LEGENDS-prologue

The sun was just beginning to set over the amber soil of the red man’s state and creatures were stirring to life. Creatures that lived for the twilight hours. Creatures of the night. Bats, wolves, owls, and other beasts woke in search of prey. Mother Nature’s balance was once more being up held. This was Ardra’s favorite time of the day… or night as it was. It is true that she also loved the sun risings, but sunset had a magic all of its own. The sheer beauty of it alone would make one forget about the dangers that lurked behind every corner once the sun’s last bit of energy was robbed from the soil. Dangers that Ardra knew all too well. Dangers that she had to confront constantly, as is her duty.
She knew she should be making preparations for the up coming counsel, but over the centuries Ardra has learned you have to stop and smell the roses. Most of the preparations were already done. Damia had seen to that. There was no better friend than Damiana. Ardra smiled, there would never be anyway to completely thank her close companion. She’s the only person living in a solid form who knew her for everything she was. With a heavy sigh, Ardra stood from her porch swing and looked around. The sun was now set and preparations or not, there was still much to do. It was her responsibility to summon the heads of counsel for their tri-century court. Many things had been brought to her attention, many things that required an iron hand and an unbreakable courage. She closed her eyes and the smile was gone. Another war loomed in the distance. After so many lifetimes it was still quite a burden. A burden only she could bare. Alone.

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Druce awoke when the last of the sun’s great power was gone. True that he could have risen before it fell, but it left him drained. And he had not been successful in his agenda for the previous night nor had he fed properly. He walked out of the broken down house all the while undoing his safe guards. Before he took that first step outside of the house he sought outside himself to check the immediate area for danger. Once he was sure that nothing was out of the ordinary he went in search of prey. This would be an unlucky night for some poor, unfortunate human. Hunger beat at his very soul. If he even still had a soul, he dared not to think on it. Druce was too tired to even soar across the country side. Deciding to conserve energy by walking so as to not loose control and allow his blood lust to devour the first passer by.
It had become so hard to exist the last few hundred years. The pact that his people had made with the Legends was very strict and moral. After centuries he felt himself being drawn away from that path, but…anything for Ardra. The vampire Kingdom would never have bowed to another. It bowed for Ardra. He bowed for Ardra. If he truly could feel it was because of her. She breathed life back into this bleak shell of an undead King. It was through her that all the immortals were kept in line. There had never been anyone else capable of such a thing. In his mind’s eye she was on a pedestal of admiration. He was nothing to her though and he never would be. Druce did a mental shake, he was on the counsel and the pact truly made life better for his people. That was what a King was there for, wasn’t it? To make his people happy? Was it fair that he could not be happy also, with them? He forced air in and out of his lungs and with a heavy heart he started walking again. Anything for Ardra. Anything.
The lights of homes and businesses alike glittered in the distance and the scent of warm blood filled his deadly senses. He was very near the city now and hoped to find several beggars out tonight. He must still honor the pact, even though the demon within was screaming for sustenance, begging him to slake his eternal thirst. The nights of innocent victims were gone and it wasn’t that Druce missed those days. In fact, it was a relief to his conscience. Those were the days with horrible guilt and the remembrance that his humanity was teetering on the edge of extinction. Druce still couldn’t be certain that his humanity hadn’t already shriveled to dust many centuries ago. He couldn’t discount that his new found feelings weren’t simply a renewed hope for his people. Either way he was their King and he would do whatever was necessary to ensure the continuance of their race. Was it even a good idea to allow his race to continue on? This was not the time for him to second guess himself. The tri-century court was nearing and there was much to do. Some of his people had denied the pact from the beginning and were now planning a revolution. More to the point, Druce feared the revolution was already underway.
He strolled through several allies, not bothering to conceal himself. Then he came upon three drunken vagrants and once more was filled with a since of hope. The pact would not be broken this night by him and no innocent would come to an early grave. Three vagrants would allow him to sate his appetite fully and keep the good citizens free from hell’s doors. Come the day of the counsel he would be able to hold his head up high and meet Ardra’s intense glaze with complete confidence. Well, almost complete confidence. It will be his fault that his people have strayed from the pact. Druce accepted that and whatever chastisement that he would receive from Ardra. Just to be near her would be enough. The years spent apart from her counsel were always dark and empty. Druce was dark and empty. Alone.

