Seth could hardly wait for the day of the summer solstice. Not only was it a day of great celebration, it was also his birthday. When he was very young, his Auntie always told him the celebration was strictly for him because he was so special. Of course, he knew this not to be the truth now that he was older, but he still liked the idea of it being his day. Some of the townsfolk who knew him did also and shouted out good will to him as he passed them by. He was on the way to the market to get some of his favorite candied fruit and nuts with the coin his Auntie had gifted him - after which he planned to join the festivities. He thought maybe he would even stop by grumpy old Henry Gregory's produce stand and see if he could swipe an apple or two - if the opportunity presented itself that is, which it often did. His Auntie would have his hide if she knew what he was doing, but it was a game to him. Done out of pure curiosity to see how many times he could do it under the old goat's nose without being caught, which happened to be always. His hands were so fast these days, he could stand right in front of the man and swipe an apple without being seen. Gregory had his suspicions of course, as Seth was known for being mischievous. The problem was he just didn't know what was happening, which was the fun of it. This was always the way with Seth. He was not like any child his age. Not in intelligence or intellect, and certainly not in ability to move as he did. Maybe it was the Slayer's blood.
His Father was a Slayer after all, which was a half human, half god like being with extraordinary abilities that afforded him the capability to defend mankind against the evils that plagued the earth – vampires, demons, werewolves, ghouls, goblins, and whatever else. They came into existence centuries ago according to legend, to which there were only a handful back then before growing to the small army that they were now. The strongest among them was called Batair – the fiercest, most powerful slayer who ever lived. He was the original leader of their kind as was any descendent from him from that point on. Apparently his father was from this line, a prince of sort, and very highly ranked among them. Of course Seth he did not know this first hand, he only knew the stories his Auntie told him. Truth was he knew very little about his Father. Not where he came from or where he was. He didn't even know what he looked like aside from his Auntie's account that he resembled him very much, but this meant nothing. He still wouldn't have known him if he fell on him, which is why he paid extra close attention to any and all Slayers who periodically came into town.
They traveled in groups mostly. Each time they came, one of them would venture away from the others and make his way to his Aunties house, and each time Seth would wonder 'could that be him?' but they only ever turned out to be messengers, sent to hand over a sack of coin. 'From your Father' Auntie would tell him, but he did not want a sack of coin. What he wanted was his Father whom he began to wonder if even lived anymore – to which if true, he would not have been able to shed even one single tear because how can one mourn a stranger. Of course, Auntie said this was very unlikely and even if it were, someone surely would have notified them - if only in secret. In any case, these were the facts of his life and he had no other choice than to accept them. Facts, few than a handful of people knew of. Especially the part regarding his sudden burst of abilities that only just recently started to present themselves. To this, she only told one other, a Slayer to whom she passed a message to a few months ago and asked that he carry it back to his commander. Seth had asked her what it said but all she would tell him was that it was a request for guidance. He was just not sure what kind.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dorian was filled with mixed emotions when they finally arrived in Clear wood. He, Dain and Garret had been riding for days only to arrive on what looked to be the day of the summer solstice, or as many called it, midsummer – which was said to be a day of light, magic and enchantment. Not that he cared for such things. This day (which he had not known was this day prior to his arrival) held a different meaning for him for it was also the day of his son's birth. Not that he was present to see the miracle for himself all those years ago. The truth of the matter was he didn't even know of the child's existence till he was well over a year old. He was quite shocked when he found out. Shocked and a little scared, for it was always in his plan to avoid having children before he was well into his nineties, but as it would turn out, fate had a different plan for him.
His home was in the Caelan Mountain's but his occupation took him and the majority of his kind all over the world to faraway lands in search of the many creatures they were destined to destroy. It was a Slayers duty after all, which he didn't mind so much as he was not suited for much else. He was good at it too. Maybe even the best of them and the most dedicated as was expected of the heir and high commander, regardless of his young age. His Father was especially proud of him as he too was high commander before ascending the throne from which he now ruled. Dorian would too one day as he was the next in line, but for now he preferred the excitement of the road, though it was a bit lonely at times, and men did have their needs. Not that Slayer's were like ordinary men, there weren't by far, but close enough he supposed, which is precisely the reason they were forbidden to get too close to normal folk of the female persuasion. A rule he honored above all else, but that was before he met Juliana.
Juliana was the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on. She had hair the color of spun gold and kind, warm eyes the color of roasted chestnuts. Dain and Garret were quick to tell him it was a bad idea, and they were right of course, but may God help him, he just could not help himself. He followed her for days as she walked the village, trying very hard to be inconspicuous. Apparently, she was some sort of healer who went about nursing the sick with herbs from the basket she always carried on her arm. He learned her name by the constant greetings that were called out to her, even from the children whom she was especially kind. One day he spotted her in the market and decided to get a little closer than he should have.
"I don't think it's your color." She had said when she saw him standing behind a post pretending to be interested in a blue dress. Of course, he tried to act nonchalant, but it was no use. He was caught and they both knew it. "I see you watching me day after day." She said surprising him with this little fact. He thought he was more careful than that. "I don't mind of course." She added which surprised him again. "…but if you're going to follow me around like this all day, the least you could do is tell me your name."
"I'm D…D…D." He stuttered, barely able to contain his heart in his chest. He cleared his throat. "I'm Dorian."
