Disclaimer: I don't own the movie "Underworld", its characters or plot concept.
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An Alternate Future
Chapter Ten
Nemea watched as the hunting party assembled in the courtyard. Viktor was at its head, flanked by his son and Kraven. The latter was discussing with Soren what grounds they'd cover that night. Kahn was the only one who hadn't mounted his horse yet. The dark-skinned weaponsmaster continued to double-check the security measures, which involved Raze and a number of other lycans.
Staying at the edge of the group, Nemea watched the proceedings in silence. At one time, Kraven accidently caught her eye. Upon which, he quickly turned away without even a nod of acknowledgement. Although she knew it was her fault, his behavior towards her was starting to make her feel uncomfortable - guilty even. He didn't deserve to be ignored without good reason, and sometimes, Nemea wasn't sure if her memories were reason enough. The past years had shown Kraven to be someone worthy of admiration. In fact, he reminded Nemea of her father in some aspects.
Her instinctive response was disgust at comparing him to her father. Then, a growing consciousness would chide her that this Kraven was nothing like the one from her time. Ah, there's the rub. Perhaps if she'd allowed herself to get to know this Kraven without thinking of the old one, things would have been different. But, she hadn't. Now, her perception of him was clouded, tainted so to speak. She thought it unlikely that she would ever give him a chance.
"Let's go," Kraven shouted.
Kahn swung onto his horse and the party charged out of the gate at full gallop. When they neared the targeted valley, they split into three groups. Two went on higher ground to serve as a guard for those who'd venture in. Soren led one of the former groups, and Kahn the other with Viktor among his members. While their horses clambered up the stony hillside, Kraven's party waited at the mouth of the valley.
Lush green grass was studded with rocks and stones as the land sloped down at both sides to meet in a smooth, yet narrow area. It was a treacherous place to be caught in an ambush. Caves dotted the hillside, concealed behind the boulders that bordered the route. Any number of renegades could be hiding there, laying in wait for them.
Raze growled from his position between Sacha and Nemea. Clearly, the lycan did not like the group his charge had picked. As the party to enter the valley, they were in the most danger, even with the other two groups watching out for them. When Sacha insisted on joining him, Kraven had compromised by making the prince stay at the center.
The appropriate signals were given. Both groups were in position overlooking the valley. With a nod to the heir-apparent, Kraven prodded his horse forward, with Nemea lagging behind with the rear guard. The two were experienced enough to know that the renegades wouldn't try anything until their group was right in the middle of the valley and unable to turn back. For all their madness, these lycans were wily enough.
"Get ready," Kraven whispered under his breath. "Wait for it...wait for it..."
Nemea warily eyed their surroundings, as she continued to jog her horse along.
"Now!"
There was the hiss and scrape of metal as swords were unsheated and all the lycans in attendance howled in anticipation. Those that were still faithful had armor to protect their bodies from rabid bites and distinguish them from their renegade kin. Yet, both fought with the same ferocity. Through the snapping of bone and tearing of skin, the vampires rode their horses with swords rising and falling. Blood spattered as they found their mark, or jugular veins were ripped by gleaming teeth.
Then, the first volley of arrows came from above. Armored as they were, the vampires and their lycans were sufficiently protected, but the rabid ones started to fall. Yet, just as they though the tide was turning in their favor, the vampires were attacked by another wave of renegades. There seemed to be two for each one that had fallen previously. Although Kraven had prepared nights for this raid, he had not anticipated such a great number in this area. Despite their superior weaponry and careful strategy, they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of the lycan enemy.
The raid had turned into a rout. And time itself started to turn against the vampire forces. The hours were slipping past, and the night sky started to lighten in color. Soon, the fiery sun would be upon them.
"Retreat!" Viktor's voice rang out through the valley.
Covering the withdrawal of his forces with another round of arrows, the ancient vampire watched the fight draw to a close with a look of chagrin. With Raze clawing a path through his rabid kin, Sacha started his way towards safety. Nemea stayed behind to cover his back. Then, the path closed behind her former charge and she was left alone on the wrong side of the field. By then, she was bleeding profusely from her numerous wounds. Yet, despite her light-headedness, she continued to fight.
She felt her horse fall from under her. But, before she could follow it, she was lifted and swung onto another. Grim-faced, Kraven slashed his way through the throng. Nemea noticed that they were going the wrong way and looked at him in confusion.
"We won't make it to the castle before sunrise," he explained, kicking a renegade that came too close. "We need to take shelter somewhere else."
She managed a weak nod before everything went dark.
*****
When Nemea regained consciousness, it was to the sound of dripping water. Vision blurry, she barely made out Kraven's concerned face.
