The Believer

By Mary Underwood

They used to feed on the dying crusaders in the holy land. Then they were discovered by the priests, followed to their lair and sealed inside with a monastary built over the entrance. A clan of vampires have been waiting 1000 years for their release, trapped inside an ancient Egyptian tomb.
Now it is 2011 and the church sees the monastary as a financial liability. The monks are to move and the holy ground desanctified. One priest still believes, still believes that the holy mission is vital and that beneath the church vampires really do wait, silently for the day where they can once again roam the world, free to feed.

Mary L. Underwood has written a story that will remain with you long after reading. This is an award winning story that will remain as a classic in the annals of horror and vampire lore.

• Language: English
• Publisher: NetBound Publishing
• Release date: Mar 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458154613

Mary Underwood

Mary L. Underwood, who has been a published journalist and columnist for more than 20 years, is new to the world of horror. “Horror stories have always really scared me,” she explained. “Maybe that is the secret to my success. I really do feel the fright and transfer it to the page.” Most recently Mary has been published in VICIOUS SPIRITS, an anthology of ghost stories with her 9,000 word short story, THE CHORES, and in VICIOUS BITES, an anthology of vampire stories where her 10,000 word story, THE BELIEVER, won the “best new vampire concept” award. Both these stories are now available as digital downloads for your e-reader. Also, watch for Mary’s next offering in the soon to be released Werewolf anthology, I BELIEVE IN WEREWOLVES coming soon from NETBOUND PUBLISHING.

Book preview

THE BELIEVER

By

Mary L. Underwood

Published by Mikel B. Classen

and NetBound Publishing

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 by Mary L. Underwood

Cover Art by Mikel B. Classen

Discover other titles by Mary L. Underwood at Smashwords.com

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

THE BELIEVER

By

Mary L. Underwood

The voices were arguing. How strange. Not that the sound of voices in itself was strange. No. There were almost always voices to be heard. There were also church bells ringing and clocks ticking and birds singing and a myriad of other sounds that he could no longer identify. But the voices were almost always there and he, the silent listener, was always listening. Sometimes the voices were singing. Sometimes chanting. Sometimes barking out words with great conviction in ringing tones. Sometimes they were simply speaking like normal men. Mostly, they just droned on and on in low, somber tones, uttering hushed, almost whispered syllables. But he could always hear the voices and, as he listened, he understood the words, muted as they were through the barrier that separated him from the men who spoke. But today, the voices were different. They were arguing, shouting angry, impassioned words that he had not heard before.

But you can’t send me away, the familiar voice exclaimed with incredulity. I belong here, he continued. I am needed here! Confusion and disbelief were apparent in every syllable. And something else. What was it? Fear? Yes. That was it. It was fear.

The listener didn’t get to hear true fear very often in all the words that droned on and on. Not real fear, at any rate. Pretended fear was often there, certainly, along with the pretended contrition. And there was often misery. The human race, as a whole, did tend to feel sorry for itself. But he almost never got to taste true fear anymore. For a moment he savored the sensation.

Our order has been here for nearly a thousand years, the familiar, passionate voice was entreating. We were left here to fulfill God’s own purpose.

You are a vain man, Brother Sebastian, intoned the strange voice reproachfully, "to think that you alone know