Bloodlines: Exordium: A Dead Hearts Novel, #6

By Susanne L. Lambdin

Legends are always based on some form of the truth.

 

Bloodlines: Exordium, Vol. 1, follows the saga of Logan Bennet left behind by the Earth Corps in the 13th century. By forming the Blood Knights—an organization of vampires sworn to defend the human race during a time England and Scotland are at war—Logan's rash decisions lead to a chain of events that threaten the future. With the Earth Corps' defeat of Odin and Aries, the Blood Syndicate, led by Chancellor Logan, assumes the task of rebuilding international cities. His 'Tolerance Act' allows all Supernatural creatures to live together in harmony, but this is far from the truth.

 

The Dark Angels, forced to join the Syndicate, discover an army of the undead frozen in the hell dimension of Caceri. Meanwhile, Agent Parish and the Blood Knights, now employed as Syndicate time travel agents, use the Babylonian Stones to travel to the past to retrieve influential historical figures. Unless the Dark Angels and Agent Parish unravel the mystery behind the Syndicate's darker purpose, the human race, which includes zombies cured by the Earth Corps, may once more be on the brink of total annihilation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susanne Lambdin
• Release date: Apr 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781393412717

Book preview

BLOODLINES:

EXORDIUM

A DEAD HEARTS NOVEL

by

Susanne L. Lambdin

Bloodlines: Exordium

Copyright © 2018 by Susanne L. Lambdin

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form, or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the author, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the email addresses below.

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Author’s Note: This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

Bloodlines – Exordium / Susanne L. Lambdin –2nd Edition

ISBN-13: 978-1987791631

ISBN-10: 1987791630

ALSO BY SUSANNE L. LAMBDIN

A Dead Hearts Novel Series

Morbid Hearts

Forsaken Hearts

Vengeful Hearts

Defiant Hearts

Immortal Hearts

Dead Hearts: Bloodlines

Exordium

Medius

Ultimum

The Realm of Magic Trilogy

Seeker of Magic

Mistress of Magic

Queen of Magic

* * * * *

Exordium - The Beginning

Dedicated to Kevin—my knight.

CONTENTS

LOGAN

NORAD - Present

Prologue

The tall black monolith stood beside the dank fourth lake beneath NORAD, casting a long shadow on the water. Logan Bennet, dressed in a monk’s frock taken off the bodies of one of four dead Vescali demons, faced the stone. The members of the Earth Corps stood in a tight group behind a barricade of sandbags while Thor, a young man desperate to prove his worth, acted as their temporary commander.

Weapons raised, the superhuman teenagers clearly expected Logan to enter the time portal to go after Cadence and several team members. The girl commander had vanished with Blaze through the portal an hour earlier. The Vescalis found lurking around the monolith had put up a fight, but only one survived. Logan knew the demon, Tamal, was no more a priest than Logan was a hero. Only Rafe, a member of the Dark Angels, had volunteered to go on the mission, and though Logan thought the young vampire was out of his mind, he appeared eager to leave.

This is a suicide mission, Logan said, hands on his hips. I get why you’re angry with me; joining Balan was a big mistake. I am not the man to go after Cadence. Nor is this priest suitable as our escort. He’s a Vescali! He’ll betray us the first chance he gets, and you know it.

Phoenix, a tall girl armed with a longbow, aimed her nocked arrow at his chest. A white werepuma and a black werewolf flanked her. Freeborn, Dodger, and Xena showed no sign of sympathy, nor offered any verbal support. Smack, a precocious thirteen-year-old, was the only one who offered Logan a sad, little smile.

As I see it, you don’t have another choice, Logan, Thor stated. He unhooked his war hammer from his belt and rested it on his shoulder. You will enter the portal to find Commander Cadence, Blaze, Whisper, and Lachlan . . . .

Or what?

Just do as you’re told, Logan. In fact, it’s a direct order, Thor shouted.

"You trust us to rescue Cadence? Logan asked, shaking his head. At least give us suitable weapons, Thor. Sending us through a portal unarmed is a sure way to get us killed. As far as you know, this creepy Vescali is taking us back to his headquarters."

Thor glared at Logan, unable to control his temper. Consider this an opportunity to redeem yourself, you lousy scavenger, he snarled. The portal will take you to England in the year 1345, during the Black Plague, where you will find our commander and return with her, or don’t come back!

