Published: 29 Dec 2016

Chapter 12

“This is my Grand Sire … Runihora! … Sire to the Lord of Twilight … First of the Lords of Twilight!” Sibella intoned in her Voice.

Immediately you could hear weapons being dropped and chairs being turned over or thrown aside as everyone scrambled to kneel.

Runi looked on impassively, while everyone, from the lords that were around the table, to the people in the viewing area, stayed on a knee, their heads and eyes towards the floor. When Runi had felt it went on long enough, he gave a very slight nod to Sibella.

“If it would please my Lord.” Sibella said as she moved to a seat just directly to the right of her normal seat at the head of the Council Table. “We would be honored to have you join us.” Sibella gestured with her hand at the center chair.

“Thank you child.” Runi said with a sincere smile. “However, I believe it would be more fitting for me to stand behind the Lord I have sponsored. At least until such time as his status has been decided.”

“As is your right.” Sibella said, with a slight nod of her head, as she retook the center seat and sat down. She then motioned for Hank to rise, and move to the empty seat to her left. Hank knew better than to sit, until Sibella verbally said they could, which would not be while business was being conducted. All the while many of the other Lords were righting their chairs before seating themselves. Many of them could not decide where to look, the shifters, Sibella or the Ancient.

Several of the Council Members looked nervous as Takoda, Mato, Colt and Christina, began walking to stand behind Runi, who was now standing behind Hank. As they walked up behind Runi, they effortlessly shifted back to human form. A move that was not lost on a few of the Lords as they watched. At the same time, Lugh and Daniel had moved to retrieve the robes and breech clout that had been thrown off the shifters. After giving them back, both men took up positions on either side of Hank, as had been discussed before.

Once everyone was seated and it was quiet again, Sibella leaned forward in her chair and in a thundering voice asked, “The requirements for House Lord status have been met. Are there any that wish to dispute Lord Dayton’s right?”

There were nervous murmurs throughout the room, although no one immediately spoke up. Many were trying to decide if they dared, after Hank had been sponsored by Runi, and then Sibella moved him to the position that was reserved for the Local Council Lord. Finally, after almost a minute, one hand did raise. “I recognize Lord Faulkner,” Sibella said as she sat back.

“Thank you My Lady.” The man said, in a voice that oozed sweetness, as he rose to speak. “If it pleases the council, I would like to be the first to extend our warmest welcome to the Ancient Runihora. While this was obviously quite a shock at first, we are indeed honored to have someone of his age and reputation gracing our humble Council.” Runi simply nodded, but did not let his instant dislike of this man show on his face. “Now, I do not dispute the right of Lord Dayton to have and Hold a house, even a Great House. I am sure that he would be quite capable of being a fine House Lord. My concern arises from his age at the time of turning. I am not sure if one that lived for so few years in the light, truly has the wisdom needed to lead in the Darkness.” He bowed to Hank as he continued, “I mean absolutely no disrespect, Lord Dayton. For it was not your fault that you were turned at such a young age. Such a thing should be a crime.”

Runi felt, rather than saw Hank was getting more and more angry as the man spoke, truth be told, so was he. However, he had dealt with people like this before. He put a hand on Hank’s shoulder, to calm him down, as he looked over at Lord Faulkner.

Before Runi could speak, Sibella stood and said, “You obviously do not know Lord Dayton’s history, Lord Faulkner. It was indeed his fault. He asked his Sire to turn him.”

Before Sibella could continue, Runi interrupted her. “What should be a crime, Lord Faulkner, would be the indiscriminate turning of younglings without their consent. What should be a crime, Lord Faulkner, would be to turn anyone, without proper instruction both before and after the turning by the Sire.” The utter contempt in Runi’s voice was heard by everyone. “When was it decided that the rules of the Concordance were not to be obeyed?”

Runi dropped his hand from Hank’s shoulder and moved so that Hank was immediately to the right and slightly behind Runi. Hank’s eyes got wide as Runi did this, and gasps of shock could be heard from the table and the gallery. With a straight face, Runi continued, “I am sure you know the history as well as any, but please, allow me to remind you of a few facts.”

He looked at each of the council members as he continued, “I was turned at an age younger than Lord Dayton was, and yet I was still able to unify the Vampires, and the Shifters into a time of peace and prosperity for all. The laws that are still supposed to be followed were handed down well over seven thousand years ago, again by someone who was turned at an age younger than Lord Dayton was. I do not see how the age at which one was turned, makes any impact on how well they are able to rule, or the wisdom they have inside.”

