The Protectors

By Elizabeth Loraine

THE PROTECTORS - Book two of Elizabeth Loraine's best selling YA series Royal Blood Chronicles

The Five come into their own as the adventure continues

Exciting author Elizabeth Loraine brings us the second in her series Royal Blood Chronicles which follow Katrina, the Chosen leader of The Five Protectors. it's a swashbuckling, page turning adventure that crosses continents with a writing style which lets you see the action, and breathtaking surroundings with your mind. The Five use their paranormal gifts, lightning speed and razor sharp blades to fight the evil that threatens all the peaceful races of the world including their race- Vampires.

"The Protectors, the second in the continuing saga of Royal Blood Chronicles, is a true example of the continued strong female lead characters in this series. The descriptive writing style of Elizabeth Loraine, combined with the strong story line makes the reader feel as if they were walking beside Katrina and her sisters in their Vampire world." B. Varney, Vampire Professor

But in order to continue to succeed the Five must become the many. Join us

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Loraine
• Release date: Apr 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311797353

Elizabeth Loraine

I grew up in Minnesota, married my husband of now over 30 years and had my two children (Matthew now 30 and Andrea 28). In the early 80's we moved from Minnesota to Florida and I've lived on the beaufiful Central East Coast ever since. I've always been creative, and my career life focused on interior design, painting and garden design. I didn't start writing until I turned 52. I loved the Vampire genre and after years of enjoyment found in the pages of other author's books, I decided that I wanted to know more about the characters than was there between the covers. What had these long lived vampires been doing, what had they seen and done throughout history? My two wonderful children were grown and my fantastic husband has always supported my career choices. So, my mind made up, I would take up the challenge of creating what I wanted to read for myself and offer the books to anyone else who loved this genre. Thus began the Royal Blood Chronicles. I am now working on ten book in the series, have written the first book in another series and Phantom Lives, my paranormal series has two books, Collier and Power. I'm writing book three of that series. Look for new books in 2014 Enjoy

Book preview

The Protectors

A Royal Blood Chronicle

By

Elizabeth Loraine

This is a work of fiction. All the characters, organizations and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Royal Blood Chronicles Book Two copyright © 2014 Smashwords edition, all rights reserved.

Preface

In the beginning we were creatures of the night, killing humans and drinking their blood to sustain us. But in the passage of time we have evolved and now walk amongst you in daylight or night as peaceful, moral beings satisfied to hunt and drink the blood of animals. We live with the support of our Watchers; those humans who have been chosen and in return have made sacred vows to protect our species from those that would do us harm. A privilege for our Watchers is to be able to donate their blood to us. This donated blood is gathered medically and mixed with an elixir devised by the ancients that magically multiplies the volume and allows it to remain fresh indefinitely. We call this mixture Crimson and use it as a supplement to or a replacement of our normal diet

My name is Katrina and I have been chosen as the leader of the Five. The ‘Five’ or ‘the Protectors’ have been foretold in the prophecies of humans throughout time. I along with my twin sister Katherine (Kate), and my friends Rosalinda (Rosa), Eleanor (El) and Arletta (Letta), have completed the protection ceremony and an oath to protect the races, all the races.

But in order to succeed the Five must become the many. Join us.

CHAPTER ONE

When I woke, Quinn was sitting on the bed beside me stroking my hair.

Quinn, what are you doing here, what day is it? I groaned as I tried to sit up.

Easy Kat, everything is all right; it’s Saturday afternoon, and I wasn’t about to leave you alone, not for a second. Don’t worry, it’ll be our secret, I mean about you’re sleeping with me.

There was that smile, that mischievous smile. I was just about to tell him what I thought about that when it hit me.

What about Damien? I have to get over there, he needs me, I said again trying to get up.

Slow down, there’s been no change, he’s the same. On the outside he’s healed, good as new, no sign of the injury. His vampire body is still dormant, healing itself from the inside, just like it’s supposed to do.

