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Chapter
25
Balthazar stepped into the large central room where Nicholai sat, looking at the array of monitors in front of him. “Good Lord, is he still sleeping?” He asked “Well, he certainly appears to be.” The man answered. “It’s only 5:10.” He said, looking at his watch. “Beatriz told us he was a late riser.” |
Balthazar snorted, “Yes, I guess I forgot he’s just a baby, what with all the commotion surrounding him.”
“Yes…just a baby.” Nicholai mused, his eyes going back to the image of Taylor, lying motionless on top of the covers.
~~~~~
Sonya sighed as she looked at the photo of Taylor holding Elijah. Their features gave away their obvious relation. The next picture showed him on the bed with Isabella curled up on his chest like a cat, her darker hair and skin contrasting with his. Diana had written her about the visit and thought she might enjoy seeing the pictures. A tap on the door caused her to turn, “Oh, come in.” She said to Beatriz. Had it been one of the girls, she’d have closed the email. “Look at this.” She said, smiling.
Beatriz came in and leaned over her shoulder, “Ah!” She exclaimed, “Look at that! My goodness, she looks so tiny…and look at that black hair…” She sighed. “That’s what my child would have looked like.” She smiled, but it was sad.
“I guess we’re sort of…Grandma’s.” Sonya said, closing that picture and opening the other back up. “And here’s little Taylor.”
“Oh, what a lucky boy—he’ll look just like his beautiful father.” Beatriz replied. She walked around and sat in a chair facing Sonya. “So, what do you have planned for this evening?” Beatriz asked.
Sonya looked at her, “Well, the first thing I’ll be doing is losing my cell phone.” She said, tossing it on her bed. “If you want to reach me, you’ll have to do it the old fashioned way.”
“I can do that.” Beatriz answered. “Shall we try to visit our darling boy?”
“Well, that’s my plan.” Sonya replied.
“Assuming they’ll allow it.” She smiled sheepishly. “We gave them quite a show last night.” She sighed and looked into Sonya’s green eyes, “You know, I just didn’t like the feeling I got when I walked in. They were wanting him to feed while they watched and I just wasn’t sure what they were up to.”
“Hmmm…weird.” Sonya said. “Are they just wanting new blood? Are they bored with each other?”
Beatriz’ face hardened, “It’d certainly bore me if I had to live with them. They’re like a bunch of old lions lazing around waiting for the females to do all the work so they can reap all the benefits.” She paused, “One of the girls was drugged. I don’t know if they’d done it to her or if she’d done it to herself—“
“What was it? Could you tell?” Sonya asked.
Beatriz shook her head. “I don’t know. Of course, that in itself doesn’t mean anything. Humans are constantly finding new ways to fuck themselves. I just didn’t want them to be trying anything on him. He’s young and doesn’t quite have the resistance to those sorts of things yet.”
“Very true. Sometimes, he can feel the effects of alcohol let alone some of these other compounds.” She shut down the computer then turned to face Beatriz again. “So, what happened after you got there?”
“Well,” Beatriz answered, playing with the gold hoop in her ear, “He fed from the other two girls. Then he and I retired to his room, which is wired of course. I think I could smell it it’s so obvious. They’re not taking any chances. So, the only way I could talk to him was to get all romantic and bore them while I told him what I felt he needed to know. They didn’t care much for me speaking to him, so I had to throw them off.” She laughed, “He may have missed bits and pieces of what I was trying to get across…”
“I can imagine.” Sonya said. “I like it. It just makes them all the more certain that he’s just a sweet distraction, hopefully.”
“Hopefully.” Beatriz agreed. “I just don’t think they’re as stupid as they want us to believe.”
~~~~~
Taylor lay there, his eyes closed but his mind very much awake. He didn’t feel like playing their games tonight and he was putting it off as long as he could. It amazed him sometimes, the changes his body had gone through. If he’d slept twelve hours before, his joints would be sore and his head would have been cloudy. Now, laying perfectly still and only breathing now and then left him unfazed. He was bored but he was also stubborn. In his head, he had music and songs and his family and his memories. In the other room, he had masters and humiliation and dread. He preferred it in his head…
~~~~~
“It’s six o’clock.” Joshua spat.
“He’s just seeing how long we’ll leave him alone.” Nicholai said. “Feel free to intrude. I think we can see that he has patience, possibly more than you or I.”
“I believe it’s called obstinance.” Joshua remarked.
“Perhaps. I really wouldn’t expect anything different.” The man answered.
“He should feel honored. Others have been grateful.” Joshua said.
“Yes, and where are they now? A boy pulled from the streets will feel differently than one taken from a palace full of dancing girls. I see his obstinance as a plus.” Nicholai stated.
Joshua nodded, “You may be right. Though, I wouldn’t consider Beatriz a dancing girl.”
“You know what I mean. They don’t call him “little prince” for nothing. He’s treated like one by all those women.” He said as he stood and began to walk towards Taylor’s room followed by Joshua.
~~~~~
When the door opened, Taylor held his breath, praying they’d see him “sleeping” and leave him alone. “Time to get up my young fellow.” Joshua said approaching the bed.
“Your mind is working, I can feel it.” Nicholai said, sitting in the chair at the desk.
Taylor let out the breath he was holding but didn’t open his eyes. “I’m sick, can I just be alone, please?”
“No playing hooky today.” Joshua said. “I believe you told Victor you wanted a tour.”
“I changed my mind.” Taylor said.
“Too late!” The man exclaimed.
Taylor opened his eyes and rolled them up into his head. “What do you want from me? I’m always asking but no one answers.”
“Does Beatriz want something from you?” Nicholai asked.
“I have no idea.” Taylor said, sitting up. “She won’t tell me either.”
“What makes you think we want anything from you?” Nicholai asked.
“Because if you didn’t, I wouldn’t be here. I’d be like everybody else, out there finding some grub and some money to pay rent on an apartment in the city.”
“Is that what you want out of this life?” Nicholai asked, standing. “Just to survive?”
“Yep, that’s all I want.” The two of them locked eyes for a moment, then Taylor’s brow furrowed, “Is this all about Beatriz? You seem more interested in her than me, frankly.”
“No, it’s you I’m interested in. Though, any juicy bits of information about Beatriz would be looked upon favorably.” Nicholai answered.