"It's very nice to make your acquaintance, D- D-Dorian." She said with a cunning grin. "I'm Juliana."
That was it. That was all it took for him to fall in love with her, and she him during his short stay in that town. They spent every moment they could together in the days before he had to set off again, and on the last day, they made love under a waterfall in the forest where he swore he would return for her one day. Two years later he managed to keep that promise, only instead of meeting her he was met with the tragic news of her death, a horrific blow in itself, but more so when he learned that it occurred shortly after childbirth to which she bore a Son - his Son. On her death bed, she asked her sister Isabella to care for the child till the return of his Father to whom she was to give full custody. Only when Isabella tried to keep her promise, Dorian regretfully refused. Not out of callousness, or detachment, but out of the desire to spare the child a life of torment, especially from his own kind who would see him as no more than a useless half bred abomination who would never measure up. So, he handed over all the coin he had (which was quite a lot) and begged that she continue to care for him and give him a better life than that of which he could afford him. He told himself he would go back when he could, but with his high command this proved to be utterly impossible over the years. He did manage to send back a steady flow of support though, which was usually a bag of coin he entrusted one of his ranks to deliver discretely. This was done for years without anyone the wiser, but then a few months ago, his entrusted soldier brought back a message that sent Dorian running as fast as he could. All it said was "I think he is one of you."
"Well at least we arrived on a festive day." Dain said with a chuckle.
It was that, Dorian could see. The entire village was joyful and decorated with flower garlands and greenery. Everywhere they looked something was happening. Maidens dancing around maypoles; men dressed as jesters walking on stilts; knights jousting; people singing and toasting each other with horns of mead. One man gave them a respectful nod, but as did most who crossed their path, gave them a wide berth.
Dorian was probably the fiercest of them. Not because he was cruel or malevolent. He was neither of those things though he probably could be at times, he supposed. He was very cool, very level-headed and very intelligent. He was always thinking at least three steps ahead of everyone else – especially in battle. As a high prince he received exceptional martial training and spent a great deal of his youth learning how to ride horses, fight with swords, hand to hand combat, tactics and strategy, all to which his was exceptional. Once he became old enough, his Father turned him over to the instructors completely for fear that spending too much time at home around his Mother would make him soft. So, he spent most of his time with the other lads his age and the Slayers learning a preparing to be what was expected of him.
Garret was the youngest of the trio, and the one with the most brawn. He had the height as well he liked to remind them but only by an inch or two. He was quiet for the most part, only speaking when he had something pertinent to say, which was not very often. For this they ragged on him constantly, but it was just how he was on the surface. Deep down of course he was rough, rugged, harsh, menacing, rigid, unpleasant, unyielding, unapologetic, and sometimes just as downright offensive as the rest of them and through it all a great warrior and a great force to be reckoned with. He was so powerful, he could actually rip a creatures head off with his bare hands if he chose too - and sometimes did if they annoyed him enough. Dorian took him under his wing many years back when he was nothing more than a wee mite of a lad, and Garret had served loyally at his side every day since.
Dain had also served loyally at his side, but Dain…well let's just face it … Dain was Dain - handsome, clever, witty, and always getting into trouble. Dorian had known him since they were children and had always thought of him more as a Brother than a friend – though some days he knew not why. He was the jovial one of the group and never really serious about anything or anyone. He had a good head on his shoulders in battle, but out of it, his skills were countered by his constant running mouth and bad decision making - more so if the situation involved maiden or mead, the prior of which was eying him from across the road.
"I've not had a pint in a while – or a bath." Dain said giving the lass eying him a wink. "What about you Garret?"
"I'm in for a pint. You can keep your bath."
"Hmm…..maybe she will join me then."
"Yes, well try to behave yourselves whatever you do." Dorian snapped, overhearing them on his way back from arranging a few stalls for their horses. "And that goes double for you Dain. I've not the coin to clean up any of your mess."
"My mess? You've room to talk."
Dorian looked at him like he had gone mad. "What have I ever done except act professional and dignified?"
"You mean aside from fathering a half-breed child in secret?"
Dorian rolled his eyes. "You know Dain, after sixty years one would think you would have learned how NOT to provoke me."
"Yes, one would think." Dain laughed, unaffected by his friend's annoyance, then walked off toward the Lass.
Dorian let out a sigh which was heard by Garret who approached him. "Don't mind him. He's just, you know….him."
"Yes, God help me, I know."
"What about you then? Are you up for a pint or are you going straight to see the boy?"
"Straight to see the boy, assuming I can keep my courage, but first I want to get something for him from the market as it would turn out today it is his birthday."
"Today?"
"Yes, the day of the summer solstice and blast the shit Father that I am, I bloody forgot."
"Oh don't be so hard on yourself. You've not been present enough in his life to be a shit Father." Garret blurted out, cutting Dorian like a knife. Hearing how badly the words came out of his own mouth, he tried to back step. "I did not mean that as it sounded. What I meant to say was….."
"It's alright. I know." Dorian said. And he did know. He was not there but a day or two in the boy's whole entire life. What effect could he have on the boy one way or another? He was never present – and herein laid the core of the issue - and his guilt. "Go have your fun." He said finally then started off in the direction of the market. "I'll catch up with you later."
