Soul Taker's Redemption

by A. S. Hamilton

  I looked up into Therion's eyes. They were just as magical as ever, but it was true, he almost didn't seem himself. There was a distracted air about him, as if he was finding it hard to focus or struggling with some inward foe.

  When they reached us, Bastien handed something to Therion. He took the item and, in a swift move, wrapped something about his waist. It turned out to be his swords. I remembered he'd dropped some swords to deal with the dragon being, which were still on the ground.

  Therion's gaze briefly flicked to mine, but then he looked down for a moment, as if he was concentrating on something, and then up at Thomas. He said, 'I have excess energy and have healed your wounded and restored those spirits that need it, would you like me to see to your injuries also?'

  'As often as you like.'

  'Are you—' Abruptly, Therion's head snapped towards the rear of the yard.

  Stalking through the garden was another equine-like dragon, but this one had wings folded neatly against its sides. Regardless of its reptilian appearance, it appeared, in a weird kind of way, almost as gentle and harmless as a horse. The rider was something else altogether, though. Unlike the other riders with their seemingly empty armour, diamond-like sparks glowed within the dragon helm. They filled me with a deep fear.

  Stealthily, several shadows followed the rider, dispersing themselves along the darker reaches of the garden.

  With a low growl, Therion drew his swords and started towards the rider.

  They stopped several feet apart, the rider reigning in his mount and turning it slightly as it seemed to appraise Therion. Then it spoke in a low growl, the language like nothing I'd ever heard before.

  'You made it out, soul taker.' Thomas translated softly. He had a hold of me again, though I hadn't moved. It was not the bruising grip he'd used previously, but it was firm. His side was against mine as he leaned to whisper in my ear and I could feel the tension in his body.

  'Uea has lost.' Thomas continued, this from Therion but in the same growling language.

  The dragon-horse snorted as its rider pulled its head up. 'This battle is yours, but perhaps not without losses.'

  Then, the dragon-horse reared, extending its bat-like wings. The great whoomph of displaced air almost knocked me over, but for Thomas being there. The shadows behind the rider turned into hugali. They were moving in swiftly. It looked like the rider was giving this one to Therion, but not without a parting salvo.

  Just as the dragon-horse launched itself, Bastien swept out of the darkness. Using the edge of the pond to leap high into the air, he swung his sword in an arc so it crashed into the body of the rider, sending him tumbling backward off his mount. Nothing as dramatic as a decapitation happened, but it was dramatic enough as Bastien landed and followed through by driving his sword point down into the vulnerable area under the rider's chin. He paused a moment, I guess making sure he had killed the rider. As he rose, little spots of light coalesced above the unmoving body. Therion was taking the rider's spirit.

  As if by some silent signal the rest of the creatures either retreated or simply vanished. It was almost anti-climactic. Bastien and Therion exchanged a brief look and then moved off towards the back of my mother's yard. Thomas gave some orders in French and the vampires dispersed to check the grounds. Within minutes they returned giving their leader a silent nod before gathering to one side near the veranda steps. They didn't seem bothered by the rain. As far as I could tell, they didn't even register that they were drenched. Although Thomas had moved us back under the veranda so there was a good possibility that he did.

  Several minutes later, Therion and Bastien walked up the path. The rain had washed the blood from Therion, and he looked unmarred by injuries aside from the rips in his pants. As he walked, he removed one of his belts, the one with the longsword hanging off it, and paused so he could hand it to Bastien. The vampire wrapped it about his waist so it sat underneath the belt he already wore. It looked like overkill, all those swords, knives and guns, but I guess it was the most convenient thing for him to do for the moment.

  Therion stepped under the veranda and reached out to grasp Thomas's wrist in greeting.

  'Well met,' Thomas murmured.

  I got a smile as Therion said, 'I am pleased you look well, Jayden.'

  Bastien smirked as Therion used my full name. I ignored the vampire's amusement as I said, 'And I am very pleased to see you.' I couldn't conceal the relief that accompanied my words.

  Therion paused to give me a thoughtful look, before turning back to Thomas. 'Please accept my gratitude.'

  'Would you like us to remain?'

