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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

"Empress you shall be until someone tears that ruthlessly from your hand. Then you will watch your world burn!

Simi woke up with a start. The dream had been coming more often, with the words changing every now and then but with the same consequence.And there is nothing I can do to change it.

She turned on the empty bed. Since she had quarrelled with Gerald about Jake, he has been avoiding her bed. Even with his prophecy now out in the open, Gerald still doesn't see him as a threat.He sees the boy he misses, the one who could replace him. It doesn't help that Muyiwa is not war-like.. To make matters worse, everyone seems to toe his line since that damned prophecy. Everyone, even Ore treats Jake with some level of fear, so that their actions won't be what will bring the coven down.

She didn't care. Simi wants Jake dead. Dead and forgotten.

She quickly stood up and took a bath.I won't look like a swine because of that half-vamp! Her water was hot, almost scorching, but she didn't care. She wanted her skin to be clean. When she was done, she cleaned up and dressed in a long red gown with diamonds littered everywhere on it.This was what I wore when Gerald first met me. She reminded herself. He may favor her if she wears this to meet him and something may be finally done about Jake.

As she ascended to the higher levels, a servant came to meet her.

"Your Eminence, Princess Ore is here to meet you."

His eyes blinked in astonishment. The Oracle, really? He had expected an old crone, with missing teeth and wrinkled skin, with a single line of cloth hanging on her shoulder. He certainly didn't expect a young lady in suit.

His surprise most have been obvious. " Have I shocked you in anyway?"

"I wasn't expecting a young lady as the Oracle. I expected an old lady, with crooked fingers and long nails. That or a lady hidden behind a veil, shrouded in mystery." Jake didn't understand why he was speaking so freely with her, yet he felt alive and free. " I didn't expect a lady in an office suit."

She smiled. " At least you are honest. Other lie in order to sound modest." She beckoned for him to sit. "We don't have much time. I am sure you want this done and dusted as soon as possible."

You have no idea. Jake didn't want to sound anxious, but he was tired of everything: The fear, the anxiety surrounding his power and so on. He just wanted a simple life. He sat down and looked at the table. A stack of cards appeared from nowhere.

"Pick a card. You can choose from anywhere, its not necessary you pick from the top of the pile."

Jake picked the first card nonetheless. He passed it to her. The Oracle looked at it and kept it aside, turning it up so that Jake could see what he picked. There were four small pictures of a tornado, storm earthquake and a wild fire.

"Power. Turbulence." The Oracle said. The kind of words that will get Simi screaming for my head!

He then picked a second card, this time from the middle of the pile. He passed it to her. She looked at time, a flicker of interest in her eyes. She turned it and kept it on top of the first one.

"The sun. Giver of life and death, depending on what you want."

Jake held his breath. This is becoming scary. Even he couldn't have imagined it.

"Pick another card."

This time he picked from the bottom part of the pile. The Oracle held it and dropped it immediately on the other. Skulls were on it.

"Death. Defeat. Victory. Pick your last card."

Nervous, Jake picked from the top again. The Oracle held it and dropped it. It was a picture of a snake biting itself round a badge.

"The Coven. Decision. Destiny."

The cards disappeared. Jake felt the tension rise.

"Bring your hand."

Gingerly, he stretched it forth. She held the hand. Suddenly, her face changed, flames surrounding her hair and body. Her eyes turned red, then blue and finally white.

"Destiny!" She gave a shrill laughter. " You are here at an opportune time, a time that will decide the fate of the Coven and that of the vampire world. For your destiny and that of the Coven are interwoven. The time will come when you have to choose and your choice will be representation of destruction or salvation for the Coven and all humanity! Go, now, Go!"

Suddenly the ceiling opened and Jake found himself teleported to the Great Hall. It was full, almost overflowing, yet he could hear the crickets outside.

They all heard the prophecy.

oloyedprince1:
Thanks anyway

I am very sorry for the slow updates. A lot of things are battling with me: poor power supply, no data and so on. I will try and speed up the updates this week. It has truly dragged for long.

He soon forgot about the incident as he descended on his dinner, a meal of blood oats and a big stick of meat. Horse meat, he thought dully.

While everyone was in the great Hall for their dinner, the announcement rang concerning those visiting the Oracle. When his name was called as one of those that are going to the Oracle for the first time, a few people looked at his direction. He had expected it and was immune to the stares. Let them look. He would prefer to go quietly, but that was not possible. He couldn't do anything quiet here.

After the business of dinner was done, he was ushered out of the hall with others who had a date with destiny. The person in charge of them, Cromm, was a short, white man with a grizzled look around him. He didn't look friendly at all, his eyes shining with malice at everyone.

They walked deep into the building, going lower and lower until there was no bulbs but lit torches with fire to guide their way. Jake felt like it was on purpose. Make the Oracle look ancient and maybe someone will fear her a bit more.

They got to the foot of the coven or that what he guessed from the heat and the rough nature of where they stopped. Cromm stopped in front of a door and ushered them one after the other.

Jake couldn't hear everything, but he could hear a little of what others were been told. Some were told that their strength was in kindness or humility, that they were good in magic or that their future was about magic. Some were made to know that their powers will take time to manifest but they shouldn't be dismayed.

Jake entered in last.

Inside was a white room that emitted light from it's walls. More like a laboratory. In the middle of the room was a table with a lady who looked like she belonged to an office. Her garb was a white office suit with a white skirt and white shoes. Her hair and skin was white too. Too much white. looked around for the Oracle and didn't see her.

"Hello." He said cautiously. "I suppose to see the Oracle."

She smiled.

"I am the Oracle."

What is she doing here? "How did you get into my room and what are you doing here?"

