Blooddrinker: Of the Line of Mer

By Christian Bullock

One second has passed by for the Age of the Bat and all the worlds have fallen into night. A Necromancer and his Goddess rule the Age under the Coven of the Blood Fang. Yet as their blood thirsty rule begins again the whispering of Wizards are heard. The Wizards have been watching carefully for this time and this 'second'. For they have devised a plan that can break the hold that the Goddess and her Necromancer have on the world. The Celestials lay dormant till the Age of Bat has passed. Will this 'second' change the fate of the Kingdoms of Men?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329702141

Book preview

Blooddrinker: Of the Line of Mer

Blooddrinker: Of the Line of Mer

By Christian J. Bullock

Artwork and Illustration by Christian J. Bullock

©2015 Ozzymodan.  All rights reserved.

1st Edition

©2015 Christian J. Bullock.  All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-329-70214-1

Books by Christian J. Bullock:

Fiction:

Deathstalker: Of the Line of Mer

Voidwalker: Of the Line of Mer

Blooddrinker: Of the Line of Mer

To my sister Valerie, who recited the stories of Homer to me when I was young.  I’ll never forget those bed night stories by the fire. And also to those who watch the seconds.

Table of Contents

Blooddrinker: Of the Line of Mer

Maps

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

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Legend

Maps

Maps

Maps

Maps

Chapter One

A fall from Grace

A Blood Moon rose on the horizon and somewhere between now and midnight it was to be eclipsed.  A hard cold rain had ceased giving way to this celestial phenomenon.  Clouds burst open above the Jungle canopy revealing the night’s sky.  There was a feeling of uneasiness over all the land and possibly dread.  For in the gloom there was to be a Sovereign of the Fey.  And in the coming hours a being who would have been trapped for a hundred thousand lifetimes was to be made the Sovereign Puppet. 

Shapes moved in the Jungle just as they had lifetimes before.  Preparations were needed for all those attending.  Metal Chimes echoed in the distance, the Coven of the Blood Fang gave heed to the coming.  The Bat’s ears prickled and all were aware of the darkness that had begun on this day, on this night, on every night that would ever come.  For this was their time for all time and the Bat shined high above them for all upon the Earth Mother to see.

Stones grinded for but a moment before the Smoky Mirror stepped out of the Stone Slab which was the Fractal.  It moved down the stones steps within the Temple Complex.  The clinking of metal feet could be heard.  The grinding of metal on metal could be heard.  Some attendants at the sides of the stairs bowed and kneeled.  Some attendants lit metal braziers signaling the arrival.  The Smoky Mirror reached the floor of the stone temple and with a monotone voice said, The Circle is complete…the design is complete…all has been repeated…

A huge cheer rose from the large crowd of Fey in attendance.  They called out in jubilation with shrieks and giggles.  Even Lord Death was amused by the arrival of the Smoky Mirror.  He clapped his hands and nodded in exaltation.  The large winged Fey that surrounded him also clapped and cheered the Smoky Mirror.  The Elder Fey watched as the masses took part in celebration.

Ha that old fool of metal has quite the following, said Samael to the elders around him.

Well he did begin this circle did he not, replied Lord Death in the direction of Samael.

No.  He did not but we made them believe that he did, said Samael half to himself and half to Lord Death.

We know of your doings, said an elder Fey.

We know of your deed, said another Fey.

You can not deny that it was all my doing, quipped Samael to the others.

You should keep quiet, said Lord Death.  The Smoky Mirror hears all and sees all.

Oh really is that what you tell yourself when doing the deeds, said Samael smugly.

You are an abomination Samael!  Do not think that my ignorance of you is out of respect.  No, no my ignorance of you is out of distaste.  You trample down anything that has meaning.  You trample down all traditions and customs.  You trample down your peers and your superiors.  You trample down the very design itself, all for some ill gotten vision of greater circles.  It is as I said to you when you asked for Sanctuary, utter madness, answered Lord Death.

Oh really? Is that what you truly think?  Ha you of all Fey should talk; you are of a longer circle than us.  During your lifetimes you were just as conniving, spat Samael.

The greater circles are a fool’s dream Samael.  Once you hear speak of them you realize how hopeless it is.  The Seventh ‘King’ will never relinquish his power and all other circles are under his control and design, said Lord Death whimsically.  It is a smoking man’s pipe dream, he laughed.

But it is not, raged Samael.

It is, you ill gotten fool!  Look down there at it, look at that steely metal.  Look at how utterly pointless it is.  We are its slaves!  Do you not see how the design is?

