Empire of the Vampire, #2
Empire of the Damned
by Jay Kristoff
Contents
V. Old Times
Overview
Gabriel and Dior rescue Lachlan á Craeg, Gabriel’s former apprentice, from a pack of wretched, turning a chance encounter into a reunion shadowed by danger. Lachlan reveals that Aveléne has been attacked and burned, likely by the Dyvok, forcing Gabriel to choose between protecting Dior and checking on Aaron and Baptiste.
Dior’s insistence on loyalty to friends persuades Gabriel to abandon the safer route, while Lachlan’s presence strengthens the group but creates new tension because he remains loyal to the Silver Order. The chapter redirects the journey south and deepens Gabriel’s conflict between caution, affection, and old obligations.
Summary
In the deadwood, Gabriel and Dior see a wounded silversaint fleeing more than two dozen wretched vampires. Dior recognizes the sevenstar at the man’s breast and urges Gabriel to help, despite the Silver Order’s recent attempt on her life. Gabriel takes sanctus, orders Dior to stay back, and hurls a silverbomb to slow the pack.
The wounded silversaint reaches Gabriel, and Dior throws her silversteel sword to the stranger so he can fight. Gabriel and the man stand back-to-back and slaughter the wretched. After the battle, Gabriel recognizes the man as Lachlan á Craeg, his former apprentice, and the two greet each other with fierce affection after years apart.
In the Sul Adair frame, Jean-François interrupts to ask why Gabriel kept calling Dior a boy. Gabriel explains that Dior’s disguise had protected her for much of her life, and Gabriel respected it because Gabriel wanted Dior to feel safe.
Back in the tale, Gabriel introduces Dior as M. Lachance. Lachlan questions the silversteel sword and the gear from San Michon, then asks whether Abbot Greyhand welcomed Gabriel. Gabriel, remembering the massacre he committed at the monastery, avoids answering and instead asks why Lachlan is injured and alone.
Lachlan explains that Greyhand had stationed Lachlan in Ossway to help refugees, but the war has worsened and the Blackheart has taken Dún Maergenn. Six weeks earlier, Greyhand recalled all silversaints to San Michon. While following the Mère north, Lachlan saw smoke from Aveléne, found the château burning, and was attacked by two highbloods who killed Lachlan’s sosya, took Lachlan’s sword, and forced Lachlan to flee.
Dior fears for Aaron and Baptiste and demands they investigate Aveléne, but Gabriel refuses at first because the Dyvok threat is beyond them and Dior is too important to risk. Dior argues that Aaron and Baptiste are Gabriel’s friends and that loyalty requires at least learning what happened. Gabriel reluctantly agrees, while Lachlan chooses to come despite Greyhand’s recall. Gabriel worries that Lachlan’s loyalty to the Order may endanger Dior, especially with Celene nearby, but accepts Lachlan’s help and turns south toward Aveléne.
Who Appears
- Gabriel de LeónRescues Lachlan, recalls old bonds, and reluctantly diverts toward Aveléne for his friends.
- Dior LachanceInsists on helping Lachlan and investigating Aveléne, challenging Gabriel’s cautious priorities.
- Lachlan á CraegGabriel’s former apprentice; wounded silversaint who reports Aveléne’s fall and joins the mission.
- Jean-FrançoisHistorian at Sul Adair who questions Gabriel about preserving Dior’s male disguise.
- Wretched vampiresPack of undead pursuers slain by Gabriel and Lachlan in the deadwood.
- Aaron de CosteAbsent friend at Aveléne whose possible fate drives Dior and Gabriel south.
- Baptiste Sa-IsmaelAbsent friend at Aveléne whose possible fate intensifies the group’s urgency.