Published: 17 Nov 2016

Chapter 11

“I know everyone has a lot of questions.” Hank started off as everyone gathered in the large living room. “Especially about our new… guests.” He said indicating the pair of Native American boys that were seated on the loveseat. “However, there are a few things that must be dealt with beforehand.”

The room was crowded, almost to the point of being over full. They could have held this discussion in the formal dining hall, but Hank wanted to be able to see everyone, gauge their reactions, and most importantly, stop any problems that may arise.

Besides the twenty-three Bonded, or soon to be Bonded, there were also the fifteen that came with Hank, and of course Declan, the Vampire that wished to join Hank’s House. “First thing though, I think we need to introduce ourselves. While some of us know some of the others, not many of us know everyone. Before I begin though,” Hank said as he looked directly at the two newcomers, “I assume you know who and what we are?”

The smaller of the two sat forward. “We are aware of the Blood Drinkers.” He said in a soft melodic voice. “However, we were not aware of the other Skin Walkers.” He said as he looked at Colt and Christina.

“Well, we’re all on a level playing field then, since we didn’t know about them till recently either.” Hank said with a grin. “I will start.” He said as he stood, looking around the room, then spoke again. “My name is Henry Dalton. I prefer the name Hank. I have recently become the Lord of this House. However, I will say this now. My Sire was an Ancient, and while I am well aware of all the pomp and circumstance that goes along with such a title, I prefer that things be on a more personal tone when formality is not needed.”

He motioned for the twins to stand. When they did, he introduced them, as tradition required, since they were his Bonded. “These are two of my Bonded.” He said as he motioned them to join him, then put his arms over their shoulders. “They are Elizabeth and Edward. They will handle all my personal business, so if you need to speak to me, it would be proper to speak to them first. However, if you need to speak to me on an urgent matter, you may seek me out directly.”

He waited till everyone nodded, then motioned for Daniel and Sheila to join him. “These two are my other Bonded. Daniel is my Seneschal. He will run the House as a whole, so if you need anything, you will speak to him.” Again he waited for nods of understanding. “I know that many of you were Bonded to Anton. Understand I have no wish for as many Bonded as he had, however, I will not let any of you suffer through a Bond Break.” His eyes moved to the other Vampires in the room. “If any of you wish to take a Bonded, please feel free to speak to the Humans here. If they are acceptable to you, and you to them, then we can see about Bonding them to you.” He looked at Devin and smiled. “For now though, as my Childe, I do not want you to take a Bonded. You are too young, and have other things that you must learn before you take a Bonded.” Devin nodded his understanding.

Hank sat down, and Runi quickly climbed to his feet. “My name is Runihora. Although I usually go by Runi. As far as my age goes, all I will say is that I am an Ancient.” That got many gasps of surprise from the Humans in the room. “Let me make clear now though. This is Lord Dayton’s House. He is the Lord, not I. I am simply here to guide and mentor those that wish it. My main focus is the Wolf Folk, and I guess now the Bear Folk.” He paused as he looked at the two Native American boys. “I must say that it has been many, many years since I have received a true shock. You have given me such a shock this evening.” He smiled, and they smiled back. He then looked at Winston and smiled at the man. “With Lord Dayton’s permission, I would like to ask if you would Bond yourself to me, and my service.”

Winston’s eyes went wide with surprise, but then grinned. “Of course Ancient.” He said as he moved, and knelt in front of the young boy. “It would be my Honor.”

“Good.” Runi said as he placed a hand on the man’s head. “We will make it official later. However, as of this moment, please consider yourself to be in my service.” Runi sat back down, and Winston moved to stand behind the boy, his smile radiant.

Lugh stood next. “I’m Lugh Gailbreath. I have only been in Darkness for five years now, but I have been released from my Sire’s protections. I now serve as Lord Dayton’s Second. I know this is odd, however, it is a situation that both Lord Dayton and myself are more than comfortable with.” He paused as he looked around, then spoke again. “I am looking for one or two Bonded that would like to assist me in the operation of a small warehousing business that was left to me.” He then sat back down.

Before anyone else could stand, the newcomer, Declan stood. “My name is Declan Price. My Sire was Lord Anton, and I have been in Darkness for fourteen years.” He then moved to stand before Hank, who stood. “If you would have my service, I wish to formally join your House.” With that he bit his finger, knelt, and held the bloodied fingertip to Hank. Hank nodded, took the offered finger, and sucked the blood drop, into his mouth, officially sealing Declan to his House. Declan rose, moved back to his seat, and sat down, indicating he was finished.

