Dead Hearts (Book 2): Forsaken Hearts

by Susanne L. Lambdin

  “You’re my owner, and I’m your slave. I’m not in a position to disagree with you.”

  “I’m your guardian. You’re my fighter. Class B, too.” Pallaton sounded impressed. “Most fighters start out at Class F if they’re worth it, though some you saw today will open the games in a grand melee. Only fighters ranked F and higher fight in duels. I don’t own any fighters who aren’t ranked, and if I’d known you’d been taken out of your cell, I would have seen that you were taken to work out with the rest of my fighters. Tandor is one of my Class A fighters. He’ll be fighting in the Death Games on Halloween night. So will you, Blaze.”

  “Can’t you just let me go, Captain Pallaton?” Blaze gave him a pleading look. “Can’t you just take me back to Seven Falls? I want to go home. Please.”

  Pallaton drove down the road, going around the large courtyard, and headed back toward the music hall and gym. Blaze wished they’d have kept on going and driven out of the Citadel. She caught the vampire studying her. A spark of hope filled her heart.

  “I’d like to, Blaze,” said Pallaton. “But the Kaiser wouldn’t approve. Normally, I don’t associate with my fighters. I made an exception for you. Frankly, you’re the only fighter who tried to escape and actually almost made it. You did something truly amazing, Blaze. I have helped you in my own way by giving you a Class B rating. If you win your match, you’ll live to fight another day. That much I can promise you.”

  “What about my friends who were brought here? Star? Raven? Dragon? I know I’m asking a lot of questions. I just want to know what’s going on.”

  “Dragon will fight Halloween night. Salustra is his guardian and he’s ranked as a champion,” said Pallaton, pulling up to the curb outside the gym. Two guards in trench coats came walking over. “Anyone in a trench coat works for me. Personally. My men tried to reach you before the soldiers. I’m captain of the Shadowguard and they follow my orders, but Aldarik wants my job and will use any opportunity to advance. If you had escaped, he would have used it to gain favor with the Kaiser and attempted to replace me. Your friend Star belongs to Aldarik, I’m sorry to say, and Raven is the Kaiser’s new mistress. I doubt you’ll ever see them again, Blaze. Not unless you win your match and win me a great deal of money. I can only protect you if you win. Now go with the guards and return to the gym. Eat your breakfast and try not to get yourself killed.”

  Blaze reached out and placed her hand on his arm. The vampire’s fangs popped out. He carefully removed her hand, giving her a little nod. “Sorry,” she said. “I just….”

  “I understand,” said Pallaton, “and you’re welcome, Blaze. But don’t ever touch me. It’s hard enough to smell a human. I’m your guardian; I don’t want to have to put you down.”

  Blaze kept quiet and went willingly with the guards, though she had no intention of ever fighting in the Death Games. The moment she had another chance, she was going to run. She had to get back to camp and tell Cadence everything.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Eighteen

  Twilight brought shadows and provided much-needed cover as Thor stared out a small crack in the cliffs, watching the camp below. Patrols were stationed at selected points throughout the camp. Trucks and battle tanks drove down the road. Across the canyon, the Dark Angels were putting the fence in place. The werepumas had found Loki and Thor on a hiking trail and brought them to one of their dens, which held a few supplies. The small pride was keeping guard outside the tunnel. Luna now stood next to Thor in a ragged sweater and jeans, but her feet were bare.

  “What you’re proposing is rebellion,” said Luna. “Highbrow has the entire camp on lock down. If you go through with this, Thor, there’ll be no turning back. You’ll force Highbrow to either kill you or, at best, permanently exile you from camp. Right now, the Tigers are restricted to their RV. Cadence and Freeborn may or may not be with them. Are you positive this is what you want to do, Thor? Highbrow will view this as mutiny.”

  Thor had tied his long hair back into a ponytail. His beard reached his chest. “I’m positive,” he said. “This isn’t about what Highbrow wants anymore. Those of us who want to be able to fight back have every right to Cadence’s blood samples. I’m going to the infirmary and getting what we need.”

  Luna nodded. “Okay then. How can we help?”

