Darkness
Chapter 7
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Chapter 7
Adair Velasquez:
The Vampire Mage
During my
human life I was taught to use the most powerful of magics.
they wouldn’t give me over to the mages who wished to train me.
that I never really cared about. Oh,
don’t get me wrong, in the beginning I hated them with all my heart but after
my instruction began I no longer despised them. Not only did they train me in magic, but in swords.
mind to. Diplomacy, swordplay, magic,
everything, including the art of torture.
The mages that I belonged to watched over me, kept me safe, and trained
me in all things. Until I was eighteen
I was kept in the halls of learning under the expert tutelage of Diego, who I
would kill a few years later. Upon my
eighteenth year I was sent on my first mission. What they thought I could handle, I couldn’t, and it cost me
dearly. I was sent to find and speak
with a vampire named Ivan. I did manage
to find him; it was what happened when I did that I will never forget.
My black
and scarlet robes brushed over the stones of the stoop as I approached Ivan’s
home. Rapping on the door with the back
of my knuckles I waited. Ivan himself
opened the door, his eyes cold and heartless.
They brightened when he saw me.
“Well,
well, well, if it isn’t a mage. What
might I do for you?” He asked with a smile.
I bowed
slightly, “There is a matter that I have been sent to speak with you about.” I
said softly.
He
nodded, “I figured that sooner or later they would send someone.
about is my involvement in the death of quite a number of your members.
I nodded,
“Yes.” I replied with a half smile, “It is believed that you murdered no less
than five of our members.”
“It’s
true.” He said with a weak smile, “I did indeed kill them but it was not
without necessity. You must understand
that it is a vampire’s nature to kill, especially for one as old as I.”
“We do
realize that but we would like compensation for our loss.
kindly to our members being destroyed in such a manner.” I said as kindly as
possible.
“Of
course. Please, come inside so that we may
discuss the appropriate payment for your loss.”
I stepped
inside and the door closed, sealing my fate.
There was a click as it was locked.
I whirled quickly to face him, “What do you think you’re doing?” I
growled.
He
smiled, “You are worth a pretty penny.” He said, “Your youth, your power.
been looking for to sell. Those other
five did not have what you do and that is why I’m not going to kill you.” He
said, tossing the key up in the air and catching it.
“The
others will not stand for this.” I hissed, “They will come for me and they will
kill you.”
“Believe
what you will.” He said with a shrug as he grabbed my arm, “Let’s go, there are
some people here who would love to meet one such as you.” He laughed as he
pulled me along behind him. I fought
against him, trying to get my arm back so that I could cast a spell that would
surely destroy him, “Don’t struggle, it will do you no good.” A large living
room was our destination. Within it sat
three vampires lounging in various chairs around the room, “How much will you
give me for this one?” Ivan asked, throwing me down on the floor.
One with
light brown hair stood up and approached me slowly. As he began to circle I brought my fingertips together and began
to chant softly so that they couldn’t hear me.
Blacergyergy sparked silently between the tips of my fingers.
“What’s
so special about this one? Yes he’s
handsome but you could have taken anyone off the street and dressed them in a
mage’s robe.” He said, stopping in front of me. Slowly he reached down to pull my head up.
“What do you think you’re doing?” He asked, trying to pull away from me.
The
energy I had summoned arced into him, causing him to scream.
“That’s what’s different about me.” I spat, looking up into his face and
releasing his arm, “Now, you die.” I said coldly as he continued to scream.
One of
the two remaining got to his feet, “He has amazing powers.” He said, brushing a
hand through his short blonde hair, “I’ll give you fifty for him.”
The last
one looked at me with icy eyes, “I’ll give you a hundred.” He said softly.
Ivan
blinked, as did the other man. They
were shocked, “Alright Orion.” Ivan said, giving him the key, “Take him.
“Get up.”
Orion ordered, “If you attempt to do to me what you did to him,” He said,
pointing to the pile of ash, “then willwill suffer greatly.”
I
narrowed my eyes as I got to my feet, “Tell me something, Orion, what is it you
intend to do with me? That will be the
deciding factor as to whether or not I kill you.” I said as he stood before me.
He
shrugged, “Your power could be of great use to me. Let’s go, if you come willingly I may decide to release you,
unlikely but I may.” I followed him out, determined to find someway to
escape. Into a dark alley he took me,
“I’ve decided what I’m going to do with you.
