Alcingeria

Chapter Forty Three: Search and Rescue

            Chapter Forty Three Search and Rescue:

Friday July 2nd 1690

I was awoken by someone shaking me by the shoulder.

"Wake up, sir." Lawrence said quietly. "I believe you have a job to do.

I nodded and got up, remembering my task of hunting down the Vampire Mafia.

"I overheard some of Queen Yuka's guards talking to your friends. There is a meeting in the throne room for all members of the search party in ten minutes." Lawrence said. "Are... are you sure you want to do this?"

"I'm sure," I nodded grimly. "There's no way I'm sitting this one out. I have to rescue my friends."

I got up and grabbed my flintlock, the flask of gunpowder and my two remaining bullets. I then went over to where I kept my knife and dagger. I decided to take the knife with the inscription. It was cleaner, sharper and in better condition than my dagger. I turned for the door.

"Sir?"

I stopped short, but didn't turn around. I needed to be at that meeting. I needed to rescue my friends.

"In case I don't see you again..." Lawrence trailed off.

I turned around and looked him in his emerald green eyes.

"Don't get all sentimental on me, Lawrence," I grinned. "I'll come back. That's a promise."

I said it with such finality and certainty that I saw him relax a little.

"I have not a single doubt." He said with renewed confidence. "Good luck, and bring everyone back safely."

"I should hope you don't," I turned around, "and I will, you have my word."

"Goodbye." He said, almost forlornly. "Be safe."

I walked out of the room and made my way to the meeting. I saw two guards positioned outside the door when I arrived, likely for ceremony more than anything. They both stepped aside and they each gave me a salute. I walked forward and pushed the door open. Inside I saw Queen Yuka and Princess Estaire both sitting on top of their thrones. Bowing before them were Stella, Robert, Don, Macalister and a few law enforcement officers. The law enforcement officers had swords in scabbards on their hips. On the far left side of the room was a pile of armor, weapons and other supplies. I went forward and bowed before the Queen and Princess. A few moments later, the Queen spoke.

"You may rise," she said regally. "Good morning to you all. You are gathered here today to form a search party, a task force, if you will, to retrieve the people that the mafia have stolen from us."

We all rose, but said nothing. The air was charged with our determination, and each of us ran through potential plans in our heads, doing anything we could to prepare for what was to come.

"The mafia, thankfully, did not apprehend all of my magic users. A few were able to hide successfully during the initial phases of the attack." She motioned to a side door, through which a dark skinned girl emerged. "This is Gara, and she will administer charmed amulets that will make you appear to be a vampire in every way, shape and form."

We took in that information. Wow, magic was such a powerful force.

"The spell will not, however, hold up under close scrutiny. So as long as you do nothing to attract excess attention to yourselves, you should remain undetected."

Gara was motioned forward and she gave us each a small amulet, easily concealed under a shirt. I saw one of the other men in the room grimace as though in disgust, but we all put them on, and the Queen's eyes flashed momentarily.