The Tale of a Vampiress

by Arra Lindemann

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

45. Chapter 44

The Tale of a Vampiress

Chapter 44:

About half an hour ago Kaitlynn came, and got me, she said that she'd found a body inside the North tunnel's WC, and naturally I went to investigate. When I arrived, and opened the door of the WC I saw a scene of devistation, and bloody carnage. There was indeed a body inside the WC, and it was the body of a female by the looks of things, I could tell because of the long hair. The body had its throat slit, it explained why there was so much blood everywhere, and then the awful truth dawned on me, this was Jenna's body, and she'd been murdered.

I couldn't see any wolf pawprints in the blood so maybe Jenna hadn't been with her wolves at the time, otherwise whoever had attacked her would probably be dead or seriously injured, and she would be alive. I have got no doubt in my mind that Jenna's wolves would have faught back, and defended her until the death if necessary, and no attacker is going to survive being mauled by three wolves, fighting off one wild wolf is bad enough, but facing three large, well trained wolves that kill on command is a fool's errand...

Guards, Guards come quick, Jenna's been murdered." I've just summoned the Guards who've been patrolling the tunnels. "She's in the WC down by the North tunnel, she's had her throat slit."

"So Kaitlynn was telling the truth after all, we didn't believe her when she reported it to us earlier because murders are so rare here, we thought it was a prank." the Guard looks ashamed of himself.

"You need to seal off that tunnel, remove the body, gather any evidence you can, and take it to the Princes. I'm opening a murder enquiry, by the way everybody is a suspect." I've never had to do anything like this before, but I'm involved now.

"Don't just stand there, get moving. My wolves will help to find the muderer, they can track the scent, and anybody who murders someone in that fashion will have blood on their clothing, the whole place is covered in blood as well." I've watched enough crime documentaries to know about evidence, and forensic traces which killers take with them. "I'm going to break the news to Jenna's friends, and fellow Medics. I know they'll be distraught when they hear about what's happened, but they need to know the truth. A murderer is walking amongst us, I will find them, and they will face swift justice."

I'm going back to the Hall of Khledon Lurt, that's where everybody will be gathering because the main meals are being served. I'm hungry, but I can eat after I've told everybody about what's happened to Jenna. I'm not looking forward to it, after all who does like having to tell their colleagues that somebody close to them has been murdered?

"What's on the menu tonight?" Kaitlynn is always thinking about food, but that's understandable.

"They've got wild boar sausages with gravy, and mountain herbs or venison, and ale pies. Help yourself to whatever you like best. I'm having one of the venison pies followed by pancakes with wild berry syrup, and honey which I can make myself." we've got eggs, milk, and flour so of course I can rustle up some pancakes, we Generals tend to get priority in the kitchens anyway after the Princes have eaten. It isn't uncommon for lots of Generals to all be in the kitchens cooking up their own meals, especially if they don't want the standard options of bat broth or bats on sticks. "Before we eat we have to tell Jenna's friends about her murder Kaitlynn, it is important that they know the truth as soon as possible. I wonder where her wolves are, maybe they're in her quarters, and they're waiting for her to return."

"Yeah, I think that's where they'll be. If Jenna only went to the WC then she wouldn't have taken the wolves with her, she wouldn't have deemed it to be necessary. I tell you one thing though Anna, I don't want to sit in this hall when there is a murderer amongst us, I hate traitors." Jade has a point, and I agree with her...

"What did you say Anna?" Gavner is shocked by my news about Jenna.

"Jenna's been murdered Gavner, I saw her body myself, and so did Kaitlynn, she's the one who raised the alarm." I'm very upset about her death, but I have to be professional, and act like any General should.

"I don't know what to say, I'm in disbelief. Jenna has been murdered, and for no good reason that I can think of either. Oh man this sucks, but we're going to find out who is responsible, and make them pay for this Anna, mark my words." Gavner has a look of grim determination on his face, but his eyes betray his true feelings.

"I feel uncomfortable being in here when there's a murderer walking around, it could be any one of us, apart from you, myself, Kaitlynn, Larten, Vanez, Seba, the Princes, and their mates, I know that Jade didn't do it either. We've all got alibis which are rock solid, and besides that none of us have a reason to kill a friend of ours, the Medics are not responsible either for obvious reasons, however that still leaves us with a few suspects." I've got no idea who would want Jenna dead, she's so well liked, and respected, or I thought she was anyway.

"I just can't get my head around it Anna, and she's had her throat slit which is nasty, this is not something you do unless you really despise the individual in question." it is a horrible way to kill somebody, and it is messy as well.

"I agree Gavner, whoever has done this must be sick in the head, hallucinating or maybe they are just plain evil." I can't see a clear motive for Jenna's murder, but we'll get to the bottom of it because that's what we Generals do.

"I still can't believe that Jenna's gone, she was our best female Medic, and a great friend to all who knew her. The treatments in the Medical Wing just won't be the same without her level of care, and attention to detail." we're all upset, but Gavner is taking it harder than most, and that doesn't surprise me because he always has had a soft spot for the ladies.

"We'll get justice, don't you worry about that Gavner. By now the Princes will have been told, the Guards are on high alert, also all the Generals will be searching for the murder weapon, and the guilty party or parties who're involved. It was such a hideous murder that whoever did it must have a lot of guts, and a strong stomach. I find it hard enough to take the life of a Vampaneze, and that is an acceptable kill, but to murder somebody in cold blood for no apparent reason? I'm beyond devistated, and angry that I wasn't there to defend her like any General would have." a part of our job is to defend those who're in trouble, and fight alongside them. Most of our enemies wouldn't want to fight against us because we're seasoned warriors, we've all killed before, and we aren't afraid to kill again if it becomes necessary. "Has anybody told Vanez yet? I think Jenna was his mate. He will be heartbroken when he finds out, I know I would be if it were me."

