A Vampire's Rise (19 page)

I pushed her hand away. “What you saw, or what you thought you saw—”

“I wanted to stop him,” she said. “I couldn’t believe Felipe’s cruelty.”

“That makes two of us.”

“Had I done anything, he’d have killed me.”

“I’m sorry that you had to see Salvador’s murder. And my torture.”

“Your murder.”

“No one comes back from death.” I raised my hand to exaggerate my point.

I read Miranda’s mind and swore to extract every thought from now on, to reach into the very core of every human interaction, shake off this guilty feeling of trespassing. Self-preservation took precedence. Miranda may have watched my attack, but she’d not witnessed my rebirth.

“I need fresh air.” I tried to gently ease her off.

She wrapped her arms around my neck. “I couldn’t do anything to save you,” she sobbed, “I was so afraid.”

“Please don’t.”

“Scared of what Felipe would do to me.”

“You did the right thing.”

“What are you?”

“Miranda, you have nothing to base any of this on.”

She lifted a small, golden rimmed hand mirror and held it up. I gazed into the glass and saw Miranda’s reflection, but not mine. I’d never get used to that.

Miranda lowered the mirror. “She did this to you?”

“Who?”

“Sunaria.”

Frustrated, I pinched the bridge of my nose. “She saved your life.”

“And changed yours. It explains how she knew Felipe’s men were coming.” She gripped my wrist, pulling my fingers away. “She moves in a certain way. Like you do, now.”

I avoided her stare.

“Where is she?” Miranda asked.

Outside, I heard the sound of leaves and bracken swirling and then settling.

“What does it feel like?” She clutched my hand, bringing it up to her cheek.

“Everything got out of control.” I sighed.

“You should have killed Felipe when you had the chance.”

I tried to ignore her alluring scent.

Just a sip of her blood. Do it for her.

I tried to resist the lie of my own desire.

Miranda blinked long lashes. “What does it feel like to be immortal?”

“I don’t actually believe that part.”

“Do you know how seductive you’ve become?”

“I’ve not had much time to think about it.” I laughed at her ridiculous statement.

“Make me into what you are.”

“This is a curse.”

“Turn me.”

“This thing, whatever it is, has made me do terrible things.”

“What like?”

“Being like this, it’s not what you think.”

“But you’re perfect now.”

I smiled. “I was perfect before.”

“You’ll live forever.”

“I don’t think so.”

“You’ll never grow old.”

“How do you know all this?”

“My husband traveled to Transylvania.” Her eyes widened. “He brought back documented evidence . . .”

“Show it to me.”

“And you’ll turn me?”

“Don’t ask me that.”

“How is it done?”

I’m not staying like this. I will find a cure.

“I’m childless. I’m ageing.” Her voice softened.

“Never discuss this with my sister, do you understand?”

“I’ve thought it through.”

“You’ve always been so kind to me and to my family.”

“Then repay me.” She flicked strands of hair away from her neck and with her hand on the back of my head, guided me, and my lips rested against her soft skin, my fangs grazed her. My thumb brushed along the lace of her bodice, lingering over the material, eliciting the very moan from her that I needed to hear.

Miranda’s fingernails dug into my back.

With willpower that I didn’t know I had, I pulled away and whispered, “Soon.”

Chapter 26

A BALMY AUGUST NIGHT, the fullest moon suspended low, hauntingly illuminated the night sky.

Alone, I lingered on the Palos boardwalk, staring up at the largest ship docked in the harbor, the Santa María. A few sailors scurried about, making their way back to their ships from land leave.

Last night, it had been difficult to pull myself away from Jacob. The evening had been fraught with emotion. Later, I’d described my evening to Sunaria.

She listened quietly and then cast a stern glare. “You’ll turn no one.”

I wondered how it was even done. When I felt Sunaria’s gaze, I turned my thoughts to the task at hand.

Safe in the shadows, blending in with the other tourists, I considered the famous ship. The crown had paid for the Santa María’s refurbishment, ensuring an extraordinary, custom-made 100 foot long, sea worthy vessel. The sails were undergoing their last minute adjustments.

Under the command of its captain, Christopher Columbus, the Santa María would undertake the expedition to locate new territory. Columbus had been sanctioned by the crown, sponsored by Isabella I Queen of Castile. He would become viceroy of all territories he located. The land would be taken in the name of Spain, by the queen’s trusted courtier, her finest diplomat.

The Santa María, scheduled to set sail later that night, would be escorted by the Pinta and the Niña, the two smaller caravels commanded by the Pinzon brothers, Alonzo and Vincent Yanez, both reputed to be successful fishermen, and master navigators. The two boats floated close to the Santa María.

As though out of nothing, Sunaria appeared by my side. Having just fed, she was lulled a little. My hunger would not be sated. I wanted to stay sharp.

Her gaze fell on the small rowboat that bobbed close to the ships. The two sailors aboard gestured to the crew of the Pinta. Within minutes, they’d loaded a good supply of ale and rum aboard. The sailors then steered their boat toward the Santa María. Eager sailors leaned over the balustrades, calling out for their free booty. The boat made its last delivery to the Niña.

I glanced at Sunaria. “A gift from you?”

She gave a sly smile.

Twenty young girls, the prettiest harlots, gathered near the pier and then dispersed, a few to each vessel.

“That’s what you meant by a distraction?” I asked her.

She nodded.

On all three boats, the girls were met by gleeful soldiers with open arms.

