Chronicles of the Damned: Ashes of Dawn

By Jack Nightengale

Father Markus Knyte, a priest of the Vatican, is assigned as a professor in the Wheaton College as he searches for clues about the possible resurrection of the first vampyre. Along the way, others seek the same knowledge. Throughout his search, he stumbles across unlikely allies old and new. With the vampyres building their ranks, he finds himself in an unpredictable situation. Secrets begin to unfold as the threat of resurrection looms closer. Will Father Knyte be able to stop the threat at hand, or will his secrets slip before the resurrection is complete. Many questions are left to be answered as we join him in his travels in the Chronicles of the Damned.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543420517

Jack Nightengale

I originally started writing as a poet, and up until a year ago, I continued to expand my writing. It has been a long journey to go from one style to another. I write not just for myself but for those who have dreams of doing the same. My mother is my biggest inspiration. She started writing poetry long before I came around, and it inspired me to do the same. I enjoy writing a good story as much as I enjoy a good movie. If words can capture an audience and paint a picture, then you have yourself a verbal movie. I hope that you will enjoy my writings as there are plenty more to come.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 by Jack Nightengale.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2017906881

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5434-2049-4

      Softcover      978-1-5434-2050-0

      eBook         978-1-5434-2051-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 05/02/2017

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Contents

Chapter 1: Breaking the Surface

Chapter 2: Voice in the Shadow

Chapter 3: Changing Tide

Chapter 4: Old Foes or New Enemies

Chapter 5: Father Knyte

Chapter 6: The Man in Black

Chapter 7: Unexpected Reunion

Chapter 8: Fading Dawn

Chapter 9: The Day Becomes Night

Chapter 10: Blood for Blood

Chapter 11: Eclipsing Fate

Chapter 12: Truth within the Shadows

Chapter 13: Shadows in Motion

Chapter 14: A Clash between Fang and Gun

Chapter 15: The Sun vs. The Moon

God created the first man from earth; then from the same earth, he created the first woman. The man was named Adam, and the woman was named Lilith. God had created the two equally in every way; however, Lilith refused to assume a subservient position to Adam since they were both created from the same material. In refusing to assume a subservient position, God cast Lilith out of Eden and created a second woman from Adam’s rib as a replacement. Over the years, mankind had begun to populate the world. God sought Lilith so that she may return to him, but Lilith refused. As punishment, he destroyed all the sons and daughters of Lilith.

For thou who hath created me to take those which I hath birthed, is unforgivable. I shalt take away that which thou cares for most. I shalt destroy the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve! Lilith swore in a fit of rage. Her hatred and wrath captured the devil’s attention.

Choosing to take the form of a serpent, the devil slithered to Lilith. I know of your hatred and I know of your rage. The anger that blisters within you is the same that festers within me. I can grant you the power you desire to exact your vengeance. However, there is a condition, the serpent drawled, dragging his words in a melancholy tone.

Speak thy condition, Serpent, and see that they fall upon curious ears, Lilith demanded of the serpent.

With the power I grant, you will be able to rise again, yet it will cost a thousand innocent souls. Should there ever come a time in which you fail, your soul will come to me. Do you still seek this power? the serpent asked as he reared back upon his tail. A moment had passed before Lilith agreed to the serpent’s terms.

With a soft hiss, the serpent reared back his head and struck Lilith, burying its fangs deep within her flesh. The venom rapidly corrupted her soul. Lilith arched and screamed in ecstasy as darkness filled her being, willingly giving up the light within. The serpent slowly removed his fangs and looked on dispassionately as she transformed from human to demon while leaving a seed growing within her womb.

Take all the time you need now. There is no need to rush your vengeance. A time will come when you shall do as you swore. Go now from this place and rest. Should there be a time when I need you or you need me, I shall appear before you in the same form, the serpent spoke as it slithered off into the sunset. Lilith remained in the barren field where she had spoken with the serpent. She felt the surge of power coursing through her veins.

Moments later, Lilith took a walk into the closest area that housed humans. She neither cloaked nor cowered before any man. She walked the alleys as the sun faded and night arose. The humans had begun to douse the flames of their candles and put themselves and their little ones to bed.