"I'll let him know Anna, although the news is already spreading around so he may already be aware of what's happened." Gavner is struggling to hold back his tears, but he must because it is not good for a General to express grief in public, the Clan sees it as a sign of weakness, and we don't need weak Generals.

"Thanks Gavner. I'm here for you if you need to talk about anything, okay?" I will always support my friends if they need it...

"Larten, have you heard about Jenna?" I'm not sure who knows, and who doesn't.

"I have, Seba informed me earlier. A terrible business, and a nasty way to die. I hope that the murderer is found swiftly, and brought to justice." he shares the same opinion that we all have.

"Me too, I'm investigating, and I think these two might be able to track the killer's scent, whoever did it would have been covered in blood, and there will be traces that they've left behind which the wolves can locate." Storm, and Blaze are my number one trackers, they can find almost anything if they pick up on its scent, and follow its trail. "Vanez will be distraught, it is his mate who has been killed."

"I have been through it many times, and it never gets any easier Anna. I am glad that you are strong, plus you have keen survival instincts. Some of my former mates were rather weak, and they could hardly be considered as suitable candidates to join us, having said that you cannot help who you fall in love with." at least now I can see that he listens to me occasionally.

"My first step is to check out Jenna's quarters, I reckon her wolves are waiting for her, and there may just be come clues that most would overlook, if my wolves can pick up her scent then they can track where she's been, and who may have been with her at the time she was killed." if there's one thing I am sure of it is my wolves' tracking abilities. "I don't think she had many visitors, did she?"

"Not that I ever saw, no. It was just her, and the wolves which she owned in her quarters, but Vanez would visit her, and she went to see him as well whilst they were together." Jenna's quarters are a fair distance away from mine, but that's because she slept near to the Medical Wing, it was easier that way because then she could respond to emergencies faster. "She did split shifts so quite often she would be in the Medical Wing working, and she did not get much time to herself."

"Right, that helps a lot. It means that whoever killed her knew that she wasn't working, the attacker must have been spying on her too, otherwise how else would they have known when to strike? The murderer attacked her when they knew that she was not being protected by her wolves, so they must have known her schedule." I'm pretty good at working things out, I am a lateral thinker.

"That is plausible, and there are places to hide down that tunnel as well. Where the tunnel slopes around to the left you can hide behind the corner, and watch everything that is happening, but it is a blind spot so if you stand at the right angle you can see them, but they cannot see you Anna." this would assist the murderer, he or she could have been watching Jenna without her knowledge, as such maybe they were waiting for the right time to launch their attack. The murderer would have seen Jenna exiting her quarters alone, and heading to the WC, they probably hung back for a second or so, and then attacked without warning.

"Right, well I'm going to look for clues. The killer won't get away with their actions, for a start he or she will be covered in Jenna's blood, and whoever is guilty will smell like her too. The wolves will have no trouble in tracking down the suspect." I trust my wolves, they will do a good job of tracking down whoever is responsible. "I can't take all seven wolves with me, I only need two or three of them so I'll take Athena, Storm, and Blaze, the others can stay inside my quarters until I return."

"That makes sense Anna, you do not want them to tread all over the area, and leave bloody pawprints everywhere." this is exactly why I am only taking my three best trackers with me, and leaving the others behind. It is a shame that Bandit is so old, he was a highly successful tracker when he was in his youth, he never lost a scent or missed a target either, and he defended the Princes' Dome well too.

"Storm, Blaze, Athena come." the other wolves are looking at me like something's up. "Skye, Aspen, Aeris, Bandit stay there." it isn't normal to separate the pack into two groups, but I've got no choice in the matter. "Take these four wolves back to my quarters, and give them a large beef bone each Larten. Make sure that you give Bandit some extra meat as well because he didn't get much earlier. I'm going now, I'll catch up with you later."

"If you get into trouble search for me using your mental waves." he's picked up Bandit because he walk very well, and the other wolves are still looking at me like something isn't right. "I bet these lot will howl non-stop until you return."

"If they're distracted by eating bones they won't howl at all Larten. Beef bones are the only thing which keeps them quiet when I'm not around." it is a little trick that I've picked up over the years...

"Storm, Blaze go search. Find' im." I'm by the WC. Jenna's body has been removed, but all of the blood has been left behind. The door, and walls are literally covered in it, and we can't clean up until all of the evidence has been gathered, that's if there is any to collect of course. I'm watching two of my wolves sniffing the walls, and floor, they're trying to pick up on a scent trail which the killer may have left behind. Both wolves are air scenting, and trying to catch a whiff of the murderer, although the blood must be a very strong, and distracting smell for them, especially as they're trying to locate a specific scent-the scent of a murderer.

"Ahwhooooo." Storm's howl is echoing through the tunnel, it means that she's found something which she's alerting me to, perhaps she's found the scent of our killer, all I know is that her nose was on the ground sniffing, she trotted off down the tunnel leaving Blaze, and Athena by my side, and now she's alerting so something's up. "Ahwhooooo." she's definitely found something, that much is certain.

