Hannibal Cross The Rise to Power

By Kayresia A Bass

Hannibal Cross. A dislikeable man who kills an innocent woman and is certainly going to hang for what he has done. He sits in his small jail cell waiting for death when he is visited by a stranger. The stranger manages to save him from one type of death only to offer him another.

Kieran Locke does not know how he became a vampire, only knows that he is one. He spends ten years of his life loathing the fact that he kills to survive. He does not want to continue to be alone in his task, so he seeks another to be his companion.

These two men meet and ravage the countryside as a pair until Hannibal begins to get bored. He desires for more than what he has, and is more ambitious than Kieran is aware of. Hannibal has the desire to be the leader of a coven. What does he do to get there?

This is the story of his rise to power.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kayresia A Bass
• Release date: Jul 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311815057

Kayresia A Bass

Kayresia A. Bass was born in Denver, Colorado, in the middle of summer. Fourteen years after her birth, she suddenly felt the need to tell the stories that were floating around in her head. Writing her first full novel at the age of 15, she had dreams of being a real author. It wasn't until twenty-nine years later that she was finally able to fulfill her dream. Finally published, she went through many bumps along the way, but now she is able to share her stories with all of you, and hope that you enjoy her stories about the love within the family. Kayresia still lives in Denver, Colorado, with her son who is the light of her life.

Book preview

My name is Hannibal Cross. I have been alive for a very long time. I was born human, but certain circumstances have led me to live an unnaturally long life. I won't say that I am not happy in my life, because I am. At this point, I am wealthy, and I have an entire legion of people who follow me and hang onto my every word. I say jump, they ask how high. This makes me happy seeing what I had to go through to get to this point. However, this is what I wanted, and worked very hard to get here. The story that you are about to read, is my story. I am the leader of the Coven of Kings. The leader of the most formidable coven in the world.

Coven? Yes, that is what I said. I am vampire. A creature of the night, a lover of blood. But there is more to me than you may think.

Sixteen years old. Just beginning to enjoy life. Hanging out with my friends, doing what teenagers did at that time. Well to be honest, we gathered on the village wall and just talked. We talked about lots of things. School and girls for the most part.

My mother would call me in for dinner, and I would say goodbye to my friends, and go inside.

Oh how I wanted to continue our conversation, because it was mostly about the girl in the village with the biggest breasts. But because my mother called, I couldn't. I scooted off the stone wall I sat on and said goodbye to my friends. Upon reaching our front door I peeked in. Mother? I said, as she stood at the stone fireplace stirring our dinner.

Oh, it is about time you got here. Go wash up, your father will be home soon.

My father. A loathsome man. At least to most. I will get into that in a minute, but something about Jonas Cross appealed to me. Jonas was my father, if you didn’t catch that. Tall and he looked something like me. Or, I looked like him since he came first. If I were to describe him I would say he was very tall and graceful. Black hair that he wore short. I never was one for short hair. Mine was significantly longer. My father's eyes were different than mine to a point. There was something in his eyes that perhaps only I understood. My father did not like women. He tolerated their company, yes, but he did not like them. I am certain that he married my mother and bore children because it was expected of him, but no, he did not like women in the least. He thought they were beneath him, and as I grew, I adopted his beliefs to be my own.

I was not a bad looking young man, to most girls, I was thought to be handsome, but little did they know, I, like my father did not like them. I tolerated them as active members of society because they were human. My father, who I respected more than anyone, hated them, so I hated them too. I thought that this is the way it was supposed to be. My father told me that women were ignorant to the ways of the world. My father told me that women were second class subservient people and enjoyed being treated that way. I believed him. However as I reached adulthood, I learned that he could have been just a bit wrong.

Most women were kind. Most women deserved to be loved as they desired to be. By the time I reached adulthood, my reputation as a man who despised women proceeded me, so what was I to do but hold my secret and play the part.

I had gotten myself in trouble, and it seemed there was no way out. My parents were long dead. My mother was no longer around to scold me; my father was no longer around to chastise me. I was my own man, and well, no one was around to bail me out. Then I met him. Perhaps I have gotten ahead of my own story. First let me tell you about the man who rescued me.

