Chapter 381 - The War of the Vampires part 4

The distance from the Kara Sea to Asharoth was some two thousand kilometers. A week's journey for us. We did occasionally stop for rest, and we did hunt, though we took no human prey after our feeding frenzy in the camp of the seal hunters—poor souls! It was during our first stop for rest that I asked Aioa if she'd had any more visions of our captive Tanti brethren. I could not stop imagining all the horrible things the God King was doing to them. I knew firsthand what Khronos was capable of.

Aioa shook her head, looking just as miserable as I. "There have been stirrings," she said. "Twice now I have felt Irema's presence in my mind, as if she were calling out to me, but I have had no visions."

I sighed. I had feared as much.

"Before she went to Uroboros, I asked your sister to reach out to you, to practice this talent the two of you share," I said. "It would be a great advantage if you could master this power. I ask you now to do the same thing. Seek her out with your thoughts. Try to make contact with her. Perhaps, with practice, you can unlock this skill."

"We tried for many years to strengthen our mind gift after we took the Blood," Aioa said, looking westward, toward Uroboros. "I know she is out there. I can feel that she is there. But it is as if her power to conceal herself cancels out my power to find hidden things. I know she is there, but I cannot find her."

I could hear the frustration in her voice. She was very close to tears.

"Just keep trying," I said gently, taking her hand in mine. "I know you fear for your daughter. I fear for her, too. I fear for all of our people. So set your will upon the task. Let nothing distract you from it. We must do everything in our power to win the Tanti's freedom."

She nodded, and then she brought my palm to her lips and kissed it.

"I will, grandfather," she said. "I promise."

I nodded. I was not happy, but I was satisfied. At least we were doing something.

I rose and looked around the clearing. "Now… where has Chaumas gone?" I said. "I tell you, Aioa, I will be glad to have that mad fool off my back!"