Lucas carried Diana to the bedroom and carefully laid her upon the bed. His concern was great but she appeared to be sleeping now. With any luck she will be better when she awoke. He left the bedroom quietly and went to the living room. He sat on the cushioned sofa and agonized over a decision. Should I call Lanius and tell him of this? he thought as he stared ahead in silence, elbows on his knees, his head in his hands Were he in Lanius' position he would want to know but he was uncertain if Lanius still cared for Diana for he did not know the reason he had left her. Perhaps she had been unfaithful and he was very hurt and she was racked with guilt, explaining her behavior as well as his.
He sat back in the folds of the sofa and pondered the options. Soon he fell asleep only to awake not knowing how long he had slept. It had been a long time because the sun was now down and darkness consumed the silent room. He went to check on Diana.
He entered the bedroom quietly not wanting to disturb her if still she slept but he found her awake. She was sitting with her knees wrapped in her arms and slowly rocking on the bed.
"Diana?" he prodded gently. "How are you feeling?" She did not acknowledge his presence by looking at him but she did whisper something. He couldn't make out what she said.
He took a few steps and sat on the edge of the bed, taking her hand in his. Now she looked at him. Tears streamed down her face and her lower lip trembled. "He left me." she whispered with a hitch in her voice.
"I know. I cannot imagine your hurt and I won't pretend that I can. I am also unaware of the reasons so I cannot offer counsel."
"I - I don't know the reason, either." she stammered "but he is gone. I've lost him and I may never get him back."
at the last she had a stronger hitch in her throat and more tears streamed down her cheeks. Lucas' heart sank. It hurt him to see her in such pain. And it pained him all the more knowing there was nothing that he could do to help her.
"Diana," he began slowly "why did you kill those men in plain sight of the public? If you were discovered you would have to face the Council for punishment. As it is I do not know for sure if you were seen. Or if I was observed cleaning it up. I acted with such haste."
"I wanted to be caught." she replied sternly through tears. "I wanted to face him, to face The Council and see if he would show me any compassion. I wanted him to see how much he has hurt me."
"I am certain he knows your pain. I am certain he feels the pain, as well. He loved you deeply. In all of my years on this Earth I have never met two, vampire or human, who loved each other so deeply and completely as you and Lanius loved each other."
"THEN HOW COULD HE LEAVE ME?!?!" she screamed at him. "HOW COULD HE INFLICT SUCH A WOUND ON SOMEONE YOU SAY HE LOVED COMPLETELY?!?"
"Please Diana, calm down. You will make yourself ill if you don't."
"I am already ill. I could not feed until my rage overflowed and I tore those people to pieces and gorged on their blood, my sleep is disturbed and my waking hours are filled with pain and tears. If only he would tell me what I did wrong perhaps I could fix it. Perhaps I could win him back to me but he tells me nothing." her last words devolved into a whisper and she let go of his hand falling onto her side and taking the fetal position. "Leave me be." she whispered finally.
He reached over and caressed her cheek. "Diana, I love you like a sister. It pains me to see you in pain. I shall stay in the other room. I will remain here to get you anything that you need in your grief. I will help you through this. I will be in the living room if you need anything. You have but to call my name and I will be here for you."
"Leave me be." she whispered and sobbed quietly. With a heavy heart he retreated to the door. He closed it behind him slowly and quietly. He headed down the hall back to the living room and sat, this time in the armchair facing the fireplace. A tear formed in the corner of his eye. Then his phone rang.
`
Lanius left the meeting knowing that he must bring together his Patriots once again. He did not know the size of the force that they would face and did not know the face of its general. He disliked so many unknowns in a fight. He knew that he must seek the counsel of his old friend Lucas, and he would need Lucas to bring in the rest of the Patriots.
What concerned him the most about that is that the Patriots would have to ride without Diana. There was no way that he could allow her to face danger after what he had done to keep her safe. Even if she were willing, which she likely was not. He also knew that Lucas loved Diana like a sister and would try to protect her from the pain that he, Lanius, had inflicted upon her. It was conceivable that Lucas may not want to ride with the Patriots after such pain had been inflicted upon Diana by Lanius' own hand. As Lanius pondered whether Lucas' allegiance was greater to him or to Diana he dialed.
"Lucas, my dearest friend. How does the world find you today?" Lanius greeted Lucas, prodding as he answered.
"Honestly, my Lord, I am pained. I am confused and pained."
"Is that so? What has you in such a state? We can conquer it together, old friend."
"It is you, my Lord. It is you who has me confused and pained, my Lord, shall we conquer you together?"
"Lucas, we must speak in person. I understand that you consider Diana your sister and, as such, seek to protect her and want to know why I have visited such pain upon her. Unfortunately, we have matters of greater import to discuss, as well. How soon can you meet me to discuss these matters?"
"In all honesty, my Lord, I'm not certain that I want to meet with you now. I'm afraid my anger toward you may cause strife between us if I am to see you."
