- I know! I missed doing an update last week! I sawwy! Graduations and birthdays and holidays Oh my! :)
Know Thyself
Chapter Twenty Six
Nervous as I was - and it was a considerable amount - I still couldn't help but be mesmerized by Nevada's most infamous city. I'd seen movies, photos and heard stories about the so-called Sin City, but the real deal was way more impressive.
As we drove through the streets, I was riveted by the kaleidescope of colors and sounds. It was as if we had entered another world. I'd heard Vegas described as Disney for grown-ups, and I could see why; everything about the place served to appeal to your senses. It was designed to grab your attention and lure you in, and it was very effective. As serious as our situation was, I found myself staring wide-eyed out the darkened windows, peering up at the tall, intriguing building as if under a spell.
I was brought back to reality quickly when the driver of our limo was forced to hit the brakes hard as a group of tourists wandered carelessly into the street, laughing and shoving one another and clearly inebriated. One of the Nevada vamps said something too quiet for my human ears, but it was probably nothing I cared to hear anyway.
The driver took a couple left turns, and I felt Eric stiffen a bit beside me. I assumed we were getting close to our destination, and a few moments later I was proved correct as an enormous and colorful casino came into view.
My mouth actually fell open as I took in what could only be Felipe' De Castro's casino. The entire building was covered in bright, multi-colored glass. The entrance was grand, atop high steps, and beautiful women in extraordinary feather head-dresses and barely-there costumes waved to passer-bys and beckoned them to enter. I could see into the interior, and the male employees were dressed in traditional looking Latin regalia, complete with colorful, billowing sleeves and tight pants. I peered upward - and it was a long way up - to read the bright neon sign atop the casino and couldn't stifle a little chuckle. The Fangdango.
Eric obviously caught my flash of brief amusement and I felt him shift slightly. I looked over at him for the first time since entering the city, and I found his eyes were fixed on me. His expression was a peculiar mix of resolve and caution, but he was keeping his emotions tightly controlled. I could pick up nothing at all through our bond. I glanced over at the two Nevada vamps, and they appeared to be staring straight at me, but I couldn't be sure because they were still wearing those unnecessary black sunglasses.
The driver went past the main entrance and headed into a smallish alley behind the building that sloped downward to an electronic, gated entrance. From my vantage point, I could see his arm reach out through the window and punch in a long string of numbers. The heavy gate opened silently, and as we drove through, I saw what looked to be a very high-speed security camera that swiveled to follow our movement.
We came to a stop after several long minutes of driving in a downward spiral. We seemed to be in a deep, underground section below the casino, surrounded by concrete and artificial light - the kind found in parking garages. I started to fidget, and felt my heart rate speed up as the vamps in black pulled out honest-to God little black radios and the female clicked hers on and held it to her mouth.
"We're here," she said, then she popped the little radio back into her jacket in a swift movement I barely registered.
I turned my head around when I heard the sound of more vehicles, and saw the other cars that met us at the airport pulling in and parking behind us. I breathed out a sigh of relief, realizing for the first time how easy it would have been for Bill and Yasuka to have been taken off somewhere else.
I wished like crazy I could ask Eric what was going to happen now, but I knew it wasn't the time or place to broach the subject. We also just didn't have time. The limo door closest to me opened suddenly, and a pale, unfamiliar vampire face looked down at me. He was wearing the same type of outfit as our vamp escorts, but his was a lighter color and he wasn't wearing sunglasses. I noticed his eyes were a vibrant green that contrasted handsomely with his pale skin. He had a little earpiece, and it reminded me of the type I saw secret service people wear in movies. After giving me a thorough once-over, he turned his attention to Eric.
"Welcome to The Fangdango, Sheriff Northman," he said politely, but without any trace of a smile. "If you and the woman will follow me, please," and he stood back from the door to allow us to exit.
I glanced briefly at Eric, and he nodded, so I slid myself out of the limo with Eric right behind me. The vamps in black silently took up position behind us. I wondered if they were armed, then figured they probably didn't need to be. But I bet they were.
I was acutely aware that I was the only human in the lot, and I felt a sudden, overwhelming desire to be inconspicuous. I tried to keep my breathing quiet, and if I could have found a way to mute my heartbeat, I would have done that, too. I reached my hand up and checked to make sure my hair was still in place, and found myself absently wondering if I had remembered to grab my hairbrush from Russell's bathroom. I shook my head, irritated at myself. What a thing to be thinking about at a time like this!
Something about Eric's presence was serving to keep me on an emotionally even keel - I knew it was the blood bond - and I felt an almost-forgotten twinge of annoyance rise up. On one hand, I was grateful our tie was somehow helping me to retain a sense of calm and focus, but on the other hand I wondered if the tie was also stripping away some good old-fashioned common sense. I mean really, I would have to be a complete idiot not to be on the verge of panic at this point, right? But I wasn't.