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As pure energy, she soured through the night sky. Such a pity to leave this beautiful land before the first storm of the season in Oklahoma was to hit. Ardra doubted that she would be back before the end of the storm season either. Storms were the only thing that made her heart lighter since the great pact was formed until she was at court again. The weight seemed always to lift while she was at court. Why, Ardra couldn’t figure out, but she was indeed grateful of whatever reason. She smiled to herself and allowed her mind to focus on that.
Ardra had soared over quite a distance when the symphony of the night was interrupted by a chilling silence. Stopping in mid air she took advantage of being pure energy and searched the area for the source. There was nothing. Satisfied that no threat was near she gathered her energies together and once again came together in human form. She felt her self becoming agitated, but why? Her father was once the great king of the Elfish kind and her mother had been a mortal carrier of the sacred blood line. Her elfin senses would not let her disregard this area. There should be night noises, for God’s sake; she was right in the deep of a swamp. She couldn’t even hear the buzzing of mosquitoes. Damn it! Devyn, where are you when I need you? She reached for the Elf King with her mind.
…I’m here, little sister, do not fear. Devyn sounded a little too smug for his own good and yet wholly concerned for her as well. Ardra hated that he could do so.
I fear nothing! She took a deep breath in while still scanning the area. This was no time for taking jabs at one another. I have no knowledge of the elfish ways and I have a need to understand something.
What troubles you, little one?
Humph! For lack of a better explanation, old one, I have found myself a blank spot. Ardra felt the abrupt break off and then Devyn was just there. It was hard for her not to smile at his antics. For all of his strict warrior ways, Devyn was always there when she needed someone. And for all that she hated elves and that she was part elf, she loved her half-brother. She also knew that he loved her and somehow even admired her. With him she was not so alone. She was not completely without family.
“Tell me, little sister, how did you come across this place?”
Ardra looked over to her brother. He was tall and muscular like herself with the white hair of the elf warriors. Devyn was very stoic. Something did not sit well with him either and he was doing his best to conceal it from her and maybe from himself.
“Do not over analyze this situation, little sister, I am not fearful.”
Ardra laughed lightly. “I did not say you were afraid, oh great Devyn! Never that. No, you are just concerned with my safety and I picked up on that.” She felt that bullshit smile of hers popping up. How she loved to be patronizing with his majesty. “I was on my way to The Great City and felt a disturbing emptiness here. After I searched the area I came to rest right where I am standing now. There is no one around, at least, I found no one when I scanned the surrounding area. What is it that I can not put my finger on?”
The pair of them looked like statues of forgotten gods, while they stood and felt for a clue to disturbance in this place. Suddenly a breeze picked up and the sounds of the night swamp were back upon them. A fog began to spill over their feet and the eerie solitude that once was, now was gone. Devyn turned to look at Ardra. Their eyes met and spiraled and swirled sending a multitude of messages from one to the other and back. With the bow of their heads they were gone. The swamp was once again just a swamp.
They appeared inside The Great City over looking the countryside in the shelter of the trees. Don’t beat around the proverbial bush with me, Devyn. What the hell was that? I know you felt it. I was called there wasn’t I? No one would leave such an obvious whole in which to be found without a plan.
He was silent for a moment, thinking. Truly, I do not know what it was. I have not felt anything of its equal in some millennia. It was different yet similar to the black elves’ war tactics. But that would be impossible. Impossible!
There was doubt in his thoughts. Ardra picked up on that immediately. She had only read of the black elves. They were an evil unequal to any other on this planet. The rest of the elves and fairy alike battled for ages against them. Until not one of the black elves were left alive. That’s the way it was written, but Devyn had been there. He had fought against the evil of the black Fai.
Ardra dared ask the silent question that hung in the air between them. Looking over The Great City, she turned to stare directly at her brother. The wind blew tendrils of his war braided hair across his face. His features could have been etched in stone, he did not blink. He would not lie to her, not to her. Are you certain that they were all killed? …Is it possible some escaped and laid low until now? …Tell me! If they join in the growing rebellion that is already building, do we even stand a chance?
He looked down at his sister, into her lavender eyes. She was a beautiful treasure. Her eyes were imploring him to speak, but his voice was caught. There would be no chance if it were so. Though it was highly unlikely that all immortal kinds would join forces, some were already doing so. Devyn recalled vivid memories from his last great battle. He did not want this for his sister. Ardra was a pure light, as pure as her snowy hair. Tears drew close to his eyes; she was to be the one. He knew it, but she refused to recognize it in herself. Devyn had to answer her; she would not accept silence for too long. Without a sigh, without as much as a blink of an eye he answered her.
“No, there is little chance of defeating them a second time. Less even, with other immortal kind at their bidding.” Turning to face the moon, Devyn closed his eyes and hung his head. “I will be gone for several days. Know for certain, I will be here for the meeting in your courts. Do not worry too much little sister; I am going to gather some information. It would be best if this is not mentioned to another until I return and speak with you. If any of the black elves have remained, then all hope will be lost among your counsel. They are already wavering as it is.”
“I agree. Come back unharmed, brother. My heart is heavy and I could not endure the loss of my only family.” …Do not let me face this alone.

LEGENDS

Chapter One

It was the eve before the tri-century court and the festivities of the Great City were under way. The night air was filled with a collection of delicious scents and warm laughter. Druce stood on the bow of the boat as it was being docked. He loved this place, The Great City. It was like traveling back in time to the era of knights and kings, but his eyes were solely focused on the huge castle in the center of the island. If indeed that is what this place is, an island. The castle was very grand, standing in a semi-circle of five watch towers and surrounded by a dense forest. It was said that the first legend spent thousands of years carving the castle out of the mountain that used to stand there. No one could dispute the story, for upon close inspection of the castle, there were no seams in the rock. The only person who could truthfully confirm or deny if it was true would be the next in the sacred line of legends. Ardra. He would have to ask her, someday. That is if he could ever get her alone and if he did what then? She was out of his league. Always so cool, she would toss him aside like an old paper that had lost its usefulness. Druce hung his head low and tried to regain his composure. This is not the time for romance, even imagined, it was important that he speak to her alone. His people were revolting and his loyal numbers were decreasing. Ardra must know.
Druce made his way through the village. The houses were more modern and so were the clothes, but it was peasant life. They still cultivated the land and had their own professions. Most of the people he didn’t know anymore. Their life was simple, the legends made sure of that. Those who made the choice to stay always had food and clothing and never had to worry about money. It was utopia in every sense.
He had made his way through over half of the village and was deep in thought. Suddenly, a little girl in jeans and a pink sweater ran straight into him and flopped on her butt. Smiling, Druce reached out his large hand to the girl. She was no more than five and had silvery, golden hair with eyes as green as any emerald dare hoped for. The girl looked uncertain of what she should do and made no attempt to reach for his hand. It hurt his heart. She knew he was one of the undead and though vampires were welcome in this land, the children never understood blood as nourishment. She was afraid of him. He slowly retracted his hand and stormed off. It was no use pretending, he was a monster. Every child should be afraid and why not? He was certainly afraid, afraid of his own powers and afraid of his blood lust. This was the end of his race. Druce would fight to help Ardra defeat those of his kind who denied the pact. After that he would offer his life to her and die by her hand. Centuries of being alone were too much for the bitter taste it left in his mouth. If the vampires were to carry on, it was time for a new king, a new pact.


