DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE EIGHT

Truthfully I'm amazed I actually did it. Here are the last three chapters of the first installment. I hope you enjoy and stick with me. I will post the next two chapters in a few weeks. The second phase of the story is going to be even more exciting. Barron's adventures do not end here so keep reading to see where he goes next.

BLOOD MOON SOCIAL CLUB

DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE EIGHT

By Karl Clay Vetter & C. Vetter

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the authors’ imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
This story was inspired by the fictional events and characters created at the Blood Moon Social Club's interactive theater. Produced and directed by Karl Clay Vetter, C. Vetter and Patrick Foster.
The authors wish to thank all the Blood Moon Social Club members for their outstanding performances and support. The fictional characters in this story pay homage to you each and every one. Proceeds from this book go toward keeping the Blood Moon Social Club alive.

Copyright protected © 2015 by Karl Clay Vetter and C. Vetter.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the creators, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized digital sharing is a punishable offense.

Technical support Patrick Foster.

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OTHER BOOKS BY KARL CLAY VETTER & C. VETTER

BATTLE BUTTE: CROSSBREEDS 1
THEY WERE BORN HUMAN THEY BECAME SOMETHING ELSE

TANGLEWOOD TERORISTS: CROSSBREEDS 2

HUMAN SOULS TRAPED IN ANIMAL SKINS

DARK LEGENDS: CROSSBREEDS 3

NO HEROES ONLY DARK LEGENDS

LINK FROM WWW.KOOLKOLLECTABLES.COM TO AMAZON.

Follow Karl Clay Vetter on Twitter and Face Book

DEATH AND DOMINATION CHAPTER 15 THE CAVERN OF DEATH

Steve moved with stealthy ease even though he stood taller than a grizzly bear in his wolf-man form. Adrianna assumed the shape of a wolf. This partnership let her scout while Steve was ready for action. Steve's huge size forced him at times to stoop for the stone roof hung low. The shafts cut deep into the hillside had numerous side tunnels. The persistent odor of decay permeated the dank atmosphere of the mine.

Adrianna's wolf ears picked out the slightest sounds and separated them. Most were natural a mouse scurrying about, a bull snake striking and strangling the mouse. Then she heard the unmistakable sound of human feet shambling through the dirt floor.
Steve heard it too and pushed to get a better view. Soon they came to an opening aglow with firelight. The crackle of a burning log drifted to them on wisps of wood smoke. Adrianna crept up using a massive slab of sandstone as cover. In the chamber she saw a small fire burning apparently as a source of illumination rather than heat. It was near a great flat stone cut loose from the ceiling by miners a half century before.
Cepheus found the stone to be ideal for his work for a woman’s body lay on the slab like a mortician’s embalming table. Cryptic symbols had been painted with blood on the sides of the stone table. More of the dark writings covered the walls and ceiling. Cepheus had help with his gruesome operation. A tall gangly zombie in a dirty tattered business suit shuffled along carrying a dead goat. Other animal offerings lay about in varying stages of decomposition. Flies and carrion beetles feasted on the rotting corpses. The zombie had plump white maggots gorging on his face. Cepheus was hideous to look upon to begin with but here in his festering morgue he gave new meaning to horror. He was stroking the dead woman with the skeletal fingers of his left hand and clutched in his right a wooden staff painted with a serpent winding around the staff. Dangling from it on leather thongs were a collection of carved bones, claws and human teeth. His yellow fangs bared as he uttered a chant to summon her from the bonds of death.
The corpse stirred then slowly sat up. Cepheus took her hand and guided her to stand. “That's it my beauty come to me, come to your master.” He gave her an adoring gaze and fluffed her matted red hair. “You're so pretty...”
The fur on the wolf-man's back rose, fearless in a fight he was none the less horrified at the ghastly display. Steve had seen enough and burst in on the touching scene. Howling his outrage at the abominations he attacked with claws as lethal as a fist full of scythes.
Cepheus turned and waved his staff at the charging werewolf. The gangly one dropped his goat and lunged at Steve. In life the gaming executive had never been the athletic type but in zombie un-death he exhibited super human strength and suffered no feeling of pain. Steve's claws tore at him but the zombie pushed him back against a wall.
Cepheus directed his pretty one to attack the wolf that was attempting to gnaw off a leg. Adrianna didn't see her coming and the red head fell on her from behind. The battle raged and Cepheus ran behind a pillar of sandstone.
Steve's great size was a detriment in the tight quarters but he mangled the zombie by twisting off his right arm. Still it fought him. The mighty wolf-man sank his hooked claws into the dead thing's rib cage and with a terrible ripping action opened its chest cavity spilling the putrid internal organs on to the ground. Still it fought him. Finally Steve got a bite on its head and crushed the zombies scull like a coconut in a vice, only then did it fall.
Adrianna was snarling and ripping at the red head. Steve's animal instinct was to charge in defense of his mate but a glimmer of rational thought broke through the fog of battle and he shifted back to human form. He then grabbed a burning log from the fire and set the flames to the zombie's formally stylish dress. “Adrianna get away from her, get back now.”
The wolf heard his call and retreated.
Steve jumped between them and waved the makeshift torch at her and set the red head's hair ablaze. The zombie thrashed about fanning the flames further. Adrianna dissolved her wolf and went for a smaller branch snatching it from the fire she ran at the burning zombie and staked her in the eye with the smoldering end. A sicking sizzle marked the end of the fight.
Steve looked around the cavern of death. “Where did he go?”
Adrianna rushed to the rear wall “I saw him disappear behind here.”

DEATH AND DOMINATION CHAPTER 16 THE ZOMBIE MASTER

Among his many holdings Akar kept a warehouse in the industrial district. It had proven to be a valuable asset from time to time. For one thing loud screams in the wee hours would attract no attention because all the shops were closed by sundown.

