Chapter 22

Arianna clung to Tyrell as they were up high on one of the mountains. The view was spectacular but also scary. Amazingly, there was a beautiful home built here. It was quite large, but had a rustic style to its appearance. They walked up several steps to get to the front door.

It immediately opened, and Arianna almost took a step back when she saw the SongMaker. He did not appear welcoming as his glittering eyes narrowed. Yet to her surprise, Armando bowed fully to her in an old world style.

"Arianna," he said softly, "it is good to see you again."

"But obviously not me," interjected Tyrell.

The SongMaker's face took on a serious expression. "I will obey Mikhail's command."

"Good. Because he said if I claimed her, help would be offered."

Armando crossed his arms over his chest. "You have not fully completed the ritual."

Arianna shifted in her stance, her face growing hot. How was it that he knew only part of it was completed. Did he know that they had-

"Mating is as natural to us as it is to humans breathing," said Armando looking at her.

"She is not used to our ways and would not understand how you know."

"Which is why you should have completed the ritual and bring her fully into our world, Tyrell."

"She is my lifemate. You do not dictate what is best for her, SongMaker."

A faint smile touched Armando's lips. "Your defensiveness at least means there is a strong bond. Now, finish what you started."

Tyrell sighed. He'd chosen the SongMaker for good reason. He knew no hunter would protect Arianna, not only because of Mikhail's command, but the fact he was the very thing they sought to destroy. Armando was the oldest and known for his patience, as well as accepting things which were different. That was certainly the case with the Falkland twins and their union with Carissa. Armando had also been under the control of the minerals, which gave them something in common.

Tyrell played his ace. "The Albino came for me." That remark certainly got his attention as all traces of any smile on the SongMaker's face disappeared. "He has the minerals."

"And?"

"Surely you know he is controlling vampires."

"I do not see how this matters with claiming your lifemate."

"There is little time," hissed Tyrell with impatience. "I cannot leave Arianna unprotected when I go to him."

Armando tilted his head in question. "And why would you go to him? Why not wait until you have claimed your lifemate?"

"He thinks he controls me. He will be calling for me soon. I may not get this opportunity again."

"And if you die?"

Arianna froze and looked up at Tyrell. "Then I can't follow you."

"It is her last wish you are to honor," pointed out Armando.

"I have claimed a part of her. Will you not even allow my request on behalf of the Carpathians? Do you realize what this means if I find the Albino and the minerals?"

"What I understand is that you are trying to evade the last request of your lifemate. You have not fully bonded with her, nor has she gone through the transition. I will not disobey Mikhail on this matter."

"Ah yes, because honor is everything to you," said Tyrell with heavy sarcasm. "You must always obey the Prince despite the cost of others. You are blind by your loyalty. And because of that, you would allow an innocent female to go unprotected. Or allow one of our common enemies to continue to build an army of vampires which will murder our females or even capture your Prince for his blood." Tyrell shook his head in disgust.

"You only see what you can internally justify," replied Armando in a patient tone.

Tyrell gave a cold laugh. "Do I? Then let me tell you what else I see." He glanced down at Arianna. "Look my dear, at who really stands before you. This is the oldest Carpathian who blindly followed his Prince to the point of destroying the very honor which is so important to him."

"Do not," warned Armando.

"What? Do not tell her how following Prince Vlad led you to betray the very purpose of your existence?"

Arianna began to tremble. "I-I don't understand."

"Armando's purpose is to be the teacher for all Carpathian children. He swore an oath to never harm one of our children. He was known to be the greatest protector of them. His entire existence was sworn to teach them abilities for their own protection. But in the end, he was like all the rest of our males. With no lifemate, he lost all color and emotion. He was too close to the darkness and sought to seek the dawn."

"But he has a lifemate now," said Arianna, "the twins told me."

"One that is human and was not born when the darkness was calling him. Prince Vlad commanded Armando to be with the wizard Javier, knowing he would be forced to hold on until he could find her." Tyrell gave Armando a mocking smile. "But did our oldest Carpathian know the Prince sent him on a journey which would violate his honor?"

"Prince Vlad could only see some of the future," replied the SongMaker quietly.

"But as advisor to the Prince, you know he saw more than he would reveal."

Arianna was confused. "Why does this matter? I don't understand."

Tyrell looked down at her. "It matters because Armando followed his Prince so blindly, that he ended up murdering one of our children."

She bit her lip and looked at the SongMaker. "Is this true?"

His eyes seem to lose color and they were no longer glittering. "Under the control of an evil wizard, I was an unattached male. I would have gladly died in Anna's place. But he gave me no choice."

Arianna was now truly shocked. "How…how did you kill her?"

