by Greg Hair
Landon down-shifted his form, and washed the blood off his hands. He walked over to the girl, picked her up, and took her home.
Arriving back at the bar, Landon gave the girl to her visibly shaken, but still drunk father. Then he found the teen boy who earlier served as his translator.
“Make sure he gets her home,” he said. “The babysitter, too.”
“Did you find the guy that took her?” asked LillyAnna, following Landon back to his original table.
“Yeah, only it wasn’t any regular guy,” he said, giving her details of the tracking and fight.
“A vampire. Had you seen him before? So, he was a pedophile vampire? Or a child-killing vampire? Have you ever come across one of those before?”
“Yeah, I’d seen him before. He came here with Piper, the English vampire, the girl that showed us the video. But, I don’t think she knew what he really was. I suspect he came to join us, blended in, and probably thought we’d provide the perfect cover. I’m guessing, whether a pedophile or child-killer, it’s probably what he did in his human life, too, before he was turned. I don’t know how old he was, so who knows how many children…” He stopped himself before he finished the sentence. Then he remembered her last question. “No. I’ve never met one of those before.”
“It’s a good thing we were here,” she said.
“Yeah. It was. Like maybe I was supposed to be here, at that moment. You know, that’s helped to remember, a little bit, about who I used to be. Before all this shit started. I don’t know, maybe there was a reason for me to be at this bar, not drinking. Not only for the girl, but also for me.”
Chapter 24: Requiem
“Aren’t you supposed to be bed-ridden?” asked Annelise, coming upon Bianca sitting outside, watching Alessandro train recent additions.
“Probably.”
“So, what’s up?” Annelise sat beside the pregnant werewolf. “Just getting some sun? Must be driving you crazy being stuck in that room all the time.”
“Partly. Mostly, I’m just watching everyone else get ready for something that I can’t be a part of. I’ve never felt more useless. Or used.”
“I understand. For the past couple of days, I was pretty useless. Everyone walking on glass around me, afraid to say the wrong thing, or trigger something. But, I’m at a point now, where I’m feeling much better, and I think I can contribute, again. I remember some details of Nicholas’ true plan, so Ryker and Landon are preparing for that.”
“Okay. I’m very happy that you’re doing better, we all are, but I don’t understand how that helps me.”
“I’m saying that you may feel useless now, but that’ll change. And I hear what you’re saying about the used part. Even though I don’t remember it, I was there for Jamie’s wedding, and I’m sorry I couldn’t stop it. I’m sorry to everybody here that I couldn’t have done more, been more useful as you would say, while I was there.”
“That’s different,” said Bianca. “You were a prisoner, a hostage. No one expected you do anything but survive. And we’re all thrilled to have you back.” She threw her arms around Annelise, embracing her. “You know, now that I think about it, I feel like a prisoner, too.”
Bianca released the vampire, dropping her hands to her mid-section. “A hostage.” She lightly massaged her stomach, and looked back out at the practicing warriors.
“What are you saying?” asked Annelise.
“Maybe I could be free, too. Maybe I could free myself.”
Bianca felt Annelise’s shocked gaze fall on her.
“Don’t do that,” said the vampire. “You’re only a day or two away.”
“So is the fight. If I take care of this now, I could be involved and do something then. People need me.”
“Right now, the only ones that need you are those babies. Please don’t shift. Please wait. This may sound selfish, or like I’m taking pity on myself, but there are lots of people who would love to be in your position. There are women out there who’d love to be pregnant, but can’t be, for whatever reason.”
“I understand what you’re saying, but this is my life, not theirs. I’m very sorry for their issues, truly I am, but I can’t live my life according to how others feel. Like I said, I feel used. Jamie used me; Serinda used me. I don’t think these babies were made out of love.”
“Really? You loved him at the time they were conceived, right?”
“Yes.”
“And you’re going to tell me that you feel absolutely nothing for the twins you carry?”
“I’m not going to say that.”
