Remembrance of a Shadow

By Patrick Wiley

Orphaned at birth, Christamos is bestowed a dark gift and a curse. Half-man half-vampire he was raised to live in both worlds of the mortal and immortal. A life burdened with the death of his first love; he goes on facing the world that is controlled out of fear of the Inquisition led by Malevolence.
Christamos is then tricked by the wicked priest to return to his homeland where he learns of the truth behind behind the humble holyman and his own familys past...
It is a story full of action, love, and betrayal as Christamos chooses his own fate and place in the two different worlds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 28, 2008
• ISBN: 9781462838288

Patrick Wiley

About the Author Born in 1980 and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, I am fourth among five children. I am a product manager at a local store and a new member of the Nebraska Writers Guild. I have been known for my humor as well as my stories that tend to make a conversation longer. I chose to write as a way of relaxing after a bad breakup. Since then, I have spent the last five years self-teaching myself the art of writing. My deepest dreams, nightmares, and thoughts are what I bring to life on paper—nothing else . . .

Book preview

Prologue

Since the beginning, good always overpowered the evil of man’s immortal sins.

In the time throughout the centuries, they have lived on in forms of myth or fables. Some may have met one and never knew it. Meanwhile, others less fortunate became victims. With all of Europe in turmoil over lands or religion, kings and others disputed over true power. The true power was then taken by the ones of the night, forging new kingdoms of their own. They were the ones that had the true power concealed from the church as well as the lands kings, who should honestly rule the mortal world.

In the year of our Lord 1327, a small town in Northern France in the Argon forest was forgotten in time and nearly cut off from the rest of the world. A quiet little town sits peacefully with a church of indescribable beauty overlooking as if it were an impregnable fortress with a mysterious presence. The lord of this territory doesn’t even know what lurks in the shadows at night. His health is beginning to fail, and there is no logical explanation. He will be survived by his son Devon and elder pregnant daughter Heather, and the question rises amongst the people on who will retain control when he passes on. The actual inheritor will be Heather, but unfortunately she too is plagued by the mysterious menace with nightmares and attempts to hide her faults so that she may not forfeit her rights. Her brother is also taken by this man who disguises himself as a priest. The love in the ruling family is strong, but time is fleeing from their grasp as one life ends and another is about to begin…

Chapter 1

On a calm moonlit night, a beautiful young maiden named Heather was awakened by a couple of late-night guests. Curious, she donned a robe that was draped over a nearby chair and slowly left her bedroom. Heather made her way down the long dark corridor. Voices started to become louder as she got closer to the main forum in the castle. She began to see candlelight flickering in the darkness when she entered the room from a balcony from above, spying on her visitors.

Peeking through the gaps in the railing, she immediately recognized one of the two men meeting with her brother Devon. The first man was Father Lance from the local church. It was difficult to miss him with his tall stature and long dark hair with a silver streak in it, but he appeared different somehow. Father Lance looked more bulky, as if he was wearing plate armor under his usual garments, and he didn’t have his walking stick at hand. Meanwhile, his companion was covered with a dark cloak that had a red cross and white wolves on the back of it. He wasn’t as large as Father Lance appeared, but he was armed with a sword. This man seemed more dangerous than what he was led on to be.

The lord, Charon entered the room with a great distress over the company that his son invited in at such a late hour. Lord Charon started to raise his voice at the guests when the cloaked one ordered the lord to his knees to appreciate Father Lance. Angered by this outrage, Lord Charon asked his son to see them out. Devon did nothing of the sort.

Father, this is the Father Lance, and he has come to make us an offer we can’t refuse, Devon said.

I’ll not give charity at this late hour nor tolerate insult in my own home! Lord Charon said angrily.

I believe it is wise that you join us then and listen to what your savior has to offer before declining his gracious offer, the hooded man calmly said.

Lord Charon was fed up with the two guests at this point and shoved the cloaked man. Without hesitation, the stranger demonstrated his power by attacking Lord Charon and biting into his neck. Shocked, Heather gasped and began to stumble back when she accidentally knocked over a candle stand. The man who attacked her father turned to look up at Heather, unveiling part of his face. Most of his features were still hidden by shadows except a ruby in place of his right eye and a scar. Frightened by this, she takes off running back toward her room.