You’re going to become one of us.” He said with a smile.
I shook
my head and pressed my fingertips together, “I don’t think so.” I hissed, “I
shall destroy you.”
He sighed
as I began to chant quietly. Quickly he
grabbed my arm, breaking my concentration and causing my spell to go awry.
causing it to crumble. That one spell
called my teacher to my location. The
sound of magical energy whizzed past my head as Orion bent to drink from
me. Orion pulled away and growled at
Diego.
“Release
him vampire, or my next spell shall not miss.”
Orion
smiled and threw me against the wall; “I shall deal with you in a minute mage.”
He said to me before turning to Diego, “Well mage? Have you come for what I rightfully bought from Ivan?”
Diego
smiled, “He is my student and will be returned to me.”
Orion
sighed, “Then fight me for him. Who
ever wins gets the boy, fair enough?”
“Yes.” He
said with a nod, “I agree.” With that a black orb appeared in his hand, “I
shall not fail you Adair.” He smiled at me.
“And I
shall not lose.” Orion said, preparing himself for my master’s assault.
wall like a rag doll, his body slowly beginning to disintegrate, “The boy will
be ours.” He growled as he turned to dust.
“Let’s go
back Adair. We need to talk about what
happened tonight.” He said, turning around and walking away.
I
scrambled to my feet and followed after him quickly, knowing that I would most
likely be punished for my failure. Had
I really failed though? I did discover
that yes, he had killed the five, not only that but the reason behind it.
had failed. We reached the halls of
learning before daybreak. Diego strode
inside and I followed close behind him.
“We are
going to see the high mage.” He said softly, “He wishes to speak with you,
seems to think you found something out, let’s hope he’s right.”
Together
we walked through the halls toward my fate.
That one meeting would change my life forever. I didn’t know that it had been the high mage’s plan in the first
place to send me, to give me a taste of the vampire world.
the high mage’s office before opening it.
“Gnsidnside.” He ordered. Once I was within
he closed the door.
“Welcome
Adair. I know that you have always
feared this place, coming here.” The high mage said softly, his voice sweet and
calm, “You have nothing to worry about.
Tell me what you found out, tell me what you know.” His back was to me,
the hood of his robe covering his face.
“I
learned the truth, the reason behind it all.” I said softly, “Ivan did indeed
destroy five of our member but he did so because he wished to sell them.
instead so that they couldn’t inform us of his intentions.” I paused, “He did
sell me.” I whispered, “To a vampire named Orion but he is dead now, thanks to
Diego. I do not believe that I am ready
for the responsibility of missions.” I whispered, ashamed of myself.
“You performed
quite admirably.” He said, I was shocked, “I wouldn’t have expected any better
without his death and we don’t wish that, yet.” He paused, “How many others
were in the running to purchase you?”
“Two, but
I killed one of them.” I replied quickly, “Is there anything else that you wish
of me sir?” I asked softly.
He was
silent for a moment, “I have been a part of this façade for far too long.
said softly, “I want you to know something but should you reveal my secret to
anyone I will not be pleased.”
“I
understand sir.” I replied.
He turned
to face me, “I am not human, I am a vampire.
I want you to carry on my legacy.
I shall end my existence soon but I do not want you to ever end yours.
wish for you to endure. Fight for your
existence and never, ever, forget your magical studies, continue with
them. I am the only vampire who can use
magic, the only one until I create you.” He said, drawing back his hood.
but his eyes were two brilliant sapphires set in the face of a marble
statue. He was an ancient, “After I
create you, teach you, and remove the humanity from you I shall end my life.”
I
swallowed hard, “You can’t be serious.
Why me? Why do you wish for me
to become a vampire?” I asked softly, “What have I done for anyone to want me
to become one of the living dead?”
“You have
shown great promise. You have had the
best instructor and even he has seen the potential. I do not wish for that to go to waste. It was Diego who pointed you out to me. It was Diego who went to get you from you parents.
you.” He said, his voice calm and even.
My eyes
grew wide, “I don’t believe you.”
“Believe.”
He said as he slowly approached me, his scarlet robe whispering across the
stones. I stood there in shock, unable
to react, unable to move as death approached with his pale visage, “Relax.” He
ordered softly as he wrapped me in his warm embrace. I felt my body react without my telling it to, “Very good.” He
whispered, “Very good.” Gently he began to wind his fingers through my hair,
brushing it away from my throat so that he would have a clean strike.
will only hurt a moa moment.” He whispered, calming my fears.