She looked at him with disgust.As if I am the scum of the earth. Yet she is the one breaking into my room. "I heard a certain boy was going to the Oracle today. I just have a warning for you. If you are a danger to this coven, I will destroy you. Believe me!"

She made to go but Jake held her hand.You won't leave that easily. "How did you enter my room?"

"How dare you hold the daughter of the Empress?"

Jake ignored that."Tell me now or I will report this to Calypso."

"And she will do what? Leave my hand now, thrash or I......"

"You would do what?"

Her eyes lit up in fire. "I will destroy you now!" Jake felt her trying to enter his mind. Unfortunately for you, I have read all about this! He held her tightly, waiting as she tried to probe his mind.

Time's up,bitch! Jake deflected her probing mind back to her.

Ore was startled. "How, when did you....."

"You will never know when and now I have the answers I seek." He let go of her. "This will be the last time you phase your way into my room or threaten me. Any time you try it again, I will report this."

Ore quickly slipped away, the same way she entered. Jake removed his shirt and really began to evaluate his situation. What's so important about this Oracle business? He knew the answer, but the fuzz over his prophecy in particular was over the roof.I hope it all ends today! I really do!

He no longer had any fears about visiting the Oracle or many of the issues that troubled him early on. That is also thanks to Calypso and Thomrod, who insisted that he began to eat in the common hall so as to relate with others. "You can't expect people to know you if you stay shut up in a room all the time." Claypso had said. "It's the same for vamps."

Jake followed her advice and even though he still had those who will rather spit at him than speak with him, he found a few people don't really care about the fuzz about him. That group included Stefan, Lord Glabach's son and Sofia, a white-eyed beauty. Cleopatra had told him that she was like an albino, very much affected by the moonlight but quite tolerant of the sun. "That's why she walks with the humans in the blood farm. She and Muyiwa are the most senior vampires in that sector. She can be quite vain though."

As he walked out of the training theatre, he felt the gaze of many people on him. Since the training bout he had with Muyiwa, many vampires have been more curious and nosy into his affairs. It doesn't help that he recovered faster than Muyiwa. Muyiwa himself didn't mind. "It doesn't matter." He told him, when Jake visited him, which was Calypso's idea. " Your blood gives you gifts, you shouldn't be worried about the people that get offended."

Jake walked quickly, hoping to have a shower and rest before his class on Geometry. Yes, vampires still do regular subjects, to the disgust of Jake. What's the use of being immortal and all that when Mathematics and Languages still plague you? He opened his room and came face to face with Ore.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"Good work, Jake! End of session for today!"

Jake dropped the fountain of water he created to shield himself from Celeste's attack and went ahead to shake hands with her. Celeste was his sparring partner in magic and magical arts, courtesy of Calypso.

So cold! Celeste smiled when she shook his hand as a sign of friendship but her hand was very cold and uninviting.Conflicting messages, or maybe she is just tired. Jake was not bothered.

Since that first day when things went a bit out of control, his training in magic had gone smoothly. Calypso helped him a lot with that, telling him what to do and gradually bringing him into it. This was his for the session but he has learned how to control the elements and was now learning how to use them for combat. It helps that Celeste was not fazed by who he is or his abilities. I don't need anyone making me uncomfortable because of who I am.His training with Thomrod had also improved, so much that he had two people on him everyday. Thomrod is so sure that he will be a warrior once he sees the Oracle. And that visit has now arrived!

"Simi, your hysteria doesn't help anyone. Jake is not a threat." This madness of hers will alienate her from him forever. Already Gerald had taken to sleeping outside the royal chambers. That hasn't caused any problems yet, but that's more due to the fact that nobody knows about it, not even their kids.

"You don't see it, do you? You won't see the threat even if it's on your throat."

Gerald wondered what he will do to quell this fear that Simi seems to have about Jake.

"I won't see anything that will make me mad."

"So I am mad, Gerald? I am going insane, isn't it?"

Gerald tugged her cloth carefully. "Uche and Glabach are passing. Comport yourself."

That got to her. They turned and exchanged greetings with both Uche and Glabach. Uche took the time to explain why he supported Gerald.

Once that was done, Gerald dragged Simi from the council chambers to the royal chambers.

"Simi, this has to stop! You can't keep pushing this agenda against Jake. From what I have seen and what Uche confirmed, he is not a threat."

She walked towards the bed and sat down. "The last prophecy I got from the Oracle warned me about this. She warned me that when my power is at it's highest, someone will come and tear it down, destroy the coven and kill me. Jake is that person."

"That was years ago. Besides the Oracle didn't mention names."

"But she gave hints..."

"Like what?"

"The power level of the person. Jake fits the bill."

"So does Thomrod, I, Uche and Glabach."

"None of you have any reason to destroy the clan."

"Neither does Jake. Moreover, I see Glabach as a more dangerous person."

"Now you are the one becoming delusional. What has Glabach done to deserve your suspicion?"

"It's what he hasn't done, Simi. He is the oldest of all the vampires in the coven and the most powerful, even more than me. He has the support of the members of the coven and was almost the Emperor."

"We forestalled that."

"We did, but there are still people who see him as the one who should be the Emperor. Mind you he isn't the only threat. Reagan wanted to have a go at being an Emperor and was complicit in the Deviant uprising. There are a few others but Glabach is the biggest danger. Jake isn't even a little threat from my angle."

"But you heard what Calypso said......"

"She said that he didn't know how to control the flow of power. He isn't the first to have such issues. Even I struggled with control for the first time. If I was butchered by the Emperor of that time, would I be alive now?"

"There was no doomsday prophecy hanging on your head."