The only sound for blocks around was a motor cycle, it rolled up out front. The door swung open and a figure entered. She approached and held out a brass urn. “He's all yours, but I had to eliminate Barron. Couldn't risk him coming after me.”
Akar took the urn. “A non issue. When I'm finished the casino will have a new manager and he will owe allegiance to me.” Akar strolled triumphantly to the center of the warehouse and placed the urn on the floor. He made a gesture with both hands and stepped back. Black and yellow smoke poured from the urn. A moment later the gas congealed into Arrogan Rapture. He appeared dazed and in that moment of confusion Akar flipped an electric switch. The area around his prisoner was flooded with bright lights.
Rapture withdrew from the light but had no place to run nor could he conjure a shadow arm. A brazen laugh trumpeted his defeat. “When the sun lamps are evenly distributed you don't cast a shadow. But I'm pointing out the obvious, since you already know that.”
Unlike Kalina's sun spell which burned his flesh the lights merely cause irritation. “Akar. I'm surprised you are resorting to these lights why not use your formidable powers. That smoky little trap was inspired but this is amateurish at best.”
Akar laughed again. “I'm just getting started.” He removed a pistol with a silencer and shot Rapture in the chest. The large caliber round tore through his sternum and exited his back. Three more rounds left massive holes. The pain was acute but he stood his ground.
“You know that doesn't work.”
“Yes I know.” Tiring of the gun he nodded to the were-cat archer.
She took aim and let fly an arrow. It pierced his heart causing him to drop to his knees in agony. Rapture slowly removed the shaft and a moment latter coughing blood he got back to his feet. “That's amazing not even a vampire can stand up after that,” she said.
“How about fire that's always reliable.” Akar held out his hand and a spark ignited in his palm. It grew into a fireball. Then he wound up like a Yanky pitcher and threw the fireball. It struck the target and engulfed him in flames. His garments and flesh withered and blackened. The flames died off and still he stood.
Akar was amazed. “Truly incredible you are impervious to bodily harm. But I ask you why don't you run away there is nothing holding you here? Do you enjoy having your flesh burned off?”
Rapture spoke but only a dry croaking sound came out of his charred mouth.
From near the front entrance came the clapping of two hands. “That was delightful. Do it again.”
The were-cat shifted from human to panther-girl and aimed her crossbow. “Who's there?”
Akar drew his gun. “Step into view so I might see you.”
Kalina did as instructed Woody followed close by. “Don't shoot I heard you were going to torturer that jerk and I just had to come see the show. What a performance. I really enjoyed seeing him burned alive you have no Idea how much he deserved that.”
Blackened scabs of charbroiled flesh flaked off as Rapture's features slowly returned to normal. “Kalina my sweet you are one Harpy Bitch. I smoked a few witches back in the night and you never let it go.”
Akar was cool but cautious. “Kalina, yes I know about you. Just how did you find your way here?” He tossed an accusing look to the were-cat.
Oh don't blame the killer kitty. I tracked Rapture, you see when I curse somebody I always know where they are. It's just a thing I do.”
“I see well I regret to inform you but he's mine now and I grow tired of this game so now I will destroy him and anyone that stands in my way.”
Kalina smiled. “Oh shit, don't let me get in your way. Have at it. I'd love to see you utterly and completely vaporize that arrogant son of a whore. But first I am curious as to why he's just standing there taking all this punishment? I've never seen magic so powerful.”
Akar puffed out his chest. “Well you see that's a special feature of my little trap while he was in the urn I stripped away his sense of survival. No matter what I do to him he won't fight back or run.”
Kalina swaggered up to him. “Now that's impressive, you sir are one bad ass sorcerer. I thought I was good but you are the master.” She put out her hand and gazed deeply into his eyes.
For a split second he forgot himself and shook her hand.
“You blithering idiot!”
Akar snapped out of his momentary laps and spun around. “Layla! What are you doing here?”
She came forward flanked by two zombies. “You let this witch stroke your gargantuan ego and then you let her touch you.”
Kalina knew whoever this Layla was she had crippled her con but not killed it. She just needed some time. “Hey Woody friends of yours?”
Woody seemed not to recognize the zombies but it was the woman that made a big impression. “Regina?”
Layla held out her fist a large ring on her middle finger seemed to hold his gaze. “Regina--- Regina always Regina. The others all obeyed my every command but not this joker I couldn't wipe Regina out of his mind and that bungling Cepheus let this one run away the first day.”
Kalina shifted her body to adopt a subservient posture. “Oh by the goddess, how stupid of me to assume the master was a man.” She bowed her head to Layla. “It was you all the time, you created the zombies as servants to distract Barron and Rapture so you could capture him. He must have offended you greatly to bring on this much hatred, for that I apologize. I give him to you, to do as you desire.” She stepped back and never gave Rapture a glance. As she backed up she brushed Woody's hand and whispered. “Fog of memory be gone.”
Layla snapped at Akar. “Now just kill him and be done with it.”
Akar stood before Rapture and summoned all his concentration. Rapture’s body began to radiate magical forces. The walls of the warehouse vibrated cracked and crumbled. The floor shook as dark matter swirled under Rapture tearing at his limbs. He rose in the air his body convulsing violently.
“Akar gave out with a victorious laugh. “Not even your invulnerability will save you now shadow walker. I wield the favor of the ancient ones and they do not favor you.”
Rapture's bones could be heard snapping like tree limbs in a storm. His skull compressed threatening at any moment to implode under the mounting pressure.
Abruptly, above the rumble came a voice. “I remember!” Woody's proclamation stunned the onlookers even Akar flicked a furtive glance at the angry zombie. “You took my Regina.” He lunged for Layla oblivious to the power of her ring.
“Take him,” Layla commanded. Her bodyguards attacked and the three zombies clashed in a mad brawl of corpse flesh. Woody grappled his former company supervisor and hoisted him high overhead then heaved him away. The flailing zombie crashed into the floor under Rapture and was instantly contorted and mangled into hundreds of gooey glops.
Kalina saw the mess made by the elemental vortex conjured by the mummy and shouted to Woody. “Do it again Wood-man.”
His great size and strength quickly overpowered the second zombie and he too exploded into glops of goo.
A crossbow arrow flashed toward Kalina but she was on the move and the arrow struck a wall. Woody was bearing down on Layla his dead eyes burned with vengeance. An arrow struck his back and the arrowhead jutted from his chest. Layla summoned a fireball and hurled it at the rampaging zombie. He burst into flames and whirled about like a Hawaiian fire dancer. Another arrow struck him this time it exploded blowing out a cantaloup size hole in his back.
Kalina had maneuvered around behind the archer and jumped her; a dagger stab to the kidney and a hard shove. The wildcat was pushed within reach of the burning man. He grabbed her in a crushing bear hug. She fought to free herself ripping chunks of zombie meat loose with her claws. To no avail Woody's arms were like iron bars.
Odoko jumped from his master's shoulder on to the zombie's face. Rat fangs sliced into the eye socket and gnawed into the skull searching for brain matter. The intense heat of the blazing corpse set off the were-cat's quiver of grenade arrows and all three were blown apart in a crimson shower of fiery flesh.
Layla saw her chance to escape and went for the rear exit. Just as she came upon the door, Kalina stepped into her path.
“Leaving us sugar? Cause I thought while the boys are playing we could have a drink or something?”
Layla's hands glowed red as they powered up. “I was never fooled by that little act you put on back there.”
“No I figured as much but I needed time to cast a protection spell to block your boyfriend's magic and you were correct I needed to touch him to make the spell work.”
Layla was confused. “If you hate Rapture as much as I do why stop me?”
“Call it pride, call it hubris, call it a twisted sickness, but that evil fucker belongs to me and nobody's gonna take him.” She snapped her fingers and her floating blade shot from behind into Layla's back piercing her lung. Layla gasped with pain and surprise.
Kalina made a sweeping gesture with both hands. “Bolt of Zeus strike her dead.” A thunderclap shook the building blowing out all the windows and a flash of lightning split the woman’s head asunder.
Akar reacted to the thunderbolt as if he'd been struck himself. His spell was broken and Rapture fell to the floor unconscious or dead. “Layla!” his cry went unanswered and the mummy sensed her death. His courage crushed he ran from the building to a waiting car.
Kalina came around to where Rapture lay in a mangled heap and stood over him. She put her hands on her hips and shook out her golden locks. “Get up you faker. That pussy didn't hurt you so bad.”
He stirred as his broken bones mended then lifted himself to his feet. “You really enjoyed watching me burn, didn't you? Didn't it bother you even a little?”
“It bothered me when poor Woody got smoked.”
“Yeah me too, I liked him. Bad way to go. I don't think I've ever felt such agony as when my lungs were breathing fire fueled by my own flesh.”
“Quit your whining.”
His broken bones had reformed and open wounds closed. “You know I think I'm ready to admit that burning people at the stake may have been a bad thing.”
“Really, and it only took you seven hundred fucking years to figure that shit out? I should have let Layla splat you into goo-glop.”

