Vampire - Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

The huge mansion stood proudly in Hyde Park corner, though it was far different from the norm. A ten-foot wall with razor wire surrounded the complex and security guards with dogs patrolled night and day. The building itself appeared more like a fortress with steel shutters covering every window and yet more guards stationed on its roof. As the last rays of sunlight finally faded, the faint sound of grinding of began. A silhouette of a man could just be seen as one such window opened to the new night. The grinding finally stopped with a loud clank then there was silence. The man turned and walked down the long dark corridor, his black Italian designer shoes making not a sound on the thick carpet. Everything about him spoke of elegance and order. About his person he wore a fine black three-peice suit, which in turn was decorated with a huge blood red ruby. Finely crafted diamonds, each set in a ring of gold or platinum decorated every finger. Even his long white hair was neatly braided into a ponytail.
He stopped outside an ordinary looking wooden door and turned to face a painting. The picture was a portrait of himself, though the clothing he wore dated back many centuries. Around his neck he was a golden necklace set with a large onyx stone. He lifted a bony finger and pressed it against the black gem. A hidden scanner checked his fingerprint and then a moment later heavy bars could faintly be heard moving before the door opened. He entered the bustling room, the heavy steel door - for that was what it truly was - closed behind him. He gazed about, searching among the many familiars and vampires that were busy monitoring the complex for his oldest and most trusted companion, William.
“My Lord,” a man said, interrupting Lord Jinsilvers search. “You have visitors. It is the Special Paranormal Services.”
Lord Jinsilvers face visibly sagged, “Let them in Mr. Lowe. Escort our guests to the library and inform them I shall join them in a moment.” The man bowed and departed the room. Lord Jinsilver was not pleased. He had been expecting this visit for many weeks but never the less had hoped this meeting would never happen.
He walked confidently into the library a few minutes later, the two agents stood as he approached. He indicated for them to be seated while positioning himself in the comfortable leather chair opposite them. Inside the room, a vast collection of books lined every wall; from floor to ceiling, some of which were so old that they may well be the only ones left in existence. A few candles flickered, there dancing flames creating eerie shadows about the room.
“Would either of you care for some whiskey? It dates back to 1894, a very fine year indeed.” He offered, they politely declined, “Then let us move onto the purpose of your visit gentlemen.” He said warmly.
“Lord Jinsilver, some introductions. This is agent Jackson, “The older more senior of the two men indicated to the obviously nervous looking man to his right, “And I am Occult Agent Johnson.” Lord Jinsilver nodded to them both. “Do you know why we are here Lord Jinsilver?” Agent Johnson asked. The vampire nodded again.
“Good, but for the record I shall endeavor to explain.” Agent Johnson reached into a pocket and produced a tattered note pad; he flipped it open and cleared his throat loudly. “Our reports suggest you are involved in a feud with another Verdrade vampire who answers to the name Lord Skavlin. This Lord Skavlin arrived in London approximately ten months ago. Why? Because we believe he has been exiled from Denmark.” He flipped over the page and continued, “A war has been raging for many months between the two of you and has turned the streets of London into a war zone. This is unacceptable to us.”
He eyed Lord Jinsilver with contempt and then said, “My superiors grow tired manifesting lies to cover the missing people and blood drained corpses that are now a daily occurrence. Occult murders and gang warfare reports are wearing thin Lord Jinsilver.”
“Yes, I am well aware of the reports. Tell me, what is it you wish of me?” He asked. Agent Johnson reached down by the side of his chair then produced a rolled up document. He removed an elastic band and unrolled it. Lord Jinsilver recognized it immediately, “Lord Jinsilver, I see you remember this document. It was signed by you in 1666 and counter signed by the Special Paranormal Services commanders. It reads... I, Lord Jinsilver, will, as proclaimed in this contract, keep the vampire clan numbers within London to a minimum, will keep the vampire clan numbers within my own control less than fifty in number, will not feed on / attack / or torture humans any more than necessary to survive. In return, I shall receive diplomatic immunity from British laws and prosecution, blah blah blah etc.” Agent Johnson said somewhat bored, “Now Lord Jinsilver. We have a problem don’t we?”
“I did indeed sign that document but you have neglected to answer my question. What is it that you wish of me?” Lord Jinsilver asked, anger knotting his brow.
