Half Breed-my first fic- PG-13 New section posted,Complete
Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 11:05 pm
Hi all this was the first story I ever wrote, I never posted it here. I have to say I never got round to to it. Better Late than never. I started this story in June of 2008. Hope you like it. Here is the first part.
Half Breed
Disclaimer:- There not mine, we know to whom they belong. Thanks for the use.
Rating :- PG-13 some violence and sexy stuff
Scene setting.
French village, 1773. Near a monastery. A vampire is feeding on a woman, then he turns her (she is pregnant). A few month later the same woman is about to give birth, she is at the monastery door. She asks the monks to help her save her child, and end her curse (a short time later a baby cries). The monks vow to take care of the child, this child they see as a miracle, born of a demon into a realm of light.
1918, the Germans are advancing on the monastery and the monks have no chance in stopping the advancing troops. They know they have to hide the secret they have guarded over the centuries. As the troops attack, the monks are slaughtered, all but one die. He escaped from the monastery with the secret. He makes his way to the coast where a small boat awaits. He places his charge in the boat and tell the captain to take them to England, where he believes safety awaits. As the boats pulls away from the coast shots ring out, and all in the boat are seemingly killed. Three weeks later the boat washes up on the coast of England, it is found by a young dark haired man. Inside he finds the bodies of the monk and the captain, also he finds a young woman, she is thin, scared and hungry. She has survived by feeding of the bodies in the boat.
Part 1
Chapter 1
The young man asks ”Are you alright? What happened?” The woman, looks at the man, her eyes are pale. Almost completely white. Her skin is pale, her hair raven black. She says nothing. Again the man asks the questions, and still he gets no reply. “Come with me. I’ll help you.” and he offers her his hand to help her out of the boat. She shies away, too scared to trust him. The young man needs to leave as the sun is rising and he doesn’t want to be out in daylight. “My name is Charles, I need to get you inside. If you stay here you will die. Do you understand me?”
He still gets no reply, but he steps into the boat and takes his jacket off and places it around the shoulders of the woman. She tries to back away, and falls into the water. Too weak to help herself, she cannot get up. Charles jumps into the water and picks her up. She is very light and she no longer has the strength to fight back. He carries her up the beach and along a path to a house set back from the path. The house is small and hidden from sight, inside it is lit by oil lamps. Charles carries the woman into a room and lays her on a sofa. As he walks away to get some water he hears a quiet voice behind him. “Guinevere” The voice stops him in his tracks, turning to face the figure on the sofa. “Is that your name? Guinevere.”
She nods her head. At least he knew she understood him. “I’m just going to get some water to help clean you. Would you like anything to drink or eat?” Again he gets no reply, “I’ll get that water. Then you can rest.”
Guinevere just stares at him as he leaves. Once he is out of sight she tries to stand. She has a desperate urge to leave, but she doesn’t have the strength. She has a thirst and hunger, but she cannot explain what it is to this man. She knows what she needs and dares not take it here. She is tired, the journey in the boat nearly killed her, had it not been for the monk, she would have died. He gave her the sustenance she needed for most of the journey, but he had been dying. Then she had no choice but to eat the flesh of the bodies to survive. This Charles would never understand. Little does she know they are more alike than either of them think. She hears him returning, and is aware that she is not strong enough to leave. She has to resign herself to his aid. For now. “Here, I’ll help you wash yourself, I don’t have much to eat in the house, but I have some broth. Once you are washed and have eaten a little, you can rest in one of the rooms. You are welcome to stay till you feel better and stronger.” His voice is kindly, but there is an undertone she is wary of.
“Thank you” there is no strength even in her voice. Charles helps her to wash, he sees she is even paler than he first thought, she is pale as death, much the same as himself as he shuns the daylight. He goes to the kitchen and returns with the broth. He cannot eat it, but he knows she need food. He sits next to her and carefully tries to feed her.
As she tries to swallow, she chokes. She wants to eat and knows it will help, but it is a struggle. She has not had proper food since leaving the monastery, and her body wants to reject it. Again she tries and Charles helps, this time she manages to keep it down. Slowly he feeds her and she is grateful, but her emotions are in turmoil. She is too tired and weak to think straight. When she has finished the broth, she looks into his eyes and sees the ages of things past. There is an older gaze coming from the eyes of a young man. She wonders how can this be, but she never asks. She is too tired and soon falls asleep. He picks up her with no effort and carries her upstairs to a bedroom and lays her on the bed, where he leaves her to rest. He then takes his own leave and goes to his chambers to sleep.
Many hours pass and day once again turns to dark, she awakes to find herself in a bed, with no knowledge of how she got there. She feels stronger, but the hunger remains. Lying quietly she listens, gathering her thoughts on what had happened. She remembers little of the journey in the boat. Only that the monk fed her, and the having to feed off the bodies. The thought repulses her, she is no monster, but she needed to survive, and that was the only way. She continues to listen, and hears footsteps stop at the door. The door opens and a figure stands in the doorway, she cannot see details, the light is behind casting him into silhouette. He steps in and she see his face, he is young, maybe in his 20’s, his hair is dark his eyes brown, his face has an impish look. There is a look of concern, “Are you feeling better? You have slept through the day, I was worried.” There again that slight undertone, she has heard before but is unable to remember where from.
“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry I don’t remember what happened. Where am I?” Still weak, but stronger still.
“My name is Charles, I found you in a boat washed up on the shore, there were two bodies in it along with you. I brought you up here to my house, you were half dead.” He had no idea she thought. “I managed to give you some broth, but then you fell asleep and put you in here, one of my guest rooms.”
“Do you feel strong enough to join me in the lounge?”
She looked down at herself and her clothes, which were barely rags. He noticed the look, “I’ll find you something to wear, it may be a little large, but it will be clean. I’ll get some clothes tomorrow that fit. So will you join me?”
She resigned to the fact she needed this mans help. “I would be honoured to join you Charles. My name is..” “Guinevere, you told me last night” He finished, as he left the room. He returned shortly with the clothes. They were a little large, but at least she felt more human in them. Charles helped her to the lounge and sat in a large leather chair, after seating her on the sofa. On the table next to her was a bowl of soup and some bread. “Eat, you need to gather your strength back. You didn’t have much last night, you almost choked.” She looked at him with wary, questioning eyes. ”Are you not having anything?”
He smiled, “No, I ate before I checked on you.” This was a lie and she heard it in his voice, but he had tried to hide it. Why? Still she was hungry and the broth smelt good. He watched as she ate, following her every move, even the way her throat moved as she swallowed, noting every detail. When she finished, they sat in silence for awhile, just looking at each other. As two people do when trying to judge the other. Finally Charles broke the silence, “Why don’t you tell me a bit about yourself Guinevere? Then I’ll tell you about myself.”