Waiting for her bath to heat, Ardra couldn’t control the music spilling from the strings into the night air. Her heart wept through her hands and into the strings of her favorite harp. Tears were for the brave. Though all would deny, she knew the truth. Ardra, Lady of the Legends, was a coward. She had killed more in her days then she could remember, but anyone could kill. That was not bravery.
She walked through her dark room to the bath that should be heated by now. Ronan hadn’t let off of her today at all. Maybe the people did want to see her married, but what of it? Ardra loved no one and the many who swore their dying love for her were mistaken. All she had to do was open their minds eye to hers and she knew, even before they did. So much time on this earth and no one really loved her. Her eyes went to the mirror and lingered for a moment. There was no denying why men fell at her feet. She knew she was beautiful, her snowy hair fell thick past her calves and her eyes were large and smoldering. Her body was curvy with a feminine muscularity that added to her haunting allure.
Ronan had offered her his hand in marriage. He knew she would refuse, just as she always had. Theirs was no more than friendship and it never would go any further. He just should have left it at that! It wasn’t her fault that he had made preparations for their wedding to take place at the tri-century court. What was he thinking? Ronan made a fool out of himself; he made a fool out of her.
Ardra had been so upset when he told her his plans that she had cursed in as many languages as she could think of. He had the audacity to tell her that this was going to be the way it was and she could just get used to it. Shame was still red on her cheeks. She had known better, but couldn’t let it go. Rage surged through her veins and she stabbed him straight through his heart and left him in the court room with blood spilling all around him. Leaving him there to reanimate himself was cowardly.
“I should have seen to his melding!” She should have, but she couldn’t have faced loosing a good friend. It might have been a mortal wound, but Ronan was not mortal. She hoped it would piss him off just as she had been. The gall of that man. If she was to be with a man, it wouldn’t be some one as domineering as he was. It had taken her a few hundred years before her people gave her any respect. She was the first female in the sacred line to become Lord, well, Lady as it was. If she married Ronan, she would be passing the throne along with her freedom. He would keep her locked away from her people and from their problems, as he always tries to do now. It was the time he came from and he thought it was improper for her to mingle with commoners. Ardra could never fall in love with such a man.
The hot bath did nothing to calm her nerves or to soothe her body. Her body was electric and feeding her senses messages that she didn’t understand. Ardra laid her head back on the stone tub and tried to call to her brother. Devyn, the eve of the court is upon us. I would much like to speak to you…
There was silence and she waited with a patience that had been honed for over a thousand years. Her heart started to race. Devyn always answered her and it had been nearly an hour. Ardra was growing restless and as she was about to call to him again she heard him answer her. His voice was barely a whisper, but strong and menacing. Do not call to me again. I will speak with you at the court as I said I would. You cannot distract me again, little sister.
The breath slowly left Ardra’s lungs when she realized she had been holding it. What was becoming of her world? It was stupid to call to him when he was gathering information, but her senses were on overload and she had no knowledge of elfish ways. She would have it out with him for being so abrupt when he shows up tomorrow. The corner of her treacherous mouth was trying to smile in spite of herself. Devyn always treated her like everyone else. Elf or not, she loved him for that. Ardra finished washing off and was preparing to get out of her bath. She was starting to boil herself.
There was a knock on the door. She knew it was Ronan, that blasted man. Even his knock sounded chauvinistic.
“I thought I told you, that I did not want to hear your voice again, until court. And even then it had better only be saying ‘Yes, my Lady.’” Her body was red with anger. She had an idea to march up to the door naked and open it long enough to give him a beating. The lady in her would not allow, but the warrior in her was screaming for her to rise up to the occasion. There was a brief moment of silence as he was, no doubt, weighing his options.
“I’m sorry my Lady, but Druce has arrived early and is demanding to see you. I told him you were not to be bothered until tomorrow night, but he is insistent that it is of great urgency that he speaks with you. He is even brazen enough to ask that it be alone. What do you wish me to do?”
“I will speak to him immediately. And I will honor his request for privacy.”
“My lady, I do not advise a session alone with him. He is the King of the Undead and I don’t trust him. You cannot be allowed endanger yourself by being alone with one such as he.” Ardra’s blood roared with contempt. She thought for a moment and sat herself back down in the heat of the water. If Ronan was going to be an ass, so could she.
“Send him into my chamber alone! That is my wish and you must obey it. Do you understand?”
“Yes, my Lady, but I feel it is in your best interests to….”
“My word is law, Ronan, do not forget that. Send Druce to me at once, alone, and it will be your duty to see to his needs while he is here for court. Do I make myself quite clear or do I need to assert myself more, Ronan? I am quite capable of taking care of myself.” This was actually quite fun. Ardra didn’t understand why, but she felt quite giddy. She was going to sit in the water naked with another man coming into her room and drive Ronan insane. And the thought of it was ever so delightful, wickedly delightful.
The fire under the stone bath was subsiding and the water was getting cooler when the door to her chamber opened.
“My Lady, I am so sorry for the interruption. Had I known that you were otherwise occupied, I would have waited until you at least finished your bath. It was rude of me. I thought that your aid was just denying me entrance and was agitated.”
“He is not my aid, Druce, and don’t worry about bothering me. I assume what you have to say is important and that you weren’t just trying to see me naked in the bath?” Druce was suddenly aware he was staring at her and blushed as he averted his gaze. It took him a few minutes to gather his wits together again. Ardra took his sanity away. She even seemed to know he needed to regain his composure, for she sat quietly in the candle light with the moon spilling over the bath and stared at him. She was hauntingly beautiful.