Chapter One

Kieran Locke was a young man of thirty-two when he died. Taken from his former life by an illness that plagued over half of his village. Unaware that he passed away, he awoke with a start. Eyes opening rapidly only to find himself in complete and utter darkness. Attempting to feel out his surroundings, he reached up only to find that his hand wouldn’t stretch out all the way. Thinking that he just touched a shelf above his right hand, he raised his left only to find that it wouldn’t go any farther than his right. Panic began to set in, and he felt around his body to find that the darkness that ensnared him was the inside of a coffin.

Kieran screamed at the top of his lungs for hours on end that he was not dead, and pleaded with anyone who heard his cries to dig him up. No one heard him. Crying tears of fear, exhausted from his agonizing screams, Kieran went to sleep.

As he slept, memories in the form of dreams filled his head. He remembered his beautiful mate. She passed away two months prior to Kieran getting sick himself. He hoped the medicine that wouldn’t help his mate, would help him. One night he lay down on his bed, and that was the last thing he remembered.

Jarred awake by the realization that he had indeed died, he began to ponder. If everyone thought he was dead, and they buried him, how is it that he was alive? He was certain that no one in his village was that stupid. He was sure that they would check and be sure that his heart had stopped beating before pronouncing him dead. He didn’t think about it for long, he was not going to remain in the small confined space forever. Kieran began to dig.

He clawed his way through the thin pine coffin until he felt the earth with his fingers. For days he dug without sleep, carefully moving bits of the coffin away hoping that the earth which covered him would not suddenly collapse and suffocate him. Finally, there was no more earth to dig. He was free at last.

Emerging from the moist soil, he wasn’t surprised to find that it had been raining. The humidity was so heavy Kieran could almost take a drink of water right out of the air. Then it dawned on him. He’d been digging out from his eternal prison for days, and not once had he longed for food or drink. But there was definitely something his body was asking for, and he had no idea what it was. Glad to be free from his confinement, he began walking back to his small village, with one question on his mind. Why did no one check to see if he was alive?

Finally arriving back in his village, he made his way to his friend Howell's house. Certainly Howell would know why he was buried alive. Checking to see if any lamps were lit in his house, he noticed there was none. However, what Kieran wanted to know was important, so he banged on the door in an effort to wake him.

Moments later, Kieran heard footsteps on the other side of the door. When the door opened, Howell glared at him. Kieran saw the fear in his eyes, and tried to explain.

I’m alive. The medicine helped.

Soon the fear in Howell's eyes became more apparent after Kieran spoke. The only word that escaped his mouth hurt Kieran’s feelings and certainly confused him even more than he already was.

Vampire! And the door slammed shut in Kieran’s face.

Vampire? I’m no vampire. The man has gone crazy. Kieran thought. He decided that he would go home. It was there that he would wait until morning, and clear up this mess.

Walking a half a mile to his house, the road was thick with mud which slowed him down considerably, but he never faltered. Though he knew his mate was gone, he longed to rest in his comfortable bed.

Upon his arrival, he opened the door and found dust on everything. Cobwebs had formed in the corners of the rooms and the stillness of it all was unsettling. How long was I…gone? He walked through his small dusty house and noticed that everything of value was gone. He’d been robbed, but again all he wanted to do was rest.

Going into the bedroom, he slapped the covers with his hands and, poof! A cloud of dust came off of the bed. Deciding that he didn’t want to lay on that, he flung the top blanket off of the bed and lay down. Kieran closed his eyes and as much as he tried, for some reason, he couldn’t go to sleep. His body was once again calling for some unknown nutrition that he couldn’t put his finger on. Knowing there was no food in the house to eat, he had no choice to wait until morning. He tossed and turned for hours, and decided to finally give up on sleep, so he just lay with his eyes closed, trying to relax. He found that when he lay still his cravings were less.

A few hours later, the sun began to rise. Now I’ll go into town and get this mess straightened out, he mused. Kieran got up from his bed, put on his shoes, and pants, and prepared to go to the well. I’ll get myself clean, and go back to town and talk to Howell. He must have been half asleep. Vampire. Kieran chuckled. Go figure.

