Disclaimer: Refer to previous chapters.
This chapter is going to be longer than what you're used to. I am hoping that the next few will be just as long or longer as this is a crucial turning point in both the story by Darren Shan and in my own fan fiction. But no promises on that. (It would be cruel to promos you something and not deliver, right?)
So without further ado...
oOo
I didn't want to involve the wolves anymore. I felt that they had done all they could to help me. But when I told the they could go, they only remained seated, patiently. I even tried to chase them off. "Go!" I threw my arm down the tunnel we had come through. "Home." But why weren't dogs. I was their sister, not their master. They planned to stick my me.
I could see that the younger wolves were actually itching for a fight. So I gave up trying to run them off to safety, and settled down to wait for nightfall. I was feeling the need for blood more than ever. I hadn't needed blood this badly since I was first blooded and refused to drink. I was still good for a few more days maybe, but this was still cutting it close.
As I felt the day drawing to a close, I helped the wolves crawl back up the steep tunnel, and made our way to the chink in the armor in the Hall of Princes.
I carefully and quietly got to work on making a hole big enough to squeeze through. I was surprised that nobody had ever found this weak point before, but it was up very high, and from below must look more solid.
I paused briefly to consider the extraordinary amount of luck I was having. Surviving the stream, Rudi and Streak finding me when I was at my weakest and saving me, Magda leading us through the tunnels all the way to the Hall of Princes. Even failing the Trials was in one respect, fortunate. I would have never found out about the vampaneze if I hadn't lost against the blooded boars.
Was it really the luck of the vampires, or was it something more. Like destiny? I was never a believer in predetermined fate, but I was beginning to have my doubts.
Sounds of the approaching procession distracted me from my heavy thoughts. The hour of Kurda's investiture had finally come. Wriggling through the hole, I dropped to the floor, turned and caught the wolves as they slithered down beside me. When we were all ready, we flattened ourselves against the wall, and edged forward.
As we slipped around the edge of the dome, I saw the Generals who'd lined up to welcome Kurda Smahlt. They'd formed a guard of honor, stretching from the tunnel, to the doors of the Hall. Almost all were armed, as were the rest of the vampires- the ceremony of investiture was the only time vampires could carry weapons into the chamber. Any one of the armed vampires could be a traitor, with orders to kill me on sight.
The three Princes stood by the open doors of the dome, dressed regally, waiting to blood Kurda and make him one of their own. I saw Mr. Crepsley and Seba close to the Princes, and it made me feel as if my nerves were on fire. Mr. Crepsley was staring in the direction of the tunnel, but Seba had an eye out for me. When he caught sight of me, he nodded slightly. That meant he'd had words with a few of his staff and had positioned them nearby. They would have orders to stop any vampire that raised a weapon during the ceremony. Seba had not told his assistants about me though.
The head of the procession entered the cave. Six vampires preceded Kurda, walking slowly in pairs, carrying the clothes that Kurda would put on once he'd been invested. Next came two deep voiced vampires, chanting poems, stories, praising the Princes and Kurda. Their hymnlike tones carried up the tunnel and echoed around the cave. Behind the first eight vampires, carried on a small platform by four Generals, sat Kurda. His head was bowed making his blonde hair fall into his face, eyes closed.
I waited until he was halfway between the tunnel and the Princes, then stepped out from the wall, strode forward- the wolves followed close at me heels- and shouted at the top of by lungs. "STOP!"
All heads turned, and the chanting ceased immediately. Hardly any of the vampires recognized me at first- all they saw was a dirty half-naked girl accompanied by wolves- but as I got closer, they gasped and exclaimed. "Lily!" Mr. Crepsley roared with delight as he started toward me, arms outstretched. I ignored him though, and focused on the crowd of vampires, looking for any signs of retaliation.
The traitors didn't delay. Two vampires in green uniforms raised their spears when they saw me, while another pulled out a pair of knives and moved forward to intercept me. Seba's men reacted splendidly, ignoring the confusion, and darted forward to apprehend the spear-weilding vampires. They dragged them to the floor before they could launch their weapons.
But nobody could get to the vampire with the knives- he was too far ahead of the assistants. He broke through the rank of guards, shoved Mr. Crepsley out of the way, and raced toward me. He threw one of the knives, and it sliced over my cheekbone as it flew past.
