The Tale of a Vampiress

by Arra Lindemann

A woman and her friend go to the Cirque Du Freak, the rest is Destiny ;)

37. Chapter 36

The Tale of a Vampiress

Chapter 36:

Jade was beginning to settle in, she was also starting to heal as her wounds had been pretty bad. We couldn't work out how she'd survived, but we were glad that we would be getting a new Clan member, especially another vampiress as they were few and far between, she hadn't been blooded yet, however she would be in due course.

Alicia and Jade seemed to get along, within a couple of weeks they'd become good friends with each other. I introduced Jade to Larten and pretty soon they were getting to know each other, she made it clear to him that any friend of Gavner's was a friend of hers and she had a lot of respect for him.

"I like Jade." Larten stated. "She shows me respect and she acts like a lady should act."

"Well Liz was a good mother, she had old-fashioned values and she taught them to her daughter." I replied. "She will be a loyal friend to you Larten, that's if you allow her to be your friend."

"After she has been blooded I will have to ask Gavner if I can break her in, she is definitely still pure. I hope that you will not mind Anna." I never understood why newly blooded vampiresses who were still virgins had to be broken in so soon, surely it was their body so it should have been their choice.

"Why does she need to be broken in? It surely serves no practical purpose, shouldn't it be up to her to decide Larten?" I wanted to understand the thinking behind it, what was it with vampires and breaking in virgins within a few days of them being blooded?

"It is done so that the other vampires will not be driven crazy by her purity, pure vampiresses have very unique sexual pheromones and their scent drives vampires wild. If they are broken in then they will not release those powerful pheromones, it is a safety issue. How would you like it if you were being mobbed by vampires who had let their most animalistic urges get the better of them?" it made a lot of sense now that Larten had explained it in this way.

"I understand now Larten. I would hate to be mobbed or forcibly broken in, by being the one to break in newly blooded vampiresses you are providing a valuable service, also you do it properly so they don't get hurt or feel violated in any way." I didn't mind at all, it wasn't cheating because I knew about it.

"If the vampiress in question says no then I respect her wishes." he answered. "Every vampiress has the right to say no, even if they are newly blooded."

"I know that Larten, on the other hand I don't think that many would turn you down. I even think that some of the vampiresses would do just about anything to spend an hour alone with you." I was pretty sure that Larten was aware of this fact, but I told him anyway just in case he didn't know.

"I see how they act around me sometimes, some of them blush and others lose all focus, one vampiress told me in fluent Slovakian what she wanted me to do to her body, I was single at the time, however when I went to her quarters I was spotted, a big riot between all of the other vampiresses then ensued. They formed a gang and violently attacked the vampiress who I'd agreed to mate with, in fact she was nearly killed. Jealousy is a nasty thing to experience Anna, it can cause individuals to act out of character, even those who normally live in peace can turn on others when they are jealous of them. I said no to every offer that came my way after that, I settled for casual hook-ups away from Vampire Mountain. A couple of years later I met Arra, she was not like all of the other vampiresses and she even refused to be my mate at first. I actually had to prove myself to her, only after she deemed me to be worthy of her love did she permit me to become her mate." I had absolutely no idea that Larten had been so saught after, I could understand why it had been that way though.

"Incidently what happened when you and Arra became mates? Surely the other vampiresses were not happy about it, were they?" I had to find out, the whole story had me on the edge of my seat so to speak.

"By the time that I was with Arra I was a high ranking General and I was almost untouchable, the other vampiresses did not even dare to speak to me unless it was necessary. They were all non-ranked and besides they were terrified of Arra, she was more than capable of keeping them in line."

"I see. Fortunately for me I've never had to experience such issues, I'm not sure that I could have coped with it to be honest Larten." I had never had to fight over a man and I wasn't about to start now. "On another note I wonder when Jade is going to be blooded, she wants to get it over and done with."

"That is up to Gavner, not us Anna." I had to focus upon my Trials, I didn't have time to worry about when a friend of Gavner's was going to be blooded.

"Good point Larten, will I be picking out my first Trial soon?" I wanted to know what it was so that I could start training for it.

"Yes, you will choose your first Trial tomorrow night. For your sake I hope it is a reasonable one," he sighed. "I do not even want to consider what would happen if you were to be killed during a Trial Anna."

"No Larten, neither do I. I have left instructions with Prince Darren though because he can read them of course, if I die then he will notify you of my wishes." I had to put measures in place just in case I didn't make it, I didn't want to die obviously, but I was prepared to accept my fate.

"I understand." he nodded slowly and poured himself a whiskey, he put the bottle away and sat down next to me. Larten didn't drink very often, however he did enjoy a glass of whiskey if he was feeling stressed out. He sipped the drink slowly and lay back on the sofa we were sitting on. This was about as relaxed as Larten got, except for when we were asleep or mating.

"Are you OK Larten? You seem a bit quiet." I was concerned for his emotional state.

"I am just apprehensive about you choosing your first Trial." he was more nervous than I was and he wasn't even the one who had to take it and pass it.

"Don't be scared Larten, it is destiny's will, if I pass I'll live, if I don't then I'll die. I am not afraid of facing my destiny." I was trying to make the best of the situation I was in, but it was hard to do.

"You are very strong and your attitude shows a good level of understanding, you respect our customs and I have taught you well Anna." I was certainly trying to become a vampiress of good standing, it wasn't easy though.

"I do try Larten, I really do." I sighed and rested my head on his lap, I was tired. Larten put his cloak over my body and we shared a long, intense kiss before I fell asleep...

When I opened my eyes I was inside our coffin and Larten was sleeping beside me. I didn't want to disturb him, however I needed a wee. I wrapped his cloak around my shoulders, as soon as I sat up Larten moved and opened his eyes, he was quite a light sleeper so any movements or noise would usually wake him up.

"Now what Anna?" he grumbled sleepily.

"Nothing, I need a wee is all. I'll be back in a minute Larten." I stood up and got out of the coffin, naturally as soon as I stood up the wolves woke up so they followed me to the toilet, well water closet I should say. I did what I had to do and washed my hands, I returned to the quarters I shared with Larten and got back into the coffin. I lay down again and pulled the cloak over our bodies, Larten was a bit more awake now than he had been so we shared a kiss, I snuggled into him and tried to go back to sleep, at least I was warm and safe, that would always be the best thing about sleeping in Larten's arms. When I woke up again I wasn't sure how long I'd been asleep for, but it can't have been more than an hour or two. A bad nightmare had made me wake up, I was now sweating and breathing fast, panic-stricken breaths.

"Anna, Anna you are alright, you are with me." Larten's voice snapped me out of my confused, post-nightmare state of mind. I got a hold of myself and lay back down, I pulled the cloak over my body and Larten put his arms around me once more.

"I had a nightmare Larten," I said quietly, "it was horrible. All I saw was a room full of flames and we were both trapped, the Vampaneze were coming towards us and Mr Tiny was laughing a really high-pitched, cold, almost cruel, cackling laugh. I woke up terrified and confused." it had been a terrible nightmare, I had been plagued with them for a long time, however none of them had been this bad before.

"I have to admit that you have never reacted so violently to a nightmare before," he stated, "it is one thing that I cannot solve unfortunately, for I do not have the ability to take your nightmares away." I rested my head upon his shoulder and looked straight into his eyes, we shared a kiss and then I tried to back to sleep. I curled up into a little ball, he held me close to him and I managed to go back to sleep...

When I was awake and dressed I went to the Hall of Purta Vin Grahl with my wolves, I got undressed, jumped underneath the waterfall and washed myself. I was all hot and sticky from where I was sweating due to the nightmare, the cold water was good at waking me up completely, the initial shock of the cold was replaced by a feeling of being refreshed and clean. I would have to make myself presentable because I was going to pick my first Trial tonight. I was a little bit nervous, however I had felt much more nervous during my Blessed Mateship Ceremony than I was feeling now.

I went back to my quarters after I was done washing, I had to decide what dress to wear to pick out my first Trial, it was an important, but somewhat solumn occasion so I decided upon a lacey, black dress that laced up at the back with red ribbons was the best way to go. I would always try to wear red because it matched with Larten's own attire. I spun my hair up into a bun with my sparkly hair clips and hairbands, I put my tiara on and I fetched my best, royal blue cloak as my red one was being washed.

"How do I look Larten?" I hoped that I looked OK and not too over-dressed.

"You look like a true vampiress Anna." he replied as he fixed his cape fastenings and adjusted the collar, he liked the high-collar style that capes had, they were rather vampiric after all. "What do I look like?"

"Like an aristocrat, especially with the high collar. It looks like you've raided Dracula's wardrobe." I laughed, nobody else would dare to say such a thing, but I could get away with it.

"If I am Dracula then you must be my bride Anna." he obviously saw the funny side of my comment.

"I thought I already was your bride." I sighed and double-checked my appearance in the mirror.

"You have my rings on your finger and my blood in your veins, all you need now are my marks upon your neck as the ones you had are fading." he stood behind me and kissed my neck, he held onto my waist to steady me as I tilted my head slightly. I could feel his teeth grazing my skin gently as he sucked to make the marks come up. I found the whole thing a major turn on, he never broke my skin once, but he made the marks prominent enough so that every Clan member would know I was his. My breathing got faster as he sucked, I linked my fingers with his and when he was done I turned around and we shared a deep kiss. "Have a look in the mirror, now you truly do look like my bride Anna."

"Oh yeah, so I do. Humans call them slutty and cheap-looking, but I love having the marks of your love on my neck." I sighed and we kissed again, it was much deeper and more passionate this time. When we broke apart I still had my arms around his neck. "We'd better go Larten, we're going to be late otherwise."

