The Living Night: Part Three: Epic Fantasy Vampire Thriller by Jack Conner

Author:Jack Conner [Conner, Jack]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vampire Fiction and Dark Fantasy Adventure Books
Published: 2014-08-18T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

News of Mauchlery’s coup spread fast, and Ruegger noted the varying reactions he saw with interest. Some shades, obviously relieved, shouted and smiled and embraced each other. Others—a somewhat smaller faction—milled about looking grim. Ruegger sympathized with both sides, but he had a feeling that the story of the War of the Dark Council was far from over.

When they were ready, Ruegger, Danielle, Harry and the rest of the group (with the notable exception of Kharker, who had gone off to be with Sarnova) found their way to the Floor Show. Normally the establishment didn’t permit mortals to enter, but Ruegger’s new status as Heir to the Throne was enough to ensure Harry’s admittance—despite the fact that the throne he was heir to was in serious question. Still, it was clear that most everyone in the Castle still considered Roche Sarnova their leader, even if he was to be incarcerated for the time being.

Before entering, Danielle pulled Ruegger aside and told the others to go on in, they’d be right behind. She led him by the elbow to a dark alcove and asked if he was alright.

“Fine,” he said. “You?”

“Decent.” She looked him straight in the eye. “Can we go now? You’ve won your freedom, so we should be able to leave this damned place.”

“We still don’t know why Ludwig died.”

“We know Sarnova didn’t have Ludwig killed, and we know the Ambassador didn’t do it, either. What else have we to do here, besides getting ourselves killed?”

It was a good point, and he admitted as much. The problem was that the reason behind his old friend’s murder seemed to be intricately linked with the war and the Scouring. Someone had wanted Liberty to attack the Castle, and that someone had done a good job of assuring that this would happen. The best bet was Subaire, Roche Sarnova’s nemesis … and if indeed Mauchlery had surrendered to her, she would be headed right this way. If he and Danielle could just hold on a little longer, Subaire would be within their reach.

When he said as much, Danielle replied, “This place isn’t going to last that long, Rueg. The Libertarians are here already. The only thing left for us here is to await the Libertarian invasion, not to mention whatever the Balaklava are cooking up. But the War of the Dark Council is over, and so is Roche’s dream.”

For a long moment, Ruegger said nothing. One way or another, Ludwig had indirectly died because of Sarnova’s dream to make peace with humans and establish a homeland for all immortals. As far as Ruegger was concerned, that made it his, Ruegger’s, war as well. Not only that, but he liked the idea.

“I’m the Heir,” he said at last. “I’ve got responsibilities to Roche.”

Danielle glanced away. “I’d hate to abandon him, too, evil bastard that he is, but he’s lost. The best thing we can do for him is encourage him to give up his dream so that he can remain king. Hell,

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