Bloodlust - TI2 Read online

  * * *

  BLOODLUST

  Book II

  The Illusionist Series

  By Fran Heckrotte

  * * *

  * * *

  Copyright © 2006 By Fran Heckrotte

  All rights reserved.

  eBook ISBN-13: 978-1-934889-12-1

  Second Edition

  Mobipocket e-Book Format

  December 2007

  This electronic book is ePublished by

  L-Book ePublisher

  La Quinta, Ca. USA

  Web Site: http://L-Book.com

  Executive Editor: Tara Young

  Cover Design by Sheri

  [email protected]

  * * *

  No part of this book may be reproduced or printed without the author's permission and no part of the electronic files may be reproduced in printed or electronic format without permission from the author and L-Book ePublisher. This book in all electronic formats is for your personal use. You may not modify, make copies, transfer, and copy to CD, DVD, memory cards for sale or further distribute the L-Books and e-Books except to download a copy to a personal electronic device and its memory card for their personal use. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions. Your support for the author’s rights is appreciated.

  * * *

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  * * *

  Acknowledgments

  There are many people I would like to thank for their assistance in helping me write this story.

  A special thanks to my beta readers who read and dissected Bloodlust. Their detailed critiques were essential to the finished product. Thank you, Alex D’Brassis, Lee McLean, Jove Belle, Chris Limbach, and Carolyn.

  To my alpha readers who have been with me from the very beginning, Mary K Bosshart and Remy.

  Pam, my proofreader and so much more. The amount of energy expended searching for grammatical and punctuation errors made my copy editor’s life a lot easier, making me look good.

  Sheri Dragon, my cover artist. All I can say is, “Wow!” You’re an amazingly talented woman who captured the essence of my story. I’m in awe of you and your skills.

  Tara Young, copy editor extraordinaire. Once again, you provided the polish that makes my finished product shine. I don’t know how you do it.

  Robin Alexander, I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated, fun, or supportive publisher. It’s been a pleasure working with you. I look forward to our next project.

  * * *

  Dedication

  I would like to dedicate this book to my mom and dad, who introduced me to the worlds of fact and fiction and for encouraging me to take the journeys and visit the places of the heart and the mind when the body is at rest. Their lesson taught me that each story is an experience to be savored before moving on to the next.

  Et à mon amie, A.L. Mon Français peux ne pas être correct mais ... Merci beaucoup, mon amie. Je ne sais pas combien d'heures à la plage et au téléphone j’ai faites un brainstorm avec toi des développements de caractère d'excédent et le storyline. Vous m’avez commencé sur ce voyage de l’écriture et m’avez encouragé avec chaque étape. And thanks for helping with the French translations. As you can see, I needed it.

  And to Howie, who still doesn’t know why he gets named here and has yet to ask. One day, he’ll figure it out, though.

  * * *

  BLOODLUST

  Book II

  The Illusionist Series

  By Fran Heckrotte

  * * *

  CHAPTER 1

  SILENT GRAY TENTACLES of fog crept stealthily through the darkened forest creating the illusion of shadows moving through the night. One by one, the trees disappeared into the swirling mass, hiding everything from the prying eyes of those who didn’t belong in the small secluded valley.

  Sarpe lay loosely coiled, resting amongst a thick carpet of leaves beneath an ancient oak tree. She was enjoying the solitude of her species and the warmth of the sunbaked earth. More importantly, she could dream undisturbed by the chattering of the minor spirits of her realm. Her recent journeys into the mortal world had depleted her spiritual essence, leaving her sluggish. Exhausted, eyes closed, she listened to the subtle sounds of the night.

  In the distance, the wolf spirit, Vyushir, and her pack could be heard running amongst the trees, their high-pitched howls penetrating the stillness. The young wolves were enjoying the chase, probably pursuing a deer or some small woodland creature.

  Sarpe knew that night was a special time for them. Rarely did their guardian take mortal form to run with her kin. Regina, the pack leader, had aged beyond the point of keeping up with her offspring during night forays. This night, as a reward for her years of wisdom and loyalty, Vyushir had granted her chosen renewed youth so she would once again remind her pack why she was queen.

  “Welcome to my world,” a soft bubbly voice whispered to her right, interrupting the serpent spirit’s thoughts.

  Half opening one eye, Sarpe stared lazily at the green-and-purple-haired spirit sitting beside her. So much for peace and quiet.

  Catching the thought, Arbora laughed and the tree limbs above them swayed gently, sending a flurry of leaves to the ground. Sarpe gave an exasperated sigh as she found herself buried beneath a leafy pile. To most spirits, the golden elliptical eyes appeared cold and lifeless. Sarpe gave the intruder a perturbed look, sending Arbora into a small fit of giggles.

  “Thank you,” Sarpe hissed, pretending to be annoyed. The woodland spirit showed her no respect at times. “I sssee you have not lossst your sssense of humor or your penchant for changing hair color.”