"Yes, I agree. The Princes do not like to be kept waiting." we left our quarters, he took my hand and led me to the Hall of Princes. I would have to do my best to compose myself, I saw Alicia and Gavner outside the Hall of Princes and Jade was with them too. We were all waiting for one of the Princes to come and open the doors for us, it didn't take long. Prince Mika came and admitted us into the Princes' Dome itself, we bowed to the other Princes who were in attendance and then I stepped forward.

"Anna, are you prepared to select your first of five Trials of Death?" Prince Arrow asked in his official voice.

"Yes, I am prepared Sire. May the luck of the vampires be with me tonight and always." I replied.

"Bring forth the bag." Prince Mika announced, a General holding a small, leather bag came forward and stood infront of me, the bag was open slightly.

"Place your hand into the bag and pick out a numbered stone, the number corresponds to which Trial you shall face." Prince Darren instructed, I placed my hand into the bag and picked out one of the stones at random. I handed it to the General who nodded.

"I invoke the period of preparation Sire." I stated.

"Very well, the first Trial you shall face is number fifteen which is the Endless Pit." Prince Mika announced.

"What is that exactly?" it wasn't a Trial that I'd heard of.

"You have to climb down into a very deep pit and retrieve the blue stone, bring it back up to the surface and place it onto a platform. The Trial sounds easy, however you have to do it within twenty minutes otherwise you shall fail, also there are creatures down inside the pit to fight off, they guard the stone and you are not allowed to use any ropes or climbing equipment either." Prince Mika explained.

"Then how do I climb down into the pit?" I couldn't figure it out, was it even possible to do?

"That is up to you to work out Anna." the Vampire Prince couldn't give me all the answers otherwise it would have been too easy.

"Uhh OK, I'll give it my best shot Sire. Have you got a training pit or will I use the actual pit during my period of preparation?" I had to know as much information as possible, I wanted to pass the Trial after all.

"We have a training pit, have you selected a mentor yet Anna?" I had quite forgotten about picking a mentor to guide me through the Trials one by one.

"I've chosen Larten, he will be my mentor for the Trials Sire." the decision was a no-brainer for me, we'd descussed it many times in the past. Even if I hadn't have picked Larten he would have volunteered to do it.

"Alright, Prince Arrow shall meet you at the Endless Pit in forty eight hours from now. You have a day to train and enough time to get some sleep before the Trial itself takes place." Prince Darren stated.

"Well it could be worse, I could have picked the Hall of Flames Sire." I was trying to see the positive side of things.

"Yes, but you didn't. Go and start your preparations Anna, time waits for no-one especially vampires." Prince Darren was young, however he was wise and to see him officiating over my Trials was great. I bowed to the assembled Princes and left the Princes' Dome. Larten took my hand and led me to the Endless Pit that was used for training.

"Here we are, this is the training pit. I will take you down to the bottom so you can get a feel for how you should treverse the walls." Larten stated.

"OK, am I allowed a light?" I wasn't sure if there'd be any lights down there or not.

"I will double check, however when you reach the bottom there are torches so you should not need one Anna." he replied. I hopped onto his back and he began to climb down to the bottom of the training pit, he dug his nails into the sides of the pit and scaled down the walls effectively, he never slipped once, nor did he lose his grip. "You have to be confident, you will not slip or fall if you move quickly, but accurately."

"OK, what creatures guard the stone Larten?" I wasn't sure what I would have to face down there, retrieving the stone sounded harder than climbing down to the bottom of the pit itself.

"In the past there were snakes, sometimes a scorpian would be used, now we tend to use wild creatures like black bears, you do not have to kill them, just get past them, grab the stone and get out of the pit within the time limit. The time constraint is the issue, if you get held up fighting the bears or trying to grab the stone then you are more likely to fail the Trial. You have to be quick and agile for this Trial." we were at the bottom of the training pit now and it was light down there due to the torches.

"I understand. So how big is the blue stone?" I wasn't sure how I was meant to carry it and climb up the walls of the pit with only one hand. "Can't I vault upwards and out of the pit after I've grabbed the stone?"

"I guess you could, but the Princes would prefer it if you were to climb up and out of the pit properly. You could vault partially upwards and then you would not have so far to climb though, only do not tell them that I told you that." Larten seemed to know a lot about the Trial and how to pass it.

"I get it." we shared a look and then Larten showed me the blue stone that I would have to retrieve, it wasn't too big. It was shiney, smooth and approximately the size of a potato.

"You will be given a sack to put the stone in, however you must remove the stone from the sack before you exit the pit and place it onto the platform." we then climbed back upwards and out of the training pit, I would have a brief rest and then try it by myself in the real pit.

"There's no bear in the pit right now, is there Larten?" I didn't want to get injured in training before the start of the Trials.

"Not during your training phase, no. The Princes are not that cruel." I looked over the edge of the real Endless Pit and prepared to climb downwards.

"It really does look endless Larten, although this Trial is not so hard when each step is broken down. Can you time me? I want to get into the rhythm of completing the climb and retrieval of the stone, I need to have enough time spare to fight the bears off if necessary and put the stone on its platform." I was determined to master the climbing part of the Trial, the rest of it wasn't so bad. If I slipped and fell or lost my grip then I'd fall to my death most likely, if I didn't die then I'd be seriously injured or even paralysed.

I had my legs dangling over the edge of the Endless Pit, I turned onto my front and pushed myself backwards until I was gripping the edge of the pit itself, I then dug my nails into the hard, stone walls and began my descent into the unknown. I climbed down quite well, I got into the rhythm of it and it didn't take that long to reach the bottom. I was lucky that my nails were rather long and sharp, they acted like individual climbing axes and when I hit the bottom of the pit I familiarised myself with its layout. I had to go through a tunnel at the bottom and into the layer where the bear or other creatures would be, I managed to locate the stone pretty quickly. I jogged back towards the wall that I'd climbed down, vaulted upwards, stuck my nails into it and climbed back up to the top, Larten offered his hand and pulled me upwards out of the pit, I placed the stone onto the platform and sat down.

"How long was that?" I had to know whether I was doing OK, I would only have twenty minutes to complete the real Trial or I'd fail it.

"You did it in eleven minutes and ten seconds. That is not bad at all Anna." Vanez declared.

"Is that too slow Vanez?" I wanted to get quicker if I could.

"The ideal time to complete the Trial is between nine and fifteen minutes, you need to leave yourself enough spare time to fight the creatures if necessary and get the hell out of there." if anybody knew about the Trials it was Vanez, he'd designed most of them so he knew all of their loopholes and he'd written the rules for them too.

"Right, well for my first time with no creatures to fight I did OK in my book. At least I didn't slip and plunge to my death." climbing down the wall and into the Endless Pit hadn't been too difficult, I could see the marks from past vampires who'd faced this Trial so I used those as a guide, although the pit was very dark to start with so I had to feel for the marks, I couldn't see them as such. The further down I would climb meant the closer I was to the torches, when I reached the bottom I would be standing in a cavern. It was quite wide and easy to navigate which was a good thing, the last thing I wanted to do was get lost down there and run out of time. I must have practised the Trial several times, I got faster and better at traversing the walls, however I still hadn't done it with the creatures guarding the stone in place, this was the only part I hadn't actually completed. "I really need to practice the Trial with the creatures in place, Vanez."

"Are you certain about that Anna?" he sounded quite apprehensive at the thought of it.

"Well I'll have to do it during the real Trial so I may as well take this time to practice and figure out the best way of getting past the creatures, otherwise I could get down there during the Trial, struggle to get past them and then run out of time." I had no idea how I was supposed to get past two bears, perhaps bears wouldn't even be used, in fact I could end up facing any manner of wild creatures during my Trial.

"Alright, I'll go and release the creatures. They've been trapped and kept in cages in preparation for the Trial, however I'm not supposed to tell you what creatures they are." Vanez left to go and release the creatures, I on the other hand reset the sand-timer and prepared to climb down into the pit once more, only this time I'd have to face something that I wouldn't have faced before...

I was apprehensive about climbing down into the Endless Pit again, I had no clue what creatures would be down there so I would make sure to take my sword with me. I was permitted to use a weapon, I'd already checked the rules with Vanez before putting my weapon belt on. I would be using a sword because I had used one before and they are easy to carry.

I would soon be making my descent down the wall of the Endless Pit once more, I would have to focus upon the climbing aspect of the challenge, if I were to slip or fall then it could be game over. When I started making the climb downwards into the cavern at the bottom I followed the same path that I'd already used a dozen times, the marks and holes in the rocks were easily located on that part of the wall. When I reached the bottom I dropped from the wall and landed in a crouched position inside the cavern. I grabbed a torch and began to search for the stone (they always hid it in a new place) and it wasn't always being guarded by the creatures either, it was a little trick that I'd become aware of since practising for the Trial.

I searched every inch of the cavern, but the stone was nowhere to be found. This meant that it was indeed being guarded by the creatures, I went forward down the tunnel and into the second section where the creatures would be guarding the stone. I didn't have that much time, I had my sword in one hand and a torch in the other. I was being quiet so as not to disturb the creatures, I couldn't seen them straight away, however I knew that they were there. I took a few steps forward and I used the torch in my hand to see where the stone was, there were more torches in holders on the walls, however they were a bit high up so they didn't really shine on the ground. I stepped on something hard, the floor was black and I hadn't fed for a few days so my night vision wasn't up to scratch either, I bent down slightly to see what it was that I'd stepped on and it was a tail!