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Seth was eating his cone of candied nuts when he spotted the trio of Slayers ride into town. As soon as he realized what they were he began following them as he always did whenever he saw their kind. They ended at the stables, where Seth scurried in and hid behind a post so he could get a better look at them. They were huge, all three of them and as usual very intimidating, but also very interesting and exotic and mysterious, especially with all their many weapons and exquisite armor. Excited as he always was to see any slayer come into town, he was especially interested in these three – the one with the fancy dragon crest on the back of his cloak especially as Seth had never seen it before. It was a most impressive symbol that made its wearer look very regal and important which Seth found very intriguing. Physically the Slayer was tall with a broad muscular frame, and thick powerful legs. He had sandy colored hair that was long on top and bound with a cord, yet shaved on the sides and around the back. He has a beard as well which was a reddish blonde color and very neatly trimmed beneath high cheek bones and eyes the color of the rarest bluest ice. Seth watched him as he got off his horse and immediately approached the stable master who moments into the conversation began nodding his head in agreement to whatever terms were being told to him. When it was done, the slayer handed over a few coins from a sack then quickly rejoined his comrades but only momentarily before going his separate way.
"Hmm…and just where do you think you're going?" Seth spoke out loud as he slipped from behind the post and followed him through the crowded streets. As he went, Seth saw how the townspeople reacted to him. Every single person either bowed respectfully or simply stepped quickly out of the way for this Slayer had an Aura about him that absolutely demanded attention and respect. The fact that he was dressed completely in black from head to toe and very heavily armed only heightened the trepidation, but nothing was more startling than those piercing eyes.
It wasn't long before Seth realized the Slayer was headed toward the market where he walked along the many stands of goods being sold, moving from one to another as if looking for something specific. Finally he stopped in front of a vendor who was selling weapons, which made sense Seth supposed. Curious as to what he was looking for, Seth went around the opposite side of the stand a peeked around the corner in time to see him lift a small sword from the table.
"Made of the finest metal, I assure you my lord." The vendor said as he rushed over only to see the Slayer put it down to pick up another. He put that one down as well and looked over a few more.
"Haven't you got anything…..better?" He said after seeing them all. "I am looking for something special. A gift."
The vendor looked from side to side suddenly causing Seth to shrink back. "Do you have the coin?" He asked. Seconds later Seth heard jingling. "Ah, well in that case, follow me over here my good sir as I do happen to have something very unique indeed." He said slipping around the table. Hearing him coming, Seth quickly shifted his position to move in a little closer. "It's an heirloom of the crown that was traded me from a man up north."
Having never seen an heirloom before Seth took a careful look and saw the slayer holding a dagger up in the light and turning it over in his hands. "How much?" He asked finally.
"Well as you can see this dagger is of the highest quality and craftsmanship. Why I've not seen another like it in all my days. See the jewels in the handle? Those are sapphires, they are. Why I'm not sure if I feel comfortable with it in your hands for the looking much less to speak its value out loud for fear someone may hear and rob me of it?"
"Bloody hell, how much?" The Slayer asked again, only this time with less patients.
"Ten gold pieces." The man said quickly.
"I'll give you six." The Slayer spoke flatly and without looking up from the dagger.
"Bah." The man said with a wave of his hand. "It's worth twice that."
"Perhaps, but for any price higher than six, I would be forced to investigate the truth behind how you say you acquired it to rule out the possibility that you are peddling any stolen property of the crown."
"Why I will have you know that I am an honorable business man. I would never…..." He began to rant, but then stopped when he saw the look he was getting and just stood there scratching his bearded chin. After a few moments of what looked like deep thought, he stuck out his hand in agreement. "Six gold pieces."
The Slayer shook the man's hand and the deal was struck.
"May I ask who such an expensive gift is for, my Lord?" The vendor asked as he was handed his coin.
"It's a gift for my Son, if you must know. Today is his Birthday."
Seth nearly fell forward when he heard this, but managed to catch himself on a small barrel of scabbards which he tipped over onto the cobbled ground, making quite the ruckus. A second later he was on his feet and running through the market with shouts of rage being hurled at his back by the vendor as he fled. Upon looking back over his shoulder his eyes met that of the slayer, and instantly he knew he was looking into the eyes of his Father.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Bloody hell, are you sure it was him?" Dain asked. "I mean there must be dozens of boys his age running about this town."
"No, it was him alright. I could feel it." Dorian told him. "I thought to call out to him, but he ran away so fast…..and I mean fast - faster than humanly possible which means Isabella may be right."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. It could be that he was just startled. People are capable of doing incredible things when they are startled." Garret said, trying to be the voice of reason.
"I know what I saw."
"Well then, let's not just stand here talking about it, let's go and see for ourselves for pity sake." Dane snapped as he pushed off the rail he was leaning against and started to walk. Not knowing which direction to go he ended up just spinning in a circle. "Which way to this infamous Auntie Isabella then?"
Dorian pointed then led the way.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Seth was shocked when he shoved open the front door of his Aunties cottage and saw the slayer from the market standing in the kitchen before him. The suddenness of his entry must have startled the Slayer too by the speed in which his hand went to the hilt of his sword. He relaxed of course when he realized who it was but that did not make Seth feel any better.
