The Realm: Box Set - Parts 1 to 5 (Realm of Angels Series, Book One) Read online

  As he pushed it along, the wheels flickered to and fro beneath the metal weight.

  He whistled as he pushed the cart towards Victor and Cyril's cell.

  “She'll be comin’ ‘round the mount’n when she comes. She'll be comin’ ‘round the mount’n when she come. She'll be comin’ ‘round the mount’n–

  “Will you stop that silly noise Seabert,” interrupted the cell guard on duty near the entrance to the cell area.

  “They say whistle while you work,” shouted back young Seabert. “It makes di’ hours go fast’r. Besides yer’ way too grumpy thar’ pardner.”

  Seabert turned his attention to the inmates.

  “All right you varmins. We’s got your delectable grub for all yuz right here. Don't y'all gravel it up all at once,” said Seabert as he opened the latch to the cart and flipped open the top.

  He pulled out a long slender metal box with tiny holes in it. They heard squeaking inside of it.

  “Don't suck them too long,” Cyril said. “They are as old as eternity.” Seabert grinned flashing his vampire teeth.

  He stared at them as he tossed the metal box through the cell bars. It dropped with a clankity clank. Victor's face lost all expression. Siebert grinned.

  “What did you think you would get? Eye-talian or Chinese takeout?” said Seabert as he patted his overalls for a key. He reached into his green overall breast pocket but came up with nothing in his hand.

  “Where da hell did I put that damn key?” muttered Seabert to himself.

  “Get the agony over with already,” shouted Johnson from his fetal position.

  “Shut up you old bloodsucker,” said Seabert. Cyril's jaw dropped. This was the first time he heard Johnson speak since Cyril had been in there.

  “Found it,” said Seabert pulling a key from his overall’s back pocket. His face lit up as he hoisted the key to the metal box in the air. Seabert tossed the key into the cell. It bounced off the metal box with a clank and landed in the middle of the cell.

  “You varmins don't eat yer grub all at once now,” said Seabert with a giggle. He giggled as he walked down the corridor to an inner area.

  Cyril clamored for the key on the floor. His vampire talons scraped on the concrete as he grabbed up the key and opened the metal box. He flipped open the box and picked up a live rat. He bit the rat’s neck one after another in rapid fire. He didn't even inhale or take a breath.

  Cyril held out a live rat to Victor. Victor shook his head.

  “You better eat now. You won't get anything again for three days,” said Cyril as he bit the rat he had offered to Victor.

  I can't believe I have come to this, thought Victor. He remembered The Day of the Fall, when they fell from heaven and his rude awakening to the vampiric way of life. He had devoured so many rats that day trying to get enough of that coagulate red platelet soup; the soup that he now craved, that he now needed.

  “Johnson. You better eat too,” said Cyril as he took two rats from the metal box and walked over to Johnson.

  Johnson propped himself on one elbow and took the rats. He bit into it. It gave a shriek and went limp.

  As Johnson was about to feed from the second rat, Warden Pitter shouted into the cell area.

  “Victor Saul? Victor Saul?”

  “Yes,” shouted Victor.

  “You have a visitor,” said the Warden as he walked to the cell accompanied by another vampire.

  3(3)(c). The Realm - Chapter 10 - Vampires Can Be Lawyers? Of Course.

 

  Chapter 10 – Vampires Can Be Lawyers? Of Course.

  Everyone looked up to see a tall gray-haired handsome vampire dressed in a black cut-to-fit suit, a white shirt, a white-collar that the lawyers in old England wore and a flowing black robe.

  He held a soft well oiled black leather attaché case in his right hand.

  “Valentino,” said Cyril with a smile. Victor walked to the front of the cell.

  Warden Pitter stayed next to the attorney.

  “Mr. Saul?” said Valentino.

  “Yes sir.”

  “Your girlfriend Angela contacted my chambers and retained me to come and see you,” said Valentino.

  Victor cracked his first smile since he had been locked up.

  “Thank you,” said Victor.

  Valentino held up his hand to silence Victor as he shot a stern glance at the Warden Pitter who was still standing over Valentino’s shoulder.

  “Warden. Do you mind? I'm trying to speak to my client in private.”

