Chapter 2

Mallory

4E Spring, Maram 5, 215

Just before entering the main gates bearing the raised sword crest of humans, Mallory felt a tension. After paying the murage into town she felt that tension growing. The air, the people,  they were heavy with unease.

With spring came the new year, like the new moon, a new month. Whenever Mallory came into towns around this time there was always a lighter spirit, easing her own discomfort whilst in crowds. Often, she found herself enjoying towns at this time, despite the oppressive sounds of crowds of people.

At first, she ignored the tension. Thethras was growing but the human inhabitants had always been a tad more suspicious of travelers. Even in this fresh season, her presence may have troubled some.

Then her blood froze when she heard them mentioned. Her heart stopped when, over the common smells of animals and chamber pot waste she caught the scent of refined wolfsbane.

Council hunters were here. Humans who hunt down those of other races as ordered by the Council. Humans often slightly enhanced with runes, a magic branded into their skin. Humans who sought both Mallory and Afeerah.

Shit. Shit. Shit! are they here? We have been careful. I should… No! leaving now may cause more unease, more suspicion. Shit!

As Mallory approached the herb merchant’s stall, the old woman behind the counter smiled. “Dianna,” she beamed, heavy wrinkles weighing her face, “good to see you dear.”

“It is always a pleasure Rose,” Mallory replied forcing a smile at her alias. A name borrowed from one of her people long dead. Lifting her basket Mallory informed, “I have good ones for you today.”

Rose eyes widened upon opening it. “Oh, Dianna! Larkspur, Lungwort and Burdock. These are hard to find this early. How’d you manage it?”

“Hard work, patience, and dumb luck,” Mallory jested, smiling at Rose’s chuckle.

But mostly magic, she thought. Best keep that quiet, lest my inhuman nature be known in the human town. Do not need the rune masking my magic’s energy waisted.

Although she had been to the town a few times over the months during her stay in the cave, there were many here still wary of her. They knew too little about the herb gatherer to trust her. Nor did she trust them, not that it could matter.

There were some items that could not be obtained lest she traveled to populated areas. So, into the masses she went. Sometimes there were people like Rose that made the trips tolerable.

That may change were she to discover what I am, Mallory grieved looking on the woman.

It is not as it once was. Now even healers are looked on with trepidation. All because of this new Council. Curse you Balthazar.

All races once had an equal voice on the old Council. As in all societies, no matter how fair they endeavor to be , there are those in opposition.

Balthazar Bane, an old and tainted vampire imprisoned at the time of The Clensing spread rumors and caused a rebellion from the confines of his cell. He also had his son, Rodrick Bane, lead the attack on Mallory’s people, and turn her into what she was.

On the surface the new Council worked similarly to the old one with shared power. However, Balthazar Bane was head of the Council and the vampire Paragon. He was even praised for ridding the nation of the ‘traitors on the old Council’ and ‘keeping his kind in check.’

Lies. All of it.

The real traitors filled the vacancies they created and Balthazar… That man kept no watch of his people, nor likely held any real regard to other races. He and a few others likely had very little if any respect for the human Paragon and king, William Lightheart.

Perhaps the fairy queen, Paragon Cassandra Fair acknowledged her human counterpart. She was the only survivor of the old Council, the real alliance. Maybe the newer merfolk Paragon Atius.

Sadly, not even their acceptance would mean that king William, or any humans had sway in the Council. Sadly, king William’s race either did not realize or could not care. The human masses had the illusion of safety. They put their trust in the Council, and even the murderer who lead it.

It would not have happened before, Mallory grieved looking onto the old human, blissfully ignorant of the inhumanity of the being before her. As Rose paid her with half a sovereign Mallory knew, She is surely gladdened at the hunter presence… She may have information.

“What is the stirring in Thethras about?” Mallory queried.

Rose sighed grimly. “Werewolf caused havoc along the east road from what I hear. Shame he let his wolf get hold… he seems fair when he visits. Hunters were sent to deal with it.”

“How awful! Do you know when they plan to?”

“From what I hear, they leave at dusk. You should stay at the inn until it’s safe.”

 “I will be fine. I live to the north and shall be home before the sun falls. No shifter shall harm me.”

 “Very well dear,” she conceded. “Be wary all the same.”