Standing up, Kieran went and opened his front door. The sun was barely over the horizon, and he knew after a good rain, the morning should’ve been cool. For some reason, he could feel the heat of the sun on his skin, and not the coolness in the air. He thought it was odd only for a second, but continued to his well. Pulling up a bucket of water, as he turned back to go into his house, the morning sun began to burn his back. He didn’t remember being so sensitive to the sunlight.

Finding a surprisingly clean washcloth in his small linen drawer, he put the bucket on the floor and began to wash his body. Thinking his fingernails must still be a mess, he went to clean them. It was at that moment that he noticed his hands. He was unusually pale. Almost like milk. Knowing he had a pretty good farmers tan when he got sick, he again began to wonder how long he’d been in that coffin. A lack of sun would definitely do it.

Wanting to wash his face, he went to the looking glass just above the sink, and what he saw shocked him. Kieran’s mouth fell open at the sight of his own face. He looked sick, and what frightened him most, was his once blue eyes were now black. He closed his eyes and rubbed his face in disbelief. Thinking he was dreaming, he opened his eyes again, and his appearance hadn’t changed. Stumbling back away from the mirror, he fell over a nearby chair, landing on the floor behind him. Did I really die? he thought, examining his hands again. If so, how am I walking around?

The sun now higher in the sky, Kieran got up from the floor. Wanting to look outside and survey his land, he walked toward the window. The conditions of his fields would definitely tell him how long he’d been away. Placing his hand on the window sill, the heat from the sun burned as if someone lit his hand on fire. Quickly pulling his hand away, he knew at that point, something was definitely wrong with him. Not to mention, his bizarre cravings were back.

Resolving that he couldn’t go out when the sun was up, he stayed in his tiny house until sunset. Quietly reading, he suddenly heard loud angry voices. Looking out his front window, he saw several of his old friends and neighbors storming across his property with torches. Not knowing why they were coming, and knowing how he now appeared to others, he fled. Sneaking out of his backdoor, he ran as fast as his legs could carry him, and to his own surprise, it was quite fast. Stopping far enough away from his house, he lay down in the field a few hundred yards away, and watched his tiny house go up in flames.

His heart sank. He built that house with his own two hands, and now everything he had left, which was very little, was gone. He stayed low in the grass until everyone had gone. Not understanding why they would do such a horrible thing, Kieran then began to put the pieces together. Perhaps I am a monster. He turned and quietly walked away from the only place he’d ever known as home.

Walking several miles away pondering what he was going to do, he noticed that the darkness was being chased by the light. Looking down at his hand, remembering the searing pain, he had to seek shelter. He was in luck. Not far from sight was a barn. Hopefully the owners of the property wouldn’t mind if he stayed for a few hours. He had to make it before the sun rose for two reasons. One, he was now certain that the sun would cook him to a crisp, and the second, he had to hide before the owners of the property woke and discovered a trespasser.

Kieran ran.

Chapter Two

Upon entering the barn, Kieran noticed that there were no animals. This was a good thing. He climbed the ladder to the loft, and lay down in the soft hay. Not realizing that he was as tired as he was, he immediately fell asleep. A dreamless deep sleep that kept his cravings to a minimum.

Jarred awake again, Kieran opened his eyes, and breathed a sigh of relief. He was still lying in the hay. Turning his head to his left, a young woman startled him. Quickly backing away from her, he stared at her beauty. Waiting for her to attack him, she only stared back. He wondered if in the dark she could see what he was. If so, why didn’t she run away in terror?

Come on in the house, she said. I won’t hurt you.

Her voice was quiet and soothing. Kieran watched as she descended the ladder, walked across the barn, and closed the door. Not knowing if he could trust her or not, he sat for a few minutes to think. Had she looked upon his hideousness and accepted him? Why was she not afraid of him?

Scooting down the ladder, he quietly made his way to the barn door. Opening it slowly, he peered out, looking in all directions. Certain that he wasn’t going to be ambushed; he crept across the small farmyard, and peeked in the woman’s window. She seemed to be alone. She moved about her small kitchen as if she didn’t have a care in the world. Still afraid, Kieran waited until he was certain it was safe. He watched her move as if she didn't know he was there.