“Please, just wait. You’re so close. Once they get here, you’ll have a ton of help.”
“Yeah, if everyone makes it back.”
“Everyone seems to be feeling that same sentiment,” Annelise said, looking around. “But, I honestly feel, hope is coming. If everyone can just hold on a little longer.” She turned her attention back to Bianca.
“Okay, okay. I won’t shift. That doesn’t mean, though, that I’m going to do everything I’m told. I’m not staying in that bed.”
“I hear you,” Annelise said, laughing.
Suddenly, catching something in her peripheral vision, Bianca looked out toward the canal. Coming across the lagoon were several water taxies. She nudged Annelise.
Sensing a massive a charge when they reached the dock, Bianca informed Annelise that they were about to welcome a large number of vampires to the island. She counted thirty. The pair stood, and walked to the dock.
“Do you remember me?” asked the first vampire that stepped off their boat.
“No,” said Annelise. “I’m sorry, I don’t.”
“My name is Jasmin. I lead the German coven that was part of the underground network that got you out of Scotland. That’s who all these other people are behind me. I was there at Burghausen when you were reunited with your husband. How are you feeling?”
“Oh, my God.” Annelise threw her arms around the German. “Thank you so much for everything. I’m feeling much better.”
Everyone turned to look toward the main building when Ryker approached.
“So,” he said, “change your mind?”
“We did,” said Jasmin. “Whoever your operative is on the inside at Kilchurn, certainly risks their life to get people out. There are terrible things happening there. We have two new rescues here.”
Stepping off Jasmin’s boat were two teenage boys—one in dark sunglasses, and the other with one arm.
“We don’t have an operative there,” said Bianca.
“It’s Tsukiko,” Annelise said. “I know it.”
“You’re right,” said the one-armed boy. “My name is William, and yes, it’s Tsukiko that got us out. She found me washed ashore, on the other side of the lake, after Jamie attacked me for something I didn’t do, and left me for dead.”
“I’m so sorry,” said the Danish vampire. “But, you’re safe now.”
“What about you, werewolf?” asked Bianca, feeling no charge from the boy wearing sunglasses. “What’s your name?”
Bianca saw Jasmin mouth the words, he’s blind.
“My name is Robert. And yes, it’s true that I’m blind.” He turned to Jasmin. “My hearing has improved, so I can hear your lips move. I asked why we should follow him, Jamie, instead of Nicholas. And this was his answer.” He removed his sunglasses, revealing empty eye sockets. “By the way, Jamie never knew our names when he did these things to us. Thank you for asking.”
“I’m sorry,” said Jasmin. “It wasn’t my place to tell.”
“That’s okay.”
“I’m sorry, too,” Bianca said.
“Why were you two there in the first place?” asked Ryker. “Neither one of you seem like the type that would follow Nicholas, or Jamie.”
“Believe me,” said Robert, the blind werewolf, “we wish we had never set foot at that place. But, speaking for myself, I haven’t been what I am, a werewolf, for very long. I thought that maybe that’s what we w
ere supposed to do. Kill people. I was stupid.”
“Some girl I really liked,” began William, “talked me into it. She ditched me, and started hanging out with another guy, as soon as we got there. I kinda gravitated toward Robert, and he told me his story.”
“And, William, you said that Jamie attacked you for something you didn’t do. What did he accuse you of?”
“Killing his wife, but—“
“What?” Bianca asked. “What? What?” She kept repeating the word, as she crumbled to her knees.
“Serinda’s dead?” asked Annelise, kneeling down beside the wailing Bianca. The vampire whispered soothing sounds in the pregnant werewolf’s ear, trying to calm her down.
“Yes, but I didn’t do it. I swear.”
“We believe you.” Annelise, holding Bianca in her arms, turned to Ryker. “Nicholas, I’m sure.”