“Of course you are right Lord Runihora.” Lord Faulkner said with a very low bow. “I apologize if any slight was received as none was intended. However, these are different times…”

“Yes.” Runi said, cutting the man off. “These are different times. So let us discuss what I have heard and learned since I have awoken.”

He looked at Sibella hard. “The practice of hunting shifters and killing them before or even after they have shifted, ends. I will personally destroy any who disobey my wishes.” He held her gaze for several seconds, before she nodded. He then turned and let his gaze linger over the House Lords. “I have also heard rumors that I simply could not believe were true. Rumors that suggest that the local Houses are not only, not fighting the Scavengers, but actively working with them. I KNOW such a thing could not be true, since it would be a direct violation of the Concordance, which I wrote. I will assume that such rumors will quickly die down.” One of the House Lords looked like he was about to say something, but when Runi fixed him with his hard glare, the man wilted, and even took half a step back. Runi smiled and looked back at Sibella. “I apologize, I have taken this meeting off the topic that it was called for. Please, do not allow me to interrupt any further.” Runi then moved back to stand behind Hank.

“Yes.” Sibella started almost nervously. “Lord Faulkner. Do you wish to continue with your… Concern?”

“No, my Lady. If it pleases you, I would like to withdraw my concern.” The man said sourly, but quickly looked down when he saw the look in Runi’s eye.

“Very well. Are there any other concerns about Lord Dayton being given House Status?” Sibella asked, then waited for almost thirty full seconds, before she nodded. “Very well. As none of the current House Lords have any concerns, and all the requirements are met. It is the opinion of this council that Lord Dayton be elevated to the status of House Lord. Further, since Lord Dayton took the Great House of Anton, through an Elder’s Duel, House Dayton, will be the Great House, leading and responsible for the Tri-State Council. The creation of Great House Dayton shall be entered into the record books. Also it is the direction of this Council that House Dayton shall include all the land and property that House Anton held. Are there any objections?” She barely waited five seconds, as she locked eyes with each person at the table, before slamming her fist on the table. “So let it be.”

She then looked to all of the Lords before she spoke again, “Is there any other business to bring before the council at this time?” Again she barely waited before she spoke again. “Very Well. Let me be the first to welcome Lord Dayton to the Council. I will have my Second come to your House to instruct you on what your duties and responsibilities are.”

“As you wish.” Hank said with a bow of his head.

“The Council is dismissed.” Sibella said, then rose to her feet, making everyone else scramble to a knee as she turned and walked from the room.

The entire group was silent as they left the council chamber, walked down the hall, entered the elevator, walked to, and got into the car. It wasn’t till they had left the garage that Hank turned to Runi and stared at him. “What did you just do?” He asked in a soft voice.

Runi couldn’t help but start to laugh. Hank crying out, “It’s not funny!” didn’t help either, it simply made Runi laugh more. No one else seemed to have an idea what was going on, so finally Lugh asked.

“What are you talking about?”

Hank was about to answer, but Runi held up his hand, and brought his laughter under control. When he was able to, he began to speak. “It seems that very few people, who are not among the oldest, truly understand the unspoken actions in courtly politics.”

“Obviously not.” Colt said in confusion. “All I know is there were a bunch of nervous people, that suddenly got a lot more nervous. Hell I think a few of them peed their pants at the same time. Right when you started to tell off that Faulkner guy.”

“I am sure some did.” Runi said with a grin. “You see, when I moved around Hank, and stood where I did to confront Faulkner, I put Hank one step behind me, and to my right.” He paused to see if anyone understood now, but no one did.

“He declared me as his heir!” Hank said, his voice rising in pitch.

“Oh shit!” Lugh said, while everyone else gawked at Runi. After a moment, Runi simply nodded.

“But… what does that mean?” Christina inquired.

“It means that Hank, and by extension, his house, now, officially fall under my protection. It also means that officially Hank can speak with my voice. Finally it means that, if and when, I meet my final end, Hank will acquire everything that is mine.” Runi paused and looked Hank directly in the eyes. “I have much to teach you.”

“Asshole…” Hank muttered as he sat back in his seat. This brought a chuckle to almost everyone, and then silence as they rode.