The green-eyed vampire wasted no time as he led Eric and I through a large glass door, then through a complicated series of hallways. He wasn't moving at vampire speed, but he sure wasn't matching a human pace either, and I was forced to almost jog at times to keep up. Eric placed his hand on my back a couple times, and I knew it meant to be a gesture of support. I glanced behind us once, but there was no sign of Bill or Yasuka. They were going to keep us separated, it seemed. The vamps in black still appeared to be staring holes through me each time I glanced their way. If they had been human, I might have called them out on their rudeness.
We finally stopped in front of an ornately carved, wooden door at the end of a long hallway. This had to be the boss' office, I thought, and I was right on the money. Felipe' De Castro himself opened the door for us, and even though I was scared to death of him and what he might do to me and Eric, I couldn't help but appreciate the view. He was every bit as handsome as I remembered, maybe even more so now that I could see him in the light. He was wearing an impressive ensemble; form fitting black pants and high boots, a vibrant red satin shirt, black vest and cape. He looked spectacular, if perhaps a little theatrical. No doubt Felipe' made rounds in his casino, enthralling the tourists much like Eric did at Fangtasia. And I bet his tourists enjoyed every second of it.
Eric bowed deeply, and I inclined my head respectfully.
"Eric," Felipe said, and I couldn't help but notice that his voice was devoid of any inflection. Then he turned his dark eyes to me and regarded me a long moment in silence.
"Miss Stackhouse," he said finally, and his accented voice sounded a little warmer when he addressed me. Very little. But I smiled at him sweetly, reminding myself that my sole purpose was to convince the King that I had nothing to hide. He needed to see that I was good as gold; innocent as a lamb; pure as the driven snow and yadda yadda yadda.
It was all bull, of course, but I had my game face on now, and I was ready to play. I was suddenly very ready to get this thing underway. I felt a surge of confidence and strength, and I thought I was even standing a little taller. I understood I was picking up on Eric's emotions, and a little piece of my brain wondered if he was truly feeling as positive as he was letting on, or if he was faking it for my benefit. I decided I didn't care.
"My King," Eric said formally as he righted himself.
"Enter," Felipe' said, and he stepped aside for us. As we moved past him, I saw Felipe' raise an eyebrow at the two vampires that had escorted us in the limo. As if in answer to an unspoken question, the tall, male vamp shook his head slightly. The silent exchange gave me a second of unease, but I let it go.
Felipe's office was masculine and functional, with solid looking, dark colored furnishings and what I was sure was expensive artwork gracing the walls. The carpeting was plush, and the lighting was bright without appearing harsh. The King motioned for us to sit on a leather sofa, and we did. The vamps in black moved silently and swiftly, and in seconds they were spread out around the room. Felipe sat at his impressive desk and leaned forward, favoring Eric with a hard look.
"I have not survived so long by being gullible," Felipe' said after a while. "And I did not become King of three states by being a fool."
He paused, probably to let his words sink in, or perhaps for simple dramatic effect. Eric didn't respond, and he met the King's gaze unwaveringly. Felipe' leaned back in his chair before he continued.
"You are valuable, Eric, but not irreplaceable. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that there are others in my position that would have seen you staked without trial at the mere hint of treason. Fortunately for you, I have been around long enough to know the value of our traditions. And I respect our laws, though I admit I find them tedious at times."
Felipe' stood up then, walked around his desk and stood in front of Eric. "You will receive a fair hearing, Northman. You have my word."
Eric stood as well, and he towered over the King by a substantial margin. He bowed stiffly at the neck.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to address the charges that have been leveled against me."
"If I find that you have betrayed me," the King said, catching Eric's eyes. "You will not rise another night. You have my word on that, as well."
It occurred to me that the King had not so much as looked at me during the whole exchange. I was all but invisible to the him tonight; beneath his notice. I was taken aback at first, since it was so different from the way he treated me the first time - the only time - we'd met. But then I realized I was on Felipe's turf now. He was going to do things his way, the vampire way.
I was smack in the middle of the good ol' vamps club now, and I knew what that meant. I was Eric's pet, nothing more. If I got out of line, it was his duty to jerk my chain and make me heel. Though my inner human was busy feeling righteous anger and mentally burning bras, the practical part of me - the part that valued my life - sat still and remained silent.
Then Felipe' snapped his fingers at the green eyed vampire.
"Jay, escort them to the waiting area until we're ready to begin."
Without another word, the King turned swiftly and strode from the room, his cape billowing behind him. I stood, and Eric touched my back as he nodded for me to follow the vampire, Jay, and I did. The other two vamps, the ones with the sunglasses, followed us. And they were still staring at me. Jeez!
Jay led us through a different door from the one we entered, and down yet another winding hallway. We ended up in front of a bright red door, and when Jay opened it I was relieved to see Bill and Yasuka sitting together at a small table in the nondescript but comfortable room. Bill had his computer plugged in and he was focused intently at the screen, but when he saw Eric and I enter, he pushed back in his chair and regarded us seriously.
