Derek awoke in the stables, the same place he had laid to rest that morning. Fortunately for him, the humiliation of it was only surpassed by the urgency of coming up with a reasonable story to tell Abbot about how his family had died. Not only his family, but all of the servants as well. As he laid there, half-awake in his daytime rest, he had thought about it but no story he came up with, sounded reasonable or sane.
He jumped down from the loft in the stables, and started to make his way out when he saw the Abbot’s carriage coming in. Claude had gone out to meet him, and helped him out of his carriage and into the castle. Derek waited for Claude to bring the horses in the back and into the stables.
- “You’re up early” Derek said to Claude as he entered the stables
- “I am always up early” he said back to Derek, “You will be as well, in time” he maneuvered the horses into the stables and disengaged the carriage. “Have you thought about what you will tell the Abbot?”
- “Yes I thought about it – but I cannot think of anything that sounds reasonable” Derek replied.
- “Well,” Claude started, “I hear that there is a sickness in the village to the east of here. A sickness could explain how everyone died.
Derek nodded at him, he was right, it could easily explain everything. However, Derek had never been any good at telling lies, and he did not think that he would magically become better at it within the next few minutes. However, with the intent of just getting it over with, he took a deep breath, and went in the house.
He walked in the front door and saw the candles in the library were lit, so he made his way there. He saw the Abbot sitting on a large chair next to the fireplace which had been lit, probably by Claude.
- “Good Evening, Abbot!” Derek said as he walked in with a smile, “I take it you had a pleasant day?” He asked.
- “Good evening, Derek,” the Abbot said, “Where are the servants? I saw no one here during the day today? What has happened here, son?”
Derek cleared his throat – this was it. “Well, yes, like I said, sir, we have had some problems, and the cost to us has been great” he paused and walked towards the window, “A stranger came to visit us, from the east I believe, my father let him stay outside by the stables. He was here about 2 days and then died.” Derek paused, thinking about what else to say in his story. “It’s cold, you know – we did not find out he was dead for a couple of days. We had the servants bury him – he looked like he had been sick, we felt bad for him, we thought if we had known, we could have helped him.”
Derek felt his story was going pretty well, he almost believed it himself. He didn’t turn around, he was afraid if he looked the abbot in the eye, he would lose his nerve.
“After a few days, some of the servants started to get sick. A few days after that, Richard died, the same way the stranger had died. Two weeks later, most of the servants were dead,” this was harder than he had expected – talking about his family dying to another person, making up a story about what had happened to them, was wrong. Derek expected to be hit by lighting or something, right where he stood. “And soon after that,” he choked on his own words, “soon after,” he tried again, but the words just wouldn’t come. He heard the Abbot get up, and walk towards him. He felt the Abbot’s hand on his shoulder,
- “It’s ok son,” the Abbot said, “I think I understand, and I am so sorry” he patted Derek on the shoulder some more, “How is it that you survived?” the Abbot asked.
Derek replied almost without thinking, “Claude saved me” he said, then he realized that he probably should not have said that. He paused for a moment trying to compose his thoughts and decide how he would explain Claude, “When he arrived I was very ill,” he said, “and he saved me somehow” he said. Derek could not come up with anything, at least hopefully he had bought himself some time to come up with a better story or perhaps Claude could come up with a better story.
- “I’d like to see the graves, Derek, and say a prayer for them, is that possible?” The Abbot asked.
Derek sighed in relief, it appeared that for now, his story was sticking, “Yes, that would be wonderful sir,” he said and turned around to face the Abbot. Derek took the man’s hands in his and looked into his eyes, and said a heartfelt “Thank you”. This was probably the only way his family would have a proper burial and he was thankful that this man had come to visit him. “This way, follow me” Derek said as they went out back towards where his family was buried.
———————————————————————–
Derek stood at his father’s grave as the Abbot said his prayer and all he could think of was what would his father want him to do now? He knew one day he would be taking over for his father but he never imagined it would be so soon. Derek stood there, as the Abbot went grave to grave and said a prayer for each. Derek didn’t even hear him, all he could think of is how empty his life had become. Every person he had ever loved, gone.
- “Let’s go inside, son” the abbot said as he walked over to Derek, “You know, my child, you are not the only one hit with this tragedy. I heard in my travels that the Earl of Norfolk’s lands were also hit with something that killed most of them – perhaps it was a sickness as well,” he looked very sad, “but unfortunately none survived there”.
- “Edward?” Derek asked remembering his childhood friend. This seemed surreal to him – he had just seen Edward no more than 6 months ago, in his last trip to London with his father. “When? When did this happen?”