But I am not of its designs, it has no power over me, retorted Samael.

Oh yes but even still you are trapped in the design.  The Fractal will never let you go on to longer or greater circles.  The Smoky Mirror is old far older than your circle.  You are still of a shorter circle than even me.  You can not deny this!  This is as far as you will get to reaching that which is hidden to all.

Lord Death you are an amusement in this circle, just like the Smoky Mirror.  My Goddess protects me and she carved out the world for me.  She is the One, she is the Bat, and with her hand she bestows powers, beyond even that of a Sovereign and she will smite you if I tell her to…Hahahaha does that not make me Sovereign too?  Does that not make me harbinger of death?  Does that not make me ‘Lord’ ‘Death’?

You sick minded fool!  You perverted corrosive disease!  Only I may be called Lord Death.  Those who see the Orange Cloak and the Blue Moon Tabard know of my rule of the underworld.  It is not forgotten no matter how many times I die I shall forever be Lord Death, ‘One of the Blue’.

Hahahaha, yes keep up the charade while I wield the power, blasted Samael aloud.

Lord Death turned and looked at him.  His bright orange cloak hid his face and his eyes.  His wings on his back stretched outward and silently flapped.  His huge giant sword at his waist gleamed in the brazier light.  An icy shadow sprang forth.  An icy gazed penetrated all of the senses.  His Blue Moon Tabard glowed but for a moment. 

Shock hit Lord Death after his attack on Samael.  He was repulsed by an invisible force.  He was smacked by something beyond the veil.  Samael stared back laugher in his smile.  Lord Death was annoyed at such a boy and turned his head back to the ceremony.  He shook his head side to side in disgust.

Samael was smiling for he knew that he had the power.  Samael knew what it was because he had seen it before.  He had seen it all.  He had seen the whole.  Unlike some his memory had not been erased by the Smoky Mirror.  He had something that could not be taken from him no matter what anyone believed.  He had ‘Free Will’ and he had made a choice at this hour and on this night so many lifetimes ago, far beyond in the Void. 

The ceremony continued with the masses of Fey that came to gather around the Smoky Mirror.  The Sovereignty was about to begin and a living God was about to take hold of this Age of Man. 

In the jungles there were things drinking and there were things eating.  It was a time of celebration for that of the Bat.  Their ways were not of any others.  Their ways were not to be spoken aloud, not even to warn the living.  The Wicked Path was the only thing which drove the Vampires of the Coven of the Blood Fang.  It was their creed to make the next Age their own.  That Age had now arrived in spades.  The light of the other Celestial Gods was diminished.  But just like all other repeated lifetimes it would end eventually.

Far to the North there was a scheme brewing among the Coven of the White Fang.  Far to the West there was a whisper of Wizards.  Far beyond the conceived Earth Mother there stood a Tower.  The Tower.  Those who would see the light and honor of men return to the world were coming.  A slow methodical march through lifetimes and many worlds they were journeying to put an end to the Blooddrinker.  They were making ways to rebalance the world and put an end to the Age of the Bat.  They were coming for Samael.  They knew of all of him.  They had been watching…powerless till this reborn circle, this time around.  And he would not see them coming.

The Vampires gathered around in a great circle many times larger than the temple itself.  Her appearance came with delight.  Many clapped their hands together as they saw her.  Her blue skin was beautiful, her red hair flowed around her, and her gaze was frightening.  Her eyes pierced through flesh and bone.  She had drained thousands of people dry with her insatiable bloodlust.  The ones that she enjoyed the most were made into a bone neckless that hung around her neck and on her breast.  The bats that she had deemed worthy were made as a bone crown upon her head. 

The Smoky Mirror approached her and turned his eyes from red to yellow and blue.  It spoke aloud for everyone there to hear.

You are of the design…You are one of the Blue…Sovereignty is yours to give…You are of that of the Bat…

You are Goddess of the night…You are to grant Sovereignty…Time has been repeated…Time has been restored…You are the Goddess…Over all of the lands…Of Men and of Fey…The circle is complete…The Age of the Bat has been repeated…All that has been done is repeated…I am to be Sovereign…I am to be Lord…I am to be decider of fate…Once again through this Age…I am to be the one who ensures the design…Is complete…

A roar of celebration began as the title of Sovereign has been spoken of to the Goddess of the Bat.  Vampires cheered and even those aligned with the other Fey cheered for now they had a living God to guide them in the here and now. 

