Akeldama

By RD Meyer

Seth Gendrickson has worked for the Catholic Church's Order of Mount Sion since his initial encounter with a vampire during seminary years ago. Finally working his way up to the rank of Hunter, Seth's first assignment is to investigate a spike in vampire activity in Kansas, an area previously quiet. The region between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River had been a kind of neutral zone for the two main factions - The Assembly of Cairo and Los Muertos. The Assembly hails from Europe, and although few in numbers, is the older of the sects and far more powerful. Los Muertos saw opportunity in the New World, so they established themselves in the Americas and began to multiply. They are young, aggressive, and passionate.

And they're moving east.

Seth is under orders to figure out what's going on before an all out vampire civil war brings knowledge of such supernatural creatures into the open and causes societal panic, a situation the Church is keen to avoid. During his mission, Seth captures one of the enemy and interrogates it, but he soon finds that the movement east is less an invasion than it is an influx of refugees fleeing a greater threat. Something is hunting the vampires out west, something more terrifying than the risk of conflict. Seth tracks this threat from California to Japan and across Europe to discover the heart of a conspiracy that stretches back 2,000 years and threatens the future of the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: RD Meyer
• Release date: May 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9780998726342

RD Meyer

RD Meyer is a military officer stationed in Kansas, and Akeldama is his debut novel. He lives with his wife, two daughters, three dogs, and a cat on a country farm, where he continues to write and enjoy life.

Book preview

AKELDAMA

RD Meyer

Copyright © 2017 by RD Meyer

ISBN: 978-0-9987263-2-8

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the copyright holder, Rushamra Publishing LLC.

Layout design: Rob Siders, https://www.52novels.com

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

1: The Price of Admission

2: Dreams of Shadow

3: A Meeting of the Minds

4: Investigative Techniques

5: Running with the Pack

6: Bait & Switch

7: Bloodletting

8: Teamwork

9: Unthinkable

10: Sleeping with the Enemy

11: Stepping Forward

12: Behind the Veil

13: First Blood

14: Making a Withdrawal

15: Pathways

16: Family Reunions

17: Strangers in a Strange Land

18: Backtracking

19: Coming Out Party

20: Breaking the Bank

21: From a Potter’s Field

22: Confrontation & Deflection

23: Service or Supremacy

24: Unbound

25: Confronting the Past

Epilogue

ACKNOWLEDGEMNTS

There are so many people who've helped make this book become a reality. Carl Graves, the artist who designed the cover took my idea and improved upon it. I thought I knew the cover I wanted to convey the book's message–Carl made it even better.

Rob and Amy Siders helped shepherd me through the formatting process for the ebook. Believe me, I wasn't an easy customer. Akeldama has several different fonts and a couple of pictures, which didn't make formatting any easier. I'm grateful for their help. They will be my go to formatters for digital copies.

Same goes for Cheryl Perez. She formatted the print version of Akeldama, and she took a nervous newbie author and made me feel better. I'm sure my spate of emails grew a little frustrating, but she handled things like a professional. If you need to get a work formatted for print, you can't go wrong with her.

Those who believed in my work early and were on my distribution list before publication, thanks to all of you. You showed a level of faith in me that kept me going. I only hope Akeldama lives up to the confidence you've granted.

Finally, to my family–Sherry, Rachel, and Amelia. Rachel and Amelia, you two are why I get up every day. And Sherry, who read Akeldama prior to publication, you are my world. I know I'm not an easy guy to live with, especially when I get excited about a project, but your love and support mean more to me than you'll ever know. I love you.

1

THE PRICE OF ADMISSION

Seth Gendrickson put a pistol in one hand and a UV flashlight in the other. The prey awaited him and his team, hunting them as they hunted it.

He was well built for his size, which was a couple of inches shorter than six feet. Sandy hair and a smooth face betrayed his youth, but his eyes told the story of a much older man, one who'd seen his share of both physical and emotional pain. He had a black backpack strapped to him that held the tools he'd need during this mission.

