Helpless (Blue Fire Saga) Read online

  “We mean you no trouble, Josef,” Jarubu said. “We are just passing by. Let us leave in peace.”

  Josef stared at him for a long moment. Jarubu could hear his two companions shifting their weight beside him, apparently feeling even more anxious than he was.

  Finally, the wizard spoke. “Would you like to taste my blood, vampire?”

  Jarubu did not understand. What was Josef’s game here? And why did he not even ask Jarubu’s name? Could he be that insignificant to the wizard?

  Josef moved a step closer. “I asked you a question, vampire.” His voice was quiet, but sharp with impatience.

  Jarubu was unsure how to respond. Of course he wanted to taste the wizard’s blood. He’d like nothing more than to drain Josef of every drop of his blood and leave him sprawled cold and lifeless on the ground. But Jarubu was pretty certain he lacked the power to do so.

  “I’m curious what it tastes like, yes,” he said, hedging his bets. “The scent is unlike anything I have ever experienced.”

  Josef pushed the sleeve of his right arm up to his elbow and held his bare forearm out toward Jarubu. “Come taste it, then.”

  Jarubu was more confused than ever. Was the wizard testing him? What was the right move here? More importantly, what was the wrong move? He had no way to know, but he sensed the wrong move could be fatal.

  He studied Josef’s face for some clue, but the wizard’s face was a blank mask. Suddenly, Josef’s eyes seemed to darken, and he raised his hand toward Conley. Before Jarubu could say or do anything, another bolt of black energy shot from the wizard’s fingers. Once again, the same loud hissing sound filled the air, and Conley vanished.

  “Don’t make me wait any longer,” Josef said.

  Jarubu felt Melissa’s hand on his back, nudging him forward.

  “Go,” she said softly. He knew she was afraid she would be the next to taste the black lightning.

  Josef’s bare arm was turned up, exposing his forearm and wrist. Jarubu stepped slowly forward, until he was close enough to grab the wizard’s hand. His skin felt only slightly warm to Jarubu’s touch, which meant that to anyone but a vampire, it would feel cool. Jarubu let his fangs extend and slowly bent his head toward Josef’s waiting wrist. When his mouth was but an inch from the wizard’s skin, Josef spoke.

  “Just one thing, vampire. When I tell you stop, you had best obey.”

  Jarubu fought to keep himself from shaking as he pushed his lips forward. Fear was not something he was accustomed to, but right now, he was very afraid. He bit down into Josef’s wrist and began to drink. The blood pumping into Jarubu’s mouth tasted rank and musty, with the consistency of thick syrup. It was all he could do to keep from pulling his fangs from the wizard’s arm and spitting the blood upon the ground.

  He forced himself to keep swallowing the foul tasting liquid. After a half dozen gulps, he felt Josef’s hand upon his head.

  “Enough,” the wizard said.

  Jarubu gratefully lifted his mouth from Josef’s wrist. Wiping his lips with his forearm, he took one step back and then eyed the wizard carefully, wondering what was to come next.

  Josef pointed his slender finger at Melissa. She cringed, thinking the same fate that had befallen Conley and Alexi was now about to be hers.

  “Your turn,” Josef said.

  Melissa breathed a deep sigh of relief and gingerly approached Josef, who offered her the same arm he had given to Jarubu. She was startled to see the two holes from Jarubu’s fangs were already closed up. Nothing but two small red welts remained, and those vanished while she watched. Lowering her head, she bit into Josef’s wrist, almost gagging on the taste of his blood. After what seemed like forever—but she knew couldn’t have been very long—the wizard told her to stop.

  Josef sat back down atop the gravestone. “Sit,” he told the two vampires.

  Jarubu looked around for a suitable stone of his own to sit on, but none were close enough.

  “Here, at my feet,” Josef commanded, pointing to the disturbed ground in front of him.

  Jarubu and Melissa sank to the earth in front of Josef. Jarubu realized he was sitting atop an old grave, but he was not superstitious and there was nothing to be done about it anyhow. He crossed his legs and waited. For a moment, he thought he detected faint movements under the ground beneath him, but when he turned his senses to it, he found nothing. Beside him, Melissa sat with her knees drawn up against her chest, her arms wrapped around her shins, as if that covered up position might somehow protect her.