Agent Johnson leaned forward in his chair, unimpressed he continued. “My superiors demand that this matter is resolved within two weeks. I trust you will not fail in this task Lord Jinsilver.”
“What if I do fail Special Occult Agent Johnson? Will you and the boy here be knocking again? Maybe with crosses and holy water and perhaps with a lynch mob in tow.” His black eyes boring into each, Agent Jackson couldn’t bare the intensity and looked away, whimpering in fear. Special agent Johnson matched Lord Jinsilvers penetrating gaze for many minutes, before finally speaking. “Many powerful people have grown tired of your antics and push for the out of date contract be nullified. You are a fossil Lord Jinsilver, an antique, you belong in a museum.” Lord Jinsilver fought hard for self-control. He wanted nothing more than to rip the impertinent humans arms from their sockets. Agent Johnson smiled knowingly, “You know what is requested of you..” Agent Johnson said, standing, “We shall see ourselves out.” He bowed slightly, and then the two agents departed leaving Lord Jinsilver seething and lost for words.
LJ
He hadn't moved in over an hour, just stared absently at the dying flame of a candle. Damn Lord Skavlin, He thought. It had taken centuries to build to the level of comfort he now enjoyed and yet, in two weeks it could all be taken away from him. He knew the SPS would come if he failed, with the accursed Teramort clan leading the attack. He sat back in his chair and cast his mind back to 1666. That had been the most difficult of years and the closest he had ever come to destruction. A terrible war raged between vampires and humans that cost thousands of lives.
For weeks there had been a stalemate. His clans were embracing dozens of humans a day and then sending them to fight against their former friends and families. Such chaos and carnage, there had been some enjoyable times but it couldn't last forever. It appeared as if every human carried crosses and took up arms against the undead that plagued their city. It was inevitable that his numbers reduced and so did his power to control what remained. With little other options remaining, he enlisted the help of familiars. Humans that desperately wanted power and immortality and used them to get to places vampires couldn’t. The houses of parliament never expected humans to turn on their own kind and therefore were taken by surprise. Many important and politically powerful men were slain. It seemed nowhere or no one could escape from the vampires reach. It got even worse for the humans as the dead pilled up and disease spread throughout the city. The final blow came when London was set ablaze. After the fire was finally controlled, a pack was drawn up and signed. Lord Jinsilver had done well since that day but Lord Skavlin had arrived and everything now laid on a knife-edge.
The door opened and a smartly dressed middle-aged man entered the room. He waited patiently for permission to come forward.
"Ah my loyal friend, I was just thinking about you William." Lord Jinsilver said, perking up at the sight of his oldest companion. "Come forward and tell me what bothers you?"
The vampire looked confused for a moment, Lord Jinsilver hadn't called him William in years.
"My Lord, I have some news that you will find very interesting." He said. Lord Jinsilver waved for him to continue. "Our spies have found another Leuglan nest. This one is located in Covent Garden and we suspect it holds greater numbers than the one we destroyed two nights ago."
Lord Jinsilver leaned forward, "How many exactly?"
"Ten or twelve, perhaps more." The vampire said, smiling slightly. Lord Jinsilver knew William well, and suspect there was more good news to come "Also, someone you know has been sighted in the area more than once."
"Who?" Lord Skavlin asked.
"Ragzor, my Lord."
Lord Jinsilver sat back, Ragzor's location was known! This was indeed good fortune, he thought. A vampire as powerful as him being destroyed, not to mention the Leuglan with him would weaken Lord Skavlin immensely. He would surely lose the ability to shield his vampires as well, which meant they could be tracked down and destroyed.
"Good work William. We must prepare and strike tonight. Inform the Devians that we leave in one hour." Lord Jinsilver said, he stood and straightened his suit.
"We? My lord."
"I’m afraid so. The pressure is on to have this conflict resolved and this seems the perfect opportunity to finally gain a real upper hand.” Lord Jinsilver said, he stared as the flame finally died and at the small wisps of smoke. “ Besides, Ragzor is a real hand full and I fear that unless the five of us strike I might lose some of my own and that will not do. "
William looked genuinely saddened, as he turned to leave. Lord Jinsilver paused a moment was William worried for him, or for his position as his general. He shook his head, no time for such concerns.

