The pair went to the special hall, which served as barracks with nice conditions, meaning that there was almost no privacy whatsoever. There was some strange pool in the middle, with blue water and mist radiating off it. It was the main source of light. Danny looked around curiously.

"So, where is he?" The ghost asked.

"I don't know, I was told he was here. He shouldn't be that hard to find, the Moth Priests usually wear grey rags."

"Those are not rags, young lady."

Both of the undead looked to the side and saw an old man in grey rags, belted by a thin rope. He had bald head, but long beard. The priest was sitting on a chair near the fountain, reading some book.

"Oh, it was simpler than I thought," Danny commented with amusement.

"Just what do you want from me?" The man calmly put away the book.

"Well..."

"We need to get you out of here. The vampires are after you," Danny interrupted.

"What do you...oh, you are from the Dawnguard," The priest said with wide eyes. "Just let me pack my things, I will be quick, I swear!"

He ran off to one of the rooms. Phantom hunched his shoulders, while Serana leaned against the wall.

"Have you told the mages?" They asked simultaneously.

"Yes," they both responded.

"Good," Serana scratched her chin. "Although I'm not sure if they believed me."

"Neither am I. And I have a crawling suspicion that I am going to be attacked first."

"This is where you are right," Serana said in a very strange tone.

Raising his eyebrow, Danny turned around, before being hit by a spell and launched backwards. Shaking his head, Phantom looked up. Serana's hand was still sparkling with snow, and that two vampires were standing at the entrance.

"Lady Serana! We didn't know you are here too!" The man said with a note of fear.

"Spare me your excuses. You haven't been anything but bother so far. He almost figured out!" Serana exclaimed.

Danny stared at her in shock.

"Who is that?" The woman vampire asked.

"One of the Dawnguard. They have sent him to protect the priest and I tagged along because he could lead me here."

Now Phantom was confused. Why would she lie about his reason for being there? She herself led him to Winterhold.

"Do you have a rope? We might need this one," Serana asked.

"Yes, we always have one," the male member of the duo responded sarcastically. "If I can advise, make him your thrall, My Lady."

Serana didn't seem to be that eager. Disgusted even. But she approached the half ghost. He tried to get back, but damn, she was stronger than she looked.

"Play along," Danny heard a whisper and it finally clicked. He almost sighed in relief, but then realized he had to play.

"W-wait! I'll come myself. Let's not rash things, okay?" Phantom asked.

Serana needed just that. "Fine. Your blood is disgusting, anyway. Stalf, make sure he doesn't run anywhere, I'll go fetch the monk."

The man nodded and grabbed Danny's hands in a firm grip. Danny narrowed his eyes at his companion.

"This is the last time I'm fooled by the pretty face," he complained.

Serana turned around and hid her reddening cheeks, looking vibrant on white as paper skin. He was overplaying, and it was embarrassing. She went out of the room, surprisingly empty. Probably because the students were studying at the moment. Danny flinched when he felt claws going through the clothes he wore.

"Hey, careful with those," Phantom said.

"You are quite demanding for someone who has begged Lady Serana to spare you."

"Spare me? I just didn't want to live the rest of my life as a walking vegetable, that's different."

"Why is he weaponless?" Stalf asked, examining the body.

"Yes, why AM I weaponless? That's a good question. To answer it, you need an IQ bigger than fifty. Do you have it? I am not sure, seeing why you can't guess why I don't have any weapons."

"Shut up, already, cattle."

"Am I a joke to you?"

Before it could get any worse, Serana emerged from the doorway, pulling the paralyzed priest after her. Quite easily, although she had still wiped the floor clean with the edge of his clothes.

"I've done the job," she said curtly. "Let's get out of here before someone notices. You do have a plan?"

"Of course, milady. We've got the scroll right here. Lord Harkon is waiting."

The vampire took out a list of paper and unrolled it. It emitted purple glow. The concept of local magic was strange to Danny. They didn't speak the words, they didn't wave some wands, they just...did magic. Familiar purple sphere appeared around them, and once it was gone, the surroundings changed, and not for the better.

It was a huge hall, lit by several torches, but many of its places were still covered in shadows. Two long tables were going through the hall, along with the chairs. In the opposite end was the third, central table where the guy in charge obviously sat, judging from the regal look of the chair there. The smell immediately made Danny want to beg for ability to cover his nose from the rigid smell. It was probably because of corpses on the table and the blood spilled everywhere: on the tables, chairs, its flow kept going on the floor. Phantom felt the urge to hurl at the vampires' feast.