"Oh there you are." His Auntie said as she walked over to him smiling. "I'm glad your home as there is someone very special I would like you to meet." Hearing this, Seth wanted to step right back out the door, not out of fear - well maybe out of fear – but mostly out of shock and not being prepared for this most fantasized, most thought out, most rehearsed moment in his life where he would actually meet the fellow who was responsible for his existence…Yeah, no, running was better, he decided, but his Auntie grabbed onto him and ushered him forward before he could manage his escape. "This is Dorian Lothar…..he is your father."
"Hello Seth. It's a pleasure to see you again." Dorian spoke in his deep voice as he held his hand out in greeting.
Seth shook it reluctantly, noticing right off the firm grip and rough calluses on his hand before looking over the rest of him. He was taller up close and very muscular under all those many plates of armor Seth realized.
"Dorian?" Another man spoke suddenly from behind them which seemed to break the trance between them (as well as scare Seth half to death). Seth's eyes snapped in that direction and that's when he saw the two companions standing in the open doorway - one grinning, the other not. Then one grinning stepped inside and approached with hand extended causing Seth to finally let go of his Fathers to shake his. He was not as large as the other two - leaner and a bit shorter – but every bit as solid and intimidating, though not as stone faced. He had kind, soft brown eyes that all but danced when he spoke.
"I'm Dain." He said before jerking a thumb over his shoulder to the larger silent one still standing in the doorway. "That one over there is Garret. We are friends of your Father."
Seth just looked at him.
"Seth dear - nothing to say?" His Auntie asked getting a mystified look. Finally she helped him out. "Perhaps you could simply say hello."
"Hello." He repeated.
"It's been a long time since I saw you last." Dorian said as he looked him over as well. "You've grown quite a bit since then. More than I expected."
"What do you expect after eight years?" Auntie asked with a smile.
"Yes, it has been that long, regrettably, and I am sorry for that…." He said speaking to Seth now. "My responsibilities have taken me far away these past years, and nearly almost all of my time…you do know what it is that I do, don't you?"
Seth nodded his head, and Isabella confirmed it. "Oh he knows exactly what you do and what you are. He always has."
Things became quiet and awkward at that point with no one knowing what to say next. "Well." Isabella said in an attempt to break this. "I think this reunion calls for a celebration…..that is of course if you gentlemen would be kind enough to join Seth and me for Supper."
Dorian held up his hand. "We would not want to impose…" He started but was quickly outvoted by Dain who suddenly began talking over him.
"It would be our pleasure." He spoke quickly, silencing his friend. "Need any help?"
"Absolutely not. You are our guest. Please just make yourselves comfortable. Seth, go get two chickens from the hen house and when you're done that fetch a pail of water."
"Yes Auntie." Seth said happy for a reason to be out of there.
"Dain, Garret, go help him." Dorian ordered.
"Uh, Seriously?" Dain protested looking appalled.
"Yes! And chop some wood while you're at it. They're pretty low." Dorian said shifting his eyes toward the few logs lying next to the hearth.
"But isn't that what the boy is for?" He questioned, causing Dorian to stop and stare at him harshly.
"Fine!" Dain spat as he stormed out in a way that made him look more like a sulking child than a fully grown man.
Dorian ignored him and stepped closer to Isabella and spoke quietly. "Can we speak privately?" He asked.
"Of course."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Well he's definitely Dorian's son." Garret spoke dryly as he swung the ax down and chopped a log completely in half with one stroke. "He looks just like him - especially the eyes."
Dain's face twisted into something between bewilderment and perplexity as he sat in the shade, watching Garret work. "What are you on about of course he's his son. There was never a question about that."
"Maybe not in your mind, but it certainly was in mine, especially since he only lay with that woman once."
"It only takes once, you great big lug!" Dain informed him.
"Yes, but I still had my suspicions, but now….." He said as he chopped another log. "Now I'm convinced."
"Well the heavens will rest knowing this miracle has occurred." Dain said giving him a wicked grin. "How old did he say he was?"
"Twelve I think, why?"
"He's a bit small for a twelve year old in my opinion. You don't suppose it has begun do you?"
Another difference between Slayers and normal men was the way they aged. It usually didn't hit till around puberty (though it happened earlier for Dorian) but little by little slowed their aging process to a rate of about one year to a normal man's three. Dorian himself was Seventy five years old, though he looked to be only in his thirties.
"Bloody hell." Garret said as the weight of this sank in. "He really could be one of us."
Dain chuckled. "Sure looks that way."
"Well then, we better test him right quick as you know as well as I, a Slayer out in the world, untrained an undisciplined could be disastrous."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It was a bit crowded at their small table, but the Slayers didn't seem to mind as they were too busy stuffing their faces.
"I suppose with all your traveling, you don't get many opportunities to have a home cooked meal." Isabella said.
"No. Though Garret is quite handy around the campfire." Dain said, speaking with his mouth full. "What was that thing you cooked up last night? Woodchuck dick?"
Forgetting himself, Dorian laughed out loud at Dain's humorous crudity - especially after seeing that Seth seemed to be entertained by it - then caught the distasteful look on Isabella's face and straightened up. "Dain, enough, remember where you are."
Dain looked around as if only then noticing the lady and child present then cleared his throat. "I beg pardon. I'm afraid I am not well accustomed to being in the presence of proper folk."
"It's quite alright." Isabella said then quickly changed the subject. "So, you three must see some remarkable places in your travels?" All three men grunted and groaned some inaudible response. "Dorian, any place in particular you care to speak of?"