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One hour later, Lord Jinsilver stood in full battle gear. His fine suit had been replaced by black plate armor. He imagined how fearsome he must look since his appearance had made more than a few humans faint away in horror. The metal made hardly a sound as he flexed his arms and admired the cruel spikes that were dotted about them. A familiar came up behind him and fitted the collar section which rose high around the back of his neck and sides but dipped away near the front enough for him to look around without to much restriction. He clenched a fist tightly and his black eyes had an eager glow about them as he considered the coming thrill of battle. A human struggled towards him dragging a huge broad sword. Lord Jinsilver growled with impatience and snatched it from him. He lifted it easily and admired the craftsmanship and could envisage the damage the silver laced, blessed sword would do. If it weren’t for the heavy steel gauntlet he now wore, the sword would have already burnt his hand into ashes.
The sound of heavy footsteps echoed as the Devian rounded a corner and came to a halt before him. He walked passed each one in turn and even though they were under his command, he couldn’t help feeling somewhat intimidated. They towered over seven feet tall with skin darker than night and huge bat like wings folded behind them.
“We leave.” Lord Jinsilver said then concentrated on rising from the ground. As he approach a dozen feet in height the Devian stretched their giant wings and beat them furiously.
The streets of London rolled by below them as they flew virtually invisible in the dark night sky till Lord Jinsilver spotted the familiar who was charged with watching the Leuglan den. The five of them touched down and surrounded the man who trembled so violently, it appeared at any moment his heart would just give out and drop him dead where he stood.
“Where are they?” Lord Jinsilver asked, already bored of the meeting.
"That's the place." The scruffy man said, pointing to a manhole cover down a nearby alley. Lord Jinsilver closed his eyes and reached out with his mind, he focused on the manhole cover and then sent his mind beyond. At such a close proximity, he should be able to detect other vampires including those shielded by other Verdrade's. For many minutes he stood in silence before finally speaking. "I can sense twelve Leuglan although I am not sure if one of them is Ragzor." He gritted his teeth. "Actually I am sure, he isn't among them."
"Do we wait then?" One of the Devian asked, his voice low and unearthly. Jimmy shivered, as if someone had just walked over his grave.
"No." Lord Jinsilver finally answered, "We must strike now. Prepare for yourselves for battle. Jimmy, remove the man hole cover as we will not be able to do so."
Jimmy wasn't pleased with having to be so near the Leuglan nest but dared not disappoint his master. He bowed a few times and then climbed down a nearby fire escape.
"Wait for me to strike first. Each of you take a corner, somewhere you can put your backs against a wall. We do not want to get surrounded down there. Remember, though they are only Leuglan, they out number us almost three to one. I see Jimmy has removed the man hole cover, now is the time to strike and fast."
The Devians chanted briefly before their forms wavered and distorted. They then faded into clouds of complete darkness; Lord Jinsilver crossed his arms over his chest and began a soft chant. A few seconds later, his form faded into a fine white mist. They traveled slowly and mixed perfectly with the fog that rose around the city. Silent as death, they drifted through the manhole and into the sewer system. The five misty forms drifted through the tunnel and into a larger area, which Lord Jinsilver sensed held the dozen Leuglan. Many human remains were visible peaking through the dank water and in scattered piles throughout the area. The first Leuglan came into view; it sat on its hunches chewing loudly on a human femur bone. Lord Jinsilvers gaseous form drifted past the unaware creature while the Devian moved to the far corners. The largest of the group suddenly stood and sniff loudly. He hissed at the others and they fell silent before he sniffed again. The mists continued drifting along the foul water and slime covered floor, nearing their appointed positions.
Lord Jinsilver came together quickly. The standing Leuglan that had ordered the others to be silent was the first to die. Lord Jinsilvers sword cut into its neck and dumped the headless body into the murky water. The Devians appeared an instant later, each taking down a victim before the Leuglan had time to react. Within seconds only seven of the twelve remained and each darted about frantically. All except one, that screamed. Lord Jinsilver turned towards it with concern. Was that a scream of joy? He wondered.