What was that? a startled Devon said.

I’ll go find out, Father Lance said.

The cloaked man turned to the priest and said, No, my lord.

Don’t worry, Father Lance replied. It was probably just a servant, and I need a snack.

Father Lance darted off with blinding speed up the nearby stairs after the intruder, Heather, while Devon inquired about his wounded father. The cloaked man assured Devon that Lord Charon will be fine but certain precautions will be made making Devon the heir. Then Devon slowly let his greed set in as he helped his father to a nearby chair.

Father Lance saw the distressed girl in his sights and began to move into the shadows, playing a little game and observing where she was running off to. Heather, in the meantime, felt someone watching her but cannot see them as she ran down the dark corridor trying to get away from this fiend stalking her. Several times she even felt a cool brush by her, not even knowing what it was.

Heather reached the door to her bedroom and slammed the door behind her before, ducking down behind the bed in an attempt to hide. She was shaking frightfully and breathing heavily as then the door began to open. The heavy door started to creak slowly with every inch that it moved while Heather’s heart began to jump into her throat. Then her heart began to beat faster and faster as the door began to open more. Finally the door is opened all the way, and a slow-falling fog filled the dark room. Heather gazed across the top of her bed over toward the doorway where a silhouette of a man stood looking back at her before he enters, parting the fog around his feet.

Lady Heather, a soothing voice calls out. It is I, Father Lance. He begins to step further into the room toward Heather without making a sound.

Frozen from fear, Heather stood crouched down behind the bed. As he drew closer, his facial features became more present as the moon peeking through the window, lightly illuminating the room. His slender but masculine body moved slow as well as confident, knowing exactly where Heather hid. Heather’s heart started to beat faster and faster, jumping into her throat as Father Lance now stood right in front of her, looking down.

Come to me, Lady Heather, Father Lance beckoned. Come to me, and tell me your fears.

She was unable to move with her free will; Heather rose to her feet and stood memorized before Father Lance. A thousand thoughts rushed her mind, and not a single one allowed Heather to escape. She remained in place, staring into the shadowy eyes of Father Lance.

Lady Heather, Father Lance said once again. Tell me your dreams.

Father Lance now drew closer, taking Heather into his arms, kissing her gently on the forehead. Heather’s thoughts then changed, almost forming pictures in her mind of from every happy moment to the things she fantasized about.

Now, Lady Heather, Father Lance commanded, show me passion.

Once more, all of Heather’s thoughts rushed through her head of love and passion, but no more. Father Lance then kissed Heather’s lips deeply before he threw her to the bed, angered by the fact that Heather had control over her own love. With Father Lance’s kiss, she was able to see into his mind as well. Heather saw the real man behind the priestly disguise. She saw the death that lurked deep within his soul and the torturous pain that was Father Lance. Heather also witnessed the truth, and that was Father Lance’s real self—as a vampire warlord—Malevolence, attempting to take control of her people.

If you will not love me, then I will make you! the angered vampire yelled. Heather was unfortunately still under his power, unable to cry out for help or even run. And, Lady Heather,—he paused—you won’t remember a thing of this night either.

Father Lance then begins to kiss Heather’s lips forcefully and then her earlobe. He started to lick the side of her neck before he bit into it, causing Heather to gasp out painfully as his fangs sank deep into her throat. As the blood was being sucked out of her body, she began to feel weak and sleepy.

Lady Heather! Lady Heather! a familiar voice called out to her as a servant entered the bedroom, shaking Heather awake.

Her tearful eyes opened as she soon recognized Pavon her servant. Pavon. Heather gratefully reached out. Oh Pavon, I had that dream again about Father Lance.

Your neck is bleeding, my lady, from where you have said he bit you! Pavon was shocked by the phenomenon that has occurred before him.

You’re right. What should I do? Heather was surprised as she wiped some of the blood exiting from the old mysterious wound. I actually think that my nightmares may be true…

Pavon gets up from the bed and looked out the door to see if anyone was alerted from Heather’s screams moments before. Our luck no one heard you but me. He then started to glance back at Heather and then her belly where her unborn child lay. My lady, we must hide you from this demon that stalks you in the night. We’ll go and run. Hide in the countryside if we must, until the three of us are ready to return after this Malevolence.

