Post by grotchops on Jan 15, 2009 21:52:54 GMT
Karl “ my Lord thank you for trying, that was all that we asked”
But Vakaal waves his comments aside turns to them once more.
Vakaal “tomorrow night I will return and bring forth the decision on what is to be done with the one called Dillan, and we shall see what further transpires with the Professor in the next 24 hours.
He looks at the Vampires blandly and dismisses them with a wave and leaves as suddenly as he had come he had to inform the other Elders of the steps taken, so they could prepare themselves for what might take place. Marty bends over the Professor and places a hand gently on his throat trying to feel a pulse, his look of concern worries the others.
Marty “ can’t feel a pulse, were we to late”
Drew bends, put his ear to the chest of the Professor and holding a finger to his lips, causing them all to be silent. When he faintly hears in the distance the soft thud of his heart, it was slow ever so slow but was increasing in volume, he sighs in relief.
Drew “ its alright he’s still alive just barely, but he is apparently pretty tough person to kill apparently, he must love life to fight so hard for it.”
They looked at the Professor and just looking at the remnants of his clothes, they were shredded as if with huge claws had ripped across his body, this betrayed the viciousness of the attack. And the scent of his blood that had drenched his clothes was enticing, still invitingly challenging them to taste, they would have to clean him up quickly, before they could no longer control themselves. His body was so cold they could feel him shivering, they couldn’t keep him in the cellar it was far to cold.
Merrill “ we can’t keep him here, there are chances of him going into shock . We have to get him warm and the only place I can think of is his bedroom he has got a fire place there as well”
Essie “ good idea but we will have to take turns watching him, remember it is almost daybreak”
Karl “ well I have been checking out those security camera’s, and found a couple of camera’s that they haven’t used yet, I could mount one in his bedroom so we can keep an eye on him during the daylight hours.
Marty “ my man, knew your high tech talents would always be handy, I’ll give you a hand. And besides I think it is the best way to keep an eye him, this way we can keep an even better eye on Dillan, I personally don’t trust her.”
Strangely Drew has been silent during their conversation thinking now of the possibilities facing them now, they could use the presence of Dillan to their advantage.
Drew “ guys do you realize we now might have the means of getting into the Convocation Archives with a legitimate excuse”
Karl” what do you mean, you want to use Dillan”
Drew nods his head with a serious look in his eyes.
Drew “ yes, she is perfect for it remember how street wise she is, she knows how to handle herself pretty well, the only problem is of course is that we have find out if she is willing to co-operate with us, and we also have to find out if she wants to conquer her instincts in the same way we have been taught”
Essie “ might be a problem in convincing her now, we will have to wait until tomorrow night before Vakaal arrives to ask her, the moon won’t be full anymore and she might then listen to reason.”
Merrill “ okay we’ll talk about this further but first we got to get him into his bed, who is going to light the fire, not me I am afraid of fires.”
Marty “ don’t worry I’ll do that, I’m quite good at that”
Drew “ you guys go on ahead and I will keep an eye on Dillan, I will also try to reason with her try and convince her work with us”
Karl gathers the limp body of the Professor in his arms and goes up the ramp followed by the others and proceeds to the Professors bedroom, a room that they never had seen before this could be interesting thought Karl. Moving through the door way he looked around the room quickly and located the bed .It was a simple room but you could feel that it was the Professor’s room his touch was apparent everywhere you looked, it radiated a calmness that reassured them that they were doing the right thing by challenging fate and asking Vakaal to save his life. Gently laying the Professor down in his bed, they removed his torn, shredded clothes, his shoes and then proceeded to clean his wounds trying the whole time not to get to close, the urge to feed was building in them, they wanted desperately to bring their mouths closer to his wounds to taste his blood thankfully Vakaal had stopped the bleeding but the urge remained because of his blood drenched clothes feverishly they removed them as quickly as possibly, they could barely control their shaking hands every time they touched him It felt electrifying causing them to growl softly deep down in their throats their urge was barely controllable. Finally, thankfully they were finished cleaning his body of all blood traces, exhaustion was beginning to take its toll on the Vampire’s they were swaying on their feet and could barely walk straight, they really needed to drink blood now, God it was proving to be so difficult to stay away from the