DEATH AND DOMINATION CHAPTER 17 THE SCEPTER

“Steve deserves that bonus he killed two zombies and found the zombie master. It was Cepheus the jailer. He's locked up in the dungeon now.” Adrianna was so close to Kalina's face her eyes burned from the heat of anger.

“Back off hippy I killed the zombie master it was Layla the mummy's pet squeeze. Cepheus was just her lieutenant.”
Adrianna wasn't about to surrender. “Riona the Red has lifted her banishment order and taken Steve back. I think it would go a long way to making amends with the pack if he brings home that bonus. After all in a way it was partially our fault what happened to that young girl.”
Kalina twisted her lip into a snarl. “Spare me with the save the wolves bit. Everybody knows you're hot for dog-boy.”
Adrianna's vampire blood boiled. “You are without a doubt the most selfish, greedy, depraved...”
Barron rose from behind his desk. “If it will silence this caterwauling I'll see to it you both get a bonus now clear out of here.” The women stormed out ready to sink claws into eyeballs.
Rapture came in as they were leaving. “Hope that settles it with those two I don't relish being burned alive again.” He could see Barron was agitated and in no mood for levity. “I've seen to it there's no trace left at the warehouse or the old silver mine. Aaron arranged for the chard remains of the zombies to be found near the crash sight. That should close the investigation. What we could find of Woody is on his way home he'll finally return to Regina.”
“Yes I think that was appropriate, not even magic could break his bond with her. Cepheus confessed that the passengers were never on the plane and the pilots were dead before take off. The were-cat staged the crash with a bomb and parachuted out. She was working for both Akar and Layla.”
Rapture studied his face. “Did you find a way to destroy those dangerous artifacts?”
“Don't concern yourself I have taken care of that detail.”
Rapture saw no hint of deception in Barron's expression. “What about Akar any sign of him?”
“No but I expect him to turn up eventually. He has even more of a reason to kill you now.”
Rapture turned to leave. “He can find me easy enough.”
Barron cringed. “Does that mean you're sticking around?”
Rapture pause at the door. “For a while longer I like it here.” He left and closed the door behind him.
“That's what I feared.” Barron locked the office door with the desk button then opened a secret passage behind the bookcase and went down to the vault. There among his treasures he was at peace. On a shelf sat the two orbs the strange light from within fascinated him. So many questions plagued his mind. He studied every facet of them and kept repeating over and over. “Only five more to go.”

Coming soon chapters eighteen The Demon Eye and nineteen The Blood Bank. A beautiful streetwise mortal flirts with a devilishly handsome rogue. Will her penchant for dangerous liaisons bring down the Blood Moon Social Club.

Thank you for reading.

Your humble purveyor Karl Clay Vetter

ONE MAN’S ZOMBIE DREAM IS ANOTHER’S ZOMBIE DELUSION

　

The Zombie Apocalypse is raging stronger than ever with no end in sight. Everywhere you look radioactive green stains mark the landscape. Could this be some kind of weird backlash from the public’s unhealthy obsession with vampires? Or is it something much deeper reflective of the times we live in. In a wild stretch of the imagination one could construct a political debate within a zombie takeover of a Pennsylvania town. Really? Cultural zombies? What the hell why not? Every time I hear about anther idiot faction trying to ban anther one of our liberties I feel like something is eating my brain.
Zombie Dream is a Blair Murphy film which poses the notion that the zombie Apocalypse is a collapse of our culture. Either that or this film is the result of a bunch of Blair’s artsy pals getting their hands on a movie camera and went crazy making a zombie gore fest. Whichever, it was a riot to watch. Blair Murphy is without a doubt the modern day Ed Wood and he’s better looking than Johnny Depp.

Full disclosure: I have a bit of a man crush on Blair. No I can openly admit it without shame. I mean the guy owns his own haunted hotel! How freaking kool is that? Sorry Blair but the world had to know.
I first met Blair in the early nineties when he came to Las Vegas promoting his vampire film Jugular Wine. He joined our Blood Moon Social Club and soon became a regular. We’ve been friends ever since. Well up until the writing of this blog.
Zombie Dream features celebrated actor Eric Roberts {The Expendables} and Butch Patrick {Eddy Munster}.
 However it’s the appearance of the camio king Stan Lee {Virtually every Marvel movie} that blows me away. Stan Lee also did a bit back in Jugular Wine. I don’t know what Blair’s got on Stan the Man but whatever it is, Excelsior.
Blair’s freaky old haunted Grand Midway Hotel has been the subject of several spirit investigations. The place rocks nightly with apparitions. It featured prominently in Zombie Dream. The hotel’s as much a character in the film as any of the walking dead that roamed it’s darkened halls searching for living flesh.
Another testament to Blair’s particular brand of sorcery is how he cast a spell on the town of Windber Pennsylvania, He somehow got the folks to let him invade their peaceful community with blood crazed cannibals.
All of that said it’s obvious I’m biased and in the interest of giving you a fair assessment of the film I should present you with another opinion. Now those of you that follow my blog know I live in Mystic Canyon a remote artisan retreat in nowhere New Mexico. So where in blazes are you going to find a critic out there? Well as it happens I ran into a guy handing out anti Zombie literature at a gun show and we had a stimulating conversation.