"No." He said flatly.
Dain chuckled. "We don't get many opportunities to sight see with all that we must contend with."
"Like what?" Seth asked.
Dain shrugged nonchalantly. "Werewolves; Devils; Vampires; Trolls; Goblins; Witches; take your pick."
"And what do you do when you find these creatures?"
"Why we rip their nasty bloody heads off, that's what." He blurted out causing Isabella to gasp.
"Blast it Dain." Dorian reprimanded him yet again. "I said to remember where you are."
"What?"
Dorian shook his head. "Please forgive my vulgar friend. What he means to say is that we exterminate the creatures that we find. Do you know what that means…..I mean fully?"
"Yes." Seth said. "It means you kill them."
Dorian nodded his head slowly. "Yes, we do kill them, but we do something else as well and that is rid the world of that which would have rid of you and Auntie. Our kind, are the guardians over humanity and all that is good."
"Yes, but Why? I mean why your kind?" Seth asked not fully understanding this.
"It's just what we were made to be."
"Yes, but why?" Seth asked again, making Dorian struggle all the more to tell him.
"Oh for God's sake let me explain it to him." Dain interrupted abruptly as he leaned in closer. "Look it's not complicated. A slayer is a defender of the good who by destiny and design was created by God himself and gifted abilities like no other being on earth."
"What kind of abilities?"
"Strength, speed, stamina, impeccable hearing and eye sight, and anything else necessary to aid us in our battle against the dark forces who seek to destroy all that is decent from the earth. We are what we are by the very blood that flows through our veins. There is no stopping or denying it. It just is."
"Does that mean I'm a slayer too?"
"That we are not sure of as of yet. To know this for certain we would have to conduct an experiment."
"What kind of experiment?" Seth asked.
"Well, basically a testing of your blood."
"My blood!" Seth questioned nervously.
"Yes, but only a drop – that is if you are willing. Are you?"
"Sure." Seth said curious to know himself.
"Well alright then." Dain said with a warm smile as he reached for the side pouch attached to his belt and pulled out a small roll of leather and placed it on the table. "I'll need a drop from you two as well." He said to Isabella and Garret.
"ME!? Why me?" Garret asked looking startled by this suddenly.
"For comparison you stupid Git, now shut it! Dorian, get me something flat that can be burned." He said as he unrolled the leather to reveal a small wooden vile, and a long black needle. Dorian grabbed a piece of kindling from the wood pile next to the mantle and handed it to him. "Right then." Dain said after taking up the needle and reaching for Garret's hand first.
"Aw, why do I have to be first!?"
"Oh quit your moaning. It's just a little prick." Dain groaned as he took hold of the ring finger on Garret's large hand.
"Yes, well you should know all about that." Garret responded quickly. Dain, not accustomed to such a quick witted response being hurled at him for a change, retaliated by jabbing his finger quite viscously.
"Ouch, you bastard, that bloody hurt!"
"Good! Now hold still." He said as he picked up the kindling and held it under the now dripping finger. When he had a big enough drop, he let go of Garrets hand and placed the wood back onto the table then reached for the vile.
"What is that?" Seth asked full of amazement as he watched Dain carefully remove the cork.
"It's Ghoul venom." Dain told him. "And very potent! Those unlucky enough to be bitten contract an infection that debilitates them to the point of death at which time they rise again as a Ghoul themselves. Slayers are immune to this of course - as well as other things – but Ghoul venom is the fastest acting. It will tell us for sure if you are one of us or not. Watch what happens when I add it to Garrets blood."
Seth watched as he did this, expecting something incredible to happen, but nothing did. The yellowish drop simply rolled off the bubble of blood and pooled beside it. "Nothing happened!" He said disappointed by this.
"No, because he is immune, but watch this. Isabella…." He said reaching for her hand next. She held it out to him reluctantly at first, fearing he'd jab her as he did Garret, but he was much gentler with her, only piercing the skin enough to cause a small bubble to rise. He then held her finger over the kindling and squeezed till the drop was large enough then went for the vile. Immediately upon contact her blood began to bubble and blacken.
"Blimey." Auntie said, astounded by this.
"Bloody hell." Seth said astounded himself, making the men at the table laugh.
"Seth!"
"Sorry Auntie. I did not mean to curse, it's just…what do you suppose it would do to my blood?"
"Give me your hand and let us find out." Dain said curious of this too.
Seth reached his hand over without hesitation and let his finger be pricked without as much as a peep. Then as was done with Isabella, Dain squeezed a drop onto the kindling then once again grabbed the vile and took in a deep breath. "Are we ready?" He asked Dorian, but it was everyone who responded as they drew in closer to watch as Dain tipped the vile over carefully and produced a small drop of venom that seemed to cling mockingly before finally falling.
Nothing happened. Not a bubble or a sizzle, or a change in color – though it did seem to blend with Seth's blood as opposed to rolling over the top and pooling beside it like Garret's had done.
"There you have it." Dain said at last.
"So I am a slayer then?" Seth asked.
"You are a slayer." Dain confirmed as he got up with the piece of kindling to toss it into the fire. As soon as his fingers left it he saw the drop of Seth's blood run into the putrid blackened result that was Isabella's and before his very eyes changed it back to red. "Whoa." He said taking a double take but by then it was gone.