Before he could throw the other, or get close enough to use it, the other two wolves launched themselves at him and knocked him to the floor. He fought his way back up, shrieking with pain as the wolves bit and clawed at him. and reached out for me again.
As I was about to fend him off, an arm wrapped around his neck, and flipped him hard, slamming him into the ground. Mr. Crepsley was busy trying to pin him, when one of the wolves jumped in, and sank its teeth into the vampire's throat, bringing the traitor to a brutal end.
The other vampires in the cave had frozen with shock. Mr. Crepsley looked up form the dead vampire, eyes wide, panting uncertainly. "Lily?" He asked shakily. "What is going on? How did-"
"Not right now." I snapped, searching the crowd for any more traitors. There didn't appear to be anymore, but I didn't want to take that chance. "I'll tell you about it later." I told Mr. Crepsely. If I live that long.
Kurda had opened his eyes and raised his head at the start of the commotion, but he had made no attempt to flee the platform or the cave. I couldn't read the expression he was staring at me with as I advanced. But I watched as he rubbed the three small scars on the left cheek (from the vampaneze) and sighed.
"What's going on!" Mika Ver Leth roared, his expression as black as the clothes he wore. "Why are those vampires fighting? Break them apart immediately!"
"Sire!" Seba said quickly before the order could be obeyed. "Those who raised their weapons against Lily are not our allies. And those who hold them down do so at my command. I would strongly advise against releasing them until you have heard Lily speak."
Mika stared at him. "You're part of the chaos, Seba?" He asked.
"I am, sire," Seba said. "and proud to be." I smiled slightly.
"That girl fled from the judgment of the Princes," Arrow growled, the veins in his head throbbing. "She is not welcome here."
"She will be sire, when you learn why she has come," Seba insisted.
"This is most objectionable." Paris Skyle said. "Never before has anyone interrupted the investiture of a Prince. I do not know why you are siding with the girl, but I think the two of you should be removed form the Hall until later, when we can-"
"No!" I shouted, pushing through the ranks of guards to stand directly before the Princes. Locking gazes with them, I growled so that all could hear. "You say that nobody has ever interrupted the investiture of a Prince before, and this might be true. But I don't think anyone has ever sought to invest a traitor before, so I think that-"
The cave erupted with furious roars. Before I could protect myself, a horde surged around me and started kicking, punching and tearing at me. I could see flashes of Mr. Creplsley trying to reach me, and the wolves even tried to jump in to my rescue, but they were easily pushed away by the crowd of vampires.
"Stop this!" the Princes roared. "Stop! Stop! Stop!"
Finally the commands of the Princes seeped through and I was released as they all shuffled back, eyes aflame and muttering darkly.
They hadn't hurt me- the press had been too tight for any of them to get a decent blow- but what was left of my "clothes" hung in torn ribbons on my frame. Bits of rabbit, caribou and wolf fur, strewn out along the floor.
"This is a grim night," Mika Ver Leth grumbled. "It's bad enough that the girl violates our laws and customs, but when fully blooded vampires who should know better behave like a pack of barbarians in the presence of their Princes…" He shook his head disgusted.
"But she called Kurda a traitor!" Someone yelled out, and tempers flared again, as vampires hurled curses again.
"Enough!" Mika bellowed. When silence had fallen, he fixed his gaze on me. I remembered when I had accused him of not liking me. He said I was wrong. I tried to remember that now, but it was hard when he looked only slightly less pissed than the ones who had attacked me. "If it were up to me," He snarled, "I'd have you bound and gagged before you could say another word. Then I'd see you hauled off to the Hall of Death where you would suffer the punishment you deserve."
He paused and glared around at the vampires, who were nodding and murmuring approvingly. Then his eyes fell on Seba and he frowned. "But one we all know, trust, and admire has spoken up on your behalf. I have no respect for half-vampire who flee instead of standing to face their punishment, but Seba Nile says that we should pay attention to what you have to say, and I for one am loathe to disregard him."
"I agree with that,: Paris Skyle grunted.
Arrow looked troubled. "I also respect Seba," he said. "but such a breach of decorum is deplorable. I think…" Looking very hard at Seba, he changed his mind and nodded gruffly. "Very well. I'll side with Paris and Mika. But only for Seba's sake."
