Freed Souls (Blood Guardians #4)

Chapter 1

The scene aboard the Lorelei was hectic after the battle between Mario's forces and their own. The Guild vampires tended to their wounded while the Hunters managed the sails. The young woman didn't awaken until the next night when they were far out to sea, and even farther away from being rescued. Antonio was glad to see her eyes flutter open.

You gave me quite a scare, Violet, he scolded the young woman.

Violet blinked and sat up only to wince at the pain in her sore limbs. She glanced around and was confused to find them in a short, wide room. They were surrounded by walls made of long, wooden planks, and the floor beneath them rocked with the ocean water. Above them could be heard the treading of many heavy boots and a murmur of Italian voices. There were large barrels all around them along with sacks of food and gunpowder, separated by the length of the room. She'd been leaned against one of these stiff barrels, and her neck was sore from her head bent all day on her chest. Her hands were still bound behind her back by the manacles, and she saw Antonio was in the same predicament as herself in regards to the cuffs.

Where are we? she asked him. A new voice answered her question.

On the Lorelei headed for Constantinople. Violet's eyes shot over to the speaker, and she was surprised to find Abe seated not far from them. She also noticed his arms were freed and out in front of him. Their enemies trusted him enough to allow him some liberties.

I wish you wouldn't have woken up, Antonio replied with his lips pulled back in a snarl.

Headed for Constantinople... Violet repeated. Her heart dropped and she shuddered. Then Will and the others...?

Use your senses to see the health of your guardian, but for the others we can only guess, Abe told her. Though she thought him a wicked man, his advice was good and she focused her thoughts on Will. She let out a sigh when she felt his presence, so at the very least he still lived. Unfortunately, she couldn't manage any more than feeling his existence. His emotions and distance from him didn't present themselves to her as they had while on the mainland of Italy. Abe noticed her face scrunch up, and he shook his head. The distance is too great, you won't do any more than find if he still lives or not.

How far are we out from Civitavecchia? she asked them both. Antonio's face was grim when he answered her question.

We stopped for only a brief moment during the day to gather supplies, since they brought in more barrels from somewhere, and we've sailed non-stop since then. We could be several hundred miles away by now.

And this place?

It's the storage room for the ship, and I think we'll have to get used to these drab walls, Antonio replied. They don't intend to let us- Violet was frightened when Antonio suddenly flinched and his eyes shut against some mysterious bout of pain.

Are you hurt? Violet asked him. Antonio shook his head and cracked open one of his eyes to glare at Abraham.

It's that damn blood inside him. That's all I smell in these cramped quarters, and I can't help wanting a drink. Antonio shuddered, and Abe coolly watched as his Watcher rolled over onto the floor. Antonio sought to curl himself into a ball and fight against the craving, but his body began to shake from the effort.

You should not have refused my offer earlier this evening, Abe scolded. You have gone too many days without my blood, and your body senses me nearby. New as you are to being a Watcher, it is a necessity you should take some every night.

Sick bastard, Antonio managed to choked out. You just turned me to use me as your puppet.

And you make for a poor one if you won't take my blood.

Stop it, Violet ordered Abe. She crawled over to Antonio's side, but could only look down at his pathetically weak figure. Is there anything I can do to help? He managed a smile at her worried eyes.

Only if you can drain that bastard over there of his blood. That would help a lot, and make me very happy. Violet took the first half of his words seriously, for he wouldn't have requested she fetch Abe's blood if he felt he could do without it. She turned to Abe, and loathed the next words she spoke.

Can you force him to take your blood? Antonio's eyes widened and his mouth was agape.

Who's side are you on? her friend asked her. However, she continued to stare at Abe, who mulled over the suggestion a moment before shaking his head.

I could, but that's no way to teach him the importance of my blood. As I said before, he needs to drink of me or he'll be driven insane. He paused and pondered that fate for the young Watcher. I would give him a week at most before his mind slipped into an insanity close to my own, and two before he succeeds in killing himself. Violet stiffened, and then turned back to Antonio. He was still glaring at her for her suggestion.

I know this is revolting to you, but you must drink some of his blood. Antonio turned his eyes on Abe and scowled at the vampire who was now his master.

With the situation we're in, I would find madness and death more preferable, the young man answered.

