The edges of the witch’s mouth turn up. “You’re the first to bring back one of my weapons.”
“Yes.” The leader motions between me and the witch. “My warrior will be intrigued as well. It was a rare case. I trust you appreciated that we left his heart. That is not our custom.”
Bile rises in my throat, and I want to spit into their eyes. “The stake is spelled? That is how Alec was overpowered?”
My bag begins to vibrate, and I cross my arms over it.
“The stake is mine.” The witch aims his fingers at me.
The fabric in my grasp heats, and my arms begin to sear with pain. I fear the pack will ignite and drop it on the dirt floor. The stake rolls from the bag and flies into the witch’s palm. He studies the carved instrument. “Thank you, dear.”
Anger rises in my chest. “You use a witch to kill fellow vampires?”
“I can’t risk losing my warriors. I’m afraid Alec made the mistake of settling for too long. I assume because of you.” His eyes trace from my feet to my face.
Disgust and horror build in my stomach. “It’s not my fault Alec is dead. You’re the one killing your own people, enslaving witches to keep you in power.”
In a breath, he is an inch from me. The stench of his acrid breath wafts over my nose. “You’re not one of us. You don’t know hunger for survival. I’m sure you are very learned. Have you not heard of the tigers in Asia or birds of prey that defend their hunting grounds? And what of your family, do they not defend their own?”
I straighten my spine. “You killed my family. Alec was my tribe.”
“What of your parents?” The leader circles me.
Chin up, I whisper the words. “Killed by witches.”
“See.” He shoots across the room, snatches the stake from the witch, and holds it over his chest. “You have every reason to hate their kind. They took your parents and mate.”
“You killed my mate.”
“Alec made his own destiny.”
“He was eleven.”
Running a finger along the smooth wood of the stake, the leader saunters towards me. “He was old enough to hunt. He knew the rules.”
“My parents wanted more than survival. They wanted peace and prosperity.”
“And you have come to enlighten me on the error of our ways?” His breath is hot on my forehead.
“No.” I let my chin drop to my chest. “I came to learn. I am but a youngling, left too soon by her parents, raised amongst humans. I’ve known no tribe. I yearn to know my people.”
“You surprise me, youngling. Sit, eat, and you shall learn.” He steps back and offers me his arm. “I am Erik from Theodoric.”
I grip his forearm and raise my eyes to meet his. “I am Anne Scott of Isis and Ammon.”
“Egyptian, I presume, from the southern tribes. But Scott, where is that name from?” He motions to a bed of fir needles on the floor.
“Elizabeth Scott raised me as her own. Her people come from Ireland via Scotland.” Lowering myself to the branches, I scan the rest of the space. My eyes land on the buck again.
“Please make yourself at home. What’s mine is yours.” Erik motions to the animal.
Switching the bag to my back, I hop to the bowl. I dip a metal cup in the warm red liquid and gulp it down, sucking the cup empty. Licking the last drop from the bottom, my eyes cut to Erik.
“Have your fill, you look as though you may blow away.”
“Thank you.” I refill the cup. Feeling satiated at last, I shed my outer layer and rest on the needles again. I swipe my sleeve across my lips, cleaning the blood from my face.
Erik sits in front of me. “So, you want to know of our people. I’m eight hundred years old and come from a long line of northern vampires. But we did not always live in the north. As the populations of humans grow, we travel farther and farther to protect our secrets.”
“But if you don’t kill humans, why live so far away, like this?” My eyes cut to the dirt floor, the mud walls, and roof made of intertwined branches and needles.
“We must look like barbarians to you. It’s not that we don’t crave human blood, but we stay away so we won’t be discovered. I am interested. How did you resist feeding? Younglings are prone to such hunger.”
“I was taught from a young age. I hunted animals often.”
Erik nods his head. “I’ll tell you all that I know, but my knowledge only extends back to the great flood when the witches turned on us and our numbers were almost decimated.”
“What do you mean the witches turned on us?”
“What do you know, youngling?”
“Nothing. I know of human histories, the Christian Bible.”