The next hour moved slowly as each of the Vampires stood, gave their names, how long they have been in Darkness, and indicated if they would be willing to take a Bonded. The Human’s took the longest, as they had to not only give their names, and how old they really were, but also what it is that they knew how to do. Even the teenagers, or those that looked like teenagers, had an impressive list of duties they had been trained to perform.

After all the Humans were introduced, Colt introduced himself as Alpha, then Christina as his pack mate. He even made sure to introduce Danny as his pack’s ward. It may not have been official, but it sure made Danny’s face light up to be mentioned as that.

Finally it came down to the two Native American boys. The smaller of the two boys stood. “My name is Takoda Iron Horse. I am Shaman of the Lakota Sioux. I have sixteen summers behind me.” He then motioned for the larger boy to stand. When he did, even Runi was impressed with his size. Nearly six and a half feet tall, but lithe as well. He wore only a breechcloth which showed off his muscular chest. His deep brown eyes taking in everything and everyone in the room. “This is Mato Akecheta. He has seventeen summers, and has been gifted by the spirits as a Skin Walker, and Warrior of our tribe.” He then turned and looked directly at Runi. “We shared a vision quest last summer which indicated that we needed to find and aid the one who calls the thunder.” He seemed to want to say more, but instead, he simply sat back down, with Mato sitting a moment later.

Hank stood up, looking around. “Thank you all. Now we all know who each other is. My next bit of news for everyone is that I have learned that tomorrow evening there will be an emergency Council meeting, to discuss my coming to power. While it is only the Local Council meeting, I have been informed that the Lord Protector of the Americas will be in attendance to act in the stead of the Great House Lord. I guess it has been a very long time since a Great House was taken by an Elder who was not already part of the House. So this has caused a bit of an uproar. Due to this, I would like to ask several of you to stay behind and discuss this. The rest of you, please mingle and get to know each other. I have a feeling that things are going to become interesting for the next few weeks.” Several people nodded, and a few actually chuckled. “I would ask that Runi, Lugh, Daniel, and Winston remain.”

As everyone else stood, Runi rose. “Colt, Christina, Takoda, Mato. If Lord Dayton does not mind, would you remain as well?” Runi asked, again showing that he was deferring to Hank. Hank of course only nodded, so those four sat back down as the rest left the room.

Once everyone moved closer, Runi stood, looking to Hank for permission to begin. Hank nodded, and Runi started to pace. “I was thinking about this Council meeting. First off,” he stopped pacing and looked at Hank, “when was the last time you attended a Council meeting?”

“Just over three years ago.” Hank said after a moment of thought. “It was the last time I applied for House status.”

“Good. I have noticed that many things are not as I remember them. I am assuming that Council protocol has also changed. Tell me, do the Council members still wear traditional robes?”

“No.” Hank said softly. “When I went to Council with my Sire they did, but since I came here just over fifty years ago, I found that those here do not. Only Lord Anton did, as the leader of the Local Council. I have heard that the Lord Protector wears grey.”

“Grey.” Runi repeated while nodding. “The traditional color of an Ancient.”

“Yes. I have seen many Ancients wearing more colorful robes, but the truly old ones I have only seen wearing grey. It is said that the Lord Protector, Sibella, is the Lord of Twilight’s Childe.”

“Truly?” Runi said with a raised eyebrow. “That will be interesting.”

Hank was about to ask why, when Runi waived off the question. “So, my question to you is this. Shall we set the Council ill at ease by going full traditional?”

Hank considered for a moment, before he began to grin, then nod. “I like that idea.”

“Good. Now before we get into that.” He said as he turned towards Mato and Takoda. “You said that you were told to come and aid me?”

“Yes…” Takoda said, struggling to find an honorific that would fit.

“Please. Call me Runi, or if you must use some sort of title, please refer to me as Ancient.” Runi said sensing the young man’s hesitation.

“Very well.” Takoda said with a small smile. “Our vision quest was exceptionally clear, at least as far as vision quests go. We both saw a war in which we fought side by side with the one who calls the thunder.”

“I see.” Runi said as he began to pace again. “Are there others of your kind?”

Takoda shook his head. “The Lakota have always had legends of Skin Walkers, but until Mato shifted for the first time, four years ago, we had never heard of a living Skin Walker.”

“I see.” Runi said, then turned towards Colt. “I see you have taken to calling you and Christina a pack?”

“Yeah.” Colt said surprised. “That’s what you called us. Shouldn’t we?”

“No, you are very accurate. In the old days, some may have scoffed at a pack of two, but in these days, it is proper I feel.” He paced for a few moments before he spoke again. “However, a Pack of three would be stronger.” He said as he stopped and looked at Mato, then to Colt.