This is crazy, Logan replied, glancing at Rafe for support, but the vampire merely grinned at him. Rafe is only going because he’s in love with Cadence and wants to be the one to rescue her. If you really want to find Cadence, then you should be the one going after her.

Thor is in command while Cadence is gone. He can’t go after her, especially now that we’re about to launch an attack on the Shadowguard, Phoenix said, never once lowering her bow. You’re going, and that’s all there is to it.

Logan knew the Earth Corps would not be able to defeat Prince Balan without Commander Cadence, despite Thor’s bluster or the young team’s confidence. Prince Balan, an Axon demon and leader of the Shadowguard, had released a mutating virus into the world to infect the human population in a matter of weeks. Zombies now numbered into the billions, and if this was not bad enough, the virus had created vampires, shapeshifters, and a multitude of other supernatural creatures. The Vescali, an ancient race of demons, worked for Balan. Logan noticed the demon glance in his direction with a sly look on his face before he approached the monolith to tap the stone. It whispered back softly, as if something waited inside, and then started to hum and vibrate.

As the humming grew louder, Logan watched a fissure open down the length of the stone, emitting bright green light. The eerie glow flowed from the widening portal, but within he saw only darkness. Tamal ran into the light with a snicker and vanished. Rafe, brave fool that he was, laughed and went next. Logan felt a hard yank from the interior of the monolith. Another pulled him into the bright green light where he spun like a top, a scream clutched in his throat. He heard a female voice laughing as winds buffeted his body in the inky black womb.

A doorway opened in the dark a second later, and Logan spotted a castle and knights standing below him in a courtyard. He dropped out of the sky, arms flailing and certain he was about to be smashed on the cobblestones, but his descent suddenly slowed, as if an invisible hand lent its support, and he landed on his feet. The startled knights, shaking in their armor with fear, pointed spears and swords at Logan as Rafe and Tamal slammed into the ground. Rafe scrambled to his feet, caught the demon priest by his cowl, and jerked him up. A tall knight in silver armor and a yellow tunic stepped forward from the crowd of warriors.

Father Tamal? Is it really you? The knight approached the demon and scrutinized his appearance before glancing at Logan and Rafe. It is our priest, returned to us after so long an absence! Few looked pleased as he lifted his hand, a signal to the men to lower their weapons. How is it you have returned to us? You appear from nowhere, dropped upon us like stones from the sky, and were it not for the demons which plague our castle, I would not believe my own eyes.

God has seen fit to return me to Pevensey Castle, Tamal replied with a sly smile. He glanced at Logan. Sir Thomas Mallory is in command of these men and serves Lord Montagu. Mallory, allow me to introduce my companions, Logan and Rafe, brought here to be of service.

We’re here to find Cadence Sinclair, Logan said, still expecting the knights to bind them with rope and burn them at a stake for witchcraft. Yet, Mallory showed no sign of fear, which confused Logan. Have you met Cadence? You seem quite accepting of the method we arrived, sir.

Of course. Both you and your friend are very welcome here, Mallory replied. He stepped forward to shake Logan’s hand and then Rafe’s. Not only do we know Cadence, but we await her return. You couldn’t have come at a better time, for we are in the midst of a battle against Lord Darkmoore and are in need of more men.

Great. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, Logan muttered as Rafe waved at the gathered knights. Is that it? Don’t you have anything to say?

Yeah, Rafe said, tossing off his robe. Give me a helmet and one of those swords, and send me into the game, coach. I’m ready to play hardball.

LOGAN

England - 1345 A.D.

Chapter 1

Pevensey Castle lay under a full moon, shrouded in a fog which created a thick whirl of white from which cried shrill, inhuman voices. The dead crawled from their graves to gather outside the walls of the remote castle near the Scottish border and cried in the dark for their loved ones. Torches held high by frightened soldiers provided light for the knights and longbowmen that stood shoulder-to-shoulder and watched the throng of medieval monsters gather beside the moat.

