It had been four hours since I made my choice to participate in the deadly Trials of Initiation. Kurda had surprisingly offered to help me and my friends in whatever way he could. Some may call that generous, but I called it being a brown noser.

Judging by the pale look on Gavner's face, this next coming week wasn't going to be a cake walk. From what I've been told, even after ruling out the impossible tasks given my age and half vampire status, there were still 17 choices for the upcoming tasks. All of which could still mean certain death for me if I didn't prepare properly in the day allotted to me. It seemed people were pulling loopholes out of thin air in order to give me the best chance they could, I was determined not to let them down. If I failed my vampire mentor would be deeply shamed; maybe not outright ostracized by our fellow clansmen, but in his own heart he would have to live with it.

"What should I expect?" I asked, as I poked at my food. I hardly had any appetite. The mountain had a limited array of food choices: tonight I just picked up some bat broth and bread.

"The Trials are part of our vampiric heritage, going back as long as any vampire can remember," Gavner told me. "In olden nights every vampire had to participate in them at every council."

"Now, only those who wish to become generals take the challenge." Crepsley continued. He'd been rather quiet the past couple of hours. I was beginning to worry about him. I slide down the bench next to him and timidly pushed a mug of blood his way. The red headed vampire gave me a weary smile and brought the drink to his lips, I blushed with pride and felt rather pleased with myself. Gavner narrowed his eyes at me and I quickly reorganized my expression to neutrality.

"So if I take these trials, and pass, will I become a general?" The idea didn't really appeal to me. Not only that but I doubted I had the experience to hold such a position, but maybe it wouldn't be so bad?

"I'm afraid it's not that simple," Kurda shook his head. I didn't particularly care for the vampaneze sympathizer. To me, the vampaneze were more than misguided, they were out right evil. However, Kurda wanted to use diplomacy to quell any kind of fighting which I appreciated. The only thing I liked less than the vampaneze was unnecessary violence.

"There are more tests than the trials to become a general. However, many undertake them in order to prove themselves to other vampires and to gain good standing." I scoffed, I wasn't doing this to prove myself. What other people thought of me wasn't really my business. I was only doing these for one reason and one reason only: my mentor. Call it whatever you want, but I wasn't about to sacrifice his reputation just because he blooded me. He gave me a choice, and I had made my own bed to lie in.

"You could end up in a room filled with fire or water. Or maybe even a room of deadly spikes. They could have you fight wild animals infected with ur blood," Gavner grimaced at the thought. "We won't know until they've been chosen, one at a time."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I knew that vampires lived a bloody, violent life but even this seemed rather extreme. "What happens if I can't succeed….do I just quit?" The temperature in the Hall dropped nearly thirty degrees. No one spoke. The air was silent until an answer came from the doorway.

"If you fail, you will be executed in the Hall of Death, according to custom." Seba said grimly.

My heart fell to the ground, "Are you fucking serious?" I yelled. Everyone around me was stony faced and silent. I threw my head down on the table and moaned. "Why didn't anyone tell me before I accepted?"

"Do not despair, Miss Shan. Not all is lost. You've been given the period of preparation, even though some may consider it unfashionable it is undoubtedly advantageous to have that extra time."

"Any tasks that would be impossible for you has been ruled out as well. When you face the challenges it will up to you to succeed, and also the gods to bless you with the luck of the vampires." Gavner said solemnly.

On instinct I reached for Crepsley's hand and squeezed it on my own. "I can do this, right?" The vampire usually kept things close to his chest and never let his emotions show, but now I could see nothing but pride and concern in his eyes shining clear as day.

"I believe in you." He stated simply. I took his words in stride. There was no way I could give up before I even tried. If I failed, I would be put to death if the trail didn't kill me in the first place. There would be no room for error, or panic, or cowardice.

I knew, in my heart, I would be triumphant.


Day had slowly turned to night and it was nearly time for me to pick out my first trial. Mr. Crepsley had come to my room early with a change of clothes. I couldn't very well go galavanting out in a long fancy dress now could I? He handed me a bundle that contained a simple halter one piece made from leather, especially designed not to weigh me down or snag on anything, and a pair of soft shoes. When we left the room to head to the Hall of Princes, we were greeted by a familiar face on the way there.