"Neither is there on Jake's head."

"What if there is? What if the first prophecy we get about him speaks of doom, what will you do?"

"I will still give him a chance. Not all prophecies that was given by the Oracle came to pass. If that was the case, we shouldn't have survived the Deviant uprising."

"Nobody from the Deviants was your blood.What will you do if despite all you do, Jake becomes a threat to the coven?"

"Then I will end him."Let's hope it will not come to that. "Give him a chance, Simi."

Simi sighed, resigned to fate. "You won't see it, no matter what I do. Fine, I will rest my case but promise me one thing. Promise me that if Jake becomes a threat to the coven or my children, you will protect them."

"I promise."

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

"He is too powerful. You heard Calypso. The boy was the cause of all the quakes that occurred yesterday. He must die!"

Gerald looked at the rest of the council and wondered if they shared Simi's thoughts.

"I don't think he is a threat to us yet." Reese said, stroking his chin. "His powers are immense but if he is trained to control them, he may be an asset to us."

"An asset or a doom." Kike said, shooting her red eyes at Reese. "I don't share your optimism, Reese. The boy hates most of us."

"What you do mean, Kike?"

"What I said is what I mean,Your Greatness. I have observed this Jake since his entrance here. He doesn't associate with most of the vampires here, save for Thomrod and Cleopatra. He keeps his distance and is often wary of any friendly form of communication, even from me."

"And whose fault is that?" Uche said, shocking everyone. "The boy has hardly been given a chance in the coven from the moment he stepped in. Should I remind us that since he has been here, he has found himself in two near death situations: during aidokai and of recent with Muyiwa. For a boy who barely knows who he is that's a lot to take."

That will turn the scales. Gerald was happy that this was coming from Uche, not Reese. Reese is seen as his friend and stooge, Uche on the other hand will be seen as a neutral. His voice will count more than Reese.

"So what do we do? Do we fold our arms and play possum with the future of the coven?" Reagan spoke this time around.

"We can't afford to wait for that to happen! He must die!" Simi thundered.

I have had enough of that! "No one is dying, Empress!" Gerald looked at them all. "Jake hasn't been integrated properly into the coven. I have been waiting for the Oracle to call for him. Since that is a full moon away, all we can do is to wait until then. When we hear his prophecy, we can then decide on what to do. I will not hear of this matter again!"

They all nodded, Simi almost breaking her teeth in anger. You forced my hand, Simi! He had no interest in placating her.

The council meeting continued with the talk of the Deviants. "They are attacking humans along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway at night." Glabach said, giving update on his surveillance on them. "I have sent some of our warriors squadrons to stop them, which they have done with relative success."

The council approved of Glabach's efforts. Matters then moved to the celebration of the unbreaking, which is to celebrate the early beginning of Count Dracula and the start of the vampire race. Simi and Kike gave updates on that.

Gerald closed the meeting. An Emperor's life is not easy He was moving to see Muyiwa when Simi accosted him.

"That boy will destroy everything, Gerald!"

"What?" Jake moved to sit down.

"A minquake is a release of mental energy into someone's brain. It's usually fries the brain of the victim, leaving them in a zombie like state. Usually older vampires can overcome it but for humans and new vampires, it can be lethal."

So the brute wanted to kill me. Or worse. "Why will he do that?"

Cleopatra looked around to check if someone was passing.

"It's better I explain everything in your room."

Jake walked gingerly to his room. At least I have a day to rest. Once they got to the room, Cleopatra closed the door.

"So explain to me now."

"It's the queen."
Great! "What about her?"

"I don't know, she has been very nervous since the day you stepped into the coven. I think she forced Muyiwa to throw a minquake at you. That's why he is struggling too."

"Okay."

"Jake, be careful. Many people are nervous about you. It doesn't help that you are the first Imprevious we are admitting here in years. Many vampires will attempt to kill you just for the sake of getting favor from the queen. The good thing is that you seem very powerful and strong. With help from me and my father, you may still survive here. A lot will be cleared when you visit the Oracle."

"When will this happen? We have been talking of this since I won the aidokai.

"That has been decided. It will happen two moons from now. So just take a rest while I get your food."

Cleopatra left the room, leaving Jake in a myriad of thoughts.

The rest of the day passed without incident. Due to the minquake, Jake didn't get to do any training with Thomrod that day nor did he appear for meals. Cleopatra brought his food - which was still without blood.

Once it was night time, he walked back to the training theatre to meet Calypso. She sat on a bench, watching two boys weave their hands and create a golden circle which cut through paper.

"Good, good." She turned and saw him. "Dayo, Fendi, you two can rest for the day. I have some work to do."

The two of them gave him a dirty look when they passed him. Two more vampires that hate me. Why?. He knew that whatever the answer is, it will not please him.

"Nice of you to come here, Jake. How are your eyes now?"

"Much better ma. The pains have stopped. How is Muyiwa?" Why did I ask after him?

She smiled. "Muyiwa is still in the sick bay but he will be fine. Do you know why I wanted you to come?"

"No, ma'am."

"Don't ma'am me now. Anyways, I brought you here so as to start your magic training. You have a lot of potential, Jake but you need to work hard to unlock them. Come."

Jake walked towards the center of the training theatre. Already whatever damage that he and Muyiwa created in their fight had been cleared up.

"Why didn't I start previously? Why during the full moon?"

She smiled again. "Did you ask all these questions when you started with Thomrod? Well, usually young recruits start with physical combat before using magic because not all vampires are gifted in magic. I expected you to know that. As for why I chose this period, when the full moon is out, it's simply because magical energy flows easier during the full moon. Now sit on the floor and fold your legs as if you are practicing yoga."