"Athena, Blaze come. Let's go find Storm." we're following the tunnel, it is deserted, but that means nothing because anything can happen in a matter of seconds around here, one moment we're safe, and the next we may have to fight for our lives against anything from wild animals to Vampaneze trespassers, or sometimes even traitors from our own Clan. The only downside about this tunnel is how long it is, and of course I can't move at vampiric speed because my wolves can't keep up, I have to go at their pace which is still surprisingly fast.

I can see Storm, I'd know her thick pale grey, and white tail anywhere, it looks like she's caught something or somebody, she's got them on the floor, and she's using her bodyweight to hold them, she isn't attacking, but at the same time she wouldn't just bring down a random Clan member for no reason.

"Storm, back up, come here." I'm now close enough to see what she was holding onto, it is a Guardian of the Blood, they work in the Hall of Death, and they prepare bodies for cremation. They usually stay in the Hall of Death, I don't think my wolves have ever met one either, I know I haven't ever come up close, and personal with one. I don't think they even speak our language, I'm not sure. "I'm sorry about that, my wolf won't hurt you, you're quite safe. What are you doing here?"

"Vampaneze girl. You come now, yes?" this Guardian of the Blood seems confused.

"I'm not a Vampaneze, I'm a fully blooded Vampire General." even I've never been confused for a Vampaneze before.

"No, no, you come now, I show you." she is holding my hand, and trying to lead me away.

"Okay, I'll come." I'm intrigued, and confused. What on Earth is going on?

"Come quick, no time." this Guardian of the Blood is young, she must be about thirteen.

"You show me where to go, and I will follow you. Storm, Blaze, Athena come." my wolves are trotting along beside me.

"No wolf, not permitted in Hall of Death." the Guardian looks scared of the wolves, I would be too if I were her.

"I'll make them sit outside, and wait. They won't enter the Hall of Death." I have trained them to sit, and wait for me if it is necessary.

"In here, I show you Vampaneze girl. You lucky that she is dead, yes? Vampaneze bad, vampires good." at least this Guardian of the Blood has got something right. I've been led to the door of a small antechamber. "Wolf must stay here, yes?"

"Okay. Storm, Blaze, Athena wait here. All wolves, sit." all three of my wolves are sitting down like tame dogs, but they're far from tame, just well trained.

"You come, see. This body we prepare has mark, it is letter V where Vampaneze have their mark too." the Guardian of the Blood has lifted up the shroud, it is Jenna's body underneath it. "You see here? Mark of Vampaneze?"

"Yes, I can see it. Thank you for telling me." I'm shocked to see the clear mark of the Vampaneze on Jenna's body, maybe it was put there after her death or perhaps she's always had it, and she's the double agent we've been looking for.

"Okay, you go now, tell Prince what you have seen, yes?" this Guardian of the Blood is obviously trying to do the right thing, I appreciate that.

"Yes, I will report it to them immediately. I will take a picture of it on my phone as proof, okay?" I've taken my phone out of my pocket, it has got just enough battery on it to take one photo, I need to charge it up, but we have no electric ports at the mountain which I can plug the charger into.

I have left the antechamber where the body is, I'm actually heading to my quarters to put the wolves away before I go to the Hall of Princes, I want to check on the others, and give the wolves I took with me their bones because the others have had theirs already. I also need to tell Larten what I've found out about Jenna, and ask for his advice on what to do next. I have to put my official Generals' robe back on as well, I didn't wear it to the WC because of all the blood that's still there, but it won't take me long to get changed back into my uniform so to speak.

"Hey Larten, I've got something to tell you, and it is important." I've found him in the Hall of Khledon Lurt, I thought I'd speak to him first before going to the Hall of Princes.

"Oh, what would that be?" he is clearly interested to hear my news.

"One of the Guardians of the Blood came, and found me earlier, she took me to an antechanber where Jenna's body is being prepared for cremation, only she has got the mark of the Vampaneze on her, I saw the purple V tattoo of the Vampets. I've taken a picture of it on my phone camera, have a look." I have scrolled sideways on my phone screen to bring the photograph up on my phone's album, and I'm showing to him.

"I do not believe it Anna, Jenna would never have anything to do with the Vampaneze, she was rescued from them by us, and she hates them with a passion." I believe Larten, but the evidence says otherwise.

"Who better than her to be a mole? Nobody would ever suspect her, would they? I've also been told by a trusted Clan member in confidence that she, and Kurda were very close at one time, some even thought that they were mates, but they kept it quiet. Perhaps she wasn't murdered, maybe somebody discovered her secret, and took her out because they thought that she was a traitor. You don't need permission to kill a Clan member necessarily, if it can be proven that they have links to the Vampaneze anyone can kill them without having to answer for it." our laws have been changed since Kurda's betrayal, we don't tolorate those who have any Vampaneze connections no matter how weak they are. If any Clan member is discovered having connections then they are either locked in the dungeon, banished from the Clan or in extreme cases they get executed.

"If somebody saw the mark of the Vampaneze on her then that Clan member may have decided to kill her, the individual who killed her would see it as justifiable, also they would not have to come forward because they would not need to answer for their actions." it turns out that Jenna's death is raising more questions than answers.

"If this is true then Jenna wasn't murdered, but rather killed as a traitor, although there is no proof that she actually was a traitor, and if the Clan member who murdered her tattooed the V on her after her death it'd be an ideal way of not only throwing us off the scent, but it'd make the murder look like a legal killing Larten." I think we're dealing with a very bright individual, somebody who can make a murder look like a legal killing is not to be underestimated. "I'm going to report all of this to the Princes now, and it'll be raised as an important issue at the next Generals' meeting."