  “Now Mr. Miller, you know I have to stay here and watch this meeting.”

  “Warden, need I remind you that according to the Vampiric Code Annotated Section 53 Subsection 4, an attorney and client are privileged to have a private consultation in relation to a criminal case.”

  The attorney did not take his eyes off of Warden Pitter.

  “Now, now, counsel, all right. I'll be standing right over there watching,” said the warden.

  “In fact warden, please take him out of the cell so that we can confer in private in a quiet room.”

  “All right counsel, all right,” said the warden as he took the special key out of his side pocket.

  “Turnaround at the cell door and put your hands behind you,” said the warden to Victor.

  Victor complied and the warden slapped a pair of special chrome enforced handcuffs on Victor which were impenetrable to a vampire's strength.

  “Step away from the cell door,” said the warden. Victor complied.

  As the warden opened the cell door, Victor walked out.

  The warden escorted him with Valentino close behind. They went down the narrow corridor to a side room dug out in the caves.

  “I'll be right out here,” said the warden.

  “Please take his cuffs off,” said Valentino.

  “Now counsel, I don't think that will be happening,” said the warden.

  “But he is entitled to-”

  “Counsel. That will not be happening. Period,” said the warden as he brought Victor into the room and sat him down on a chair inside.

  Valentino grimaced as he walked inside the room.

  “Very well, said Valentino as the warden exited the room.

  Warden Pitter stood guard at the door. Valentino closed the door and sat in the other chair.

  Mr. Miller, I've never been in trouble-”

  Valentino held up his hand to cut him off.

  “Please. Let's focus on the problem,” said Valentino.

  “What happened?” Valentino asked.

  Victor recounted his horrific ordeal in detail. Twenty minutes zoomed by when Victor finally said, “so what happens now?”

  The warden popped his head inside the door.

  “Counsel, it's almost sunset. Court is about to begin. Please wrap this up,” said the warden.

  “Very well,” said Valentino. The warden closed the door.

  “Well, that's what happens next. I'll do a bail application in court to try to get you out while the case for treason trudges on. You are facing serious charges. Someone in the restaurant is to blame. The question is who. Of course we will soon find out the identity of the informant once we go to trial,” said Valentino.

  “It just had to be Herod,” said Victor. I'm sure it’s him. He was sitting right behind me. That rat.”

  “Look. I better get to the courtroom. I'll see you shortly,” said Valentino as popped out of his chair and walked out the door.

  “I'm finished,” said Valentino to the warden.

  “All right counsel,” said the warden as he opened the door and dragged Victor out by the hands.

  3(3)(d). The Realm - Chapter 11 - Judges Can Be Vampires? Of Course.

  Chapter 11 – Judges Can Be Vampires? Of Course.

  Within minutes Warden Pitter led Victor down along winding, dark, descending corridor that emptied into a large chamber in the depths of the mountain cave. Victor winced his eye
s in the brightness of the torches that donned the sides of the chamber and the gigantic candle chandeliers that hung from the ceiling.

  This chamber courthouse was magnificent to behold. All upper corridors emptied into it. At the front of the courtroom was the judge’s seat embellished in a red velvet cushions. The judge’s bench was made of dark mahogany wood. The witness box was to the left of the judge’s bench and the jury box was to the right.

  In front of the judge’s bench was the attorney’s bar benches similar to a relic design from Old England.

  Valentino sat at the attorney’s bench conversing with the prosecutor Kirk Madison.

  A couple of junior defense attorneys were also sitting at the attorney’s bar.

  The prisoner’s dock was located behind the attorney’s bar and the gallery was beyond that point.

  Several prisoners from different jails were sitting in the front row of benches behind the dock. Vampirol guarded them.

  No spectators were in the gallery. As Warden Pitter escorted Victor to the prisoner’s bench, the judge walked in and stood at his bench.

  Everyone stood. The courtroom bailiff spoke.

  “All rise. This Dishonorable Court of the Dishonorable Dark Lord Justice Ronald Morbid now in session. May the Son of The Morning Star protect us and preserve the Kingdom of Darkness. Please be seated.”

