98: Change in Command – Pt. 2

First thing in the morning, Victoria entered Rowan’s Tudor-style mansion. Upon entry, she was met with a group of large, muscular vampires congregating in the billiards room to the left. One of them caught her eye and stood as she waited in the foyer. From her peripheral, she saw him nudge another bloodsucker seated at the bar with his back to the door. He immediately turned at the gesture and noticed Victoria standing alone and followed the other toward the front room. “Hey there, Sweet thing,” the first man spoke, licking his lips as he circled around Victoria. “Are you lost?” he asked in a deep voice, smiling down at her from where he stood at least five or six inches taller.

“No. Are you?”

“You look lost,” the second man spoke, moving in behind Victoria. “But, mmm my, oh my, you smell delicious. I was just saying how I was feeling a bit famished. Who knew this place had a delivery service?” He moaned, reaching up to grab a strand of her hair and rubbing it between his fingers briefly.

“Yes, I could really go for a bite myself. It’s just like our host to cater to his guests, and you are just our type.” As Victoria prepared to defend herself, the man behind her threw her up against a wall, knocking the wind out of her, stunning her momentarily and the other moved in quickly. “What do you say we have a little taste?”

But before either of them could lay a hand on her, Rowan appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Snatching the first man by the neck, he ripped him away from Victoria so fast she was left standing with her hands still in the air, magic buzzing around her fingertips.

Rowan gripped him tightly around the neck and with his forearm against his throat, placed his hand under his chin. With a sudden and violent upward motion, he twisted, causing the man’s spine to snap before his head left his shoulders. His eyes then shifted to the second man, and even though the guy stood about the same height and was bigger in size, Rowan looked way more intimidating. The mystery vampire placed both hands up in the air, staring at the Brit covered in his friend’s blood as he attempted to talk Rowan down, but Marcel had already entered the room behind him. With just as much anger and viciousness, he put the man down without a second’s hesitation.

With his interest on the billiards room, Rowan slowly approached, commanding the room’s attention. “Hands off the witch,” he growled, his eyes glowing red as the group of gathered vampires backed away in fear. “If any of you fail to remember that, I will gladly bury you with these two.” Dropping the limp, headless body of their friend at their feet, he turned toward Victoria and reached out a hand for her to take. She silently nodded her thanks to Marcel as Rowan promptly led her away.

He ushered her through an armor-plated door into a secured room before closing and locking it behind them. The place appeared to have been a vault at some point and it made her wonder who owned the house previously and what exactly they stored inside. Victoria moved toward the center of the large space and watched as Rowan approached her, remorse and regret clear in his eyes, a much darker blue than they normally were. She then watched as the look changed to concern and he took care to examine her for injuries. “I’m fine, Rowan,” she spoke, cutting the silence and tension in the air. “If you’d waited another three seconds, I would have taken them out myself.”

A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth as he finally locked eyes with her and he nodded. “I’ve no doubt about that, Little Witch. Still, it never should have come to that. Those two arrived yesterday from overseas and should have been vetted better. I am truly sorry for what transpired.”

“Wow. That’s thrice now you’ve apologized to me, Rowan. If you keep it up, I might start to think you actually care about me.” The blonde vampire laughed and backed away. “You, uh, got a little something…” Victoria motioned toward his cheek. Retrieving a handkerchief from his back pocket, Rowan cleaned the blood from his face and hands before looking at Victoria with a smirk.

“You know, there was a time that sort of thing would have made you rather cross with me.”

“Yes. There was also a time where you and I working amicably together would have never happened.”

“Right you are. Nevertheless, this room is yours, Victoria. As you’ve no doubt noticed, it’s reinforced both physically and magically,” he said, pounding a hand against the metal framed wall. “Feel free to cast as many spells and enchantments as you’d like. There are no limits in here.”

“No limits?” she repeated. He shrugged and she moved closer to where he stood propped against the wall. “What about on you?”

“On me? You want to spell me? Why?”

“Why not?”

He scoffed and stood more erect. “And I assume this is something you and Derrick do often?”

“No, actually. Derrick doesn’t let me spell him at all.”

“Really?” Victoria nodded and Rowan narrowed his eyes toward her. “So, why then do you expect me to permit it?”

“You’re the one who said I had no limits. I just wanted to see how far that really extended,” she sighed. “Now I know.”

“What kind of spells did you want to test?”

“Simple ones. Glamours, elementals; arcane. Nothing that would cause any permit harm or disfigurement.” He nodded, acquiescing to her request and she smiled. “Well, ok. This might be more fun than I expected.” Rowan returned her smile with a wink and the two got to work.