Zeke Cutter is a prepper who holds up in a solid steel zombie proof bunker in a secret location in New Mexico. He granted this interview only on condition I do not disclose the location of his underground fortress. Since Zeke has some controversial opinions as to the decline of American culture I felt his comments were apropos.

ZC: Apropos! What are you kidden me with that crap? Speak American.
KCV: Sorry Zeke. So that gets right to the point of this interview. What’s happening with the country and how do zombies figure into it?
ZC: What are you blind? Zombies are the root cause of everything that’s wrong with America. It’s all the zombie lovers that are secretly behind every movement to disrupt our lives.
KCV: Okay you’re going to have to justify that. Give me an example.
ZC: Gun control! Everybody knows blowing holes in their heads is the sure fire way of dispatch. But now you have a growing trend toward none violent control tactics. "Don’t shoot them keep them in the barn and feed them, care for them." You never saw that kind of nonsense in the dawn of Romero’s day.
KCV: So you think there’s been a gradual shift in favor of some kind of coexistence with the Zombie hoard?
ZC: Oh hell yeah back in the night of the living dead they were horrible stinking rotting corpses. Lumbering along eating brains and gorging on flesh. Now more and more they’re not so disgusting some are even smart and can talk. I’m telling you shoot first then ask’um questions.
KCV: But not all zombies are so grosse some can be rather appealing if you’re into necrophilia.
ZC: Ah sick! That’s what I’m getten at I’d rather eat week old sushi than lock lips with a ... eech I can’t even say it. Sexualization of rots is just another Hollywood progressive plot to break down the moral fiber of America. 
KCV: So how did Blair Murphy’s zombies stack up?

ZC: Overall pretty good he slapped them right back where they belong. Shambling decayed festering rots. I was kinda turned on when the "Live" ladies went to the gun store and loaded up with semiautomatics. Now that was sexy. I give Zombie Dream four out of five bullets to the brain bucket.
KCV: Well thanks for your views and we’ll do this again some time.

Paranoid delusions aside I would have to agree with Zeke. Zombie Dream harkens back to a time when cult films weren’t about CGI and massive budgets but more about slightly bent social commentary. Or just getting a gang of friends together and make a disgusting mess with cherry syrup.

Until next time thank you for reading.

Your humble purveyor Karl Clay Vetter

DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE SEVEN

It's the season for festivals and comic cons so I'll be touring to promote crossbreeds and this new line of stories featuring Blood Moon. I'll continue posting chapters and updates on the events I attend.

 

 

BLOOD MOON SOCIAL CLUB

DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE SEVEN

By Karl Clay Vetter & C. Vetter

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the authors’ imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
This story was inspired by the fictional events and characters created at the Blood Moon Social Club's interactive theater. Produced and directed by Karl Clay Vetter, C. Vetter and Patrick Foster.
The authors wish to thank all the Blood Moon Social Club members for their outstanding performances and support. The fictional characters in this story pay homage to you each and every one. Proceeds from this book go toward keeping the Blood Moon Social Club alive.

Copyright protected © 2015 by Karl Clay Vetter and C. Vetter.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the creators, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized digital sharing is a punishable offense.

Technical support Patrick Foster.

'LIKE' THE BLOOD MOON SOCIAL CLUB FACE BOOK PAGE
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JOIN THE BLOOD MOON SOCIAL CLUB FACE BOOK GROUP

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'LIKE' THE FACE BOOK PAGE CROSSBREEDS BY KCV

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OTHER BOOKS BY KARL CLAY VETTER & C. VETTER

BATTLE BUTTE: CROSSBREEDS 1
THEY WERE BORN HUMAN THEY BECAME SOMETHING ELSE

TANGLEWOOD TERORISTS: CROSSBREEDS 2

HUMAN SOULS TRAPED IN ANIMAL SKINS

DARK LEGENDS: CROSSBREEDS 3

NO HEROES ONLY DARK LEGENDS

LINK FROM WWW.KOOLKOLLECTABLES.COM TO AMAZON.

Follow Karl Clay Vetter on Twitter and Face Book

 

DEATH AND DOMINATION CHAPTER 13 THE TRACKERS

Adrianna made herself available to everyone connected to the casino. She knew they all had been talking behind her back about the scuffle with Kalina over the werewolf. She worked very hard to set them at ease regarding her ability to manage the club. Steve had not been seen on the floor nor had anyone seen them slipping around together. She was extremely careful to keep their meetings under cover.

“Steven?”
“Yes I'm still here.” The one place no one came down to was the dungeon. No one other than Cepheus. She had given him some time off and took over his duties as jailer. Michael had been released and Steve was occupying his cell. Should anyone see him he was a prisoner. A prisoner with his own key.
She opened the door and fell into his arms. “My darling I've missed you.”
He kissed her and combed her hair with his fingers. “I don't mind being your prisoner of love but the food sucks.”
“I know, I know.” She reached into a beaded hemp bag. “Here's a steak sandwich for now.”
Between bites he quizzed her for news. “Any new clues concerning the zombies master?”
“I've searched everywhere and found nothing at the cemetery or anywhere else. I don't understand how you can make dead men into zombies and leave no trace.”
“No new zombies walking about I suppose?”
“No you would be the first to know.”
“Can you stay awhile?”
She grinned impishly. “Sorry I have to feed my other prisoner and get back before anybody starts looking for me. Maybe later I can get away and we can play that naughty game with the manacles.” Reluctantly she pulled away from him and closed the door. Then she went to the kitchen as it were. She took the pre-drawn blood kept in measured amounts and walked to the third cell.
Mo'ajin slithered to the door to receive his ration. “You're searching in the wrong place.”
“I don't know what you're talking about and Cepheus warned me not to listen to anything you said.”
“Of course he did a wise one that Cepheus. However, the walls are not thick enough to block all sounds. I have nothing to do but listen. I hear the sounds of passion, I'm moved by your forbidden love. Perhaps I can help you?”
“In exchange for what? Never mind. It's not happening no mater what it is.”
“Fear not I would never jeopardized your trust. I'll help you and you can repay me at a later time with whatever you think it's worth.”
“I can fill your cell with fire and end your existence with a push of a button.”
If he was smiling it was impossible to tell by looking at his formless face. “You are not the only one to conceal your crime in a dungeon.” He sucked his ration through a tube from the wall and slithered back to his floor mat.
Adrianna had encountered much in her short life as a vampire but nothing had made her skin itch like the thing that occupied cell three. Cepheus warned her not to listen. Why? Did he have something to hide? No, Barron trusted him. Mo'ajin was a lair and working a scam.” She started back to the casino when she passed the jailer's office. She was the jailer now. What harm was there in going in?
The door creaked as she pushed it open, the sound carried and she knew Mo'ajin heard it. He heard everything. He would know she was searching the office. It irritated her that the smug bastard knew his plan was working. An image of him gloating in his prison cell stuck in her mind. Shoving the thought aside she entered. A new irritation crept over her. The room was sparse not even a magazine to read; an empty desk, nothing on the walls. Frustrated, she turned to exit when something gritty scuffed underfoot. A quick look discovered dirt. Crusty desert dirt, strangely familiar. A closer look puzzled her and curiosity evolved into excitement. She transformed into a wolf and sniffed the floor. As she suspected it was the same soil she had sniffed when searching the old grave yard.