Almost a minute passed before Christina leaned forward. “I gotta say that was awesome though! To see everyone jump back when we shifted… and i know i had several people that never took their eyes off me the entire time.”

“It might have been because you were completely naked…” Daniel said, trying to sound disapproving. He still wasn’t used to seeing Christina naked, but truth be told, he was starting to get accustomed to it.

“Yeah I know…” She said with a grin. “It was kinda cool too.”

“We gave you the robes back for a reason…” Lugh said with a shake of his head.

“Yeah we know.” Colt responded grinning himself. “But seeing how uncomfortable it made so many people to have us standing there naked, we thought it would be better to continue to make them uncomfortable.”

“OH!” Christina said suddenly, then looked at Mato and Colt. “We need tatoos!”

“NO!” Daniel said instantly, while Lugh slapped his forehead, hard.

“Oh come on dad!” Christina whined. It would be kewl!” She than looked at Runi. “We can get tattoos, can’t we?”

“Yes… there is a way…” He said hesitantly.

“SWEET!” She crowed, then sat back. “I’ll start coming up with designs.

“Ummm… what if i don’t want one?” Colt asked.

“Too bad!” She said confidently.

“Wait… I thought i was the alpha.”

“You may be the alpha… but I’m the female.” Christina shot back with a grin.

“She’s got you there.” Daniel said with a grin, then turned to Christina. “But you also got something else to worry about… it’s called ‘the mamma’.”

“Shit…” Christina said, while deflating. This caused all of them to laugh, as she sat there and pouted.

Hank woke the next evening, and still found himself wondering where he was. It came to him quicker this time, so he scooted out of the canopied bed, and was greeted, as he was the previous nights, by Edward and Elizabeth. This time though, there was something different.

Seeing Hank look them up and down, Edward smiled. “We saw that it made you uncomfortable, so we decided to wear our bathing suits to bathe you. If that is okay?”

“Yes…” Hank said with a nod of his head. “Thank you.”

“You’re most welcome Master.” Elizabeth said as she held open the robe.

“Now, we just need you to stop calling me master.” Hank said softly as he accepted the robe, and then allowed them to lead him to the bath, and start to process of cleaning him. Something that, while nice, he still was not accustomed to.

“Do you have anything you wish to do today?” Edward asked, as he started to scrub Hank’s back.

“Actually yes.” Hank responded, which caused both kids to pause, then continue. This was the first time that Hank had said he actually had things that he wanted to do. “I would like to have some time with Winston and Daniel to go over the financials of the house. As well as some time with each of the vampires that live here, just to discuss what will happen in the near future. If you could please make sure Declan is the first, that would help. I may need more time with him, since I don’t know him.”

“Of course Master.” Elizabeth said, than Edward spoke up.

“Of course, If the Master wishes, we know all that there is to know about the finances of this house, as well as your own personal finances.”

“You do?” Hank asked surprised, then, seeing the hurt look in the twins eyes, he sighed, thinking fast. “Sorry guys, I’m just not used to having two people as good as you around me. I thought it would take a while to pull it all together, but… since you guys know it, let’s hear it.”

“In liquid assets” Edward started. “You have six hundred, and fourty seven thousand dollars spread out through four different accounts.” Hank stopped and paled as he realized they were talking about his private personal monies, not what the house had.

“Where as,” Elizabeth continued where her brother stopped. “You have approximately seven and a half hundred thousand in various real estate investments.”

“Finally about two hundred thousand in various stocks and bonds.” Edward said with a smile. “Some of which I would strongly recommend you pull out.”

“How… How do you know all that?” Hank finally stuttered out.

“We have our ways.” They both said at the same time, which caused Hank to shudder in fear.

Several hours later, after all his meetings were done, Hank went and found Jared and Devon. The two boys were sitting under a tree in the yard, talking. Hank stopped and smiled as he saw the two were holding hands as they were talking. While they may be moving faster than Hank would have thought proper, he wasn’t about to step in, especially when the relationship seemed to be so good for both boys.

Finally Hank cleared his throat, not wanting to eavesdrop on the two boys. Jared tried to pull his hand away, but Devon wouldn’t let him. After a very brief struggle, Jared stopped and looked at Hank with a blush, but a smile.

