The Eclipse of Power by J.L. Hendricks Read Free Book Online

there anything I can do for you? The
Reverend kindly stated.
    “Yes, I think we are both in need of a hot shower and a
meal.” I was so hungry my stomach was complaining. “Is Lancer still here? We
were informed that he was staying with you since the attack on the city
center?”
    “Yes, he went to bed an hour ago. I am sure you will see him
in the morning. Why don’t I get my cook to make you both something to eat, then
I will show you to your rooms. B’Lana, you will have an en suite bathroom. But
Ash you will need to share with Lancer.” The Reverend left us to see what his
cook could make us so late in the night.
    When he came back he directed us to the nearest bathroom so
we could at least wash our hands and faces while waiting to eat.
    Within fifteen minutes the cook came out with a platter of
sandwiches and what looked to be fruit.
    “This might sound silly, but back home our stories say that
humans should not eat fae food. Is this true?” I really should have thought
of this sooner.
    “Don’t worry, since your transformation you should not have
any ill effects from anything here. You are part fae now.” The Reverend stated
while he picked up some fruit and starting eating what looked like might be a
strawberry.
    “Good, because I am starving! And that fruit looks really
good.” I said as I picked up a plate and piled fruit and a sandwich on it.
    The three of us sat back down on the sofas with our meal and
a bottle of water each.
    The Reverend started to tell us about the trial and how
Lancer was doing. “Most of us who support our efforts on Earth agree that this
is just a political show for those who do not support the war effort. It seems
there is a growing number of Sennafae who do not agree with what we are doing.
While we are warriors, we have enjoyed a very peaceful existence for quite some
time.
    “The attacks on us are seen by many as retribution for not
letting the Rippers have their way on Earth. For some reason, our people
believe the propaganda being put out there by the rogue rippers.
    “Our citizens do not understand that the rippers are trying
to take over our planet and drive us out. However, I think some are starting to
change their tune since the attack. Too many peaceful Sennafae died that day.
There was a group of school children in the city on a fieldtrip and most of
them died. The rest are in the hospital. I think the rogue rippers may have
hurt themselves with that one.
    “Our news reports are playing up the rogues as evil and have
even shown pictures of what they look like after spending time on Earth. I
understand you call them Nosferatu?”
    “Yes, we have many stories about vampires: that is what we
call rippers. The Nosferatu is a sub group of vampires who have such a strong
bloodlust they can’t be reasoned with and only want to drain humans dry.” I
explained how the rogue rippers looked like they belonged in one of our scary
vampire movies. The romanticized movie vampires looked more like the fae with
eye problems than anything else.
    “Lancer does seem to be receiving even more support from the
citizens. Everyone here knows that he transformed you into a hybrid. I believe
that is his biggest issue right now. No one seems to blame him any more for the
deaths of our warriors. But there is a group who are nervous about you and what
you might become. So it wasn’t too big of a surprise that you were targeted.
    “What did surprise me was that the General was involved. I
understood from him that he was excited to see what you would become. I wonder
when he became compromised?” The Reverend seemed to sit there thinking about
his last statement while Ash and I finished up our meal.
    “Sir, I am quite tired. Could you show me to my room so that
I can get some sleep? I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a long day.” I
was about to fall asleep on the sofa, and my eyelids were drooping.
    “Of course, I will have someone wake you both in the
morning. The attorney