Children of Fey and Night: Chapter Ten

The Legion of Thieves 

Children of Fey and Night

Diplomacy

Maximilian Martell

Dawn and I would our way throught the party, keeping our eyes vigilant for Alexander Maekar. Even though we were on a job I couldn't help having a good time. Vampires, I soon realized, were much more friendly than fairies. Everyone was completely relaxed, lounging in large couches and armchairs. Soft music played in the background and cold drinks were displayed on tables throughout the house. We soon realized not all drinks were blood and Dawn and I helped ourselves to the beverages.

We conversed with several vampires, many of whom were out-of-town-dignitaries. As we walked through the party I noted their eyes on me.

"They keep staring at us." Dawn whispered as we approached a buffet table lined with drinks and appitizers.

"They must think we look beautiful ." I stated matter-of-factly. "Vampires are a proud and vain lot. They take great pride and admiration in things that are lovely to look upon. Look around the room, you'll notice there are no ugly vampires, or ugly subjugates." I lifted a glass of champange to the light and examined it's spakiling contents.

"Subjugates?" Dawn inquired popping a very rare chunk of steak into her mouth.

"Mm-hmm." I said putting the glass back on the table. "Subjugates are humans who devote their lives, their bodies, and most importanly their blood, to the vampire they have fallen for."

Dawn shuddered and I chuckled. "What? You wouldn't want a servant, someone to wait on you hand and foot? Make sure your every want and need is met?"

Dawn rolled her eyes and smiled. "That's what I have Pratt for."

I stared at Dawn and laughed. It was so rare for her to make jokes I could hardly believe it. During my fit of laughter someone put a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and found Lissa at my side, her face paler than several of the vampires'. It was enough to negate my laughing spell.

"Lissa, what's wrong?" Dawn asked noticing the other girl's presence. "Did you find Maekar?"

"Yeah I did, but we have a problem." She explained, her voice hushed. We stepped outside, onto the wrap around porch to avoide anyone eavesdropping. "That vampire from the Suckerstone Bar, the one who fought with Trey..."

"The blonde...Will? Right?" Dawn inquired.

"Who are you two talking about?" I asked. I hadn't gone into the Bar with the girls, which we all now agree was a big mistake. Who ever they were talking about was making them both anxious. They filled me in as quick as possible and Lissa motioned to where Will was.

I looked up and spotted him across the room. He was about my height, blonde-almost white-hair, a white mask covered his ruby-gold eyes. If I was looking for a stunt double, he'd hit the nail on the head.

"Alright make yourselves scarce, and try not to draw attention to yourselves." I told them. "Lissa where is Lord Maekar?"

"He's in the lounge last I checked. Why? What are you going todo?" She asked.

"Nothing," I said shrugging my shoulders. "I simply want to talk to him."

"Without me near you, every vampire is going to know that you aren't one of them. Including Will." Dawn protested.

"Thank you for your consern Dawn but I can handle myself. Besides, Will doesn't know me from the bar since I never went in." Dawn scowled and leaned against the railing. Lissa shifted from one foot to the other but didn't say anything. "I'll be fine." I said before I walked around to the front of the house.

I removed my black mask and checked my reflection in the window. My hair and eyes had dulled because of the night but the lights inside should bring some of their shine back. I popped two buttons on my black dress shirt, readjusted my necklaces, and straightened my rings. All my jewelery was silver for the occation. I removed my mask and tossed it aside. I looked behind me and, though I couldn't see her, I knew Myriah was nearby. Silently watching me.

I straighted and opened the door. As the door swung open every vampire in the parlor turned to face me. I gave them a once over and walked to a vampire standing in the corner. He looked about eighteen, but couldv'e been eighteen-hundred for all I knew. He stared at me as I sauntered up to him and placed one hand against the wall, trapping him between me and the wall.

I stood there a moment staring into his eyes. He was breathing heavily, unable to move, he just stared back at me and inhaled the aroma of my blood. His breathing soon became ragged and I could see his fangs slidding into place. I placed my finger under his chin and leaned in close, my mouth next his ear, and his next to my throat.

"Where is Lord Maekar?" I asked him in a smooth voice.

It must've been to much for the poor kid, he fainted on the spot. I sighed and turned around. The room was full of vampires, several standing in the archways to the other rooms, straining to see what was going on. I looked around the room slowly. The vampires looked... nervous. I smiled to myself.

"Where," I said raising my voice. "Is Lord Alexander Maekar?"

There was a clamoring and then the vampires seperated. Lord Maekar stepped into the parlor. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a thick neck. In the past he was probably a warrior, his height and complection suggested northern Europe. He looked ruggedly handsome in a three piece suit, his hair slicked back and his eyes were narrowed in curiosity. His pressence made the vampires even more agitated.

"That would be me." I said gently, a crooked smile playing across his face.

"My Lord," I said bowing deeply. "My name is Maximus LeClair. I am representative of Lady Marie Desrosier."

I had spent all last night and this morning researching the Seven Vampire Lords. It began as a curiosity but quickly grew into full blown research. Thankfully it was paying off.

Maekar narrowed his eyes. "What does the Vampire Lady of Europe want of me now?"

I glanced around the room again then back at the Vampire Lord. "Is there someplace we could talk in private?" I asked.

WIP