Page 11 of Elegy of Twilight
The garrison used to travel from village to village, and we traded with each other. Veilix produced wine, and each year, we sent barrels down the hill to the mainland, where they were purchased and traded to larger villages and even cities. Ever since the vampires had started haunting the town, visits had dwindled for fear of being devoured once nightfall came. Even the knights took precautions.
I took Edith’s hand and squeezed it. “What news did the runner bring?”
“High Peak Abbey has succeeded in its defense against the vampires, but only at a significant cost to the village and the garrison. The runner came asking if any could be spared to assist them with rebuilding. I expect Captain Elroy will send a small group to assist, likely no more than ten or fifteen.”
“That is good news,” I breathed. “I wonder how they were successful against the horde of vampires.”
“I’m sure the runner shared in detail, and if the High Priestess deems it worthy news for our ears, she will allow it to be shared with us. I thought you’d want to know.”
“I do.” I nodded, wondering if my deal with Titushad been for naught. After all, if others could successfully rid their village of vampires, why couldn’t we? My eyes narrowed, and I glanced at Edith. “You don’t seem happy though.”
She shrugged, but lines of worry danced around her mouth. “I’m concerned. Especially because of what happened the other morning, now is not the time to send our knights away, especially when the vampires are closing in around us. Who knows what the defeat did to them? Perhaps they decided to resettle here, where we haven’t been able to put together a great defense. I know the knights patrol at night, but Captain Elroy talks of the vampire king in our midst, who is making it difficult for us to claim a similar victory over those dark creatures.”
I squeezed her hand. “We must not give up hope. We will find a way.”
“I’m not worried about finding a way. I know we will. I just hope we all survive this scourge. It’s testing my faith.”
“You know what the High Priestess says about faith.”
“That it is a test of our strength and courage, a test of our commitment to our vows. But I’m not worried about my commitment, my concern lies with the people of the village and their safety, their lives. Ithink of that brand-new baby I helped deliver. What kind of life will she have? What kind of life do we have now, afraid of twilight, fearful of the setting sun because with it comes the monsters who want to drink our blood and drive us from our homes? I don’t want to kneel here in the sunshine, pretending everything is okay. I want to act!”
My own idiotic plan rose to the forefront of my mind. Parting my lips, I took a deep breath, ready to spill my burning secret.
“What’s that look, Lucia? What are you up to?”
“I...I know what you mean. I want to act instead of sitting here, too, but we are doing well. We are providing for the children, giving them a safe place to stay. Besides, I’m sure Captain Elroy has a plan to catch the vampire king and put an end to all this.”
Edith plucked a ripe tomato off the vine, her eyes misting over for a moment. “I hope so. He hasn’t shared any of his plans with me.”
My brow creased. “But why would he?”
Edith cleared her throat and ducked her head. “No reason.” Turning, she busied herself picking vegetables before glancing over at me, a shy smile on her face. “Why are you wearing a scarf around your neck? It’s summer.”
Now it was my turn to move away. “You know how I feel about my runes.”
“Lu, we’ve talked about this. Don’t hide. Just because you have silver on your skin doesn’t make you any less of a person.”
“It’s hard being different, sometimes, and I know no one judges me for what my skin looks like. I just. . .sometimes I feel self-conscious even though there’s no need. They have started itching lately, though.”
“Talk to Faith. I’m sure she has some oils you can rub on them.”
“I will,” I promised.
Edith and I fell into easy conversation as we worked together, but one thought returned to my mind. My runes had never itched before, at least not until I’d met Titus.
6
LUCIA
Aweek passed without incident, and each morning, I woke with bated breath, waiting for word of another thief or a vampire attack. But it appeared that Titus had kept his word, which meant I had to keep mine.
When the sun set and the hour struck ten, the abbey fell silent. Most of the priestesses were in their rooms or walking the halls of the abbey. It would be safest to wait until midnight, but my eyes were already heavy from the day’s work, and I feared I’d fall asleep if I waited a moment longer. It wasn’t unusual to walk the halls of the abbey after nightfall, but I still felt guilty as I slipped out of my room and downstairs.
The candelabras were lit, friendly, warm candlelightflickering, casting shadows on the wall, which encouraged me onward. With a shaky breath, I moved toward the garden when an idea struck me. Tonight, the vampire king expected me, so I’d take him a gift as a token of appreciation for keeping his word. It would also serve as a signal to him that I meant what I said and intended to keep my word.
In the kitchen, I filled a basket with bread and a wedge of cheese and then took a fine bottle of wine from the cellar. Veilix Abbey was known for its fine wines, and even if he didn’t appreciate the bread and cheese, surely his pallet would enjoy the dark and bold wine. Or at least persuade him not to view me as a meal.
As I crept down the hall toward the garden, low voices arrested my attention. Flattening myself against the wall, I tiptoed toward the source, surprised to hear the deep tones of a man. It was strictly forbidden for the knights to visit the abbey after nightfall unless there was an incident. Surely the High Priestess would alert us if something was wrong.