Taylor snorted, “I don’t know anything juicy about Beatriz. She’s pretty old, I know that. She can drink whiskey.” He touched his lip, thinking. His eyes brightened, “Oh! She looks great in that black bra she wears!” He smiled, “Sometimes, she wears it with this old pair of worn out Levi’s…damn!”
Joshua leaned in closer, “You are not amusing.”
Taylor backed away from him a bit, “I’m not trying to amuse you. You want to know what I know about Beatriz? That’s about it. Oh, and she can give you one hell of a headache if you piss her off.”
“Do you feel that you are a prisoner there?” Nicholai asked.
“Yes.” Taylor answered.
“Then you should be happy that we have rescued you.” Joshua said.
Taylor crossed his arms over his chest, “I feel more…kidnapped than rescued, thank you.”
Nicholai sighed, “You were delivered here, you weren’t kidnapped. Now, does Beatriz attack you often?”
Now it was Taylor sighing, “No. Beatriz is fine to me. I just try not to piss her off.”
“If Beatriz is fine to you, then why do you feel like a prisoner?” Nicholai asked.
“Because I just want my life back. I want a hamburger and fries. I don’t want to look at another girl’s neck--ever. I want to sing in front of an audience and then get on a bus and go to the next town and do it again.” Taylor spat.
“Then you were turned against your will. Does that mean you’d like to hold these women responsible? It is your right.” Nicholai said. “Even Beatriz is not above these laws.”
Taylor shut his eyes for a moment. He wasn’t sure what they were trying to do. He calmed his thoughts, knowing it would make it harder for them to get into his head. He took a deep breath and looked back at the two men, “Okay, first of all, I don’t think you’re too worried about my rights. What do you want from me? I hate to keep repeating myself, but it really sort of feels like you’re just wanting to get at Beatriz by using me.”
“Actually, there are many things I want. I want to know the depth of your power. I want to know why one so young has these powers. I want to know why the others look to you for whatever it is they’re looking for. And, as I said before, if I find out more about Beatriz’ dealings, then that’s just a bonus.” Nicholai said.
“But I don’t know any of those things.” Taylor reasoned.
“Perhaps she doesn’t want you to know them.” Joshua answered.
Taylor shrugged, “Maybe.”
Both men watched him for a moment, then Joshua spoke, “I just don’t know that I believe that you could be living the life that you are and have no knowledge of any of these things.”
Nicholai smiled, “Obviously, that’s his story and he’s sticking to it. I see no reason not to go ahead with tonight’s plan.”
Joshua clapped his hands together, “Excellent! Do you need to change your clothes? I believe your female brought you some extras.” He said, looking at Taylor.
Nicholai chuckled and tapped the pendant around Taylor’s neck, “He doesn’t have a female, a female has him.”
~~~~~
Beatriz parked her car on the deserted street. She wasn’t concerned about wheels or hubcaps as those who made their livings in the streets knew better than to venture into the areas surrounding the Elder’s places. Some had lost their lives there and others had survived to pass on the word. She looked at Sonya, “I brought that silly little bear of his, but I’m not giving it to him unless there’s none of them about.”
Sonya sighed, “I’d hate for him to lose it.” She said softly. “It represents warm and fuzzy, and not just in a literal sense.”
“Hmmm…” Beatriz pulled it out of her bag and looked into its dark, shiny eyes. “Maybe I’d better just leave it here.” She sat it on the seat between them then pulled her keys out of the ignition. “Here goes.” She said, and they both stepped out of the car.
Immediately Sonya could feel eyes on her and her sensitive ears picked up sounds in the emptiness around them. “They’re not all vamps.” She communicated.
Beatriz stopped and checked the back of her silk stocking, “No. They have humans working for them as well. Don’t want anyone nosing around in the daylight and staking the Nosferatu.” She started walking again, stopping in front of a large metal door, its gray paint peeling. She knocked, then rolled her eyes as seconds passed and no one answered.
Finally, the door opened and Daniel stood before her. “Yes? May I help you?” He smirked.
She smiled, “Why yes, you may. I wish to see that which belongs to me and his sire wishes to see him as well.”
He tsk’ed. “Sorry. No visitors tonight.”
“It’s my right.” Sonya stated.
“Indeed it is.” Daniel answered. Behind him, two men appeared. “However, special circumstances allow us to disregard those laws at this time.” He placed a finger to his mouth, thoughtfully. “Think of it as one of those don’t-call-us-we’ll-call-you situations.”
For a moment there was just silence as the five of them all sized each other up. “Very well.” Beatriz spoke, finally. She placed her hand on Sonya’s arm and bowed to the man in front of her, “We shall await your call.”
Daniel bowed back, smiling. “Very good. Have a nice evening.” He said, and he shut the door.
~~~~~
Joshua led a sullen Taylor into the central room. Daniel entered from the opposite side, “So, are we cooperating tonight?” He asked.
Joshua shook his head, “I don’t think he’s going to.” He said in a mocking voice.
“I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to.” Taylor protested.
Nicholai waved him off. “Joshua, you go about your business. Call if you need anything.”
“I’m sure I can handle things.” The man answered. He turned to Taylor, “Come along Little Prince, time to see your dungeon.” Taylor stood his ground but felt the iron grip of Joshua on him almost immediately, “While I’d love to take you down for more than just a tour, I’m trying to be civil. Do as you’re told or you shall experience what some of your peasants go through when they’ve broken the laws of the kingdom.”
“I’m not a prince and I don’t have any peasants.” Taylor hissed.
“Au contraire, my friend.” Joshua said, pushing him down a dark hallway. At the end was a very old looking door.
Taylor could feel his pupils dilate as the darkness deepened. He swallowed. “Look, whatever it is you’re wanting, I’ll do it. I just don’t—“
“Ssshhh…time for that is over. I’m not going to hurt you.” Joshua said, opening the creaky old door. A smell came up from the place that caused Taylor’s fangs to ache. He wasn’t sure if it was fear or hunger. He stumbled on the third step as they weren’t uniform in size. “Careful there, we don’t want you to take a tumble.” The man’s voice was very close behind him. Now his fangs had come fully into place; definitely out of fear.