She sat thinking for a moment, trying to know where to start, she couldn’t tell the truth, he would think her crazy. After another moments hesitation she began. “Well for a start you can call me Gwen, I was born in France, 21 years ago” a lie but a necessary one. “My mother died in child birth, and I don’t know who my father was. I was raised in a monastery, by the monks there. They were kind and gentle men. They knew I was a sickly child, and that I survived, they thought it a miracle. When the war started they feared for my safety, and they made plans for me to come to another monastery in England. But before we could leave, the advancing troops attacked, and we had to flee in a hurry. I don’t remember much after that."
He studied her face, looking for something but not knowing what. He took a breath and started talking.” Well you know my name, I was born 25 years ago, my mother died a few years ago, my father in the war. I have no siblings and no family left. So you and I are kindred spirits of a sort.” He smiled, it was a sad one, but once again she got the feeling that some of what he was telling her was a lie. He was lonely in his heart, it showed in his eyes. He continued, “This house is just one of many, it’s a retreat of sorts. For when things get too much in the city.” he paused “If you were born in France, how do you speak English so well?”
He had caught her out with that question, she had to think quickly for and answer. “Many of the monks were from England , they taught me. I also speak French, Italian and can read Latin. Not much else to do in a monastery. It was a sparse life, much of it spent wishing to know what else was out there.”
“You never thought to leave?”
“Where would I have gone? I know of nothing outside of the monastery. The only outside contact I ever had was with the fisherman, and odd trader that came to deliver supplies that we did not cultivate.”
A look crossed his face, dangerous but caring all at the same time. He had never thought he could care for anyone, but here was someone who didn’t know the outside world, let alone his world. She was an angel, pure and good. But he was scared, his baser instincts could not be denied, she would not be safe and he knew it. She would have to leave when she was strong enough. But that was not now. He looked across the room at her, and saw her yawning. “Are you tired?” His concern caught them both off guard.
“Yes, but I feel a little better, and yet I still feel so tired. I’m sorry I’ve ruined your evening.” something in her voice worried him.
“No you haven’t. I’ll help you back to your room. You need rest. I may not be here in the daytime. I have some errands to run. I’ll see you in the evening. I’ll have someone from the village bring some clothes and food to the house. Feel free to look around, but please stay out of my chambers. I will lock the door, but if I forget please respect my privacy.” The edge was back in his voice, it was a warning loud and clear.
He helped Gwen up and slowly walked back to her room. In a way he was glad she needed to rest, he had the thirst and he could not hunt and feed if she were awake. When he was sure she was sleeping he left and went out. He returned just before dawn, feeling refreshed and fed. He had also arranged for the clothes and food to be delivered. He check that Gwen was sleeping before heading to his chambers, looking forward to his sleep.
Gwen awoke the next day, feeling she needed get out of the house. Find what she knew would stop her hunger. She went down into the kitchen and there as promised were the clothes and food. She grabbed some apples and bread and left the house. There was no use changing clothes until she had bathed, she would do that later. First she looked round the gardens of the house, they were pretty, and well manicured. So someone took care of them. Eating an apple, she continued to explore. About a mile from the house, she came across a farm. The farm was deserted and in ruins, but a few animals remained. Carefully she eased up to one of the pens, it contained a piglet. She need to catch it and the feed, but that was easier said than done, She was still very weak and piglets could be fast and difficult to catch. She sat down t the side of the pen .”Here piggy, piggy, piggy. Come to Gwen and give her strength.” to her surprise the piglet came to her and sat down in front of her. She shook her head in bewilderment. She had some of the animals at the monastery come to her at asking but she had reared then from birth. She had never called a beast before now. She bent down and picked up the animal, she could feel it heart racing and her heart sped up in time with it. Slowly she controlled herself, then she allowed the transformation to happen, then she fed she took only enough to make the thirst bearable, but not enough to kill the piglet. She let it go and stood carefully, she felt stronger, but she new she would have to feed again. She left the farm and headed back to the house. Unaware of the figure hiding in the ruined barn watching her. The figure didn’t follow, but went in the direction of the village.
Gwen returned to the house, she was feeling better and stronger, but tired so she decided to have a rest before having a bath. She went to her room and lay on the bed. Closing her eyes she fell into a deep sleep, punctuated by strange dreams. She awoke to the sounds of raised voices. “I’m telling you I haven’t been there, I came to the village last night and saw my friend.” Charles’ voice was strained. “Your telling me there are no others here with you. One of the children was at the old farm and says he saw a female call, then feed off a piglet that he had there.” This voice was angry and scared.
“No, I’m the only one here. Anyway we don’t feed off animals. What do you want from me?” He sounded worried, and what did he mean ‘We don’t feed off animals’
“Just keep away from the village, your not welcome anymore.” A door slammed and a silence fell through the house.
Gwen stayed quiet, listening waiting. She was still buzzed from the feeding earlier, all her senses were in overdrive. She could hear Charles’ breathing, it was rapid. She turned over and looked out the window, the sun had set and it was dark again. She had slept through most of the day again. She rose and went to the door, opening it softly she went out on to the hall. Charles was stood by the front door, his head down, his shoulders slumped. She closed the door behind her with a quiet click, knowing it would alert Charles to her presence. He turn and looked up at her. “Oh, hello sleepy head. I didn’t mean to wake you.” something in his face made her heart melt, he looked vulnerable, she wanted to go to him and find out what was wrong, but something stopped her. A look in his eyes, they now looked haunted.
“It was the door slamming. Is every thing alright?” She hoped the question didn’t sound too probing. She studied him, seeing everything the way the light reflected in his eyes, and highlighted his face. He suddenly looked far older than he appeared.
“It’s nothing to concern yourself with. You look better again this evening, are you hungry?” the look in his eyes vanished, to be replaced with a genuine caring glimmer.
“I am feeling better, and yes I am hungry. But I would like to bathe before we eat. Do you have a bathroom?” Still watching him, she was encountering emotions she had never had. She was falling for this man, she hardly knew.
“I’ll get you some hot water, the bathroom is down here next to the kitchen. I’ll have to get it ready for you.” He wasn’t used to having guest like her in the house. Things were going to get awkward, fast. “I’ll knock and let you know when it’s ready.” and he left heading towards the kitchen. Gwen returned to her room and thought about what she had overheard.
A short while later he knocked on her room door, She opened it, still only wearing his shirt. He stood taken back by the figure now standing in front of him ”Your bath is ready.” His eye were down cast, as if he was afraid to look at her. “Thank you Charles.” She walked past him and down the stair to the bathroom. There the tub sat, the water warm and inviting. She had never bathed in a tub before at the monastery, she had washed and bathed in the river. She shed the shirt and stepped into the bath, a small moan of pleasure escaped her. It was blissful, the water was hot and smelt of roses. Charles had put rose oil in. She just sat soaking in the water for while, letting the feeling wash over her. Then she submerged going completely under the water, letting it block all her senses for a moment. She pushed herself back up and suddenly became aware that Charles was in the doorway.