Ardra was silently cursing herself. This might be fun to do to Ronan because she was so mad at him, but it was unfair to Druce. The sensual energy in the room was overwhelming and she quietly waited for him to gather himself. He had been staring at her as if she were a priceless doll that couldn’t be touched less it should shatter into a thousand pieces. It truly had touched her. No one thought of her as breakable. No one. The whim was too compelling and she just couldn’t stop herself, she was lonely.
“Would you mind stoking the fire? The water is getting cold.” Her heart slammed in her chest as Druce froze at her request. She felt his indecision, he didn’t want to make a fool of himself, but he couldn’t make himself leave either. Ardra feigned a shiver, manipulating him into doing as she wanted.
His mind was racing and his cold heart felt as if it were choked. He couldn’t just stand there like an idiot. Druce assured himself that she was just used to being pampered. This was nothing to her, he was just there to be heard and used. His gut clenched and convulsed at his thought. He was nothing to her. Lifting his head to overlook her glistening body, he walked over with every confidence of a king and stoked the fire. As he leaned on the tub the scent of herbs and spices filled his senses once more. His body ached for hers and yet he could never have her.
She was staring at him with somewhat of an amused smile crooked on the corner of her mouth. He was making an ass out of himself. Druce was a king and was not going to be treated like her maid servant. He sat on the side of the bath and stared back into her deep royal eyes.
“I do hope I don’t amuse you. I’m sorry that I intruded, but I had to speak with you as soon as possible.” Standing, he sighed and started pacing around the tub. “As you are well aware, some of my people have been against the pact from the beginning. I have tried to keep them in line and under lock and key. There are traitors in my ranks. I was afraid they might try to do away with me and draw out of the pact in that manner. The problem is that they don’t see me as any real threat compared to you.” Druce stopped right in front of her and capturing her eyes with his, compelling her to deny it. He wanted to make her squirm, but she held fast and met him gaze for gaze. That made him want her all the more. Nowhere had he met any woman who was as ballsy as this one was. They dubbed her the Ardra the cold, but he knew better standing in here with her. She was probably the fiercest of any man or woman on this planet and probably several others. But he did not miss the compassion he saw there in her eyes. Eyes that resembled dark amethysts, beautiful.
“There had been rumors of a rebellion underway for quite sometime, but one of my counsel assured me that it was nothing. Just the bickering of those who think they’re now oppressed, he said to me. I believed him then and should not have. It is my fault and I will accept whatever punishment you wish to bestow upon me, but I must warn you. I still have some loyal subjects. They are afraid though, and those who aren’t are very few in number. My Second recently heard rumors that some of my counsel members are among the rebels.”
Druce sat on the window sill and looked out at the haze of the night sky. He could not look at her and have her see the tears there. Ardra could feel his betrayal. It made her heart heavy for him; she had never seen someone with such loyalty since she met him in battle. He truly would have died for his people if Ardra had not offered a pact. Druce was different from any of the blood-suckers she had hunted down. Not many held a place in her heart, but his fierce loyalty and selflessness affected her. Grabbing the towel, she stood and climbed out of the bath. There was no attempt to hide herself, she simply dried off and put on her robe before walking over to him. His sorrow was beating at her soul and she couldn’t control the urge to gather him into her arms. Here was the King of the Undead, sitting in her quarters so menacing and powerful. And yet, he cried in front of her and made no attempt to hide his emotions from her. In that one moment something changed in Ardra. She could do no more than cradle him to her breast and stare at his tears. His hair was long, straight, and pulled back in a leather thong at the nape of his neck. The moon spilled light over him making his hair shine silver in the night, like it was too black to be seen. Muscles were visible through his gray suit and the vest made him look like some kind of high dollar lawyer. He was more than handsome and Ardra found she was taken by him. Why had she never noticed he was gorgeous before? She had been infatuated by him when they had met in battle, many years ago. But she had chalked it up to admiration for his skills in battle. He had held his own with her, when no one had done so since the early days after the change took her. But now with him so close, skin touching skin, her body felt as if it were on fire. She had been married as a mortal and knew husband and wife intimacies, but this was something more gripping than lust. Her body ached, hungered, craved his.
Realizing himself, Druce pulled away and stood, furious with himself. What a great King, crying like a baby, his head crushed against the unquestioned queen of all immortals. But she had cradled him. She had come to him and he felt peace at her bosom. Silence. There were no noises as they stared at one another for what seemed an eternity. Neither of them willing to break the silence as they were lost within their own minds. Ardra was taken with this man standing before her and she didn’t want to belittle her part in this awkward moment. After all she was only half clothed in a flimsy sheer robe and had cradled his head to her breasts. Her cheeks were flush for no reason at all, just having him this close to her did something to make her blood thicken.
And just like that, her good sense came back to her. Ardra pulled her robe tighter around her and stood, looking very regal. It was her place to set boundaries in this situation. She needed time to think about what he told her and she desperately needed to be away from this man. She couldn’t think let alone talk any more. This had already gotten out of hand.
“Do you know who the rebels in your counsel are?” She watched as the question relaxed him. He was just as uncomfortable as she was now.
“I have my suspicions, but they have learned to put up barriers in their mind so that I cannot read them. However, I do know where there base is and will be happy to give you the layout of the camp, if you wish?”
His smile was genuine and warm. The tension left the room and was replaced by strictly business on both parts. That made it so much easier on everyone, it seemed. Druce bowed in an elegant old world manner and offered to meet with her in her private office when she had gotten dressed and he would bring her up to speed then.


