Shelly's Page

Chapter Eight (The Vaulderie)

 

“Come querida, it is time to prepare for the Vaulderie. We must dress appropriately for the ceremony: both for presenting you to the Sabbat as well as to prepare for the Wild Hunt. In addition bella, you must attend an initiation rite and acceptance rite into the Sabbat. You are in luck that Archbishop Diente’s Priest is in residence, and can perform all three rituals tonight.” Moracas said as he arose from the massive king sized bed. Rayna lay still for a moment, absorbing all the new information. At times, she felt muddled in her thinking and wondered if it was because of her new undead state.

 

“Of course, Sire.” She replied, slipping her nude body into a comfortable robe. Stepping barefoot over to the fire, she gazed into the flickering depths. “Will we feed before we leave?”

 

“Manuel will be here shortly, querida. Once we are at the place of the rituals, there will be other ghouls there to feed from.” Moracas was putting the finishing touches to his hair when a knock sounded upon the thick oak door. “Entrar” he called out, and watched as Manuel entered the room. “Go ahead bella.” He said to Rayna, motioning toward Manuel. She did not need to be told twice, and quickly fed from Manuel’s warm neck. His blood tasted and smelled so clean, so fresh, she felt she was quickly becoming addicted to it. As she licked the wounds, she noted the look of pleasure in the young man’s eyes.

‘At least he is enjoying this’ she thought with a smile, stepping back to allow Moracas to feed.

 

She wandered over to the massive wardrobe that stood strategically placed in the corner of the room. A gorgeous gown hung on one end of the wardrobe, freshly pressed and waiting for her to slip on. It was a bluish-green in color, matching the turquoise color of her eyes. The gown had a plunging bodice, and a widened opening for the shoulders that narrowed down to a V-shape as it reached her navel. The outer edges of her pale breasts were revealed; and now, Moracas having fed, came up to plant a kiss on each white orb. “Maravilloso” he whispered, his lips lingering on her right outer breast. “Ah, but we do not have time to dally bella. Let us leave now, before I forget what we are scheduled to do this evening.”

 

Quickly slipping her tiny feet into a pair of slippers that matched her dress in coloring, Rayna followed Moracas out the door and down the hallway. As they reached the front doorway, Moracas lifted a black silk cloak from a hat stand in the corner and gently placed it around her shoulders, his hands gently caressing them. Rayna stood still to allow him to administer to her, somewhat excited about the coming rituals. “I do want to make you proud this eve, Sire” she said softly, her eyes downcast. He put a finger underneath her chin, slowly lifting it up until her eyes were looking into his. “You already have querida.” He said, leaning forward to kiss her red lips.

 

As they rode in the carriage to the place of appointment, Moracas summarized what would transpire. “The initiation ritual will be first, querida. During this time, the Priest called Loravus will call you up and read to you from the Code of Milan. You are to stand still and not say a word. At the end of the ceremony, he will begin the acceptance ritual, and require you to give an allegiance oath. You will repeat after him querida: he will give you the oath. Once you have read it, all members of the Sabbat who are present will come forth to welcome you. During this time, you will nod your head to each member, and say, “gracias” in response. Do you understand?” Rayna’s eyes widened, trying to remember everything Moracas said.

 

“Yes Sire, I will make you proud.” She replied, swallowing nervously.

 

Arriving at a secluded location predetermined by Loravus, Moracas and Rayna alighted from their carriage. There were already a number of Cainites present, and as she looked about, Rayna began to feel nervous. However, she dutifully followed Moracas, displaying a confidence that was outward only.

 

Moracas led her straight to a tall vampire, who wore a long black hooded robe. Upon first glance, he appeared to be a Spanish monk; however, one look in his eyes revealed the vampire that he was. His dark blue eyes glowed brightly as he gazed down upon Rayna.

“And is this the newly embraced neonate Moracas?” He asked in a silken voice. Just the sound was hypnotic, and Rayna found herself staring into his eyes almost against her will. Moracas nodded his head, and stepped to the side. Rayna stood still as Loravus moved close to her. He moved the hood away from her face and hair, and gazed down upon her beauty. “You have chosen wisely, Moracas. She is muy bonito.” His hands caressed her hair, causing Rayna to feel electrical jolts run through her body. The experience was almost sexual in nature, for just having been awakened to the sensual experiences of the flesh, Rayna’s senses were heightened. Loravus quirked an eyebrow as he smelled her scent, fully aware of her arousal. ‘Very unusual for one so young and newly embraced’ He thought intrigued.

 

Motioning for Rayna to follow him, Loravus glided over to a raised platform that was placed in the middle of a clearing. The woods seemed alive around them, as the sound of crickets and other night crawlers filled the air. Torches were pushed into the soft ground all around them, making a circle. The night was black; however, the light from the torches lit the clearing as if it were day.

 

Loravus stepped up onto the platform, and Rayna followed. An oak dais stood in the middle with a gold chalice on top. A gold dagger encrusted with emeralds and diamonds lay next to the chalice. Finally, a small black book was placed at the bottom of the dais, worn with age. Rayna drank it all in, and then noticed they were quietly being surrounded by Cainites.

“Come brothers and sisters. We shall begin, for there are three rituals in which to partake this eve.” Loravus spoke loudly; however, his voice was silken and hypnotic still, and caused shivers to run up and down Rayna’s spine. She stood to the side, apprehension running through her. The Cainites moved in even closer, causing an almost claustrophobic reaction from Rayna. She knew she had to remain stoic, and closed her eyes as she drew in a deep breath.

