The Forgotten Kings (The Scourge Book 4) Page 4

  Max leaned on the desk once again. “But without the power of the tablet, we would never have made it through the night. Once we find a way of restoring power to it, why not use it to protect ourselves?”

  “With what, hybrid blood?”

  “Hmm… I know it would seem to require pure blood, but what about your grandson? Might he help us?”

  “I don’t know…” The weight of keeping his plans from Evan was obvious across Bill’s face. “We will leave with one of the groups, then when the opportunity is right we will leave them as well and take the tablet with us. It might be the only chance the humans have.”

  *****

  Copeland stood at the base of huge stone pillars that held up the roof of a Greek-style temple. He looked out over a city, but it was unlike any he had witnessed before. There were skyscrapers, but also ancient-looking buildings as if both time periods had crashed into one another. In the streets were thousands upon thousands of hybrids, cheering, their eyes dark. He felt proud. He had brought about the end of times.

  He stepped forward down the wide stone steps, raising his arms and spoke, but his words were silent and floated away on the wind. He gestured again, pacing up and down, trying to be seen, but even though all eyes were looking towards him, nobody reacted to his protestations. His actions did not matter. His words did not matter. He did not matter.

  Slowly the chaos of noise crystalized to become a chant which shook the very stone foundations he stood upon.

  “Rynon… Rynon…”

  Over and over so loud it hurt what passed as his ears. He turned to face the wooden doors which towered over him and were opening. Out walked the three kings, with Rynon at their lead. He wanted to greet them. To cheer them himself, but he could not move. He looked down to his ankles. They were chained to other Draks. Each creature cowering below the new Gods.

  Copeland awoke on the floor of his apartment, his lizard scaled legs and arms flailing until he fully understood where he was.

  He calmed and looked at his bed which was a good few feet away. Its sheets which were made from a silk-like metal thread to stop him from tearing them were strewn across the floor.

  Dreaming…

  He got to his feet and walked slowly to the blood dispenser. As he drunk the crimson liquid he waited for it to soothe him, to wash away the feeling that the dream had left him with. Of being useless.

  It was a feeling he had not felt since he was a child. From the days when he would always be last to be picked for the soccer team, and how even if he managed to get on the pitch to play, the other players would not pass to him anyway. For a whole term, he pleaded with his mother to allow him to miss practice, but his concerns were always rebuffed and he knew he had another week of humiliation to endure.

  ‘Make yourself useful and they will want you to play with them!’ Were his mother’s pointless words.

  Useless…

  The word stuck in his brain, hitting its edges as if it was a fly trying and failing to escape.

  He looked down at the fragments of glass in his hand and the blood oozing between his fingers. Grabbing a towel he cleaned his clawed fingers and walked to the large fake digital scene of stars which was in place of the actual daylight outside.

  “Show me the throne room. Replay time period just before I left, again,” he said into the air.

  Stars were quickly replaced with the three hybrids and their discussions after he, Galen, and the other humans had left.

  This would be the eleventh time he would see and hear the words come from the hybrids’ mouths, and they were just as pointed as the first time.

  He thought they would be grateful for what he had done. Impressed that he had given them the entire planet for them to rule.

  Instead, they had brought their ancient views with them. After going back through some of the ancient texts which were excavated with everything else from the Kings Tomb, he discovered ‘Drak’s’ were despised by the hybrids. Seen as lesser Alkrons, their abilities to persuade beings even more basic were useful, and they were often used by former kings to lead armies.

  “Pffff” Copeland scoffed again as he did the first time he read what his role was meant to be.

  He was the CEO of a multinational corporation. He had brought the world to its knees… no, lower, he had made humanity crawl, all by his determination and strength of will.

  He had spent some hours going over the possibility of convincing the hybrids that he should be treated with respect, perhaps even as an equal, but each time he imagined himself confronting them, he saw an outcome which did not end well for him.

  These three beings from the past felt it was their destiny to rule over everyone else. There was no changing their minds.

  Others were also becoming loyal to them, circumventing his own authority. Even a few of his own Alkron guard were now taking orders directly from the kings. The rot had taken root, how long before he would be in chains like in his dream?

  He spun around and angrily swore into the gloom.

  It was not meant to be like this. He brought them back because they knew from where the Alkron virus came. And the tablets; they could operate them. Something he was never able to do. Play along with the idea that they still held sway. Treat them as they used to be treated. Gain their trust.

  But he underestimated their greed for power and their influence on others.

  They still needed him. There was that. And he still controlled the corporation's assets which were now spread out over most of the continent, killing and capturing vamps and humans alike.

  The kings might have destiny on their side but, despite their strength, they were just three hybrids. He already had an army made up of thousands, including many Alkrons which he hoped were still loyal to him.

  The tablets were key. If he found them before the kings did the other Alkrons would follow him. Then there would be only one king.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  In the west, the burning disc of fusion dipped beneath the horizon and Joel opened his eyes. He had found a cell in block D, an area that had been mostly used to store the town's supplies and quickly past into sleep four hours before.

