Viking Vampire God: Part VII

I closed the cover on my cell phone and stood in the bathroom for a few moments. As I stood there, the radio was blaring some country and western tune. I had no idea what they were singing about. My mind was concentrating on the conversation that I had with Eric about the maenad. What did Eric mean when he said he would see me in a minute? The ride from Shreveport to Bon Temps would take at least an hour. I opened the door slowly to find Bill staring at me intently. I didn't say anything and I waltzed by as quickly as possibly.

I wasn't going to give Bill the time of day. I still couldn't believe he and Lorena had spent time together in Dallas. Just thinking about it made me steam. Jason, we need to go to my house but Lafayette said on the voice mail that I shouldn't go. Something about the maenad living at Gram's house. What?, said Jason. Mary Ann has set up her madness in my house. All of her followers are living there. They have set up some sort of sacrafice up out front. The tension in the room was as thick as one of Gram's Jambalayas. Bill didn't say anything but I could tell from his body language that he was concerned about what he heard. I listened in my head to Jason's concerns about the maenad and about Bill and I. I had no real explanations for Jason about what had happened and how I felt.

There was a knock at the door. Jason stared at me and I decided that it would be best if I answered the door. I slowly walked to the door but Bill was already standing in front of me. Let me Sookie. Bill flung the door open to find Eric standing on the other side. His head was bowed down staring at the ground. The night was cool and the fog had gotten even thicker since we had been on the road. Eric said nothing. Jason you need to invite Eric in. Bill glanced at me with that disapproving look that he always uses. He made a low, slow growl from the depths of his lungs. I could tell that Bill disapproved my decision to have Eric invited in. Eric stepped across the threshold and looked up. His skin glowed and shown in the moon light tonight. He was wearing a bulky sweater. Probably Irish or Scandanavian I conjectured. It was big and bulky and made the Viking look even larger and stronger than he already was. I walked over to Eric and took his hand and led him into Jason's living room. Bill stepped out of the door and slammed it behind him as he left. Bill had actually made this easier by removing himself from the situation. I know he wasn't happy but this wasn't about Bill. This was about Bon Temps and its citizens.

Eric, what have you found out about the maenad? Sookie, we must leave now. Now. I haven't packed anything. You won't need anything Sookie. No. No, said Eric. Jason, can you keep an eye on Bon Temps while I am gone. We are only going to be gone for...Eric how long will this take? Sookie we will be back tomorrow night. Jason, please take care. I can't afford to loose you. You are all I have in the world. With Gram gone, you're all that I have.

Eric placed my hand in his and pulled me outside. What's the matter Eric? Sookie this is going to be difficult for you. What's going to be difficult? We are not taking a plane to see the Queen. We aren't going to fly? Well we will be flying but not in a plane. What are you talking about Eric? Sookie we have very little time and we need to get to the Queen's palace by dawn. How? We are flying by vampire means.The puzzlement on my face was very evident to Eric. He smiled and bent down and kissed me on the cheek. I couldn't help but smile at him. Do you trust me, Sookie? I paused at the question. Not exactly knowing how to answer. Eventually it popped out of my mouth. Most of the time,Eric. Well, if you don't trust me this is not going to work. Eric, placed his hands on my shoulders. My whole body started to calm itself. I could feel his presence. Eric, glamoring doesn't work on me. I know Sookie.

As soon as I said that I could feel our bodies lifting off of the ground. I looked at Eric and clutched his waist and sleeve with all of my strength. Sookie,look at me. Don't look down. For once, I listened to Eric.His voice ringing in my ears was all that I could hear. Our pace became faster. We were traveling so fast that the trees and houses started to disappear. I felt Eric's grip become even tighter as we grew higher and higher in the air. I was starting to say something but thought differently about it. Perhaps I shouldn't distract Eric from his concentration. I closed my eyes tighter. The sounds of the highways, airplanes and birds all merged into a single tone of humming. I could tell we were flying but not like the birds but at a much faster pace. We were like rockets in outer space. Eric, took his hand and placed it on my chin. Sookie, open your eyes.Eric, you said. It's OK now. I could see the big easy in the distance. It was beautiful. The gulf was in the background. The moon was reflecting in the water. All the lights of the city in the background twinkled like the stars in the distance. Colors of yellow, blue, green and red all merged together like a fireworks display on the fourth of July. Eric are we almost there? Yes, Sookie only a few more minutes. My arms were becoming tired from hanging on for dear life. Eric, I think I am going to loose grip. You'll be fine. I won't let anything happen to you. Eric, I think I ..suddenly my fingers could no longer grip the sleeve of Eric's sweater. His arms wrapped around me and he lifted me up. I could feel his longer fingers on the back of my knees. The Viking had once again come to my rescue.

As we descended, I could see we were in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The lamp posts, street signs and architecture all screamed of the Garden District. Arlene had shown me some photos of her last trip with Rene to New Orleans. I had never been out of Bon Temps until I went to Dallas with Bill and Eric. The sound of jazz music was playing in the distance. There were a few street musicians standing on the corner. They didn't seem to pay attention to Eric and I as we landed on the street across from them. The trombone player glanced at us and nodded as he continued to play his sorrowful tune. I smiled and nodded and Eric and I were on our way.We crossed the street about half way down. There was a large iron gate in front of us.Eric walked over to the box on the stone wall and punched in an acess code. The iron gates slowly opened and we entered cautiously. The Queen's guards were awaiting us just inside the gates. Mr. Northman and Miss Stackhouse; the Queen is waiting for you in the sun room. I glanced over to Eric. He looked very serious and nodded at the bodyguard. The Queen's palace was unlike anything that I had ever seen. I was beautiful and grand. Just like a Queen's palace should look like. The colors were beautiful and marble floors sparkled like the stars outside.

Eventually, we came to the final door on our journey. Admittedly I was nervous and squeezed Eric's hand. He looked down and gave me a stern but tender look. He didn't say anything but I knew what he was thinking. Relax, Sookie it will be fine. I took a deep breath and as we walked into the sun room.