Logan, armor-clad, stood on the battlements among seasoned knights and soldiers and wondered how Sir Mallory was going to defend the castle against such an onslaught. Mallory had welcomed them, which struck Logan as odd, for the knight had acted as if he expected them. The arrival of Cadence was also not a secret, at least not to Mallory and his trusted knight, who had met her on the previous night. Lord Montagu had sent the Earth Corps team to find and kill the leader of the horde of monsters attacking his castle, but she had yet to return. While Rafe wanted to leave the safety of the castle to find Cadence, Logan had no intention of leaving. A wraith, Lord Darkmoore, had the castle surrounded. Logan suspected Cadence had tried and failed to kill the wraith since they were currently under attack. He wanted to abandon the mission to find a second monolith located somewhere inside the castle and to convince Tamal to return him to NORAD. His problem, of course, would be Thor, but Logan would figure something out. The truth was Logan smelled defeat, along with the stench of the living dead. Luck was something he did not believe in, yet he knew this was precisely what they needed.

You’ve been more than courteous, Sir Mallory, the knight turned his way, and I don’t want to cause any more problems than we already have, but the truth is you don’t have enough men to defeat Darkmoore’s army, Logan said, going for bluntness. More creatures gather outside while we wait for Cadence to arrive. Have you tried to reason with Darkmoore?

You cannot reason with these creatures, especially not Darkmoore, Mallory replied. We fight, Sir Logan, for that is all we can do and pray we are victorious this night.

Mallory, with a longsword strapped to his side, looked quite distinguished, and Logan imagined the wraiths would flee at the sight of him. However, he doubted the werewolves, called ‘Old Ones,’ would react in the same fashion. Old Ones were something Logan was familiar with after spending time with Prince Balan at the Citadel; these creatures were dangerous when the moon was high. He had no illusions about an easy victory, but if Mallory wanted to fight, he would do whatever it took to stay alive.

Logan felt the tension among the men. Mallory had mustered every soldier to stand at the wall, and most of their weapons wore a fresh coat of silver. Knights in silver armor, wearing yellow tunics with Lord Montagu’s crest of a rampaging black boar, stood beside their squires in the courtyard as the squires saddled horses and prepared their knights for a charge. The clang of a blacksmith’s hammer rang out as it pounded on an anvil. The last of the castle silverware, melted into arrowheads, now cooled in buckets of water, and servants carried the arrows to the longbowmen on the battlements.

Rafe stood nearby, comfortable in armor, and excited to be in the moment. The lone howl of a werewolf pierced the night, a signal, and hundreds of yellow eyes appeared in the dense fog. Cries of wolves lifted in song, joined by the screeches of the wraiths, and Logan swallowed the lump in his throat.

Where is the old man? Rafe asked. I always thought lords joined their men to at least watch. Did Cadence meet your master? What did she think of him?

Lord Montagu remains locked in his room. He fears the night, and remains suspicious of Commander Cadence, as do most of my knights, Mallory stated. He gestured toward the keep. My master will wait and pray for our victory from inside those strong walls. Lord Montagu knows the English King will not send reinforcements, for the plague has reached these lands. Darkmoore’s army hides in this hellish fog and will attack before dawn. It has been like this every night for the past seven nights. I fear your friends did not reach the old Roman fort to kill Darkmoore, or my brother’s army would not be at our gates; these wraiths and Old Ones serve my brother. Cadence told us how to kill these monsters with silver. We are prepared for whatever comes next.

William is Lord Darkmoore? Did I hear you right? Rafe asked, and with a swift movement, pushed a lock of blond hair from his eyes. You should have mentioned this earlier, Mallory. Instead, you listened to our story, dressed us in armor, and placed us on this wall with your men. Logan is right; you should try to talk to your brother.

Logan frowned. Well, it’s about time someone listened to me.

Darkmoore is my older brother, William, Mallory stated, already shaking his head. My younger brother, Richard, left the night William died and went through the same portal which brought you here. I had hoped you would bring me word of Richard and he would return with the means to destroy these creatures.

I wish we had found Richard, Logan said.

Lying was something Logan found necessary, at times. He had decided not to tell Mallory his brother Richard had been at NORAD, for the simple reason the man was dead. When the Earth Corps took possession of the military base, they had found Richard’s diary in his room, and Logan had read it to learn more about the monolith at the lake. The man had written about how he had come to be in the future, about the monoliths, about Darkmoore, and how he had joined the U.S. military to help fight zombies. Now was not the time to tell Mallory about Richard, not when they needed their commander to remain strong.

Perhaps Richard could have talked to Darkmoore—they were close, Mallory said. I found no semblance of my older brother in the wraith he has become. Each night he tests our walls and our resolve. God has seen fit to send you both to fight beside us, and perhaps he will send Cadence to our aid. I found Sir Lachlan and his squire, Whisper, to be very brave and hope I can say the same about both of you.

