Chapter Three- Answers

Isis attended the daily court meeting the next morning and was grateful for her skin tone and warmth. No one noticed anything different about her, no one gave her unusual looks. Mahad alone gave her subtle loving glances. Court was soon dismissed and Isis headed for the gates, Mahad falling into step beside her as he had a patrol to run.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"A bit thirsty," she admitted.

"Then you should attend to that soon."

She nodded. "I didn't tell you but I didn't like my first taste. It was unpleasant. It is likely that it will continue to be so."

"I am sorry about that." Mahad stopped at the gates as the guards gathered while Isis went out them.

She roamed aimlessly about the streets. She knew she could drink from anyone, but still loathe the idea of attacking. She continued to roam as her thirst grew. I can't put it off forever, she thought as she slid into a side street. She put a hand to her temple as a headache started and she could feel her fangs starting to grow. I need to drink before I lose control and drain someone.

A hand then shoved her back against the wall and her eyes snapped open to see a man leering at her. "Well, if it isn't the priestess," he said as she struggled. "I would enjoy having my way with you." His eyes trailed over her chest and down to her legs to where her robes opened so she could walk.

Isis struggled harder. She would not let this man rape her! Incredibly, she broke the man's grip and leaped up to plant her hands on both shoulders. Her fangs grew longer as she bit into the neck, the man gasping in pain.

The man's blood entered her mouth and she received a surprise: It was warm and quite pleasant, very different from yesterday's dose. She swallowed a few mouthfuls before pulling back, the man falling unconscious and she saw the marks healing. She shortened her fangs, pleased that she had gained the power she wanted. It would seem that I do gain a power after I drink. I could drink in the morning and play with my power the rest of the day. Yes, that's what I'll do. She heard footsteps and Mahad ran in, his Item blazing and the pointers aimed at the man.

"Isis, are you all right? Did he-?" He broke off and stared at her.

"Mahad? What is it?" she asked, thinking that there was blood on her face.

"You-you've got wings," he said in astonishment.

"What?" She looked over a shoulder to see a pair of leathery black bat wings on her back! She gasped at the sight of them.

Mahad went behind her, reached out, felt a wing. The leather was soft but strong. "Isis, you're lucky. You can fly now."

"Yes, but I can't hide them like I do with my fangs," she said, worried.

"Maybe the one who turned you can provide guidance."

"Yes. I had planned to see her after drinking." She started to leave and added, "By the way, that man planned to rape me." She left, missing Mahad's angry face.

Isis stuck to the back streets and, as she walked, she found her wings to be light and not cumbersome at all. They would be nice, that is, if she could hide them.

"Mut?" she called when she reached the inside of the house.

"Yes, priestess?" came Mut's voice before the woman emerged from the dim shadows. Her eyes landed on the wings and she gasped. "You got wings! It's rare for a vampire to have wings. Certainly none in my clan have them." She chuckled at the distressed look on Isis' face. "Do not worry. They are retractable. Simply will the wings away like how you shorten your fangs.

Isis pictured them gone and her back felt a little lighter. "So, I have a rare power?"

"Yes. You are a lucky one. Most would give their fangs to be able to fly. I know I would."

"Mut, I want to apologize for my refusal yesterday. It was rude of me. I would very much appreciate your guidance."

"Of course. I consider it my duty to give information to the newly turned. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you have."

"I do have some. One is the blood yesterday. It was cool and unpleasant, unlike today's blood. Why?"

"Today's blood was straight from the source. Fresh blood. Yesterday's blood didn't come directly from a living person."

"I saw the marks I made healed. I had thought that was my new power."

"Oh, every vampire gets that right from the start. It also erases memory of encountering a vampire. Only those who are told by a vampire of their condition will retain knowledge of the attack if they offer their blood."

Isis suspected Mut was aware of her relationship with Mahad but didn't bother to ask if she did know. "What are my weaknesses?"

"Ah. A good question. Silver is the big one. Touching it is painful and requires blood to heal the injuries. If it impales the heart or head, we die. Naturally being set on fire or beheaded can kill us."

"So, what of our advantages? Wait." Isis had a flash of insight to her encounter with her attacker. "Are we stronger than humans?"

"Yes, we are. We are also faster and have sharper senses. No doubt you have discovered the sensitive eyesight to the sun. Minor wounds heal instantly, but moderate to serious ones require blood."

"What would happen if one does not drink every day?"

"Everyone drinks every day. Those that put it off too long would drain the first person they see rather than drink a little."

"Have you seen this?"

"Oh, yes. I'm afraid so. I don't look it but I am over 100 years old."

"You…are?" Isis gasped.

"Yes. That is another advantage. Our age freezes at the time we are turned and as long as we're careful, we can live forever."

"That sounds wonderful, but lonely too."

"That is why clan are formed: To combat loneliness and to help one another if needed. Sometimes it's hard to tend to wounds by yourself."

"I can imagine."

"Priestess. Isis. I know it's a horrible thing to think, but it will happen. When the current pharaoh's reign ends, you are welcome to live with us. After all, you are already part of my clan."

"Mut, my Necklace shows me visions of possible futures, so I fully know that nothing lasts forever. I will definitely live with you when I am unable to live elsewhere."

Isis left an hour after that, feeling a lot better now that she knew what it meant to be a vampire. I must will my powers away or to surface if I wish to use them. I must drink to live or heal moderate to serious injuries. I won't put off my daily drink, lest I drain someone which I don't want to do. Silver is my biggest weakness and could kill me as would being burned or beheaded. The bite marks heal and erase memory of a vampire attacking. But if Mahad offered his blood, he would remember as I freely told him I was a vampire.

Speaking of Mahad, he will want to know what I have learned. I intend to tell him everything. Once night has fallen, I will test out my wings. I will also test my senses which I can do before night falls, if I choose to. Isis headed for the palace, curious to hear how patrol went and to tell Mahad what she had learned.