So this is chapter two. Enjoy and please review!

Chapter Two

She slumped forwards in the saddle, her eyes drooping heavily and her hands slack on the reins. For days she had been riding through the Evannha Forest, becoming hopelessly lost on several occasions until she found the right trial. Achroi lifted her head slightly as her horse came to a stop and began pawing at the ground. Achroi grumbled moodily and slid from the saddle, landing with a hard thump on her butt. Scowling, she stood up only to fall down again, her legs asleep from being in the saddle for so long. A by passer would think her drunk by the way she was awkwardly moving. Dragging herself up Achroi approached her horse and eyed him angrily.

"What? Hmm? What the hell is the matter now?" Achroi grumped bending over to check the horse's hooves in case a stone had become lodged in the soft tissue. There were no stones so she checked the legs for injuries. No injuries either.

"What is it then, you hopeless lump?" Achroi snarled watching the horse paw the ground again. The horse tossed his intelligent head to the side, snorted and watched her like she was an imbecile. Achroi looked to where the horse had motioned and blinked in surprise. A small, rundown tavern was nestled between the trees, thick vines crawling over its exterior. Smoke twisted its way from the chimney and the smell of freshly cooked bread wafted from the cracks in the door and windows. Achroi's stomach grumbled loudly and she grimaced. Grabbing the horse's reins, she tied him to a tree then went up to the tavern. Slowly, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. The common room was completely empty, the fire place charred and dull. Achroi looked around for any sign of life and saw a head pop up from behind the bar.

"What choo want?" a small grizzly looking man asked.

"Food, water. A bed," Achroi stated, taking a seat on one of the old creaky stools and slamming down her hands on the bar. The man raised an eyebrow and called for a bowl of stew and bread accompanied with some mead.

"Ye can have yer food, but a yer bed will have to wait until ye get to Ollabandia," the man said placing the bowl and goblet in front of her.

"What?" Achroi asked icily, her eyes narrowing.

"I said ye'll have to wait til ya get to Ollabandia for that bed ye were wanting. There ain't no beds here. Too dangerous to be having travellers stay here. Who knows what kind of riff raff stray through this forest? For all we know, some of 'em may be murderers," the man babbled, wiping a glass with a dirty rag.

"Yes, murderers," Achroi muttered sipping the watered down mead and grimacing as she tried not to spit it all out again. Human food and drink was wasted on her now. She had acquired the taste for something much more delicious. And it was standing right in front of her, babbling on about travellers through the forest, his family issues and the big masked ball that was coming up at Ollabandia. As if she gave a rat's ass about travellers and his family problems. The bartender stopped talking when he noticed that she had hardly touched her food.

"I thought ye was hungry?" he asked annoyance colouring his face as she toyed with the spoon.

"Oh I am," Achroi asked brightly, "just not for this shit."

"I beg your pardon?" the bartender exclaimed spittle spraying from his mouth, "I offer ye food and ye turn it down. What kind of ungrateful, unsatisfied wench are-" But his words were cut off when Achroi abruptly stood and placed the tip of a small dagger millimetres from his throat.

"Continue to insult me, kind sir, and I'm afraid I'll have to slit your throat," Achroi said calmly as she watched the man's eyes bulge and his lips twitch. "Now, I told you I was hungry. Are you willing to satisfy my hunger?" The man looked confused for a minute but proceeded to nod.

"Much obliged," Achroi smiled as she drew the knife across his throat in one quick precise movement. The man spluttered and gasped as blood spurted from his throat and dribbled from his mouth. He made gargling sounds as he sank to the floor, fingers scraping helplessly at his throat. Achroi wiped the blood off the dagger with the bartenders rag then placed it back into its sheath at her side. She hopped neatly over the bar and stood over his body. Kneeling, she dipped hr finger into the already pooling blood and licked it clean. Groaning, she grabbed his shoulders and heaved him into her lap. Brushing aside his grizzly hair, she lapped at his neck like a small kitten then sunk her fangs into his neck, sucking out the last of the blood. Full, she pulled away and dropped the man carelessly back onto the floor. Wiping the blood from her chin, she reached into the man's pockets and pulled out a few silver coins. Jumping back over the bar, she placed the coins by her untouched bowl of soup and left the tavern. At least she had the decency to pay for her meal.

