'Freedom'

Rachel was taking a different direction with her unlife. She was becoming more and more interested with political retribution than simple outreach. It wasn't enough to help people anymore, she said. And there were some people who just weren't worth the time. Why the change, I'm still not sure. Our Sire was reaching out to us less and less, and the foundation we had built was garnering more opportunities. After following the ways of the Circle for over 37 years, Rachel made a cautious break, joining the ranks of the Carthians and pushing Street Sweep into a transition. Suddenly, our somber ground-roots charity program was transformed into a full-fledged city facility. Her new ties with city officials made it easy to make Street Sweep a new, exciting organization that was at the foreground of social reform. When I asked Rachel what she thought about the Carthian movement's creed, she was very flaunting and cold. "I've been lied to for years," she sneered. "Made to ignore what I can truly do, what I truly am."

"And what is that, Rachel?"

"A catalyst, Dusk. What we are is a force of nature, like the Crone says. But we're meant for more than guidance, or protection. The shadows have their own shapes, my friend. And the shapes they make now tell me that those we help, the disenchanted and forsaken, they are what they are for a reason. Because we are better, more powerful, and we are in charge. That's why it's our responsibility to care for them, to keep them safe in the night. Because they are ours to have."

Her revelation was more chilling than my Embrace, and I knew that we would never be teacher and student again. I rejected the ideals she proclaimed. I didn't see myself as an honorable predator, or as a ruler. I didn't help people out of duty... or did I?

One thing was certain, that Rachel and I had come to a crossroads. And for the first time, I spoke to my Sire over the phone. He was granting me some funds, to go out on my own, without Rachel.  After twelve years, I was leaving her side, free of her instruction, but also without the privileges her presence brought. I was taking a few people and thralls with me from Street Sweep, and starting my own organization. Rachel was free to leave the Circle, and both of us were told that though let unleashed, we would forever be watched.  After a few nights had passed, Rachel and I parted ways amicably, and I set out to  establish my own territory.

There was something strange about being on my own... I didn't know what I wanted. It would be easy to keep to my old ways, start another outreach program and negotiate territory with Rachel. But, instead I sought out a Mekhet scholar who seemed to know more about Vampires and God than anyone else, and he agreed to take me on as a student in exchange for my connections and ability to find him diseased victims, a taste he preferred. I did so, knowing what Diego could do to them was better than the cancer or other pestilence infecting them.

The Lancea Sanctum

Diego was a member of the Lancea Sanctum, one of the most complex societies within our Kindred city. When I first learned about the teachings of the group's founder, I was curious. And as I followed Diego's tutelage, I started to see the truth within the Lancea Sanctum's foundation. It was easy enough to follow the idea of a Christ-head as our creation as vampires. But more so, I believed in the righteousness of the covenant. I believe I was chosen by God for the existence I now have. Everything is part of His plan, after all. My duty to his children and to the Family around me have become clear.

With my Sire's gracious resources, I started the Abbey, a home and school for adolescents left victims of the street. It was a slow start, but my connections helped further the cause. Diego helped me fashion the perfect garden to grow our army. By using social services as a body bank, we filled the rooms of a former dormitory with youths who needed the comforts of home and the hand of God. We were able to gather funds from churches as a "Christian" charity, yet used political affiliations to keep a steady currency of donations as a school and social aid network. Diego and I kept trusted servants that were used as staff and caretakers. The Abby houses an average of 45 students per quarter, all on residence, with a waiting list of at least 20.

My time within the Lancea Sanctum has been short, but I see good things ahead. I feel the justification within its ranks and the power of its history, and know that if I stay true to the Laws set down by those better than myself, I will eventually have all the answers I seek.