I smiled. “Nice.”

* * * *

Two hours later, I boarded the Santa María.

Columbus dined on land having his last fresh meal, unaware that his sailors partied hard.

With the utmost stealth, I made my way unseen to his stateroom. Columbus kept an organized office. A broken compass lay on the navigational table, along with several rolled up maps. The compass had sentimental value no doubt.

Whispers carried into Columbus’ private quarters. From his officer’s conversations, I picked up that they trusted his navigation, though from the crew below deck came grumblings of their master’s stubbornness. He’d gotten them lost on several occasions. Last minute jitters, perhaps, before setting out to prove that the world was indeed round. The fact that they may also arrive in hostile lands had them rattled. If they set eyes on the broken compass, they’d probably leave the ship.

He had extensive maps of islands in the Bahamas, crisply revealing their newness. Despite my fascination, I had to pull myself away. I folded them up and placed them back in their original position.

All accept one.

Columbus’ working compass rested on a side table next to his bunk. Beside it lay a small collection of Bibles. I peeked inside the most ornate one, and read. “God’s speed.” Her Majesty Queen Ferdinand had signed and dated it, August 1492.

Remembering Sunaria’s warning of how religious artifacts could affect us, I dropped it back onto the table.

Checking that the way was clear, I headed out.

Unbearable heat in the ship’s galley and a lingering odor of sweat, salt, and something indeterminable, made me gag. I wondered how the sailors could stand both that and the cramped conditions. There, in the corner, was the chain that secured the anchor. After half an hour, I’d made a fine incision, invisible to the human eye.

Voices alerted me to someone heading in my direction. A young sailor had invited one of the harlots down into the galley. I waited until they were in the throes of passion then slid away, unseen and unheard, having completed my mission.

Once onboard the Niña, a boat even rowdier than the Santa María, despite being the smallest of the three vessels, I hid for a moment in the shadows. With the pathway clear, I climbed to the top sail and withdrew the knife and began to saw. Within minutes, I had cut a third of the way through the mast. I had no time to admire my handiwork, which all the way up there wouldn’t be noticed.

With that accomplished, I returned to The Captain’s Table Inn where Sunaria awaited me. I joined her in the corner. Sitting opposite, I reached for her hand. She pulled away. She was, after all, still dressed as a man. My gesture had gone unnoticed.

“It’s done,” I said.

“You have the map?” Sunaria asked.

I nodded.

She gave me that long stare of hers, her almond eyes taking me in. She melted and beamed at me, shaking her head.

“What?” I tried to read her.

Her smile faded. “He’s here.”

I turned in my chair to see Felipe in the doorway, and I rose and disappeared into the horde of rowdy sailors. Leaning on the bar near the door, I had a good view.

Haunted by memories of what Felipe had done, I tried to calm my rage, all the while trying to mingle in. When a sailor bumped my arm, I pretended I hadn’t noticed.

Felipe took the chair opposite Sunaria.

“You’re late.” Her gaze never left him.

“Is there a road I’m unfamiliar with?” Felipe crossed one leg over another.

“We don’t have much time.” She gestured for two ales.

Felipe pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his brow.

She sighed in frustration. “Try not to look out of place.”

Felipe pursed his lips, annoyed.

“As you’re aware,” Sunaria lowered her voice, “Columbus has been commissioned to administer the teachings of the Holy Testament when he discovers new lands.”

“What of it?”

“Calm down. I need you focused.”

He gestured he was.

“Columbus is permitted to claim any country he encounters,” she continued.

Felipe cleared his throat. “He’s been granted one tenth of all precious metals that he finds.”

“His part of the bargain. But Columbus has other intentions.”

Felipe took a gulp from his ale. “Like?” He wiped away the moustache of froth.

She frowned. “When he finds land, he intends to not only claim it, but rule it.”

“Are you sure?”

She leaned back and folded her arms.

“But that’s heresy.” Felipe looked confused. “Columbus has no intention of spreading Christianity?”

“He’s a heretic.”

“He must be stopped.”

“We’re on the same page.” Sunaria feigned a sip.

“And the king wants me to prevent the ship from leaving?”

“Not exactly.”

He looked astonished. “The ship is to still set sail?”

“It is.”

“You’re not suggesting that . . . ?”

Sunaria pushed her cup to the side. “The king’s orders are clear. You’re to board the Niña.”

“But—”

“Spy on Columbus.”

“There must be someone more qualified.”

She dismissed his reply with a gesture. “The king trusts you.”

“I have duties to attend to back in Vigo.”

Sunaria tilted her head.

Felipe squirmed. “But I’ve never sailed before.”

“I must report back to his majesty.”

Felipe wiped his brow again.

“I understand that what is being asked of you is somewhat difficult.” She nodded knowingly.

“I’ll commission one of my men.”

“His majesty wants you and no one else. Vincente Pinzon, Captain of the Niña, will welcome you. The ship sets sail in an hour.”

“What shall I tell Vincente Pinzon?”

“That you’re on the king’s business. Hand him this.”

“What is it?”

“A royal warrant permitting you to board.” Sunaria gave him the forged document.

Beads of perspiration spotted Felipe’s upper lip.

Sunaria glanced around and then locked her stare back on him. “The king requested proof that I had accomplished my mission.”

“Which was?”

“Proof of your loyalty.”

“I’m their highnesses’ obedient servant.”

“As I am yours, Senator.” Sunaria pulled out a blank parchment and laid it on the table.