The loud sound of grinding stone echoed around the chamber, as two hidden door opened. Lord Jinsilver spun on the spot trying to understand the new devolvement. For a moment the room fell silent. No one had yet engaged in combat and the Devian held their positions in the far corners. Lord Jinsilver eyed one of the open doorways with a growing feeling of dread. All at once, dozens of Leuglan poured through both doors and left him wondering how he couldn't have detected them. He spun on the spot, swinging his sword at any that approached to closely.
Why couldn’t I detect them? He thought. The only answer would be lead lined walls but to do that Lord Skavlin must have known that they would be coming.
"It's a trap!" He shouted, "Retreat, we can't fight them all. Retreat."
A horrid raspy laugh sounded behind him. Lord Jinsilver turned to face a vampire he had seen only once before but knew well.
"Ragzor." He growled. If only he could take this scum out, the day wouldn't be a total loss. He waved the vampire to come forward; Ragzor smiled showing his horrible razor sharp teeth. Lord Jinsilver spun his blade through a complex routine of twists and turns designed to intimidate his opponent. Ragzor came on unimpressed and then darted forward with speed that caught the older vampire off guard. With bone-plated arms, he blocked the spinning blade easily and landed a heavy blow on Lord Jinsilvers chest. The Verdrade was slammed backwards to collide hard against a concrete pillar. He staggered to his feet and looked down at the large dent in his breastplate. Shaking his head at his own foolishness, he pushed himself away and approached more cautiously. Lord Jinsilver darted forward first this time. Lighting fast, his blade arched in towards Ragzor’s exposed neck. The aim was perfect but somehow the vampire got his arm up and deflected the attack harmlessly to the side. Then Lord Jinsilver was on the defensive, his sword working hard to keep Ragzor’s claws at bay.
He jumped backwards breaking the combat and they both sized each other up; a little more respectful of the other Prowers. Lord Jinsilver came forward again, steadily advancing then dived into a roll by Ragzor’s right side. The sewer vampire swung a heavy fist - which narrowly missed his head as he rolled past- then rose quickly too his feet. Without looking, he stabbed his weapon backwards and into the side of the turning vampire. Ragzor screamed in agony and backhanded Lord Jinsilver and the stinging sword away. He wobbled on his feet while clawed hands grasped his side as blood and smoke poured from the wound.
Lord Jinsilver shook off the heavy hit and got back to his feet. He stalked towards Ragzor, ready to finish him off. A strong feeling that something wasn’t right washed over him and stopped and looked about the room for some tangible proof. The remaining sewer vampires crowded around his Devians who were fighting magnificently but he suspected it was only a matter of time before superior numbers overwhelmed them. That knowledge weighed down on him and he knew he should be fighting and not staring aimlessly around. Ragzor still whined but as yet hadn’t moved towards him. His gaze finally drifted to the silhouette of a man leaning cross armed against a pillar.
He wasn’t Leuglan or Verdrade, Lord Jinsilver noticed. He focused his thoughts, reached out with his mind.
"Impossible." He gasped. Ragzor laughed, a horrible gargling sound.
"Darksun," He sneered, "He kill you all."
As if on queue, the man leaning against the pillar moved away. The air distorted around him And then two magnificent swords appeared, one in each hand.
"Midnight..." Lord Jinsilver shouted but Ragzor charged towards him before he could finish his warning. He dodged, blocked and back peddled away from the wild attacks then crashed into a wall. He managed to block another swinging fist with his sword while his hand caught the other and held it. For many seconds he held the vampire at bay as smoke rose lazily from the bone covered arm that pushed against the blessed sword.
Ragzor seemed not to notice.
The black eyes of Lord Jinsilver stared into the huge white pupil less orbs of Ragzor, each filled with hate for the other. Ragzor moved first. He snapped his head down while changing the pressure he applied with his arm. Lord Jinsilver screamed as the razor sharp teeth tore into his arm. Desperately, he lifted his leg and with all his strength kicked out sending Ragzor spinning away to splash heavily into the filth and sewage and ripping a far sized chunk from his arm in the process.
Ragzor was slow in rising from the water and he whined and hissed the whole time. Lord Jinsilver inspected his wounded arm and found it was virtually useless. He still held his sword in the other hand and with a roar of anger, he charged, splashing through the muck. A wave of dizziness rolled over him and he skidded down to one to one knee. He looked over as a huge cloud of black smoke rolled from the corner, which engulfed many of the fighters.
