Ryder felt a flare of annoyance at this.Hiding in shadows, looking through stones, whispering.He did not like that at all.They should have the balls to show their interest and themselves.
“This is not their business so they stay away.They merely care if it would have some effect on them or they could use the information in some way,” Caemorn responded to the emotions he must have seen on Ryder’s face.“That is what I expect of them.”
“Is that why you stay at the Eyros Palace more often?”Grayson asked gently.
“As Ryder said, Balthazar needs me.So I am there,” Caemorn answered.
“Maybe you should check the Kaly here for structures, Grayson,” Ryder suggested softly.
“Kaly are not joiners.I doubt you will find any in the Sect,” Caemorn answered.“But you may, of course, test them as you see fit.”
“I need all of my strength for what comes next tonight,” Grayson answered with a shake of his head though he did look pleased about that.
Ryder thought of how like a limp rag Grayson had become the other night.He’d already done much today with his powers.He was likely closer to burnout than he wanted to admit.
Grayson pointed to an Immortal with white hair, mostly shrouded in a cloak who showed up in the background of every window.They were always apart from the others.Watching on, but not with anyone.
“That’s you,” Grayson whispered.
“Yes,” Caemorn answered simply.
“Do you still see yourself as an outsider, Caemorn?”Grayson asked, his voice filled with sadness and frustration.
“No, none of you will let me.”Caemorn had a small smile on his lips with that.
When he said no more, they went to the next window.Here, Daemon was lying down on a sarcophagus, a strange metal rose in his hands.His feet were turning to stone though he did not appear concerned.He looked almost eager.The Immortals were arrayed out around him, kneeling, making their promises to feed him while he waited.A promise that wasn’t kept from what Ryder knew.Daemon had starved in Nightvalled until Julian found him and woke him with his blood.
And that was what the huge window at the end of the room, standing two stories tall, and over thirty feet wide, showed.A montage of Julian and Christian finding Nightvallen, exploring its vastness, then being chased by two young Vampires.Christian was caught while Julian had managed to find shelter in the tomb.Then the offer of blood to Daemon.The offer to die for his best friend.The offer of blood in return.And then the glorious central image of Daemon and Julian together, their arms around one another.Their gazes facing forward.Triumphant.Facing a future that was theirs.
“You had these created after everything that happened clearly,” Ryder said as he took in Julian and Christian’s picture perfect features in the glass.
Caemorn nodded.“It was as Seeyr foresaw, but I didn’t know Julian’s face.Now I do.”
“And youlikeJulian?”Grayson asked, but it sounded more like a statement.
“He would call me… his friend.He is very easy to like and get along with,” Caemorn answered.“He sees me as similar to Christian in many ways.”
“And Christian has Kaly gifts just like Balthazar does, right?”Grayson sounded intent as he asked this.He was staring at Caemorn intently.
Caemorn slowly regarded him and nodded.“You are wondering if you have someone outside of the Ashyr Bloodline turn you if you will havebothsets of powers, yes?”
“You hardly make that sound like a question!”Grayson gave a brief grin.
“It hardly is, because you are the General and you want as many options at your fingertips as possible,” Caemorn answered.
“I do.But it is my understand that your soul inhabited the body of Roan Tithe, Balthazar’s Master, who was an Eyros?”Grayson searched Caemorn’s face.
Another inclination of his head.“Yes, he was.So I cannot give you the certainty you seek.Did Balthazar obtain the Eyros’ gift because he was turned by an Eyros or because hewasEyros already?”
Grayson grimaced.“That’s true.If he had been turned by you as a Kaly Vampire, he would be a Kaly–”
“I think he would have the Eyros gift as well.But that is speculation,” Caemorn said.“It is something to consider in your decision as to who should turn you.An interesting one.For are you still Ashyr if you do not have the Ashyr Bloodline gift?But this is an opportunity for you to gain another gift as well.”
Ryder realized then the risk that Grayson would be taking if he allowed him or anyone other than an Ashyr Vampire to turn him.He might lose his Bloodline and the Ashyr would lose their Immortal in some way.Who knew if the gift would eventually lose its potency altogether.
“Some might call that greedy,” Grayson admitted with a grimace.
“Or tactical.You aren’t doing it for yourself, but for our king,” Caemorn remarked dryly.