One moment I was looking around the cavern and the next I had a lion infront of me, it wasn't a mountain lion though, it was a proper lion with a mane and everything. I held my sword out defensively and lunged at the lion, it was massive. It roared loudly and I took a few steps back, I had no idea what to do as I hadn't faught a real lion before. I'd only ever faught against a mountain lion, although back then Larten had been there and my wolves had been by my side as well. Panicking was hopeless, I had to get the stone and get out of there. I used my vampiric speed to dodge the lion when it attempted to pounce on me, I whipped around and jabbed my sword into its side, I threw the torch on the ground infront of it and grabbed another one, I was trying to make a flame barrier between myself and the lion. I couldn't see the stone, but the second room had lots of nooks and crannies that it could have been placed in. The lion had been slowed down by its wound, the torches also seemed to be keeping it occupied as it wouldn't go too near to them. I was safe for the moment, I jumped up high onto one of the walls, dug my nails into the rock and looked inside every hole that was big enough to conceal a potato-sized bright blue stone. I found it after I looked in about ten or more holes, I put it into its pouch and jumped off the wall. I had speed on my side so I ran straight past the lion and down the tunnel towards the exit wall. I vaulted up onto it and started to climb out of the Endless Pit, I removed the stone from its pouch just before I pulled myself out of the pit and placed it onto the platform. I'd done it, well I'd completed the Trial fully during my period of preparation anyway, however I had no idea if I'd completed the Trial within the twenty minute time limit or not. I looked at the sand-timer and it still had a few grains going through it, that meant that I had got out within the time limit at least. I was however fuming about the lion, I wanted to tear Vanez limb from limb.

"A lion? You put a fucking fully grown African lion down there? What the hell were you thinking Vanez?" I had no idea what Larten would say when I told him about it.

"It is a former Russian circus lion, it is supposed to be tame Anna." he suddenly revealed.

"Well, it isn't. I barely got out of there alive, luckily for me that thing down there is scared of fire. I threw a couple of torches at it and ran right past as quick as I could. I found the stone, you picked a good hiding spot, I'll give you that Vanez." I was still pissed off by the whole thing.

"Look, I'm only following orders. Prince Arrow is the one who told me to use a lion, apparently the bears are still hibernating. I'm not supposed to do this, but I'll fix it so that the lion won't give you any trouble during your real Trial." he whispered in my ear.

"Too late for that Vanez, I stabbed it after it tried to pounce on me. It is still alive though, just wounded." I had to get out of there somehow, especially as there was a time limit so I'd done what I had to do in order to survive.

"Well you passed the Trial, all you have to do now is do the same thing again, but just tomorrow night." he replied. "Larten will be cheering you on, I'm sure. I think I have to escort you and Prince Mika will be there too, at least one Prince has to be present at every Trial. I'll be carrying a purple flag tomorrow which symbolises the fact that you are about to face your Trials."

"I heard about that. Do you think I'll pass after how much training I've done? I haven't stopped practising." I had been practising all night, I hadn't even stopped to eat anything.

"You'll be fine Anna, trust me." he gave me a knowing look and then I sat down. I was exhausted, the constant climbing had made my muscles hurt a bit.

"Can you contact Larten via your mental waves Vanez? I want to see him." I still hadn't got the hang of using my mental waves, although I was better than I had been on previous occasions.

"Sure thing. It is the least I can do for you." he closed his eyes and started to concentrate, he knew what he was looking for as he'd found Larten before. Vanez looked up a few moments later and said, "He's on his way, he'll meet you here Anna."

"Cool, I'm starving. I need to feed before tomorrow and eat a good meal, after that I need to get some rest. I have to let my sore muscles recover, climbing up and down rocky walls takes its toll." I was done with training for tonight, I would still have a few hours to train tomorrow if I needed to, but I was confident enough and I knew what to expect...

When Larten turned up I practically tackled him and we almost ended up on the ground in a heap. I hadn't meant to do it, however I wanted to be near him.

"Somebody is happy to see you Larten." Gavner chuckled, he had been keeping me company whilst was having a break from training.

"I'm sorry Larten, I got a bit carried away." I wouldn't normally run and jump up into Larten's arms, I just let my emotions get the better of me for a minute or two. It was good that Larten had caught me before my momentum had knocked us both over. Sometimes I forgot how strong and fast I could be, I hadn't quite mastered the control of my vampiric abilities, although in general I was OK.

"I will forgive you on this occasion Anna, I know how hard you have been training for your first Trial." Larten stated, he was holding me in his arms bridal style so I had my arm around his neck.

"The creature down there is a lion Larten, a fully grown African lion. I've seen it with my own eyes." I had to tell him, he would have asked me anyway, besides it didn't matter what creature it was as long as I got out of there alive and on time. Larten didn't say anything at first, although we did share a brief kiss and then a longer, more meaningful one. "Right, its time to eat, I haven't eaten anything substantial today Larten. I've been too busy training."

"In that case Anna we will go to the Hall of Khledon Lurt and get you something to eat, they have got beef available tonight and freshly made pies too." Larten put me down so that I was no longer being held in his arms, however he did take my hand afterwards which was sweet of him to do. "Gavner, Alicia and Jade are you coming with us too?"

"Too right Larten, we're all hungry as well. I've had a lot of Generals' business to do and I need my energy, having both a mate and an assistant is exhausting, believe me." Gavner and Larten then shared a look, but I said nothing.

"Have you blooded Jade yet Gavner?" I wouldn't be at all surprised if he had blooded her.

"Yes, I did it a couple of hours ago." he answered.

"I knew it'd be painful, but I never imagined how bad it'd actually be. The stabbing pain in my heart lasted for ages and I felt so sick I couldn't see straight." Jade complained.

"I did try to warn you Jade." Gavner countered. "You are the one who wanted to be fully blooded outright, I was only going to make you a half-vampiress. Being half-blooded isn't as bad because you don't stay joined for too long."

"Oh well, its done now. I've got some really cool scars running across my fingertips too, we all have." she smiled and held up her hands so we could see them.

"Larten, you will need to speak to Jade alone when you get the chance, I don't need to explain why as you already know." Gavner hinted.

"Yes, I will do what must be done Gavner. I shall do it after Jade's vampiric powers have kicked in, it will be better for her that way." they were obviously referring to Larten being the one to break Jade in, thereby taking her purity before her vampiric pheromones could kick in too much.

"Excuse me, but what are you talking about?" Jade queried, she had a right to know of course.

"I will explain it to you later on Jade, there is a certain service that I must perform with your consent, if you allow it to happen it will protect you from unwanted attention after it has been done." Larten told her.

"I see." she said. "Is it painful?"

"No, not if I do it. I am very skilled and I will make it enjoyable for you." Larten sounded confident and that was good.

"You promise? I've been through enough pain already, not with being blooded and all." Jade looked a bit nervous, however she would be safe in Larten's hands when the time came.

"I swear to you Jade, I will be gentle. I know what I am doing." he promised her.

"I believe you, you have honesty in your voice, I can tell." Jade was a good judge of character, that much was clear. "Anna, will you help me to prepare for whatever Larten is referring to?"

"There isn't really a lot to prepare for, it just kinda has to happen naturally Jade. You can't train for it as such." I didn't know what else I could tell her.

"Did you go through the same service when you were blooded Anna?" Jade asked a lot of questions.

"Well, I didn't need to because I had already gone through it before I was blooded. It is only done to vampiresses who haven't already performed it as humans." it was a difficult topic to explain, I was trying to make Jade understand as best as I could. We arrived at the Hall of Khledon Lurt and grabbed an empty table, Gavner went to get our meals and whilst we were waiting I poured us all a drink. "Here's to you Jade, welcome to the Clan. May the luck of the vampires always be with you."

"A toast to Jade, my new friend." Alicia added.

"May you lead a long, honourable life." Larten concluded, he never had been any good at giving toasts or public speaking.

"Thanks guys." Jade replied as we all knocked our mugs together and drank from them. Gavner returned with our meals and we all tucked in, I was so hungry that I barely chewed my food at all. I had a beef and ale pie, well that's what it tasted like anyway and it was rather good. It filled a hole and it warmed me up because the cavern beneath the Endless Pit had been very cold.

"I've got maybe sixteen hours left before I have to take my first Trial for real, are you all going to be there?" I would be needing as much moral support as I could get.

"Well, only your trial mentor and Vanez are allowed by the entrance of the pit itself, all of the other Clan members will be in the spectators' area," Gavner replied, "that's just how its done, we don't want anyone falling into the pit by accident."

"Fair enough, I guess I'll see you afterwards in that case." I really wanted my closest friends to be around me, however I understood why they couldn't be there.

"We'll be cheering you on from the spectators' area, don't worry. You've got this Anna, you can do it." at least Gavner believed in me, mind you he always had been supportive even when I'd first become a vampiress.

"Thanks Gavner, it means a lot to me." I poured another drink into my mug and downed it in one, Gavner's words had given me a confidence boost, I was ready to face the Trial of Death known as the Endless Pit and I was determined to pass it...

When I eventually went to the quarters that I shared with Larten it felt good to actually sit in a comfortable chair, I leaned back into it and got comfortable. I rested my aching arms and shoulders as much as I could, I'd certainly used them a lot during my period of preparation. I must have climbed up and down that rocky wall ten times or more, the lion had scared the shit out of me, but I hadn't let my fear show of course, it would have been un-vampiric to do so.

"Larten, whatever happens to me tomorrow I just want you to know that I love you and I want to be with you forever." I then kissed him as if it would be the last one we'd ever share. I wanted him to have a way of remembering me just in case something went wrong and I failed my first Trial.

"I understand, in fact I feel the same way." we kissed again and it was the best kiss that I'd ever experienced, I became totally lost in him, time seemed to freeze and nothing else mattered to us. When we went to our coffin and got into it I knew that we were going to mate. "If these are our last few hours together then I want to make them incredible Anna."

"I agree, but I also need to get some sleep." I pulled Larten's cloak over us and he closed the coffin lid, we kissed until we became lost in each other and eventually we mated. We took our time, I could feel so much more of a connection to Larten now and our bond was truly unbreakable...

