The Call of War: The Watchers Chronicles

Chapter 16

     Matthias walked back in a few minutes into Dr. Ng checking the  baby over. He placed the clothing in the bathroom for me to change. The doctor’s equipment was cold and sent shivers down my body. Matthias chuckled at me, climbing in behind me on the bed, he wrapped his arms around my shoulders to help warm me back up.

“Well with you being turned now, the little one will develop at a much faster rate and will require less feeding for you. Now let’s make sure momma is going to be ok, how does this feel child?” Dr. Ng asks placing another freezing piece of equipment on me.

“That is damn cold! I know I am a vampire, but seriously that is colder than a dead body in a freezer!” I say starting to shiver.

“Well now that is unusual. Matthias, you are going to have to take her back to the Kingdom immediately. She isn’t meant to be on this plane, I would say she is a true dhampir and somewhere along her bloodline after her first death it took place. Ianna, I will look into your bloodline all the way to Prince Atten, I will also speak to Helix. I have never heard of this happening before.” Dr. Ng says.

“Could that be why I was abandoned? I killed my mother on the battlefield, she was a bit crazed and said she killed my father just before leaving me in the bush.” I tell the doctor.

“But I thought you were left at like a library or church? Could she have been found and brought somewhere the humans would have found her?” Meena asks.

“I would say talk to both Helix and Isabella, she’s in the dungeon enjoying torturing the f**k out of Marcus. Hyda has killed Soren and she had given Theron soul the mark of the forsaken, so he will not be coming back.” Dr. Ng says with a smile.

“Doc are you smiling because of what she is doing to him, or because you are thinking of how to make it worse?” Vlad ask with a chuckle. Like he already knows that answer.

“I was thinking of new techniques I learned at the last medical conference in Venice. I would love to practice those, and a live specimen is best to get accurate results.” He says giving me a wink. I shake my head, these two can be a handful.

“Ok get Isabella and Helix in here now, I need to get Ianna home in like the next ten minutes. I don’t want her sick.” Matthias demands, and I watch as Vlad whispers Helix. Soon, Helix, Ika and Isabella are all laughing as the walk in the door. They bow to Vlad and Meena, and then Isabella comes to wrap me in a hug.

“Oh my dear girl! You scared the soul right out of me! Don’t you ever do that again!” She scolds me and then hugs me again.

“Isabella, we don’t have long, there is a huge possibility that Ianna is a true dhampir and she needs to go back to the Seven Kingdoms immediately. What can you and Helix tell us of her birth parents?” Matthias asks looking at the older woman.

“I know the same as everyone else, I am sorry I can’t help, but I am sure…” Isabella is cut off by a voice I have waited centuries to hear again.

“Her father was a vampire. He was actually one of the Lords under Victoria and Johnathan. Her mother was human but went crazy after giving birth to Ianna. She killed Francis and actually left Ianna a few inches away from his body. He died protecting Ianna.” Hyda says walking just in beside Helix. “Good to see you old friend, I am glad you were able to keep her safe.” She says patting Helix on the shoulder.

“So you brought her out of the woods to be found. Why did you not keep her with you?” Meena asks looking shocked at the revelation.

“I have been working as an undercover operative for the better part of 30 years. We were actually investigating Soren and Tavis for theft of ancient antiquities but could never prove it. Just after Jasmine went crazy and left Ianna to die in the woods, she showed up at Travis’s office. She tried to kill them too when they stopped her from removing the Wave of Poseidon from the stone. She said the little Atlantean b***h is dead and will never get her hands on it, they immediately knew who she was talking about and started working on her to find Ianna. By the time they did Helix had already started training her again, and she was well protected by the Watcher Council.” Hyda says. My teeth start to chatter a bit and Matthias looks at me.

“Hyda are you able to come to the Seven Kingdoms to finish telling us everything. Ianna needs to go home now, or she will not make it.” Matthias says with deep concern.

“Why didn’t you say something! Yes lets go now!” Hyda says grabbing a thick blanket and wrapping me in it. She starts rubbing up and down to help bring heat back into my body. I close my eyes when the room starts to spin, and I feel like throwing up. Soon the feeling dissipates, and I am feeling extremely warm.

     Once the heat starts to sink into my body, I feel much better and stronger. When I go to stand up straight I open my eyes, instantly I notice we are no longer in the coven house. We are in a room that looks similar to Matthias’s room there, but out the window it’s a totally different view. The sun is out and making the ski a brilliant bluish orange color, almost the same as when the sun sets. The deep red sand stretches for miles and that is when I fully realize we are back in the Mammon’s Kingdom. The Kingdom of Greed.

