Page 73 of Killian
“Despite the hardships we have encountered, you are too cavalier with safety,” Drystan complained.
“You mean because he has invited people we have never met into the heart of Castle Leolinnia?” Othindisa drawled, flipping her long red braid off her shoulder. The jarl of the Eldrvalkyria phoenixes did not always bring his guards to their meetings, but Killian had expected them when Kaedan had informed them last eve as they dined that they would have visitors in the morning.
“At least it was not a dragon,” Captain Sigrid remarked. Not only did Sigrid lead the Eldrvalkyria guards, but she was also Kolsten’s mother.
“Calm yourself, Sigrid,” Conley said with a smile. “Recall that Killian’s mate is a dragon.”
“Killian is far too intelligent a man to believe I was referring to his Dravyn,” Sigrid scoffed, her blue eyes narrowed at Conley. The pair were good friends and often sparred to increase their weapon skills, so Killian did not worry about a fight brewing between them. “Dravyn is a tender soul who is most friendly at our dances. He speaks to everyone with kindness, and we look forward to getting to know him better. It would have pleased me to learn every dragon mirrored Dravyn’s actions, but we are instead stuck with nefarious beasts plaguing our entire Council.”
“I would settle for everyone in our Council being as gracious as Dravyn has proven himself to be in our brief acquaintance,” Kariston remarked. “But we are not here to discuss Killian’s other half.”
“No, we are beginning this morning with your brother’s cracked decision to invite complete strangers to Castle Leolinnia,” Baxter complained.
“I would have agreed to a discussion with newcomers, but did it have to be here?” Drystan asked. “If these people prove to be nefarious, they know exactly where to strike.”
“While I share your concern, let us allow Kaedan to explain before we berate him for his choices,” Kalthekor stated pragmatically.
“I agree with Chieftain Valzadari,” Killian said. Kaedan was protective of everyone, and Killian had to trust that the Grand Warlock had his reasons for his decision.
Kalthekor raised a black brow. “Our visitors are not yet in the room, so I do not know why you are using such formality.”
“Perhaps to remind everyone that beyond our ties as family and friends, we are also either chosen by Fate or selected by our people to have a seat in here,” Egidius commented. “Kaedan is a remarkable leader and has given us no cause to doubt him.”
Kaedan acknowledged their words with a slight respectful bow to both men and a small smile. “Thank you for your words; it pleases me to know you have such faith in me. Allow me to explain what you may think is an impetuous decision. I have been corresponding the past few days with a woman called Vampyress Irina of the Volkovs. She related to me her history and the plight of her people. What she wants is a permanent home and some level of protection. We can offer her that.”
“What manner of magickind is she?” T’Eirick asked.
“Her people are vampyrs,” Kaedan told his father. “They rely upon the blood of humans to survive. But they do not prey upon the weak. I lack every detail, but she promised to explain in person.”
“How intriguing,” Renny enthused. “They have magical abilities?”
“The Vampyress assures me the Vampyr Clutch does, but again, we must learn more,” Kaedan answered.
“What about the disturbing history you mentioned?” Killian asked, intrigued by the idea of a vampyr but unable to understand what the word meant.
“Like many of you, they are descended of warlocks,” Kaedan said. “But in this case, it was not Fate separating those with special talents. A small group of warlocks were obsessed with increasing their power and questioned their immortality since many of us have died. As we have learned, unless you are resurrected, immortality does not protect you from wounds. But this group decided drinking blood would be the answer. They were predators, draining the young against their will.Eventually, fangs were grown and vampyrs were born. The Vampyress was marked from birth as Fate’s choice to lead her people, but that did not stop them from taking her blood as a babe. She grew strong enough to stop them and freed the vampyrs.”
“How horrid,” Saura replied, her hand drifting up to rest on the bodice of the antique silver-and-gold gown she wore. “I am surprised she would trust warlocks and come to our home.”
“Of course she would want to know where the castle is,” Benton said. “Clearly she is bent on revenge for what a group of awful warlocks did to her and her people.”
Chander shook his head. “Our world is harsh. She told Kaedan she seeks protection.”
“We are to take her word for it?” Drystan asked.
“She is already on her way,” Kaedan stated, lifting his chin. “She is bringing a small contingent of her consort, son, and a single guard. I expect her to arrive any moment.”
Baxter closed his eyes. “I detect four beings whose race I do not recognize entering the castle. It must be the vampyrs.”
Holding his judgment until he met the Vampyress, Killian did not have to wait long before one of the castle guards brought up their visitors. The woman in the center was strikingly beautiful with raven hair and pale eyes with the barest hint of blue. Slightly behind her was a man with features remarkably like hers—even down to his matching gaze. Killian pegged him as the son.
The Vampyress wore a vivid red cloak, and her hand rested on a man’s arm. Like her, he was dark-haired, but the azure of his irises was several shades darker. At her consort’s side was another man with the same coloring as the trio, but his expression was flat and guarded. He was clearly the man in charge of protecting the Vampyress and her family.
Kaedan rose and shook the hands of their guests as Vampyress Irina introduced Vampyr Consort Alexei, their son Lord Nikolai, and the guard, Sir Sebastian. There was no malice in the strong feminine planes of her elegant face as Kaedan filled their heads with the many titles and connections in the Great Hall.
“Please have a seat, Vampyress,” Kaedan said once the formalities were concluded.
“My thanks, Grand Warlock,” Vampyress Irina replied, her fangs flashing in the light provided by the candles and massive fireplaces warming them. “We did not expect an invitation to your home, and certainly not so quickly. You must have many questions for me.”
