The Salvation of Innocence

By Robert E Balsley Jr

A young woman embarks on a harrowing journey to save her world's last vestige of magical healing in Robert E. Balsley Jr.'s epic new fantasy novel, The Salvation of Innocence.

Althaya, the goddess of healing, wishes to share her ability to help those in need, providing "empaths," which give clerics the means to magically heal others-a means that some people fear and wish to destroy. In response, a dark magic known as the Purge is created to seek out and eradicate all empaths.

But one lone survivor remains, spirited away by Althaya and hidden in a magical stasis field. There, the last empath must remain alive until the time comes for rescue-but the Purge will not rest until the last empath is found and killed.

Three thousand years later, Kristen Rosilie Clearwater is only beginning to realize her destiny. Having been brought to the island of InnisRos as an orphan, she has long felt a "tug" toward something she can't quite understand. But when she begins experiencing the dreams of a young child, Kristen knows that the two are somehow connected-and that the fate of the world, and the future of healing magic, rests on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trient Press
• Release date: Nov 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781953975560

Book preview

THE SALVATION

OF INNOCENCE

A Bridge of Magic Novel

by Robert E. Balsley, Jr.

Illustrations in Collaboration with

Jim Charles and Shelley Charles

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents

are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as

real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or

persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2020 by Trient Press

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by

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For permission requests, write to the publisher,

addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the

address below.

Criminal copyright infringement, including

infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by

the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal

prison and a fine of

$250,000.

Except for the original story material written by the author,

all songs, song titles, and lyrics mentioned in the novel

Dare to Breathe are the exclusive property of the

respective artists, songwriters, and copyright holders

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The Salvation of Innocence

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Publisher’s Cataloging-in-

Publication data Balsley,jr.,

Robert

A title of a book :THE SALVATION OF INNOCENCE

ISBN Hard Cover:978-1-953975-54-6

Paperback: 978-1-953975-55-3

E-book:

978-1-953975-56-0

BRIDGE OF MAGIC

The Salvation of Innocence

The Struggle for Innocence

The Loss of Innocence

DEDICATION

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I’ve chosen to dedicate this book to three people. First and foremost this book is dedicated to my wife, Rhonda. Her never-ending strength of conviction in my abilities as a writer always lifted me up during the times I was ready to stop. That we are our own worst critics is a universal truth. There were many times when I would think about all the books I have read over the years and wonder how I could ever expect my book to grace the same bookshelf as Terry Goodkind, David Eddings, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and all the other authors I’ve so frequently read. Her steadfast insistence, however, gave me the will to continue when I thought I was doomed to embarrassment and failure. In many respects this book is a tribute to her belief in me.

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Secondly I dedicate this book to Shelley and Jim Charles, two very good friends and the inspiration, the role-model, for the principle characters of Kristen and Tangus. Whenever we are together I see their mutual interaction and love for each other. I also see their ability to extend beyond their interpersonal world of two and easily move into a world where they affect other people’s lives - family, friends, co-workers, even strangers - in such a tremendous way. They too have been very instrumental in the completion of the story I have told.  I hope I have been able to aptly emulate and capture their character in words.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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I’d like to thank a dear friend, Mark White, for all the effort he put into editing my book. The things he knows about grammar and the written word amazes me. Writing this book was as much a learning experience for me as it was a platform to tell a story. My next book will be easier to write because I’ve gained so much knowledge with this one. For that I have Mark to thank.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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I’ve been playing Dungeons and Dragons for a quarter century. The current group I play in, of which Shelley, Jim, and Mark are part of, numbers eight, including myself. It was not always that way, however. The core group consisted of Jim Charles, Ken Oakley, David Deal, and Toby Briles. It was Ken and David who first introduced me to the magic of the game. Through the years, we have had many adventures together, killed many monsters, but mostly had fun. Nothing beats the camaraderie of goods friends laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It was a storyline I developed for a game I created as Dungeon Master that is the basis for The Salvation of Innocence. Many of the characters in the book are based upon their personalities in the game. So here’s to my D&D group of Ken Oakley, David Deal, Jim Charles, Shelley Charles, Mark White, Annette Potter, and Brian Potter. Toby Briles has relocated but will always have a place at our table. Salute! 