"Lucas, you are my most trusted advisor as well as my oldest and dearest friend. You have proven your fealty to me time and again in battle and in all other ways a vampire can do so. If you ever loved me please believe me when I say that my actions benefit Diana. Certainly you know me well enough to know that parting ways with Diana causes me as much pain as it does her. So you must know I have good reason. Yet, I assure you, this matter is not paramount at this moment and it is imperative that we meet to discuss. We must also call upon the other Patriots to ride again. Without Diana."
"My Lord, I will discuss the business of the Patriots with you but only after you have satisfied my concerns about Diana. I will meet with you as Diana's brother first, and a Patriot next. We will discuss Diana first. If your reasons satisfy me, then we shall discuss other matters."
"Very well. I owe you, and her, that much. Your condition is accepted. Do you know my property in Chandler? Meet me there as soon as you can. I am headed there now."
`
Lucas hung up with Lanius and let his phone drop into his lap. For her own benefit? How can such pain be for her own benefit? He was unsure what Lanius could tell him to convince him that his actions were for Diana's benefit but would let him speak. He sighed deeply and, after a moment, gripped the arms of the lush leather chair and stood up. He walked silently down the hall to Diana's bed chamber and quietly opened the door. He stepped across and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Diana?" he spoke gently. He waited for a reply or some indication that she was aware he was there. After a long moment he was about to call her name again, a little louder but she whispered "I thought you were going to leave me be?"
"I just came to tell you that I must leave for a short time. I have an urgent meeting that cannot be avoided."
"With Lanius?" she queried.
"No. It's a personal matter. I shan't be long. I will return to your side with great haste and help you through this trying time. Please try to rest while I am absent."
"Go, then." she whispered back. She sniffed up the mucus in her nose loosened by crying. "Go then and hurry back. Your presence soothes me and right now every little bit matters much."
"Very well. I shall return as soon as is possible. Until then, rest comfortably." He caressed her check with the back of his hand for a moment and then stood, crossed to the door and closed it quietly behind him. Very well. Let us just see what explanation Lanius can offer for this.
`
Lucas pulled up to the building where Lanius kept an apartment in the city. The whole way over he had tried to think of what Lanius could possibly say while trying to stifle his anger. He really wasn't sure if he would hug or punch Lanius upon seeing him.
He set the alarm on his truck with a beep-boop and walked toward the entrance. It was a large concrete and brick building with only one apartment per floor and Lanius occupied the top floor. He pressed the button marked "Dunn" and in a moment the door buzzed. He yanked it open and headed for the elevator. The carpet was a deep maroon and there were several large plants in the lobby. There were six steps up in the lobby with glistening brass handrails. He crossed the landing and pressed the elevator call button. He could hear the mechanism activate and the elevator approached the ground floor.
He stepped into the elevator to find it mirrored and surrounded with another gleaming brass handrail. He pressed the button for the ninth floor and it lit up. The doors slid closed with a clunk and he was on his way up. The doors opened on the ninth floor and Lucas approached the door. He knocked three times and put his hands in his pockets. He looked around the area of Lanius' front door and noted that the area between the elevator and his door was the same rich maroon carpet wall to wall but there were large windows on either side of the vast foyer looking out on the world and letting in the sunshine. Again gleaming brass handrails at the windows and maroon drapes with gold piping and tassels.
The door swung open and Lucas saw Lanius' smiling face. "Greetings, old friend." Lanius said sincerely and opened his arms for a hug. Lucas was still considering punching his dear friend for what he had done to Diana but, after a moment and a stern look, submitted to a brief hug.
"I'm very glad you agreed to meet me, Lucas. We have much to discuss."
"Don't get ahead of things, my Lord. First you must explain to me what you have done to Diana. Then, and only if I'm satisfied, will we discuss anything else."
"Of course, of course. Please come in." Lanius swept an arm in the direction of his living room where there was white carpet and a black leather sofa. There were large picture windows letting in the sunlight in an open floor plan. There was a large granite island separating the kitchen from the sunken living room. Lucas followed Lanius into the living room where Lanius crossed to a side bar and poured them both a glass of old scotch. Above the fireplace central in the living room was a large painting of Lanius and Diana dressed impeccably with Lanius standing behind a seated Diana.
"What have you done to my sister?" Lucas inquired sternly.
"I have protected her, much to my own pain and hers." "She is not in need of protection. You have seen her prove herself in battle time and again, she is as strong as you or I and can handle any attack. She would be better protected with you at her side, why then, do you abandon her and pretend it is for her protection?"
Lanius sat in the black leather armchair facing the sofa. He motioned toward the latter. "Please sit my old friend and I will explain."
"This had better be good." Lucas muttered and, drink in hand, sat on the sofa opposite Lanius appearing tense and ready for a fight.
They sat in silence for a long moment while Lanius collected his thoughts. Lucas was about to prod him when he began. "A few months ago I bought a new suit, as you know I am fond of nice suits. Wearing the suit I took Diana shopping for a new dress. She found the perfect one, complete with a wrap. She was a sight. Such beauty not known to any man or vampire before.