  “No one suspects you're involved,” said Thor. “Your pride can easily walk in and start asking around if anyone else wants to join us.” He patted Loki on the shoulder. “I know you’re itching to get down there and talk to your friends, pal. When the pride explains what we’re trying to do, I know some of the kids will join us. China Six is a sure bet, and I’m sure the Amazons will join us, too.”

  “I’ve got an idea,” Loki said with a grin. “Hey, Luna. Why don’t you go down and turn into a human? Every guy will be watching you instead of me and Thor.”

  Luna smiled and pointed down the main road. The Valkyries went marching by in single file, trailed by a small fleet of ATVs, Jeeps, and a battle tank. The modified bank truck was outfitted with high watt all-purpose lights that raked across the RVs, trees, and canyon walls.

  “There’s a path over at the Pillars of Hercules they haven’t closed off,” said Luna. “I’ve seen you jump, Thor. That place is as good as any to get down to the camp. After you’ve gotten people to join us, meet my pride back here. We’ll take you to our new winter camp on the south side of the Peak. There’s plenty of room for everyone and fresh water.”

  Thor leaned back against the rocks. “I really didn’t think it would go this far,” he said. “All I know is that the people I love are now prisoners at the Citadel, in camp, or dead. I don’t want to take over the camp. I want to get in, steal the blood vials, and get out with anyone who wants to join us. Cadence will join us if they don’t have her locked up. She’s really all we need, but it’s going to be a fight to free her.”

  “We can do this,” said Loki. “I’m the retriever. That’s what I do. Retrieve things. I won’t be seen, Thor. Luna and the girls have a lot of ground to cover. I can do the same. I know some of the Buccaneers and War Gods will join us. Black Beard and Caesar are my buddies. I’d ask the Bulldogs, but they’re with Highbrow, all the way.”

  “Then let’s do this,” said Thor.

  Minutes later, Thor scaled down the cliff with Loki on his back. A light swung across the cliff. The two boys knelt behind a trash can as the battle truck drove past, shining lights further down the canyon walls. A handful of Freedom Army soldiers were piled into the back. Standing on the overlook point were the Razorbacks, all armed with rifles. The Bandits stood outside of the tunnel where the little kids and Betsy were staying. Teams were standing beside the waterfall and outside the infirmary.

  “Are they looking for us or the Shadowguard?” asked Loki.

  “The Dark Angels are all up at the ridge. I’d say their main concern is the Shadowguard, not us. We were seen leaving camp, not returning.” Thor put his hand on Loki’s arm. The kid was shivering. “Bring everyone you can and meet me behind the infirmary when you are done. I’ll try to figure out how to get to all of the Tigers and bring them with me.”

  “I’ll do my best,” Loki said as he darted off.

  Thor made a dash for the infirmary, moving fast, and found the Blue Devils standing guard. Echo and her team never heard or saw him coming. Thor slipped around to the back, opened a window, and slid into the lab. The only lights came from the computers and medical equipment. There were no Dark Angels in the lab. He went to the fridge, easily broke off the lock, and opened the door. Inside were shelves containing all manner of labeled vials and bags of blood. He rummaged through the shelves until he came across a tray of vials labeled ‘Cadence Blood.’ Pocketing six vials, he was heading back to the window when he heard the door open.

  “How did you get in here?” asked Picasso. He glanced at the open window, shut the door and approached Thor. “So the rumors are true. Did you find what you wanted?”

  Thor lifted an e
yebrow. “Yeah, I did. What’s the deal? Why didn’t you turn me in?”

  “Because I believe in Cadence. Highbrow has arrested her, Freeborn, Smack, and Dodger. Freeborn is in the brig, but the others are in the Tiger RV,” said Picasso. “While I agree with what you’re doing, I suggest you avoid being seen by any of the Dark Angels. We can’t get involved, Thor. Rose wants to stay here. We can’t afford to be kicked out of camp.”

  “You never saw me, and I was never here,” said Thor as he slipped out the window.

  Thor hid out in the trees behind in the infirmary, which was placed a short distance from HQ and the waterfall. The Dark Angels had three RVs set up nearby, but no one appeared to be inside. From his hiding place, he could hear voices coming down the stairs beside the waterfall. Thor pressed flat to the ground and peered up to see Highbrow and the Bulldogs returning from Midnight Falls. The vampires were working hard on the ridge above. Trees were being cut down with a chainsaw, and a lot of hammering was going on. Additional high-wattage lights had been added on either side of the cliff that lit up as the captain and his team came down the stairs.