Back on the road, Achroi pulled out her map from the saddle bags and studied it. She didn't have far to go, Ollabandia was just a few more miles away. She should reach it by dusk. Stuffing the map away again, she relaxed in the saddle and closed her eyes. A grin swept over her face as she remembered tales of how vampyres needed no sleep. How stupid and unrealistic those tales were. Why, if Achroi didn't get any sleep, she was cranky and unreasonable, more so than usual. In fact, most of the vampyres she had met were like that if they hadn't slept. Stupid children's tales, Achroi thought as she tightened her grip on the reins as the horse jerked forwards into a gallop. Hours past and the sun began to make its way towards the horizon, bathing the forest in deep golds, regal reds and soft purples. Insects began to chirp and fireflies made their way out onto the trail, buzzing their way around Achroi's head and annoying the crap out of her. Soon, the travellers came to a small clearing. Achroi slowed the horse and took a good look around. It seemed like a descent place to stay, if she was unable to find accommodation in one of the town's inns. It also seemed like the perfect place to commit a murder if she wasn't able to carry out her task in Ollabandia. Yes, once again she was out on assignment.
Achroi continued through the clearing and headed towards the edge of the forest. At the edge of the trees, Achroi stopped again and looked down at the town of Ollabandia. She could see the markets and the shops, the row of inns and taverns, and the warehouses that were on the opposite side. She could also see the rural area of the town, nestled to the east of the main street. A bell chimed, naming the time as six. Achroi made her way down the small slope that led to the town, and proceeded to the town's outer wall. She wasn't stopped at the wall like she was in other places; there was no need to here. The town was completely isolated and hardly ever got visitors. Which might have made Achroi's job that little bit harder for people may have noticed a newcomer, but she was an expert at shrinking into the shadows and sneaking around unseen. Proceeding past the wall, Achroi made her way down the main street, weaving her way in and out of the people walking about on foot. Turning down a side street, she made her way to the row of inns she had spotted earlier, searching for one that looked reasonably clean and comfortable. Finally, she found one: The Midnight Rose. Climbing down from the saddle, carefully this time, Achroi landed on the ground then grabbed the horse's mane when she felt her legs about to give way beneath her. Steadying herself, she led her horse to the stable boy who was watching her, amusement flashing in his dark blue eyes.

"Been in the saddle a while Miss?" the boy asked taking the reins from Achroi and watching as she rubbed her sore rump.

"Yes," Achroi muttered absently as she rolled her neck, "tell me, boy, is this inn decent?"

"Oh yes, Miss," the boy said, slipping off the bridal and beginning to unbuckle the saddle, "it's the best in town. And I'm not saying that just because I work here. All the noble folk who visit here stay at this inn."

"And how do you know I'm noble?" Achroi asked a grin forming on her face. She wasn't wearing anything that implied nobility. She was dressed in plain tan pants and a white cotton shirt with a black belt that held her weapons.

"You hold yourself like them nobles do," the boy answered, "like you have a stick wedged up your behind. Begging your pardon, Miss." The boy blushed at his brashness.

"Don't worry about it," Achroi said, handing the boy a gold coin and heading inside. Do I really walk as if there's a stick up my behind? Achroi wondered as she suddenly became conscious of how she walked. Entering the common room, Achroi became aware of the many pairs of eyes that watched her as she walked up to the bar.

"How can I help you?" a young girl asked as she approached Achroi. The girl bounced a baby on her hips and brushed a strand of golden hair behind her ear.

"I'd like to rent a room," Achroi answered, watching the baby as it watched her. Achroi pulled a face; she'd never really liked children.

"Of course. How long will you be staying?" the girl asked, walking towards the stairwell and gesturing for Achroi to follow.

"I'm...I'm not sure," Achroi answered unsteadily as she became increasingly unnerved by the baby's big eyed stare. "It depends on...on my business here." The girl just nodded and climbed the stairs, Achroi following a few steps behind. She led Achroi down the hall and stopped at the third door on the left.