***

Cepheus never showed himself above ground in the casino it would have meant changing his form to accommodate polite society and the eyes of mortals. Conveniently for him an emergency escape tunnel built decades before lead out of the dungeon into the desert. The two wolves tracking him followed his trail toward the cemetery. Where he apparently had taken precautions in covering his cent. He just never bothered to conceal his trail from the dungeon. A hundred yards out from the old grave yard the trail ended, they backtracked to pick it up again this time it lead further out to the north.
In the early days of Las Vegas ranchers and miners were the frequent guests of Nevada's gambling halls. The surrounding landscape was dotted with abandoned silver mines. Prospectors would bore into the hillsides like weevils and move on in search of pay-dirt. The trail brought the wolves to a honeycomb of such bore holes. They shifted back to human forms.
Adrianna struggled not to squeal like a giddy girl. “He's in there I know it.”
Steve was cautious but hopeful. “If luck's with us but he may also have laid traps so we'll take care where we step.”

DEATH AND DOMINATION CHAPTER 14 THE COUGER

Barron opened his eyes the black candles had burned down indicating passage of time. Several hours he surmised. They had left around midnight if his guess was correct it was noon the following day. He stood and examined his hands. The wounds were gone. Woody was standing in his circle looking as if he'd never left. Rapture was getting to his feet and looking none the worse for wear. Kalina lay in her circle exactly as Rapture had placed her. She was non-responsive when he knelt and gently lifted her head. The cuts on her face had vanished but the color had drained giving her a deathly pallor. He raised her right wrist and felt for a pulse. Tense moments passed then he smiled and rubbed her hand against his face.

Kalina's eyes opened and she looked up at him, a glint of emerald flashed in her eyes as she recognized him. Then her long natural nails clawed his cheek. “Get off of me you black hearted soul sucking witch burner.”
He shot up right and jerked her to her feet. “I was just checking to see if my fortunes had finally changed for the good and your evil spirit had stayed where it belonged. Tragically no such luck for me.”
She pushed him away and felt for her talismans, seconds later she looked relieved. “You're in terrible luck for this witch is back and fully charged.”
Barron had preformed a ritual to open the protective seal, then went to the door and checked the binding knot. “Kalina, I'm happy to see you survived,there was a moment back there when I wasn't sure you'd make it back with us. Some thanks to Rapture for that.”
Kalina laughed. “Don't stick up for him he didn't dare leave me behind. I'm the only one that can ever reverse the curse. I was considering a reprieve for him but after the way he took advantage of me in my powerless state I've changed my mind. But enough of him. When do I get paid?”
Barron rolled his eyes at Rapture. “Well being that you did not accomplish anything on this mission...”
She raise a hand to interject. “Don't even try to weasel out. If you had told me the truth.”
Barron cut back in.”I was about to say I'm going to pay you the bonus we agreed on.”
Rapture's jaw dropped. You can't be serious she was less than useless.”
Barron threw a hard glare his way. “Kalina you did your best and also you may have a legitimate grievance against me for letting Rapture mislead you.” He opened the door and stepped out. “Well I'll have the limo come get you two. It has black-out windows so you'll be safe from the sun. It will pick you up in the garage. I should be resting at this hour sooahh...” He fell backward and landed flat on his back a large bolt jutting from his chest.
Rapture rushed to the door shadow tentacles whipping wildly. He saw a small woman with a crossbow and a remote switch in her right hand. A large rat perched on her shoulder rubbing his hands together.
“Don't do anything foolish Mr. Rapture or I'll detonate the bomb inside Barron's chest. As it stands now he can recover once the stake is removed but not if his heart explodes.”
“What do you want?”
“You of course, my employer would love to torture and kill you.” Before he could respond a yellow miasmas cloud belched out of a small brass urn placed near the door. He was engulfed and suddenly the cloud and Rapture were inhaled back into the urn.
Woody saw his friends in trouble and acted on instinct lumbering forward he attempted to stop the woman.
She was incredibly fast snatching up the urn and running out the front door. A vampire would have burst into flames but she ran uncovered into the desert climbed on a concealed motor cycle and roared away with her quarry.
Kalina had been quiet and kept out of sight, as the scene played out. She came into the hall and went to the door. The bike's dust trail lead towards Vegas. She went back to where Barron lay unconscious. As she strolled past the jeweled music box she had admired before their departure it vanished from sight.
She examined the bolt and deduced that it was in fact rigged to a bomb and a timer was counting down. “Ten seconds and boom,” she said allowed. With a clean jerk she yanked the stake free and threw it out the front door. The explosion was small no bigger than a shotgun blast. But big enough to have killed Barron. She removed a leather pouch and sprinkled its dusty contents in the palm of her hand. She pursed her lips and blew the dust where the shooter had stood. A shimmering aura appeared. “Ah yes I see your imprint kitty cat.”
Barron began to make a gurgling sound as the hole in his chest closed. “What?” He looked around “What happened?”
“Werecat shot you with a bomb bolt and kidnapped Rapture. I yanked the bolt before you blew up and now I need to borrow a car, no time for the limo.”
He sat up. “Sure keys are on a hook by the garage door.”
“Wood-man what say we go find that feline bitch that stole my thrall, if anyone is going to torture and kill him it's me.”
“Kalina, thanks for saving me.”
She and Woody were headed for the garage. “Had to, you haven’t paid me yet,”

Coming soon chapters fifteen The Cavern of Death and sixteen The Zombie Master. Black Arts rituals shunned even by vampires summon forth forbidden evil in the catacombs under the Blood Moon Social Club.

Thank you for reading.

Your humble purveyor Karl Clay Vetter

DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE SIX

 

 

From 2008 to 2014 I poured myself into the Crossbreed series, producing three books. This coming off of a decade of writing vampire stories and plots for Blood Moon. I loved Mark Rein*Hagen's the Masquerade but you could say I was a little burned out and Crossbreeds was a whole new world. However, my wife and partner kept telling me to write about vampires; to wright about Blood Moon.