IN MEMORIAM

Brooke Annessa Achemire (nee Oakley)

We lost Ken’s youngest daughter, Brooke, in 2004. From an early age Brooke watched as we played Dungeons and Dragons until her father had judged her old enough to participate. From that point forward, she never missed a session, never failed to impress me with her quick wit, her ready smile, and her intelligent approach to the game. As she grew into a beautiful, young lady, it didn’t take me long to understand that this wasn’t just a kid whose player character would quickly die by my hand as the Dungeon Master. All of us who knew Brooke love and miss her. I hope she finds this book to be a good read.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR........................................

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE......................................

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

EPILOGUE

FORWARD

From the Book of the Unveiled:

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Empath: An extraordinary group of healers unique to the elven city of Elanesse and believed to have the power to control the thoughts of another mortal being. As the empaths grew in prominence, fear of their rumored mind control abilities gave rise to suspicion and civil unrest. The elven lords of the city declared empaths outlaw and issued orders for their systematic capture and execution. Because the accepted truth was no magical spell could guard against the empath ability to control thoughts, the clerics of Elanesse devised powerful magic to ward against this talent. This magic also gave those who sought the empath the means through which the empath could be tracked. This magic, known as the Purge, was designed to be wielded by all willing rangers in Elanesse and the surrounding Forest of the Fey... for it was the rangers who were the enforcers of the law and the legal executioners. All empaths discovered within city limits were put to the sword. No quarter was given. Any empaths who escaped this slaughter were methodically hunted down by elven rangers and destroyed.

The goddess Aurora, to whom many rangers owed allegiance, did not favor her followers being used as executioners. Aurora, however, couldn’t force her rangers to ignore the law of their mortal masters, nor could she stop the magic that allowed her rangers to be the instruments of this horrific slaughter. Other than making the participating rangers outcast, there was little she could do to prevent the carnage. Mortals had a right to govern their own affairs. Althaya, the goddess of healing and the immortal champion of all things magical, was just as helpless. She could only provide succor when possible and ensure the souls of the doomed empaths found eternal rest. 

Unknown to the elven overlords of Elanesse, the empath ability often skipped multiple generations. Thus, while all known active empaths were murdered, the bloodline of the empath may not have been completely exterminated. But this remains unproven... though there’s been no reports of the existence of empaths for over three thousand years. The level of involvement, if any, played by the higher powers in this mystery is unknown.

The true power of an empath: Contrary to the belief at the time, the empath does not control thoughts. The empath is attuned to what people feel emotionally, love and hate being the two strongest. Hate can kill an empath. It was reported that many of the empaths killed in the Purge were so overwhelmed by the feeling of hatred emanating from their ranger executioners they died before suffering physical harm. While hate can kill, love can serve to protect the empath. For this reason, empaths were never alone during their childhood. To be so in the world would mean death. Their protection came from a bond that was forged with another who has a strong emotional attachment to the empath. This was usually the mother. It was only after the empath matured into an adult where they be able to thrive on their own, having by then developed sufficient internal coping mechanisms against pure emotions.

Empaths can also sense the state of the soul. They can feel good as well as evil. No evil deed or intent can escape the detection of the empath. But this ability made them a target of unnatural evil such as the undead and demonic forces.

The empaths greatest ability, however, is their natural aptitude for healing. They do this by accepting the injury or disease from their patient to their own body. Their empath power within would then heal the transferred injury. Empaths freely sacrifice themselves for others if the need is great. This healing ability has one significant benefit for the empath. It gives them an unusually long-life span. It has been rumored that the empath and the long-lived elf age at the same pace.

Author Unknown

PROLOGUE

Elanesse

(3,127 Years Ago)

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Good shall never perish as long as the light of innocence illuminates the way.

-Book of the Unveiled

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The old lady sat at a table in her small herbal shop smoking a pipe of tobacco and waiting for a customer – a young woman. It was well after the supper hour which traditionally marked the end of the day for all the gypsy shops in the Gypsy Quarter of Elanesse. This was out of necessity, for there was no sheriff, no ranger, no law enforcement to protect its citizens... and the mask of night settling over the Quarter brought out the thieves, pickpockets, drunkards, and other lawbreakers. The elves of Elanesse grudgingly allowed humans to live in their city but left them to their own devices with the warning that if they ever got out of control, they’d be evicted. So went elven justice at the time. Because of this inattention, evil thrived in the back alleys and the other dark places that frequent the Gypsy Quarter. But despite the dangers, the old lady’s shop was only open during the night.

