Chosen

Doing his best to keep his robes out of the mud as the priest of Yaeby dismounted his horse, blue eyes fixed on the modest yard. “You would be Kavayen,” he asked, noticing the middle aged man leaning on a post as he stared into the stable.

Turning, the carpenter nodded. “I am,” the quiet reply.

“I’m sorry for your loss, but know that her spirit resides in the blessed garden now.”

Sighing heavily, he nodded. “I know.”

“Tell me what happened,” the priest requested as he moved into the stable, noting the pooled stain in the mix of dirt and straw.

“She was attacked here, by something,” he recounted, clearing his throat as the emotions welled once again.

Nodding sympathetically, Herblon glanced from the man to the ground once again, then knelt and closed his eyes. Focusing on the blood, he soon felt the quiet of the night before, then sudden, violent attack. But, the shadow that loomed over his daughter wasn’t a wild dog, but a man. The priest knew then what had happened.

Rising with a start, “I need to see the child.”

“My wife’s with her inside.”

Nodding, he turned and headed for the house’s back door now on a mission. “Come with me.”

Reluctantly, Kavayen followed him into the kitchen, then noticed Elizabeth and two neighbor’s wives seated in the living area, fawning over the newborn.

Herblon reached out and called upon the magic bestowed upon him by his patron deity, searching for any sign that the child was possessed, or blighted somehow. Initially, she seemed normal, but as he dug deeper, something caught his attention. A mote of energy glowing gold which he had never seen before.

Elizabeth smiled as she glanced up to the priest, though he barely noticed. “Is there something wrong?”

“I’m not sure yet,” he replied with a hint of trepidation. “But, if she displays any sign of...anything unique, I need to know immediately.”

“Of course,” she eyed him with concern.

“What do you see,” Kavayen asked, a sense of protectiveness in his voice.

Glancing to the grandfather, Herblon pressed out a pleasant grin. “It’s nothing. But, I’ll need to confer with the sheriff and baron before any other decisions are made. Just keep her safe for now.”

He eyed Herblon for a long moment, then nodded. “Okay.”

“She’s a healthy young lady,” he smiled as he then eyed Elizabeth. “I hope she’ll make you proud.”

Eying her granddaughter lovingly, Elizabeth nodded. “I’m sure she will.”

“Have you decided on a name yet?”

“Kailee.”

“Beautiful name,” Herblon smiled, doing his best not to alarm them after they had been through so much already. “I’ll send one of my acolytes to check in, from time to time. So, you needn’t worry about anything else.” He moved to leave out of the front door since it was closer. “May Yaeby smile upon you and your house.”

“Thank you,” the woman replied as Kavayen followed him outside, then closed the door behind him.

Herblon eyed the carpenter as he continued moving toward his horse. “What is it?”

“You saw something in the stable. Tell me.”

Averting his gaze, Herblon continued on toward the side gate, still open to the street, holding his peace from the other passersby. Soon, he reached his horse and moved to climb into the saddle. “It wasn’t a wild dog that took your daughter’s life,” he informed, then rose onto his mount’s back and reined the black mare around.

“Then what?”

“I...don’t know,” Herblon lied. “We’ll talk soon. Good day to you.”

Kavayen reluctantly let go of the reins and backed, eyeing him as the priest headed toward the chapel here in Carbost. Drawing in a deep breath, Herblon sighed as he gazed into the eyes of everyone that he passed, those he felt responsible for. Now they had a vampire in their midst and he had no idea where to begin looking.