When I woke up I opened the coffin lid, got dressed into some suitable clothing and went to eat something before my Trial was due to take place. I was feeling quite sick and nervous, however that was to be expected given the circumstances. I had practised the Trial a lot, but even so I could still fuck it up if I lost my grip or if I were to run out of time. I was in the Hall of Khledon Lurt, I was eating some of my favourite foods and drinking a small glass of sparkling wine. When I saw Seba and Vanez they both made the Death's Touch Symbol, Larten came and sat next to me and he held me really close, it was like he didn't want to let me go.

"Having a feast, are we?" Gavner mused when he sat down opposite me.

"Well Gavner, I'm going take my first Trial and I want to make the most of what time I have got left, I might die tonight and if I do die then at least this way I'll go out on a high." I had another glass of wine and finished off my venison, I threw the bones to the wolves as they always got my leftover bones. For dessert I would be having a bowlful of wild berries which had been covered in honey and cooked in port.

"If anything goes wrong I will make sure that Alicia is looked after, I promise you." we shared a hug and he held onto me for dear life, he'd never hugged me like this before so I was hoping that Larten didn't mind. "Even in death may you be triumphant Anna." he made the Death's Touch Symbol and we sat back down. Larten held my hand under the table, his hand was warm and I was trying my best to stop shaking. We stayed in the Hall of Khledon Lurt for as long as we could, we kissed and we all had one last drink before I had to leave.

"I guess it is time to go and face my destiny now Larten." we all stood up and Gavner hugged me again.

"Larten, may I share one, brief kiss with Anna? It will be a kiss for luck and for old times' sake." Gavner's request had come as a surprise, although I could understand his reasons behind it. Larten looked a little bit miffed, however he let go of my hand after a moment or two and I turned to face Gavner, he took both of my hands in his and kissed my lips sweetly, I touched his mouth with my tongue playfully and he deepened the kiss, it lasted for maybe half a minute or so before I pulled away.

"Now you'll have a way of remembering me Gavner, you can look back on these moments and treasure them as good memories." I took Larten's hand, he would be coming with me to where the Trial would be taking place and Gavner would also be in attendance.

"We have to meet Vanez, he has got the customary purple flag and he will be walking infront of us. The other Clan members will line up on both sides of the tunnel, they shall salute you as you walk past them and it is customary to acknowledge their salutes." Larten stated. Vanez was waiting for us by the entrance of the tunnel which would lead to the Endless Pit itself, I was wearing my leotard and body armour, I had my sword strapped to my waist as well. "Why are you wearing your leotard?"

"It is tight to my skin Larten so isn't likely to get caught on the rocks, climbing will be easier if I am wearing flexible clothing." Vanez was walking infront of me now and I could see the other Clan members lining up, as I walked down the tunnel some of the Clan members bowed their heads and others made the Death's Touch Symbol. I nodded my head in acknowledgment of them all, Alicia and Jade were waiting by the doors of the room where the Trial would be taking place.

"Anna, good luck. I believe in you." Alicia said. "I will see you afterwards, may the luck of the vampires be with you on this night and all nights."

"Thanks Alicia." I hugged her, normally it wouldn't have been seen as appropriate for a mentor to hug their assistant, however Alicia had been my friend for a long time so I made an exception in this case.

"Even in death may you be triumphant Anna." Jade murmured. Vanez opened the doors to the room and I followed him inside. I could see Prince Mika sitting on his throne, I walked over to the Endless Pit and bowed to Prince Mika. Larten was standing next to me, we were holding hands and I was trying to control my nerves.

"Anna, are you ready to begin your Trial?" Prince Mika had to ask this question as it was traditional to do so.

"I am ready Sire." I agreed. "Before the Trial officially begins, may I have a minute to speak with my Blessed Mate please?"

"Of course, tradition states that those taking the Trials are permitted to say a few words to their mates, they may also ask their mentors for words of advice or encouragement." the Vampire Prince explained.

"Larten, Ich liebe dich." we shared a brief kiss and hugged each other.

"Ich liebe dich auch Anna, mein Herz brennt für dich." I let go of Larten's hand and stepped towards the Endless Pit.

"Anna, your first Trial will start when I turn this sand timer over, you will then have twenty minutes to climb down into the cavern, retrieve the blue stone and place it onto this platform. Do you understand the rules?" the Vampire Prince picked up the sand timer and prepared to turn it over, thereby beginning the Trial.

"Yes, I understand the rules Sire, I am ready to take this Trial." I hugged Larten once more and tightened my weapon belt slightly.

"Even in death may you be triumphant Anna, may the luck of the vampires be with you." the Vampire Prince turned the sand timer and I began my descent into the Endless Pit. I made sure to dig my nails into the rocks as deep as they would go, I didn't want to slip and go falling to the bottom. I climbed down the same route I'd used during my Period of Preparation, I scaled the rocky surfaces on the sides of the pit and traversed them quickly. When I was reaching the bottom of the Endless Pit I could see the torches glowing, I let go of the rocky wall and landed on top of something that hadn't been there during my practice sessions, it felt like a net. I scrambled along it and dropped down onto the floor, I grabbed a torch and started to search for the blue stone. As I was searching for the stone I could see the net clearly, the torch I had in my hand was shining upon it. I suddenly realised that it was a safety net, it had been deliberately placed to catch me if I were to lose my grip and fall from the rocky wall. I couldn't find the stone so I drew my sword and ran into the other cavern, there was a table in the cavern now and the stone was right in the centre of it. It was being guarded by a rather large snake, the snake had coiled itself around the stone, I could hear its tail rattling so I knew what I was dealing with. The snake was striking at me, I waited until it struck again and as it came forwards I swung my sword and took its head off in one slice, blood spurted everywhere including on the stone itself. I grabbed the stone and got the hell out of the cavern as quickly as I could. I vaulted up the wall of the Endless Pit, dug my nails into the rocky surface that I'd already climbed down and got to the top faster than I had done during my practice sessions. I placed the stone on its platform and stood still to catch my breath, I'd done it. I'd passed my first Trial, or at least I hoped I had anyway.

"Congratulations Anna, you've passed your first Trial with four minutes to spare." Prince Mika announced to the crowd in the spectators' seats, they all started to cheer and clap loudly in response.

"I did it Larten, I passed." I was so happy that I'd got through my first Trial unharmed. I'm sure that Vanez had fixed it for me, however I wasn't about to let anybody know about it of course.

"Anna, are you bleeding?" Larten looked concerned, he held me in his arms and we embraced for a good five minutes.

"No, it is snake blood. There was a rattlesnake guarding the stone, when it struck out at me I swung my sword and cut its head off in one movement, its blood spurted all over me and the stone, but I'm alright." Larten gave me his handkerchief and I wiped the blood off my face, then I used it to clean my sword.

"I am just glad that you are OK Anna." Larten took my hand and we left the room that we'd been in, Gavner, Alicia and Seba were waiting for us by the entrance.

"It looks like I've got some more laundry to do Anna." Alicia laughed, parts of my leotard were covered in dust, cobwebs and blood from where I'd been wearing it inside the cavern. My body armour was also in need of a wash, if the snake's fangs had connected with my armour at least I wouldn't have been poisoned, I was glad that I'd had the sense to put it on over the top of my leotard.

"I need a wash and a change of clothes, after that I'd like a hot meal and a stiff drink, not necessarily in that order though." snake blood is lethal to vampires, the last thing I needed was to have it on my skin in case it soaked in and poisoned me by accident. I jumped under one of the waterfalls as soon as I could, I washed myself thoroughly and used a towel to dry off. "Alicia, get me some clean, warm clothing please, there should be some in the chest in my quarters, bring my red cloak with you as well, I'm freezing." she nodded and disappeared, when she returned with my clothing I got dressed and put my cloak on, luckily it didn't take long for my body to return to its normal temperature...

When Alicia and I got back to the Hall of Khledon Lurt I had a lot of Clan members congratulating me, I quickly decided that I would sit between Larten and Seba. I rested my head on Larten's shoulder, he put his arm around my waist and held me gently.

"May I kiss you Larten?" I whispered in his ear. "I know you don't like public displays of affection.

"I shall allow it, seeing as we are Blessed Mates and you have just passed your first Trial." I lifted my head up and kissed him, it wasn't a full-blown passionate kiss, but it was more than just a regular one. Vanez came and sat with us, there was space for him on the opposite bench, each table had two wooden benches on either side of it.

Seba, move your bum I want to sit next to Anna." Gavner said cheekily, Seba moved up and gave him some room. Gavner plonked himself down in the gap and kissed my cheek, I put my arms around him and we hugged briefly.

"I told you that you'd pass, didn't I?" Gavner claimed as he helped himself to a mug of ale.

"Yeah Gavner, you did say that to me." I topped up my almost empty mug with mead and drank it. I liked mead occasionally, but I'd never really been a big drinker. "Onwards and upwards, I've still got another four Trials to endure yet."

"Yes, but you'll be fine Anna. We believe in you, you can do it." Vanez declared with a sly smile.

"I hope so. By the way that rattlesnake was nasty, it was striking at me almost non-stop Vanez." I didn't want to complain about it, I was just stating a fact.

"Well, that's what rattlesnakes do Anna. I saw its body after I went down and cleaned up the cavern, it looked as if you'd made a good, clean cut right through its neck, it wouldn't have suffered much." he replied.

"I'm just grateful that I didn't have to face a bear." I finished my mead and refilled my mug, although this time I topped it up with water. "When will I be selecting my next Trial?"

"Tomorrow night, then you'll have a day to prepare for it before you have to take it." Gavner answered.

