CHASE

Chapter 17

     Once again, Rugui confirmed that Orsmund was a fast learner. After a few hours of testing, she claimed he was able to trick Grerft. However, in addition to the reinforcement of training, Rugui said goodbye in a hurry. Such a withdrawal did not arouse any suspicion in Orsmund. After all, Rugui had come alone and not accompanied by Tahísa as usual.

     The vampire had satiated himself after his friend's departure and was bored. So, he also struggled with his conscience. He swore to himself that would not return to that house. He thought it was not right to play with that woman. However, sensed that he must see her again. He didn't know how to explain it, so gave in to temptation and went to meet her.

     Again, he leaned against the window. Shook his leg to scare away the nocturnal animal that was exploring the territory. He bent down a little to look inside more deeply. There was something out of the ordinary about her posture. When he tried to invade her dreams, he felt a little fragile and so he brought her to reality. She jumped when she saw him leaning over but made no sound. Orsmund beckoned her to the door. He knew he had made her forget. That she had no reason to trust him since she didn't remember. However, she got out of bed when he turned away from the window. As he waited, the vampire frowned hearing to the swaying footsteps. She didn't hold her body up like before. So, he caught her eye and forced to speak.

     "My husband punished me. He hit me..."  Spoke lifelessly.  "He hates having his belongings touched. Someone moved his knife. I said that we all knew that touching is forbidden. I told him it wasn't me... he was so furious, I knew that instead of asking our children, he would take his anger out on them... Even though I knew it was a lie, I confessed that it was me to protect children!"

     It was as if lightning had struck Orsmund. It was his fault. He remembered disarming and driving her inside. He had completely forgotten about the blade abandoned by the tree.

     "It's my fault!"  The woman frowned at his exclamation. The Viking reached out and tried to touch her. As a result, she took two steps back.  "I came to help! Come here! I won't hurt you!"  He said.  "Tell me your name."  Asked, sweetly.

     "Quimelh."  She articulated walking towards him.

     Orsmund shielded her from the breeze and shifted the clothing that hid her bruises and scars of violence. Quimelh sometimes groaned in pain to the touch. At least she didn't have any fractures, thought Orsmund as he swallowed growls of anger. Suddenly, Quimelh lifted her chin and met the vampire's eyes with an expression of hope. This one, he didn't understand her behavior until she took his arm with one hand and with the other lifted her up for him to wait. Orsmund changed his stance when he heard her whispering to her children. He considered leaving the place. However, he decided to stay to find out what would happen. In a few minutes, the woman appeared with the four kids behind. She held the girl by the hand.

     "Help us!"  She pleaded.

     Maybe it was like getting hit with a bucket of cold water because he didn't know what to say for a moment. This was a family in need of help, and he wasn't much of a help by nature. He couldn't protect them when, in fact, he had to protect them from himself.

     "Please!"  She insisted, shakily, always looking back, waiting for her husband to catch them in the act.

     "I don't... I can't..."  He almost stuttered backing away. Seeing the girl, Trova had suddenly assaulted his mind.

     "So..."  She blinked several times to control the tears.  "Take them! Save them!"

     The images that attacked him couldn't be worse. As much as he trusted Rugui and Tahísa, he would not trust them with these children. And that was risky as they visited him constantly. Without speaking a word, he disappeared in a rush, neglecting them.

     When he arrived at his new home, he watched himself through the mirrors. The rage was so excessive that he lost control. Although there was no transparency in his own reflection, he saw himself in that suffocating void. He saw a different man. Unscrupulous. A monster. How could such a powerful creature as he cowers? Never in his life had he felt such cowardice. He no longer recognized himself. He could have helped them. Blinded by revolt, he began by destroying what he had created. The construction of that building that symbolized a declaration of love for Ellin. However, it was made by the hands of a demon. No qualities. Unprincipled. He understood that it was a more than appropriate punishment. A well-deserved reason his kind would never have a reflection again. So that statement had no value. At least that's how he thought. He shattered the glass and with his own strength toppled the columns. Fiercely, he decimated the entire structure and then went to bury himself. Die for the day. Die to the world.

·

     Rugui and Tahísa were stunned by the destruction and looked for Orsmund.

     "What did you do?"  They asked as soon as they saw him a few miles away.  "What happened?"  They were surprised with that posture close to madness.

     Orsmund held a heavy pose. He walked from one side to the other. His reddened eyes didn't focus on any specific point. He growled, constantly, menacingly as they moved to get closer. The two looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders and sat cross-legged on the floor, waiting for the calm to overwhelm him.

     "I abandoned them..."  He said finally letting his arms fall a little.

     "Who did you abandon?"  Asked Rugui.

     The Viking reported all about the night before. Tahísa did not express herself. Rugui didn't scold him this time about his emotions. Since they didn't want to be responsible for pulling the trigger.

     "I could try taking care of them..."  Orsmund sighed.

     "Accidents happen..."  Tahísa muttered.

     "Don't get involved in human problems!"  Rugui warned Orsmund, at the same time cutting off her companion's word with a reproachful gesture that made her smile, discreetly.

     "I could turn her..."

     "And then?"  Rugui continued.  "You who are such a defender of the little ones. What would you do with them? She would no longer be the human mother."  Maliciously predicted.  "These cases are common all over this planet. Do you plan to save all the maidens?"  She didn't suppress her laughter.

      "I know there are many out there!"  He sent an icy look.

     "You won't forget, will you?"  She crossed her arms.  "I thought you were smarter! It's her husband the root of the problem, right? Finish him! I know a single woman won't have much luck, especially with kids to take care of. But I know you can provide her with good amounts to support herself. Go, go! You take that human to another place and give her a new identity. End this once and for all! This subject starts to bore me!"  She huffed.