“It’s been so long since I was here last, the kingdom looks better and expanded more since the last war.” Hyda says looking out the window.

“Yes, Grandfather was able to win that war, thanks to a certain General’s wife.” Matthias says smiling at Hyda.

“It was the least I could do since he f****d so many over. I was happy to help, your grandfather gave me a safe place to stay while trying to figure out what an innocent soul was doing here. Even he said I should have been sent to the heavens, but once I explained who I was in life, he knew I had greater things to do. So he kept me here and trained me, I could not have been more grateful for his help.” She answers him. The pride in what she did showing through.

“So is that how you got your immortality Hyda? And why did you not come to look for me?” I ask walking over to a large couch and sit still wrapped in the blanket.

“Mammon told me that you were being well taken care of, and that I needed to take my path which would one day bring us back together. So I had faith in what he said, and the few times I did run into you, I always found your nine foot tall shadow not too far off, so I left you to follow your path. I had to calm him and keep him from going to war with Olympus, when you took another for your husband, although he did not want your family killed. That angered him just as much, and he told Hera that if she wanted to keep Zeus alive then Alexandrea would be given a position of power. Since it was Hera’s fault that you and Thorin came to be with one another, she knew you were soul bound to his grandson for eternity.” She explains, which gives me a sense of peace knowing someone sought justice for Alexandrea and Thorin.

“So how is it that I am a true dhampir? I have never craved blood until I was turned, and I didn’t have fangs until now. Shouldn’t I have experienced all that before?” I ask. I am a bit confused because what I know of a true dhampir is, they feed both on humans and vampires, they have some of their strengths and some of their weaknesses. It starts from birth, and I have never had any of that.

“You were never given blood to start that side of your bloodline. True dhampir children need to feed right off, if they don’t they either die or in very rare cases like you, they become human. I think it was because of your true soul bound mate that your bloodline showed. When was the first time you fed from Matthias?” Dr. Ng asks.

“The night we bonded. It was the first time he fed from me because of going blood thirsty. When he released inside of me, he had me take from him to heal all bite marks, because I still had some from Marcus’s previous feeding.” I say giving Matthias a look of guilt.

“Don’t do that Ianna. There is a possibility that Marcus knew from the first time he fed from you. I could taste something different in your blood, so I can imagine he could also. This is not your fault my Queen, you didn’t know, and I should have put a stop to his feeding from you long ago.” Matthias says cupping my face and rubbing our noses together causing me to giggle.  

“Well child now that we have figure that out, how do you feel?” Dr. Ng asks looking at me still wrapped in the blanket. Hyda has me done up like a burrito and I am going to need help to get out.

“I feel much better, and warm too. Can someone help me out of Hyda’s burrito wrapping skills?” I ask, which Hyda just laughs and shakes her head no.

“You need to stay in that until you basically start sweating to death. Then we will know your body is back up to temperature and you and the little one are safe. So get comfy kid, you will be like that for at least another two hours.” Vlad says laughing when I start to pout.

“How do you feel otherwise? Are you still hungry? I will get the cooks to bring you something, Margret wanted to know as soon as we were home, so she could start the preparations for the rehearsal meal and the coronation dinner.” Matthias says just as the door gets thrown open and six very powerful looking people walk in.

“Your Highness, thank you for welcoming us in your home!” Vlad says bowing to an older looking man.

“Ahh, young Vlad! So good to see you my boy! And of course the pleasure is all mine when having you and your exquisite young bride in my home! You are a very lucky man!” He says bowing to Meena and kissing her hand.

“Thank you Prince Mammon! Always so gracious and humble.” Meena says bowing also. So this is the Prince of Greed. Nice, but not what I would expect. He is dressed like a businessman but doesn’t have all the bling that you would expect with being the Prince of Greed.

“Grandfather, it is good to see you finally!” Matthias greets the same man with a hug.

“Matthias, you are finally home for good right? No more going up to the mortal realm?” Mammon says before moving his gaze to me and quirking an eyebrow. “This must be Aretha, or Ianna as she is known in this life. I have waited so long to finally meet you my dear. You truly are a worthy bride and ruler of the Kingdom of Greed.” He says giving Matthias a strong slap on the back.

“Grandfather, so we didn’t come the proper way, but there is a possibility that Ianna is a true dhampir and she was getting sick rapidly on the mortal realm once turned. She carries our first child as we speak, so I must speak to Margret about getting something to eat for her and the baby.” Matthias says, and Mammon’s smile grows showing his elongated fangs.