Turning to me, looking as kindly as he could given the circumstances, Paris said, "Say your piece, Lily- but make it quick."
"Okay." I nodded, glancing up at Kurda, who was staring at me wordlessly. "Let's see if this is quick enough for you- Kurda Smahlt killed Gavner Purl."
the vampires gasped, and looks of hatred were replaced with uncertainty.
"He did this because, at this ver moment, dozens of vampaneze lurk in the tunnels beneath us, waiting to attack." I continued. Stunned silence greeted my words. "They were invited by him!" I pointed to Kurda, and this time, nobody raised their voice in anger. Everyone was silent. "He's a traitor." I said quietly, but everyone had heard me.
oOo
It was silent for a long time after I had announced my accusations. Nobody was sure what to say or think. I thought Kurda would deny my claims, and the guards would rally on his side, but Kurda remained silent, taking their questioning stares without reply.
Finally Paris Skyle cleared his voice, breaking the silence. "These are grave charges to bring against any vampire," he said. "To level them at a Prince-to-be while he stands on the point of investiture,,,: he shook his head. "You understand what the consequences will be if you are lying?"
"Why would I lie?" I retorted. I faced the rest of the vampires. "Everyone knows I failed my Trials of Initiation, and fled before I could be executed. By returning I have condemned myself. Do you think I would do that for no good reason?" Nobody answered, so I continued. "Kurda has betrayed you. He's in league with the vampaneze. I think he's planning to lead them into the Hall of Princes after he's been invested. I think they are after the Stone of Blood."
There were cries of astonishment at that.
"How do you know this?" Arrow yelled over the noise. The bald prince hated sampaneze more than most, because one had killed his wife many years ago.
"I'm only guessing about the Stone of Blood," I replied. "but I've see the vampaneze. Gavner saw them too! That's why Kurda murdered him. He was going to spare my life and try to change my views, but I escaped into the stream in the Hall of Final Voyage. I thought I was going to die- almost did- but I survived. Once I recovered I came back toward you."
"How many vampaneze are down there?" Arrow asked, eyes blazing.
"At least thirty- possibly more."
The three Princes glanced at each other uneasily.
"This makes no sense." Mika muttered.
"I agree," Arrow said. "But a lie this outlandish would be simple to disprove. If she wished to fool us, she would have chosen a less fantastic story."
"Besides," Paris sighed, "look in the girls eyes- there's nothing but truth in them."
A roar disrupted the conversation. One of Kurda's accomplices had broken free and grabbed a knife from a General. Before he could get away, the guards closed ranks and encircled him. He prepared to fight to the death.
"No, Cyrus!" Kurda shouted, his first words since he was carried into the Hall. the vampire's hand dropped, and he looked to Kurda for guidance. "It's over," Kurda said softly. "Don't spill blood unnecessarily. that was never our aim."
The vampire named Cyrus nodded obediently. then, before the circle of guards could close in on him, he put the tip of the dagger above his heart, and made a swift fatal stab. As the dead traitor fell to the floor, all eyes turned to Kurda, this time, the faces were grim.
"What have you to say in rebuttal to Lily's claims?" Mika asked, his voice thick with emotion.
"At this moment- nothing." Kurda responded coolly.
"You don't deny the charge?" Arrow shouted.
"I do not." Kurda said.
A horrified moan swept through the cave at Kurda's admission of guilt.
"Let's kill him now!" Arrow growled, to a huge cheer of approval.
"With respect, sires." Seba interceded, "would it not make more sense to focus on the vapaneze before we execute our own? Kurda can wait- we should deal with the intruders first."
"Seba is right," Paris said. "The vampaneze must be put to the sword. There will be time for traitors later." Turning to a handful of guards, he told them to take Kurda and the other traitors still alive away and hold them captive. "And under no circumstances let them take their own lives.," he warned. "That would be the easy way out. Keep them alive until we have had time to interrogate them."
Beckoning me forward, he addressed the massed vampires. "We will retire to the Hall of Princes with Lily. I ask the rest of you to remain here while we discuss the ramifications of this horrific turn of events. When we have decided on an immediate course of action, we shall inform you. There will be open talks later, when the present danger has been dealt with."
