Redeemed

By Jason K Macomson

Eric, Will, and Carol are on the run after being exiled by Demetrius, the new Master of the vampires in Strongfield. Following the showdown with the coven, the three have been warned not to return, and Carol has been declared dead in official police reports. Facing an uncertain future, Carol reluctantly joins Eric and Will, but she is uncertain if she can leave her old life behind and embrace Will’s faith. Along the way, a physical attraction develops between Will and Carol as he teaches her about the Way and what it means to become a servant of The Name. Carol resists at first, but through a series of encounters, she develops a newfound respect for faith in God. When she insists on returning to Boston, however, events are set in motion which threaten all their lives. The trio is forced on the run again, fleeing vampires sent from Strongfield to capture them. A life-and-death struggle culminates in a crossroads for Carol, who must finally make a choice about whom she will serve.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329765566

Book preview

Redeemed

Redeemed

Jason K Macomson

Published by Jason K Macomson

Lavonia, Georgia

COPYRIGHT

Redeemed

© 2015 Jason K Macomson

ISBN 978-1-329-76556-6

Book Cover Design by Jason K Macomson

Cover Art © 2015 Jason K Macomson

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author or publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.  Names, characters, dialogue, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Writing a novel is a collaborative effort in the sense that an author must rely on many individuals to provide constructive criticism and help edit and revise their work.  A heartfelt thanks to the following individuals who patiently read and in some cases reread early drafts and offered valuable encouragement and advice:  Ann Ashworth, Lucy Floyd, Emily Hall, Mitzi Harmon, Melody Housley, C’Lee Long, Cyndee Phillips, Cherie Roach, Erin Schyck, Lisa Shurtleff, Debbie Thomas, Diane Toney, Jean Vandeventer, Kim Watson, and Eric Whitmire.  This book, indeed the entire Refuge Trilogy, would not have been possible without your dedicated help.  As always, any errors are mine alone. 

This book is written for the Glory of God.

All biblical references are from taken in whole or in part from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

-II Corinthians 5:17, KJV

PROLOGUE

The Purge

Snow was falling thickly over the slopes of Mount Abraham, a gauzy curtain of ice shrouding the setting sun and casting shifting shadows over the forest and surrounding countryside.  The small town of Strongfield, Maine, lay huddled quietly on the southeastern slopes of the mountain, sheltered against the coming winter night.  The streets had emptied out with the onset of dusk, most businesses had closed their doors against the darkness, and the town’s residents had all gone home now, safe and secure behind closed doors for the long night ahead. 

It was a daily ritual, borne of long practice, the evening’s preparations always done well in advance of the dark hours.  No one would ever put it into words, exactly, but there was a general consensus that it was best to be indoors when the sun set.  Visitors to the town were always warned, subtly, that it was unwise to be about after dark in Strongfield, Maine.

Just west of town, out in the forest, a small house sat by the road, near the intersection with Route 142.  No one lived there, and the old homestead had been empty for many years, but it was never really unoccupied. 

Demetrius sat in the satin wingchair before the fire, waiting, studying its depths.  Legs crossed, he contemplated the recent turn of events that had finally led to his rise as the new master of the local vampire coven.  It had only been one day since the confrontation in the barn between the Coven and the rogue vampire had led to the death of the Coven’s master.  Although the Vicar had come and rescued the rogue, along with the boy, Will, and the girl, Carol, all had not been lost.  Demetrius had been given the opportunity to slay the old master of the Coven.

Now that he was Master, he intended to consolidate his control over the Coven.  Before he could do that, though, he must make an example of some of the remaining members who were much too close to their old master.  He could not allow these to remain.  Although eliminating them would decrease the size of the Coven in the short run, ultimately Demetrius’ position as Master would be secured.

The first person that must go would be the vile pledge, Mr. Weisman.  Weisman had been cultivated by the Master as his personal servant, and the old man would never be loyal to Demetrius.  Demetrius would never consider turning him, but his death would serve as an effective example both to the remaining pledges and to any vampires who might be tempted to question Demetrius’ authority.  Then Demetrius would select several other pledges to turn, increasing his own base of support and replenishing the ranks of the group.