Professor they had to leave now or loose all self control. But before they left they made sure that the fire was burning and the creeping warmth that was seeping through the room was making them even more sluggish, they did not enjoy this warmth. Then Essie and Merrill unraveled and draped the healing cloth over the Professors body leaving just his head uncovered, his face was so pale it disturbed them, but his breathing wasn’t that shallow anymore , a good sign. Finally they threw his bloody clothes into the fire, where the fire joyfully enveloped them with her fiery grip, with a whoosh they incinerated to ash. They were now thankful that scent of his blood it was dissipating releasing them from its grasp, but they were still so hungry they needed to feed. Just as stealthily as they came they left the room with its lone occupant making sure that the security camera was on and functioning they could now turn their attention to feeding and getting some much needed sleep. This tiredness was new to them it felt as if their whole body was made of lead and their bodies completely drained of energy, and as if chains were attached to their legs, and that burning, churning feeling in their innards, it felt as if their bowels were put in backward the pain was so intense. They just made it back to the cellar, where they raided thankfully the blood storage for want of replenishment they needed the nutrition badly. And where they sat they fell into a deep exhausted sleep not having the strength to get back into their coffins, even Drew who was attempting to talk to Dillan couldn’t keep his eyes open any more even though he desperately tried to keep them open, the last thing he saw thankfully was that even Dillan had fallen asleep in the corner of her cage curled up in fetal position as if to crawl away from the world and find peace. Mansbridge was now an Oasis of silence the only movement was the slight rustling of leaves blowing in the light breeze as the sun began to rise slowly chasing the remnants of the nights shadows away.
Looking around one could see the changes that had taken place over the years, there was a new wing added to the main building, it gave one the impression that there would even be now more day students coming to the Academy, but that was not the case a gym had been added with a swimming pool, Vampires disliked water as well and tried to avoid contact if possible. At the back of the main building there could be seen that a arboretum had been added with nooks and crannies where students could sit down in some privacy and do their school work even enjoy their precious free time. Once again the influence of the Professors was ever present, because just standing in it you could just feel the calm serenity of the surroundings, it was pleasant, soothing atmosphere . But the biggest change at the Academy was the fact the a stable had also been built, not to close to the main building just close enough to be noticed. This was also part of the strategy of the Professor he had definitely been planning well ahead for when the Vampire’s would return, because if there is one thing that was well documented that was that Vampire’s did not take to well to animals especially horses, it is a well known fact that horses tend to bolt or wreak havoc even attack in the presence of Vampire’s because the horses sixth sense is so heightened they consider Vampire’s to be a threat to their very existence. The day students would be allowed to ride the horses on occasion but the Vampire’s had find a way to live with and around them without panicking the animals and if anything in the world was difficult that would be almost insurmountable for them. Because now in this phase of the experiment they were to interact beyond the constraints of the buildings and try to slowly mingle with mortals. The Professor had been quite busy with his arrangements for the arrival of the Vampire’s and today the last addition would be arriving, 4 horses would be delivered in the afternoon at the same time a groom would be coming he would be taking care of the horses in the mornings and afternoons and in the evenings he would return to town which was only an half an hours drive from the Academy. It was a situation that both suited the groom as well as Murdoch, the groom did not like being around people much and he didn’t want anything to do with the students, with this arrangement the Professor wouldn’t have to worry about the groom in the evenings.
And situated around the stables were those ever so present vigilant security camera’s, evidence that the experiment was seriously progressing to its final irreversible completion. The Vampires could now also observe the interaction of the mortals beyond the walls of the Academy. The groom had met with the Professor twice and had been quite impressed with him, he struck him as a knowledgeable man and was very astute , he knew he needed the job badly but and could be trusted to take well care of the animals. Besides then he could have time to devote to his family and this was understood by the Professor. So both parties were content with their agreement.