The customer she was expecting had a great need for the healing concoction the old lady had mixed and now held in her hands. It would bring a small fortune in silver from the right buyer, but the old lady didn’t need riches. The ultimate payment made tonight for this remedy will be worth far more. A slight smile escaped the old lady’s face, revealing teeth as sharp as daggers... revealing her true identity as a vampyre. She’d been seeking an opportunity such as this for a long time. Genuine innocence in this part of the city was rare. The old lady cackled in anticipation.

Just before her customer entered the small shop, the old lady could smell her blood – young, vital, intoxicating. The old lady rose from her table and turned her back to the door as a young woman entered, pretending indifference lest she give away her craving to devour.

Please forgive my tardiness, Madam Polina. I... I couldn’t find someone to watch over my Emmy.

Emmy! The innocence Polina so desired! The child’s blood would taste as sweet as nectar – as refreshing as cold spring water over a parched tongue. Composing herself, Polina turned and stared at the woman. You left your child alone?

I had no choice, the woman replied. She’s extremely sick and only your medicine will save her. It will save her, won’t it?

The old lady nodded and held up the medicine packet. Yes Angela. From the symptoms you described, I believe this will work. You have my payment?

Angela Clearwater turned away from Polina’s stare. I couldn’t come up with all of it, she said as she set a bag filled with coins on the table.

We agreed on thirty pieces of silver. Surely you believe your daughter is worth that much.

What? Angela exclaimed. Of course I do! Emmy is everything to me. Please, I have twenty-five silver pieces. I’ll do anything you want to work off the rest. Clean your store, mend your clothes, or cook your food. Anything! Will you deny my Emmy her life for five silver pieces?

Polina shook her head. No dear. I’d never wish to see harm come to a child. I’ll give you the medicine. We’ll come to an agreement later about the difference. First you must see to the health of your precious daughter.

Angela sighed in relief. Thank you so much, Madam Polina. I will repay your trust, I promise.

I know you will. Now here, take the medicine and run home. It’s late and your daughter shouldn’t be alone any longer than necessary, Polina said as she handed Angela the packet of medicine.

As Angela took the packet, she grabbed Polina’s hand and kissed it before Polina could snatch it away. The hand was cold and lifeless, but Angela, in her relief, didn’t notice. I am in your debt. I’ll come back in a few days so we can discuss the last payment.

As Angela rushed out the door, Polina, stunned, dropped into a chair and considered what she learned from that simple kiss. As expected, Polina sensed the blood coursing through Angela’s veins, blood that she was eagerly waiting to consume. But there was also something else, something sublime, hidden in the woman’s touch. At that moment Polina understood what she needed to do. You’ll reward me handsomely, she whispered. Don’t worry about that!

The decisions Polina made as a result of that simple kiss set a course that would affect destinies across millennia.

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A young man exited from a back room in the herb shop as Angela was leaving. She didn’t see him. He was an albino. He had no color pigmentation in his hair or skin and his eyes were deep pink with black irises which matched the malignancy of his soul. With impossible speed he glided over to the door, stopped to draw back a tattered curtain covering the small window, and watched as Angela retreated into the darkness. Soon the night would swallow her, but that didn’t matter. He had her scent.

Looking to Polina, he nodded and said, I’ll track her to the innocent. She’s mine now. And after I’m done, I’ll bring the innocent to you as planned.

Polina held up her hand. Wait, Lukas. I’ve changed my mind.

I need to feed! Her scent is intoxicating! Lukas said as he continued to stare into the darkness that had swallowed up Angela.

You will do as I say. Polina replied. The words were softly spoken... but those simple words reaffirmed the complete control she held over the younger vampyre. She knew if she didn’t bring Lukas back from his craving, she might miss a golden opportunity to add to the coven. The girl, Angela, was strong. Polina sensed that strength when the girl kissed her hand. But there was more. Polina’s greatest wish, the one thing she would move heaven and earth to attain, the one purpose left to her that was still mortal, was to have a daughter. In Angela, Polina saw that possibility. You’ll have your meal, Lukas, but it won’t be the woman.

Then who will it be, Polina? Tell me, for no other will taste as sweet... as delicious... as Angela. You promised her to me! Lukas repeated his appeal to his mistress as he turned to glare at her.

I’ll give you the innocent, Polina responded, knowing that would get his full attention.