As of tonight I decree that all Fey Covens must serve the Blood Fang in its domination of man, she said fiercely.  I grant the Smoky Mirror to be Sovereign over the Coven of the Blood Fang from this point on, let the night last forever!  Let the Smoky Mirror be named Sovereign!  Let the eyes of the Bat look down upon the land!

Let the eyes of the Bat look down upon the land! many repeated.  More cheers erupted from the crowded temple.  The Blood Fang was pleased by this as always, the Goddess made her decree.  The elder Fey continued to clap as the ceremony continued with offerings to the Goddess and tributes to the Smoky Mirror.  They had done this hundreds of lifetimes before.  This night was special for the one second of time had begun again and it had made a new Age altogether. 

Samael was pleased.  His power was vast and his decrees supreme.  The Goddess would hear of all of his wants and needs.  She was tied to him.  They were of one mind now.  They were the two of them treacherous and evil.  The blood that she drank gave them immortal life.  Such was the ways of the Bat.

Lord Death was watching the proceedings closely as the crowd began to clear out a bit leaving the center of the temple open.  He walked calmly towards the middle of the clearing with his entourage.  The Vampire court that he had was huge.  All these Vampires had large wings coming out of their backs, they glistened blue and white in the starlight. 

So you have arrived at the eve of the Blood Moon, just as predicted, spoke Lord Death as a matter of fact.  It will be a good one at that, Goddess of the Bat.

Oh indeed Lord Death, it is a wonderful time for an eclipse.  Does your court celebrate with the rest of us?  I surely missed you during the last, bloodletting.  Perhaps Samael was too rude to you and them.  Perhaps you wish to strike him down?

I do wish to partake, Goddess but the foul mouth fool drives me away from such group outings, spoke Lord Death angrily.

Do you think it wise to anger him, she asked.  Samael shall I kill him for you?  I think a nice slice off the top shall do it, she spoke in a fierce mock laugh. 

Oh well maybe, said Samael coming to her side in an arrogant fashion.  He could do with a change in temperament.

I do not care for you silly games, Samael.  You know that I shall be made again.  The Smoky Mirror has my design.  He is Sovereign.  He is Lord.  He is God of the design.

It is a pity about that.  He is but a trifle that can be dealt with just as easily, he said coyly.

You dare mock our Smoky Mirror, our immortal God?  You dare mock the one who holds all our designs?

Hum yes I think that I shall.  You see he does not control me, no one really controls me.  He does not hold my design.  He does not even know it.  I am free you know.  The Smoky Mirror, he said in a cackle, it fears me.

You dare insult…

Samael turned toward the Smoky Mirror as Lord Death was about speak.  The Smoky Mirror turned from its tributes to Samael’s face.

It soon began muttering phrases like:

You are not part of the design… and You are an anomaly… and You are a flaw in the system… and You cannot know of twenty eight or twelve…You cannot know…it was made secret…Beeep…Beeep…

Its eyes began to switch back and forth from red to yellow to blue and back again.  It turned quickly to look away as though it were staring at the noon time sun.  It seemed to think that it was harmful to even look at Samael.

You see your God cannot even look upon me before falling under a spell.  Do you think that makes me more than any Fey here?  Do you not realize the power I have over him, laughed Samael aloud. 

Lord Death was angered by this and he drew out his huge sword in order to strike him down.  Clang…

The Goddess deflected Lord Death’s attack with a weapon of her own, a circular metal blade.  You see…Lord Death…you cannot hurt me.  I am protected by the Goddess at all times.  Your death blow was in vain.  But I can touch you, said Samael as he uttered a whisper and the Goddess drove the other circular blade up to Lord Death’s neck.

You blasphemous fool!  You threaten me on such a night?

I would and I have, said Samael.

Do not dare strike at Samael, or I shall cut off your head, spoke the blue skinned Goddess.

Lord Death lower his sword and the Goddess lowered her weapons at the same time.  His eyes glowed bright red but he knew that he could do nothing about Samael.  I heed your warning Goddess, but I shall watch Samael closely.  Should he mock me again I may not back down.  Do not tempt me, said Lord Death as he began to walk away towards the Smoky Mirror.  His court followed him to talk with their steely God.

Samael stared him down as he walked.  I should have asked you to kill him again, but there is no doubt that the Smoky Mirror would resurrect him again.  It is just like all the other times before.  Each time we kill him he comes back within several minutes of it.  That tireless old fool doesn’t know that I am the one who is really has the power here.  Perhaps I should try to kill him later in the night.  He could use a good death to change his manners towards me.  Maybe I’ll even let you take the death blow, he laughed.