  'Your debt is paid, Thomas, I cannot ask it.'

  'As far as I am concerned, it will never be paid. We are friends and I am always willing to aid a friend.'

  'Besides, I'm not sure we've seen the last of Ceri-talen's hunters,' Bastien put in. 'Ceri-talen has always been persistent.'

  Thomas was nodding as he said, 'I think there are several contingencies we should discuss, including leaving sentries here. Of course, I cannot stay myself, and I know Bastien has some business affairs to see to, but my clan is sufficient to maintain such a watch as I believe necessary.'

  Therion bowed his head, graciously accepting the compliment and the suggestion. 'I will replenish your energy again. It is less the generosity you might think it is. I cannot hold on to all the energy I have gained, by healing and adding to the energy reserves of your clan, I serve my own interests as well.'

  Thomas turned to me. 'Would you mind too much if I discussed some things with Therion in private?'

  I gave the vampire a reassuring smile. 'Not at all.' I glanced at the group of vampires still standing patiently in the rain at the bottom of the stairs. 'Perhaps I can offer a small hospitality and provide your clan members with some towels to dry off,' I suggested.

  Thomas considered my offer for a moment and then nodded. 'The sentries indoors and around the veranda would appreciate it, but the outdoor ones will return to their posts.'

  'Of course,' I agreed. While we were speaking, the vampires had started to move up to the veranda, but seemed hesitant to go inside. I recognised the one in front as Tadhg— how could you miss him with those distinctive, golden-brown eyes? His ponytail of thin braids had come loose in the fighting, which made his striking cheekbones look less severe, but did not detract from the aura of dangerous attraction that seemed common to vampires. I said, 'The floors are tile and wood, so there's no need to worry about them getting wet. I'll mop up after you've finished.'

  My statement received a smile and a nod, but then he stepped back, gesturing for me to precede him.

  'Thanks,' I said, stepping into the house.

  The linen cupboard is just up the hall from the kitchen. I took a towel off the top of a pile and used it to pat myself down. Our towels are sumptuously thick and soft, and large enough to cover us armpit to calf. Mum and I bought them together and we'd picked deep, rich golds, greens, and blues— and paid a fortune for them. Which is why Mum's always shocked when just casually drop them the floor to soak up whatever spillage has occurred. Thankfully, she wasn't here. And not just so she couldn't see me drop her towels on the floor. I don't think I could have watched her join the vampires in fighting off those strange creatures.

  I could hear the group of vampires talking as they came in. One of them laughed. 'That therilgalen couldn't have timed it better.' The young female voice belonged to Javiera.

  Another snorted. 'Bastien'd probably disagree.' This one sounded older, more cynical.

  'No matter the timing, that therilgalen is an excellent ally,' Javiera said. 'No wonder Thomas rarely meets opposition at court.'

  'That therilgalen has a name, Javiera, he deserves the respect of you using it,' said a more cultured voice with a distinctive Irish lilt— Tadhg. 'Not only has he fought on our behalf, his loyalty to Thomas makes things easier in court than fer other clans…' Tadhg left a long pause. 'And he has an admirable knack fer kicking arse.' He struck
the right note of light-hearted reproach and the jibe drew a laugh from the group, including Javiera.

  'He has that alright,' the older, cynical voice agreed, sounding less gruff. 'But it's well-known Bastien owns that loyalty, not Thomas. It's only 'cause of Bastien that the… that Therion adds his weight to our clan. It must've been a diamond-encrusted favour Bastien did to get on the right side of a therilgalen.'

  I heard a grunt of disapproval, I guessed from Tadhg.

  'I do not believe it is as detached as that,' said a voice that I was fairly sure belonged to Adrian. He had an educated way of speaking that made him sound older than he looked, and, like Bastien, there was this sense of agelessness about him. While he wasn't as tall as Bastien, he was close. His long, silver-blond hair was almost without colour, and his eyes were so dark a blue I thought of the almost inky-black of a midnight sky. His skin was as pale as his hair, like a white egg, and it looked just as smooth and unblemished. The silence that met his remark seemed respectful and curious. All sounds of movement stopped as they waited for him to continue.

