Taylor Fierce and Andrea F. Thomas
CHRONICLES OF DARKNESS
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BOOK 1
SHADOWS AND DUST
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This book is dedicated to you.
The light is what is good
the darkness, the night,
that is the realm of sin
and is the evil's might.
Adelbert of Chamisso
Table Of Content
Prologue
Chapter 1 Premonitions
Chapter 2 Memories
Chapter 3 Investigation
Chapter 4 Family Ties
Chapter 5 The Poison Of The Snake
Chapter 6 Tower And Sanctuary
Chapter 7 The Game Begins
Chapter 8 Hunters And Hunted
Chapter 9 Hidden In Shadows
Chapter 10 Deceiver Of Hearts
Chapter 11 At A Crossroads
Chapter 12 The Immortal Soul
Epilogue
Copyright
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Book 1
SHADOWS AND DUST
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PROLOGUE
Darkness enfolded the trees of the forest. Only some hungry predators of the night were creeping through the bushes, searching and stalking their prey. Somewhere in the distance an owl called. A scraping sound sliced through the dark, sparks came to life, eating away on the dry wood of a campfire.
Kyrian Leosol put the flint stones aside and lowered his tired body to his bedroll. Lost, his dark brown eyes stared, fixedly, into the blazing flames. The shine illuminated his sorrowful face. His long black hair cascaded over his bent shoulders. His sinewy body was covered by leathern clothes. There was an unusual hardness to his youthful features and his angry gaze indicated that he must have been forced to grow up too fast.
He forgot everything around him, until the soft whinny of his horse brought him back from his dreary thoughts. The young man got up and went to the black stallion to lift off the heavy saddle.
With gentle hands he stroked the soft muzzle of his trusty companion. "Five years, Nightshade. Five years. For such a long time I've been chasing the wretched bloodsuckers who destroyed our lives. All my hopes seem to turn to dust. And still, there is no trace of Skylar. What keeps me going is the thought, that maybe one day I will see her again."
He reached into his pocket and took hold of a silver bracelet, running his thumb softly over the fine metal, "Mother," he whispered.
Kyrian looked up at the sky, "You always told us that being a hunter wouldn't be easy. You were right. Day turns to night and night turns to day." His words sounded desperate. "My battle against these beasts seems like a lost cause, as if I am fighting in vain. They are like the heads of a hydra. If one is killed, two more will rise. Still, there is no sign of your murderer. His trail seems to have vanished right in front of me and is lost in the shadows."
Tears began to fill his eyes, "I miss your advice, Mama. I miss you so much," he admitted, stricken by grief. "I can't sleep at night because of the dreams that are haunting me, and the memories of that one awful day are torturing my soul." Sobbing, Kyrian buried his face in his hands. "I will never forgive myself that I wasn't there when you needed me the most."
Nightshade pushed his head into his master's side. Kyrian smiled slightly, but the sadness and pain in his eyes remained, "At least I have you, Nightshade. And every day you are reminding me of happier times."
Lovingly he caressed the stallion's neck, "No! I won't give up! I took a vow and I will fulfill it, no matter what it takes!" Anger flashed in his eyes. "I will avenge your death, Mama! Azrael and all his bloodsucking beasts won't get off lightly! Their deaths will be painful and tormenting. They will suffer from my hands like you suffered from that monster's hands!"
While Kyrian took care of his horse, his temper calmed. With a gentle swat, he released the stallion to graze. He sat down in front of the fire with some stale bread and a piece of dry meat, washing it down with sips from a water skin. After he had finished his meal, he opened one of his saddlebags and took out an old, well-worn book, a quill and a small bottle of ink. "Well, I never thought that one day I would be keeping a diary. But, paper is patient and a trusty friend in the loneliness."
Pensively he went through his entries, until he came upon the first empty page. He opened the bottle and carefully dipped the quill into the ink. Kyrian paused upon writing down his thoughts and stared back into the flames.
