Page 18 of Lucas
“Because I was on the Council when it was decided to have it hidden within the bowels of the Renaud Library.”
Ginger reached out and gripped Lucas’s hand. Not wanting to interrupt Beall, he squeezed her hand and simply held on as the ancient vampire continued.
“They didn’t think anyone outside the Council was aware of the book. It wasn’t until Guildford Trelane—over a thousand years later—asked about it. That was when I received the first calls. A couple of other ancients, ex-Council members, were worried that someone had asked about it. Poor Philipe had no idea what Pandora’s box he’d opened.”
Ginger snickered at Beall’s casual reference to Cressa’s alter ego, and Lucas almost bit his tongue to keep his grin in check. The old vampire had no idea how close his comment was to the truth. Not only was Pandora the alias Cressa used when she was a thief, but the fact she was also a dreamwalker is what started Devon down this dangerous path.
Lucas covered the moment with a clarifying comment. “I understand the title means “the first days.”
“That’s correct.”
Beall had been almost gleeful in finally sharing knowledge of the book with someone—an outsider. Now, he’d become tight-lipped. If he wasn’t going to say it, Lucas wouldn’t spoil the opportunity.
“And do you believe what’s written in the book could shatter vampire society and bring about a civil war?”
Beall’s eyes squinted as he tapped a bony finger on the desk. “How committed is Trelane in finding the truth?”
“And what side of the line does House Beall sit?”
The old vampire laughed until he wheezed, and Lucas thought he might have to call someone. Beall sipped water from a nearby glass and waited a moment. “Forgive me. Sometimesmy lungs can’t seem to keep up with me.” This time he took a larger gulp of water, wiped his mouth, then studied them both.
It went on for so long, Lucas was surprised Ginger didn’t start bouncing a knee, but she had released her grip on him and sat as still as any vampire.
“We were once a powerful house, a strong ally in battle. Now, the House is focused on education, which is where my granddaughter spends most of her time. Her mother is so busy socializing she wouldn’t notice bombs dropping unless they hit the manor. My son squandered his inheritance and then got his fool self killed. And with the slim chance of any future heirs, House Beall will most likely die with me.”
“What will happen to Carmen and the rest of the household?” Ginger asked.
“House Pearson has committed to support the Family through marriage. They need our name recognition in order to move higher within the aristocracy. As traditionalists, House Pearson sides with House Venizi. Carmen isn’t happy about it, but I have to consider the safety of the entire Family.”
“I see. And would you consider an offer from House Trelane?”
“You’re not looking for a wife, are you? And with such a beautiful Blood Ward by your side.”
Lucas grinned. “I don’t think a marriage proposal will be required. That does appear to be a Venizi trait. We can offer protection in the way of a small security force residing at the manor. Your daughter and granddaughter are free to continue their own pursuits as long as the House remains loyal to Trelane.”
“And what would Trelane ask for in return?”
“Everything you know of the book, and if necessary, your support of House Trelane with the Council.”
Beall eyed him then leaned back to stare at the ceiling. Silence descended for a solid five minutes before he lowered his gaze to meet Lucas’s. “And you have the power to make such an offer?”
“I’m cadre.”
The old vampire’s brow lifted. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware.”
Lucas waved him off. It wasn’t standard procedure to declare being part of a House leader’s cadre, but it was well understood that the cadre had the power to make commitments on behalf of the House. “You might have locked yourself away, but you’ve been keeping your eye on the Council, and you’re aware of the building tension between the old ways and the new. The shifters are restless. From what little I know of the book—it will either rip vampire society apart or pave the way for its future. We’re betting on the latter and preparing for the former.”
Beall grinned, his teeth a stark white against his sallow complexion. “To be young again and ready for battle.” He shook his head. “It doesn’t seem that long ago.”
Lucas would have loved to spend days with this ancient and hear his tales of war. Being that old and a House Leader, he would have seen his share of them. He glanced at Ginger, who still hadn’t moved. At first, he was concerned at her frozen profile, but there was a sparkle in her eye and that look of curiosity he knew so well.
Beall coughed and interrupted his thoughts. “There are many things in the book that could initiate either outcome you’ve stated, but I’m afraid I can’t provide the specifics within the pages. What I can share is why the book was created, or at least, what was told to the Council of the time.” He shifted in his seat and rang a bell. “If you don’t mind, I need some tea.”
Within several minutes, a female servant brought in a tray with a tea service. She glanced at Lucas, ignoring Ginger, and he nodded. The staff believed her to be a Blood Ward, and as such,didn’t deserve a choice unless Lucas requested it. Archaic, but Ginger didn’t say a word.
Once the tea was served and the servant left, Beall sipped his tea and considered his words.
“Before I begin, I’m going to ask you to suspend your personal beliefs on what I’m about to share. Where many humans believe the folklore of King Arthur so do many vampires believe the myth of dreamwalkers.” He paused as he studied Lucas, whose face remained blank, then flicked a glance to Ginger, before nodding. “Good. I believe the rest of my story will then appear more plausible to you. Thousands of years ago, dreamwalkers walked the earth alongside vampires. The two species were what you might call interconnected—a symbiotic relationship that served both species. During a time before that relationship matured, the two species were at odds, which resulted in a great war. After several years and more deaths than one could count, a truce was called. It was during their negotiations that the two species discovered something within themselves that could benefit the other. The truce was sealed with the Dagger of Omar. Many don’t believe this dagger exists, but if it did, it would add validation to what was written in a book that would begin a new day for both vampire and dreamwalker. The book, as you know, was calledDe første dage, the only recorded document that specified the agreement between species.”