Over the course of the next three hours, she and Rowan practiced several spells and incantations before breaking for lunch. His chef prepared an appetizer of vegetables with homemade ranch dip, freshly made French bread with guacamole and an entrée of pork sirloin steak, roasted garlic-parmesan potatoes, and bacon curry coleslaw. Rowan joined her on the terrace while she ate. “As I’ve always suspected, you are much further along than Derrick has intimated.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means, in the coming days, the Elders are going to start making requests of you. Nothing too unpleasant but, they must ensure they have every advantage should the worst-case scenario transpire.” He looked down at the confused expression on Victoria’s face and shook his head. “Not to worry, Luv. I’ll be by your side for these next trials. And as Derrick has in the past, my goal is to ensure your utmost safety.” Victoria nodded as she took another bite and moaned at the burst of flavor. “How’s your meal?”

“Delicious, thank you. It’s incredibly tender and full of flavor. My compliments to the chef.”

“That’s good. I’d hate to have to kill him.”

“Kill who? The chef?” Rowan nodded as he took a sip from the glass in front of him and despite herself, Victoria started laughing. Rowan smiled as she continued before joining her in mirth.

“I’m glad you’ve found a sense of humor, Princess. For a moment there I thought you’d taken me seriously.”

“Well, I mean, I thought you were serious at first but figured I’d give you the benefit of the doubt,” she said, coming down from her laugh.

“Indeed,” he said, raising a toast toward her. “Would you care to meet him?”

“The chef? Uh…”

“Although he is homegrown, he has several restaurants around your country. You may have seen him on the Telly: Ramsey.”

“Gordon—Gordon Ramsey?” Victoria choked, her eyes going wide at Rowan’s confession. “How…” before she could finish her sentence, Rowan gave her a knowing look and she laughed again. “You compelled Gordon Ramsey to become your in-house chef?”

“Well actually, Darling, he’s here for you. You know I don’t eat and neither does my usual company. But, unlike Derrick, I’ve never enjoyed being hands-on for meals. I figured if I’m to entertain you, I must be able to bloody well feed you besides.”

“Well, thank you, Rowan. But you didn’t have to kidnap a world-renown chef just for me. I’d be perfectly content with a chopped salad.”

“Bollocks! There’s no point in having such talents if you can’t indulge every now and again. You must save room for dessert. Old Gordon’s been in the kitchen all morning preparing his best for you.”

“Mmm, well in that case, bring it on!” Snapping his fingers, he called to the kitchen and just as he’d promised, Gordon Ramsey delivered a slice of strawberry cheesecake to the table.

“Will there be anything else?” Gordon asked, placing the dessert in front of Victoria.

“That’ll be all,” Rowan said, waving the man off.

“Whoa! Cheesecake? My favorite!” she exclaimed, swiftly diving in. “Mmm, keep this up and I may never go home.” Rowan smiled seeing the delight on Victoria’s face as he took a large sip of his drink.

“I’m pleased you’re enjoying yourself, Luv.”

“It’s been a good day. By the way, what’s with the vamp convention? Who are all those men in there?” 

“Reinforcements,” Rowan replied with a shrug.

“Reinforcements for what? Are you going to war?” Rowan averted his gaze briefly, pondering whether or not to divulge information. But then, with a sigh, he nodded at Victoria. “With whom?”

“The monster that’s been imprisoned for half a millennium.”

“You think he’s really getting out?”

“Best to be prepared in the off chance, don’t you think?”

“I guess.” Victoria set her fork down and pushed the plate away as she really concentrated on Rowan’s demeanor. In all the time she’d known him, she’d never known him to be afraid. Although, watching his interactions with the elders came close. He was more respectful than fearful. But now, he seemed almost panicked. “How old are you?”

“What?” he said behind a watery laugh. “You know, I thought Americans believed it rude to ask such things.”

“Maybe,” she shrugged. “But I’m curious. What year were you born?”

“1022,” he answered after much deliberation. “Does that information help you somehow?”

“It might. The older a vampire, the more powerful, correct?”

“Correct.”

“And you’re over a century old?” she said, with a low whistle. “Are you older than the elders I’ve met; Emery and Julian?”

“I am.”

“But you heed to their rulings. Why?”

“I like structure; order. Everything has a place, Victoria. The council of elders are a group of men and women regarded in the highest of esteems. And not just vampires. The council consists of many supernaturals. It helps keep a proper uniformity to things.”

“If you’re such a proponent for order, then how come you’re not a council member yourself? You certainly have the age and experience.”

“Age hasn’t a thing to do with ruling on the council, Princess. It’s more a familial thing. Each member of the council is elected from within the same bloodline. My family was not of a ruling class. Besides, just because I enjoy the rules doesn’t mean I want to spend my days confined to one country having to always deal with the day-to-day of the supernatural. Doesn’t sound the least bit fun.”