"I hope it isn't too nasty." I was dreading the Hall of Flames the most, that and the Path of Needles, the rest of them weren't so bad.

"That's what the Period of Preparation is for Anna, you have use that time to work out a strategy and practice it before the real Trial takes place." Vanez sounded as though he was giving advice, technically he wasn't supposed to because he was in charge of the Trials.

"Right now I want to put all thoughts of the Trials out of my head and get some sleep." I stood up and Larten did too. "Good day you lot, do try not to get too drunk. Alicia, go and exercise the wolves for me, I'm too tired to do it myself. Gavner, you should go with her."

"As you wish, you coming Gavner?" Alicia remarked as she finished her drink and left the table.

"I'm right behind you, sweetheart. I need some fresh air." he answered back. Larten and I went to our quarters, I knew that the wolves would be in good hands so I left them to it whilst we went to spend some quality time together...

I got myself ready for bed and got into our coffin, I was tired and exhausted. I was feeling relieved that I'd passed my first Trial, I had no idea what was coming next, athough I would be finding out in due course. I lay down on my side in a foetal position and snuggled up underneath Larten's cloak, he closed the coffin lid and held me in his arms. I rolled over and kissed him passionately, we would always share a kiss or two before falling asleep in each other's arms, that's if we didn't spend a good hour or two mating first. I was trying to sleep, however I wasn't really tired and I was nervous about selecting my second Trial. Larten was sleeping already, but I was tossing and turning. I thought that I was insomniac or something, could vampires even get insomnia? Eventually I turned over one more time, changed my position slightly and shut my eyes, I was perfectly aware that if I didn't get enough rest between each Trial of Death then I would not be able to focus, focusing is a key part of any test or trial, you won't pass if you can't focus.

I went down to the Hall of Khledon Lurt and sat at a table, the whole room was deserted apart from Prince Mika Ver Leth, he wasn't wearing his official robes either and that wasn't like him, instead he had a dressing gown on. I didn't even know that the Princes had dressing gowns, it was a moment when I wished I'd had a camera that could show vampires in photos clearly.

"Sire, you alright?" I asked him casually after bowing.

"I can't sleep Anna, what about you?" he poured himself a drink and offered me one too.

"Nope, I'm too nervous about choosing my next Trial." I had to tell him the truth, I couldn't lie to a Vampire Prince.

"What are you afraid of Anna?" he seemed to be interested in how I was feeling, at least somebody cared about me.

"Picking the wrong Trial, I really don't want to face the Hall of Flames if I can help it." this is the only Trial that I was truly afraid of facing.

"I see." he mused. "If the luck of the vampires is with you then even if you do pick it you'll pass it. You only have to dodge flames in a room for fifteen minutes, you can hear them before they come up through the holes in the floor anyway, it isn't so bad. In fact I've faced this Trial personally."

"Even so Sire, I don't want to be burnt to a crisp." I knew it was hopeless to hope that the Trial would be removed from the selection bag, but I was feeling better now that I'd got this emotional baggage off of my chest so to speak.

"Did you want another drink?" he offered me his own goblet and I gratefully accepted it from him.

"Well yes, if you're offering Sire, that'd be great." I held out the goblet and he topped it up with white wine, it was decent stuff from inside the Princes' personal wine store. "Thanks for the drink."

"You look like you need it Anna, do not fret about picking your next Trial either. I'm sure that it'll be OK." the Vampire Prince gave me a hug, we'd been friends for a long time so hugging was perfectly acceptable, although the Princes never did it in public which was understandable.

"Thanks for making me feel better, you seem to understand me in a way that others don't." I finished the wine and handed the goblet back. "By the way I'm not used to seeing you without your robes on Sire, although your dressing gown looks pretty cosy. I have to make do with Larten's cloak, I sleep underneath it to keep warm, you see."

"Well I can't blaim you for that, this mountain does get pretty cold at times Anna." he agreed. "I do hope that Larten keeps you warm, if not then you know where I am."

"You are a very bad man Sire." I was blushing because I hadn't been expecting him to say such a thing. For one thing we were both spoken for, also he was a Vampire Prince which made it even more shocking. Vampire Princes were not supposed to say such things, especially to vampiresses who were in Blessed Mateships. "I think we've both had a bit too much to drink, I know that you wouldn't normally say such things to me otherwise."

"There's nobody else around, it is just us. I know that you've got secret feelings for me Anna, don't deny it. Would you allow me to kiss you one time? I want only a single taste of your lips upon mine." I wasn't quite sure how to answer the Vampire Prince's request, I remembered how I'd got off lightly when Prince Arrow and myself had our one-night stand, could I really risk everything for one kiss with Prince Mika?

"Sire, I can't kiss you. Even if I wanted to I must not break the vows that I've made to Larten." I had to stay both loyal and faithful to Larten, I loved him too much to betray him.

"One kiss is all I ask Anna." he was pleading with me now, so much so that I felt compelled to give into his request.

"I guess that one brief taste of my lips won't hurt, you may kiss me Sire, but that is it and it will not happen again." I sat on Prince Mika's lap and we kissed, his tongue touched mine and vice versa for about half a minute or so, then I broke away from him and stood up. "Was that what you wanted Sire?"

"Anna, your lips are like Paradise, Larten is lucky to have you as his Blessed Mate." the Vampire Prince concluded.

"How do I taste?" I was curious because I had no idea, I'd never thought to ask Larten about it either.

"Like forbidden fruits and honey, in other words you are sweet but off limits." I wasn't sure if he was being serious or not, although his answer was quite poetic and I liked that.

"That's good to know Sire." I agreed. "I should really go back to my quarters, otherwise I won't be able to focus on picking out my second Trial, much less being able to train for it."

"I understand, good day Anna." the Vampire Prince poured the remaining white wine he'd been drinking into his goblet, he took a few sips and offered me the goblet. I also took a drink from it and handed it back to him. According to vampiric tradition if two vampires drink out of one drinking vessel together then it is a sign of trust between them.

"I trust you Sire, I know that you'll do right by me." he put the empty goblet down and took my hands in his, I'd never seen this informal side to Prince Mika before either.

"Anna, I will always do right by every Clan member, not just you." he leant forward and kissed my cheek, now it would be my turn to do the same. I went to kiss his cheek, however our lips ended up meeting instead. I deepened the kiss, now it was my turn to taste him as our tongues intermingled, he tasted like the wine we'd just been drinking. I should have pulled away, however I was enjoying it too much. It didn't help matters that Prince Mika's hand was now on my neck, I knew that the longer we kissed the more of a risk it'd be. I didn't want to get caught in a compremising position again. Eventually I pulled away from him and broke our kiss, it'd gone on for far longer than I'd expected it to.

"I don't want to give you any further illicit kisses Sire, one was bad enough, but two is unthinkable, I'm not a cheater." I'd never put a Vampire Prince in his place before, I wasn't even sure if I was allowed to say what I'd just said to him either.

"It is OK Anna, nobody will ever know about it, I also know that you liked kissing me, I can tell." at this point I bowed to him and left. I went back to my quarters and thankfully Larten was still asleep, I shut the lid of our coffin and snuggled into his warm body. I kissed him gently and he opened his eyes, I pulled the cloak over us as we were naked, it served as a good blanket and it kept me warm at least.

"Larten, I just can't sleep. I'm too scared about what my next Trial is going to be." I was feeling rather apprehensive about the whole thing, there would be no going back now though.

"It will be OK, do not dwell upon the negative things in life, instead focus on the positive energy that is around you." Larten was good at giving advice, he was also good at making me feel less on edge and more focused.

"I guess you're right Larten, I'm sorry that I woke you up without a good reason to do so." I turned back over onto my side, closed my eyes and managed to fall asleep...

"Anna, it is time to get up," I wasn't ready to wake up, but I had to. "Anna, get up. We are already running late." Larten was starting to sound rather insistant.

"Just five more minutes." I rolled over and shut my eyes again, however Larten was having none of it.

"Anna, wake up! You have to eat and then select your next Trial." I didn't want to annoy him so I sat up and yawned.

"Alright Larten, I'm awake. I'll go and have a wash and I'll meet you in the Hall of Khledon Lurt." I got out of the coffin, grabbed some clean clothes and left our quarters. I went to the Hall of Purta Vin Grahl and jumped into the pool to refresh myself, it was cold but it woke me up. I washed every inch of my body and dried myself off and brushed my hair. I put it up into a bun so that it would be out of the way, I was wearing one of my best dresses, I would be meeting the Princes after I'd eaten and I simply had to look my best.

"What are we eating tonight Anna?" we went to see what was available. I was so hungry I really didn't mind what we had, as long as it wasn't bats I would be happy.

"Not a clue, rabbit?" I hadn't eaten rabbit in a while, although it was a favourite of mine so I hoped that there'd be some available. "I have to feed the wolves as well, luckily they eat pretty much anything."

"I think they have lamb tonight, not rabbit." Larten passed me a plate and I helped myself to some roasted meat, I threw some racks of ribs down on the floor for the wolves, they grabbed them and started eating. We sat together and ate our food, I filled up a clean mug with water and drank it all because my throat was dry. "Have you finished eating Anna?"

"Yeah, I've eaten as much as I can manage Larten." I put my cutlery down and finished my water, it would soon be time to go and select my second Trial. "Come on, I may as well go to the Hall of Princes now and get it over with."

"I will remain by your side Anna, you need me and I cannot turn my back on you, I love you too much." we shared a brief kiss and he took my hand in his. We walked to the Hall of Princes, we were searched and then Prince Arrow let us into the Princes' Dome. We bowed to the assembled Princes, we had to wait for them to acknowledge us before we would be allowed to speak.

"Anna, you are late." Prince Mika stated.