“Pack is a Wolf term.” Mato said, speaking for the first time. Runi was somewhat surprised at the young man’s soft voice, expecting something deeper and louder.

“In general terms it is. But to the Wolf Folk, a Pack is more like a family than anything else. I have heard tales of Kin Folk being members of a pack. If a normal Human can be a part of a pack, why not a Skin Walker?”

Both Colt and Mato seemed to consider this for a moment, before Runi continued. “This is nothing that needs to be decided now, and there is more that you should know before making such a decision.” He then looked around. “I doubt any of you have ever heard of this. I only heard about it in passing, during my time with the Wolf Folk. It was called a Combined House. What that meant was a House of Vampires that worked with, lived with, and fought side by side with, one or more packs of Wolf Folk. Both groups were stronger for the union, and would often be called upon to deal with the most important tasks.”

“But Vampires hate us.” Christina said. “Hell they want to kill us before we can change.”

Runi’s eyes flashed red in anger. “That so-called ‘tradition’ has ended. They just do not know it yet. However, I will be laying down that edict tomorrow evening. If any wish to dispute my right to do so, they may meet me in combat.”

Everyone was shocked, not just at Runi’s words, but the sheer power that rolled off him as he spoke. Lugh was the first one that found his voice. “But the Lord Protector…” He said in a shaking voice. “She’s the Childe of the Lord of Twilight.”

Runi’s eyes faded back to their normal as he looked at Lugh. “If the babe wishes to challenge me, then she will die.”

“Babe?” Hank said, knowing that Runi wouldn’t be saying that as a man would about a female, but as an Elder would say about a young Vampire. “Just how old are you?”

“Old enough to know that she causes me no concern.” Runi said softly, causing Hank to sit back in shock. “You are familiar with the Generations?”

Hank slowly nodded, while Lugh looked confused. Runi nodded, then looked at Lugh. “I am sure Hank will explain more later, but when Vampires speak of their Generation, they are referring to how many Generations they are removed from the first.”

“Okay…” Lugh said while Hank just stared at Runi. “Am I supposed to ask what your Generation is?”

“You can if you wish.” Runi said with a gleam in his eyes. “And I may answer.”

Lugh looked at Hank who slowly looked from Runi to the older man. Finally Hank nodded, then closed his eyes, as if afraid to hear the answer. Lugh took a deep breath knowing that this would be something that could alter their lives. Finally he looked up and met Runi’s eyes, “Ancient. Would you please tell us what Generation you are.”

Runi smiled broadly. “First, I must commend you on pushing past your fear to ask a question, you don’t want to know the answer to, but feel that you must know.” Lugh nodded, but did not break his eye contact, as Runi continued to answer his question. “I know that the Current Lord of Twilight is of the Fourth Generations, which makes this Sibella of the Fifth. I am of the Third.”

“Oh…” Was all that escaped Hank’s mouth, as he sat there staring at Runi, like he was seeing a god. Lugh was impressed, but not sure why Hank was acting the way he was. Finally Lugh cleared his throat, causing Hank to look at him. Hank just shook his head in wonder. “Lord Anton was Ninth… so am I.”

Lughs eyes went wide, as he looked between Hank and Runi. Runi’s face was blank, but his eyes danced with merriment. “As i said, this babe does not concern me. Now, let us prepare for tomorrow evening.”

The next evening again found everyone gathered in the large living room. Hank had to stand on a chair to be able to see and be seen by everyone. “I know that many of you wish you could go this evening, but for this meeting, it is simply not possible. I’m asking that those who are not going, stay close to the House tonight. I really doubt that anything will happen, but just in case, it would be best to be prepared for anything.” Everyone nodded, and those that were not going, trickled from the room.

When it was just those going, Runi took over. He looked around the room and made sure that everyone was wearing their proper robes. “Daniel will be the first to enter the room, followed by Hank and Lugh after they are announced by Daniel. When the time is proper, the rest of us will join him.” He looked at the small pack and smiled. “I will be keeping your true identities hidden until it is no longer needed.” He looked at Mato and smiled faintly. “As a Skin Walker, you are protected from Vampires being able to read your mind. I would ask though, that when you feel my mind trying to contact yours, you allow it. That way I do not have to use more energy to break past your blocks, and I do not have to speak out loud.”

Mato nodded to Runi but did not speak. Colt and Christina had spent much time with both Mato and Takoda last night and during the daytime today. According to Colt, Mato did not say much, preferring to let Takoda speak when possible. Instead of robes, the two Native American boys wore traditional Native dress. Mato still only wore his breechcloth, explaining that it was designed to break apart when he shifted.