But, El said we could try again today to help him. Where is everyone?

Sarah was just in checking on you and mentioned that they just woke up. They were just as exhausted as you were. She also said that she will right back to help you.

I dropped my head back to my pillow in frustration.

Are you hungry? he asked.

Are you offering? I said mischievously, not looking at him.

That’s the Kat I know and love; everything will be just fine, I promise. There’s other news. Allwain said that Eric will be fine too, now that Luena’s presence had been driven successfully out of him. They haven’t been able to find her though.

You know about Allwain? I said, arching my eyebrow.

Yes, he introduced himself and said he’ll be staying at Mormont for now. Anyway, he said that Luena had hidden her consciousness in Eric’s mind, so she could come forward to use him whenever she wanted. Allwain also told us that in order to accomplish this transfer it was necessary for her to leave her body in a dormant state somewhere. That’s why you couldn’t find her.

Because she hid her essence in Eric! I said, amazed at the sudden truth of it.

That’s right, and even if we could have located her dormant body, we wouldn’t necessarily be rid of her. Unless we could also bind her essence at the same time, she could enter any other receptive mind and hide again.

"Is he sure she’s gone from here?"

Yes, before Allwain freed Eric of her, he did all kinds of rituals making sure she couldn’t penetrate any of us or those connected to us here. He tried to trap her, but she was able to escape.

Does Eric remember anything from his past?

Not yet. I think it’s because he’s so upset about what happened. Allwain had to give him something to calm him down and let him sleep for a while.

He shouldn’t feel bad. It wasn’t him after all. It was Luena acting through him.

Sarah as she peeked in the door, Oh, I’m glad to see you’re awake, let’s get you dressed and something to eat?"

Well I did have a better offer earlier…

Quinn laughed, She’s all right; you don’t have to worry about her anymore Sarah.

Are the other girls up yet?

Just. Now out, Quinn! She’ll see you later.

All right, I can take a hint, he said as he rose to leave.

Quinn, thanks for staying with me.

Where else would I be, Kat? he said smiling and giving me a wink as he closed the door.

Sarah, did you get me undressed and into bed? I don’t even remember changing.

Yes I did. I’m not surprised that you don’t remember. When they brought you home, you were close to going dormant yourself. Between the shock and the exhaustion, I wasn’t sure when you’d be awake.

I’m still feeling shaky, but I can’t wait to see the girls, get my strength back and try to help Damien. Sarah, help me up!

While Sarah helped me dress, she told me that once she had me safely in bed, Quinn had come in and actually brushed my hair until I fell asleep and then held me in his arms until just after sunrise this morning. It was only then that he went to check on Damien and Eric, returning to my side so he would be there when I woke up.

He’s so sweet, I sighed.

"All the brothers have been in and out checking on all of you. Of course, your parents and Allwain were here as well."

That’s going to have to do, she said as she finished braiding my hair. Go on, once you eat, you’ll feel better.

The table in the common room was full of food, enough for twenty-five, I thought. Rosa and Kate had food in each hand, stuffing their mouths, obviously as ravenous as I was.

Hey Kat, how are you? Rosa asked, her face brightening when she saw me.

I feel like I got run over by a hay wagon.

Eat something; we feel better already, Kate said, with a cheek full.

I laughed, So the two-fisted approach helps then?

It sure does, said Kate taking another bite of the chicken leg.

I started at the top of the pile of food and worked my way down until I couldn’t eat one more thing. Then I washed it all down with fresh Crimson and cold water and at last felt more like my old self. Finally, I pushed away from the table and Kate and Rosa followed me over to the fire. We arranged ourselves on the soft sofas and sighed in total contentment.

Soon Letta and then finally El emerged from their rooms, dragged themselves to the table and continued the feeding frenzy.

Did Quinn tell you about Eric? asked Kate.

Yes, Luena must have been training in the dark arts for years to be able to project her essence into another living being and take over his mind.

