Violins and Vampires

2. King Caelin

Minutes later, I slog out into the surf. My warriors keep pace behind me. Off in the distance, the raider’s boat still bobs about a half-league away. The lone Rus warrior marches closer. If this were Fyodor, I’d expect a trick.

But this is likely to be Konstantin. Elisava trusts her brother.

Even so, every muscle in my body stays alert. Long minutes pass. Concentric circles fan out over the water where the Rus approaches. The moon remains bright. And the wind seems to whisper, Elisava.

Elisava.Angling my body, I inspect the landscape behind me. The castle sits atop its bluff by the beach. No light shines from the top floor. Elisava must be asleep. I recall her words from before.

If I needed the Gray Woman, wouldn’t I say as much?

If I needed the Gray Woman, wouldn’t I say as much?Sadly, Elisava is too headstrong for her own good. She wouldn’t ask for the Gray Woman until it’s too late. Which is why I asked Hunter to prepare my fastest horse and keep it by the castle gate. If things get worse for Elisava, I’m ready to act.

Over in the shallows, the man pauses a few yards away. He wears heavy furs and his face is adorned with blue markings. His swagger and boxy frame remind me of Fyodor the Rus.

Must be Konstantin.

Must be KonstantinI raise my fist and issue a command to the warriors behind me. “Hold!”

My fighters stay in formation behind me as I wade out further. My senses heighten. Water gurgles as I move. The wind carries the scent of seaweed and salt. Moonlight glints on the shallows.

“Greetings, King Caelin,” says Konstantin. His voice is low and rough. He tilts his head. This close, I can see echoes of Elisava—the siblings share the same high cheekbones and full mouth. A pang tightens my chest.

How is Elisava now?

How is Elisava now?I force myself to reply. “And to you, King Konstantin.”

When Elisava’s brother next speaks, his voice turns gentle. “I come with dark news. Have you heard of the bloodkin plague?”

My skin chills over. “Aye.”

“Back in the Rus lands, all our bloodkin women are gone. The bloodkin plague killed them.”

Numbness moves over my body. What will this mean for my people?

What will this mean for my people?A darker thought strikes me. Konstantin isn’t here because he cares for Clan MacGregor. Only one woman would make him take this journey.

“What does this mean for Elisava?” I ask.

Konstantin’s mouth thins to a determined line. “I had the same question. To get an answer, I climbed Siniy Mountain, entered a sacred cave, and summoned Zhenshchina Vody. You know her as the Gray Woman.”

“Aye, the Gray Woman is a water elemental,” I state. “She can appear anywhere water flows. To summon her, we also visit one of her sacred caves not far from here.”

“The Gray Woman told me Elisava is already ill, as are all your bloodkin ladies. I asked the Gray Woman to heal our people. She said that was too much to ask and vanished. I wouldn’t leave the cave. Although I summoned the Gray Woman a hundred more times, she did not return. I came here to ask your help. Perhaps if you bring Elisava to the cave, then…” He leaves the logic out there.

“I understand. It is hard for anyone to refuse your sister.” A sad smile rounds my mouth. “I’ll take Elisava to the Gray Woman right away. Perhaps the cure for my queen will help all our ladies.” The next question pains me to ask, but it must be done. “How long does Elisava have?”

Konstantin’s face draws tight with pain. “The plague works slowly, then fast. The signs of the end are clear. When blood trickles from the ear or nose, they are close to death.”

His words hit me like fists. “That has already begun.” I start to slog back to the castle, then pause. “Do you want to see your sister? I’ll grant you safe passage.”

Konstantin lifts his chin. “Nyet. Elisava knows me too well. One look at my face, and she’ll know she’s done for. We all need hope.” In the moonlight, it’s clear how Konstantin’s eyes shine with held-in tears. “I heard she’s with child. Is that true?”

“Aye. And it’s all the more reason for me to leave. Thank you for coming here with your warning. I hope there’s enough time.”

“As do I.”

Leaving Konstantin, I head back toward the castle. My warriors watch me silently, waiting for orders I never give. As I expected, Hunter already has my horse by the gate. Once I set my bride atop our steed, it’s a short ride to the Gray Woman’s cave.

Please, let this work.

Please, let this work.