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“If you call one eye open rest,” Raki replied. “Darklings, Azulites, they do not sleep these

breeds. One greater than the other, how many different kinds of vampires can there be?”

“Be thankful they are not the Undead,” Zuba said. “For they sleep when we are awake and

lurk when we are asleep. Their human lordship has been deposed and they fall fiendish in the

night, sweltering with bloodlust.”

“Sounds like my wife of old,” Cane mused.

The men chuckled at first and then burst into laughter.

“Such hardy laughter!” a voice boomed. “I must know the source of thy merriment!”

The men all looked up from their jest. Omar was there with GoGo and Sooth. His

charismatic smile brought sunlight into the cavern.

“Prince Omar!” they all shouted at once and rushed over to embrace him . . . but quickly

stopped. They knelt and bowed their heads.

“Rise warriors,” Omar said and held out his arms.

Zuba, Cane, and Raki rushed into his embrace.

“I cannot feel their touch,” Omar thought. He was unnerved but remained calm, not

wishing to undermine the reunion.

Daka stayed respectfully outside the circle of brotherhood for it was not his place to touch

the prince. But Omar would not allow it.

“Daka,” he said and reached out for him.

Daka smiled and rushed into Omar’s arms of fellowship and affection.

“How are you, Captain?” Omar said. “My mother has told me of thy valor.” He looked at

his men. “All of you. Truly you are loyal friends, tested by fire in my time of need.”

“Hail the prince! Hail the prince!” Daka shouted.