0234: The Vampire's Daughter Book Three

"That won't be necessary," a voice rang from the gateway the giant had been guarding before his untimely death.

"He killed my Grim," the little girl screamed in a shrill voice.

"Yes, and I'm sorry for that. But he won fairly," the smallish man said, as he stepped into the outer courtyard. Like the others, he was in all black and wore an overcoat.

"This isn't over," she shouted.

"I've heard that too many times to believe it," Sol said, standing and looking the girl in the eyes. He could see the anger welling up inside of her.

"This is over," the smallish man announced, "at least for tonight." The crowd of vampires slowly left the court, leaving only the girl, two vampires holding Jamie by the arms, and the man.

"Was that really necessary Gan?" Sol asked.

"I suppose not," he answered, "but it was certainly entertaining. As you can imagine, Grim had never been defeated.

"But then you don't fight from fear," Gan continued. "In fact I didn't sense fear or anger in you at any point in the fight."

"Fear and anger do not win fights," Sol said, coughing up more blood.

"Particularly when you are hopelessly weaker than your opponent," Gan said.

"At that point, only intelligence and willpower will result in victory," Sol responded. "Did I pass your little test?"

"With at least a B," Gan said.

"Good, now let Jamie go."

"The whore? I agreed to protect you, not that one," Gan responded, gesturing at Jamie with his chin.

"Let Jamie go," Sol said again.

"And what if I refuse?"

"Then I suppose I'll have to hope I'm smart enough to defeat the rest of your clan."

"You aren't," Gan said, lifting an arm to wave off the vampires holding Sol's friend. After being released, Jamie stood behind Sol. Gan watched, and then said, "Let's talk before the day arrives. Follow me."

"What about my Grim?" the little girl asked.

"I am afraid that you will have to find another to love," Gan said turning and walking toward the gateway from which he came. "Come," he said to Sol.

Sol and Jamie followed their host through the doorway into another courtyard. From here they entered the central portion of the castle. The main hallway led directly to the throne room. Gan walked up and slumped in the throne.

He clapped his hands, causing two aids to quickly bring chairs for Sol and Jamie.

After a long silence, Gan said, "What I don't understand is why you killed someone who had been so kind to you. That isn't your style. The annoying little twit Paul I can see, but not John Paul."

"I didn't kill either of them," Sol answered.

"Then how exactly did you convince the only peaceful coven to initiate a bloodhunt for you?" Gan asked, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hand.



[The Vampire's Daughter: An ongoing vampire story. Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005, 2006. All rights reserved.]