I hope you can too, Mallory, but let’s face it, Cadence is not coming. We are on our own, Logan replied grimly. He did not intend to start praying, not at this late stage in life, for it had not helped as a child, nor would it as a man. Understand, I intend to help you fight Darkmoore, but there’s no way Cadence and her friends can get through enemy lines. These creatures are nothing like what we fought at home. If those are Old Ones, none of us will live through the night.

Then God help us, Mallory replied, no less resolved to face death with a sword in his hand.

Logan placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and looked for Tamal among the men. Tamal had said he wanted to check on the Roman Stone, which was somewhere in the castle, yet Logan feared Tamal had slipped back through the portal and left them stranded here. A light breeze lapped at the torches to make the flames dance along the castle walls as the longbowmen stepped forward and prepared to launch another volley of flaming arrows into the fog. Each archer stood beside a bucket of pitch into which they dipped their silver-tipped arrows and waited for a soldier to light them on fire. More than one hundred archers turned to stare at Sir Mallory and await his command.

The men are waiting for your orders, Sir Wallace, a large-sized man with wine on his breath, said as he came into view. He pushed himself between Logan and Mallory. Delaying any longer only allows more of these demons to gather beyond the moat. Let us send a volley into their ranks. We’ll light up those unholy hounds and send them back to Hell.

Logan heard a loud splash; a werewolf had jumped into the moat, swam to the castle walls, and used its long claws to climb the stones. At Mallory’s signal, archers fired their arrows at the beast. It fell into the rank water, peppered with silver tips, only to be replaced by two Old Ones which snarled in fury as they lashed their tails.

Here they come! Logan shouted as the air stirred in warning.

Pack members rushed through the fog, appeared along the bank of the moat, and rose onto their hind legs. At Sir Mallory’s nod, another volley arched into the air and slammed into the front line of giant beasts. Bodies fell, tumbling into the moat, their transformation from wolf back to human rapid. Several wounded retreated into the fog, and the entire werewolf army seemed to vanish, while a line of wraiths gathered in their wake. The creatures wrung their hands and cried to the soldiers in human voices.

Lord Darkmoore is playing on the emotions of the defenders, Logan said, turning to Rafe. Frankly, I prefer fighting zombies any day of the week.

They prefer you, too, Rafe said with a grin. Try to relax, Logan; it is not as if they have guns. Cadence will show up sooner or later. Until then, we’ll just have to get our hands dirty.

Logan frowned. Where is all the razzle-dazzle?

Oh, I'm working on a game plan, scavenger, Rafe assured, chuckling under his breath. Mallory, you told us Lord Montagu sent Cadence to kill Lord Darkmoore this morning. She must be on her way back; she is too damn stubborn to die. All we have to do is hold the line until she returns. If anyone can kill Lord Darkmoore, she can, and she will kill Prince Balan in the future, too. I have faith in Cadence.

Rafe had the enthusiasm of a quarterback giving instructions to his team before a big play, though he wore armor instead of a football jersey. He had been a soldier in the Freedom Army in the 21st century and helped defend Cadence’s camp against zombies and Prince Balan. The vampire was good to have in a fight. On his own, Rafe had the ability to kill dozens of wraiths and werewolves within minutes; Logan had seen Rafe do the same to zombies. Rafe also had another unique skill—he was a Vampire-Maker. All Rafe needed to do was turn Mallory and a few knights into vampires, and they had a chance at defeating Lord Darkmoore’s army; however, Mallory needed to be convinced this was the way to handle the battle.

Now for the razzle-dazzle, Rafe said, with a flash of his fangs. All I need is a few volunteers to turn into vampires, Mallory. At the knight’s grimace, he continued, Give me your bravest men, and it won’t take us long to kill this mob.

Logan hoped Mallory would agree, though he was not about to volunteer himself.

I will think on it, Mallory said, finally.

Well, don’t wait too long, Rafe countered.

Mallory turned to a knight with a red scarf tied around his arm. Sir Torrance, you will stay here, he ordered. Take command of the wall. Keep firing at those damnable beasts until you run out of arrows. Sir Logan. Sir Rafe. Ask Father Tamal to join us in the courtyard. I trust you know how to ride a horse; if not, you will learn soon enough. Make ready, and in the meantime, I will talk to my men.

