Daywalker (5 page)

Chapter 9

Preparing herself for slumber, Akaisha brushed her hair. Restless, she paced back and forth within the bedchamber, trying to make sense of everything. Something was wrong, and she intended to find out what it was. Akaisha tried to make sense of the strength Elizabeth suddenly summoned when breaking up the fight between herself and Rhiannon. What did she gain in befriending her? She had felt sorry for the woman earlier, but strong instinct made her distrust Elizabeth. On the surface, the woman had given Akaisha no reason not to trust her, but something beneath the surface deeply irritated Akaisha.

Slipping under the bedcovers, Akaisha started to toss and turn. Her precious Egypt appeared to have evaded her, making her feel somehow linked to the castle and Daegan, himself. Akaisha was a witness to the tenderness within Daegan’s eyes. For a fleeting moment, he was allowing his gentler, docile nature to resurface, until interference pushed him over the edge again.

Remembering his touch ignited passions within her she could no longer ignore.

Akaisha caressed her breasts, and pinched her hard nipples as soft moans escaped her lips. She arrived at the conclusion that her body didn’t betray her. Daegan awakened something deep within her; something she never knew existed, until now.

Lowering her hand to her pussy, Akaisha stroked the sensitive bud that yearned for Daegan’s touch. Imagining his tongue inside her, she slipped a finger into her tight hole, slowly at first, eventually quickening the tempo. Slowing the pace, she focused her attentions upon her clitoris again, bathing it in her slick juices. Akaisha’s heavy breathing and the squishing sounds her pussy made were the only noises in the bedchamber.

Gyrating her hips, Akaisha’s slick fingers continued their sweet assault upon her pussy. Her orgasm approached fast, rocking her body with each spasm, one more intense than the last.

Collapsing in the bed, Akaisha exhaled sharply, still sexually frustrated. She had hoped for another opportunity for Daegan to take her once more.

Smiling, she drifted off into a deep sleep….

* * * *

The man approached her with pure evil within his eyes. Nowhere else to run within the bedchamber, she had no choice but to surrender to him if she could not fend him off. Fear painfully seizing her heart, she somehow realized this would be her last night on earth. Unable to see the man’s entire face, Akaisha opened her mouth to scream, in vain since no sound escaped her lips. Once again, the man violently grabbed her, tightening his grip around her neck, yellow evil eyes piercing her soul, her vertebrae snapped, and the searing, mind-shattering pain penetrated her body, forcing her awake, as she violently gasped for air. Shaking, she sat straight up in bed, trying to catch her breath, searching the bedchamber, tears stinging her eyes.

* * * *

Strangely enough, the dreams were more intense than in Egypt, and they invoked a deeper fear within her. She sought answers now, deep within her heart. She was here for a reason. A knock on her door nearly caused her to jump out of her skin.

“Who is it?” Akaisha asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“It’s me, Elizabeth. Is everything okay in there, child? I heard you scream.”

Akaisha walked over to the door. Elizabeth carried a candle holder; the halls within the castle were pitch black.

“Is it daylight yet?” Akaisha asked.

“Soon,” Elizabeth said. “Akaisha, I need to know why you ran out on me earlier. “What happened to you, child?” Elizabeth asked, with concern in her eyes. “Please let me in, I think we need to talk.”

“Elizabeth, I’m really tired.”

“Well, let me have my say first. It nearly tore my heart apart when you started suspecting me of something I know nothing about, child. Are you always non-believing of those who surround you? You have got to learn to trust someone at some point of your life,” Elizabeth preached to Akaisha.

“Well, up until
this
point in my life I had no reason not to trust anyone! I feel as though I’m completely surrounded by those that intend to inflict pain upon me. Even Daegan possesses a small amount of humanity within his soul,” Akaisha stated.

“Well, what’s this?” Elizabeth asked, eyes widening. “You apparently are taken in by Lord Daegan’s charms, child.” Elizabeth smiled.

Sensing an aura of jealousy, Akaisha simply ignored the woman, quickly changing the subject.

“As I stated before, Elizabeth, you know something. It is not my intention to hurt your feelings; I simply need answers to my questions. Answers I believe
only you
can provide me with!”

“Well, you are indeed a stubborn one,” Elizabeth mused. “Akaisha,” Elizabeth whispered softly.