I’m glad Allwain is staying; he’ll train us to be able to fight her, Letta said looking up from her plate.

He already used the ritual ceremony to protect us from this kind of evil, El added.

It’s going to be up to us to protect everyone else, I said my mood turned serious as I thought about the responsibilities that we had assumed.

The room fell silent, as the implications this statement flashed through the other’s minds also. It was a daunting task.

We’ll be ready; we have to be, Kate said finally.

How does everyone feel? Have we recovered enough to try to help Damien? I would need their help.

As much as I want to, I think we should wait until tomorrow, El said as she joined us by the fire.

I think El’s right, we all want to help Damien, but we don’t want to get so weak again right away. If we wait one more day, not only will we be stronger, but our recovery will be much quicker, Rosa reasoned.

The Council will be arriving this week and then we’re supposed to go to Paris, Letta said as she sat on the floor beside us.

I think we better meditate and see how we still feel about all of this, El suggested.

Are you still willing to go to Paris if we can’t help Damien and he stays in a dormant state for a while? Kate asked me.

When we originally made the decision to go, we all felt that it was important and right to do so. I know Damien would want us to do whatever we needed to do to make us all safe.

Rosa frowned, Another reason for us to find Luena.

How long do you think Luena’s essence was in Eric’s consciousness? Letta wondered.

That’s a question for Allwain.

Well, what do you want to do next? Kate turned to me, waiting.

Should we go seek him out, or meditate and see how we feel? El asked.

I’m for meditating, I said. The sooner we can find Luena the better off we’ll be.

El and Letta moved the armchairs, while Rosa helped Kate and I push the sofas against the wall. Soon we were seated together in a circle in front of the fire.

We held hands and closed our eyes, letting energy flow between us. As soon as I felt calm, my first instinct was to call to Damien.

"Damien are you there?" I called with my mind.

Nothing.

Kate, help me, I pleaded.

Damien, are you there? we called together.

"KATRINA!" came his anxiety-filled voice.

"It’s all right, you saved me, and soon you’ll be well."

"Why can’t I move?"

"You lost a lot of blood saving my life, and your body went into dormancy."

"Eric, it was Eric!" his mind shouted.

"No Damien, it was Luena controlling Eric."

He sighed, "I’m so tired."

"El healed your wounds, but your body is still trying to regain its strength. We were all weakened by the ordeal and as soon as we are stronger, we’ll help you to heal faster. Rest now; I love you."

"I miss you," he whispered, his voice growing weaker.

"I’m right here." I responded softly.

I opened my eyes and the girls were all staring at me.

We heard you! they exclaimed.

You heard Damien too? I asked, looking around the circle.

They all nodded yes, in silent disbelief.

That’s amazing! It must have been the ceremony.

We have added another question to the list we have for Allwain, El said.

"Yes, my question is what exactly did that ceremony do for us?" Rosa gestured for emphasis.

It was nice to hear Damien’s voice, I sighed.

So you’ve been able to ‘talk’ to him like that all this time? Letta’s brow arched.

Pretty much, but until now it was our secret. I don’t know how he’ll feel when he finds out you all know.

But think what an asset it would be, if we could all communicate with each other like that, El was excited at the prospect.

That’s true, Letta said, I wonder what kind of range we’d have?

"Damien and I could still ‘talk’ when I got back here. But since we don’t know if you could hear us just because we were together in meditation or if it’s a gift that we will share permanently, we’ll have to practice.

But being able to do this will be such an advantage, that plus the fact that no one knows we can communicate like this, Kate said smiling.

That’s right, not even Luena, she thinks Damien’s gift is just being able to put thoughts into receptive minds.

"Katrina, Damien knows about all our gifts, so I can’t believe he’ll be angry just because we know about his," Kate said putting her hand on my arm.

This really was kind of an accident. I just had an overwhelming feeling come over me to use all of our combined energy to try to contact him.