Colt and Christina wore the red which signified Wolf Folk. Runi doubted that anyone, other than maybe the Lord Protector, would know what it meant.

Runi wore a simple grey robe, with a sword strapped to his back.

Hank wore a pale yellow robe indicating that he was a Great House Lord, again with a sword, although his was worn on his side. He should have worn the Blue of an Elder, but Runi wanted to make the statement that Hank was a Great House Lord, even if others on the Council did not wish him to be.

Lugh wore a light blue robe indicating that he was a Fledgling, but also wore a yellow sash indicating that he was a House Second. As a Fledgling, he should not have worn a weapon, but being a House Second, meant that the Axe on his side was allowed.

Finally, Daniel wore a white robe with a yellow sash, indicating that he was a Human, but was a Great House Seneschal. That allowed him to wear the twin swords that adorned his back.

Without a word, they followed Hank out of the House and towards where the vehicles were waiting. Instead of the two minivans they were expecting, Winston was standing there with another man. Behind them was a large stretch SUV limo. “This is Derrick.” Winston said, indicating the man that was dressed in a finely tailored suit. “He is your chauffeur, if you wish it.”

Hank looked at Runi who shrugged. “Thank you very much.” Hank said as he shook hands with Derrick, who then moved to open the door in the back.

No one spoke as they rode in the back of the limo. Runi had expected to be taken to a large house away from the city, but instead they were entering the city, and heading towards downtown. When they arrived at their destination, Derrick pulled the large limo into an underground parking garage, under the tallest building in the city.

When they stopped, it was directly in front of a large set of glass doors, with two large men in suits standing to either side. One of them moved forward and opened the door of the Limo. “Elder.” He said in a hard voice as Hank exited the vehicle first. Deciding to let the insult slide, since the man should have referred to him as Lord, Hank nodded at him, then moved towards the door that the other was holding open for him.

Another man was waiting by a bank of elevators, one already open for their use. Once everyone was inside, the man stepped in. He swiped a card, and then pressed the button for the top floor. They rode in silence to the top, and when the door opened, Hank led the way down a long hallway. There were no doors on either side of the hallway, just the two large wooden doors at the end. Again there were two large men, Vampires this time, standing on either side of the doors. When Hank approached, the two Vampires stepped in front of the doors, grabbed the handles, and opened them both for Hank and his group.

Daniel walked through the door, while everyone else stopped. They could clearly hear the noise in the room quiet down. Then Daniel’s loud voice was heard, “Lord Protector of the Americas Sibella, Distinguished Members of the Tri-State Council. I present to you, my Master, Lord Dayton of the Great House of Dayton, formerly the Great House of Anton.”

“He isn’t a House Lord yet! Let alone a Great House Lord!” Someone shouted out, but Daniel ignored the interruption. He turned and bowed as Hank and Lugh walked slowly into the chamber. Being the first time that Lugh was here, he took a moment to look around without being too noticeable. In front of them was a large set of tables, set in the shape of a “U”, easily able to seat thirty. Right now, there were only fourteen seats occupied, plus the throne-like seat at the head of the table in the center of the “U”, where sat a beautiful woman wearing only a simple grey robe. Behind them, and over the door was a gallery that was about half full with Vampires. That would be those who were a part of the Minor Houses, or vampires from other councils… at least those that wished to attend.

“You were not summoned for this Council Meeting.” One of the Vampires said in anger as he leaned forward in his chair, before Hank even came to a stop.

Hank continued to walk forward, until he was about six paces from the table, where he stopped. He held his head high, and spoke in a clear voice. “As this meeting was set up to deal with my ascension as a Great House Lord, I felt it only appropriate that I should attend.”

“It is only proper.” Sibella said in her musical voice.

The man looked angrily at the Lord Protector, but sat back in his seat. Sibella gave him a look that would have withered a lessor being, then stood, forcing all the council members to also stand. She walked around the table to stand before Hank. As she approached, both Hank and Lugh took a knee. Behind them, Daniel dropped himself to both knees, and allowed his head to bow to the floor in front of him. He would remain that way as long as the Lord Protector was near him.

“There have been many questions as to if you even meet the requirements to be a House Lord, let alone a Great House Lord. Since I knew your Sire, I know that you are the proper age. However, no one here was able to say if you have a Childe that has been properly released from your tutelage.”

Hank did not look up, but spoke in a clear voice. “Yes Lord Protector, I do have such a Childe. He now acts as my House Second.”

“I see.” She said with a slight smile. “May I please verify that through your blood?”

Instead of answering, Hank simply bloodied his own fingertip, and offered it to her. She bent slowly, and took it. A moment later, she moved to stand before Lugh, who did the same. After tasting his blood, she stood up straight, and slowly turned to the rest of the Council. “The requirement of a strong Childe is met.” That pronouncement caused a loud murmur to spread through the room, but it quieted down quickly, with just a look from the Lord.