Lilith was still unaware of the power she truly held until she hungered for more than a simple meal. She continued to wander around, stealing bread and meat from vendor stands, yet nothing quelled her hunger. It wasn’t until Lilith passed by a hut and looked through the window to see a small child sleeping in a separate room from the parents. At that moment, Lilith knew exactly what would satisfy her hunger.

She was supposed to walk through the door, but she thought that might wake the parents. Lilith gazed at the sleeping child longingly and raised her hand. She figured that she could phase herself through the wall. Once inside the hut, she gently lifted the child and phased herself out with the infant still within her arms. Once she was far from the hut, she couldn’t help biting the child’s neck. The child made a faint sound as the blood rushed out from its body.

Lilith sucked every drop of blood from the child and ingested what was left. Her hunger was satisfied, but she couldn’t overcome this lingering pain from within her. This caused her to twist and turn while grasping her clothes. After hours of screaming and aching, Lilith gave birth to a son. She named him Zoltar and raised him as she would any other.

As the boy grew, Lilith noticed that his hair color changed from midnight black to dark ash gray and slowly grew lighter as the years passed. On Zoltar’s tenth birthday, Lilith noticed that he had an overgrowing appetite as did she. She taught the boy to control his hunger and harness the power within him as she learned the same.

A decade later, Lilith had raised Zoltar into a strong young man. He has a sculpted physique and a smarter mind. As time passed, Zoltar grew stronger and faster than expected. However, Zoltar wasn’t alone. Lilith had turned thirteen others to be just like her and Zoltar. Lilith found out that now was the time to maintain her promise of destroying humankind. For three long years, Lilith created more like her son and held legions at her command. When the time came to unleash her wrath, those who were turned against their will rebelled against her. It was a devastating moment for her sons and daughters. Zoltar tried to rush to her side, but four of whom he considered siblings stopped him and pulled him away into the shadows.

Lilith fought against many legions, but her attempts fell short as they split her into eight pieces. Each piece was placed in a small box specifically designed for Lilith’s remains. A piece of Lilith was handed to eight others, and they set out to scatter the remains in hopes of never allowing Lilith to resurrect.

Zoltar was held by his most loyal brothers and sisters. They dragged him safely deeper into the shadows where they long disappeared. Over the course of the centuries, no one knew what happened to the ones they called the Loyals. The eight rebellion leaders started to make factions for their kind to protect the remains and search for a way to cure their curse.

As time passed, man had come to know Lilith’s kind as vampires—bloodsucking creatures without a soul, whose weakness was limited to holy crosses, holy water, and a stake through the heart. Many had no idea of their true weakness since no one had ever caught a vampire to study them, yet in this world of modern times, vampires seemed to become a myth. With the factions in place, vampires were able to blend into their surroundings. They were able to sneak around when it was time for them to feed. Some factions even harbored humans to do their work in the daylight. Some would bring others into the faction to become food. Others would perform research, but only one was a scout sent across the world to search for any clues about the Loyals.

As centuries passed, God sent an angel to earth to record the events that would transpire. This angel was to make a record of all that he could see while remaining hidden among the humans. The angel accepted his task and left without question. He was not to interfere unless there was reason—which brings us to the twenty-second century. With the newest technology and all the news around the world, it would appear to be almost impossible to document everything that was going on with the vampires; nonetheless, the angel knew a way . . .

Chapter 1

Breaking the Surface

Time seemed to be all but still in the fast-paced world. Science had developed beyond what was expected, and technology was equally as advanced. A wandering journalist with no home found himself in a bad neighborhood that housed some shady characters. He showed no fear and expected no trouble either. He was researching an article from a parchment that made its way into the local newspaper. The article was called Resurrection of Old. Upon further reading, he noticed how it talked about ancient deities being revived. Many thought it was hogwash for a headline, but it grabbed the attention of all who saw it.

In downtown New York, the journalist found his way inside the Wall Street main building. Good evening, my name is Jonathan Richards. I’m here to see Mr. Spratt. He asked me to come down and talk to him this morning, Jonathan told the receptionist. With a gum pop and an upper lip curl, the receptionist saw the appointment reminder and guided Jonathan to the elevators and proceeded to the top floor.