Erik shakes his head. “Out histories are passed down through the generations. It is written that the witches and vampires were there from the beginning as humans were. We do not know if humans or vampires came first, but witches were not there in the beginning. Having superior strength, speed, and longevity, our numbers increased faster than the humans. We were uncivilized and thought nothing of taking human lives. They were just another animal on the landscape. God, seeing his children preyed on by our species, created a balance, the witches.”
One of his eyebrows cocks up. “He instructed the Arch Angels to sire children, creating the witch line. Like us, they enjoy longevity, but they also were given magical powers to overcome us. The vampire numbers were large, and we learned how to protect ourselves, even overpower and kill witches. People began to be suspicious of witchcraft. To protect their species, the witches decided to forge a truce with the vampires. As the human population grew and formed civilizations, the witches and vampires worked together to keep each other’s secrets. For reasons we do not know,” Erik’s eyes cut to the witch sitting against the wall, “the witches decided to end the truce. They created the great flood that not only decimated human populations but killed thousands of vampires. Our lines have been at war since.”
The witch rises and moves towards us, his motions, like that of Erik, as smooth as glass. “Your people mesmerized and lured the humans, turning them against God with your pagan ways.”
Erik’s mouth contorts as he faces the witch. “You hypocrite. You take power from the earth, the moon, and the seasons, and yet you rebuke them in the same breath. We honor our Mother Earth.”
The witch looms over Erik. “You soulless creatures are damned from the day you are born.”
Erik rises, and the two stand before each other. “We return to our Mother. What of you, do you return to your maker?”
The witch’s eyes hold Erik’s stare. “One day we will live forever.”
I look between them, seeing two men, centuries old, arguing over souls, eternal life, wondering if my heart will ever know peace. The witch squats before me, pulling me from my trance. I leap back to the door, ready to bolt out. If there is one thing Elizabeth taught me that I will forever adhere to, it is this: Never allow a witch to touch you.
Erik laughs. “Smart girl. Amaud does have the gift of sight. He is quite useful to me in that way.”
Hugging my bag to my chest, I wait and wonder whether Erik means to have the witch, Amaud, I guess he is called, read my thoughts. “Do you mean for him to touch me?”
Chuckling, Erik lowers himself to the floor. “You’re not hard to read youngling. Your heart is broken by your mate’s death. You search for meaning, for belonging. Your passion for peace drives you. I could smell that the second you crossed our borders.”
Amaud halts his approach and lifts his palm in the air. A hum emanates from his hand, filling the space between us. My eyes cut to Erik. “What is he doing?”
“He doesn’t need to touch you to know you. It’s easier for him, but not required.” Erik shrugs and lifts a cup from the floor to his lips.
“If I’m not welcome anymore, I will go.”
“Amaud, stop. Leave the girl be. She isn’t interested in your party tricks. Come rest child and enjoy the heat from my fire for the night.
I’m sure you have many more questions.”
Amaud retreats to his original position across the room, and I join Erik beside the fire. I have many questions about witches, but I listen as he tells the histories of his clan and neighboring tribes. For hours I sit and take in all he says. As the fire wanes and my eyes droop, Erik offers me more blood. I fill my stomach, wondering if rest is prudent. The witch worries me. I don’t like being in his presence.
As I ponder my options, Erik rises. “I must hunt and attend to my people. I will bring Amaud, so you can rest. Is this agreeable? You will remain here until I come back and can give you direction for your travel.”
“Yes.” I hug my bag to me.
As the door swings open, fresh air from the village rushes in, carrying the scent of the tribe’s people. I realize that one of them is the warrior who killed Alec.
“Amaud, come with me, leave the girl some privacy.” Erik’s eyes land on me. “I will find some fresh clothes for you. There is warm water in the bucket.”
“Thank you.” I curtsey out of habit, realizing I don’t hate him as much as I did four hours prior.
I shed my outer layer and hear a rap on the door. Opening it, I find a girl about my size. Her arms are piled with linens. “Erik said to bring you these.”