"I'm sure this room should be comfortable for you," the girl commented as she unlocked the door and pushed it open. Walking in before Achroi, she proceeded to light candles and lay out towels she had pulled from the dresser.

"Is this to your liking?" she asked as Achroi studied the room. It contained a dresser, a single four poster bed, full length mirror and a desk with writing utensils and paper.

"Yes. Yes, this will be fine. Thank you," Achroi said as she handed three gold coins to the girl.

"The baths are downstairs. Just go past the stairs and they're there on your left. They're public baths as well," the girl warned as she left, closing the door behind her. Achroi went and locked the door, then turned around and surveyed the room once again. She could stash what clothes she had in the dresser, and most likely hide her weapons under the mattress of the bed. Achroi crossed the room and opened the window shutters. A cool soft breeze caressed her face and pulled hair from her messy plait. First things first, Achroi thought running her fingers through her greasy hair, take a bath and clean yourself. Achroi rummaged through her saddle bags and snagged a fresh pair of pants and a relatively clean shirt. Grabbing the towels, she made her way down to the bath house, being careful to lock her door as she left. Achroi opened the door to the baths and poked her head inside to see if anyone was there. Thankfully, it was empty. Sighing in relief, Achroi entered the bath house and walked over to one of the pits that were full of steaming hot water. Wondering how the baths were kept hot, Achroi stripped and sank into the bath. Picking up a bar of soap she scrubbed at her skin and then washed her hair twice. She then laid back and relaxed, letting the warm water lull her into a light doze. When her skin was flushed red from the heat, she climbed reluctantly out of the bath and dried herself off with the towel. Dressing quickly, she walked over to the mirrors that were haphazardly hung on the wall. Looking at her reflection, Achroi wondered how anyone could think of her as simply human. Her skin was the colour of pure ivory and had an incandescent glow to it; her hair, the colour of ravens, curled around her heart-shaped face and fell to her waist. Her smoky almond shaped eyes looked back at her and her full blood red lips twitched into a smile, highlighting her delicate cheekbones and making her cheeks turn a becoming light shade of pink. Picking up one of the brushes available on a small table, Achroi ran it through her hair, untangling the bunch of gnarly knots and pulling out random twigs and leaves. Once she was finished, she pulled her hair back into a pony tail. Dumping the dirty towel into the clothes basket she made her way to the common room and sat down at one of the empty tables and studied the menu, pretending to be interested in the food available. To be honest, she was still full from her last meal. She was only her to question people about her target. Finally, a young waiter came over. He smiled at her and Achroi returned it.

"What'll it be?" he asked, studying her with a scrutiny that would have made any ordinary girl blush.

"Hmm, what's the roast lamb like?" she asked, feigning interest.

"Delicious," he answered, "it's made by our cook who took classes in Shinansiling."

"I'll have that then," Achroi replied pretending to be impressed by the cook's skills.

"Anything to drink?" he asked. Your blood, Achroi thought but shook her head. The boy walked off and Achroi settled back into her seat and watched as people swarmed into the common room for their meals. One by one, the tables filled and soon the inn keeper had to turn customers away. The boy came back with a plate full of food and looked at Achroi expectantly.

"Join me?" Achroi said gesturing to the chair opposite her. The boy looked confused at first but then that look changed to delight as he sat across from her.

"Tell me about this town," Achroi said, playing absently with the food.

"Ollabandia? Oh, it's not much. Just a small town in the middle of nowhere," the boy answered shrugging his shoulders, "nothing much ever happens here. We get a few travellers passing through every now and then, but they mainly bypass this town and head for Glenmayrr. It's only a few miles north of here, y'know. Anyway, no one ever moves here to live. The families here are all descendants from the people who originally founded Ollabandia. And no one ever moves out either. Basically, it's just a small town that relies on the exotic gifts of the forest to survive."

"Exotic gifts?"

"Oh yeah. Stuff like spices and special kinds of wood. Flowers, animals, precious gems at times. That sort of exotic stuff."

"Oh," Achroi answered, "you said no one ever moves here. Has anyone ever come here at all? Or do they just bypass it, like you said?" Her mind had turned to her task at hand, and this boy was smitten and talkative enough to give her the information she needed.