The door of the warehouse squealed in protest as Seth slid it open, and he cringed. Even though it was mid-afternoon and it was supposed to be asleep, the creature's ears would be more than able to pick up such a noise, and Seth wanted as much surprise as he could get. However, vampires didn't live several centuries by being stupid, and this one surely knew they were coming.

The other members of his team stood behind him. Audra, short and frumpy, with small hands and a ponytail tied behind her head, acted as his Associate. Donald, lanky and covered in freckles, was his Neophyte. Seth pointed Audra towards one of the opposite corners of the warehouse and nodded to himself as she crept forward–such things were unlikely to conceal them from the beast, but anything that encouraged the right frame of mind was something he favored.

He knelt by the entrance and emplaced his spotlight before closing the door. Although none of the fluorescent tubes or dangling fixtures shone in this cavernous space, windows along the top of the walls let in enough light so that navigating was easy. It wouldn't be dark for hours, and Seth hoped to be done well before they'd have the need for any kind of night vision.

Audra fingered the Beretta 92FS in her hand as she moved and was halfway across the floor when a small noise caught everyone's attention. Soft echoes made the scurrying in the rafters difficult to pinpoint, and Seth wondered if it was just a rat or if their mark was awake. He stopped wondering about that when another soft noise made its way to his ears.

Laughter.

The sound was hollow and fleeting. Audra froze in place, her eyes darting from the walls to the ceiling and back again. Beside him, Seth could hear Donald muttering Oh God over and over again under his breath.

Today's mission was supposed to be the culmination of his training, the day when he would officially assume the title of Hunter, but if his team succumbed to fear and got wiped out, he'd have to start over. Donald and Audra were his responsibility, and he knew the Vatican would see it the same way. He gripped his Glock 17 tightly and glared at them.

Get a grip, he hissed. We're going to be the ones walking out of here with a kill, not the other way around. Stay focused and we'll be okay. Now hand me the other spotlight.

Donald was under noticeably better control by the time he put the tiny light in Seth's gloved left hand. Audra put her device by one of the metal beams on the opposite side of the warehouse while Seth and Donald made their way to the last spot against the wall. As an Associate, Audra could be trusted to act with a little autonomy, but Donald's place as a Neophyte was to be next to the Hunter and give him whatever he required.

Seth was dropping the last spotlight into place when a wall on the far side of the floor burst open and a large blur crashed into Audra like a wrecking ball. Its oily black visage latched onto the Associate and tore at the backpack she wore. As she rolled over, its clawed white hands dove for her neck. She knocked them off course just enough for it to miss her throat and tear into her shoulder.

The Hunter crossed the floor in three seconds, pulled out a large silver cross, and shoved it in the creature's face.

God commands you to release your grip.

It screeched and disappeared in a blur towards the rafters. Audra pulled herself up, her hand on her throat as she coughed.

Are you alright? Seth asked.

Yeah, but it hurts like hell. I didn't think… Her words were cut off by a sound resembling a blanket being unfolded off a clothesline. Audra fired three wooden bullets into the rafters behind Seth. He turned to look, hoping she'd gotten lucky with her shots, even though the panic reflex would obviously affect her aim. However, there was nothing left in the spot but a dissipating cloud of black smoke.

Quiet reigned through the warehouse as Seth scanned the walls for the vampire, but there was nothing there. He shone his UV flashlight around the steel girders and hoped the light would be able to find it.

Donald was moving from the spotlight and towards Seth, but he never made it. The creature plowed into the Neophyte and was quickly on top of him. Knowing his crucifix would be useless now that the enemy was aware of its presence, Seth brought up his pistol and fired two wooden bullets into its side. The bullets would be little more than a nuisance to the beast, but the shots were enough to blow it off of Donald and gave Seth enough time to run at it again.

He threw a body block into the vampire and knocked it to the ground. However, the creature's superior strength and speed gave it the upper hand, and it quickly regained the advantage. It pulled Seth off of it with one hand and slammed him to the ground. It stood over top of the Hunter and glared at him. Chest heaving, it bared its fangs.

Track me like an animal will you? it snarled. What will you do when I rip the flesh from your skull?

Seth moved his hand to a remote he had on his belt and said, Only this.