"Everything started with the unfortunate day my family and I arrived in Paris. I wish we never had entered this godforsaken place."
CHAPTER ONE
PREMONITIONS
Europe 1598
The soft rays of dusk made the metropolis, which lay at the river Seine, appear in a picturesque, warm light. The houses were submerged in a sea of red fire as the sun slowly faded. Like the epitome of divinity on earth, the cathedral of Notre Dame rose proudly above the town's rooftops. Its mighty bell towers reached for the rising stars to build a bridge between heaven and earth.
"Paris," Helena reflected calmly, stopping the carriage on a little hill. She looked at the town at her feet. "Beautiful indeed, though it is a deceptive idyll that lies in the West," she surmised. A mild breeze was playing with her long blond curls, which had come loose from her ribbon. She was a strong woman, of athletic built, with soft features in an even face.
A horse snorted and an adolescent of wiry stature with long black hair appeared at her side, sitting on his black stallion. "This depraved den of iniquity is just another assembly of unsuspecting victims, whose blood those creatures strive for. Only we are able to save the people by burning the vampires to ash," he boasted.
These haughtily spoken words earned him a piercing glare. "Guard your loose tongue, my son. Do not brag about deeds you have not done. Holding such an exaggerated opinion of yourself is no virtue. On the contrary, it will make you very easy prey."
The boy didn't oppose his mother, because deep inside, he knew that she was right. Although he would never admit it out loud. "It will be an insignificant mission like any other," he mumbled petulantly, staring ostensibly bored ahead.
His mother commented that with a disapproving sigh.
Their conversation was interrupted by a hearty yawn from inside the carriage. The sleepy face of a girl appeared. She was the spitting image of her mother. The same blonde hair and clear, green-brown eyes. After stretching, she sat down next to Helena. "Are we there yet?" she asked after looking around and yawning again.
"Oh, Skylar!" her brother exclaimed, laughing loudly. "You always miss everything."
Helena smiled and lovingly caressed the girl's soft cheek. "Why the impatience, my dear daughter?"
Skylar leaned back, regarding her mother with sleepy eyes. "We've been traveling night and day since the messenger gave you the mysterious letter. You don't allow us or the animals to take a rest, and still you don't utter one word about the paper's contents."
Helena gave Kyrian a meaningful glance, which wasn't missed by Skylar. Indignantly the young girl leapt up. "Oh, I see. You told Kyrian? That is so mean!" Pouting, she sat down again and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I'm twelve years old. I can read, write, and I'm good at figures. But you two always treat me like a baby," she grumbled.
Her brother came to her side, laughing roguishly. "You are still wet behind the ears and way too young to be concerned about the special tasks of a hunter." He spurred Nightshade and galloped off to lead the way.<
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Clicking her tongue, Helena pulled at the reins and the horses started to move again. Skylar sat beside her, still pouting with crossed arms. "Why does Kyrian always pick on me? He isn't even that much older, only four years!"
"Stubborn, just like your brother," Helena remarked knowingly. Amused, the corners of her mouth twitched.
Her daughter mumbled something unintelligible. She no longer wanted to be fobbed off with - you are too young. "I'm also a member of this family. I bear the sign!" To demonstrate said fact, she took hold of her long blond hair and pulled it away from her neck. "Do you see? Do you see the lion head that symbolizes our family? You made this tattoo, Mama. "
Helena sighed, loosened the reins a bit to give the experienced horses more freedom, and put one arm around her daughter. "One day you will be ready for the hunt, but it is not your time yet. Enjoy being a child while you can. Your youth will pass by faster than you think."
Without listening to her mother’s words, Skylar kept begging. "Since you won't let me go hunting, then please, at least tell me something about the letter's content."
Helena relented to her daughter's imploration. "A very influential family of the French high nobility, the Bouchardons, told me about unusual incidents. I am to investigate these strange occurrences, because there is the possibility that the creatures of darkness are involved."
