by Casey Knight
“That’s probably because you wouldn’t have any reason to visit. Wizards are not generally welcome guests. Our dealings with the vampires are usually to remove a rogue sect. But, there are members of the council whose job is keeping an eye on the various courts. I’ll check into and get back to you.”
“Jason, before you go, I need another favor.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask.”
“No seriously. I intend to go after these vampires until I find Traygen. Tokem and I could use some help. This is one task, we can’t handle alone.”
“Did I hear you correctly? You want help? I never thought I’d live to see this day.”
In response to his question, I threw a book at his head.
“Don’t get yourself in an uproar. I think it is a good idea. You can’t take on all four vampire courts by yourselves. I’ll think about it while I speak to the council. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go get started.”
“Jason, thank you.” I’m not sure if he heard me, he had already vanished.
“Lauren, we had better get some rest while, we await Jason’s return. It may be the last time we get a chance for a while. Besides, we can’t plan anything until we know where we are going and what we are up against.”
“Tokem, you are correct as usual. Get some rest and I’ll call you when Jason returns.”
Tokem flew off to sleep, and I paced. I didn’t like having so little control. Traygen was my world and I wasn’t comfortable relying on others to save him. Worrying wouldn’t make anything better. I might as well try to sleep. I was mercifully able to fall asleep and I awoke feeling rested. I dressed and went to see if Jason had returned. I roamed the castle and encountered no one. It was still several hours before sunrise. Breakfast wouldn’t be for another hour or so, I decided to do some reading. Maybe the castle had some information on the vampires. It was worth a try. A couple of wrong turns later and I found the library. Where was Map Quest when you needed it?
Having no idea where to start, I wandered up and down the aisles skimming titles until I found reference to vampires. There were a surprising number of books on them. I guess I shouldn’t have been shocked. These people were changelings. So they would have books on other supernatural beings. You wouldn’t find any mention of them in the L.A. County Library system, except in fiction. However, in this universe knowledge of vampires would be essential for their safety and survival.
I grabbed a few books and headed to the nearest table and chair. Pointing my bracelet at the nearest candle I sent a small surge of energy at the wick. It instantly burst into flame bathing the area in a golden glow. Damn, that might be great for reading menus on a romantic date, but not serious reading. I conjured up a glowing sphere and ordered it to illuminate the area. Ah, that was more like it. I was now bathed in a bright white light. Hell, I could read the titles across the room. Hopefully, my light wouldn’t wake up the rest of the castle.
I skimmed the first couple of books and didn’t find much. Then I opened a book on the kingdom’s wars with the vampires. Interesting, Traygen never mentioned that his kingdom had battled the vampires in the late 1800’s. No wonder he understood their strategies so well. He’d had practice. It seems members of the Jade Court teamed up with the Sidhe. According to this tome it was Traygen’s kingdom that drove the Sidhe fairies into the underworld at Knockma. Well, banning the fae to the underworld gave the Sidhe a motive. However, it still wasn’t clear to me why the vampires got involved. I kept reading until I found the connection.
The practice during that time and for centuries before was to build passageways or catacombs to other worlds. Remnants of theses tombs can still be found all over Ireland, Great Britain, and in parts of Germany. Today theses tombs were thought to have been mainly ceremonial. Yet, the supernatural realms know differently. These tombs were often used by fairies, vampires, wizards, and others to travel between worlds. Samhain and Beltaine are especially busy times in the spirit and supernatural realms. These holidays celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of spring. Today theses holidays would be equivalent to Halloween and May Day. The spirits take advantage of these times to move between worlds. It seems the vampires and fairies aligned against Traygen’s kingdom after the Sidhe were banished to the underworld. The Sidhe needed an ally to help open the portals and to protect them from the dragons of Traygen’s kingdom. The dragons guarded the portal to prevent the migration of supernatural creatures between worlds. The vampires from the Jade Court aided the Sidhe in slaying the dragons that guarded the portal tomb in Knockma. Maeva the Queen of the Sidhe fairy is buried in a cairn there.
It wasn’t much to go on especially, when you consider that members of the Jade Court look human when they are in this universe. They are just like dragons and fae when they cross over into this world. They assume a human looking form. Great, this area could be full of Jade Court vampires and no one would know. Not a comforting thought in a kingdom full of changelings. The only other mention of the fae was the warning wail of the banshee. The banshee is a Sidhe fairy, which keens or wails foretelling of imminent death.
I started to pick up another tome when a popping sound startled me. Turning toward the sound I saw Jason appear.
“I hope I didn’t startle you. I knew you’d be eager to hear from me.”
“Yes, what have you learned? Does the council know where to find the vampire courts?”
Jason crossed the room and sat in a chair next to me. “The council believes the White Court is unlikely to be involved and that you should skip them. The Jade Court has had some involvement with this kingdom. They conspired with the Sidhe to attack the kingdom after the Sidhe were banished from this world. The Jade Court’s primary reason for involving themselves was to keep their trade routes open. It seems Traygen’s kingdom has denied them passage over Ireland.”
“Tell me something I don’t know. There is a detailed account of that skirmish in their history.” I tapped the large volume in front of me.
