Chapter 28

In the Great Hall of Castle Leolinnia, Killian and every other Council leader lounged as Kaedan started their daily meeting. They created the rules for their people in that room, but they also strengthened the friendships that had sustained their cooperative government for so many decades. That was why it was so easy to feel the tension amongst the occupants.

"Let us discuss what has everyone so uneasy before we begin anything else," Kaedan stated, frown lines marring his face.

"Despite the hardships we have encountered, you are too cavalier with safety," Drystan complained.

"You mean because he has invited people we have never met into the heart of Castle Leolinnia?" Othindisa drawled, flipping her long red braid off her shoulder. The jarl of the Eldrvalkyria phoenixes did not always bring his guards to their meetings, but Killian had expected them when Kaedan had informed them last eve as they dined that they would have visitors in the morning.

"At least it was not a dragon," Captain Sigrid remarked. Not only did Sigrid lead the Eldrvalkyria guards, but she was also Kolsten's mother.

"Calm yourself, Sigrid," Conley said with a smile. "Recall that Killian's mate is a dragon."

"Killian is far too intelligent a man to believe I was referring to his Dravyn," Sigrid scoffed, her blue eyes narrowed at Conley. The pair were good friends and often sparred to increase their weapon skills, so Killian did not worry about a fight brewing between them. "Dravyn is a tender soul who is most friendly at our dances. He speaks to everyone with kindness, and we look forward to getting to know him better. It would have pleased me to learn every dragon mirrored Dravyn's actions, but we are instead stuck with nefarious beasts plaguing our entire Council."

"I would settle for everyone in our Council being as gracious as Dravyn has proven himself to be in our brief acquaintance," Kariston remarked. "But we are not here to discuss Killian's other half."

"No, we are beginning this morning with your brother's cracked decision to invite complete strangers to Castle Leolinnia," Baxter complained.

"I would have agreed to a discussion with newcomers, but did it have to be here?" Drystan asked. "If these people prove to be nefarious, they know exactly where to strike."

"While I share your concern, let us allow Kaedan to explain before we berate him for his choices," Kalthekor stated pragmatically.

"I agree with Chieftain Valzadari," Killian said. Kaedan was protective of everyone, and Killian had to trust that the Grand Warlock had his reasons for his decision.

Kalthekor raised a black brow. "Our visitors are not yet in the room, so I do not know why you are using such formality."

"Perhaps to remind everyone that beyond our ties as family and friends, we are also either chosen by Fate or selected by our people to have a seat in here," Egidius commented. "Kaedan is a remarkable leader and has given us no cause to doubt him."

Kaedan acknowledged their words with a slight respectful bow to both men and a small smile. "Thank you for your words; it pleases me to know you have such faith in me. Allow me to explain what you may think is an impetuous decision. I have been corresponding the past few days with a woman called Vampyress Irina of the Volkovs. She related to me her history and the plight of her people. What she wants is a permanent home and some level of protection. We can offer her that."

"What manner of magickind is she?" T'Eirick asked.

"Her people are vampyrs," Kaedan told his father. "They rely upon the blood of humans to survive. But they do not prey upon the weak. I lack every detail, but she promised to explain in person."

"How intriguing," Renny enthused. "They have magical abilities?"

"The Vampyress assures me the Vampyr Clutch does, but again, we must learn more," Kaedan answered.

"What about the disturbing history you mentioned?" Killian asked, intrigued by the idea of a vampyr but unable to understand what the word meant.

"Like many of you, they are descended of warlocks," Kaedan said. "But in this case, it was not Fate separating those with special talents. A small group of warlocks were obsessed with increasing their power and questioned their immortality since many of us have died. As we have learned, unless you are resurrected, immortality does not protect you from wounds. But this group decided drinking blood would be the answer. They were predators, draining the young against their will. Eventually, fangs were grown and vampyrs were born. The Vampyress was marked from birth as Fate's choice to lead her people, but that did not stop them from taking her blood as a babe. She grew strong enough to stop them and freed the vampyrs."