Sir Mallory headed to the stairs without waiting, his long cloak billowing out behind him; Sir Wallace followed on his heels. Rafe grabbed Tamal’s arm and dragged him toward the stairs. A few archers glanced in their direction. Logan suspected the soldiers found the rough treatment of a priest unsettling.

Let me be clear, Tamal, Rafe hissed. If any of your scaly, sharp-toothed demon friends show up here, I’m going to kill you without pausing to ask questions. The Vescalis created this plague and brought it through the monoliths into our time, which makes you the number one enemy around here. Those supernatural freaks making a ruckus exist because of you and your kind. You better hope Cadence arrives, unharmed, or I’ll skin you alive and make myself a pair of boots.

Incentive enough to be of assistance, Tamal replied dryly. Instead of talking to me, I suggest you convince Mallory to turn his best knights into vampires; without them, you will not be able to defeat Darkmoore.

How do you know? Rafe asked in a snide tone.

It’s hardly my fault we’re here, the priest snapped. I merely point out the obvious. In your world, all you need is to shoot a gun to kill a zombie or werewolf, but here . . . he paused, and tilted his head, you must know how to handle yourself in battle. Even so, Mallory and his men will not survive this night, for they are outnumbered and outmatched.

Go talk to Mallory, Rafe, Logan urged.

"Oh, now you want me to talk to him. You know, it was my idea to look for Cadence when we first arrived, Rafe said, angry now. His eyes turned a bright shade of blue as his fangs became visible. All I have to do is jump over the wall, and I can find Cadence on my own. We don’t owe these people a damn thing; I came here to find Cadence, not fight monsters. If you were as smart as you think you are, you would have smuggled a gun through the portal. Instead, all you brought was bad breath."

Logan, annoyed with the entire situation, headed down the stairs, while Rafe and Tamal walked behind him. He spotted three farm boys hurrying past with buckets full of silver-tipped arrows, fresh off the anvil in the blacksmith’s shop. Logan glanced upwards as a lone knight on the battlements lifted his arm and shouted, Nock! Draw! Release! With a whir, a hundred flaming arrows arched through the sky and dropped, silencing a new chorus of moans and shrieks. When he looked back for Rafe, he no longer saw the young man in the courtyard but noticed Tamal attempting to duck behind a wagon. He caught the demon’s arm.

Where do you think you’re going? Logan asked.

These fools are preparing to ride out to fight Darkmoore. I have no intention of going with them to meet their deaths, Tamal snarled. The ancient Roman fort of Anderida is miles north of the castle; which is where Lord Montagu sent Cadence. She will not return, Logan. Even if she does, she will find you among the dead.

You know something, Logan accused. What is it? Where are the rest of your Vescali friends hiding? Are they helping Darkmoore, too?

What do you think, mortal? Tamal said with a hiss. Lord Darkmoore serves Prince Balan, and so do the Vescalis. Your little friends are dead. These people inside this castle are already dead, only they don’t know it yet.

Someone stopped Darkmoore or history would remember this battle. It’s either us or Cadence who gets the job done.

Your being here has already changed history, Logan. All you can do now is create more ripples in time. Things cannot be how they were, nor will they be.

Logan backhanded the demon and sent him tumbling to the ground. He reached for his sword but reconsidered killing the Vescali and slowly dropped his arm. The demon stood, smoothed out his robe, and grinned. Logan noticed several knights glaring at him and remembered no one had any idea the priest was a demon; all they saw was a strange knight strike a man-of-the-cloth. One of the knights started to walk toward them, but a squire, holding a hand to his side and panting hard, rushed up to Logan.

Sir Logan! I’m to ask you to join Sir Mallory and Sir Rafe in the chapel!

Logan, relieved at the news, glanced at Tamal and led him through the crowd of armed men after the squire. Logan noticed a gold cross at the top of the steeple, and for a moment, the moonlight glowed on the cross to make it appear brighter in the gloom. Logan felt it was a sign; faith was something he did have, though he was not the church-going type. He glanced to his right at the keep—a block-sized building eighty feet tall with narrow windows at each of the four levels where Lord Montagu and his servants hid. Mallory had said Lord Montagu was a frightened old man. Still, it might have raised the spirits of the men if their lord offered words of encouragement, which a leader should do in such a situation. Something just did not seem right.