Suddenly the security camera in the bedroom focused on the bed a ray of sunshine crept between the drapes and lighted up the Professor’s face, it beckoned him to open eye’s. It felt as if he was climbing out of a bottomless pit he was tired but knew he had to wake up because the danger still was not averted. What with the capture of Dillan a chain of events had begun. In pulling Dillan across the Astral plane they had created ripples that covered the whole Astral plane causing echo’s to resound all the world, because of the intensity of these echo’s no one would be able to trace where it originated from but unwillingly and unknowingly the Vampire’s had triggered the calling of their Makers. The Makers would now be busy trying to locate their children they sooner or later would find them, this calling was so primal it would act as beacon for the Makers and then they would have to be prepared. With his left hand he slowly pulled the healing cloth off his body, knowing that the wounds had healed almost completelythe only evidence of what had happened were those horrific weal’s that covered his upper torso but these in time would slowly fade but not entirely a reminder of what had taken place. There was a time if he had made a different choice to what he had made he would have healed completely under the healing cloth, a choice that he had made, he had never regretted even with the waves of pain reminding him of what happened . His hands felt his chest at least the wounds were closed now, he would carry the scars now just like the many others, but he could at least move around and he was thankful that he was still a live. He turns his back to the camera and proceeds to dress himself slowly, the pain was slowly diminishing, His sense of humor was slowly returning, the Vampire’s didn’t have to see everything he thought, bringing a faint smile on his face. He had seen the camera so well hidden but this didn’t bother him. So bending down to put his shoes on the sunshine played across his back revealing terrible old scars from a time long gone, but to day once again fresh in his memories, there would be questions about those to . He grabbed a shirt and put it on but didn’t close the buttons completely because his torso still felt somewhat tender, reminding him how close he had come to meeting his destiny, if the Vampires had broken the circle as was in his dream he wouldn’t be standing here and now, and his faith in them was well founded. He new that the main instrument in defying fate last night had been Drew & Karl if they hadn’t convinced the others it would have been all over, but he admitted there were changes quite apparent in his students they seemed more self aware than even the Elders had anticipated.
Thinking of this the Professor thought back to the beginning of the evening when he seen their faces he could see that time had also left its traces on their faces this could be attributed to their weaning off blood the closer they came to humanity the more the passage of time could be seen in their faces. They appeared to be well matured adults now more confident in themselves and more importantly they seemed to be finally accepting what they had become they should be aware of this by now, but there was an ominous danger looming ahead, there was still time to prepare for it but when their Makers find them this would truly be an awesome conflict. When that time fast approached he must prepared to really use his gifts to their full extent. Finally he stood up a bit unsure on his feet, his wounds had healed but he still had lost a lot of blood he was now determined to see what had further transpired in the cellar while he was unconscious. With slow steady steps he left his bedroom and went to his office, he noticed that his journal was still untouched he looked at the photo of his beloved Chelsea touched this with a light caress thinking.
Murdoch “ if for anyone else I do this for you my love”
While coming down the ramp he was surprised to see the Vampires sprawled over table they had been obviously very hungry after their exertions last night, exhaustion had caught up to them, he let them sleep. But noticed that Drew wasn’t with them he began to worry and proceeded further into the dark recesses of the cellar to where the cage stood with Dillan in it, he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Drew slumped in the corner fast asleep. Being very careful not wake him he approached the cage to check up on Dillan, he could see that she was also asleep in that familiar human fetal position curled up as if in her mother’s womb, where every human would consider it to be the safest place for every newborn. But she wasn’t sleeping as peacefully as the vampire’s she was groaning softly in her sleep. He knew this was going to be very difficult for everyone concerned but they would have find out tonight in the presence of Vakaal what was to become of her, the time was not now besides he other things to do. The horses would be arriving soon and he had to make sure he was present, he expected problems with them for they would have sensed what happened last night and would be extremely nervous. So looking around the cellar one more time to make sure that all was well he softly left the cellar, leaving the Vampire’s in their blissful sleep.
The Professor could hear the horses arriving, they were kicking and rearing in their trailers rocking them ferociously from side to side. This was going to be difficult because they couldn’t leave them in the trailers, the horses needed to get out and stretch their legs badly to rid themselves of the excess nervous energy that had accumulated from happenings that no mortal could sense last night. The two men had already started to unload them before the Professor arrived. Bill the groom and the driver wanted desperately finish this job before any accidents happened, Bill had never seen horses this spooked, their eyes were ablaze, nostrils flaring with blinding fear. How on earth was he going to get them all calmed it would take a miracle. Eventually they managed to get the first two horses out of the trailer but it was hard work and both men were transpiring heavily, and the horses were highly agitated wanting desperately to get away. But they managed to keep a hold of the reins and a fistful of their manes pulling on them with all their strength and started walking them around the paddock pushing their bodies against the horses using their weight and soft words, trying to slowly calm them down but it was taking far to long for the other two in the trailer. There was loud crash of splintering wood as the horses kicked their doors open backed off the trailer and bolted. The Professor had to hurry now but being careful he was still slightly light headed but was managing to move much better, he needed to get outside now. Pushing the backdoor open he stepped outside just in time to see the horses gallop to the meadow just behind the Academy. They started rearing and kicking their legs in their trying to shake their fear off as if the devil was on their back. Bill thought how am I going to catch those two, there is no way I am going to be able to get near them, this day was going to turn into a disaster, when he saw the Professor walking toward the horses he shouted to him.