"I'll be back when we're ready for you," Jay said, and he left, shutting and locking the door from the outside before he took off. I could feel two blank spaces just outside the door, and I knew the Ray-Ban vamps were standing guard.
"What news?" Bill asked.
Eric leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I've been assured of a fair trial."
"He's going by tradition?" Bill asked.
"So it seems."
"What does that mean?" I asked.
Eric didn't move when he answered. "There will be a panel of judges that will render a decision after hearing the case."
"But the King retains the final word," Bill added.
I wasn't sure exactly what I would be expected to do, what our plan was, and I was just about to ask when I felt several non-vampire minds close by. My hand went to my throat as I recognized one.
"Quinn," I whispered, and suddenly I had Eric's very rapt attention.
"The tiger is here?" he asked, and I nodded.
"He's not alone. There are several others with him, all shifters."
"Hmph," Eric said, and he didn't sound unhappy. "It seems Felipe' is really going to do this by the book, as they say these days."
"Literally," Bill murmured.
"EeE?" I asked, and the vampires confirmed my suspicion.
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was. Quinn was involved with Extremely Elegant Events, and their big job was to go around and host big deal events for the supe community. Events like trials and executions. And Quinn had been conscripted into the service of the Nevada vampire crew since before the takeover.
I wasn't sure how I felt about seeing Quinn again; we hadn't parted on the greatest of terms, and in hindsight I had been more than a little unfair and hard on him. It was awkward enough having to deal with this crises in the combined presence of one current and one ex lover. Now I was going to have another tossed into the mix. I wondered how many women could say they had all their past and present sexual partners in the same room at the same time? While facing a possible death sentence? I was thinking the number was low.
The one positive was that I knew Quinn and EeE took their work very seriously, and they would make sure the law was followed. The problem, of course, is that every law had loopholes, and vamps had been around long enough to find every single one of them.
Bill started to work on his laptop again, and he and Eric talked very quietly for several minutes, so quietly I couldn't hear a single word. I knew they were being cautious because of the vamps outside the door. I stepped behind Bill and peeked over his shoulder to see what he and Eric were discussing. It was what looked to be a technical site, and there were a lot of words I didn't understand, but I was pretty sure it had something to do with Bill trying to figuring out who was behind that Fellowship website.
None of us spoke much after that. I paced the floor and concentrated on breathing while trying to think of every possible answer I could give to every possible question that could be directed at me. I wondered, however, if I would even be a part of the proceedings, or if my status as human would relegate me to be a simple observer at my own trial. I was just about to ask Eric when I heard the sound of keys in the lock on the door.
Mr. Cataliades entered the room, and the door was shut and locked behind him. I beamed up at the demon lawyer, and he returned my smile, though much more conservatively. He touched my shoulder in a friendly gesture, then turned his eyes to Eric.
"I understand you are in a spot of trouble, Mr. Northman," he said, his voice a pleasing combination of seriousness and light.
"That's what they tell me," Eric said, his mouth turning up in a half smile. He then turned his head very emphatically toward the door, clearly intended to remind the demon that we were not at liberty to talk freely. Attorney/Client confidentiality was clearly not part of the vampire judicial system.
Mr. Cataliades spread his hands, looking apologetic. "I'm afraid I've been told I am to be here only as an impartial observer, and to answer any question of law that my arise. I am not at liberty to represent or offer assistance to any party."
My heart sank at the words, but Eric took this news without expression, without a trace of surprise. He looked at me and must have felt my concern because he reached out to me and pulled me in close to his side. He stroked my arm in a soothing manner and I felt my anxiety melting away.
"If you require anything in regards to your defense, I can try to arrange it," the lawyer continued.
"I requested the services of a certain witch," Eric stated and the lawyer frowned.
"Yes. The spellbinder Edusai arrived not long ago. I'm curious - as is he - as to what assistance he could possibly be in this matter."
Eric smiled. "I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to offer an explanation on the matter to a person not acting as my lawful representative."
Eric had been pulling me closer and closer as he spoke the words, and I wondered if he realized what he was doing. It seemed to be a sub-conscious act, and I found I had to move away from him a little just to take a deep breath.
Mr. Cataliades nodded, and took a step backward. He placed one hand on his chest and bowed very slightly at the waist. "I wish you well, Eric. And you, Miss Stackhouse. I don't think I'm betraying my position here by saying I sincerely hope the outcome of these proceedings are favorable for you both."
We thanked him, and it was none too soon. Right then the door opened again and the vampire Jay stood in the doorway.
"We're ready for you," he said.
I looked up at Eric. He kept his eyes on Jay, but he gave me one final squeeze before releasing me and heading for the door. I followed him, but Bill and Yasuka were stopped.
"Not you two," Jay said, stepping in front of them.
"I'm here to witness for my Sheriff," Bill said in his always calm voice.
"Is that so?"
Eric turned, poised to argue, but the lawyer intervened, citing some point of vampire law that apparently made sense to Jay. He stepped aside to let Bill pass.
