Brother's Blood, page 32
part #4 of The Vampire Reclamation Project Series
“Good, you’ll have a chance to work together.”
“Oh my, so far we haven’t done much of that. I’ve always felt like William had better ideas when it came to worldly matters.”
“But you’re wise and experienced in how the universe works, Annabel. Aren’t those valuable strengths to bring to worldly matters?”
* * * * *
It had been a day and a half since William left Rolphe’s apartment. He’d been deeply troubled by Arel’s behavior. Arel had obviously lost touch with reality, but what could William do about it. He found that Myra’s flat provided the quiet he needed to consider his options.
At first he’d felt hopeless. Arel seemed to hold all the cards. Maybe the man was weaker than he thought in the real world, but Michael warned that wouldn’t be the case in the world Arel had created. As William pondered Arel’s current status, his hopeless feeling switched to one of anger. William came to Paris trying to renew their bond. He tried to be there for a friend, and Arel responded with threats, threats that scared the hell out of William. Would Arel snap his fingers and dispose of him like he’d disposed of Rolphe’s cave?
Once the questions started, they seemed overwhelming. How could a gifted guy like Arel be so incapable of managing his emotions? Why did he have to be so extreme in his reactions? How could Arel turn into some kind of mob boss who abandoned everything he held dear? How could he turn on William?
Carey’s visit helped bring in some clarity. The angel’s youthful look and mannerisms reminded William of when he’d been a young man. Rolphe’s blood, and the virus it contained, helped turn William into a kind of super human when it came to health and aging, but he’d been fearless before he ever met Rolphe. He’d walked around with the feeling that no one could take away his belief in himself. So what happened?
During Carey’s visit, the angel pointed out that William had lost sight of that belief. His statement was dismissed at first. But, now, as William sat in Myra’s living room, thinking about Annabel arriving very soon, he knew Carey was right. He was puffing himself up, thinking about how he’d bolster Annabel’s self-confidence when his own was almost nonexistent.
That fact was reinforced every time he retold stories about his experiences. He was always talking about what Rolphe had done to him, what Arel had done. He was like an old woman repeating the same tales over and over.
The thought made him grab hold of the sofa arm. “My god, I’m turning into a bigger victim than Arel, if that’s possible.”
When Annabel arrived a short time later, she looked her bright self, but William couldn’t appreciate her beauty or smile. He was too upset about continuing down a road to complete uselessness.
Annabel seemed to sense his concern. She reached out to him with a radiant face and carefully spoken words. “William, you always think of yourself as very rational.” She paused. “You know what I mean, a person with a scientific viewpoint, but you’re so much more than that. In spite of the pain that Arel has caused you, you came to Paris anyway, still championing what’s important. Do you know how much I admire that?”
William stalled as he went over his recent discovery and how he’d been kidding himself. “I know you mean well, Annabel, but can we stop talking about it?”
“Of course,” Annabel said quickly. She hesitated and stood back, her green eyes sweeping over him with unease.
“And please stop doing that.”
Annabel’s gaze went from scan mode to looking back with surprise. “Doing what?”
“You and your ex-buddies are always looking for my weaknesses. I’m sure it’s warranted, but it’s tiresome.”
Annabel paused. “William, has something happened since I talked to you last.”
“I said I didn’t want to talk about it.”
Fifty-Five
WHEN WILLIAM RETURNED to Rolphe’s apartment with Annabel, he tried to appear as normal as possible. He was doing his best to ignore the sinking feeling in his gut. He kept telling himself that even if he’d been playing the victim, he could change his attitude. At least he hoped he could. Otherwise, he’d have to join Arel in his demented world. They’d be brothers alright, a couple of broken-spirited beings who were utterly pathetic and useless.
Trying to get on with the business at hand, he wasted no time in calling for a meeting with Rolphe and the angels. It was held on the balcony because of the need for secrecy. Once everyone was seated, Michael, Carey and Rolphe looked to William to start the conversation.
