0308: The Vampire's Daughter, Book Three

The three vampires walked to the small army lined up in front of them. Gan and Henry exchanged concerned glances, but nothing else, as they knew Meredith would be able to read every thought.

"I am Meredith, Queen of all Europe!" Meredith announced to the army, which numbered over a hundred.

A murmur went through the ranks. Many looked to Henry for guidance, as what Meredith was saying would be considered heresy to those currently in power in Europe.

"I can read your thoughts," she continued. "There are many here who remember me, many more that do not remember or never knew.

"Far too long have I been gone. Far too long have I allowed the new kings and queens to act with impunity. I have watched and done nothing, believing that my time had come and gone."

Another murmur rushed through, this one louder than the last.

"I now realize that this was a mistake," Meredith said coldly. "The kings and queens of today do not act with any honor or understanding of the power they wield. They have trampled on tradition and risk our exposure. In fact, I fear they risk our very souls.

Meredith was silent for a long time before saying, "It is time for me to return and retake what is rightfully mine-the throne of all Europe."

The army was quiet before someone in the middle asked, "What of your King?"

Meredith smiled. "Yes, some of you do remember the old days. The days when vampires were held responsible for their actions. The days when my King ruled with an iron fist, killing any and all that did not conform to the rules of the land.

"I say we must cleanse ourselves of the evil that has been allowed to fester. I will not lie to you, I intend to wield an iron fist and use it even more forcefully to return us to our former glory."

Voices began to rise in the ranks. Fighting even broke out in some areas, causing Henry to yell, "Stand at attention!" This caused the commotion to cease.

"I feel the concern many of you have. I also feel the relief of others. Yes, some are as tired as I am of the hedonistic types that have risen to power. I am calling for an end to the current regime. And I am telling you that I will be that end.

"Those that are loyal to me and the ways of the past, kneel before me."

About a third of the group knelt down, while the others looked around at each other in confusion.

"Who do you think you are?" a voice rose up, followed by others agreeing with the sentiment.

Meredith smiled and said, "I am your Queen and you will go to your grave having learned that lesson.

"Kneel!" she announced in a powerful voice. All those standing knelt, though it was obvious it was not of their own accord.

"Those who are with me may stand," she said more softly. All of those that knelt when first ordered to stood, plus a few of those that were forced to kneel. Still, nearly two-thirds of the army was still on the ground.

Meredith lowered her head, "Those that are with me, come to my side." The third that were loyal, moved to her. She looked at them. "Cut off their heads," she said pointing to the vampires still kneeling, "and burn their bodies."

Without question, the vampires complied.


[The Vampire's Daughter: An ongoing vampire story. Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009. All rights reserved.]