Page 10 of Theoden

Ashur smiled and nodded. “Indeed, he has. Now, may I sleep?”

“You may.” We both climbed into our beds and let sleep take us.

***

Once Samuel was better, the three of us returned to the church, victorious in our very first mission eradicating a blood drinker of Satan. We were given much praise, which was followed by more training as now we would be sent out on more missions. Father Quintus had received my message and had taken Ashur aside to make sure he was unchanged. That he was still human. As it turned out, my theory was correct. The blood of one of those monsters could heal human flesh as it healed their own. I supposed the only way one became like them was to feed on their blood. I cannot imagine why a person would sell their souls to live a life of sin.

At least my friends were still my friends.

It was late in the day, after hours of studying and training, when I was allowed a few moments of peace to myself. I sat by the pond near the rectory, watching the fish bob up to taste the flowers that floated in the water. It was so peaceful, so serene. The complete opposite of the horror I had witnessed a few weeks ago.

“It is beautiful, is it not?” Father Quintus asked.

I turned to see him approaching. I climbed to my feet, showing him respect by bowing my head. “Father.”

“Settle down, Theodosius, I only wish to have a few words with you,” he said.

I nodded and returned to sitting on the grass and he joined me. “Is there anything wrong, Father?”

He shook his head. “Nothing is wrong, my son. You have proven that you are the gift from God, sent to us to be his warrior. This mission was not for Ashur or Samuel. It was for you. You needed to see that you were born for this glorious work.”

I felt pride rise inside of me so powerful, I smiled in spite of trying to be humble. “It is my duty, Father.”

He nodded. “Now the blood drinkers will know they have a threat to their evil existence, and that threat is you, Theodosius. I would have you look the part.”

I frowned, not understanding what he meant. “Your meaning, Father?”

“You will grow your hair out, and your beard once it comes. When the blood drinkers lay eyes upon you, I want them to tremble as they would tremble before God. You must increase your training so you grow stronger, faster. You are a weapon, Theodosius. You must also look the part, do you understand?”

That, I did understand. I nodded. “Yes, Father.”

Father Quintus smiled, then rose to his feet. “You are destined for greatness, my son.”

“Thank you, Father.” I watched him walk away, then returned my gaze to the pond. I was God’s weapon, his warrior, and blood drinkers should fear me. That, I wanted very much. To be feared, respected, and dare I say, envied. I knew Samuel was jealous of me. At first, it used to bother me. But I realized we were not equals. I was special, and killing that vampire all by myself proved it. I would bring them all down.