The Dark Gifts Birthright (13 page)

Michael’s eyebrows drew up in curiosity.
“Confucius?”

“Lizucius. Like it?”

“It’s agreed then. I will go tomorrow
night.”

***

For someone with Michael’s unique skills, it
was easy to find the hidden coven of vampires. He followed all of
the customary procedures when approaching a nest uninvited. At the
outskirts of their territory, he waited patiently to be noticed by
someone on the inside. It didn’t take long for the nest to sense
his presence. A dark-haired vampire approached him.

“What is your business here? You are
trespassing.”

“I seek counsel with your leader.”

“Name?”

“As I said, I seek counsel with your leader
and only with him. My name and business is for his ears alone.”
Michael leaned against a tree with his arms folded across his
chest.

The sentry closed his eyes and the vacant
look of telepathy came over his face. Within a few seconds, he
smiled and took a stance similar to Michael’s against another tree.
“They will be here soon.”

“Thank you.”

As he waited for the leader of the clan to
approach, Michael realized that William’s idea of small was not the
same as his. By the time the leader joined him outside the
dilapidated house his coven called home, thirty-one vampires
surrounded him. Michael hoped William was correct in his assumption
that these vampires would be friendly to his cause, because if he
was wrong, there were too many of them for even someone of
Michael’s strength and abilities to over power.

Four vampires stepped aside, creating a gap,
and a massive vampire stepped inside the circle. As the leader of
the clan approached, both he and Michael evaluated each other. The
clan leader was as tall as Gregorio with light brown hair tied at
the nape of his neck. Unlike his father, who’d spent too many years
involved in Council business, and too few, in hard physical labor,
this man was abundantly muscled. Raw power oozed from him. With
each movement, muscles rippled and strained against his clothing. A
two inch, jagged scar below his right eye twitched as his jaw
tightened. He seemed a fearsome man, however, the mirth glittering
in his sea green eyes gave indication of a personality not quite
matching the outward appearance. He crossed his colossal arms in
front of his chest and stared at Michael.

The edge of Michael’s lips pulled into a
slight smile. He knew William was right about this vampire at
least. He liked him.

Customs dictated that Michael should first
introduce himself to the leader and then state his reason for being
there. Michael couldn’t do both. He didn’t know how many of the
others there would be against him.

Michael gave a short bow. “Thank you for
meeting me. I have traveled a great distance for this
encounter.”

The massive man watched him warily. “What
brings you to my doorstep, traveler?”

Michael peered at the group surrounding them.
“I come seeking counsel and aid. That which I must ask you, and the
information I have to give, would best be done in private.”

“We know who you are. There are many
searching for you. You bring danger to us all just by being on our
lands.”

No one spoke. Not one of them uttered a
sound. This behemoth of a man commanded complete control over his
clan. If Michael could sway him to join them, he would be the
perfect leader of the Council’s army. Michael shrugged in
resignation and said apologetically, “I beg forgiveness. This
situation could not be helped.”

The leader walked to him, clapped him on the
shoulder with a smile, and said, “Then forgiveness you shall
receive. Welcome to my lands, Michael. It is good to see that even
though things have changed for the worse, civility has not been
lost.”

Michael thanked him and followed him
inside.

“Our home is humble, but it suits our
purpose. My name is Jonathon, but I prefer Big Jon.” The man said
as he held the front door open for Michael.

Michael’s eyebrows went up inquisitively. It
was unusual for vampires to take on nicknames. That was ever so
human.

Big Jon smiled and chuckled as he slapped
Michael on the back. “I know. It has been many years since I was
mortal. Even so, I cannot rid myself of those last vestiges of
humanity.”

“Ah,” Michael replied as his eyes wandered
over the living room they were standing in. The room was homey.
Hand painted landscapes hung on the walls and small potted candles
gave off a scent of freshly baked apple pie. The blue-checkered
furniture, although well used, made the room appear comfortable and
inviting.