Ronan, who had been waiting outside Ardra’s chambers, didn’t waste time hurrying the Great King of the Undead to the private office. God, he was furious…furious! They had been in there too long together, just what had Druce needed to speak so desperately with her about? Well, he intended to find out before the Lady made her way to the office. He wasn’t blind and knew something was up when Ardra asked for Druce to be let in…alone, during her bath! And he had noticed that she wasn’t in the bath when Druce left the room either. He would kill that bastard if he had so much as touched her warm naked body. Damn him! Why had he come tonight of all nights? Ronan had already made a fool of himself by making all the wedding preparations without her consent. He knew it was wrong, but he thought that maybe she would just accept it when she knew it had already been put into motion. He had been tragically wrong. To make matters worse, she stabbed him straight through his heart! Damn it! Damn it, he would still have her. This…undead King would not get in the way of his plans for a happily ever after. Damn it!
Blood was rushing through Ronan’s veins like molten lava. Druce was picking up on his anger. The blood never lied. That was it then, he should have known. He was a pawn in her game, what a fitting role for him to play. He’s heard the servants talking about her wedding that had been called off. She was using him to make Druce change his mind no doubt. To punish him for calling off her wedding. It made perfect sense now. Ardra the cold. She certainly was; he was certain he saw compassion in her gaze. Could she fake that? The bigger question was why would anyone call off their wedding to Ardra? She was everything anyone could ever want, ever need. He was beginning to feel sick. His blood lust was too close to the surface and yet he had to beat it back down and keep his calm demeanor. Ronan would want a word with him and Druce still had to do his duty to his Queen, more precisely, Lady. It would do him no good to bite Ronan and bleed him to death as he wished he could for hurting Ardra. It must be hell on her to have some puffed up man call it off the night before. The legends blood was fatal to all vampires. And draining the blood from Ronan wouldn’t kill him, but for a few moments he should think. No one really knew for sure, because no one had ever drank long enough to drain a legend to death. Fighting down a smile, he wondered if it wouldn’t be worth trying…just to make a point. Well, two points for that matter. He couldn’t help it this time, Druce found himself laughing. Ronan flipped around like a striking viper with poison dripping from his eyes. Druce didn’t stop. It was just a little vampire humor to lighten his dreary mood and he didn’t think that Ronan would appreciate the joke. So he abstained from telling him and walked past him into the office.
Ronan shut the door a little too quietly and turned his full gaze on the so-called undead king. He hoped he looked as pissed off as he was and more. The thought of making the blood-sucker squirm was too much to pass up.
“Just who the hell do you think you are?” The question stood the in the air between them. Druce didn’t answer. He didn’t have to because Ronan would no doubt tell him. “That was completely against protocol, your highness.”
The dripping sarcasm was not lost on Druce, but still he didn’t acknowledge anything the man was saying to him. In fact he turned walking right up to the giant wooden desk in the back of the room facing the fire place and sat down in the main chair. It was a challenge. It didn’t matter to him in the least that he was breaking protocol. It had to be done, it was a time of war and this fool knew that. If Ronan wanted to take his guilt-ridden anger out on him that was fine. He didn’t think this man was worthy of Ardra. Why did she love him anyway? He figured she went more for the equal partner type anyway. The bastard just didn’t deserve such an angel. Not that he did either, he decided, reaching into his jacket and dragging out a small ornate box. Ronan went on the defense immediately. He was a little disappointed, Druce thought, when he saw that it was only a cigarette box. Lighting the cigarette, he decided to oblige the runt.
“It was necessary. I don’t usually go around breaking protocol. Unlike some, when I make a commitment I don’t break it.” He deliberately set the table for a fight. Not that he needed to, but he found he needed to tear into the asshole.
Ronan’s eyes went brilliant obsidian with hate and rage and unnamed emotions. Druce could feel the power being summoned to the room, to Ronan. He had set the table for a feast of a fight. Now he knew for sure, his theory had to be correct. The legend hurtled himself across the room at the undead king. Druce didn’t flinch, but a split second before impact Ronan went sailing across the room away from him.
Ardra stormed into the room, eyes swirling with fire. She stared at Ronan with a menacing, accusing glare. It sent chills down Druce’s spine, but he found he rather liked that. He loved the way she became enraged.
Her voice was ever so quiet, but deadly serious.
“What the Hell was it that you were doing, Ronan? Before you answer, I would ask that you think about what I did earlier and ask yourself if you are ready to meld?”
She never took her eyes from his face and Druce got the feeling that her gaze had him pinned to the wall. It was hell fighting the smile trying to come through. She was clearly fighting with herself for control. He must have hurt her more than Druce had thought, the bastard! She sighed heavily and walked to within a few feet of his shocked face. She leaned closer and spoke so softly that even with his heightened sense of hearing; Druce had to strain to get what she was saying.
“If I ever, ever again walk into what I just walked into…I will meld you with me so fast that you won’t even know your essence has left you. This is the last warning. I will not tolerate anymore of your nonsense. And spare me…spare me the apology. I am not of a mind to accept it as of now. My trust in you is dwindling.” She knew she should have hurried up. The tension from Ronan was tangible to say the least. And she also knew that Druce felt it. It was wrong of her to drag him in the middle of this, but he was taking it in stride. If she hadn’t been so worried about her choice of gown she would have been here a lot quicker. Sighing, she leaned on the fact that no one got hurt. For some reason she had been frightened beyond belief, thinking that Ronan would slaughter Druce. It made her skin crawl at the very idea.
Damn it Ardra! Get your act together…these are just men. No one can love you; no one has ever really loved you. She stood there looking so menacing that Ronan flinched. It really didn’t bother her; in fact it was kind of the point. Besides, it allowed her to gain her composure before she spoke again. When she had first opened her mouth she had to make an effort to allow words to even come out. She had been worried more than she cared to admit. Allowing herself a deep breath, she turned slowly around to face him. It must just be part of his powers. The myths always spoke of them as sexual creatures and until this evening she had never touched…held one the way she had tonight. That had to be what it was, because she knew her fate was to be alone. She was always alone.
Ronan, finally showing some sense, left without further words. She didn’t even bother to acknowledge his leaving. It didn’t matter anymore. The Earth’s inhabitants were walking precariously on the edge of a horrible fate. As Lady of the Legends, it was her life’s duty to see to it that that didn’t happen.
It took every ounce of energy to step closer to him; there he was sitting in her chair. He was looking every bit of the warrior, of the King that he was. His hair was spilling out of the tie in the back, due to force that she had used to knock that brute of a Scotsman out of the way. He was just staring at her with those eyes. More like black holes is what they were, for she felt her life essence seeping into them. God how she wanted to walk up to him and kiss his perfect lips…what was she talking about! She marched up to him and tipped him out of her chair. She was not feeling herself and needed to turn the tables.
“I’m incredibly sorry. He had no right to attack you. You are a very welcome guest here, as always.” She motioned to the smaller chair across the huge oak desk. “Please, I insist that you sit. We have much to talk about…my friend.”
The last words were hard to get out. It shouldn’t have been so hard. That was her usual greeting. She noticed that he had sat down, but had not said anything. No he was just staring at her in that peculiar way he always did. For once she would just like to know what he was thinking as he stared at her. It would be so easy for her to find out, but he would know and she prided herself on not having to intrude on others thoughts. If he wanted to stare, then let him. She could wait it out, or could she? God, after the way today and this evening had been going she wasn’t at all sure.