Once he had completed the purge, his next move would be to pursue the rogue vampire, Eric, and his two companions.  He would send his most trusted lieutenant, Darius, to track their movements.  He suspected the girl would convince the other two to return to Boston.  The Coven already knew her address, in a suburb south of Boston, in Sharon, Massachusetts, so finding them there would be simple enough.  Outside the reach of the Vicar, it would be easier to destroy them all.

Meanwhile, Demetrius would turn his attention to the Vicar himself.  A direct attack was out of the question, but perhaps there were other ways to reach the old priest.  He must be made to suffer for his part in attacking the Coven.

The door to the small house opened, and Darius entered, bowing his head.  The two vampires accompanying him ushered in Mr. Weisman between them, and the old man immediately lowered his head as well.  Attempting to look unconcerned and ingratiating, he came and knelt subserviently before Demetrius.  However, Demetrius could smell the fear emanating from the old man in thick waves, a powerful scent that masked even the reek of smoke that normally accompanied the pledge.

Mr. Weisman, Demetrius greeted him.  "It is indeed good to see you again, old friend."

And you, too, my Master.  I am most anxious to serve you in any way that you desire.  Mr. Weisman slightly raised his head, his eyes resting on Demetrius’ collar, just short of his face.  He inclined his neck ever so slightly to the right. 

"That is certainly good to hear, Mr. Weisman.  I expected no less, yet I feared perhaps you might still retain feelings for your old master."  His eyes narrowed in disgust at the filthy human kneeling before him. 

Weisman raised his head slightly higher before replying.  I have no Master but you.  His trembling lips betrayed the turmoil within.  Weisman had faithfully served his master for many years, expecting that in due time he would become a full member of the vampire coven.  With the recent spate of events, though, Demetrius had seen to it that the old man would never be turned.  Weisman still held to the slim prospect that he might at least be allowed to continue to serve as a pledge.  Hopefully, he could redeem himself so that one day Demetrius might yet consider turning him.

Weisman craned his neck even more to the right, the shifting shadows in the room revealing the scars from the last feeding by the master just before his demise.  A peace offering to the demon now sitting before him.

Demetrius leaned forward, grinning like a wolf.  "I have watched you, Mr. Weisman, over the years, and I have no doubt where your loyalty lies.  Indeed, it is time for your service to be rewarded."

Mr. Weisman breathed a deep sigh of relief.  Perhaps he had misjudged Demetrius.  Perhaps he would be turned after all.  The day of his release was truly at hand, and he almost swooned against Demetrius in excitement.

Demetrius raised the man’s chin and gazed thoughtfully into his eyes.  Slowly he lifted the man and they both stood, the elder pledge coming only to the Master’s shoulders. 

Demetrius smiled once more and took him in an embrace.  Kissed his forehead ever so slightly, as the previous master had done so many times before.  Demetrius could feel his prey trembling in his arms.

Somewhat reviled by the man’s stench, still he coolly leaned over the proffered neck.  Caressing the hot flesh, he hovered over the man’s exposed neck, stretching his jaws, his long, sharp canines just brushing the skin there.

Mr. Weisman felt a tingling of anticipation along with a fear-induced rush of adrenaline.  He longed to feed the creature before him and give his blood vows anew, for in doing so he would forever seal his attachment to the new master.  In a moment it would be over.

Demetrius opened his mouth wide and sunk his canine teeth deeply into the pledge’s neck.  The hot dark blood flowed into his mouth, spurting quickly, and the Master drank deeply, inhaling the fear-tinged blood of his victim.

Mr. Weisman shook as the teeth sank fiercely into his body, and his vision began almost immediately to swim with blood loss.  And at that moment, the pledge knew with certainty that Demetrius would not stop until the last drop of his blood had been given. 