 

As Loravus continued to speak, Rayna noticed several of the vampires whispering amongst each other. “Silencio!” Loravus shouted, waiting until there was absolute silence among them before he continued speaking. “The first ritual will be that of initiation, for a new childe of Moracas. She is called Rayna, and is to be initiated as both Lasombra and Sabbat this night.” Loravus began to speak in Latin, the ritual having begun.

 

Rayna stood quietly, trying to absorb it all. She watched as Loravus chanted in Latin, reading from the worn black book that initially lay upon the dais. Suddenly, all eyes were upon her.

 

“Do you promise to uphold the laws and sanctions of both Lasombra Clan and Sabbat Sect Rayna?” She said “Si” in a soft voice. “Do you promise to abide by your Sire Moracas’s words and laws?” With every question asked, Rayna complied with a yes. Finally, Loravus picked up the gold dagger and quickly cut Rayna’s wrist. As vitae leaked out, he let it fall upon a white piece of parchment paper, staining it red. When a large droplet had dried, Loravus took Rayna’s arm and licked the wound. A look of pleasure briefly crossed his face. “So be it, Rayna of Lasombra Clan, member of Sabbat Sect, on this night, April 21, 1535, it shall be recorded that you are officially a member of both.” Loravus finished by picking up the parchment paper with Rayna’s vitae on it. He folded it in four places, and then placed it in the golden chalice. He then took a special twig soaked in various spices and oils over to one of the burning torches and lit it. Walking back to the chalice, he quickly lit the parchment paper, and within seconds it was burned down to ash. Picking up the chalice, he scattered the ash all around them.

 

Moving quickly into the acceptance ritual, Loravus continued by asking Rayna to repeat an oath that bound her to both Lasombra and Sabbat laws and codes of honor. She did so dutifully and soon finished the oath. “Come brothers and sisters. Come and welcome your new hermana, Rayna.” 

 

One by one, each Cainite filed past her welcoming her to the sect as well as clan. She acknowledged each one as Moracas had instructed her, saying “gracias” each time. Moracas was the last to welcome her, and he took her hand kissing the back in a lingering fashion.

 

“You did well, bella. I am proud of you.” He whispered, then straightened up and walked past her.

“That completes the first two of three rituals to be performed this night.” Loravus said, motioning for Rayna to go and stand beside Moracas. “As many of you know, Archbishop Diente has ordered a wild hunt for one of the dissenting panders. As some of you are aware, this pander attempted to overthrow the Regent.  He most likely has accomplices, and they must be administered final death for their severe impertinence.   I will commence with the Vaulderie at once.”

 

Loravus reached into a dark walnut-wood box intricately carved with various symbols, and withdrew a gold chalice encrusted with diamonds and sapphires. He then reached into his voluminous robe and withdrew a matching gold dagger.  Lifting the sleeve of his right arm, he exposed the cubital vein that ran perpendicular to the brachial artery. Taking the dagger, he quickly ran the sharp edge across the vein, and let the blood drip into the chalice held underneath his arm. When he was finished, he licked the wound, and passed the dagger and chalice to Moracas who was standing next to him.

 

“Moracas, give of your own blood and then show your new childe how to give of hers.” Loravus ordered. Nodding, Moracas quickly performed the bloodletting procedure, and then handed the dagger to Rayna. “Mi querida, be swift about it. Make sure your blood drips into the chalice, and do not allow a large amount. Were you watching me?” He looked over to Rayna and saw her nod her head yes. “Good.”

 

Rayna reluctantly took the dagger from Moracas. She had never liked pain in any form, and the thought of cutting herself did not sit well within her. Taking a deep breath, she lifted the sleeve of her gown revealing her own pulsing vein. Holding her breath, she quickly slashed the vein with the dagger, and was surprised that she did not feel a thing. Holding her now dripping arm over the chalice, Rayna allowed a small amount to drip in. She swirled the blood mixing it; and after licking her wound, she turned to the Cainite standing next to her, and passed him the chalice and dagger. Moracas, who had been watching her intently, nodded his head in approval.

 

“You did well, querida. I am proud.”

 

Upon hearing Moracas’s words of praise, Rayna allowed a small smile to light up her face. She stood quietly observing, as the chalice was passed to all of the vampires standing around the dais where Loravus resided. As the last Cainite spilled his blood into the chalice, he passed it to Loravus, who began to chant words in a foreign tongue. Rayna watched fascinated, as he then took a sip from the goblet, and then gave it to Moracas who did the same. As she tentatively took the chalice from him, he whispered, “Only take a sip mi amor.” She nodded her head in understanding, and as the blood touched her tongue, she immediately felt a wave of pleasure course through her body. The urge to drink it all down was intense; however, she struggled with it and only took a sip of the delectable vitae. Reluctantly, she lowered the goblet from her mouth and passed it to the next vampire.

As the ceremony ended, Rayna stood back in the shadows watching as Cainite after Cainite walked over to speak to Moracas. ‘He is well liked’ she thought with admiration, her eyes narrowing in dark passion as she watched his every move. She thought he looked strikingly handsome, and when another female vampire gave him a smile, Rayna wanted to leap over and strangle the perra.

 

‘Mi dios’ Rayna thought horrified at her lustful thoughts and urges. It seemed as if every minute that passed, a darker side of herself emerged, pushing her kind and gentle side further into the shadows…