"What?" Isabella asked.
"I thought I saw….." Dain started, about to tell her, but then thought better of it. "Nothing." He said as he came back to the table and sat down. "So, what should we do now?"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Dorian practically stormed out of the cottage and headed through the trees on foot.
"Where are you going?" Dain asked, following him.
"I need some air!" Dorian snapped.
"You can't run from this. Not now."
"No one is running, I just need to a moment to think."
Dain chuckled. "There is nothing to think about. H's Slayer and that is that."
Dorian continued to walk a few steps further, then stopped. Seconds later he lifted his head up toward the night sky and screamed as loud as he could.
Dain walked over and stood beside him. "Are you alright?" He asked sounding oddly sympathetic, which would have been rather comforting if after Dorian nodded he did not get slugged square in the jaw.
"Ouch, bloody hell! What was that for!?
"To snap you out of it, that's what for." Dain spoke sharply with a finger pointed in his face. "You knew from the very beginning that there was a possibility he would inherit this. Now here is comes to pass and you act like this."
"You just don't understand, Dain. I never wanted this for him...I wanted…"
"You wanted better. Yes, I know this. You've been saying it since you learned of his birth, but you have no control over what is to be and what isn't. None of us do." Dorian opened his mouth to speak, but Dain was not finished by a long shot. "And what is so wrong with being like us anyway? Being a slayer is an honorable existence. Any normal person would be elated, maybe even grateful to hand it down."
Grateful? Dorian was many things, but grateful? That was a stretch. Sure he was satisfied with what he was and what he did, he loved it in fact, but being a Slayer was no easy task. Not only did they risk their lives to rid the land of the most hideous of creatures but they also had to sacrifice a large part of which they were and what they wanted for themselves - Love, a steady home, and a normal life – none of this would ever be possible for Seth. Not now.
"I just don't know what to do." Dorian admitted.
"That's easy. We take him back to Caelan, where he belongs."
"How in the bloody hell am I going to do that? No one even knows of him. Not my Father or my Mother - when they learn what I have done…"
"We both know your Mother is going to be over the moon to hear she has a Grandchild. She's been grumbling to my own Mother about it for years. Your Father on the other hand….." Dorian looked up waiting for Dain to finish saying exactly what he knew to be true. "Remember how angry he was when he found out we snuck off to slay our first creature alone in the wilderness and nearly got eaten alive by that pack of wolves?"
"Yes."
"For this, it will be a hundred times worse." He said making Dorian roll his eyes. "But then…..Listen to me…. then he will calm down and realize that his only Son has produced for him the only Grandchild and heir he may ever know and for this reason, he will let go of any anger, doubts or misgivings and accept him as one of his own."
Dorian thought about this for a moment. Yes, his Father would definitely be angry at first, maybe more angry than he has ever seen him before, but deep down he also knew that his father loved him, though he was hard to show it, and in that love there would be forgives - maybe not before a good pounding - but certainly after and then would come acceptance.
"And also." Garret said out of the blue. He was so quiet neither of them realized he had followed till he spoke. "You get your son back."
Garret may not have been a man of many words, but when he did have something to say it was well worth listening to. Dorian grinned at the big lug and with that, he took in a deep cleansing breath.
"Feel better now?" Dorian asked as he watched him blow it out. Dorian nodded. "So it's settled then?"
"Yes." Dorian told him. "The boy goes with us."
Now all he had to do was tell Seth, which would prove harder than he thought.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"No!" Seth screamed as he hurled a wooden mug across the room. "I won't go. I don't care what you say!"
"Seth." His auntie tried to sooth him. "Please dear, listen to us. We only want what is best for you."
"Best for me? How is sending me off with this STRANGER best for me?!"
"Look I know that I am a stranger to you, but I promise you're not a stranger to me. You are my son and I care for you very much."
"Don't say that!" Seth shouted. "You don't care for me!"
"Yes I do."
"No you don't! If you cared for me I would at least know who you are!"
"I know it's hard for you to understand right now, but perhaps when you are older you will see why….." His Auntie started, but Seth rounded on her.
"Oh shut up, Auntie!" He shouted which took her and everyone one else quite by surprise. "I am tired of you always tell me this! You don't know anything!"
"Oy!" Dorian bellowed suddenly stepping between Isabella and the enraged child before him. "Don't speak to her like that. Not after all that she has done and given up for you. I am the one you are angry at, direct it at me!"
Seth watched him for the longest time as if trying to muster the guts, but by the blood that ran in his very veins, he had this in abundance. "I think your horse shit!" He shouted at him, which was even more shocking to hear - funny to Dain, who snorted laughter. "Standing here with you - a perfect stranger – expecting me to do as you command like nothing is wrong or uncomfortable! Well, kiss my ass! I won't ever do as you command!"
"Seth! How dare you speak that way to your Father?"
"No, let him say what he has to say. I deserve it. Go on lad, what else?" Dorian urged.
"You left me here so you could go and live out your life without the burden of having me around or ever knowing me. The only reason you came back is because I am one of you. If I wasn't you never would have come back for me!"
"Look, I did leave you here, and I know you think it was my way of shirking my responsibilities, but I swear on my life that is simply not the truth. I wanted to take you with me and if it had been at all possible, I would have, I promise you this, but it just wasn't an option back then, and as the years passed I just figured you were better off here away from all that I was so you could live a normal life."