Bill “ watch it Professor I have never seen horses so scared as these before, we have got get these to into the stable first and figure out how we are going to catch those two later”.
The Professor waved to him giving him a sign that he had understood Bill, but he wasn’t intending on stopping now because those horses had to be brought in to the stables now, there was only 2 hours of daylight left and the consequences would be devastating if they weren’t caught before it got dark. He personally had loved horses and now with the return of his powers he could now influence them in ways that no mortal could. Making sure that the driver and Bill weren’t watching he stood with his back to them focused his eyes on the horses in the distance, extended his right hand to them and sent them soft soothing thoughts almost stroking their minds. The horses slowly calmed down enjoying that soft voice that was projected in their mind, then they felt the need to go to the source of voice, that figure in the distance standing quietly watching them. Moving first gradually hesitantly they began to move towards the Professor, then a slow trot to get them there quicker until they were standing in front of him and then they began to nuzzle him gently in acceptance, they could sense that he was slightly weak on his feet but he was a friend and they didn’t want to push him off his feet.
Murdoch” so boys,” he spoke to them gently, and began to stroke them feeling the nervous sweat covering their bodies.”
Murdoch “ come on, let me take you back to the stables where there is food and where most importantly it will be safe.”
He turns around and starts walking back to the stables, just when Bill steps out of the stable after he just locked up the first two horses, he had a rope in hand thinking of how he was going to catch the other two. When he noticed the Professor walking to the stables slowly, and the two horses were flanking him on either side, nudging him every now and then, listening to him , he had never seen anything like this before ever. He rubbed his eyes as if he was imaging it, but the closer they came the more evident it became they were literally following the Professor and didn’t even have hold to their loose reins, they were content to walk with him and they were so calm he couldn’t believe they were the same horses that he had seen bolting away as if the devil was after their soul. This Professor is something else for sure he thought. But right now he didn’t mind at least he didn’t have run cross country chasing very nervous and dangerous horses for that matter. At that thought the Professor stopped in front of the groom and said.
Murdoch “ I didn’t realize they were so obedient , just stood watching them and they came of their own accord, remarkable animals.”
Bill “ never seen anything like it, thought we would never catch them today, thanks Professor and now we will put you two in your stables.’
He strokes the horses, but they shy away from him a little but remain standing by the Professor as if not wanting to leave his presence. The Professor smiles at them and strokes them once again and says to them.
Murdoch “ that’s enough for today you got to listen to Bill and go into your stables, tomorrow is another day.” And he chuckles softly.
Slowly reluctantly the horses allowed themselves to be led to their stables, tossing their heads every now and then so that they could throw a glance. Murdoch follows them slowly as if to reassure that everything was under control. Once the horses are in their respective stables Murdoch noticed that their names had been placed on the doors, they were strong name Arcus, Dione, Callisto and Apollo. The leader was Apollo a magnificent black stallion with fire in his eyes he tossed with his head as if to beckon the Professor to come closer, so Murdoch came closer and Apollo put his head gently on his shoulder as a declaration of friendship. This was so unusual for Bill that he had to ask Murdoch a question.
Bill “ have you seen these horses before, because I have never seen them act this way, incredible”
Murdoch “ no I haven’t seen them before today, but I have always had an affinity for horses, since my youth really.”
Murdoch “ so if you don’t mind I have some pressing business elsewhere, I’ll be going in now. And when you’re finished taking care of the horses they should have a restful night and then I will see you tomorrow morning then”
Bill “ yes Professor another hour and I will be gone”
Murdoch turned around slowly left the stables followed by soft whinnies from the horses . He desperately needed to get inside now he was exhausted and needed to rest for a few hours a least before tonight there was still so much to do. Although he enjoyed his walk outside he still felt shivers riddle his body he wasn’t fully recovered yet and needed to warm up. So he proceeded back to his bedroom where the fire was now only a pile of smoldering embers stirred it up and laid a few new logs on the embers and heard a contented fizzle as the logs caught fire gradually the flames began to lick around the logs, that felt better. He proceeded to his bed and laid down it wasn’t often that he needed much sleep but on this occasion as soon as his head hit the pillow he fell instantly asleep.