“Don’t take that as weakness. I’m not
apologizing. In my opinion, keeping those things about us that are
innately human is essential. We are only monsters if we choose that
path.” Big Jon brought his arms out in a gesture that encompassed
the room. “We are all of like mind here. I, and my band of misfits,
live by a higher set of values than most of our persuasion.”

Jon took a seat in a large over-stuffed
chair, motioning for Michael to do the same.

“So I’ve been told. That is why I am here.”
Michael said as he sat on the sofa.

Big Jon leaned forward, placing his elbows on
his knees. “You’ve been told? By whom exactly? We do not accept
travelers here readily.”

“Would you believe my friend William, who has
recently met your wife?”

Jon was all ears then. His wife had been dead
for two hundred years. “I think you’d better explain yourself.”

Michael breathed in deeply and began to
explain from the beginning, how he’d acquired the information.

Big Jon listened patiently, never
interrupting to ask questions or to comment. When Michael finished,
he sat brooding over what he’d heard. After a few moments, he
smiled and let out a bellowing laugh. “I’ve always felt her.
Strange isn’t it? Somehow, I’ve always felt she was near. And the
children too you say?”

Michael nodded.

“Remarkable.” Big Jon paused as if
considering what he would say next. He looked around the room
searching the faces of the few in his clan that were gathered and
then began to tell a tale of his own.

Not one in this clan of vampires had been
turned by anyone among them. They were all nomads, never staying
with any other clan for very long until they had met up with each
other. The nest had heard rumors of Michael’s tale already, and had
made their own plans to fight. For them, the trouble had been how
to get information to the Council to let them know that they were
available and willing.

“I have information for you as well. Although
the renegades do not hold the Fortress proper, the lands
surrounding it are inaccessible. I dispatched five of my best
fighters to aid the Council. Only one of them returned, and he was
barely alive when he arrived. One hundred miles from the fortress,
they ran into a roving nest of vampires. They were questioned and
set free, only to be ambushed two hours later by a pack of the
Unnamed. It was a slaughter.”

Michael kept his expression stoic, refusing
to show the anger and fear resonating throughout him. His fingers
tapped nervously on the arm of the couch.

Coming against the Unnamed was difficult for
even a thoroughly trained elder vampire. Those numbers? Impossible.
He was lucky to have gotten away.

“He had no idea of the pack’s size, Michael.
Only that in the midst of the battle, they were everywhere.” Jon
stood up, walked to the large picture window, and stared into the
night. “Each of us are in grave danger. They are not exclusively in
opposition to you. Anyone that refuses to stand with them is
against them. Any against them, die.”

“Unfortunately for them, we are not all of
the same mind.” Michael’s mouth slipped into a sneer.

Jon read the look of challenge on his face
and once again let out a bellowing laugh. “That we are not, my
friend. We could do some damage before it’s all over.”

“We could do more than that with some help.”
Michael smiled.

For two days, they talked and planned until
they had finally come to an agreement. Michael would bring the
girls to stay here with this coven, and the three of them would
train the others to fight.

Michael returned to the coven with Liz and
Angie that evening. It was strange for the girls in the beginning
because most of the nest were men, and older. Not in vampire years,
just older in permanent ages. Both girls had a hard time finding
their niche and fitting in at first. But as the days moved on and
training began, the other vampires developed a special respect for
the girls and their fighting skills. Michael was an excellent
teacher and soon every last one of them was deadly.

Vampires have always been particularly
vicious fighters. But being a vampire assassin required expertise
that overrode base anger and strength. Pure instinct would not
suffice. A high level of perception and continuous awareness of
one’s surroundings, as well as weapons mastery, were needed. These
things are rather difficult to teach, especially to thirsty
vampires. Jonathon’s control over his clan kept everyone in line
and learning. They were almost ready to take on the renegades when
William came back from the fortress with a message.