Jake did as he was instructed.Yoga, really?

"Now place your hands on your laps and breath."

Jake breath in and out.

"Relax, relax. That's good. Now feel the energy flow around you."

Jake felt nothing initially.

"Don't panic. It will come. It will come slowly, flowing like water into your body."

He kept at it, thinking of home, his human home and his mother. He started to feel some heat run around him.

"Good, good. You are feeling it now, right? Just relax and allow it to run through."

Jake relaxed and suddenly felt a huge current of heat and electricity push him. Suddenly, he was out of his body and saw fire surrounding him, Calypso looking a bit worried.

"Jake, Jake! Control yourself!"

The fire soon turned to a huge sea of fire, burning the entire theatre. It then turned to a turbulent flow of water, carrying his body and Calypso.

"JAKE STOP!"

He couldn't. I can't seem to get back into my body! The water soon turned into lightening, thundering all around the theatre. He was sure that the whole coven could hear it.

Calypso suddenly looked at his direction and flew towards him, tapping his forehead. He suddenly found himself on the floor with his body. Everything had disappeared.

"What, what happened?" Jake knew that it was not normal, what he had experienced.

Calypso stood up. She wasn't smiling. "You will start training once you are done with the Oracle. You can go now."

Jake wanted to ask more questions but he felt that he may not be answered. He knew one thing though.

Things had just become harder for him.

Good morning.

Sorry for the absence, I am back. Hopefully I will resume today.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

What was that?

Jake slowly rose up, his head in a thousand splinters. He felt hands holding him up.

"Take it easy. How are you doing?"

"Thomrod?" He could see a blurry figure standing in front of him. He tried to move and fell down again.

"Jake, breathe. Can you see me? Take a seat and rest a bit."

Jake sat down and shut his eyes for a minute before opening them again. This time, he could see Thomrod and Calypso clearly, with his father looking at an unconscious Muyiwa.

"What happened?"

"I don't know. I was about to drop my swords when I heard this high pitch sound. Next thing was that I was on the floor, seeing all sorts of imagery. I feel like my head split into my pieces."

"Jake, let me see your eyes."

Jake looked at a worried Calypso.

"Are your eyes burning? Does it feel like it's on fire?"

"Yes. I need to see a doctor for it, right?"

"No. Just get a rest and see me tomorrow night at the full moon. No training with Thomrod."

"Yeah. Take a rest." Thomrod said as Gerald came in front of him.

"Jake, are you alright? Your eyes, do they hurt?"

That question again! "They hurt like hell, Father. Why are you here? What's wrong with Muyiwa?"

"He will be fine. It's you I am worried about."

"She said that I will be fine. I need a rest."

"Rest and food. Cleopatra! Come take Jake to the dinner."

Cleopatra held Jake's hand and pulled him up.

"I can walk on my own."

"Really? Are you sure about it?"

"Yes, Cleopatra. I am not lame. What's all the fuss about me?"

She looked around to make sure they had walked far enough.

"Muyiwa shot a Minquake on you "

preshman22:
Mr Writer


Where have you been??

I am here. Just had a lot of issues I am dealing with.

Calypso turned and saw him.

"Muyiwa come up here and duel with Jake."

She was in a jolly mood. What is she up to? "I am not his sparring partner."

"You are today. I want him to see how useful magic is in a fight. I would have dueled with him but am far too strong for him."

"Don't spoil the fun, Muyiwa!" Thomrod said. "Besides it will remove the talk that Jake is more powerful than you."

Not this talk again! "I am not interested."

"Go and fight him! I command you!"

When did she come here? "Mother, this is not the place for your theatrics."

"You are weak and useless, Muyiwa. Ore, go and fight him."

Ore started towards Jake but he held her hand.

"Fine, Mother. But I didn't want any of this."

He watched as Jake picked his twin swords and walked to the stage. Whatever happens, it's not my fault. Muyiwa faced him.

"1,2, 3...Go!"

Jake ran to him in a frenzy, only for Muyiwa to fling him to the end of the stage. Just lie down and stop! Jake attempted another attack, this time running in a zig-zag direction. He is fast! Muyiwa made his hands into a fist and fired energy blasts at Jake, moving backwards slowly. Jake kept deflecting them before circling him and attempting a slash at his back. Muyiwa turned and used a force field to stop his movement before throwing him away.Stay down!

Suddenly Jake disappeared and appeared in front of him, his strike already taken. Shit! Muyiwa levitated and then fired a massive fireball towards Jake. It caught him completely.

Now stay down! Jake was on the floor. Muyiwa was relieved until he couldn't find his second sword. Instinctively he turned, just in time to deflect the sword. Damn, he's good! Muyiwa turned and found a sword striking his face with Jake's full force on it. He suddenly found himself crashing to the ground. If my shield wasn't on, he would have cut me into half!

"Stop!"

Jake was about delivering another attack at him when Calypso's voice froze him.

"Well done, both of you!" Thomrod clapped as Jake dragged Muyiwa up. "It was enjoyable."

"Jake defeated you!"

"Ore, shut up!"

"Mom watched you lose to a newbie."

He could hear his mother's voice, full of malice, mockery and hatred. Just stop!. His eyes burned and he suddenly realized what was happening.Mother, stop! She snarled and kept at it.

Muyiwa suddenly faced Jake with red hot eyes. Calypso saw him and rushed towards him.

"MUYIWA, STOP!"

It was too late as Jake started to squirm and roll on the floor. Mom, stop making me to do this! Muyiwa was trying his brain with random information overload.

Calypso and Ore were trying to shake him off it. It's Mother, not me! He could hear Jake screaming, glass flying about and the stage cracking. I must be having a nightmare.