“Your Francis’s daughter, I am sorry for what happened to your father. He was a good vampire, very loyal and protective of what was his. He is here and I am sure he would love very much to see you. He will be extremely excited to see you and learn he is going to be a grandpa too. Johnathan whisper Margret to get food and blood up here now, I am sure our young Princess is hungry.” Mammon says coming to sit with me on the couch. “This blanket wrapped around you must be Hyda’s work. Are you feeling extremely hot yet?” He asks looking me over. I shake my head no, because truthfully I am perfectly warm.

“Father, we should have Medusa look her over, or Persephone might be a better choice. Since I know you won’t allow Hera to examine her.” A woman says.

“Victoria what have I told you about saying that name here? She should be dead and not ruling over the heavens with that p***y Zeus. We all know Hades is the true ruler of the gods, he just choose not to be a prick. So abso-f*****g-lutely not! She does not even come near my Granddaughter and Great Granddaughter, is that understood?” Mammon roars, causing everyone to pale in color.

“My Lord, it’s ok Dr. Ng took a look at me before we came down. He said the little one was fine, that it was me that was a concern. I should be good now though, as long as I don’t have to move to far from my blanket.” I say, causing Mammon to chuckle and give me a hug. Just as he does the door opens and a woman pushing a food cart comes in front of me.

“Your Highness, please eat! You will need your strength with a growing Prince of Greed withing your womb. I will bring fresh blood, it will be elk though, humans are hard to keep alive down here because of the heat.” The woman says.

“Thank you Irimaya, tell Margret to come here to plan out the meals for the celebrations. Our new Princess came from the mortal realm quicker than expected.” An older woman comes over and give the young woman a smile. Irimaya smiles, bows, and then leaves chattering to herself about how exciting this all is.

“Ianna this is Lilith, the first wife of Adam and the Queen of Demons. She rules the Kingdom of Lust. Lilith, you harm either Ianna or the baby she carries, and I will wipe you out. You know that I am the only one standing in Wrath, Pride, and Envy’s way of dethroning you not only as the Princess of Lust, but also as the Queen of Demons. So I dare you to test me on this!” Mammon says causing a woman I know to be ruthless to pale in comparison to a ghost, with a look of raw fear to go with it.

“Of course not Prince Mammon, that would be foolish…” Lilith starts but I don’t hear truth to her words. “Francis would be so upset with me if I hurt his daughter and grandchild. He is the love of my life; I would never do anything to hurt him or his family.” She finishes and I still don’t hear truth to what she says.

“Ahh so you’re the Evil Step-Mother, now I get it. Well you best be keeping to your word, as we all know what happens to the Evil Step-Mother now don’t we?” I say getting up from the couch and my blanket slips, Lilith starts to back away along with the others when I walk towards her.

“Holy s**t!” Johnathan says and he looks as pale as Lilith.

“Aretha, calm down child we don’t need a bloodbath, although Lilith you have been warned to behave. I would stay in Aretha’s good graces if I were you.” Hyda says looking at the Queen of Demons. I feel hands wrap around my waist and rub my stomach.

“Come my love, you need to eat.” Matthias whispers in my ears.

“I am starving, but not for food. I think a Demon Queen will do nicely to satisfy my thirst!” I say moving in on Lilith. She shrieks as I step closer and wrap my hand around her neck.

“How is she this powerful?” Victoria asks looking worried that she could be next.

“That would be my doing, but I am sure Hades and Persephone had a hand in it too.” Another man says from the door. I am still highly focused on Lilith and making sure she knows I will not be f****d with.

“Lord Poseidon, what brings you down to the Underworld and the Kingdom of Greed?” Mammon asks watching as I drain the life from Lilith.

“Aretha, please let go of the weak demon and come eat a proper and better tasting meal. Her blood will poison the baby.” Poseidon commands.

“Who said I am going to drink her blood. I would rather just let it spill on the floor.” I say still holding Lilith.

“Aretha, I said come eat now!” Poseidon commands and I drop the Demon Queen.

“Come near any of my children or me and I will rip you apart in front of Hades himself.” I seethe and I see her shaking in fear. I sit back down with Mammon on my right and Matthias on my left then I start to eat. The food is delicious and very filling.

“As I was saying, her power comes from me. Atten was a god, he was one of my children. His mother was Kalypso, one of the last free Titans so to speak. Kalypso had chosen to give up her immortality to have a child, and I gave her one. It was her death that caused the island of Atlantis to sink and with it her powers went to her first female descendant.” Poseidon says and everyone looks to me.