Magnificent! Simply magnificent, there were no words to describe the magical beauty she possessed. It had been unexpected when she tipped him out of his chair; for a moment he thought she might kiss him. And, God, he wasn’t going to move an inch if that was her plan. No. He knew his place, but he couldn’t help looking at her. She was a brilliant warrior, unsurpassed by any woman…or man. She was also gracious to her people and heard them out. She was not cold as they had named her. Of this he was certain, but he wouldn’t allow himself to wish for her compassion to spread it’s warmth to him. Oh shit, what an idiot! Here he was staring at her again and with a damned goofy smile. He shook his head to try and remember why he was even here. Thank goodness, his brain started to work again. Now if he could just speak without his voice breaking.
“As I said before, my Lady…it is with great regret that I should even have to give you such news. But…I…felt it would, I felt it would be better coming from me than any other. And I am not so sure who I could trust.”
There it was again. Tugging at her heart strings, she saw hurt in his soul. Ardra felt very defensive about him all of a sudden. No, she had to remember it was just his vampiric powers. Nothing more, nothing.
“You said that you knew where they met? We should start there.” She stood and waited for him to stand. He realized she meant for him to take her there. Smiling without his conscious consent, he stood. Ballsy this girl, very ballsy. He liked that.



The night was alive. Frogs were doing their best to attract a mate. The locusts cried out at the night. And the crickets were just trying to be heard. So much for the quiet country side, it was a symphony of nature’s night shift.
Amongst the choir, a single raccoon made its way around the smaller of the twin lakes to a broken down trailer in the middle of the thick trees. The raccoon didn’t even make the effort to conceal his approach. It’s not likely a few cracks of twigs would be able to be heard over the sounds of the forest, anyway. The ‘coon knew just where to go…the trash bin at the east side of the trailer. He effortlessly made his way to his favorite feeding area. They had arrived this morning and that meant food.
As the raccoon climbed up the side of the trash barrel, the back door flew open. A man was propelled across the yard into a tree like a flash of lightening. The raccoon froze in place and watched. The man thrown into the night was clearly stunned, for he just sat on the ground where he landed. He was young and rugged looking. Bulky. There was something evil about him and the raccoon was unsure what to make of it. He would just wait it out and maybe they wouldn’t shoot him.
“You wanna say somethin’ else?”
The bulky man on the dirt, slowly go to his feet. He didn’t reply to the old man at the door. Shaking his head in an answer was enough of an acknowledgement that he’d gotten the point. They stared at one another for a moment before the young man started slapping the dirt off of his clothing, breaking eye contact.
The older man went back in, happy that he’d assured his place in the order of things. It served the twerp right. If he wasn’t going to follow the plans then he could be replaced. Permanently. Dirguth never did mind getting his hands a little bloody. This was just an expression, of course, because he never really had to touch them to kill them. He was old and his powers only got stronger with age, as it was with all of those who practiced the wise arts. His power was strong enough to keep him alive for ninety years and yet he looked only fifty-ish. He was as strong as if he was just turning thirty, but that didn’t matter. Who needed strength when they had the ultimate powers of the wise arts? Wizardry. The practice was almost non-existent anymore, but that just meant that there were few elders. And Dirguth was one of them. Norm shouldn’t have spoken to such a powerful elder as he. Damn werewolves! They had no respect for elders. They ran in packs, much like human gangs. Galvin was never able to control his subjects effectively. What a joke! Galvin, king of the werewolves. Druce, king of the vampires. Sim, king of the wise arts. Bah! The notion was simply ridiculous. Damn pact! Damn Ardra!
Inside the trailer no one spoke until Norm came back in and closed the door behind him. The tension in the air was like a thick fog of cotton candy. You could touch it, taste it. There were nine men and one woman. They were discussing the plan while waiting for Maglor. He would be giving them the next step of their mission. Only…he was late and they were growing restless. Too much power in such a small trailer was not a good idea.
As if reading their minds…the wind blew with a disturbing moan…and there he stood. Immediately the occupants of the small dwelling stood and gathered around the rickety old table. Maglor was a myth, a warrior of the old stories. Yet, here he was, standing amongst them looking like a lost little boy. He was very short, very thin, but with muscles chiseled as if in stone. His hair was so white it was nearly clear and fell in several braids to the left side of his head. Looking at him could be deceiving. Unless…you met his gaze. Those blood red eyes spoke of death and hate and despair. Maglor smiled. “Sit.”
Like a trained army they obeyed him. No doubt everyone in the room was now nervous. This was their first meeting with him. The black elves were supposed to have been destroyed countless years ago. Yet, here was one, standing and staring at them as if he could devour their souls. Not just any black elf either, but the black elf. No one could speak.
“I trust that you have made all the…preparations…that were previously discussed. Cerin has told me great things about the lot of you.” His slim lips formed a most menacing smile. Maglor loved to smell their fear. He reveled in his ability to make their hearts pound and their mouths go dry. The big man to his left was even sweating. How delightful.
“Surely this is not how you have held your meetings in the past. Relax…I will not kill you…tonight. Nor will I kill you unless it becomes…necessary. You fear for nothing.” Eyes were everywhere. They looked from one to the other hoping for some one to step up to the plate.
“You are late.” The woman spat it out as if she were spitting venom into his eyes. She was very beautiful. Black, thick hair that fell to her ankles caught on her blue velvet dress. Her skin was so pale. She must be the vampire, Amber. Maglor had heard of her meddling in various matters. Oh what he would do to her when he got her alone. Elves like strong women. This one had much strength and was almost fearless. Almost. She had been just as afraid as the others until just now. Leave it to women to assess the situation and jump in feet first. She was staring at his chest rather than his eyes. He was sure that it had something to do with the stories about his killing his enemies with just a look. It didn’t matter; he would show her just what those eyes of his could do. It had been too long since he’d been with any female. He would enjoy her screams at least one way or another.
“We’ve been waiting for hours. And, yes, all of us have done our part. We are anxious to know how soon we will be making our move.” She sat back down waving her hand in some what of a regal manner as she finished talking. Beautiful.
“Sorry? Is that what you want, Amber? I was not under the impression that it mattered whether or not I kept you waiting. You are so high on yourself that you think you deserve my punctuality?” She met his eyes then, just as he knew she would. You do not challenge a vampiress and not expect a rebuff of some sort…doesn’t matter who you are.
Amber was furious! She didn’t care at that point if he did kill her, but she’d be damned if she didn’t teach him some manners. Aggression pulsed through her veins and she forced herself forward. Maglor did not budge. It then occurred to her just what he was doing. He was testing her. Well, she would make it an interesting grade; that was for sure. It would not be wise for her to go off half cocked, anyway. She had to find out his weakness. Swallowing hard…and her pride too, Amber sat back down again and sighed.
“Just get down to business, damn it. You know why we’re here and we have cargo. Forgive us for being a little nervous, but there is a leak. We can’t have Ardra traipsing in on us at the moment. It would ruin ten years worth of work.” It was Dirguth who now spoke. He looked at Maglor who turned his head toward the one bed room in the rotting trailer. Dirguth nodded.

LEGENDS

Chapter Two

Druce felt like talking. Only, he didn’t know what to say. They had covered an incredible area in just over an hour and then it was on foot from here. It wouldn’t do any good to give their position away, if anyone was even going to be at the trailer.
He didn’t care at this moment, even if they came up empty handed. He was with her…with Ardra. Not many mortals or immortals could boast as much.
She was being very quiet as well. Was she feeling what he was feeling right now? Would be to laugh, of course not. He knew Ardra was an excellent tracker and she was focused solely on their little quest. It didn’t matter. If this was as close as they were to get, then he’d cherish every second of it. It amazed him just how well she blended into the forest. She belonged there. Druce imagined she would fit in just about anywhere. Even here in the forest in a long flowing gown. The dress fell loose against her skin and yet hugged it as well. He could make out every curve in that violet black gown. Ah…there he was staring again. It took a considerable amount effort to focus his attention where it belonged—the trail.