But Vakaal waves his comments aside turns to them once more.
Vakaal “tomorrow night I will return and bring forth the decision on what is to be done with the one called Dillan, and we shall see what further transpires with the Professor in the next 24 hours.
He looks at the Vampires blandly and dismisses them with a wave and leaves as suddenly as he had come he had to inform the other Elders of the steps taken, so they could prepare themselves for what might take place. Marty bends over the Professor and places a hand gently on his throat trying to feel a pulse, his look of concern worries the others.
Marty “ can’t feel a pulse, were we to late”
Drew bends, put his ear to the chest of the Professor and holding a finger to his lips, causing them all to be silent. When he faintly hears in the distance the soft thud of his heart, it was slow ever so slow but was increasing in volume, he sighs in relief.
Drew “ its alright he’s still alive just barely, but he is apparently pretty tough person to kill apparently, he must love life to fight so hard for it.”
They looked at the Professor and just looking at the remnants of his clothes, they were shredded as if with huge claws had ripped across his body, this betrayed the viciousness of the attack. And the scent of his blood that had drenched his clothes was enticing, still invitingly challenging them to taste, they would have to clean him up quickly, before they could no longer control themselves. His body was so cold they could feel him shivering, they couldn’t keep him in the cellar it was far to cold.
Merrill “ we can’t keep him here, there are chances of him going into shock . We have to get him warm and the only place I can think of is his bedroom he has got a fire place there as well”
Essie “ good idea but we will have to take turns watching him, remember it is almost daybreak”
Karl “ well I have been checking out those security camera’s, and found a couple of camera’s that they haven’t used yet, I could mount one in his bedroom so we can keep an eye on him during the daylight hours.
Marty “ my man, knew your high tech talents would always be handy, I’ll give you a hand. And besides I think it is the best way to keep an eye him, this way we can keep an even better eye on Dillan, I personally don’t trust her.”
Strangely Drew has been silent during their conversation thinking now of the possibilities facing them now, they could use the presence of Dillan to their advantage.
Drew “ guys do you realize we now might have the means of getting into the Convocation Archives with a legitimate excuse”
Karl” what do you mean, you want to use Dillan”
Drew nods his head with a serious look in his eyes.
Drew “ yes, she is perfect for it remember how street wise she is, she knows how to handle herself pretty well, the only problem is of course is that we have find out if she is willing to co-operate with us, and we also have to find out if she wants to conquer her instincts in the same way we have been taught”
Essie “ might be a problem in convincing her now, we will have to wait until tomorrow night before Vakaal arrives to ask her, the moon won’t be full anymore and she might then listen to reason.”
Merrill “ okay we’ll talk about this further but first we got to get him into his bed, who is going to light the fire, not me I am afraid of fires.”
Marty “ don’t worry I’ll do that, I’m quite good at that”
Drew “ you guys go on ahead and I will keep an eye on Dillan, I will also try to reason with her try and convince her work with us”
Karl gathers the limp body of the Professor in his arms and goes up the ramp followed by the others and proceeds to the Professors bedroom, a room that they never had seen before this could be interesting thought Karl. Moving through the door way he looked around the room quickly and located the bed .It was a simple room but you could feel that it was the Professor’s room his touch was apparent everywhere you looked, it radiated a calmness that reassured them that they were doing the right thing by challenging fate and asking Vakaal to save his life. Gently laying the Professor down in his bed, they removed his torn, shredded clothes, his shoes and then proceeded to clean his wounds trying the whole time not to get to close, the urge to feed was building in them, they wanted desperately to bring their mouths closer to his wounds to taste his blood thankfully Vakaal had stopped the bleeding but the urge remained because of his blood drenched clothes feverishly they removed them as quickly as possibly, they could barely control their shaking hands every time they touched him It felt electrifying causing them to growl softly deep down in their throats their urge was barely controllable. Finally, thankfully they were finished cleaning his body of all blood traces, exhaustion was beginning to take its toll on the Vampire’s they were swaying on their feet and could barely walk straight, they really needed to drink blood now, God it was proving to be so difficult to stay away from the Professor they had to leave now or loose all self control. But