"SIMI, STOP!"

Suddenly his mother's spell on him broke, releasing Jake from his torment. Muyiwa slumped to the floor. As he gave way to the darkness, he saw his father rush towards him.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Mum is going mad! Muyiwa fumed as he left the royal cellars. He wondered why she is so insistent that Jake is a danger to the Coven.

To be fair, she is not the only one. Since the day Jake defeated Remus, many vampires took him almost as a god. For most people, he was an evil god sent to kill the best of our warriors. That is partly due to the love that many had for Remus. For others, he is an Imperious who is allowed to live. Like Glabach isn't an Imperious!

"You are thinking of what Mum said about Jake, right?"

"Ore, how many times have I told you, don't look into people's minds!"

She brushed his neck. "Come on, am sorry, but you are my brother. I should get a free pass."

"Ore, I warn you don't look into....."

"Okay!"

"So what do you think about Jake?"

She eyed him. " He is quite powerful, but I don't see him as a threat to anyone. I mean, he is barely a year into the coven."

"Same thoughts here."

"That's why you defend him in front of Mum."

"I am not defending him, Ore. I just don't like the hysteria around him. Dude don't even know his way around here and everyone talks of him like he is going to change the world."

She giggled. "That's true."

"I am just trying to be fair to him. That's what Dad asked me to do."

"Daddy bo.. Speaking of the devil!"

Muyiwa turned and found himself in front of the training theatre. Jake was there with Thomrod and Calypso.

Speak of the devil!

Simi walked leisurely to the royal cellars- which was always full of different types of wine. She sent the guards out and poured herself a glass of Blood-hot while waiting for her children.

Muyiwa and Ore soon walked in. Muyiwa was dark with red eyes and a lanky stature. He is thirty years Jake's senior, yet Jake has more muscles than him. It worried her seriously. Muyiwa's birth gives him a strong advantage when considering who could be an Emperor, but birth isn't everything.

Especially as Jake is here.

"Sit. Take a glass of wine."

They did as she asked, although Muyiwa kept his glass and looked at her warily. It's Jake you should be saving those eyes for, not me.

"How is the adminstration of the mules?" Muyiwa was the head of the blood farms in the Coven, a job he relishes and is good at.

"It's going on fine, Mum. Why did you call us here? We don't meet at the cellars- unless it's something urgent."

"It is. I want to change you combat teacher from Calypso to Thomrod."

"But Mum, Thomrod doesn't fit...."

"Ore, stay out of your brother's business. Muyiwa, I await your answer."

"Is it because of Jake?"

Simi smiled. Straight to the head! "Yes, it's because of that beast, that boy."

"Mum, can you allow the boy to rest? Jake is barely a month into the Coven and you fear so much already."

"He killed Remus, Muyiwa! Jake is strong!"

"This isn't your business, Ore!"

"It is! She is your sister and she is as bothered about this as I am. Don't you realize how much of a threat he is?"

"A threat?" Muyiwa stood up. "How is Jake a threat? He barely knows anything! Yes, he is powerful but that's about it. Many people hate him and are wary about him. He has no friends and the only support he has is Father- who you are working hard to dislodge. Mum, Jake is not a threat. I admit that I don't like him, but Lord Glabach is more of a threat to my ascension as an Emperor than Jake. Did you think of that?"

"Lord Glabach is a......"

"Staunch supporter of you but not father? I know your affair with him even after becoming..... "

Twack! Simi slapped Muyiwa before lifting him up, choking the life out of him.

"Mum, stop! You will kill him!"

Muyiwa kept hitting her hand but she refused to budge. Finally a barrel smashed into her from the back, releasing her grip on her son.

"Look at you! You can barely break a woman's grip! How will you face Jake?"

"Are you mad, Mother?"

"Mad!" All the wine barrels in the cellar floated around. "Mad? How dare you call me mad?"

"Mum, calm down!" Ore threw herself between Muyiwa and Simi.

Simi glared at her. She should have been a boy. "Look at your sister defending you. You are weak, Muyiwa."

"I may be weak of body, but I am not paranoid."

"So I am paranoid? Since that's what you think, then get out! Out!" All the barrels fell to the ground, getting smashed to pieces. Muyiwa picked himself and walked out of the cellar wet but with dignity.

"How dare you! How dare both of you?" Simi turned around. Muyiwa is too weak. I need a strong person to avert the danger. She knew who she had to meet.

CHAPTER TWELVE
" Empress you shall be, until someone comes and tears that from your hand. Then you will watch your world burn. Hahahhahhahaa!

Simi looked at the mirror. What's the use of prophecies if you can't prevent them from happening? Of course she had asked the Oracle for a way to stop the impending doom, but the Oracle offered no solution. Typical of soothsayers!

She was not bothered initially. After all, the Oracle has been known to have her words interpreted wrongly. She kept her life running as usual.

Until the Deviants uprising and Gerald's coronation as Emperor. It was custom that the Emperor chooses his Empress on the day of his coronation. Everyone expected Gerald to choose Cascada, who had the political backing that lifted him up as Emperor.

But Gerald decided not to name an Empress until an Inquisition into the Deviants uprising was completed. The Inquisition named Cascada as a cospirator with the Deviants, which led to her execution. Then to everyone's surprise, he chose her.

He was so different then. Gerald was a wonderful and progressive father, protecting her and loving her as much as he could. Muyiwa and Ore enjoyed their father's attention and love even as he strengthened the coven and tried to modernize it. She never felt doubt or fear until Jake came.