“It’s okay Jared, as I said, I really don’t care.” Hank smiled as Jared relaxed. “Now, we have a few things we need to do tonight.” Hank paused as both boys jumped to their feet, excited about the prospect of going out.

“Neither one of you should need to feed, but I want to see if Devon can. Until you get used to knowing how full you are, and how long you have until you need to feed, I want to make sure you feed often. Which means, when you feed, the moment you start to feel full, you need to stop, okay?”

Devon just nodded, a bit of his enthusiasm evaporating at the thought of having to feed. “Don’t worry.” Jared said, as he squeezed Devon’s hand. “I’ll help you.”

“So will I.” Hank said with a smile. “The first thing we’ll work on tonight, is how to read the minds of humans. That way you’ll be able to tell who the wicked are, and who are innocent.”

“Why do we need to know that?”

“The Concords, the rules we vampires are supposed to live by, state that our food comes from the wicked. That is one rule I really enforce.”

“That makes me feel a bit better.” Devon said with a nervous chuckle.

“Okay, there’s a car waiting for us.” Hank said as he turned and walked towards the front of the house.

“There.” Devon said as he pointed out a woman who was walking down the street.

Hank thought for a second, then looked at Jared. “What do you think?”

Jared sighed, then extended his senses, still not liking reading others minds. This was one of the reasons why he didn’t like it. After just catching a glimpse of her surface thoughts, Jared wanted to throw up. All he could do was nod.

Devon put his arm over Jared’s shoulder and whispered to him. “If it helps, I’ve seen people do a lot worse than what she’s done. But she does need to die.” With a look at Hank, who nodded, Devon walked off after her.

“You know, that doesn’t make me feel better.” Jared said once Devon was out of earshot.

“Jared.” Hank said as he started to follow Devon, Jared falling into step beside him. “I don’t want this to sound as if I am insulting you, but. The innocence that you have, the love of life, the fact that you have not seen some of the things the rest of us have, is something to protect at all costs. It will be damned hard to do it, with the life you have to live, but protect that… protect it with everything you have.” Jared wasn’t sure how to respond, so he only nodded.

When they entered the alleyway that Devon had coaxed the woman down, they were just in time to see Devon stand up straight, and the woman’s body fall to the ground. His eyes were that amber yellow that none had seen in a vampire before. Hank thought they made Devon look even more scary, whereas Jared couldn’t help but think how beautiful they were.

“You drain her?” Hank asked after he saw the ecstasy leave Devon’s face. For a moment he was drawn back to how it felt when he was still young enough to feel the full rush of a feeding.

“Yeah…” Devon said with a confused tone.

“What’s wrong?” Hank asked cocking his head to the side.

“I’m still kinda hungry.”

“Okay…” Hank drew out… “Well let’s go find more, until you are full.”

“Okay.” Devon started to walk away, but Hank stopped him.

“You just gonna leave the body there?” Hank asked with a grin.

“Oh shit… ummmmmm…. What do I do with it?”

“Let’s see if i can teach you both a gift….” Hank started. “I want you to close your eyes, and use your mind to ‘find’ me. Just like you would do with humans, but you’re looking for me.”

“Gotcha…” Devon said quickly, followed a few moments later by Jared.

“Good… now understand, I’m helping you out, it wouldn’t normally be this easy with another one of our kind. But I want you to watch, and feel what I do. I’m going to bring forth the gift, just to the point of releasing the energy. I’ll do that several times, and I want you to let me know when you feel me doing it.”

Hank tried several times until Devon spoke up. “I got it! You’re making fire!”

Hank grinned but shook his head. This kid was catching on way too fast.

“He is?” Jared asked as he heard Hank’s thought.

“Yeah… I can feel it. It’s kinda like he’s pulling a flame from inside himself, and getting ready to throw it at the woman…. Do it again…” Hank did and Devon’s grin grew. “SEE!”

“Yeah…” Jared said unsteadily. “I think so…”

Hank did it several more times, and each time, Jared got more and more confident that he saw what Hank was doing. Finally Hank released the flame, causing the two boys to open their eyes as the alleyway brightened for a few seconds, then went dark again. Where the woman’s body had been, now was nothing but ashes, that were quickly blowing away. “That was so cool!” Devon crowed, with a grin.

“Devon… Jared…” Hank started in a very serious tone, causing both boys to sober up, and look at him intensely. “Until I give you my permission, you are not to use any of your gifts without myself, or someone I have authorized to teach you. Until you have control, you could do some real harm, not just to yourself, but to others. Do you understand?”