  Justice Morbid sat down. Everyone waited for the judge to take his seat. They bowed to the judge and sat down.

  Justice Morbid was dressed in a long red frock with white trimmings and he wore a powdered wig that reached his shoulders.

  In one hand was an embroidered handkerchief that he used to wipe the sweat from his brow.

  His vampire teeth were yellow probably from too much talking and his skin was paler than a corpse long dead.

  Valentino was the most senior attorney at the attorney’s bench so he went first. He rose to mention his matter.

  “May it please you my Dark Lord. Might I mention the matter of The Kingdom of Darkness versus Victor Saul? I believe it appears on your Dark Lordship’s new list.

  “I don't see it on my list. What's he charged with?” said the judge.

  Valentino sat down deferring to Prosecutor Kirk Madison.

  The prosecutor popped up from his seat.

  “My Dark Lord, may it so please you. Victor Saul is charged with treason. It appears that Vampirol brought him in this evening. The paperwork was late-”

  “Fine, just list it already. This isn't rocket science,” said the judge.

  “Very well my Dark Lord,” said the prosecutor as the judge handed the bailiff the court list.

  Valentino stood up.

  “My Dark Lord, Mr. Saul is in custody,” said Valentino as he motioned for Warden Pitter to put Victor in the dock. Victor slowly entered the dock.

  “You people are hell-bent on keeping me here all night. But I have news for you, I have a Hawaiian meal waiting for me at Villagio’s and I'm not going to be late,” said the judge. “Let's get on with it Mr. Miller.”

  “Very well my Dark Lord,” said Valentino gearing up for his special brand of abracadabra.

  “My Dark Lord the defense would like to make an application that Mr. Saul be admitted to bail. Perhaps the Kingdom could recite the allegations for your Dark Lordship.”

  “Very well,” said the judge. “Please Mr. Madison state the allegations for the court.”

  For the first time, Victor became afraid. His heart sank as the prosecutor began.

  “My Dark Lord,” said the prosecutor. “Victor Saul earlier today committed treason of the highest order by stating and I quote, ‘I am used to being a vampire and the earthly thing; it’s great. But I just think the rebellion could have been done successfully. You know. I just think it’s his fault. You know. I was saying it is okay. The truth is the truth. I would have done a better job.’”

  Valentino jumped up.

  “Lies, all lies. Vicious-”

  “Mr. Miller. Get a hold of yourself. What's wrong with you,” said the judge wrapping his gavel until it flew out of his hand.

  The prosecutor, who kept on his feet, smirked.

  “My Dark Lord-”

  “Sit down Mr. Miller,” interrupted the judge. “Sit down.” Valentino took his seat.

  The junior attorney sitting next to Valentino leaned over and whispered in his ear.

  “Mr. Miller. You're not supposed to do that.”

  “Trial tactics, my boy, trial tactics. You have to throw them off at all costs whether you're right or wrong. Remember what you learned in first year at Transylvania School of Law, It’s better to be loud and wrong rather than soft and right,” whispered Valentino. “Watch this.”

  The prosecutor continued.

  “As I was saying my Dark Lord, The Kingdom of Darkness is objecting to bail-”

  “On what basis,” interrupted Valentino without bothering to stand.

  “Mr. Miller. I'm warning you. One more outburst from you and you will spend the night with your client. Is that clear?”

  Valentino stood up. “It is clear my Dark Lord,” said Valentino. “I apologize to the court.”

  Victor managed a slight smile. He had never seen an attorney fight so hard.

  The prosecutor smiled as well but his smile was the sheer joy of watching Justice Morbid bludgeon Mr. Miller in court.

  “My Dark Lord, based upon the Vampiric Code Annotated Section 10.2 (a), we are objecting to bail based upon the belief that the accused is a flight risk,” said the prosecutor.

  Valentino shot a puzzled and annoyed expression at the prosecutor but Valentino dared not make a sound.

  “Furthermore,” continued the prosecutor. “Based upon the strength of the allegations in that we have credible evidence from an informant who overheard the said conversation at Villagio's restaurant, and the fact that the accused resisted arrest-”

  “I did not, Sir. I did not,” said Victor from the dock. Valentino stretched his hand behind him at Victor to motion for him to be quiet.