“People never get tired of vampires,” she said. Right of course as always.

This novel is dedicated to Carol Vetter for without her it would never be.

 

BLOOD MOON SOCIAL CLUB

 

DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE SIX

By Karl Clay Vetter & C. Vetter

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the authors’ imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

This story was inspired by the fictional events and characters created at the Blood Moon Social Club's interactive theater. Produced and directed by Karl Clay Vetter, C. Vetter and Patrick Foster.
The authors wish to thank all the Blood Moon Social Club members for their outstanding performances and support. The fictional characters in this story pay homage to you each and every one. Proceeds from this book go toward keeping the Blood Moon Social Club alive.
Copyright protected © 2015 by Karl Clay Vetter and C. Vetter.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the creators, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized digital sharing is a punishable offense.

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DEATH AND DOMINATION CHAPTER 11 THE SCHEMERS

Odoko held a treat in his little hands and nibbled while his master made her report. “Rapture has returned to the Blood Moon Social Club. He's made no secret of it. In fact he seems to be taking charge of security. Aaron Lugar is disturbed at this affront and twice I've learned he's angered Kalina Draco. She's made threats. After the council meeting I learned he's working with Barron on a hunt for a necromancer. All in all a very busy individual who claims he's just passing through.”

Akar normally didn't deal directly with underlings but his hatred of Rapture was so great he had to hear this without a filter. “Of course he's taking charge that's what he does with all that camel crap about serving his superiors. I know well his tactics. Let me guess he's doing all this at no charge?”
“I believe that's correct.”
“Trust me on this he has a price you just never know it until the bill comes. Well this time I intend to collect first.”
“I can't kill him on the casino grounds but when he leaves I'll be ready. No one will miss him, in fact if you claim the honor of his demise you'll likely receive many accolades.”

“No, I have prepared a weapon that will render him helpless. Then you bring him to a special place. Here is everything you need.” He handed her a brass urn and a map. “Follow the instructions precisely. Once you have him I will exact my retribution in a manner befitting his offenses.”

***

Adrianna wiped away crimson tears. “I'm so sorry Steven I have no explanation for that out burst.”

Steve had gone up to his room and waited for the meeting to end. Adrianna had wasted no time in getting back to him. He'd sobered up by the time she arrived and had the answer for her. “Don't beat yourself up. You got pissed off it happens.”
“Not to me I have a reputation around here for being calm under pressure not a screaming psycho. I was so embarrassed in the meeting no one said a word but they all knew what happened and worse they knew why.”
“Look it was all my fault I let her play me and I knew better. I guess I was looking to get back at somebody, anybody and it turned out to be you. I'm the one that should apologize to you.”
She gazed at his face. “You are a wonderful guy but we can never be together. It's forbidden in both our worlds. You need a woman of your own kind... and I don't mean that skeezy spell-slinger either.”
Steve grinned. “Look I don't have any plans for the future with anyone. As for my kind I'm poison right now. No changer's going to give a traitor the time of day. You've been straight with me from the beginning, so I'm being straight with you. Until I find who sent that zombie I'm on the hunt.”
“Oh that reminds me the council are offering a reward for the necromancer. You've got to be the one that finds him. Barron, Rapture and that witch are already on the hunt. I'll help you get the jump on them. If you get him first you can return to your family vindicated.”
“Thanks that's great, but I'll need a place to lay low.”
“Leave it to me.”

***

Rapture knew Adrianna was infatuated with Steve Burk and Burk had a strong motivation to find the zombie master. So when Adrianna began making discreet inquiries about the hunt for the suspected necromancer it was obvious she was doing so on Steve's behalf. This would prove to be useful.

Barron was usually studious and calculating but after the meeting he was frustrated to say the least. Rapture was sure he knew the reason for this change in demeanor.
“This zombie situation has come at a good time. Since you plan to destroy the scroll and give up your quest for the scepter.”
Barron cringed but put a positive face on. “Yes good timing that. I suppose it'll take some time to track this fellow to his lair.”
“Most assuredly they are very clever at covering their trail. A few months maybe. You know I've been wondering why now? Right when you're about to make a huge discovery why now? What if some one else is on to the scepter and this zombie business is a distraction?”
Barron perked up. “You think? Well if it is they've got me in a box. I can't let this situation provoke a war with the wolves, it has to be settled.”
“True but what happens if another gets the scepter that could start a war with the human race? As you so aptly put it a modern world inquisition would be a disaster of epic proportion. Might I suggest we send out a hunting party to find the zombie master. Then you and I go after the scepter under the guise of zombie hunting. Only you and I would know the truth. We'll take Kalina and Woody with us and send this Steve Burk after the necromancer. If he gets lucky good if not we still get the scepter first.”
“Barron analyzed the plan from several angles. “We could always say it was a two pronged search. “If we do find the scepter it would be a powerful tool in getting rid of the necromancer.” Clearly the plan was contrived and convoluted but he did not relish giving up on his true quest to go off hunting zombies. A task better suited to a squad of bounty hunters lead by a man with a mission. “Yes, you see to it will you? I have preparations to deal with.”
Rapture's smug satisfaction was masked by an approving nod. “I know just what to do.”

***

Convincing Adrianna to take over the nightly routine of managing the casino while he and Barron investigated the necromancer was easy. She needed no prodding.

“Of course I can handle it. I will deal with everything.”
“Good, Barron has every confidence in you. Now this Burk fellow he's going to be a problem I suggest you get him as far away from here as possible we don't need any more problems with him or his pack. Nothing but trouble that bunch.”
“Oh sure, not to worry.”
Rapture narrowed his gaze. “You're not falling in love with your pet are you?”
“No! Don't be ridiculous. That unfortunate scene in the bar had little to do with him. It's Kalina she... she pissed me off is all. It happens some times. Since we're on the subject of trouble makers...You'll be taking that broom rider with you?”
Rapture kept a straight face. “They don't actually do that. In fact I think they consider that offensive.”
“I don't care. Get her off the grounds.”
“Yes of course, as you wish.”
Adrianna clamped down on her joy. “Well that settles that, have a good hunt. I have work to do.”

DEATH AND DOMINATION CHAPTER 12 THE UNDERWORLD

A swarm of moths fluttered in the black limousine's headlights as it turned into a circular driveway. It pulled up in front of a palatial house at the end of a private road. Before the driver could exit and open the door Kalina burst from the vehicle. “You gave my werewolf to that hippy cadaver?” Kalina clenched her fists into white knuckle balls. Rapture exited and instructed the driver to return to the casino. Seeing she was in a fury he held up his hands in mock surrender. “Calm down, you said you wanted the bonus didn't you? Now you don't have to share it.”

