Well my heart is where it's always been
My head is somewhere in between
Give me one more chance
Let me be your lover tonight
Her legs felt like coiled springs ready to snap, she wanted so desperately to be anywhere but there. She wanted to just close her eyes and open them somewhere bright, safe and not that place. But she was there, where fear and panic had replaced the blood in her veins. It was pumping through her, making every nerve twitch and burn like ice on hot skin. Still, she stood, peering brazenly at Charlie. There was no doubt, she was very frightened, but she was not going to back down. She was going to see this through.
For several long moments, Charlie leered menacingly at her, his enraged glare had shifted into his emotionless expression and his fangs retracted. Tara's bold reply had cooled the short-tempered vampire and she hoped he would allow her to complete her task.
"Get on with it," He sighed. The sigh that came was a signal, not of his resolve leaving but of the level his tension had reached. He was more like an old-fashioned kettle - still full even when some steam forced its way out.
Survivals instinct told Tara that the impending danger had vanished in response, the beautiful barmaid let out a tender sigh of relief. "Don't mind if I do." She said between shaking breaths, then turned to Eric. "May I have Willa's ring?" Tara asked.
With no hesitation, Eric reached into his pocket, His blue eyes caught hers and burned with an emotion that consumed her completely. "Thank you," Tara murmured softly as he took her hand in his and gently slid the ring on her finger, the gesture not lost to her. "This will help me find what Godric wants us all to see." Her breath hitched again.
The dimly lit room took on an ominous glow as the violet ring illuminated. Willa's enchanted ring is a beacon for the soul, it's purpose, to guide. The clear sound of something heavy echoed across the room and for the first time Charlie's cold expressionless face lit up with amazement as he turned into a blur, speeding across the room to where the noise had originated.
Charlie returned to the group with the old oak chest firmly in his hand.
"The chest is empty," Chris said appraising the article, his voice was fastened with confusion and his expression matched his tone. "It's a relic our father had collected on his journey's, a decorative piece, nothing more."
"I believe there is more," Tara said opening the chest while it was still in Charlie's hands. She reached into the opening with the ring clad finger, palming the base of the box until she felt it slightly give. With a slight push, the base popped up revealing the hidden items inside. A large black envelope sealed in an old world, red wax was strategically placed on top of dozens of ancient gold coins. The gold coins feature a crouching lion on the obverse, and three incuse punches on the reverse. The lion, cleverly configured with its head reverted and tail curled over its haunch to neatly fit within the rectangular frame, is a masterpiece of Archaic Greek art. The vigor and ferocity of the beast are beautifully conveyed by its snarling countenance and an erect mane. In the midst of all the gold, there was also a black velvet jewelry box Chris opened the box and revealed, four identical, gold necklaces; the medallions are made of thick glass and shaped like a large fang; the glass medallion containers are filled with blood.
Eric lifted the small plank of wood removing it completely from the chest, "Tara, will you do the honors of opening our father's letter and reading it to us." Eric smiled brightly, causing Tara to beam back at him, a secret buzz shot excitement through her at the notion.
"I will certainly do the honors," Tara maneuvered her thumb under the red wax seal and tore through the lid and the paper. She pulled out the letter, nodded, cleared her throat and began…
My beloved...Erik, Kris, Charles,
I discovered a new era on the battlefield in the North. Three beautiful, brave and very foolish warriors at the brink of death. True warriors, surrounded by chaos and destruction, humans who had become a product of savagery, conquest, and disregard. Although you were human, your humanity had been lost...
I cast no judgment, for I was no different. Back then, violence, brutality was rooted in my soul, as a slave from Gaul, vengeance had been embedded in me and the bloodlust had carried over when I became the progeny of the Roman Emperor.
Still, I am most proud of most of the things I've taught you. The days spent in the woods, exploring, teaching each other, we learned to fight from play. I observed like a cat watches her kittens as you played.
No words can describe the splined beauty of my progenies.
Erik, my exquisiteness, with the forever young ocean blue eyes. From them comes an intensity, an honesty, a gentleness.
Christopher, my rock, the foundation of the family, with the heart of a lion and the soul of an angel.
Charles, my muse, you are pure, yet in your gaze bare warning of the mischief beneath.
I am indeed a proud Sire.
There are some regrets and with the stark realization of my grave mistakes, after centuries of living unevolved, my beliefs changed. The change came as a surprise to me, the cause a chance encounter. The meeting of Willa Burrell over a decade ago. She too had transformed, as she was once a vampire-hunter. She'd killed many vampires for various reasons, alas, none out of self-preservation. She held a strong hatred of our kind. She was like me, consumed, blinded by vengeance.
It was only a matter of time before she was captured, and captured she was. A very savvy acquaintance, who I shall not name, hunted the hunter. He did it for sport, for pleasure, not for justice. He decided not to relinquish her to the Vampire Justice Council, instead, he asked me for a proper place to carry out his deed. Foolishly, I obliged. He tortured and raped Willa for several days, by weeks end she was starved and on the verge of death. I stood idle during the attack until she uttered three words to her attacker.
"I forgive you."
My dead heart searched for the meaning of that simple notion- forgiveness and I could not find it. From then on, Willa and I both sought to reclaim our long-lost humanity.
As you know saving and protecting Willa came at a substantial price, so we made a pact, if we were ever discovered, we would destroy each other.
It was only a short time on my long-lost journey back into humanity before my time to meet the sun had arrived.
Willa asked me if I had encountered a human who could fill her shoes and continue with the task of leading my beloved progenies back to humanity. Although I had met many humans who were deserving, none were more so than Tara. Her resilience in the face of death will be needed in this uphill battle.
When the night finally arrived, I made preparations. First, I loaded the hidden compartment of the chest. I placed Willa's ring in Erik's cupboard, knowing it would be soon discovered and it would trigger a longing in Eric's heart and he would reunite with Tara.
As I am sure you've deducted, the ring is for Tara, as I have chosen her to be Willa's successor. She will teach humans and vampires how to coexist. And Eric will be at her side as her bonded and most of all her protector.
The XXIV gold medallions are to be divided equally between Kris and Charles. My beloved progenies, do what you will with the valuable currency, I only ask that you resign the business to Erik in exchange. In doing so, I believe you will find value in humanity. You must surround yourself with humans who are not seeking the affection of vampires in order to find the true meaning of friendship.
Lastly, the necklaces are to be passed out by Erik. Please, only a small sip of my ancient blood as it is infused with a powerful spell; you shall feel a most profound effect, I shall become a part of you and so your journey will begin.
By following my last wishes and performing this ritual my legacy shall remain, we shall become a formidable clan, not even death can separate us. I want nothing more than to have my progenies evolve and become more than just a vampire; my beloved Erik, Kristopher, Charles… There are a thousand years of faith and friendship between us and that shall never end.
Godrik
Tara took a deep satisfied breath and peered at Eric, his eyes were rimmed with tears, she tenderly smiled at him. The handsome man removed the four necklaces from the velvet-lined box and placed the first one around Tara's neck and then his own.
He handed Chris his necklace and peered at Charlie, "Please put the box down Charles." Eric grumbled, preparing for another tiff with his brother.
As if waking from a trace, the blonde vampire set the chest down, "May I," he asked.
Of course brother," Eric smiled at Charlie and handed him the necklace, Charles quickly put it on.
Now they were all smiling at each other.
FIN