  'I have been with Bastien and Thomas for many years, and while we were in France, they shared the same estate. As ever, I have served in whatever capacity they require, but when there is a garden, it is my duty, and pleasure, to maintain it. I was working in the inner courtyard when I bore witness to a meeting between Bastien and Therion.' Adrian paused, but no one spoke, wanting to hear what he had seen.

  'He flew directly into the courtyard and Bastien came out at almost the same time, like he expected Therion. They greeted each other respectfully, almost formally, but then Therion sits on one of the short garden walls. He lifts his wings and settles them behind him, so they drape down behind him and he crosses his legs. Bastien sits on the stretch of lawn in front of the wall, like a student before a teacher, I thought.

  'And they talk, they do, but not of alliances or favours. Therion asks after Thomas, wants to know how he is and asks after Lady Amelia. Bastien also relates stories to him, little things that have happened. And Therion is interested, he asks questions, shows concern, laughs when there is occasion to laugh. Bastien, he asks how Therion is adjusting to this realm and Therion, he says alright, but some things could be better. Bastien, he asks him, like what? And Therion admits he does not like his boots. He is used to bare feet. Bastien asks him to hold his foot out and Therion does. Bastien does not lean forward to inspect the boot though, he leans back and holds his own foot up against Therion's. He nods and right then, right there, Bastien gets up and disappears into the manor and comes out with some boots. These he gives to Therion. He tells him to try them out. Says he, himself, he has little liking for many boots, but these he likes. Therion, he shrugs, and takes off his boots and puts on the ones Bastien has given him. Bastien tells him they are new and he has several pairs, so can spare them. This, this, I say to myself are two friends, not allies simply together for convenience and strength.'

  For a moment, the group was silent and then Javiera said, 'You were with them in France, Adrian?'

  Another moment of silence. I assumed Adrian was nodding.

  'Soooo, you know what really went down between... you know,' Javiera lowered her voice, 'Thomas and—'

  Adrian chuckled. 'Vayna. Yes, you would never expect it of him, would you? She practically runs the International Court. Oh, yes, the rumours are quite true, almost the whole time he was there they spent the time... together.'

  I grinned, who'd have thought that vampires could behave like a bunch of gossips having coffee?

  Tadhg laughed. 'It seems our Clan Leader has alliances of his own.'

  'Speaking of our leader,' the gruff one cut in, 'we better get to our posts before he notices our prolonged break.'

  I chose that moment to scoop up a bundle of towels and deliver them to the kitchen.

  As I was coming out of the laundry, after throwing the towels in the washing machine, I decided to deliver some towels to the three in conference on the veranda. I was surprised that there was no sentry visible as I stepped out, and when I looked over to the far end I trailed to a stunned halt. Thomas had seemingly left and Bastien was leaning against Therion… By my grandmother's ghost! Bastien was biting him. I could see his teeth sunk into Therion's throat.

  They both had their eyes closed, a look of peace on each face. Therion was completely still, as if he might be a statue. There was an inexplicable air of intimacy about the whole scene that made me feel like I was intruding. I silently placed the towels on the table and quietly backed away.

  I ended up in the lounge room, not sure what to do with myself. The excitement and danger had passed, but it seemed wrong to just read or go back to bed, not that I could sleep. I mulled over what I had seen. Was that how Therion repaid them?

  The rain was still falling heavily, thrumming on the roof. Fortunately, the wind wasn't as vigorous as it had been earlier. That brought a sudden, panicked thought to mind— my bedroom window had been shattered! Although the veranda was covered, the wind was strong enough for me to worry about rain getting in. I hurried up the hall, grabbing what was left of the towels from the linen cupboard. The floor beneath the window was wet, but not drenched. Because the sill was so low, I didn't keep anything under it, so cleaning up would just be a matter of mopping up the water, except for the glass everywhere. Not even the bed had escaped. I put the towels on my dresser. I'd need to sweep up first. Crouching to inspect the underside of the bed, I groaned: the legs, the struts and several slats were cracked or broken completely. Well, it looked like it was the guest bedroom for me tonight, even after I cleaned up. I needed a broom and a mop, and perhaps some help getting some plywood from the shed to cover the window.