"I couldn't sleep yesterday, when I eventually did manage to get some rest I overslept, I'm sorry Sire." I couldn't mention what had happened between us of course.

"Are you ready to select your second Trial?" Prince Arrow asked. I was nervous, but I still had to choose one regardless of how I was feeling.

"Yes, I am ready Sire." I stepped forward and took a couple of deep, focusing breaths.

"Bring forth the bag. May the luck of the vampires be with you Anna." Prince Mika announced, a Vampire General brought the bag with the numbered stones in it to me, I put my hand inside and gave it a good stir before picking out one of the stones. I handed the stone to the General.

"Trial number twelve, Generals' Square." the General announced. The General then handed the stone to the Princes to confirm that number twelve was indeed the Trial I had picked out.

"Generals' Square takes place in the Halls of Sport. You and a General face off against each other in a fight, you will be standing upon square platforms that are about ten feet off the ground. The first one to fall or becomes too injured to continue loses, also if you were to step across to the General's platform at any point then that is also classed as a fail, however this is not a fight to the death. You do not have to kill the General, you only have to knock him off of his platform before he knocks you off." Prince Arrow explained.

"It will be a bit like a duel on the Bars, but with higher risks and a slightly different format, however it is still a duel Sire." as Trials go this wasn't one of the bad ones, I felt quite fortunate to have picked it out. "I invoke the Period of Preparation."

"Very well, you have twenty four hours to train and prepare for this Trial. You will also be given time to eat and sleep, you will report to the tunnel entrance which leads to the Halls of Sport and Vanez will escort you to the platforms. You may choose any weapon you like to use during the Trial, but no shields or armour are permitted, however you may use them during your Period of Preparation if you so wish."

"I understand Sire, who will my opponent be?" I didn't know if the Generals volunteered or if they were picked at random.

"The General will be selected by ourselves Anna, he will not be one that you know personally. In other words we won't expect you to fight against one of your friends, otherwise they could deliberately let you win, either that or they could be bribed and that too would be seen as cheating. Any form of cheating results in an automatic fail, failure of the Trials results in execution as you know." Prince Arrow explained. I bowed to the Princes once more and left the Princes' Dome, I would have to begin training as soon as possible to make the most of my time.

"Well Larten, what is your view on this Trial?" I wasn't sure what he thought of my choice.

"It is one of the easier Trials to pass, you should not have any problems Anna. I am more concerned with who your opponent will be." he had a good point, I knew that there were a lot of Generals and all of them were superior warriors.

"That's what worries me too." I had killed Vampaneze in the past, I only hoped that the skills I'd learnt then would be able to assist me now. "I've killed Vampaneze Larten, at least this fight isn't a fight to the death. I think we should start training pretty soon though, I've only got a day to practice."

"If you can knock me off of the platform Anna you will have a good chance of passing the Trial." he replied. "I faught Arra on the Bars many times, I can teach you some combination moves which should assist you, which weapon are you going to use?"

"I thought maybe a staff with a sharpened point on it or a long sword, I can reach my opponent without having to get to close to him this way." I hoped that Larten would approve of my choices, at the end of the day he was the weapons expert so I'd take his advice.

"Long swords are heavy and cumbersome, I would not use one myself for this Trial Anna. A staff could work, however they are made of wood so they can snap or break and you will only be allowed to have one weapon. Personally I would use a lightweight, bladed weapon or something that has a long chain like a mace, you can smash a skull in if you use a mace in the right way, they can also be used from a fair distance away." Larten was certainly knowledgable when it came to weaponry, personally I never even would have considered using a mace.

"That's a good idea Larten, however I haven't used a mace before and bladed weapons appeal to me." I would have to do some research because I knew very little about bladed weapons, I'd only ever used a short sword. "Perhaps a pole-arm or a pike would also be suitable, they're both long and sturdy."

"That could actually work Anna." he mused thoughtfully. Maybe medieval weaponry was the way to go. "I can certainly show you how to use these two weapons at the very least."

"That would be helpful, thanks." I would need all the help I could get and that was putting it mildly.

"What kind of mentor would I be if I did not help you when you need it Anna?" we entered the Hall of Sport where the Trial would be taking place and Vanez lowered the platforms, I stepped onto one of them. The platform was lifted into the air and I looked downwards, the platforms went higher than the top of the Bars almost.

"Wow, talk about being high up. Pass me a pike and let's get this training session started." I would have to make the most of my training sessions, I only had a few hours in which to prepare and I wanted to make the most of them. Larten was standing the other platform, he was holding a long spear and a pike which he passed to me.

"I will not go easy on you, this is serious training, fight hard or fail, it is that simple Anna." Larten took a defensive stance on the platform and we faced each other, I would have to block his lunges as best as I could. I lost count of how many times I fell off or lost my balance and went crashing to the ground, however Gavner would always try to catch me so I wouldn't get hurt from a bad landing.

"This is hopeless Larten, in fact I am screwed. I cannot even knock you down during training so how on Earth am I going to defeat a General?" I would have to climb back up onto my platform for the umpteenth time tonight, it was frustrating for me because I could get one or two hits in, but then Larten would make one strike which I'd block or he'd do a combination move, I would be getting hit by his weapon no matter what I tried to do to stop it from making contact with me.

This whole Trial is proving to be a nightmare and I am only training for it, it isn't even time for the real Trial yet. The real Trial is not taking place until tomorrow so I still have a little bit of time left for training...

"Anna, you've got to keep on fighting. Don't give up now, you can do this." I could hear a voice calling to me, I was dazed and confused, where was I? What was going on? My vision was blurry and I had no clue where I was. "Snap out of it Anna, if you don't get up then you'll fail the Trial." that voice woke me up, I came to my senses and realised that I was in the middle of my actual Trial, the General was beating me with his long staff and I was lying flat out on my platform, had I been knocked unconscious? I didn't know, but one thing I was sure of was that I had to pass this Trial no matter what.

I got to my feet and held my pike out defensively, every part of my body was hurting, I was bruised and bleeding, however I was still alive. I blocked the General's strike and retaliated with a powerful, roundhouse move which made contact with the General's skull, his yell of pain was enough to wake me up fully. He was concussed, I poked the sharp end of my pike into his stomach again and again to knock him off balance, he made no attempt to block my strikes, I whacked him in the ribs and he fell to his knees, for good measure I gave him a skull-cracker, he fell forwards and went tumbling to the ground whilst I remained on the platform...I had won by the skin of my teeth!

"Anna, you have passed your second of five Trials, well done." Prince Arrow declared to the crowd, I was still in a daze, everything had happened so fast and my memories were confusing me to say the least. The crowd were cheering, I was wondering what the hell had happened at the start of my Trial because everything was a blur. I could see Larten standing down below.

"If I jump, will you catch me Larten?" I wasn't going to jump ten feet towards the ground otherwise. "What the hell just happened?"

"Use the ladder Anna." at this point in time I noticed the ladder that was now leaning against the platform I was on.

"Oh, yeah of course. Why didn't I think of that?" I climbed down to the ground slowly and carefully, I was still feeling a bit dizzy from the knock to the head I must have received during the Trial.

"Anna, you do not look so good." Larten's concerns were probably justified.

"I don't feel very well, I feel dizzy and I can't remember what happened until the end of the fight, all the stuff before it is a total blur." I couldn't work out what had happened during the time between the Trial starting and a few hours beforehand, my last memory was of my training session, after that I could remember the end of the Trial and that was it.

"I think that you have got amnesia caused by the head injury you sustained during the Trial, you probably have concussion too. The General knocked you out for a few moments, but Alicia was screaming at you to get up, she never stopped believing in you Anna, not once. You got up and finished the fight with a fantastic array of viscious combination strikes, it was quick and merciless on your part, it was like Arra's soul was inside you at that moment as you performed a perfectly executed skull-cracker, at that moment the General was done for and you finished him off before he could respond or counter-attack. I have never seen anything like it Anna, you were beyond amazing. We have to get your head seen to, after that you need a good meal and a rest." Larten escorted me to the Medical Wing and the Medics assessed my wound, it was bleeding quite a lot. I held a clean cloth to it whilst the Medic mixed up some green, wound healing paste. It was too deep to be healed with spit alone, paste and bandages or stitches would be the way to heal this wound.

"I still can't quite believe that I passed my second Trial, is the General I faught against OK?" I hoped that he wasn't too badly hurt.

"You knocked him out and he fell ten feet to a cold, stone floor, of course he's not OK, you nearly killed him Anna, he hasn't come around yet either." the Medic remarked as he patched up my head wound.

"I'm sorry, it was him or me. I had to do what I had to do." the Medic finished tending to my wound and he left me alone to rest in my medical bay. Naturally the wolves were by my side and so was Larten, word tends to get around quickly at Vampire Mountain so not long after I'd been admitted to the Medical Wing Gavner turned up, then Jade and Alicia followed. Soon I was surrounded by my closest friends, according to Larten they'd been cheering me on from the beginning of the Trial, although I couldn't remember them doing so.

I stayed in the Medical Wing until the amnesia and concussion had gone, due to my accelerated healing powers I was fine within a relatively short period of time. It was fortunate for me that all of the Princes had important business to deal with, in fact they were so busy that none of them were available to oversee my next Trial, as such I was unable to select a new stone from the bag. Due to the Princes being unavailable I had been given a few nights to rest, as soon as the Princes were free to supervise my Trials I would be selecting what would become my third Trial of Death...

"Anna, are you awake?" I stirred and opened my eyes when I heard Larten's voice.

"Now I am Larten, what is it?" I was still half asleep, but I was getting more alert by the minute.

"It is time for you to select your next Trial tonight, you need to wash, eat, feed the wolves, exercise them and then report to the Hall of Princes." Larten was good at keeping to a schedule and giving out specific instructions.