Warm
breath followed by a sharp pain told me that he had begun.
tugging at my heart. I felt drained,
devoid of every ounce of life that had once made me what I was.
awaited me should I wish to enter it. I
did, I sank into it willingly, blessed nothingness. Torn from my comfort, my solitude, by a rich liquid, a life
giving substance, blood. Gasping for
breath, I was suffocated by it. I
couldn’t breath; I couldn’t feel anything except for pain.
of my dieing body. Tiny pin pricks of
pain shot through me, pulling me out of the darkness, out of death.
pulled from my lips and the pain grew.
This ancient blood that had been introduced to me called out.
by the very idea of it. He released me,
letting my exhausted body fall to the ground.
“I shall
perform a spell upon you tomorrow night.” He said, helping me to my feet.
“What
kind of spell?” I asked softly, “Please, tell me.” I begged as he sat me in a
chair.
He shook
his head, “No, but I shall tell you my name.” He paused, “I am Silvanus.” He
smiled, “Adair, you shall do well in your new life. After you have rested for a little while I shall take you to your
new room where you may sleep for the day.”
I bowed
my head, “Very well.” I said softly.
He nodded
and sat down across from me, his robes spilling over the chair.
not, I doubted that I did but it was a comfort. My heart had ceased to beat and I hungered.
I feared myself and what I could do. I
now had strength to go with my magical talent.
Shaking my head I got to my feet, Silvanus followed suit.
“I am
ready to sleep.” I said softly, “I’m ready.” I whispered.
He
smiled, “Very well, come, let’s go.” He said as he went to the door.
deep inside. I was frightened; I knew
that it could kill me, would kill me, if I allowed it to, “You feel it, don’t
you?” He asked softly. I nodded, “You
have nothing to fear. In these halls
you are safe. Nothing can or will
harm.”
“Who will
be your successor when you are gone?” I asked softly, “Who will take over for
you when you…” I trailed off, “When you…” I couldn’t bring myself to say it.
“When I
pass on?” He asked, “Diego will. After
his death I know not. You must continue
with your learning, no matter the cost.
It is imperative that you not tell anyone what you are.
admittance into our ranks. At that time
you shall be given your new robes and a hood shall cover your visage from
prying eyes. No one shall know that you
do not age and no one shall know what you are.
Tomorrow night you shall see no one save me. I shall perform the spell than you shall be given your mission.”
I nodded,
“I understand.” I said as he opened a large door, I knew that it led to his
private quarters.
“Sleep
here. I shall return for you at night
fall.” He said before leaving me.
I crawled
into bed and went to sleep. The next
night the spell was performed. It was
strange when I was faced with myself.
The conversation we had was quiet enlightening.
one. While the human me was weak, had a
sympathetic heart. I was much happier
with my current state of being. My
mission was a simple one, destroy Ivan, stop him from taking any more of our
number. I was a success, how could I
not be? But my presence frightened
him. He didn’t know what to think.
welcomed me into his home. That was his
first mistake, and his last. He died by
my hand, by my magic. When I returned I
was given a private ceremony by Silvanus.
No one else was there, he didn’t wish for anyone to see me before I
gained proper coverage. Scarlet with
black lining was my new dress; the shadows from the hood covered my face,
allowing none to gaze within.
I was
still eighteen, almost nineteen, when Silvanus ended his reign and his
teachings. Diego assumed leadership and
when I was twenty the end of the mages came to pass. I killed Diego when there was unrest among the masses.
but that was when he died. The years
past and I continued my studies, scribing my knowledge into black; leather
bound tomes as I learned more. There
werfew few spells that I wouldn’t write, spells that I would never reveal to
anyone. Then again, no one would be
able to cast them. No one in the
current day has the knowledge to do so or the power. They were difficult spells to perform, even for the most
experienced of casters. In the current
day and age there are those who fancy themselves to be mages but none are.
but sadly he is a hunter and should be dealt with in the most gruesome of
ways. Alex, I believe that’s his name,
he and that thieving little bitch, Nadya, shall get their due.
for the spell that I shall perform when I have them within my grasp.
“Master.”