She was a short shapely woman with beautiful long wavy blonde hair. Her subtle green eyes were kind and inviting. Kieran watched her walk gracefully about the small room and in some ways she reminded him of his mate. She looked up and saw him peeking in her window. Smiling, she walked to the door and opened it. Kieran hesitated only for a minute and eventually went inside.

Close the door and have a seat. I made a little extra so I wouldn’t have to cook tomorrow, but you are welcome to it.

Kieran slowly shook his head. No thank you. I’m not hungry.

She nodded. I thought not. Your kind never is.

My kind?

What is your name, wanderer?

Kieran. Kieran Locke.

I am Melva. Please have a seat, Kieran.

Reluctant to sit down, Melva gave a reassuring smile, and Kieran sat.

So what brings you to my farm?

Looking away, hanging his head. People from my village burned down my house. I am homeless and have no where to go.

I see. Melva sipped her coffee. You are welcome to stay here for a day or two. I don’t get much company anymore. My mate, children and lots of my neighbors died from the plague that hit last year.

A year? Is that how long I have been gone? Last year?

Melva nodded. Yes. Hundreds died across the county. Finishing her plate, Melva got up. It seems that you died in the plague as well.

His mind raced thinking back to his last breath. How do you know this?

My mate came home six months after I buried him. I have yet to see my kids.

So, you are not afraid of me?

Melva shook her head. No. I know what you are, and as long as you seek questions, I am here to help.

Kieran could not believe his luck. His questions were many. Melva gave him the answers he sought.

You are a vampire, Kieran.

His mouth fell open as he pondered the latest events. I am a monster, yet you are not afraid of me? Why?

Melva tilted her head to the right, exposing her neck. Because I want to be what you are. I long to be with my mate again, but because I am still human, he will not allow me to join him.

Why not?

Melva rose from the table and gazed out of the window. He said because he is damned. He does not want me to be damned. But I will give my life to be with him again.

You should do what he says.

Melva turned back to him and shook her head. No. I can’t go on without him. I was a mother. I had two beautiful children. They have not come home which leaves me to believe that I will never see them again. But my man came to me. There is still a chance that I may join him. I only need to be vampire, like him. Kieran, will you help me?

Taken back by her request, Kieran had no idea how to help her, though he wanted to. She was nice to him when she didn’t have to be. He was aware of how he appeared to others, and was shocked she didn’t run him off.

How?

Make me like you.

Confused, Kieran had no idea. Like me?

Melva giggled. Do you not know how you got the way you are?

Kieran shook his head. No, do you?

If you were bitten, you would certainly know how you got this way. Were you bitten by a vampire?

Kieran shook his head. No.

Well, myths and folklore say many things. You are who you are today because of many other possibilities. Do you practice sorcery, were you once a werewolf or have you eaten of a sheep that was killed by a wolf?

Kieran shook his head. No. None of those things.

Mmm. Do your parents know who their parents were?

Yes.

Are you the seventh son of a large family?

Kieran again shook his head. No.

Well then. Perhaps you were excommunicated? Born with teeth?

No.

The other things would have come after death, and you would not have known. A holy woman may have stepped over your body before they put you in the ground, or a cat jumped on you in death. This is how you walk as one of the undead, Kieran.

Perhaps. Is there no other reason?

Ah, I forgot. There is one more.

Tell me.

You would not be aware of this either. Maybe your mother was looked upon by a vampire as she carried you.

His mouth fell open. How can I be sure?

You can’t. But something happened to you before you were put in the ground that is how you walk the earth now.

And the sun?

What about it?

Will I be able to go out in the daylight ever again?

It is different for all. My mate comes to me midday sometimes, so I am not sure. The one thing I am sure of is that I long to be with him. He will not change me, so I look to others. There have been a few before you came, Kieran. None have given me what I wanted, though they took their share.

Their share? What do you mean by that?

I have given my body too many times. Those who took me, claimed to know my mate. Many know the same story as you do now. But yet I am still human, unable to cross over to the realm of the undead. I loved him, Kieran. I love him still. I want to be by his side for an eternity even without our children. I have nothing else to live for now. It is just me. Please, kill me so I can be with him. I am so lonely.

