by Brandon Hale
“Maybe they have,” Reagan offered. “They could be watching us.”
Wallace looked at her with a cocked eyebrow. “Do you really believe that?”
“No,” Reagan said. “We’d have smelled them.”
Reagan was one of the original seventy-four werewolves who sided with the Day Soldiers at the beginning of the war. During the war, she was the commanding officer of the training facility in Columbus, Ohio. When Wallace led the attack on New York, she was part of the assault.
Technically, she was the same rank as Wallace, but after the battle of New York, she had relinquished command of the remaining troops to him. Most of the troops were from the Virginia facilities, so Reagan had decided it would be best if Wallace remained their commander.
This self-demotion, however, didn’t stop her from voicing her opinion. Often.
“I don’t know why you’re dragging Lucy into this, Geoff,” she said. “We should leave Lucy and her people alone.”
“I wish I could,” Wallace said. “I really do. But without her, this mission will fail. That’s not my opinion. It’s a fact. The twenty-five of us can’t do what we have to do here.”
“Then we need to rethink this mission,” Reagan said, “because there’s no way Lucy will join us.”
“There’s a way,” Wallace said. “I think I can reason with—”
The wind shifted and every werewolf immediately looked east. They smelled smoke.
“There’s a fire in that valley,” Wallace said.
Reagan sniffed the air. “Several fires. I think there’s a settlement in that valley.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” Wallace said. “Lucy’s people wouldn’t use fire.”
Reagan continued to sniff the air in front of her. “Geoff, I smell humans down there.”
Wallace stared at the valley below. “Me too. And werewolves.”
“And vampires,” Reagan added. “I smell vampires.”
“What the hell,” Wallace said. He turned around to the other werewolves. “Okay, something weird is going on in that valley. Let’s play it safe and go human. Put on your clothes.”
“Going in Day Soldier uniforms could be worse than going as werewolves,” Reagan said.
“Maybe,” Wallace said. “But if they’re going to attack us either way, going as humans might prevent them from attacking with silver.”
“Good point,” Reagan conceded as she removed her backpack. “I’m really curious about what’s going on down there.”
“Yeah,” Wallace said. “Me too.”
As soon as they got beneath the trees in the valley the scents became much stronger. Wallace was surprised by how many individual scents he was picking up. There were hundreds of them, and they were definitely human, werewolf, and vampire scents.
They had been walking for about a mile when Reagan stopped and said, “Lights.”
“I see them,” Wallace said. Through the trees, they could see several flickering orange lights. It looked like campfires.
“What is that sound?” another soldier asked.
Wallace smiled. “That’s called bluegrass, son.”
The woods cleared to reveal a tiny town in the center of the valley. Small, wooden shacks lined the edge of the clearing. Campfires burned in various places in the center of the town. Dozens of people stood around the fires. Some were cooking, some were playing various musical instruments, and others were simply clapping and dancing.
Some of these people were human.
Others were vampires.
Wallace noticed with interest that the vampires were from the war. They had bald heads, white skin covered in blue veins, and pointed ears. But instead of attacking the humans, they were dancing with them.
A wooden sign stood at the edge of town:
Welcome to Safehouse, Kentucky.
Living Population: 457
Undead Population: 43
“Okay,” Reagan said. “That’s interesting.”
Wallace sniffed again. “There are no werewolves here,” he said, “but their scents are strong in this place. They come here. A lot.”
They stepped from the clearing and the music immediately stopped. One of the humans placed his banjo on the ground and walked up to them.
“Welcome to Safehouse, strangers,” the man said. He was small, with thinning gray hair and a short beard. He wore jeans and nothing else. No shoes, no shirt. “I see you’re wearing Day Soldier outfits. That war is not welcome here.”
“We’ve brought no war with us,” Wallace said. “We’re looking for Lucy.”
“Lucy’s not here,” the man said. Several others – including the vampires – were now standing behind him.