Kalina raised her hands over her head and a glowing sphere appeared. “Light of day banish dark of night.” In a flash of brilliance Rapture was encased in a great burning ball of radiance. The illumination was bright enough to light the front of the remote residence where the casino limo had dropped them off.
Rapture writhed in agony as greenish smoke swirled from the sizzling flesh of his hands and face. His ever present long black leather coat offered some protection but even that wouldn’t save him for long.
The witch's cackle rose above his moans. “Let's turn the heat up a little shall we.” The light grew brighter as his moans grew louder.
The front door opened a crack and Barron peered out, he did not venture into the light. “I asked you two here because we need privacy to do our workings. Even though I have no neighbors the whole county will see that blaze and call the fire department. We'll have police helicopters here any minute.”
Kalina laughed. “He's had this coming. I owed him a good scorching and I'm really pissed about Steve.”
Barron sighed. “It was essential to have a decoy group to cover for us while we conduct our own search. We needed your particular expertise with us. Now would you please extinguish that blasted light?”
Kalina frowned. “Fine he's cooked enough.” She made a sweeping gesture and the light vanished. Rapture fell to the ground. Kalina sauntered over to him and pushed him over with the toe of her knee high boot. His face was charred and blistered. “Humm I do like them crispy.”
Barron spoke to someone unseen. “Help him to his feet.” Woody lumbered through the door.
Kalina greeted him. “You're looking well Wood-man. I see Barron got you out of those grubby old grave clothes. I could never make blue denim work for me, looks good on you.”
“Have you seen Regina?”
“Sorry, no I haven't.”
Woody lifted Rapture to his feet. “Have you seen Regina?”
Rapture shook his head. “No my friend but we are going the look for her. Do you want to come with us?”
“Okay.”
They all followed Barron into the house he was wearing a pair of loose fitting black silk paints and a similar top. A stark contrast to the dark business suits he always wore at the casino. His casual slippers made not a sound as he walk on the imported Italian tiles. “I bought this place because of its remote location, it was once owned by a wealthy casino executive. He kept his mistress here and entertained quite a lot. I never entertain visitors so we have privacy and room to work. The kitchen came with a walk in cooler which Woody finds to be comfortable at forty degrees. He's the perfect house guest; never eats or sleeps and does whatever I ask of him. When I'm preoccupied he sits quietly watching old movies.”
Rapture’s recovery was already in affect. Much of his burns had healed. “Easy to control walking dead servants that only need refrigeration. It won't be easy to find the lair all you would need to hide them is a well insulated room with a strong air conditioner.”
“And cable,” Kalina chimed. “Barron I must say for an old stick-in-the-mud you have exquisite taste in furnishings. This house is lovely. These antiques and paintings look as if the came from a museum.”
“Thank you. Collecting is a vice for a vampire I know, but I can't seem to shake it.”
Her coveting gaze lingered on a jeweled music box from per-revolution France. “Sadly I travel so much if I can't get it in my go bag it stays.”
Rapture saw her eying the music box. “Word to the wise Barron it's amazing what she can hide in those stylish little shorts she's wearing. Do keep a watch on your valuables.”
Kalina snapped back. “Would you like another sunburn?”
Barron came to a large heavy door. “I know you two can't keep your claws off each other and I'm as sympathetic to perverted love as anyone familiar with the Greek tragedies. However, when we enter here I must insist on your complete focus on the mission at hand. A foolish mistake could result in catastrophic repercussions.” Before either had a comeback he swung the door open. Inside the room it was nothing like the rest of the house. The walls were carved with magic writings lit by large black candles. The ceiling and floor too were marked with magical formulas.
Kalina strolled in and placed her hands on her shapely hips. “Welcome to Alistair Crowley’s play room.”
“Yes, well I'd offer you refreshments and chit chat but time is fleeting. We must forgo pleasantries and get to work.”
Barron closed the door and bolted it, then tide a knotted rope around the latch and made a sign over it. He then led the party into a large circle in the center of the room. He was methodical in positioning each in a smaller protected circle, he stood in the center. These magic cells will shield our bodies from possession and destruction. Our astral forms will move about on a different plan. I'm certain that everyone except Woody is familiar with plane walking are you not?”
Kalina smiled. “Old hand at it. Although I'm used to circles of salt in musty old basements. Spirit flying like this is like going from coach to Trump's privet jet.”
Rapture said nothing but had sat down crossing his legs assuming the lotus position. The others did as well.
Barron then removed his sacred scroll and the gold orb placing them in front of him. He lit another of Rapture's special candles and adjusted the scroll. As long as this candle burns we will walk the shadow realm of the dead. Let no fear enter your minds for to do so is to invite annihilation. After his admonition he launched into an incantation known only to a few necromancers and the darkest of black magicians.
Archaic chanting continued for several minutes until the orb's ambient glow began to pulsate. The formulas carved all around them slithered as serpents. A gradual intensity of the orb's glow dissolved the surrounding walls and everything went dark. As their eyes adjusted it became clear they were no longer in Barron's abode.
On the gray chalky ground the candle flickered casting a pale white light. Barron retrieved his scroll and orb which now emitted a very faint light. “This candle will mark our point of return. Let's get moving we don't want to linger here.” He seemed to know where he was going and they followed.
Kalina looked around at the desolate landscape. “What a dreary place. Everything is devoid of color. I've never seen it so...”
Rapture interrupted. “You're an old hand at walking the higher planes this is the realm of the dead. It's one of the lowest.”
“It gets lower than this?”
“There are many levels to the underworld, time permitting I'd relish giving you a personal tour.” There was a cruel lilt in his voice as if he was holding something back.
Kalina shuddered. “No thanks, here's creepy enough let's get this over with.”
Time didn't seem to resonate, no stars or moon, no sunset just a gray hazy horizon. They walked without knowing how long or how far. Barron was fixated on the orb and never spoke. He just kept moving, changing directions twice when the faint glow seemed to brighten.
Kalina took notice of this phenomenon. “What is that a dead world GPS?”
Barron slowed. “Not exactly but a compass of sorts, It's leading us to its mate.”
She darted a glance at Rapture. “I thought we were hunting the zombie master?”
Rapture smiled. “In a round about way. You see the orb has magical properties that are enhanced when we join it with another orb.”
“When were you going to inform me of that little detail?”
“When you became curious enough to ask.”
Her temper blazed. “You scurvy pool of slim.”
Barron held out a hand of warning. “No hostile emotions. They will sense it like sharks to chum.”
“Who will sense it?”
“Shades or ghosts if you prefer. Spirits of the dead.” Rapture's cold glare froze the blood in her veins.