  “Mr. Saul,” said the judge. “I am going to assume that this is your first time before the judiciary. Therefore, understand that you do not speak in this courtroom on your own behalf because you have an attorney. Now, your attorney has been temporarily silenced until it is his time to speak. Therefore I expect not another word from you unless I ask you to speak. Understood?”

  “Yes sir. I apologize,” said Victor.

  “As I was saying, My Dark Lord. The accused resisted arrest at the restaurant. Therefore we believe that if he is admitted to bail he will fail to surrender to this court,” said the prosecutor. The prosecutor sat down.

  “All right,” said the judge now looking at Valentino.

  Valentino took his cue and popped up from the bench. The theatrical performance began as Valentino buttoned his black jacket, folded his hands in front of his chest and rested his jaw on his right hand. Those who knew Valentino knew it was his signal for war.

  “My Dark Lord, pursuant to the Vampiric Constitution, the accused enjoys not only the presumption of innocence but also the absolute, unequivocal, sacrosanct and unfettered right to bail,” began Valentino.

  “Mr. Miller,” interrupted the judge. “I have this unsettling feeling we will be here for another two hours. I am familiar with the Vampiric Constitution. Hurry it along.”

  “Yes, my Dark Lord,” said Valentino. He continued.

  “The right to bail is the normative position from which my Dark Lord ought to start in his analysis of the determination whether to grant bail or not. We believe-”

  A loud thud interrupted Valentino. All eyes darted to the direction of the dock where Victor fell flat on his back convulsing at the mouth. His body shook violently. The bailiff and several police officers ran to the dock to investigate. The court erupted in commotion. The judge wrapped his gavel violently.

  “Silence, silence,” said the judge.

  “My Dark Lord,” said Valentino gl
ancing to and fro between the judge and Victor. “It appears my client is having a seizure.”

  “Very funny Mr. Miller. You well know vampires don’t have seizures. Try again,” said the judge. The Vampirol officers fanned Victor. Before Valentino could speak the judge continued.

  “Better yet, are you and your client trying some chicanery in my courtroom? Obviously he's feigning. I wonder if you had something to do with this?”

  “No, my Dark Lord,” Valentino said. “Absolutely not.”

  Valentino sat down as the officers carried Victor out of the court through a corridor to the infirmary.

  “My Dark Lord,” said the prosecutor. “Perhaps we should adjourn the matter until tomorrow night.”

  “I was about to suggest that,” said Justice Morbid. “Mr. Miller. Is that all right with you?”

  Valentino briefly stood to his feet.

  “Yes, my Dark Lord,” said Valentino.

  3(3)(e). The Realm - Chapter 12 – Salvation.

  Chapter 12 – Salvation.

  A few hours later, two Vampirol prison guards assisted Victor in getting back to the cell. As the guards opened the cell door a weakened Victor wobbled in.

  “Victor,” shouted Cyril as he popped to his feet and rushed over to Victor. “What happened to you?” The guards closed the door and drifted out of sight. Cyril helped Victor to a concrete slab bench in the cell.

  Victor rubbed his head.

  “I, I don't know. One minute I was listening to Mr. Miller, and you're right, he is a really good lawyer, and the next minute I felt dizzy and that's all I remember until I woke up in the infirmary,” said Victor. “They gave me something. I don’t know what.”

  On the other side of the cell, Johnson remained curled in his fetal position.

  “Maybe this prison life just does not agree with you,” said Cyril.

  Victor faintly replied as he rested his head on the concrete slab which served as his pillow.

  Cyril sat on the floor next to the concrete slab and remained silent as his friend drifted off to sleep.

  In the recesses of sleep, Victor heard a voice.

  “Adonari. Adonari,” said a strong voice.

  “Cyril. Let me get some sleep,” said Victor. “Please.” The voice came again. “Adonari. Adonari,” said the voice again. I must be dreaming thought spoke Victor.

  “You are not dreaming. Really, you are not,” said the voice.

  Victor popped his head up from the concrete pillow. Cyril was fast asleep and Johnson left his fetal position and stretched out on the floor but still fast asleep.