- “Yes, I am afraid even Edward,” he said, “from what I hear no one survived. I believe this happened a few months ago, but I have not been back by those parts in some time. The local Vicar is the one that sent word to the Abbey that they had died – it was very messy from what I hear. We are blessed that the lord has spared you, my son. I know it does not seem that way now, but life is always a blessing.” he said as he went back inside the castle.
Derek sure as hell didn’t feel very blessed right now. He couldn’t believe it – Edward was gone too. He began to wonder if his friend had followed the same fate as Derek’s family – it certainly sounded like it. Perhaps Claude would know.
He went inside and went to the kitchen to look for food for the Abbot. The Abbot asked if he had eaten, and he said he ate in town. He pulled out the bread, stale by now, cheese, some meat, mead and honey.
- “I apologize that I do not have a better meal to offer you, but as you know, we have no servants right now, and I am not very well versed in the kitchen” Derek said with a smile.
- “This is plenty, my son, do not worry.” The Abbot replied taking a chunk of cheese, meat and pouring some mead. “You should come to London with me, you need to tend to your father’s affairs in the city. You will need to step in for him now in the council of Lords” he said.
The Council of Lords. Derek had not even thought about that. Derek hated the council of Lords, many times his father had asked him to come to council meetings so he could start to understand it, and many times Derek had found something else to occupy his time. He always thought that sitting in a stuffy room with old men pondering their own importance was quite pointless. He was never one for politics and now, he would have no choice but to step into it with both feet. That is, if he wanted to continue his father’s legacy – which he felt almost obligated at this point.
- “Perhaps” he replied meekly looking down on the food spread on the table. He was so different now, how would he interact with people? What if they found out – what if they knew? “I have to get the castle in order first, Abbot, but perhaps within the next few months I shall go to London.” he said
- “Very well, my child” the Abbot said, “I shall retire now, as I have a long journey ahead of me tomorrow. Will you be here in the morning?”
- “No, I have to go back out tomorrow morning – I will make sure that Claude tends to your carriage and horses early and gets them ready for your trip”.
The Abbot grabbed a piece of cheese and a mug of mead and patted Derek on his back, “I know difficult times are ahead, son, but God will be with you, you will get through it” he said, “I will pray for you.” And with that he headed out of the kitchen with his snack. He paused at the door the great hall, looked back at Derek, raised his mug and said “Thank you for your hospitality, even in such hard times as these…”
- “My home is always open to you, Abbot” Derek replied
- “Now you sound like your father” the Abbot said, then he turned around and headed upstairs. That brought a smile of pride to Derek’s face – he sounded like his father – at this moment, he could think of no one better to handle this situation. If his father were here, he would know exactly what to do.
Derek sighed, one more night in the stables, just great. He went out back looking for Claude to let him know about the Abbot leaving in the morning, and also to find out more about Edward’s fate possibly.
———————————————————————————————-
Derek found Claude out back tending to the horses again. He had also apparently found another one of his father’s horses, a companion mare they kept in the stables to keep the stallions calm.
- “Ahh, you’ve found Sienna” Derek said as he approached.
Claude didn’t even look up – he kept brushing the mare as he replied, “yes, she came back early afternoon. She has a twisted knee, I have done the best that I can, but she may have to be put down. We will know more in a few days,” he paused and looked up at Derek, “and the Abbot?” he asked as he went back to brushing the mare.
- “Leaving in the morning for London, thankfully” Derek said, “Claude, I will probably need to go to London soon to set my father’s affairs in order.”
Claude dropped the brush and looked up at Derek
- “To London? Are you mad? London is the center of Kindred Soceity here in England. No,” he bent down to pick up the brush, “you cannot go to London – not now – not ever.”
- “Not ever? What do you mean not ever? If there are others like me there then they will understand my predicament. I am not afraid of them, Claude.” he said, “I am however, afraid of what will happen to my father’s position and reputation if I am not there to tend to it. I will not have my family name, influence and power fall by the wayside. My father would not want that.” He said.
Claude looked up at Derek, “You still do not understand” he said with a sigh, “Your father’s power, influence and name, as you put it, are already gone! They died that day on that field”, Claude pointed to the open field behind them, “it is gone – it is over – you have a new life that you must adjust to now – or you will not survive. You cannot go to London,” he continued, “I know you are not afraid, but you know not what Kindred are like. They are not human Derek, they have no compassion, no understanding. All they seek is power,” he looked at Derek, almost feeling like his words were falling on deaf ears, for he could see the resolve in Derek’s eyes, “they will use you – or they will kill you – and I cannot protect you from them.”
