Real Vampires: Glory and the Pirates by Bartlett, Gerry (red white royal blue TXT) 📕

skill to even think of making such a work of art. And this lady wanted to fight? I was afraid at the first sight of blood she would swoon to the ground.

“I have fought before. When one of Jeremiah’s enemies attacked us. It is not something I want to do again, but I believe I can persuade Valdez to train us to defend ourselves with a knife or a short sword. If you wish to learn.”

“Yes, please. I hate hiding. Waiting for endless hours in the dark while others risk their lives for me. The air was close. Sometimes I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I did not dare light a candle.” She stood, her cheeks flushed. “I say if that Irish witch can fight, then so can a Scottish one.” She walked over to refill her goblet. “Drink?”

“Not for me. I have important matters to discuss this evening and need a clear head. But go ahead. I am sure you deserve a tot or two.” I smiled as I said that and kept my seat in front of the fire. Once Anne filled her goblet, she took the chair facing me.

“These important matters. Despite your request to have me oversee the running of the castle, are you sure you weren’t planning to send me packing? I wouldn’t blame you. There is no place for me here.”

“You may stay as long as you wish. I truly know nothing of running a household. My maid is expecting a babe and will be of no use in a few months.” I leaned forward. “You are obviously well born, Lady Anne. I wonder if you truly have no one to go to, no family. Perhaps it is selfish of me to ask you to take over the management of the castle. To act as my housekeeper.”

“My father is dead. My mother remarried hastily. Her husband took everything Father built and is having a fine time gambling it away. I am afraid if I go home, he will arrange a marriage for me to someone who holds his debts.” She finished her drink in an unladylike gulp. “This is the last of the good brandy. I hid it well. The pirates got the rest. Damn them.” She shook her head. “Holly said you brought your own provisions and are sending hunters out to fill the larder.” She stared into her empty goblet. “Staying here sounds like a fine idea. I wonder that you want me, though. What you found when you arrived does nothing to recommend me.”

“You were grieving. Now it’s time for you to step out of your rooms and become the lady of the manor again. I’m sure you were doing a fine job of it before your husband was killed. Lord Jeremiah and I have our own business to attend to. We will be able to rout those pirates more handily if we don’t have to worry about the daily problems that a castle this size may present.” I took her empty goblet and set it on the tray with the dirty dishes. “We need you. Will you take on this task?”

“Are you saying you really plan to fight with your Lord Jeremiah? The way you talk…” Anne stared at me.

“Oh, he will deny it. Of course, he wants me to stay out of the way, to hide in a room like you did when the pirates attack.” I walked over to the fire. I still felt the cold and heat, though most vampires claimed not to.

“It just is not in my nature to be idle. Domestic matters don’t interest me. What does are figuring out ways we can rid the coast of these madmen and women who seem determined to leave us nothing of value.” I slammed a fist into my other hand. “I want to have Jeremiah’s back. Whether he likes it or not.”

3

Valdez was waiting for me outside Lady Anne’s door when I left her. I don’t know how he did it, but he always found me wherever I went.

“I heard you talking to the lady. You know Jeremiah is not going to allow you to fight the pirates.” He walked with me down the stairs.

“Obviously I am allowed no privacy!” I should be used to it, but did he have to listen at closed doors? “The truth is, Valdez, I may not have a choice. They could come at any time. Surely you don’t think I’m going to cower in some locked room like a scared mortal woman.”

I stopped and looked down into the great hall. The men had left and two women were clearing off the table. There was still a good fire going and I could see a bucket of suds ready for them to wash off the table and benches. It was a promising start to making the castle look decent. Valdez wisely didn’t comment.

“I meant it when I said I want you to teach Lady Anne and me how to use a knife and short sword to defend ourselves.” I looked up at Valdez. His scowl meant he was going to be difficult. “I know, you must ask the master.” I poked him on the arm. “Let me. I can cozen him into it.”

“I don’t doubt that.” Valdez gestured for me to walk ahead of him down the stairs. “I can imagine your persuasions. I won’t deny you need to protect yourself. I have a few tricks I can teach you.”

“That’s all I ask.” Well, and work with a sword. I could add that later.

“I have seen you with a knife, Gloriana. You have a few natural moves that aren’t bad, but you can do better and Jeremiah has told me you can be quite fierce when faced with danger. Lady Anne is another matter.”

I laughed. “Yes, she looks like she will probably shy away from actually pricking someone. But she may surprise us both. She is furious with the pirate queen. Give Anne a chance to avenge her