ONEUS 18 + BLOOD MOON ECLIPSE - Vampire - (Book 2)

Leedo Part 8

Leedo had been at the priory now for just under one month. He had been welcomed on arrival due to the need for more fit and able men to protect the religious sanctuary from the repeated attacks of servants experienced by the inhabitants of the priory and neighbouring villages. Curiously, Leedo had not witnessed any servants on his journey to the priory and there had been no recent attacks. As he cast his mind back to his departure, he recalled Keonhee insisting that he travel with him. The pair had parted ways after half a mile when Keonhee recognised that Leedo was indeed serious and would not change his mind. 

Leedo was relieved to be free from Keonhee, he still harboured a deep suspicion towards him. After Neomas death, Keonhee had maintained that what had occurred had been an accident and he was focused on resurrecting her and repairing the situation. All Leedo had cared about at the time was getting Neoma back, no matter what. But not like this. Whatever she had become now was not the Neoma he had known. Leedos heart ached at this truth. If he had stayed with the others she would no doubt have returned for vengeance and he would have been in the impossible position of either killing her or being killed himself. It was better for him to leave and make use of himself in a pure and healing way for humanity by joining the priory. In this way, perhaps he too could heal from his heartbreak. 

The walls of the priory were built for defence with compact individual living quarters constructed against the walls. Within the centre of the structure was a large central garden which contained a separate building for dining, and a dormitory for the sick connected to a small chapel for contemplative meditation and confession. As part of spiritual health the friars encouraged all of the men and women to engage in weekly confessionals. Leedo had initially been reluctant to engage in these sessions but had found it presented an opportunity to process some of the turmoil he was experience. As far as the friar he confessed to was aware, Leedo had endured an emotional heartbreak of which he was still recovering which had motivated him to join the priory.  

The only way to enter the priory courtyard was through one entrance that was monitored by the Abbot who resided within the gatehouse outside of the main structure. Leedo often spent time there to receive tithes from the community. It felt strange and wonderful to be human and interact with other humans again. He felt at last that he was finally beginning to experience an inner harmony.

One evening Leedo was quietly reading in his dorm. The room was illuminated by a single narrow candle flame which immersed the modest room in a warm orange glow. His peace was disrupted by a loud banging on his door and the muffled and anguished tones of who he recognised to be the Abbot. Dropping his book, Leedo rushed to answer the door, the Abbot stated that a nearby village had been attacked by a pair of vampires. Leedos heart lurched with the realization that  it could only be Neoma and Hwanwoong. The Abbot informed Leedo that those who were injured were being housed on the rectory. He explained that at least three young women were not accounted for and thought to have been taken by the attackers. All fit men were required to track down the intruders and locate the girls. 

Spurred into action, Leedo quickly slipped into his chain male and equipped his sword. He felt certain that he knew the location of the young women. The Abbot placed his hand on Leedo's shoulder as a gesture of faith and protection. Leedo's large brown sombre eyes met the Abbots as he nodded in acknowledgement. He left the priory to join the band of men who were already departing on foot and horseback. 

Once within the depths of the forest, Leedo quickly separated from the group to search independently within the ominous shadows of the midnight greenery. His mission was to rescue the girls but his enduring love for Neoma meant that he was compelled to protect her location. Although he was certain that a band of humans did not pose as a legitimate threat, they could exploit her vulnerability to the sun and coordinate an attack in the daylight hours.

He followed the hidden trail that led back to the chateau and farther back to the castle. He prayed that once he reached Neoma, she would be reasonable.