Then you would leave me? Violet asked him. Antonio was caught off guard by Violet's pleading voice, and he glanced up to find there were tears in her eyes. I don't want any more death and certainly not yours, so pleased don't die. I know it's selfish of me to ask you to do this, but don't leave me alone. Abe scowled at her purposeful exclusion of himself from her thoughts, but the other two ignored him.

Antonio frowned, but then sighed and nodded. He hadn't realized how important it was to Violet that he live, and he could appreciate that someone cared enough for him to beg him to keep living. That was probably the first time in his life anyone had cared about him enough to want him by their side.

Fine, you win... he muttered, and Violet's face lit up. Abe rolled his eyes at the success of Violet's heartfelt plea, but he couldn't deny the results. Antonio glanced over to his master. You want to come over here? These guys don't trust me like they do you, so I have a harder time moving around.

Abe's companions were surprised when he obliged by standing and moving over to them. Violet backed up and allowed them room even as Abe righted Antonio back onto the barrel assigned to him. Antonio turned his head away when Abe held up his arm and slit a clean wound over his own wrist. The blood flowed out down both sides of his arm and dripped to the floor.

Don't hesitate now. When you first drank my blood, there was no turning back.

You needn't remind me, the pain does enough of that, Antonio grumbled, but he turned his head to face Abe. Let's have it then.

Abe lifted his bleeding wrist up close enough for Antonio to lean down and clamp his mouth over the wound. His eyes were shut while the blood poured into his mouth, and Violet found herself fascinated with watching the transfer of life energy from one being to another. The joining didn't last long, however, as Antonio pulled away for air and to be free of that disgusting drink. His lips were covered with the stuff and some dribbled down his chin. Abe was kind enough to pull forth a handkerchief from his pocket and wipe away the blood, though Antonio found the act humiliating.

If I had my arms, I'd strangle you, he swore to his master. Abe only smirked and stood.

And I believe you are enough of a man to keep your word and do it, but you would have a hard time killing a man already dead, at least in that fashion. Abe wandered off to a pile of barrels at the opposite end of the small room, and that gave Violet room enough to sidle up to Antonio.

Are you feeling better? She felt terrible for asking him to give into his cravings, but she didn't regret that he would live because of her request.

Better but for that damn cold stuff flowing through me. Makes my whole body feel numb. He glanced at her, and looked her up and down. Is this what it feels like to be a vampire? Cold and numb? Violet smiled and shook her head.

The cold doesn't bother you after a while, and I haven't felt numb at all since Will changed me.

Then perhaps it's his blood that causes such numbness. Antonio nodded his head at their third companion who was even now opening the barrels and inspecting the spice bags stacked along the walls. The Watcher was annoyed when Abe didn't even acknowledge he'd spoke about him. Damn him and his snooping. What are you looking for, anyway? There was no response; Antonio slumped down against his barrel. "This is going to be a long journey.

The new few weeks were long and trying for the three comrades. Though their captors weren't eager to cause two of them any harm, the existence of a prisoner was not a joyful one. Their blood supply was delivered at irregular intervals, and what was given barely allowed the pair of vampires to slack their thirst. Their enemies meant to keep them half-starved to avoid even thoughts of escape. However, the supply was brought because Violet and Abraham were too useful to risk endangering their lives completely.

Antonio bore the brunt the animosity their enemies felt toward them as a group. The Hunters were particularly eager to show their disgust for the man who had allowed himself to be changed merely for the sake of living. Violet thought this supremely hypocritical, what with how many Hunters they'd come upon who were Watchers, but the men turned a blind eye to their own doings and only judged the actions of others. Near the end of their three weeks of traveling those same Hunters had grown increasingly restless aboard the vessel, and thus more violent toward the partially human companion.

Violet awoke early one evening to the cries of Antonio close at hand. She opened her eyes to find him lying on the ground with a group of the Hunters standing over him. From the bruises on his face she quickly gathered that they'd been beating him for some transgression. She sat up and cursed the manacles still attached to her wrists. In all those three weeks they had never been removed, and her skin would have been rubbed raw but for her healing abilities. For Antonio, his flesh wasn't so fortunate but none of their captors would remove the heavy metal bands.

What are you doing to him? The group of Hunters hadn't noticed her awakening, and their heads snapped in her direction. Several of them settled their hands on the hilts of the guns at their hips.