“Is the water hot enough?”
Her mind rushed, how long has he been standing there. She was embarrassed, and excited all in one go. ”The waters perfect, I have never had a hot bath, it’s heavenly.” she smiles at him.
“Would you like me to get you anything?” he studies her, as she had studied him, but he does not come into the room.
“Could you help me by washing my back.” what was she doing. This wasn’t her, she wasn’t thinking straight.
He was taken aback. Slowly he stepped into the room, by the light of the lantern he could see her alabaster skin, it looked perfect. He knelt down next to her and she handed him the cloth. She turned so he could wash her back. Then he noticed the scars, not just one or two, but her back covered. He shuddered inwardly who would do this to such a child. “Are you going to wash me or stare at my back?”
“Sorry, I just..”
“I know what it looks like, please if you want to leave, just go. I’ll understand.”
“No, it caught me off guard.” he the wet the cloth and started to wash her. Tracing the line of some of the larger scars. Slowly rubbing her back. He noticed a change in her, she was responding to his touch. She was a sensual minefield. He too was feeling emotions he hadn’t had for a long time. He had to leave, and now, before he did something he would regret. “I’m sorry I can’t.” he left swiftly. She turned in time to see him leave the room, then to hear the front door close.
Gwen finished washing and got out of the bath, she dried herself with the towel he had provided. Then she changed into the clothes he had got her, they were still a little big. She had lost weight during the journey, from not feeding properly. She noticed a necklace with an enamelled cross pendant. Holding it in the air, she watched it as it caught the light. Why had he left it for her she wondered, then she placed it around her neck. It felt cold against her warm skin. Now she was hungry, so she went into the kitchen, to see what she could find. There in the pantry she found some vegetables and a steak. She looked further but still only found one steak, this she found odd. Still she had to eat, so she lightly cooked the steak and veg and sat down at the kitchen table to eat. She heard the front door open the footsteps. “Charles, is that you? I’m in the kitchen. I was hungry, so I cooked the steak you left. Would you like some?” The foot steps stopped then headed in her direction.
Something was wrong, all her senses told her to run, she left the table and backed towards the door behind her. It was locked, she realised she was trapped. At that moment the figure stepped into the kitchen. It wasn’t Charles. Gwen wanted to scream but was unable. She knew what was in front of her, the monks had told her. This was a vampire, eyes as pale as her own, with fangs and a blood lust that needed to be sated. She could smell the decay emanating from it. This was an old soul, lost to the darkness of immortality. She had no chance now, she could fight, but she was still too weak, even if she changed, she knew what she was and her limits. The vampire crossed the room, advancing slowly, knowing its prey was trapped. Gwen picked up a knife from the counter, she might have one chance if she could sever the head from the body. She lashed out wildly, and the vampire stopped and looked at her, the laughed and continued to advance. “Leave me alone. Leave me alone.” a plea.
Then with a single leap the vampire was on her. Now she screamed, a loud and piercing cry. His fangs biting into her flesh. Then blissful darkness, as she passed out.
Chapter 2
Charles was returning to the house when he picked up the scent of the vampire. He ran as fast as he could. As he reached the door he heard her scream, then silence. He ran to where the cry had come from, there was the vampire, Gwen in its arms, feeding. She was unconscious. He grabbed the vampire and threw it across the kitchen. He leapt across the room, turning as he went. He landed on the vampire, ripping out its throat, killing it instantly. He turned back to look at Gwen. She was looking at him with, wide, compassionate eyes. He instinctively shied away, no human had ever seen what she had seen. He went to leave.
“Wait.” a single word. He stopped and looked back. “I know what you are, but why help me?” a simple question he was not sure he could answer now. She was crossing the room holding onto the table for balance. She reached him and touched his face. He changed back, his eyes once again becoming dark and welcoming, fangs retracting back to being hidden.
“I …are you alright? He bit you.” He didn’t know what to do or say. Then her legs gave way and she collapsed to the floor. He caught her, and gathered her up into his body and carried her to the lounge. He placed her lightly on the sofa and stoked the fire. Her skin was cold and she was shivering. He returned to her with a blanket and covered her. “ I’ll get something to clean those wounds” he need to get away from the blood and get himself under control. He went back into the kitchen, taking slow breaths trying to control his instincts. Gwen needed his help and he had to give it to her. He gathered some clean clothes and a bandage, the drew some water to clean the wounds. He returned to the lounge, she lay still, unmoving on the sofa. He listened for her heart beat it was slow but strong. She had fallen into unconsciousness again. He knelt down beside her and washed the wounds. He noticed that she was wearing the necklace he had left for her. When he finished cleaning the injuries, he bandaged them. The vampire had left ragged wounds not the neat marks most left. He was a rouge, a vampire who had not been taught the correct method by its sire. The smell of the vampire was fading but he could still smell her. Something was wrong, her blood smelt wrong, weak. He sniffed it again, yes, her blood was weak. No wonder she was feeling tired, she had an illness of the blood, anaemia. She needed blood, the vampire had taken some but she lost some from the wounds. He could only think of one way, and that was a battlefield method. He made her comfortable and left to go the village, he knew who he could ask for help, but only if he could get there un-noticed.
He arrived at his destination, without any trouble or being seen. He knocked at the door and a young woman opened it. “Charles, what are you doing here? Your not welcome in the village anymore.”
“Mary, I need your help. There is a young woman at my house that has been attacked. She needs blood. Not in the same way I do, but I know a way you can give it to her. Will you help?” There was an urgency in his voice she could not refuse. She nodded, and they left taking the path behind the house. They arrived Back at Charles house fifteen minutes later. Charles led the way, into the lounge. Gwen was still lying on the sofa, but her heart rate was weaker now. Charles rushed over, “Hold on Gwen I have brought help. Mary please roll up your sleeve while I get some things to help.” He left the lounge and returned a few minutes later with two hypodermic needles and some hose. “I need to give her your blood, directly into her vein. The only way to do it is by connecting the two of you. Your blood will flow straight into her.” Mary looked afraid, letting Charles feed from her was pleasurable, this didn’t. Still this woman needed her help and she had never seen Charles like this. He was almost human, he cared for this stranger. She rolled up her sleeve. ”Is there anything I can do?”
