Redemption

By Elizabeth Loraine

Redemption begins where Legacy left off. After finding out that their sons live and that they have been betrayed by those they loved most in the world, Katrina, Damien and the rest of the Five set about to make sure no one will ever threaten their children again.
Quinn, Eric, Thomas and Liridon are left alone with no way to find any of them thanks to Tao. It was then they realized everything they believed was wrong. Now anyone that knows the truth about what happened is in danger. It seems there are those that would keep the secret, and they will do anything to keep the Five from knowing the entire truth.
With the vampire council now shunning them and witches, warlock and elves doubting the need for them, will they turn their back and let them fend for themselves, or will the shocking truth once again change everything they ever believed to be true?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Loraine
• Release date: Jul 31, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311181756

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

Redemption

A Royal Blood Chronicle

By

Elizabeth Loraine

Royal Blood Chronicles Book Seven – Redemption copyright © 2012 by Elizabeth Loraine all rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition August 2014

CHAPTER ONE

Quinn sat quietly atop the ruins of the ancient Sanctuary and reflected on the enormity of what had happened. He gazed out at the panorama before him, enjoying the peacefulness of these minutes before sunrise. It would be hours, however, before the mist shrouding the site slipped away and in his silent contemplation, he didn’t even notice its cold dampness surrounding him

For fifteen years he, like the others, had accepted the fact he would never know his son. They’d all rationalized their sacrifice would insure the children’s safety. He’d taken small satisfaction, as he endured the years of separation, knowing their actions had insured preservation of the races.

Now all he felt was emptiness. Anger simmered inside him, threatening to boil to the surface.

Damn you Damien!

Quinn was supposed to be in Bogota re-acquiring lost treasures, but he couldn’t concentrate the assignment right now. Let someone else take it on. The Elvin kingdoms were in as much turmoil as the vampires and witches, but despite all the chaos, all he could think about was Katrina.

The sun’s rays peeked over the mountain, highlighting the white mist still blanketing the ruins below. He shook his head. Growing up, all he ever wanted to do was to protect Katrina. Now, not only had he failed to protect her, she was right, he had betrayed her.

Turning toward the sound of footsteps, Quinn detected a figure walking out of the mist toward him.

Eric?

It took me a while to find you. What are you doing up here?

Feeling sorry for myself. What’s happened?

Eric walked closer and sat down on the wall next to Quinn.

They’re gone, Quinn. The boys, our wives, even Damien; all gone.

Quinn’s stomach lurched and his heartbeat accelerated. What do you mean, gone; dead?

No! No, I’m sorry. They’ve taken the boys from the Fonsdor, and no one has any idea where they are. Even Allwain can’t see them.

How? More to the point; why?

Eric shook his head. I believe Kremdal planned to separate and move them. Katrina and Kate were convinced their sons were going to be hidden away again and took action to prevent it.

Quinn stood and stared out into the foggy landscape. This is their revenge, isn’t it?