"How horrid," Saura replied, her hand drifting up to rest on the bodice of the antique silver-and-gold gown she wore. "I am surprised she would trust warlocks and come to our home."

"Of course she would want to know where the castle is," Benton said. "Clearly she is bent on revenge for what a group of awful warlocks did to her and her people."

Chander shook his head. "Our world is harsh. She told Kaedan she seeks protection."

"We are to take her word for it?" Drystan asked.

"She is already on her way," Kaedan stated, lifting his chin. "She is bringing a small contingent of her consort, son, and a single guard. I expect her to arrive any moment."

Baxter closed his eyes. "I detect four beings whose race I do not recognize entering the castle. It must be the vampyrs."

Holding his judgment until he met the Vampyress, Killian did not have to wait long before one of the castle guards brought up their visitors. The woman in the center was strikingly beautiful with raven hair and pale eyes with the barest hint of blue. Slightly behind her was a man with features remarkably like hers—even down to his matching gaze. Killian pegged him as the son.

The Vampyress wore a vivid red cloak, and her hand rested on a man's arm. Like her, he was dark-haired, but the azure of his irises was several shades darker. At her consort's side was another man with the same coloring as the trio, but his expression was flat and guarded. He was clearly the man in charge of protecting the Vampyress and her family.

Kaedan rose and shook the hands of their guests as Vampyress Irina introduced Vampyr Consort Alexei, their son Lord Nikolai, and the guard, Sir Sebastian. There was no malice in the strong feminine planes of her elegant face as Kaedan filled their heads with the many titles and connections in the Great Hall.

"Please have a seat, Vampyress," Kaedan said once the formalities were concluded.

"My thanks, Grand Warlock," Vampyress Irina replied, her fangs flashing in the light provided by the candles and massive fireplaces warming them. "We did not expect an invitation to your home, and certainly not so quickly. You must have many questions for me."

"We do, but first I feel it necessary to apologize on behalf of the Coven of Warlocks," T'Eirick commented. "I am sorry to hear of how your race started and the struggles you faced. If it was during my reign, then I am to blame. I take responsibility for every warlock, but I hope we can convince you that what you experienced was not a practice anyone in this room would have condoned."

"Rest easy, Grand Sage," Vampyress Irina said, her fingers laced with her consort's as they faced the many leaders of The Council staring at them—Killian included. "We realized these warlocks had isolated themselves from the rest of their people. I believe they understood their behavior would have been abhorrent to anyone with a conscience. It was a terrible start for the vampyrs, but we are also pragmatic. Without such actions, our race would not exist."

"A wise way to look at what had to be a horrible situation, Vampyress," Chander replied. "Life is imperfect, and adaptability is essential. Could you tell us about the plight of your people now? What is it that drove you to write to the Grand Warlock?"

"A need for a place to call home and a measure of safety," the Vampyress answered. "We rely upon the blood of the willing to survive. For decades, it was not an issue. The bite of a vampyr is a sensual thing and brings the donor great pleasure. Neighboring villages on our travels have welcomed our attentions. We have strict rules not to take beyond what is necessary and never to scare or harm any living creature. But something has happened we cannot understand. The elders of the villages on our recent journeys have banded together and banned us from entering. Some humans have braved the consequences of defying the elders to visit us, but not enough to sustain my people."

"You wish to find willing donors among magickind and the Eldrvalkyria shifters?" Kolsten asked.

"We do not," the Vampyress replied. "No offense to you, Jarl Kolsten, but it has been our experience that shifter blood…well, the taste is foul to our senses. Magickind blood is unpredictable. Some vampyrs react well and act silly for several hours, while others have grown angry or put themselves in dangerous situations. Vampyrs crazed with magical blood have died. We want access to villages across Europe so we can find enough willing donors to keep our people thriving. But with so much land occupied by magickind, we feared running afoul of you. We do not seek enemies."