Well, it worked, and you feel better now you know he’s going to be all right, El said brightly.

I’m sure it was only because we were holding hands that we could hear both of you. I don’t think we could do that on our own, Letta said.

Kate nodded, This is confusing to us now, but we’ll figure it out.

Now what? Letta asked, looking over at me.

Let’s take a general look around Paris to see what we ‘feel’ and maybe something will give us helpful information.

Once again we joined hands and let the energy flow, this time we thought only of Paris. We saw the river, the tree-lined streets, beautiful gardens and cathedrals. Then suddenly the vision changed, focusing in on a torch-lit room and the small group gathered there. The faces of the group were hard to see, because of the flickering light and the blackness of the surroundings. There were at least twenty people tightly gathered around something. As the vision pulled in closer, we could see there was a woman lying on a stone slab in the center of the circle and heard people chanting in low monotone voices.

Concentrate on their faces, so we’ll be able to recognize them later, I heard in my mind.

"I’ll scent them as well."

Suddenly we all tensed. We recognized the woman resting on the stone slab. It was Luena! Allwain was right; her body was still in its dormant state.

Frantically, I tried to search for clues that would lead us to their location as I memorized everything and everyone around her. Of those surrounding her, most were strangers to me. As I focused on them, burning their faces into my mind and memorizing their scents, I came across a scent and a face I did recognize… Damien’s mother, Daniela! Next to her was another face I recognized from a prior vision, the one we think must be Luena’s mother. The women bore a startling resemblance to Luena, I realized. Suddenly Luena’s body arched and she gasped, opened her eyes and looked wildly around. My instincts took over and I broke the circle by pulling my hands away from those on either side of me.

Why did you do that? Kate said angrily.

I didn’t want to tip her off. They might scatter. Until we talk to Allwain and know exactly how protected we are, I couldn’t take the chance that Luena could sense our presence.

El agreed, You’re right; we don’t how much Luena knows. She saw Allwain arrive, but she may not know who he is.

She must also know the protection ceremony was completed, Rosa said.

"But that ritual was to protect us from them," I said.

Kate voiced her frustration, That settles it. This can’t wait; let’s go talk to Allwain right now.

As a group we rose and headed right out the door. Thomas was the Watcher on duty.

Thomas, we need to see Allwain right away.

He’s set up his quarters in the library wing. I’ll escort you.

In silence, we followed Thomas and he directed us into the hallway behind the library.

"Allwain?" I called with my mind.

"Ah, Katrina, nice to hear your voice, I’m in my laboratory. Come to the first door on the right, at the bottom of the stairway."

This way, I said as I led them down the hall.

When we reached the door it opened before we even touched the handle.

Come in girls, I’m glad you’re awake and well. I know you have a lot of questions; some I will be able to answer now, and some we’ll have to try to answer together.

His laboratory was full of wooden crates and as he spoke, he was busily putting things in their places.

My things are still arriving and my two apprentices will be bringing more with them. I expect that they will arrive in a few days.

"Apprentices? That sounds interesting," I thought.

Where should we start? Kate asked looking to me.

How about telling us exactly what the protection ceremony did for us, I asked first.

It’s protected you from evil magic, from any kind of possession. And it’s made your bond to one another even stronger. I’m sure you’ll find your gifts will be stronger and intertwined as well.

I think we already found that out. This evening, we meditated and as I contacted Damien with my mind, all the girls could hear our conversation.

El explained, We’ve tried to use our minds to communicate with each other before. But except for Kate’s natural ability to communicate with Kat, none of the rest of us could ever hear each other. Until tonight, that is.

We need to know if the ceremony will keep us from being detected when we ‘look’ for things or people with our gifts.

Yes and no, Allwain said, as he rubbed his chin, If you use your powers to do a general overview, you should not be detected. However, if you look specifically for certain individuals, while they may be able not block you, they might be able to detect you. Like your mother Elizabeth told you Katrina, I have made you each a set of talismans and amulets that will help you with anything that the ceremony did not, and I will keep looking for things that I can teach you that will help you.