Eric scowled. You know them better than that. They’re not the least bit about revenge. Well, maybe Rosa. Admit it, Quinn, we were wrong, and it’s cost us everything.

~~~~

Katrina peeked in on Kaelib, and thought how handsome he was. The boys were safe, and last night she had slept better than she had in years. Pangs of guilt assaulted her as she closed the door. They’d taken them back, done what they had to do, just as their husbands had done all those years ago when they’d stolen their infant sons from their arms. She’d eventually get in touch with Quinn, and bring him to Faralea, but for now, mothers and sons deserved some time alone.

Tao had done a wonderful job choosing the location, one truly the safest. Not even Allwain knew what he’d done. She walked out of the house she shared with Kate and her son, Kraeg, and down the walkway to the central dining hall. Tao had patterned the compound after his home in Sangustae, with simple dwellings circling a central garden. Here, of course, there was no palace, but what he’d included was a small library with classrooms, a training ground, and a dining hall.

Tao stood looking out his front window and noticed Katrina as she walked down the pathway.

Good morning, you seem refreshed.

Thank you. I feel whole again. She glanced over to Tao and noticed that he seemed troubled. What is it?

They began to walk together. My sister Saolin lost a child too.

She did? I’m sorry, I had no idea.

No one did. She didn’t want anyone to know. You were all in such pain at the same time.

Do you think her child is in the Fonsdor with the others?

Tao stopped and locked his gaze to hers. It was the same year, Katrina. Yes, I believe so.

What are you going to do?

I haven’t decided yet. Why did they do this? Why did they take the children?

She’d seen this kind of pain before. They had each asked the same question. I don’t know Tao, and the only person who could answer that question is dead.

Your father.

Katrina nodded. I know that he thought in safeguarding them, knowing in time they would become a force against evil, he was trying to save all the peaceful races in case something happened to the Five.

Yes, and when you think about it Katrina, something has.

Katrina’s eyes widened. You’re right. We’ve lost the confidence of our council, and we’ve banished ourselves to Faralea.

What Fredrik wanted came to fruition. Your boys are safe. Actually they are safer than they’ve ever been before. What I don’t understand is about the others.

He told me all would be revealed when the time was right. I trusted him without pause. But this time, this time…

Tao stepped closer and put his arm around her shoulders. I’m here for you, like I’ve always been and always will be.

I know. I hope you know that I’ll always be here for you too.

They walked to the dining hall and were surprised, considering how early it was, to see Damien and Danyll.

You two are up early.

We haven’t slept. We talked all night, and then went out to hunt. The forest is full of game, Damien beamed.

Danyll held up his hand, Don’t worry; we remembered what you told us. We didn’t kill anything, but it felt so good to hunt.

Katrina smiled; it was so wonderful to see them together and happy. It was as if the past fifteen years had melted away.

What’s for breakfast? Katrina asked Tao.

Anything you wish. I copied Ceron’s ‘ask and receive’, with a few advances. I’ll give full instructions on the new adaptations later, but as far as food goes, ask for anything you want.

Apple strudel please, and a full glass of Crimson.

The requested items appeared on the table and Katrina sighed. I won’t miss Klaus as much as I thought I would. His belly laugh always makes me feel good.

I have another surprise.

What’s that, Tao?

There’s a stable full of horses.

Katrina smiled widely, stuffed her mouth full of strudel, and washed it down with the Crimson. What are we waiting for? I want to see it.

Tao led them to a secluded area beyond the main compound. I didn’t want it too close, but not too far either.

It looks just like the stable at home, Katrina exclaimed, tears welling in her beautiful hazel eyes.

Tao smiled and pushed one side of the large door open. I brought offspring of both Nulla and Theo.

Katrina drew in a sharp breath when the scent hit her. Oh, Tao, thank you so much. She turned and pulled him close, squeezing tight. It’s perfect.

The four of them rode through the Faralea countryside and stopped at the edge of a bluff looking over the next valley. How far are we from the Faun village?

It’s a two day ride.

I really want to visit them. If it weren’t for Zax and May, I don’t know what I would have done.

You would have survived. It’s what you do, Katrina. You’re smart and strong, and you are the best-trained warrior that’s ever been, Danyll said, surprising the rest of them.

Why thank you, Danyll.

When they got back, everyone else was up and seated in the dining hall, that included Torgar, the boys dwarf battle strategy teacher.

It’s good we’re all here. There’s so much to discuss.

I’m glad we got everyone out, and we’re here together now, Kate added.

Katrina looked around the room as her sister and her best friends sat together with their sons for the very first time, and it warmed her heart. It was hard to not get emotional.

We all have much to be grateful for, thanks to Tao and Torgar. This will be your home now, and I guarantee you it’s much safer than the Fonsdor. Now we can aid in your education and your training. I, for one, am looking forward to that. We do not intend to keep you from your fathers, but at least for a few days we want you all to ourselves. I think they owe us that.

Eythan stood up. But aren’t you needed? The Five, I mean. The world needs your protection.

The Council lost confidence in our ability, the elves are not sure we are the true Protectors and I’ve discovered they’re most likely right.

What are you talking about, Katrina? Damien asked.

When I took my father to his final resting place, I found, in the tomb, what he needed me to know. There were not to be five Protectors, but six. It’s why he took you from us; kept your identities hidden until you were trained and ready to take your place as the true defenders of the peace. Though we disagree with how he went about it, we understand why he thought it was necessary.

All the boys were shocked, as was Damien.

I think it’ll be good for the world to be without the Five. You can’t appreciate some things until they’re gone. Let them protect themselves for a while. No elite guard to clean up the mess, no Watchers to search out plots and danger, nothing, Rosa railed at the unfairness of their situation.

Mother’s right, Rodyn added. "Stay with us now. We want you, and need you."

Rosa’s face sported a broad smile. Hearing her son call her ‘Mother’ meant so much. The word affected them all similarly.

Most of our time will be spent here, but we do have obligations. We still have our own councils in America. We are establishing clan locations and infiltrating the government at every level. We are also establishing ourselves in commerce there.

That’s right, Kate added, now addressing their sons. These are things that you’ll participate in and eventually lead. For now, you need to finish your studies and complete your training. And remember, no one outside of the Fonsdor or here at Faralea must know your real identities.

It also means that you will not be having Watchers like the rest of us have always had. Human Watchers would give you away as Royalty to those like the Noctu, Letta advised.

They will still need protection, Torgar cautioned.

Of course, and we’ve been thinking about that, Katrina said. I think since the Elite Guard was taken out of the cities in Europe, they would be a perfect fit.

They would need to be retrained. While they are fine Guards and skilled defenders, they aren’t trained to watch human populations for danger like the Watchers are.

We are keeping Watchers in place in America and our personal Watchers will stay in place as needed. We have time to train the Guard.

Damien wasn’t so sure. They will have to be handpicked. Even then, I wouldn’t tell them who they really protect.

That’s true Damien. Is that something you’d be willing to take on?

If you wish, of course I would.

We aren’t doing anything today, but getting acquainted with each other and Faralea.

