Chapter Forty-two
“As you can see by looking at the body, the hunters are using larger arrows, presumably shot from a crossbow.” Stefan, the vampyre physician, pointed to the gaping wound that exposed the corpse’s heart.
The Consilium members murmured in response, standing around the autopsy table.
“The cause of death?” The Prince addressed Stefan.
He held up the arrow and pointed to the barbed metal head.
“The arrow is armed with a capsule containing a powerful cardiac toxin. The capsule breaks on impact, releasing the toxin. The combination of trauma and toxin causes the heart to fail.
“Without the circulation of blood, the vampyre is weakened and potentially immobilized. I’ve identified the toxin but sent a sample to a lab in Switzerland for confirmation.”
The Prince looked grim. “Other weapons?”
“Judging from the scene where the body was found, they used holy water and salt.”
Aoibhe cursed loudly. “Have they no imagination?”
The Prince silenced Aoibhe with a look.
He turned his attention back to Stefan. “How do we combat the arrows?”
The physician appeared thoughtful for a moment.
“We could issue vests or breastplates. Armor would restrict movement, which would be detrimental in flight. There are newer materials used by various human militaries. We could test them to see how they might hold up.”
The Prince pointed his gaze at Lorenzo. “Can you source those materials?”
He bowed. “Of course, my lord. But it will take time.”
“We haven’t got time. Get whatever you can immediately and coordinate testing with Niccolò.” The Prince nodded in his direction. “If the tests prove successful, we’ll outfit the entire principality, but each citizen must bear the cost.”
“What about the toxin?” Pierre glanced anxiously from the corpse to the physician.
Stefan stroked his chin. “I’ve identified it as doxorubicin. It’s a drug humans use to combat cancer.”
“Is there an antidote?” the Prince asked.
“Humans would take digitalis drugs to thin the blood and bolster the heart. We’ve never tested them on our kind because we haven’t had the need. We’re impervious to human toxins.”
“Or thought we were,” muttered Aoibhe.
The Prince glared at Aoibhe before directing his attention back to the doctor. “What’s your scientific opinion, then?”
Stefan shook his head. “An arrow isn’t enough to fell one of us unless it ripped the heart to pieces. That isn’t what happened to Matthias.
“The toxin isn’t enough to fell one of us, either,” Stefan observed. “It’s the combination of the two that shocks the heart, causing temporary paralysis. Once on the ground, the hunters use water and salt to prevent the victim from removing the arrow and allowing the natural regenerative processes to begin. Then they take the head.”
“The remedy?”
“Avoidance.” The physician gestured to Matthias’s body. “If digitalis or something like it were to work, it would have to be administered immediately. That isn’t an option if one is surrounded by hunters.”
“I want an antidote found,” the Prince commanded. “Impress upon the lab our urgent need.”
Stefan bowed. “Of course, but they are human scientists, ignorant of the true nature of their clients. I’d have to give them vampyre blood and a very imaginative explanation in order for them to produce an antidote.”
“Then that’s what you must do. Work through the human intelligence network, if necessary. Impress upon them the need to use mind control or physical coercion on the lab staff, as needed.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Once an antidote is produced, we’ll have to test it.” The Prince looked over at Maximilian. “Perhaps you can convince a few of the recruits to donate their bodies to science.”
The large man grinned. “With pleasure.”
“Stefan, coordinate the testing of the toxin with Maximilian. I want reports as soon as possible.
“I’m sure I don’t need to impress upon everyone the need for caution.” The Prince laid stress on the word. “Matthias was felled from a rooftop in full view of witnesses. It’s possible the hunters are here to do more than harvest blood.”
He paused and two of the Consilium members exchanged a look.
“Such as?” Aoibhe pressed.
“Such as force us into an open confrontation that would attract the attention of the Curia.”
At the mention of the name, the Consilium members looked troubled. Stefan fidgeted with his pocket watch, opening and closing it repeatedly.
“On my order as Prince of Florence, Teatro is now closed. I want the underworld evacuated and all communal gatherings canceled. Citizens are to remain in their primary residences and feed inside. This is for everyone’s safety.
“Niccolò, now that the patrols are under your supervision, I expect that there will be no further breach. See to it.
“Pierre, the human intelligence network is to be charged with locating the hunters and discovering their supply lines. Someone knows where they’re hiding. I want them found.
“Maximilian, until we have protective shields, no one is to escalate a confrontation.”
“Yes, my lord.” The Consilium members, augmented by Stefan, spoke in unison.
“You are dismissed.” With a curt nod, the Prince strode out of the chamber, the weight of his principality heavy on his shoulders.