Wearing those new clothes we set out on the town for a romantic evening. We enjoyed a decadent dinner complete with expensive wine and rich desserts. It was such a lovely night we decided to walk. It was a dire mistake. We were ambushed. Before I could fight off the many attackers Diana was overcome and taken. She tried to fight but they drugged her and carried her off." Here he paused, pushing back emotion at the memory.
"With Cinnin's help I retrieved her after a fight but it was this incident that set my mind uneasy. As the attackers stood over her unconscious body holding swords to her skin I was overcome with a feeling of helplessness and despair. I cannot describe the fear I felt for her. Were she harmed that night I don't know what I would have done. I pondered our situation in many ways and finally, painfully, came to the conclusion that as long as Diana was with me, my enemies would target her as a weakness of mine."
"You and Diana together can fight off any attack." Lucas stated venomously.
"Can we?" Lanius asked. "We were ambushed and their numbers allowed her to be taken. I could not live with myself if harm were to come to her because of her association with me. I assure you, my dear friend, I did not come to this conclusion lightly." Lanius looked to the floor. He was holding back tears.
"I love Diana with every molecule of my body and soul. I want to be with her every moment of every day and causing her pain has caused me incredible pain but I believe it is for the best. Without an association with me there will be no reason for my enemies to target her. She becomes neutral, and thus, safer."
"Would she not be safer with you as her defender?" Lucas asked gruffly. He was angry. "I have seen you both in battle hundreds of times and I know your love for her.
As long as you are by her side she will be safe from attack. I know that you would never let harm become of her."
"I'm sorry my friend but I believe she is safer as a neutral. My decision is made and I hope that you can understand."
A long time passed with Lucas studying Lanius. To Lanius Lucas appeared ready to spring into an attack, but he held his dear friend's gaze and refused to flinch. He was confident that Lucas would think it through and ultimately agree. He was risking much.
"I understand." Lucas reluctantly, but only partially, agreed. "I doubt your conclusion, though. However, I believe that you have a point. You must know, in your absence, I will comfort her and protect her. I consider her my sister and I love her as well. It is true that without an association to you your enemies may consider her neutral but that doesn't mean that she is completely safe. I will be at her side."
"I have counted on your love for her since the inception of this plan. I have made it known to all that we are no longer together. My enemies know that she is no longer with me. She is safe."
Lucas sat and pondered this in silence for a long time. He sipped his scotch. He stared into the eyes of his old friend and Lord. He saw that Lanius believed what he said and he knew that Lanius felt great pain in losing Diana. Therefore he knew that Lanius' resolve was strong and his motives were pure. Reluctantly, finally, he relented. The stern look on his face, the furrowed brow, relaxed slightly.
"Very well." he said, finally. "I understand your position and, although I remain partially unconvinced, will accept your decision but I must say; If I believe Diana in danger I will call upon you."
"If Diana is in danger I will always snap into action to protect her. It has taken much strength in me to part with her because I believe wholly that she will be safer."
"Well then. We shall consider the subject ... not complete ... let us say it is tabled for the time being. If it comes to my attention that Diana is in danger because of your absence, I reserve the right to revisit this" he cleared his throat meaningfully "conversation. That said, what business do you have for the Patriots?"
"Thank you for being so reasonable. I knew that you would be. The matter at hand for the Patriots is, as it always has been, war."
"I have become aware of a pending threat coming to Chandler from San Francisco. An army of new vampires is being amassed by an unknown mastermind and shall be set loose upon the Great Hall and The Council in just a few days time. We have no less than three days but likely no more than five days to prepare. I have called upon all of the Representatives and Magistrates to send soldiers and I have commissioned both a police task force and a military tribunal with an independent prosecutor to investigate their chain of command and find their leader. We are aware it very well may be an elder, perhaps a member of The Council itself."
"That is indeed a dire situation. What do we know of the numbers of this army that comes to us?"
"We know too little. There are at least a few hundred but that may be only part of their forces.
"And how many do you command in defense?"
I do not yet know our total numbers but I do know that the Elite Guard at the Great hall number 150. The Magistrates should command at least that many and the numbers to be provided by the Representatives depend upon the logistics of getting them here. My estimates are that we will have at least 300 but perhaps as many as 750, plus The Patriots. And, to our advantage, most of those will be older vampires, much stronger than the newly turned army in San Francisco."
"What news of the investigation as to their leader?"
"I commissioned the investigation just this morning. However, I sent Sarasoto and Balor to San Francisco to investigate strange occurrences there more than a week ago. They are how we know that which we do. And, to our advantage, to the best of my knowledge, the enemy is unaware that we know of their plot."
Lucas considered this news for another long moment, again sipping his scotch.
"Well, then, my Lord. The Patriots ride again! ... I will contact the others and bring them to Chandler immediately. Will you contact Sarasoto and Balor in San Francisco and call them back to ride with us?"
"I have ordered Balor to remain there and investigate further. If there is information there, Balor's tedious ways will find it."
"We have much to do to prepare. Gather the Patriots and brief them on the situation. I will make my way to the Hall and be briefed on the preparations there."