Homecoming

Darkness ate the sky. The young vampire climbed out of her tomb. She cracked the bones in her neck and stretched, welcoming the night. Surfacing near the outer wall of Nineveh, she whistled for her steed. Black mane flowing behind him the animal heeded his mistress’ call. He carried her to the dock where they boarded a boat sailing for Babylon.

“The night is still and it will take us some time before we reach the shores of Babylon, M’Lady.” The tiller man’s coarse voice broke into her thoughts.

“Time I do not have this night,” the vampire howled at the smallish man.

Some enchanted words ushered forth and a phenomenal wind rose to propel the craft swiftly to its destination. Without so much as an acknowledgment for the tiller man, the vampire mounted her horse and rode straight off the boat and across the docks into the night. Desert creatures scurried out of their path. Silence clung to her like a shroud of protection. The camp was just ahead. Instinctively, the mount slowed his pace to preserve his mistress’ stealth. Swiftly her gazelle-like movements brought her to the ground directly behind the unsuspecting lookout. A tap on the shoulder and a well placed thought muted the mortal. Unable to scream, he stood there frozen in fear as he faced his judgment. Quickly she scanned his thoughts, witnessed his crimes and licked her parched lips. Fangs pierced the skin. Blood gave the appearance of life to that which had none. A brief moment of ecstasy, adrenaline and pain. The corpse slid unceremoniously to the ground. A whistle brought the stallion to the vampire. The two set forth for the city of Babylon.

Outside of the city’s monumental walls stood various homes. A quiet farming community, the perfect hideout. A small brick and mortar house close to the road. Delicate flowers dressed the perimeter. Obsidian knew his way to the stable and his companion there. The mistress had returned, hired help snapped to attention. Dutifully they reported their news then left her to her business. Her business. She focused her mind to seek out the one she chose to keep close. * Perhaps ye should head home now. * Patiently she awaited his arrival.

Hinges creaked. His mortal blood delighted the vampire’s senses. Not a word was exchanged as she beckoned him to her. Locked in passionate embrace the lovers fulfilled each other’s needs. Another unvoiced instruction erased the memory of her fangs. All that remained was the passion the two had shared.