Chapter X

Chapter Song: The Offspring - You're Gonna Go Far Kid

The vampires packed within the Hall of Princes began to cheer and roar with delight when I entered with Mr. Crepsley and Seba. They ushered me forward, pushing my company along with me, so that we could watch close to the platform.

Show me how to lie
You're getting better all the time
And turning all against one
Is an art that's hard to teach

It wasn't long before the disgraced General Kurda was dragged before us, embraced in chains. Vampires brushed his guards aside to attack him, and by the time he reached the platform, he was a bloody mess.

Guards bearing spears spat on him as the Princes made their way forward, following Ariel who quickly advanced toward him with her cloak flowing as if she was about to strike him. "Let's get this over with," I heard her say to her colleagues.

Mika, Arrow, and Paris settled into their thrown but the Princess came face to face with Kurda. Silence came over the hall. Suddenly she jumped, and a guard had to grab her arm and pull her away. The hall whooped and cheered loudly, and she turned her head to spit on him.

Another clever word
Sets off an unsuspecting herd
And as you step back in the line
A mob jumps to their feet

"Order!" Mika Ver Leth shouted, silencing the roaring crowd as Arrow nodded to Ariel with a grin. "We intend to settle each case as quickly and effortlessly as possible. I know feelings are running high, but anyone who interrupts our interrogation of Kurda Smahlt - or the others - will be thrown out immediately. Have I made myself clear?"

"We have been betrayed and besieged," Paris called to the vampires in a loud, solemn voice. "I am as eager as any to see the perpetrators suffer for their crimes, but first we must learn why they attacked and if we can expect further assaults."

A moment of silence. The click of Ariel's shoes rang through the hall as she slowly paced back and fourth infront of Kurda, holding her hands tightly behind her back.

Now dance fucker, dance
Man, you never had a chance
And no one even knew
It was really only you

"Where you in league with the vampaneze we killed yesterday?" She finally inquired.

A pause. Finally Kurda nodded. "I was,"

Several vampires began to scream for his blood and were quickly escorted out of the hall.

"Upon whose orders were you acting?"

"My own."

Ariel jumped forward, her knuckles connecting with the side of his face. His neck snapped to the side, blood erupting from his cheek and he spit out what appeared to be a tooth.

"Liar! Who put you up to this?" She shouted.

"Tell us the truth or so help me I'll-" Arrow barked, but Kurda stopped him.

And now you steal away
Take him out today
Nice work you did
You're gonna go far kid

"I know what you'll do. Believe me, I do not wish to be tortured. I plan on speaking the full truth here. The plan was mine. The vampaneze were here at my bidding. Torture me all you wish - my answer won't change because it can't change. It's the truth."

"You plotted this outrage?" Mika asked in disbelief.

"I did." Kurda nodded. "I arranged for the vampaneze to come. I provided them with copies of my maps, so they could slip in undetected. Mind you, my intentions were meant to save our race, not destroy it. Our only hope lay in an immediate, preemptive strike. Now that it has failed, I fear we are doomed."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Ariel growled.

With a thousand lies and a good disguise
Hit 'em right between the eyes
Hit 'em right between the eyes
When you walk away, nothing more to say
See the lightning in your eyes
See 'em running for their lives

"Mr. Tiny had revealed to the vampaneze that the Vampaneze Lord has come, he walks the earth and he came three years ago. When word reached me, I dedicated myself to the task of reuniting the vampires with the vampaneze. I hoped that if we bonded before they discovered their mythical leader, we could avoid the terrible consequences of Mr. Tiny's prophecy."

The crowd of vampires recoiled in their seats, overcome with shock.

Now you lead the way
Show the lie today
Nice work you did
You're gonna go far kid
Trust and see

"Since Mr. Tiny's visit, they've been strengthening their arsenals and recruiting vigorously, preparing for their fabled leader's coming. He hasn't been blooded, but he's taken his place among them and is learning their ways. My act of treachery was the last desperate roll of the dice. If I'd gained control of the Stone of Blood, I might have been able to win the vampaneze over - not all of our blood-cousins are eager to engage in a war with us. Now that I've failed, the way is open for him. He'll be blooded, take control of the vampaneze, and lead them against us. And he'll win.

"Congratulations, I applaud your valiant display of victory." Kurda's voice was low and bitter. "Now nothing stand between you and a horrible war with the vampaneze." He snapped free from his chain and made the death's touch sign to Ariel and the Princes, then turned and repeated the gesture to me.

Now dance fucker dance
He never had a chance
And no one even knew
It was really only you