William cleared his throat, his hands clasping each other. “First of all, what’s Arel’s physical condition?”
Michael spoke up. “He’s in a kind of very deep sleep. Sometimes, he starts to wake up, but usually falls back to sleep very quickly. As for the loss of blood, we’ve been able to help in that department. So physically, he’s stable. However, emotionally, he’s still in a very negative space. He’s living out that negativity in the world he’s created.”
Annabel gave William her sweetest, most supportive smile. “We’ve talked things over and decided we both want to help Arel if that’s possible.”
Rolphe shifted uneasily in his chair. “I don’t mean to be too forward, but do either of you have any idea about what you’re facing? Arel’s world is vastly different now. Anyway, that’s what I’ve seen in the visions I’ve had.”
“Different how?” William asked.
When Rolphe hesitated, Carey raised his hand. “Michael and I got a personal invitation, you might say. We’ve had an up close look at the new version of Arel’s creative endeavors.”
“What do you mean by a personal invitation?” Annabel asked.
Carey straightened in his seat. “Arel communicated via our airways. He’s indicated that he knows we’ll want to get involved. That being the case, he’s decided to make it a kind of contest. He’s invited us to check out the provisions he’s provided if we decide to intervene. Anyway, Rolphe is right. Arel’s world isn’t what it used to be. The people and nice neighborhoods are gone. It doesn’t look like anything in today’s world. The landscape looks like something out of the Lord of the Rings movie, minus the nice, scenic parts.”
Rolphe nodded. “It’s very dark, but there is one spot that’s still beautiful. There’s a hill with a crystalline castle perched on top, complete with turrets.”
William grimaced. “Let me guess. It belongs to Arel.”
Michael shook his head. “No, it’s ours. Arel’s castle is dark and quite foreboding.”
“What do you mean when you say it’s ours?” William asked.
Rolphe rubbed at some paint on the back of his hand and looked at William. “He means that the beautiful castle is flying two flags, Michael’s flag and your flag, my Prince.”
William found his patience at an all time low. He grimaced at Michael. “Why is he calling me that?”
“During one of his lifetimes, Arel was a very capable knight. He’s fashioned his present world to reflect the medieval period. Now, he’s taken on the title of king, the powerful sovereign ruler of his lands. Rolphe feels like you should have a title too.”
Carey smiled. “Prince William does seem appropriate.”
Annabel stood up, her face suddenly flushed with emotion. “I said I want to help, but I think we need to remember how dangerous this is, everyone. William doesn’t need a title. He needs protection if he’s going to challenge Arel.”
Carey sobered immediately. “Of course, Annabel. We all plan to do everything we can to help him.”
William glanced up at Annabel. “Please, don’t chastise Carey. I need as much levity as I can get.” He meant it. He’d seen his face in the hall mirror at Myra’s. If he looked any grimmer, he’d end up on a poster for the lame and downtrodden.
Annabel took her seat again, letting her bunched brows ease a little. “Sorry, I sometimes get—”
William patted her hand, trying to use the wit that had always been there when he needed to be entertaining. “Here’s a nice thought. If I’m Prince William, you could be my Lady Annabel.”
Annabel sat up straighter. “Do you mean you want me to visit this castle we’re discussing?”
“If Michael and Carey think it’s safe, of course.”
Michael nodded. “It is for now. I think Arel wants us to acquaint ourselves with the place. He’s welcomed us there so we can get used to the idea of what’s coming, even prepare for it.”
Annabel looked around the table. “What are we preparing for?”
Rolphe’s eyes clouded over. When he spoke, his words were delivered in a quiet, somber tone. “A war, my Lady, a war that decides who’s the more powerful, Arel or the prince.”
“That’s not exactly what’s going on, Rolphe,” Michael corrected. “What Arel really wants to discover is the truth about human nature. He wants to find out if darkness can extinguish the light.”
Rolphe pulled back. “That sounds even worse.”
William had to avoid letting Rolphe’s despairing attitude pull him down any further. He held up a hand. “If that’s the case we need to know what we’re dealing with. Before we make any plans, I suggest we all visit Arel’s world.”