*     *     *

Later, after the body of the old man had been removed, Demetrius stood before the fire with Darius.  Darius was his most trusted servant, and the only one whose loyalty Demetrius did not doubt.  These were dangerous times, and Demetrius must tread carefully as he consolidated his position as leader over the Coven.

Darius, I want you to take two hunters and find the rogue and the two humans.  Follow them discreetly, and report back to me once you have located them.

I will need two of our best fighters.  The rogue will have had time to rest and recuperate, and I do not want to take any risks that he might escape.  Darius was tall with broad shoulders and a strong build.  Thick black hair contrasted sharply with a very pale countenance.  His imposing stature intimidated many lesser vampires and mortals, but inside he had dreaded that Demetrius would give him this mission.  He did not relish a fight with the rogue.  And he feared the one who was sealed.  He had no desire to deal with the boy.

I am certain that should the time come, you would defeat him in battle.  Demetrius stroked his chin in thought. "However, you must also take one of the pledges with you.  You will need him to help you deal with the humans, especially the sealed one.  There is a chance that the boy will convert the girl, too, which will make your work doubly difficult.  However, let me be clear:  I want them both dead, and I will not accept anything less."

Darius bowed his head in response.  So I am free to take them when I see fit?  All three of them?

Demetrius stared into the fledgling fire, its weak flames casting a flickering light about the room.  I want you to locate them first.  Report back to me, and I will decide when the time is right to strike.  Ultimately, I want the rogue returned, here, to me, before he dies. 

Demetrius grimaced as he recalled the events at the barn the evening before.  I have a personal score to settle with him, and it will be best done face-to-face.  Looking forward, Demetrius foresaw the opportunity for a great celebration on the occasion of the coming winter solstice.  He would hold an elaborate ritual marking his rise to power over the Coven, a ceremony that would see their numbers replenished and culminate in the sacrifice of the rogue. 

He drew in a long deep breath before continuing.  As for the humans, they are of no concern to me, as long as they are both killed.

CHAPTER ONE

When Carol woke, snow had begun to fall again, and the car was carefully driving south along the I-95 freeway.  The interstate was now covered in a thick layer of white, despite the snowplows that occasionally passed on the other side, heading north.  The sun had begun to set in the west, and it was becoming difficult to see the road signs, partially masked as they were in the dusk behind the curtain of snow.

A straggling line of slow-moving vehicles made its way south into Massachusetts, and there were even fewer cars on the other side of the expressway, heading north into New Hampshire and beyond.  A large lighted sign on the interstate welcomed them into Massachusetts, and smaller less-visible signs began to announce that the city of Salisbury was coming up soon.

Eric was driving the car, and he glanced back in the rearview mirror as Carol sat up and yawned.  Will was curled up in the front passenger seat, as much as his lanky form would permit, his long legs impossibly folded up in the seat and trailing on the floor, but he was sound asleep.  The three had been driving all day along I-95 south from Maine, through southeastern New Hampshire, and now into northeastern Massachusetts. 

The traumatic events of the last few days heavy on their minds, they had taken it slowly, meandering south and stopping often to eat and rest.  Boston and the suburb where Carol lived were only about two hours south of Salisbury, but with the snow settling in tonight, it didn’t seem to be a good idea to try to make it this evening.

Were you able to get much sleep? Eric asked as Carol leaned forward.   Carol rubbed her bleary eyes, taking in the surroundings and trying to get her bearings.

She grinned shyly.  I think so, she said around a wide yawn.  How long was I out?  As tired as she felt, she had slept easily and soundly on the otherwise uncomfortable back seat.

Maybe an hour or so.  It is beginning to get dark early.  It’s only about four-thirty, but the snow is becoming heavier, too.  I think we should find a room for tonight and then head out for Boston first thing in the morning, weather permitting.

Will shifted in his seat at the sound of conversation and slowly sat up.  His brown hair was tousled from sleep, and he blinked wearily.  Will had been through a lot of stress lately, worrying over both Carol and Eric, and she was glad to see he had been able to get some much needed rest.  They all needed it, after what they had been through.

Over the last three days, Carol had been in a car wreck, then chased by vampires, captured