Kieran was attracted to Melva and was curious about her man. Your mate. Is he not jealous? I mean you are a very attractive woman. In many aspects you remind me of my own mate. I would gladly help you, if you could guarantee that he would not seek revenge.

I have not seen him in two weeks. Who knows? I can’t give you that guarantee, Kieran. All I know is that I want to walk where he does. I can’t do that as I am now.

Lust entered his mind. Something about Melva made him want to be with her. He wasn’t sure what it was, but his previous cravings for the unknown, were suddenly elevated.

Licking his lips, he replied, So, how do I make you like me? How will you be more desirable to your mate?

Melva grinned. Make love to me as if you love me. Bite my neck, taste my blood, leave me to die. My mate will return soon. When he sees that I am one of the undead, he will no longer refuse me. Take me, Kieran.

But I do not love you.

Melva stood, walked around the table and sat in Kieran’s lap. My mate will return soon. I want to go with him. Take me so I can go with him when he returns.

He was very uncomfortable at first. Only knowing the love for his own mate, and never cheating on her once, he wasn’t sure how he was going to get through it. Melva helped by placing gentle kisses on his face and neck. He was excited, yes but, there was nothing going on in his lower region. He kissed her passionately remembering the soft wet lips of his mate, and suddenly, his unknown craving overtook his mind. Melva’s excitement was causing her blood to flow rapidly throughout her body, and suddenly Kieran knew what it was he craved. Blood.

Lifting her up from his lap, he carried her to the bed and lay down on top of her. His urge to get the nectar from her body was becoming uncontrollable. Kieran did the unthinkable. He opened his mouth wide and took a bite out of Melva’s neck.

Once her blood hit his lips, he lost contact with his conscience mind. The only thing he thought about was how wonderful she tasted. Kieran couldn’t stop himself. He didn’t hear her screams of pain, nor did he feel her struggling to get away. Kieran kept feasting on her blood until he was sated.

Once his conscience mind returned, he opened his eyes to find he had done something unforgivable. Melva lay on her bed torn to pieces. He was certain that this isn’t what she intended to happen.

Screaming in fear of what he’d done, he ran from her house and left her there, quite dead. Vowing never to come in contact with another human again, he fled. He kept himself hidden from himself and the rest of the world. The guilt of killing an innocent woman was too much for him to take.

Chapter Three

This was the story told to me by my master. Upon hearing it I was quite intrigued. Curious even. But he did not reveal these things to me until well after I was like him. However, I listened and hung on his every word. It was this part of the story when he met me. He obviously didn't tell me this part of the story since I lived it.

As I said, many women were attracted to me because of my looks, however, when I opened my mouth to speak to them, I turned their stomachs. I did not look at women as precious jewels, nor did I give them the respect they may have deserved. I treated all women as baby makers, and nothing more. They were beneath me, and I did not care what they thought of me. That is what my reputation said. But in truth I had started to like women. They were still not my favorite dish so to speak, but I secretly began to like them.

One night, I was in a local tavern with a few of my friends having drinks, celebrating the latest harvest, when she walked in. Someone I'd never laid eyes on before. At first, I only glanced at her, thinking she was like all the other women in my village. Something made me take another look. Perhaps it was her curvaceous figure and beautiful hair, that made me look at her more than once, I didn’t know. But for some reason, this woman held my attention longer than any other before. Not wanting my friends to notice me, noticing her, I turned away, and purposely kept my back to her. She however did not miss me looking at her.

She sat at the table with her friends, looking around the tavern, enjoying her surroundings. She happened to see me looking at her, and was struck by my good looks, just as most women in the village were.

Who is that? she leaned in and asked her newest friend.

Her friend smirked. Oh. That is Hannibal Cross. No need to worry with that one. Don’t let his good looks fool you. He is not the nicest man in town. Probably should leave that one alone.

She continued to stare in my direction and asked, Really? What is his story?

Her friend shook her head. His father was well known in the whore houses. Now he is just as famous. Believe me, if you are looking for a man, he is not the one. Look, her friend said pointing across the room. There is Jeremiah. He is one of the wealthy men in town. Word has it that he is looking for a mate. If you are looking for someone to sire your children, well that is the one to go for. Be warned, everyone wants him, even me, but it is his choice, so I won’t hold it against you.