~~~~

Quinn knew Eric was right, but he couldn’t change it now. I need to go home. Gunter can use the help, and seeing him and my brothers will help me.

You’re right, I’ll go with you. I admit I miss Kate terribly. Maybe someday she’ll forgive me.

If Damien has anything to do with it, Katrina will never forgive me. I really am beginning to despise him.

Eric stood and patted Quinn’s back. You can’t blame Damien for being as upset as the others, he lost his son too. We still need him. He’s been important in getting the Clans set up in America, and no one knows business and has better contacts and associates than he does.

Fredrik did. His loss is going to affect everything for a very long time.

You’re right, Quinn.

They used their personal portals and now found themselves in the Montana lodge that had been their home for fifteen years.

Gunter and Patty’s son G.C. met them as they walked towards Gunter’s house. Quinn realized his nephew was about the same age as his son Kaelib.

If you’re looking for Father, he’s not here. He went to Kentucky. There are some problems with the witches. With Katrina and Fredrik both gone, he didn’t know what else to do but go himself.

Quinn turned to Eric. This is how it’s going to be until we vote for a new leader to fill Fredrik’s position. This council is not going to be taken seriously until we can find someone everyone trusts and respects.

But Philepe doesn’t want the position, nor do any of Fredrik’s close allies and I don’t understand why.

Maybe you should run for the position. There are many that would support you, G.C. said.

Eric shook his head. None of us associated with the Five are going to be in good favor with the voters now.

In this country? Are you sure that’s true?

I’m not sure of anything anymore. Is everything all right here, G.C.?

Yes, although Allwain is quite frustrated; he can’t seem to locate Tao. The Elf Councils are arguing about everything as much as we are. Any news about Katrina and Kate?

None. I was hoping Allwain knew something more.

He’s in his laboratory, but I don’t think he has any idea where they might be.

Allwain was grumbling under his breath when they arrived. He looked up when the Myna bird heralded Quinn and Eric’s arrival and then looked right back down to his task.

I don’t know where they are, he ground out, thoroughly irritated. "I do know that they are not in this world. Is there anything else?"

Does that include Damien?

Allwain glanced over and sighed. Yes, and Cain.

Quinn felt the anger rise from his belly again. Is there anything you need us to do? If not, we’re going to Kentucky to help Gunter.

No, he snapped. I’m going to Sangustae. Call me if you need me.

They left Allwain and walked back towards the lodge. It’s so quiet here; empty, Eric noted.

That’s how I feel too; empty. How do I fill the void created when Katrina left, when she is all I ever wanted?

It’s going to take time, Quinn, and you have time.

I admit, for the first time, I am questioning my decision to become a vampire.

~~~~

After several days, Katrina had Tao take her back to the Lodge. When they arrived Tao gave her a personal portal enabling her to travel back to Faralea without him.

"Like other personal portals, it will only work for you and will shield you from being traced. Even if someone did