“There is a time and a place for everything. When that time arrives, I will let you know, I promise. Now, get some sleep, my dear.”

“In the meantime, do you think it’s possible for you to give me a tour of the grounds now?”

Akaisha inquired.

“At this ungodly hour? “ Elizabeth complained. “Oh, alright!” Elizabeth finally gave in, after Akaisha shot her an accusing look. “Akaisha, you must promise that you will be on your best behavior. Werewolves patrol certain parts of the grounds. You can’t see them until it’s too late.

Sometimes, you may only see their glaring eyes in the darkness, but that is it. It is the same during daylight hours. Daegan….”

“What Elizabeth? Akaisha squeaked.

“Shhh, child, talk no more!” Elizabeth grabbed the hairbrush and started brushing Akaisha’s hair.

Valaris strolled through the door, with an intent look etched upon his face. The vampire, slightly taller than Daegan, possessed a muscular build, facial hair and a bald head. Tribal tattoos adorned his neck and arms. Valaris was known for his intelligence and his savage thirst for blood. It was nothing for him to slaughter innocents.

“What are you wenches up to now?” Valaris sneered. “Elizabeth, shouldn’t you be cleaning, or sleeping at this hour?”

“Valaris, we were just discussing where spare clothes should be kept. Lord Daegan is aware of every move I make.”

Valaris eyed the women with scrutiny before turning on his heel and exiting the bedchamber, a low growl developing in his throat.

“Elizabeth, I have never felt such evil in my entire existence Valaris, there is something about him I don’t like. I’m not used to this way of life. It is different in my Egypt.” Akaisha lowered her head sadly, trying to conceal a tear.

“Akaisha, mind your tongue about Valaris!” Elizabeth snapped, shocking the daywalker as she defended Daegan’s brother. “Let us find something else to occupy our minds with, shall we?

Come on Akaisha.” She followed Elizabeth into the hall, making their way downstairs to the grand sitting room and into a small room further down the corridor.

Elizabeth joined three other servants in a bleak sitting room who were feverishly mending garments for members of the coven that were staying at Castle Daegan for the weekend.

“Akaisha, I see we aren’t the only human night owls within these castle walls,” Elizabeth clucked happily.

The sitting room was a comfortable fit; however, the surroundings could have used more color.

Akaisha was thankful that Ireland was experiencing a mild summer, as there were many places she noticed drafts. It sickened her to see how parts of the castle where the covens dwelled were adorned with fine tapestries and furniture, with added color. The aristocratic, snobbish vampires would have it no other way. The servants mattered not, as long as they were there to serve wine, blood, and from time to time, sexual services for the male and female members of the coven.

“Akaisha, I would like to introduce you to Anna, Myra, and Helen. I have served with these ladies for most of my time here at Castle Daegan. You will find them to be wonderful company.”

“Nice to meet you ladies,” Akaisha smiled politely.

“Are you Lord Daegan’s harlot?” Myra spat in disgust. “I wonder how long this will last." Myra, a twenty-five year old blonde from England, was jealous over Akaisha’s presence. Mistress to Valaris when it suited his needs, Myra became bitter, knowing she would never have a future place within the castle. Daegan would have no part of her, so Valaris would have to do.

“Oh Myra, why do you have to be so rude to people?” clucked Anna, a perky brunette who welcomed a new face to the castle. “There is no need for cruelty, we have enough of that with the covens. It is so nice to meet you, Akaisha. Please let me know if there is anything you are in need of.”

Helen, a plump woman closer to Elizabeth’s age greeted the daywalker in a serious manner, not showing any emotional at all. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Akaisha. I hope your stay here is more pleasant than ours.”

“So, now, we are to wait on a half-vampire, half-human bitch in addition to the full-blooded snobs of the castle?” spat Myra. Her cold, ice blue eyes cutting through Akaisha like a knife, vexing the daywalker’s temper.

“Aw, did I hit a nerve, princess?” Myra taunted.

“Myra, stop this nonsense now!” Elizabeth chastised.

