Swords of Stealth Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

I woke to a single ray of sunshine upon my face, the sky was still blue and there was only one sun that looked as thought it had risen in the east and would set in the west. I hung my feet over the edge of the bed and looked around the room. The shambles I had left last night was clean, a new vase of flowers sat upon the table and the bookshelf stood tall, once again filled with its rare collections.

I wondered what time Olivia had woken to straighten the mess and realised she many never have gone to bed. I looked to the closed door I knew led to her quarters and decided against waking her, that moment she came rushing through the double doors at the opposite end of my room, her face refreshed and her eyes wide with excitement.

“Ella, your awake at last you have been requested in Master Sheldon’s quarters for a late brunch, he sends his apologies on behalf of Esmerelda for her and I have to run to the market, Angus, Sheldon’s companion will arrive shortly to collect you.” With that she spun and disappeared back out the doors leaving the room silent but for the rapid beat of my heart in my ears.

I glanced back around the room at the elegant furniture and wondered the origin of the dark wood. The bookshelf and a wonderfully crafted dresser were both made of a wood so dark it seemed black yet when inspected closely it was a deep purple, and not a laminate as I had thought.

I turned to stare again at the grand piano in the corner, my fingers itching for a chance to hear the music I knew would ease my fear and give me the escape I so desired. I jumped from the bed onto the plush rug that covered half the floor and wandered to the closet hoping there would at least be some pants and to my relief there was a little note on the door in a small elegant cursive.

“Ella-Mae I have made some cloth pants and short strap top, the rest of your wardrobe should arrive late this afternoon. Lucinda”

I took the hanger into the bathroom with me and ran myself a hot bath needing to warm the cold fear settling deep within my bones.

Despite my best efforts, Angus arrived before I had finished, seated on the piano chair I could feel his eyes studying me cautiously. Trying not to blush I set about tiding my hair and tying my shoes, I looked up and caught his eyes filled with approval. Confused, I gathered what little strength remained and followed him through the winding hallways, my tennis shoes not once making a sound on the polished floors.

Although I couldn’t remember my way back to my room exactly I had confidence that left to my own I could find my back even if I was in a hurry, for the art work was different for each hallway, from sculpture to garden paintings and even nude scenes that brought a pinkness to my cheeks. Angus turned as if to say something and appeared to change his mind closing his mouth he opened a set of doors, not unlike mine, and announced, to my horror, my arrival.

“Ella-mae of England and the Chosen of Alasmere” There was a small table set for four on his balcony and I realised without walking up any stairs he was a level above my room, right above it. I made a note to lock the balcony door when I returned. Using the mask I had used my whole life I plastered a wide smile on my face and walked to the small audience at the table.

Sheldon rose as I approached the table “Ella, thank-you I apologise for the short notice but it was the only time Lucias was free to join us.” He motioned for me to sit, “This here is Lucias, I believe you met his son Theodore last night.” I smiled politely at the old man, Lucias, his shaggy salt and pepper hair hung slightly in his eyes and his grin matched that of Theodore’s had I not been told I would have thought them brothers.

I reached my hand out “Lucias, pleased to meet you.” He didn’t reach for my hand, annoyance spread across my face as I dropped it by my side and turned to Sheldon.
“Ella he is a um, well I brought you here today to explain a few more things I no you still believe we are a bunch of crazies who kidnapped you in your sleep,” he had no idea how much that idea discomforted me, “but there are a few things you need to understand and Lucias is here to help me he has but one rule, do not touch him.”

Sheldon’s eyes convinced me he was serious and I politely nodded in agreement unable to take my eyes away from his face, the muscles in his strong jaw tensing has he whispered in Lucias ear, his dark hair combed neatly, his eyes still a deep forest green. Thankfully the food arrived giving me a release of his trance.

A small bowl of fruit salad served with a warm scone was set in front of me, “Is this suitable or would you like something more sustaining” said a hidden voice. “No thankyou this is fine” I answered quickly now eager to hear Sheldon’s stories I turned to face him avoiding his eyes. “So Sheldon about that story.” smiling politely I had a mouthful of fruit. His eyes sharpened and he let out a small sigh and began his story in between bites.

“Alasmere many centuries ago was a somewhat peaceful kingdom with five Clans. The eldest of the Clans were the Vampires, the most cunning and luring. In the eyes of others they appear beautiful and angelic in boyish way, with smooth features and luscious hair. However when they attack their façade drops and their true faces are revealed, heavily scared and tortured from the venom that courses through their body.”

He leaned down and lifted a painting from beside his chair; a mutilated face stared back at me as he set it on the table. The anger in his eyes and the snarled grin made my stomach flip and wondered how the movies could have gotten their looks so wrong. Noticing the effect the painting had upon my expression Sheldon set it down on the floor and began again.

“ The Elves are unlike the Vampires their beautiful faces are not masks, they do however posses the same strengths and abilities. Elves although vicious in their own right were neutral in all wars and chose not to participate.”

Sheldon’s face grew pained and he gave a short gasp, he looked toward Lucias who also had drawn his face back in pain. With a slight nod Sheldon turned back to me and changed the subject quickly. Confused I acted as though nothing had happened, careful not to show concern on my face I listened intently.

” The Wolves are different from any other Clan they are humble and non-violent unless threatened. Wolves do not turn unless they feel a need to protect, some never turn and some maybe only once or twice. Wolves are the only Clan Vampires cannot attack for their blood kills them. This brings us to the Draconians; they are the most formidable Clan, ruthless, violent and arrogant.”

The sound of a trolley turned all our heads, Angus reached the table and set down three glasses of what appeared to be iced tea he silently turned and disappeared out a small door to the left of the table. Sheldon’s face had gone pale a light sheen of sweat marked his forehead, the confusion from his earlier outburst grew however I was eager to hear more I looked at him intently hoping I would not have to ask, after few seconds he opened his mouth and continued his tale.

“Draconians appear somewhat different when in their human form with slightly hunched backs and very long fingers. When they turn, it is almost like they have torn out from behind the skin. With wings on their backs and long claws on both their hands and feet they are quite fast and stealthy. One scratch or bite from a draconian no matter how small will kill anyone but the Vampires, slowly and excruciatingly painfully.”

“The last Clan to evolve were the Humans, with no ability to protect themselves against the others the Humans became slaves and warriors for Clans in order for protection. They also commonly became the food. Many years after the Humans showed signs of having abilities, those shared by no other Clan. Some of Sight and others the ability shape Essance, Magic as you know it. Those with special ability were harvested and used to form elite armies. With the Sights of the Humans showing betrayal and plots to kill War quickly broke out in Alasmere.”

Again Sheldon stopped and turned to face me his eyes dark, “Is there any questions Ella?”
I stared back for what seemed like eternity as my brain processed the information, these people were crazier than I thought, “No I have none” I hung my head not wanting to see Sheldon’s face as I hoped I would be allowed to leave.

Hearing no reply I glanced up to see Sheldon whispering in Lucias ear, giving me a full view of the way his long neck reached his jaw line. My mouth dried and I licked my lips aching to kiss his pale skin, as if I had spoken this out loud Sheldon spun and met my eyes, his hungry and wild. I felt the heat in my body rise and my mind wandered to the nude paintings hanging so innocently in the hallway just outside. Sheldon’s eyes roamed down to my neck and my chest, I felt the heat begin to creep up my neck I leant in toward him, my eyes heavy and my body tired.

Thankfully I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. Tearing my gaze I turned to see Lucias standing above me, his eyes vacant and a snarled grin upon his face, the heat died instantly replaced by cold fear and as he reached his hand out toward me I closed my eyes and cursed myself for being so gullible.