“I have something else to tell you,” said William. “A message from Tsukiko. Along with the high number of vampires and werewolves that have joined them, Jamie and Nicholas have also created their own army. They attacked several villages, turning the people into werewolves. So now they actually control about half their numbers.”
“How many do they have?” Ryker asked.
“Hundreds. Hundreds.”
“My God,” Annelise said.
“And they’re not going anywhere,” William continued. “They have no plans to leave that area. They see it as the home-field advantage. So I can help you with any training since I was there a couple of days and know the layout.”
“If this Tsukiko is not one of yours, why is she helping you?” Jasmin asked.
“I think,” said Annelise, “she’s probably coming to the conclusion that he needs to lose.”
“Well,” began Jasmin, “if it’s numbers you seek, I can tell you that you are in luck. We came across others headed this way. They weren’t far behind us.”
“About how many?” Ryker asked.
“A lot.”
Chapter 25: Requiem
Sensing the great influx of vampires to Poveglia, as all other werewolves on the island had, Landon walked to the dock, and met the new arrivals. Shaking hands and patting backs, he looked out across the water when something caught his eye.
One boat, then another, and another, until near twenty of them approached, in two separate groups, each filled with around ten people. In the distance, coming in the lead boat and waving his arms in a greeting gesture, Landon made out a familiar face from long ago.
“Son of a bitch,” Landon said.
“Who is it?” asked Ryker.
“Finian.”
“What’s a Finian?”
“He’s a werewolf from Ireland, the first werewolf I met in Europe that set me on my path to Burghausen, in a roundabout way.”
Still fifty yards away, Finian called out to his friend.
“Top o’ the mornin’ to you, lad!” Several pairs of hands reached out and grabbed the Irish werewolf as he nearly fell out of the boat from his obvious excitement.
Pulling up to the dock, Finian jumped out, and ran up to Landon.
“Oh, it’s good to see you, lad. Don’t suppose there’s any Guinness, or Irish whiskey, to be found on this island, is there?”
“Afraid not,” said Landon, laughing.
“Ah, you look great, Landon, my boy. Got quite a fight coming, I hear. Wouldn’t miss it. Even brought my son along.” He leaned in closer to Landon’s ear. “He’s teetotaler, but a hell of fighter, that boy is.”
Stepping out from behind the Irishman, a young man stuck his hand out, shaking Landon’s.
“Hi. Lennon,” the man said, his face framed by red hair that dropped just to the top of his neck.
“Welcome,” said Landon. “I’m happy to have you both here.”
“Well, obviously,” began Finian, “we’re not the only two showing up. Brought plenty of others with me, ya see.”
Finian waved his arm behind him, directing Landon’s sight to the numerous boats in the first grouping, sending more of the Irish werewolf’s countrymen ashore.
“Thanks so much,” said Landon. “We really appreciate all the help we can get. Who’s in the other group?”
Landon pointed to the second barrage of boats nearing the island.
“Some giant Russian fella,” said Finian. “Met him on the other side of the lagoon. Drinks vodka, is all I know. Not really my thing, but a jovial fellow, he is.”
Then, Landon saw a hulking figure stand in the nearest boat, waving one arm.
“Vladimir,” Landon said.
“The Russian you told us about when you first arrived at Burghausen?” asked Ryker. “The one that kicked your ass?”
“Yep. That’s the one.”
“Remind me not to make him mad,” said the Dane. “He’s huge.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure I could take him, even now, as Consul.”
As the lead boat in the second wave neared, still several feet from land, the large Russian leaped from the vessel, nearly sending it, and all passengers, into the water.
“I hear there’s some guy wanting to create a perfect race in his own image, and kill everyone else,” Vladimir said, his thick Russian accent getting everyone’s attention who was within earshot.
“Yes,” said Landon. “You heard right.”
“Well, I met a guy like that before, in the war.” The Russian took Landon’s hand, squeezing tightly. “And we’re gonna roll over this one like we did him. Brought several of my comrades with me. Been a while since we’ve sharpened our claws for a good fight.”