The silence was just killing her. Killing her! It was bad enough to be this close to him when her head was filled with longing, but to have him deny her conversation…Killing her! What was worse is he kept staring at her. Ardra could feel his eyes on her even now. It had to be that damn vampiric allure. Had to be. She had never felt like this before. God! She had to remain focused. They would have to get this little outing over and done with as soon as possible. Ardra never should have touched him; then she wouldn’t have been drawn to cuddling his head to her bosom. Though she didn’t think that the silvery stars above would be able to stop that urge, nor the wind, nor the… Where was the wind? They were right by a lake and in the middle of the forest. There should be noise. There wasn’t. Ardra turned around and saw that Druce had noticed as well.
She squatted low as did Druce and they scanned the area. Ardra’s eyes flashed and spiraled and swirled in a metallic amethyst. It was her way. She was searching for something and so was he. But he found nothing, except…stillness. So he watched her…the fearless Lady of the Legends. Stories were told of her hunting and scouting capabilities. He wanted to see if they were true. Druce found he was enthralled by what he was seeing. Ardra didn’t move, didn’t blink and he seriously wondered if she was even breathing. Her eyes were the most fascinating. They were not still, nor were they completely silent in that they screamed silently in the night, demanding its cooperation. Then very slowly, she stood, careful not to bring attention there way. She motioned for him to stay down.

There was something out there, someone. Ardra could feel it. What concerned her was that she couldn’t focus on them. There were people in the trailer, alright, immortals at that. Several of them, but something masked their individual characteristics. She knew they were immortal, but not of what sect. Vampire? Werewolf? Hell for all she could sense right now, if could be the freakin’ Locke Ness Monster! Though, she highly doubted that.
And the quietness, she had encountered that before. She hoped that Devyn would have some useful information for her tomorrow.

Ardra signaled to Druce to stay. She half expected him to fight her about it, but he didn’t so much as whine. Ronan should take lessons from Druce in obedience, she thought. She smiled as she kept moving along the trail. What a sight that would be…Ronan, doing whatever Ardra told him to do. Her smile even reached up to her eyes. This was crazy; she should be focusing on the trail, on the people in that trailer. They had to be up to no good, no one would take such precautions unless they had a lot to hide.
There it was the famous trailer Druce had spoken of. But, it was empty! The only presence she could feel now was a small animal somewhere in the building. Hunting for food in the kitchen, she could focus in on it now. Damn it! How had she missed them? She was very powerful; no one had ever been able to cloak their presence from her. Ardra was furious! She had to take several deep breaths before she could even summon Druce. What was she supposed to tell him? Ardra of the Legends, let a group of immortals slip right threw her finger tips? She had them and then they were just gone? No. They would simply search the cabin for clues and stick with their original plan. That is if it even mattered at this point. If they were able to and cautious enough to hide themselves from her and flee undetected with her only a scant few yards from where she stood…that didn’t leave much hope that they’d left them a clue. Unless of course, they planted something, but that didn’t seem likely either.
It took Druce only seconds to reach the trailer. He did his own little scan of the area. It was still silent, unnaturally silent. They opened the door with no resistance. Hell, it didn’t even have locks on it. It was a wreck. Someone had been here, several from the looks of it. It only confirmed her suspicions. Druce looked pained. He said nothing, but only stared. Ardra followed his gaze to a small piece of paper on the floor behind a small trash can. It looked as if he knew what it was, but how could he? Could he? She didn’t have to wonder long.

The pain, the pain was too mush for the dried up organ he had once used as a heart. Amber! He should have known. It all made sense now. How could he have not known? Druce had been a fool to think she simply had a crush on him. But there it was, a recent page of his journal…and it reeked of her! The bitch, she was at his own home just the other night. He’d come back from feeding to find her there. God, he was a fool! He’d thought that she was startled to see him come in; she’d acted as if she’d been waiting for him. Druce had believed her and sent her home after she had pouted when he would not bed with her. Amber Clary had played her cards right, yes; she had played them very well. But it was the last time he would allow for her to play at all.
Druce bent down and pulled the paper from the crevice in which it was half hidden. He didn’t need confirmation. He only needed to see what was on it, what he had written on it.

April 12th
I still believe there are traitors among my ranks. I have spoke to few of this, Mark being one and Bastian the other. The only two I trust. Though I am not sure I can trust even them. My kind’s power is a dark gift and can corrupt with age, with strength. When I called court two months ago, I was surprised by the turn out. Never have there been so many to show up. It only served to raise my suspicion. Amber was there. She was always there, so this was no surprise. The same of Mark, Bastian, Kate, and Gregory…they were always there. They were the high ranking members of his court; it was their duty to be there. The rest of them don’t seem to care too much about the politics of vampirism. Not that I cared. I find I do not care for much at all these days, or should I say nights? To hell with us all. We are all damned. Maybe we should let ourselves be destroyed? Though I know my mind, I am sure the others of my kind would disagree in this. In fact many of them seek to have the power that was theirs to wield in the old days, the days before the pact. I wish I could make them see. Most of them are mere babes. Many of them are less than one hundred years of age. They have no wisdom to enlighten them; wisdom is not given to the foolish youth! I will make sure that the threat to Ardra and the mortal kind is squelched and then I will pass on my Kingship. I have lived too long…I am utterly alone.
The Tri-Century Court is nearing. I will make my way there early to warn Ardra. If she will see me, or can see me. Ronan will likely have a fit. I welcome it. He is not worthy of her presence…her nearness.
I will prepare my speech for the counsel members in court tomorrow night. I must feed before the sun comes up this night. I haven’t taken much care of myself. Mostly because I don’t care for myself.