"A master vampire attacked Javier's home and I was forced to fight. The battle left me badly wounded, I would have died from blood loss. Anna…," the SongMaker had to pause for a moment, "Anna was the only servant left behind. Javier forced me to feed from her and the darkness in me became too overpowering." His eyes narrowed at Tyrell. "But Prince Vlad did not foresee all of my future. At that point in time, he truly hoped the wizards would help us. They were not seen as our enemies, Tyrell. Even you must acknowledge that."

"My point has been made with the fact that following your Prince without question is not always the best solution."

Suddenly a small woman came to the door. "Armando, at least invite them in. Arianna is still human. She's getting cold." This was true as she was beginning to shiver.

"Her lifemate could dress her in warmer clothes," suggested Armando.

The woman sighed. "Please just let them come inside. You can still talk about all this."

The SongMaker smiled at her, his eyes suddenly becoming bright once more. "I can never refuse my lifemate." He motioned to Arianna. "Come inside and be warm. But our discussion is not finished, Tyrell."

Arianna walked up the steps with Tyrell close behind her. Despite the fact that this was the SongMaker's home, she sensed Tyrell was still on edge.

He was controlled at one time by a wizard with minerals, he reminded her.

They were now in the main entryway and as Armando led them down a large hall, Arianna replied back to him. That doesn't mean he is vulnerable.

Too late she forgot what happened when she touched his mind and Tyrell visibly flinched as pain shot through his head. They'd reached a large room with vaulted ceilings. Armando had turned to face them and caught Tyrell's reaction.

"What is wrong?" asked the SongMaker.

Tyrell's hand was holding his forehead, his fingers massaging the center. He recovered immediately and his eyes darkened. "What is wrong is the fact that we are even here to discuss this further. I cannot take Arianna with me."

"Complete the bond with her and I will help you." The SongMaker's tone was suddenly more gentle and he was watching Tyrell with steady eyes.

"I do not want her to follow me. Do you understand? She deserves a life-"

"And has none without you," finished Armando. "You argue this same point continuously but it holds little weight. The only honor you have left is to grant her what she wants in this life."

"To the point of her own death?" hissed Tyrell.

"Yes," said Arianna. "I am standing right here, you know. I do have a voice."

"You are an ignorant child unaware of what you are asking."

Janelle bit her lip as she nervously looked at the two of them and Arianna grew angry. "And what about you? A male who supposedly turned long ago and now thinks he failed his lifemate. Yet you won't convert me. Seems to me like you're the one who has a lot more to learn when it comes to pleasing a lifemate."

"I don't need to please you, only ensure your safety."

"So that's it? My happiness doesn't matter at all?"

"I cannot give you such a thing."

Armando intervened before Arianna shot back. "You are afraid, Tyrell, because you think you cannot give her happiness."

"If you could see my past crimes, you would agree with me."

There was silence for a moment, as the SongMaker was closely studying Tyrell. When he finally spoke, it was in a calm tone. "We all must complete our own journey in life. It is not always an easy path, especially for us. We pay a price for our gifts. But there is purpose in everything we do…and every decision we make."

Tyrell glided around Arianna and closer to Armando. Still dressed in his long, black trench coat, he looked like a predator, sizing up his prey. He was a few inches taller than the SongMaker and Arianna felt his immense power. He spoke in a deep, warning tone. "I am well aware of my past decisions, SongMaker. And you are testing my patience."

Armando stood his ground. "Bind her to you and I will take her into my protection."

His eyes grew darker in response. "So that is your final word." When the SongMaker gave no response, Tyrell turned swiftly away and took Arianna's arm. "Come, my dear. We are leaving. Perhaps tonight you will find the very death you seek. Unfortunately, it will not be quick like the dawn."

And then Arianna gasped as the SongMaker was suddenly in front of them. He'd moved with blinding speed, blocking their exit. "You want her."

"Get out of my way," growled Tyrell.

"All you have to do is say the very words imprinted upon you at birth. Why do you wait?"

"Step. Aside." It wasn't a statement, but a warning in two words.

The SongMaker's eyes began to brighten. "Running will not bring you peace. And you have been running for a very long time."

Tyrell froze, his mouth forming a deep frown. "You know nothing of me."

"Indeed. I cannot explain, but there are parts of you hidden from me. But I know you are restless, constantly seeking something. And now you have her. But you are still not satisfied. Bind her to you and find what you seek. She will-"

"I cannot say the words!" Tyrell suddenly shouted. His hands curled into fists as his body grew rigid.

Armando's face was unreadable. "You cannot or will not?"

"I…" Tyrell lost his voice and Arianna caught a wave of emotion that pass through him, and he let go of her arm. To her surprise, it was a feeling of shame. She tried to hold back but couldn't help how her mind immediately reached out to him. He flinched, unable to hide how his head hurt.

"You are in pain," observed Armando softly.

"I am fine. It is nothing." Tyrell regained his composure, but was suddenly feeling tired. He fed well earlier in the evening, but apparently for whatever reason, it must not have been enough. Either that or the stress of the situation was actually weakening him. Agitated, he tried to avoid the SongMaker's piercing gaze. "The Albino will be calling for me."