  Sixty-five new hybrid scourge minds were now added to the original eight that he was always conscious of. The result of which was a constant headache. He pulled his pack up from the side of the camp bed and rummaged until he found a small flask. Pulling the stopper out, he put his head back and let the burning spirit flow into his throat and then stomach. Not the same thrill as absorbing blood, but alcohol seemed to help quiet his mind.

  The voices immediately started to recede, allowing his audible senses to do their job. In the distance, he heard the sounds of engines. Trucks, pickups, and other vehicles thundered outside the walls of his cell.

  It was time they made a decision of where they were all going to go. First, though, he wanted to know if the hybrids were ready to be allowed out of their confinements.

  Slipping his boots back on, he walked to the small sink and splashed some water across his face. Despite the lack of light, he could see fairly well, and put his arms into his jacket and moved outside. A short walk later, he was on the other side of the prison and entering cell block A.

  He was surprised to see groups of people sitting and standing. Hybrids.

  Anna was talking to one of them. A middle-aged woman who was sucking on a blood bag and nodding.

  Joel walked across to them, as he did a hush fell across the large space and the hybrids moved to one side.

  Anna turned around wondering what was happening. On seeing him, she smiled.

  “I thought we were going to have a conversation about the next step?” he said, trying not to notice those that were staring.

  She briefly frowned. “I made an executive decision.”

  The woman stopped drinking the blood. “I was going nuts in that small room.” She then resumed.

  “Remember, Ally, our blood supplies are low. Once you finish that, there’s no more for a few
days.”

  The woman nodded.

  “So what’s the plan?” said a tall bearded man in a red plaid shirt.

  The question was echoed around the rest of the hybrids, and everyone, including Anna, looked at Joel.

  The pressure of their expectation, that he knew any better than they did of what was happening next, made him pause before he started to speak. “We can’t stay here. The corporation knows where we are, and they will return.”

  “Our homes in the village are gone. Where will we go?” said a gaunt woman with straggly blonde-gray hair.

  “We are going to divide into three groups—”

  Murmurs of unease rippled around the crowd.

  Someone mentioned ‘Strength in numbers.’

  Joel held his hand aloft and the background noise lessened. “Strength in numbers maybe, but also one missile strike and we’re all toast. It is true that we are all relying upon each other, that’s our real strength. But there are people out there that need our help.”

  “Good eating!” shouted someone and a few laughed.

  Joel knew it was only half a joke. “It’s true. All of you are now stronger, faster than you were before. You can kill any human you want.”

  Many shifted uncomfortably.

  “But do you want to live in a world where only the strongest survive? Because if you do? Remember there are plenty more even stronger than us hybrids out there.”

  Many nodded in agreement.

  “Having said that. As a hybrid, you will need blood. Especially this soon after your—”

  People started kneeling on one knee.

  Joel and Anna looked around wondering what was happening.

  “… and you…”

  More knelt.

  “You will need to hunt animals, which there…”

  Everyone was kneeling.

  “What the hell are you all doing?” he said.

  “We will follow what you tell us to do,” said the man in the red shirt.

  Joel looked at Anna for help, but instead, she just looked back at him with pride.

  *****

  Carla and a group of others stood and sat, packed into the moderately sized former staff room, and looked at the map of the United States on the small round table. A few candles provided light.

  “I grabbed this from what remained of a school building. I’ve marked the human settlements that I know of that were not occupied yet by the corporation. As you can see, all but one are east of the Mississippi.”

  Six crosses in six states were drawn in blue on the paper map.

  “None in Canada?” said Holland.

  “If there were they never informed me. The town nearby was the only one I was aware of up here.”

  “We stick to what we know,” said Joel.

  Holland pointed at the closest to their current location. “What’s this place?”

  “We got reports that there was a small camp still holding out at the base of Lake Superior. Near the town of Bettrow.”

  “Then that’s where I’m heading.”

  “Let's discuss first. It’s night. This is the worst time to travel…” said Joel.

  Holland stepped back and whispered something to Art who was standing silent behind him. Art nodded and left the room.

  “I got my hybrids on my vehicles as well as my men. We’re ready to go. I just needed a destination, and now I got one.” He looked at Marina standing at the back of the room. “How about you go with me?”

  “That’s a hard no.”

  Holland shrugged his shoulders. “That’s a shame. Well, you know where I’ll be if you change your mind.”

  “Keep in contact as far as you can on the radio,” said Joel.

  “Sure.” Holland turned and, with two more of his men, left the room.

  As he did Jess, quickly followed by Mary, appeared in the doorway.

  “I’m sorry, she couldn’t sleep. Said she was scared, so I thought I’d bring her up to see you,” said Mary.

  Marina smiled and walked to her daughter, picking her up. “It’s okay, I’ve got her for now. You get some rest yourself, and I’ll bring her down in a bit.”