"Yes, the Princes must be informed Anna, of that there is no doubt." he is sitting down, and taking swigs of water from his tankard. "I will tell Seba about what you have discovered as well."

"Yes, good idea, but if Jenna is innocent, and she's been framed then I don't want her good name being tarnished." speaking ill of the dead is taboo here, we believe that those who are spoken about negatively cannot enter Paradise...

I am currently heading towards the Hall of Princes, I must report everything to them that I've discovered as soon as possible.

"State you business here." a Guard had just stated, they always say this, it is traditional.

"I'm a Vampire General with urgent news for the Princes in relation to the murder of Jenna." I'm being searched which is normal, but it makes me have flashbacks now because of what happened to me once before.

"You may proceed, open the door." the doors to the Hall of Princes are open, but I still have to wait until I can be permitted to enter the Princes' Dome itself. Hopefully a Prince will exit soon, and then they'll let me in, otherwise I can't enter because only Princes can open the door to the Princes' Dome...

Half an hour later:

Prince Mika has just permitted me to enter the Princes' Dome, he's taken a seat on his throne, and his mate has perched herself upon his lap like she usually does. He's the only Prince in attandance at the moment, and I hope that he'll pass my message onto the others so I don't have to explain it to each Prince individually.

"What is it that you need to tell us Anna?" Prince Mika is looking at me with interest.

"I have discovered something about Jenna which you should be made aware of Sire. One of the Guardians of the Blood came to speak to me, and she took me to where Jenna's body is being held before it is cremated. I have taken a picture of what I saw on my phone as proof Sire, Jenna has got the mark of the Vampaneze on her body, it is located where the Vampets have theirs so I thought that I'd better let you know. This may not be a murder, a Clan member could have seen the mark, and performed what they considered to be a justified killing, or Jenna was actually murdered, and the mark of the Vampaneze was added post mortem to throw us off the scent of a murderer, either way Sire we have to find out the truth for everybody's sake." I've given as much information as I can.

"I knew that there was something not quite right about this whole investigation, and now you have raised even more questions which must be answered Anna." the Vampire Prince looks like he's thinking about something carefully.

"Yes Sire, but either way we must get to the bottom of this, we either need to get justice for a murder victim or to find out once, and for all if she was the mole we've been looking for." for a while now we've suspected that a Clan member has been passing intelligence to the Vampaneze covertly, but we've been unable to prove it, and nor have we had any suspects either.

"Yes, you are correct. I am putting you in charge of the investigation Anna, use whatever resources you need, question every Clan member, and find out what the truth is. Leave no stone unturned, and report to me weekly with updates until the case is solved." the Vampire Prince obviously means business, and so do I.

"Yes Sire. I trust that you will keep this information to yourself? I may be able to use it to flush out the killer." I've seen it on TV dramas where the police withhold information that only they, and the killer know about, this way if they get tips which aren't released to the public they can tell who is giving genuine information, and who isn't.

"I will not speak of these events, and nor will my fellow Princes, but of course I will keep them informed of any progress you make Anna." all of the Vampire Princes must be made aware of my discoveries, that way when the case is solved they will know what the best course of action is.

"Yes Sire, I agree." I just bowed to the Vampire Prince, and now I've left the Princes' Dome, I'm going back to the Hall of Khledon Lurt because I need a rest, and a snack...

About an hour ago I spoke to Prince Mika about Jenna, and the mark of the Vampaneze on her body, I'm now sat by the fire in the Hall of Khledon Lurt, I've got a tankard of milk, and a bowlful fo stew which is good because I'm starving.

I really hope that I can get to the bottom of who killed Jenna, and why they did so. I don't think that she had anything to do with the Vampaneze personally, but I've been wrong in the past, and until I know for sure what's taken place I'm not going to assume anything, or jump to conclusions. I've also got three extra wolves to take care of now as well, Vanez can't manage them on his own due to his blindness, Gavner is too busy with his own elite pack, none of the Medics want to adopt them, and they can't be left to fend for themselves either. I will have to get to know them, and earn their trust slowly because their world, and everything they're familiar with has just changed. I don't even know how they've been trained, and what they can do. They've got collars on at least, and bronze medals which have their names on one side, the words "Medics' Assistant Jenna." are on the reverse. They also have a second medal on their collars which is unusual, they say "Service wolf." on them, and I haven't come across this before, but maybe it refers to how they've been trained, their names are Khan, Flash, and Diesel, they are the siblings of Storm, and Blaze from Angel's litter.

"Khan, Flash, Diesel come." all three wolves have come to me, and they've sat down which is strange, normally I get jumped on or licked to death. "Aspen, Athena, Aeris, Skye, Storm, Blaze, come." my other wolves are jumping up, licking my face, and getting excited, but the other three are just sitting quietly. "Okay, okay settle down now, come, let's go outside, and get some exercise." I think my two wolves Storm, and Blaze recognise their siblings because they're all sniffing each other, and they aren't growling at all either which is good news. I bet that Khan, Flash, and Diesel haven't been out for a pee in ages, and I expect that they're probably bursting, I'll need to find out what they werre being fed as well so I can maintain their routine as easily as possible...

The following events took place an hour ago:

I took nine out of my ten wolves outside, I left Bandit behind because he was asleep, and I didn't want to disturb him, but the others all came with me. I ran around the running track, they followed me eagerly, I saw them playing with each other, and they howled a lot too which was perfectly natural for them to do, I loved listening to them howling together like a choir.