“Yes, when the blood starts flowing just open and close your hand. It helps the blood to move.” Charles the carefully inserted the needle into Gwen’s arm being careful not to let her blood escape. He then placed the second needle in Mary’s arm and connected the hose at each end. Mary started opening and closing her hand. She sat on the sofa next to the pale Gwen. Five minutes past then ten. Mary was starting to feel faint. “Charles, is that enough? I don’t feel too well.” Charles took her arm and removed the needle. He handed her a bandage and she held it to her arm. He the lent over Gwen and removed the needle from her. Her heart rate was stronger now, still slow but stronger. “ Thank you Mary, I think it has worked. Please rest, I’ll get you a drink. Is tea alright?” He left without waiting for answer. He had to get his head straight, he had just helped a human, they were food to him. He had lived nearly 400 years and yet his emotions still had a hold on him. Mary was just a willing supply, but Gwen, what was she, a stranded waif. Yet he had feelings for her, feeling he couldn’t explain. She had only been in his house three days, yet he felt an attraction.
“Charles.” Mary’s voice called out, the voice was afraid.
“What is it?” He replied as he ran back into the room.
“She has a fever.” Terror in the voice. Gwen was thrashing violently about on the sofa, The only reason she hadn’t fallen was Mary. She was struggling to hold her. “She’s so strong, I can’t hold her.”
Charles pushes Mary out of the way, “You better leave!” His eyes have paled he needs all his strength and concentration now. Mary runs from the house, she does not understand what is happening. Later she tells others that Charles was in a feeding frenzy. This comment later has disastrous consequences.
Gwen continues to thrash, striking out and hurting herself. Charles holds her, he is careful that he doesn’t hurt her more than she is doing. “Gwen, your alright, I’m here. Please Gwen stop.” He needs to cool her now burning skin. How can one person go from being cold to a burning fever in a matter of minutes he thinks. He releases her for a moment so he can reach one of the cloths. He soaks it in the water and places it on here forehead, wiping the sweat from it. He continues to talk to her in a soothing voice. After a while her shaking slows and then stops. All this time he had been using his vampire strength to hold her, he’s tired. He sits on the floor at her head, looking at her face. It’s peaceful now but at the height of the fever he would have sworn she looked like a vampire. Had the rouge turned her. He sniffed the air around her, No, there was no smell of a newly turned vamp. Maybe it was just the fever. Charles fell asleep at her feet, and awoke to someone talking to him. “You need to feed, come lets go hunting.” He looks up into the face of another vampire. Then he remembers Gwen and leaps to his feet. She is no longer on the sofa, and this vampire obviously hasn’t seen her or he would have fed on her.
“Lance, give me a moment. I have had a rouge in my house and have had to deal with it. Let me sort that out, then yes, we we’ll go hunting. I am hungry. This rouge has scared the villagers and I am no longer welcome in the village. Ungrateful fools.”
“You have had a human here? Where is it now?” Lance’s gaze is stone cold. One eye is jet black, this is one of the oldest vampires in Europe. From one of the greatest families. He is a cold blooded killer.
“Yes, she was a girl I feed from, I like my blood fresh and she keeps me supplied and I don’t kill her. She receives a generous payment for her services. She has just left and returned to her home.”
The vampires look at each other, “Do what you must, I will meet you at the village church.” with that said Lance leaves. Charles looks around, even the bloodied bandages have gone. Who? Where? Why? Questions fly through his mind. The biggest one, Where is Gwen? He checks in the kitchen, the rouges body is still there. He checks upstairs, all the rooms are empty. Just as he is about to give up he hears water splashing. He races back down to the bathroom, there sitting in the now cold water is Gwen. “I was worried about you, what happened.?” there was an edge of fear in his voice.
“I was hot, and you were asleep. So I came in here. I picked up the bandages so I could redress the wounds on my neck. Then I heard someone else and I hid under the water.” her eyes were questioning him.
“ I have to leave, I will be back later, are you going to be alright on your own?” he didn’t want to leave, but you didn’t keep Lance waiting.
“Go, I think I will go to my room and sleep. Keep safe my sweet Charles, for you are my saviour.” she went to him, and kissed him. He didn’t pull back, but returned her kiss with a vehemence that was shocking to both of them. His true feelings were on show, and she returned them with equal passion. How could this happen in such a short time, a matter of days. “Go, do what you must.” with that he left and Gwen returned to the bath, The cool water, soothing the animal within her, the beast that nearly escape that evening. She had regained control, but it had been a close thing. Later she went to her room, and lay down. She closed her eyes and slept, she dreamed of him. She could not comprehend the emotions she felt for him. She knew the beast in him, he was an immortal being. She was doomed to walk in both worlds, she would age, slowly, but she had the strength of the beast, if she needed it or if she fed from human blood. This must have happened tonight, she had no recollection of what had happened after the vampire had attacked her. It worried her she may have attacked another human. All the lessons the monks had taught her had come to nought. She had lost control again. So she thought.
Charles and Lance met at the church, and were discussing the rouge. Charles was explaining that the rouge had attacked just after the human had left and was attracted to the blood in the kitchen, which he kept for feeding later. Also that he had to kill it. There were rules in vampire society about the training of newly turned vamps.
“Well you dealt with it, but now you need to feed. Where shall we start, perhaps your friends home. I could do with something different.”
“Do you notice anything strange Lance. There is no-one around. This church square should be full of people at this time of night.”
They listen, and hear voices from within the church. They go up to the doors, and open them. There praying are all the women and children from the village. “Where are all the men folk?” asks Lance, in his most charming voice. “They have gone to the Fitzgerald house, He is a demon and they are going to burn him and all those in his house with him.” the woman laughs. Lance turns to Charles but he has already gone, Lance follows.
The men arrived not long after Charles leaves, they block all the doors and guard the windows. If one of the demons tries to flee, they will be staked through the heart and their body thrown back into the house to burn. They can see movement in the house, but don’t know who it is. Once the house has been secured, they throw flaming torches through the windows. They wait to make sure the fire has a good hold and that no-one escapes before leaving. Charles arrives back at the house to see an inferno. He pulls the barricade from the door and attempt to go in. Lance pulls him back, “You can’t go in there you will die.”
“I have to, she is still in there.” he tries to pull away.
“Who, who is in there?” he had smelt no other in there earlier, but the smell of the rouges blood had been strong.
“My Gwen, I saved her. It was her the rouge attacked not me.” Still he struggled to get back into the house. He managed to break free and enter the hall way. The whole house was ablaze. He swore he could hear her screams from up stairs. As he looked she appeared out of her room, fire all around her. Gwen saw him and cried out. “Leave, get out, you don’t need to die!” He took a step forward and a strong arm reached in and pulled him back. The last thing he saw was the stair and landing collapsing with Gwen on it. “No, no, no. Gwen, oh my Gwen.” his voice full of tears and despair.