“Be well Rose.” Mallory turned and began walking towards another stall before looking back to Rose and adding, “Though pity to any beast that think themselves a match for you.”

Mallory felt a weight lift and continued to the market. If Vithis and the other hunters really were there for the shifter, she and Afeerah should have no trouble.

Once finished buying Afeerah’s food, she bought sweets before heading to the tavern for ale. Afeerah may not have asked for those, but Mallory knew she was running low on both and she was frightful when the craving for either struck.

As she entered the tavern, Mallory’s senses were overwhelmed by alcohol and tobacco. The stench, however, was preferable to the vulgar looks  from some of the patrons as she made her purchase. Such stares always made her skin crawl,  but for Afeerah she could endure.

Stepping out of the tavern Mallory walked straight into something solid. She stumbled back as strong arms steadied her.

Her breath caught as a new… yet familiar scent filled her. He had the aroma of pine and leather; his blood was just as enchanting. It was nearly… pure good and filled with an unusual strength.

Oh Gods, Mallory thought looking up. Without the aid of her speed time changed, all because of him. Because of a man with sky-blue eyes.

“Sorry, Miss,” his warm voice began, “are you-”

He stopped as his sky-blue eyes met her. Heart thrashing against her ribcage, she focused on keeping her gaze from turning white. Like her, his breath halted as he gaped.

“Sorry, but have we m-”

“Kieran,” a voice boomed.

Mallory’s heart stopped. Past a small crowd on the street were two older men leaning against a building. Vithis looked older than she recalled, his dark hair held streaks of gray. The other, a burly red-haired man with a knotted face tattoo, matched the description of Karst.

Afeerah had spoken of him before. If he was here then the shifter Rose spoke of was not the hunter’s only target. Afeerah was as well.

With Kieran’s attention diverted Mallory quickly darted around the tavern and out of sight. Karst’s voice sounded again, “Boy, be quick with our ale.”

Mallory could not breathe, suffocated by the weight in her chest. She could not allow Vithis to catch her. She heard of his skills. Although only human, if he discovered her he may be able to drag her back to Desmadis, a fortress in the vampire’s land of Traiviah. Mallory had been Rodrick’s captive there- for two hundred years. Only twelve years had passed since a curly dark-haired solder aided her escape, allowing her freedom, the feeling grass beneath her feet and the balm of fresh air. Air she would not give up easily.

Another chill ran through her. She stole a moment to peer around the corner of the building at the older hunters. They were laughing amongst themselves and she almost joined them.

They did not see. Her gaze moved to Kieran who was currently looking about him. He did. Of course, he did. He saw me.

The thick brown and blue jack with steel studs on his arm and a leather ailette with the hunter crest on his shoulder identified his profession. He wore soft black leather pants covered by thicker brown boots and a sword at his hip.

His facial features were just as appealing though stronger than when she first laid eyes on him. His jet-black hair was trimmed just past his ears and brushed just above those striking eyes. His strong jaw, that looked sharper than his blade, was covered by a light beard.

Dashing, Mallory admired. The stubble accents his mouth, his white teeth, and his li-

No, stop it! 

She shook herself and glanced at Kieran once more before he entered the tavern. Only then did Mallory look away. Only then could she turn from the man who was one of the only good memories from her time as a prisoner.

He has really grown. How long has it been? Sixteen years.

4E Summer, 199 (Sixteen Years ago)

Rising, she rubbed her eyes smearing the dirt that was always there in her muggy stone cell.

Her hybrid eyes let her see perfectly in the dim block. Her breath caught as she stared at the boy on the other side of the bars. He could not have been older than ten or eleven, yet the blue eyes beneath his black hair were piercing.

His blood smelled pure with more strength than a human should have. From him, she sensed many things, one in particular astounded her and made her eyes flash.

He is my…

“Who are you,” she croaked. His gasp echoed and he fixed on her fangs and white gaze.

Quickly she looked down and swallowed, trying to ease the rasp. Sadly, hunger brought out her vampiric nature and Rodrick never fed her enough for it to fade.

It mattered not that she was behind the thick bars of an enchanted cell. Neither Rodrick nor the other tainted on the Council wanted to risk her regaining any strength. They even closely controlled who could see her. Only Rodrick, a constant guard, healers at times, and those delivering blood… Like this boy.