That threw Lukas off-balance. But I thought the innocent was yours to use, that she was your fountain of youth? Her blood will make you young again, he said.

My dear Lukas, wherever did you ever get such an idea? Polina asked.

I hear things in the taverns and on the streets, Lukas said. Bards tell marvelous stories of vampyre lore. I get more information from them than I’ve ever received from you. I listen because I want to know what I am and what I’ve become since you changed me. You never explain things!

The parasite you host already knows these things, Lukas. In time, it will answer all your questions. But for now, let the parasite guide you. But YOU WILL follow my orders. Is that understood?

Yes mistress, please forgive me. But the innocent...?

Polina frowned. You would do well not to listen so much to mortal tales of the vampyre, Lukas, she said. Any talk regarding the blood of an innocent making the vampyre young again is legend. It’s a legend perpetuated by narrow-minded people to explain what they don’t understand. We live thousands of years... the parasite within us makes it so at the cost of our soul. But our physical bodies still age, albeit much slower. I’m three thousand years old and ugly. If there was an elixir of beauty, don’t you think I’d have already found and used it? The ancient vampyre sighed. I hate looking like this. But it’s a small price to pay for immortality.

Polina walked the scant distance to the door and stood in front of Lukas, allowing the strength of her power to wash over him. Now listen to me, dear Lukas. Take Angela with a simple bite. That will spread the parasite into her. Once done, it’ll be impossible for her to resist your command. Have her take you to her daughter. When the innocent is in your hands and you’ve given the child the medicine to heal her of her affliction, take both to the vault and return to me. We’ll wait until tomorrow evening. Twenty-four hours should be time enough for the parasite to gain complete control. And be sure to chain them. It is best to take no chances.

And then? Lukas asked.

I must establish my dominion over Angela and her parasite before I trust her to be part of our coven. Once I’ve accomplished that, the innocent is yours. But no sooner! Or else you’ll answer to me... and I can guarantee you’ll not like the outcome. 

Lukas understood that he didn’t have a choice. He recognized Polina’s veiled threat against his life for what it was. Even the parasite within him realized it’d be many years before he was strong enough to wrest control of the coven away from her. No doubt her parasite did as well.

Lukas bowed his head in supplication. It will be as you command, Polina.

Polina nodded and smiled. Good. After the parasite within Angela asserts itself, I want her to watch while you eat... while the life blood of her daughter drains away. It’ll be the ultimate test of her loyalty.

The parasite cares nothing for loyalty, so why bother? Lukas asked. 

Child, you’d be surprised by what motivates a parasite. The parasite within you is still young and inexperienced. And like you, it must learn its limitations. I demand loyalty until I see fit to allow you your own coven. But if you try to take what’s mine...

I’d never seek to do such a thing! Lukas stammered.

Oh please! Polina said. Don’t deny it. How do you think I originally took over this coven? You wouldn’t be a true vampyre if you didn’t. But there are arrangements we can make. Arrangements that are amicable. Polina paused to let that sink in. But we can have this ‘discussion’ at another time. For now you must get the two secured before daybreak. Now go!

Lukas nodded and slipped out the door into the night, thinking upon what Polina said and wondering how she knew his innermost thoughts. No matter. He’d do as she asked for now. But the day will come when he’d be powerful enough to dominate Polina. He just knew it! Then he’d be giving the orders! 

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Angela ran through the alleyways that led to her apartment. She realized it was dangerous – alleyways shaded in the dark of night are prime locations for vagrants, thieves, murderers, and all the other multifarious dregs of society – but it was the quickest route. She must get the medicine to Emmy, for it was her only chance to break the hold the sickness had on her.

As she ran, she thought, By the gods, why has her power not presented itself? Why is it still dormant? How simple it would be for Emmy to heal herself with her empath abilities!

Angela’s mother had come into her empath heritage by the time she was five, and Emmy had just turned seven. When Angela thought of her mother, her breath caught, taken away as the loss threatened to overcome her. Angela’s mother didn’t survive the Purge. Ruthlessly hunted by one of Elanesse’s many elven rangers, she was put to the sword. The elven city rulers, in their arrogance, refused to contemplate the good a fully functioning empath can do. Their conceit, in this respect, made them even more narrow-minded than humans.