“Then we’ll be on our way,” Wallace said. “If you happen to see Lucy, please tell her Wallace would like to talk to her. She’ll know who you’re talking about.”
“We’re a peaceful town,” the man said, “but we have protectors. We just want to be left alone. We’re not causing any trouble here.”
“You’re worried I’m going to come back with more soldiers,” Wallace said.
“Crossed my mind,” the man said.
Wallace could see the fear in the man’s eyes. “You have nothing to worry about. As soon as we talk to Lucy, we’re leaving Kentucky. Safehouse will be forgotten. I give you my word. When you talk to Lucy, she’ll confirm that you can take me at my word. Thanks for your time, friend.”
“You’re not really leaving, are ya,” the man said. “You’re gonna camp in the woods around this place and wait for her.”
“Yeah,” Wallace said. “That was my plan. We really need to talk to her.”
“Well, shit,” the man said. “No sense in that, especially if you’re just gonna come out and admit it. You folks hungry?”
Wallace grinned. “We could eat.”
“I wasn’t lying about Lucy,” the man said. “Werewolves spend most of their time in the woods. We don’t see em all that much. I’m Bart, by the way. I’m the mayor of Safehouse.”
“Thanks for your hospitality, Bart,” Wallace said. “And your trust.”
“I figure if you plan to do anything bad, there’s not much we could do to stop you.”
“We don’t plan to do anything bad,” Wallace said. “We have no reason to harm your town, no matter how weird it is.”
Bart laughed. “The vamps are freaking you out a little, aren’t they.”
“A little,” Wallace said.
“It’s just a little surprising,” Reagan added. “Vampires aren’t people. You won’t get any thanks from them. They’ll rip your throats out as soon as they get the chance.”
“I know,” Bart said. “They’ve attacked humans a few times, even though we all donate to keep em fed. We just have to take proper precautions. They do try, though. They only attack when they see blood.”
“Then why do you let them stay here?” Wallace asked.
“Because this town,” Bart said, “lives by a philosophy that’s bigger than human prejudices against vampires. They were refugees. They wandered into the town saying they were being slaughtered by their own kind. We offered to let them stay here if they promised to never attack us. They’ve held to that, mostly. We have a few mishaps now and then, but deep down, they’re good people.”
“They’re not good people, Mr. Mayor,” Reagan said. “They’re soulless monsters. Keeping them here is dangerous.”
“It’s fine if you believe that,” Bart said, “as long as you don’t try to push your beliefs on us.”
“It’s not my philosophical belief,” Reagan said. “It’s a fact. We’ve tested and proven it. Vampires have no sentimentality at all. They will kill you if you give them a chance.”
“Regardless,” Wallace added quickly, “we will absolutely respect the laws of your town while we’re here.”
“Of course,” Reagan said. “Your pet vampires are safe from us.”
Wallace gave Reagan an agitated look, then turned back to Bart. “Now, Mr.
Mayor, I’m looking forward to trying some of that food I see cooking over your fires. It smells wonderful.”
When they got back to the center of town, Bart picked up his banjo and said, “Help yourselves to any of the food. I recommend the pork, mainly because it’s the only food we have tonight.” He looked at the other townspeople and said, “Come on, people. We have guests. Let’s show em how we sing and dance in Kentucky!”
He began playing his banjo and several others joined in. A few people began to sing. After a few seconds, several people began to dance.
Tables full of cooked pork were set up in front of the shacks. Wallace walked over to one of the tables and picked up what looked like a rib. Reagan followed him.
“These people are in very real danger,” she said. “Those vampires will eventually kill them.”
“It’s not our place to intervene,” Wallace said. “A few hours ago, you were the one suggesting we leave Kentucky.”
“I know,” Reagan said, “but this is very troubling. These folks seem like good people. I’d hate to see their own ignorance be the cause of their deaths.”
“We’re here for Lucy,” Wallace said. “I’d like to help these people, but we have a far more important mission. I’m not going to risk that mission by helping people who don’t want my help.”
