Page 4 of The Vampire King's War

“He’s mentally sticking his tongue out at you,” Christian smirked.

“That is about his age.” Caemorn turned serious once more. “Now, Christian, I know this will be uncomfortable, but I think you should submerge yourself into the flow of ghosts. In a cross-legged position to meditate.”

“What?!” Balthazar cried and began to stride forward but Fiona held him back.

“It’s okay!” Christian waved his Master off. He turned back to Caemorn. “I already can hardly feel my legs. I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to stay down there.”

“It’s for the Harrows,” Caemorn reminded him.

“Yes, true. I will do it. No matter what it takes,” Christian said with grim determination.

“Remember to focus on the Harrows. Use the most poignant memories of them,” Caemorn advised.

Christian nodded. Caemorn did not have to be an Eyros Vampire to know that Balthazar was now chomping at the bit to stop this, but he was staying away. For now. Recognizing that his Master’s patience would not be everlasting, Christian drew in a deep breath and sat down on the ground just two feet from the well. His head was submerged beneath a wave of ghosts.

Caemorn watched the faces that formed in the blue-white fog. There was a woman screaming. A man crying. A child looking out in bewilderment. Hands formed. Fingers plucked at him, but he was only able to give a little energy to any single ghost so they could not truly touch him. There were a few peaceful ghosts, but not many. It made him grateful to be a vampire. True death did not look inviting. He wondered what Christian was seeing down there in the flood of ghosts. He hoped the young man had closed his eyes…

Caemorn drew out a few soul gems. Since he was here, he might as well fill up his stock. He was siphoning a woman’s soul into a gem when he felt a touch on his mind.

At first, he thought it was Balthazar, but no, it was familiar and not in a good way. He froze and made to open his mouth to cry out. But he couldn’t. He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t do anything.

Did you really think it would be wise to come here of all places, Caemorn?Kaly asked. His voice slithering through Caemorn’s mind.

I thought only Eyros Vampires could do this. Communicate mind to mind,Caemorn found himself answering.

He thought of the magical weapon he carried and had chosen with such care from the armory. It could do nothing against a ghost. Nothing against Kaly.

There was a breathy chuckle. This voice held no sex. No accent. But there was a familiar sense like a taste on the tip of his tongue. Here, my Childe, among all of the dead, I am supreme.

Caemorn swallowed as he suddenly realized how foolish this idea had been. Of course, Kaly would have power here of all places even if he was in Lasting! And, of course, Kaly had hidden from him all the things he could do. The faces of the ghosts were no longer screaming silently as they were pulled into the well. Instead, it was smiling up at him.

Balthazar, why aren’t you hearing my thoughts now?!Caemorn shouted, but he knew that the Eyros Vampire wasn’t hearing him. But he will realize that he can’t hear my thoughts in a moment. He’ll figure out something is wrong and have Fiona get us out of here!

You relying upon Balthazar for help?The ghost laughed. Now that shows just how far you have fallen!

He’s Eyros!Caemorn hissed and immediately knew he’d been drawn into revealing something he likely shouldn’t have.

The ghost’s face showed a blankness for a moment. I see.

They’re coming back. All of the Immortals. You and Seeyr are not the only ones!Caemorn snapped. He found anger burning in him for a very unexpected reason. How many lies did you tell me?

The blankness went away and the ghost gave him a wicked smile. You thought you were special?

I am your fledgling,Caemorn whispered and knew he was a fool. Unlike the love that Balthazar had for Christian--and even Elgar--or Daemon had for Julian, his Master had no love for him. No tenderness. No regard. And, evidently, had lied to him. Thinking of Christian, he wondered, What is happening to him?

Oh, are you worried about him now? The ghost laughed. You sent him in there without any knowledge of what it would do to him. He has no training and you throw him into the deep end of the pool.

Caemorn gritted his teeth.

Cat got your tongue? Oh, no, I do.The ghost smirked. You are powerless against me, Caemorn. We are called Masters for many reasons. We control our fledglings. There is nothing you can do against me.

Caemorn’s eyes narrowed. Balthazar gave Roan Tithe his Second Death.

The ghost snarled, That was because he’s Eyros! You are just a simple Vampire. Not an Immortal. You are nothing against me!

And that was when the stream of souls suddenly stopped going into the well, and instead, it rose up. Individual spirits--hundreds of them, no, thousands, no, more than that--all appeared. They were glaring at Caemorn. They all had Kaly’s sentience behind their eyes.

Kaly laughed. Let me show you just how insignificant you are, my Childe.

And the ghosts attacked.

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