to rid society of criminals, and then like this evening, we may decide to ‘alleviate’ suffering. This is no different from when you were a child with your dog, or as an adult with the elderly. It is no different when you protect the vulnerable from those who want to cause them serious harm, and it is no different from hunting animals that feel pain as we do. We are ‘human’ in nearly every way. You can choose to live within that framework and be who you are. It is time to embrace your so-called demon, to fully understand what you are and to discover what you are capable of doing.”
“I’ve seen what we can do.” I sigh.
“You are not like the rest of us, Adriel. You resemble us as we resemble humans. We share similar needs and strengths, but you are not a vampire, at least not wholly so. Just look in the mirror and admit the obvious.” The memory of Hanz and Franz debating over what I was surfaces and I know this to be true, but to have someone else utter the words is frightening. My entire life has been spent on the outside looking in, avoiding unnecessary attention and hiding who or what I really am. Perhaps it’s time for a change.
I straighten out my shoulders and sit up in anticipation. “Tell me what I am then, Percy.”
“I do not know yet, but rest assured, I am trying my best to find out. We will discover this together, if you’ll trust me.” There is something more than words in that statement. It is an oath, something ancient. Words and handshakes mean nothing today, but centuries ago, a name and reputation was all that one had, and to betray another was unforgivable. I remember a lecture in a religion course stating that in ancient Sumer, clan leaders would cut their wrists and mingle blood for what they called the Blood Covenant. Then they would cut several cows in half and walk through the blood and gore in a figure eight, symbolizing eternity, saying, ‘If I break this oath, then let this happen to me.’ That tradition passed on for thousands of years to when I was a boy, as my friends and I became blood brothers. Well, except for the sacrifice part. To break the Sumerian covenant was death then. I sense that she offers it with identical intent and if I accept, she will hold me to mine. So, we join in the eternal death walk.
I finally say, “What do we do now?”
“ We do nothing. When we are not together, I am tracking down potential leads. It will not be much longer, but you must be patient,” she says with a defeated grin. She knows me well.
“What about Cassius? Wouldn’t he be a resource? He claims to be the oldest of all vampires and that he has potential connections to my past.” She leans over the edge with both elbows on the cement wall, disregarding their filth. I feel her tension as she contemplates a careful response and I quickly whisper near her ear, “Be honest with me, Percy.” I feel the heat of my own breath.
She says, “He is certainly the oldest that I have met… He was always fierce, even callous, but in the past century, he has become obsessed over something. He leaves for weeks at a time and has become even crueler as he ages. He is a dangerous vampire. It would be wise to remember that as you develop a relationship.”
“I think he’s a prick, but that’s just me.” She giggles in response. “Why don’t we just leave?”
“He has a part in your life, of that I am sure. Remember, he can detect when you lie, or even slightly exaggerate, and unlike you, has no moral issue with extracting that information from you in very uncomfortable ways. Stay the course, play your part, and be cautious. He is a master strategist—no one attains power without savvy and ruthlessness.” I nod in agreement. The city is sleeping, but on the verge of a new horizon.
Chapter 8
Mmmmm coffee, the bitter taste of freshly ground beans. Add the fact that I haven’t had a cup since the Resurrectio, nearly a month now, and it may as well be the nectar
“I’ve seen what we can do.” I sigh.
“You are not like the rest of us, Adriel. You resemble us as we resemble humans. We share similar needs and strengths, but you are not a vampire, at least not wholly so. Just look in the mirror and admit the obvious.” The memory of Hanz and Franz debating over what I was surfaces and I know this to be true, but to have someone else utter the words is frightening. My entire life has been spent on the outside looking in, avoiding unnecessary attention and hiding who or what I really am. Perhaps it’s time for a change.
I straighten out my shoulders and sit up in anticipation. “Tell me what I am then, Percy.”
“I do not know yet, but rest assured, I am trying my best to find out. We will discover this together, if you’ll trust me.” There is something more than words in that statement. It is an oath, something ancient. Words and handshakes mean nothing today, but centuries ago, a name and reputation was all that one had, and to betray another was unforgivable. I remember a lecture in a religion course stating that in ancient Sumer, clan leaders would cut their wrists and mingle blood for what they called the Blood Covenant. Then they would cut several cows in half and walk through the blood and gore in a figure eight, symbolizing eternity, saying, ‘If I break this oath, then let this happen to me.’ That tradition passed on for thousands of years to when I was a boy, as my friends and I became blood brothers. Well, except for the sacrifice part. To break the Sumerian covenant was death then. I sense that she offers it with identical intent and if I accept, she will hold me to mine. So, we join in the eternal death walk.
I finally say, “What do we do now?”
“ We do nothing. When we are not together, I am tracking down potential leads. It will not be much longer, but you must be patient,” she says with a defeated grin. She knows me well.
“What about Cassius? Wouldn’t he be a resource? He claims to be the oldest of all vampires and that he has potential connections to my past.” She leans over the edge with both elbows on the cement wall, disregarding their filth. I feel her tension as she contemplates a careful response and I quickly whisper near her ear, “Be honest with me, Percy.” I feel the heat of my own breath.
She says, “He is certainly the oldest that I have met… He was always fierce, even callous, but in the past century, he has become obsessed over something. He leaves for weeks at a time and has become even crueler as he ages. He is a dangerous vampire. It would be wise to remember that as you develop a relationship.”
“I think he’s a prick, but that’s just me.” She giggles in response. “Why don’t we just leave?”
“He has a part in your life, of that I am sure. Remember, he can detect when you lie, or even slightly exaggerate, and unlike you, has no moral issue with extracting that information from you in very uncomfortable ways. Stay the course, play your part, and be cautious. He is a master strategist—no one attains power without savvy and ruthlessness.” I nod in agreement. The city is sleeping, but on the verge of a new horizon.
Chapter 8
Mmmmm coffee, the bitter taste of freshly ground beans. Add the fact that I haven’t had a cup since the Resurrectio, nearly a month now, and it may as well be the nectar
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