Chapter Six (The Clan)

 

The moon was hidden behind several thick clouds, which only allowed a diminutive amount of light to get through; however, the horse pulling the coach carrying Moracas and Rayna sped down the narrow road as if he could see perfectly. As the carriage made its way down the darkened path, Rayna leaned back against the leather seat, mulling over the previous 24 hours. In 24 hours time, she had been raped, embraced, made love too, and killed another human being. ‘Mio dios’ she thought with a sigh, closing her eyes briefly to try and stop the ever-changing images flashing through her mind. Part of her felt sad at the thought of never seeing los nińos again, and part of her was excited at the thought of beginning a new adventure. She had to think of what had happened to her as an adventure, otherwise she would surely go crazy.

 

Now, she and Moracas sped through the night toward his home in the South of France. They were headed to a small town called Pau, where Moracas’s château de Luc was located. Moracas was Spanish; however, he had informed Rayna that he loved all things French, including the housing structures. “Moracas, how much longer until we arrive?” Rayna asked, tired of riding in the carriage. Moracas turned to face her from the opposite side of the carriage. “Soon querida. We are almost to the French border now.” As he gazed at her beauty in the dim lighting of the carriage, Moracas felt desire stir once again within him. “We could pass the time most pleasurably mi amor.” He got up and sat down next to her on the leather seat. Soon they were entwined together, lost in their passion…

 

Just before the sky began to lighten with dawn’s approach, the pair pulled into the driveway of Moracas’s château. Rayna gazed out the window and gasped in delight. The building was made of light-colored stone, with a variety of different sized windows. Several spires were seen on opposite ends of the house, with a section toward the back ending in a large spiral. The roof was slightly darker in color, and several chimneys were strategically placed all around. Rayna imagined there were fireplaces in all of the main rooms. “We are here mi querida.” Moracas said with a smile, opening the little carriage door as it drew to a halt.

 

Moracas stepped down from the coach first, followed by Rayna. He assisted her down the little step, and as her dainty foot touched the ground, she felt she was at home. Smiling, she followed Moracas into the château de Luc. A servant stepped out of the open doorway, and assisted the coachman with their luggage. As they walked into the main entryway, Rayna gasped aloud in delight. There was a mixture of Spanish and French artwork upon the walls and in glass cabinets. The hallway itself was wide and light, the walls a pearl white in color. Rayna followed Moracas into the main drawing room, where a large fire burned brightly. The furniture was of French design, and the room was large and airy.

 

“It is hermosa, Moracas” She said with a pleasurable sigh, drinking in the surroundings. “Gracias, querida niña” he replied with an indulgent smile as he watched Rayna look around the room in delight. “Come querida. We must go rest now before the day is upon us…”

 

Rayna opened her eyes to a warm, glowing fire. The room she shared with Moracas was the master bedchamber, and it was large and masculine in décor. The large bed was made of oak, with walnut trim. A sheer silk cloth dropped from the top of the bed, enclosing the two in a cocoon-like atmosphere. Several large chests made of oak and carved with intricate designs of animals and cathedrals, lined the walls. An oak table with two chairs sat in the middle of the room if Moracas chose to dine in there. Several comfortable chairs sat in front of the fire, and a large desk hugged the opposite wall.

 

Stretching, Rayna sighed in pleasure. She and Moracas had fell into bed just as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the French hills surrounding the Chateau. The windows were encased with black cloth that did not allow any light to infiltrate through. The two had made love once again, before falling into a deep slumber. Now, Rayna sat up in the bed, and pushed her long hair out of her eyes. “Hungry querida?” Moracas said huskily from beside her. She turned to look down upon him, smiling. He made such a handsome figure, lying there nude. His muscular frame was hard as a rock, and his long auburn hair lay spread out on the white pillow beneath his head.

 

“Si” Rayna replied, feeling the hollowness grow within her. Moracas smiled, and then arose from the bed his naked frame resplendent in the glow of the firelight. Rayna appreciated beauty, and as she gazed at Moracas while he dressed, she felt the familiar stirring of desire. ‘I am becoming a regular puta’ she thought with a smile, getting up and walking over to Moracas. She ran her hands across his broad shoulders, and leaned forward to kiss his chest, then his lips. She was rewarded when his hardness pressed insistently against her stomach, and in one swift movement, Moracas lifted her naked form up into his arms carrying her back to the bed. He quickly undressed and, and gazed down upon her nude form. “You are maravilloso mi amor” He whispered, kissing her lips, and then moving down to kiss each breast. His tongue encircled each nipple, licking and sucking until Rayna gasped in delight. He moved his hand down to her opening and placed two fingers inside. She spread her legs to allow him easier access, and cried out as his tongue replaced his fingers.

 

‘Oh mi dios’ she thought, the passion she felt rising until it threatened to spill out of her.  Her hips moved in time to his mouth and tongue as he continued to work his magic. She grabbed his hair pulling his mouth even closer, and wrapped her legs around his head. He reached under her and placed his hands on each buttock, lifting her up off the bed, his mouth and tongue ravishing her. When she thought she could stand it no more, he rose up and entered her in one swift movement. Soon, they cried out in unison as both reached their climax. Rayna lay satiated within Moracas’s arms, feeling sleepy once more. “Do not fall asleep querida, we must feed” Moracas said gently, leaning over her to place a kiss upon her lips. “Si, Sire” she replied, getting out of bed to dress.

