The Rift Walker by Clay Griffith; Susan Griffith

The Rift Walker by Clay Griffith; Susan Griffith

Author:Clay Griffith; Susan Griffith
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Pyr
Published: 2011-09-05T22:00:00+00:00


Mamoru and Nzingu ran without speaking, but their gazes were riveted upward. The sky over the Imperial Quarter was thick with hundreds of vampires floating in the stiff wind, diving in horrifying flocks. Gunfire was audible from around the city. The two pretended they didn't see vampires striking people dead in the street as they ran on. The samurai gripped his small blade tightly.

The grand avenues were chaos. Theaters, restaurants, and clubs were scenes of panic and inhumanity. Masses streamed in different directions seeking to flee attacks, but then grew confused by encountering another terrified crowd from the opposite direction. Men and women sought refuge inside shops or warehouses. Moments of civilization punctuated the horror as some paused to help those who had fallen or who were in danger of being trampled. Carriages and steam cars struggled through the wild mobs, or were abandoned.

Mamoru tugged on the taffeta sleeve of his companion and jerked his head toward a narrow door in what appeared to be a long-abandoned building. He quickly pressed several carved lions in succession and the door clicked open. The two started down a stuffy corridor lit by dim chemical bulbs. They ran for several minutes, turning so often that Nzingu was soon lost. Then they emerged into the night air with a great complex of buildings looming before them. Nzingu realized they were inside the walls of Victoria Palace, surrounded by shouting and weapons fire and a sky dark with Homo nosferatii above them.

“Stay close to me,” Mamoru commanded without breaking stride. “Our talismans will keep us only so safe in such a frenzy.”

Nzingu fingered her crystal pendant as they crossed manicured grass between marble sculptures and fountains. They leapt over a few bodies and raced up the wide sweep of stairs into the main entry of the palace. Soldiers ran around them in all directions, attempting to combat the unthinkable.

Inside, they passed a formal ballroom hastily converted to a surgery. Wounded lay on tables and on the floor. Doctors and attendants hovered, and a few rough operations were taking place under the sparkling light of chandeliers. The smell of blood and gore was all the more revolting for the ornate setting.

Mamoru paused to unbuckle a saber belt from a moaning soldier. “Find a weapon.”

“I have these.” Nzingu held up the razor whips which she now had looped in each hand.

“Dr. Kemal!” the samurai called out. “Where is the emperor?”

“I don't know.” A man wearing a blood-soaked tuxedo didn't pause from sewing up a gash in a soldier. “I haven't heard anything about the family. I only know they are not here.”

Mamoru and Nzingu continued up another marble flight. Gunshots erupted nearby, then quieted. The carpet runners in the hallway were stained with blood. They nearly slammed into two figures at an intersection of corridors. Mamoru brandished the saber, and it clanged against glowing steel.

“Wait!” a voice shouted.

Senator Clark stood with his Fahrenheit blade pressed to the samurai's saber and with pistol pointed at Mamoru. Major Stoddard gripped his commander's gun arm, and the American leader stepped back.



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