“I don’t really need to see this.” Taylor said, running his hand along the wall, pulling back when he felt something skitter under his fingertips.
“Aw, it’ll do you good. You may feel differently about a great number of things, once you’ve seen how the bad are punished.” Joshua whispered.
“Why don’t you just cut their heads off like Beatriz?” Taylor asked, seeing a room open up in front of him. It looked like someone’s old cellar, with boxes stacked against the walls, and refuse here and there scattered on the floor.
“Hmph! What’s the fun in that?!” Joshua laughed.
“I don’t think she does it for fun.” Taylor said, stepping down onto the musty smelling floor. “It’s generally because you guys have told her to do it.”
He laughed again, “Is that what she tells you?” He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and walked towards another door. He turned to Taylor as he put the key in the lock, “I wouldn’t touch anything if I were you. Some of the…implements, you may see here could be harmful to one who doesn’t know how to use them correctly.”
“Don’t worry...” Taylor had begun to chant things in his head again. The ABC song, Sunday school hymns. Joshua reached up and pulled a chain and a light bulb lit up the space causing Taylor to squint in the sudden brightness. Around him, were things he’d seen in horror movies or books, and others he’d never seen before.
“How do you like my little collection?” Joshua gushed. He leaned closer to Taylor, “It’s the finest of its kind in the world outside the Vatican.”
Taylor’s eyes widened at the implications. His eyes wandered over to an iron maiden, it’s beautifully carved outside veiling the sharp blades on the inside. “Ah, you have an eye for the ladies, don’t you?” Joshua said, stepping over and opening it so that the cruel evidence was right there, dark and dried on the points.
Taylor covered his mouth with his hand, “You don’t actually…you know…”
Joshua’s eyes brightened, “Use it?”
“Um, yeah.” Taylor stammered.
“Only on rare occasions.” He said sadly. “It’s rather wasteful, really.”
Again, Taylor swallowed. “I can imagine.” He said, turning away.
“However, there are many things here that we can use that aren’t quite so damaging. Blood is life, as you know, and spilling it is not something we like to do, at least with our brethren.” He picked up an object and held it out for Taylor to inspect. “This is an interesting piece.”
“Okay.” Taylor said, not wanting to look or think about it, but feeling it wise to cooperate at least a bit.
“It’s called the Pear.” Joshua said. He turned a handle on the wooden bulb and it expanded slowly. He looked at Taylor and almost laughed at the look on his face. “Have you ever lied, my son?”
Taylor shot him a look before thinking, but decided not to say anything about the man calling him his son. “Yeah, I guess so.”
“Well, your punishment for lying would be for this to be placed in your mouth and the handle turned until the offending body part would be ripped slowly and painfully apart.” He watched Taylor’s brows furrow and an extreme look of distaste came over his features. “I’d bet it would leave quite a scar, eh?” He asked.
“Uh, yeah, I’d say it would.” Taylor answered, backing away a little.
“It was also punishment for adultery and homosexuality. Have you ever lain with a man?” The man asked salaciously.
“No!” Taylor exclaimed.
“Well, I don’t believe it’s practiced these days, but in days past, this would be placed up the rectum of the guilty party and of course, the screw turned.”
Taylor turned away and looked at a large human shaped cage that hung from the ceiling.
Joshua was delighted to see Taylor’s reactions. “Have you ever committed adultery?” He asked.
He couldn’t help it. In Taylor’s mind, the waitress from the bar in Alabama burst into his mind. He looked at the man asking, “No.”
Joshua raised his eyebrows, “You’re lying right now! I could see it in your eyes when you said that. Don’t make me use this on you!” He teased.
Taylor stammered. “It wasn’t adultery. I didn’t know she was married—“
“That’s no excuse! Come here.” Joshua joked.
Taylor’s voice got higher as he protested, “It wasn’t adultery! We didn’t do anything! She just…had a husband and I sort of …flirted with her and stuff.”
Now Joshua looked more serious. “Ah yes. I believe I heard about your merciless killing of a human male last year. It led to your demise, did it not?”
Taylor had crossed his arms over his chest, “Yeah, I guess so. But, I didn’t do it on purpose. He tried to kill me and stuff.” His hand went instinctually to his side where a knife had been pushed between his ribs.
“These things will happen to you and you must not kill because of it.” Joshua said.
Taylor found it strange that he was being talked to by the man as if he were a Sunday school teacher, when just moments before, he was lusting over thoughts of torture and bloodshed. “I didn’t do it on purpose. I just freaked out or something.” Taylor said.
“We can’t afford mistakes like that.” Joshua cautioned.
“Beatriz already lectured me about it.” Taylor murmured.
“Yes, well, I’d hope so. Probably right after she wiped your mouth and changed your diaper.”
“Actually, I think it was once she wiped up the brain matter that was running from my ears and after my mother went to my funeral.” Taylor retorted.
Joshua smiled, “By the way,” He said, pointing at Taylor, “your fangs are still extended.” He gave the boy a pitiful look, “Does that happen often? It’s sort of a sign of weakness, you should work on it. So, was it a nice service?”
Taylor rolled his eyes, “I don’t know, I wasn’t there.”
“Well, I guess you don’t like my lovely piece of fruit.” Joshua smirked, laying it back on the table. “Perhaps you’d enjoy a stint on the Rack?” He said, pointing to a large wooden contraption against the wall. “The sound of bones popping out of their sockets and muscles tearing is really quite a singular thing.”
“I’m sure it is.” Taylor said, placing his hands in his pockets.
“I suppose some of the horror of these things for our kind is that merciful death seldom comes.” Joshua said, leaning against the thing. For a moment Taylor thought the man had a heart, but soon he resumed his descriptions of the things about the room and he changed his mind.
Finally, Taylor shook his head, “Most of this stuff is for women, doing things to breasts and vaginas. Is that your specialty?”
“You’re very observant. Actually through the ages women have been the overwhelming majority of recipients for these types of things. Most likely to be guilty of witchcraft, adultery, nagging—“
“Women deserve to be tortured for nagging?!” Taylor exclaimed.
“Oh, it’s quite the device, sometimes very artistic in design. Let me show it to you.” The man remarked.
“No, that’s okay. I think I’ve seen enough—“Taylor protested.