Ultraviolet light from the spotlight against the wall cut in front of him and caught the vampire across the shin. It howled and flew into the air, smoke rising from its leg.

Think I can’t get you through that light? it growled. How little you know about us.

Now! Seth yelled.

Exactly as they'd rehearsed, Audra activated her spotlight and caught the creature in the side. It collapsed to the floor, more smoke rising from its torso. It managed to prop itself up on its elbows and look at Seth when the Hunter activated the spotlight he'd placed by the warehouse's entrance. That light now struck the vampire full in the face with its UV beam.

The vampire rolled on the floor, covering its quickly blistering face with its hands. Seth looked at it with pitiless eyes–this thing was a demonic presence that deserved every ounce of suffering it now felt. Sending it back to Hell was God's will.

He got up and strode over, but it took no notice of him. With the lights spinning to catch it on all sides, it thrashed around like a wounded animal, its screams bouncing off the walls. Seth pulled a 12 inch stake made of dogwood from his belt and stood over it.

In nomine Dei.

He thrust the weapon into the vampire's chest and used both hands to push it into the heart. The vampire's eyes bulged and its tongue extended as the stake went in. Its screeches now turned into a dry rasp, and its eyes flickered briefly before going black, almost as if they held a trace of the human that had once been inside.

Holding out his hand, Seth took the flask of holy oil from Donald as the Neophyte began rummaging for a book of matches. Seth uncorked the bottle and dribbled its contents over the corpse before taking the matches and lighting the entire book. He tossed the flame on the vampire's remains. Fire engulfed the body until all that was left was an ashy black mound. May God reclaim the soul you have so long oppressed, Seth muttered.

Donald pulled out a bag and tiny shovel and then scooped up the ashes. The demon had been purged, but such a disruption of God’s plan required as much adherence to the ancient rituals as possible, so the remains would be taken for burial on holy ground. As Donald finished, Seth pulled out his phone and punched in the number he’d had memorized for years.

It’s done, he said to the person on the other end. The creature is gone.

The warehouse’s door squealed again as it slid open. A lone figure stood in the entrance, silhouetted by the afternoon sun.

I know, said Patrick. You’ve done well.

Patrick Levinson was the nominal head of the team and Seth’s designated mentor. He was lanky, with dark hair that had streaks of silver at the edges. Seth had been his Associate for several years before trying to strike out on his own.

It wasn’t as clean as I wanted, Seth said. We should've been here sooner and we might've caught it still asleep. This turned out to be far more dangerous than I cared for.

For that matter, you could have gotten it six weeks ago in Scranton, replied Patrick, his voice firm. But the lines in his face eased. Still, you won and none of the team was hurt badly in the process. New Hunters make mistakes, but you must grow from them.

Patrick walked forward, stopped in front of Seth, and gripped his shoulder. Come. Let’s make the trip back to Baltimore where the council can formally recognize you.

Seth smiled. That’d be great.

Donald carried the ashes and Audra policed up the gear as they left. Seth grinned and began thinking about recruiting his own team for a new set of missions.

• • •

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was by far the most impressive Catholic Church in the United States. Seth had been only been inside a few times, the last being a year ago when he petitioned to become a Hunter. The Neo-Classical architecture and pristine appearance made it a grand sight for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Pope Pius XI raised the Cathedral to the rank of Minor Basilica in 1937, and Congress declared it a national landmark in 1972. Pope John Paul II visited, as did Mother Theresa and Patriarch Bartholemew I of Constantinople. Only Rio and the cathedrals of Europe held more prominence.

The Church used the building to showcase Catholicism to America, but today’s meeting wouldn’t be held in the main sanctuary. The Order’s activities were secret to most, for knowledge of the existence that vampires were real would lead to panic. No, people were better off believing in the so-called ordered world of reason that stood in front of the curtain, so today’s session would be held in the undercroft chapel.

Patrick rapped on the door, the brass knocker thumping loudly. Someone told them to enter.