  “Why, Sarpe, age doesn’t diminish a sense of humor.” Arbora smirked and reached over to stroke the smooth golden forehead of the other spirit. “At least for some of us. I’m surprised you didn’t hear me. You must be growing old.”

  “I am old...” Sarpe sighed indignantly. “But I heard you. You may move quietly like a sssummer breeze, but you ssstill disssturb the night. Perhapsss it is you who have grown old,” she countered before changing the subject. “I like it here. It’ss peaceful, at leassst mossst of the time. I come to thisss meadow to enjoy the sssolitude and to feel the warmth of the earth and to replenish my energies.”

  “Ah, poor Sarpe, and here I am disturbing you,” Arbora said sympathetically, trying to appear serious. “I’ll leave you alone. Enjoy your peace and quiet, old friend. This is a magical place, one for resting. My forest soothes the soul, as well as the body, even those of our world. Relax and partake of all it has to offer. Me, I’m off to meet Ursa. We promised Maopa and Mari we’d attend the preparations for their union at the Great Falls. You’re more than welcome to join us if you feel up to it. We can always use another hand, figuratively speaking, of course.” Arbora chuckled, her lavender eyes twinkling with mischief.

  “Of courssse. Sssomething I would obviously exsssel at.” Sarpe rolled her eyes in disgust and shook her head in exasperation.

  Arbora’s laughter echoed through the forest like a gentle wind chime. For the normally stoic spirit to show any emotion was amusing.

  “Not thiss night. I wish to ressst, but ssssooon. My bessst to the Earth Mother and Maopa.”

  “I’ll be sure to give them your message.”

  A faint breeze caressed the exhausted spirit’s body as her friend departed. Arbora was one of the few whose touch was tolerated by the serpent.

  Alone once again, Sarpe sighed contentedly and closed her eyes. Her thoughts wandered to others of her world. She was happy Mari a
nd Maopa were joining. The Earth Mother’s renewed interest in the spirit and mortal worlds was welcomed by everyone. Even Intunecat was more approachable.

  Ursa and Arbora, they were an odd couple but had been together for several hundred years. Sarpe still didn’t understand the attraction between the huge bear spirit and the dainty forest spirit. Ursa was always grumpy, except in the presence of the easygoing Arbora, who never lost her zest for life. Perhaps that was the secret to their success. Ursa’s somber nature needed Arbora’s exuberance. Sarpe wasn’t sure what Arbora got from the relationship, but apparently both were quite happy.

  Sarpe’s musings were interrupted by the faint rustle of leaves as something moved amongst the trees. Raising her head slightly, she stared into the darkness and flicked her tongue, lightly tasting the air. To her left, a shadow moved, unaware of the spirit’s presence. It was a woman.

  Knowing humans rarely wandered the forests at night, Sarpe became curious. Uncoiling her long body, she followed the human silently through the undergrowth without disturbing the debris littering the forest floor. When the woman stopped near the edge of the town, Sarpe coiled into her favorite position and watched. Soon, another woman stepped from an alleyway and walked to the figure standing in the shadows.

  Jussst a tryssst, Sarpe thought, quickly losing interest until she saw the taller woman wrap her arms around her companion and sway sinuously back and forth. Her movements reminded the spirit of her own kind. Fascinated, she decided to stay a while longer.

  The woman pressed her companion close to her own supple body. Their hips moved seductively from side to side in a slight circular motion. She combed her fingers through her partner’s hair and let them travel down the woman’s cheek and along her neck before resting on her left breast. Twisting and turning, the two bodies writhed sensually in a mating dance not unlike that of snakes.

  Slow, deliberate, hypnotic body rubbing against body, arms and legs intertwined as the tempo increased. She was a predator who had mastered the art of seduction.

  Sarpe could feel the heat from their bodies and smell the scent of their passion. She heard the low humming as the seductress first inflamed then soothed her prey, only to repeat the cycle until her victim no longer had the strength or the will to resist. Hands lightly caressed sensitive areas, leaving the woman weak and vulnerable.

  Twirling around, the human faced Sarpe, making unexpected eye contact with her. The spirit jerked back and hissed. Eyes the color of pale blue ice glowed unnaturally bright, red flames flickering mysteriously in their depths. The woman spotted the snake and frowned. Sarpe quickly closed her eyes, startled by the unnatural gaze.

  Lowering her head, Sarpe nestled into the leaves and feigned a sleepy indifference. When she finally reopened them, the stranger’s back was turned toward her.

  Deciding to leave, Sarpe hesitated when she noticed the woman’s lips curling upward, exposing slightly elongated canine teeth. As swift as a cobra’s strike, she sank them deep into the other woman’s neck. Seconds later, the attacker withdrew her fangs, leaned down, and effortlessly picked up her victim. She carried her to a dimly lit area and gently lowered the unconscious woman to the ground, making sure she rested comfortably against a stone wall.

