Apotheosis of the Immortal (20 page)

Chapter 39

Walking out of
the square opening in the side of the cliff, Roman grasped an inconspicuous knot-like protrusion on the recessed rock and pulled it toward him. The opening sealed, perfectly concealed. William looked out at the waves foaming against the jagged rocks and remembered the story about Roman falling over the cliff and dying right in that spot.

“So what happened to you? I mean, how did you become immortal?” he asked, really wanting to know how he survived the fall.

“Adol found me in a bad position and we made a deal. That was it.” He spoke nonchalantly.

“You mean he found you dying on those rocks.” William pointed forward as he spoke.

“How could you possibly know that?” Roman retorted quickly. He looked shocked.

“I have spent my entire life working and caring for Jeffrey of Rothber.” As he spoke, William could see understanding dawn on Roman’s face.

“So he sent you here. I see; they finally figured it out. It took them long enough. That is a very queer family, as I’m sure you have noticed.” Roman seemed to be hiding a deeper bitterness.

“Yes, he sent me. He also told me you died falling over this cliff.” William’s statement was more of a question.

“Well, he is right about one thing; I did fall over the cliff, and I would have died if Adol had not found me lying there with only an ounce of life left in my entire body. You see, Jeffrey’s grandfather Caius left me to die on those rocks. I saw him look over the edge of the cliff and then he was gone. He never even came down to check on me.” Roman seemed more hurt than angry.

“His face over that cliff was the last I saw of him until thirty years later. I heard he was very ill and only had weeks left to live. Nothing has satisfied me more than the look on his dying face as he saw me, still young and strong. It was a beautiful moment.”

William could see the satisfaction still burning in his eyes as he spoke of it.

“So, where to from here?” Roman inquired once again.

“I have heard stories of these beasts for years, and of a family which carries the bloodline.”

Roman stopped dead in his tracks.

William smiled to himself at Roman’s obvious shock. “Of course, I always thought they were just stories, a family trying to live out its dreams through fairy tales. Apparently, I was wrong.” William winced from the pain in his ankle as he spoke.

“Where is this family you speak of? How do you know them? Why would they have told you their secrets?”

“They told me their secrets because I know them well… intimately, actually. The family is my own, at least the one I married into.”

“Impossible.” A look of excitement and surprise came across Roman’s face.

“It’s true. The problem is, by the time I met Esmeralda, she was the only child left in the family. We never stayed in contact with the rest of her family. I have no idea where they could be, or even if any of them are still alive, but Esmeralda will know. We will find our answers at Rothber Castle. We just need a boat.” William took a deep breath and scratched his head.

“Don’t worry about that. I have just what we need; follow me.” Roman took off around the cliff and William followed as best he could with his injured ankle. It was only a moment before they rounded the cliff and William saw a boat in the distance, actually more of a small ship. He was exhausted and breathing heavily by the time they reached the vessel.

“Just have a seat, boy; I’ll take it from here.” Roman shouted enthusiastically.

William was happy to oblige. Finding a small bench near the rear of the boat, William lay on his back and was asleep almost immediately.

Chapter 40

It seemed like
an eternity had passed by the time they landed on a narrow beach just a few hours’ walk from the castle.

William was confident Esmeralda would tell him everything he needed to know, and he would soon have the power and immortality he now craved so desperately.

It was nearly dark. Good. The children should be in bed by the time he arrived.

Perhaps he could find a way for them all to live as immortals together. If he could just get Solomon to understand, he knew the rest of his family would soon come around.

But first he must talk to Esmeralda. She had the answers; she had the blood.

Time seemed to fly by, and, before he knew it, William and Roman stood only minutes from the castle door.

“What are you going to do, William?” Roman seemed somewhat concerned. “You know that if she has the blood, then we need look no further than right here.” His smile was wry.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” William looked down shamefaced. “Stay here,” he commanded and then hurried up the hill to the castle entrance. He was excited and nervous; the power he so desperately wanted was now within his grasp.