  “We’re here,” said Loki, creeping up behind Thor.

  Xena, Phoenix, Dodger, Smack, and Freeborn crouched down behind a wall of bushes with thorny leaves and red berries. Loki had done the impossible. He’d actually freed the two youngest Tigers. Everyone wore heavy coats and was armed with weapons. He caught Dodger grinning from ear to ear.

  “We couldn’t get to Cadence,” said Loki. “I managed to get Dodger and Smack out of the RV, but it was Dodger who freed Freeborn from the brig. He knew the guard.”

  “Where is Luna?” asked Thor. “Is she okay?”

  “Highbrow has the commander over at the soldiers’ barracks,” said Freeborn. “Luna and the pride are going to try and rescue her.”

  Thor was frustrated with the entire situation. “Isn’t anyone else joining us? Where are Black Beard, Saber, and Caesar?”

  “They’re interested, but they won’t join us unless we come back with Cadence’s blood. They want to have super powers before they join our revolt,” said Loki. “I tried to get Odin to come with us. He put a pillow over his head and refused to talk. Did you get Cadence’s blood? I’m to meet back up with the Buccaneers and War Gods. They’re waiting at their RVs.”

  Thor reached into his coat pockets and produced the vials of blood. Everyone grew quiet. He started handing a vial to each team member. Freeborn had a rifle and stood guard, while the kids each pulled out the rubber stopper from their bottles.

  “You don’t need a lot,” said Thor. “Take a drop and save the rest. You should start feeling the effects almost immediately. If in doubt, take another drop, but don’t overdo it. We need the rest to give to anyone else who will join.”

  Xena went first. She squirted three drops in her mouth. The rest of the group did the same, staring with wide eyes, expecting to sprout wings or horns.

  “Nomad should be getting back soon,” said Thor. “China Six will join us when they learn Star was taken,” said Thor. “Xena, go with Phoenix and meet them at the front gate. Make sure you get to China Six before Highbrow does. I know Dragon will join, and if he joins, the others will too. Picasso said he’s on our side, but the Dark Angels are staying in camp and don’t want to be involved, so steer clear of them. Rafe will join us, guaranteed, but he's it.”

  One after another, each person placed their hands over the next, building a tower. Thor put his hand on top. He could smell the excitement.

  “This is a rebellion. Our rebellion,” said Thor. “If we’re going to survive, this is the only way.”

  The hands went down, and then up, separating at the same time.

  Xena grabbed Loki by the arm. “You best come with us, Loki. I know your friends said they’d join us, but you shouldn’t be going on your own. We all need to pair up. It’s safer that way. Freeborn can go with Thor. Dodger with Smack. Once we turn the others, we can all join back up at Midnight Falls and head out with Luna’s pride.”

  “Just be careful,” said Thor. “Just talk to the people who are truly interested in joining us. I don’t trust the War Gods, so forget them. Black Beard and Saber are cool. If we can get them to join us, I know the rest of the Buccaneers will do the same.”

  The two Amazons and Loki moved out, keeping to the trees. Smack and Dodger each hugged Freeborn. Both kids were quiet, taking the mission seriously. Freeborn turned away and knelt down beside Thor. The end of her braid reached her knees.

  “What’s the plan?” asked Freeborn. “Who do you want to approach? Echo has been pretty nice to me. She’s a Blue Devil and all, but I think she’d be someone to ask.”

  “Not a chance. The Blue Devils support Highbrow and Echo doesn’t like me. Guess I pissed her off too many times in the past. The rest of the team can ask around. I thought we’d go into the HQ. Cadence has weapons and supplies in her cabin that we’ll need. Wait outside the window, and I’ll hand everything out to you.”