After lunch they went back to work. This time, Victoria focused on ancestral magic and showed Rowan a lot of what she’d learned from her family’s grimoires. By day’s end, Rowan had a sense he’d grasped her level of expertise, finding her most proficient in elemental magic; more specifically, fire. “Elder Julian will be joining us tomorrow,” he said, walking her to the door.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No, no, nothing of the sort, Princess. He is eager to see your progress although I suspect he’s in town for much more than that.”

“Oh?”

“He’s not disclosed the particulars but I suspect he’ll want to meet with Derrick as well.” Victoria nodded, a feeling of dread forming in the pit of her stomach. “You’re doing well. I’m sure he’ll be as pleased by your growth as I am.”

“Thank you, Rowan.”

“My pleasure, Luv.” He opened the door and Victoria stepped out into the chilly night air. He paused and eyed her inquisitively as if deciding his next thought and then spoke. “When I arrived yesterday, you and Derrick had been discussing a spell.”

“Is there a question there, Rowan?” Victoria asked with a smirk.

He returned her smile and nodded. “I’m curious what enchantment exactly you were intending to perform.”

“Ah, it’s something called ‘looking glass.’ It’s a way to see into one’s past. I was hoping to gain a perspective on my dragon lineage.”

“Dragon lineage? Victoria, you’re descended from dragons?”

“It would appear so.”

“Well, this is news,” he said, glancing down at her. “It also explains the unique qualities of your blood. Dragons were incredibly mystical creatures with a very special brand of power.”

“Yes, well apparently, I unlocked some aspect of dragon magic the last time I used elemental fire. Derrick claims I was glowing and the light was consumed by the spell making it that more potent.”

“Dragon’s flame?”

“That’s what he says,” she shrugged, watching him lean against his doorframe. “Now. My turn to ask you a question.” Rowan nodded slightly and Victoria sighed before continuing. “Are the Elders normally so hands-on?”

“Only when it suits their interests.”

“And if things don’t go their way?” Rowan’s lips became a thin line and Victoria briefly closed her eyes as she worried at her bottom lip. “Right. Well, I should get going. I’ll see you in the morning, Rowan.”

“Until then, Victoria. Have a good evening.”

“Goodnight, Rowan.”

The next day, she and Derrick arrived at Rowan’s manor and were greeted by Marcel. “Rowan and Elder Julian are waiting for you in the vault.”

As they entered, Julian turned with a smile and moved forward quickly, almost as if he was floating, and took Victoria’s hand. “It is so lovely to see you again, my dear.”

“Hello, Julian,” Victoria replied, feeling his cool lips meet her knuckles.

His eyes moved toward Derrick and the smile quickly faded. “Edmund.”

“Julian.”

“I’ve been hearing some rather disappointing news. Rowan tells me that our Victoria is much further progressed than you’d have myself or the others believe.” Derrick glanced over at Rowan before locking eyes with the elder vampire again. “I thought you understood your assignment when we sent you to find her.”

“I did, Julian. I do. And I’ve worked with Victoria every day to help strengthen her connection with her magic. Her progress is a direct result of my tutelage. You’ve allowed Rowan to sweep in at the last moment to claim success after years of my hard work.”

“Have you forgotten yourself, Boy?”

“I mean no disrespect, Julian. But I can’t be expected to stand here and listen to accusations that I’ve done anything except what I’ve been asked to.”

“And your affection for the wit…Victoria,” Julian quickly corrected. “Was that asked of you?”

Derrick looked over at Victoria and smiled before shaking his head. “No. And it wasn’t expected. But I’m not the only one guilty of it either.” Derrick scowled toward Rowan and Julian followed his gaze. Rowan maintained a poker face; however, his eyes did momentarily move toward Victoria.

“Right. Very well. Shall we commence?”

“What exactly do you want to see?” Victoria asked. “And why didn’t anyone tell us that the seals were breaking.”

“Privileged information, my dear.”

“So, the weapon you’ve had your two advisors refining does not need to be made aware of when she will be needed?”

“I see your point, Victoria. From now on, you shall be made aware of developing situations in case your immediate presence is required.”

“I have more questions,” Victoria said. Julian smiled and waved her on. “How did you learn about me? What exactly do you know about me? How long have you been planning to use me for this? And why me, for that matter? Aren’t there other witches in the world?”

Julian chuckled before stepping closer toward Victoria. “How about we adjourn to the garden for our little chat?” He led her out the back door into Rowan’s extensive backyard. Derrick and Rowan followed closely behind. Stopping just at the entrance to the hedge maze, Julian turned with a smile toward Derrick and Rowan, “Victoria and I will be fine, gentlemen, please, remain here.”