  After adjusting her blouse, she stepped away, walked back into the forest, and stopped. For over an hour, she waited and watched. Only after the body was discovered did she leave. Passing within a few feet of the spirit, the woman hesitated, then moved on.

  Troubled by her discovery, Sarpe returned to the Eternal Fire, no longer comfortable in the mortal world. This female was human in appearance but different. As one of the eldest spirits, Sarpe knew most living things. Still, the world was changing. That a species could evolve for so long and constantly go unnoticed was disturbing but not necessarily unusual. One day soon, she would track this one down and learn more.

  CHAPTER 2

  SHE WAS EKIMMU, born in ancient Babylon. Her father was Elil, reputed to be one of the great ancient gods of Mesopotamia. Her mother, Inanna, was thought to be from the land of Sumeria. In truth, they were neither.

  Elil and Inanna came to Babylon during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. The king had married a young woman, Amyitis, to form an alliance with the land of Medes. To make her feel more at home, he wanted part of the city rebuilt with mountains and gardens. A call went out to the people offering a fortune to anyone who could accomplish the task.

  Elil and Inanna appeared a few days later. Impressed by their innovative ideas, the king hired them immediately.

  During their stay, an unusual plague spread across the land. Young women were discovered unconscious and remained comatose for days, sometimes weeks. Eventually, they recovered, though they often remained pale and weak for months. Several spoke of strange dreams, dreams never quite remembered but never completely forgotten. Although no one suffered permanent damage, these women were shunned out of fear that they had been violated by evil spirits. Many left, never to be seen again.

  By now, as chief adviser to the king, Inanna assured the people that the plague would end... and in time, it did. Shortly afterward, Inanna gave birth to an infant girl with dark skin and pale blue eyes.

  * * *

  Ekimmu was three when her family was forced to leave Babylon, but she remembered the happy days spent playing in the hanging gardens above the roofs of the city. Her mother would chase her through the shrubs while her father watched in amusement as he sat on a bench beneath the flower-laden vines under recently imported trees.

  Elil was tall with broad shoulders, golden hair, pale skin, and bright blue eyes that twinkled when he smiled or laughed. Inanna was the complete opposite— dark skinned with honey golden eyes. Both were an anomaly to their own people, who were dark-haired with eyes the color of coal. Although several inches shorter than Elil, Inanna still towered above the Babylonians. Beautiful beyond imagination, neither of them showed any signs of aging.

  In time, it provided a fertile environment for planting the seeds of fear amongst the king’s less favored subjects. When the whispers began, Elil and Inanna knew their time in the great city was over. To protect their daughter, their friends, and their adopted homeland, they would sacrifice their own happiness. One night, the three simply disappeared, leaving everything behind except what could be carried by hand. The next day, many of the people of Babylon wept.

  * * *

  For centuries, they traveled like gypsies, stopping for short periods in remote villages, then moving on. It was in the land of Daci around 82 B.C. that they once again settled down. The Dacians were a loosely knit group of tribes occupying Eastern Europe.

  Ekimmu fondly remembered her time with the Carpi, an unusual people who chose to isolate themselves from the other Daci. The arrival of Ekimmu and her parents proved fortuitous for the Carpi. The people had been plagued by mysterious deaths. Young men and women had been disappearing in the night only to have their mutilated bodies turn up in the light of day. Ekimmu was horrified when she discovered that one of her own kind, a man named Ramus, was committing the atrocities, and it troubled her that her parents refused to stop him.

  * * *

  When Ekimmu confronted her mother about him, Inanna tried to reassure her that Ramus was an aberration.

  “Why do you permit this to continue, Mother? He’s destroying lives and families.”

  “We have no way of stopping him.” Inanna shrugged.

  “So you simply ignore him and the deaths of our adopted people? They trust us. Is this how we reward them or their trust?”

  Sighing, Inanna took Ekimmu’s hand and pulled her down onto the bench next to her.

  “It’s complicated, daughter,” she said, rubbing her temples tiredly. “Our people aren’t perfect. We have rules to guide us, and most follow them willingly. Others...” Shrugging again, Inanna left the sentence unfinished.

  “Others do as they wish, free of consequences. Is that what you’re saying? If this is what we are, I hope I don’t m
eet any more of our kind. We’re no better than him. Perhaps worse. To do nothing is condoning everything that he is.”

  “You’re overreacting, dear. What would you have us do? Kill him? Lower ourselves to his standards? We aspire to greater things.”

  “Doing nothing is not an aspiration. I hope one day we will be greater, instead of aspiring to be.” Ekimmu stood and walked away, leaving Inanna deeply troubled.

  * * *

  A few days later, Ramus did move on. Ekimmu questioned her mother about his departure, but Inanna merely waved her hand dismissively saying Elil had talked to him. The deaths ceased and the Carpi tribe again lived in relative peace. Ekimmu and her parents lived amongst them for many years sharing their skills and knowledge.