“Come, you need to leave this place, it is no longer safe for you. Make a new start. In a new place. I have heard the Americas are a good place to begin anew.” Lance’s arm leads him away from the ruins of his home, and towards the future in the new world.
Half Breed
Disclaimer:- There not mine, we know to whom they belong. Thanks for the use.
Rating :- PG-13 some violence and sexy stuff
Scene setting.
French village, 1773. Near a monastery. A vampire is feeding on a woman, then he turns her (she is pregnant). A few month later the same woman is about to give birth, she is at the monastery door. She asks the monks to help her save her child, and end her curse (a short time later a baby cries). The monks vow to take care of the child, this child they see as a miracle, born of a demon into a realm of light.
1918, the Germans are advancing on the monastery and the monks have no chance in stopping the advancing troops. They know they have to hide the secret they have guarded over the centuries. As the troops attack, the monks are slaughtered, all but one die. He escaped from the monastery with the secret. He makes his way to the coast where a small boat awaits. He places his charge in the boat and tell the captain to take them to England, where he believes safety awaits. As the boats pulls away from the coast shots ring out, and all in the boat are seemingly killed. Three weeks later the boat washes up on the coast of England, it is found by a young dark haired man. Inside he finds the bodies of the monk and the captain, also he finds a young woman, she is thin, scared and hungry. She has survived by feeding of the bodies in the boat.
Part 1
Chapter 1
The young man asks ”Are you alright? What happened?” The woman, looks at the man, her eyes are pale. Almost completely white. Her skin is pale, her hair raven black. She says nothing. Again the man asks the questions, and still he gets no reply. “Come with me. I’ll help you.” and he offers her his hand to help her out of the boat. She shies away, too scared to trust him. The young man needs to leave as the sun is rising and he doesn’t want to be out in daylight. “My name is Charles, I need to get you inside. If you stay here you will die. Do you understand me?”
He still gets no reply, but he steps into the boat and takes his jacket off and places it around the shoulders of the woman. She tries to back away, and falls into the water. Too weak to help herself, she cannot get up. Charles jumps into the water and picks her up. She is very light and she no longer has the strength to fight back. He carries her up the beach and along a path to a house set back from the path. The house is small and hidden from sight, inside it is lit by oil lamps. Charles carries the woman into a room and lays her on a sofa. As he walks away to get some water he hears a quiet voice behind him. “Guinevere” The voice stops him in his tracks, turning to face the figure on the sofa. “Is that your name? Guinevere.”
She nods her head. At least he knew she understood him. “I’m just going to get some water to help clean you. Would you like anything to drink or eat?” Again he gets no reply, “I’ll get that water. Then you can rest.”
Guinevere just stares at him as he leaves. Once he is out of sight she tries to stand. She has a desperate urge to leave, but she doesn’t have the strength. She has a thirst and hunger, but she cannot explain what it is to this man. She knows what she needs and dares not take it here. She is tired, the journey in the boat nearly killed her, had it not been for the monk, she would have died. He gave her the sustenance she needed for most of the journey, but he had been dying. Then she had no choice but to eat the flesh of the bodies to survive. This Charles would never understand. Little does she know they are more alike than either of them think. She hears him returning, and is aware that she is not strong enough to leave. She has to resign herself to his aid. For now. “Here, I’ll help you wash yourself, I don’t have much to eat in the house, but I have some broth. Once you are washed and have eaten a little, you can rest in one of the rooms. You are welcome to stay till you feel better and stronger.” His voice is kindly, but there is an undertone she is wary of.
“Thank you” there is no strength even in her voice. Charles helps her to wash, he sees she is even paler than he first thought, she is pale as death, much the same as himself as he shuns the daylight. He goes to the kitchen and returns with the broth. He cannot eat it, but he knows she need food. He sits next to her and carefully tries to feed her.
As she tries to swallow, she chokes. She wants to eat and knows it will help, but it is a struggle. She has not had proper food since leaving the monastery, and her body wants to reject it. Again she tries and Charles helps, this time she manages to keep it down. Slowly he feeds her and she is grateful, but her emotions are in turmoil. She is too tired and weak to think straight. When she has finished the broth, she looks into his eyes and sees the ages of things past. There is an older gaze coming from the eyes of a young man. She wonders how can this be, but she never asks. She is too tired and soon falls asleep. He picks up her with no effort and carries her upstairs to a bedroom and lays her on the bed, where he leaves her to rest. He then takes his own leave and goes to his chambers to sleep.
Many hours pass and day once again turns to dark, she awakes to find herself in a bed, with no knowledge of how she got there. She feels stronger, but the hunger remains. Lying quietly she listens, gathering her thoughts on what had happened. She remembers little of the journey in the boat. Only that the monk fed her, and the having to feed off the bodies. The thought repulses her, she is no monster, but she needed to survive, and that was the only way. She continues to listen, and hears footsteps stop at the door. The door opens and a figure stands in the doorway, she cannot see details, the light is behind casting him into silhouette. He steps in and she see his face, he is young, maybe in his 20’s, his hair is dark his eyes brown, his face has an impish look. There is a look of concern, “Are you feeling better? You have slept through the day, I was worried.” There again that slight undertone, she has heard before but is unable to remember where from.
“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry I don’t remember what happened. Where am I?” Still weak, but stronger still.
“My name is Charles, I found you in a boat washed up on the shore, there were two bodies in it along with you. I brought you up here to my house, you were half dead.” He had no idea she thought. “I managed to give you some broth, but then you fell asleep and put you in here, one of my guest rooms.”
“Do you feel strong enough to join me in the lounge?”
She looked down at herself and her clothes, which were barely rags. He noticed the look, “I’ll find you something to wear, it may be a little large, but it will be clean. I’ll get some clothes tomorrow that fit. So will you join me?”
She resigned to the fact she needed this mans help. “I would be honoured to join you Charles. My name is..” “Guinevere, you told me last night” He finished, as he left the room. He returned shortly with the clothes. They were a little large, but at least she felt more human in them. Charles helped her to the lounge and sat in a large leather chair, after seating her on the sofa. On the table next to her was a bowl of soup and some bread. “Eat, you need to gather your strength back. You didn’t have much last night, you almost choked.” She looked at him with wary, questioning eyes. ”Are you not having anything?”
He smiled, “No, I ate before I checked on you.” This was a lie and she heard it in his voice, but he had tried to hide it. Why? Still she was hungry and the broth smelt good. He watched as she ate, following her every move, even the way her throat moved as she swallowed, noting every detail. When she finished, they sat in silence for awhile, just looking at each other. As two people do when trying to judge the other. Finally Charles broke the silence, “Why don’t you tell me a bit about yourself Guinevere? Then I’ll tell you about myself.”