"Midnight?" He said, reaching out with his mind. Midnight was gone. From the smoke walked Darksun, his red glowing eyes bore into Lord Jinsilver before turning towards the fighting that held Blackmoon.
"No," Lord Jinsilver screamed as another wave of dizziness hit him. The room appeared to spin; everything seemed blurred and moved slowly. "No." He said again, his voice barely audible. Somewhere in the distance he heard laugher and then the approaching footsteps of Ragzor. He knew his time was about to come to an abrupt end.
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After what seemed like hours, the door behind him opened. Mark stood and dusted down his clothes then faced the doorway. Asha, the woman from before and another huge man walked into the room. The man looked at him with an expression of distain and Mark could understand why. Unlike himself, the man had the appearance of someone who worked, ate and slept in a gym. It seemed like every muscle in his body rippled as he walked confidently towards him. Mark looked back towards Asha as she pulled the long elegant gown tighter around her, and the embarrassment from early made him grimace again.
“Mark, are feeling better?” Asha asked, concerned expression on her face.
Mark lifted his shirt and looked at the twin stab wounds in his belly. Both had scabbed over but the scarring looked angry and still pained him a little.
Asha moved forward a step and asked. “How did you get those?”
“I was attacked in a back-alley near Charring cross.” He replied, “Two men followed me from where I had been all evening. They stole my wallet and then stabbed me twice.” He traced a finger slowly over the wounds then finally lowered his shirt.
“You don’t know who they were?” She asked.
“No. Never laid eyes on them before. I guess a drunk guy on his own is an easy target around here.”
Asha nodded and said. “If you are feeling strong enough – I would like you to accompany us to the conference room where I can explain… your new life. After that we can get you cleaned up and into some new clothes.”
She turned to walk away and then snapped her fingers and spun back before Mark had even taken a step. “Where are my manners? Mark this is Sarn; he is my second in command.”
“Please to meet you.” Mark said, extending a hand. Sarn barely moved other than a slight dipping of his head, which Mark presumed, was a nod of acknowledgement.
Asha lead him through corridors of polished wooden tables and solid oak doors. They climbed a spiral staircase that was also fine wood before entering into a large room with a circular table in its center. She indicated he should take a seat while she loaded slides into a projector. Mark caught Sarns eye and smiled politely but the big man looked away.
“Okay. Can I presume that you are now a believer?”
He shrugged and nodded.
“Some people are just slow and need help understanding.” Sarn said slowly. Mark looked over and the big man turned to face him. Mark gasped and jumped up, sending the antique chair skidding across the floor. The man’s eyes now had a fiery yellow glow about them. His face seemed more angular and canine teeth that were almost too large to hide could clearly been seen through the slight gap in his mouth. Sarn’s size and attitude had already made him come across as menacing but now he appeared terrifying to Mark. Asha picked up the chair and waved a hand at her oversized companion. His face immediately softened back to a normal human appearance.
“Sometimes the hardest part is convincing someone that we exist after so many years of trying to prove that we do not. Still I shall presume that we can move on. Please take a seat and try not to worry.” Asha said.
Mark never took his eyes of Sarn as he pulled up his chair and positioned himself as far away as he could while trying to not appear too obvious.
“I know you must have many questions so I shall do my best to explain your new life to you and if at the end you feel I haven’t covered any area then please ask.” She sat down opposite him while absent-mindedly playing the remote control of the projector.
“Some of what I am about to tell you, you will not enjoy hearing and for that I am truly sorry.” She explained, “It doesn’t change anything though. Firstly, you are a vampire. A Teramort to be exact which is one of the original one hundred clans. You don’t seem the violent type so this news will appeal to you. We are the only clan that feeds on sunlight and have therefore turned our back on the more primitive ways of drinking blood.”
Asha held up the remote control and the projector whirled into life; an aerial view of a huge two-story house appeared. “This is our home which doubles as our base of operations. We are actually a government-funded agency working for the Special Paranormal Services. You have met one of our superiors earlier today.”
The next slide showed Asha, Sarn and four others. “You already know Sarn and myself. The others in our family, from left to right are. Gazil, Faith, ????? and ????? The six of us serve a purpose and it is quite simple. We must track down and eliminate other vampire clans that prey on or threaten humans within London. So I guess that makes us the good guys and our biggest problem right now is this chap.”