"And see that no one leaves the cave," Mika barked. "We don't know how deep this conspiracy runs. I don't want word of this reaching the ears of those who stand opposed to the welfare of our clan."
With that, the four of us entered the Hall of Princes, followed by several more senior Generals, as well as Seba, Arra Sails, and Mr. Crepsely. Some of the tension seeped out of the air when the doors closed behind us. Paris hurried off to check on the Stone of Blood, while Mika and Arrow trudged disconsolately to their thrones. Seba thrust some clothes into my hands and told me to slip them on. I did so quickly, then let the quartermaster lead me forward to talk to the Princes. The wolves still following at my heel.
I still hadn't had a chance to have a word with Mr. Crepsley, though I smiled at him to show I was thinking of him.
I started by telling the Princes about my flight through the tunnels with Kurda, Gavner coming after us, changing direction, running into the vampaneze, Gavner making his stand, and Kurda's betrayal. When I got to the part about the stream, Paris clapped his hands loudly and grinned.
"I never would have believed it!" The one-eared Prince chuckled admiringly. "Young vampires overeager to prove themselves used to go down it in barrels hundreds of years ago, but non ever tried-"
"Please, Paris," Mika complained. "Let's leave the reminiscences till later."
"Of course." Paris coughed meekly. "Do continue."
I told them about washing up on a bank far away from Vampire Mountain, being found by the wolves and nursed back to health.
"That is not so extraordinary," Mr. Crepsely interrupted. "Wolves have often taken care of abandoned children." Streak, "roof"ed in response.
I had missed his voice so much. It reminded me of when I had come across them in the woods, which I told them about next. How I had seen them, but kept low because of Kurda and the other vampires.
"These two traitors," Mika said darkly. "Did you spot them in the cave?"
"Yes," I said. "They were two of the three who tried to kill me. The vampire stopped by the wolves was one. The other was captured and taken away with Kurda."
"I wonder how many more were part of this," Mika mused.
"In my estimation- none." Paris said.
"You think there were only four of them?" Mika asked.
Paris nodded. "Vampires are not easily turned against their own. The three with Kurda were young, and if I remember correctly, all were blooded by him- the only three he ever blooded. Also it is logical to assume that anyone conspiring with him would have been in the cave to witness his investiture. They would surely have acted along with the others to silence Lily before she could speak.
"I do not suggest we dismiss the possibility that there are one or two more we should be wary of," Paris concluded, "but it would be unhelpful to believe the rot was widespread. This is a time to pull together as one, not set in motion a wide series of unsettling witch hunts."
"I agree with Paris," Arrow said. "The suspicion must be stamped out before it has a chance to take hold. If we fail to reestablish trust quickly, no vampire will be able to place faith in another, and anarchy will be rampant."
I hurried through the rest of my story, telling them about Magda, how she knew the tunnels, my climb through them, how I'd contacted Seba to make sure word of Kurda's treachery got out in case I was killed before I could tell anyone. I also mentioned the Guardians of the Blood, how one failed to help me in the Hall of Final Voyage, and the other that came to my rescue during my climb up the tunnels..
"The Guardians of the Blood keep their own council," Seba said- he knew more about the Guardians than most. "They are loathe to interfere directly in our affairs, which is why they would not report the vampaneze to us. But indirect interference- such as hiding you when danger loomed- is permitted. Their neutrality is exasperating but in keeping with their ways and customs. We should not hold it against them."
There was a long thoughtful silence after I finished my story. I felt panicky but calm. Happy that I was able to tell them before it was too late. Happy that I got to see my friends again before I died. Mika Ver Leth eventually broke the silence. He smiled wryly and said. "You put the clan's interests before your own. We cannot overlook your Trials of Initiation failure, or the fact that you ran from sentencing- but any dishonor you incurred has been canceled out by this act of selfless dedication, You are a true vampire, Lily Shan, as worthy to walk the night as any I know."
I bowed my head to hide my shy smile.
"Enough of the praise," Arrow grunted. "There are vampaneze to kill. I won't rest until every last one has been hung over the stakes in the Hall of Death and dropped a dozen times. Let's storm down there and-"
"Easy my friend," Paris said, laying a calm hand on the Prince's arm. "We must not rush into this. Our best trackers followed Lily's trail through the tunnels, passing close to the caves where the vampaneze were camped. Kurda would have thought of this and relocated them, so they would not be discovered. Our first priority must be to find them. Even after that, we must tread carefully, for fear they hear us coming and get away."