The room was simple—modest brick archways and small area that could hold 25, along with a simple alter. However, instead of the chairs normally found here, there stood a long mahogany table with six seats. The lighting made it easy to see the five Archbishops and one scribe that waited.

Stanley Keeler, the Archbishop of Baltimore and formal head of the Catholic Church in the United States, sat in the middle. His white robes were topped off with the red cap that made him distinct, a cross of gold hung around his neck. The lines of his face were gentle, and his glasses gave him an aura of intellect.

Seth also recognized the Archbishops of Philadelphia and Atlanta, Theodore Gibbons and Francis Murphy. Archbishop Gibbons looked young despite having reached such an exalted position, with dark brown hair that covered his ears. Archbishop Murphy, in contrast, looked the part, devoid of hair on his head and a toothy grin enhanced by the gold fillings.

Seth, said Keeler, allow me to present Gordon Stafford, Archbishop of Detroit, and Matthew Hyle, Archbishop of St. Louis. Of course, you already know Bishop Samuelson. Keeler gestured to the red haired man at the end of the table.

Your Excellency, Seth replied, nodding in deference. Thank you for this audience.

Archbishop Keeler nodded back and opened the folder in front of him. We are here to adjudicate your confirmation to the rank of Hunter within the Order of Mount Sion. You’ve recently completed a term as a Probationary Hunter on assignment to destroy the vampire Grant LaCharles. This assignment was successful and led to God reclaiming the poor soul trapped within.

Seth nodded out of habit, his hands behind his back. Although only His Holiness the Pope could officially confer him with the rank of Hunter, the Pontiff would rubber stamp what this council decided. While he believed that his successful mission would be all that was necessary, he was still nervous.

How involved was your Mentor? asked Archbishop Gibbons.

Patrick spoke up. Hardly at all, he intoned. I provided minimal guidance to keep the process moving, but Seth led the team—I only monitored.

Is that what accounts for the length of time required? asked Archbishop Hyle.

To an extent, Patrick said. But as all of you know, pinning down a vampire takes patience, as they are a cunning lot. Once the creature sensed we were on its trail, it moved several times and tried to stay ahead of us. Seth’s steadfastness and determination provides insight as to how he’d be as a Hunter.

Seth fidgeted. They’d moved too quickly against LaCharles at first. Patience was something he still struggled with.

I admire your allowing the petitioner to make mistakes, said Gibbons, but it nearly led to LaCharles escaping. The Archbishop turned his attention to Seth. Your recklessness almost allowed it to get away. Once locked in on one of these things, it’s crucial that it not be allowed out of the net.

I understand, your Excellency, said Seth. I agree my team moved too quickly, but we gained valuable insights that let us corner it.

Archbishop Keeler changed things up. I see you initially began in seminary but quickly changed to the teams. Most Hunters are part of the Church for years prior to pursuing this challenge.

I have always sought service to God, Seth replied. Initially thought I could fulfill that service through ministry. However, the attack on my brother and I changed my opinion.

He still shuddered thinking of that brisk autumn night nearly 11 years ago. He and Ray were returning to the dormitories when it came out of nowhere. Seth vividly recalled the glittering teeth that reflected moonlight. He absentmindedly rubbed the scar on his left arm.

Ray was worse off. Its claws dug into his neck and created a mess of blood that Seth had been certain would never be cleaned. Seth was hurt and in shock, able to do little but gasp for air and watch it try to feed on his brother.

How is Ray? asked Keeler, pity in his tone.

The doctors say he’s getting better, said Seth, trying to keep bitterness out of his voice. A lot of the time I have trouble seeing it. I pray that with God’s love he will recover, either in this life or the next.

He winced at the memories. The chill that night was interrupted by the warmth of his own blood flowing over him. Ray was mangled, his body nearly drained and his throat torn open. If it hadn’t been for Patrick…

Patrick saved him. A single crossbow shot from across the pavilion impaled the beast, distracting the vampire long enough for his mentor to close with a silver stake. Seth knew he would always remember its high-pitched wail. He also knew he couldn’t forget the bloody mush that had once been his brother.

They told the police that they were attacked by a pair of large men with tattoos. The police didn’t question it; after all, the seminary was in a bad part of town.