With a nod, they returned to the garden as Julian led Victoria into the maze. And as they walked, he answered Victoria’s every question, giving a little insight into their history. “When you were a young girl, your mother came to us for help.”

“My mom? Why would she come to you for help? She hates vampires.”

“She was aware of our nature, but more importantly, knew of our ties to the old world and needed those connections. She told us she had a daughter inheriting powers her mother had warned her about. Powers that seemed to derive from ancient magics of the dragonkin.”

“So, you know about the dragons?”

Julian nodded. “We know a great deal about you, Victoria. We know that as a child, your magic was so out of control your mother begged us to help bind them. Unfortunately, the council could not come to a consensus on the matter.”

“How so?”

“Well, a few of us agreed to help your mother. We knew a child with the type of power you were exhibiting was dangerous not only to yourself but to the world at large. But there were some who believed you could be taught to hone your skills. The vote was not unanimous but since the majority favored to bind, it’s what we ultimately did.” He stopped and turned to face her with a sigh. “What we hadn’t anticipated, however, were how those soured feelings would eventually manifest in ways that would forever devastate the council.”

“What do you mean?”

“The reason we sent Edmund and then Rowan to you is because we learned that a former member of our council had tired of playing second fiddle. He positioned himself within the Cult of the Damned and worked with them to resurrect the Destroyer.”

“You mean Charles Cassatt.”

“Have you met him?”

“Met him? He’s been trying to kill me! He’s sent creatures after me. He’s kidnapped me and has generally been making my life hell.”

“Victoria, I am very sorry. I had no idea. The council lost track of him after he’d somehow learned a way to mask himself from us and it had been so long since we’d heard anything about him, we assumed he was dead.”

“No. Far from it. He’s been killing all types of supernaturals; witches, wolves, vampires, elves, wendigos. He’s learned magic and he can conjure and control demons from Hell.”

“Oh, my word. This is very troublesome news, Victoria. And, to be perfectly frank, it ties into the reason for my visit. We’d stop receiving reports from Edmund updating us on your progress. We worried that with the desecration of the second seal, you would not be ready for the days ahead.”

“Well, I can’t speak to why Derrick stopped sending reports. What I can tell you is that I am fully prepared to defend myself and my family no matter the cost.”

“You said you’ve met Charles, did he, by chance bite you?”

“Not that I know of, but there was an entire period I was unconscious and under his control. I can’t really be sure what he did to me in that time.” Julian nodded, deep in thought. “Why? What are you concerned about?”

“Edmund and Rowan reported about the mystical qualities within your blood which I assume comes from your ancestry of dragons. And I can only imagine the terrible things Charles has planned to further his agenda. But if he’s tasted your blood, he may have a supernatural connection to you now and any time you use your magic may be a boon to him.”

“I don’t think he did. The way my blood affects anyone who partakes is— significant. Had he been exposed to it we would have known.” Julian nodded and Victoria took a deep breath; after wavering back and forth internally about her possible role with the breaking of the seals, she finally decided it was best to get it out in the open. “However, since we’re on the topic of my blood, I think this may be the right time to tell you.”

“Tell me what, dear?”

“I may have been the reason for the seals breaking. The timeline fits with times I—I used blood magic to help my friends.”

Julian said nothing but the silence was deafening. Finally, he nodded his head and took Victoria’s hands in his. “I can see you’re conflicted as to whether or not this corrupts your gift. But, Victoria, true magic is both black and white. Good or bad magic is determined by the user. I know your intentions were pure. Please, don’t worry. Everything will work out in the end.”

“Rowan tells me you’re the one who ordered the change in command.”

“That’s correct,” Julian replied with a slight nod.

“Why now?”

“As I’ve said, we have not heard from Derrick in quite some time. The council of elders felt it was in our best interest to switch things up.”

“Derrick is the same person then as he is now. If you don’t trust him, why did you send him to me in the first place? Why not Rowan then?”

“They have very—different styles of teaching. We wanted to gain your trust and felt Rowan’s more abrasive methods would only force you to distance yourself from our cause.”

“But now you’re no longer concerned with his abrasiveness?”

“We’ve seen how you handle yourself with Rowan. If anyone should be afraid, it should be him,” Julian smiled conspiratorially toward Victoria as he nodded in Rowan’s direction. Chancing a look in the blonde’s direction, it was clear that he’d heard what the elder vampire said and he offered Victoria a wink in response. “Now then, shall we commence with the exhibition? I am very curious to see this dragon’s flame.” Victoria nodded, taking Julian’s extended elbow and walked back inside with him.