“I see you still haven’t cultivated any patience. But, to answer your question the Red Court and Black Court vampires are rumored to occupy the Isles of Paradise. There was no consensus on exactly where the islands are located, but our guess is somewhere in the Hebrides. The Gaelic tradition believes the islands are home to ghosts and demons. We believe they are too.”
“It’s a start. Can they narrow the search down any? My geography is sketchy, but I think there are almost a dozen islands in that chain.”
“Not bad. There are the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The council thinks the best place to begin is the Outer Hebrides.”
“Now that we know where we are going, did the council send someone to help me in the search?”
“It took us awhile, but yes we did. With wars waging on several fronts resources are scarce. The council recommended a man who is familiar with the Red Court vampires. His name is Zane and he has worked for the council since before you joined us.”
“How soon before he can get here? I want to get this search under way. Time is of the essence.”
“He’ll be here as soon as I send for him. There are things you need to know about Zane before, I summons him. He’s methodical, logical, and thorough. Lauren, he is your total opposite which in this case is a good thing. You cannot afford to rush into this. These vampire courts are deadly, and you are entering their domains or trying to. No one has ever come out alive from those islands, except Zane.”
My head almost spun around in a circle, a real Exorcist moment. “What did you say? Zane has been there. What are we waiting for? I’d follow him into the depths of hell to find Traygen.”
“It isn’t that simple. Zane lost his family to the Red Court vampires of those islands. It nearly killed him and he hasn’t been the same since. You need to tread lightly. Can you do that?”
“I’m sorry for his loss, but I’ll do whatever it takes. You have my word, I’ll do it. Now will you call him?”
“I’ll call him, but you let me spe
ak to him first. Alone. I’ll send Tokem for you when we’re ready. Lauren, don’t even think of arguing, or I won’t call him at all. Do I have your word?”
I glared at Jason. Then I turned and stomped from the room, slamming the door behind me.
Tokem glided over and landed lightly on Jason’s shoulder. “That went well. Don’t you think?”
“Tokem, I’m going to need you to keep these two from tearing one another apart. They’re going to clash hard on almost everything. Still, I believe if they can put their differences aside they’ll make a great team.”
“No worries, I’ve handled worse. Truthfully Traygen and Lauren didn’t exactly hit it off the first time or two as I recall.”
“Right you are. I’d almost forgotten. Now I’d better call Zane and explain the assignment. He isn’t going to like this.” Jason said as he summonsed Zane.
“Jason, what do you believe our chances are of finding Traygen alive? I love life too much to ask Lauren. She won’t even consider that he could already be dead.”
“Not good, but I also respect Lauren’s intuition. If she says she feels a connection, I believe her.”
I started to respond to Jason, but a popping sound announced Zane’s arrival. He was an average sized man, with dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He moved forward to greet Jason with an agile, confident air. He reminded me of a panther, alert and ready to strike.
“Jason, how are you?”
“Zane, I’m well thank you. How are you?”
“Surviving. Why did you send for me?”
“I need your help on an assignment to the Paradise Islands.”
The color drained from Zane’s face and he clenched and unclenched his fists. He waited several minutes before responding. “You know that I cannot refuse an assignment. Yet, you know the Paradise Islands are the last place on earth that I’d willingly travel to.”
“You also know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t of the up most importance. One of the council’s most trusted allies is missing and the last ones to have him were vampires. We don’t know which court, but we are ruling out the White Court. He is a changeling and they couldn’t handle him.”
“The Whites are into seduction not abduction. What changeling are you referring to?”
“His name is Traygen and he is a dragon when he isn’t in his human form. He is the Prince of Carndonagh. You may have heard of him. He works with Lauren Simon. She is the person you will escort to the islands.”
“Hey, what about me? I’m not chopped liver you know. I’m the most well-known of the trio. I’m d’Artagnan to their Athos and Porthos. He can be Aramis if I accept him.”
“Tokem that is enough. Zane, this is Tokem. He is the third member of your party.”
“I hope he can fight as well as he reads and that he can provide some useful service.”
Tokem flew at Zane. “I’ll show you a thing or two.”
Jason stepped between the two. “Tokem that is enough. Zane, I assure you Tokem is a valued member of the council’s team. Now if you have no more questions, I’ll have Tokem get Lauren.”
“You may as well. I have too many questions to ask now. I’ll iron out things with Lauren.”
Tokem darted from the room and returned moments later with Lauren.
“Lauren, this is Zane. Zane, this is Lauren. I’ve given Zane a brief outline of what we need help with. Now I’ll leave you three to work things out. Lauren, summon me if you need anything. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got other matters to attend to.”
I looked from Tokem to Zane and back. Tokem glared at Zane who looked dismissively at Tokem. “If you two can bury your animosity, we have work to do. Zane, I don’t know what Jason told you. However, we have reason to believe that vampires have abducted Traygen. We do not know which court, but it is unlikely the Whites have him. He’s too powerful for them. I’ve uncovered some past disputes between Traygen’s kingdom and the Jade Court.”
“Do tell?”