"You can go," Jay stated, "but the young one stays here."
Since there was no legal argument around that, Bill gave Yasuka some instructions in Japanese and she went back to sit at the table.
Jay led us back down the hall while the two vamps in black dogged our steps. I glanced back at them as we walked, and found them still very focused on me. I didn't even care any more. I found myself wondering if they were the ones who would get to do the honors if I was sentenced to death by draining. Maybe they were trying to decide where to place the first bite.
We were escorted to a large, circular room with dark, hardwood flooring and red paneled walls. It had clearly been designed to function as a place for ceremonies; there were rows of seats around the perimeter of the room, and dark, wooden railing separating the seats from a sunken stage-like area. In the very center of the floor was a long table with three chairs, and in each chair was a vampire. It was much like the trials I had witnessed Rhodes, but the atmosphere in the room was completely different; more intense and somber. Of course, that could easily have been my own perception since I was the one on trial this time.
Directly behind the long table, Felipe' De Castro was seated in a large chair on what looked to be a very sturdy, but temporary, raised platform. Mr. Cataliades took up position in a smaller chair to his right. And in a chair on the King's left, looking polished and calm, sat Victor Madden.
Once I noticed him, I found I couldn't take my eyes off of him. A wave of memories slammed into me as I stared at his infuriatingly smug face and posture. I felt a phantom pain in my healed shoulder where he had bitten me, and I flinched involuntarily when I remembered what his weight felt like when he was pressing me into the ground. I shook with rage when I recalled his vile thoughts as he....
Stop!
I pulled my eyes from Victor and bowed my head. I remembered what I had told Eric, how I would not allow Victor Madden to get into my head, and I vowed to be true to my own words. I took a calming breath, pushed the memories away and shored up my mental fortitude. When I raised my head again, my mind was clear and I noticed that Victor wasn't looking at me at all. His cocky gaze was directed right at Eric. I risked a peek up at my vampire.
Eric was perfectly still, and he met Madden's stare squarely. His unblinking blue eyes were cold as ice, and his expression and stance screamed danger so loudly I felt myself instinctively shrink back from him. I didn't need a blood bond to let me know Eric was calling upon a thousand years of practiced control to keep from launching himself across the room and tearing Victor Madden limb from limb.
Part of me wished he would let that control slip, but of course if that happened he and I would be dead within seconds. There were many guards scattered throughout the room, and they had all taken several steps closer in response to the nearly palpable tension between the two vampire Sheriffs.
I looked to my right, and saw Quinn standing silently in a military 'at ease' position, flanked by two other EeE shifters. He caught my eye, but made no move to acknowledge me further. After a second, he shifted his eyes forward again. I tried to reach into his mind, but it was a tangled web of undefined emotion, as was typical of shifters.
Seated in one of the spectator chairs outside the main circle was a small contingent of humans. One was an older man, tall and broad shouldered. He was clearly the legendary witch, Baako. I knew this not only from his incredibly focused and powerful mind, but also from his brightly colored robes and kufi cap. He was joined by another man, and a woman, both of which had the distinct whiff of otherness surrounding their minds which marked them as witches.
Also sitting in the spectator section was Russell Edgington - who I swear actually seemed to look a little richer - and his bodyguard, Cross.
At some unspoken signal, Quinn moved to stand before the panel of vampires that were clearly there in a judge and jury capacity. I glanced at Eric briefly, and he looked down at me with an unreadable expression. I felt another rush of confidence and strength, and I took a deep, calming breath as Quinn began speaking.
"We have assembled here today at the request of King Felipe' De Castro," Quinn said, his voice as deep and rich as I remembered, but lacking any trace of emotion. "Eric Northman, Sheriff of Area Five in Louisiana, has been accused of treason by Victor Madden, Sheriff of Area One in Louisiana. Both the accuser and the accused have sworn fealty to King De Castro, and are obliged to submit to his authority."
I actually had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from snorting. I was sure this was all very informative to any vamps that had, oh, I don't know, maybe been living in a crypt for the past few weeks, but to me the pomp and ceremony here was nothing more than a tedious waste of time.
Quinn went on for a while more, introducing the vamps that had been summoned to be hear the case - all were Sheriffs in surrounding Kingdoms. I guess Eric was entitled to a jury of his peers. At the end, Quinn made a sweeping gesture with his arm, and a door opened on the far side of the room and two vampires entered, pushing a table on wheels. Atop the table was what appeared to be a black velvet cloth that was clearly covering something I assumed must be important. I glanced up at Eric curiously , but he didn't meet my eyes.
The vampires pushed the table closer, and positioned it perpendicular to the table with the vampire judges. Silently, one of the vampires took hold of one end of the black cloth and flung it off the table with great ceremony and with such speed it caused the cloth to make a snapping sound in the air. I would have probably laughed at the theatrical display if what I saw revealed under the cloth wasn't so serious. A dark wooden stake about three feet long lay silent and deadly on the table, next to a large, rolled bundle of...something. I sucked in a sharp breath as the very real danger in our situation slapped me hard upside the head.
