04 - Rise of the Lycans by Greg Cox - (ebook by Undead) Page A

“so our lycan guards can patrol
by day.”
    Viktor could not believe his ears. Incensed, he lurched to his feet. “Lycans
patrol beyond the walls of this castle? Unsupervised by their vampire masters?
Have you lost your mind?” He found it difficult to grasp how even Coloman could
not see the manifest insanity of such a proposal. “They are mere beasts, and the savagery of this
despicable fact cannot be bred away.”
    As useful as their lycan slaves had proved to be, Viktor had no doubt that
even the most docile lycan would revert to barbarism if given half a chance.
Only strict control and constant discipline kept them in line. Coloman was a
naive fool if he thought otherwise.
    “I think your fear of this idea is misplaced,” the boyar insisted. “We
can create a privileged class of lycans—greater rations, finer quarters, better
mating opportunities—and put them under the hand of a lycan we know we can
trust. Perhaps your pet, Lucian, the one who saved your daughter’s life earlier
tonight.” A sly smile lifted the corners of his thin lips. “In fact, I think we
should hear her thoughts in this matter.”
    He made a production of turning dramatically toward Sonja’s empty seat. As
usual, the impetuous heir was nowhere to be seen.
    Fuming, Viktor leaned over to whisper to Tanis. “Find her.”
    Coloman feigned surprise at Sonja’s absence. “Mmm. She seems to be needed
elsewhere.”
    “I will… take your suggestion under advisement,” Viktor said icily. He
considered explaining away Sonja’s lack of attendance by citing her narrow
escape earlier that evening, but decided against it. That would simply provide
Coloman and his lackeys with an opportunity to remind the Council of Sonja’s
many previous absences. Better to offer no excuse or apology, lest that be taken
as a sign of weakness. Viktor maintained a stoic facade as Tanis quietly exited
the crypt in search of the missing heir. The Elder wondered what exactly his errant daughter was doing
right now. She had best have a very good reason for embarrassing me like
this!
    “Thank you, milord,” Coloman said, enjoying his victory. “It would be
gratifying to be able to reassure the nobles when they arrive tomorrow that we
have their best interests at heart.”
    Viktor recalled that a delegation of wealthy human vassals was expected at
the castle one night hence, to pay tribute to their lords and masters. Frankly,
the best interests of insignificant mortals were of little concern to him, but
he conceded reluctantly that such rituals helped preserve the social order. He
would have to make certain that Sonja was on hand to welcome their guests—even
if he had to drag her physically from her room.
     
    Dawn was only a few hours away when Lucian put down his hammer and tongs.
Steam rose from the slack tub as the brine cooled a red-hot sword blade that he
had just pounded into shape. The night was winding down and the castle was
already settling in to sleep the day away. Silence fell over the courtyard
outside as the construction efforts ceased for the evening; without any vampires
to oversee their labors, the exhausted lycan slaves were allowed a brief respite
until sunset the next day. Heavy drapes and shutters were drawn over the
castle’s windows, to protect the slumbering vampires from the burning rays of
the sun. Lycan sentries, often referred to as “daylight guardians”, would soon
replace the Death Dealers stationed upon the castle’s outer walls and watchtowers. If past history was any guide, most of
the vampire lords and ladies were even now retiring for the evening.
    Finally! Lucian thought. He wiped the soot and sweat from his face with a
tattered rag. The last few hours had dragged on interminably while he had waited
impatiently for this very moment. Drawing aside one of the heavy leather
curtains enclosing his smithy, he peeked out into the courtyard to see if anyone
was coming. He nodded in satisfaction as he saw