Angela had long ago decided to leave Elanesse, but the cost of smuggling an empath, even one who hadn’t come into her power, was more than she could afford at the moment... and she couldn’t do it without help. But when she was ready, she already had a destination in mind. She’d take Emmy northwest, to the hills which lie before the Mahtan Mountains. She’d heard bands of gypsy families roamed those fertile hills, raising cattle and horses. Maybe Emmy and her could find succor in the arms of those people. Maybe an empath would be welcomed and valued, not murdered to satisfy superstition... or fear.

Angela turned a corner and stumbled into a large figure bent over a pool of reddish vomit. She caught the odor of sweat, alcohol, and sickness. Angela side-stepped the drunken man and continued on her journey. She didn’t think he presented much of a threat in his current condition. She’d dealt with his kind on many occasions and knew she could outrun a single inebriated man. Looking over her shoulder, Angela saw the man look up at her. In that moment she saw confusion turn to speculation and then action as desire moved from his loins to his brain. Angela was almost out of sight before he began his pursuit. Angela didn’t know his attempt to follow her was stopped before it ever had a chance to begin.

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Zindelo was drunk.

In Elanesse, strong gypsy males logged wood from the deep forests surrounding the city... and Zindelo, as strong as an ox, was perfectly suited for the job. The pay he received from his elven employers kept him fed and housed in communal barracks, but little money was left over for nonessential items such as drinking, gambling, or visiting one of the several brothels in the Gypsy Quarter.

The problem, as Zindelo saw it, was that little pay remained after his mandatory expenses. If he drank, he wouldn’t have enough left over for gambling or the brothels. If he gambled, he’d lose more often than he’d win – the house always has the advantage in the long run – again leaving little funding for other pleasures. And with the prices the brothels charged, he felt lucky if he had the monetary resources to visit once a month. It was a never-ending problem that Zindelo considered with frequent regularity... but one that he never could resolve. Zindelo did figure out, though, that if he drank enough, he’d either forget or not care about the other two.

Hunched over in a deserted alleyway, Zindelo threw up once again. The cheap liquor he was forced to buy bit like a worg and always made him sick. As he retched, his bladder released, and warm liquid run down his leg. The bottle he’d bought was almost empty, but there appeared to be enough remaining for two good, long swallows. After that, he’d head back to the barracks to catch as much sleep as the rest of the night would allow. He knew he’d feel like crap in the morning, but once the axe was in his hands he’d soon forget the aimless direction his life had taken. The work energized him.

Zindelo stared at the blood in his latest bout of sickness and wondered what significance that might have. Then he heard someone walk by. When Zindelo looked up, he noticed a shape hurrying away from him. Even though the figure wore a cloak to ward against the night chill, Zindelo recognized the form of a woman... and she looked to be a very comely woman... which, in his current state, didn’t matter. He reasoned that if he could catch up with her, he’d not have to pay for a trip to the brothel this month. Zindelo rose and followed the retreating figure, staggering against walls and tripping over small pebbles on the alleyway floor.

Zindelo never felt the icy hands that framed both sides of his head. He never felt the wintry breath on the back of his neck. He never felt the unbelievable pressure as his head turned one-hundred and eighty degrees, snapping his spine as if it were kindling. Zindelo died before his fogged and drink-addled brain registered what had happened. The one who killed Zindelo, ending one man’s lifelong quest to discover how drinking, gambling, and whoring could be enjoyed on his paltry salary, sprinted past Zindelo’s body and down the alleyway before it had hit the ground. Later that night another logger in a drunken stupor tripped over Zindelo’s still form. Spying a near empty bottle of alcohol lying close by – an unexpected treasure – he grabbed it up and greedily finished it before he continued his blind shuffle into the night, looking for the next treasure that might warm his belly.

The body of Zindelo was found and collected by garbage collectors the following morning. The fires of the crematorium claimed it after five days when next of kin failed to materialize. A report to the elven authorities was sent forward, but the single piece of parchment outlining the mysterious death of Zindelo was filed away and never looked at again. And so goes life in the Gypsy Quarter of Elanesse.

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After having dealt with the drunken man, Lukas moved to catch Angela. Creatures with supernatural abilities such as his had little trouble subduing mortals. His only concern was being seen as he approached and took her. But then she turned and ran into the alleyways. No one went into those dark and dangerous places at night... at least no one sober and law-abiding... unless it was necessary. Lukas smiled. The woman had just made things that much easier for him. He could take her, and no one would be the wiser or, barring that, anyone who might be a witness could be dispatched without notice. Lukas glided closer to Angela. She was making his job easier. Destiny must surely be smiling down upon him. He couldn’t possibly know the course he traveled would lead to his own destruction several thousand years hence. Fate is an unpredictable mistress.