Then go prepare a carriage before the sun rises so that we’ll leave without being seen, Heather then ordered Pavon.

Without hesitation, Pavon left the room to do as Heather suggested as she rose to her feet and began changing into some clothes. She then took some of her dresses and piled them on her bed and removed her medallion from the nearby nightstand. Heather was packing as fast as she could, trying to get only the essentials. A short time later, Pavon showed up to help her with some of her things as they rushed down the stairs to the carriage outside. The night’s moon was setting, beginning a new day as the two took the carriage out of the castle off to the east where Pavon believed they may find some sanction from Malevolence’s wrath.

Sometime later the morning, a guard passing by Heather’s room noticed that it was disturbed and rushed off to notify Devon immediately of the news. Another guard also had bad news for Devon concerning his father as the two guards met in front of his door. Soon after, the young heir walked out of his room to discover what transpired through the night. Devon, worried, sat down on a nearby chair in the hallway.

My lord, one guard said, this makes you the undisputed ruler to your father’s kingdom!

The upset prince stood up and shoved the guard for his comment. I don’t care, he said. My father has died, and my pregnant sister has run off with a servant! Devon then took a deep breath. Give my father proper burial, and FIND MY SISTER!

What will you do then, my lord? the other guard said.

Devon did not answer the guard and only sent him away. Devon then went back into his room to contemplate how he would break the news to Father Lance. After a few moments of gathering his thoughts, Devon rushed out of his room and headed toward the stables so that he may prepare to meet with the priest. Devon then mounted a horse quickly and began to ride as hard as he could to the church where Father Lance resided.

An hour later, Devon was entering the church, scared about what Father Lance’s response maybe that’s true. As he entered, the daytime caretaker met with Devon. Mass isn’t until early evening. Go away! the little man said.

I apologize for the inconvenience, but I have some urgent news to tell Father Lance, Devon urged.

I don’t care! The father is sleeping, the little man then said. Come back later.

Devon then pushed the caretaker out of his way and ran to the back door where Father Lance’s chambers were. Devon then tried to open the door, but it was locked from the inside. The caretaker then rose to his feet and pulled a dagger out from under his vest. Devon started to hit the door, hoping that either he would break it down or it would open. As the little man rushed to Devon, the young prince turned around and prepared for a fight.

Just then the door opened. Put down your weapons, a voice ordered. Devon then turned about and stared into the dark abyss from which the voice came from.

Yes, my master. The caretaker then put his dagger from where it came.

Devon, you may enter, the voice then ordered.

Devon then walked into the hallway and was handed a torch as he was led by the man with the ruby eye. The two then began walking down a staircase below the church. It was not long before Devon started seeing other residents in the shadows glaring at him, passing by. Finally, Devon and his guide reached a large heavy door to Father Lance’s actual chambers.

The man then opened the door for Devon. You may go now, Sonoma, Father Lance told the man. Now what brings you here to disturb my rest, Devon?

Devon was lost for words as he could not speak for what he has just witnessed. Father Lance then read Devon’s mind, telling him the death of Lord Charon and Heather’s abrupt disappearance. Devon only stood still, sweating from fear of the unknown.

Don’t worry, I already know about your father, but Heather is a different story, Father Lance said calmly. But where did your sister go?

I… I… I don’t know, Father, Devon frightfully responded.

Father Lance then stood up and picked Devon up by the throat. Well then, I guess we have a little problem, don’t we? He then began to squeeze Devon tighter before tossing him across the room like some piece of garbage. She is carrying my child, and you don’t know!

Father Lance… Devon gasped before being cut off.

My name is Malevolence!

Still attempting to catch his breath, he said, Malevolence, I shall send out patrols to retrieve my sister.

Don’t you worry, my young foolish prince, Malevolence said. I’ll find her first. He then stepped into the corridor and called for a man by the name of Caleb.

Within a moment, a man approached Malevolence. Yes, my lord.

Go find Lady Heather Charon, and bring her back alive, Malevolence ordered.

What of the servant? Caleb asked.

Just call him a free meal, from me, Malevolence then said. Prepare to leave at first night.