When everyone nodded in agreement, Michael stood up. “I think one person should stay behind with Arel.” He looked at Rolphe. “While we check on what Arel has set up, you can monitor his condition here. If he looks like he’s waking up, you can alert us. And please don’t discuss what we’re doing. Even when Arel’s awake, he seems to be in a state of confusion. I don’t think he’s very capable of remembering what’s going on in his new world. I’m sure it’s more like a fuzzy dream.”
Rolphe clasped his hands together. “I won’t say anything that might upset him.”
William stood up too. Despite a feeling of deep-down agitation, the thought of visiting Arel’s newest handiwork had engaged his curiosity. He gave Michael a quick nod. “Let’s get started.”
* * * * *
Annabel felt like she was standing in one of the great castles of Europe. Her eyes widened with wonder as her gaze traveled up the soaring walls of the great hall. When she crouched down and ran her hand over the floor’s stone surface, it was hard and cold to the touch. Everything appeared so real that she had to remind herself that this castle belonged to a world that Arel had created.
The space was also on the chilly side, making her gravitate to the massive fireplace on one end of the hall. A well-stoked fire was burning, giving off enough heat to help her warm up a little. As she briskly rubbed her hands together, she thought about how easy it was to switch realities. Michael, Carey and William were all very helpful. With a few simple instructions and Michael’s energy boost, she relaxed and quickly slipped into a light trance. Following Michael’s directives, she soon found herself in Arel’s world.
She had shuttered when she’d first seen the landscape. She hadn’t been prepared for the barren fields or the muddy, stagnant waterways that greeted her. Not a bird or any kind of beast was visible. The only signs of life came from two opposing hilltops. Each boasted a fortress. William and Michael’s structure was beautiful, with white granite walls and elegant turrets that graced the upper level. Arel’s abode was made of stone too, but it was blackened like the fields. Seen from above, there were fires burning inside the thick outer walls.
Just the thought of Arel’s depressing stronghold made Annabel edge closer to the fire. William was still investigating some of the other parts of the castle. Since it would be his base of operations in Arel’s world, it was important that he familiarize himself with the layout. When he came striding into the hall, he was with Michael and Carey. All three were animated and talking with each other.
William had never looked more handsome. Decked out in boots and breeches, he wore a gleaming, silver breastplate over his white, linen tunic. A golden, royal crest was stamped on the breastplate’s polished surface. The emblem was a winged, jeweled crown set in a sunburst. A long, finely woven, scarlet cloak was draped around William’s shoulders. His head was adorned with a small crown encrusted with small diamonds.
As Annabel watched William walking over, she noted that he was in a good mood. When he laughed and patted Carey’s shoulder, she scowled. Obviously, the man she loved wasn’t too worried about the situation he was facing. It was only when he tripped over the edge of a rough stone in the floor that his laughter turned to expletives. Annabel tried to hide her reaction as he regained his composure. Hopefully, William would soon come to his senses and realize that he was dealing with a world that wasn’t only real, it was dangerous and potentially deadly.
* * * * *
William snorted his displeasure as he recovered his footing. He’d been caught off-guard when the edge of his boot caught on a paving stone. It was enough to remind him of a similar mishap that had happened months before. When he’d been approaching the cave where Rolphe was hiding, he’d tripped too. He was wondering about the two incidents when he looked up and caught Annabel’s gaze. Her reproachful eyes were letting him know that she was concerned about him.
His first reaction was an impatience bordering on anger. Taking a couple of breaths of the chill air, he managed to hold in his temper. Still, he couldn’t hold in all of his resentment. Annabel was an ex-angel. Couldn’t she use a little of her old intuitive angel sense to know they both had to remain positive? He tried to ignore the anxiety in her gaze as he approached her. “You’re doing it again, Lady Annabel.”
“What am I doing?” Annabel asked.
“Letting your fear get the better of you.”
