Second-in-command

Now astride his horse, Quinn raised his voice. "Depart!"

His assistant, Ray, immediately took charge, relaying the command until the entire convoy was set in motion. The trumpet sounded once more, reminding everyone of what was happening again.

The gathered crowd bowed their heads in farewell, but Hezekiah stood with his back turned, unable to bear watching her leave.

If he were not a king, he would have climbed into that carriage himself and followed her. But duty bound him. If he acted selfishly, he would fail the many who depended on him.

Quinn and his army set forth, their horses and carriages moving steadily down the road. Ordinarily, they would have passed through the kingdom on their way to the border. But, given their need for secrecy and the risk of alerting the vampires, they had chosen a route known only to a select few.

It was a dangerous, desolate and treacherous path but Quinn cared little for danger and was the one who chose the path.