He was let go, but Danny knew it was foolish to run, at least now.

"Ah, Serana! Somehow I knew it would be you who would find the priest."

It was said by the man who stood in the center of the hall. He looked to be in his mid forties, with vampiric orange eyes, raven short beard and hair tied in a ponytail. He was dressed in clothes similar to Serana's, although it entirely covered his body, the shoulders were covered in metal plates, the cape was longer.

"Hello, father," Serana greeted.

"Although I am not sure what these two are doing here," Harkon pointed at two vampires. "They weren't together with you."

"They came in at the last second," the young woman rolled her eyes. "But they gave me a ride, this is appreciated."

Harkon approached them, taking a glance at the old priest. Then his eyes fell on Danny.

"And the Dawnguard member," he noted. "Just what happened there?"

"I trailed him, somehow they learned the priest's place first. Earned his trust and he brought me there."

"Admirable. Good job, child, I'm proud of you. He is yours for the dinner," the man smiled.

"Don't get the indigestion," Danny put in an upbeat tone.

All vampires stared at him in shock. Did he really just talk back to Lord Harkon himself? Harkon himself was stunned for the first second, for he didn't expect such bravery. Or stupidity.

"What did you just say?" He asked slowly.

"I merely warned her that the feast may not end well. Your daughter knows that my blood isn't the best one. Probably cholesterol is at fault."

"He is...right. I got a taste of it by accident," Serana put in. "Tastes like pitch."

"Is this your new method of defense against us?" Harkon looked into Danny's face, closer this time.

"Nah, it is just me. Jeez, brush your teeth more often, you stink."

He could hear several sharp intakes of breath. Harkon narrowed his eyes and roughly grabbed the young man's chin.

"You don't fear me, mortal?"

"Why?" Phantom asked sarcastically.

"Why?!" Harkon exclaimed, before stepping behind. "We are the terror of the night! You are in the Castle Volkihar, the home of the most powerful clan of vampires in Skyrim!"

"My only terror is waking up in its middle," Danny rolled his eyes. "I mean, common, my uncle is also like you. He is still an asshole, but at least he doesn't bother me that much. And just imagine, he is in charge of my town and no one even knows he is undead. You share common traits though, are you sure your last name isn't Masters?"

Harkon growled. The lad clearly didn't fear him. It was surprising, usually only hardened veterans reacted this way. But even they didn't treat him like a joke. He couldn't be in the Dawnguard for long, he was too young. Serana was impressed, even Dave kept his tongue while near him. It was only because of that and her saving he was let go. Danny may not be that lucky.

The vampire dangerously approached him again, his hands suddenly got huge and sharp claws. The vampire grabbed Phantom's head and left scratch marks. Danny could actually control the leaking, it could either be blood or ectoplasm depending on his choice. It was why he was able to use powers even while being human. So, it was blood what leaked, he managed to do that despite the slight scream of pain.

"This shall teach you the lesson, brat."

"Damn," Danny panted, "Have you ever considered taking a nail polish?"

"Why you..." Harkon growled again. "Enough! You've wasted enough of my time. Serana, wake the priest up!"

The young vampire nodded and snapped her fingers. The priest gasped for breath.

"Wha...what happened?" He rubbed his forehead.

"Good morning, good sir," Danny said with the unwavering cheerful expression. "We are about to become a very caloric food."

The old man looked up and his heart skipped a beat. You don't have to be a genius to figure out their predicament.

"Get up," Harkon snapped.

"Y-y-yes!" The priest got up, raising his hands, stained from blood on the floor. "W-what do you need from me?" He was shaking like a leaf.

"Name?"

"D-dixion."

"Serana."

She understood what her father wanted. Serana handed him the Elder Scroll. Dixion's eyes darted from Serana, who he had assumed was a simple lady, and the Scroll, which was considered to be one of the most valuable artifacts in Tamriel. Harkon fumbled it in his arms, before handing it to the priest.

"I want you to read it. This is what you are trained for. And not a single mistake or lie is allowed. Do it and you are dead."

Gulping, Dixion shakily took the Scroll. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"Please don't distract me, I need c-concentration."

Finally, Dixion pressed a small button. It unlocked the golden cover and he unrolled the list of paper. It was half transparent, and Danny was able to make out some circles, but he didn't see any letters.

"I...I see it...I see a vision before me, an image of a great bow. I know this weapon! It is Auriel's Bow! Now a voice whispers, saying "Among the night's children, a dread lord will rise." In an age of strife, when dragons return to the realm of men, darkness will mingle with light and the night and day will be as one.