"C'mon then, let's go back inside. It is getting cold out here." the snow had started falling, and I didn't have my cloak on so I was feeling the drop in temperature more than usual. "Storm, Blaze, Athena, Aspen, Skye, Aeris, Khan, Flash, Diesel come." I started walking back towards the main entrance of Vampire Mountain, and the wolves followed behind me in a group, I could see clear similarities between Storm, Blaze, and their siblings, all of them had similar coat colours, they were all around the same size, their personalities were the only thing which differed, but that was to be expected.

When I got back inside the Hall of Khledon Lurt I took a seat, but Khan, Flash, and Diesel wouldn't settle down, and I didn't know why.

"Khan, what is it? Show me?" Khan was pulling on my robe, and trying to tell me something, but I didn't know what it was. The other two wolves trotted away, came back, and trotted away again. "What's wrong?" I stood up, and followed the three wolves down the tunnel, they were heading towards the Medical Wing. I followed them, and the Medic on duty let us in.

"Illness or injury?" the Medic asked when I got there.

"Neither, these wolves just led me here for no reason, they were Jenna's, so I don't know how she's trained them." I felt like they were trying to tell me something.

"That is because Jenna's shift would have started about now, these wolves are trained to help us with things, and they know when it is time to start work. Of course with Jenna gone they don't understand the difference, and they still think that they're on duty." the Medic explained.

"What do they do exactly? Their medals say service wolf on them." I was keen to learn all about my new charges, and put them to good use.

"They help the sick, and injured who're here, they pick things up which get dropped, they fetch bandages, they sit with Clan members who need a bit of company, they alert us if a Clan member goes downhill or if they fall over, you get the picture. These wolves are special Anna, take good care of them. Jenna spent years training them to be calm, quiet, and useful, they only alert if they sense a change in the condition of a Clan member's health, and they save lives by doing so." the Medic knows more than I do, but I took notes down in my book.

"What do they get fed, and when?" I had to know their schedule so I could tie it in with my own.

"They get fed before they are due to start work, they eat raw meat, and it has to be fresh, they like the odd bone as well, but chunks of venison is what they normally get, and a bit of raw chicken or duck breast too." the Medic watched as I wrote everything down in my book. "You can leave these three wolves here until their shift ends or you can take them with you Anna, the choice is yours. They work for four hours, and then they have a rest usually."

"I'll leave them with you, and collect them later. I've got my own work to do right now, and I'm behind schedule." I was meant to be investigating Jenna's death, but taking care of her wolves had been my priority.

"Very well. Do you want a quick demonstration of what these wolves can do Anna?" this sounded like it was going to be interesting to watch.

"Alright. Show me how well they're trained." I was keen to see service wolves in action.

"Can you act like a patient Anna? Fall on the floor as if you're dizzy, and concussed, but not until I go into that bay." I knew how to act at least. "This is what we call a training exercise, when I disappear wait a few moments, and fall to the ground."

"Okay." I was apprehensive, but I trusted the Medic. The Medic disappeared into his office, and two of the wolves followed him, the other went to each Medical Bay even if it was unoccupied, I did as the Medic said, and fell to the ground in a fainting motion, and lay still. The wolf came over to where I was lying, it sniffed me, it let out a howl, soon the other two wolves appeared, and the Medic followed.

"Oh dear, what's happened here? Khan, fetch my box." the Medic bent down to examine me, and I saw the wolf coming back carrying the medical box in his jaws, he placed it on the ground next to the Medic. "Diesel get a blanket." the wolf disappeared, and came back carrying a fur cover, it then pulled it into place until my body was covered up. "You can sit up now Anna, but don't move just yet." I sat up slowly, and acted as if I was confused, and didn't know where I was. "Don't move, you're bleeding. Flash, fetch a bandage, and pads." I observed the wolf opening a low cupboard, it pulled out a bandage that was rolled up, and a dressing pad, it carried it to where I was located, and gave the items to the Medic, then he lay down beside me, and rested his head on my lap whilst the other two were on their feet waiting for further instructions.

"Is that it?" the demonstration had been good, and I was impressed to see the wolves working together to assist the Medic.

"Not quite, the last part of the demonstration involves them helping you to recover, sit on that bed over there, you should act like you're injured, and can't walk. I need you to drop things on the ground, and ask the wolves to get things for you like your crutches." this was obviously a proper demonstration of their training.

"Alright." I stood up slowly with the wolves assisting, they pulled me to my feet, and led me to the nearest bed, I had to hold onto one of their tails so they could guide me. I lay on the bed in the medical bay, and got comfortable. I dropped my notebook on the floor, and Khan picked it up, he dropped it right by my hand so I could reach it. "Fetch my crutches." I sat, and waited as two of the wolves disappeared, they reappeared a few minutes later holding one crutch each in their jaws which they placed beside me so I could use them easily. "I'm thirsty." this was just an additional test to see if the wolves would understand. One wolf fetched a tankard from a cupboard, it brought it to me, and placed it on the sideboard next to my bed, it was empty to start with, but then another one of the wolves picked up a flask which was in another cupboard, and brought it to me. "Can you fetch me something to eat?" I was astonished when the wolf opened up a drawer, picked up a bowl, gave it to me, it disappeared, came back with a spoon, and fetched a different flask from a seperate area, I felt the flask, and it was warm. I opened it, and the smell of soup filled the air. "You're all very smart, I'm impressed. I can see why it took Jenna so long to train them, even my wolves don't fetch food, and drinks for me, they hunt, and bring down animals that we can eat, but that's it."