She shook her head as she looked at Jeremiah. No. I don’t want what every woman wants. I want the unattainable.

Her friend rolled her eyes. Okay. Do what you want, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

She rose from her seat and glided across the floor. I didn't notice. She tapped me on the shoulder.

Hello, she said quietly.

I turned to see that it was the woman I previously admired. Should I speak to her? I decided not to. I turned back to my beer.

She tapped me on the shoulder again. Excuse me. I said hello. My name is-

I shook my head and stopped her. I do not wish to know your name, wench. Go away.

She turned to her friends as if to get advice. They egged her on. Smiling, she tapped my shoulder again.

What is your name, handsome? I am Anna. And you are? she smiled.

Her smile melted my heart, but my pride would not allow me to give in. Perhaps she was bothering me because she was aware of my prowess in bed. I was interested, but my reputation would not let me show it.

I smiled in an evil way to hint I was not interested. My name is not important. If you are interested in money, I have none, please go away.

You are Hannibal Cross, correct? she smiled.

I nodded. I had to have her. Yes. Anna was it?

Anna nodded back. Yes.

I smirked. Anna, I have no money, and I am not a nice man. If you are interested in getting hitched, I am not the one. Perhaps young Jeremiah is more to your liking.

She smiled seductively. No. I want you.

Deep down I remembered what my father told me. Women were just toys. Play things. This is what I continued to tell myself as this woman continued to flirt with me. I wanted her. I wanted to be with her, another day perhaps. I decided that I was going to try to ignore her. But she said out loud, in front of witnesses, that she wanted me. What did that really mean? Not really wanting to be bothered, I humored her.

You want me? I asked with a snide smile.

Yes.

Well then, I replied, let’s leave this place.

My friends heard these words before, and wondered if the outcome would be the same as usual. They let me be me, and allowed me to leave with the woman who approached me.

There is more to tell about that night, but for now, I must continue the story my master told me about himself and our meeting. I still find it quite interesting.

Ten years passed, and no matter how Kieran tried to get past what he was, he hated killing. He had a thirst that was insatiable at times and he could not help himself. So, he continued to taste the blood of several human beings, men and women alike. With his new powers, no one was a match for him. He continued to kill until self loathing and loneliness all but consumed him. He longed for someone to talk to. Someone to be his companion. In order for this to happen, he had to find someone willing. No more innocent victims.

He managed to make his way to the English countryside. Pulling his hood over his head, he wandered into town. Making sure he stayed away from as many people as he could, he witnessed a young man who seemed to be marching to his execution.

Surrounded by five control officers, the young man was screaming at the top of his lungs. What he was saying wasn’t normal to say for one who was in trouble. He yelled about being innocent, and the girl deserved to die.

Kieran’s interest piqued and he watched closely to see where they were taking the young man. Almost losing sight of them, Kieran followed in the shadows. They took the man to the local guardhouse, still yelling about how the girl was asking for it. Asking for what? Kieran mused. He decided to find out.

Creeping around the guardhouse, he peered in several of the windows until he found the young man. He had quieted down considerably, though he still seemed quite angry. The young man paced in his cell, and even punched the walls a few times. Kieran waited until all but one control officer was gone, and decided to have a conversation with the man who intrigued him.

Psst! Kieran whispered.

The man sat up in his bunk. Who’s there?

I am outside. Do not look out here or you will certainly give me away.

Humph. What do you want stranger?

I am new in town and I saw you with the control officers earlier this evening. Something about what you said has me curious.

I have no reason to talk to you. Go away. You are probably trying to get me to confess something.

Kieran sat in silence for a moment. He was almost certain that this man could make a very good companion if his instincts were correct. What is your name?

I thought I told you to go away.

If you cooperate with me, I believe I can help you out of here. All I ask is that you answer a few questions for me.

The man sat in silence this time, contemplating escape. For what he did, he was certainly going to hang.

What do you want to know? he asked, suddenly curious.

Why are you here?

