The Guardian's Keeper (The Guardian Trilogy, Book 1) by T.R. Raven Page B

things others have long forgotten. The Myrmidons have targeted her and her clan for destruction many times in the past. Stavros is out to destroy her as she is the one who stands to help us destroy the Fang and prevent his resurrection for good.”
    “ So why does the Fang still exist, if this Renka can help destroy it?” Claire asked between mouthfuls of eggs and pancakes. She had no idea how hungry she had been until Joyce placed the plate in front of her.
    “ Don’t forget we had lost the Keeper, and the Fang, until your grandfather’s passing,” Nicoli reminded her. “Renka and I have met before, but it has been almost 60 years since last I was able to Guard the Keeper. We must bring you and the Fang to her. She will advise us how to proceed from there.”
    “ Can’t she just destroy it once we bring it to her?”
    “ No, Claire, it’s not that simple. It can only be destroyed by one of the bloodline of Agacio, the shepherd who sacrificed himself to save Nikolai. That’s you.” Nikoli took a bite of his pancakes as his eyes danced teasingly. “Once we bring it to her? Does that mean you agree to go to Hungary?”
    “ I don’t seem to have much choice in the matter,” Claire grumbled, scowling at Nikoli.
    “ No honey, you really don’t,” Joyce interjected. “I mean, you could refuse to go, and stay here, but you can’t really stay here at the farm. You’d have to go on the run, with the Myrmidons after you constantly.”
    Claire’s shoulders slumped in defeat.
    “Tell me more about these Myrmidons,” Claire demanded. “I know they’re the vampires that Stavros turned before he drank the Gypsy blood that changed him and he controls them even though his body is dead. What are they like?”
    Nikoli put his fork down, giv ing Claire his full attention. “They’re evil, Claire. They might not have been before Stavros changed, but once he had control over them it no longer mattered who they once were. He can force any one of them to do his bidding at any time as long as it helps his goal of reanimating.” He thought for a moment. “There were 26 Myrmidons originally when Stavros fell, we Guardians have eliminated 18 of them over the centuries, leaving eight to contend with these days.’
    “ Can’t Stavros make the Myrmidons turn more to rebuild their numbers?”
    “ No, Stavros can only control the vampires he sired directly, not any his Myrmidons sire themselves. It is one blessing on our side.”
    “ I’m not sure any Myrmidons are a ‘blessing’,” Joyce snorted to herself. She turned to Nikoli. “The plane’s ready to go tomorrow morning. It’ll give you time to travel after the sun’s up and the Myrmidons have turned in for the day. Renka has been contacted and is expecting you in a few days’ time.” Nikoli nodded.
    “ I don’t have any money for this,” Claire explained, suddenly embarrassed. “I can’t afford a trip to Europe.”
    Joyce smiled at her kindly . “No worries honey, it’s all set and paid for. One of the perks of having a Guardian is the deep pockets that come with him.’ She winked at Nikoli.
    “ John was very successful in his endeavors over his 300 plus years,” Nikoli explained. “He left all his accumulated wealth to Joyce, who is generous enough to spare no expense in our pursuit to protect the Fang of Stavros from the Myrmidons and ultimately destroy it.”
    “I’m richer than a Trump, dear,” Joyce stage-whispered to Claire. “We don’t need a dime from you, just your Keeper lineage.” She rose from the table. “I’m going to tidy up in here, why don’t you two go outside? You can show Claire around the place, Nikoli,” she suggested. “The fresh air will do you both some good, and you’ll need your rest tonight.”
    “ I’d be happy to,” Nikoli replied, his enthusiasm genuine. “But please Joyce, let me help you clean up.”
    “ I’ve got it Nikoli, you two go explore. I’ll not have you two mussing up my kitchen, putting