Druce was even more furious. The rest of the page had been torn and was missing. He knew, though. Druce knew what was on it and he was damned if he was going to let that little vixen get away with it. Damned! He crumpled the paper and set it on fire. He was going to have to explain this to Ardra. How could he? Would she even believe him? Or worse, would she be able to forgive him if she did believe him? He didn’t know and didn’t want to find out. One thing he knew. He wouldn’t be able to tell her at this moment, not without sobbing like a stupid ninny. Besides, he had to figure out a tactful way of telling her. He just couldn’t think about it now, not right now. They had yet to even begin their search of the trailer. God, now he wasn’t so sure he wanted to search the trailer. What if that bitch had stolen the rest of his journal and had it strewn out about the rooms? He’d be mortified if Ardra found anything written about her in those pages. God knew he wrote about her. To her. What was worse was knowing that Amber had read those damned pages. Who else knew about his…affection for his Lady?
It was then he realized, while he’d been staring off into the darkness the wind was blowing. He heard crickets too, and frogs…even locust. It was loud! How had he not noticed? The eerie silence that had enfolded the forest was now gone.
Druce looked to Ardra who had been staring into the night also. She sensed something. He knew she did and he only hoped that it wasn’t his lust of her. She was bewitching, yes; she was casting a spell on him. And he was helpless to do take action against it. He didn’t want to.
They walked to the only other room in the trailer besides the tiny bathroom. Ardra was sending off electricity as she covered every inch of the room. She still hadn’t asked him about the paper. He was grateful. She seemed to give a person ample amount of space when she sensed they needed it. Truly she was a queen among the immortals. Her eyes missed nothing. He believed they even saw the paper before he had picked it up. Ardra ran her hands along the empty walls. She floated to the ceiling and searched it with her finger tips. The windows, the small closet, and the floor. It was when she reached the far corner of the room that she went stiff. He saw her stiffen; even her hair dared not defy her in this state. As she was reaching down a raccoon shrieked and took off from the floor board she stood beside, knelt beside. It hadn’t even seemed to shake her, though he almost screamed like a high school girl. Thank God, he’d been able to keep it in check. Ardra would never let him live it down. And surely no one else who heard about it would either. Druce, the great King of the Undead, screamed like a little girl, afraid of a raccoon. Well, thank God he hadn’t.
Ardra stood up once more and crossed the room. She looked pail and even wiped sweat off of her brow and tucked her hair behind her ears. Then she straightened herself and crossed the floor back to the corner she’d been kneeling at.
Druce had to cover his eyes to try and see. Ardra had raised her arms outward at her sides with her hands open and she had begun to shine. She was as bright as any star he had ever seen. It reminded him of an angel out of a fairy tail. Then she vanished! Only she reappeared as a small pixie thing. He’d heard that she had elfish blood, but could they all transform into a faerie? He didn’t know. It had been said that only those with the strongest powers and oldest lineage could become a faerie. Druce couldn’t look away from the tiny being as she descended threw the break in the floor boards. She slipped easily threw them and was out of sight.
To Hell with his Kingly demeanor, Druce dropped on all fours and crawled up to the edge of the whole. He wanted to watch her. If he died tonight, he wanted to have the memory of her…his tiny angel. She was hovering over something. Staring at it with a look of disbelief. He watched her grab, what looked like a small chain. Gold. And there was some kind of stone encased in a gold knot work that was the same but bigger than the chain. It reminded him of celtic knot work, but it was certainly none he was familiar with. Interesting.

Ardra shot back out of the crack in the floor like an arrow. She held a small necklace in her hand. She could only stare at Druce and clutch the tiny chain tight. This couldn’t be happening. Couldn’t be. God help her if it was
With no small effort she tucked the necklace in her satchel and grabbed Druce by his arm. It took a lot out of her, but she needed to get to The City, now. So she sent them threw time and space, to The Great City.
Once there she bid Druce a good night, what was left of it anyway, and made a B-line to her room. Along the way she was stopped by Ronan. She was not in the least bit interested in what ever he wanted and sent him to find nourishment for Druce. With a scowl he went, as did she. This was not happing, she thought. She had to be alone and think. And she couldn’t do that around Ronan and his hounding her to wed him. And she certainly couldn’t do it around Druce who distracted her from her own sanity, nor could she think with anyone else interfering. The irony was not lost on her. All her existence she hated being alone…and now, now she needed to be alone.

____________________________

Dirguth and Amber found themselves the last to leave. Maglor had taken some of the “Dogs” and bid the rest good bye. The cowards were eager to leave and scattered like flies
Amber just watched. She was not about to traipse off like a silly child afraid the boogie man was close behind. The two “Dogs,” Norm and Bone, carried Maglor’s precious “cargo.” Amber didn’t understand why the famous black elf didn’t just handle it himself. Part of her knew. It was his attitude of superiority, his regal-ness. He was above that type of work. Not that it bothered Amber to see him use the two werewolves as his own personal slaves. She rather enjoyed that fact. It seemed very fitting that they did the brute work. That was all that they were good for, but she couldn’t help but wonder about Maglor’s motives. She didn’t trust him, not one bit. And she didn’t like the fire she saw in his eyes. She’d felt her blood warm and pool inside her…with wanting as much with anger. Shaking her head she now looked at Dirguth.

“I don’t like this. We need to speak with Cerin. Soon.” He looked at her and nodded.

“I believe you’re right. This was not in correlation to the plan. I for one have spent far too many years working toward the fall of the Legends. We musn’t act too hastily. The elves will be expecting that. It will be the means of their weeding out the traitors.” He looked back at Amber. She was standing very still absorbed in her thoughts, but nodded at him. If Dirguth was to have such close dealings with the vampires, she was not a bad companion. She was ambitious, but wise. He could trust her not to act out on every whim. Unlike those damn werewolves. Dogs! They would ultimately be their undoing.

As if reading his thoughts she spoke. “We cannot entrust the Dogs with anymore. I’m afraid that they may give us away by the morning. It was very strange don’t you think that Maglor chose the two stupidest of the werewolves to help him carry the girl? If I was a betting gal, I’d say he was going to hit them up for information.”

“Don’t get too a head of yourself. We cannot be so hasty to make that assumption. We do not want to bring anymore attention to ourselves than necessary. If the Dogs give us away, we must just wait it out…act as if nothing is wrong. I don’t believe they will call us out on anything yet. No. Not yet, and by that time…I suspect that our plan will have been changed and we should still come out on top.”

Amber smiled. Though Dirguth had turned renegade, he was still an elder of the wise arts. She had trouble remembering that he was brilliant. Wizards were such an asset. With their help the war was far from lost.

“I must feed now, but we need to meet soon. Put the call out. I know Cerin had spoken to me of his distrust of the elves.”