Arra Sails and I were not on the best terms. She had agreed to take my hand after I beat her on the bars, in order to give me her respect. But that didn't mean we liked each other.I was curious about her since she was one of the only female vampire's I'd ever talked to, but until we we were more comfortable with one another I couldn't even dream of asking her the many questions that burned in my mind.

"It won't be long now, how are you faring?" She said to me. The bar's master was in top form today, even with her many scars she was still highly attractive and I couldn't help but feel a small twinge of insecurity standing near her. I may have had a woman's body but compared to vampiress I was nothing more than a school girl.

"Considering the circumstances, I'm feeling rather calm." It wasn't exactly a lie. It wasn't exactly the truth either. Somewhere in my head I'd managed to stuff my panic into a locked box. There was no room to focus on it for the time being.

"We may not be great friends, Miss Shan, but I've been through these trials three times already," She said proudly. "If you need help preparing did not hesitate to seek me out." For maybe the first time, I smiled at the woman. Perhaps my first impression of her had been wrong…. I could always use another female friend.

"Thank you, we will keep that in mind." Crepsley said with a bow to the woman. Arra gave a small smile, her eyes softened ever so slightly and I immediately bristled.

"As courteous and handsome as ever, Larten."

My blood ran cold as the vampire in front of me turned pink. I gazed past him at the woman as felt my eyes narrow into a sharp, iron glare. If I had been a cat, I would have been hissing in contempt. Thoughts of friendship had flown from my mind like a horde of bats escaping a cave. Mr. Crepsley took the compliment in stride, almost as if he were used to it, which only incensed me more.

"You are as beautiful as ever." He replied. I was about ready to hit the ceiling, cry, or spontaneously combust. Thankfully, Gavner came upon us and after catching the tailwind of the conversation he took one look at my face and half dragged me down the hall. I was too stunned to protest.

"Let's go everyone, time is not on our side."

No matter how pissed I was, I couldn't allow myself to be distracted at the moment. As we entered the Hall of Princes everyone had gathered to hear the fate that would be bestowed on me. I felt a nervous lump form in my throat and I struggled to swallow it down. My friends all left me to stand aside. Even Harkat gave me a small wave from the sidelines. I smiled and gave him a wave back.

The three princes were practically looming over me from their station on the platform above. Arrow, Pari, and Mika were speaking in low tones amongst themselves. They conclude whatever business they were discussing and with a sharp clap they quelled all chatter from the crowds and looked down upon me.

"Samantha Shan, are you prepared to take on any challenge presented to you?" Mika asked from his throne. All eyes were on me.

"I am." I replied steadily. A murmur swept through the crowd. There was an equal mixture of people pleased and displeased with my answer. What they had to say didn't matter, because the only one taking on these tasks was me. I couldn't lose faith in myself or i would definitely fail, and the price for failing was downright deadly.

Arrow held a leather bag high in the air, "Would anyone like to inspect the bag?" A general stood forward. Even if there was no reason for cheating, someone always checked it just in case. When he was finished, Paris Skyle reached into the leather bag filled with numbered rocks. When he withdrew his hand and placed the green stone on the the other princes inspected it as well.

"Number 33, the Riddle Room." There was a mixed response which complied sighs of relief, snorts of disgust, and carefully hidden laughter.

Riddle Room? As soon people started filing out of the room I noticed Crepsley had began to walk toward me. I was still licking my wounds over what had happened earlier so I quickly moved to avoid him and in doing so ran smack into Vanez.

"There you are! You can say no if you want, but I've discussed it with the Princes, and they won't object if you ask me to be your Trials tutor. That means I'd tell you about the challenges and help you prepare for them. I'd be like a second in a duel, or a trainer in a boxing match."

"Sounds good to me," I said nervously. I would need all the help I could get. I was an alright student but being out of classes for nearly 5 years certainly wouldn't be helping me in this challenge.

"You don't mind, Larten?" he asked as Mr. Crepsley joined us.

"I have no objections if that's what she desires, I had planned to be her tutor-"

"Thank you, Vanez. I'll come to meet you in a bit." I cut the vampire off and hurriedly went to leave the room. I found Gavner milling about the hallway. When he saw me he approached immediately; I practically shrunk half in size under his scrutiny.