Michael and Big Jon were meeting with the
leaders of several nests that they had happened upon when William
appeared before them. Even for a ghost, his face looked pale and
drawn. “What’s wrong?” Michael demanded.

“I don’t know how to tell you this. It’s not
good. It’s not good at all.” William replied.

“Speak up man. We don’t have all night.” Big
Jon interjected.

Angie burst through the closed door yelling,
“William, what’s going on? Something is wrong I can feel it!”

William looked briefly at the floor before
meeting her eyes. “The fortress is overrun. The Council has fled
and the Eldest's body has been taken away.”

“Where is my Mother?” Angie asked softly.

“And my Father, what of him?” Michael
questioned.

William’s somber face answered their
questions before he could speak. Angie dropped to the floor and let
out a piercing wail. William knelt down and placed his hand over
her head as if to touch her. “They are not dead,” he said as he
raised his eyes to Michael’s. “They are missing. No one seems to
know their location.”

“The other spirits at the fortress have no
information?” Big Jon asked.

William looked away as shame covered his
face. “They will not help. They want no part of this.”

Michael looked grim. His words held venom as
he spoke. “Then there is no friend left at the fortress.” He turned
to the group of leaders that now stood around the table. “It is up
to us now. We fight or we die.”

Tiberius, the oldest of those gathered, and
leader of one of the larger clans, remained in his seat. Turned in
the prime of his life, he retained the appearance of a man in his
mid thirties. Dirty blond hair framed dark unblinking eyes ablaze
with alarm. His baritone voice resounded with wisdom as he spoke.
“How can this be? The fortress is impenetrable. It would be
impossible for renegades to reach the chambers of the Eldest.”

“Impossible from the outside, Tiberius, but
not from within.” Michael answered as Liz sped through the doorway.
She hastily moved to where Angie sat in a catatonic state and
pulled her up from the floor. Liz intruded into Michael’s chaotic
thoughts for a moment before leaving.
“What can I do?”

“
Take care of her. This will be a long
night.”

“
Do you--”

Michael cut her off.
“Not now, darling. I
am fine. Take care of Angie and inform those outside.”

As she left the room, she heard him say, “Is
this enough? Must the renegades arrive at the doors of your nests
for you to take action?”

The vampire leaders remained silent as
Michael’s enraged gaze momentarily rested on each of them. His fist
slammed onto the table top with a deafening blow, rending it in
half. “There will be blood to pay for this night’s deed. If you are
against me then take your leave, but know those of you that leave
will die if we ever cross swords.”

Chapter Eight

All Dressed Up and No Place to Go

Completely deflated, Michael had no idea what
to do without any leadership in place at the fortress. The clan
leaders spent hours huddled in private, trying to develop a
strategy to bring down the renegades. Liz kept the others occupied
with training. All these weeks of practicing and preparing, and the
war was over before they’d even had a chance to fight.

Sitting alone by the fire, the rhythmic
clangs and thwacks from those training lulled Liz into a meditative
state. She felt the loss of Michael as if he had left the enclave.
An unexpected pressure on her shoulder caused her to jump.

“Sorry, didn't mean to startle you.” William
said.

“Is it my turn to take over?”

“No, I'm just bored. They're all doing quite
well. Except that new guy, he's horrible.” William laughed as he
plopped down beside her.

“Hmmm.” Liz watched the flames, engrossed in
her own thoughts.

“So did you know that last night Angie and
Marion got into a huge fight?” His eyes twinkled with mirth.

Liz answered, “Uh huh,” remaining transfixed
on the fire.

Shaking his head and smiling, he continued.
“Yeah it was over me. Marion tried to have her way with me last
night and Angie came to my rescue.”

“Hmmm.”

He shoved hard pushing Liz off the log.
“You're not even listening to me!” he laughed.

Stunned and blinking, Liz stared at him.
“Hey!”

William cocked an eyebrow, turned his head to
the side, and smiled. “Did you even hear what I said?”

“I'm sorry. What were you telling me? Wait a
minute, how did you do that?”