Oh that is wicked, she spoke in enjoyment.  I think I might like that.  Later tonight we should do it.

Oh yes we will my Goddess Kali, yes we will.

Oh look here comes the total eclipse of the Blood Moon, I need an offering to enjoy this, she spoke in a bloodthirsty tone as she walked among the others to take her fill.  The sacrifices became part of her thirst.

Oh Kali you are too cruel, said Samael in encouragement.  Save some for the finale, said Samael in Kvigr’s body.

The two of them watched like the rest of the crowd at the temple as the sky was darkened by the shadow of darkness that was sweeping the land.  Here in the Jungle, beyond the Red Cliffs, is where it began after Kvigr was given that choice.  None here would know the truth of it, only that he began this new circle again with the Goddess by his side and with the Smoky Mirror as his puppet.

The rest of the world watched too.  The darkness of the Blood Moon was eternal.  There would be no sunlight for the hybrid men of this Age.  The darkness lasted on and on even as time slipped away.  A great bubble had been made over the land, a Sphere of Chaos. 

High in the levels of the Tower the Wizards watched.  The seconds had frozen once again and they saw upon the many spheres.  The Wizards counted the seconds as they looked down through all of the Ages and agreed upon action.  They were keepers of time and they watched as the Age of Bat had repeated.  Wizards were told of the bubbles that had begun again on the Earth Mother.  One second had moved.  They plotted their involvement.  This new Age must be brought to an end, and they would see it through to the end.

Chapter Two

Among the Courts of the Blood Fang

A cool jungle breeze blew in through the trees.  The temple was quiet save for a few who lingered after the celebrations.  Some were slaves and others were younger Vampires who still appreciated the night that lasted forever.  They had no fear of the Light ever returning.  They watched the stars, still in awe of the Bat’s induction into the Shiny Herd.  It was fascinating to them. 

Samael lingered in the open air temple.  He began to speak to some of these younger Vampires.  The elders watched from afar.

You see those stars up in the skies at night?  They are of other worlds like this one.  I have seen them, he said mysteriously.

What are they like? asked one of them

Most of them are much like this one.  There are men that live upon them.  There are even Fey that live upon them.

What are these men like? another one asked.

You have no idea, cackled Samael.  Some have needle elixirs and some are Knights of stature, there are men of metal who can grow invisible.  There are men who are giants and there are men who are small.  There are men of many colors and men who fly the skies.  There are even men who fight in the heavens, leaving endless battlefields in their wake.  There are also men of longer circles, laughed Samael.

Men of longer circles? the young Vampires were very curious about this.

Oh yes all of the men on the other worlds are of longer circles than us.  They live beyond what we call a life time… he said in a cackling whisper.

Why do you tell these Vampires of such tales, asked Lord Death appearing behind Samael.  They are of a shorter circle, they will never know of any worlds beyond this one.  Why taunt them with legends of such things?

These legends shall be known to those who I tell, said Samael.  It shall all be known where my Goddess comes from.

And where might that be?

She is of the Blue, of Kingu, the place of Kings, spoke Samael defiantly.

And how would you know of this, you blasphemous Necromancer, asked Lord Death.

I have seen it myself.  I have been to the beyond.  I have touched the Moon.  I have looked upon the ‘Seven’, the ‘Nine’, and the ‘twelve’ at the place of Kings.  I have read from the Tablet in the Sea of Madness.  I know, for I have walked between the worlds, spoke Samael in mocking laughter.

You would think to speak of this to those who know nothing of the circle.  That is not meant for you to speak of.

Oh but it is…it is.  For I have seen the whole I have seen it all.  None know of how far I have seen.  I am but a design above the Smoky Mirror.  I am but a shadow of what exists out there.  It will be all mine.  It already is all mine, for I am but a trivial thing to the Smoky Mirror.  I am beyond its designs and because of that I shall become one of the beings who are of a greater circle.  Ha ha he ha, it is inevitable, my rule, for I am the one, said a distraught Samael.

You speak of it as though you have one of the Tiaras in your hand, spoke Lord Death.

But I do and I have one of those devices in my hands.  It may be but a shadow of the future right now but I do have one of them in my hands.  The Goddess only heeds of my desires and my designs, she cannot deny me, and she will not deny me.  We rule as one, exclaimed Samael.  Do you not realizes who the ones are who wear the device?  They are but those who become greater than the Celestial Gods.  Those who are greater lay claim to them.

You only believe that you have claim to one, replied Lord Death angrily.