"Everything alright?" The general gave me a knowing look. I grimaced and attempted to walk passed him. I wasn't in the mood to 'chat but he wasn't easy to shake. He followed me down the hall to everyone's sleeping quarters, "Ah, unrequited love. Unfortunately I know how that feels all a bit too well-"

"What the hell are you talking about?" I whirled around with murderous intent. If Gavner had been a lesser person he would have slunk away from the sheer intensity of my eyes burning holes into him. But he wasn't a lesser person, and he had me cornered outside my room

Gavner chuckled, "I can read you like a book. Even if my friend has a head denser than a rock. Why don't you just tell him you-"

"No way!" I exclaimed. Panic was rising in my chest, I tried to scoot passed the vampire but he out maneuvered me.

"I know he isn't the most warm person, but don't be af-"

"For the love of the gods!" I pleaded in desperation. "Keep your voice down!"

"Samantha?" My mentor called from down the hall, he hurried to catch up with us. My heart had taken off a mile a minute. I had to get out of here. I couldn't face either of them without everything coming unravelled at the seams.

"I'm only trying to help you. Stop pinning and do something about it!"

"What is going on here?" The red clad vampire looked cross after being ditched, only to find his student and friend on the verge of a fight. All the emotions I'd been stuffing down came gushing out of me. Panic, jealous, fear, insecurity, and sadness has seized my brain and tongue; I couldn't answer him even if I wanted to.

"It seems my teasing had gotten out of hand I apologize." Gavner gave me a pointed look. "I can admit when I'm wrong. I can admit many things." I didn't dare answer him as the general made plans to meet us later then took his leave. Crepsley looked thoroughly confused.

"Have I missed something?" He said, I tried to move passed him but he grabbed my arm and pulled me back. Thwarted again!

"Nothing! It's none of yours or Gavner's business!" I yelled in panic.

Crepsley scowled, a hint of concern hiding in his eyes. Always playing thing closed off, never letting his emotions show. He was damn near impossible to figure out. "As your mentor it is my duty to look after you, I can not do so if you are keeping secrets. Now tell me at once, what is going on?"

"Please, "I begged, holding back tears. The vampire let his mask slip ever so slightly, and it the dark dankness of the hallway, I could seem a bit of the inner workings of his mind shining through. "Just let it go-"

"Shan, hurry up!" By the luck of the gods Vanez finally reappeared to begin training immediately. We left the flabbergasted vampire in our wake as we headed to the library to begin working on my first challenge


"I am going to run you through a few of the more difficult phrases," Seba reached up and grabbed a dusty tome off the shelf. The library was surprisingly cozy and (unsurprisingly) relatively untouched by a lot of the vampires.

"Remember, this challenge is based on strength of the mind and not the body. A true vampire must be well trained in both, " Mr. Crepsley stated. I pointedly ignored him. I've given him the cold shoulder for nearly 24 hours and I could tell it was driving him up the wall. Gavner had yet to reappear after my outburst, not to say I could blame him.

"There is a house, one who enters it is blind. When they leave, they are seeing. What is it?"

"Pfft, that one is easy. It's a school" I scoffed. Truth was if I hadn't heard this in middle school in english class I would have been clueless, but my mentors were already working me into the ground.

"Very good," Vanez commented. "The Riddle Room however, will not be as simple. Not only do you have to answer the riddle correctly within five minutes, you have to do so while the walls slowly close around you."

I groaned in frustration, "But what if I begin to panic?"

"You cannot panic, if you do you will not be able to concentrate on the riddle." Crepsley said sternly

Vanez murmured his agreement, "We need to offer you some incentive during this training session. From now on, if you answer a question wrong I will break one of your fingers-"

"No way!" I yelled, but Vanez already held my arm with a death grip.

"Don't worry, I'll reset them before the challenge. They will heal within a day." The games master said in a matter of fact manner, as if that made it any better!

"Alright, let us continue," Seba hurriedly flipped the pages of the book, "Ah, here we are…"

"What has four fingers and a thumb but is not alive?"

I gave the quartermaster a helpless look, "A...dead person?" I didn't need to listen to know I had said the wrong answer. Vanez gripped my pinky finger despite my protests and retched in backward painfully, I only slightly swallowed my scream. It was going to be a long night...