Thinking about running? Tamal asked with a smirk.

You know, I met your boss, Dr. Leopold, who runs Balan’s Death Lab back in Colorado. Just as soon as we get home, I am going to kill him. Logan smirked when the demon bristled. Don’t worry. I’ll kill you before I leave this castle.

Leopold is not my boss; we both serve Prince Balan.

Balan’s days are numbered. When Tamal laughed, Logan wondered why he did not just kill the demon before the rest of the Vescalis showed up. I’m not running anywhere, Logan added. In a few minutes, Tamal, we are riding across the drawbridge. Whatever happens to me, will happen to you.

Doubtful, Tamal growled back. "The wraith lord is not as stupid as you think, Logan. Darkmoore keeps Mallory’s men occupied on the wall while his army gets into position. There are ways into this castle not barricaded. They will get inside, and when they do, Balan will bring Darkmoore into the future. Your future."

Yeah?

Unless . . . the demon pretended to consider something, we go to the church, open the portal in the Roman Stone and return home. Destroy the stone back in your time, and you destroy the portal.

Logan gave the demon a hard look. Everything we do here will affect what happens in the future. You already made that clear, he stated. I’m not about to leave now, not when you tell me Prince Balan intends to bring Darkmoore’s army into the 21st century.

Sir Mallory cannot win, Tamal said with a shrug. Stay here if you want and perhaps you’ll live through the night. His men believe you are a Spanish Moor, but you and I both know you are a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You will betray your new friends the first chance you get, Logan Bennet; you have done it before. I offer the only way out of a terrible situation. Come with me. His eyes flared, Now.

We’re not leaving, Tamal! You’ll fight right beside me!

Priests do not fight. The Templars were warrior priests, disbanded thirty years ago and their grand master burned at the stake for heresy. I happen to know a few Templars hide among Mallory’s men. They will not save you, Logan. You are all going to die.

If I die, you die, Logan grunted. Now put a cork in it.

Arriving at the chapel, Logan found Rafe with Sir Mallory, who wore a serious expression. Rafe’s cheeks appeared flushed, and Logan noticed a drop of blood on the young man’s chin. The demon priest glanced at the chapel and growled.

I turned Hansen and a few others already, Rafe said with a smile. Mallory wanted to wait for you, Logan. It’s his turn to become a Dark Angel, and then yours.

Mallory wrapped his hands around a Celtic cross worn from his neck. This leap of faith is not made lightly, Sir Rafe, he said, sounding grave. I have agreed to become a vampire because I believe it is my duty. I will do whatever is necessary to protect Lord Montagu and the innocent people within these walls.

You talk too much, Rafe said with a sigh.

An indolent smile turned the sunny-haired vampire into a creature of beauty. He pulled Mallory into his arms, kissed him on the cheek, and then recoiled like a snake before he sank his fangs into the knight’s neck. It happened fast - Logan counted the passing of two seconds. A hand to his throat, Sir Mallory shivered the moment Rafe released his embrace. Mallory lifted his fingers to touch his throat before he slid them along his lips. When his hand lowered, his new fangs flashed.

Your blood tastes like mead, Rafe said in disgust.

If every man, woman, and child were turned into vampires, we would win this battle, Mallory said in a deepened voice. A bright blue light appeared in the center of his pupils, proof he shared Rafe’s bloodline. His fangs dug into his bottom lip, smearing his chin with fresh blood.

Not an option, Logan snapped. He knew newly turned vampires were eager to taste blood and hoped Mallory was strong enough in character and devout enough in his faith to fight the urge. He placed his hand flat on Mallory’s chest and caught the knight’s eyes. Rafe is the only one who possesses the dark gift. If you bite another human, Mallory, you will create something far worse than Darkmoore and his creatures. You have not fought the undead. I warn you; resist the urge to feed, Mallory, or we will all perish this night.

I will try, Mallory growled, but the urge presses upon my very soul. I can smell blood as if it were a fine supper laid out for me. I hear everything in the night, even your heartbeat…and I smell your fear, Logan. It is like a rich bouquet, filling my nostrils. He lowered his eyes and wiped his gauntlet across his mouth. I pray God gives me the strength to do as you ask. Once the gate opens, I will turn my bloodlust upon the enemy; I swear it!

Logan stepped back. Good, he said with a nod.