As the door creaked open, William caught sight of his beautiful wife. She was still cleaning the kitchen. The smell of stew lingered in the air, and William could smell onions, tomatoes and all different spices. He had missed those smells, and now he was happier than ever to be home.

“William!” Esmeralda shouted as she turned and met his gaze. She ran to him and embraced him warmly.

“Hello, my love. How have you been?” William spoke gently as he pulled back and gazed into her eyes.

“We have been fine; but we have missed you so much. Let me go wake the boys; they will be so glad to see you.” She turned and started up the stairs.

“No, let’s let them sleep for now.” At the landing atop the stairwell, William took her arm and spun her back around. “I’m just so glad to see you.”

“I guess the boys can wait until morning; it will give us a chance to catch up. Tell me all about your journey.” She smiled into his eyes most tenderly.

“I will; I will tell you everything, but first I need to ask you about something.” He pulled her close as he spoke. He was feeling more and more nervous, and now her face looked worried.

“Is everything all right?” she asked, backing away until her heels nearly met the edge of the landing.

“Yes, everything is fine. Don’t worry. Where is Solomon? Is he in bed, too?” William asked, barely able to hold back his excitement.

“No, after dinner he went over to Sara’s house. He will be back before long.” Her tone was reassuring. “Now tell me, what is it?”

He could feel her curiosity and concern. The two were now face to face on the landing, only inches separating them.

“Do you remember those stories your family used to tell about family members having special abilities?” William was still trying to hide his eagerness.

“Yes, of course I remember those silly stories. Why?” Esmeralda looked confused.

“Esmeralda, I believe those stories are true.” William was staring into her eyes.

“True? What on earth do you mean? Those are just stories.” She laughed uncomfortably and shifted her eyes to the floor.

“I know the truth, Esmeralda, and I need you to help me find one.” William’s voice was serious and stern.

“What has gotten into you, William? They truly are just stories.” She turned and started back down the stairs, but William grabbed her arm hard and yanked her back around.

“William, you are hurting me,” she raised her voice.

“Esmeralda, I tell you, I know. It’s no use lying. Now I need you to help me. I have found a way to save our family… and to gain great power.” His voice was getting louder as his impatience grew.

“Where have you been, William? What has happened to you?”

He could see her fear as she continued trying to deflect his intent.

“Tell me what I need to know!” He was now bellowing angrily.

“I can’t tell you anything. None of it is true, William.” She was crying.

“You are lying!” he shouted as he slid a knife from his belt.

“William, no! What are you doing?” Esmeralda begged, just as Roman came through the castle door.

“Just get it over with, William,” Roman urged.

“I don’t want to kill you, Esmeralda, but I will.” Rage seemed to take control of his body. He burned with lust for power, the way he had when he thrust the small blade into the young girl’s chest so many times.

“Go ahead and kill me. I have nothing to tell you.” Her voice was no longer full of fear, but disgust.

“Well, perhaps you’ll tell me to save your children, then. Roman, go find the smaller boy in one of the bedrooms. Bring him down here.” William’s expression was stone cold as he spewed hate with every breath. The man he once had been was lost. He had transformed into pure, focused lust.

“No, no, no! I’ll tell you whatever you want to know, just leave the boys alone.”

He could hear the fear flooding back into her voice, and smell it. “I need to find an immortal bloodline. I have to kill someone with their blood to gain my power.” His eyes were glaring, and he had a feral smile, even though he didn’t realize it.

“I can’t send you to slaughter someone, William. I just won’t do it.” Her demeanor changed suddenly. Her voice was stern, her body straight and strong and determined.

“Not even to save your children?” William was twirling a knife in one hand and pushing Esmeralda until she nearly fell down the stairs with the other.

“I won’t send you anywhere else. If you believe this to be true, then take what you need from me. I have the same blood as my family.” Her tone was now somber. “Just promise me you won’t hurt the children.”