“Oh, you’ll enjoy this. It’s actually in use.” The man said, walking towards another door in the room. “The operative principle was mulier taceat in ecclesia, “Let the woman be silent in church”
“Why always women? That’s insane.” Taylor said.
Joshua sighed and turned, “Women need to be kept in their place young one, or they will think they can take over. Believe me, you don’t want that. And, as I told you, they are most likely to need confessions pulled from them for their practices—“
“So, you believe in witchcraft?” Taylor smirked, but quickly wiped the grin from his face.
“It doesn’t matter whether I believe it or not. I get what I want.” He turned back to the door and placed a key in the lock. Turning his head, he looked back at Taylor. “I believe your Beatriz practices the black arts, does she not?”
Images of rocks and feathers, blood smeared on his own chest fluttered through his mind. “Not exactly.” He said.
Joshua raised an eyebrow as the door opened with a creak, “There is no in between in that area. We know that your friend Kirk brought a snake into her apartment and some other accoutrements of the art.”
“She’s just superstitious.” Taylor defended. “Besides, I think it’s more of her religion—“
“You don’t think that witches consider their beliefs a religion? Just because it is called religion doesn’t make it right.” The man spat. “The devil works in many ways.”
If Taylor was scared before, now he was terrified. “But this is the twenty first century, people are allowed to believe in anything they want in this country. Lots of people would consider us evil because we drink blood, but that doesn’t make it so.” He said carefully.
“They are wrong. We are not evil, we are creatures who do what is in their nature. It is what we must do to survive.” Joshua answered, ushering Taylor through the door and locking it behind them.
“You don’t have to convince me of that. I was just saying that people can’t help what they believe and I just don’t feel like they should be killed or tortured for it.” Taylor answered.
Joshua pulled the chain in front of him and a light bulb lit up the darkness. “Only those deserving to be tortured are tortured.” The man said. The room looked almost like some sort of lab to Taylor. There were tables covered with jars and beakers and instruments used to study things. A few more scary looking devices were scattered throughout the room, including a cell in the corner that was occupied by a very thin, gaunt looking young man. On his head, a sort of cage with a lock at the back and something in front that was in his mouth. “He is not dead as you can see, nor is he really being tortured in the way that you say it.”
“Well, he certainly doesn’t look happy.” Taylor said.
Joshua took in a deep breath, tiring of his game. He’d hoped that Taylor would be more interested in the things he was showing him. At least he’d managed to frighten him, though, which he knew was why Nicholai had allowed him to bring the boy there in the first place. “It’s a Scold’s Bridle. A very common way to punish those who can’t control what comes out of their mouths.” He said, glaring at the man in the cell.
“It sort of looks like you might be starving him too. I doubt he can feed like that.” Taylor stated.
“Careful, I have more than one of these valuable pieces.” Joshua narrowed his eyes.
“Why are you showing me this shit?” Taylor asked, also tired of the game.
“Because if you are going to be one of us, you’ll need to be able to take care of things when the need arises.” Joshua answered.
Taylor raised his eyebrows in surprise, “One of you?! You mean you all want me to live here forever and go around bullying everyone and making them scared of me and stuff?”
“The young ones need to respect their leaders.” Joshua declared.
Taylor laughed, “Yeah, he looks like he respects you all right.” He said, waving his hand toward the cell. A tiny click was heard and the back of the contraption on the man’s head popped open. Taylor’s eyes went wide, “I-I didn’t mean to do that. It was just—“
Immediately, Joshua had grabbed Taylor’s wrist and twisted, the bones snapping loudly. In the cage, the man had shoved the mask off and was heaving great sighs of relief. He watched Taylor’s face twist in a grimace of pain, but he also saw Joshua fly back into the wall and slide down to the floor, blood trickling down his lip.
In a room above them, Nicholai cried out, “Get down to the basement! I want that little bastard in front of me immediately!” Balthazar grabbed two men and they ran down the hallway towards the door.
Taylor had run out the next door, unlocking it with his mind. Two doors later, he was stopped by a lock that couldn’t be turned without its key. The rooms were dark, but his vampire eyes showed him rooms very similar to the other two he’d been in. Silently, he walked back and pulled the last door shut and locked it again, thanking God and Beatriz that it was a little trick he’d learned so well. He then crept to a corner and crouched down behind a wooden box, its lid thrown open and its contents still inside. He closed his eyes and slowed his breathing and his thoughts. He began to pray, asking that he be killed rather than tortured in the rooms he’d seen that night. He held his injured arm close to his chest, knowing his days of playing the piano in his room had ended, at least temporarily. “Shit, shit, shit! She told me not to let them see that. Fuck me. Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, If I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take. Shit!” His mind raced.
~~~~~
Balthazar approached Joshua, amazed at what he was seeing. In all his years as an Elder, living here with them, he’d never seen one of them in the condition he was seeing. “Where’s the boy?” He asked as he helped him to sit up.
Joshua’s head was swimming and painful. Thick blood oozed from his nose down his lip and chin. His eyes were clenched shut, but he pointed towards the door at the far end of the room that Taylor had run through. “He ran.” He said. “Follow his scent.” He breathed.
“All these doors are locked, sir.” One of the men said. “He can’t have gotten far.”
Joshua opened his eyes, squinting up at the man, “He doesn’t need keys! He’s got that freakish telekinetic thing like the women.” He stood, though it was hard, “You’d better beat him to within an inch of his life when you find him or he’s going to pull that on you like he did me.” The men both rushed in the direction Taylor had gone. He looked at Balthazar, “He’s got more than any of us expected.” He said, running his hands over his head. “When I get my hands on that little fuck—he won’t take me unawares again…” He handed Balthazar his keys, “Watch yourself.”