  Together, they moved through the shadows, sneaking up behind headquarters. Thor opened the window and slid inside, landing on Cadence’s cot. No one was inside, but he heard lots of chatter on the short wave radio, which Destry must have finally repaired. Thor grabbed everything he could—boxes of food, canteens of water, dynamite, and weapons—and handed them out to Freeborn. He bagged up the walkie-talkies, along with some clothes and a few maps, stuffed everything into a backpack, and handed it to Freeborn, who ducked as a search light swept across the side of the cabin. Thor spotted a medical kit, but left it behind. They didn’t need medicine anymore. Grabbing several folded duffle bags, he tossed them out the window, and then went back for the short wave radio. He wrapped the radio, the mike and all of the cords in a sheet, tied the end, and went out the window. Freeborn was waiting in the trees. Everything was packed in the duffle bags and backpack. She stuffed the boxes under a bush.

  “We got it all,” said Thor. “You ready to haul this up the stairs? What’s wrong? You got cold feet?”

  “Highbrow called me a monster. Suppose that’s what we are? We really don’t know what Chameleon Blood will do to us.”

  Thor lifted an eyebrow. “Is that what you’re calling it? Chameleon Blood?”

  Freeborn nodded. “I’m worried, Thor. This strain of the virus mutates fast. It might have serious side effects. I could turn back into a zombie. We could all end up zombies.”

  “The Kaiser didn’t come here by coincidence,” said Thor. “Nor did the Dark Angels. The vampires are here because of Cadence. It’s her blood they want, and we need to protect her. You’re just scared, Freeborn. Change is scary, but we’re doing the right thing. Now come on; I need you.”

  Thor slipped on the backpack, kept the radio, and grabbed a bag of guns. Freeborn picked up several bags and followed behind. As they came around Cadence’s cabin, they spotted the Razorbacks standing guard by the stairs. Highbrow and the Bulldogs were over at a line of golf carts, talking about security, and Thor could hear everything they said. With a nod at Freeborn, he ran for the stairs, passing the Razorbacks without being noticed. He moved so fast that he reached the top of the stairs without taking a single breath. Heading down the path, he didn’t hear Freeborn behind him and went back to see what was holding her up. Freeborn was kneeling on the ground. The Razorbacks had encircled her, holding their guns on their prisoner. Highbrow and the Bulldogs came running over. Someone pointed up at Thor. The Bulldogs raised their guns and opened fire.

  Three bullets struck Thor’s stomach and one hit his shoulder. Despite the pain, he took off running down a hiking path and arrived at the newly built Moon Tower. The fence lay ten yards beyond the guard tower. Lieutenant Sterling and the Dark Angels were in the process of raising the fence. The vampires saw him, but Lieutenant Sterling didn’t. The Dark Angels remained silent as Thor sped through the opening. He jumped the creek at Midnight Falls, turned left and took the path to Luna’s cave.

  The scent of burning flesh on the bree
ze caught his attention. Slowing down, Thor came across a deep pit in a grove of trees, still smoldering with charred human and vampire remains. Thor sank to his knees and let the bags and radio drop to the ground. Tears covered his cheeks as he gazed into the pit. On Highbrow’s orders, the funeral had involved stacking the vampires on top of the humans, along with Baldor, and burning them together. It was all grotesque. The offense was unforgivable.

  More gunfire echoed through the canyon. Thor assumed Highbrow and the patrols had found someone else to shoot at. He gazed down the path, making sure he hadn’t been followed, but no one had come after him. Opening his coat, he probed the wounds in his stomach and shoulder, and his fingers came away slick with blood. He kept waiting for the pain to grow intense, expecting his last breath to come at any second. When he didn’t die, he pressed his hand against the holes in his stomach once again. His stomach muscles were constricting, pushing the bullets out of his body. The bleeding stopped, and the holes sealed. Three bullets popped out of his stomach and one out of his shoulder, getting lost in his sweater. Thor sat still for several moments, taking it all in. He should have died, but his body had healed on its own, just minutes after being shot four times.

  Hearing a soft growl, Thor spun around. Four werepumas came from the east, trotting down the path. The large black werepuma, Barbarella, was limping. She had been shot in the shoulder. Sheena, a small, tawny werepuma, came over to lick Barbarella’s wound. Big, brown Skye sniffed at the wind and snarled as she walked around the smoldering pit.

  “Was anyone else hurt?” Thor wiped the blood from his hands onto his pants as he rose to his feet. Luna gazed at him and sniffed at his clothes. “Don’t get close to me. I’m covered in blood. It kills vampires. It might kill you.”