None of your business, vampire, one of the men, probably the leader, spat out.

It may be of concern to me. You are beating my Watcher, Abe spoke up. Their eyes now shot over to where Abe sat against his usual barrel, and his dark eyes glared at the men. The Hunters were now very nervous with two vampires awake and angrily eying them. Their greatest worry came from Abraham, who was still without manacles and who stood to challenge them.

Just get yourselves back to sleep. It ain't time for you to be prowling about, the Hunter leader ordered.

Antonio took that moment to let out a groan from his beating, and Violet noticed Abe flinched. She recalled from earlier times how if a fledgling was injured, the master vampire would feel the effects. The same appeared to happen with a Watcher and their vampire. Violet was horrified when one of the Hunters gave Antonio a swift kick to the ribs.

Quiet, you scum! he barked out at poor Antonio.

Before any of them could react, Abe went for the man while she rushed over to Antonio's side and partially covered him with her own body. Abe tore the man from the group and rammed him into the nearest wall. The men drew their guns and aimed the barrels at Abe's back.

Why don't you leave us all alone!? Violet demanded while she leaned her body over Antonio. They stopped their beating, for they were under strict orders not to touch her. She glared at all of their hard, cold expressions. Have you no humanity?

That's rich coming from a vampire, one of the humans countered. Violet shot him such a glare with her dark eyes that all the men flinched back.

More can be said of her humanity than your own, Abe growled back. He turned and tossed the human toward the group. The man collided with the legs of several of them, and they went down. Their guns clattered to the floor and there was a great deal of scrambling for any of the weapons.

That's when the door opened, and Caterina stood framed in the doorway. She hadn't been seen since their first full night on the ship, and if anything her face was more cross than those three weeks prior. The vampiress glared down at the humans, who finally managed to grab their guns and stood at attention in her presence, and then she turned her sweet charm on for the vampires.

I'm so sorry for these mens' reckless behavior. It must be the weather getting to them. Then she shot a sharp eye back to the Hunters, and jerked her head behind her. You are all needed topside. The sails need looking after. They were glad to have any invitation to leave, and exited the room to assist with the ship. Abe, still angered by their attack on Antonio, leaned a hand against the outer wall of the ship.

Having trouble with the winds? he guessed, and Caterina frowned.

Perhaps just a little, but we'll soon be at the city. Once there we will have plenty of time to wait for the waters to settle, unless your friends have plans. She swept her eyes over to Violet, who still sat beside Antonio. The young woman didn't like the suspicious glint in Caterina's eyes, and liked even less when the other vampiress strode over to her. Caterina knelt down beside Violet and looked into her eyes with that smile still on her lips. You wouldn't happen to know if your darling master Will is coming after us, would you? Violet did nothing but glare at the woman and then turn away. Even if she believed Will was closing in on them, she wouldn't tell her captors.

Violet let out a surprised yelp when Caterina grabbed her by the back of the neck and pulled her up off the floor. She thrashed in the other woman's hold, but with her arms still clasped behind her back release was nearly impossible in her awkward position.

Have you felt him nearby? Does he know of our destination? Caterina demanded to know.

I don't know what-

Any lies you give won't work on me. I have had too many fledglings to not know the bond that exists, and the ability the master has to find where their creation is headed.

You seem very worried about her creator, Abe spoke up. Caterina shot her flashing eyes over to the elder vampire. Is there something that draws your worry, or are you merely being overly cautious? Her sickening smile slid back onto her pale red lips.

You can never be too overly cautious, old friend, but to answer your question, we haven't. This girl, however, can certainly confirm the matter for us, if she would only cooperate. Caterina gave a pinch on Violet's neck, and the young woman flinched at the pain which ran through her nerves.

Violet had one consolation against her abuse, and that was Antonio groaning close by her feet. He was awakening from his unconsciousness, and his eyes fluttered open. He was surprised to see the two women standing above him, and noticed Caterina's hand on Violet's neck. Antonio scowled and pulled in his legs with the intention of pushing his toes against the floor and physically propelling himself into Caterina's legs. Their captor was almost too engrossed in her interrogation to notice the Watcher, but she was in time to easily dodge his sudden thrust forward. Unfortunately she didn't release her hold on Violet, and was far from amused by the antics of the pair.