A long silence ensued while the man recalled his actions. She made me angry. She was a stupid woman who wouldn’t leave me alone. I told her I was not interested, yet she kept at me. Finally when I had enough to drink, I pretended to give in to her advances and left with her. I took her to the woods, and gave her what she wanted. Chuckling aloud, he continued. I must have been too much of a man for her because when I got really excited, she tried to get away from me. I was not about to let her go. She felt so good to me I had to finish. A long silence was present again, so Kieran waited. She really started to fight me, and one of her hands came loose from my grip. She scratched me. Suddenly, my anger rose before I could control it. I finished raping her, and then…I killed her.

You didn’t.

I did. I broke her scrawny neck and left her in the woods. She got what she deserved. She was nothing but a little whore.

It was Kieran’s turn to be silent. Thinking about how to convince this man to come with him after he freed him from his certain death. What is your name?

That man was me. I was not ready to die, though what I had done was certainly going to get me killed. If he was really trying to save me, I didn’t think there was any harm in giving him my name, so I answered him, Hannibal Cross. Why is my name so important? I am sure you will read about me in the daily.

Though I could not see him, Kieran shook his head. I will read about you in the daily, but what they are going to write about is your escape and disappearance.

So you’re going to break me out of here? Why would you do that and risk getting caught?

I can handle myself, and I’m going to teach you to do the same. So do you want to get out of here or not?

Of course. When?

Before your execution. I would be inclined to say tonight, but…I am not strong enough to free you at the moment. So it will be tomorrow night at the earliest.

What is your name stranger? I asked, so curious that I could hardly stand it. How was he going to do what no one else could do or dare try?

I will give you that upon my return. I am hungry, and I must get something to eat. I will come for you tomorrow, Hannibal Cross. Do not die before I get back. Kieran was gone.

Kieran snuck around the village until he spotted a man walking alone. Kieran smiled widely. For an unknown reason, he did not feel the usual guilt he felt when hunting prey. This one was going to make him strong so he could once again have a friend in his life. Or at least he hoped.

Kieran pulled the man from the street and didn’t give him a chance to scream. Once again sated, he fled the village until the following night.

Though death by hanging was surely to be my sentence, I did not believe it for one second, Kieran would gonna save me.

The lone control officer was in the guardhouse asleep. Kieran snuck around to my window and got my attention. Realizing I was about to be free, my heart began to beat wildly with excitement.

As quietly as he could, Kieran bent the metal bars on the window wide enough for me to escape. I watched in amazement, and wondered if I should actually leave with the stranger.

Come on! What are you waiting for? Kieran whispered.

I didn’t know what was worse. Death by hanging or having an obvious monster set me free. Perhaps the stranger wasn’t going to kill me. At least I hoped that was the case. I slipped through the bars, and we took off running.

Not realizing that he was running as fast as he was, Kieran looked back to see me trailing far behind, and obviously out of breath. Kieran came back to help me.

Come on, Hannibal. We have got to make it to my hideaway before the sun comes up.

Hunched over with my hands on my knees, still breathing heavily, I looked up. What are you?

I will answer all of your questions as soon as we are safe. Hurry, we are not that far away.

I can’t run anymore. We are far enough away that no one will follow us. Can we just walk the rest of the way?

Forgetting that not everyone had superhuman powers, Kieran smiled and agreed. Okay my friend, but walk fast.

Thank you. I stood. We began to walk at a pace that would allow me to catch my breath and allow Kieran to escape the burning sun.

Finally reaching Kieran’s temporary home, I was quite surprised. Kieran’s hideaway was nothing more than a deep cave inside a cliff in the middle of nowhere. Is this how he expected me to live? I immediately missed the warmth of my cell, but he freed me from my prison, so for the moment, I had no choice.

I am sorry I do not have any fresh water handy, Kieran said, moving things around in an attempt to hide the fact that he was a bit of a slob. However, there is a small stream not far from here.

I’ll manage. I sat on a large rock that extended from the wall of the cave. So, this is home?

Kieran nodded. A temporary home. I no longer have a place to call my own. Many years ago when the plague hit, I lost my mate. I never had any children, and then, the people in my village burned down my house.

I looked at my rescuer and realized I did not know his name. "You