"These wolves are trained to help Clan members recover from illnesses, and injuries, if you were shiverring they'd fetch a blanket, if you're too hot, or sweating they'd pull the covers off, and open the curtains, if you fall they'll alert me, if you drop something they give it back to you, if you need a meal they can fetch the flasks which we store the food, and drinks in, if you're bleeding they retrieve bandages, if you throw up they'll alert me, one of them will fetch a bucket, another wolf will pull the dirty covers off of you, and the last wolf will fetch a clean cover from the drawer. Afterwards one of them will fetch you a clean shirt for you to put on if you have thrown up on yourself. In short they are awesome Anna, and this training exercise has proven how valuable these three service wolves are." the Medic was lucky to have three furry assistants by his side, I could also clearly see how much time, and work Jenna had put into training her wolves to help her out in the Medical Wing. "I call them nurses with fur."

"I'm astounded by their talents, and we're lucky to have them with us." I'd never seen wolves being trained to assist with tasks in this capacity, normally they're just trained for hunting, tracking, and defensive purposes which is what my pack have been taught...

I have dropped my three newest wolves off at the Medical Wing, and now I need to get on with solving the case of Jenna's death. I have got no idea where to start though, I've thoroughly searched the WC where the killing occured with no luck, and a search of the Clan members' quarters hasn't turned up anything obvious either, but now that I think about it the crime took place in the WC, as such it is quite possible that the weapon used got dropped into the hole where our waste goes, and it got swept away by the water. The weapon could be anywhere if it got washed down the waterway, and there's very little chance of finding it, the water would have washed away all the blood, trace evidence, and scent off of it by now, as a result even if we did locate the weapon it would be hard to prove that it is the one which was used in the murder.

Another issue we have is establishing exactly what time Jenna was killed because there are no clocks here, Gavner spoke to her several hours ago when he gave her the message to tell me, and he was out hunting until the dawn had broken, he must have been gone for a good couple of hours at least. Jenna was last seen by her mate at around four in the morning, she was getting ready to duel before starting her shift, but she never arrived at the Halls of Sport, and the duel was supposed to take place at around four thirty, I'm using the watch that Mr Tiny gave me as a rough guide. Jenna's shift in the Medical Wing was meant to start at eight in the morning, and finish at an hour after sunset, that's why her wolves took me to the Medical Wing earlier, they were expecting to join her, and do the work which they've been trained for.

Judging by my calculations Jenna must have been killed after three in the morning when Gavner spoke to her, but before four thirty when her big duel was supposed to take place. When the body was discovered it was in a terrible state, and it was cold, but that could be due to the massive bloodloss, the body was found at around three fifty in the morning, she was ready to duel because she had her duelling outfit on when her body was found, but no staff was located nearby, either she hadn't picked her personal staff up because she'd forgotten to collect it, or she was going to use one of the ones in the Halls of Sport for some reason. If my maths is correct then Jenna died between three, and three fifty in the morning, this is when most of the Clan members would have been in the Halls of Sport, they were all waiting for the big duel to happen, and fighting for the best seats in the spectators' ring.

At the time I had finished my duties, and I was actually looking for my wolves when Kaitlynn came to find me, by the time I got to the body it was cold, the blood on the walls, and door was starting to dry as well although the main pool of it was still wet.

I can eliminate the majority of the Clan because they either aren't in residence here at the moment or they were in the Halls of Sport at the time of Jenna's death, even with full vampiric speed a vampire couldn't leave the Halls of Sport, kill Jenna, have a wash, get changed, and return to those same halls without somebody noticing that they'd left in the first place.

I need a list of vampires who were in the Halls of Sport at the time, and Prince Mika can give me that because he was there, also he knows the name of almost every Clan member, whereas I do not. My next step will be to talk to him again, and ask him about who he saw in the Halls of Sport whilst he was waiting for the duel to start. Whoever was not present in the Halls of Sport with the exception of Gavner, and myself will be considered as a potential suspect.

"Excuse me Sire, may I speak to you in private? It is about the case." I've just found Prince Mika sitting at the Princes' High Table with his mate.

"Yes, you may Anna. I take it that it is important?" he looks intrigued by what information I have.

"Oh yes, it is very important, I actually need your assistance so I can eliminate Clan members as suspects. I know what time Jenna died approximately, and I also know that that majority of the Clan were with you in the Halls of Sport at the time of her death, I need a list of everybody who was present in the hall whilst they waited for the duel to begin, and I don't know every Clan member's name, but you do Sire. If they were in the Halls of Sport then they're innocent because they can't be in two places at once. Jenna died between three, and three forty in the morning, her body was found at three fifty by Kaitlynn. I wear a watch that Mr Tiny gave me, as such I have been able to work out an approximate time of death Sire." I hope that Prince Mika will be able to assist me.

"I understand your logic Anna, you are clearly working hard to solve this crime, and for that I must thank you." the Vampire Prince sounds pleased with the progress I've made so far. "I can tell you who was present, and who was not, but I will need to sit, and think about it because I do not want to make a mistake. Larten was definitely here, so too was Seba, all of the Princes were in attendance except for Prince Vancha who is away from the mountain, Alicia is with him so they can be discounted, Gavner was hunting with your wolves, I saw him myself carrying his kills back to the mountain so he is discounted, Vanez was here obviously, my mate was here of course because she was meant to be duelling, Jade was here, Silas was here, Vanez's assistants were here too, Gregory, and Hamish were present, they're two of the Guards, but they were off duty, Kaitlynn was here, but she left to find you because she thought you'd forgotten to attend the duel, most of the Generals were here too. There was one vampire who wasn't here, however he is sick so he's in the Medical Wing, and he's been there for three nights already, and there's another Clan member who was absent too so maybe you should look into him Anna."