"And now?"
"And now…now I've come to learn that you are in fact like me and being so, I know a normal life is simply not in your nature, and for this I am greatly pleased for now I am able to do all that I have always dreamed of – laugh with you, love you, teach you the ways of a Slayer, and pass on my knowledge."
"And what if I don't want your knowledge?" The boy asked with tears streaming down his face. "What if I want to stay here with Auntie and not be a Slayer? Do I not get a say?"
"I'm afraid not, Son. None of us do. It's what we are. I know you feel this."
Seth calmed for a moment, his breath hitching as he thought about it. It was true, he did feel it and God forgive him, a good part of him wanted to leave Auntie and their home behind and be that of which had always fascinated him, but what if…"What if I go with you and you decide not to keep me….what then?"
Dorian was very taken back by this. The idea that the child would think him capable of leaving him again or worse, discard him like rubbish was simply heartbreaking. "Listen to me." He said as he knelt down in front of him and took him by the shoulders. "You are my son. I would give my last breath for you; I would never decide not to keep you, ever."
"Do you swear?"
"I give you my solemn vow. You mean more to me than anything else in this world, and I promise that I will always and forever more, stand behind you and protect you and love you with all the strength I possess." His voice cracked at the end as his emotions too began to overtake him, which was not something he was prepared for – or use to. Dorian was one of the toughest, most unemotional beings one could ever come across, but at this moment, he needed to let go of that and tell the boy what was truly in his heart. After hearing it however, the boy dropped his head then really started to cry, which made Dorian wonder if he had said something wrong. A moment later, however and without warning, his son threw himself into his arms so hard, the force of it nearly knocked them both over.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Days later, Seth was in the market swiping the last apple he would ever swipe from under the nose of grumpy old Henry Gregory when he felt a sudden sharp rap to the top of his hand. A second after, his Father was standing beside him holding the apple between his own forefinger and thumb.
"Ouch!" Seth said as he looked up at him, absolutely shocked that he was able to take it off him with such blurring speed.
"Slayer's – do - not- steel." Dorian spoke slowly, and firmly.
"Did you strike me?" Seth asked in an unsteady voice as it happened much too fast for him to be sure.
"Yes, and I will do it again if I ever catch you using your gifts for such impious acts. Do you understand?"
Seth shook his head. "What does impious mean?"
"It means sinful or wicked. Do you understand now?" Seth nodded. "Good." Dorian said handing him the apple, then produced a coin from what appeared to be thin air then tossed it to Gregory who was eyeing him nervously. "Now, come, we are leaving soon and you have yet to say you're goodbyes to your Auntie."
Seth knew this. It was probably the reason he was dragging his feet to go home, or what he supposed use to be his home. Now he was heading for a new one where his Father said he could better become what nature had intended him to be, a prospect that was both exciting and frightening at the same time. He was a bit nervous to leave Clear wood. It was the only place he had ever known, and now here he was leaving it to go off with a Father he barely knew. Then there was Auntie Isabella of course. She was the only Mother he had even known, and it made him very sad to have to leave her behind like this.
"What will happen to Auntie when I'm gone?"
"As she said herself, Isabella can take care of herself, and I will continue to send her support as well so, do not worry. Your Auntie will be fine."
Dorian had no sooner spoke these words when he heard a strange snarling sound on the wind. Seth herd it too though no one else in the market seemed to. "What was that?"
All of a sudden there was an explosion of wood and stone as something smashed through the gate right in front of where Seth was standing, knocking him to the ground. A second later three emaciated creatures with putrid grey skin and large fangs came charging in snapping and snarling. Seth shot backwards with a shriek as the creature went for him first, but Dorian's sword was already in motion as he leaped forward and slashed it through the air. A second later the beast's headless, lifeless body fell to the ground at Seth's feet, which made him shriek all the more. The other two beasts came next, both with arms and claws extended, but Dorian's movement was fluid as he spun around, then flipped head over heels over the beasts and landed on his feet behind them. Seconds later, they too fell as Seth sat there on the ground amazed. Never in his life had he seen anyone fight like this - spinning, jumping, leaping, somersaulting – it was truly a sight to behold.
"Get up!" Dorian commanded as he yanked him off the ground suddenly.
"What are those things?"
"Ghouls! Now come, we must go find Dain and Garret. Stay close to me, understand! Don't let anything get between us!"
He didn't have to tell Seth twice, who latched onto him and did not let go till they reached the center of town where they found Dain and Garret running towards them with swords drawn.
"The town is under attack." Dorian spoke the obvious.
"Really? Whatever gave you that idea?" Dain asked grinning, which was unbelievable under such horrifying circumstances.
Dorian ignored this flippant remark and got to the point. "We need to get Isabella before the town is overrun. Garret, take the boy." He commanded, which made Garret pull a face. "Dain you're with me!"
"Right-o!"
"What's happening?" Seth asked feeling close to panic. "Dorian!"
"Stay close to Garret! He will keep you safe. Garret, quick as you can gather our things and meet us at the cottage with the horses, alright?" Garret nodded as Dorian then ran off ahead with Dain at his heels.
"Wait!?" Seth shouted as he ran a few steps after them, but was halted by Garret who was now shouting at him.