Thank you Allwain, that helps a lot. I said and then told him of our vision, We took a general look at Paris tonight, and we saw a group of people circled around the body of a woman. It was Luena,.

And we saw her consciousness return to her, Kate added.

I broke our concentration then, because I wasn’t sure if we could be detected.

But before we broke contact, we did make sure we would remember every one of those around her, Letta said.

And we recognized two of the women from earlier visions, I finished. Both Luena’s and Damien’s mothers.

You’re sure? Allwain’s eyes were intense.

I’ve met Daniela remember, but I recognized her by scent as well.

Of course and you may have passed your recognition on to the others. You see, when you have these sessions together now, the energy passing between you lets you share your gifts.

Only when we’re physically connected? Rosa asked, direct to the point as always.

Probably, at least for now, but if you practice in your circle, eventually, I think you’ll be able to master whatever skill you wish. Now, is this enough to keep your minds busy tonight, or is there something else?

I did want to ask you about Eric, Kate said shyly.

Eric was so distraught when he realized what had happened and how Luena had used him, that I had to give him something to make him sleep peacefully for a few days. But he’ll be fine and I hope eventually his true memory will return. When he wakes and is stronger, I have decided to take use my skills to look at his memories with a spell. If they are too horrific, I’ll try to soften their impact. I’ll be able to gain the knowledge that I need from them, while saving him from their pain. All right, he clapped his hands, that’s enough for tonight. Go rest and I’ll see you in the morning.

We walked out of Allwain’s lab, feeling better about everything, and secure in our knowledge we could use our gifts to ‘see’ Luena at least for now. We are going to defeat her and all those aligned with her.

Would you girls want to go to the Watchers’ compound for a visit? Thomas asked as we appeared in the hallway.

That sounds nice, El said happily.

It was just what we needed. We would enjoy spending some time with the brothers, and cheerfully we followed Thomas to the Watchers’ compound.

We spent a few hours with them and then went our separate ways so we could visit with our families.

Avery was at the door, so Kate and I knew Mother was there, but Gunter’s absence meant Father must be out.

Hello Mother, we said together.

Girls, thank goodness, Sarah said you were better, but I was still so worried, she rose from the sofa to meet us and give us each a hug.

Where’s Father? Kate asked her.

He went to his office. Couriers brought another set of papers and maps from the Americas and he wanted to look at them right away.

We talked to Allwain tonight and he helped clarify what the ceremony has done for us and the affect it had on our abilities.

I’m glad, Katrina. Remember to keep these things to yourselves.

Mother, we saw Luena tonight, Kate confided and looked over at me for confirmation.

Mother looked shocked, but let us continue.

I explained, We were taking a general look at Paris before our trip, and we were shown a group of people in a circle, around body resting on a slab of stone. We recognized Luena. As we watched, suddenly her body arched and she opened her eyes.

That’s when we stopped looking, continued Kate, We weren’t sure if she could detect us or not, but Allwain has since assured us, because of the protection ceremony and other defensive spells, we shouldn’t be detectable.

It’s good to know you’ll be able to find her. I’m sure your father will be glad as well. Do the five of you still feel you must go to Paris, knowing what you know now?

Yes, we both replied.

She sighed. We all trust your instincts by now. Although, I still worry about you.

Allwain will help us prepare in these final few days.

The rest of the Council members will be arriving Monday and Tuesday. The Council business and final plans for the trip to the Americas are to be completed by the following Monday.

We’ll get with the others, and decide what day we want to leave, Kate said.

I hope Damien will be recovered enough to come with us; if not, we have decided we must go without him, I said.

Your need to go is that strong?

We feel it is, yes.

CHAPTER TWO

We met up with the others in the court yard.

How are your families? I asked.

Fine, glad we were awake and well. Although they want to know more, they also know not to ask certain things, Letta said. What are your plans for tonight?