“Elizabeth, I don’t need you to defend me to the likes of this jealous, petty girl, who appears to be no better than the covens she serves. Let me set you straight this instant Myra, I mean you no harm. I’m just as much a prisoner in this castle as you are. However, I refuse to be treated in this manner by you.” Akaisha’s words trailed off into a deep throaty growl, sending shivers down Myra’s spine. “Do we understand each other?” Akaisha’s stare piercing the depths of Myra’s soul caused the young woman to turn two shades paler.

“I…My apologies to you, Akaisha,” Myra stuttered, as she clumsily stood to her feet and retreated from the sitting room.

“Well, you certainly put Lady Myra in her place,” Elizabeth burst out. “She complains entirely too much! No one else can stand to put up with her. She constantly begs Valaris to change her into a vampire, knowing how they feel about us humans. Myra would turn out to be one of the evil vampires if she were ever sired. She even offers herself to Megan and Morgan, Valaris’

concubines who are daywalkers as well.”

“I’ve met Valaris’ concubines. They don’t talk much, do they?” Akaisha asked.

“No, they feel threatened by your presence,” Elizabeth explained. “You have not been abused in such as manner as they have. Valaris sucks the life out of them every chance he receives, seizing their opportunity for them to feed upon him, therefore draining their strength.”

“Valaris is a selfish bastard!” Akaisha hissed. “Daegan doesn’t treat me in such a manner.”

“Well, good riddance to her,” Anna exclaimed, finishing up the last of the garments. “She is nothing more than a dark shadow and is not to be trusted. She will turn on you if given the opportunity. I advise you ladies never to say anything to her you don’t want repeated.”

Akaisha paced the floor of the sitting room as she tried to calm her nerves. Her blood boiled so, she could not remember experiencing such rage in her entire existence. She wondered how many more run-ins she would experience with others who dwelled within the castle.

“Calm down, child,” clucked Elizabeth. “We need to finish everything before settling down for the evening. Ladies, I bid you good evening. Let me know if there is anything extra the coven needs. This bunch can be most taxing.”

“Aye,” agreed Helen. “They can read our thoughts, so they try to make our lives more miserable by claiming things are not working properly, or the sheets are dirty. I despise…”

“Ladies, please explain the rules to me,” Akaisha whispered. “Can’t the vampires hear us?”

“My dearest Akaisha,” exclaimed Elizabeth, “Lord Daegan and Valaris have been called upon by their elders…” Elizabeth trailed off, a sudden gleam appearing in her eyes. “Ladies, I bid you farewell; there are things I must attend to. Come, Akaisha.”

“Nice meeting you ladies, hopefully we can chat another time,” Akaisha commented, as she hurried to catch up to Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth, what is the meaning of this? Why are you acting so odd?”

“Accompany me to my bedchambers,” Elizabeth whispered under her breath.

“What do you mean, Elizabeth?” Askaisha asked as the pair started to climb narrow winding stairs.

“Well, think about the century’s worth of negativity that has dwelled within these walls, child.

Why do you think we appear to be soulless servants? Be honest, what was your first impression of me?”

“Elizabeth, you weren’t friendly at all. You appeared to be occupied in a negative manner, almost a hypnotic state.”

“Exactly!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “The weaker the person, the stronger hold they have over us.”

Chapter 10

Elizabeth stopped and opened a narrow wooden door, beckoning Akaisha to follow her. “Hurry now, child, we have a window of opportunity.”

Elizabeth placed the torch in its setting against the wall near her small bed. Akaisha scanned the room, shuddering at the thought of remaining there for days on end.

“Yes, be grateful you don’t have to be cooped up in here. I’m driven mad if I remain for too long. I would actually rather serve one of the covens.”

The room was small, and cool. Elizabeth’s meager possessions consisted of a few books and clothes. The only shoes she possessed were on her feet. In the corner sat a small washtub and a block of soap.

“Elizabeth, this is too confining for a person. Are all the slave quarters as small as yours?”

Akaisha asked.

“I have adjusted, and no, I’m not the only servant in this situation. I had planned to live out the rest of my existence within these castle walls, until I met you.” Elizabeth smiled brilliantly.

“What do you mean?” Akaisha asked, raising an eyebrow. “Do you plan to escape, Elizabeth?”

