Blood Ties

From the Journal of Robert Frohmeyer:

 

Drakes nightstalkers are well organized. They are a far cry from Whistler and I back in the day scrounging whatever we could. These hunters are well equipped and one of them is the daughter of my old friend Whistler. It's good to see another generation ready and able to continue the fight against these bloodsuckers.

*****

Drake walked into the cell and pulled up a chair in front of Joseph. He took his time arranging the chair exactly so before comfortably arranging himself in the chair exactly so. Once seated he pinned Joseph Frohmeyer with a look. After about 5 minutes Drake spoke. “Do you know who I am?”

Joseph Frohmeyer looked everywhere except at Drake. “You are Dagon.”

“That is one of the names I have been known by, now I am called Drake. I chose to have a name that blended in with these modern times, much like your 'master'. He is not called Pendragon now except for maybe a handful of loyal servants.” Drake said. “You are a loyal servant aren't you Joseph?”

“Of course I am! He protects me!” The old man said.

“Does he? Tell me, how did you get that cut on your face?” Drake leaned forward. “It looks nasty. Who was so much stronger than your master?”

“No one!” The old man answered.

“Well then he must have allowed them to hurt you,” Drake paused. “Or done it himself.”

“I failed him. I deserved it.” Joseph said. “He has the right to punish me. He punishes me because he loves me.”

Drake laughed. “Love? This is how he shows his love for you?”

Drake stood up and walked behind the old man. He put his hands on the man's shoulders lightly laying his finger along Joseph's neck.

“I love Josh. Those who harm him, pay the price. I do not injure him and call it punishment.” Drake said. “You injured him, you must pay a price.”

“It was an accident!” Joseph said. “I would never deliberately harm Joshua. He is my nephew and my replacement. It would anger Pendragon for me to harm him.”

“Deliberate or not he has been harmed and the price must be paid.” Drake gripped Joseph's shoulders tightly. “But I know who is ultimately responsible, Pendragon. Your master must pay the price. Tell me where he is.”

“No I won't betray my master.” Joseph said.

“I suggest you rethink that decision. I'll give you tonight to think about it. In the morning when I return, I promise it will be much easier for you if you tell me what I want to know. If you don't you'll be talking to the blood god himself.” Drake said walking to the door. “And he's even more protective of Josh than I am.”

*****

“Robert no!” Abby said as Hannibal fouled the man's aim. “He's one of our allies.”

Robert lifted the spike gun again. “He's a bloodsucker. And you dare to call him an ally? Your father must be spinning in his grave.”

“Interesting company you're keeping the days, Abigail, Hannibal.” The vampire said as he joined the trio.

“He's Scud's father.” Hannibal answered. “This is Robert, Robert this is Raj. He's part of a group of vampires we work with. They have the same goals as the nightstalkers.”

Raj looked at the older man. “So you're Scud's father? You don't like vampires much do you?”

“All of you Bloodsucking bastards should be reduced to a big pile of ash.” Robert spat out.

“Somehow, I doubt your son shares your opinion.” Raj said. “Maybe you should ask him how he feels about vampires sometime.”

Abby stepped between the two. “You didn't seek us out for nothing Raj.”

“You're right. Drake asked us to see if we could find out anything in Scottsdale. Tell him that Pendragon is long gone, we don't have any idea where he is now. But if it was me, I'd be somewhere close to my prey. After all it's much easier to do a snatch and run if you are close to what you intend to snatch.”

“Thanks Raj,” Hannibal said. “We'll make sure he gets the message.”

*****

“Wow! It's healed already!” Eric said poking Scud's side where the bullet had entered. “It didn't even leave a scar.”

“Yeah, It's a benefit alright.” Scud said pulling on his shirt. “I'm just glad he was using lead.”

The brothers both looked up as the door opened. Drake went to Scud and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “All better now?”

“Yeah although I'm beginning to think that I was better off without a family.” Scud said “Well except for Eric.” Scud ruffled his brother's hair. “My father hates me and my uncle shoots me.”

“Josh dad doesn't hate you.” Eric said.

“He hates all vampires, Eric. So yeah he hates me.” Scud said sighing. “He just doesn't know it yet.”

“Let's leave dealing with your father for another time.” Drake said. “Right now we need to deal with your uncle.”

“Uncle?” Eric asked looking between the two.

“Yes that is Joseph, your father's older brother.” Drake said. “He came here to take you back to Pendragon. We need to know where Pendragon is and Joseph knows.”

“Not very talkative.” Scud asked.

“No, so I thought meeting LaMagra might just loosen his tongue.” Drake said.

“Who is LaMagra?” Eric asked following the two vampires out of the room and down the hall.

Scud answered, “The not so nice demon that Drake turns into every so often.”

“I want to come.” Eric blurted out.

“That might not be such a bad idea, Drake. Joseph did say that Pendragon wanted both of us now.” Scud said.

“I'd rather not have Eric afraid of me.” Drake said.

“I didn't get scared of Josh when he went all hellspawn.” Eric said.

“I'm bigger scarier and a lot meaner than what your brother becomes.” Drake said.

“So?” Eric said. “I know you won't hurt me. I trust you. You decided to keep me safe from Pendragon before you even knew that he was after Josh, right?”

“I'll probably regret this, Alright you can come.” Drake said. “Just remember that the demon is not exactly me. He's a totally different entity.”

*****

Pedragon paced the confines of the 425 foot square inner room he had retreated to when the first fingers of dawn had begun to creep into the night sky. Joseph had yet to return. Pendragon was surprised to feel the first twinges of worry creep into his mind.

The vampires quickly squashed the feeling, Joseph was human, he had no reason to fear the sun. He also had a bit of distance to travel several hours one way. Then he had to locate Joshua and convince the young man to accompany him. There was no need for worry yet.

After a few more minutes of pacing Pendragon stopped. There was no point to his behavior. Joseph would not fail, he just needed time. Pendragon went to the large bed that dominated the space and laid down thinking of Joshua's arrival. The first thing he would do was feed. Joshua was much older than he would like but still, he was the eldest son and feeding from him would strengthen the covenant.

Joseph had always enjoyed the feedings just as Joshua would. Pendragon let his mind drift back to earlier times and the feel of Joseph's small innocent body curled next to him. Yes he would feed and then curl up next to his newest servant.