"But we have them, Vampyress," Killian replied. "Dragons hate magickind and attack us regularly. You risk putting yourself in the sights of the same nefarious beasts who are killing off our kind."

"I apologize, I do not know how to use your title," the Vampyress said. "Can you explain it to me so I do not offend?"

"My people are less formal than others," Killian explained with a smile. The Vampyress was proving to be kind, thoughtful, and well-spoken, but Killian worried she was underestimating the danger she would face as part of The Council. "It is tedious to call me Killian the Dwyer each time you want to address me, so I would prefer to be addressed as just Killian."

The Vampyress grinned. "That is easy enough, Killian. The dragons. We are aware of them. Like we were once, you are hunted. We believe we can help. One of our skills is mind control. It works on the weaker willed of the population, and I must assume that any beast willing to prey upon babies is of the smallest intelligence. We could possibly convince some of these beasts to turn around and return to their homes. Or convince them to land so their lives can be forfeited for their crimes."

"Fascinating, Vampyress," Lorcan replied. "Acwellan elves like myself are descended from ancient ancestors of demonic blood, and the Arch Lich has demonic blood too. Our histories are told through stories instead of tomes, and there were some ancient tales about mind control, but the ability was lost to us."

"Arch Lich, is it an ability lost to you as well?" Vampyress Irina asked.

Chander shrugged. "I have never experimented. Perhaps I should. It feels foolish now to have overlooked a talent I may possess."

"We have no ability to control beyond a single person. However, I will share with you how we do it and join in your experiments, Arch Lich," the Vampyress replied.

Baxter laughed. "I guess we know where we will find the Arch Lich for the foreseeable future. There is nothing Chander loves more than learning and extending his abilities."

"Tell us about your other abilities, Vampyress," Saura coaxed.

"Of course, Grand Sage. There are few to speak of. We use single teleportation spells; we were not given the group spell we know warlocks and druids possess. I mentioned mind control and the magick of our bites to bring our blood donors and ourselves great passion. Our other unique feature is our reaction to the harshness of the sun. The longer we are in sunlight, the greater our need to consume blood. It can be the death of the weakest of our kind, though that is rare. It is not magick, but our son is gifted with finances, and we possess enough wealth to sustain ourselves. Again, we have worked with humans, and we welcome new avenues of trade."

"Have we any more questions for the Vampyress?" Kaedan asked.

"I have many, but they are of the educational sort and are not pertinent to our ability to build an alliance," Egidius replied.

"Have you any queries for us, Vampyress?" Kaedan inquired.

"None that are relevant unless we can come to an accord. We seek to move closer to your castle and would willingly arrange our lives to meet the demands of our duties as Council members."

"Vampyress, would you mind giving us a moment to discuss your proposal?" Kaedan asked.

"Of course, Grand Warlock," the Vampyress replied, rising. Renny escorted the foursome out and returned a few minutes later.

"Go on, give me your objections," Kaedan said, reclining his chair.

Killian had none, and he was surprised that he was not alone. In fact, no one spoke up.

"This must be a first," Aristos commented with a smirk. The centaur ruler kissed Kalthekor's cheek. "Should we vote to add the intriguing Vampyress and her Vampyr Clutch to our humble Council?"

"Absolutely, are we unanimous?" Kaedan asked. They were, and Killian was proud they were expanding to include vampyrs. But it was another population to keep safe, which worried him.

"We will need more fallen knights," Drystan said.

"I will resurrect whatever you need," Chander replied.

"It is a good day. Let us hope we can curb some of the attacks by convincing these simple-minded dragons to leave us alone," Egidius remarked.

"Indeed," Killian said. It would be beneficial to everyone if additional lives were saved and perhaps make things easier for the D'Vaires too. Thinking of Dravyn's family reminded Killian that he had a topic to discuss with his fellow Council members. He wanted his life to move forward, and that meant having Dravyn prominently in it. What could they do for the D'Vaires? And how could Killian combine the two very separate lives he and his mate were currently living?