It was then that Seth learned of the vampire threat. Patrick bandaged him and called for help, as well as explaining what they were facing—how the Church had been hunting vampires for nearly 2000 years, and that the teams were all that stood against the menace. All it took for this lesson to sink in was for Ray to end up in a semi-vegetative state …

Archbishop Stafford cut across his thoughts. How much of this has been about protecting the world and how much has been about vengeance?

Can’t they be one in the same? asked Seth. He learned long ago that lying to anyone associated with the Order was the wrong move, even if the words sounded defensive. Yes, I hate them, but don’t most? Isn’t it a loathing of what they represent that motivates us?

Partially, admitted Keeler. More it’s a love of God and humanity that compels our flock.

Patrick broke in. I understand that one cannot focus solely on revulsion felt for the undead, but we should look at the admirable job Seth has done, both here and in his time as a Neophyte and an Associate. His tracking skills are superb, and once he locks in, only the time of the kill is in doubt. That’s what made him such a valuable member of my team.

Yet he’s only 29, said Gibbons.

I don’t see where his age makes a difference, Patrick retorted.

Most Hunters don’t attain that rank until nearly 40, said Gibbons. I wish to ensure that we aren’t moving too quickly, that Seth has the maturity and purpose one should find in our Hunters. We’ve placed some in position too early, and it resulted in horrible consequences.

The debate was becoming contentious—far more contentious than Seth had imagined. Patrick told him his age might be an issue, but he’d expected his past to be an asset. He’d been brought up with an enormous sense of duty towards the Church, but since the attack, he’d wanted only to kill vampires. That he could do so while still a part of his calling to God was a wonderful bonus.

Your Excellency, my skills are charged in this direction, said Seth. I know I’m young, but most don’t even begin until their mid-20s, so I had a head start once made aware of the threat. I’ve learned valuable lessons about patience and the care of my team. I also know that my learning will continue, and that’s a much desired trait in a Hunter. If you trust me with this sacred charge, you’ll find me to be the best you’ve ever commissioned.

Careful, scolded Archbishop Hyle. There’s no room here for ambition.

It is not ambition I serve, but rather the mission of the Order, said Seth.

Archbishop Keeler leaned back. Seth, please understand that we have to be certain that those we commission are ready, especially now. Recent intelligence leads us to believe the threat is gaining strength. You’ve been helpful, but how you would fare at the head of a team is the question here.

The Archbishop exhaled deeply and said, We need to deliberate. Please step out of the room, and we’ll call you when we’re done.

Seth nodded and began towards the door, but Patrick hesitated before following. Once on the other side, he muttered, That’s unusual.

What’s unusual? Seth asked.

Granted, I’ve not been a part of all confirmations, but this is the first one I’ve been to where the petitioner was asked to leave.

Maybe this is what they do when they’re about to vote someone down, Seth said grimly. He knew that it hadn’t gone as well as he would have liked.

Patrick shook his head. No, that’s not been my experience. Only two confirmations I’ve attended resulted in the petitioner being voted down, but they were all held in the presence of those involved. He looked back at the door. This is unusual indeed.

Seth and Patrick continued to discuss the council’s actions as deliberations continued only a few feet away.

• • •

He’s very young, said Gibbons.

So are you, Stafford observed. We’ve been over this. Our Hunter population is aging. We need new blood.

Yes, but is this the time for that? asked Hyle. I wonder about the wisdom of relying on younger and younger Hunters.

We can’t hide from this forever, said Murphy. We’ll need every hand we can get if the accounts are true. Seth has proven he has the ability, and his exuberance is precisely what we need to get control of a situation that could rapidly spin into chaos.

Silence hung in the air a handful of seconds before Archbishop Keeler spoke again. God help us if our new Hunters can’t gain the edge required. The next few months are critical, and people like Seth will play a crucial role.

• • •

The door opened and Seth perked up quickly—he’d been glancing at it every few seconds. Bishop Samuelson peeked out.

They’re ready for you, said the Bishop.