Angela didn’t see or hear the vampyre’s approach, and Lukas was upon her before she could react. Not that it mattered. She was doomed from the moment Lukas began his pursuit. Mortals have few defenses against the undead vampyre. Superstitious folklore regarding vampyre weaknesses are mostly false... and belief in these bogus tales led more than a few mortals to their death. But this didn’t mean vampyres are impossible to kill. Specialized hunters and warriors of experience have great success killing the blood-sucking undead.

Most vampyres comprehend the reality of their limitations. They realize their numbers paled in comparison to the mortals, who reproduced offspring at an incredible rate. They understand if they draw attention to themselves, those who sought to destroy the vampyre abomination, the hunters, will search out their lairs. Many a vampyre with no regard for discretion ended up with a stake through the heart or a head removed from their shoulders. Survival for vampyres meant hunting the dredges of mortal society – the loners, the drunks, the outlaws, the poor. In a society divided into classes, such as Elanesse, these people were rarely missed. The authorities never wanted to get involved, instead preferring to turn a blind eye while the vampyre performed what the upper classes considered necessary waste removal. 

Angela struggled to no avail against Lukas’ embrace. She was helpless as the blood drained out of her. After Angela’s struggling subsided and her body went limp, Lukas removed his fangs from her neck. She wasn’t dead... only in a semi-conscious state. Then, lifting her up as if she weighed nothing, the vampyre turned her around to gaze into her eyes. Few can resist the direct gaze of a vampyre, but he’d made it even more impossible by biting her. At that moment, while she was still in a stupor from the original contact, she was his in both mind and body.

Soon the parasite within you will grow and you’ll become one of us. Resistance is impossible. I’m your new master, Lukas said.

In a daze, Angela nodded. She didn’t have the mental strength to fight... at least not right away.

What do you carry in your hand? Lukas asked, already knowing what it was. He was testing her strength, her ability to defy his command and resist his gaze.

Angela tried to keep her mouth closed. She tried to keep the reason for her errand secret and her daughter protected. But she had no recourse... she was compelled to answer. 

It... is... medicine. Angela replied. Medicine for my daughter.

Lukas slapped Angela across the mouth. The strength of a vampyre is equal to the strength of ten mortal men. She went flying backwards and landed against a wall, her left leg bent and her knee dislocated upon impact. The back of her skull scraped the wall as she slid down it, leaving hair, skin, and blood. Even the mind control the vampyre held over her couldn’t keep away the horrendous pain Angela felt as she lay slumped over at the base of the wall. The shock to her body caused her to vomit, the effect of which caused her to cry out in agony. If not for the introduction of the parasite which was now coursing through her veins and arteries, she’d have been dead the moment she struck the wall.

The vampyre glided over and stood next to her crumpled body, arms crossed at his chest. He watched, unmoved, as Angela writhed in agony on the icy stone surface of the alleyway. Shoving her with a booted foot, he said, You look as if you’re in a considerable amount of pain. When you come into your full power, the parasite within you will absorb and hide the pain. When you come into your full power, you’ll be able to heal yourself. Imagine the possibilities! But as of now, the parasite is still much too young to help you.

As much as she hated giving him satisfaction as she moaned, Angela couldn’t help herself. The pain was too severe.

She’s weak, Lukas thought to himself. He was tempted to walk away but remembered Polina’s words. But she was wrong. This animal will not make an acceptable addition to the coven. But he was not yet strong enough to disobey.

Lukas smiled. He was going to inflict pain setting her leg... and it was going to be wonderful! He readied himself for the rush of adrenaline he received whenever he was cruel. Lukas grabbed Angela’s mangled leg. I’ll heal you, but it’s going hurt like hell. You’ll wish you were dead!

He spared Angela no mercy as he set the bones back in place, relishing in the torture it caused. Her screams washed over him like a tidal wave of pure, unadulterated pleasure. He then used magic to heal both the leg and the back of Angela’s head.

Let this be your first lesson. From now on you’ll call me master. Do you understand? Lukas asked.

Yes, master, Angela whispered.