Meanwhile… several days have passed since Heather and her loyal servant Pavon left the sanctity of the castle walls in an attempt to escape Malevolence’s plans to take over her family’s land. The two were beginning to get exhausted, for their journey was starting to take its toll. They have only stopped in villages to get food and water as the two passed through, as Heather’s pregnancy began to complicate with each day.

Lady Heather, we must stop to rest for a couple of days, Pavon suggested, yelling into the carriage as even the horses pant from fatigue. You’re starting to get pale, and I don’t know how much longer it will be until the baby arrives.

No, she said. I still can feel him as if he was watching us.

Little did they know that Caleb, Malevolence’s assassin, was closing in on their trail and may reach them in a night or two. Caleb was also a vampire like his master, but he was only able to travel at night. He was able to gain much ground behind the two due to Heather’s condition as well as her naiveness to leave him a trail of belongings at each stop they made.

The sun then began to set slowly as the day began to end, and they were about to enter a dense darkened forest. The road leading into the forest itself looked rough and almost appeared to be a tunnel from the way the trees overgrew, blocking most sunlight from entering.

My lady, Pavon says, this road appears to be too dangerous for us to travel. We must rest the horses here before entering.

No, Pavon, Heather ordered. At least make it to a farmhouse or village. Her cramping began to worsen as the bumpy road shook the carriage even more.

The path twisted and turned sharply, making it difficult to navigate as Pavon saw a small fork in the road. To one side of it was a small shack that was run down as if it were a small trading post sometime ago. As the two drove closer, a light could be seen peeking out the door. Pavon stopped the carriage in front of the small run-down cabin and jumped down from the driver’s seat. He then cautiously entered not knowing what to expect.

Please come in, a voice from inside the shack said.

Pavon entered only to see a poorly groomed man wearing tethered clothing with noble markings across the back of it.

Who are you? Pavon asked the man.

The man only approached Pavon openly. I apologize for my appearance, the man said. For I was robbed not more than a day ago, and I have been stuck here since, hoping for someone to pass by.

Heather then entered the tiny shack panting heavily, for she was ready to give birth. Her face grew paler by the moment until she finally sat on the floor. Immediately Pavon rushed to her aid, and the stranger calmly sat down next to her.

Please forgive my intrusion, but how long has she been like this? the man asked.

The past three days, Pavon replied.

Do you have any water and something to clothe the child? he then asked Pavon.

No, he replied.

What, Heather was trying to say between breaths. What is your name, sire?

Count Diego, my lady, he replied. Now I need you to stay calm. I’ll go get some help. Count Diego then turned toward Pavon and instructed him what to do in the event that the baby should come before he returned. Pavon, not wanting to leave Heather’s side, went along with the plan as the count ran out the door and borrowed their carriage.

Count Diego rode furiously into the night, pushing the horses to their limits. In a short time, he reached a nearby village that had torches lit in the streets. He went into the local tavern, demanding for anyone who knew how to give birth to a child. The barkeep suggested that he go to the church and ask for a Father Fagan.

Diego dashed out the door with such speed as if he was not even there. It did not take him long to recognize the church on the far side of town. Knowing that he could run there faster, he ran up the dirty street, passing several homes and businesses along the way. Count Diego then walked to the door and entered the rustic chapel where he found a young priest preparing to go to bed.

Father Fagan, I presume? he said.

Yes? Who wants to know? the young man asked.

No time to talk! Count Diego said. Come with me.

He then took Father Fagan’s hand and rushed outside. The priest didn’t know what to think of this and began to question the count’s actions. Count Diego would not respond as they stepped onto the street. The count whistled as the horses replied with no hesitation. As the carriage drove up, Count Diego opened the door and shoved Father Fagan inside. He then jumped into the driver’s seat and started to head back from where Heather was having her baby.

What is the meaning of this! Father Fagan continued to ask angrily.

Count Diego began to explain the situation. I’m sorry for keeping you out late, but there is a young maiden in the need of your service.

Take me home! the priest ordered. And come back in the morning for a wedding.

Some time passed as Count Diego told of Heather and how she was ready to give birth. The priest began to feel sympathetic for the case and urged the count to press on. As they approached the little shack, Diego was overcome by a disturbing silence. There was no screaming pain of labor or a newborn crying. He grew suspicious as the carriage began to slow down.

