A Vow of Fate: The Final Vow

A Vow of Fate

The Final Vow

Jo Rentschler

The Vows

A Vow of Tears

The First Vow

A Vow of Deception

The Second Vow

This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locals, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental or is used fictitiously.

A Vow of Fate

The Final Vow

COPYRIGHT © 2020 2nd edition by Jo Rentschler

Previously published by Jill H. O’Bones

COPYRIGHT © 2013 1st edition by Jill H. O’Bones

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 9781301011346

Cover design by Jill H. O’Bones

Images provided by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Exsodus, Farconville, and Patpitchaya

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my friends for taking time out of their busy lives to read my stories. A special thanks to Susan S., Susan P., and Laura for being the first to read.

To my family: Thank you for your support while I disappear behind the computer and for ignoring me when I start talking to myself.

For my son

I love you

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Title page

About Jill

Chapter 1

Metal hitting metal echoed through the trees, and Sara felt each impact when Margret’s sword crashed into hers. The vibration radiated down the length of the blade into her hands, tingling them into numbness.

This is pointless, Sara gasped, tossing her head to keep the stray brown hair that had escaped her ponytail out of her eyes.

No, it’s not, Margret responded, her breath smooth and relaxed. She swung her sword. Sara reacted a second too slowly and the tip of the blade kissed the chain mail that protected Sara’s side, the metal rings giving a faint jingle from the slight touch.

Sara stepped back, lowering her sword. It is too, she grumbled. We’ve been doing this every day for the last two years and I’m not getting any better.

Sara, Margret whispered, lowering her sword, the tip resting in the ground, her silver eyes looking even brighter because of the paleness of the vampire’s skin. Her eyes met Sara’s, You are getting better. You’re a lot stronger and quicker now.

I still fight like a companion. Sara let her sword drop to the ground and began removing the chain mail weighing her down.

Yes, you do, but one on crack.

Sara glared.

Is it that time of the month again? Margret asked sarcastically.

Sara’s glare got harder. Even though she hated having her period when she was human, a part of her, the part that was still human, missed it.

Oh, come on, Margret said smiling, walking towards Sara, also removing her chain mail she didn’t need but had to wear because Sara refused to practice against anyone unless they were also protected, even though every vampire she practiced with would never be in any real danger.

Let’s cool off, Margret said, motioning with her head towards the pond, one of the few that weren’t affected by the thermal activity that kept the valley warm even though it was located in the Swiss Alps. One of your fish had better not try to bite me again.

Sara tried to hide her smile, but the memory of the look on Margret’s face when a small fish investigated her finger was too much, and a small giggle left Sara.

It’s still not funny, Margret snorted, as she removed her shoes. Adonis spoils you way too much, stocking this pond so you can fish, all of those books...

Jealous much?

Do I have a reason to be?

No.

Margret’s expression slightly changed, Sometimes I wonder.

Well stop. You know better.

Margret’s long white braided hair swung side to side just below her waist as she skipped over to the pond, stripping off her pants and shirt as she went, running into the water, diving under the clear surface.

Sara shook her head and walked over to the water’s edge, leaving her pants and shirt on as she stepped into the water. The coolness caressed her feet, and she could feel the sand on the bottom seep in between her toes. She stayed on her feet until the water was up to her waist, then pushing off the bottom; she began to swim, feeling her body cut through the water’s surface.

Once she reached the middle, she stopped and rolled over to float on her back. Her eyes looked up at the white sky, her brown hair floating around her head, as the cool water numbed her sore muscles.

Scanning the sky, she hoped to see the sun, even the blurry white circle version, but there was nothing, just the white fog that hung over the valley.

Margret swam up next to her. Feeling better?

No.

I know it’s frustrating, Margret said, floating next to her, but you have to be able to protect yourself.

Both of us know that’s never going to happen. Every vampire here has had years of practice even before they were turned, they already had the skills, and now they have the speed and strength. I’m never going to be able to fight off anyone. Sara turned over and swam back to shore, fighting the tears that threatened.

The sound of splashing followed her and she knew Margret was behind her. Walking the rest of the way to shore, Sara felt the depression swelling inside her. Reaching land, she walked towards her horse to get dry clothes from the saddlebag, catching Margret’s concerned look as she walked towards her horse.

What else is bothering you? Margret asked as she used her fingers to comb out her long white hair.

Sara went around the tree she was standing next to. Everything, she breathed, as she leaned against the rough bark, pulling her damp pants off.

And what is everything?

Not being alone.

Margret stopped messing with her hair. You know you can’t be alone. We still don’t know who else may try to kill you.

It’s been two years! No one has tried anything.

Well, I’m not going to let anyone try, and neither will Adonis.

Sara took a deep breath and rolled her eyes, closing them. How will we know if there’s still anyone here who wants me dead if they don’t have the chance to show themselves?

You know there is, so stop talking about it.

She came around the tree, tucking her dry shirt into her pants. Set a trap, catch them…

Sara, you know Adonis will not allow that.

We don’t have to tell him.

What else? Margret asked, changing the subject. There has to be more to put you in the mood you’re in today.

Glaring at her friend, Sara snapped, Besides the fact that I can’t leave this depressing bleached-out world.

Margret looked around. Yeah, it is depressing.

But you get to leave with Adonis, I can’t. Sara could start to feel the burn of her tears in her eyes. Fighting them, she sat and leaned against the tree, feeling its bark dig into her back. Sara looked down as her fingers played with the long blades of grass, fighting her emotions.

Is there more?

The weird looks, Sara said, trying to keep her tears buried.

Who’s giving you weird looks?

Everyone.

And why would ‘everyone’ be giving you weird looks?

Because they know there’s something wrong with me.