  “You are wondering what just happened,” Josef said. “I will explain what you need to know, and nothing more.”

  Jarubu nodded, while Melissa seemed afraid to move a muscle.

  “I am searching for someone,” Josef continued. “Someone my brethren and I very much want to find. We have been seeking him for a very long time, but the world is large and he is wise. I am the only one looking on this entire continent.”

  Jarubu wondered what all that had to do with drinking the wizard’s foul blood, but he knew better than to ask.

  Josef answered his unasked question. “The one I seek is also a wizard. Having tasted my blood will enable you to sense him if he uses his magic.”

  Josef stood up and laid his palms atop the two vampires’ heads. A searing pain shot through each of the vampires, drawing a moan from Melissa. Jarubu gritted his teeth and managed to remain silent. After a moment, Josef removed his hands and sat back down. The burning pain disappeared, leaving only a dull ache in its wake.

  “Now, we are doubly connected. If you sense him, I will sense him as well.” He motioned for them to stand. Jarubu and Melissa rose to their feet. “Go now. Enjoy your hunting. All I require of you is that you remain on the move, covering ground I cannot cover myself.”

  Josef stood up. “Since you two were already heading south, continue on that way. I am going north. I have not searched those lands in some time.”

  Without another word, he headed off into the trees.

  Jarubu and Melissa watched him disappear, then turned and looked at each other. Jarubu was certain the relief he saw on Melissa’s face was mirrored on his own.

  .

  8. MAKING A POINT

  Balin stood silhouetted in the doorway of his nearly three hundred year old cabin, built with his own hands, waiting as Rave carried Leesa the last few yards up the slight incline that led up to the cabin. The old volkaane was wearing a fringed buckskin shirt and buckskin pants he had made himself. Leesa had never seen Balin dressed in anything else. His long dark gray hair showed only streaks of the dark copper color common to all volkaanes. His hair flickered with the reflection of the fire burning in the fireplace behind him. With the door open, Leesa could smell the savory aroma of Balin’s delicious stew cooking over the fire. She felt her stomach rumble with anticipation. She hadn’t realized she was hungry until she smelled the stew.

  Rave kissed the top of her head and set her down in front of the doorway, giving her stomach a quick, playful rub. She hated that he seemed to hear it every time her stomach rumbled, but it was that same keen hearing that had allowed him to hear her call from way out on the road, so she couldn’t really complain about it.

  Balin gave Leesa a quick hug and then stepped aside so they could all come inside.

  The interior of the cabin was exactly as Leesa remembered it. The entire place was one room, six paces wide and ten paces long, furnished with simple, handmade wooden furniture. A rectangular dining table with a split log bench on either side filled most of one end of the cabin, and a buckskin sleeping mat stuffed with straw lay upon the plank floor at the other end. In the middle of the room lay a brown bearskin rug so old the fur had worn away down to the skin in several places. Naturally, there was no television, radio or refrigerator anywhere to be seen.

  A small fire popped and crackled in a stone fireplace built into the far wall, adding its flickering light to the illumination cast by four tallow candles high on the walls. Volkaanes did n
ot need fireplaces for warmth, of course, but they often used fires for cooking and light. If necessary, their inner heat could even be used for cooking, but it was usually simpler and more efficient to put something over the fire. A black metal pot hung over the fire right now, the source of the delicious smell that had caused Leesa’s stomach to rumble.

  Once they were all inside, she introduced Balin to Dominic.

  “It’s an honor to meet a waziri,” Balin said as they shook hands. “I had thought your people gone from this world.”

  “Not quite,” Dominic said, “but nearly so, I’m afraid.”

  “Young Rave has explained your relationship with Leesa to me. I hope you don’t mind.”

  Leesa grinned. She loved how Balin always called Rave “young Rave,” even though Rave was more than a century and a half old.

  Dominic shook his head. “I have heard how close you are with Rave. I’m sure I can trust you to keep our secret.”