The voice fades and the words begin to shimmer and distort. But wait, there is more here. The secret of the bow's power is written elsewhere. I think there is more to the prophecy, recorded in other scrolls. Yes, I see them now... One contains the ancient secrets of the dragons, and the other speaks of the potency of ancient blood.

My vision darkens, and I see no more. To know the complete prophecy, you must have the other two scrolls."

Taking a deep breath, Dixion rolled the scroll back. Whispers among the court began.

"That was...less informative than I expected. Fine. I've waited for thousand years. I can wait a bit more. Carry these two with the rest of the cattle. We'll feast later. Serana, a word."

Danny was pushed from behind. The shaking priest was lifted from the ground he had fallen on. Phantom pitied the poor man, he seemed nice, too sad that the locals weren't that friendly. They were led down the dungeons, and the raven haired ghost looked at Dixion.

"Hey, don't worry. We'll escape in no time."

"Ha! Nice lie, lad. You aren't going anywhere," The vampire said sarcastically.

"Please, I escaped from the small plane of Oblivion once. Compared to that your castle is a simple rusty lock on the door."

"We will see about that," the undead snorted, disbelieving what he heard.

Finally they were tossed forward, in the cell. It was full of bones, there were several filthy sleeping bags. The door was locked, and the vampires walked off. Danny took a look at the surroundings, while Dixion shakely sat on the sleeping bag. Phantom saw that they weren't alone.

"Hey there," he waved.

The response was a zombie - like moan.

"Thrall," Dixion said sadly. "I'm scared to imagine how it feels not to get even a single thought."

Danny's look turned sad.

"Is there any way to help?"

"The only way to free the thrall is to kill the vampire who had charmed him."

"And we don't know who that is..."

"You are saying that like you don't want to kill these beasts."

"I've never killed anyone," Danny admitted, to the priest's shock. "I can't imagine myself starting now. But I have a companion who can do it instead."

Soon he heard the door slamming close. Raising his eyebrow, Danny peaked around the corner.

"You know, you could warn me," Phantom grumbled, making Dixion perk up.

"We didn't have time, okay?" Serana crossed her hands. "Did I harm you?" She asked, her glowing eyes showing concern.

"Eh, no. I'm tougher than I look," Danny rubbed the back of his neck, blushing slightly.

"What's...going on here?" Dixion asked in shock.

"Ah, forgot about him," Serana rubbed her temples.

"We are actually working along," Phantom smirked. "So...do you have a plan?"

"Not here. You can get outside, right?"

"Count on me, maladi," Danny bowed mockingly.

Serana rolled her eyes. "See you at the pier. You won't miss it once out of the front gates."

She started to walk off.

"Wait! Aren't you going to give us the key, then?" Dixion asked.

"He himself said he'd manage," The vampire shrugged and went upstairs.

The priest looked at Danny, who seemed contemplative.

"She doesn't believe in my abilities, it seems," he mumbled. "Well, more reasons to prove her wrong. Step aside please."

The old man did as he was told. Danny grinned and swiped his hand. The cell door opened, to the old man's further shock.

"This is the strangest day of my life," he mumbled, following the younger man out of the dungeon.

The guards were surprisingly absent. Weren't that guy arrogant beans. As they were passing corner, Danny heard a thud and a yelp behind. He saw the old man rubbing his forehead, stooping in pain from the impact.

"Oh, by the Divines," he moaned.

"What's wrong?"

"The Elder Scroll. The ones who read it always lose either sight or mind. In my case it is the first. My sight is fading away. Why now of all times?"

"Don't worry, I'll get you out, I promise," Danny said firmly.

He wrapped the old man's hand around his neck, allowing him to lean on the half ghost. Phantom kept going forward, listening for any vampires. It was unusual, and somewhat exciting in its own terrific way. He wasn't afraid, he was obviously stronger than average undead. As Dixion could barely see anything, Phantom felt free to become invisible. Yes, the vampires could probably smell him nevertheless, but it would be harder to spot them.

Suddenly Danny heard a growl behind him. Phantom looked back and saw a big hound gnashing its razor sharp teeth at him. The hound was a creepy sight. It had no skin, only muscles, but they were pitch black, radiating some kind of the same colored smoke. Its eyes didn't have pupils and were crimson red. The hound obviously spotted them.

"What is it?" Dixion asked fearfully.

"Eh...a big black dog."