"Very well," Arrow groaned. "But I'm leading the first wave against them!"
"I have no objections to that," Paris said. "Mika?"
"Arrow may have the first wave," Mika agreed, "as long as I can lead the second, and he leaves enough for me to whet my glad on."
"It's a deal." Arrow laughed, a glint of battle lust in his eyes.
"So young and blood thirsty." Paris sighed. "I suppose that means I have to stay behind and guard the Hall."
One of us will relieve you before the end," Mika promised. "We'll let you mop up the stragglers."
"You are too kind." Paris grinned, then grew serious. "But that comes later. First let us summon our best trackers. Lily will go with them to show them the inhabited caves. Once we-"
"Sires," Seba interrupted. "Lily has not eaten since leaving the pack of wolves and has not partaken of human blood since departing Vampire Mountain. May I feed her before you send her off on so important a mission?"
"Of course," Paris said. "Take her to the Hall of Khledon Lurt and give her whatever she wants. We will send for her presently."
I would much rather have stayed and discussed the situation with the Princes, but I was starving, and offered no protest as Seba led me away, through the cave of vampires, down to the hall of Khledon Lurt. In the Hall, I tucked into done of the most satisfying meals of my life. The wolves weren't sitting at the table, but they were still well fed.
oOo
Mr. Crepsley brought Harkat too see my while I worked on my second helping. The Little Person hadn't been allowed to attend the investiture- only vampires could attend such a prestigious event- and knew nothing of my return until he walked into the Hall and spotted me shoveling food down my throat.
"Lily!" He gasped, hurrying over to me.
" 'Lo Harkat," I mumbled around a mouthful of fried rat.
"What are… you doing… here? Did they… catch you?"
"Not exactly. I gave myself up."
"Why?"
"Don't ask me to explain it now," I pleaded. "I've just finished telling the Princes. You pick the story up soon enough. Tell me what I've missed while I was gone."
"Nothing much." Harkat said. "The vampires we… furious when they found… out you'd left. I told them… I knew nothing… about it. They didn't believe… me. But I stuck …to my story, so there… was nothing they could do."
"He would not even tell methe truth," Mr. Crepsley said.
I looked at him, ashamed of myself. "I'm sorry I ran away," I said quietly.
"So you should be," he grunted. "It was not like you, Lily."
"I know." I agreed. "I could blame Kurda- I wouldn't have run if he hadn't talked me into it- but the truth is I was scared, and angry, and confused, and I seized the opportunity to get away when it presented itself."
"Do not chastise yourself too much," Mr. Crepsley said softly. "I am more to blame for letting them subject you to the Trials in the first place. I should have insisted upon a suitable period of time to prepare for the Trials and the consequences of failure. The fault is ours, not yours. You reacted as anyone who had not been fully versed in the ways of the vampires would have."
I almost cried right then. I lowered my face so nobody could see my wet eyes. Everything I needed him to say, he said just now. Too bad it's too late. If I lived long enough to get the answers to my questions, I wouldn't live long enough to find out… if it would have worked. If it was right. If it had all been worth it.
"I say it was fate." Seba murmured. "Had she not fled, we would never have been alerted to Kurda's treacherous nature or the presence of the vampaneze."
"The hands of… fate meet time… on a heart shaped… watch," Harkat said, and we all turned to stare at him.
"What does that mean?" I asked.
He shrugged. "I'm not sure. It just popped into… my head. It's something Mr…. Tiny used to say."
We looked at each other uneasily, thinking about Mr. Tiny and the heart-shaped watch he was so fond of playing with.
"You think Desmond Tiny could have something to do with this?" Seba asked
"I do not see how," Mr. Crepsley said. "I believe Lily had the natural luck of the vampires on her side. On the other hand, where that dark horse Tiny is concerned- who knows?"