  “Have no worries about that,” Balin said. “And if there is anything I can do to aid your efforts, just let me know.”

  “Thank you.”

  “So, who wants some stew?” Balin asked. “Or some mead?”

  “Mead?” Dominic said, his tone displaying his desire. “I’ve not tasted mead in ages.”

  “Then you will love Balin’s,” Rave said. “He makes the best mead around.”

  “Leesa?” Balin asked. “Would you like some as well?”

  Leesa was tempted. Balin’s mead really was very good. It was also very strong, however.

  “I’d better not,” she said. “I’m driving. But I’ll definitely have some of your yummy stew.”

  “Coming right up. Have a seat, everyone.”

  Leesa, Rave and Dominic sat down at the table, Rave and Leesa next to each other on the far side and Dominic across from them on the other. Meanwhile, Balin busied himself filling three big pewter mugs from a hand blown glass jar filled with golden liquid. He poured a fourth mug of water for Leesa.

  Leesa noticed Rave staring at her with a puzzled expression on his face.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “Something is different,” Rave said. “Something about you is prickling my volkaane senses, but I cannot identify it.” He grinned. “Prickling my senses more than usual, that is.”

  Leesa wondered what he was talking about, but then it hit her. Rave must be sensing her ring. She forgot that no one else could see it. She pulled it from her finger.

  Rave’s eyes widened in surprise as the ring suddenly appeared in her hand, and then he smiled.

  “You are full of surprises, Leesa.”

  Leesa returned his smile. “Dominic gave it to me. It’s magical.”

  “I never would have guessed that,” Rave teased.

  Balin’s return interrupted the conversation before Leesa could think of a suitable comeback.

  “Drinks first,” he said as placed a mug in front of each of his guests. “Then stew.” He glanced down at the ring in Leesa’s hand. “That’s a beautiful ring. I didn’t notice it earlier.”

  “It’s magic. Watch.” Leesa slipped it back onto to her finger. To her eyes, nothing changed, but the look on Balin’s face told her he could no longer see the ring.

  “Impressive,” Balin said.

  He didn’t say anything else about it. Leesa guessed in Balin’s five hundred plus years, he had seen more than a few unusual things.

  Dominic hefted his mug and held it under his nose, inhaling deeply of the sweet, somewhat fruity scent. A big smile brightened his face.

  “To new friends,” he said, holding his mug out to the others.

  “New friends,” the rest of them said, clinking mugs with Dominic.

  “Ahhh…this is amazing,” Dominic said after swallowing a long draught from his mug. “I didn’t realize how much I’d missed the taste of good mead until now.”

  “Drink up,” Balin invited. “There’s plenty more where that came from.”

  They all raised their mugs to each other one more time. As Leesa took a big swallow of water, she did not feel left out at all. She wasn’t much of a drinker anyhow, and Balin’s water, straight from a nearby underground spring, was far and away the best she’d ever tasted.

  Balin moved over to the fireplace and used a wooden ladle to fill four big earthenware bowls with stew. He set one down in front of each of his guests and one at his spot.

  Leesa dipped her wooden spoon into her bowl and then blew upon the steaming spoonful before slurping it into her mouth. The stew was as tasty as she remembered. Balin had told her the meat was venison, but it was really the herbs and spices the volkaane used that made his stew so delicious.

  They spent the next fifteen minutes eating and talking easily, more like four old friends who had not seen one another in awhile than people who had only known each other a short time. Balin had lots of questions for Dominic, which the wizard happily answered. Midway through the meal, Balin refilled everyone’s mug.

  Finally, they were done eating, their bowls scraped clean.

  “Now I want some dessert,” Leesa said, her eyes fastened on Rave, who looked just a bit uncomfortable under her gaze.

  “Am I missing something?” Dominic asked, looking back and forth from Leesa to Rave.

  Balin smiled. “Dessert is Leesa’s code name for kissing.”

  “Ahhh,” Dominic said, smiling now as well.