Without a sound, the second table-pushing vampire took hold of the big roll and walked to stand right in front of me and Eric. When he got closer, I saw that the bundle he held was actually a large tarp that had been rolled up tightly. The vampire took hold of one end and flung the tarp, allowing it to unfurl onto the floor. I was confused, but only for a second, and when I understood the meaning of the strange item I felt like my legs were going to give way underneath me. The stake was meant for Eric, and the tarp would be used to dispose of my body after I was drained dry.
I choked out a small noise, and Bill, who was standing behind me, made a low, threatening sound. Eric didn't move; apparently he expected this. I briefly wondered how many such trials he had been witness to during his long life.
Once the vamps had finished their big display, Quinn stepped forward again. I guessed he must be like the MC for the event.
"Victor Madden," Quinn said loudly, "You have brought forth allegations against another of your kind. You will now state your claim before the judges."
Victor Madden stood slowly, adjusting his suit jacket as he did so. He walked almost regally to the judge table, but before he turned to them, his eyes met mine for the first time. He offered me a very small, very insincere smile, and he let his gaze wander, looking me up and down in a leering manner. I felt anger and shame flash through me, starting at my toes and coming to rest in my face. I wanted to snatch up the stake and shove it right through his heart myself.
"He's trying to provoke me," Eric whispered, and he was so quiet I had to strain to hear him even though he was right beside me. "Say nothing, no matter what happens. I will be expected to speak for you."
Eric didn't turn to look at me when he spoke, and I kept my eyes forward as well. My inner cave woman wanted to come out swinging at the implications in Eric's words, but my inner sense of self-preservation won the battle. Eric had dealt with vampire affairs for about one thousand years, which was about one thousand years longer than me. I was going to stand still, shut up and trust that Eric had learned a thing or two in all those years.
"My friends," Victor stated, a smile on his face and in his voice as he started to address the judges. "What I must do here today causes me great pain." He paused and gestured to Eric, and his expression turned sad. "Eric Northman is one of the oldest of our kind, and I have always held our ancients in great esteem. I never had any wish to do him harm, but my duty to my King must supercede my sentiments."
I wanted to gag.
"You all know me," Victor continued, and he walked back and forth in front of the judges tables as he spoke, making eye contact with each judge in turn. I wondered if he watched a lot of Law and Order reruns to prepare. "I have been in service to Felipe' De Castro for almost a century. My loyalty is absolute, and it is because of my loyalty that I felt duty bound to bring to light the treasonous actions of Eric Northman."
Could the guy be any more full of bull, I wondered? In my mind, I was flipping Vic the bird, but on the outside I was the picture of calm.
"As we all know," Victor kept on, and he stood loosely in the center of the floor now with his hands clasped in front of him. "The Human radicals attacked the Kingdom of Louisiana in a series of assaults that left several in our leadership dead and injured. Eric was assumed killed when his own club, Fangtasia, was destroyed in a bomb attack. Of course, we have since learned that Eric's absence after the attack was due to a summons by his maker."
Oh yeah, Victor was piling it on thick now. I doubted anyone would call being subdued with silver chains and shards being 'summoned.' I guess Eric took exception as well, because he very deliberately took one step forward.
Quinn noticed Eric's movement, and it must have meant something to him because he held up one hand.
"Exception or clarification?" Quinn asked.
"Both," Eric answered. I had no clue what all this was about, but I hoped it involved some sort of pain for Victor.
Quinn cited some vampire law that sounded very legal, and Eric was permitted to address the assembly.
"My maker, Izo, did indeed come to Fangtasia the night of the bombing to lay claim to me. However, his summons was not by chance." Eric's blue eyes were hard and they were boring into Victor mercilessly. "I heard my maker speak the name of Victor Madden, and I was able to ascertain that it was he who contacted Izo and requested his assistance in removing me from Louisiana. I believe he intended for me to be killed."
"That is a lie!" Victor thundered, looking positively outraged. Quinn held up his arms and stepped in between the two vampires.
The three vampire judges were leaned in toward one another and were having some sort of discussion I couldn't hear. I looked up at Eric in a panic, but he was still focused on Victor.
"Eric won't win this one," I heard Bill say very softly right in my ear. I flinched; I hadn't heard him step beside me. "He knows he won't win, but his accusation might serve to chip away at Victor's credibility."
I nodded, and thought maybe Eric was watching some Law and Order episodes, too.
The vampire judge in the middle held up her hand.
"We are in agreement," she said, and she sounded bored. "The claim of a maker on his child is absolute. The purpose behind Izo's summons is irrelevant. His claim was lawful and will not be refuted."
Eric bowed respectfully at the neck and stepped back. Victor smirked and continued his line of bull.
"As I was saying, when Eric was assumed killed, I became the de facto Sheriff of Area Five. I was concerned for the welfare of Miss Stackhouse, one of Eric's human lovers. She was granted our formal protection from my King and, though human, she was considered a valuable asset. In Eric's absence, the obligation to ensure her safety fell to me."
