Moon's Rite

Lead

We trooped into the audience chamber and my father and I took seats across from Prince Anderan and his quartet of escorts. I caught Vladimir's gaze and pointedly made a space for him to sit as well. Logan and Tony took up flanking positions, standing easily in a show of non-aggressive power.

Across from us, Prince Anderan took us all in as he rose respectfully when we entered, then took his seat again once we had been seated.

Father got right down to business, speaking in English since most of us were fluent in it. "I believe we all know enough of each other to skip the pleasantries. What brings you out of your Enclave Prince Anderan?"

Anderan cast a look at Vladimir. "Firstly, I would like to apologize. My father may be unconcerned with the goings on of the modern world, but I don't believe we should turn our backs so easily. It was wrong of us to attempt to imprison you when you came to us peacefully."

Vladimir quietly dipped his head in acknowledgment and offered nothing else. The prince didn't appear to expect much more than that. He turned back to me and my father.

"When you brought the arrow to our attention, my father's curiosity was piqued enough to mount an investigation within our own people. What we found might help you in your search." Anderan turned to one of the men standing guard behind him and gave him an expectant look. The Elf scowled but couldn't refuse the mute order from his Prince. He stepped forward and bowed respectfully before speaking.

"The arrow was mine."

Vladimir took in a sharp breath next to me. I quietly reached over and put a hand on his wrist to forestall any outbursts. He forced himself to subside and I pulled my hand back as the Elf continued.

"When it came to my attention that my daughter was sneaking out to consort with a Human, I took it upon myself to follow her and bring her back to the Enclave. When I arrived at your residence and found my daughter in intimate embrace with your brother, I fired a warning to demand dialogue. Instead, they ran."

I cocked my head. "Immediately?"

He nodded. "Jumped out the window and ran for the woods. I attempted to follow them, but my daughter learned her lessons on covering her tracks well."

My brow furrowed. Vladimir reached over to nudge me, giving me a confused look. I assumed he had gotten lost somewhere in the explanation and repeated it in Latin for him. When I was done, he asked the question that I had gotten hung up on.

"Then who trashed the room?"

I turned my gaze back to the Elven father. "How did you find out where your daughter was going? Russia isn't exactly down the street and around the corner from Ireland."

He shrugged. "You would probably know better than I. It was a Vampire who first brought it to my attention that my daughter was involved in a tryst. I investigated on my own after that."

I shot a questioning look at my father, thinking hard about who would want to sic an irate father on Vladimir's brother. Sure, there were a few who sprang to mind that might be that petty, but my experiences were that there was usually some bigger end game. Some sort of personal gain or advancement to be had from the destruction of someone else's life.

My father seemed to be having the same thoughts. "So, the young Krovopuskov has eloped. Not nearly as much danger as a kidnapping, though I suppose they should still be found just to be sure. Until then, I think we have more to worry about from this Vampire pulling strings. Is there anything you can tell us about the one who informed you?"

The Elf frowned thoughtfully. "Male. Quite powerful. He took pains to keep his face hidden from me but I could tell he was used to having control and respect." He hesitated, then tacked on, "I got the impression he wanted more, however."