She bows her head and backs out the door. Peeling my inner layers and piling all my soiled clothing in an empty bucket, I pour some of the water atop them. Then, I use a rag lying beside the water bucket to sponge off my skin. My hair is matted to my head, so I use my metal cup to rinse water through it. Drying my skin in front of the fire, I dress. The girl brought warm pant-like under layers and a heavy top skirt and shirt. On the bottom of the pile is a leather vest, and I pull it over my head. I wonder how I must look. Anne, woman of the wild, I think. The vest is warm, and I take it off and lay it beside my bag. Wringing out my clothes, I hang them on the sinew line near the fire. Then, I lie down on the fir needles to rest.
My mind is plagued with images of Alec’s body, the stake holding his heart, angels, demons, Erik, Amaud, Elizabeth, Sabine, Alexander, Nona, my parents, siblings, our house ablaze, the witches holding torches. Sucking in a deep breath, I bolt up.
The door opens, a gale is sucked through the dwelling and out the chimney. Erik enters. “Have we startled you?”
“I was resting.”
“There was a herd moving through the area. Earth has honored us. It is a night of feasting. Please come join us.” Erik motions outside.
My heart breaks, realizing I will never feast with Alec. But I raise my chin and follow Erik out into the quasi-light night. Beyond Erik and Amaud, I see men laying branches in the center of a clearing. Beside them, four reindeer are strung between poles. My mouth waters at the sight of their blood draining into bowls below.
“Please join us before you continue on your journey.” Erik motions to the group.
“For a few hours.” I fit the leather vest atop my shirt and follow them outside.
A hush grows through the space as we make our way to the fire circle. A woman sits beside the logs, rubbing two sticks together. Her hands rotate the branches faster and faster until smoke rises from the wood. A young girl drops dry needles over the branches, and they alight. With a gust of wind, the blaze spreads to the other tinder. I sit beside Erik and others join in the circle. Men, women, children, all light skinned, blue-eyed, and with hair of straw like Alec’s. A small girl approaches and holds a flower out to me. She points to my hair, and I nod. Her small fingers weave through my hair, creating an intricate braid. As she finishes, she fits the flower above my ear and holds the long braid out to me.
“Thank you.” Tears fill my eyes as I realize I can’t hate these people. Erik’s insistence that Alec deserved his fate seems cruel, barbaric. But it has kept his people alive. They toil to exist, as their ancestors did. Still, one of them killed Alec. My emotions sway like the wind. Realizing many eyes are trained on me, I swipe the tears from my cheeks and straighten my back.
Erik whispers to me. “They have never seen someone with brown hair and dark eyes.”
“Do they know why I’m here?”
“Of course. Did you think they didn’t overhear our discourse? We’re a tribe of vampires. Do you not hear all?”
“I’ve trained myself to not listen.”
“When you fight for survival every day, you do well to pay attention to everything.”
Metal cups are passed around the group. When everyone has one, Erik holds his up to the rising sun. He brings the vessel to his lips and downs the warm red liquid. “Thank you to Mother Earth for her bounty.”
The tribe’s people copy his actions and I join in, the warmth of the blood cascading through my torso. I scan the faces, seeing joyful smiles on each. These are not beings I can hate, even with my grief over Alec. They breathe, eat, work, and rest as I do. I have no right to judge them. Still, it seems there must be a better way.
Behind the other side of the circle, I realize there is a second arc of men. Tall and broad, nine of them stand behind the tribe’s people, arms crossed over their chests. I study their faces. Their eyes scan the perimeter, and heads turn with every change of wind. Mesmerized by their movements, my gaze lands on the one on the end. He looks young compared to the rest as his face is free of the scars that mark the others. He holds my stare for a second, and I divert my eyes to the ground.
“Those are the warriors.” Erik’s breath is hot on my neck. He lifts a finger, aiming it at the warrior on the end. “And he is Will, the one who killed Alec.”
My eyes dart to Will’s face, and the image of Alec’s corpse flashes through my mind. My breathe catches in my chest as my ribs seem to tighten around my lungs. No, Anne, you’re not a weak child, I think to myself. I look at the man who killed Alec, rage building in my chest. You can’t change what has passed. I channel my energy into courage and stand.