The beast snapped at them and ran forward. Phantom quickly summoned his ghost powers and hit it with ectoblast, knocking the mutt out.

"Have you heard anything?" A voice from the corridor asked.

"Flames," Danny cursed. "Dixion, keep quiet," he whispered.

"I have no choice."

The already familiar pair of vampires turned around the corner. Once Salonia and Stalf did so, they saw the beaten animal.

"What happened?" Stalf asked.

"He was attacked, obviously, but who would need to..."

Their orange eyes widened.

"To the cells, quickly!"

They were about to go, when Stalf was hit from behind. Hard. So hard that it knocked him out as well. Salonia turned around and saw a glowing palm. Immediately she was hit with an ice beam, which pinned her to the wall. Phantom kept grinning widely at her surprised face.

"I can do some magic of my own," he smirked. "I need no witnesses, nothing personal."

"Relea..."

Danny threw a mass of green goo at her mouth. The sticky substance shut her up immediately.

"Cya!" Phantom waved his hand and picked Dixion up, before they continued going forward.

"What happened?" He asked.

"I took care of the vampires, now shush."

They reached the main hall, where the fiest still kept going. Danny had remembered the path to it, he also had guessed that at such old castle the entrance should be right next to the main exit, if the movies he watched spoke the truth. And it worked. He managed to sneak past the distracted undead and phase through the huge doors. The sunlight immediately hit him and blinded him for a second, as he had spent a while in the dark castle. They went down the tilted stone bridge.

Danny immediately saw a small pier and a small tower nearby. Since Serana was not standing on the wooden construction, probably avoiding the sun, Phantom guessed she was inside the watchtower. He was right, she had been waiting for them there.

"Huh," she put away the book with several bloodstains away. "You are quick."

"Did you doubt me?" Danny smirked, setting Dixion down. Serana raised her eyebrow.

"What's wrong with him?" She asked.

"He has lost his sight," Phantom sighed, stretching his sore muscles. "So. We are here. What did you want to talk about?"

"We've got to find another scroll," Serana explained as the sat on the stairs. "The main problem is...I don't know where to find it."

"The Elder Scrolls were hid all across Tamriel," Dixion said. "It's nearly impossible to find them."

"I didn't say I don't know where it IS. Where to find it is another question."

"Isn't it the same thing?" Phantom raised his eyebrow.

Serana sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Nevermind. The Scroll is in my mother's possession. But she has been gone ever since she put me in that tomb with my scroll."

"Hm...any clues?"

"Well, we used to be very close to her. She said that she would hide where father would never search. The way she said it...it's like she wanted to accent my attention on it."

"At least that's something," Danny said optimistically.

"It doesn't help at all," Dixion responded, moving as far away from the vampire as possible.

"Where could it be?" Serana looked at Phantom, as if hoping he would tell her.

"Hm...with the Dawnguard?"

"Not really. They aren't the most accepting bunch. Besides, I was there, not a sign of her around."

Danny put a hand on his chin and rubbed it. It had to be the most unexpected place, a place where ancient undead creep, sounds like Vlad, wouldn't want to search. It should have been something daring, for that arrogant bastard would expect it the least. Then it dawned upon him.

"Could she hide right here? In the castle?"

"That's got to be the most...wait, that almost makes sense!" Serana exclaimed in excitement and got up. "There is a garden in the castle's center. Me and mother used to get all our potion ingredients from there. She always said that father never came there, as it was too peaceful for him."

"Oh, Divines, you don't really think..."

"Yes, I guess we will have to return," Danny responded. "What to do with him?" He looked at his companion. "He won't make it on his own. He is blind."

The young vampire hummed. "There is a fort on the other side of the strait. Although it is occupied by this 'Thalmor' forces, I don't think they will be able to turn him down."

"Okay, I'll get Dixion on the other side. Hold tight pal, it's gonna get shaky."

"What do you...ah!" The old man yelped as Phantom easily grabbed him.

Serana watched with wonder at how Danny disappeared again. A few minutes later he reappeared at the entrance, without the priest.

"How are you so quick?"

Danny shrugged. "Trading secret. Now, how exactly are we going to get to the yard?"

"I know every hole of this castle," Serana smiled. "There is another pier at the side of the castle. Used by the old owners to deliver food. Now it is abandoned, but it still leads to the yard."

Danny nodded. "Show the way, Lady Serana," he said with faux bravado.

The vampire rolled her glowing eyes. However, she had to admit that her new friend was ready to follow her wherever she had to go. It was nice.