"What's his name Sire?" any lead is a starting point.

"Ricardo, but we call him Rick. He was absent at the time." this means I'll have to question him about his whereabouts.

"I know him, thanks for the lead Sire." I haven't seen him recently, but I know who he is at least.

"He's training to be a Guard so maybe he has some useful information for you." the Vampire Prince wants this case resolved as much as I do, Jenna cannot rest in peace until justice has been done, and her killer has paid the price for his or her crime.

"I'll go, and speak to him now, and I will make sure to keep you updated Sire." this is a key part of my role as a General, we work with the Princes to help them keep order, and run the Clan effectively...

Rick's quarters:

"Oh hey Rick, can I talk to you for a minute?" I am always casual to begin with, and then I get serious if I need to.

"Sure, how can I help you Anna?" Rick looks so different from the guy I met all those months ago, he's got his trainee Guards' uniform on, he also carries a spear, and a dagger is strapped around his waist.

"I just need to ask you a couple of questions, that's all. First of all where were you when Jenna was killed? You weren't in the Halls of Sport, did you forget about the big duel that was meant to take place?" I am casual, but direct in my line of questioning.

"I didn't forget, no, but I couldn't attend the duel because it clashed with my training session, I had to do a hand-to-hand combat lesson with the other trainee Guards, we started it, but when the news was delivered about Jenna's death we were all relieved from our training duties, and put on high alert. I was on patrol, and I spent the whole time walking up, and down the tunnels. You can check with my boss if you want to Anna." Rick's answer is plausible, and I did see him on patrol after Jenna's body had been found.

"No, I saw you on patrol with my own eyes so I know you're telling the truth Rick. Have you heard or seen anybody acting suspiciously? Did you see anyone heading in the direction of the WC where Jenna was found?" any information I can gather will be helpful.

"No, I didn't, but one of my colleagues did see a Clan member who was covered in blood, but they assumed that they'd been hunting at the time, and thought nothing of it Anna." this is very useful information.

"D'you know the name of the individual who was seen when they were covered in blood?" if I find this out then I've got a suspect.

"No, I don't, and my colleague doesn't know him either Anna, but he walks with a limp, and he keeps two wolves with collars on." this is the best lead I've had so far.

"Right, well thanks for your information, you've been very helpful Rick." I'm like a hound on a trail, at the moment the scent is weak, but it is gradually getting stronger, and leading me to the guilty party.

"Any time you need help just come, and find me, you saved my life Anna, so I owe you big time." Rick has obviously settled in well here, and that's great to see. I never did find out who blooded him though, but at least he's one of us. "Just promise me one thing, don't set your wolves loose to chase me down like they did before, I was scared witless." he's laughing nervously.

"I'm sorry about that, it won't happen again though, I promise." I never break my promises. "You're one of us Rick."

"Shit, I'm late for my patrol shift, bye." and with that he has vanished in a blur, he can also move very fast when he needs to...

I've crossed Rick off of the suspects list, but his information has given me a vague description of a potential suspect whom I can track down. How hard is it to find a vampire who walks with a limp, and keeps two wolves? This has eliminated most of the Clan because only very few Clan members keep wolves, and even fewer walk with a limp. Maybe Prince Mika knows who the individual is, Seba probably does as well so my next stop is to speak to them, and establish the identity of this potential suspect.

"Seba, I need your help, it is urgent." I said when I saw him.

"What is it? Are you in danger?" Seba sounds concerned.

"No, but I need to identify a Clan member, they may be withholding vital information about Jenna's killer. He walks with a limp, and he keeps two wolves, do you know who that is?" I've got straight to the point.

"Let me think for a minute, I do know quite a few Clan members, but not many of them have wolves. Gavner knows who has got wolves, and who does not." Seba is racking his brains, and trying to find a name. "Speak to him about who he has given pups to, that will narrow down the list."

"Okay Seba, thanks for the tip." now I've got to find Gavner, maybe he can shed some more light on this darkness, and for a vampiresss that is a very unusual thing to do, but on this occasion it is necessary...

The following events happened a couple of hours ago:

"Have you seen Gavner? I need to speak with him Larten, it is vitally important." if anybody knew where Gavner was it'd be Larten.

"No, I have not seen him recently. Have you got a new lead?" he looked pleased with my efforts.

"Yes, I have got lots of new information. It turns out that one of the Guards saw a Clan member who was covered in blood, but they assumed that they'd been hunting, and said nothing. As luck would have it I've got a vague description of the individual who was seen, apparently he walks with a limp, and he keeps two wolves with collars on. If anybody knows who he is it'll be Gavner because he knows who has got wolves, and who doesn't Larten, that's why I need to speak with him." I have been trying to keep Larten updated with my progress as often as I can.

"I see. Have you spoken to Seba? He knows lots of Clan members." trust him to mention something I've already done.

"It was Seba who told me to ask Gavner about who keeps wolves Larten. I can't keep track of them all to be honest, I've got my hands full with ten as it is. I never intended to have so many, but hey ho that's life, and I love them all to pieces, I wouldn't swap them for the world." I can no longer imagine a life without wolves by my side, they've been a part of my world for so long.

"Seba has always been a step or two ahead of me. Have you tried to reach Gavner with your mental waves Anna?" I hadn't thought of this.