Jake is the cause of everything! She was convinced that Jake will be the destruction of the coven and her throne, yet Gerald doesn't see it. He sees the son that he lacks. Muyiwa may be an excellent administrator, but he was no warrior. Jake's presence makes it possible for Gerald to get the warrior he needs for his throne.

She quickly wore her make up and turned towards Cecilia, her maid.

"Call my children. Let them meet me at the cellar, now!"

Thomrod's eyes fell.

"Sit, Jake." He pulled two chairs. Jake sat on one while he took the other.

"You really want to know? I am not surprised, considering what you have been through already."

He sighed. "Once the Imperious sat with other members of the coven, free and happy. Many of them were warriors: I trained most of them. There were good and bad vampires among them, just as it is across the human and vampire worlds."

"Unfortunately, some of them started to get some ideas. I don't know who started it, but before you know it many of them rose in revolt against the coven and sparked a bloody civil war. Bloody it was, as these members of the Imperious, now called the Deviants, went after the council and the elders and murdered most of them. However, some Imperious warriors fought alongside the coven against them. Blood was spilled on both sides, mostly by Imperious warriors on other Imperious warriors. We could have lost, if your father and Lord Glabach didn't step in to save the coven. Since then, the coven has seen Imperious members as threats to it's stability."

"What's keeping you from death is your victory at aidokai . That and the fact that you haven't seen the Oracle."

"What Oracle?"

Thomrod smiled. "Everyone who is part of the coven has to see the Oracle. It's like a rite of passage: a final ritual to determine where and what you will be in the coven."

"Should I be worried?"

"You? I don't think so. The Oracle may prophesy a lot of things, but it's you and only you that can decide what you do or become. Remember that, Jake. Remember that."

I am very sorry for not updating this week. Financial issues and terrible power supply are militating against any update.

hopefully i will continue next week or tomorrow.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

"Good work, Jake! Keep it up and you may well hit me!"

Jake removed the sweat from his brown and faced Thomrod again. Thomrod, despite his huge frame and equally huge hammer, moved as swiftly as a cheetah when he was fighting. Even with his golden eyes on, Jake was barely keeping up.

At least he doesn't spit on me. Thomrod seems to have no thoughts about his eyes, which was reassuring.
Jake quickly put his shield up as Thomrod's hammer came down on him.

"Focus! Don't sleep or you may be dead, warrior!"

"I wasn't sleeping!" Jake kicked Thomrod, sending his huge frame flying.

"I, I am sorry......." Jake jumped quickly as Thomrod's hammer came flying at him.

"Is your idea of defeating an enemy apologizing to him?"

"You are my trainer. I thought I hit you hard."

"If that was hard, then I won't have become a trainer."

"But....." Jake suddenly found himself flying towards the heavy fist of Thomrod. Before he could lift his shield, Thomrod sent him flying to the other side, his punch turning his insides upside down. As he stood up, Thomrod walked towards him.

"If you expect your toes to treat you as a guest, then you will soon be food."

Jake was still feeling his insides roll. "That hurt. Is this how all your first timers feel when you train with them?"

Thomrod smiled, showing some broken teeth. "The pain would be more if you are in enemy hands."

"How are you sure that I will be a warrior? I could be an....."

"Administrator? Farmer? No, you will be a warrior. I am completely convinced about that."

"At least you don't hate me." Jake stood up. "Tell me, Thomrod, why do you treat me differently?"

"What do you mean?"

"You don't fear or hate me, unlike the others."

"Not everyone hates you."

"Not many people like me. I am still getting used to being a vampire and I feel a lot of hate from people for no reason apart from my nature."

"Do you know why?"

"Because I am an Imperious. But I don't understand. What did the Imperious do?"

"If we do this and we kill him, the tradition of aidokai will be broken and if we fail to kill him, we would create an enemy we didn't need."

"We can't break tradition." Reagan stepped in. "The tradition of aidokai is sacred to our coven. Breaking it may shatter any confidence we may have if such circumstances appear again."

"That settles it." Gerald proclaimed. About time as well. "Bring in Istar!"

Istar walked nimbly into the council hall with his face veiled, as expected of a spymaster.

"What news do we have?"

"The Deviants have been seen colluding with werewolves of the Asceres clan. We believe they have a plan to attack somewhere important to us."

"I see. Any likely targets?"

"Here is well manned, but a few of our outstations can be prone to werewolves, especially the forest around the Oshogbo outstation. They could also target people, for example our Empress mother."

Gerald saw Simi's golden eyes flicker in anger. "My mother? What do you mean?"

"Well, we know that the Empress will host her mother next month by the human calendar. I feel the Deviants may know of this."

"Impossible! Even most of the council know nothing about this!"

Gerald looked at the council. She is right. Only I, Gladbach and Reagan knows about her mother's visit. How does the Deviants know about this?

"How do you know about this, Istar?"

"Knowing things is my profession, my Emperor." He said in a smug manner

"It may soon become your doom." The cockiness disappeared "The Empress mother's visit was a top secret, not even told to you. So I ask again, how did you know?"

"Sir, I am not allowed to...."

"Emperor, I see that you are bothered about this breach, but we can find this without making our spymaster uncomfortable." Gladbach said. "I will be in charge of this."

"Fine. Any other information?"

"Well, two students of Jake's school are planning to investigate his disappearance from the school."

"Make them forget he existed. Is that all?"

"Yes sir."

"Then we close this meeting until next week." By then Jake would have seen the Oracle and his future will be slightly clearer. and better, I hope.

mokoh:
Nice update...are we still respecting more from you today

Later today or tomorrow... Thanks for following.

CHAPTER TEN

"He has to die!"
"He won his life during aidokai, we shouldn't seize it from him without due reason."