“You have already shown yourself capable of running a House, in so far as your actions with Lord Anton’s Children was both proper and honorable. I also have heard that one of them wished to remain, and you have allowed such.”

Hank was only slightly surprised that she knew that, but quickly answered. “Yes my Lord. Fledgling Declan Price asked that I allow him to stay, and I have granted him that.”

“Very good.” She said as she looked down at Hank. “There is only one more requirement that you must meet, before you are allowed to be granted Great House status.” She paused and looked around the room, before looking back down at Hank. “I have heard of no Ancient that has agreed to sponsor your ascension to a Great House.”

Hank looked up in confusion. “As I have taken over a House, not formed one of my own, I did not know that I was required to have an Ancient to sponsor me.”

“Normally you would not. However, on the night that Lord Anton attacked your home, he was dismissed from the Council, and his House disbanded. This meeting was to appoint a replacement and new Great House to rule over the Tri State area.” Her voice held no emotion, and Hank could not read anything on her face. However, he could see several people grinning behind her at the Council table. “However, if you were to have an Ancient that were willing to sponsor you, I see no reason to appoint a new Great House, as you have both the age and experience to rule a Great House. You’re Sire ruled one for many Centuries, and did a fine job, according to my Sire.”

She then turned and looked back at the table. “Does anyone here wish to sponsor Elder Dayton?”

As expected, no one spoke. Hank was about to say something, when he heard Runi’s voice in his head, ‘Change of plans.’

“I sponsor LORD Dayton.” Runi’s voice rang through the room, causing Sibella to look up towards the doors. At that same moment, all noise ceased and the Council Chambers became deathly silent. Runi came walking into the room, the cowl of his robe pulled fully forward.

Sibella’s face gave nothing away, until she saw Colt and Christina walk in behind Runi. She didn’t even notice the other two, as her eyes took in only the red robes. Quickly she let the shock drain from her face, as she re-schooled her features. Colt, Christina, Mato and Takoda, kneeled next to Daniel, while Runi strode around them to stand in front of Sibella. Runi bowed his head slightly indicating he knew of her position, but did not kneel as one who was younger than she would have. “I sponsor.” He said simply.

Sibella was fighting hard to keep her composure. She wasn’t happy that she had allowed the Council to disband Anton’s House, after the attack. Sibella was sure that the other House Lords’ schemes had a deeper motive than just to deny Hank his rightful place. But she had, and now Tradition demanded that Hank have a sponsor. However, having someone claiming to be an Ancient, and disrespect her by not kneeling, was something that galled her more than the machinations of the Council. She was able to keep her composure so when she spoke her voice held none of the anger she was feeling. “As I cannot sense your age, I will need other proof that you are old enough to Sponsor.”

“As you wish.” Runi said, his head still bowed and completely covered by the cowl. He raised his hand to her, not even bothering to bite it first. This was another perceived insult, as it was customary for someone younger to pierce their own flesh, instead of making the elder vampire do it. Runi was pleased to hear many gasps and mutters of outrage, but Sibella kept her composure, took the offered finger, and none too gently bit into it.

As the blood passed her lips and its flavor exploded on her tongue, she couldn’t stop herself. With a loud gasp of surprise she fell backwards, looking up at Runi in shock.

Seeing Sibella fall backwards, many of the Councilors, fearing she’d been attacked, drew weapons in preparation. Colt, Christina and Mato all exploded into their War Forms. Their Roars of Rage causing everyone to jump back in fear and ready themselves to be attacked.

“STOP!” Sibella’s Voice rose above the din, and everyone froze. “He did not attack me.” She said loudly, then looked at Runi with shock on her face. “I recognize the taste,” she said after a moment, then paused as she climbed to her feet. Finally she spoke, “May I see the face?”

Runi raised his head, then slowly his hands drew back the cowl that was covering his face. She gasped as his face came into view, then quickly moved to kneel in front of Runi. “My Lord. I humbly apologize, I did not know you had awoken.” Surprised gasps could be heard from everyone as Sibella knelt before Runi.

Runi waited until the chamber was again quiet, before he said, “I take no insult, young one.” Which caused everyone in the room, save for those that came with him, to gasp at Runi’s term for the Lord Protector.

Hearing this, Sibella looked to Runi who only nodded. With his permission, she rose, and turned to address the Council. “Put your weapons away,” she commanded. “This is my Grand Sire … Runihora! … Sire to the Lord of Twilight … First of the Lords of Twilight!”

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