Twenty four hours and ten broken fingers later, I stood outside an unmarked room waiting for the princes and nursing my poor abused hands. Crepsley stood moodily off to the side; we hadn't talked in nearly two days, and it was starting to wear on both of us. Me much more than him. As much as I wanted to cling to him and confess everything I just couldn't do it. I was a coward, and no matter how much it hurt to secretly stow away my emotions I knew the pain of his rejection would hurt a hundred times more. I could tell myself all I wanted that maybe things would work out, but the thought of things actually working out terrified me too. It made zero sense, and was also completely sound reasoning. If it went wrong, things would change between us, and if it went right, it would change then too.

As i paced outside the closed door I refused to give the idea any more energy. I shoved everything into that box once more and locked it tightly, so nothing would come out. That is where the emotions would stay until this nightmare was over with. Then, and only then, would I be free to actually consider them.

Paris and Mika strood down the hall, looking both regal and terrifying all at once. The princes offered their greetings to the small entourage that formed around me comprised of: Gavner, Mr. Crepsley, Arra, Vanez, Seba, and Harkat. Each one came up and gave me their best blessing of good luck, when my mentor finally approached it was only with great reluctance that I dared meet his gaze.

"No matter what happens, " He spoke softly, " Do not lose your cool. May the luck of the vampire be with you." the redhead stepped aside and I couldn't stop my eyes from following him.

"Are you ready to face this challenge Miss Shan?" Mika stood imposing, garbed in his usual all black ensemble. I stiffly shook my head and stepped forward.

"When you have the answer to the riddle, shout it aloud and if we deem it correct we will inform the generals to halt the walls at once. The walls will not be reset after every round, and if you do not answer all our questions in the allotted time you will be crushed flat."

"Even in death, may you be triumphant."

I swallowed heavily as the two princes went into the room ahead of me, sweat was already starting to collect on my skin as I walked forward into the room. Whatever happens now, the rest is in my hands. I'd been prepared best I could.


The Riddle Room was a 10ft by 10 ft concrete box without a roof. There was one entrance and one exit, past which there were raised platforms where the princes as well as 90 percent of the vampire on the mountain eagerly waited. An intricate pulley system allowed all of the walls to operated by several generals on each side; once the clock started the vampires would push and pull against the pulley system, causing the walls to move inward. Vanez had told me there would be 5 questions. If I guessed the answers correctly the walls would halt, if not they would continued forward. The walls would be pressed toward in a total of 17 minutes, hopefully not with me between them!

I eyed the gray, dirty stone walls with disdain and tried to center my mind. I picked a chipped stone in front of me and used that as my primary focus, I had to block out everything around me. Vanez had told me the best way to beat this challenge was to keep an empty head, and stay put, if I began to panic and get out I'd only be wasting time. Even if I could managed to scale the walls I would be apprehended and executed

"The Trial shall commence after the opening statement," Mika spoke above the crowd, "all shall remain silent during the recitation."

A hush filled the arena at once, you could hear a pin drop even if you weren't a vampire. I locked eyes with Paris, the oldest prince. He kind hearted vampire offered a small smile before speaking.

"I move very slowly at an imperceptible rate, although I take my time, I am never late. I accompany life, and survive past demise, I am viewed with esteem in many women's eyes...What am I?

As soon as the old prince concluded his sentence to sound of gear churning and coming to life flooded my sense, I took a look around me and noted the stoney walls creeping closer. My heart rate skyrocketed.

Focus! I yelled inwardly. I looked back at the stone I'd picked earlier and took a deep shuddering breath.

What grows with you, but you can't see it growing. Woman love it and cherish it….they have it in life and death? Good teeth?...No, those turn to dust...Honesty? That doesn't exactly grow…. I growled in frustration and and ran a hand through my long locks…..my hair…..hair!

"A woman's hair!" I shouted over the groaning of the gears. The princes whispered amongst themselves then made a hand gesture. The walls stopped moving at once.

"Well done, Miss Shan… Onto the next one…"

I would have sighed with relief if I wasn't so wound up. I'd lost nearly a foot of space in the time it took me to answer and already I was having a hard time breathing in the smaller space. I wanted to get his done as soon as possible.

