RBC06.50 - Marcella, Vampire Mage (19 page)

As everyone at the table expressed agreement and congratulations at the turn of events, my heart leapt; Damien had told me the truth. Now, I knew I must tell Father that Damien had saved me at the river and all he had told me. What else did this mean to me? That was yet to unfold.

After dinner I went to Father and told him all about Damien.

“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier, Katrina?”

“I wasn’t sure he was telling me the truth, especially when I learned that Luena had escaped too. But after you confirmed what Damien had told me, I knew you had to be told the truth. Do you think he’s in danger? Could he come back now that he’s been cleared?”

“We still don’t know if he created any of the fledglings and how involved he was in the planning of the attack. Katrina you hardly know him. Are you sure you can trust him?”.”

“Well, I know if he was involved at all in Luena’s plan, it was only because she coerced him. He said she was a truly evil woman, and my senses have confirmed that. I didn’t think I was sure until today, but yes, now I do trust him.

Father thought for a moment, I could see him battling through before he finally decided.

“This is what I will do. I’m calling off the hunt for Damien and will send word to his father that he has been cleared. I’m sure count Daminov will be relieved.

“Thank you Father, I know this is right.”

“There’s something else I want to ask you. Now that the crisis has been averted, will the Council be taking up the issue of forming a new clan to colonize the New World?”

“We may.” Father replied. “Don’t tell me you want to be among those wishing to be chosen?”

“I think I’ve earned a place, don’t you agree Father?” I said with confidence.

Father chuckled, “That is surely true, daughter; you’ve more than earned it. But it will take some time to debate this subject further. And don’t forget, you have committed to an extended amount of time to train your new friends.”

“All I ask is to be seriously considered when the time comes to go.”

“If that is still what you wish, Katrina, of course.”

“Thank you, Father. Now I’m going back to my room. I’m still rather tired. Oh, Father is it all right with you if I go hunt later? I promise to stay close.”

“All right, but don’t go alone. Take Quinn.”

My head snapped around, my mouth gaping open.

“Well, he’s not your Watcher anymore,” Father said with a wry smile.

I rushed out the door. Was he saying what I thought he was saying? I flew down the steps where Thomas was waiting.

“Whoa, Katrina, slow down.” He put his arms out as I tried to go by him.

“Yes, Thomas?” I stopped, irritated that he was keeping me from looking for Quinn.

“My brothers and I were wondering if you and the girls would come over to the training compound tonight for games and camaraderie, so we can all get to know each other.”

My irritation melted away.

“And Thomas, which of the girls would you like to get to know better?”

He was blushing now.

“Well, Lady Eleanor seems very interesting,” he said shyly.

“Interesting?” I prodded.

He nodded without looking up.

“All right, the get-together sounds like fun. If the girls agree, when would you like us to join you?”

“About ten o’clock. Of course, I’ll be outside your door; Luena is still on the loose. I’ll escort you.”

I gave him a concerned look.

“You don’t think she’s still around here do you?”

“I wouldn’t put anything past that one, and I’ll not take any chances by letting our guard down.”

“Thank you, Thomas. My family is so lucky to have your family watching out for us.”

The girls’ Watchers were in their places, so I knew they were in and I couldn’t wait to tell them about our invitation.

“Katrina!” They all chimed at once. “Where have you been?”

“I had to speak to Father.”

Then I told them of our discussion about Damien. Still leaving out the part about the kiss and what he said about finding me in the New World.

“Oh, and something else. We’ve been invited by Thomas and all his brothers, to the training compound for games and fun, as Thomas put it, so they can get to know you better, since they’ll be training you. Do you want to go?” I said, of course knowing the answer.

“Well, I suppose so,” Letta said slowly.

Then we looked at each other and laughed.

“Thomas said he’d escort us over around ten. We should wear our training outfits since, there will be games, and we’ll be sitting by the fire so we’ll want to be comfortable.”

They agreed. We split up. Rosa going to her room, Letta took a seat by the fire to read.

“Eleanor,” I whispered, motioning to her. When she came near, I took her arm and guided her into my room.

“Father said I could go hunt tonight—with Quinn.”

Her eyes got big.

“He knows?”

I nodded. “I guess so, because he added that Quinn isn’t my Watcher anymore.”

“He as much said it’s all right,” she exclaimed.

“I think so too.”

We clasped hands joyfully. Then I told her what Thomas had said about her and she was thrilled. After she left my room, I laid on my bed thinking of what the evening might bring. After a few minutes of staring at the ceiling, I had decided I wanted to go hunting first. Changing into the appropriate clothing. I now stood in front the mirror buttoning up my vest. I took a last glance to make sure my hair was still intact (Sarah had twisted it back at the sides then pulled it back in a ribbon), I thought I saw a face reflected in the mirror. I turned, pulling my sword at the same time, but the room was empty. I went to the window, but didn’t see anyone.

“I’m so foolish,” I said out loud. Re-sheathing my sword, I walked out of my room and out the door. Thomas was, as he said he would be, outside guarding the hall.

“Father said I could go hunting tonight, Thomas. He said I could take Quinn.”

Thomas look shocked.

“He said since he’s not my Watcher anymore it’s allowed.”

“Your father is really something, you know that?” Thomas shook his head.

“You’re right about that. He’s the best.”

Thomas called over another Watcher to take his place at the door to and walked me down to the Watchers quarters. He left me outside while he informed Quinn of my arrival, and I realized that I was nervous. Why? When Quinn appeared before me, I decided I was more excited than nervous.

