she was back with a bag full of groceries in her hands, and the portal shut. The entire gathering was astounded. Jenna exclaimed happily, “Food! Did you get ice cream?”

  “Not this time, baby, but there are other treats in there.”

  Jenna immediately rummaged through the bag and handed her mother a package of chocolate chip cookies. Cass opened it and handed her one.

  Jenna's bottom lip stuck out as she looked at the solitary cookie in her hand.

  Cass sighed before handing her another one, and turned to face the amazed crowd. “As I said, I can use magic. It is not the same magic witches use, but it is magic nonetheless.”

  Everyone wanted answers then. The witches were still afraid, yet so inquisitive, they couldn’t make themselves stay too far away. Vampires and witches talked over one another, trying to be heard. Cass put up her hand for silence, and they became still.

  “Portal magic is not difficult; I can teach you to use it. I will teach all of the covens at your disposal to use it. These portals are how we are going to win this war, friends. These portals are how I am going to take my rightful place as head of the new Council. First things first, we have allies to find. There are two that are missing that need to be brought back. It is time for Athena and Gregorio to come home.”

  Jaws dropped, and several gasps were uttered, but no one questioned Cass as to how she knew the missing leaders. Everyone there, including Michael, was too intimidated by the powerful Cass to voice questions and concerns. In time, she would explain. And they were willing to wait.

  The group disbanded and each went off to their own resting places. Daylight arrived, and Cass was the only one that could take the sun. Michael, Big Jon, Liz, and a few of the witches retired to the darkness of the house to continue the discussion.

  In the quiet of the darkened living room, the small group had a private meeting. Cass answered each of their questions before giving them the details of her plan. “We have to find Gregorio and Athena. They are the next oldest in line. We need their skills, and especially Gregorio’s battle expertise, if we are to win this fight.”

  Unconvinced that Cass was trustworthy, Minerva said, “That's all well and dandy, but how do we even know you are who you say you are? You don't have one solitary person to vouch for your intentions.”

  “I understand your reservations, but the two people who could vouch for me are missing. If I had some diabolical scheme, would I want to find them?”

  “It's a very convenient situation. We don't know where they are or how to find them. I could say big foot would vouch for me, but it's not likely we'll find him either.”

  Cass leveled her eyes at Minerva. “If it would convince you, I could find him for you. But we really don't have time for that.”

  “Ha!” Minerva scoffed.

  Liz gently touched her arm. “Gran, I know you have no reason to trust any of us, even me. But I believe she is who she says she is and without her, we can’t win.”

  Searching Liz's eyes, Minerva answered, “Fine. We'll try to find them.” Taking one last look at Cass, she left the room.

  ***

  It was a simple plan. They would use portals to gain access to the fortress. According to the intelligence gathered, most of the rogue army was encamped outside the fortress. Once they entered, they would defeat those inside and regain control of the stronghold. All those that wanted to join them would be read by the ghosts, and only those that passed the ghostly inquisition would be allowed to enter or remain at the fortress. William would return to the fortress and bring back detailed information of who was still inside and where they were located. Once they had taken back the fortress, the true battle would come to them there. They could use portals to surprise the renegades from behind. The traitors would never see them coming.

  There were enough witches to stop the renegades in their tracks long enough to kill them, so the only danger to those fighting would be the Unnamed. No spell could hold the invincible killing machines. As with other immortals, removing their heads would suffice. However, accomplishing such a deed without being killed yourself, was extremely difficult.

  Tired, Cass sat in the large overstuffed chair by the living room fireplace. “We also need to prepare for an attack here. We have no idea what information they have on us.”

  Michael shook his head. “Impossible.”

  “Entirely impossible.” Big Jon agreed. “The woods surrounding us is as much a hindrance as a help. No one can easily see what's going on here, but it also prevents us from seeing anyone coming.”

  “Then we must act quickly before they find us.” Cass replied.

  Liz shifted in her seat. “I hate to interrupt, but what are we going to do about Jenna?”

  “I've been worried about that myself. I can't leave her here, even with guardians. We need every available fighter to pull this off. It is not practical to take her with us either. A battle at the fortress is no place for a human, child or adult.”

  “Why can't she wait at one of Michael's safe houses?” Big Jon said.

  Michael answered, “We've been to most of them. Anyone tracking our scents might already be watching those locations. But she could go stay with Liz's family. She has not been back there since turning. I find it unlikely that they would think to even look there.”

  “No way.” Liz answered roughly. Then turning to Cass said, “I'm sorry, but my family is already in this much farther than I’d like. Those left at home have no powers to defend themselves or Jenna.”

  Cass nodded. “I agree. No more innocent lives should be lost. The other side is doing enough damage without us helping them.”

  Sitting quietly, Angie didn't utter a word or interject in any way. When the topic of Jenna and what should be done with her came up, she leaned forward with anticipation, waiting for a chance to speak. When she was sure conversation lulled, she said gently, “I have an idea.”

  Michael groaned and closed his eyes. Liz’s eyes shot daggers at him that told him to be nice. Cass looked at the girl, smiled condescendingly, and told her to continue.

  “Okay… I know the fortress better than anyone here, including you, Michael.” She had so much sarcasm in her voice that Liz expected her to stick out her tongue at him. “There is a place in the fortress I'm pretty sure
no one knows about, except me. It’s a hidden room behind one of the suits of armor in a corridor on the fourth level. You can’t see it when you walk by, because it's in the center of a dark spot between the torches. You have to go behind the armor to push the button that opens the secret door. I found it by accident one day when I was hiding from mother. I was supposed to polish all the silver that day, and I just didn’t feel like it, so I was in that tunnel and saw her coming. I slipped behind the armor to hide. My elbow hit the button, the door opened, and I fell in the room.

  “There was nothing in there of importance, it might have been living quarters, but no one had been there in several hundred years from the look of it. Even William didn’t know the room existed, and he can go anywhere in the fortress. If you opened a portal directly in front of the armor, I could stay in there with Jenna to protect her while the rest of you fight.” Angie looked at her feet, waiting to be laughed at yet again. It took a few seconds for anyone to speak, and when she looked up, everyone in the room was smiling.

  “That’s perfect, Angie,” Liz said kindly.

  “Absolutely perfect,” Michael chimed in.

  Cass stood, walked over to the girl, and brushed the hair out of her face. Lifting her chin to look into her eyes, she said, “I think that some of you might have left the most intelligent of us out of strategy meetings for too long.”

  A grin appeared on Angie’s face. Finally, someone had taken notice that she wasn’t a complete idiot.

  “I don’t think it should just be you with Jenna. Liz and a few of the witches should be there as well.” Cass looked around the room apologetically and told the others that she just couldn’t leave her daughter with only one vampire to protect her, even if she was an extremely capable fighter.

  Everything was in place. That evening, Michael and Cass would travel by portal to the other clans and nests, brief them on the plan, and answer any questions. As the vampires departed for some much-needed rest, Cass and Minerva sought out her crew. She needed to teach them how to use portal magic and in turn send them by portal to teach the other witches. The plan would only succeed if every coven and nest could be sent to the fortress at the same time.