Page 23 of Crimson Oath
“The Vashana is being held at the end of the season, of course. And this year is Vashana Zata, which only occurs once a century.”
Vashana was the yearly festival and grand gathering of the Poshani clan, human and vampire, and it was held at the end of the kamvasa season, before the winter set in and the Poshani went to their settled homes or commenced traveling out of their territory if they couldn’t stand remaining in one place for too long.
“The centuries pass swiftly, old friend. The Vashana Zata is this year?” Oleg sipped his blood-wine. “I had no idea.”
Which was not a lie. The Poshani were so secretive he doubted many outside the clan knew that a major event of this magnitude was happening in the woods of Eastern Europe.
Oleg had attended Vashana before, but Vashana Zata was something different. That was the festival where new leaders of the Poshani would be chosen, and usually one or more of the current terrin would pass their ceremonial goblet to a successor to keep the power moving.
Previous terrin would retire and become trusted advisors, but it was considered unwise among the Poshani to have power given to one individual for too long.
“Is it time for your retirement?” Oleg smiled. “You’re young. You’ve only been terrin for what? Two hundred seasons?”
“Admittedly, I do not know if I will continue as a leader.” Radu shrugged. “The terrin are chosen by the people. Perhaps there is one who is more beloved or better qualified than me.”
“You are being modest,” Mika said quickly. “The Poshani have thrived under your leadership.”
“Mika Arakis, you are too generous.” Radu inclined his head. “I am only one of three.”
“Nevertheless,” Oleg said, “my boyar is not incorrect.”
“And I am conscious of the compliment you have paid me by traveling to me so quickly after this unfortunate incident.” Radu did appear pleased. “I think it would benefit both our people to be more public about our alliance. Would you do me the honor of being my witness and guest for the Vashana Zata at the end of the season?”
Oleg spread his hands. “My friend, I would be delighted.”
Mika and Olegwoke the following night and immediately flew to Tbilisi, the vampire and human capital of the Republic of Georgia where Alina Machabeli, a water vampire of great political skill, had ruled for over one hundred years.
Unlike in Bucharest, Alina had agreed to meet Oleg for a private dinner at his town house in the old Vera neighborhood.
The Georgian regent arrived in a vintage Mercedes sedan, accompanied by two guards who waited in the foyer while Oleg and Alina visited.
“Oleg, it’s good to see you.” That night Alina wore a draped suit in mossy-green silk. She handed Oleg a box of candy and a bottle of locally produced blood-wine that he immediately handed to his house manager.
“Thank you.” He stepped forward and offered his hand. “I’ve heard this vineyard is excellent.”
“I should hope so—it’s mine.”
She smiled as he kissed her knuckles, and Oleg was reminded that she had a charming dimple in her right cheek.
“Will you join me?” He gestured to a door. “I thought we could meet just the two of us since this is not a formal visit.”
“Thank you.”
“No, I must thank you for seeing me on short notice.” Oleg guided Alina to the conservatory. “You have indulged my hasty schedule.”
She had been turned as a mature woman, and the appearance of age lent Alina an air of sophistication and wisdom. She had a smattering of silver at her temples, but the rest of her hair was deep brown, and her eyes were a rich hazel-green with fine lines in the corners that emphasized her expressions.
For her comfort and as a show of good faith, they were meeting in a room with a large fountain and no fireplace, though heat was pumped through the intricately tiled floors.
“Your orchids are thriving.” Alina walked over to survey the glass wall where dozens of the flowers hung. “What a marvelous collection.”
“My house manager dotes on them, and I am the fortunate recipient of her botany skills.” Oleg stood next to Alina, following her eyes. “You take an interest in botany yourself, I remember.”
She turned to him. “Don’t pretend like you didn’t choose this room because of it.”
“I chose this room because it’s as beautiful as my guest,” Oleg said, “and has two very comfortable seats. Shall we?” He gestured to the large rattan chairs by the fountain.
“Of course.” Alina settled into her chair and pulled a silver cigarette case from her inner suit pocket. “Do you mind if I smoke?”