Skylar wanted to know more, but Helena made it plainly clear that she wasn't willing to reveal further details. "I won't allow more questions."
Discontented, the girl grumbled a bit, leaned back and looked with indifference at the beautiful landscape, which consisted of productive fields and blossoming vegetation.
Kyrian came back to report. "We have nearly reached our destination. I asked one of the peasants about the count's estate. He said to turn to the right at the next crossing. After passing a little forest, the castle should be right in front of us."
"Wonderful." Relieved, Helena took a deep breath.
Following the peasant's description, they soon arrived at the castle. The area was surrounded by high brick walls to shield the noble family from curious glances. Its copiously decorated iron gates were wide open. The fast approaching night made the mighty trees of the chestnut grove appear eerie. The horses' hooves drubbed on the cobble stone avenue, which led directly to the castle. Arching above the paved way, the strong branches of the old trees entwined at a giddy height, forming a natural roof. Long flower beds and little box tree hedges surrounded the way that led to the main portal of the old castle. It was a magnificent building. Light shone through the open doors of the lowest floor.
Helena stopped the carriage right in front of the entrance stairs. Pebbles crunched beneath their leather boots, as the three of them strode toward the stone steps.
In the foyer, the family was greeted by a small, middle-aged and corpulent man. He went to Helena and took off his hat, revealing a high forehead and hair that was beginning to turn gray. "I've been anxiously waiting for you, Madame," he greeted her, a bit breathless. "Welcome to 'Quiportebonheur'." He bowed. More to himself than to Helena, he added, "What a fateful name. This place certainly didn’t bring any luck to my lord and lady." Jolting out of his dark memories, the man cleared his throat and went on, formally, "My name is Bernard Delacroix. I’m the caretaker of this estate of the Bouchardons, and I was empowered to give you all the details of the great misfortune."
Briefly, he glanced at the children. "Would you please follow me to the dining room? I took the liberty and had a meal prepared. Your journey was probably very exhausting."
"Thank you very much for your efforts, Monsieur." Helena said politely. Following the caretaker, she crossed the gold and marble lined entrance hall.
Her children walked close behind. Skylar drew her brows together at the uneasy silence that ruled inside. "This looks a lot like an abandoned, ghost-haunted castle."
Kyrian glanced around and remarked matter-of-factly, "Perhaps the family turned their back to this place after the terrible tragedy." He didn't seem very concerned. "I'm only thinking about getting something to eat. My stomach has been growling ever since that man mentioned a meal."
Skylar's eyes widened in disbelief. "How can you think about food in a moment like this? I want to know what's been going on with this family. Don't you think that the caretaker is strange?"
Kyrian groaned and pushed his sister into the dining room, which had probably seen more glamorous times. Furniture, candle holders and chandelier had been covered with large, white sheets. A little fire was blazing in the marble fireplace, illuminating the room and giving it a pleasant atmosphere. A group of big armchairs had been arranged in front of it and Bernard indicated for the family to take a seat.
Skylar watched the caretaker like a hawk, which caused her brother to gently nudge her with his elbow. She glared at him.
He bent over the side of his armchair and whispered, "Quit acting so strangely, Skylar."
The girl shot him a pointed look. "Well, if somebody of my family would tell me what this was all about, then I wouldn't have to wildly speculate, would I?" she hissed.
"You are seeing ghosts." Kyrian frowned and leaned back in the comfortable chair. Instead of further arguing with his sister, he let his eyes wander over the food-laden table in front of him. "Hmmm, the French sure know how to get one's appetite going. I've got to taste all of this." He rubbed his hands in excitement. "Everything smells delicious and looks so exquisite."
Bernard was happy to hear that. He lifted his glass with red wine to inaugurate the dinner. "I sincerely hope that all will be to your liking."
Helena and her children also raised their water-filled glasses.