"Being an Imperious is enough reason!"

Gerald watched as Uche and Reagan argued at the council meeting and wondered when he could choke Uche to sleep.

"Let's ask the Emperor."

"You want to ask a man if he will want to kill his son even though it's clear what his answer will be?"

Gerald stood up. "If the council is determined to kill Jake, then I wouldn't stand in your way. But if we are to break the tradition and kill him, then we have to kill all the Imperious left, started with Gladbach here.

Gladbach was as cool as ice but Uche was stunned. He didn't see that coming.

"We know who Gladbach is, My Emperor." Kike said. "When the Deviants rose up in rebellion, he fought against them, even though he was one of their kind. He has served the council and the throne for many centuries as a warrior and an administrator. He was here before any of us, including you. To kill him just because of a boy...."

"Will be very fair, Kike. What has Jake done to deserve such hatred from all of you?"

"He killed Remus!"

"In aidokai, which was suggested by your Empress here. He hasn't killed anyone or even as much threatened anyone. Why are you so eager to see him die?"

"Do we have to wait for him to be a threat? Can't you see the danger he represents?"

"What danger, Kike?"

"What danger?" Simi started. "What danger, you say? He is a lot of danger! Do you even care to see what will happen if he turns on us? Spied on us for the Deviants? What if the Oracle prophecy about him is our doom? Will we watch as the coven falls?"

You fear for yourself and your son, Simi! Gerald was quite tired of this. Of recent she has tried to turn Muyiwa against him to no avail.

The council was nodding with her in agreement when Reese stood up. "I don't see the danger you speak about, Empress. I have had an interesting chat with the boy and he knows nothing about the Deviants or what caused the war. His problem is trying to integrate into the coven. Should we kill him because he happens to be an Imperious? That will make us killers if we succeed."

"We suck blood, Reese. We are killers."

"We kill to feed and we have not done that in years. This will be killing for spite. That is if we do it."

Good evening guys and ladies.

When I started this story, I hoped I will be able to update this story three times a week. Unfortunately that hasn't been possible because I have been facing some serious financial issues. Those who write stories know that this can mess up someone's abilities.

So now I will try to update twice a week. Please be patient.

If my update is too short, do forgive me. I am using a phone to type this. If you are so angry about that, you fit sponsor me a laptop.

Jake turned quickly like someone who was caught stealing." Who are you? What do you want?"

"Those are the questions I should be asking of you, Jake. Well, I am Reese, one of those who sit at the council."

Jake's eyes narrowed. "The same council who condemned me to death."

"Yes. Although that was a shame."

"Why are you here? What do you want?"

"I heard of the bust up you had while training. Hope you know that you can't use those golden eyes on me."

"How did you even enter here? The door is locked."

"Securely too. I can phase through surfaces and structures, that's one of the powers my vampire nature gave me. But again who are you?"

"You know who I am."

"Do you know who you are? What you think you know is what you are."

"I am not a vampire."

"Then you should be dead. Yet here you are. What does that make you?"

"A vampire? But they hate me, even as one of them."

"You aren't one of them. You do understand that by now. Moreover, they don't hate you, they rather have a distaste for you."

"Why? What did I do?"

"Well for one you killed Remus. Some hate you for killing a Pure Blood while others see you as a threat. Add to the fact that you are an Imperious, then your problem is natural."

"What's natural about it?"

"Maybe you will learn that in history. You do know the different factions here, right?"

"Faction by birth or by eyes?"

"Both. Your golden eyes have received some attention. It will receive more soon."

"Why? What's so special about it?"

"By birth, factions are divided into three: Pure Bloods, Half-Bloods and Imperious. You know about these factions, don't you?"

Jake nodded. "Pure-bloods are children of vampire parents, both mother and father. Half-Bloods are those bitten and infected by the vampire virus. Imperious are vampires sprung from both humans and vampires."

"Good. Every vampire is born with red eyes, which signify who they are. For some, the red eye disappears completely and they become black. These vampires are usually the weakest with little powers and abilities separate from the regular vampire abilities. I guess you know what those are."

"Immortality, speed and a thirst for blood."

"Yes. Those whose eyes remain red retain those abilities but also have abilities to manipulate nature or have magical powers. Those with golden eyes like you are very rare and the most powerful. They can perform any magic they put their mind on, their nature manipulation is second to none and they can read minds among other things."

"So they thought I was reading their minds." Jake reflected. "But nobody told me."

"I know. There are many people who fear you. Simi, for one fears you will usurp her son to become the Emperor."

"What? I am not interested in that."

"Sure, but she won't be convinced. There are those who hate you for other reasons; for example Shade hates you because you killed Remus, who she hoped to marry."

"I am sorry about that."

"Don't be. If it's any consolation, Remus was not even thinking about her. However, there are those who do not fear or hate you. I for one don't."

"Why?"

"Well, you are not a threat to me to start. Also I am your father's friend and I do have a child, so I understand a bit."

He headed towards the door. "I will change your master. Thomrod should be able to cope with you. Also Cleopatra can assist you since she has no disdain of you."

"Thank you sir."

"Treat Cleopatra well because...."

"She is your daughter?" He suddenly realized what he did. "I, I am sorry."

"Interesting. Don't worry about me, though avoid doing that to others."

As he left, Jake looked at his eyes once more. "I have to make something out of this."

I am sorry for the inconstitent updates. I am going through a lot financially and it's affecting the updates I give. I will try my best to resume this week.

CHAPTER NINE

"Up, down, to the side. Frank, you are allowing the newbie to flank you too easily."

Jake heaved and moved with the striking speed of a viper. He had been at it for an hour now, with no breaks or food.