Reagan looked at several of the vampires. They were standing in the street, watching the humans dance. “After we’re done with this mission, we’re coming back here. I just hope it won’t be too late.”
“Yeah,” Wallace said. “Me too.”
“Geoff Wallace!”
They turned around to see a woman strolling toward them. She had bright red hair, a face covered in freckles, and wore blue jean overalls. She was grinning. “I thought I smelled you, you old hound dog!”
“Hello, Lucy,” Wallace said.
Lucy looked at Reagan. “How you been, Reagan?”
“Good,” Reagan said.
“The mayor said you weren’t here,” Wallace said.
“He was right,” Lucy answered. “I just stopped in to see how the party was going. I smelled your mangy butt as soon as I stepped outta the woods.”
“Nice,” Wallace said.
“I don’t know why you’re here,” Lucy said, “but you’re wasting your time. Whatever you’re selling, I ain’t buying.”
“At least hear us out?” Wallace asked. “For old times’ sake.”
Lucy sighed. “I never could say no to you.”
“You said no when I asked you to join the Day Soldiers,” Wallace countered.
Lucy laughed. “Besides that, I mean.”
“Is there somewhere private we can talk?” Reagan asked.
“Yeah,” Lucy said. “Come on. I’ll show you my den. Your people can stay here if they want.”
“If it’s all the same to you, I want my people to stay together,” Wallace said. “They’ll be coming with us.”
“Whatever,” Lucy said. “Let’s get this over with, so you can be on your way.”
Lucy’s den was a cave in the side of a mountain a few miles from Safehouse. The cave was huge. Wallace could see why she chose it as her home.
“Technically,” Lucy said as they walked inside and found various rocks to use as seats, “you’re breaking the treaty by coming here. I can only assume you’re here to try and recruit my werewolves again. It won’t work, Wallace. We’re not taking part in this war. We were very clear about that when Lycaon made his stupid declaration. We don’t kill humans and we don’t kill werewolves. Period. Nothing has changed. We’re happy here. The Legion has kept its promise to leave us alone. You have too, until now.”
“We’re not asking you to kill anybody, Lucy,” Wallace said. “We’re here to ask you to help us save lives, not take them.”
One of the Day Soldiers stepped into the mouth of the cave and said, “Sir, a plane just flew by overhead. Thought you’d want to know.”
Wallace looked at Lucy. “Is that normal? I’m sure they’ll see your town from up there.”
“Happens all the time,” Lucy said. “I thought it was your people until those refugees showed up and said the vamps run most of the cities now. Apparently, Dennis made some arrangement with the vamps. They stay away from the forests.”
“So you don’t know what’s going on with the war?” Wallace asked.
“Just what those vamps told us,” Lucy said.
“Okay,” Reagan said, “before we go on, I have to ask. Why are you letting those vampires stay in that town? I can accept the humans are naïve enough to think it’s okay, but you know better, Lucy.”
“I know,” Lucy said. “I was just really surprised by the whole thing. They just showed up. They didn’t attack anybody and agreed to behave themselves if we let them stay. They seemed… scared.”
“Yeah,” Wallace said. “Their kind has been purged.”
“They said the war was pretty much over,” Lucy continued. “And here’s the weird part. After the war was over, they were ordered to kill themselves by the vampires in charge. Apparently, most of them complied by staking themselves or stepping into the sun. A few resisted and were quickly hunted down and killed by the more powerful vampires. The guys in town really are refugees.”
“I don’t care what they agreed to,” Reagan said. “By letting them stay there, you’ve put those people in danger.”
‘’Reagan, I don’t own that town,” Lucy said. “I let them build the town in my woods because I can relate to their desire to avoid the war, but I’m not in charge there. I explained the dangers and they chose to take the risk. The vampires know that I’ll kill them all if they hurt those people. That’s all I can do.”
“Sorry, Lucy,” Reagan said sincerely. “I didn’t mean to sound so judgmental. We’ve been defending humanity from those parasites for over ten years. It’s just a little disturbing to see humans welcome them with open arms.”