"You are in need of blood."

"Which is why I need to leave. It is late and many of the local villagers will be retiring. I have little time."

"And you do not want to risk another exchange with Arianna." Armando held out his wrist. "I offer freely."

He stared at the SongMaker. "I am a known traitor. Why would you risk your lifemate and child?"

Armando responded with a faint smile. "I have been known to take down a few master vampires in my time. Do not underestimate what I am capable of doing when it comes to those under my protection."

Tyrell hesitated, knowing Armando could track him after he took his blood. But in the end, Tyrell gave into his hunger and took Armando's wrist. He wasn't gentle when he struck the skin, perhaps because it was the only outlet for his anger that he had at the moment. To his credit, Armando did not even move.

Once finished, Tyrell sealed the SongMaker's wrist and straightened. He found Armando's eyes once more studying him far too closely, which irritated him. "You should not have offered your blood. The Albino most likely still wants you."

"And will you lead him here?"

"There is still much darkness in me," Tyrell said with a low voice. "While the minerals appear to no longer have any effect, there is always the danger I will be tempted." Once again, Armando was silent for a moment. There was something in his eyes which made Tyrell uncomfortable. Unable to withstand it any longer, he looked away. "We must go. I will do what I can to give you critical information once I find their hiding place."

"I will watch over Arianna."

Tyrell's eyes immediately turned back to Armando. "Excuse me?"

"You are incapable of saying the words. Do you deny it?"

Unable to find his voice, Tyrell could only clench his jaw.

"He feels pain whenever I touch his mind," Arianna said softly.

"And when he tried to say the words?" asked Armando.

"I-I thought he was actually dying because of the pain."

Janelle took her lifemate's arm. "Why would such a thing happen?"

Arianna shook her head. "We don't know why," she said with her throat tightening. She suddenly felt like crying.

Her emotion made Tyrell agitated again. "Will you watch over her?"

"You made the attempt to bind her to you, but could not. Why did you not volunteer this information to me?" When Tyrell gave no answer, the SongMaker only nodded. "Pride. It is another sign that your connection to her is strong. You believe you continue to fail her in every way, including the inability to say the words. I will watch over her on the condition that you promise her you will not only return, but also work with me to find a way to fully bind her to you."

Arianna choked back her tears and looked up at Tyrell. "But what if you don't return? What if something happens to you?"

He felt an overwhelming urge to comfort her. Reaching out, he touched her face, brushing away a tear that fell down her cheek. "You must have more faith in my abilities, Arianna. What he says is true. I continue to fail you."

"No! That's what you believe, but it's not true."

He laughed softly. "I chose a dark path over waiting for you. I spent my life rooted in selfishness for the feeling of power, when I should have been destroying Morrison labs long ago. If I had been the honorable Carpathian, perhaps you never would have been one of their lab experiments."

To his surprise, she embraced him. "I don't care. You're here now and I don't want to lose you again!"

For a moment, he closed his eyes. He actually enjoyed the feeling of her arms around him. An image of their intimate moment came to his mind and he wanted her again. Not to just physically claim her, but to please her.

He pulled away, but held her hands. "I cannot be the male of worth you need." Before she could protest, he looked into her eyes. "But let me prove to you my abilities. Have faith in my power, Arianna. That is all I ask of you. I promise to return but it will give me more strength if you believe in me."

She wanted to hold onto him and not let him leave. But she remembered what Armando had said about his pride. Maybe this could be one more act he could carry out to help save the Carpathian people? Could it in some way help to restore his honor?

Slowly, Arianna nodded even though her eyes were still filled with tears. "Be safe. Or I swear I will find you. You know I will follow no matter where you go."

"Given the fact that you found the Falkland twins so quickly, and then traveling all the way to the Carpathian Mountains, I think I know all too well how determined you can be at times."

Armando nodded. "A very good trait in a lifemate, especially for you, Tyrell."

She smiled through her tears. "It's obvious he's a good teacher." Then she grew serious. "Maybe he can help us."

Tyrell couldn't help himself and kissed her forehead. "While I cannot promise that will be the case, I will return to discuss the matter further." He released her and turned to Armando. "Thank you, SongMaker. Although I am unsure your Prince will agree with this decision."

Armando's eyes glittered. "While it is true I will always answer to the Prince, do not forget that my role is not only teacher, but advisor. Our relationship is built on trust, Tyrell. And I hope one day you will trust Mikhail as much as I do."

"That is something very hard for me to comprehend. But your decision to watch over Arianna is something which gives me greater respect for you, SongMaker. Should there ever be a need, call me and I will come to your aid."

Armando inclined his head. "May your journey be safe."

Tyrell gave him a respectful nod, then met Arianna's eyes one last time. Before she could say anything else, he transformed into mist and disappeared.

Author's note: Anyone still reading despite how long its taking me to post? -Anne