Both Jared and Devon nodded, causing Hank to smile. “I know it sounds harsh, but please believe me… I am speaking from experience here. Now, let’s go find someone else for Devon.”

As they were exiting the alleyway, they came face to face with a tall, beautiful looking woman. “Lord Dayton…” She said softly, causing Hank to immediately tense. “Please Lord, I do not wish any trouble. I simply need to ask for a boon.”

“Speak.” Hank said simply.

“I find myself needing to speak with The Ancient, and his… companions.” She extended her hand which held a folded piece of paper, complete with a wax seal. “All I ask is that you see that The Ancient receives this. If he so chooses, he will see me. If not, then I will accept his decision.”

Hank cautiously took the folded piece of paper, without a word, knowing that by simply accepting the paper, he was agreeing to deliver it. “Thank you Lord Dayton.” The woman then bowed, turned, and walked away.

Hank stared after her for a few moments before he shook his head, and looked back at Devon. “Let’s go see who else we can find for you.”

“Ummmm.” Devon started as he looked at the wax sealed paper. “Don’t we need to get that back to Runi? That was kinda strange.”

Hank nodded before he spoke. “Yeah… more than a bit strange. However, even though Runi never told anyone to, he is being treated like he would have been, back when I was young. Since the woman never said that it was urgent, it would be an insult to both her and Runi to change our plans.”

“This is so confusing…” Jared said with a shake of his head. Causing both Devon and Hank to nod in agreement.

“I.. I can’t smell anything.” Christina said quietly, causing everyone in their small group to stop. Runi, Colt and Mato all started to look around, inhaling to see if they could smell anything. Colt shook his head, while Runi suddenly got edgy.

“Wolfsbane…” He said slowly as his hand went to his back, and slowly drew his sword. “It is the only substance that I know of that can affect not only a wolf’s sense of smell, but also a vampires.” He glanced over at Mato and nodded. “I guess it works on other shifters as well. We must be prepared for anything.”

Colt nodded, to himself, then to the others, and began to shift. They had taken Mato’s suggestion, and were wearing clothing that easily separated, so they didn’t have to worry about undressing all the time. Less than a minute later there was a huge bear, a slightly smaller wolf like creature, and a smaller still, red furred wolf like creature standing there. Runi nodded to them all, and cautiously moved forward.

After only about thirty more feet, Colt looked around and then spoke softly. “We are not alone…”

Runi raised his eyebrows in surprise since not even he could tell if there was anyone around. Colt’s senses must be able to somewhat get past the block of Wolfsbane… another indication of just how powerful a wolf he was. However, even with those he had with him, Runi was still feeling something he was not used to feeling. Having someone that he did not know, ask for a meeting would not have been unusual. He had actually been waiting for the house lords to ask for meetings with him, so they could try and gain his favor. However, this was no House Lord, at least he didn’t believe so, since the letter specifically asked for Colt, Christina and Mato to join him.

The thing that concerned him greatly was the place at which the mysterious woman asked to meet. He did not think anyone, other than Colt, knew the location where he had slept for the last several hundred years.

“We’re surrounded…” Colt said as they stepped into the clearing that held the entrance to the old well that had been Runi’s home.

“I see the old books did not exaggerate about the power of a True Alpha…” A man’s voice said from the other side of the clearing.

“Gregory…” A Female’s voice said from beside the man. “I told you to be nice.”

Colt’s eyes went wide, than flashed to a baleful red as her voice brought back memories he was trying to bury…

“I really would have thought they would have told you by now, but…” The woman had said… back on the night that his family died, and his life took a drastic turn.

Before he even knew what he was doing, Colt let out a howl of pure fury, dropped to all fours and started to run right at the woman. His mind didn’t even recognize the fact that the man beside her started to shift, so focused was he on the woman. He launched himself into the air, intent on nothing other than the woman in front of him, the woman who had escaped him that ruefull night.

“COLT NO!” A voice knifed through his consciousness. Not even Runi could have brought Colt up as quickly as that voice did.

He turned himself to the side, slamming into and through the small tree that was to the side of the woman, and the small form that had stepped in front of her. He came up to his feet, shifting as he did, his mind not believing what his eyes were seeing.

“Clay?” He breathed out in utter disbelief.

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