CHASE

Chapter 7

     "No, it's not a vampire! Although it has similar habits to ours. It does not expose itself to the day. The source of food is blood, so I suspect is pure violence. So yes, it's not just vampires that exist. I recommend you explore the world."  She smiled.  "You will have satisfying discoveries."

     "I admit it disturbs me as such a vile creature has access to immortality. Without defending my monstrous nature."  He commented.

     "Don't let those traces of humanity dominate you. They will weaken you!"  She wrinkled her nose slightly.  "Its food derives from vampire blood, hence the origin of its eternity is more logical. It absorbs our immortality, our keen instincts. Rare are the exceptions where it varies the quality of blood. They imposed a restriction on human blood. They fear that they may come to weaken it. Rather, they make sure that it is an extraordinarily unusual character. I was one of the privileged guests in the short term. The weak point is total blindness. As a result, they look for women with skills like mine. Visionaries."

     "Why women?"  He muttered to himself.

     "At the beginning, when they tried to improve their disability, they found that, during these empirical tests, there was a certain influence, although very small, in relation to the stimuli when the victim was women. With men there was not the slightest difference."

     Orsmund leaned back, arms drooping, his body a little stiff. His eyes, slightly, glazed over with concentration. Rugui continued to move despite more slowly. The Viking absently eyed the fabric of her sari. While not admitting it out loud, he believed that all those who were previously born human were not completely immune. No matter how much they lived, fought, or changed, even a monster would have a ray of humanity flowing inside him even if he never discovered it. So, he resolved not to resist his thoughts and accepted these facts. He was the only one concerned, and he had no intention of showing these theories to anyone else. He began to conform to what had become. Now he didn't see himself as a beast. His choices would be responsible for his future. He would respect others, however, he would not be guided by them. He would fight for him. At this time, he had no indications to fight his creator for having transformed him. He would get revenge for being manipulated into slaughtering family and friends.

     "They'll detect me when I get there!"  Orsmund has awakened from his trance.

     "The Brothers go out on a full moon. They hunt for them and for Estrige. That's what they name it. I will be a bait. I will entice them to follow me. You'll have to be quick before they get suspicious!"

     "My scent will alert Estrige!"

     "That's why I'll trust your endurance skills! You will cover yourself in blood."

     "Is that the plan?"  He raised an eyebrow.

     "I know it sounds ridiculous, but it will be what will prevent them from attacking you! The blood will belong to a human of the brotherhood so as not to alert Estrige."  She explained.

     "And the vampires? At least they won't doubt the fresh blood galore! I don't know what else would attract attention. Are they really that stupid? Or are they also limited ignorant? It costs me to believe!"  He argued.

     "I could almost confirm!"  She laughed.  "They will judge it to be an accidental Estrige hit. Already happened..."

     "It remains for me to trust these ideologies, then."  He remembered her visionary reference.

     "I will not break that trust!"  She took over.  "Estrige is unpredictable! However, it will travel through the underground paths. Which won't make it difficult for you as you need to move in the opposite direction. To find Tahísa, you'll have to be guided by the scent. She is in a room of aromas and what predominates are the humidity of the desert and the salty sea. These will make you think you are approaching a coastal area. But don't release Tahísa before feeding her! They desiccate the victims."  Her voice almost shook.  "There is a goblet that conserves a good amount of blood. Tahísa can smell that and if you release her first you will suffer the consequences of her anger."

     "They are continually torturing her!"  He muttered.  "I'm far from imagining what it will be like to have your nostrils flooded, your taste buds demanding... your dry throat. This makes me mad with fury! I will not fail to end this torment!"  He stated, fully, convinced.  "Where can I find that damn goblet?"

     "Thanks!"  She thanked him for the support. She felt close to collapsing for her sister.  "Behind the throne where they exhibit Tahísa is a camouflaged door. On the ground you will see a groove. You press it with both thumbs. The door will automatically open. Inside, you'll see yourself inside a cone. If you jump towards the vertex a rectangle will give way to your movement. Access to the goblet!"

     "You know their secrets very well!"  He scolded without bothering to provoke her.

     "It was The Brothers who raised me in another life. I have not known other parental figures before them. I didn't know the purpose for what they intended for me. Fortunately, my creator informed me what the future awaited. I never saw Estrige! Except the day they locked me in the same compartment with it. It was at an age that I had no aptitude for retaining my memories."

     "And the possibility of it devouring you?"

     "It was huge!"  She sighed.  "That's how they educate it without the slightest prevention towards the victims. And I passed the test. I belonged to the brotherhood. I was allowed access to all secret passages! To them I was never a daughter, but a guinea pig. And you can see why they're getting revenge on me. Because no one else has found their hidden devices."

     "I will honor the pact!"  Orsmund promised, solemnly. Rugui appreciated the oath taken.

     "Tomorrow you will come to meet me!"  She instructed.  "Two miles from my territory. East!"

     "I will!"  With eyes closed lowered his chin, face tilted to the right. And returned to his relaxed posture when he heard the rip of the winds that stirred at Rugui's departure. Orsmund respected her.  "For those I couldn't save!"  He committed to himself.