“Thank you for your hospitality. I will be going now.”
Spinning, I stride to Erik’s dwelling. He trails me as I enter the structure. Gathering my clothes in the bag, I sling it over my shoulders. He produces a strand of leather from his pocket and holds it up. A silver medallion hangs in the vortex.
“This is the symbol of our tribe. Present it to the next tribe, so they will know you’re a friend.”
“You count me as a friend after I challenge your way of life?”
“You are one of us now, bound by the blood of the land.” He offers his arm.
I clutch his forearm, and he squeezes mine. Taking the medallion from him, I string it over my neck. Amaud dips his chin a hair as I exit the structure. It is not two more steps before a large form appears before me. The man who killed Alec drops to one knee and bows his head.
Tears form in my eyes. “Let me pass.”
His gaze meets mine. “Please, my lady. I am Will of Alaric. I’m sorry for my part in your mate’s death. I cannot say that it was wrong or that I wouldn’t do it again but let me atone by serving you the rest of my days.”
“Why would I ever accept you? Why would you want that?”
“You are but a youngling. I’m a strong warrior. I know the ways of the northern tribes. Let me help you.”
“Why do you want to help me?”
“I too lost my family. They fell prey to the sea. I strive to make sense of this life, see a greater purpose. I see one in you.”
“I have no shelter, no home, nothing to offer you. I live off the land.” My mind races, wondering if I could tolerate his presence, trust him, even learn to look at him without hate in my heart. “How old are you?”
“One hundred three. If you can abide me, I will follow and protect you all the days of my life.”
I look to the sky and bite my tongue so that tears do not form again. A swallow crests and swoops above us, calling to his flock. I think of doves and all Elizabeth taught me about spirit animals. Listen to Mother Earth, her voice echoes in my mind.
“Yes, Will of Alaric, you may join me. You
will be my swallow.”
Will follows me through the village. Silent, the tribe’s people line our path. He trails several feet behind me, and my stomach turns with trepidation. My mind reels with fear. Why had I agreed to let him come along? The mere scent of him elicits an anger I fear can’t be controlled. The only thing stopping my instinct to attack is the knowledge that I’d surely be bested.
A hundred feet north of the village, I stop. The heat wafts off his body as he closes the distance between us. Still, I do not shift my eyes in his direction. “Stay downwind and at least a furlong from me.” Eyes trained on my path, I trudge forward.
Will follows my instructions, and I’m left with a silence that calms me. The air is cool but the sun warm, and I shed my leather vest. Smell of the fir needles, the soft mud under foot, and the gurgling streams all sing to me as if they’re calling me home. I feel I could live in the woods forever. The sun reaches its apex in the sky as I summit the nearest peak.
“Madam.” His voice is but a whisper in my ear.
I rotate in the direction the sound originated. “I am not a madam,” I say, restarting my trek.
“Alec was your mate.”
“No, we weren’t married.”
“Sorry, I don’t understand the customs perhaps. We are mated the day it is arranged.”
My mind scoffs at the intimacy of the conversation. “This is none of your concern.”
“I need rest. I have hunted all night.”
“You’re a warrior. Did you not travel all the way to England to kill Alec?”
“Yes.”
“We travel by day and rest by night.”
“What of hunting?”
“Before we leave your tribe’s land, we’ll hunt for the last time till we’re given permission by others.”
“We’ll reach the border at sunset.”
“Then we’ll stay within the boundaries until dawn.”
I return to my northern course, jumping a boulder and lofting myself to the next. In the southern open territory, I’d been too afraid to use my strength, scared to be detected. But now in the dense forest within the boundaries of Erik’s tribe, I feel safe. Picking up my pace, I run between the streams, leap over brooks, and scale trees to keep my bearings. It feels good to use my muscles after days of sitting. But, my happiness is short lived as I remember my romps in the forest with Alec.
Kingdom of the Damned: Provocation (KIngdom Journals) Page 7