Andra, the only human that I keep, whispered as she walked toward me, “There
are two people here to see you. They
have one of your books.”
“Thank
you my dear.” I whispered, running my hand down her cheek, “I appreciate you, I
hope you realize that.”
She
nodded, “Yes.”
“Good,
show them to the library. I shall be
there momentarily.” I replied, laying a gentle kiss upon her cheek.
She
nodded and left. I smiled inwardly as I
looked myself over in the full-length mirror.
I wasn’t dressed in anything that would be considered normal but it was
comfortable, my robe from long ago, but this time my hood was not up.
before making my way to the library. My
robes whispered quietly against the floor as I walked.
books, the boy, Alex, searching for my spells, the girl, looking for
histories. Alex noticed me first and
walked toward me with my book in hand.
“I
believe that this is yours.” He said, holding my book out to me.
I smiled
and took it from him, “I decided to make a better impression tonight.
for wear.” I said, motioning to my appearance.
Alex
nodded, “Thank you for granting us access to your library.” He said softly, “I
greatly appreciate it.”
I nodded,
“Oh, it was nothing.” I said with a smile, “When you have the chance there is
something that I would like to show the two of you.”
Nadya
closed her eyes, “I suppose that now would be a good time.” She said softly.
“Follow
me.” I replied as I walked back through the door.
They
followed behind without question, foolish humans. Down into the basement we went.
Leandra was still chained to the wall; I hadn’t performed the spell that
Eric thought I had upon her. What I did
was remove from her every ounce of vampiric essence held within.
sickening, but enjoyable nonetheless.
The body of the human that Eric had tortured still hung upon the wall as
well. Leandra looked like a frightened
animal, the pain she had been put through the previous night still fresh in her
mind. As we began our decent Eric came
to the top of the stairs. He didn’t
move, didn’t follow, just stood there looking down at us.
“This is
the effect of a spell that is not written in the book you stole.” I said,
pointing at Leandra.
“What’s
wrong with her?” Nadya asked as she checked for a pulse.
I crossed
my arms, “Turned her then removed her vampiric essence, without that she is
nothing more than a human trapped in a dieing body. Her blood is still that of a vampire but she is more dead than
even I.”
Alex
looked over at the girl Eric had taken care of and his eyes grew wide, “And
her?” He asked softly.
“My
child’s work actually.” I said with a quiet laugh, “I am quite pleased with his
progress. He has grown by leaps and
bounds in the past few nights. Ever
since I removed the humanity from his body he has become quite the vampire.”
Alex
turned to face me, “I read that spell, quite difficult to perform is it not?”
“I have
had many, many years of experience.
That spell is not difficult, but for you it would be.” I said, turning
away from him and pulling out a dagger.
“Be
careful.” Leandra said softly from her place on the wall.
“What did
you say?” Alex asked.
Before
she could open her mouth I drove the dagger into her heart, “Hush my dear.” I
whispered, caressing her cheek, “Not another word from that pretty, little
mouth of yours.”
The two
humans looked at me in shock, Eric looked at me in awe, “Why did you do that?”
Nadya asked, drawing the blade from her back.
I
chuckled softly and drug my fingers through the blood that had begun to trickle
from the wound. Alex was the closest
and he wasn’t putting up a fight, he looked shocked and confused.
form.” I whispered, “These two worlds meet as one to serve me.” I said,
dragging my blood-covered fingertips down Alex’s cheek, “My servant, my voice,
my spy.” I whispered, “Bound to me until his death.” With those final words
Alex screamed and fell to his knees and Nadya was upon me.
Eric
seized her before the blade had a chance to touch me, “What should I do with
her?” He asked, for her her to drop the blade and running his tongue up her
throat.
“Kill
her. Alex was more than willing to
become my slave.” I said as Alex screamed once again.
“So>“So
that’s what you did to him.” Nadya hissed.
I
laughed, “Of course my dear. He is a
mage and you are nothing more than a petty thief. I do not need you to be counted amongst those who are loyal to
our cause.”
“What is
your cause, if you don’t mind my asking?
You are going to kill me after all.”
“Bind her
to the wall. I shall return in a
moment.” I said. Eric nodded in
response as I walked upstairs. I got
the book that she had been looking for and returned to the basement.
Eric was watching Alex as he ted ted in pain.