While we sat puzzling over it- the meddling fingers of fate, or sheer good fortune?- a messenger from the Princes arrived, and I was escorted through the lower Halls and tunnels to join the trackers and set off in search of the vampaneze.
oOo
Vanez Blane was among the five chosen trackers. The one-eyed games master took my hand in his and squeezed hard by way of greeting. "I knew you would not desert us," he said. "Others cursed you, but I was sure you'd return once you had time to take things through. I told them it was a poor decision made in you'd soon correct."
"I bet you didn't bet on me returning!" I grinned.
"Now that you mention it- no, I didn't," he laughed. Vanez examined my feet to make sure my padding was adequate. All the trackers were wearing soft shoes. He offered to find me a pair- the tunnels were tough and the rocks were painful to step on- but I had grown used to my bare feet, and now preferred it over shoes.
"We must proceed with utmost caution," he warned. "No sudden movements, no lights, and no talking. Communicate by hand signals. And take this." He gave me a long sharp knife. "If you have to use it, don't hesitate."
"I won't." I swore.
We went down, moving as silently as we could. I'm not sure if I could have found my way back to the cave on my own, but the trackers had followed my trail from when I'd left and they had come looking for me, and they knew which way to go.
We crawled through the tunnel under the stream. It wasn't as frightening this time, not after everything I had been through since I last passed this way. As we stood, I pointed wordlessly to the tunnel that connected the small cave to the larger one. Two trackers advanced and checked on the cave beyond. I listened intently for sounds of a struggle, but there weren't any. Moments later, one of the trackers returned and shook his head. The rest of us trailed after him into the bigger cave.
My insides tightened when I saw the empty cave. But it didn't take long for the trackers to find evidence of the vampaneze. A scrap of cloth, a broken bowl, a pool of spit. When we'd gathered enough evidence, we gathered in the small cave, where we held a quiet conversation under the roar of the stream.
"It was vampaneze alright," One of the trackers whispered. "A couple of dozen at least."
"They covered their tracks admirably," Another grunted. "we only uncovered them because we know what to look for. We'd never have noticed if we'd been giving the cave a quick once-over."
"Where do you think they are now?" I asked.
"Hard to say," Vanez mused, scratching the lid of his blind eye. "There aren't a lot of caves nearby where that many vampaneze could hide comfortably. But they might have split into smaller groups and scattered."
"I doubt it," one of the others remarked. "If I was in charge of them, I'd want everyone to stick together, in case we were discovered. I think we'll find them bunched up, possibly close to an exit point, ready to fight or flee en masse."
"Let's hope so," Vanez said. "It could take ages to locate them all if they've split up. Can you find your way back to the Halls?" he asked me.
"Yes." I said. "But I want to come with you."
He shook his head. "We brought you down here to show us the cave. Now that you've done that, there's no place for you here. We can move more quickly without you. Return to the Halls, and tell the others what we found. We'll be back when we find the vampaneze."
Seba met me at the gate and escorted me back to the Hall of Princes when I returned. Many Generals had filed in to discuss the emergency. but apart with those with special permission to run errands, none had been allowed to leave the cave around the Hall, so a lot stood or sat outside, waiting for news to trickle through.
Mr. Crepsley and Harkat were inside. The vampire was talking with the Princes. Harkat was standing to one side with Madame Octa's cage. The spider peered at me through the bars as I approached. I wouldn't admit it, but I had actually missed the arachnid. Harkat presented the cage to me when I joined them. "I thought… you'd be glad… to see her." He said.
I gave him a smile. "Thanks for thinking of it." I said taking the cage from him and grinning at the spider.
"Harkat has been taking good care of your spider," Seba said. "He offered to give her to me when you disappeared, but I told him to hang on to her. I said one never knew what lay around the corner- I had a feeling you might be back."
"You may wind up with her yet," I said gloomily. "I seem to have won back my honor, but there's still the failure of my Trials to deal with.
"Surely they won't… punish you for… that now?" Harkat asked.
I glanced at Seba's face- it was stern, and he said nothing.
Vanez Blane returned a couple of hours later with good news- they had discovered the location of the vampaneze." They're in a long, narrow cave, close to the exterior of the mountain," Vanez explained to the Princes, wasting no time with pleasantries. "There's one way in and one way out. The exit tunnel runs straight to the outside, so they can make a quick getaway if they have to."
oOo
A.N.: Well this is the first installment of the War of Scars bit in the story. Let me know what you think by leaving a review. It will let me know you care too :)