It’s not too late to join us, Logan. What do you say? Rafe asked. You know it’s the only way to survive this night. Let me turn you like the others.

I can’t do it, Logan said. I won’t, Rafe, so don’t tempt me.

Why not? Mallory asked. I feel reborn, Logan. Nor do I fear the enemy. With the strength I now possess, I will be able to defeat Darkmoore. I will rip those hellhounds apart with my bare hands and send those wraiths back to their grave.

It’s complicated. I fight as a human, and if I die, then bury me under a tree, Logan replied and frowned when Rafe started to laugh. Logan had never liked Rafe, but he admired the man’s loyalty to Cadence. Rafe had been her boyfriend until he cheated on her and now attempted to win her back. From what Logan knew of Cadence, she was not the type of woman who forgave with ease, especially after such a betrayal.

Well, don’t say I didn’t try to save your life, Rafe said, scorn coating his words.

Logan nodded. Don’t worry about me, he said. The moment he heard a cacophony of howls, he wanted to change his mind. The horses stirred; a few whinnied nervously and stomped their hooves.

Very well, Sir Logan, Mallory replied as foot soldiers joined the armored knights. Mount up! He drew his sword and turned toward the assembly. May God give us strength this night to vanquish the enemy! We fight for Lord Montagu and for every soul inside this castle. Do not lose faith, men, and victory will be ours!

Nine knights, chosen by Mallory for their valor and skill in battle, appeared outside the chapel. Logan noticed the lowered visors of their helmets and thought it a wise decision since it hid their fangs and glowing eyes. The knights headed toward their waiting horses with long strides and, without assistance, leaped onto the backs of their mounts. Squires handed shields and lances to the knights. Mallory quickly lowered his visor and climbed into his saddle. He waved his sword in the air, and shouting encouraging words to his men, made his way to the front of the line.

It’s time to mount, Sir Logan, a squire said.

Logan approached a horse held by a young man in a leather tunic. The rest of the knights used wooden blocks to climb into their saddles, and he did the same, swinging his leg over the leather saddle, unsure when he had last ridden a horse. Rafe saw Tamal trying to sneak off, grabbed the demon around the waist, and laughing, tossed Tamal onto the back of Logan’s horse. When a squire offered a horse to Rafe, the young vampire shook his head, indicating he was not interested.

I can't ride; I’ll go on foot, Rafe stated in a firm voice.

The squire blushed. It is expected of you, Sir Rafe, he said in a quivering voice. All knights ride into battle…and priests…. he eyed the squirming Tamal, they do not fight. I do not understand why you insist Father Tamal ride out with you or why you want to fight on foot.

Because Father Tamal insisted, Rafe countered, ignoring the demon’s snarls of protest. He took a shield from another squire and drew his sword. This is all I need to kill werewolves and a few skinny vampires. Don’t worry about me, boy. Worry about yourself.

Are you afraid to ride, Sir Rafe? Tamal snickered.

Hardly, Rafe replied with a chuckle. I just prefer knocking werewolves on their butts before I hack off their heads; it’ll be like the good old days at Falcon Stadium.

Logan knew the squire had no idea what Rafe was talking about, nor felt the need to enlighten him as he took a shield handed to him. Before the young man could walk off, Rafe returned his shield to the squire’s custody, grabbed the young man around the waist with one arm, and plopped him into the saddle. He gave the squire his sword and turned to find another lad offering him a broadsword, which he held in both hands, delighted with the exchange.

Ride with the knights, and try to stay alive, Rafe ordered. As of this night, boy, you are a knight. He jogged to the front of the line, ready for action, and found his place beside Sir Mallory and Sir Wallace. The boy stammered before positioning himself among the other knights.

For God, King, and County! Sir Mallory shouted.

Remember, Tamal hissed into Logan’s ear. It was your friend’s idea to bring me along. I have no intention of helping you, Logan—none at all.

Then just hold on and try not to get in the way, priest.

Heavy chains clanked as the portcullis rose, and the knights charged across the bridge, swinging their silver swords high. Logan leaned forward, a shield with a red griffin on his left arm, and his sword in his right fist. He had placed a kettle-shaped helmet on his head and through the slits, watched the knights riding out. He caught his breath as his horse trotted forward, breaking into a run, and heard the thunderous echoing sound of hooves stomping on the bridge. Tamal held onto Logan from behind and shouted words in a foreign language until Logan considered knocking the annoying demon off his horse.