For the first time since he had met Claude, Derek saw concern in his eyes. It was a little disconcerting since up until now, he either saw pity or amusement in those deep green eyes, and now, for the first time a bit of concern and even fear.
- “Why do you say that, have they done something to you?” Derek asked
- “Because I know Kindred”, Claude Replied, “I have been around for a very long time, and if there is one thing that never changes, is a Vampire’s greed and bloodlust. You are better off staying away from that – avoid Kindred soceity”, he continued, “nothing good will ever come from them”
- ” I go for my father, Claude, not for them” Derek said, “Something may have happed to me, some things may have changed in my life, but I am still my father’s son, and I will not sit by and let all that he worked for fall into ruin for fear. I am afraid of nothing. If they kill me, then so be it. I will live my life on my terms, not theirs – I will not compromise for if I do, then my life is over anyway.”
Claude looked at Derek for a long time, searching for anything, a sign that mabe he could be swayed, but found nothing.
- “Fine.” he said finally, ” I can see your stubborness will win out, so I suggest a compromise.” Claude said.
Derek raised an eyebrow at him, “a compromise?”
- “Let me teach you enough to protect yourself at least,” Claude said, “then you can go” he sighed heavily, “and I will go with you.”
- “How long will that take?” Derek asked impatiently.
- “Three months” Claude replied quickly
- “Three months? That is too long, by then rumors will have started and it will be much more difficult to set things straight. No Claude, I have to go sooner than that.”
- “Six weeks then – at least,” Claude said impatiently, “You will not accomplish much if you die the minute you set foot in London.”
Derek paused, and looked at Claude. He had a point. Although Derek could not imagine anyone outright attacking him for no reason when he reached the city. It is not as if he did not have any allies there. His father was influential and a good man. He had many allies and friends who Derek was sure would be glad to offer him aid if needed.
- “Very well” Derek said, “six weeks and not a day more.”
- “Alright,” Claude said, “we begin tomorrow” he continued, “now get some rest. The sun will be up soon.”
Claude closed the stall gate and put the brushes away and walked out back towards the castle. Derek looked up to ledge on the stables, and started to make his way up. Only one more night and he could move back into his own house.
The Hunger Within ….
The Abbot left early the next morning, although Derek was in a sleeping state, he heard Claude’s voice in the stables and the Abbott thanking him for the help. After that Derek fell asleep for the day. His daytime dreams were filled with memories of what his life was before this nightmare had happened to him. He remembered days of hunting with Edward, strolling the grounds with Ashley and the long conversations with his father about politics and the future of their lands. But most of all, he yearned for that feeling of safety and security. Although he never particularly wanted to follow in his father’s political footsteps, he almost yearned now for the feeling of obligation he had always felt during those long talks about his future. Memories haunted his days and this new cursed life haunted his nights. Derek felt trapped.
By the time he awoke it was dark and the sun had set. He was hungry – for the first time since this nightmare began – really hungry. The hunger burned inside of him and as he passed the horses on his way inside, he could smell them. The scent was intoxicating, and in his head he could almost hear the beating of their hearts. The horses became uneasy as he approached, and as they did, Derek could hear the blood rushing in their veins. He felt their heartbeats quicken as if they knew he was there, as if they knew his hunger. Almost in a trancelike state, Derek approached the stall door, and began to quietly undo the latch. Their blood was calling to him, the call was so strong that he felt like he had no choice but to answer it.
- “Derek” Claude called out to him from the entrance to the stables, but Derek didn’t hear him, “Derek”, Claude called again, but he sounded so far away. Derek turned to look at him – he was at the door to the stables. Derek turned away and continued to pull the stall door open. He felt a hand firmly grasp his.
- “No”, he heard Claude’s voice, behind him, “we will need the horses,” Derek just looked at him, his voice sounded muffled – he could still hear the horses’ heartbeat in his head, feel their breath and fear, and smell that sweet intoxicating scent of their blood. Claude grabbed Derek by the arm and dragged him outside.
It took a few minutes, but his mind finally cleared, and that hunger was back. That burning inside of him, almost as if there was a hole in his midsection. He looked up at Claude,
- “What happened?” he asked counfused.
- “You are hungry” Claude replied, “we need to hunt” he continued, “let us go hunt some deer or wolves” he said.
- “Claude, I could hear that horses’ heartbeat – I could smell its blood – if you had not come – I am not sure what I would have done.” He said looking away feeling ashamed.