“I agree, honey,” Lucy said. “Maybe I’ll talk to Bart again tomorrow.” She was quiet for a moment, then said, “So is it true?”
“Is what true?” Wallace asked.
“Is the war over? Did humanity lose?”
“No,” Reagan said. “But they hurt us.”
The pain in Lucy’s face was unmistakable. “How bad?”
“So bad,” Wallace said, “that we will lose this war if you don’t help us. We’re on the run, Lucy. And we don’t have enough people to strike back.”
“Almost everyone is captured,” Reagan said. “They’re being used as a food supply.”
Lucy shook her head sadly. “What the hell happened?”
“A little over a year ago,” Wallace said, “they mounted a full scale assault. Thousands of them. Probably millions. They swept in like a damn tidal wave. It was just too much for us to stand against.”
“We tried to retreat,” Reagan added, “but they discovered the locations of almost all of our hidden bunkers. They spent months sweeping those facilities, killing every person they found. I’m surprised you didn’t know this.”
“I heard,” Lucy said. “When more and more werewolves started passing through here, they told me. I just needed to hear it from your side before I believed it.”
“And there’s a new breed of vampire,” Wallace said. “They seem to be much older than the ones who fought in the war. We don’t know much about them other than the fact that they’re very powerful. They turned thousands of humans, then completely wiped out the vampires like the ones in your town. They’re building a new world by finding our greatest minds and turning them into vampires. We’re running out of time, Lucy, and we can’t stop this without you.”
“You overestimate my importance,” Lucy said.
“Bullshit,” Reagan said. “You’re the most respected werewolf on the east coast. Your influence is powerful.”
“Dennis made a deal with those vampires,” Lucy said, “and so far, they’ve kept their end of the bargain. They’ve stayed out of our woods. No matter what I say,
I doubt any of the werewolves around here will break that deal. Life has been good to us here.”
“How long will it last?” Wallace asked. “We know nothing of this new breed.”
“Lucy,” Reagan said, “your parents were human. How can you turn your back on that?”
“Besides,” Wallace added, “we’re not asking you to join the war. I mean, that would be fantastic, but that’s not why we’re here.”
“Then why are you here?” Lucy asked.
“I think we can defeat the vampires,” Wallace said. “They have some major weaknesses we can exploit. If we find more troops and if we play it smart, we can beat them. But we don’t stand a chance if the werewolves rejoin the war. We want to make sure they don’t. That’s all.”
Lucy laughed. “Well, why didn’t you say that from the start? I’ll pass the word on to every werewolf on the east coast to stay out of the cities. I’m pretty sure they’ll be fine with that.”
“I’m afraid that’s not enough,” Wallace said.
“Spit it out, Geoff,” Lucy said. “What the hell are you asking me to do?”
Wallace leaned forward. “According to our information – which may or may not be outdated – since the fall of the council, North America is controlled by three werewolves. You control the east coast. We think Jed has a strong following on the west coast. And Talbot controls everywhere in between.”
“Jed?” Lucy said. “You mean the Jed?”
Wallace nodded.
Lucy laughed. “Well, you can give up on getting Jed’s support. Rumor has it, he’s been a vampire lapdog since before the war began.”
“I know,” Wallace said. “But he’s also a coward. I can handle Jed.”
“And Talbot,” Lucy went on, “is the most bloodthirsty sumbitch I ever met. He’ll join the vampires just for the fun of it.”
“Talbot,” Wallace said, “will be a challenge. To be honest, I dread seeing him again, but I don’t really have a choice.”
Lucy stared at him for a moment, then said, “You’re going to challenge them for control, aren’t you.”
“That’s the plan,” Wallace said. “But if I go in with twenty-four werewolves, they’ll just have their people kill us. I need enough werewolves standing with me to prevent the others from interfering. If I have a large enough following, it’ll be seen as a legitimate challenge for leadership. It’ll be me against the werewolf I challenge. The others will stay out of it.”