Seth’s heart beat furiously as he followed Bishop Samuelson inside. He wondered if he could go back to being on a lower rung after leading a mission.

He walked to the center of the room, Patrick standing next to him. His mentor's sallow face gave away nothing, and Seth wondered if the man shared his anxiety.

As Samuelson resumed his place, book open and pen in hand, Archbishop Keeler spoke. Seth, you’ve shown a great deal of resourcefulness. Although we have some questions about age, I think your early start answers those nicely. Therefore I’m pleased to inform you that we’ve accepted your petition and hereby grant you the rank of Hunter, with all privileges, benefits, and responsibilities that title implies.

Seth’s smiled broadly and finally exhaled. He’d be able to help lead the battle against the enemy. Soon he’d be consulting with the Vatican Assignments Officer and would start his next assignment—his first real assignment.

However, Archbishop Keeler was still speaking, and Seth had to refocus. You must know that our vote was not unanimous. Some of us have concerns about your maturity level, as well as your reasons for petitioning.

Not unanimous? thought Seth. Who voted against me? He scanned the faces, but they were unreadable.

If we read the signs right, continued Keeler, there are going to be tough times ahead. All of humanity is at risk, but the presence of God’s love and mercy will light the way to salvation. We are counting on you.

Of course, your Excellency, replied Seth.

Now Keeler smiled. We’ll pass along our recommendation to His Holiness. Patrick will guide you to the next step, and then you’ll be on your own. Good luck, and may God bless you and favor your endeavors.

The Archbishop of Baltimore stood and began gathering his things, a clear dismissal. Seth turned and felt a hard slap on the back as Patrick clapped his hand on him and gave him a small smile. Seth was ecstatic but knew the real work was just beginning. He’d have to pick his own team now—an Associate from the ranks of the Neophytes, and a new Neophyte from those who sought to join. He hoped his new trinity would be as capable as the first had been in setting up the Church.

Now is your chance to shine, said Patrick. Don’t let me down.

I won’t, said Seth. Something in his brain sparked as they moved across the main chapel. What was Archbishop Keeler referring to about signs?

I don’t know, Patrick responded. I’m sure we’ll find out in time.

2

DREAMS OF SHADOW

Hollow wind.

Smoky breath.

February was cold in the panhandle of Texas. Frost was beginning to cling to the ground at this late hour. By morning, what little grass there was would be covered by a thin layer of ice.

Maxwell wondered if it would cover the blood as well.

He peered into the parking lot. Only a few cars remained and the area was lit by a couple of lonely light poles. To the north, a sign marked the entrance to the basketball arena, home of the local college team. Beyond that was a pavilion and the greater university campus. To the south…well…the open wildlife preserve made an ideal hiding place.

Wish the damn tow truck would get here, said the man as he slammed the truck’s hood. He looked like a junior or senior at the school—square jaw and medium build, hair covered by a red cap and body by a warm winter coat.

You sure it doesn’t just need a jump? asked the blond inside.

Nah. I think it’s the starter.

Maxwell smiled from the shadows. It was apparent the young man didn’t know anything about cars but wasn’t about to admit it. Maxwell couldn’t blame him—had he been in the same position, he would’ve tried to sound impressive too. All the better to try and score.

He watched as a few straggling cars winded their way down the road and out of sight. The couple at the truck appeared unworried; after all, this was a safe campus. Such naiveté was one of the reasons Maxwell used it as a hunting ground.

He crept through the dark and could feel blood coursing through their veins, hear their hearts thumping passionately. His skin tingled—it had been several days since he last fed.

You know, said the young man, we could create a little extra warmth. He opened the door and slid in close to the woman.

John, I’m not about to do that here, she said with a playful swat to his arm.

Maxwell saw John put his hand inside her coat. Come on, won’t no one see.

The woman’s voice grew firm. Get off of me and watch for the tow. Maybe after we get back, but even I don’t fool around in a parking lot where anyone could see.

John was still pressed against her. No one’s gonna see.

With that, Maxwell stepped in front of the truck.

The couples’ breath partly fogged the windows, but Maxwell knew they could see his outline against the darkness. This was his favorite part.