Laughing heartily, Elizabeth strolled over to a large wooden chest, and began rummaging through her clothes, humming an Irish tune. “Vampires have the power to control. Why do you think so many women are willing to be their sex slaves? Myra is the same. Anna was right, she cannot be trusted,” Elizabeth explained. “Now, I’m going to share something very powerful with you, my dear Akaisha.”

Elizabeth pulled out a small crystal with blue hues, small enough to be concealed within the palm of one’s hand. “Isn’t she a beauty?” Elizabeth grinned.

“Elizabeth, this is the most beautiful object I have seen since I’ve been in this dreaded castle!”

Akaisha could not take her eyes off the crystal.

“Take this, child, take it and tell me what you see,” Elizabeth insisted, shoving the crystal into Akaisha’s hand. “Close your eyes and concentrate.“

A spark of hope invaded Akaisha’s being as she held the crystal in both hands. Closing her eyes, she saw the most beautiful sights.

“What do you see, Akaisha? Tell me.”

Akaisha smiled as she saw the faces of her parents, yet somehow they did not look like themselves. They were not dressed in their finest Egyptian clothing, and their surroundings were somehow different. Akaisha felt intense negativity as she was snatched to a moment where Daegan chased her, threatening to destroy her. Instantly, she vanished, as though an invisible hand rescued her, placing her in another spot within her mind, although her surroundings were not familiar. Akaisha’s eyes opened abruptly, violently gasping for air, experiencing mixed feelings of the visions that plagued her mind. Elizabeth escorted her to the plain bed, trying to comfort her.

“What did you see, Akaisha?” the woman asked, with a serious look.

“My parents, I saw them, not as I remember them. They were different…somehow. They were my parents, though,” Akaisha stated excitedly. Suddenly, her expressions became frightening.

“Daegan was chasing me, Elizabeth, with the intent on destroying me. The fear and negativity tore deeply at soul. Then, I…I disappeared, leaving Daegan puzzled. I’m uncertain as to where, but I was somewhere else, somewhere I cannot explain, Elizabeth.”

“Akaisha, that is a good thing. Surely, you remember how Daegan abducted you from Egypt.”

“Yes, he walked through some opening in time, it seemed. It was a light blue, circular opening in midair. He mentioned the use of dark magic, and his magus.”

“Yes, Daegan sensed you, but could not tell exactly where you were. His magus, the black hearted critter, used magic to obtain you. Can’t you see that we possess the same opportunity! It is our only way out, and we must hurry!” Elizabeth spoke in a hushed voice.

“Daegan will only use you for his own gain, while destroying you in the process, Akaisha. I have seen it happen before. Daywalkers are mistreated immensely, their life force drained on a daily basis. You are no ordinary daywalker, but he will use you until there is nothing left. The only thing saving you from the wrath of certain members of his coven is the fact that he has made you his mate. He intends to feed upon you. Your blood will allow him to walk the daylight hours.”

“Elizabeth, that is absurd. Daegan will not use and abuse me, as you say. We feed from one another, and he doesn’t have the power to walk during daylight hours.”

“Akaisha, there is a time and place for everything. The universe is working in your favor, and now is the time for planning. Don’t you see that you do not belong here? You were taken from another land, another time, by an evil force."

“Elizabeth, how do you know these things?”

“Like you, I possess the gift of foresight. The vampires can read our thoughts, so we must keep our minds clear so there is nothing to read. I have practiced this for years. You possess the exact gift of protection. I knew what Daegan and his magus where up to, and felt it every time they dabbled in the black arts.”

“I always had dreams of someone taking me from my precious Egypt, Elizabeth. It was Daegan, although I could never fully view his face. I was sleeping when he opened that magic doorway.

I…” Akaisha’s words trailed off, tears streaming down her face.

Elizabeth, holding Akaisha in her arms, brushed a lock of hair from the daywalker’s face.

“Everything happens for a reason, child. It is up to us to make the best out of a bad situation. We both shall leave this place of despair. “

“Can’t we leave now, Elizabeth?” Akaisha asked innocently, pretending she believed every word the woman spoke. She had to trust her own instincts. Daegan was not the man Elizabeth said he was.

“No, now is not the time, Akaisha. Everything must be in its place. Heed my warning, if Daegan catches us, we will never see the light of day again, and I can promise you that. Have you seen the soulless creatures that vampires produce when they no longer have any use for them?”