Barron suddenly halted. The orb was getting bright. “There, look.” Ahead a few yards was a chard black obelisk. It too was glowing. They moved to within an arm's length. In the center was an opening from where the light emanated. Barron reached out to touch it and was gripped by a crushing force, his jaw locked tight his spine arched back near the point of snapping. Rapture grabbed him by the arm and jerked hard, they fell backwards.
Rapture examined the portal, inside he could clearly see another orb. “Hold that light higher and behind me. I'll try something else.” He stood in front of the obelisk and the light was just strong enough to cast his shadow on the gray chalky ground. Like a puppeteer he moved his arms to control the shadow of himself. After a moment the shadow moved on its own and stretched forward. Its hands reached in and grasped the orb. The unseen force conducted along the shadow and gripped Rapture twisting his body in shocking pain.
Kalina offered no assistance. “Serves you right you conniving bastard.”
Barron, still trembling from his own experience pushed hard to free him from the guarding force. Just touching Rapture sent another jolt through his body. Both landed hard on the ground.
Kalina smirked. “Fools it'll take more than brute force to retrieve that bauble.”
Barron looked up at her. “I suspected if we found it there would be wards so here's where your magic may help. Protect yourself then reach for it.”
Kalina took a step back. “You both lied to me. We're not looking for a necromancer, you're on some kind of treasure hunt. You only brought me along as a plan B when you landed on your butts in the dirt.”
Rapture righted himself and assisted Barron to his feet. “And now you can lord it over us, but time is wasting.”
Barron offered an incentive. “I'll personally reward you with the bonus you would have gotten for the necromancer if you can get the orb for me.”
“Double the bonus and no arguments.” She chose a talisman then began a spell to guard her person from hostile magic. “Something is wrong. I don't feel good and the spell isn't working. Her color had turned pale. She tried another spell with no luck. “I feel weak.” She staggered back and slumped to her knees.
Barron was agitated. “This close and foiled. There must be a way to touch it.”
Kalina stood. “I don’t understand what's happening, your shadows work but not my spells?”
Rapture laughed at her. “Who's the fool now witch? Your magic is powered by the forces of nature and life none of which exist here in the realm of death. You may recall you cursed me to eternal darkness with only my shadow as a companion. Well, here I'm quite comfortable, but you seem a bit distressed.”
She reached for a small dagger in her boot and charged him. “Let's see if a blade forged from a headsman's ax will cut out your black heart.”
Rapture let her get close then trapped her ankles and wrists. His tentacles lifted the struggling witch off her feet. “Powerless against me without your spells in a realm that drains your life force with every struggle. I have waited seven centuries for this moment just to see that look of terror on your face.”
In the distance a wailing sound was growing closer. Barron laid his hand on Raptures shoulder. “Perhaps your long awaited revenge arrives at an inopportune moment? They are coming.”
Rapture turned to their zombie companion. “Woody, you try my friend perhaps it will help us to find Regina.”
“Regina?”
“Yes my friend grab the ball of light.”
Woody lumbered to the opening, he reached in and grasped the the orb. His body clearly was reacting to the crushing shock wave. Having no sense of pain he was able to hold on and gently removed the orb. “Regina?”
Barron quickly took it from him. “Thank you Woody you are most remarkable. Hurry everyone back to the candle.”
Rapture still held his prize aloft as he made his way back. “Well my pet seeing you helpless and spread eagle before me fills me with such emotion. There are so many exquisite tortures I'd love to inflict upon you. I don't know where to begin.”
Kalina put on a mask of defiance but inside she was in turmoil. “Torturing and burning witches is what got you here to begin with, Inquisitor Rapaz. Or have the ages dimmed your memory? All those innocent women you forced to confess to cavorting with the devil. Then you met me and for the first time in you fiendish career as inquisitor to the Spanish court you actually found a real witch. Weren't ready for that one were you? I punished you justly for your crimes against the innocent.”
“You seduced me, betrayed me. I believed you were a flesh and blood mortal woman who's love could have change me. I could have sought redemption. You made all that impossible when you turned me into a hell spawn demon.”
Kalina was growing weaker. “I made you into what you scorned the most. Now you see what it is to be feared and shunned.”
“Release me from this curse or I'll leave you here forever.”
Her response was drowned out by death screams from a swarm of shades circling and diving overhead like ravens after carrion. They sliced with their screams, the sound of their torment a weapon from which the searchers had no defense. All save Woody who's status of walking dead man seemed to make him immune to attack.
Despite the attackers rending his flesh Barron worked to join the two orbs. A task made difficult with bleeding hands. An illusion he knew because his real body was back on the earthly plan. But he also knew that if his spirit was destroyed it would not return to its body.
The screams grew louder as more lost souls were attracted to the bedlam. The gray sky was black with them obscuring what light there had been. Rapture was consumed with hatred and vengeance. He seemed oblivious to the lacerations covering his body. Kalina dangled before him limp as in death. Seeing her near death he seemed to awaken from his hate induced trance and pulled her into his arms, her ashen face cut and bleeding.
For a brief moment she opened her eyes and stroked his cheek with her fingers. Her lips moved but whispered words were drowned, then she collapsed. He formed a shadow shield and covered her then whipped back at the shades with a frail tentacle. For a creature of darkness he actually was powerless without some light to cast shadows. Too much light and he burned to little and he was defenseless.
“I need more light,” he yelled to Barron, his shout went unheard over the wailing.
Barron needed no prompting he already knew the solution was more light and that meant more power from the orbs. At last he connected them in the correct manner and they began to glow. The added light increased Rapture's shadow strength but more importantly he was able to see the faint light of their beacon home.
Woody strolled along as if he were taking a walk in the park. Not one wound did he suffer. “Regina... Regina.” The only answer to his calls a cacophony of mournful shrikes.
Barron held aloft his long sought treasure. The bright light of the conjoined orbs sent the shades into retreat for such light was repellent to them.
Barron stopped at the edge of the circle. “I try to stay out of politics and personal drama. But you drug this into my expedition. You do understand that even if she survives she may not release you? Her powers are useless here and when we get back she will have no incentive to grant your request.”
“I know this.”
“If she stays outside the circle when we return, you will be free of her although your condition will remain the same.” Barron entered with Woody as the candle sputtered it's last light.
Rapture looked into the face that he'd hated for seven centuries and utter only one word. “Freedom.”

Coming soon chapters thirteen The Trackers and fourteen The Cougar. An assassin’s arrow and a deal with a devil are just another night at the Blood Moon Social Club.

Thank you for reading.

Your humble purveyor Karl Clay Vetter.