So let me guess, you’re one of the conspiracy nutjobs who believes everything you read in a paper about aliens and ghost and stuff, right? the receptionist said with snobbish attitude.

Actually, no. I’m a journalist who is here to interview Mr. Spratt about his successful career before inviting him back to my mansion for an evening meal. I’d invite you to come along with us, but it seemed that you have a bit of an attitude, so no invitation for you. Enjoy your job, and thank you for your unappreciative assistance. Jonathan lied with a smile on his face as he walked off the elevator and down the hall to Mr. Spratt’s office.

Jonathan knocked two times, then three before opening the door and walking into Mr. Spratt’s office. The two greeted each other with a friendly smile and handshake before closing the door and the blinds to the windows. Do you have any idea how long I have been waiting for you? Four days—you were supposed to be here four days ago. Oh well! You’re here now, and that’s all that matters. Did Malka give you the payment for the item you require? This would be a waste if she did, Mr. Spratt said as he opened a wall safe from behind a picture and placed a rectangular wooden box on his desk.

Jonathan peeked out of the blinds for a moment then turned to Mr. Spratt slowly. Actually, Jonathan isn’t here anymore. Also, Malka didn’t send me. I came for that box without payment, and you are going to hand it over. Understand, fatso? His voice suddenly changed as he spoke, flashing his enlarged fangs as he smiled.

Mr. Spratt laughed hysterically. You must be one of those strays who think they can take on one of the ones who orchestrated the rebellion over quite a few millennia ago. Do you any idea who you face, boy? The Crossed Fangs will have your head on spike when they are done with you. Na’Serah is a very ill-tempered woman. May whoever you pray to have mercy on you, Mr. Spratt said as his laughter grew louder.

Within a blink of an eye, Jonathan had disappeared then reappeared behind Mr. Spratt. His hand tightly wrapped around Spratt’s throat, crushing his windpipe. Jonathan hissed within Spratt’s ear and squeezed his neck tighter. It would be wise that you sssseek protection from the Crossed Fangs. The next person who will be coming will do sssso much worse than just make you pissssss your pants, Jonathan spoke as he dragged his words before disappearing from the room.

Shocked at the sudden disappearance of the false Jonathan, Mr. Spratt called his security to search the room. As he awaited the arrival of his security, he double-checked his wall safe and the rectangular wooden box. To his surprise, everything was still in place. Mr. Spratt took out a piece of rolled parchment from the rectangular box and looked over it. He thought whether an old piece of scribbled paper was really worth his life. By the time the security arrived to the top floor, Mr. Spratt made a second phone call.

Your call must mean that the transaction went through smoothly? a soft voice spoke through the phone.

Actually, there is a bit of a problem. Someone posing as your aid arrived and scared the living daylight out of me. He knew Malka and said that I’d best ask for a bodyguard before the next one arrives. I have absolutely no idea what he meant, but I’m heeding his warning. Send me one of your best, and you can have this parchment for free! Mr. Spratt inclined as his voice shook in fear.

Silence broke over the phone after moments had passed. Three days. In three days, you will have a guard that you can trust. She is just like you, and she is one of the best even though she is a mere human. In exchange, we want the parchment and any information you have about it and those who we are looking for, the soft voice said before hanging up the phone.

Spratt was relieved to know that they were sending someone, but he wondered if a human would be able to handle other vampires. The thought didn’t last long since he had already made up his mind that whoever Malka sent would just be used as a decoy for him to escape.

The security detail left the room and closed the door. Spratt pulled out a bottle of scotch from the bottom drawer of his desk and proceeded to pour himself a glass, unaware that the shadows behind him were starting to take form. The swift sound of a knife was heard from behind him, and cold steel was gently placed against the soft pink skin of his neck.

A glass of scotch for me? You shouldn’t have. I’m flattered by your hospitality. To think that there are still humans with great taste in alcohol, a thick, rough voice said from behind Spratt as he picked up the glass and shot it down in one gulp. "Now that hit the spot! It’s been quite some time since I was last in the field. You have