Serial Fiction -- The Hunger -- Installment Four

Turning swiftly in alarm, he came face to face with the one thing he had feared.  The Others.  They had found him again.  The High One's minions were becoming more bold with every passing night.  Their attempts to destroy Sondra only failed because she was one of the First Ones.  Marcas was in much more danger, he was still only human.

"Sondra, fly to our haven, now!  Take the Younglings, hurry!"

"What of the old woman?"  Sondra was still so hungry.  She couldn't imagine leaving her meal behind.

"Leave her."

"No!"

"Go now!"  That last order seeped into her very soul and she took flight with the Younglings in tow, leaving Russell alone to face the Others.

"You will not escape us this time, Old One.  The High One will feast on your marrow!"  The huge vampires that had "killed" Sondra, attacked Russell now in tandem.

He bared his fangs and emitted a hissing sound unlike any the old woman had ever heard before.  She was beginning to rethink her earlier decision.  Russell's inhuman strength was deceptive.  He tore the left arm nearly off of one of the Others and ripped out half of its brother's throat on his first pass.  He knew he had to buy time for Sondra.  The creatures screamed in pain.  Before the one with a neck injury could get its balance, Russell thrust his fist through its chest and ripped out its withered heart.  The creature was dead before the impact with the manicured lawns could be felt.  With the heart still in his hand, Russell leapt upon its profusely bleeding brother and fed, making sure he would not rise again.  Then he carried both hearts back to the haven for Sondra, a fitting Bonding Gift.

*****

Marcas came to near the river with jackhammers in his head.  They've surely cracked my skull this time.  Wait, what the hell were those monstrosities talking about?  They couldn't possibly know about Kelly and me.  My lord, we were only kids, not ready for marriage, much less a baby!

*****

Nick Majors stood up after making the rounds to all the families that had gathered at the bait and tackle.

"Okay folks.  We've still got no word from Benson.  Time to get organized.  As soon as it's light, we'll break into teams to get food and supplies, then we'll all meet back at the old Mission Church just up the river.  Agreed?"  Nick looked around at the assembled families with his pad and paper in hand.

"Yeah,"

"Agreed,"

"I'm in,"

"Me too,"

"We're with you Nick,"  came the muttered, defeated, tired replies.

"We'll stay here another day to pick up stragglers Nick" Philip volunteered suddenly.

"No, you've got the little one to think of, besides, that's my job."  No one was really quite sure with what branch, but everyone knew Nick had done some military service.  It was just obvious.  And everyone trusted him. 

Janelle and Philip just looked at one another helplessly.  This time though, Nick caught the look, and it disturbed him, just as their offer had disturbed him.

*****

"Here darling, a Bonding Gift for you, to reseal our pledge to one another."  Russell handed the bloody withered hearts to Sondra who devoured them without hesitation.  She looked up then and saw the blood and gore that stained most every inch of him and found him beautiful.  Sondra rewarded her lover with a resplendent smile.

"Russell, the Younglings were so anxious to please me -- they found me another offering.  Please don't be angry.  I was so hungry and they were careful."

"Of course I'm not angry with you Sondra."  The Younglings all began to scream in pain.  Sondra seemed unaffected.  "It's time to move now.  He'll be sending more soon, and we still have to collect Marcas."  Sondra showed no more emotion at the mention of Marcas' name than she did when the Younglings were punished.  She only had eyes for Russell.

*****

Cradling her sleeping daughter, Janelle followed Philip as he tiptoed out between the sleeping townsfolk and into the moonlit night.  Suddenly, a voice stopped them dead in their tracks.

©TSW  2007