I was having a harder and harder time trying to control my emotions. The more I heard Victor Madden's arrogant, lying voice, the angrier I became. And his jab about my being 'one of' Eric's lovers wasn't lost on me, either. He really was a jerk of monumental proportions, but I didn't like the way the judges were looking at him. Vamps aren't big on expressions, but they all three seemed to be very focused on what Victor was saying. And worse, I had to admit that from an outsiders point of view, Victor's long winded argument was thus far very believable.
"Even though my own area had been viciously attacked," Victor was saying, "I left immediately for Bon Temps to offer my assistance, and my fears were proved justified. The human radicals that took part in the attacks in our Kingdom located Miss Stackhouse and attempted to kill her. She was forced from the road and was injured in the resulting crash. When I located her, she was not fully conscious." Victor paused then, and turned to face me directly. He pointed his finger at my accusingly. "It was then that I found out the truth about Eric Northman and his human. Miss Stackhouse read my thoughts."
All three vampire judges turned to look at me, and a quick scan told me that I had the undivided attention of every single supe in the room. It wasn't a comfortable feeling, and I was immensely grateful for the flow of support and strength coming through the blood bond. I needed all I could get.
One of the judges made a motion with his hand and Quinn acknowledged him.
"How did you know she read your thoughts?"
Victor grunted, smiled as though he expected the question. And I'm sure he did. "In her semi-conscious state, Miss Stackhouse answered a question I was thinking, but had not yet asked. I would have dismissed it as coincidence, but then she did it again! In her stupor, she was apparently unable to keep up the charade she has managed to perfect over the years. I was shocked, of course, and angry as I'm sure you can imagine."
Victor put his hands on the table then, and leaned in to the judges and spoke to them like they were old pals.
"That human over there knows our every thought. Consider that, my friends. We have all been compromised by a human."
Victor shook his head, and I could see by the expressions on the faces of every vamp in the room that his words had struck a chord. I shuddered and my gaze went instinctively to the tarp still lying at my feet.
Victor stood up straight with a big flourish. "It was then that everything fell into place. It was then that I realized Eric Northman knew of her true abilities. I understood why Eric had chosen to become blood bonded to her." Victor spread his hands and raised his eyebrows. "How many of us, in this day and age, need to establish a blood bond to maintain a human? It's laughable! He bound her to him for her abilities, of which he was surely well aware."
Victor shook his head then, like he was scarcely able to believe his own words. Not much of a stretch, really.
"And if you will recall, Eric is the vampire that killed another of our blood not long ago. In all of your long years my friends, how often have you even heard of one vampire staking another without trial? It happens so rarely, it is almost a myth! Yet Eric did this, he killed one of his own kind for a human! For that human! Why would one such as Eric, with his age and his position, commit such a rogue act? Because he knew her capabilities! With her by his side, Eric knew he would have unlimited access to our very minds. He would have an unprecendented advantage on every one of us, including his own King."
Victor pointed at me again, and I felt the blood draining from my face under his dark stare. My reaction must have given the control-freak in him a boost, because he really began to rant. I noticed the guards had come closer.
"I decided to bring her here to my King, to let him decide what was to be done with her, but several other humans arrived at the scene of the wreck, and it would have been impossible for me to transport her out of the area without resorting to killing the others. Like all of you, I respect our position in society now, the rules we must live by now that we are out in the open. I will not kill unnecessarily. So I let her go, and reported the event to my King immediately, as I am sworn to do. I knew we would be able to find her again quite easily. And now, we are here."
There was a long moment of silence, and then Quinn stepped forward and nodded at Eric.
"Do you wish to respond to the charges?"
In answer, Eric stepped forward slowly, his large form seeming bigger than ever as he stood before the table of judges. Victor - wisely - returned to his position beside the King. I watched Eric's every move, and I was trying hard to control my fear so I wouldn't be a distraction.
"I am no traitor," Eric said, cutting straight to the heart of the matter. He turned his gaze to Felipe' and they regarded one another for a long moment in silence. Then he turned back to the judges.
"Sookie Stackhouse is mine," Eric said, and hearing him say the words sent ripples down my spine. "My claim on her was no secret, and this is why Victor Madden failed to mention how he hunted her down, attacked her and fed from her." Eric paused and turned his head to Victor. "He failed to tell you how he forced himself on her while she was injured from the wreck."
Eric paused and looked up at Felipe'. "He meant to turn her, so he could harness her telepathy. As you know my King, her ability to read human minds is common knowledge, and that alone makes her a valuable asset- an asset that rightfully belongs to you and your Kingdom. But Victor sought to make her his child so that asset would always belong to him. He is the traitor here. He has violated our traditions and laws for his own self-serving desires. When he failed in his attempt to turn her, he concocted this story." He turned back to the judge panel. "He is trying to prey on your fears."