before they left they made sure that the fire was burning and the creeping warmth that was seeping through the room was making them even more sluggish, they did not enjoy this warmth. Then Essie and Merrill unraveled and draped the healing cloth over the Professors body leaving just his head uncovered, his face was so pale it disturbed them, but his breathing wasn’t that shallow anymore , a good sign. Finally they threw his bloody clothes into the fire, where the fire joyfully enveloped them with her fiery grip, with a whoosh they incinerated to ash. They were now thankful that scent of his blood it was dissipating releasing them from its grasp, but they were still so hungry they needed to feed. Just as stealthily as they came they left the room with its lone occupant making sure that the security camera was on and functioning they could now turn their attention to feeding and getting some much needed sleep. This tiredness was new to them it felt as if their whole body was made of lead and their bodies completely drained of energy, and as if chains were attached to their legs, and that burning, churning feeling in their innards, it felt as if their bowels were put in backward the pain was so intense. They just made it back to the cellar, where they raided thankfully the blood storage for want of replenishment they needed the nutrition badly. And where they sat they fell into a deep exhausted sleep not having the strength to get back into their coffins, even Drew who was attempting to talk to Dillan couldn’t keep his eyes open any more even though he desperately tried to keep them open, the last thing he saw thankfully was that even Dillan had fallen asleep in the corner of her cage curled up in fetal position as if to crawl away from the world and find peace. Mansbridge was now an Oasis of silence the only movement was the slight rustling of leaves blowing in the light breeze as the sun began to rise slowly chasing the remnants of the nights shadows away.
Looking around one could see the changes that had taken place over the years, there was a new wing added to the main building, it gave one the impression that there would even be now more day students coming to the Academy, but that was not the case a gym had been added with a swimming pool, Vampires disliked water as well and tried to avoid contact if possible. At the back of the main building there could be seen that a arboretum had been added with nooks and crannies where students could sit down in some privacy and do their school work even enjoy their precious free time. Once again the influence of the Professors was ever present, because just standing in it you could just feel the calm serenity of the surroundings, it was pleasant, soothing atmosphere . But the biggest change at the Academy was the fact the a stable had also been built, not to close to the main building just close enough to be noticed. This was also part of the strategy of the Professor he had definitely been planning well ahead for when the Vampire’s would return, because if there is one thing that was well documented that was that Vampire’s did not take to well to animals especially horses, it is a well known fact that horses tend to bolt or wreak havoc even attack in the presence of Vampire’s because the horses sixth sense is so heightened they consider Vampire’s to be a threat to their very existence. The day students would be allowed to ride the horses on occasion but the Vampire’s had find a way to live with and around them without panicking the animals and if anything in the world was difficult that would be almost insurmountable for them. Because now in this phase of the experiment they were to interact beyond the constraints of the buildings and try to slowly mingle with mortals. The Professor had been quite busy with his arrangements for the arrival of the Vampire’s and today the last addition would be arriving, 4 horses would be delivered in the afternoon at the same time a groom would be coming he would be taking care of the horses in the mornings and afternoons and in the evenings he would return to town which was only an half an hours drive from the Academy. It was a situation that both suited the groom as well as Murdoch, the groom did not like being around people much and he didn’t want anything to do with the students, with this arrangement the Professor wouldn’t have to worry about the groom in the evenings.
And situated around the stables were those ever so present vigilant security camera’s, evidence that the experiment was seriously progressing to its final irreversible completion. The Vampires could now also observe the interaction of the mortals beyond the walls of the Academy. The groom had met with the Professor twice and had been quite impressed with him, he struck him as a knowledgeable man and was very astute , he knew he needed the job badly but and could be trusted to take well care of the animals. Besides then he could have time to devote to his family and this was understood by the Professor. So both parties were content with their agreement.