I know that it is true, because of her powers, the same that are of a Celestial God of the Shiny Herd, he said pointing to the stars in the sky, and I wield that bond alone.

You fool would share this with those who have but a tiny circle, answered Lord Death.

Yes I would for they would know of who is the one, exclaimed Samael furiously.  They should know who the next ‘King’ will be and how close I am to achieving it.

You fool! shouted Lord Death.

I am closer than any in ten thousand lifetimes, and with a Celestial Goddess of the Shiny Herd by my side it is inevitable…Hahehaha, exclaimed Samael in a fit of laughter.

Those who are below you shall never know of this.  They shall never know of any of this.  Any with a shortened circle will only know of this world and this time.  It is foolish to give them hints at anything beyond this, spoke Lord Death.

But they should know, for a time will come when they shall hear of my legend.  They will hear my name in wonder and stare up at the sky at the Bat of the Shiny Herd, said Samael.  They will see the shine of other worlds in the sky and wonder of my footprints upon them.  They will know of my name when I reach the greatest circle…Hahehaha, Samael burst into laughter.

You are a fool of a Fey Samael and your followers will be just as foolish.  Then he turned to the others, You who would listen to the fairytales of Samael, remember that he is but a madman given the foresight and a curse.  Do not think that his stories have meaning for you here upon the earth.  They are but trivial things to haunt the long lived. 

Oh Lord Death, why do you care of what I say?  You already make it known that you do not…approve…of my…behavior.  Why bother to spoil my…fun.  Ha ha ha, replied Samael.

I speak if only to deter you from making a mockery of the Vampire Traditions of the Blood Fang, spoke Lord Death in an angry tone.

If that is what you truly believe then you strike me down here and now, Samael goateed Lord Death.  Oh wait that is right you cannot even touch me; ha ha ha, laughed Samael in amusement.

Lord Death looked fourious at this.  His eyes brightened to a glowing red underneath his orange hood.  The icy fingers of death reached out.  The Spirit Power that he used could be felt by all in the vicinity of him.  There was a bit of Fey Magic to it but Samael was unmoved by it.  He held his gaze as did Lord Death.  This was but a duel of the mind.  Lord Death kept his fury to his eyes.  He looked with a paralyzing stare that pierced the flesh.  Samael was unmoved by this.  He had dueled Spirit Power in the mind before.  The red stare did not break him as it would anyone else. 

Their eyes became locked.  The icy claws of death reached across to strike Samael down.  Samael though would not give an inch to such an attack.  A long moment passed between the two before Lord Death felt a push back to his Spirit Power.  His concentration broke.

Ah you fool of a Fey, spoke Lord Death under his breath as he walked away from Samael and the group of young Vampires.

You see he cannot deny that what I say is true, spoke Samael to the group.  There out beyond the sky there are Men and Fey who walk the twelve worlds.  They too are governed by the Shiny Herd and the Shiny Herd can be seen in their skies.  These are also swayed by that of the Bat.  She is vicious to them and her reward for their service is unending grimness.  On this night of the Blood Moon Eclipse she calls to them.  She whispers a secret in the ears of the chosen.  ‘Let the night last forever,’ she says.  In turn they remember her rule and the dominion of the Blood Fang upon all the Kingdoms of Men, said Samael in hush tone of mystery. 

He pointed up to the Blood Moon.  There is where the Blue are from.  They are royal like that of the Goddess.  They have a lineage of color about them.  The twelve strands of the spiral have a way with the Men upon the twelve worlds.  They are ancient to anyone here, said Samael with a strange smile.

The young Vampires looked up in wonder.  How do they exist up there, asked one of them.

By magic, said Samael mysteriously.  There was once a union of the twelve worlds.  By the bubble, by a sphere, by magic.  There is a similarity between them.  But there is a magic that is needed to be known before to walk upon the other twelve worlds, said Samael knowingly.

What is it that makes them habitable by Men? asked another young Vampire.

The Men there have been given the breath of life and a magic of habitation.  Ultimately it is the strength of the twelve spiral strands that keeps them safe and strong.  There is also the magic of the Old Mech and the Tall Tech that keeps the worlds habitable.  There is but a freezing beyond to the outer planets few know what goes on upon those worlds.  It was made secret upon them by those of the ‘Command’ but with the Smoky Mirror here now it is only few lifetimes till it makes its presences know to all of the outer worlds, spoke Samael mysteriously.

But how are there outer worlds? asked another young Vampire.

"There are outer worlds as well as inner worlds.  The grains of the worlds divided the heavens.  These are things