I tore my eyes from Eric and glanced around the room. Quinn was visibly upset by Eric's words, but he held himself in check. A few of the vampires looked at one another, and I wished I knew what those looks meant.
"Do you have proof of this alleged attack?" the vampire judge in the middle asked, and her tone was suspicious.
"I do," Eric stated, and as he reached into his pocket I felt my eyes go wide. What kind of proof could be possibly have?
Eric's back was to me, but I thought I saw him pull a small, plastic pouch from his pocket, like a little sandwich bag.
"Sookie's clothes were torn off during Victor's attack," Eric said solemnly, and he placed the plastic bag on the table. "This is a piece of her clothing from that night. It retains her blood, and her scent. It also smells of Victor Madden."
I sucked in a sharp breath and I felt Bill's hand touch mine, and I instinctively grasped it. How did Eric get that? I considered it briefly, and I knew it had to have been Pam. She was every bit as forward-thinking as her Master, and she had access to my clothes. I was grateful for her foresight, because it was helping to prove Eric's argument, but I knew it had to be my underwear in that bag, and I was horrified.
Then Victor, amazingly, started to laugh.
"Is that what she told you, Eric?" he asked, and he waved his hand in an amused gesture.
"Are you denying this is your scent?" one of the judges asked incredulously. He opened the bag and took a sniff. He passed it along to the next judge, who did the same. I closed my eyes, embarrassed beyond belief.
"You attacked a human that belonged to another Sheriff," said another judge, frowning. "Eric would be within his rights to demand restitution."
Victor's grin didn't budge, and I got a sinking feeling in my stomach.
"There was no breach of tradition," he said, and he walked to stand within a few feet of Eric. "When Miss Stackhouse realized her mistake - that she had let it slip she could read vampire minds - she panicked. I told her I was going to take her to the King for judgment, and she tried to make a deal so I would let her go free."
Victor turned to me, and this time he was much more bold with his open leering. "I didn't want to bring it up, out of respect for Eric, but she offered herself to me."
"What?!" I screamed, and I lunged forward in anger. Bill's grip on my hand pulled me back, but I struggled.
Eric growled and started toward Victor, but in a flash three of the guards surrounded him. One grabbed him around his neck and the other two held his arms. Powerful as he was, it was still three against one. There was a struggle, but the guards finally succeeded in pulling Eric many yards away from Victor.
"Let him go!" I screamed, and Bill wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me to him, my back to his chest.
"Don't," he hissed in my ear. "Sookie, your words aren't welcome here."
I could see and feel that Eric was making an attempt to calm himself, and I tried to follow his lead. My outburst was mostly ignored though, since everyone was listening to Victor, who started up again once he was confident Eric had been subdued. Coward.
"She was brazen in her seduction," Victor said and he motioned to me. "She revealed her breasts, she told me she was part Fae and that her blood was rich and intoxicating. Tell me, who among us could resist such a treat so freely given? I did take her, yes, but she gave herself to me willingly, so no law was broken." He shrugged. "I assume she made up this story of an attack as a way to explain my scent on her clothes and on her body."
The three judges put their heads together again, and Eric looked at me from across the room. He knew Victor was lying, of course, but I knew it had to cut him to the core to be forced to listen to the words. I begged him with my eyes to forgive me for getting him into this mess. And amazingly, I thought I saw the same request in his.
"Perhaps proof of my claim would help?" Victor suggested after a moment.
"No," Eric said, and his voice was as cold as I'd ever heard it.
"What proof would you offer?" The judge in the middle asked. I got the impression she was the the spokesman for the group.
Victor smiled back at me. "She told me she was part Fae. A very small percentage of the population can boast that claim. You could sample her blood for yourselves, and then you will know that my version of events are true."
"Don't touch her," Eric said and he used all his strength to pull against the guards. He managed to pull the two on his arms off balance, but then a fourth joined in and he was back in their control. He looked like he was trying to say something, but the guard had such a grip around his throat, he couldn't speak.
Bill pushed me behind him. "Mr. Cataliades?" he asked, and I looked around Bill to catch the demon lawyers eyes. I prayed there was some legal thing he could come up with that would prevent me from being subjected to Victor's 'proof'. Then a thought slammed into my brain, breaking through my panic.
"He's right," I said loudly, "I am part fae. I admit it freely."
I wasn't sure what made me announce my heritage so loudly, but it seemed to work. The demon lawyer stood up immediately.
"If she admits to the claim, there is no need for further proof."
I relaxed immediately, as did Bill. Eric stopped struggling, and the guards loosened their grip on him. He looked at me and I saw both amazement and happiness in his eyes. A belated awareness struck me as I understood that Eric had somehow sent the words to my head, the words he had been trying to speak, but couldn't. I wasn't sure if I'd read his thoughts - and how ironic would that be considering the circumstances - or if his ability to call to me had ratcheted up another level.
Quinn tried to get things back on track, and he ordered the guards to release Eric - after a firm admonition that there would be no violence until the verdict. Victor, clearly dejected that his attempt to humiliate me and provoke Eric had been denied, sulked back to sit by the King.