They are looking for ways to kill me. He didn't need anyone to tell him that he was unwanted. Most of the food was laced with blood and blood was the only drink they took. But that was not what made him feel unwanted. It was the stares. Almost everyone looked at him with pure hatred. The only person he expected to love him: his father is still an absentee. Probably distracting himself with something else. The Empress looked at him with venom and her children followed suit. The cooks spit at his food, he could swear and his companions: Cleopatra and Shade treated him like a lackwit. The instructors always look for the hardest questions to ask him and deride him. Now he has had to face four fighters without a break.

The injustice was too much.


"Jake! JAKE!"

Jake was snapped from his thoughts with that shout. He stopped and realized that he had battered his opponent.

"You wanted to kill him, isn't it?"

"No,no sir!"

"You did want to kill him. I should believe that you can't fight a fair fight."

"He is golden eyed, Mr Krastus."

"Using your golden eyes to read your opponent is cheating! You lose!"

"Fine!" Jake said, storming off!

It's completely unfair! He didn't even understand what the golden eyes were and now he was accused of cheating. Just great!

He got to his room, locked the door and faced a mirror.

The eyes do look pretty. He didn't understand why they will treat him that way. He is a vampire, like them so why the anger?

"At least you like our mirrors."

CHAPTER EIGHT

Gerald walked towards the Great Hall alone, finally relieved that he was able to send Chidindu back to the human world without incident. That almost went badly. Simi had come to pour her bile on her and hopefully trap her here, maybe even kill her. Luckily Chidindu showed more sense.

Now that she has left, he can now face other pressing issues, some of which concerns Jake. He may have won his life but what he is to the coven is up in the air.

I haven't seen the autopsy report on Remus. Remus death had shaken the coven to pieces as he was the best warrior they had. Simi had chosen him to fight because she wanted Jake to die by all means. He should have died. Remus killed him, only for Jake to be resurrected and kill Remus back.

Gerald diverted himself to the hospital wing of the coven, walking past many vamps.

"Good morning, my Emperor!"

"Good morning, Doctor Richards. I am here as pertaining Remus death and the results of the tests you ran on Jake."

"Yes, yes. Remus death is unfortunate, although quite straight forward. He was crushed by the impact of him been flung by your son. That was before Jake ripped his head off."

"So Remus was just struggling to stay alive at that point?"

"Yes, My Emperor."

"What about Jake?"

The doctor bowed his head. "Not here, My Emperor. My office will be a better place to discuss this."

Gerald followed him to his office, a blue room with deep, blue florescent lights.

"What's so secretive about Jake that you have to bring me here?"

"My Emperor, he is your son but he is not beloved by the coven. There are many who will want nothing but his death."

Even in the council. "I am very much aware of this, Doctor."

"Then you must understand why I treat his matter with almost secrecy. Anyways to the matter at hand. Your son's survival in aidokai is partially due to his three hearts."

"Three hearts?" Gerald was incredulous. "Are you telling me that my son has three functional hearts?"

"Yes, My Lord. Well, they don't work at the same time but they seem to start working when one of them is stabbed. The other hearts kick in within seconds. That's not all. His recovery from injuries is also remarkable, even for an Imperious. His cell regeneration takes a picosecond and his blood components are very powerful. His blood seems to have the ability to enhance other abilities, minus the healing factor."

If Simi or Glabach hear about this, they will look for another way to bleed him. "Anything else?"

"Not for now. The boy seems very reluctant to cooperate with us. Moreover, his abilities have barely manifested. We can know more when he reaches the height of his abilities."

"True. Tell no one else about this."

"Not even the council? I am supposed....."

"Reduce the details. You know how crazy we vampires can go about power. I don't want any harm to come to him. He needs to come to his own."

"Yes, My Emperor."

"Any new development about him must come straight to me first "

"Yes."

He walked out of the office. Jake may be the one to change everything about the coven.

For better or worse, he is here.

CHAPTER SEVEN

"He will live."

"And I can go home in peace now."

"Yes Chidindu."

She looked at Gerald. He was less useful than a beggar in front of that council and he is the 'emperor'. Yet she couldn't see it in herself to blame him for anything.

"Seems we will miss your presence here, Miss Chidindu." That soft, flowery voice of Reese greeted her. He sat with her in solidarity with Gerald instead of the VIP section for the royal family and the council.

"Maybe you will." The others won't. The Empress still wanted her dead and that dreadful Kemi kept hissing at her. The others refused, probably because the contest is over and she was no longer interesting. I was some form of amusement for them, now that amusement has faded, so I am no longer needed.

"I am saw Our Empress would have loved to give you a parting gift."

"She would want to rip her head off, Reese. Don't make it look otherwise." Gerald fired back.

Reese smiled. "Very true my Lord. Now I must take my leave." He bowed and walked away.

"We have to move before......"

"What is she still doing here?" Simi's eyes peeled into her skin.

"She is going and more courtesy is expected of you. Where is your pride and prestige as an Empress?"

Let me be humble for once with her. "I am leaving, Empress." Chidindu said, kneeling down.

She looked at her as if a fly just flew to her face. "Gerald, the council is waiting for us. Don't delay with this thing." She walked away furiously.

Chidindu giggled. "There is nothing I can do right by her, isn't it?"

"No."

Gerald took her to the elevator. "So this is where we say goodbye. I will leave Jake in your hands."

"Yes." He moved and kissed her. His lips were the last thing she remembered.

Chidindu woke up on Monday, her hair in disarray. She quickly turned and checked her phone messages.

She got a message from the office that she had a two week break. A second message was a credit alert of sixty million naira.

Yet she was trying in vain to remember who kissed her last night.

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