"Every now and then some idiot will move here, seeking fortune and all," the boy said dismissively.

"Any idiots of late?" Achroi asked smiling.

"Not that I know of..." the boy said slowly, Achroi's hopes falling a bit and a disappointed look fleetingly crossing her face. "But you'll have to ask someone else. I don't normally pay attention to who comes and goes. Not worth it." Achroi thanked him for his time and dismissed him. He looked a little hurt but she didn't care, she needed more information. She spotted the inn keeper and signalled for her. The inn keeper approached a look of apprehension on her face.

"Everything all right?" she asked watching Achroi's untouched plate of food.

"Oh yes, everything's fine," Achroi answered smiling, "I'm just not that hungry all of a sudden. Join me?" The girl smiled and sat down.

"So, I was just speaking to the young waiter and-" Achroi began but the girl gasped.

"Oh, he hasn't been annoying you has he? Timothy has a tendency to be inappropriate with my female guests," the girl apologised.

"Oh no, he didn't do anything inappropriate," Achroi said reassuringly, "it's just that I was wondering if anyone had moved here recently and he didn't know. I was wondering if you knew perhaps." The girl visibly relaxed.

"One family moved here recently," she answered, "some noble family from Heathville. They moved here a few months ago, if memory serves."

"And who are they? What is the family's name?" Achroi asked excitement building in her chest.

"The Gallagher family, I believe," the girl answered, "they live out on the outskirts of town, in the old ranch. The ranch hasn't been lived in for decades but I guess they were rich enough to rebuild it. And rebuild it they have, it's now grander than ever."

"Have you ever met the Gallagher's?" Achroi asked, committing the whereabouts of the ranch to memory.

"Just once," she answered, "I met the head of the family, Emmanuel. Sweet old man. He came in here for a meal not two weeks ago. Told me about his wife and his children. Four children he has, lucky bloke."

"Did he say why they moved here?" Achroi asked, memorizing Emmanuel's name.

"Said that someone was after him," she answered scratching her chin.

"Someone was after him? Like an assassin?"

"Yes, actually. He did say somethin' bout an assassin. Said one was after him 'cause he discovered something he shouldn't have. Said that was the reason he moved here, so the assassin wouldn't find him and 'is family."

"How interesting," Achroi said smiling, "is there any way I could meet this Emmanuel? He sounds like an interesting character."

"Well, I s'pose you could meet him at the Town Ball next week. Everyone goes to that, big event it is. Other than that, I'd say you'd have to arrange an appointment to see him. Very tight with security they is. You'd have to make an appointment with his secretary, Oran."

"And where would I find this Oran?" Achroi asked her interest piqued.

"Oh, he frequents the Black Dove of a night," the girl answered, "It's a tavern just down the road. He's usually there from dusk til about ten I'd say." Achroi looked across at the inn clock and scowled, it was just after eleven. Achroi thanked the inn keeper for her help and retired to her room. Locking the door, she closed the shutters and sat down on the bed. Pulling off her boots, Achroi shoved back the bed covers and crawled under them, her head sinking into the surprisingly soft pillows. She rearranged the knife that was hidden beneath the pillow and quickly fell asleep.

Achroi's dreams soon filled with the images of the people she had murdered in the past, the faces of her family surpassing the others. In her dream, she relived the night where she had snuck around the small towns that lay just beyond Myanmalla and murdered her other relatives. She had started with her aunt and uncle and their four children, then proceeded to kill her other cousins and aunts and uncles until the Geallian line was completely extinct. Over those few weeks, Achroi's heart had hardened to stone then to sheer solid ice. She no longer felt anything. No remorse, no regret, no happiness, just a big empty nothing. She supposed that's what came with being an assassin, but having no remorse or regret for killing off your family was not normal, not even for an assassin. It was the trait of a vampyre. Achroi had become used to the cold ways of the vampyre and relished in the ease of a kill and the thrill of the hunt. Achroi shuddered as the image of her father made its way into her mind with its shock filled eyes and mutilated throat. She rolled onto her back as tears welled into her eyes and sobs built in her throat. The images of her victims would haunt her forever, and another image was soon to join her.