Vampires of Nightworld by David Bischoff

Author:David Bischoff [Bischoff, David]
Language: vie
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

On the castle's outskirts were fields bearing the withered husks of cornstalks. The party traipsed past these toward the battlements. The castle was uncharacteristically small and no new buildings had spilled beyond the fortifications. Indeed, as they neared the place, it became obvious that the building was not well tended. Cracks were apparent in the stone walls and the parapets were badly weathered, showing no signs of recent maintenance. If not for the various signs of habitation—notably laundry hanging to dry—Oliver would have thought it long deserted.

Thompson and Jerkin sullenly led the ragtag procession. MacPherson followed erect and purposeful, eyes steadfastly focused upon the brigands, resolved to see justice done. Oliver sat between Jennifer and Penton on the van's front bench. So far the two broad, stocky horses acquired in Perth had proved reliable, and there had been no need to utilize the van's ability for self-propulsion under battery power. Though the horse-drawn mode reduced speed, it also reduced wear and tear upon the irreplaceable drive train.

Oliver's thoughts were heavy with brooding. He'd always viewed the discovery of HOPE headquarters as a thing to be desired beyond all other occurrences; an event that would lead to the further enlightenment of mankind on Styx, with his aid. It certainly seemed a worthwhile enough goal in the year and a half since the successful completion of Geoffrey Turner's quest. Now, however, with that goal in sight, its actual shape was suspect. This was HOPE headquarters? Certainly Oliver had expected something less shabby.

Most certainly he did not expect the two basilisks that streaked through the gates, producing the most unnerving shrieks.

Basilisks were not particularly large creatures. Their bodies consisted of the rear quarters—complete with snake-like tail—of a very large lizard and the forequarters of a gigantic rooster, with talons as sharp as any sword. What basilisks lacked in size, however, they made up in fear-someness. Of all the liberated nightcreatures, they seemed to be least equipped with potential for intelligence. "Jenny, get down in the van," Oliver ordered. Jennifer obeyed without objection.

The two beasts were almost upon them when Jerkin and Thompson decided to bolt.

Before they had been kept in tow by the threat of pistols. With the advent of HOPE headquarters, vigilance was relaxed somewhat. And as the basilisks bore down upon the party, even that scrutiny evaporated.

As it happened, their sprint attracted the basilisks' attention and the beasts veered toward the brigands.

"Right!" Penton said calmly. "Fire while they're close, Oliver!"

So saying, he hoisted and aimed his own weapon. With a sharp report, the rifle bucked. Blood splashed from the tail of a basilisk. The basilisk, hardly fazed, dashed determinedly toward the fleeing men, squawking ferociously. Oliver fired and missed.

Aiming once more, Penton said, "Jennifer. Up with the electroprods, lass. We may find ourselves in need of them." He squeezed off another round. A scale blew from the basilisk's chest.

MacPherson jammed his boot heels into his mount's side and pursued the basilisks, his bright sword raised high.

Jennifer handed up two electroprods. Oliver grabbed them and handed one to Penton, who shrugged the contraption on quickly.

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