Child of Shadows (A Sekh Vampire Novella)

"In Vino Veritas"

The next evening followed a similar routine. Stretch, drink, bathe, dress. The exception was that Nicasius was on a true mission this time. Normally he did not leave the house two nights in a row. It bred suspicion of his whereabouts and associations. Normally, he left twice a month at the most, but he decided to break that rule tonight. He had been pondering the mysterious priestess all day in his dreams. A woman that looked like him, perhaps proof that someone could truly birth him. His mother merely claimed she had, but they bore little resemblance when all was examined. Nicasius began to wonder what the priestess would look like: Would her hair be long and regally arranged, or shaved bare as an act of devotion? Was it true that she could heal others? To whom did she pray? Did he need to bring money to see her? All that and more swirled in his head.

He couldn't quite hide the pep in his step as he pulled on his night going attire. "I'm going out, Apollonia!" Nicasius threw the words over his shoulder as he descended the stairs. Tonight, he would go to Sol Taberna, a local favorite. He never showed his face in such a popular establishment- that's how rumors start. Tonight though, he had no choice but to take that risk. Maybe someone would even see his ailment and offer the information free of charge. He struggled to hold back a grin, moving with a swiftness he had not had while entering the city since his first voyages three years ago. Twenty year-old Nicasius had been quick with anxiety and wonder then, which mirrored his emotions now. With his hood low, he ducked and weaved amongst the people like a silverfish. The door of Sol Taberna was ever closing and opening, with raucous laughter and music spilling out. There were performers tonight, probably earning their stay. Nicasius slipped in behind a pair of jovial soldiers and sat down in a free seat at the leftmost table. From this corner he could see all coming and going, and do his best to overhear the street-speak.

"Wazssstsss yerrr name, young one?" Nicasius turned to his left at the voice. He hadn't noticed at first, but there was a drunk gentleman next to him. The old man had asked the question.

"...Lucius Aurelius," Nicasius hesitated a bit before answering. His hands came together to fret within the folds of his robe. Hopefully this was accepted. Giving his full name would be leaving a trail to track him down.

"Luscious Auriusss... Good. Good name," the man nodded while slurring the last syllable. Nicasius was not sure how flattered he should be, if at all, that the man seemed to accept his name. It was a name he had chosen, so perhaps a little pride crept up in him. The man continued to drink his wine while Nicasius considered whether he should keep speaking to this man or focus on straining his ears to listen to the whole of the tavern. The drunkard kept looking at him with a pleased smile though, so conversation it would be. He lifted his head a bit to flash a small smile back.

"What is your name, kind stranger?"

The drunkard smiled wider then. "You came for answers, but not to that question, young one." The slur in his voice was gone, but he punctuated his claim with a small burp. Nicasius tugged the front of his hood lower. Was the man's drunkenness an act? Had he made a mistake? Now Nicasius was itching to ask the true questions he had. It's now or never. There is the same risk with all in here.

"Do you..do you know of the Midnight Priestess?" His chest tightened and he felt butterflies take residence in his stomach. What would the man say? She had been a topic of gossip for some time now. It wasn't the strangest question to inquire about. The man stroked his short black beard and slowly nodded.

"I do know of her. I have even seen her, but..."

"But?" Nicasius echoed.

"But, she is not what you think. She is no secret. Most in this town know of her."

"Really?" Nicasius couldn't help but whisper an excited reply. If all knew of her, and she wasn't dead...did the people like her? Maybe the gossip he had heard before were a few naysayers. Maybe times had changed. He had heard that Augustus Constantine wanted to change the Empire's religion anyway. Away from the Roman gods, to something new. He had issued edicts of tolerance for the minor religions that seemed to come from all over.. The man smiled slowly and poured himself more wine to drink. Once his cup was filled and he had downed half, he spoke once more.