0313: The Vampire's Daughter, Book Three

"You don't think I can teach the child how to fight?" Mary asked, sounding far more hurt than she intended to sound.

Mina looked at Mary and then at Susan. "This isn't about you and your abilities," Mina stated flatly. "This is about Susan.

"Even the greatest teacher cannot teach an unwilling student."

"I'm not unwilling," Susan protested. "I've learned a lot."

"What value is learning if you never use your knowledge?" Mina asked.

"Learning isn't always about doing," Susan answered.

Mary watched quietly, realizing that there was more going on than simply training Susan how to fight. In fact, this conversation was a battle of its own. What Mary wasn't quite sure of, however, was who was fighting. Was the battle between Mina and Susan, Mina and herself, or Susan and herself?

Whatever the answer, this confrontation certainly wasn't about Susan's skill as a fighter. Mary moved to the side of the room and sat against the wall, watching.

"If you learn and do not use, then you have failed," Mina stated flatly. "Attack me."

Susan stood and looked at the vampire. She was an ancient with skills well beyond those of Mary. She was hardened by time both physically and emotionally. After a few moments, Susan said, "I do not wish to fight you."

"Attack me," was the reply.

Susan looked down and then lunged at Mina. Mina didn't move and Susan small fist landed squarely against Mina's nose, causing it to bleed. Mina made no move, causing Susan to step back.

"I said attack me, not toy with me. You aimed for an area that was easily defended. You telegraphed that punch and, worse, you advertised it in your mind. I know all too well how powerful you are little girl. If you don't want me to know what you are thinking you will stop me. You are more than skillful enough to block your mind in a fight. Now attack me!"

Susan stepped back and then came at Mina again. And again Mina did not move, allowing the blow to land. This time it was a jump kick to the side of the head.

"I am not toying with you little girl. I want you to attack me, not play. Use the skills God has given you."

"I use the skills and use them wisely."

"No, no you do not use them wisely. You use cautiously, fearfully. I do not wish to force your hand. I would prefer you to decide your own fate. But if you do not, I will decide it for you."

"Gifts are not meant to be abused," Susan said. "Mankind has abused its gifts so thoroughly, why should I add to the damnation?"

"If mankind is to be damned, then my kind are well ahead of them," Mina said. "Now fight."

"Maybe your kind is there to greet my kind," Susan said testily. "And I don't wish to be there at all."

"If you are who I think you are, little imp, you had better learn to use your gifts and use them well now, because when you need them, you won't have the latitude to fail. Now fight me."

"No," Susan said, putting her hands down. "If you want to fight, you'll have to attack me."

Mentally, Mina responded, "I will force you to fight if I must, but I won't attack you. And don't think I won't kill Mary."

Out loud, Susan said, "This is our fight."

"Not anymore," Mina said, lunging at Mary.

Mary's eyes went wide as she put her hands up to defend herself, knowing she didn't have much chance of even accomplishing that.


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