William nodded quickly. He was as eager to feel power the way he had earlier. Without one more word, he thrust the knife into her chest and held her for a moment, watching her blood pump out vigorously, before letting her drop and watching as she toppled to the bottom of the steps. Just like before, he leapt from the landing and threw himself on top of her while he continued stabbing, but this time with more purpose.

This time he jabbed under her bellybutton and tore upwards, ripping through flesh and bone. He kept at it until her chest was split wide open and her heart was visible. Then he cut around her heart, slicing it free of all the tissue that held it in place.

His chest flooded with the thrill of power as he held the heart up in the air like a trophy. Not wasting any more time, he sat down on the floor next to his wife’s mutilated corpse and began to eat the raw, bloody organ. He devoured the entire thing in minutes and then waited patiently to receive his gift.

Within seconds, he could feel his entire body start to tingle. He was light-headed for a second, then a burning sensation filled his body, and then a deep calm suffused him, a calm such as he had never known. The pain in his leg was gone. Looking up at Roman, he couldn’t hold back a smile.

“Let’s go find my son.” William was exhilarated. Stepping out of the house, he was eager to try out his new power. He lifted a large stone slab tabletop and hurled it through the air. The massive stone flew at least thirty yards. William could hardly believe it.

“Let’s run,” Roman suggested.

“Follow me, then,” William said.

The pair took off down the valley and headed east along the river. William moved so fast he seemed to fly. He reveled in it…

…and it wasn’t long at all before they arrived at Sara’s cottage.

Chapter 41

As Sara and
Solomon approached Sara’s cottage they noticed William and another man standing outside as if waiting for someone.

“Why is he here?” Sara whispered.

Looking into her eyes, Solomon could tell she was as surprised to see William as he was. Solomon was confused, but thrilled as well; he hadn’t seen his father in years.

“Well, hello, dear Sara. I’ve just returned, and I’m afraid I’m a bit out of the loop.” William’s voice and demeanor were dark and taunting—devil-may-care. Solomon thought he might be drunk.

“Sara, come here, please.” Solomon wasn’t sure what was going on, but wanted to be certain Sara was safe. His father could be a mean drunk at times, and he was covered in blood.

“What a beautiful young thing.” William laughed and tugged at his scruffy beard. “Come here, Sara, and let me have a look at you,” he muttered as he grabbed her hand and pulled her close.

“Let me go!” she shrieked.

Solomon stepped closer when he saw his father’s tight grip was hurting her arm, and was brought up short by William’s unbearable odor.

“Solomon,” she looked to him beseechingly as she struggled in his father’s grip. From inside the hut he could hear her parents yelling and pounding on the door, but William had blocked the only exit with a large bolder.

“Are you drunk, Father? What is going on? Let her go and let’s get you to bed.” He was still trying to gently defuse the situation.

“No, Son. I’m not drunk. I’m just especially happy to see young Sara, here.” She was now groaning in pain from William’s vise-like grip.

“Let her go Father, now! You are hurting her.”

“What is that look, Son? Are you upset? Would you like to do something about it?”

William was taunting him. Solomon
was
upset, and confused. This man’s threatening and erratic behavior made it harder and harder for Solomon to believe he could be the kind and loving father who’d raised him.

“Let her go, now,” Solomon repeated as he stepped towards his father, intent on wresting Sara from his grasp.

“That’s a brave lad.” William grabbed Solomon by the throat and effortlessly lifted him and held him in the air as he bit down on Sara’s neck and began draining her of blood. William tossed Solomon a few yards away as he continued to drink from Sara’s veins. He then dropped her nearly lifeless body to the ground.

Awestruck by his father’s power, Solomon had trouble believing how effortlessly he’d lifted and thrown Solomon, who was far bigger… but Sara needed him urgently. Leaping to his feet, he charged William.

