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.

Technical support Patrick Foster.

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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.