Chapter 9

*moon phase picture from Amazon.com*

Tyler took note of the designs on the separate square tiles. From new moon to full moon.

"Sammy look does this mean anything to you?" he asked pointing down.

Sammy studied the symbols. As far as he could see they panned across the passage. No way that they were placed randomly.

"There's some kind of pattern here," he reported. Sammy stepped on the waxing crescent tile which buckled under his weight. A spike shot up where his foot had been a second before.

Hearing the word pattern had put the pieces together in his mind. The moons have to progress like the one in nature. Not that Sammy would take his word.

"Look, no spikes," Tyler pointed out standing at the new moon tile. "Follow my lead."

Following and repeating the pattern they had an almost safe way through the passage. A few close calls had nearly cost them their lives. Realizing the pattern himself Sammy had gotten ahead of Tyler. The right tiles had also gotten farther apart.

Taking a leap of faith the dolt had nearly triggered another trap.

Finally the boobytrapped tiles had given way to regular stone. Tyler let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

Vampires were nearly illiterate. So how and why had this one had knowledge of lunar patterns? Sammy shelved that for later.

"Before we go on could I at least know your name," Sammy requested.

"Tyler," he said stiffly as if expecting hostility. There was obviously no affection but having no trust in him put the royal on edge. Obviously he needed Sammy alive but what then? He couldn't be certain the gun had come from Sammy's father.

With his keen eyes Tyler began to notice a change in the floor. Strange shining lines like fine spider silk. The prince must've noticed since he kneeled inches from one.

"Be on alert when I do this we'll only have a split second," he warned drawing his knife. Slashing the string both boys ducked just in time to avoid a barrage of darts. "Tripwires," he muttered.

Turning to Tyler he asked, "how nimble are you?"

"Extremely," he replied like a challenge.

They played a sort of hopscotch through the rest of the tripwires. All the while Tyler's thoughts were on Sammy and a strange affinity that was developing.

Back home if the royal had fangs he might just be welcomed as a native. Like many Sammy was sharp and cautious. But he had something else that would make others whisper; courage. Tyler had that, at least in the sense he'd choose his one friend over safety. Maybe, just maybe, he could respect this human.