"Yes, Larten. I understand." I opened the coffin lid, stood up and stepped onto a rug that was next to it, I was cold and hungry. I was planning to get my wash kit and go to the waterfalls, the wolves would come with me too as they needed a bath also. "Sasha, shadow come." they obediently trotted behind me until we got to the waterfalls in the Hall of Purta Vin Grahl. I was planning to jump into the pool and I would spend a decent amount of time washing myself, the wolves could be washed afterwards as they were beginning to smell a bit too wolfish.

After I was done washing myself and the wolves I dried them off and got myself dressed. I would be heading to the Hall of Khledon Lurt next, after eating I would take the wolves out for a run and change my clothing again ready to go to the Hall of Princes. I knew that I would have to select my third Trial, as long as it didn't involve wild creatures, fighting for my life or flames I'd be happy. I hadn't picked a water-based Trial, perhaps water would feature in this next one. I could swim and hold my breath for a while so that would help me out...

Walking to the Hall of Princes was beginning to feel like a chore, I was doing it often enough. I was not afraid of my next Trial, how bad could it be? The Hall of Flames was the worst one of all, as long as I didn't face this one I'd be fine. I was waiting outside the Hall of Princes for around twenty minutes before I was let inside, Delta and Bandit came trotting over and I of course made a fuss of them, they had certainly grown a lot since I'd handed them over to the Princes.

"OK, OK you two, settle down now. I know you're pleased to see me, I'm happy to see you too." the wolves were jumping up and going nuts, they really liked me.

"Delta, get down!" Prince Arrow commanded when she jumped up at him, she lay beside me and he sat down on his throne. His robes were covered in wolf hair, but I didn't say anything to him. "Bandit, that's enough, my hand is not a chew toy." the Prince looked quite frustrated, however he managed to keep his composure. I bowed to the assembled Princes, Prince Mika acknowledged me and I stepped forward.

"Anna, are you here to select your third Trial?" Prince Paris sat back on his throne and waited for my answer.

"Yes, that is why I've come Sire." I was ready to face another test.

"Bring forth the bag." Prince Paris announced. The General who was holding the bag took a few steps forward, I placed my hand into the bag, shut my eyes and pulled out a stone. I handed the stone to the General.

"Trial number five has been selected. You will be facing The Murky Depths." the General declared.

"OK, that sounds water related." I was happy that no fire was involved at least. "What does it involve?"

"You must dive into a deep, water filled pool that is dark, murky and full of eels. You have to locate a gold medallion and bring it back up to the surface, there is no time limit, however once you are submerged you are not permitted to return to the surface for air, you must retrieve the medallion first. You will be fighting against your instincts to surface, if you come up to the surface without the medallion then you will fail the Trial. You will have to use your sense of touch to locate the medallion because you won't be able to really see, smell or hear anything down there, let alone taste it. Weapons are not required for this Trial, besides anything heavy and metal will make you sink." Prince Arrow explained.

"Am I allowed to use swimming gear?" I would wear goggles and a wetsuit if I was given permission to do so.

"Swimming gear?" Prince Mika queried.

"I'm talking about swimming goggles and a suitable outfit Sire." I had to make it clear to him in case he wasn't sure what swimming gear referred to.

"I suppose so, however no Clan member has ever made such a request before, vampires are known to smother themselves in a paste made from plants and dive straight in, most do not even cover themselves up clothing wise. The paste is supposed to keep the cold at bay, whether it works or not is subjective." the Vampire Prince remarked.

"I am definitely going to cover myself up, I am not jumping into a pool naked. I don't want the Clan seeing my body, I'm sure you can understand that Sire." I was and still am a fan of modesty, showing off one's naked body infront of a crowd is not very ladylike. "I invoke the Period of Preparation."

"You have twenty four hours to train and prepare for your next Trial, plus time to eat and sleep." Prince Arrow stated. I bowed to the Princes again and left the Princes' Dome.

"It could have been worse, this Trial doesn't sound too bad. I only hope that I can keep my composure and hold my breath long enough, if I panic then I'll be done for. Where am I going to get swimming goggles and a wetsuit from?" I wouldn't have time to leave the mountain and buy what I needed, I would have to make something out of natural resources.

"Anna, Seba can assist you with making an outfit for your Trial. He has access to animal skins and other materials which can be used to make you a modest, yet fully waterproof outfit

"That'd be very helpful, thanks Larten." I was grateful for any help that I could get, the hardest part of this Trial would be holding my breath long enough to retrieve the medallion and get back to the surface again. I didn't even know how deep the pool was, as such I had no idea as to how long I needed to hold my breath for. I wasn't even sure how long I could hold my breath for, I had never timed myself holding my breath either.

"I will go and speak with Seba, it should not take him very long to make you something appropriate for your next Trial, in the meantime you can wear your leotard, I shall replace it if it gets damaged Anna." my leotard would be ideal to swim in as it was made from Lycra, most swimming costumes are made from Lycra so it'd do for now.

"Alright, I'll see you by the training pool a bit later Larten. I want to get started. Time waits for no-one, especially those who are training for their Trials." we kissed and Larten vanished in a blur, I got changed and removed all of my jewellery apart from my rings, I took my hairclips out too as I didn't want any of my best items getting covered in silt and slimey stuff, all kinds of filth would be in the bottom of the pool to make it look murky and the pool would be very deep. It wasn't even a real pool we just referred to it as one. In fact there were two natural formations that looked like craters which were used as the pools for this Trial, the Clan would fill up the craters with silt and water, the medallion would be dropped into the water and when it was at the bottom of the training crater I could dive down and retrieve it. The training crater was just as deep, but not as wide and the silt levels were lower so the water was a bit easier to see through. I looked at the training crater and felt the water with my hand, it was bloody freezing, in fact it was colder than the waterfalls in the Hall of Purta Vin Grahl. "Fuck, its cold." I jumped into the water and regretted it, the icy water felt like a knife against my skin.

"You'd better get used to it, the Trials aren't meant to be easy Anna." Vanez replied. After a few moments I adapted to the cold, the initial shock was over and now I could dive down to the bottom of the crater to search for the medallion.

"I'm going underwater now Vanez, can you time me? I want to know how long I can hold my breath for, I will come up and surface for air when I absolutely have to, doing this will give me an idea of how long I can stay submerged for." I would take a deep breath and dive downwards into the water, the medallion was quite big and it was bronze in colour. I would have to find it quickly, I could hold my breath for so long and the cold is also a factor, even vampires can get hypothermia.

I can remember swimming down deeper because the crater seems to go on forever. I eventually managed to find the bottom of the crater and the rocks on the bottom were jagged, I couldn't see a thing, everything was black. I was starting to feel around for the smooth edges of the medallion, every passing minute I stayed underwater would make it harder for me to continue holding my breath. When I managed to locate the medallion I raced to the surface, it was firmly clasped in my hand, it was heavier than I thought it would be too. In the real Trial I would have eels in the water too, however they weren't inside the training crater as they were too hard to catch and transfer from crater to crater. When I surfaced I spent several seconds breathing and recovering.

"I've done it," I gasped, "I have the medallion in my hand." I handed the medallion to Vanez, he smiled and helped me out of the crater.

"You were underwater for quite a while Anna, eight or nine minutes in fact." Vanez handed me a cloth to dry myself with and I sat by the side of the crater, I was really cold and filthy.

"Will the eels in the real crater give me any trouble Vanez?" I had to know how to deal with them just in case, I wasn't allowed weapons so I hoped that they were just there to make the water look even murkier.

"They shouldn't do, just don't get too close. They do however have a nasty habit of biting toes and fingers, toes and fingers look like small fish to them you see." at least Vanez had told me the truth about the eels.

"Won't the dirty water make any bites get infected? Eels aren't very clean at the best of times, are they?" I didn't want to get bitten by eels, let alone get an infected wound and end up very sick or unable to take my last two Trials.

"It is a risk that you have to take, I'm afraid Anna." Vanez was right, after all none of the Trials were meant to be straightforward. "Ready to train again?"

"I guess so, drop the medallion into the water and let's get going." I would have to get back into the freezing water, but that would be the least of my worries. Vanez dropped the medallion into the crater and I dived straight in this time, I dived down as far as I could and started swimming towards the bottom of the crater, it was harder this time because all the silt had been disturbed. I would have to find a way of keeping the silt out of my eyes, not that I could see anything anyway. I was struggling to find the medallion this time, all I could feel was the jagged bottom of the crater. I was not the type to panic, I would have to keep my focus and concentrate. I was beginning to feel a bit dizzy and I was very cold, I managed to locate the medallion and when I reached the surface I coughed quite a bit.

"Twelve minutes that time Anna, you are pushing your boundaries quite a lot. I'm impressed actually." Vanez stated as I started drying myself off, my leotard was brown now and I was freezing.

"That'll do for now Vanez, I need a break." I was pleased with my performance, at least I knew that I could do it. I would have a wash and get changed in my quarters, I also would be soaking my leotard in a pot of hot water, I would have to get it clean somehow. I would be meeting up with Seba in the Hall of Khledon Lurt, I took ages washing the silt out of my hair, my rings were also covered in crap from where they'd been in the dirty water. Larten would go mad if he saw them like this so I cleaned them up properly, they were too expensive to damage. Maybe I would take them off before my actual Trial, I couldn't risk losing the stones in a deep water-filled crater, I'd never find them again and I didn't want that to happen.

"How is your training going Anna?" Larten queried when I sat down beside him in the Hall of Khledon Lurt.

"I'm doing alright so far, I've successfully retrieved the medallion twice so far without coming up for air, the first time took nine minutes, the second attempt took twelve minutes." I helped myself to some stew and a drink, I would need to keep my body temperature up and my energy levels high in order to pass the Trial.

