Page 98 - Microsoft Word - FANG EMPIRE - NOVEL.docx

“She has not fed on human prey since she’s been here, and she’s not about to eat that roast

lamb,” said another royal guard.

“Maybe when our prince invited us to dinner under the stars he intended us to be the

dinner!” said another guard.

The royal guards laughed.

“I’m not so sure you should take that lightly,” Cane said. “What would stop Sygnosis from

attacking any of us? Sooth said the greatest of us could not fell her in a fight.”

“The prince would never allow it. He is great and true,” said Zuba.

“He values loyalty above all other virtues,” said Raki. “He is a man of honor.”

“He was a man,” Cane said. “We all saw his feats of prowess with weapons, his speed and

strength. No man can do those things. He is a vampire now, with vampire needs and desires.”

“Cane, of all people, how could you doubt the prince?” said Zuba.

“I love the prince! But how are we to know who he is now, what fate he has for us?”

“Until the prince shows me different, I for one stand at his side,” said Zuba.

“And me!” said Raki.

“We all do. But loyalty is not the avoidance of truth,” said Cane. “Have I lied tonight?”

The circle was silent. Daka, who had allowed the men to speak their minds, finally spoke.

“You have not lied, Cane, and that we all know right well. Our prince values loyalty but he

values truth no less. To ignore reality is a form of cowardice. And he would not want the sun to

stop shining because the moon was jealous. We must speak and think as men, and not hide our

truth. Things have changed, and not just for our prince. We were once guardians of the crown, and

now we are without king and country. But I say we stand together, together in fealty, and leave

fate to God.”

“Ay!” said all the men, including Cane.