Turning tables

The council chamber was a silent as a tomb. Ironic really when the entirety of it's occupants were the undead. Ian stood unmoved from the circle waiting for the next move to be made. Out of the corner shadows Council member Greyson came forward. He being the oldest living member of the council, he was the mountain to be moved. However, he rarely was swayed from the archaic and ancient rules governing the vampire hierarchy.

"If we are to believe this document, then that would make you almost a living legend. You would sire the only connection to our creator. IF....it is to be believed," Council member Greyson stated.

"You are more than welcome to scrutinize the document you will find it is valid in all it's nature." Ian said unwavered by Greyson's dismissive commentary.

"Let us perform the fire test." Greyson ordered without a moments hesitation.

The fire test, an old method of validation for sure. All true articles of creation and birth are bound by a spell from the witches coven to protect them from destruction and alteration. Could on replicate this method to forge a document, yes, but it would be quiet difficult and often requires a sacrifice so great to the witches no one pursued this path. Ian watched as the council gathered the candles blessed in blood and the silver tray. Laying his birth right in the center they began.

"Only a document that withstands this sacred flame can be held as law or oath. " Council member Greyson stated, a momentary flash of mischief on his eyes. He laid the candle to the edge and watched as a corner started to burn.

Ian remained unmoved, he knew that Greyson did not play fair as he proclaimed. In fact, he loathed Ian Night. The reason had remained unclear for many years until the night he visited Lady Bennett. She had revealed to him a secret the council member had been hiding, an attempt an improper courtship between he and Ian's mother. He had tried to use his position of power to force her to submit. Ian's mother however was more cunning she took to the witches coven to cloak her escape. She ran off to Italy where she met and married Ian's father, a nobleman in their hierarchy.

At least that's what he told everyone, in truth he was a prince from the Egyptian clan. A direct descendent of Kha. Ian watched as only the small corners burned but not the document core. He smirked.

"It would seem the paper is unburnt," Ian said smoothly.

Greyson irritated and confused shouted "What type of magic is this?!"

"No magic I am afraid but the real deal. And to further my claim I have brought the last documented moments of my mother." Ian said reaching again into his coat pocket and pulling out a small diary.

"There on the 123rd page she writes 'Ezra has revealed to me his past. He has answered the mystery as to how he supports us without a known vocation. He is a prince! Of all things I married a prince. He is the last of the line to our creator Kha. He has always told me one day he would explain his intricate tattoos and jewelery. Now I know, but I worry what this will mean for our children. If the council discovers this they maybe in danger.' As you can see I am who I say " Ian's tone delivered that of finality.

The council members stood quiet. Nine elders aging vampires who have foresee. their days as number now. Desmond slowly pulled himself of the back wall.

"It still needs to be vetted by the Seer. Until the Seer says it is true it could all be lies!" Desmond screamed.

"Calm down Desmond. We will consult the Seer. Lord Night you will have our decision on the validity of your claim in three days. Be prepared if you are summoned to the Seer for inquiry," Council member Vaughn stated quite gloomily.

"Very well then. If there is nothing else I do have somewhere I need to be." Ian replied placing his documents back in his coat.

" We will need those for the Seer. "Council member Greyson replied.

"I am aware, and they will be delivered post haste under secure watch. Given the contents of these documents it is best they go by that means." Ian said not even making eye contact with Greyson.

He turned and walked towards the steel doors. He looked over his shoulders at Desmond, the man stood seething. Just as it should be. Now time for his pleasure.

******

Anna was seated at a corner table in the dining room. The tablecloth was a fine emerald green linen, the table settings and elegant china. She calmly sipped on her glass of white wine while she waited for her entree to be served. Looking about the dining room she noted the few patrons present. An elderly couple, a business man still occupied with work, a younger couple, and in a far booth someone that she couldn't quite see. She knew they were there nonetheless as she had seen the waiter take a glass of wine to the table.

As her dinner came to the table she could feel eyes on her. She looked up and scanned the room, it seemed no one was watching her. Dismissing her thought she began to eat. She entertained herself with plans for the next day, perhaps a walk around the grounds outside would cure her restless thoughts. Just then she felt as if someone had whispered in her ear, but again when she looked up nothing. Spooking yourself already Anna, get it together. She chided herself for being so jumpy. Dinner was starting to draw to a close and she decided to retire to her room. As she was exiting the dining area she briefly caught a glimpse of the mystery guest' in the booth. A strong jaw, shoulder length hair, solid hands, and a very well tailored suit. It was a brief glimpse with out much of his face but enough that she felt a slight flutter of her heart.

Well that will make for so good company she thought to herself. Then she headed to her suite. No need in pursuing a fantasy she would not act on. History had proven in the terms of flirtation and dating she was a curse. She could feel them in with her soft brown eyes, her waist long brunette locks and her curvy figure...but that's where it ended. Her heart was stored in a deeply guarded vault pining for a man that was not even real. Even when she thought she'd get close to anything even closer acts of intimacy the dreams would increase and intensify, making her yearn for the impossible. So she was alone, adrift in the world.

At least that's how she thought herself to be when her head hit the pillow.