“Fine, but it’s hard not to feel like this when I look around this room. Do you know how much power it took to create something so magnificent? Look at the stone work. Look at these elaborate furnishings!” She crossed her arms. “Look at you, William, and what you’re wearing.”
William stared at her, suddenly taken by Annabel’s beauty. For a moment, his heart raced with desire. “Me? What about you?” he asked. Annabel was gorgeous in her red, floor length, silk taffeta dress. The becoming, cinched bodice was embellished with gold cord and lace. Her auburn hair was pulled back and adorned with a pearl and diamond headpiece that showed off her regal, high cheekbones. “You belong in a fairytale.”
Annabel ignored his compliment. “William, are you listening to what I’m trying to tell you? Arel is playing at something that could end up being very dangerous!”
Annabel’s panicked voice echoed in the high-ceilinged room, making William back away. He gave the hall another quick sweep, taking in the incredible details of the structure. He was surrounded by evidence of Arel’s powerful abilities. Those creative abilities had the potential to also be used in lethal ways. He hoped Carey was right about his own potential. Would he measure up when it came to being as powerful as Arel?
As he wandered around the room, the chill began to seep into his bones. It made him wonder about the real motive behind Arel’s ‘medieval game’ theme. When historians referred to the period as the Dark Ages, there was a reason for the label. It was a brutal time.
He paused in front of a larger-than-life tapestry that hung on one of the walls. William was familiar with things of beauty, and he could appreciate the finely woven piece. The scene was something else. It depicted a village setting, populated by a large number of peasants. Many wore agreeable faces. Their pleasant attitude made William let out a sneer of disapproval. There was nothing pleasing in the daily fare of people who lived in such a village. They were mired in ignorance and harsh realities.
After reliving a past life in the middle ages, he hated the thought of what he’d suffered. Yet, he was drawn in by the tapestry’s subject matter and examined it with care. He zeroed in on one of the details. Was that a child hiding in the shadows?
If he narrowed his eyes, he could make out a boy. The boy’s face was pathetically thin and dirty. William stepped closer and put a hand on the woven cloth. He became fixated on the child’s beseeching eyes. They were dejected and wanting, filling his mind with a deep despair.
When William had been visiting Arel in Chicago the first time, he felt that same despair. He was deathly ill and delirious most of the time. For days, his hallucinations kept him trapped in a past life. He felt like a helpless child, one who was being burned alive by a cruel, uncaring mob. In the midst of the experience, he’d blamed Arel for the episode, thinking that Arel had abandoned him in that life.
Now, as he tried to distance himself from the pathetic boy in the tapestry, the scene he was staring at began to shift. The light was lost as a nighttime scene unfolded. The people changed. They were holding torches. Their smiling faces turned angry and savage.
“Oh god no, not again,” he groaned as the tapestry began to take on life. He tried to turn away as the object of the crowd’s hatred came into view. A man was tied to a stake. He was so young, barely more than a boy himself, and he was engulfed in flames. Before he’d been burned, he’d been tortured. There was no light left in the young man’s eyes, only torment and pain.
William shuttered as he connected with the man. “Arel, I’m so sorry for blaming you,” he whispered. “You gave up your life trying to save your sister. You had nothing left when they got through with you. Yet, I couldn’t see past what they did to me. I’m sorry that I never forgave you.”
William couldn’t move as he thought about how much hate he’d reaped on Arel during his stay in Chicago. Again, he realized how he’d played the victim. It was a shameful memory that made his face flush with heat. As that heat spread to the rest of his body, he was pulled deeper into the tapestry. Flames lit up the village square and threatened to engulf him next.
Again, he tried to shift his gaze, but he couldn’t control his focus. When he tried to step back, he realized that he couldn’t move. The more he struggled to disengage, the hotter the fire became. He could feel the heat coming off the blaze. As he was forced closer and closer, the heat became almost unbearable. Panic grabbed hold of him, but he had no voice to protest what was happening. It was only someone else’s hands, pulling him backwards, that saved him from a fiery demise. Everything faded after that.