"Marking mortal privation, when firmly in place. An enduring summation, inscribed in my face...What am I?" The churning sound started again, but I had learned the answer to this with Seba.

"A tombstone!" I shouted in glee, and the walls stopped once more. The crowd murmured their approval at my quick answer. I smiled to myself, but willed myself not to lose focus. The next two passed in similar fashion. I only became seriously stumped on the last one and by the time I finally choked out an answer, the walls were so close I could stretch my arms and touch either one with my finger tips. It took everything I had to stay calm.

"The last riddle is to be spoken," Paris said over the restless crowd. Timed event such as these were not many vampire's favorites to watch. They'd rather see me duke it out with a wild animal than antagonize over tricky words. Can't say I blamed them.

"You carry it wherever you go, it is given to you by your blood, yet it ne'er grows heavy..what is it?"

I pressed my hands on the walls next me as if to stall it, but it made no difference. The walls slowly inched around me covered me in their inky shadows. I felt my breathing grow labored as the cool stone pressed in further.

Something I carry that will never grow heavy? Clothes and items can be heavy with water, a heart can be heavy with emotion...what else did I own? My blood...my family? What has my family given me…..

I nearly jumped out of my skin as the walls forced me to turn sideways. As the cold surface squeezed me I found just enough air in my lungs to scream, "MY NAME!"

The walls pressed in a further inch, robbing me of my breath, I prayed the princes had been able to hear me. The pressure was too much to bear and black spots danced around my vision. I'd never felt death this close in all my life.

And then, all at once, the pressure stopped increasing. When the churning sound began again I thought this time those walls were really going to crush me flat, but little by little the walls retreated, and the crowd's cries grew louder. As soon as I had enough room I dropped to the ground and took in three, large breaths to steady myself. The exit door opened at once and the first to run out was my mentor, who promptly scooped me up and lifted me high into the air.

"You did it!" He roared, applause was slowly building around me. But I didn't care about anything other than the warm body holding me up.

"Well done, I say, well done!" Seba cheered. I grinned like a mad woman and allowed myself to be led out of the room by my friends. The hall was crowded with the faces of many vampires.

"Funny, I didn't take you to be a scholar, "Gavner teased, I frowned and hit his arm lightly.

"I'm very scholarly!" I huffed. "I doubt you've ever even touched a book." Gavner turned red and Mr. Crepsley let out a hearty chuckle, the sound of his laughter lifted my spirits. Considering the fact I was nearly crushed to death, I felt entitled to some joy.

As we made our way back to our rooms, Kurda slank toward us out of the darkness clutching a map like a total creep. I mean, really, who slithers around like that?

"Kurda! Oh, Kurda!" I called, waving him over. He seemed startled that I'd noticed him. I'd seen the blonde vampire sneaking around a lot lately, something definitely was off about him.

"Miss Shan, marvelous job on your first trial." The prince to be smiled brightly. I wanted to tell him just where he could shove his sunshine attitude but I bit my tongue. Verbal abuse could wait until after I caught him doing…..whatever it was he was up to!

"It was as good a start as any. Gods only know what they have in store for me next." I mused aloud.

"Too slow for my taste," Arra sniffed. Ah...I'd nearly forgotten about her. "I was expecting more blood."

"Right, as if nearly getting crushed wasn't enough?" I quipped. "Maybe the next one I'll get roasted alive, or beaten to a bloody pulp…"

"Now, now, no sense it fearing the future. For tonight, you are a winner, and that can not be wrested from your hands." Seba said soothingly. I gave the quartermaster a small smile to show my appreciation. My mentor tapped me on the shoulder, I turned myself to face him, still on edge from the past few days.

"I think it best if we retire for tonight, when you awaken tomorrow we will receive the next task. It's best to be well rested just in case."

I frowned, "Right, no breaks."

Kurda cleared his throat to get my attention, "You may find yourself with more time for a break, once the final vampire arrives to the mountain , the festival of the undead will occur. During which no official business may occur."

I nodded my head with pleasure, "Excellent, I'll keep this in mind." with a tight smile I slipped away and began my trek down to my room. To my chagrin a certain red headed vampire trailed behind me. Now, if only I can lock this door before he- As soon as I moved to close the door, a red clad arm shot out and wretched the door open.

