Tomorrow's Shadow

By Marcus Kruger

Stefano is a young gypsy dealing with grief and loss when he meets the dark traveler, Vargon. Innocent and trusting, he confides his sorrow to the tall stranger who promises him relief and a future. He becomes one with the night, vampire - or kindred in the language of the undead, but finds that love is still attainable, still distracting, and still able to entice and enthrall his spirit. However, the strings of being human are not lost when one is turned, instead they often intensify, leaving our young friend lost within the dreams and wishes of the young.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MB Krueger
• Release date: Feb 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310295546

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Tomorrow’s Shadow

Copyright 2015 Marcus Kruger

Published by Marcus Kruger at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Lessons

The Keep

Growth

Unwanted Preparations

Matters of Taste and Etiquette

Proper Civility

Surprises

An Evening to Remember

Emotional Surges

Personal Progress

Storm Warnings

Truth and Justice

Walking in Shadow

~ Prologue ~

The pale young man lay on the grass, almost motionless, as a groan escaped his lips.

- - ~ - -

Duck!

The taller youth fell flat on his face in the deep snow, the back of his head throbbing. He could hear the laughter of his best friend, though it sounded far off, almost as if he were in a cave. He slowly stood and turned around, mischief dancing in his dark eyes.

You should try warning someone before you throw.

Nikolos wiped his eyes with frozen gloves, still doubled over as fits of mirth shook his body. He managed to choke out I … shall … try to … remember. before once again giving into laughter.

Had he been watching, he would have seen how the corners of Stefano’s mouth turned up ever so slightly, giving his handsome face a rather impish appearance before charging his friend. Stumbling through the snow he tackled Nikolos as his own body began to shake with the humor of the moment. As they both fell into the snow, he tore at the man’s tunic and shoved a handful of snow beneath the leather.

Lookin’ a mite bit blue there, Niko.

Revenge may be best served cold this day, Stef, came the reply.

The friends began rolling in the snow, both pulling at the other’s clothing in an effort to fill any space with the glistening flakes. Pant legs and sleeves, nothing was off limits. Stefano was just slipping his fingers beneath his heart-brother’s waist band when the voice thundered across the field.

Stefano! Nikolos! Master Bariss worked through the drifts, his brow furrowed in rage. Pray tell why the two of ye are næ studying for the morrow’s examinations? His question was more a demand, the words almost lost completely in the heaviness of his Southland accent.

Both boys began answering as they scurried to their feet. Master Bariss… Sir we only… Surely a short reprieve is allow… They were cut off as the Master of Learning held up his hand.

Do næ try to weasel out of this. I saw clearly wha’ ye both were doing. He slowly stroked his chin, a habit developed during the days he used to wear a beard. I should tell Larson… He paused, leaving the warning hanging like an icicle on a thin tree limb.

Please don’t, Sir, Stefano stepped forward, then bowed low. We do not wish to be separated, our friendship … He paused to look at Nikolos. We are brothers of the heart.", he concluded.

Master Bariss smirked and waved his hand toward the camp. Go. Afore I change m’mind.

As the boys did their best to run through the snow pack, Nikolos looked over at his friend and spoke quietly, We will have to continue our … battle … at a later time.

Stefano smiled in return, desire burning deep within his ebony pools.

- - ~ - -

Dizzy. Can’t focus. What … what is happen….

- - ~ - -

An infant’s wail echoed through the camp followed by a loud roar of half-drunken men standing around the main fire pit. Each man was congratulating the new father. Each was also trying to hand him another mug of honey mead. The father stood there in a daze, a half-smile on his face, his dark eyes moist. Master Troch approached the group, wiping his hands on a cloth fragment. Surely the fates smile on you this night, Stefano. Allise has borne a son.

Once again the cool night air was shattered with the roar of joyful men as the Master Physician squeezed the father’s shoulder.

Go to your wife, son. Celebrate your lineage with her now. And hold her as she holds the future of this camp.

Stefano slowly climbed the steps and ducked into the softly lit wagon. He paused to look down at his wife and son, tears held back for so long now flowing freely. Sitting beside her, he placed a hand on her shoulder and she leaned against him, holding the sleeping child.

He is beautiful. Just like his mother.

He has his father’s firm chin and noble eyes. Even now a soul could get lost peering into the depths of those eyes.

Stefano cleared his throat softly. I had thought … that is, about his name … I was thinking …

Nikolos. Love shone in her eyes as she smiled up at him. What else could it be, my love? I know holding his name does not bring him back, but maybe it can lessen the pain you still carry.

He chuckled lightly, a touch of grief lingering. You know me so well.

You are mate to my soul, dearest one. How can I not?

His hands shook lightly as she handed their child to him. He ducked out of the tent to stand on the top step. He looked out over the sea of joyous faces, men and women alike. He knew