She sat thinking for a moment, trying to know where to start, she couldn’t tell the truth, he would think her crazy. After another moments hesitation she began. “Well for a start you can call me Gwen, I was born in France, 21 years ago” a lie but a necessary one. “My mother died in child birth, and I don’t know who my father was. I was raised in a monastery, by the monks there. They were kind and gentle men. They knew I was a sickly child, and that I survived, they thought it a miracle. When the war started they feared for my safety, and they made plans for me to come to another monastery in England. But before we could leave, the advancing troops attacked, and we had to flee in a hurry. I don’t remember much after that."
He studied her face, looking for something but not knowing what. He took a breath and started talking.” Well you know my name, I was born 25 years ago, my mother died a few years ago, my father in the war. I have no siblings and no family left. So you and I are kindred spirits of a sort.” He smiled, it was a sad one, but once again she got the feeling that some of what he was telling her was a lie. He was lonely in his heart, it showed in his eyes. He continued, “This house is just one of many, it’s a retreat of sorts. For when things get too much in the city.” he paused “If you were born in France, how do you speak English so well?”
He had caught her out with that question, she had to think quickly for and answer. “Many of the monks were from England , they taught me. I also speak French, Italian and can read Latin. Not much else to do in a monastery. It was a sparse life, much of it spent wishing to know what else was out there.”
“You never thought to leave?”
“Where would I have gone? I know of nothing outside of the monastery. The only outside contact I ever had was with the fisherman, and odd trader that came to deliver supplies that we did not cultivate.”
A look crossed his face, dangerous but caring all at the same time. He had never thought he could care for anyone, but here was someone who didn’t know the outside world, let alone his world. She was an angel, pure and good. But he was scared, his baser instincts could not be denied, she would not be safe and he knew it. She would have to leave when she was strong enough. But that was not now. He looked across the room at her, and saw her yawning. “Are you tired?” His concern caught them both off guard.
“Yes, but I feel a little better, and yet I still feel so tired. I’m sorry I’ve ruined your evening.” something in her voice worried him.
“No you haven’t. I’ll help you back to your room. You need rest. I may not be here in the daytime. I have some errands to run. I’ll see you in the evening. I’ll have someone from the village bring some clothes and food to the house. Feel free to look around, but please stay out of my chambers. I will lock the door, but if I forget please respect my privacy.” The edge was back in his voice, it was a warning loud and clear.
He helped Gwen up and slowly walked back to her room. In a way he was glad she needed to rest, he had the thirst and he could not hunt and feed if she were awake. When he was sure she was sleeping he left and went out. He returned just before dawn, feeling refreshed and fed. He had also arranged for the clothes and food to be delivered. He check that Gwen was sleeping before heading to his chambers, looking forward to his sleep.
Gwen awoke the next day, feeling she needed get out of the house. Find what she knew would stop her hunger. She went down into the kitchen and there as promised were the clothes and food. She grabbed some apples and bread and left the house. There was no use changing clothes until she had bathed, she would do that later. First she looked round the gardens of the house, they were pretty, and well manicured. So someone took care of them. Eating an apple, she continued to explore. About a mile from the house, she came across a farm. The farm was deserted and in ruins, but a few animals remained. Carefully she eased up to one of the pens, it contained a piglet. She need to catch it and the feed, but that was easier said than done, She was still very weak and piglets could be fast and difficult to catch. She sat down t the side of the pen .”Here piggy, piggy, piggy. Come to Gwen and give her strength.” to her surprise the piglet came to her and sat down in front of her. She shook her head in bewilderment. She had some of the animals at the monastery come to her at asking but she had reared then from birth. She had never called a beast before now. She bent down and picked up the animal, she could feel it heart racing and her heart sped up in time with it. Slowly she controlled herself, then she allowed the transformation to happen, then she fed she took only enough to make the thirst bearable, but not enough to kill the piglet. She let it go and stood carefully, she felt stronger, but she new she would have to feed again. She left the farm and headed back to the house. Unaware of the figure hiding in the ruined barn watching her. The figure didn’t follow, but went in the direction of the village.
Gwen returned to the house, she was feeling better and stronger, but tired so she decided to have a rest before having a bath. She went to her room and lay on the bed. Closing her eyes she fell into a deep sleep, punctuated by strange dreams. She awoke to the sounds of raised voices. “I’m telling you I haven’t been there, I came to the village last night and saw my friend.” Charles’ voice was strained. “Your telling me there are no others here with you. One of the children was at the old farm and says he saw a female call, then feed off a piglet that he had there.” This voice was angry and scared.
“No, I’m the only one here. Anyway we don’t feed off animals. What do you want from me?” He sounded worried, and what did he mean ‘We don’t feed off animals’
“Just keep away from the village, your not welcome anymore.” A door slammed and a silence fell through the house.
Gwen stayed quiet, listening waiting. She was still buzzed from the feeding earlier, all her senses were in overdrive. She could hear Charles’ breathing, it was rapid. She turned over and looked out the window, the sun had set and it was dark again. She had slept through most of the day again. She rose and went to the door, opening it softly she went out on to the hall. Charles was stood by the front door, his head down, his shoulders slumped. She closed the door behind her with a quiet click, knowing it would alert Charles to her presence. He turn and looked up at her. “Oh, hello sleepy head. I didn’t mean to wake you.” something in his face made her heart melt, he looked vulnerable, she wanted to go to him and find out what was wrong, but something stopped her. A look in his eyes, they now looked haunted.
“It was the door slamming. Is every thing alright?” She hoped the question didn’t sound too probing. She studied him, seeing everything the way the light reflected in his eyes, and highlighted his face. He suddenly looked far older than he appeared.
“It’s nothing to concern yourself with. You look better again this evening, are you hungry?” the look in his eyes vanished, to be replaced with a genuine caring glimmer.
“I am feeling better, and yes I am hungry. But I would like to bathe before we eat. Do you have a bathroom?” Still watching him, she was encountering emotions she had never had. She was falling for this man, she hardly knew.
“I’ll get you some hot water, the bathroom is down here next to the kitchen. I’ll have to get it ready for you.” He wasn’t used to having guest like her in the house. Things were going to get awkward, fast. “I’ll knock and let you know when it’s ready.” and he left heading towards the kitchen. Gwen returned to her room and thought about what she had overheard.
A short while later he knocked on her room door, She opened it, still only wearing his shirt. He stood taken back by the figure now standing in front of him ”Your bath is ready.” His eye were down cast, as if he was afraid to look at her. “Thank you Charles.” She walked past him and down the stair to the bathroom. There the tub sat, the water warm and inviting. She had never bathed in a tub before at the monastery, she had washed and bathed in the river. She shed the shirt and stepped into the bath, a small moan of pleasure escaped her. It was blissful, the water was hot and smelt of roses. Charles had put rose oil in. She just sat soaking in the water for while, letting the feeling wash over her. Then she submerged going completely under the water, letting it block all her senses for a moment. She pushed herself back up and suddenly became aware that Charles was in the doorway.