On the screen was a pale-skinned man with piecing black eyes and long out of control white hair. “The news you have been reading about these last few months all started when this ancient vampire arrived in London. His name is Lord Skavlin and he is of the Verdrade clan.”
She turned and looked at Mark who appeared totally overwhelmed by it all. “I know this is difficult for you.” She said, turning off the projector. “Perhaps we shall leave the war till later and concentrate more on how this effects you.”
“Thank you.” Mark said, smiling slightly.
“This is going to be hard to accept but the life you once knew has to end. That means you can never return home or talk to friends and family.”
She held up a hand to stop Mark’s predictable protests and continued. “Your body is about to go through some drastic changes and once that is complete, you will not age a day from that moment on. You, we must all remain in this house unless hunting for vampires. It isn’t the wonderful life many humans, in their ignorance dream of is it?”
“This is going to kill my parents.” Mark whimpered. “They worry so much about me and they are old. Can I please call them? Just to let them know I am ok.”
Asha shook her head and extended a hand to cover his. He immediately pulled away and anger clouded his eyes.
“I’m not going to be a prisoner in this house. You can’t keep me here.” He said, clenching a fist tightly.
“We are all in the same boat. Our only protection from the British government is to work for them and stay within this house when not bowing to their beck and call.” She said, her own voice rising. Mark looked into her eyes and could see pain there. He wondered if she too wished things were different. He decided to try and change the subject.
“I… noticed the pictures of you and Lord what’s his face were paintings. Why is that?”
Asha seemed to relax a little, “Good question. “ She said, “Now let me answer by asking you a question. I’m sure during your life you have seen and read about vampires. Tell me what you know about them?”
Mark scratched his chin. “Umm. Where do I start?”
Asha shrugged.
“Okay, Weaknesses. They hate crosses, garlic, and holy water. Cast no reflection, burn in sunlight and can be staked or decapitated.”
Asha smiled. “Too many movies perhaps?”
“I like horror.” He replied.
“Most of the clans are almost identical and yes, regarding the common well known vampire; every single one of the above is true for them. However, some of the older more powerful clans have different weaknesses. For example, Teramorts. Sunlight obviously doesn’t burn us. Crosses and holy water affect us less than the others although prolonged exposure can be a problem. Losing our heads is automatic game over, which I might add is the same for all clans. Stake, I don’t actually know about and to finally answer your question. We cast no reflection and photographs develop blurred, hence the portraits.”
“It’s like being back at school isn’t it chump?” Sarn said, his voice deep and booming. Mark just stared at him without replying for many moments before facing back towards Asha. She had removed her gown and stood once more in her black costume. Mark swallowed hard then looked away. A chair creaked in protest as Sarn stood, he nodded to both Asha and Mark before departing the room.
Asha cleared her throat and then said. “I want to go over just one more detail with you and then for today we are done.” She paused for a moment and then added. “You can look at me, I won’t bite. No pun intended.”
Mark did look at her and again he couldn’t get over her beauty. “Let me show you to your room while we talk.” She said. She walked towards the open door and Mark couldn’t help but admire her fluid movement and grace. They walked up another large winding staircase as she explained the various rooms within the house and what purpose they served. They arrived outside a solid looking door and she turned to face him.
“This is your room.” She said, and then indicated he should open the door. He stepped forward then boldly turned the heavy handle.
“Oh my.” He said in amazement as he glanced about the interior. The whole décor seemed straight from Edwardian times. From the four-poster king sized bed, to the long drapes that were tired back from the windows. Asha smiled as Mark made his way around the room examining every minor detail.
“We have covered enough for today.” She said. “You have an on suite bathroom and the wardrobe is full of clothes that should fit you. There are two light switches; one is a normal bulb the other is for the sun lamp. I shall be back at 6am tomorrow morning so please don’t wonder from your room. Have a peaceful night.” She smiled warmly, then gently closed the door. Mark sat down on the side of the bed and tried to sort through the mixture of emotions.