Standing before her I flipped open the leather bound tome, “In the
beginning there were the gods and only the gods. Then the humans came from the third planet, landing upon this
world. When that occurred the gods
placed their essences into two humans, chosen from the stock that had
landed. From these two came powerful
beings of darkness, nightwalkers with the power of the gods.
to their purpose. They were to wait
until the time was right, to build up their strength, their armies, so that
they could once again be the rulers of this world. When the time came humans would be nothing more than a slave
race.” I said, translating as I read, “Any questions?” I asked softly.
“What
about the gods? Will they return or
will they stay away?” She asked, looking at me in contempt.
I flipped
to another page, “The gods remain in contact with the two, the lord and lady,
they shall be the ones to inform them when the time is right.”
She bowed
her head, “Alright, go ahead and kill me if that’s yourn.” n.” She said softly.
“Eric,
feed from her but don’t kill her, leave a little left.
Eric
smiled as he brushed her hair away from her throat. Alex got to his feet, “Please, don’t.” He pleaded.
Eric
ignored him and sank his teeth into her skin.
She whimpered in pain as he began to drink. After two swallows he pulled away, there was just enough blood
within to keep her alive. I nodded to
Eric and he took a step back.
“Alex,
finish her off by drinking the rest of her blood.” I ordered.
said. He didn’t resist my power over
him, “Good boy.” I said with a smile.
“What did
you do to me?” He asked softly.
“You are
now mine. My purpose is now yours.” I
said with a smile, “I shall teach you my magic and you shall do exactly as I
tell you. For now, what I wish, is for
you to do exactly what you normally would.
Go on with your normal life but every night you must come here.
will be very sorry that you defied me.” I said, “Tomorrow night I may decide to
begin your training. You may leave.” I
said soft“Oh,“Oh, and one more thing.” I said as he began to walk up the
stairs, “Don’t tell anyone about what happened here, say nothing about this
place.” I ordered.
He nodded
and disappeared into the main house, “I thought you were going to cast the same
spell on Leandra that you did on me.” Eric whispered.
I
shrugged, “I thought about it then decided that she would be too much trouble,
even without her humanity. Instead I
decided to make it so that I could use her for spells, I still can actually.”
“Oh well,
no real loss.” He said with a shrug, “I can’t really complain, you haven’t been
away for me to need anyone else to share this world with.”
I laughed
softly, “From now on I may be. There
have been things going on in our world as of late. The lord and lady will not tell me what exactly is going on but I
believe that it may soon be our time.”
“Really?”
He asked softly, “Do you really think so?”
I shrugged,
“I have no clue. No one can ever be
sure.” I said, “What I think is that soon shall be our time.
elite hunters, but only when the word is given. At that point there shall be no problems with my other plans.” He
scowled but didn’t say a word, “I’m not going to tell you what they are so
don’t bother asking. Why don’t you go
out and hunt? I’ll take care of the
bodies. Leandra can stay here so thatmay may continue to use her.” Eric nodded and left the basement.
face, “Well my dear, you’re just going to stay here. I still have use for you.” I said, bending forward and wrapped my
hand around the hilt of the dagger, “Quite a bit of use.” I perepered, gently
kissing her lips. As I did so I pulled
the weapon from her body, “Even in death you’re useful.” I said, seductively
licking the blood from the blade, “Mm, my powerful blood flows through your
corpse.” I said, unchaining Nadya from the wall.
Her body
fell to the ground, limp, devoid of life.
Picking her up easily I carried her upstairs, intending to leave her
corpse for the other elite hunters to find.
They could do with it as they pleased.
I left her at the waterfront, a place where I could be sure that she
would be found. When I was finished I
went back for the other body. Leandra
watched me as I picked her up.
“How can
you be so cold?” She asked softly.
“It’s my
nature.” I replied, “Even in life I was like this, at least in a similar
state. It comes with seeing how people
truly are. No matter how kind the
person appears to be there is always a dark side.” I sighed, “You must have
seen it, in all your travels. I am this
way because I know the truth. I can’t
be sympathetic to people who I know are hiding their true self.
saying that vampires aren’t, but I am saying that humans are horrible
creatures. It’s no wonder their planet
became over populated.” I shook my head, “I have things to take care of.”
“You know
a lot more than you told that girl.” She whispered as I walked up the stairs.
“Yes, I
do.” With that I was gone.