“Father said I could go hunting tonight as long as I don’t go alone. He suggested that you go with me,” I said, peeking up at him to see his reaction.

“He did?”

“He said since you weren’t my Watcher any more…”

Quinn pulled me close and gave me a big hug.

“This is wonderful Kat. No more hiding,” he crowed, relieved. “Let’s go! We’ll bring back some meat for the kitchen, and you’ll get your strength back.”

Hand in hand we walked across the compound together, spring in our step. Once outside the gate I used all my senses to discover where the game was.

“There are deer about two hundred yards on the right. Let’s start with them, shall we?” I said as I reopened my eyes and turned towards Quinn. He was adjusting the quill of arrows he had strapped to his back on the way out.

“That sounds good to me, Kat. You take the lead once we get close. You can use your speed and I’ll use my arrows.”

We agreed and made for the forest to the right. As we got to within fifty yards, I nodded to Quinn and streaked off to the right, curling around the herd and driving them towards Quinn. I picked out a nice stag, and overtook him easily, grabbing him around the throat and pulling him down in one maneuver. I sank my teeth into the large vein on his neck and fed until I was completely full. The hot flush of his blood was warming my whole body, transferring all his energy to me. When I finished, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and then licked my hand clean with my tongue. Satisfied, I looked for Quinn. He was about twenty yards away, retrieving his arrow from a doe. We cleaned our game and dragged them back toward the palace.

“Let’s rest,” said Quinn as he dropped the doe to the forest floor.

“All right, if you’re tired.”

He laughed as he sat down on a fallen moss-covered tree.

“I’m not tired; I just want to have some time alone with you. Last time we were together there was a lot of killing involved.”

“That’s true; there wasn’t much time for conversation, was there?

“Did Thomas tell you about the get-together later tonight? All my brothers are very excited about their new training partners. Except Gunter of course; he’s married and thinks”, he took on Gunter’s deep serious voice, “the girls will be nothing but trouble”.

“Well, I guess that trouble will be for your five other brothers because you’re already taken too.”

Then I sat down on his lap, put my arms around his neck, and kissed him.

“We should go back, Quinn; it’s almost time for the get-together.”

“You’re right and I want to change.”

We rose, gathered up results of our hunt and resumed our journey back. We left our prizes with the butcher and Quinn walked me back to my room. He pulled me to him between the hall and stairs so we could have one last moment to ourselves.

“For as long as I live, I will love you,” he said, and then he kissed me. I melted into his arms, I was so happy. I resolved that we would take each moment as it came and worry about the future in the future. I couldn’t think about losing him now.

I sighed as I closed the door. All three girls rushed out of their rooms.

“Did you go hunting with Quinn?” El probed.

“Yes, and it was successful. We brought back a stag and a doe.”

El looked worried and then softly said, “I told Letta and Rosa all about you and Quinn and what your father said. I didn’t think you’d mind anymore.”

I gave her a stern look but then softened when I realized she was right. “It’s true,” I said, “we’ve nothing to hide anymore and I can’t tell you how glad I am. And for your information the hunt was
wonderful
!

“But now I must change; did Sarah put out my things?”

“Yes, and soap and water to wash up. She didn’t think you’d have time for a bath,” said Letta.

“I’ll go clean up and change, then.”

They all looked like scolded puppies.

“All right, come and help me get ready and I’ll tell you all about my hunting trip.”

Placated, the girls followed me into my room asking questions about Quinn, and if we kissed again, and then about Quinn’s brothers. I answered while they got my boots off and then while I combed out my hair and put up the sides with fresh flowers. They helped me on with my training leggings and matching vest over a white shirt and high leather boots. We were all wearing similar outfits and agreed that the four of us were going to dazzle the Voss brothers.

Thomas and Quinn were waiting for us. The girls’ Watchers still on duty, would be our guard, but with so many Watchers at the gathering we weren’t worried about safety. Although Thomas greeted us all, he kept his eyes squarely on El as she smiled shyly back at him.

“Shall we?” Quinn said, gesturing for us to take the lead.

We walked to the training compound, making small talk and laughing among ourselves. When we arrived, we could see that a large fire had been built on one side of the compound. The fire was surrounded by low wooden stools, with a table heavily laden with refreshments close by. There were many people milling around and others standing in small groups making conversation. I could see Gerhardt surrounded by a group of adoring young ladies. It was hard to miss Sven, so tall, his long blond hair flowing in the breeze. He was animatedly speaking to a gathering of Watchers and other young men, no doubt relating heroic battles and great conquests. Most of the families seemed to be represented, and all seemed to be having a fine time.

“There you are,” Simon called. “Come, get something to eat and drink.”

At hearing their brother call out, the other Voss brothers came to greet us—except Gunter who was on duty watching Father.

“Nice to see you ladies again,” Avery said.

“You four put all the other girls to shame,” Gregor added.

The girls blushed and thanked them, accepted the offer of wine and food, and we all carried our full plates over to the fire for some story-telling. One of the elder Watchers, a Norseman named Thorn, began an oral history about the origins of the Watchers.

“It all began when the first vampires came into existence, when the race was unable to tolerate the direct rays of the sun, and needed someone they could trust to keep them safe during those dangerous daylight hours. In those early days, the vampires used their powers and intimidation to keep the Watchers loyal, but as the centuries passed there developed mutual respect and the bonds of friendship between us, so now the Watchers are regarded family and in turn, consider it an honor to serve.”