- “You would have killed it and drank its blood”, Claude said in a calm matter-of-fact way, “as I said before, you are a killer now Derek. When the hunger strikes, it matters not if your prey is animal or human. All you can smell is blood and you will kill to feed the beast within you.” he continued, putting his right hand on Derek’s shoulder, “lesson one, Lad – never wait until you are hungry to eat. Our beast is not selective of its prey, therefore you must plan out your meals so that you do not wait for hunger to strike. Once hunger strikes, it is too late and you will kill anyone for their blood. Trust me, son – you do not want that on your concience.” he smiled at Derek, “Now – let us hunt!”
——————————————————————————————————–
Derek was amazed how easy this hunting game was for him. They hunted deer, but it almost seemed unfair. He could hear his prey a mile away and he could smell the blood once he got close. He felt the animal’s heart quicken, and if it hadn’t been for the fact that Derek left a trail of dead grass, trees and leaves wherever he went, no one would ever know he was even there.
As they approached their first kill, Claude said he would go first. He moved so fast, Derek was watching him without flinching, and suddenly he appeared at the other side of the clearing and on top of the deer. He grabbed the animal like it was made out of nothing, and brought it to ground. He bent down over it and after a while, Derek saw the blood dripping down the Animal’s neck. Derek felt the hunger in him burn, and felt his senses tingle as he watched that from afar. He was afraid to move forward because if he did, he wasn’t sure he would be able to contain himself. How barbaric – he was horrified to watch this man, drink the animal’s blood but at the same time he was excited and something in him pushed him to do the same.
After a while, the animal was dead and Claude moved just as quickly and quietly and appeared next to Derek again. He turned to him and said, “Ok, now you”, and they set off to look for a prey for Derek. They didn’t have to look far and soon Derek saw another Deer accross the way.
- “How do I move fast like you did?” He asked
- “Do not worry about that for now, lad” Claude replied, “just be quiet as to not startle the animal. The key is to not let your hunger take over. You must remain in control or you will startle the animal”
Derek moved up as quietly as he could. You could barely hear him moving, but for the sound that the grass made crackling under his feet as it died. It took several attempts and almost 3 hours went by before he was able to move quietly enough towards his prey as to not startle it. When he was finally there, smelling the sweet scent of the creature’s blood, feeling its pulse, he found that even more difficult than sneaking up on his prey was to remain in control. The bloodlust was powerful and overpowered even his disgust at drinking another creature’s blood. He grabbed his prey, and although he was not able to easily bring it down like Claude did, he finally sunk his teeth into its neck. The creature writhed under him and tried to get away but his grip was solid.
Drinking the blood of this creature was like nothing he had ever experienced ever in his life. He felt it warm his entire body, from head to toe. He felt a rush and the world faded away behind him into nothing and all he could feel, see and smell was the blood. He was not sure how long it took him to drink, but finally there was nothing left and the creature laid limp in his arms. The bloodlust faded from him as quickly as it had come, and reality came crashing back down on him. He looked down and saw this dead animal in his arms – he saw its neck ripped open, and the smell of blood that came from the carcass no longer smelled sweet, but it was sticky and and midly disgusting. What had he done? He had killed a deer and drank its blood- and he had enjoyed it – like a lunatic. He dropped the body and scurried back away from it, in complete horror. He saw Claude approach him.
- “Are you alright?” Claude asked with a smile, “Powerful, is it not?”
Derek couldn’t speak – he tried to and realized that somehow his mouth felt full – like his teeth were in the way. He reached up and touched his lips and felt long fangs, like you would expect to see on an animal of some kind. He gasped in horror.
Claude kneeled down next to him, “its ok,” he said in a calm voice, “the first time is the hardest,” he said, “it will get better”. He got up and reached his hand down to help Derek up, “now we must leave the woods – you are too easily tracked” he waved Derek to stand up, “Come”
Derek sat there looking at him – how could he stand there and act like nothing different had happened? Derek could not bring himself to look down at the animal’s carcass. He had done that – he had killed it with his bare hands. He turned away from the animal and stood without taking Claude’s hand, and quietly moved past Claude towards the castle. The world was spinning around him. How could he be so comfortable with the thought of killing this animal to hunt it down for 3 hours? He could not understand – it was almost like he wasn’t himself during that time. He didn’t like this feeling. He got back to the castle and went up to his room. He stayed there for the rest of the night, going over the events, the “hunt” so to speak in his mind in great detail. He looked at himself in the mirror and saw his fangs down – he looked like a monster. It took a while but he figured out how to will his fangs back in place so that he looked like himself again. He couldn’t understand his own behaviour and that scared him more than anything else.