~~~~~
Taylor could hear his own heart beating and smell the sweat that was forming on his upper lip. He didn’t know whether to try to silence his mind or to try and call out to someone. He knew Sonya and Beatriz could hear him at times, but he also knew he was deep underground behind thick concrete walls. His head shot up when he heard footsteps in the room outside the door. Pulling himself into as tiny a form as he could, he put his head back down on his knees. “Oh God. This is it. I’m sorry for everything wrong I’ve done. Please take care of my family when I’m gone and please don’t let them know what happened—“
His prayer was interrupted by the sound of the lock turning and the old door opening on rusty hinges. He didn’t move, but he could hear Balthazar’s voice, “He’s gone this way, I can smell him.” Someone else spoke, “But it was locked.” They were looking around the room, “It doesn’t matter. He can manipulate locks.” They were very quiet, as only vampires can be, but Taylor’s sensitive ears picked up the sounds as clearly as if they were coming through an amplifier. One of them was moving towards the next door. “I don’t think he got past this room. I can smell his fear.” Balthazar said. Now he spoke louder, “Are you frightened little boy?” One of the men was not a vampire, Taylor noted. He could tell by his heartbeat. It was faster than the other two. Now there was a silence that only lasted seconds but felt much longer to him. Suddenly, the box in front of him was gone and Balthazar was above him, his hands already grabbing him. Before he could say or do anything, he was slung up and across the room, his body slamming into the stony wall.
~~~~~
“What did you see?” Joshua asked the man in the cell.
“Nothing sir. I didn’t see anything.” The man answered, backing up as far as he could.
In the other room, they could hear that someone was having a hard time of it. He was hoping it was Taylor and not the other three men. He’d never seen a young male able to attack in the way that Taylor had. He shut his eyes again, as pain ripped through his head. It had been many years since he’d felt pain and it was not something he enjoyed being on the receiving end of. “You had to have seen something. He’s freed your tongue, now use it.”
“You hurt him, and then you went down. That’s all I seen.” He croaked. His voice was scratchy from not being able to use it for so long. He didn’t even know how long it had been.
Both men looked toward the door just as Taylor was thrown against it, his body falling into the room and hitting the floor hard. Balthazar, though smaller than Taylor, reached down and slung him easily, this time into the large table, causing beakers to fall and shatter and metal to rattle. Joshua smiled and picked up a very old set of iron handcuffs. “Your turn.” Balthazar said to the very large man behind him. He picked Taylor up as if he were a rag doll and threw him in the direction of Joshua. He backed up, his eyes lighting up as the boy slammed into the cell, crumpling to the floor. Blood pooled quickly under his head and at once, the starving prisoner shot his hand out and brought it back to his mouth, savoring the taste and hoping his life was saved. But it was not to be.
Joshua laughed, “I hope that tastes good, for it shall be the last thing you ever take.” He picked up a wire from the table and almost quicker than could be seen, he had it around the man’s neck. “Taylor!” He shouted, “Let me show you my favorite part of your beloved piano!”
Only barely conscious, Taylor looked at the man as he jerked the thing tight. A tiny gasp from the man and his head fell on the floor next to him as blood began to run from the stump of his neck. Joshua backed up and the body slumped to the floor of the cell, its blood now mingling with Taylor’s on the floor. He shoved Taylor onto his belly, yanking his hands behind him and clamping the cuffs shut around his wrists. Leaning down he hissed into his ear, “You shall never do that again or I shall kill you slowly and painfully over the course of a year.” He stood and went to a cabinet, pulling something out. He tossed a large canvas bag on Taylor, “I think a few hours in the Witches’ Cradle is in order.” He spat.
A door opened and Daniel walked in, “What is going on down here? I went out to feed and I come back to this.” He said. He looked at Joshua and his eyes widened, “What happened to you?” He questioned. He watched as the large man picked Taylor up and dropped him down again on top of the bag the other man had lain under him. They pulled the sides up and pulled a rope tight, closing the heavy material around him.
Joshua pulled a hook down from a pulley that was slung over one of the rafters, “He attacked me.” He said, placing the rope from the bag over the hook. “Lift him up.” He told the two men.
Balthazar stepped up to them, “He tried to escape, but he didn’t get far.” He looked at Joshua, “I can’t believe he hit you that hard. I was able to throw him across the room.”
“He didn’t use his hand!” Joshua shouted. “He’s one of them!”
Balthazar’s eyes widened, “It’s female?”
Daniel shook his head and watched them hoist the bag up into the air. He walked over and grabbed one side of the sack and slung it, causing it to spin, “He’s male. He’s just…different. I told you so, but you wouldn’t listen.”
Balthazar smiled and picked up a staff, poking the bag as it turned, “Well, what are you going to do with him now?”
Joshua took the staff from him and whacked the bag, hard. “I have no idea. I don’t think we can kill him, Beatriz wouldn’t have it.”
“Speaking of which…” Daniel said, grabbing the bag and stopping it from moving. “Stop that!!” He said. “She can’t hear you anyway.” He shouted at Taylor, and again, he set the bag to spinning.
Nicholai walked in. “I believe I asked that he be brought before me.” He said. He looked around the room disdainfully, then to the two men that had accompanied Balthazar, “Clean this mess up. That blood has already begun to smell.” He turned and went back out.
Joshua sighed, “If he’d just let me, I’d get all the information out of that boy that we need.” He said.
Daniel raised an eyebrow and looked at the body in the cell, “But, we’d like to have something left of him afterwards.” He chuckled and looked up at the bag, “He’s bleeding on your antique torture device, Josh.”
Joshua waved his hand, “Oh, that part of it is not old, it’s been replaced numerous times. The valuable piece is actually the pulley and the hook—“
“Yes, yes.” Daniel said. “I think that’s my cue to leave, as much as I love your lectures on Medieval Torture Techniques.” He said, and he and Balthazar turned and went out the door.
Taylor was barely able to hear what was going on around him. The sensation of the bag spinning was making him extremely nauseated and the injuries he’d sustained were painful, even for him. Suddenly, the rope was cut and the bag had begun to fall. He came down hard on his hands which were bound behind him. The iron cuffs slammed into his spine and caused stars and fireworks behind the darkness of his eyes. He felt blood and tears on his face and the breath of someone in his ear. “Do you see this?” They said, but he didn’t open his eyes. Tink, tink. The sound of glass? He tried to open his eyes, but he thought one of them might be swelled shut and the other was smashed by his own face against the hard floor. “It’s pig’s blood collected from the dumpsters behind Food Lion. And from the smell of it, it’s nice and decayed—downright rotten in fact. Now, this won’t hurt a bit, a little needle is the least of your worries my young friend.” It was Joshua’s voice. “However, once that dead blood mixes with yours, well, you might not be feeling up to your usual self. Probably won’t be fucking your bitch for a few days…”
~~~~~
It was late when Mr. Jones received the phone call from the Elders. He’d already gone to bed. “Hello?” He said, sitting up. Usually, a late night call meant someone somewhere was in need of medical attention.