“Is the water hot enough?”
Her mind rushed, how long has he been standing there. She was embarrassed, and excited all in one go. ”The waters perfect, I have never had a hot bath, it’s heavenly.” she smiles at him.
“Would you like me to get you anything?” he studies her, as she had studied him, but he does not come into the room.
“Could you help me by washing my back.” what was she doing. This wasn’t her, she wasn’t thinking straight.
He was taken aback. Slowly he stepped into the room, by the light of the lantern he could see her alabaster skin, it looked perfect. He knelt down next to her and she handed him the cloth. She turned so he could wash her back. Then he noticed the scars, not just one or two, but her back covered. He shuddered inwardly who would do this to such a child. “Are you going to wash me or stare at my back?”
“Sorry, I just..”
“I know what it looks like, please if you want to leave, just go. I’ll understand.”
“No, it caught me off guard.” he the wet the cloth and started to wash her. Tracing the line of some of the larger scars. Slowly rubbing her back. He noticed a change in her, she was responding to his touch. She was a sensual minefield. He too was feeling emotions he hadn’t had for a long time. He had to leave, and now, before he did something he would regret. “I’m sorry I can’t.” he left swiftly. She turned in time to see him leave the room, then to hear the front door close.
Gwen finished washing and got out of the bath, she dried herself with the towel he had provided. Then she changed into the clothes he had got her, they were still a little big. She had lost weight during the journey, from not feeding properly. She noticed a necklace with an enamelled cross pendant. Holding it in the air, she watched it as it caught the light. Why had he left it for her she wondered, then she placed it around her neck. It felt cold against her warm skin. Now she was hungry, so she went into the kitchen, to see what she could find. There in the pantry she found some vegetables and a steak. She looked further but still only found one steak, this she found odd. Still she had to eat, so she lightly cooked the steak and veg and sat down at the kitchen table to eat. She heard the front door open the footsteps. “Charles, is that you? I’m in the kitchen. I was hungry, so I cooked the steak you left. Would you like some?” The foot steps stopped then headed in her direction.
Something was wrong, all her senses told her to run, she left the table and backed towards the door behind her. It was locked, she realised she was trapped. At that moment the figure stepped into the kitchen. It wasn’t Charles. Gwen wanted to scream but was unable. She knew what was in front of her, the monks had told her. This was a vampire, eyes as pale as her own, with fangs and a blood lust that needed to be sated. She could smell the decay emanating from it. This was an old soul, lost to the darkness of immortality. She had no chance now, she could fight, but she was still too weak, even if she changed, she knew what she was and her limits. The vampire crossed the room, advancing slowly, knowing its prey was trapped. Gwen picked up a knife from the counter, she might have one chance if she could sever the head from the body. She lashed out wildly, and the vampire stopped and looked at her, the laughed and continued to advance. “Leave me alone. Leave me alone.” a plea.
Then with a single leap the vampire was on her. Now she screamed, a loud and piercing cry. His fangs biting into her flesh. Then blissful darkness, as she passed out.
Chapter 2
Charles was returning to the house when he picked up the scent of the vampire. He ran as fast as he could. As he reached the door he heard her scream, then silence. He ran to where the cry had come from, there was the vampire, Gwen in its arms, feeding. She was unconscious. He grabbed the vampire and threw it across the kitchen. He leapt across the room, turning as he went. He landed on the vampire, ripping out its throat, killing it instantly. He turned back to look at Gwen. She was looking at him with, wide, compassionate eyes. He instinctively shied away, no human had ever seen what she had seen. He went to leave.
“Wait.” a single word. He stopped and looked back. “I know what you are, but why help me?” a simple question he was not sure he could answer now. She was crossing the room holding onto the table for balance. She reached him and touched his face. He changed back, his eyes once again becoming dark and welcoming, fangs retracting back to being hidden.
“I …are you alright? He bit you.” He didn’t know what to do or say. Then her legs gave way and she collapsed to the floor. He caught her, and gathered her up into his body and carried her to the lounge. He placed her lightly on the sofa and stoked the fire. Her skin was cold and she was shivering. He returned to her with a blanket and covered her. “ I’ll get something to clean those wounds” he need to get away from the blood and get himself under control. He went back into the kitchen, taking slow breaths trying to control his instincts. Gwen needed his help and he had to give it to her. He gathered some clean clothes and a bandage, the drew some water to clean the wounds. He returned to the lounge, she lay still, unmoving on the sofa. He listened for her heart beat it was slow but strong. She had fallen into unconsciousness again. He knelt down beside her and washed the wounds. He noticed that she was wearing the necklace he had left for her. When he finished cleaning the injuries, he bandaged them. The vampire had left ragged wounds not the neat marks most left. He was a rouge, a vampire who had not been taught the correct method by its sire. The smell of the vampire was fading but he could still smell her. Something was wrong, her blood smelt wrong, weak. He sniffed it again, yes, her blood was weak. No wonder she was feeling tired, she had an illness of the blood, anaemia. She needed blood, the vampire had taken some but she lost some from the wounds. He could only think of one way, and that was a battlefield method. He made her comfortable and left to go the village, he knew who he could ask for help, but only if he could get there un-noticed.
He arrived at his destination, without any trouble or being seen. He knocked at the door and a young woman opened it. “Charles, what are you doing here? Your not welcome in the village anymore.”
“Mary, I need your help. There is a young woman at my house that has been attacked. She needs blood. Not in the same way I do, but I know a way you can give it to her. Will you help?” There was an urgency in his voice she could not refuse. She nodded, and they left taking the path behind the house. They arrived Back at Charles house fifteen minutes later. Charles led the way, into the lounge. Gwen was still lying on the sofa, but her heart rate was weaker now. Charles rushed over, “Hold on Gwen I have brought help. Mary please roll up your sleeve while I get some things to help.” He left the lounge and returned a few minutes later with two hypodermic needles and some hose. “I need to give her your blood, directly into her vein. The only way to do it is by connecting the two of you. Your blood will flow straight into her.” Mary looked afraid, letting Charles feed from her was pleasurable, this didn’t. Still this woman needed her help and she had never seen Charles like this. He was almost human, he cared for this stranger. She rolled up her sleeve. ”Is there anything I can do?”