Suddenly the security camera in the bedroom focused on the bed a ray of sunshine crept between the drapes and lighted up the Professor’s face, it beckoned him to open eye’s. It felt as if he was climbing out of a bottomless pit he was tired but knew he had to wake up because the danger still was not averted. What with the capture of Dillan a chain of events had begun. In pulling Dillan across the Astral plane they had created ripples that covered the whole Astral plane causing echo’s to resound all the world, because of the intensity of these echo’s no one would be able to trace where it originated from but unwillingly and unknowingly the Vampire’s had triggered the calling of their Makers. The Makers would now be busy trying to locate their children they sooner or later would find them, this calling was so primal it would act as beacon for the Makers and then they would have to be prepared. With his left hand he slowly pulled the healing cloth off his body, knowing that the wounds had healed almost completelythe only evidence of what had happened were those horrific weal’s that covered his upper torso but these in time would slowly fade but not entirely a reminder of what had taken place. There was a time if he had made a different choice to what he had made he would have healed completely under the healing cloth, a choice that he had made, he had never regretted even with the waves of pain reminding him of what happened . His hands felt his chest at least the wounds were closed now, he would carry the scars now just like the many others, but he could at least move around and he was thankful that he was still a live. He turns his back to the camera and proceeds to dress himself slowly, the pain was slowly diminishing, His sense of humor was slowly returning, the Vampire’s didn’t have to see everything he thought, bringing a faint smile on his face. He had seen the camera so well hidden but this didn’t bother him. So bending down to put his shoes on the sunshine played across his back revealing terrible old scars from a time long gone, but to day once again fresh in his memories, there would be questions about those to . He grabbed a shirt and put it on but didn’t close the buttons completely because his torso still felt somewhat tender, reminding him how close he had come to meeting his destiny, if the Vampires had broken the circle as was in his dream he wouldn’t be standing here and now, and his faith in them was well founded. He new that the main instrument in defying fate last night had been Drew & Karl if they hadn’t convinced the others it would have been all over, but he admitted there were changes quite apparent in his students they seemed more self aware than even the Elders had anticipated.
Thinking of this the Professor thought back to the beginning of the evening when he seen their faces he could see that time had also left its traces on their faces this could be attributed to their weaning off blood the closer they came to humanity the more the passage of time could be seen in their faces. They appeared to be well matured adults now more confident in themselves and more importantly they seemed to be finally accepting what they had become they should be aware of this by now, but there was an ominous danger looming ahead, there was still time to prepare for it but when their Makers find them this would truly be an awesome conflict. When that time fast approached he must prepared to really use his gifts to their full extent. Finally he stood up a bit unsure on his feet, his wounds had healed but he still had lost a lot of blood he was now determined to see what had further transpired in the cellar while he was unconscious. With slow steady steps he left his bedroom and went to his office, he noticed that his journal was still untouched he looked at the photo of his beloved Chelsea touched this with a light caress thinking.
Murdoch “ if for anyone else I do this for you my love”
While coming down the ramp he was surprised to see the Vampires sprawled over table they had been obviously very hungry after their exertions last night, exhaustion had caught up to them, he let them sleep. But noticed that Drew wasn’t with them he began to worry and proceeded further into the dark recesses of the cellar to where the cage stood with Dillan in it, he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Drew slumped in the corner fast asleep. Being very careful not wake him he approached the cage to check up on Dillan, he could see that she was also asleep in that familiar human fetal position curled up as if in her mother’s womb, where every human would consider it to be the safest place for every newborn. But she wasn’t sleeping as peacefully as the vampire’s she was groaning softly in her sleep. He knew this was going to be very difficult for everyone concerned but they would have find out tonight in the presence of Vakaal what was to become of her, the time was not now besides he other things to do. The horses would be arriving soon and he had to make sure he was present, he expected problems with them for they would have sensed what happened last night and would be extremely nervous. So looking around the cellar one more time to make sure that all was well he softly left the cellar, leaving the Vampire’s in their blissful sleep.
The Professor could hear the horses arriving, they were kicking and rearing in their trailers rocking them ferociously from side to side. This was going to be difficult because they couldn’t leave them in the trailers, the horses needed to get out and stretch their legs badly to rid themselves of the excess nervous energy that had accumulated from happenings that no mortal could sense last night. The two men had already started to unload them before the Professor arrived. Bill the groom and the driver wanted desperately finish this job before any accidents happened, Bill had never seen horses this spooked, their eyes were ablaze, nostrils flaring with blinding fear. How on earth was he going to get them all calmed it would take a miracle. Eventually they managed to get the first two horses out of the trailer but it was hard work and both men were transpiring heavily, and the horses were highly agitated wanting desperately to get away. But they managed to keep a hold of the reins and a fistful of their manes pulling on them with all their strength and started walking them around the paddock pushing their bodies against the horses using their weight and soft words, trying to slowly calm them down but it was taking far to long for the other two in the trailer. There was loud crash of splintering wood as the horses kicked their doors open backed off the trailer and bolted. The Professor had to hurry now but being careful he was still slightly light headed but was managing to move much better, he needed to get outside now. Pushing the backdoor open he stepped outside just in time to see the horses gallop to the meadow just behind the Academy. They started rearing and kicking their legs in their trying to shake their fear off as if the devil was on their back. Bill thought how am I going to catch those two, there is no way I am going to be able to get near them, this day was going to turn into a disaster, when he saw the Professor walking toward the horses he shouted to him.