Lukas nodded. Good! Now let’s go visit your daughter.

As you wish, master, Angela replied with wooden sounding words.

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Angela and Emmy shared a small, one-room apartment. Emmy was in a semi-conscious state, in bed, lying on sweat soaked pillow and sheets. Discolored splotches covered Emmy’s face, and open sores shrouded her exposed arms. The smell of sickness permeated throughout. Death waited with open arms.

Under normal circumstances, magical healing served to eliminate pestilence... but not all had access to such luxuries. This was particularly true for those in the gypsy quarter of Elanesse. The elvan authorities only got involved during full outbreaks, sending clerics to heal the effected masses. But official involvement also meant entire city blocks would be cleansed with magical fire, leaving many people homeless.

Lukas wrinkled his nose at the destruction that ravaged Emmy’s body. He found it distasteful and unclean. He didn’t wish to drink tainted blood, regardless of its innocence. Turning to Angela, he said, Give her the medicine Polina concocted.

Angela moved to do Lukas’ bidding, but stopped. Lukas, having walked over to open the one window in the room to let in fresh air, felt an unnatural chill coming from behind him. It was a sense that frightened him... a perception that something in the room threatened his existence. The child!

Turning to look upon Emmy, he noticed there was no longer any sign of the disease on her face or arms. Angela, standing at the foot of the bed, had yet to give her the medicine. She’s an empath! Lukas hissed. 

Yes master, blessed by the gods. Angela replied with pride. It appears she has come into her birthright. She’ll sleep now. She’s very weak.

How do you know this? Lukas asked.

Master, my mother was an empath. They slaughtered her in the Purge, but she knew since the power was not in me, it would be in my offspring. She taught me many things. Things that will help me raise Emmy and protect her until she has come into her full inheritance.

Controlling his hatred, his fear, for this inferior creature, Lukas moved to the foot of the bed to stand next to Angela. She won’t live long enough to mature, but this might prove interesting. I’d never drink from such a disgusting animal. No, never. But as for you... I think you’ll drink in my stead. How ironic that you’re first taste of human blood will be your daughter’s. Lukas laughed. You’ll be responsible for the death of your own child. Polina will be impressed. Lukas gave Angela a shove. Collect your daughter and follow me. We dare not keep Polina waiting.

Angela’s heart was breaking. She couldn’t control what she had become, nor was she able to refuse Lukas. She was concerned the evilness that now tainted her soul might make its way through the bond. But if she broke the bond, how could Emmy survive? The hate and evil radiating from the vampyre would, by itself, be enough to kill her. Even more disconcerting, it now appeared they’d force her to be the instrument of Emmy’s destruction. Angela had no answers. She couldn’t master the darkness that grew inside her. 

Angela dressed Emmy in her best clothes and picked her up. Where do we go, master?

That’s none of your concern, Lukas replied.

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The vault was a medium-sized stone room located deep under an ornate three-story mansion in the Gypsy Quarter. Against one wall was a fireplace. The heat from the fire made the room uncomfortably warm. Emmy had healed herself of her sickness through her empath abilities, but though conscious, was still very weak and barely able to stand. She looked exhausted and her clothes were drenched in sweat. She’d been manacled to the wall by her wrists. Next to her stood Angela, chained as well. Her skin had taken on an unnatural pallor. She wasn’t sweating but panting instead.

A vapor appeared through the one door in the room and materialized in front of Angela. Lukas studied her. Have you changed your mind yet? The hunger will soon be unbearable.

Angela looked back at the vampyre with defiance. Her mind long since cleared of the fog she felt a few short hours ago, I’ll see you in hell before I will feed off my daughter! she shouted.

The vampyre slapped her, Fool! She’s but a herd animal to the likes of us. Just say the word and I’ll release you so you can eat.

I’m not like you! Angela screamed.

Lukas laughed. Are you not? He turned serious. Look, if you don’t feed, your daughter will die of dehydration. That’s a slow, agonizing death that can take as long as three or four days. Give her a last gift. Embrace her! Be what you’re now meant to be!

That stopped Angela. He spoke the truth... they had doomed Emmy to a slow death.

Emmy raised her head and looked over at Angela. No, mommy, don’t do it! You’ll be damned forever!

Emmy then closed her eyes and went into a brief trance. Waves of emotion moved between the two through the bond that connected each. The vampyre hissed.

She uses her empath power! Lukas