Mallory returned her gaze to the child, hiding her mouth with her hand. “Sorry. I did not mean to scare you.”

 “You didn’t Miss… Just never heard of a vampire with eyes like yours,” he assured.

 “I know they can be unnerving.”

He quickly shook his head. “Not at all Miss. I think…” he looked down a moment, a flush spread over his face before meeting her eyes again. “I think they’re lovely, Miss.”

Mallory smiled. This child was the first to say such a thing. Those she had met since being here seemed to be repulsed by her eyes. Yet this boy who she sensed was so virtuous, much like she had been long ago, seemed enamored of them.

Could he be… she began to wonder. No, there is normally purity in youth. I must be wrong.

Her mouth still covered, she shook off the notion and looked into his gaze. “Thank you. I think your eyes are as well. You have a good soul in there.”

He beamed, showing adorable dimples.  “Thank you Miss. Oh, you must be thirsty. I was told to bring this.”

Her lips shut, Mallory removed her hand and started to rise, hissing as pain shot through her side. Rodrick broke her ribs a few days ago. She recovered faster than most beings, but in her current state neither her abilities as a vampire, or her magic had yet healed her fully.

“Are you alright miss?”

“No, but I have been hurt far worse. No need to fret. That should help though,” she said nodding to the cup.

The boy passed it through the bars extending his arm fully within the cell trying fast to reach her. Mallory smiled at the foolish move towards a hungry vampire. Yet Mallory felt his trust, the same as she felt toward him. Only he did not know the reason behind the immediate feeling.

Cup in her hand, he pulled back but did not leave her bars. He was fixed on her as he pressed his head to the metal. Mallory was of average height but still a head taller than he.

She began to turn away before the movement forced another surge of pain. “Please, Miss, it’s alright.”

“You should not have to watch. It is unpleasant to witness.”

“It’s alright, Miss. You don’t have to hide your fangs either.” His voice grew hushed as he continued, “I’ve seen worse.”

“As have I,” Mallory responded in the same somber tone.

Both stared at each other as she drained the musky animal blood. Once she finished, she licked her lips clean before speaking. “What is your name, if I may ask?”

 “Kieran, Kieran Mills, and yours Miss?”

Before she could respond someone boomed, “Kieran, boy! How long does it take to feed a bloody prisoner?”

Her blood chilled hearing Vithis. With a small tremor the boy, Kieran called, “C… coming master. I’ve got to go.”

Before his hand left the bar, Mallory gently placed her own over it, noting the slight warmth of the touch.  “Be careful, Kieran. There are not many eyes like mine in a place like this.”

 “I know, Miss.”

Hesitating, he slid his hand from hers to climb the stairs out of the prison block. He looked back once more and walked out of sight. Only a moment between them and still Mallory felt part of herself go with him.

Be safe, she prayed.

4E Spring, Maram 5, 215 (Present Day)

Seems only yesterday, yet it was long ago for a being like him. He has changed little where it matters.

Mallory possessed an instinct that allowed her to assess the measure of someone, what they are, and their emotions, with little more than a look. With many hunters, Vithis and Karst especially, she sensed cruelty and arrogance.

With Kieran however, she felt a kindness, courage, great strength, curiosity, minor desperation, and a deep and old sadness. Most amazingly he had a remarkable virtue. It was nearly the same as their encounter all those years ago, as was the other feeling he triggered.

All the way back to the main gate she fought her welling emotions, not feeling any relief as she left the dangers of the town. Only when Mallory neared the wood outside Thethras did she let tears flow.

I detest this, she seethed. How can we be what we are to each other with what he is? How could I think otherwise before? I was weak then but now… something blocks his smell. I could only sense it by crashing into the one with that unmistakable aroma and feel about him. Why… Why are you a lightblood Kieran?

The power of his soul flowed in his blood. Blood like that, most especially that of a human lightblood, would be craved by vampires, the tainted on the Council, and especially Rodrick.

He has an awful fate on the horizon. I was likely a part of that fate, perhaps part of what you are now Kieran, a hunter… The Elixir… Though without me to make it… his fate may be different, but not less horrid. No! He will not meet that end.

Some of the greatest kings, nobles, and heroes of all races throughout history were lightbloods. Mallory would bet that Kieran had no idea what he was. He did not know that his blood, his soul could possibly start a war.

Next Chapter: Chapter 3