 

Rayna’s clothes had been pressed and placed within an oak armoire. She chose a light blue silk dress, and quickly dressed. As she finished brushing her blonde hair, a soft knock sounded upon the door. “Entrar” Moracas called out. A young man entered the room, his pale beauty entrancing Rayna. “Ah, Miguel, it is good to see you” Moracas said with a smile. The young man smiled tentatively, walking over to stand in front of Moracas. “I am here as ordered” He said in a soft voice. Moracas smiled down at Miguel, smoothing out his long black hair. In one swift movement, he leaned forward and began to feed. Rayna gasped, watching in fascination. Moracas finally stopped, licking the wounds. Miguel stood as if in a trance, a look of pleasure upon his face.

 

“He does not feel pain querida, only pleasure” Moracas said softly, placing a kiss upon the man’s forehead. “He is called a ghoul, and his sole purpose is to provide sustenance for me. Now, he will also provide you with sustenance until we can find you a suitable replacement. Come and feed querida.” Rayna slowly glided over to Miguel, and gazed down at the man’s beautiful face. His paleness intrigued her, as he looked like a porcelain doll. “You must not drink too much, else he pass out” Moracas whispered, standing behind her. “Si Sire” she replied, leaning forward to sink her fangs deep into Miguel’s neck. As his blood filled her mouth and smoothly flowed down her throat, Rayna felt alive, felt wonderful. She wanted to devour the man, drink until she burst. Vaguely, she remembered what Moracas had said, and with reluctance pulled away just before Moracas intervened. “Muy Buena, querida.” Moracas said, pleased. Rayna licked the wounds, and marveled as they instantly closed over. Miguel stood there with a look of ecstasy on his face, his eyes closed. Soon, he opened them, and bowing, left the room.

 

“Feel better?” Moracas inquired, walking to stand in front of the fireplace. “Very much so, Sire.” Rayna replied, walking to stand next to him. She watched the dancing flames for a moment, feeling calm and at peace. Moracas placed an arm around her shoulders, and hugged her close for a moment. “We have much to discuss mi querida. I must teach you the ways of Lasombra, and of the Sabbat.” He walked over to one of the chairs facing the fireplace, and sat down. Motioning Rayna to sit in the other chair, she dutifully complied. “As I mentioned before, you are part of the Lasombra clan novia. All nine core clans are founded by direct descendents of Caine, dark father of us all. Caine embraced three childer; Enoch, Irad, and Zillah. The three childer, after many years, embraced the clan’s founders, or antediluvians. Lasombra was clan Lasombra’s antediluvian; however, he was killed, or diablerised, betrayed by one of his childer.

 

Rayna sat quietly, listening intently to Moracas. He paused, and leaned back in his comfortable chair. “Lasombra was diablerised not so long ago, querida. We are a young clan, but also founders of Sabbat. There are two main factions, or clan structures that guide the bloodlines, and they are Sabbat and Camarilla. Sabbat consists of Lasombra and Tzimisce clans. Camarilla consists of the Toreadors, Brujahs, Malkavians, Nosferatus, Tremere, and Ventrues. The Sabbat and Camarilla’s are at war the majority of the time, querida; however, truces are often called to maintain a decorum of decency amongst us kindred. Finally, there are independents, or antitribu riffraff that wander about, causing more problems than their worth.” Moracas stopped speaking, and got up out of his chair. “There is much to learn querida, much to learn.”

 

Rayna sat back, trying to remember everything Moracas had told her. Her head swam with the unfamiliar names and terminology, and she wondered if she would ever learn it all. Moracas watched her closely, seemingly understanding what she was thinking. “In time, mi amor, all will become clear to you.” He smiled and walked over to where she sat. “Lasombra is something to be proud of mi novia. Not only is our clan filled with aristocrats, but we are the founders of Sabbat. There are several ranks within the Sabbat that you must learn: the first is Regent, who is the leader of Sabbat and is addressed as “Most Distinguished Excellency.” Next is the Cardinal, who is head of state. He or she is addressed as “Your Eminence.” Priscus is adviser to the rulers and follows Cardinal. He or she is addressed as “Very Reverend Sir or Madam.” Archbishop is addressed as “Your Excellency”, and is the position held by kindred who rules over a city of importance. Bishop follows next, and is an advisory staff member with political standing. He or she is also addressed as “Your Excellency.” A paladin or templar is a bodyguard position. They are addressed as “Sir or Lady.” Ductus comes next querida, and is a leader of a Sabbat pack. He or she is simply addressed as “Ductus.” Finally, Priest is a pack’s spiritual leader, and is the one to perform specific rituals within the pack. He or she is addressed as “Reverend Sir or Madam.” The rest of kindred are simply addressed as “brothers and sisters.”

 

A knock sounded upon the door, and Moracas stopped talking. “Entrar.” He said, as the door opened to reveal one of the servants who had assisted them when they first arrived. “Excusez moi, Sir, but the Archbishop Diente is here to see you.” Moracas lifted an eyebrow in response to the news of the Archbishop’s arrival. “Well, that was certainly quick.” He responded, nodding to the servant. “Tell her I shall join her in the main salón in un momento.” The servant nodded, and retreated from the room. Moracas turned to face Rayna. “Mi querida, I must see the Archbishop. Feel free to explore the house; however, do not enter the main salón unless I call for you. I must inform the Archbishop of your embrace, and I am not certain as to how she will react to the news.” He strode over to plant a kiss upon her lips, and with a nod, left the room.

Rayna was puzzled as to why the Archbishop would not take the news of her embrace in a positive light. The fact that the Archbishop was a woman did not escape Rayna’s notice…