I am a vampire, he thought. Not only that but I will get to live forever and never age. He smiled and lay back onto the comfortable covers. Immediately he thought of his parents, friends and wife. His face screwed up in confusion. Why did he think of his wife last? He wondered. Then it dawned on him. In all the months they had spent together, he had never seen a smile as warm and sincere as the one Asha had just given him. He didn’t know what it meant and had to force himself not to dwell anymore. That life was behind him now though it would take a long time to get over not seeing any of those he cared about again. A very long time indeed
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Bloodied fingers typed in the access code and huge gates swung silently inwards. Lord Jinsilver leaned heavily against the gate post before managing to limp towards his mansion. Two guards with dogs came charging towards him armed with weapons to defeat both human and Vampire intruders. As soon as they recognized him, they radioed the mansion for help.
William was one of the first to reach him, “What happened?” His voice filled with concern.
“No time to explain. William I need you to follow these orders.” William nodded. “First, we must lock down the house and post extra guards. The house is to remain locked even during the night till I say otherwise. Second, we must call back everyone. In this weakened state, I cannot protect them.
“And finally.” He said. He paused, almost unable to believe what he was going to ask. “Finally, please get some humans as I need to feed.” William looked horrified; he hadn’t seen Lord Jinsilver feed on blood since the pact was signed. He bowed low, and then ordered two guards to take Lord Jinsilver to the control room.
“I will join you as soon as I have carried out your orders, my Lord.” Then William turned and rushed back into the complex. They carried their wounded master to the safety of the control room where he rested inside a lead lined coffin. Lord Jinsilver rested for an hour before climbing slowly from his casket. He stood stiffly and then caught the smell of blood. He turned to find a woman chained to the wall and his eyes narrowed evilly while blackened tongue licked over dry lips. Her head down, she didn’t notice him till he was almost upon her. She looked up with terror in her eyes, “Please, I a have...” He felt no pity, felt no sympathy, felt nothing at all as he took her life. He left the room feeling a little stronger, though he would need to feed many more times over the next few days to gain enough strength to once again protect his children. He called for William to join him, and then walked back into his room. William walked in, bowed and then took a seat opposite.
“My friend, I fear I have under estimated our opponent and paid a heavy price. I may have doomed us all in fact. It was a trap you see. There was indeed twelve Leuglan in the sewers but another thirty or more were hiding behind lead lined doors. I couldn’t sense them.”
“What of the Devians, did they escape as well?” William asked, though he suspected he already knew the answer. Lord Jinsilver shook his head.
“I had the advantage. Ragzor was there and I was confident I could destroy him but Lord Skavlin has a new powerful ally. A damn Teramort no less.”
“Are you sure?” William asked.
“Of course.” Lord Jinsilver replied, somewhat angrily at being questioned. “He took down Midnight and Blackmoon in a matter of moments and leaving me all but helpless. I managed to call out and if it wasn’t for Daragon, I wouldn’t be standing here now.”
“I have carried out your requests my Lord, the hour is late but we have received some of our own already. The others will come in tomorrow night. Also I have these to show you, though now may not be a good time.” He dropped a hand full of photographs on the table.
Lord Jinsilver picked up one of the pictures. “What’s this?”
“Pictures of the SPS. We followed them yesterday.” Lord Jinsilver looked at each photograph in turn. “Our photographer said the agents drove straight for this building after leaving here. I have looked myself and can’t see anything of any real importance.”
Lord Jinsilver was about to agree accept something was familiar about the blonde woman standing by the front door. He brought the picture closer and his eyes sparkled as he finally recognized her. “How many years has it been?” He whispered, tossing the photograph to land directly in front of a puzzled William. “Of course, you don’t know her. I have only meet her once, her name is Lady Asha.”
“Teramort?” William asked,
”This must be the Teramort head quarters.” Lord Jinsilver smiled. He doubted in his weakened state the information would be of any real use.
“You have done well, thank you.” Lord Jinsilver stood and flexed his arms. One was still near useless and he couldn’t yet move his fingers. “To matters more at hand. We need to prepare the final defenses. Lord Skavlin will soon be able to sense all vampire of London, and even though this building is lead lined, the vampires all heading for one location will raise alarm bells. It is a risk though I need to take, I must reestablish control.”
“If you can no longer control them, some may not return. What will you do then?”
“If that happens and Lord Skavlin pays us a visit,” He said, as bony finger removed some blood from his lips, “Then we will die my old friend.” He waved William away and crawled back into his coffin. As the lid closed, he wondered if the darkness that he now knew would soon become permanent.
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