  Mary nodded and left.

  Joel smiled at the child in Marina’s arms, but she grumbled something and turned her head to look away.

  “Anyone got any idea who he’s taking with him?” said Carla to those around the table.

  “Not many hybrids went with him… maybe ten, twelve,” said Evan, sitting on a small sofa. “I think he offered them money or something.”

  “Probably blood…” said Marina.

  Everyone thought the same response. That Holland won’t care where he gets what the hybrids need.

  “So that leaves five other destinations and two more groups to create. Have we decided who’s going to lead each group?” said Carla, looking at those around her.

  “Well I vote Joel to lead one of them,” said Anna.

  “You okay with that? You seem to be doing a good job so far,” said Carla to him.

  “If everyone thinks that’s a good choice, then fine,” said Joel.

  Carla looked around again, most nodded. “Okay, and unless there are any objections I want to head up the other group.”

  Again agreement.

  “I’ll be taking my guys with me, but it’s probably a good idea that one of mine goes with you… maybe Keller?”

  Joel tried to hide his unease, but from Carla’s frown, he realized he failed.

  “Keller’s a damn fine soldier.”

  “He also knows what happened with Colvin.”

  “Keller respected Colvin as a soldier, not so much as a man.”

  “Okay…”

  Carla looked at Dalton, Amos, and Kizzy that had remained completely silent throughout. “Joel or my group, what’s your choice?”

  Kizzy went to talk but Amos beat her to it. “Joel’s.”

  The young woman punched his shoulder, to which Amos grimaced. “At least let my thoughts come out of my mouth already!”

  Carla then looked at the scientists, including Bill.

  Max’s eyes flicked to Bill next to him. “Umm, we think it would be good if we went with you. Seeing that you are sort of still US military.”

  Carla looked at Bill. “And you?”

  Bill nodded. Evan looked up at his grandfather, surprised, but remained silent.

  “What about the other guy?”

  “Josh?” said Rachel.

  “Yeah.”

  “He’ll be coming with us.”

  “Ok good, that’s mostly everyone…” Carla noticed Joel looking at Marina and asked her the question he was thinking. “What about you?”

  “I’ll go with you,” she said.

  “I’m with Joel,” said Anna.

  “Right, well Bishop has some medical training, so that’s fine.” Carla looked back down at the map. “Now let's decide who needs our help first…”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Joel walked along what remained of the exterior prison wall. Dark clouds mingled above and light rain made the ground glisten in the few lights still working. To the north, the sound of sparks could be heard and blue flashes lit the sky. Some of Carla’s people were putting the one salvageable SWAT vehicle back together. Ninety degrees to the southeast of that, near the main entrance, people, hybrids and humans moved back and forth between a jam of vehicles, large and small, refueling and mending any issues they had.

  Most inside the prison were still awake. Now that they were part vampire their sleeping hours had flipped and, despite the booze, he could feel them, all anxious, all hungry.

  He needed to be outside and let the night air and rain quell his mind.

  Unsurprisingly, Holland had not radioed in, and Carla had to contact him after an hour to make sure they were still alive. They were and had already covered fifty miles with no contact with any vamps. Another hour and they would be out of comms range, but Carla’s theory was that Copeland had used all the vamps for a few hundred mil
es in all directions to form his army, so Holland’s convoy should be safe for a bit longer.

  What she wasn’t pleased with though was the number of weapons the former crime boss had taken. Which was pretty much all of them. A few crates of M4s and rifles with ammo was all he left them with. Better than nothing, but they wouldn’t be doing any damage on a grand scale.

  A bigger problem to Joel was an issue Anna had come to him with. Another leftover from saving people by turning them into hybrids. A number of children survived the battle… without being harmed. Most of their parents did not. Anna and Marina had already had to step in a few times when some parents had gotten angry with their kids, and that anger became something else when their hunger kicked in. The upshot was that the hybrids needed to be watched continuously by the doctor, and the original hybrids.

  He pulled his cap off, shook the rain from it, and placed it back onto his damp head.

  A crunch from the nearby field stopped him from continuing his walk. Instinctively he changed his posture ready to be attacked, but instead, a large man appeared from the gloom, with an equally impressive deer across his shoulders. The smell of blood drifted to Joel and for a split second, he bathed in the possibilities until he shook his head and he was back, standing in the rain.

  Dalton walked up to the broken piece of wall, stepping over the masonry and dropped the carcass onto it.

  He looked at Joel standing a few yards in front of him. “Thought you’d be with your new friends?” he grumbled.

  Joel smiled, the rain dripping off his nose. “Rather be out here. I didn’t think there were any deer out here?”

  Dalton frowned and stepped over the wall, placing the deer back across his shoulders. “Yeah, there wasn’t… But blood’s getting low, figured I’d find my own.”

  The large man kept on walking towards the entrance to the prison.

  Joel followed. “Looks like we’ll be heading towards a camp in Alabama.”