As I turned to go, I said over my shoulder, I’m going to sit with Damien until morning; I’ll see you tomorrow.

We’ll bring you breakfast and as soon as we feel strong enough, we’ll try a healing.

That sounds great. Thanks El, I’ll see you then.

As I walked over to Damien’s, Quinn waved from across the courtyard and jogged over to join me.

We were all glad to see you out and about, he said.

I feel much better. Thanks again for staying with me while I was recuperating.

That’s what friends do and no more than you did for me when I got back from Paris. Kat, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, you know that.

I feel the same way, Quinn.

Going to see Damien?

I thought I’d sit with him tonight.

I have to tell you, I had serious doubts about Damien, but he proved himself that night. Anyone that would give his life for you is all right in my book.

Don’t apologize for your feelings, you are a Watcher; it’s your job to be suspicious of everyone.

Quinn smiled but grew serious. What happened to Eric is proof that sometimes, no matter what or how you feel about someone, evil will find a way.

That’s why we have to train in every way possible, to be as prepared for it as we can.

It looks like Luena won’t stop. And she doesn’t care what she has to do to attain power.

We have to do everything we can to stop her before she gets established in the Americas.

As we walked up the stairs, I saw a familiar face on the Watcher in front of Damien’s room.

Ivan, when did you get back?

Just this morning, my Lady.

Ivan’s reputation was one of ruthless precision. He was not a good looking man and his scarred face and perpetual scowl only added to his reputation . We had no doubt of his skill as a Watcher and we had seen is prowess on the training field. But sinister figure or not, Ivan was fiercely loyal to Damien. Quinn and I had always thought he was just creepy, but today he looked so upset, I felt sorry for him.

It’s all right Ivan; he’s going to be fine. I reached out, but somehow it didn’t seem right to touch him and I dropped my hand.

I should have been here, he said looking down, shaking his head.

There were five of us next to Katrina that night; none of us could stop Eric. Quinn told him.

Damien saved me from the fate he now endures. There’s nothing you could have done, even if you had been there. Now, I would like to sit with him tonight, and I’d like to speak with you later Ivan. I have some questions about Paris.

Of course, I’ll provide whatever you need, you have only to ask.

I won’t be far Kat, if you need me. Quinn said as he turned to leave.

Thank you both.

I entered Damien’s room, a low fire the only light. He was so still, so pale, and even though I knew he would be all right, his appearance frightened me and

Reviews for The Protectors

[mrshemery · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

CoverI like that the cover only shows half of a person's body. It emphasizes the arm with the hand holding the sword, ready to do battle ... ready to fight ... ready to protect.PlotThis book started off right where the first one left off, which I like. I don't like to read a series where the next book in line doesn't start out where it makes sense ... know what I mean?The story was fast-paced with a few twist and turns I wasn't expecting. This book also enhanced your knowledge of several characters while introducing you to new ones who, I'm sure, will play an integral part in subsequent books.CharactersKatrina - Stronger, more intelligent, more willing to trust her instincts ... all make her a better leader of The Five.Rosa - One of The Five - She is self-assured and confident in her looks and abilities to get men to do and say what she needs them to.El - One of The Five - She is strong, powerful and has good instincts. What irritates me about her is that, despite all of her good qualities, she is willing to make excuses for a man's wrongful behavior towards her!!! Ugh! To depict her as somewhat emotionally weak when she is in this powerful group of women is annoying to me. She doesn't have to be as straightforward as Rosa or as independent as Katrina, but she should not be making any excuses for a man when he is acting like she is his property and not a cherished or desired lady. Can you tell this type of thing annoys me ... ??? =)OverallI am still intrigued by this series, which is a good thing. I enjoy the fact that Ms. Loraine is talented enough to end her books at the perfect stopping points. This allows the next book to begin "in transit" while still maintaining its individuality. So far, I would recommend this series to young adults who enjoy vampiric storylines.