At the last second, William stepped to the side and, grabbing Solomon by the back of his neck, flipped him into the air. Solomon landed hard on his stomach. Driven now by blind fury, he heaved to his feet again and prepared to launch another attack.

“Uh, uh, uh.” William shook his finger and then pointed to Sara lying still on the ground. “She has a little blood left, but not much. If you want her to live, you will do exactly as I say. Is that understood?”

Solomon felt sure she’d never survive, but, unwilling to risk Sara’s life further, Solomon agreed.

“First, a test, to see just how dedicated you are, how far you will go to save the ones you most care about.”

Solomon thought about Elijah, Malaki, and his mother. He was flooded with icy fear, having seen already that anything his father might ask of him would be abhorrent.

“Build a fire.” William’s glare was a taunt. “I said, build a fire. Now.”

Solomon didn’t know what to do. He had a terrible inkling of what William was going to demand of him next.

“No, Solomon, don’t. Please!” Sara’s weak voice cried out in desperation.

“Shut up.” William snarled, spraying her with spittle, then turning back to Solomon. “Do it, or Sara dies.”

Solomon had no choice. He gathered some dried leaves, twigs, sticks and a stone. He hunkered down and began building a fire, horrified at what would happen next. The agony he was about to inflict on people he’d known his whole life.

“What’s going on out there? Let us out.” Solomon could hear Sara’s parents pounding at the door and pleading for help. It only took a few moments for Solomon to start a small fire. Then he added a few larger sticks. After only a few minutes, the fire was burning extremely hot, and William called him over.

“Now, take one of those branches and set the roof on fire.” He was trying to hold back his gleeful smile of anticipation.

“Please, Father. They will die in agony,” Solomon begged as he searched William’s eyes for an ounce of pity, but found nothing.

“It’s either them or Sara, and then your family, your choice.”

Solomon could hear Sara struggling to get up.

“Solomon, please!” She was barely able to speak; her voice was scarcely a whisper. Solomon hesitated, still trying to figure out a way to avoid this horrifying choice.

“Go ahead and finish her off, Roman. He’s not going to do it. He doesn’t have the grit,” William shouted.

“No! No. I’ll do it.” Even if Sara was already dead, he couldn’t let his family die; they meant too much to him. He only hoped Sara could understand what he had to do. That William had given him no choice. Taking up a burning stick, he walked over and touched it to the dry, thatched roof. The whole place was ablaze in seconds.

The screams coming from inside were horrible, but they didn’t last long. After they finally died down, William took a moment to survey the area. “Let’s go, Son. The stink of burned flesh is turning my stomach… Oh, and I’ll let her live, until she bleeds out on her own. I’m a man of my word.”

Sara lay on the ground sobbing and bleeding, her face in the dirt.

“Sara!” Solomon ran to her. Kneeling beside her, he hesitantly touched her shoulders. “Can you hear me? Sara, please say something!” he begged, desperately hoping to hear some sign she would be okay.

She didn’t say a word; she didn’t move.

“Sara! Please, look at me!”

As she slowly lifted her head, Solomon could find no understanding, no forgiveness in her grim expression, only hate and pain. She did muster the strength for one word, though.

“Go!”

Solomon fell backwards as though her word had been a body blow, as Sara lay her head back on the earth and closed her eyes.

Solomon rose and followed his father. He looked back once, but couldn’t see her moving.

She was dead, Solomon thought, as tears welled in his eyes. His life was over, and Solomon knew it. He would never be able to forgive himself for what he had just done. Looking up at his father, Solomon hoped his eyes showed the hate and rage bleeding forth for this stinking, venomous creature who had once been his father.

“That’s good boy! You’re going to need a lot of that where we’re going. Now, come along. If you behave, your brothers might not meet the same fate as these poor souls,” William chortled.

“I’m, sorry Sara,” he whispered again. His body ached with sorrow and shame as he lowered his head and followed his father without another word. He couldn’t allow this terrible fate to befall his own family.