The Immortal | Prequel Story |

Chapter 18 ~ Talk of Rebellion

Iérti stood at the battlements of his castle, his gaze focused elsewhere outside the keep. Not a day went by when he didn't think of his wife and daughter. Iérti regretted that he didn't even get the chance to see them one last time before they were killed. Pain drove deep into his wounded heart like a stake, the memory of his family forever on his mind.

Iérti looked across the landscape past his castle grounds, his gaze falling towards the deep valley in the distance. Shortly after building his castle, Iérti took all the ruins of the fortresses and buried them with the people that perished. Though their bodies were no more, he set aside some land to give victims a proper burial. His castle was built not far from his family's gravesite. He went there most nights to mourn and silently reflect on them.

It was nighttime. The pale moon stretched out in the sky, casting its solitary light on the land below. Iérti stood as though he was part of the night, as mysterious as the stillness of the wood and as lonely as the moon that ruled over the sky, his leadership and dominion held over all the people in the land, both human and vampire.

The voice of one of his vampire subordinates broke through the silence, pulling Iérti out of his thoughts. "General, there's been news of a rebellion."

General. The word held so much meaning for Iérti. It was more than a position of power; it was a title of responsibility, a title he took very seriously.

Though Iérti was no longer the general of the East lands, he was general over all people. Other vampires suggested he call himself king or ruler, but Iérti chose to call himself general. I'm still a general on the inside, no matter what I am on the outside.

Iérti stepped back, turning to see Tavaly standing stiffly at attention, his dark skin almost blending in with the night. "Rebellion is to be expected," Iérti told him, but Tavaly shook his head. "Not just among humans, but among vampires."

Iérti thought for a moment. The traditionalists are no doubt wanting a rebellion. The ones slow to change and those that miss the freedom of roaming free are the ones behind the rebellion. I'm curious as to how this would pan out.

"I'm not surprised. Those that disagree with the way I run things will soon learn there is no option but to adhere to the way I run things."

"It's not just the rebellion that's troubling," said Tavaly, his voice adamant. "Some vampires are sympathizing with the humans. There is a distinct difference between the two species, one that must be kept in line."

Tavaly's yellow-hazel eyes glowed menacingly. "Such vampires must be punished for practicing to be equal with humans. Mallen, for example."

Iérti perked up at the mention of Mallen. "What about Mallen? He is free to do as he wants."

"He chose to fraternize with the human you gave him instead of feeding on her," said Tavaly, his voice full of profound disapproval. "He was riding horses and having a picnic with her, as though they were friends rather than master and servant."

"Why should that be of any concern to you, Tavaly? Humans are indeed of equal social standing to vampires. There is no 'master and servant' you speak of. The way I rule, humans are to live peacefully with vampires. They aren't servants to us; they help us survive.

"I arranged the weekly feeding system so they will no longer fear vampires, and vampires can no longer terrorize them. I consider both humans and vampires to be equal. Both kinds have good and evil in them. Just because we're the stronger species doesn't mean we take advantage of them. I want both our kind to live in harmony with one another. It's what I always wanted, even as a human general. If you wish to disagree, then I consider your disagreement as part of the rebellion against that peaceful harmony. Such rebellion will be dealt with harshly."