“So your two bloodline hold a great deal of power. The one side was forged into a strong battle warrior, that grew in strength, wisdom and bravery with each life lived. Your other side comes from a powerful general to Prince Mammon’s daughter Victoria. Well damn girl, you are just a whole box of surprises!” Meena says coming to give me a hug. There is a knock on the door and when Poseidon opens it, Irimaya and another lady walk in. There is a pitcher of what looks to be blood and a glass being carried by Irimaya.

“Thank you Irimaya. Aretha drink as your eyes are black, you are well into the stage of blood craze and going rogue wouldn’t be far off.” Mammon says handing me a full glass of blood. I take it and gulp it down, but it’s not helping. I am angry, protective, and damn well scared she will take my family away from me yet again. I lost Thorin and Alexandrea, I will not loose Matthias and this baby.

“I think she is going to need more for Lilith to be safe.” Johnathan says still wary of my current mood.

“Don’t count on it, she looks at me, Matthias or Mammon in a way I don’t like and she’s dead. And I am not talking being brought back here either.” I say still with a burning gaze at Lilith.

“Ok Lilith I think it best you never step foot in the Kingdom of Greed again. I would rather my daughter not in a constant killing state for the health of her and the baby.” One of the other two standing nearby says.

“Francis! You have been standing there the whole time and never said anything?” Hyda says.

“Not Francis, although I am sure he would agree with me on this. I am Prince Atten, I have connections down here and an alliance with Prince Mammon due to our children being soul bound to each other for all eternity. I never got to see Aretha when she was born, and I have hated myself for it, but her mother and her would have died on Atlantis when it sank. So it was better to keep them on the mainland.” Prince Atten says giving me a bow. I smile in response to him, I would hug him, but I am filling my face right now and the food is more important at the moment. It’s keeping Lilith alive and helping me stay in control.

“Her eyes are still black. Should we be worried?” Victoria asks looking from me to Prince Atten.

“Yes you should. Until I go into battle and kill things they will stay black. So tread lightly Lilith, like eggshell lightly.” I say looking at her with a predatory smile.

“Damn that is sexy as f**k!” Matthias says nipping at my neck. I have tilted enough for him to have access but still look deadly to Lilith.

“Ok, Margret I think it’s best to let them get settled. We can discuss the meals tomorrow after breakfast. Give them time to get used to being here. Get a checkup by Medusa which I am sure Persephone will want to be here to help with and for Francis to come meet his daughter that he to lost out on watching grow up. As for you Lilith, I will contact Hades and have him discuss with all of us the terms of your alliance termination with the new rulers of the Kingdom of Greed. As my grandson and granddaughter will be taking over by the end of next week.” Mammon says. I am shocked it will happen so quickly, but he has been waiting over 3000 years to pass on the throne to Matthias.

     The room clears out of all but Mammon and Hyda. Before Prince Atten left, he managed to give me a hug in between me keeping eyes on Lilith. He of course laughed at me, and Poseidon commanded me to rest for the sake of the baby and my blood pressure. Silly god, not going to happen. Matthias moved me over to the bed, he has me wrapped again and sitting on his lap under the blankets. The tray of blood has been moved over to the night table for me to continue to drink.

“We will have to do something about Lilith, Mammon. You know as well as I do, when Matthias first found Aretha and learned they were soul bound she has been a problem.” Hyda says causing Mammon to sigh.

“I know, but I have an alliance treaty with her, so I can’t touch her, and it was forced by Hades to keep the other princes from attacking her. She knows how to piss people off.” Mammon says, which causes Hyda to scrunch her eyebrows in thought.

“Why though? It makes no sense. She has an heir to take over, so if she dies then that means the others will be happy right?” Hyda asks.

“Her heir is male. The Kingdom of Lust is the only one that is strictly female heirs take over the throne. Speaking of which you two, I was able to get Hades to help change that law for the Kingdom of Greed. It wasn’t something that my grandfather agreed with or my father. Truthfully, you can understand why though after having roughly 60 daughters before getting a male heir to take the throne.” Mammon says laughing when I glare at Matthias’s grinning ass.

“So now even if our first born is female, she can take over the throne if she is deemed worthy?” Matthias asks looking excited.

“That’s right, I think all the others have gone this way too, since a few of them are actually great-great-great grandfathers that are ruling because there isn’t a male heir.” Mammon answers.

“Hades wants Lust to be ruled by a female, because females can create the feeling of lust not only in an emotional state, but mental and physical too. It also affects everyone and anyone when a woman is the ruler. Men, women, children, and the elderly. Lust is one of the most powerful emotions, because it is just the slightest nudge from love. I think it was Lilith at work with Marcus.” I says causing Mammon and Hyda to look at me.