Galloping into the field, Logan stared in horror as hundreds of snarling werewolves loped toward the riders and foot soldiers. Logan thought it madness they had left the safety of the castle. Flaming arrows rained from above, and he lifted his shield to avoid injury while wolves and wraiths dropped to the ground. It was utter mayhem unlike anything Logan had experienced in the past, and it took him a deadly moment to adjust to the medieval carnage.

Watch out, Tamal shouted.

Logan swung his sword at a werewolf, missed, and turned to see it tackle another horse and rider to the ground. Tamal let out an odd laugh, patted Logan on the back, and pointed as foot soldiers streamed past. The men ran forward and speared werewolves and wraiths, showing such bravery Logan felt compelled to do the same. He leaned out of the saddle to stab the nearest werewolf and was caught by surprise when it grabbed his leg to pull him from the saddle. The demon priest snarled and kicked the werewolf in the face. Logan pulled his arm back and stabbed the beast‘s face. He suddenly felt Tamal sliding off the saddle and turned to see the demon jump to the ground.

My brothers have arrived. Look!

Tamal pointed upwards, laughing with his arms raised, as loud shrieks preceded a flock of winged Vescali which dove out of the sky to attack the soldiers. Men thrust their spears at the demons and killed several but were not fast enough in their armor to do more damage. The Vescalis knocked riders out of their saddles and grouped together, lifting horse and rider into the air, throwing them from high above. Tamal glanced at Logan, sneered, and drew a dagger.

All of you will die this night!

Get back here, Logan shouted. We have a deal!

Not anymore! Farewell, mortal fool, Tamal replied before he ran off.

Flashes of furry creatures passed Logan, and twisting in the saddle, he lifted his sword and struck. Blood sprayed when he connected, and he struck another werewolf, trying to remain in the saddle and feeling winded whenever he missed. Nearby, Sir Wallace fought on foot with an ax but soon was outnumbered. The werewolves closed in, and Wallace went down with a garbled cry. Logan rode forward, stabbing two wolves in their shaggy backs only to watch, horrified, as they morphed into naked men. The third, a vicious gray beast with slanted yellow eyes, snarled as it dropped Wallace’s arm and scrambled across its dead friends toward Logan. He used his shield to batter the beast in the head, knocked it to the ground, and attempted to lean in the saddle to get a clear swing. A clawed hand snatched at the shield and yanked it out of Logan’s grip. Logan swung as the thing stood, his blade cut through the midsection of the creature, and both halves dropped to the ground.

To the bridge, a soldier shouted from the far right.

Cut them off before they cross, another yelled.

A mass of soldiers grouped near the bridge where the wraiths attempted to ford the moat. Archers snatched off the walls by airborne Vescali ended up in the moat, where a large mound of bodies grew. Logan heard screams from within the castle. Unable to help the men inside the fortress, the soldiers attempted to keep the wraiths from climbing across the dead. Logan rode toward the men, unable to stop the werewolves which raced past and attacked the foot soldiers. Few archers remained on the battlements. Preoccupied with shooting Vescalis in the sky, they were unaware werewolves scaled the walls, until they were overwhelmed. The beasts swarmed the castle as thick as locusts, and screams grew into a morbid song as a wave of bodies cascaded up and over the walls.

Logan lifted his sword and shouted at the soldiers to rally the men at the drawbridge. No one within the castle lowered the bridge. Fearing for the lives of the women and children, he kicked his horse forward to cut off a flow of werewolves.

God help us, a wounded soldier cried.

Logan’s horse accidently trampled the soldier. As Logan pulled on the reins, the man started to convulse, and the warhorse reared on its hind legs with a shrill whinny. The infected soldier stood and ripped off his armor. His features contorted, and snarling with rage, the beast attacked Logan’s horse and tore open its chest. The horse collapsed, sending Logan tumbling to the ground, his helmet flying off. Logan, hindered by the weight of his armor, struggled to rise and crawled from his dead mount.

Get up, Rafe shouted.

The vampire pulled Logan to his feet and gave him a hard shove. Rafe ran to the werewolf which had killed Logan’s horse, impaled the beast on the end of his sword, and with uncanny ease, lifted the wolf, still convulsing, into the air and tossed it into the moat ten yards away. Rafe relied on his speed and moved to kill wounded soldiers before they turned. By the time Rafe returned to stand