They ate in silence, while Bernard squirmed restlessly in his chair, sipping his wine. Finally, he addressed Helena in a quiet voice, "After dinner, I will give you a detailed description of the tragedy that came to pass in this house. The letter I sent was short, I know. You probably have a lot of questions." Nervously, he fiddled with the wineglass. "I'm sure that your honorable family will understand... um... how should I put this..." He searched for the right words. "Um... the need to investigate this affair, as quickly as possible, in order to bring the truth forward." Bernard seemed to be very burdened by the past occurrences. He reached into his pocket, took out a wrinkled handkerchief and dabbed the beads of sweat from his forehead.
"There is no reason to be nervous, Bernard," Helena said to the obviously overwhelmed caretaker and compassionately placed a hand on his arm. "May I call you Bernard?"
The shaken man took a large sip of his wine and nodded.
"You can speak freely. You must, Bernard, if we are to help this family. So, please, tell us precisely what happened on 'Quiportebonheur'."
Bernard was dismayed. "You want to hear it now? In front of the children, and while we are eating?"
Helena spoke calmly and reassured him, "My children are familiar with the life of a hunter. What you tell me, you can also say to them. You may begin with your tale, Bernard."
The caretaker relented. "As you wish, Madame." Then he quickly added, "Please keep in mind, you need to be very discreet about the whole situation."
"Yes, you can be certain about our discretion in this matter," Helena calmed him.
After that, Bernard began to reconstruct the occurrences. "It was one of those nights, where the moon glowed crimson in the sky. At that time, Monsieur le Comte and his wife, Margarete, were in Paris to watch a new play at one of the theatres. They wanted to spend the night with their friends. The servants were given permission to go out. I was alone in the house with the three children of the Bouchardons."
Helena interrupted immediately. "Did you say three children?"
With shaking hands Bernard poured some more wine into his glass, then answered her question. "Yes, three. Two daughters, Luise and Joséphine, seventeen and fourteen years old, and the youngest member of the family, Philippe, only five years old." Thinking about the children, he swallowed hard. "I have
my quarters under the roof and sleep there, as do the other servants. For hours it had been quiet in the house. The children were already sleeping and I was in bed. The big windows of the second floor were wide open because of the sultry heat that night." Lost in thought, his eyes stared unseeingly ahead. "I still remember how the light curtains were drifting around the window frames. Everything seemed so calm... peaceful..."
Bernard trailed off and his tear-filled gaze turned to the blazing flames. He used the sleeve of his jacket to wipe his eyes. "This night will forever be etched into my memories. It keeps haunting me in my dreams as well."
After a small pause, he continued, "In the middle of the night, I awoke to a blood-curling scream, which made my skin crawl." He shivered. "It sounded like it had been Luise, who had screamed. I leapt up from my bed, jumped into my clothes and grabbed my pistol, which I keep in the drawer of my nightstand." Bernard's voice trembled. He obviously relived the horrors of said night in his mind. "I raced downstairs, as fast as I could." Looking at Helena, he explained, "At this point I believed that some robbers had forced their way into the house, searching for money and other valuables." Still feeling guilty for the terrible mistake, he stopped again.
After a while, Helena carefully inquired, "What happened then?"
Bernard looked at her, as if he had forgotten all about her presence. "Nothing. Only deadly silence ruled. My heartbeat was racing, and I feared that something had happened to the children. I didn't know what to expect, so I tiptoed along the corridor, as quietly as possible. With my pistol in hand, I slowly went to the nearest door. It was Luise's bedroom. Carefully, I opened the door. I relaxed, because there she was in bed, fast asleep. I thought, I had only imagined the scream, since nobody else was awake, but me. To reassure myself that everything was as it should be, I drew closer. The bed's curtains were blocking my view. I brushed the curtain aside, and Luise lay there, wearing her lily-white nightgown." He could barely say the next words. "She was dead."
Chronicles of Darkness: Shadows and Dust Page 1
