0309: The Vampire's Daughter, Book Three

Once all of the vampires had been killed, she leaned on Gan. She was drained, but managed to say, "I must rest now my love. Take me to my father while I rest. Keep the army here and await my orders."

"Yes my love," Gan said, putting an arm under Meredith and carrying her back to the castle. Henry remained to oversee the burning of the bodies.

Once by the gate, Gan yelled, "Open the gate!"

It flung open and out rushed Sol, who helped with Meredith. He looked at Gan, and said, "She has used a great deal of strength. She needs rest or to feed."

"She will not feed," Gan said.

"I am sorry for that," Meredith said with a smile. "I have killed so many that did not deserve to die. I can no longer stomach the blood."

"Then you may take mine," Sol said within earshot of Gan's assassins.

"I am no cannibal," she said just before the trio entered the inner courtyard.

"I would never suggest such a thing," Sol said, as they entered the castle. "Clear the castle," he announced.

Gan nodded to the vampires that had followed them, but said, "Car and Belinda stay."

They moved Meredith to a waiting room and placed her on a couch. She appeared to be sleeping.

Sol pulled his sleeve up and went to break a vase, but Gan stopped him. "You will respect Meredith's wishes," he said.

Sol looked at Gan. "Why aren't we allowed to feed on our own?" he asked.

"We are vampires, not animals," Gan said.

"Or is it because we are not capable of holding the souls we have, collectively, taken? That compounding the evil would destroy us? Does she not feed because she feels guilty or because she knows that any more souls would drive her mad? That any more souls would destroy her soul?"

"This is no time for such a discussion," Gan said, looking deeply into Sol's eyes. "My Queen has given me orders to bring her to the King. I intend to fulfill her wishes. You are welcome to join us, but I will not allow you to risk her life if you do."

Sol's gaze didn't leave Gan's. "You know more than you say. So does Meredith." Looking at the female vampire laying asleep, he continued, "I will join you. I fear I have little choice. I only hope that you will lead me to the answers I seek."

"After all of this, do you believe we would lead you astray?" Gan asked.

"No, no I don't," Sol answered. "I simply fear that it will take much longer for me to find my answers than I had hoped. That the events that are to unfold must be allowed to run their course before I will know what my place is in this puzzle."

"Sons are always impatient to be men," Gan said, before turning away and conferring with Carmelinda and Belinda.

The three began to plan out the trip to Russia when Henry arrived.

"Is she alright?" Henry asked.

"She is resting," Gan answered.

"I hope you are worth this fuss," Henry said to Sol. "If you aren't, it will mean the death of us all."

"I am all too aware of that fact, thank you," Sol said with a chuckle.

Henry smiled back, "I know you are." Looking back to Gan, he said, "I will stay here, as she wished, and ready the troops. I'd also like to call on some old friends for support if I may."

"I think that would be advisable," Gan said.


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