“Yes, when the blood starts flowing just open and close your hand. It helps the blood to move.” Charles the carefully inserted the needle into Gwen’s arm being careful not to let her blood escape. He then placed the second needle in Mary’s arm and connected the hose at each end. Mary started opening and closing her hand. She sat on the sofa next to the pale Gwen. Five minutes past then ten. Mary was starting to feel faint. “Charles, is that enough? I don’t feel too well.” Charles took her arm and removed the needle. He handed her a bandage and she held it to her arm. He the lent over Gwen and removed the needle from her. Her heart rate was stronger now, still slow but stronger. “ Thank you Mary, I think it has worked. Please rest, I’ll get you a drink. Is tea alright?” He left without waiting for answer. He had to get his head straight, he had just helped a human, they were food to him. He had lived nearly 400 years and yet his emotions still had a hold on him. Mary was just a willing supply, but Gwen, what was she, a stranded waif. Yet he had feelings for her, feeling he couldn’t explain. She had only been in his house three days, yet he felt an attraction.
“Charles.” Mary’s voice called out, the voice was afraid.
“What is it?” He replied as he ran back into the room.
“She has a fever.” Terror in the voice. Gwen was thrashing violently about on the sofa, The only reason she hadn’t fallen was Mary. She was struggling to hold her. “She’s so strong, I can’t hold her.”
Charles pushes Mary out of the way, “You better leave!” His eyes have paled he needs all his strength and concentration now. Mary runs from the house, she does not understand what is happening. Later she tells others that Charles was in a feeding frenzy. This comment later has disastrous consequences.
Gwen continues to thrash, striking out and hurting herself. Charles holds her, he is careful that he doesn’t hurt her more than she is doing. “Gwen, your alright, I’m here. Please Gwen stop.” He needs to cool her now burning skin. How can one person go from being cold to a burning fever in a matter of minutes he thinks. He releases her for a moment so he can reach one of the cloths. He soaks it in the water and places it on here forehead, wiping the sweat from it. He continues to talk to her in a soothing voice. After a while her shaking slows and then stops. All this time he had been using his vampire strength to hold her, he’s tired. He sits on the floor at her head, looking at her face. It’s peaceful now but at the height of the fever he would have sworn she looked like a vampire. Had the rouge turned her. He sniffed the air around her, No, there was no smell of a newly turned vamp. Maybe it was just the fever. Charles fell asleep at her feet, and awoke to someone talking to him. “You need to feed, come lets go hunting.” He looks up into the face of another vampire. Then he remembers Gwen and leaps to his feet. She is no longer on the sofa, and this vampire obviously hasn’t seen her or he would have fed on her.
“Lance, give me a moment. I have had a rouge in my house and have had to deal with it. Let me sort that out, then yes, we we’ll go hunting. I am hungry. This rouge has scared the villagers and I am no longer welcome in the village. Ungrateful fools.”
“You have had a human here? Where is it now?” Lance’s gaze is stone cold. One eye is jet black, this is one of the oldest vampires in Europe. From one of the greatest families. He is a cold blooded killer.
“Yes, she was a girl I feed from, I like my blood fresh and she keeps me supplied and I don’t kill her. She receives a generous payment for her services. She has just left and returned to her home.”
The vampires look at each other, “Do what you must, I will meet you at the village church.” with that said Lance leaves. Charles looks around, even the bloodied bandages have gone. Who? Where? Why? Questions fly through his mind. The biggest one, Where is Gwen? He checks in the kitchen, the rouges body is still there. He checks upstairs, all the rooms are empty. Just as he is about to give up he hears water splashing. He races back down to the bathroom, there sitting in the now cold water is Gwen. “I was worried about you, what happened.?” there was an edge of fear in his voice.
“I was hot, and you were asleep. So I came in here. I picked up the bandages so I could redress the wounds on my neck. Then I heard someone else and I hid under the water.” her eyes were questioning him.
“ I have to leave, I will be back later, are you going to be alright on your own?” he didn’t want to leave, but you didn’t keep Lance waiting.
“Go, I think I will go to my room and sleep. Keep safe my sweet Charles, for you are my saviour.” she went to him, and kissed him. He didn’t pull back, but returned her kiss with a vehemence that was shocking to both of them. His true feelings were on show, and she returned them with equal passion. How could this happen in such a short time, a matter of days. “Go, do what you must.” with that he left and Gwen returned to the bath, The cool water, soothing the animal within her, the beast that nearly escape that evening. She had regained control, but it had been a close thing. Later she went to her room, and lay down. She closed her eyes and slept, she dreamed of him. She could not comprehend the emotions she felt for him. She knew the beast in him, he was an immortal being. She was doomed to walk in both worlds, she would age, slowly, but she had the strength of the beast, if she needed it or if she fed from human blood. This must have happened tonight, she had no recollection of what had happened after the vampire had attacked her. It worried her she may have attacked another human. All the lessons the monks had taught her had come to nought. She had lost control again. So she thought.
Charles and Lance met at the church, and were discussing the rouge. Charles was explaining that the rouge had attacked just after the human had left and was attracted to the blood in the kitchen, which he kept for feeding later. Also that he had to kill it. There were rules in vampire society about the training of newly turned vamps.
“Well you dealt with it, but now you need to feed. Where shall we start, perhaps your friends home. I could do with something different.”
“Do you notice anything strange Lance. There is no-one around. This church square should be full of people at this time of night.”
They listen, and hear voices from within the church. They go up to the doors, and open them. There praying are all the women and children from the village. “Where are all the men folk?” asks Lance, in his most charming voice. “They have gone to the Fitzgerald house, He is a demon and they are going to burn him and all those in his house with him.” the woman laughs. Lance turns to Charles but he has already gone, Lance follows.
The men arrived not long after Charles leaves, they block all the doors and guard the windows. If one of the demons tries to flee, they will be staked through the heart and their body thrown back into the house to burn. They can see movement in the house, but don’t know who it is. Once the house has been secured, they throw flaming torches through the windows. They wait to make sure the fire has a good hold and that no-one escapes before leaving. Charles arrives back at the house to see an inferno. He pulls the barricade from the door and attempt to go in. Lance pulls him back, “You can’t go in there you will die.”
“I have to, she is still in there.” he tries to pull away.
“Who, who is in there?” he had smelt no other in there earlier, but the smell of the rouges blood had been strong.
“My Gwen, I saved her. It was her the rouge attacked not me.” Still he struggled to get back into the house. He managed to break free and enter the hall way. The whole house was ablaze. He swore he could hear her screams from up stairs. As he looked she appeared out of her room, fire all around her. Gwen saw him and cried out. “Leave, get out, you don’t need to die!” He took a step forward and a strong arm reached in and pulled him back. The last thing he saw was the stair and landing collapsing with Gwen on it. “No, no, no. Gwen, oh my Gwen.” his voice full of tears and despair.
“Come, you need to leave this place, it is no longer safe for you. Make a new start. In a new place. I have heard the Americas are a good place to begin anew.” Lance’s arm leads him away from the ruins of his home, and towards the future in the new world.