“Hello, Mr. Jones, this is Victor. I believe we are in need of your services this evening. A car will be there to pick you up at 3:45. And bring the boy’s sire with you.”
Hanging up the phone, he threw his legs over the side of the bed. The clock read 3:20. Beatriz appeared in the doorway. “Who was that?” She asked.
“Um, it was Victor. One of the Elders, I believe?” He said.
Her eyes darkened, “Yes. What did he say?” She asked softly.
He stood and unbuttoned the top to his pajamas, “He just said they were in need of my services and that I should bring Sonya.” He turned to face her, “Well, I assume they meant Sonya. I believe Taylor is the only “boy” they have there and she is his sire.”
Her voice was sad, “Well, I guess they haven’t killed him or they wouldn’t be needing you. I thought I heard him earlier, but it was distant. And actually, they do have another boy there—well, perhaps a boy to them. But I do not know who his sire is. I’m sure they’re talking about Taylor.” She turned from him, “I’ll go get her. She got back in a few minutes ago.”
~~~~~
The car stopped in front of the same building Sonya had been at earlier that evening. Neither she nor Mr. Jones had spoken, not being sure of the driver. He was human, but that didn’t necessarily mean he wasn’t a spy; he was obviously employed by the elders, after all. As it drove away, leaving them on the quiet street, she turned to Mr. Jones, “That’s the second human I’ve seen here today.” She whispered.
“Yes, the elders have human caretakers around at all times. Some, of course, because they need people to be awake and protecting them during the daylight hours, but also because they do not trust many of the vampires in this city.” He answered.
“It’s lonely at the top.” She said sarcastically. She reached up to knock on the door but it opened before she could make contact.
“Good evening Mr. Jones, Ms. Linsworth.” Daniel said, pulling the door open wide, “Please, come inside.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Jones spoke. And they followed him into the central room. There four other men stood or sat about the place.
“Ah, good, you’re here.” Nicholai said, looking at the two. “I wasn’t sure his sire could be located.” He stood. “We seem to have a problem…” He stated.
“How may I be of assistance?” Mr. Jones asked, hoping Sonya could keep her anger in check. Though she hadn’t said or done anything, it was fairly coming off her in waves. Her usually sparkling green eyes were dark and shadowed.
“The boy has taken ill. He’ll probably be fine, but we just felt it was better to be…better safe than sorry, as mortals would say.” Nicholai smiled.
“He’s never fallen ill before. Did he feed from someone he shouldn’t have?” She asked. She knew if he had, it was because they had offered it to him.
“No, he hasn’t fed this evening.” The man answered.
“Why was I called here? Do you fear for his life?” She asked.
“Better safe than sorry.” He repeated. “Come along.” He said, and he turned and walked down the hallway.
He opened the door and allowed Mr. Jones and Sonya to enter the room before him. The room was dim, but Sonya had no trouble making out Taylor on the bed. She stepped around the side of the bed and stooped down to look at his face. With a gasp, she brought her hand to her mouth. “What the fuck happened to him? He’s not ill, he’s been beaten.” She charged, looking up at Nicholai.
“Oh, he is ill.” The man said, then he turned for the door. “Let us know what you need and we shall do what we can to help.” He said to Mr. Jones.
“Is there a light here? I do not share your excellent vision.” He answered.
With a click, the room brightened, and Nicholai walked out. “Call us if you need us.” He said, and he shut the door behind him.
“Oh dear.” Mr. Jones said as he got his first look.
Sonya ran her fingers gently through Taylor’s hair, feeling that in places, it was matted with blood. “Tell me what happened. I’m right here, send softly, and I’ll be the only one to hear.”
He opened his eyes, and looked at her. The swelling had gone down a bit, but both of them were still dark and bruised underneath. “I’m so sick—“He started.
Mr. Jones placed his hand on the boy’s forehead, “He’s awfully hot.” He pulled the sheet down. Taylor still wore the same clothes he’d come to the place in, but they were now torn and bloody. His hands were still behind him. “This is ridiculous.” He hissed. “Tell them I need water and I need a key for these manacles.”
“There’s a…” Taylor stopped speaking and swallowed hard. He turned his face towards the pillow and retched, but, as was typical of his kind, nothing came up.
Sonya’s eyes were glassy now, “God, I’m so sorry. What can I do?” She asked.
Taylor turned back over and took in a deep breath, “There’s a bathroom over there.” He sighed.
A few moments later the door opened and Joshua stepped in. Sonya had sent the message as loudly as she could, not certain they could hear her, but they had, obviously. In Joshua’s hand was a very old fashioned key, “I’d really rather he remain the way he is. That way, he can’t attack me again.” He said to Mr. Jones.
He raised an eyebrow, “Is that what this was about? He’s a boy.” Mr. Jones answered.
“Yes, a very powerful, evil boy.” He answered.
Mr. Jones took in a calming breath. He wanted to lash out at the man over use of the word “evil” where Taylor was concerned, but he thought better of it. “I believe his arm is injured and I can’t examine it the way it is. I assure you, he’s not going anywhere. Sonya will make sure of it.” He said.
“Hmph. It doesn’t matter to me if he tries to escape. He shant make it past the front door.” He barked, stepping over to unlock the cuffs roughly.
“Oow, God…” Taylor moaned, pulling his arms back around to the front. Mr. Jones saw a painful looking bruise on his back.
Hoping the man couldn’t read his mind, he spoke, “I don’t suppose you’d have x-ray equipment?” He asked.
“That is your department.” The man spat, then he turned and went back out the door.
“I didn’t mean to…I hit him because he tried to break my arm.” Taylor said to Sonya.
“He said they tried to break his arm.” She said softly. She licked her finger and wiped blood from Taylor’s eyebrow.
“I’d say they were successful.” Mr. Jones said, gently feeling the bones in Taylor’s wrist. He sighed, “You have to be the most unlucky vampire in the history of the world. Most go years and years without breaking a bone, but you have had two in less than 12 months.”
