Bond Of Blood

Chapter 34

"What the fuck?!"

Astrid winced and took a moment to wring her hands together, trying to keep her composure. The sight of the Listener, fangs bared and eyes burning, was enough to make her feel like that scared little girl she had been all those years ago. She was grateful when Serana gently squeezed Morgan's wrist and whispered something into her ear.

"Forgive me Astrid, I was out of line. I was just expecting less...destruction."

Astrid gave a weak nod and took a breath.

"Only Alva remains out of the vampire group. Apparently, some of them decided she was not strong enough to lead them and attempted a coup..."

Morgan glanced at Alva, who was standing behind Nazir as though he would be capable of protecting her against a pissed off Listener. Morgan noted the anger in the vampire's eyes and she gave her a small nod, silently telling her she did not blame her in the slightest.

"Seeing as she stands here, they failed," Morgan remarked.

"The rest were killed, Listener," Lucien LaChance said smoothly. "They broke at least two Tenets and now suffer in the Void."

"At the same time, we are reduced to a few," Morgan pointed out quietly, running her hand across her forehead when a soft sensation rippled through her mind. She recognised that feeling and she looked at the Dark Brotherhood members.

"I must commune with the Night Mother. Solia, Golag. Get some sleep. I do not want to see either of you near that forge until you are both fully rested. Gabriella, Brelyna. Start making whatever poisons you can, help Babette with anything she needs. Astrid, Nazir, start squeezing your contacts for possible new recruits. Alva, I know you have been through a lot...but I need the cave cleaned out. We can move a few blood givers to one of the spare rooms."

"And the rest?" Alva all but purred, Serana rolling her eyes.

"Dispose of them. Incinerate them to leave no evidence," Morgan replied, wincing slightly when that pressure in her mind increased a little.

"Babette. Do what you do best...and I don't mean be a little terror," she grinned, the others chuckling as the small vampire gave Morgan a not so innocent expression. "And Cicero? Get some spare clothes so I can repair your jesters motley...the Keeper should always look his best before Mother."

Cicero went pale and shook his head rapidly.

"But...Cicero only has this motley! It is the Keeper's..."

"I am not going to destroy it," Morgan replied softly. "I am going to repair it and strengthen the enchantments on it. It is only for a few hours, my Keeper."

There was silence for a few seconds and then Cicero nodded.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! ALL HAIL THE LISTENER!" he yelled, cart wheeling his way out of the room while cackling loudly.

Morgan chuckled as she turned to face Serana, gently taking her lovers hands.

"I will see you later," Serana said quietly, placing a tender kiss on her lips.

Morgan instinctively leant forwards, and Serana chuckled, putting a slender finger on her lips, a smirk fixed on her face.

"Later," she promised.

Morgan smiled and nodded, and watched Serana leave the room with Alva. She gave a small nod to Brelyna, having noticed that the dunmer had been watching her closely the whole time. It was a simple gesture, but she knew Brelyna had gotten the unheard message.

We will talk later.

Morgan sighed when the main hall cleared of all occupants, and shook her head as she fixed her gaze towards Lucien, who had been moving towards the living quarters.