Count Diego then caught the scent of blood in the air and leaped from the moving carriage, landing on his feet with his sword drawn. The count then ran up to the door only to witness a horrible sight. It was Caleb, who was feeding on Pavon, and Heather lay dead in the corner from childbirth.

What is going on in there? Father Fagan said as he climbed out of the carriage.

The alerted vampire then turned his attention to Count Diego who was looking for the child. Diego was about to draw out his sword when Caleb lunged at him, knocking him through one of the walls. Father Fagan saw the two struggling on the ground for the sword. When the priest rushed into the shack, he found the baby lying on the floor, wrapped in a robe covered in blood next to his dead mother. He immediately seized the child and ran out the door only to find Caleb lying on the ground with arrows in him and still moving. Father Fagan was horrified by what he has just witnessed and was ready to run off into the woods when he saw the count kneel next to Caleb only to decapitate the vampire. The priest froze with fear, not knowing what may become of him and the baby.

Count Diego! a man from the distance called out. Who are these trespassers?"

Count Diego then replied back, walking up to a couple of people standing in the shadows of the trees.

Only a dead vampire and some of his victims, Diego replied back.

Then Diego, take care of the mess, and meet me back at Flat Point Abbey, the mysterious man said, stepping out the shadow into the moonlight.

Hey, Raeth, what about the priest and the child? asked the count.

Don’t worry about them, the muscular man wearing fine clothes and a breastplate said. I will figure something out.

Chapter 2

Twenty-five years later…

A carriage traveling on a dirt road passing by some fields began to drive faster through the countryside as the sun began to set. A young dark-haired noble looked out the window, seeing the green tint of the fields start to darken as dusk prepared to set in. The young man was quiet and sighed as he watched the day come to an end. On the other hand, the other passengers started to worry as the driver quickened their pace on the upcoming forest.

Why is the driver going so fast? Is he trying to kill us? an older woman says.

Maybe he is afraid of the dark, my dear, her husband answered.

The day then became night as they entered a forest where the trees overlapped the road, blocking the setting sun. The carriage was consumed with darkness as the woman began to frighten even more. The young man, on the other hand, was relaxed and calm as he remained silent. The road then began to get rough as the carriage was tossed about by the ruts on the old trail.

Another passenger stuck his head out the window and called out to the driver. Sir, please slow down, you’re putting a scare on the rest of us. The driver paid no attention, remaining focused on the road. The passenger repeated himself again.

I can’t stop, sir, we’re too deep in the territory. This part of the forest is cursed at dark, the driver said, watching the road. Some say wolves and vampires stalk these woods. The passenger talking to the driver then stuck his head back in the carriage, and his face turned pale.

What is it? said the woman’s husband.

The driver said that there are vampires here, he answered.

The older man then replied to the paranoid man, Why, that is preposterous. There is no such thing.

He is right, the noble said. There is no such thing.

The woman was not comforted with the news that there was some kind of monster lurking in the shadows. She began to hold her husband tight and prayed as the man started to tell his tales of the supernatural. The noble sitting across from him then rolled his eyes at the man.

They are real. I tell you, the man said.

Well, what are they? the woman asked.

Silly peasant folklore, the noble interrupted.

The young man was insulted by the nobleman’s response as the other man started to comfort his wife by telling her that it was nothing but a ghost story to frighten little children. The young man then pulled out a crucifix from under his shirt.

There are demons that lurk in the night and drink human blood, the young man said. And this is one of the few things that protect you from their wrath.

Can I see that? the noble asked as he was handed the crucifix. Well, it has beautiful craftsmanship, but I still think that you are just telling fables, he then said, handing back the cross.

What is your name, my lord? the woman asked.

I am Christamos. And I live in these parts never hearing stories of demonic vampires stalking people at night, the noble said.

They began to discuss the possibility of the folklore brought up as the night set in. Soon the woman forgot all about the reckless carriage driver and gained an interest in a good ghost story brought up by the young man across from Christamos. The young man then introduced himself as Jon Kemp, a man running from the eastern kingdoms that were plagued with the tales of the undead. Christamos, on the other hand, told the couple to just sit back and enjoy the story that Jon was telling.

In a short time, they reached their destination of a small village deep in the dense forest. The woman was amused by the tale the Jon had to