  Just as I turned to head out of the bedroom, I bounced into Therion's chest. I felt his arms circle me to stop me from falling. The sense of power I felt with either Bastien or Thomas was nothing when up close to Therion. Bastien's words echoed in my head; he was right, Therion's power, the thing that made him so dangerous, also made him attractive in a way. The scales were tipped more heavily in his case with the weight of danger, but there was something about him, an irresistible pull I couldn't explain.

  'Thomas is leaving. He wishes to bid you farewell.'

  Therion was looking down at me, his eyes were distinctly alien and yet I had missed seeing them, hearing his voice. I began to feel awkward.

  'I was just… um… checking the damage.'

  For the first time Therion seemed to notice the broken window and that my bed was markedly lopsided. He didn't move, aside from tilting his head to see what I'd been examining at the bottom of the bed. I felt a ripple of air waft over me and turned, startled, to watch my window put itself back together, every fragment, every shard, flew to its place until the panes looked flawless. A series of cracks told me my bed was also obediently repairing itself.

  I found myself smiling. 'Bastien was right, you're very handy to have around.'

  Therion stepped back, not sure how to take that.

  'How do you do that?' I asked.

  He frowned thoughtfully. 'It is what humans would describe as magic and the simplest way to explain it. The ability is a natural one for me, but I understand some species have figured out how to learn to do it. It would be these beings who might be able to explain it to you. For my part, I simply willed the window to fix just as I did the bed.'

  'Well, it's fortunate for me you have the ability, because I won't have to shop for a new bed and my mother won't have to worry about getting the window fixed.'

  I moved past him into the hall. I found Thomas in the kitchen. He definitely had an inner glow thing going. He was shrugging back into his tailored jacket and ran his hands through his short, blond hair, shaking the water that came off with his hands into the sink. He had obviously fed from Therion too, so it was probably a kind of payment. I wasn't sure how I felt about Therion paying for my protection in blood. Mind you, I wasn't eager to volunteer my own.

  'I'm leaving several sen
tries behind, so do not be surprised if you come across them. My daughter, Amelia, will come with fresh sentries each day and to receive a report from Therion. Bastien and I will also check in, but with luck, this is the last you'll see of Ceri-talen's minions.'

  I nodded. 'Thank you, Thomas,' I said sincerely.

  The vampire crossed to me in what seemed like one step but was probably several. He took my hands and levelled green eyes with mine. 'I have enjoyed meeting you, Jayden— Jay. I should like to…' He trailed off as if good manners prevented him from asking.

  'You are always welcome here, Thomas. Whether it is for a chat or to drive off creatures I couldn't possibly invent in my nightmares.'

  He smiled, drawing my hands up to his lips to kiss them. Then, straightening, he gave Therion a solemn nod and vanished.

  I turned to consider Therion, who was leaning on the door frame between the kitchen and hall. 'He is not what I expected. None of them are.'

  'Do not be fooled, Jayden. They use manners and courtesy to conceal just how dangerous they are. Oh, you have nothing to fear from Thomas. Just know, it is much like keeping a lion in your home, having a vampire visit. They are wild creatures. Cut yourself when he is starving and injured and he will strike. His instincts will trigger and everything else, all that courtesy, all those manners, they take second place to the need to survive.'

  'Hmm, Bastien said much the same about you,' I remarked softly.

  Therion's laughter was magical— deep and low. It vibrated pleasantly about the room. When his eyes met mine, they were sparkling with mirth. I wondered that he didn't have the ability to charm his prey like the vampires did.

  'Very much like me.' His voice grew more serious. 'Except I am a lot worse when my instincts take over, Jayden Emerline Thaneton. They are killers,' he said referring to the vampires, 'but they generally kill in order to survive. Me… I no longer need the souls I take...'

  I frowned. 'It must be very challenging for you.'

  My remark took him by surprise. 'Most people do not consider it from my perspective,' he said slowly. 'The cost to those I feed from is far higher than their lives. Jayden do not humanise me. I feed on souls.'