Chapter 16-

(Catarina)

Mr. Crepsley walks in and pokes us. "Wake up, you have to get ready for the trial."

We both sit up and yawn. He gives us a very strange look then leaves. Shan follows him. I put on a black dress with no sleeves that swishes around my knees if I spin. My hair is done up in the typical bun and then I meet the others. Mr. C tells him "Be brave. The Princes will treat you fairly. In the event that they do not I shall come to your aid."

While he and Harkat are in the hall Shan and I embrace. We kiss and whisper I love yous before the others return and we walk in to face judgment. Paris says "These are strange times. For centuries, we vampires have stuck by our old ways and traditions and looked on, amused, as humanity changed and evolved, growing ever more fractured. While the humans of this planet have lost their sense of direction and purpose, our belief in ourselves has never wavered until recently. It is a sign of the times that one vampire would raise his hand against his brothers, regardless of the good intentions. Treachery is nothing new to mankind but this is our first real taste of it, and it has left a sour taste in our mouths. It would be easy to turn a blind eye to the traitors and dismiss them from our thoughts. But that would be to ignore the root of our problem and leave the way open for further acts of treason. The truth is that the changing world has made it's mark upon us at last, and we must change if we are to survive within it. While we have no plans to abandon our ways outright we must face the future and adapt as required. We have been living in a world of absolutes, but this is no longer the case. We must open our eyes, ears, and hearts to new ways of thinking and living. That is why we gathered here tonight. In the normal case of things, there would have been no call for a meeting to decide Darren Shan's fate. He failed the trials of Initiation- the penalty for which is death. He then fled from sentencing, a crime punishable in only one way- death. In the past, he would have been put to the staked and none would have intervened on his behalf. But times have changed, and Darren has played an instrumental part of in opening our eyes to the need for change. He has endured great pain and sacrificed his freedom for the good of the clan. He has fought bravely and proven his worth. Previously his reward would have been a noble death. Now, however, pleas have been submitted arguing his right to live."

I actually have hope until he says "After lengthy debate, much of it heated, we decided against altering our laws. The time-"

"No!" Mr. Crepsley jumps into the center ring to stand with Shan in front of the Princes. Harkat follows and so do I.

"NO!" I scream, my voice full of rage and unspeakable heart break.

"I will not stand for this!" Mr. Crepsley argues. "Darren risked his life for you, and now you would sentence him to death? Never! I will not tolerate such bloody-minded ingratitude. Anyone wishing to lay hands on my assistant will first have to lay hands on me, and I swear by all that is sacred, I will fight them to my last savage breath!"

"The same goes...for me," Harkat growls.

"And for me!" I shout angrily. "I will fight for him with my very last breath," I vow.

"I expected more self control from you Larten. This is most unlike you," Paris frowns.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures. There is a time for tradition, and there is a time to exercise common sense. I will not let you-"

"Larten!" Seba stands in the crowd. "Listen to Paris. Be loyal and accept his decision."

"The hell with loyalty! If this is the price of loyalty perhaps Kurda was right. Maybe it would have been for the best to turn this place over to the vampaneze!"

"You do not mean that. Sit down. You are making a fool of yourself."

"Fine but I will not leave Darren's side and anyone who tries too force me from this platform shall live to regret it."

"It is alright," Paris says. "You three may remain on the platform. Now, as I was saying, this is not the time to change the rules. We searched and searched for a loop hole because no one wanted to see Darren die."

"Arra made me promise, on her death bed, that I would not let Darren die. I beg you, do not force me to choose between loyalty to you and my vow to her," Mr. Crepsley pleads.

"There will be no need to choose. There is no conflict of interest, as will become apparent as son as you shut up and let me finish." He smiles. "The solution is simplicity itself. We do not need to change any rules, only place him above them."

"I do not understand."

"Think Larten, who among us is immune to punishment? Who could fail the trials of Initiation a dozen times and walk away untouched?"

Mr. Crepsley's eyes widen. "You cannot mean...?" he gasps.

"We do," Paris smirks.

"But it is incomprehensible! He is too young! He is not a general! He is not even a full vampire!"

"Who cares?" Mike comments. "We're not interested in the fine print. He's earned the right to bear the title more than any of us. He is worthy."

"This is insane."

"Possible," Paris agrees. "But it was put to a vote and all voted in favor of it."

"All?"

"Every single one of us."

"He knows so little of our ways and he is so young and inexperienced."

"We would not expect him to engage in regular duties. He has much to learn and we will not rush his development. We will not even make a full vampire of him, though we must share blood. We will limit the amount so he remains a half vampire. But the appointment will be valid. He will hold all the responsibilities and powers of the post."

"What are you talking about?" Shan asks. I whisper to him. "No way! Seriously? Everyone agreed to this?"

"Every one of them. They respect you Darren. They also admire you. What you have done for us shall never be forgotten as long as vampires walk the earth. We wish to show you our appreciation and this is the only way we know."

"I'm amazed," he looks stunned. "I don't know what to say."

"Say yes."

"What do I have to do?"

"There will be a lengthy involved ceremony but that can be postponed until later. Right now all we need you to do is accept our blood and offer some of your own to the Stone of Blood. Once you have been recognized by the stone the deed is done and it can never be reversed."

"Okay."

"Step forward then and let the pact be sealed."

I watch in awe at the whole thing. Everyone cheers. He is weak and they carry him so everyone can congratulate him.

Before I get a chance, Mika grabs my arm. He looks very serious. "I need to talk to you privately."

(A/N: If anyone is still reading this PLEASE comment and let me know so I will be sure to update)