"No boy! This way!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Dorian and Dain had just reached Isabella's cottage when two beasts converged in front of them. Both reacted instantly, Dain taking the first with a flying kick and a quick swing of the blade. Dorian the other with a spin and the short blade he carried on his hip which he planted in the center of the beasts putrid grey forehead. It was at that moment that he heard the shrieking from inside the cottage that sent him running toward it. Upon entering he saw a third Ghoul kneeling over Isabella, ravenously biting and ripping at her flesh. Seeing this, caused an unexpected explosion of primal instincts to erupt from him that he never realized lurked beneath the surface. One moment he was standing there and the next he found himself slashing and stabbing the beast over and over with a speed that he himself never knew possible. When the creature was good and dead, he went over to Isabella and knelt down as she lay there gasping for air. "I'm here." He said as he ripped a piece of his cloak off and applied it firmly to her neck and shoulder to try to stop the bleeding.
"Seth?" She said as she fought against the pain.
"He's safe." He told her. "He's with Garret"
"My time has come."
"Don't say that. Just tell me what to do and I will do it."
"You know there is nothing you can to for me now." She said as she latched onto his arm. "But there is much I need to tell you." She gasped then began to cough.
"Shhh, don't try to speak." He urged as he took her head and cradled it in his hands.
"No, you must listen." She said with a shake of her head. "You need to know that he was still at his birth…Juliana….Juliana gave all that she was, all her power, all of her life force, everything to save him…leaving nothing for herself."
"What?"
"He's special. Both slayer and Witch combined…..he is the prophecy…." She said fading faster now.
"Prophecy? What prophecy?"
She lifted a weakened hand and pointed towards the fireplace. "The book." she gasped. "It's all in the book."
"I don't understand." He said not knowing what she was talking about. "Isabella, I don't understand."
"In the mantle. Take it with you….know what he is….protect him." She spoke, her last words all but a whisper on her lips as she passed on suddenly with her tear filled eyes still focused on Dorian's.
"Isabella? Isabella." He said shaking her. But it was no use. She was already gone, and so with a heavy heart he reached up and closed her eyes and said a prayer in the ancient tongue of his people. He then laid her head gently down and positioned her arms peacefully across her chest. "I'm sorry I never got the chance to thank you for all that you have done. I will never forget you." He whispered in her ear then after a kiss and one last look, got up and went to the mantle to see about this book that she so desperately wanted him to find.
At first he saw nothing out of the ordinary, no loose stones, no cracks, but then his eye caught something on the side of the mantle - a small hole in the wood. So he dug out the jeweled dagger he had gotten for his son (but never had a chance to give him) and pried at it till the panel of wood fell into his hand revealing a hollowed out space which he reached inside and pulled out a leather bound book.
"Dorian!" He heard Dain call out suddenly. "Dorian, are you alright?!"
"I'm alright!" He shouted back as he tucked the book securely under his armor and walked out to find Dain standing there with a look of dismay on his face.
"Isabella?" He asked breathlessly.
Dorian shook his head.
"Auntie!" They heard Seth shout suddenly as he and Garret rode in with the other two horses in tow. Before Garret could even stop, the boy leaped to the ground and bolted for the cottage. Dorian had to run to intercept him and quickly lifted him off his feet to keep him from going inside - an action Seth fought against most viscously. "Put me down!" He cried as he struck out with both fists. "Put me down! Auntie! Auntie!"
"I'm sorry, Son." Dorian said as he pulled him hard against his chest and held him till he finally gave into the sobs that suddenly began to rack his body. "I'm so sorry."
"What do you want us to do?" Dain asked after a few moments, looking more serious than Dorian had ever seen him in all the days he had known him.
"You know what to do." Dorian said. Dain nodded, and so did Garret. "When you're finished go into town. Make sure no one else is ….." He stopped right there, not wanting to upset the boy.
"Yes Commander." Garret said sounding very official – something he resorted to when he was too emotional to handle the weight of a situation any other way than to simply do his job.
Dorian nodded once then carried Seth in the direction of his horse.
"No!" Seth screamed as he was lifted into the saddle then immediately tried to get off again before being stopped when Dorian got on behind him.
"We will meet you at the edge of the forest."
Garrett and Dain nodded the watched as they rode of then went straight toward the cottage to do their duty which was to burn all the bodies. Ghouls and anyone bitten by them were known to come back if not disposed of before night fall. Inside they saw just what had happened to their lovely host and noticed the careful placement of her body there on the floor. Dain took the flowers from the pitcher on the table then knelt down and placed them under her folded hands.
"Farewell, my lady." He spoke softly before standing and turning towards Garret who had tears streaming down his face. On a normal day this would have sent Dain into hysterics, but not this day. This day they seemed appropriate. "Come lad. Let us finish this so we can get out of this damned place."
Garret nodded his head the watched as Dain lit a torch in the Fireplace, and laid fire to a few key spots about the room. A short time later, the cottage was completely engulfed in flames. Outside, they stacked the remaining Ghouls on top of each other then set them ablaze as well before heading into town. When they got there, they found five people dead, and two injured in the attack. Of the injured, only one was actually bitten – one of the merchants from the market who sold fruit, the poor bastard. He wasn't even hurt all that bad, but it would come. By nightfall it would come.
"What should we for him?" One of the townspeople asked as they prepared leave after their work was done.
Dain leaped onto his horse the spoke bluntly. "Burn the body."