“Not my fault…” He breathed.
“Well,” the man answered, reaching into his bag, “vampire bones have memory, so you’re very fortunate in that respect. If you’re going to be around for long, I may have to demand that the lady put some sort of radiology department in her building.” He winced as he twisted his patient’s arm around until he could feel that it was at least partially put back in order. This caused Taylor’s nausea to jump a level and he nearly fell out of the bed as his stomach lurched.
“What is making you sick? It’s not just injuries, I can smell something wrong.” Sonya asked.
“I don’t know.” Taylor managed to say after taking a moment to regain his composure. “I fell and they did something…” He shut his eyes, willing the room to stop spinning. He was beginning to sweat and shiver at the same time.
Mr. Jones wrapped a bandage thickly around his hand and wrist. Plaster wouldn’t be necessary, though if he had it, he may have used it just because of the severity of the break. “Where else are you hurt?” He asked, but Taylor just gave a tiny shrug.
Sonya walked into the bathroom and came back with a wet washcloth to wipe the blood off Taylor’s face. “What do you think?” She asked Mr. Jones.
“I’d say he’s probably got fractures here and there, including his skull right there at the back; probably to take those mental powers out of the picture temporarily. It’s nothing that won’t heal on its own, I’d think.” He answered. “I’m more concerned really with this illness. You’d think he’d been poisoned.” He said, his eyes moving to hers. They knew they were being listened to, it would have been ridiculous to think otherwise.
“Taylor, are you sure you don’t know what happened to make you sick?” Sonya asked him.
His only answer was to moan and place his hand on his back. Mr. Jones looked closely at the area. “You’ve got a tremendous amount of bruising there. I suppose a spinal chord injury could cause these symptoms.” He said looking at Sonya. “He’s certainly lucky to be a vampire at this moment. As a human, that could have cost him the use of his legs.” He stood up. “I suppose I’ve done what I can here. It’s not like Mylanta is going to calm his stomach. The blood is clotting, I see no need for stitches.” He shook his head. “Why don’t you stay here with him, and I’ll go see what I can find out from the gentlemen outside.”
He walked back out and Victor stood, “Is he going to live? He’s really very violently ill.” The man seemed genuinely concerned.
“Without knowing exactly what has caused the sickness, I can’t say whether or not he could take a turn for the worse. The best thing, in my opinion would be to send him back to his home, that way I can watch him more closely, and the Lady would be there as well.” Mr. Jones answered. He looked at the men, “But, I’m betting that is not on your list of possibilities?”
“No, it is not.” Nicholai answered as Balthazar chuckled.
“Very well.” Mr. Jones answered. He then turned his attention on Joshua who stood quietly at the back of the room. “Were you with him the whole time? I’m just trying to sort of trace back to see what happened to cause this.” He inquired.
“Yes, I was with him.” He muttered.
“Did he feed from someone or something which would cause him to be poisoned?” He asked.
Joshua folded his arms in front of him. “He didn’t feed.”
“Well, why was he beaten?” Mr. Jones asked. “Pardon me for assuming. It just doesn’t look like he tripped over a cord or something, though.”
“When he attacked me, I defended myself.” Joshua stated. “And when he ran, we had to get him back AND keep him from attacking anyone else.” He cocked his head, “Did you know that he could attack like that?”
“I know he has telekinetic powers which he seems to have gotten from his sire. Sonya is a fairly powerful woman as she is nearly as old as Beatriz.” He answered. The two looked at one another, both knowing they weren’t getting the whole story. He shook his head, “Well, if nothing else happened, then perhaps spinal fluid is causing the sickness. There’s a fairly serious injury to the back it looks like. Of course, without having access to a hospital, I couldn’t say for sure.” Mr. Jones continued. “The Lady does have connections—“
“The boy is not leaving here.” Nicholai said. “If he dies, he dies. It was his choice.” He said, throwing a look at Joshua. He looked back at Mr. Jones, “Have you done all that you can for him?”
“For his injuries, yes.” Mr. Jones answered. “It’s possible that I could administer something for the pain he is in, but I don’t know that that’s a good idea since we do not know what is causing all the other issues he’s having. I’d recommend a great deal of rest and very, very little movement. The severing of the spinal chord can be fatal even to one of you, thus your love of beheading as the preferred form of execution.”
“Rest.” Daniel said. “I’m sure we can insure that he gets that.”
“And of course, he’ll need to feed. If he is unable, perhaps a transfusion from a living person would help.” Mr. Jones said. “Call me if that becomes an issue.” He said.
In Taylor’s room, Sonya was taking advantage of Mr. Jones’ keeping the attention of the Elders. “Taylor, I know you’re sick right now, but you must listen to me. I’m afraid for your life. These men will be extremely jealous of your power. The longer you can use this situation, the better. If you feel fine tomorrow, don’t let them know that. And if you don’t, then act like you feel worse than you really do. We’re trying to get things moving, but you know how careful we must be. Just lay low for as long as you can.”
Taylor had no intention of getting up from the bed. Ever. Not only did he feel a thousand times worse than the worst hangover he’d ever had, but his back hurt like it was broken. His wrist throbbed and his head was splitting. He wasn’t certain it was as bad as when Beatriz had killed him, but he’d at least been dead during most of that. He felt he was at the end of his vampiric rope. He wasn’t going to do anything, no matter how they asked or how they tortured him. They’d get more cooperation out of an octopus, he’d decided. “Tell Beatriz to watch out. I think they’re wanting her more than me.” He said silently. “And don’t worry, other than these seizures and the puking, I don’t plan on moving anything. You know, in the movies, vampires get to sort of…enjoy themselves. How did I miss out?” He raised an eyebrow.
She reached over and pushed his bangs out of his eyes, looking at the bruises and the bloody cuts he’d incurred. “I don’t know, Taylor. You know I’d take it back if I could.” She smiled and kissed his forehead.
“Yeah, I know.” He said softly. Then he groaned and gingerly turned over on his side to have his dry heaves onto the floor.
“Are you certain you don’t know what happened?” Sonya said, standing. He shook his head as he doubled over.
The door opened then and Mr. Jones stepped into the room. “It would be best if he did not do that.” He warned. “I’m very concerned about that awful black and blue lower back.”
