Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles Read Online Free PDF Page B

s despair.
    The small theatre was much as it was not too long ago. The red runner lining the space between the large double doors and the stage still remained. No seats were left for patrons of the arts. Instead, where once sat the Mistress who deceived them all sat fourteen Chosen in plain and simple chairs. In the centre sat Fernando and Bridget, as was right and proper for the Master and Mistress of Britain hosting such a historic event. Both were splendidly attired; Fernando in a black tux with tails and Bridget bedecked in diamonds, in a sapphire gown.
    Making his way down the sloping rug, he felt Notus ’ presence tinged with worry. Other Chosen were in the room. Emotions flittered to him of awe, fear and curiosity. It was the absence of feeling, or rather the sense of cold voids from several individuals that made him clench his jaw in an effort to repress his anger. One thing he knew, Vampires left this chilly absence of space whereas mortals were warm beacons.
    A tendril of concern touched him and his eyes met Bridget ’ s blue eyes. No words were needed, her expression held the question she and Fernando dared not to ask out loud. He gave a slight nod that sent both of them into ridged tension. They had expected to have the Grand Council infiltrated by the Vampires, but having confirmation of the fact gave truth to their fears.     Behind him the large oaken double doors closed with an audible thunk, followed by a ringing bang as the doors were locked.  Jonathan placed the iron key into his breast pocket and nodded to his Mistress and Master. The large room settled into expectant silence.
    It would have been perfectly natural for all eyes to fall upon the grand display of power sitting upon the stage, fourteen Masters and Mistresses of the Chosen, the largest number ever assembled.  Instead all eyes fell onto the Angel.
    A kaleidoscope of emotions bombarded him, setting off a mild headache that threatened to become more. He wanted to close his eyes and take a gulping breath in an effort to contain his tremulous emotions but knew he could not for it would only signify weakness. Raising his eyes from the base of the stage, he found Bridget smiling, belying the concern she held in her gaze. He knew she was worried about him, worried that his secrets were about to be ripped open for all to witness, thus forcing her and Fernando to present a sentence of Destruction against the Angel. It was a fear he had lived with through the centuries and standing so close to the precipice of its reality he could only drop his gaze back to the floor.
    “ First of all, I would like to thank the Mistresses and Masters who have graced us with their presence for this historic occasion, ” stated Fernando, breaking the awkward silence. His natural brass nature was replaced with a Fernando who had been reared to rule from a young age. As heir to the Fidalgo de Sagres Fernando knew diplomacy even though he rarely chose to use it. Now he wielded it with the finesse of a true Lord. “ The Chosen are in a precarious position. We are not the Vampires that mortals write about. Indeed, we have been deceived and reduced to victims by those that are Vampires - they who have started genocide against us for some unknown reason. All of us up here have communicated back and forth for several months on the issue, and Bridget and I are grateful for your attendance. We know how hard it must have been to leave your lands during this stressful time to come here and discuss how to unify against such a threat lest we become extinct. ”
    “ And how do ve know vat you say is true? ” asked Gennadiy, Master of Russia, his chair creaked as he leaned his prodigious form forward so as to gaze over at Fernando. “ Da , ve have     written, ve have spoken, but ve still have no proof. None of zis is happening in my lands. ”
    Bridget turned in her chair to face Gennadiy, her face lit up in a smile and tilted her head. “ Then indeed you are luckier