Page 137 of Lost

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Other Stark

“Neferet, I mean no disrespect, but I really don’t think it’s a good idea to let the Red Army inside the stadium.” Stark paced back and forth in front of Neferet’s green onyx desk. “It’s asking for trouble—even if you have them feed before the game. So many humans together in such a small space is just too much temptation.”

“Oh, Stark, you do worry so! But that is part of your charm. Only part of it, though. That beautiful young body of yours is the other, muchbiggerpart.” Neferet let one sharp, scarlet-painted fingernail trace seductively down her neck to the plunging Vof her emerald-colored silk dress.

He pulled his gaze from her breasts and frowned. “I’m not kidding. This is a serious situation.”

“Really? Are both teams here?”

“Yes. The buses arrived hours ago. The players will sleep, or at least rest, today. The sun sets at five twenty, which is about when they’ll go from the dorms you emptied for them to the stadium to dress and warm up. We’ll open the stadium to fans at eight. Kickoff is at ten o’clock sharp.”

“They did bring cheerleaders and their bands as well, did they not?”

“Yeah, yeah. And their booster clubs too. You said you wanted the full Bedlam spectacle, and that’s what you’ll have.”

“And the Blue Army will be there, with my Warriors in attendance as my personal guard, correct?”

“Of course. Someone has to keep the Red Army from eating everyone,” he muttered.

“Then I’m not seeing a serious situation. I’m seeing one you have in order.”

“But, Neferet, what I’m trying to make you understand is that having red vampyres in attendance is dangerous for every human in that stadium—and you have commanded that the stadium be full of humans.”

“Exactly. Tell me this, my dear young vampyre, which are more expendable—blue vampyres, red vampyres, or humans?”

“I don’t understand.”

Her sultry tone changed instantly. “Of course you do. It is a simple question. Answer it.”

“Red vampyres, I suppose.” He spoke hesitantly, not sure about the point she was trying to make.

“I would argue that my Red Army isnotexpendable, because they are my army. That leaves humans, because, of course,weare not expendable.”

“But humans feed us. We do need them, Neferet.” Stark felt chilled by her tone. She was so callous—so absolutely uncaring, that she was becoming unrecognizable. Stark even thought she was changing physically, though when he tried to identify specific differences he seemed unable to hold the thoughts in his mind.Something strange is happening to Neferet—something strangeand Dark.

“Of course they feed us!” she was saying. “But they also procreate at a ridiculous rate—so making more of them is rather easy, wouldn’t you say?”

“Uh, I’ve never thought about it like that.”

“Well, do. And while you’re thinking, be quite certain that the Red Army is armed.”

“No, Neferet! That’s not—”

“Never tell me no!” She stood as she shouted at him, and Stark thought he saw strange, writhing movements in the shadows around her desk. “You are my general. You do my will.”

“Neferet, I do the Goddess’ will. That is what I have sworn to do.” Stark spoke carefully, calmly, though he did take several steps back, away from Neferet, her desk, and whatever creepiness she was hiding beneath it.

Her demeanor changed instantly. Her grin was a satisfied cat licking cream. “Well, then, that makes everything easier, doesn’t it? Who on this earth knows the Goddess’ will better than her one chosen High Priestess?”

“No one, High Priestess,” he answered automatically.

“Exactly. And Nyx has been very clear about what must happen at the game tonight. You know that. You know I’ve told you I am planning a New Year’s Day surprise that the Goddess has fully blessed. Now, run along, General Stark. Be sure the Red Army is fed and watered at sunset—and then be quite sure each of them has weapons. Nothing elaborate, mind you. Simple knives and swords are fine. No need for arrows. They can so easily go astray, can’t they? Well, unlessyou’refiring them. So, do be sure you bring yours, won’t you?” She didn’t wait for his response but settled herself back into her chair. “After they are armed, take them to the stadium. Station them at field level near each exit—all the way around the stadium, so that it appears to be held by a ring of scarlet. Isn’t that a lovely visual image?”

“I’m not sure I understand. You want the Red Army by each exit from the field? By the players and cheerleaders? Not far from about thirty thousand humans in the stands?”

Neferet sighed. “Yes. That is exactly what I want. An exquisite blood-colored ring around the field.”