It seems you both weren't starved enough on this voyage. Perhaps you would be better trained in the prisons of Constantinople. She then turned her sharp eyes on Violet, and roughly shook her. Now will you cooperate, or must I finish the job the Hunters started for your friend. Violet's eyes widened, but when she didn't answer as quickly as Caterina wished their captor kicked out at Antonio.

His heroic effort to free Violet was now a costly mistake, as he was within close range of Caterina's legs. Her foot connected with his face and the sound of his jaw cracking echoed throughout the small space. Antonio went reeling back and Abe flinched at the echo of pain he felt through their bond. Caterina clicked her tongue and turned toward her more compliant captive.

You have made a poor choice to change him, Abraham. Perhaps you want me to release you from this burden? Abe's eyes narrowed and hardened at Caterina's jab, but Violet was frantic for the safety of her wounded companion.

Leave him alone! Violet thrashed against the grip on her body, but nothing succeeded in freeing her. Will isn't anywhere near here! If that's all you wish to know, then I will swear by it! Caterina looked into her captive's eyes, and must have been satisfied by what she saw in those depths. Violet wasn't the type to be proficient in lying.

I am glad to hear we can have some cooperation from you. A pity your friend here felt the brunt of your foolishness. Caterina tossed Violet down onto the ground beside Antonio, and then turned toward Abe. Since we are soon to arrive in the city, what will you need for your final experiments? Rather than verbally reply, Abe pulled out a list from his coat and handed her the paper. She perused the contents and wasn't pleased by the length. This is a great many items. Do you honestly expect us to find all this in the city?

If it can't be found, then it must be made. I cannot work without all those items, he insisted.

Very well, but this shall slow our progress up the mountain. Caterina folded the list and stuffed it inside her shirt. She glanced down and smirked at the pair who lay close beside one another. Antonio dared not move against the pain, and Violet only scowled up at her captive. We'll be in port within the hour, and then I'll personally show you to your new quarters. I'm sure you'll enjoy them.

All three original occupants were glad to see the fourth leave, and when the door shut Violet hurried to crawl over to Antonio. He let off a groan he'd been holding back so Caterina couldn't have more enjoyment.

Are you all right? Are there any broken bones? Violet asked him.

Antonio spat out some blood and nodded. I'm fine, nothing a few days of rest won't heal.

Violet glanced up at the planks overhead. I don't think you'll get that, she replied.

Chapter 2

The hour passed and their captors came for them. Violet and Antonio were yanked to their feet and hauled through the door with Abe escorted closely behind. The rest of the hull was very dark with no windows and the smell which emanated from the bow was horrible. She could only guess the men's quarters lay up front, and was glad when they were led up a narrow flight of stairs. This was the first time in three weeks that she'd glimpsed the sky and felt a fresh breeze on her face, and she couldn't have been more glad for the exhilarating sensations of freedom the open air gave her.

They were marched toward the stern where a small cabin lay below the wheel. The captives were pushed inside, but not before Violet caught sight of several large, stone structures to the northeast. They were heading toward those very buildings, but she noticed there were few other boats out on the water and the waves were harsh in the direction they sought. Then she was pushed into the cabin with the others, and they were made to stand before Stenson and Catrina. The men who held Antonio released him, but he was still too weak from his ordeal for his legs to carry his weight. His knees buckled and he would have fallen to the floor if they hadn't caught him again.

Catrina stepped forward and grasped his face in one hand. She turned his head from side to side, and wasn't pleased by what she saw. Her eyes glanced over to Abe.

Did you really need to fix him? I much prefer when he is unable to speak.

His moaning annoyed me. Abe's manner had taken a dramatic change, and not for the better. There wasn't that hint of mirth they'd seen in the store room, and his eyes were cold.

That's fine. We do not wish for this this to be a difficult journey across the strait, Stenson told them. He tried to make his voice as amicable as was possible for him, but none of the three believed him to be sincere. I am sure Abraham will agree with me that though we've traveled this far to our destination unharmed, the way ahead will be much more difficult.

Where are we heading? Antonio asked the pair. Their foes glanced at one another, and Catrina squeezed his face in her hands.

I am afraid we are going to keep that a secret for now, but you will find out in good time, she told him.