“As far as I can tell it was several hundred years ago or more. The Jade Court aligned with the Sidhe fae after Traygen’s father drove the fairies into the underworld. The Jade Court agreed to side with the Sidhe to protect their trade routes. That is all I can tell from their histories.”
“The Jade Court is still involved in smuggling and illegal trafficking of drugs, prostitution, and stolen art. But, I find it hard to believe they would gain anything by kidnapping Traygen.”
“Great, the mafia of vampires. I’m not sure we can rule them out. Traygen and I helped the council recover the Sphere of Destiny. There were vampires involved in trying to steal the sphere. It would give them a motive if they had any interest in the sphere. Still, I’m inclined to agree with you. It is more likely something the Red or Black vampire courts would try.”
“Have you had any run-ins with either court?”
Tokem landed lightly on my shoulder. “Too many to mention,” he replied.
“A better question Zane is have you tracked either court to their homes?”
Zane’s face turned scarlet, and he turned his back and walked away. He paced back and forth for several minutes before answering. “More than I ever wanted. As you know, they’re responsible for the death of my family.”
“Zane, I’m sorry. If this is too hard…?”
“Lauren, I have a debt of my own to settle. I have tracked both courts across contents. If they have Traygen then we need to plan carefully and get moving. They won’t let him live long. You can start by bringing me up to speed. Tell me exactly what happened.”
“Pull up a chair and I’ll fill you in.”
It took me several hours to tell Zane everything that had occurred since Traygen’s disappearance. When I finished and Zane asked everything he could think of and then some. We turned in for the night.
Chapter Three
I had a hard time falling asleep. My mind raced and I just couldn’t settle down. I hadn’t worked with anyone but Traygen since I started as an apprentice wizard. Where had the time gone? Traygen where are you my love? I must have fallen asleep at some point because a knock on my door woke me. It took me a moment to remember where I was. Grumbling, I got up to answer my door.
“Lauren, it is Trevor. May I have a word with you?”
“Trevor, just give me a minute, and I’ll be right out.” I threw on some clothes and ran my fingers through my hair. I hated slapping myself together, but there wasn’t any time to lose.
“Are you hungry? I thought we could talk before you meet with Zane.”
“Are you kidding, since when did I ever pass up a meal? Lead the way and how is your father? Is he regaining his strength?”
“It is looking like my father will make a full recovery, at least physically. He hasn’t gotten over Traygen’s disappearance and my brother’s betrayal.”
“I’m glad to hear your father is on the mend. You can assure him I’ll bring Traygen home, alive and healthy.”
“If I’m not prying, what are your plans? What do you know about Zane?”
“We are meeting later this morning to begin planning. Zane has firsthand experience with the Red and Black Courts. Jason assures me he is one of the best vampire hunters they have. Other than that, I don’t know a thing about him.”
It was good to speak with Trevor. He reminded me so much of Traygen. I filled him in on what little I knew about the vampire courts. Before I could finish, Tokem buzzed in and interrupted our chat.
“Good morning everyone. What’s for breakfast? I’m hungry enough to eat a Happy Meal.”
“Then you’re out of luck. There is no Mickey D’s here. You’ll have to settle for pancakes. What have you been doing all morning or need, I ask?”
“If you must know Miss Busybody, I was watching reruns of The Price Is Right.”
I laughed despite myself. “I should have known. How did you pull that off? There isn’t any electricity here.”
“I brought my own portable battery pack. I can watch several episod
es on one battery. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to eat my breakfast.”
“Has anyone seen Zane this morning?”
“He ate early this morning and asked me to have you join him in the library when you were finished eating.”
“You two go ahead. I’ll be in as soon as I’ve finished my breakfast.”
Trevor and I left Tokem and headed for the library. When we got there we found Zane up to his eyeballs in maps.
Trevor walked over to Zane. “Did you find everything you were looking for?”
Zane glanced up from his map. “Lauren, Trevor. Yes I found the maps I needed. But, I have a few questions.”
“Certainly, what can I help you with?”
“We will need a small sailboat, preferably one that will hold three or four people and supplies. It must be sea worthy and fast. Do you have such a vessel? We need to travel light and fast. A crew is out of the question.”
“Why can’t we fly in?” I asked.
“Lauren, the vampires would detect the energy. Let’s not forget, they can fly. No, we need to approach them from the sea. It is the one place, they can’t follow us.”
“You have a point, but next time can we discuss things first?”
Zane shrugged in reply. “Trevor, do you have such a vessel?”
I stuffed my fists into my pockets to keep from slugging Zane. In retrospect, I probably should have shoved them into my mouth. If he was trying to annoy me, he was doing an excellent job.
“Zane, I believe we took such a vessel from the Vikings. I’ll go check with General Wingo and get back to you. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll see to it straight away. Lauren.”
The second the door closed behind Trevor, I turned to face Zane. “Zane, you need to understand one thing. You are assisting me and we make our decisions together. Got it?”
Zane never took his eyes from the map, but his hands betrayed his anger. His knuckles were white and the area around his temples pulsed. The map shook ever so slightly. “I heard you. If you have finished can we get back to the task? The longer the vampires have Traygen the less likely we are to find him alive.”