"That is a good start, I am gathering materials together in order to make your outfit. It should not take me too long to complete it." Seba added. Gavner, Jade and Alicia joined us a few minutes later and I was pleased to see them.

"I'm taking my Trial tomorrow, I hope I pass it." I was a little bit apprehensive due to the addition of the eels, however nothing in this Trial was as bad as the first two that I'd faced.

"You'll be fine Anna, I know you can do it." Alicia replied.

"Just keep training for it, practice makes perfect." Gavner stated.

"Thanks for the votes of confidence, it feels good to know that you've got my back." my friends from the Clan were turning out to be far more supportive than I'd expected, however I wasn't complaining.

"We'll always have your back Anna, the Clan sticks together and supports its members." the Clan had done more for me than what any human ever could have.

"I'm glad to hear it Gavner. I couldn't manage without you lot, I am grateful to all of you for everything you've done for me. You are the best team of supporters that anybody could ever hope for." I am really thankful that I have such good friends, without their help I would not even be alive right now so I owe them a lot and that's a fact...

"Anna, your outfit for your next Trial is ready, you need to try it on in case it needs to be altered." Larten stated, he took my hand and led me to Seba's quarters, he knocked on the door and Seba answered it. I could see something hanging up, it was like nothing I'd ever seen before either.

"What is that?" I was referring to the thing that was hanging up.

"Your outfit, it is made from leather. It is waterproof and the eels cannot bite through thick leather either. It is not very fashionable, but it is practical and you should not feel the cold as much either." Seba explained. I went behind a screen to try on my outfit, it fitted me well and when I looked in the mirror it didn't look quite so bad. "I have also made a pair of vambraces, some gloves and leg guards for you, they will provide extra defence against the eels."

"Thanks Seba, how do I look?" I put the gloves and vambraces on, the vambraces could be easily attached to my arms with straps and buckles. The leg guards also used straps to fasten them in place and they covered my shins well.

"You look alright Anna, not that it matters because that silt-filled water is filthy." Seba had a point, after my last practice session I'd had no choice but to jump under the fastest flowing waterfall in order to get myself clean.

"It is pretty disgusting, the further down I go the darker it gets. The silt settles on the bottom of the crater, however when you start swimming around and searching for the medallion it gets disturbed and then everything goes dark. I really need some way of protecting my eyes, the silt makes them sting and I don't want to get an infection in my eyes caused by exposure to unsanitory water. You do know that diseases like cholera and typhoid fever can be spread in dirty water, right Seba?" the last thing I needed was to catch cholera or typhoid fever, both of these diseases were known to be killers and I wasn't sure if I had any immunity to them at all.

"Do not drink the water, keep your eyes closed and feel for the medallion with your hands. You cannot see much in the depths so do not try to use your eyes, use your other senses Anna." Seba was full of good advice, also he'd taken this Trial personally so he knew how to pass it.

"Alright, thanks for the tips Seba." Sasha was whining, she was probably hungry. I would have to feed her and Shadow before my next Trial was due to start. "I'd better go and feed the wolves before my Trial begins, I haven't got long left and I want to do another practice session before the real thingtakes place. I'll have to try out my outfit in the water just in case of any issues. Larten, are you coming?"

"Naturally, I shall remain by your side no matter what." Larten took my hand and we left Seba's quarters. I was carrying my normal clothing under my arm, I decided not to get changed again until after the Trial had been completed, there was no point as my Trial was due to start within the next hour. I would have to be ready for it.

"Larten, can you feed the wolves for me? I want to go and prepare for my Trial as I have only practised it twice so far, that is not enough practice by half." I wanted to practice as much as possible as I hadn't yet done the Trial with the eels, nor had I practised the Trial whilst wearing the leather outfit that Seba had made for me.

"I will meet you by the crater just before the Trial is due to start, go now and practice some more whilst I take care of the wolves." we kissed and went our separate ways, I headed to the crater for practice and Larten went to the Hall of Khledon Lurt to get some meat for the wolves...

I will have to jump into the crater pretty soon, my body will need to adjust to the cold water again. I'm hoping that the leather will guard against the cold to some extent. Getting into the water is a shock to the system, however my chest, lower legs and arms aren't so badly affected as they have been previously which is good...

I knew that the time to take my Trial would be coming up soon, by this point I was pretty much ready to go and as prepared as I could possibly be. I'd practised the Trial five times during my period of preparation and I was managing to hold my breath for at least ten minutes at a time, I could also locate the medallion without opening my eyes, it has a different feel to the jagged rocks on the bottom of the crater. I could see the Generals and other spectators arriving to watch me taking part in my third Trial. I would be standing outside the location until Vanez came and got me, he would have to carry the customary purple flag whilst Larten would be walking beside me as my mentor. I am not nervous at all, I'm actually feeling quite confident about taking this Trial.

When Vanez arrived to escort me to the crater I was fiddling with my hair, I squeezed the water out of it and spun it up into a bun once more. I had already taken off my rings and given them to Larten, fortunately for me he had been understanding when I'd explained to him why I'd removed them.

"I can do this, I know I can." I told myself quietly as Vanez walked a few paces infront of me with the purple flag.

"Anna, I believe in you." Larten stated. "You know what to do, just keep calm and remember what Seba told you."

"Yes Larten, I know. Keep my eyes closed and use my other senses to find the medallion." we arrived at the crater and Prince Vancha would be present at this Trial, he was already sitting on his throne. Prince Mika was too busy to supervise this Trial and Prince Arrow was now absent from Vampire Mountain, he was taking a break for a few weeks as he hadn't left the mountain in quite a while. I looked down into the water-filled crater, it was blacker now than what it had been during my Period of Preparation.

"Anna, are you ready to begin your Trial?" Prince Vancha queried.

"Yes, I am ready Sire, however I'd like a moment or two with my mentor before I begin." Larten was beside me, Gavner and Alicia were in their seats already.

"You may of course speak to your mentor, that is why he is beside you." the Vampire Prince stated. "The Trial will not even begin until the medallion is dropped into the water."

"Larten, if I fail this Trial you will have to be strong, please take care of Jade and Alicia, look after the wolves and never forget me, I love you." I whispered to him quietly.

"I love you too Anna." we shared a brief kiss, following that Larten stood by the spectators' area and I got into the water.

"Drop the medallion." Prince Mika ordered. A General came forward and dropped the medallion into the water, I could see it sinking to the bottom of the crater. "When the medallion is at the bottom of the crater you may start your Trial, do you understand the rules?"

"Yes, I do Sire. How long does it take for the medallion to reach the bottom of the crater?" I didn't want to dive down too early by mistake.

"When the sand in this timer runs out Anna, that is what we use it for." the Vampire Prince pointed to a timer that was on a table next to his throne, I hadn't even noticed that it was there as I'd been too focused upon my Trial.

"Oh I see, that's a good idea Sire." I watched the sand running through the timer as a steady pace, I could see the last few grains slipping down into the bottom of the timer, however I had just enough time to adjust one of my vambraces as it had come loose.

"You may begin your Trial Anna, even in death may you be triumphant and I hope that the luck of the vampires is with you." Prince Mika announced, I took one last look at Larten, he made the Death's Touch Symbol. I would have to take a very deep inward breath and hold it before diving down to the bottom of the crater. I breathed in and shut my eyes tight, I stuck my head under the water and started swimming downwards into the freezing, murky depths...

I was swimming downwards quickly, I couldn't see anything at all and the water was very cold, even colder than what it had been during my practice sessions. The leather on my outfit did little to keep out the cold, however it would at least defend me from the eels' bites as the crater was full of them. Eels didn't like being disturbed at the best of times and me swimming towards them like a bullet from a gun would probably make them really agitated. I still had my eyes closed, I would have no idea how close to the bottom of the crater I was until my hands made contact with the jagged, sharp rocks. My thick leather gloves and vambraces would minimise the damage done to me by the rocks whilst I felt around for the medallion, I couldn't find it initially and, as my eyes were closed I had no idea where I was. It was quite disorientating actually, I could feel the eels swimming past me, some of them were rather big and a couple of them were trying to bite my legs, I kicked harder to get them off of me. I was probably surrounded by eels, however I would have to focus upon finding the medallion. I could feel something hard so I figured that I'd found the bottom of the crater, I would search methodically for the medallion. I started feeling around with both hands, I was grateful for my gloves or the rocks could have cut my hands to ribbons, the last thing I wanted was an open wound that was surrounded by dirty water. Eels are also covered in bacteria, bacteria and wounds do not mix for obvious reasons.

I couldn't find the medallion anywhere, I was also starting to feel the effects of being underwater and having to hold my breath. Panicking was pointless, I would have to stay focused and I was lucky that there was no set time limit for this Trial. I would need to breathe within the next few minutes, I would have to find the medallion and soon otherwise I'd be in trouble. I didn't want to drown, but if I surfaced for any reason without the medallion then I would fail the Trial automatically, I didn't want to do that either. I was trying desperately to locate the medallion before it was too late, I must have felt every inch of the bottom of the crater and I still couldn't locate it. I'd seen the General dropping it into the crater so it would have to be down here somewhere. I wouldn't be able to hold my breath much longer, I was really struggling and the eels were driving me crazy. I was also very cold and that in itself was a danger. I would have one last feel around the bottom of the crater before swimming up towards the surface, I couldn't let myself drown because of what vampires believe about dying in water.

As I started to swim back towards the surface my hand touched something that I wasn't expecting to be there, I instinctively reached out and grabbed it. I was swimming back to the surface without thinking, my hands were so numb from the cold I didn't even know what I was holding, I was also light headed from the lack of oxygen in my lungs. I would have to come up to the surface and deal with the consequences of my actions afterwards...