No time like the present, was his muffled response. He could hardly move his jaw because of her hold. Caterina smiled and glanced over to Abe.

Would you please teach your Watcher some manners before I find the need to do so myself again?

Violet was horrified when Antonio suddenly cried out in pain and slammed shut his eyes against some invisible agony. His body twisted and jerked while the guards held him as well as they could. Even Caterina was surprised by the strength of the torture, and she took a step back to gather a full view of Abe's punishment. The fit didn't last longer than a few seconds, and then Antonio's body slumped over. His breathes came out in quick rasps and his wrists were once again swollen and scuffed from the manacles.

Very well done, Abraham, Catrina complimented while she nodded her head. Very effective.

We won't help you in any way, Violet spoke up.

That is unfortunate only for yourselves, Stenson replied. From his expression he wasn't worried about her defiance, and indeed appeared to except such words from the troublesome pair. We had hoped for one last try at being reasonable with you, but since you insist on being difficult then we will not try to make your stay in the city more comfortable. He wandered over to one of the portholes and glanced out the window. Violet felt the boat give a severe sway from side to side. The waters were growing rougher. We should arrive in port in a few minutes and dock there until these infernal winds calm down.

Perhaps a stay in the dungeons will be to your liking, at least until the Guild leaders have had a look over you, Catrina suggested, but Stenson shot her a look which showed his displeasure. She noticed the expression and returned it. I wish it wasn't so either but we've gone over this several times already. I know these fools better than you, and many of them would take advantage of their time on the ship if the prisoners were here. They may be able to bribe some of the men, and then our secrets would be found out.

Stenson didn't discuss the matter further, not in front of their prisoners. Instead everyone in the cabin felt the rocking of the boat slacken and there was a knock on the door.

Enter, Stenson ordered, and one of the seaman stepped inside.

We'll be docking in a few minutes, sir.

Very well. Have the gangplank ready and see what supplies are needed, but make sure that nothing takes very long.

I'm sorry to say we've lost a great deal of our spices, particularly the sleeping spices for ourselves, the man announced. Stenson scowled and turned toward the former occupants of the store room.

I see, well, make haste as you can. If we need to, I'd like us prepared to leave tomorrow evening. He waved off the vampire.

Very good, sir. The man left them alone, and Abe spoke up.

What of my supplies, and a place to work?

We would prefer you wait on your experiments until we see what the other leaders want of you, Catrina informed their ally. Until then you are to stay with them as a precaution. If they try to escape, you can be the first to alert us. Antonio turned and scowled at his traitorous master, but Abe stared straight ahead.

Very well then, but my assistant here would do better without the manacles. They injure and obstruct his hands too greatly to be of use.

We will see what can be done after you are seen to your dungeon, Catrina told him. She nodded at their guards and the prisoners were taken out onto the deck. Antonio was still too weak to stand on his own, so his guards set him up against the side of the ship. Violet was shoved down beside him while Abe stood on the other side of his Watcher.

How are you feeling? she asked her friend, who managed a shaky smile.

Not great, but not bad. His blood's making my body ache as though I was a hundred years old.

But your wounds are still healed? Violet couldn't see any evidence of the broken jaw, and was glad when he nodded.

Yeah, no problems there except for some bruising.

Satisfied that he needed only time to fully recover, Violet sat up and was able to catch a glimpse of the waters beyond the ship. One either side less than a half mile away lay shoreline covered with wharfs of great age. They were in the Bosphorus heading upstream, but the ship was tacking to the left into the Golden Horn, an inlet of the strait which flowed west and then north in a slow curve.

The northern docks are for the foreigners, Abe informed her. He'd noticed her eyes staring out at the sights, and nodded at the northern point where the Golden Horn met the Bosphorus. Those are the most hospitable for visitors. Then they intend to take us down along the Hayratiye Bridge across the Golden Horn to our dungeon. Antonio merely scowled at the traitor's geographical lesson, but Violet was relieved to hear his voice was less hostile toward them. In the absence of Stenson and Catrina, he had returned to himself.

Enough talking, one of their guards ordered.

The companions were silent for the rest of the trip while their ship was pulled into one of the docks. The vessel was roped to the capstan available to them, and then the gangplank was set out. At the call that they'd landed, Catrina emerged from the