look at the monster before him , he could hardly keep himself in that position - his ribs were hurting him tremendously .
“ I am sorry , My Lord . But I did not understand what it was that was calling me ,” he whispered .
“ Didn ’ t understand , or chose to ignore ?” His creator stepped into the light of the streetlamps . “ I told you that if you ever crossed me , after I gave you the chance to continue your miserable existence , I would kill you . Do you remember me telling you that ?”
He hung his head , knowing he was dead , and nothing he could do or say would change that . “ I remember , Sire . But I was truly uncertain about what was calling me , and I did not know how to answer . I have not been well trained in the vampire arts , Lord Vaistian .”
Vaistian bent down and picked the boy up easily , standing him upright . “ Then why did you not seek me out , Lazarius ? How many other vampires could be calling you to them ?”
He knew he was beat , and so spoke truthfully , “ None my lord . I did not come to you when you called , and it would be a dishonor to you for me to deny it . I was learning of something interesting and did not wish to leave until I had found out all that I could .”
Vaistian stepped back , interested that the boy had spoken honestly ; it was rare for one to do so , especially when faced with their own death . Even if he did not truly wish to kill the boy , he was not one to go back on his word .
“ Before your die , tell me Lazarius , what did you hear that was more important than your master ’ s call for you ?”
Without knowing that this one piece of information would save his life , he again spoke only the truth . “ I heard two men talking about a medallion with great power . They said it could give its owner
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