Elizabeth asked.

“Soulless creatures!” Akaisha exclaimed. “We have no such beings in Egypt, Elizabeth. Please, take the time to explain, this is entirely too much for me to understand.”

Sighing heavily, Elizabeth proceeded to explain how vampires left their victims with very little blood. Not killing or turning them, but leaving them on the brink of life and death. Vampires often left their victims in a state such as this for their amusement.

“These soulless beings wander aimlessly in the woods, terrorizing local villages. Some were killed by large mobs of people. They feed off the blood of livestock and any humans they may encounter. It is a fate worse than death, Akaisha.”

Akaisha couldn’t shake the horrid fear that rocked her entire being. “Elizabeth, in Egypt, we did not have such nonsense. Everyone lived in peace and harmony. We celebrated life, and death, in a positive way. Humans were treated as equals, and sometimes turned, and were never looked down upon.”

“In my entire existence within these walls, Akaisha, I have been lucky to familiarize myself with a vampire whom I held in the highest regard. Of course, they hailed from the Italian coven of Venice. Lord Falco was born in fourteen fifty. He was a man of honor, warmth, and light, who ended his own existence two years ago.”

“He destroyed himself instead of acting upon the desire to destroy those who crossed his path,”

Akaisha murmured.

“Yes,” Elizabeth bowed her head, happy to know their thoughts were on the same wavelength.

“Lord Falco only acquired two mates within his lifetime; the second was a reincarnation of his first love. After her destruction, Falco changed, for the worse and never sought another mate.

Imagine how you would feel, existing for such a long time, watching everything around you change. He felt he had nothing left. Unlike other vampires, he didn’t embrace the dark side, so he eventually sacrificed himself to the daylight.”

“It takes a strong creature to fight the powers of darkness. These castle walls harbor those who have lived for centuries, and those embracing darkness continue to destroy, rape, and carry out their unholy deeds upon this earth. Never satisfying their lusts of flesh and blood, they are bound to this earth until they sacrifice themselves or die by the hands of another,” Elizabeth explained.

“Finding a mate makes a large difference in a vampire not falling prey to darkness.”

“My father has existed since the dawn of time, Elizabeth. He is a man of honor, and would never even think of harming another vampire or human unless it was necessary. My mother is human, and he loves her dearly, although she does not want him to sire her. She is unsure if she wants to live forever. My father being the loving, compassionate man that he is, obeys her wish.”

“Akaisha, like Daegan, we must re-open a doorway to return us to your time.”

“Elizabeth, do you know how to open these doorways? I understand you could not say much earlier, but I need to know, how soon can we do this?” Akaisha inquired. “I need to go home. I can’t stay here, and Daegan…

“Hell, Akaisha, I would have left quite some time ago if it were all in my control. You see, doorways are opened at certain times, when the stars and the planets are aligned in a certain way.

The phase of the moon plays a part as well. Do you know how long it took until Daegan possessed the ability to pierce time?”

“How long, Elizabeth?

“Exactly four months prior to the time he located you, Akaisha.”

“By Anubis, Elizabeth, the fourth month is when I felt an overwhelming presence.”

“The planets were in alignment, but as you know, Daegan is not one of the most patient men. It should have been approximately one year before that doorway was opened, Akaisha. Power and greed ruled him, and he found other ways of appeasing the darkness. Sacrificed certain objects, and people, to get what he desired, along with his magus’ help. They both will rot in hell forever for the unholy things they have done."

“How long must we wait?” Akaisha asked in a weakened voice, afraid to know the answer.

“We must do things correctly. It is bad enough we are dealing with dark magic, but I refuse to damn myself for eternity to sacrifice others to speed up that time.”

“So, I’m basically trapped here?” Akaisha asked, panic-stricken. A strong feeling of remorse filled her as well. She had made friends with many of the slaves and most of the cooks; not to mention the strong relationship forged between herself and Daegan.

“I’m afraid so, child, but worry not. As long as you and I stick together, all will be well. You must have faith. Now, give me the crystal, my dear. No one can know of this, agreed?”

“I swear, that night in Egypt when I went back to sleep, I awoke in hell,” Akaisha murmured.

“Little do you know, my child, little do you know.” Elizabeth grinned, an evil grin.