Bill “ watch it Professor I have never seen horses so scared as these before, we have got get these to into the stable first and figure out how we are going to catch those two later”.
The Professor waved to him giving him a sign that he had understood Bill, but he wasn’t intending on stopping now because those horses had to be brought in to the stables now, there was only 2 hours of daylight left and the consequences would be devastating if they weren’t caught before it got dark. He personally had loved horses and now with the return of his powers he could now influence them in ways that no mortal could. Making sure that the driver and Bill weren’t watching he stood with his back to them focused his eyes on the horses in the distance, extended his right hand to them and sent them soft soothing thoughts almost stroking their minds. The horses slowly calmed down enjoying that soft voice that was projected in their mind, then they felt the need to go to the source of voice, that figure in the distance standing quietly watching them. Moving first gradually hesitantly they began to move towards the Professor, then a slow trot to get them there quicker until they were standing in front of him and then they began to nuzzle him gently in acceptance, they could sense that he was slightly weak on his feet but he was a friend and they didn’t want to push him off his feet.
Murdoch” so boys,” he spoke to them gently, and began to stroke them feeling the nervous sweat covering their bodies.”
Murdoch “ come on, let me take you back to the stables where there is food and where most importantly it will be safe.”
He turns around and starts walking back to the stables, just when Bill steps out of the stable after he just locked up the first two horses, he had a rope in hand thinking of how he was going to catch the other two. When he noticed the Professor walking to the stables slowly, and the two horses were flanking him on either side, nudging him every now and then, listening to him , he had never seen anything like this before ever. He rubbed his eyes as if he was imaging it, but the closer they came the more evident it became they were literally following the Professor and didn’t even have hold to their loose reins, they were content to walk with him and they were so calm he couldn’t believe they were the same horses that he had seen bolting away as if the devil was after their soul. This Professor is something else for sure he thought. But right now he didn’t mind at least he didn’t have run cross country chasing very nervous and dangerous horses for that matter. At that thought the Professor stopped in front of the groom and said.
Murdoch “ I didn’t realize they were so obedient , just stood watching them and they came of their own accord, remarkable animals.”
Bill “ never seen anything like it, thought we would never catch them today, thanks Professor and now we will put you two in your stables.’
He strokes the horses, but they shy away from him a little but remain standing by the Professor as if not wanting to leave his presence. The Professor smiles at them and strokes them once again and says to them.
Murdoch “ that’s enough for today you got to listen to Bill and go into your stables, tomorrow is another day.” And he chuckles softly.
Slowly reluctantly the horses allowed themselves to be led to their stables, tossing their heads every now and then so that they could throw a glance. Murdoch follows them slowly as if to reassure that everything was under control. Once the horses are in their respective stables Murdoch noticed that their names had been placed on the doors, they were strong name Arcus, Dione, Callisto and Apollo. The leader was Apollo a magnificent black stallion with fire in his eyes he tossed with his head as if to beckon the Professor to come closer, so Murdoch came closer and Apollo put his head gently on his shoulder as a declaration of friendship. This was so unusual for Bill that he had to ask Murdoch a question.
Bill “ have you seen these horses before, because I have never seen them act this way, incredible”
Murdoch “ no I haven’t seen them before today, but I have always had an affinity for horses, since my youth really.”
Murdoch “ so if you don’t mind I have some pressing business elsewhere, I’ll be going in now. And when you’re finished taking care of the horses they should have a restful night and then I will see you tomorrow morning then”
Bill “ yes Professor another hour and I will be gone”
Murdoch turned around slowly left the stables followed by soft whinnies from the horses . He desperately needed to get inside now he was exhausted and needed to rest for a few hours a least before tonight there was still so much to do. Although he enjoyed his walk outside he still felt shivers riddle his body he wasn’t fully recovered yet and needed to warm up. So he proceeded back to his bedroom where the fire was now only a pile of smoldering embers stirred it up and laid a few new logs on the embers and heard a contented fizzle as the logs caught fire gradually the flames began to lick around the logs, that felt better. He proceeded to his bed and laid down it wasn’t often that he needed much sleep but on this occasion as soon as his head hit the pillow he fell instantly asleep.