Page 131 of The Vampire's Thirst
“I am, sir. You are not disguised.”
“You know me?”
“Of course. Who wouldn’t? Do you prefer…?”
“I prefer to be called Cerberus. It is my designation in the prophecy. My destiny.”
Appearing to recover from the surprise, a rigid Lort walked to a chair and sat, spine stiff. Cerberus admired the vampire’s severe bearing.
Lort’s chin lifted before he spoke. Another sign of confidence.
“Traitorous Aeternals are gathering outside strongholds to seek refuge. We will attack all three Firebrand locations simultaneously. Though unlikely we will gain entrance, we will cause havoc to those who seek refuge. It might make those cowardly Aeternals think twice about going to the warriors for protection. Some may reconsider joining our cause.”
“The attack is a wise strategy.”
“I have let it be known most lawgivers and justices support us. In fact, today, they declared the Firebrands traitors for continuing to move against us. But, of course, you already know this.”
Cerberus nodded. “With more Aeternals joining us, both those whom we have conscripted and those we know are loyal, do we have enough space at this garrison?”
“Space can be created. When this fortress reaches capacity, we have other sites. Since the Firebrands are declared traitors, we can risk more exposure, live in plain sight. Some of our loyalists opted to stay with their families, joining us for training and operations only. That saves space.”
“I understand the Firebrands found our abandoned base this afternoon.” Cerberus buried a smile.
“They did, destroying what was not already in rubble.”
“Any information on the dragon which attacked the garrison?”
“None, sir. I was unaware dragons still existed. In fact, everyone I have spoken to thought they were extinct.”
Cerberus pinched his chin between a thumb and forefinger. “They are. It makes no sense.”
“I am not the only one to see it. Hundreds of males and females witnessed the same event. All agree. It was a dragon.”
Cerberus waved a dismissive hand. “It will remain a mystery until it isn’t.”
“The mage you found who can trace bloodlines tells me we are closer to having all the descendants we need. I am concerned none have shown powers yet. You said…”
“Do you question me?” Cerberus unfolded from his chair, his fingers tingling with the desire to cast a spell that would hurt Lort, teach him to have faith.
The general swallowed, the lump in his throat a visible quiver. “No, sir.”
The warlock returned to his seat with a sigh. “I said my plan is proceeding as it should. Each piece will be in place when it is needed. Bring Boden to the office.”
“Yes, sir.”
As Lort’s ramrod straight shoulders disappeared out the door, Cerberus closed his eyes to visualize all the moving parts of his strategy.Yes. The plan was in play.
Cerberus’s mother Echidna, daughter of Seraphine, daughter of Blood Coven witch Niviane, died centuries ago, but she had raised him on a daily ration of destiny. While other young warlocks played or practiced their skills on silly matters, Cerberus eschewed childhood games. His mother had not waited until his Awakening to teach him deadly spells. He killed small animals with childish mutterings, ripped into weak minds, and controlled others before he reached maturity. Any failure was met with punishment. A dank cellar, smashed fingers, no food for days. Pain was a strong motivator. So, he learned. Eventually, he never failed. He was the perfect, powerful warlock his mother created.
The door creaked open. Cerberus made a mental note to have it oiled. Lort escorted Boden into the office. The director of the Ministry of Compliance was as shocked to see the real Cerberus as Lort had been.
“Sit. Sit.” He gestured toward two chairs. “Boden, my dear friend, we must solve this portal jumper problem. It is cumbersome to send our soldiers through in small groups. Why can’t we have D-chips as the Firebrands do?”
Boden squirmed in his seat. Wise man since Cerberus did not suffer incompetence. But he needed the director. No one knew more about travel through the portals.
“My department neither created nor manufactured the Firebrands’ implant chips. Their own tech Logan oversees its production, and they guard its secret well.”
Cerberus narrowed his eyes in thought. “Where are they manufactured?”