  “I know we can’t do it like we were,” Leesa said to Rave, meaning the last time they had kissed, when the kiss had gone too far and Rave’s fire had almost killed her. “But I don’t see why we can’t go back to our five second kisses, especially with Balin here to watch us.” Their first few kisses had been done with Leesa’s cell phone alarm set for five seconds. Those kisses were way too brief, of course, but they were still amazing beyond anything Leesa had ever imagined.

  “I don’t know.” Rave was clearly still feeling guilty about totally losing control of his fire. “I’m not certain it’s safe.”

  “Five seconds,” Leesa pleaded. “We did it safely with no one watching. Tonight Balin and Dominic can count to five and pull us apart.”

  Rave looked at Balin.

  “I do not think your young lady is going to take no for an answer,” Balin said.

  “You got that right,” Leesa said. “I don’t get to see you nearly enough, so I want to make full use of the chance when I do.”

  Rave held up his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, I surrender,” he said, smiling.

  “And stop pretending you don’t like it as much as I do,” Leesa told him as she got to her feet.

  Rave laughed and did likewise. Balin and Dominic also stood up.

  Leesa and Rave moved out from behind the table and faced each other. Balin stood behind Rave and Dominic moved behind Leesa.

  When Rave laid his warm hands gently on her shoulders and locked his gorgeous brown eyes onto hers, Leesa remembered why they needed an alarm or a chaperone when they kissed. It was way too easy for her to lose herself completely. The rest of the world seemed to fade away as Rave inched his face closer to hers. She forgot about Balin and Dominic standing so close watching them, forgot about Rave’s fire, forgot about any danger. Nothing existed save Rave and her—and the anticipation of their kiss.

  She kept her eyes open until the last moment as his face drew nearer, closing them a split second before his lips met hers. As soon as their lips touched, the familiar warmth shot through her body, filling her to her core with a kaleidoscope of feelings far beyond description. She was flying, falling, spinning, tumbling, twirling, floating. Her knees felt weak; at the same time, she felt stronger than she had ever been. She wanted to scream, to laugh, to cry, to sing. The sensations seemed to go on forever, but all too soon she felt Dominic’s hands upon her shoulders, easing her backward, away from Rave. She sighed deeply and opened her eyes. How something could seem to last forever and yet be much too brief was still beyond her comprehension, but it was like this every time they ki
ssed.

  Rave was gazing lovingly at her, a big smile on his face.

  “Double wow,” he said.

  Leesa grinned. “See? I knew you liked it as much as I do.”

  “Yeah, I do,” Rave said.

  Leesa turned to Dominic and Balin. “Would you two mind terribly much if we did it one more time?” she asked, a big smile on her face.

  Dominic looked at Balin, who nodded.

  “I guess we could manage it,” the volkaane said.

  Suddenly, Dominic stiffened. His brow grew furrowed and Leesa could see the muscles in his jaw quivering. Something had clearly upset the wizard greatly. She glanced at Rave and Balin, but neither seemed alarmed by anything.

  “What is it?” she asked Dominic.

  “Magic,” Dominic said, his voice so low it was almost a whisper. “Black magic. Killing magic.”

  Rave immediately flashed to the door, while Balin moved protectively in front of Leesa.

  “Where?” Rave asked. “How close?”

  Dominic gave his head a quick shake, as if clearing cobwebs from his brain.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “I did not mean to alarm everyone. It was not anywhere near. Several hundred miles from here, I think. To the north” He looked from Rave to Balin to Leesa. “I apologize,” he said again. “I was surprised. It’s been many years since I sensed anything like this.”

  “What does it mean?” Leesa asked.

  “It means that one of my enemies is here in America. His name is Josef. I recognize his vibrations.”

  “Do you think this Josef knows where you are?” Balin asked.

  Dominic shook his head. “I do not see how. I have not used any active magic in many, many years, and never in this part of your country. Still, there are only four of the renegades. It makes sense that one would be searching the Americas. But to know he is within a few hundred miles is disconcerting.”

  “Could he somehow have sensed Leesa’s magic?” Rave asked worriedly. He moved to Leesa’s side and put his arm around her shoulders. “Perhaps when she hurled Edwina with her thoughts?”