“That’s the spirit,” said Finian, slapping the hulk’s back.
“I like you little Irishman, but please don’t slap me.”
Landon laughed at the pair, then noticed a third grouping of water taxis.
“Who’s that?”
Everyone turned to see about the same number of boats, ten, as in the two previous groups.
“Don’t know,” said Finian.
“Not Russian, I think,” Vladimir added.
Everyone waited quietly as the first boat made it to the dock. Out stepped a tall, blond man with a debonair look about him. Behind him followed a teenage girl, with long, dark hair.
“I’m looking for Landon Murphy,” said the man in an English accent.
“I’m Landon.” The werewolf felt the charge in the air.
“Kendrick, at your service. This is my daughter, Cate.” He motioned to the dark-haired teen. “Behind me come more English. We are at your disposal.”
“English? I don’t know about fighting with English,” said Finian.
“Why not?” asked Kendrick. “Wait a minute. Are you that Irish dog that keeps stirring up trouble back home?”
“Irish dog? I’ll show you an Irish dog, you Cromwellian bloodsucker!” Finian’s eyes burned red, as he moved quickly toward Kendrick.
“Whoa,” Landon said, jumping in front of Finian, as Ryker and Vladimir positioned themselves in front of Kendrick. “I like the fire in your eyes, Finian, but not among each other. You need to focus that on Nicholas.”
The Irishman turned, walking away, toward the Octagon.
“Come on, Lennon, lad.”
Landon noticed that Lennon didn’t move, nor did he take his eyes off Cate. He looked over, and saw that she was returning the Irish teen’s gaze. Suddenly, the realization hit that Finian had noticed, too.
“Oh, no you don’t,” said the Irishman. “You stay away from her. You hear me, boy? She’s trouble. No son of mine is gonna have anything to do with an English vampire. She’s trouble, she is.”
“Sometimes, you’re trouble, da,” said Lennon, finally responding to his father’s demand to follow. “There’s nothing wrong with her, and you’re making a scene.”
“They’re the ones making a scene. English showing up here. And vampires at that. I don’t want you hanging out with her.”
Landon ran up the tiny hill, toward the Octagon, catching up with Finian.
“Listen,” he said, “I’m thrilled that you’re here, really I am, but don’t you think you were a little harsh back there?”
“Nonsense! They’re English. Sure, they’re vampires, too, which I could probably get past, but…they’re English. Do you know what the English have done to my county?”
“Yes, yes, I know all about it. And you guys struck back at them, too. Tit for tat, and all that. Look, isn’t it time to maybe, I don’t know, think about moving beyond all that hatred?”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell him,” said Lennon. “So has Ma.”
“You leave your dear mother outta this,” Finian said. “Landon, I came here to fight this Nicholas fella with ya, and that’s what I’ll do, and I’ll be civil while I’m here, but don’t ask me to stop being Irish.”
“Okay, okay.”
Landon watched Finian, and Lennon, continue on their path, then he turned his attention away from his Irish friend, and walked back to Kendrick. Ryker and Vladimir relaxed, and stood down.
“I’m sorry about that,” Landon said. “He’s very…proud of his heritage.”
“Pride is one thing,” said Kendrick. “Racism and nationalism are something else.” He turned to his daughter. “I don’t want you seeing that boy. Not because he’s Irish, but because of his father. We don’t need that kind of trouble.”
“But, dad,” said Cate.
“No but’s. I don’t want you near him. Keep your distance. We didn’t come here for romance, anyway.”
“You know I’m just going to do what I want. I’m old enough to decide who I see. I don’t know why you’re even bothering to tell me.”
“I’ve made my wishes known, and that’s the end of it. You will not see him. Do you understand?”
“Whatever.”
Cate marched off, up the small hill toward the practicing fighters that had paused to watch the unfolding scene.
“Teenagers,” said Kendrick.
“Yeah,” Landon said, “don’t I know it?”
