The Nomad

Not so long ago, the world was at peace. Not so long ago my family was alive. Not so long ago I still felt human; but not so long ago to me, was two centuries to mortals. For two centuries I’ve been a lone vampire, self-cursed to roaming the decimated country that once was the most powerful country in the world.

Now the desolate world, empty as it was; was the only thing I had left. The Hunger-my only constant companion was overwhelming at times-hell it was overwhelming all the time. Animal blood-although it kept me alive, it did nothing to sate the monster deep within the confines of my soul-or what was left of it. Clawing at the cage in which I kept it in. Thankfully humans hardly crossed my path anymore, and at times I was thankful-because I would kill anyone-just to numb the pain;even without having meant to kill them. At other times, I missed the hustle and bustle the humans were always in-in their cars, and skateboards, planes, and barges. I missed the noise of the highway, the railroad, and idle human chatter. With humans, I forget what I am-a monster.

I have not stopped walking since my parents, my sister, and my brother had been killed and I was turned. I remember the gore, the screams. The pain of my Sire’s bite that crossed out my humanity like whiteout on paper and ink, and replaced it with the vampire I am now. I hated what I was. I still do. My Sire abandoned me- and I had to learn how to be a vampire by myself. I killed my family- all of them, every last drop of their blood that I shared with them was now inside of me. I remember their pleas, I remember their cries for mercy. I remember the tears my mother shed as she forgave me. After they were dead-I just walked. For two hundred years I have walked coast to coast-but I have never returned to my former home. The only place with absolute lifelessness. The place where Supernaturals took over.

Occasionally I hear the humans. They are mostly farmers-local nomads, who are wary beyond what is deemed necessary and avoid the one with the silver eye. This particular occasion though, the humans didn’t avoid-instead they attacked me. Chains made from silver wrapped around me, burning my skin. I snarled as the blood of my precious family slid from my wounds, my fangs extending from my gums. The humans, although scared-just laughed.

“Hello vampire.”

“What do you want?” I snarled. I hoped it was not my name. If what they sought was my surname, I would be forever in their enslavement.

“Oh silly vampire. You are the last of Kristoff Blach’s kind. You are the Walker, the legendary Nomad.”

“So what? Kristoff-that’s his name? At least you know of him, and his name. Who is he to you anyway? Father, brother, friend, foe, or ruler?”

“An unwanted ruler, yes.”

“What do want from me? I do not know Kristoff.”

“Oh you do not have to know him. You just have to destroy him.”

“Why the chains? You have an odd way of asking for help.”

“We are not stupid-you starve yourself to near frenzy. We did not want to be an unplanned meal. What is your name?”

“Why should I tell you?”

“How can we work together, if I do not know your name?”

“The name is Malachi.” The vampire in me, and the human faced one another for a long moment;before I said, “What is your name girl?”

“My name is General Allaeh Charles, but everyone calls me Chuck.”

“What may I call you?”

“Whatever you like.”

“Alright Allaeh.” I looked at her now with clear eyes, now that the anger had subsided-I no longer saw red. “Do you mind unchaining me?” The woman named Allaeh smiled, considering the amount of control of the situation she’d be giving up.

“You know, I suppose I could. If you supplied your true Sire given name.”

“You do not believe Malachi is my true name? You are smarter than you look.”

“Tell me and I unchain you. Surely a vampire so used to exercise cannot be restrained comfortably for long.”

“If that is so, then why am I no longer struggling? I have not stopped walking for two centuries, but here I am-stagnant.”

“Vampire, don’t get smart with me!”

“My name dear Allaeh is Exu, at least that is the name this Kristoff left me with.” On a piece of scrap paper from my math assignment.

“What else did Kristoff tell you?” Allaeh pressed.

“Well his true Surname; no Kristoff did not do a lot for me, but he did supply my surname, which you’ll never get from me.”

“I know...Exu.”

“I think you preferred Malachi.”

“I did actually.”

“Will you unbind me now?”

“Of course.” Allaeh walked closer to me and began to unlock the chain. “Exu, do not attack, I know you are hungry.” Shocked, my fangs slid back into my gums. Her blood smelled intoxicatingly, dangerously, delicious.

“I will never hurt you Allaeh.”

“How can you be sure?”

“I don’t, but you have to trust me Allaeh.”

“Alright Vampire.” The chains came free and I stood flexing my muscles. “How does it feel-not to walk?”

“Faintly uncomfortable, yet relaxing. As a vampire it doesn’t matter whether or not I stop to rest.”

“Come its a three day walk to Thistle.”

“Thistle?” I paled at hearing the name of my hometown.

“What?” Allaeh asked with faux concern.

“I haven’t been to Thistle since the night I turned.”

“Will you be alright vampire?” I imagined since, I was named the Legendary Nomad, people knew of my past, they knew I had killed my family.

“Yes. I have a Sire to destroy. There is no time for faux concern or resting. Kristoff took everything from me, and now I will take what is most precious to him,”

“And what is that?”

“His life.”