After the Fall by Martinez A.J

Author:Martinez, A.J. [Martinez, A.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-05-08T07:00:00+00:00

The council had no shortage of questions, which I answered truthfully, or as much as could be expected in my situation. They asked where I had come from, the town and its people, how I secured my sustenance, and why I ended up leaving it. I told them about Jericho, its fanatical people, and the tragic way it all ended with the betrayal of the chieftain by his own son. I omitted certain details, like my affair with Rhiannon, or the way that this place worshipped me like a divine being. I felt my story could do without these tidbits. When I finished, the room went silent and the head man began to clap.

“Bravo! I love your story. It’s so moving, full of heroism and such. If only it had a touch of romance, it would be brilliant. Now, I propose a vote regarding our new friend here. Those in favor?”

One by one, they said “aye.” All except Rayna, who remained silent.

“Those opposed?” Rayna raised her hand.

“May I ask why you opposed this time?” asked the man with a tone of weariness I did not fail to detect.

“Besides the fact he’s a pansy? Nothing else. No offense, Luke, but these European-bred Vampires are a bunch of lily-livered—”

“That’s enough.”

“Dandies without a decent set of—”

“I said that’s enough, Rayna! I’ve had enough of your insolence for today. You will abstain from speaking unless asked.”

The two of them locked eyes while the rest of the room waited uneasily. He smiled and continued.

“Very well, the vote is made. The penalty is death.”

“I beg your pardon?” I asked.

“Lying and fabrication are offenses punishable by death.”

“Hey, whoa! I didn’t fabricate anything. Every word I told you is the truth!”

“You would have us believe that you found a whole settlement out west and were able to live off its people for some time until someone blew up the walls, and nobody noticed you there?”

“They knew I was there. I helped them, and they helped me. It was a fair trade.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Believe what you want, but I’m telling the truth.”

“I’m sorry. You’ll have to die.”

His intense gaze met mine. I didn’t beg or plead for my life. I gave him no sign of weakness. If this is what must happen, so be it. I’ve never begged for my life and I wasn’t about to start now.

He started to laugh and patted me in the shoulder. The rest of them started to smile, especially Rayna.

“You’ll have to forgive us. We’re a cheeky bunch here. Just having a little fun, is all.”

“Yeah, a regular riot,” I grumbled.

“You’ve found a good one, Rayna. This one will do.”

“Will do for what?” I asked.

“You’ll be a fine addition to our group. Welcome.” He stretched out his hand. I hesitated for a second but ended up shaking it. “Now, I trust you will share a meal with us, won’t you? It’s the least we can do.”

Luke, whose full name was Lucretius, clapped and called for the waiters. A dozen men and women in spotless uniforms came into the room with trays full of chilled decanters.

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