"Good. You're awake." Even his voice sounded distant to her.
She tried to sit up, but then almost passed out from the pain.
"Don't try that. You're badly hurt."
"Where are we?"
"In a cave not far from the valley."
"The renegades?"
"Retreated to their lairs, I think."
"...What time is it?"
"The sun's barely risen. You were only out for a few hours."
"So, we have to wait."
"Yes." She heard his breath hitch in hesitation. "...I've tended to most of your wounds, but you won't heal if you don't feed."
"Like someone's just going to walk right in here for you to snag him."
She began to laugh humorlessly, but choked on the coopery tang of blood.
"Drink," he said fiercely.
There was the sound of a blade unsheated, then the scent of fresh blood in the air. She growled at the taste as it was brought to her lips. All rational thought fled in the presence of the beast inside of her, who relied on survival instinct alone. Delirious and hungry, she grabbed at that source of nourishment and greedily took it in. Everything else was a haze after that. She remembered the solid presence of another and soothing whispers, fingers smoothing her hair. When the sustenance was taken away from her, she screamed in protest and beat the other in frustration. There was a gasp of surprise, then her lips found cool flesh once more. She relished in the touch and the closeness. All the beast could think of was to take, so she took.
When she came to the second time, she found herself in her room back in the castle. She'd moved out of the royal quarters years earlier, so this one was more spacious and private. Feeling another wave of light-headedness, she weakly rested against the bed's headboard, only to find that she was not alone.
A pale Kraven sat in a chair nearby. He seemed to have been there from some time. After initially meeting her gaze, he cast his eyes to the ground.
"How are you?" He asked quietly.
"Better," was the soft reply.
"Do...do you remember anything?"
"I remember the cave..."
"And does that change anything for you...for me?"
"...It was a mistake," she said flatly. "I wasn't myself."
"I thought you'd say that." His smile was more of a grimace.
"Wh - " He cut himself off. "...Can't you give me a chance?"
Although his voice was level, his eyes were pleading with her.
"I don't know if I could."
She was surprised when hope actually lit up in his eyes. With a wan smile, he stood from his chair and headed for the door. As he opened it, he paused.
"You have forever to change your mind, and I'm not yet tired of waiting. Rest well, Nemea."
Only when the door closed after him did she realize it had been the first time in years that he had addressed her by name.
-----
An Alternate Future
Chapter Ten
Nemea watched as the hunting party assembled in the courtyard. Viktor was at its head, flanked by his son and Kraven. The latter was discussing with Soren what grounds they'd cover that night. Kahn was the only one who hadn't mounted his horse yet. The dark-skinned weaponsmaster continued to double-check the security measures, which involved Raze and a number of other lycans.
Staying at the edge of the group, Nemea watched the proceedings in silence. At one time, Kraven accidently caught her eye. Upon which, he quickly turned away without even a nod of acknowledgement. Although she knew it was her fault, his behavior towards her was starting to make her feel uncomfortable - guilty even. He didn't deserve to be ignored without good reason, and sometimes, Nemea wasn't sure if her memories were reason enough. The past years had shown Kraven to be someone worthy of admiration. In fact, he reminded Nemea of her father in some aspects.
Her instinctive response was disgust at comparing him to her father. Then, a growing consciousness would chide her that this Kraven was nothing like the one from her time. Ah, there's the rub. Perhaps if she'd allowed herself to get to know this Kraven without thinking of the old one, things would have been different. But, she hadn't. Now, her perception of him was clouded, tainted so to speak. She thought it unlikely that she would ever give him a chance.
"Let's go," Kraven shouted.
Kahn swung onto his horse and the party charged out of the gate at full gallop. When they neared the targeted valley, they split into three groups. Two went on higher ground to serve as a guard for those who'd venture in. Soren led one of the former groups, and Kahn the other with Viktor among his members. While their horses clambered up the stony hillside, Kraven's party waited at the mouth of the valley.
Lush green grass was studded with rocks and stones as the land sloped down at both sides to meet in a smooth, yet narrow area. It was a treacherous place to be caught in an ambush. Caves dotted the hillside, concealed behind the boulders that bordered the route. Any number of renegades could be hiding there, laying in wait for them.
Raze growled from his position between Sacha and Nemea. Clearly, the lycan did not like the group his charge had picked. As the party to enter the valley, they were in the most danger, even with the other two groups watching out for them. When Sacha insisted on joining him, Kraven had compromised by making the prince stay at the center.