“Why don’t you drug him, then?” She asked, glancing up at the wall, searching carefully for the camera. “That way, he could just sleep while he was feeling so awful. She looked at the clock, “But, maybe he will anyway. It’s almost time.” She said, watching as Taylor lay back on the bed.
Mr. Jones made a face, and whispered, “I’m really afraid to do that. I just don’t know what could have done this. He got nearly this sick when he ate solid food at his family’s house, if you remember. And I’m sure he’d know it if they’d had him down a steak or something.”
Sonya sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. “Alright, I guess you know best.”
“That is the problem,” He said, “I do not know. If that were to slow his system down, it could interfere with his body’s own healing properties.” He looked as Taylor grimaced as he tried to cover up. “I’m very sorry, my boy, but I think you are on your own here.” He said sadly. He sat his bag down and looked at Sonya, “Let’s at least get some clean clothes on him and get all the blood off. Even I can smell it.”
Sonya nodded and wrinkled her nose, “I thought it was just me. It’s like a body that’s been dead for too long.” She whispered.
Mr. Jones glanced over at Taylor as a bead of sweat made its way down his jaw and onto his neck. “Yes, it’s very much like that.” He said.
~~~~~
Beatriz had been pacing ever since they’d left. It was killing her not to go with them, but she knew they’d not allow her inside, either out of spite, or because they suspected she could blow their heads up with her mind if she saw whatever they’d done. Her ears perked up when she heard the elevator and she went to stand in front of the door.
As it slid open, she looked at their faces to see if Taylor were dead or not. She’d hoped for the best since Sonya hadn’t called her in any way. On the couch, Melanie and Camille had finally both nodded off as the sky had turned orange at the edges. “Well?” She said.
“They’re motherfuckers and I’m going to enjoy every moment of their downfall.” Sonya said, walking out of the elevator and tossing her bag on the floor.
“What has happened?” Beatriz implored.
Mr. Jones stepped out now as well, looking extremely tired. “My educated guess is that, on top of the beating he received, they’ve poisoned him somehow. But, they aren’t going to tell us. So, guessing is really all we can do.” He said, opening the closet door and hanging his jacket up.
Beatriz’ eyes narrowed, turning them into black slits, “Why would they do that?” She asked. “And why so soon? I’m not that surprised that they’d do something rotten, but I really thought they’d try to win him over, at least for a while.” She mused. She looked at Sonya, “Who did it?”
“Joshua.” She answered.
“He’s mine.” Beatriz declared.
~~~~~
Nicholai was angry. He was the oldest and the most powerful of them, though he seldom had to use his power. “I believe you know this has not turned out how we’d like for it to.” He said, his eyes lingering on Joshua. “Beatriz seems to love this little whelp, and that has not happened in so long, that I’m not sure she’ll be able to keep her legendary cool. Which is not a good thing for us.” He said.
“He’s powerful. He’ll live.” Joshua said. His eyes were bruised underneath as well, though not nearly so much as Taylor’s. Still, it was obvious he’d been hit with something, and the video showed Taylor hadn’t had any conventional weapon—not even an unconventional one.
“He’d better.” Daniel spat. “The rabble out there has a thing for him, too and they’re not going to be supportive of any of it.” He looked at Joshua, “I thought you were supposed to put some fear in him, not fucking kill the little twit.”
“I did put the fear in him. And when he attacked me, he learned a hard lesson.” Joshua said. “He openly went against me as far as the prisoner was concerned and then he attacked me.”
Nicholai spoke, “I believe you’ve left out the part where you snapped his little piano playing wrist.” Joshua looked at him. “I’m not blind.”
“I had no choice, the two of them together could have—“
“Done nothing to you because you are centuries older than them.” Victor interrupted him. “I think you need to reign in your sadistic tendencies. It’s beginning to get in the way of your common sense.”
Joshua stepped up closer to him, “And your search for beauty gets in the way of yours.”
“My search for beauty is not going to have all of the vampires in New York City thirsting for our blood.” The man retorted.
“Alright.” Nicholai said, coming between them. He looked at Joshua. “It will be your job to make sure he doesn’t die.” He said. “So you’d better get him to feed and quickly, because I’m really not so sure that he’s going to pull through. He’s heaving and moaning worse now than he was thirty minutes ago. Yesterday at this time, he’d been asleep for an hour already.” He stepped up very close to him, “I can’t tell exactly what you did, but I’m sure if I used my imagination I could get you to confess. I mean, we have all those things down there for just such an occasion…” He threatened.
“I can’t believe you’re not more concerned that he was able to hit me like that!” Joshua exclaimed. He looked at the men around him, “Are you blind? You want him so badly that you’ll just let him go about his merry way, even though he has powers like that?”
“I think you overestimate his powers.” Balthazar said. “I mean, it’s surprising yes, but I don’t think he’s any more of a threat than any of the older females. Even Beatriz is no real threat to us.” He reasoned.
Daniel sighed, “True, but she can certainly be a thorn in our side if she decides she wants to be.” He looked at Nicholai, “If we could get him to cooperate and work for us…the benefits could be monumental.” He turned to look at the monitor in Taylor’s room, “It could get Beatriz, the females, the youngest males—all of them, to start treating us with more respect.” He turned back, “Not that they don’t respect us now, but it would be nice to see them treat us like they do him these days. I’d like to see a beautiful girl handed to me on a silver platter now and then.” He smiled. “I’m sure they choose only the finest peach from the tree.”
“First things first.” Nicholai said. “You’d better hope he can eat that peach right now, or we may be telling the rabble that their Prince has gone on to his Kingdom in Heaven.” He looked at Joshua, “And I don’t want to do that.”
With a huff, Joshua looked at the clock, “It’s late. Where am I going to find a victim this time of the morning?”
“There are humans all around us, quite a few on our payroll.” Victor replied.
“I think he’s partial to females.” Joshua spat. “And I don’t think we have any here.”
“Whatever.” Daniel said, “Just get some blood in him. I’d hate to see the little thing pass away.”
Joshua narrowed his eyes, “Why do you keep calling him little? There’s nothing little about him. You’ll learn that when he attacks you the way he did me.” He spat. “Mark my words…”