There’s nothing wrong with you.

Sara snorted, Oh no, there’s nothing wrong with being a half-vampire. One who never feeds, who is never allowed to be alone… They know something is wrong with me.

Would it make you feel better if I told you that they think you’re feeding from Jasmine?

Sara grimaced. Are you serious?

Margret nodded, fighting a smile.

Everyone knows Jasmine retired years ago.

Margret shrugged her shoulders. You have a thing for older people. In a mumble, she added, Adonis is proof of that.

That’s not funny, Sara said, her eyes narrowing. And what do you mean Adonis is proof?

Nothing. Who cares what everyone thinks, she added. All they need to know is that you are a vampire and a member of our family. One of her fingers touched Sara’s shoulder where the black mark was hidden under her shirt sleeve. And that’s all the proof you need.

"What aren’t you telling me?’

Margret looked up at the sky. You never told me how that full moon thing went.

Quit keeping secrets from me!

Tell me about the ritual.

There isn’t much to tell, Sara said, giving up on an answer. We stood around in a circle and the Priest and Priestess did the ceremony.

But I thought you were looking forward to it.

I was, until I found out that the coven had to do it here. We had to imagine the moon. Sara swallowed. It wasn’t fair to them to come all this way.

I thought they were your friends.

They probably don’t want to be anymore, and a single tear escaped her eye.

Sara, Margret said softy.

I know, Sara snapped, I’m not allowed to cry. Vampires can’t cry.

Come here. Margret pulled Sara into a hug. I know your life is complete shit. Cry all you want.

Feeling better? Margret asked when Sara’s sobs eased.

Yes, Sara replied, pulling away from her friend, wiping her face with the back of her hand. I needed that.

Good. Now tell me about the ritual. Did you run around naked?

No, and it’s called skyclad.

Was anyone naked?

A few of them.

Adonis didn’t, did he?

No.

Good. Now tell me what happened.

Sara sighed. We just stood there, coping what the others were doing, staring at the moon that we couldn’t see. Part of the ceremony was to take a sip of wine, but the Priest suggested that at least we let it touch our lips.

What about after? Margret pushed. You and Adonis got back really late.

Well, after the ritual we sat around the fire, ate, and talked.

That’s it?

There was some dancing and chanting. Sara looked at Margret. You never told me that Adonis can sing.

Margret gave her a dark look, I’ve never heard him sing.

What! Sara gasped, In the last five years, you’ve never heard him sing?

No. I’ve caught him humming once in a while, but that’s it.

Sara looked up at the white sky. Maybe he’s shy about it. I mean we were all chanting together. I only heard him because I was sitting next to him.

Maybe.

There was silence for a few moments, but Sara could feel that Margret wasn’t happy.

You said there was dancing, Margret said her voice flat. What kind?

Just around the circle. A few of the coven members brought drums, they sat in the middle, and we danced around them matching the beat.

Sounds like you had fun, Margret muttered.

Yes and no. Sara looked at her friend. I’m sorry you couldn’t have come with, I missed you.

Yeah. Funny how I had that meeting with Dekovas that night.

But you couldn’t skip out, Sara said, worried. You know what Adonis’ blood can do to you. Sara had witnessed what the Sirelords’ blood could do to their consorts. A year after she came back, Ciprian’s consort started to go a little nuts. She had started to imagine things, little people in the halls and would stop, pick one up, put it in her pocket, and walk around talking to it. From what Sara heard, the consort tried to kill one of the guards who happened to step on one of her little friends. She was taken away to ‘dry out’, and if she lives, she will probably never come back to the castle again.

It can’t affect me if I don’t have any, Margret whispered.

Margret, what’s going on?

It’s, she paused then mumbled, Adonis could’ve talked to Dekovas, and I could’ve met with him the next day.

Maybe he’s worried about you. Sara paused, looking for the right words. You have been acting a little distant lately.

Margret turned and glared at Sara.

Or, Sara hurried out, maybe he thought you’d have too much fun.

Margret’s eyes narrowed.

You, dancing around a fire, naked, Sara said. Adonis would’ve had his hands full keeping the humans away from you, and himself.

A little smile played across Margret’s lips. Maybe. She looked up at the sky and Sara guessed Margret was imagining the scene.

After a few minutes, Margret looked back at Sara. The supply wagon is going to be here in a few days, what do you think Adonis has for us?

Already? Sara said, groaning as she leaned back into the tree.

A giggle, but not a real Margret giggle, left her and she playfully pushed Sara away. If you don’t want Adonis’ gifts, I’ll take them.

Sara leaned forward, Maybe there’s word from his friends, about my blood. Her depression faded a notch. They all seemed excited about the new tests. They should have the results by now.

Six months ago, three of Adonis’ ‘friends’ arrived at the castle. They were the scientists who Adonis had been sending pint after pint of Sara’s blood to. The only results they were able to find was that Sara’s blood was both human and vampire. They came because they wanted to perform experiments they could only do with fresh blood, but because Sara couldn’t leave the castle, and because her blood didn’t stay fresh for very long, they came to her.

She didn’t care what experiments they wanted to do with her blood, all she wanted to know was if her son was in any danger of becoming a vampire.

They’d set up a makeshift lab in Adonis’ chambers, and for five hours Sara sat there, with only the scientists and Adonis as company, hooked up to a tube ready to suck her blood out of her veins.

All of her blood they had received at their labs was basically dead on arrival, so their first experiment was to find out if they could keep it alive longer. After trying different things, they finally were able to keep it alive. They had to mix it with human blood, and her blood cells fed off of it, staying alive longer, as long as it had fresh food.

I wish you two would just accept it, Margret said roughly. "Sara, your blood is different, so different that it won’t