The appropriate signals were given. Both groups were in position overlooking the valley. With a nod to the heir-apparent, Kraven prodded his horse forward, with Nemea lagging behind with the rear guard. The two were experienced enough to know that the renegades wouldn't try anything until their group was right in the middle of the valley and unable to turn back. For all their madness, these lycans were wily enough.
"Get ready," Kraven whispered under his breath. "Wait for it...wait for it..."
Nemea warily eyed their surroundings, as she continued to jog her horse along.
"Now!"
There was the hiss and scrape of metal as swords were unsheated and all the lycans in attendance howled in anticipation. Those that were still faithful had armor to protect their bodies from rabid bites and distinguish them from their renegade kin. Yet, both fought with the same ferocity. Through the snapping of bone and tearing of skin, the vampires rode their horses with swords rising and falling. Blood spattered as they found their mark, or jugular veins were ripped by gleaming teeth.
Then, the first volley of arrows came from above. Armored as they were, the vampires and their lycans were sufficiently protected, but the rabid ones started to fall. Yet, just as they though the tide was turning in their favor, the vampires were attacked by another wave of renegades. There seemed to be two for each one that had fallen previously. Although Kraven had prepared nights for this raid, he had not anticipated such a great number in this area. Despite their superior weaponry and careful strategy, they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of the lycan enemy.
The raid had turned into a rout. And time itself started to turn against the vampire forces. The hours were slipping past, and the night sky started to lighten in color. Soon, the fiery sun would be upon them.
"Retreat!" Viktor's voice rang out through the valley.
Covering the withdrawal of his forces with another round of arrows, the ancient vampire watched the fight draw to a close with a look of chagrin. With Raze clawing a path through his rabid kin, Sacha started his way towards safety. Nemea stayed behind to cover his back. Then, the path closed behind her former charge and she was left alone on the wrong side of the field. By then, she was bleeding profusely from her numerous wounds. Yet, despite her light-headedness, she continued to fight.
She felt her horse fall from under her. But, before she could follow it, she was lifted and swung onto another. Grim-faced, Kraven slashed his way through the throng. Nemea noticed that they were going the wrong way and looked at him in confusion.
"We won't make it to the castle before sunrise," he explained, kicking a renegade that came too close. "We need to take shelter somewhere else."
She managed a weak nod before everything went dark.
*****
When Nemea regained consciousness, it was to the sound of dripping water. Vision blurry, she barely made out Kraven's concerned face.
"Good. You're awake." Even his voice sounded distant to her.
She tried to sit up, but then almost passed out from the pain.
"Don't try that. You're badly hurt."
"Where are we?"
"In a cave not far from the valley."
"The renegades?"
"Retreated to their lairs, I think."
"...What time is it?"
"The sun's barely risen. You were only out for a few hours."
"So, we have to wait."
"Yes." She heard his breath hitch in hesitation. "...I've tended to most of your wounds, but you won't heal if you don't feed."
"Like someone's just going to walk right in here for you to snag him."
She began to laugh humorlessly, but choked on the coopery tang of blood.
"Drink," he said fiercely.
There was the sound of a blade unsheated, then the scent of fresh blood in the air. She growled at the taste as it was brought to her lips. All rational thought fled in the presence of the beast inside of her, who relied on survival instinct alone. Delirious and hungry, she grabbed at that source of nourishment and greedily took it in. Everything else was a haze after that. She remembered the solid presence of another and soothing whispers, fingers smoothing her hair. When the sustenance was taken away from her, she screamed in protest and beat the other in frustration. There was a gasp of surprise, then her lips found cool flesh once more. She relished in the touch and the closeness. All the beast could think of was to take, so she took.
When she came to the second time, she found herself in her room back in the castle. She'd moved out of the royal quarters years earlier, so this one was more spacious and private. Feeling another wave of light-headedness, she weakly rested against the bed's headboard, only to find that she was not alone.
A pale Kraven sat in a chair nearby. He seemed to have been there from some time. After initially meeting her gaze, he cast his eyes to the ground.
"How are you?" He asked quietly.
"Better," was the soft reply.
"Do...do you remember anything?"
"I remember the cave..."
"And does that change anything for you...for me?"
"...It was a mistake," she said flatly. "I wasn't myself."
"I thought you'd say that." His smile was more of a grimace.
"Wh - " He cut himself off. "...Can't you give me a chance?"
Although his voice was level, his eyes were pleading with her.
"I don't know if I could."
She was surprised when hope actually lit up in his eyes. With a wan smile, he stood from his chair and headed for the door. As he opened it, he paused.
"You have forever to change your mind, and I'm not yet tired of waiting. Rest well, Nemea."
Only when the door closed after him did she realize it had been the first time in years that he had addressed her by name.