Chapter 46: War It Must Be

April 1999

I took the lead from here regarding the conversation. “What shall we do about tonight? They obviously know that you’ve managed to bring my family into the mansion, and that puts them under your protection. The Jackals must be really ticked off, especially the Dragon. Tell me what you know about him. I mean, I’m going to have to defeat him also, am I not?”

She shifted her weight, crossing her slender, shapely legs.

“Yes, my friend. You will have to destroy him. He is a powerful adversary. He will kill you because he blames you for all that has happened. I know what happened to you and your friends in Colombia. Dread and Necro have told me, as they were there. They watched you from afar but not too far away, ready to lend assistance if needed. Necro reported you handled yourself quite nicely. The Dragon blames you for the unfinished attempt on my life. I know he will strike again. It is only a matter of time before he finds a way to complete the task. He is my brother’s assassin in the service of the Black Clan, and therefore, carries out his orders. My brother knows that I know, but he does not care. He will spare me if I abdicate my throne, as the Queen of the Clans. However, I would never do that, knowing who would take my place. So,” she said giving a big sigh, and then a smile, “War it must be!”

We heard a stir on the couch and a voice calling out my name. Rachel had awakened, frightened that I was not sitting at the desk where she had last seen me. I called out to her and saw her sit up to look around. When we made eye contact, she breathed a sigh of relief, but it was short lived, because in the next second she could see me talking with a beautiful dark-haired woman directly across from me. Rachel stood up, gathering her robe around her and walked around the couch. Rachel, being a woman, and a wife, probably had a good idea who the seductively dressed woman in red was. However, she still was not sure. Tayla remained quiet and poised. After all, it was her house. Then Tayla spoke the ice breaking words.

“Actually Malcolm, this is your house now. Since she is awake, I guess it is time for a formal introduction. Would you be so kind as to do the honors, or shall I call Mortis? He is exceptionally good at this sort of thing.”

For a moment, I stumbled over myself, trying to think of an explanation. I mean, how do you say, “Honey, this is Tayla, the queen of the Order of the Clan of the Red Velvet. You remember me mentioning those vampires to you. Well, here she is, the predator herself!” I looked at Tayla for a second to see that she was giving me the look of “Don’t even think it!” I drew in a great big breath and let it out. This was not going to be easy.

I stood up, turning to Rachel, who looked somewhat displeased, but willing to hear my explanation. “Honey, this may seem awkward, but this lady sitting across from me is the one I told you about. This is Tayla, the Queen of the Order of the Clan of the Red Velvet.”

Tayla stood up and extended her hand to Rachel. In her strange, whispery, smoky voice, she said, “I am pleased to meet you Rachel. I have looked forward to this for quite some time.”

Rachel was taken back for a second, hearing the strange seductive voice. Nonetheless, she did not offend Tayla by refusing to take her hand. “I don’t know quite what to say as I have never met a queen before. Help me out here Malcolm!” she said, covering her mussed hair.

“That is the same thing Malcolm said when we first met. Only Malcolm met me under ... very different circumstances. Fortunately, you do not have to.”

“So, you’re the one ... The vampire queen?” Rachel asked, still not sure.

“Yes, I am the very one, my dear Rachel. I will call you by your first name, as you may call me by mine. We will be getting remarkably close over the next few weeks. Your husband still has much to explain to you about me, and my ... nature. I am deeply sorry about the unfortunate attempt on your life here tonight ... and to think you have only been here a short while. My enemies are your enemies, and yours are mine. I will protect you as best as I possibly can. Trust my staff, and above all, your husband. He is incredibly wise, and very astute as to the problems that face us all. Above all, do not fear me. I mean you and your children no harm. You are not here for that purpose. You are here because you and your children are the family of my dear friend, Malcolm. He is maybe the only one in this whole world who really understands me, and my dilemma.

That which is dear to him is dear to me.” Tayla sensed my wife’s nervousness and alarm had turned to curiosity. “I will let Malcolm tell you more about me, as I am sure he is able to do it in such a way that will be easier for you.”

I told her I would be glad to do this, as I would be spending a lot of time with Rachel orientating her to the Mansion and the fundamentals of vampire etiquette. Tayla was pleased that I would do this, and I thought it was only proper that I do so. After all, I was Rachel’s husband, and her protector.

There was a knock on the door at that moment. Mortis stepped in, but he did not have his usual coffee service with him. “Your majesty, a word with you, if you please,” he asked. The look on his face did not reveal anything, only his usual stoic expression.

The two just stood there, communicating telepathically, and then Mortis left the room. He returned a few minutes later and Tayla got up, excused herself and went downstairs with him. She returned, with a letter in hand, apparently delivered by messenger. It was sealed but Tayla knew what the message was.

“This is a message from my brother’s clan asking for an audience before my throne. The issues are not stated, but I can almost guess what they are. They will demand that I give you over to them as they consider you a threat to all vampires. They feel they speak on behalf of all the clans when they demand your destruction. They will also demand it of your family. Have no fear, as I will not permit this. I know this is only a ruse they will use to cover their real agenda. They want the throne itself, but I will send a message back to them. Their envoys arrive tomorrow night to discuss options for a meeting. Malcolm, I want you there to forbid them entrance to this house. If necessary, I will have salt poured around the entire house. Dread will board every window and seal each door. They will not get into this house. We have much to prepare for!”

The next night proved to be just as she said. The envoys, two from each of the other clans showed up at the front door. I was nervous for sure, but Tayla assured me there was nothing to be afraid of as long as I did not invite them in across the threshold.

When I answered the door, I held my Bible in my hand.

As I opened the door, I did not see what I had expected. There were no strangely dressed people in colored robes or hooded opera capes. They could have been executives or something from the way they were dressed. When I saw them, I almost wanted to laugh as I felt stupid for expecting something dramatic, but that changed quickly. One of them, a black clan vampire dressed in a black suit, asked to see the queen. He was tall, very handsome, and looked powerful. Powerful enough to overcome any mortals will.