"I hope you were not planning on closing that?" The vampire said testily. "Did you think I had forgotten our conversation?"

"A girl can hope," I laughed dryly. We'd only been on the mountain for few weeks and I'd already transformed my little cave-room into something a little more...me. It was as hard a task as any but befriending the person in charge of all the stores on the mountain certainly had its advantages.

My coffin was lined with soft blankets in a pretty jade color. They didn't electricity on the mountain other wise I would have hung up some fairy lights, but I made do with plenty of candles. I used a bolt of gossamer fabric as a sort of makeshift canopy hung on a tall lantern holder. I'd brought in two wooden chairs and a round table, a spider web dollie underneath a vase of dried roses stood in the center. I thought all these touches made it a bit more homey even if it wasn't the cirque….

"What is troubling you?" the vampire leaned against the door frame, blocking my only exit from the now too small room. I hoped I wouldn't have any residual claustrophobia after my first challenge.

"It doesn't concern you." Big lie. Huge lie. The largest lie ever told. He saw right through it in a mere second. The vampire tilted his head back and peered down at me.

"If I have to ask you again I am afraid I will have to resort to drastic measures. Seba has told me numerous times now that I am too lax with you." Crepsley threatened. I knew the vampire to be true to his word but that didn't stop me from giving him the brush off.

"What, going to tickle me again, or perhaps tear hair out of my nose?"

"If you insist on acting like a child, " The vampire edged closer, "Then perhaps I will put you over my knee like one. We shall see if you laugh then!" Now that shut me up, and made me flush with embarrassment. Two points for Crepsley.

"Alright, alright," I held up my hands defensively. "I'll tell you the truth…" the vampire relaxed his position, and gestured for me to continue. "This isn't easy for me to say…." An awkward silence filled the room. The two of us got into a staring match, red and blue energy clashing violently between us. This isn't going to work…

I took a deep breath, "I didn't like seeing Arra talk to you like that. The two of us...aren't exactly friends…"

Crepsley slumped like a great weight had been lifted off him, "Was that all? I hardly see that as a solid reason to warrant Gavner's intervention...Arra and I always speak to each other like that, we were involved once."

Electricity came down from the sky and shot right down my body and was burning me from the inside out. I hoped for once my super keen vampire hearing had misheard him.

"Involved…" I said softly. The word was heavy with meaning but I looked to him to clarify. Maybe it didn't mean what I thought….

"Yes, Arra Sails and I were once mates...or as human may call it spouses. Vampire live so long, ad since we have children,we often form short arrangements."

"So you... And her… Were married." Every word took great effort. I had felt like a live wire after my challenge, but now I was effectively short circuited. Destroyed. My entire being felt razed to the ground.

"I can understand you probably assumed she was being disrespectful, but I assure you it was perfectly okay." My mind reeled back. Ok, Crepsley..Just stop talking! The vampire obviously was not on the same page as me, and I was so exhausted mentally, and physically. I didn't have the strength to push my agenda.

"I think...I need to lie down." I grumbled as I meandered over to my coffin. I was ready to sleep for an eternity.

"I am glad we were able to rectify this. Gavner must have tried to explain it to you, but I know how stubborn you are. "He chuckled fondly as he moved to leave. I'm happy one of us was in a good mood.

I mumbled my goodby and finally settled down into bed. It was only then in the darkness and solitude of my cave room that I finally opened up that small, locked box and examined its contents. As if having my mentor love someone else wasn't bad enough she had to be an example vampire on top of that. I didn't think lowly of myself, but realistically I could never compete with Arra Sails. If Mr. Crepsley still had feelings for her, which I suspect her does, I wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell. When sleep finally came for me, I welcomed it with open arms. I'd never been so grateful to leave my thoughts behind me...


Awwhh, poor Sam. To be honest, I don't really like the Riddle Room trial but I wanted to challenge myself to write something less cannon since there's going to be a lot of divergence from the plot, just bear with me you guys. And definetly let me know if you like having different challenges. If ya'll want me to use the same ones as the book please let me know. And if you have any suggestions that would be hella welcome.

Thank you!

-PMD