The spokesman vamp stood up suddenly, and I noticed she had some fang showing. I wondered if she was disappointed she wasn't allowed to sample the 'proof' of my heritage. She cast her gaze on Eric.
"Sheriff Northman," she said directly. "I am going to ask plainly: do you have any refutation of the claim that your human has the ability to read vampire minds?"
"It is a difficult thing to disprove," Eric said truthfully, then he turned his head in Bill's direction. "I do have a witness, however."
"Then let the witness come forward."
Bill looked at me, and he smiled gently. I couldn't bring myself to smile back at him, I was still running too high on emotion, and not in the good way. I was scared at the turn the trial had taken, I was furious at Victor's accusations, and the dark tarp on the ground seemed to be taunting me.
Bill stood in front of the judges table, and when he spoke his voice was completely calm, his voice as smooth as ever.
"As My Sheriff has stated, it is a hard thing to prove that Sookie - Miss Stackhouse - lacks the ability the read our minds. I would like to offer myself as proof that she can not."
"You offer yourself?" one of the judges asked, and he leaned forward skeptically.
"Several years ago," Bill stated, and he turned to glance at me once more "I was approached by my old Queen to find Sookie and obtain her trust. The Queen knew of her telepathy, you see, and wished to use her. Like most of you, I found the idea of maintaining a relationship with a human abhorrent. But I fulfilled my duty through deception. I took Sookie as my lover, convinced her of my love......"
And that's when I stopped listening and started crying. Bill was still going on, and he was laying it on thick. He was claiming he never cared for me, that he used me and lied to me on a daily basis. I knew it was killing him, I knew he was lying, and I knew why he was doing it. I once thought his lies would kill me, now they might save me.
"....I submit to you," Bill was finishing up, "That if Sookie could indeed read vampire minds, I would never have been able to deceive my way into her bed. I will give my word that Eric Northman is innocent of the charges against him."
When Bill finished speaking, he came back to stand by me and I couldn't meet his eyes. I just reached down and took his hand, and squeezed once. He understood.
Eric moved to stand beside me, and his proximity immediately helped to calm my nerves. Quinn made some official sounding announcements, and the three vampire judges turned to one another and seemed to be making a decision. I looked at Victor, and he looked completely pleased with himself.
"Is that it?" I asked softly, and Eric nodded.
"We're still on?" Bill asked, and Eric nodded again.
"Still on for what?" I asked, and Eric looked into my eyes. He didn't say a word, and he didn't have to. I could see it in his face. If the verdict went badly, he had no intention of going quietly.
Eric put his hands on my face and he kissed me. I was utterly stunned until I realized he was using the kiss as a ruse.
"Do you remember the way out?' he asked softly as his lips worked on mine.
"I think so," I said and I stroked his neck for effect.
"Bill and I will hold them off as long as we can. Run, Don't look back."
"Eric," I started to protest, but Bill made a noise to get our attention.
When we pulled apart, we saw the judges and everyone else were looking at us, some with amusement, some openly disgusted. Well, screw them all, I decided.
"We've reached our decision," the spokesman said, and she stood up. Victor moved to stand in front of the table, but he still kept a safe distance from Eric. The guards moved in close, ready for any trouble.
"The decision proved difficult, and it was not unanimous. This case is the word of one Sheriff against another, and we understand the travesty if we choose wrong. In the end however, we decided that it was more beneficial, both to King De Castro and to our kind as a whole, to err on the side of caution. And rogue actions, past and present, make us very cautious. To that end, Eric Northman, we find you guilty of treason against your King. The penalty for this offense is death. We will leave the fate of your human to your King, since she was placed under his formal protection."
The vampires wasted no time. Before the words were even finished being spoken, the guards moved in to take hold of Eric, and a few grabbed Bill. Looked like they expected a fight.
Another vampire guard picked up the stake from the table, walked over to the King and ceremoniously presented it to him. Felipe' took it in both hands, and stepped down from the elevated throne and walked slowly toward Eric.
I wanted to scream, to protest, but the words stuck in my throat. I was so horrified I couldn't make a sound. I felt my legs go weak, and I sagged. Eric looked down at me, and I started to shake as I looked into his eyes. I was amazed to see he appeared absolutely calm.
The two vamps in black that had been shadowing me all night came over and pulled me to my feet, one grabbing each arm.
Felipe', stake in hand, stopped in front of Eric and looked at him closely. Then he turned his gaze to me.
"I didn't become King by being a fool," he said, and he nodded at the two vamps in black that held me.
The vision I saw in Bill's head came back to me then, and I said a silent prayer that I wouldn't scream too loudly.
To be continued
Ok, I didn't want to end it here, but this chapter had already gotten out of control! Again, super sorry about not getting this up sooner. I hope it wasn't too much of a disappointment after the delay! I'm still missing my wonderful Beta, hence the boo boos I know I missed! :)