"No, I haven't. Could you search for him? You're better at it than me Larten." he knows what signals to look for, with me it is a bit hit, and miss.

"Okay, give me a moment." Larten shut his eyes, and focused his mind upon Gavner's mental signal. "Got him, he is in the Hall of Purta Vin Grahl."

"Oh, well I don't need to see him washing himself." I laughed.

"No, that would not be a pleasant sight Anna. Wait for him in the Hall of Khledon Lurt, now he knows that I have searched for him he will come, and find me when he is done." he had a point, and besides I was hungry so I could eat whilst I waited for Gavner to turn up.

"I'm going to get some food, I'm starving, you coming Larten?" we Generals can eat whenever we like if we cook it ourselves, the kitchens are always open to us.

"Can you make us both a pie? I love your pies." this is high praise indeed from a vampire who hardly ever gives compliments.

"Yep, I can do that. Venison, and ale?" we have plenty of venison at the moment so it makes sense to use it up.

"No, venison, in red wine sauce with kidneys, and wild mushrooms." his suggestion sounded even tastier than mine.

"Yum, just the thought of that makes me hungry Larten." it is probably the most delectable sounding pie I've heard of in a while. "I'll make one that's big enough for both of us to share, it is easier that way. I'll do all butter puff pastry on the top, and shortcrust for the bottom, and sides."

"From scratch?" he sounds intrigued by my cooking ability.

"Of course, I'll even grind the grain for the flour, and churn the milk for the butter if I have to, I don't give you pre-made crap, I make everything with fresh ingredients when I'm cooking for you Larten. Shit, I'll go outside, and kill a deer infront of you to get the venison we need if you want me to." I've heard of making things from scratch, but this is more than that.

"There is enough in the cold room where the meat is stored, but I appreciate the sentiment." his tone was slightly higher than normal, and his throat was going red.

"What kind of wife would I be if I didn't feed you properly?" at the end of the night when all is said, and done, we're still Blessed Mates, and that comes with responsibilities...

Gavner's quarters: two hours later.

"Alright, alright I've missed you as well. Man these wolves are pleased to see me Gavner." I've just been jumped on by Gavner's elite pack, they're all licking my face, and greeting me as if I've been away for months. "Settle down now, geez."

"They must really love you Anna, what was it you wanted to see me about?" Gavner has poured himself a tankard of ale, he has a barrel of it in his quarters as he's a General.

"I wanted to ask you about two wolves that you gave to a Clan member who has a limp. What's his name? He may have vital information about Jenna's death you see, but nobody seems to know who he is, all we know is that he limps, and he keeps two wolves who have collars on." I have no other information at the moment.

"I know who you mean, give me a second, and I'll remember his name. Lionel, that's it, the guy you're looking for is named Lionel." Gavner is proving to be very useful.

"D'you know where I can find him Gavner?" this is the best lead I've got so far, now I have a name, and a description.

"He is one of Vanez's assistants, I would try the Halls of Sport first as that's where they usually are Anna." I could kiss Gavner right now, he may have just found a murder suspect.

"I'd better get down there then, thanks Gavner. You might have just solved a murder case, you know that, right?" I'm glad that this case is beginning to be solved. "I don't want to confront him in public, call the Guards, and tell them to evacuate the Halls of Sport, and the tunnel that goes to it, say that a murder suspect has been located, so we're going to move in, and arrest him. I'm taking your elite pack with me, if things turn nasty I need a line of defence. I don't want him or his wolves being hurt either, we need to question him, and he may turn out to be innocent, so we need to do this the right way."

"I agree Anna. This guy needs to answer for his actions, or tell us what he knows if he is innocent." Gavner has finished his ale, and now we've split up, I've taken his wolves, and gone to the Halls of Sport, whilst he has gone to summon the Guards to place Lionel under arrest...

"Lionel, we need to talk." I have just arrived in the Halls of Sport, and I can see him, he is helping Vanez to polish staves.

"What is the problem? Do you need a new staff made or something?" Lionel looks worried.

"Grrrrrr. Awhoooooo." that's Maia growling at Lionel, she's also sounding her alert to say she's found something. "Awhoooooo."

"Lionel, you're under arrest for the murder of Jenna, you don't have to say anything, but anything you do say can be used as evidence, you have the right to ask for assistance during your trial from an appointed representative, and you will be treated as innocent until your guilt can be proven or not." this is how we arrest individuals, I've never had to do it before either.

"What? I'm no murderer." Lionel is shaking like a leaf, and I don't blame him either.

"Grrrrrrrrr." all of the elite pack have surrounded Lionel now, they're growling at him loudly, and baring their fangs. The wolves must know something that I don't, or they wouldn't react like this, but I trust their judgement.

Maia has just grabbed hold of Lionel's trousers, and she's tugging on them for some reason, Aztec is having a good sniff as well, and now Ares has got involved, he's put his paws up onto Lionel's back, and he's got hold of something which isn't clothing, but I can't see what it is yet.

"What have you got? Show me." Ares has just dropped a bloodstained knife in its sheathe by my feet, both the sheathe, and the knife's handle clearly have blood on them. "I think we've found our murder weapon, take him to the dungeon for questioning." the Guards have turned up, and put Lionel in shackles. I knew the wolves were onto something, they wouldn't have reacted like that otherwise, it isn't like them to growl, snarl, and sound an alert right infront of me unless there is a potential threat nearby. I'm glad I trusted their instincts, the elite pack isn't even mine, but they are not to be underestimated, and our bond is strong enough for them to alert me to danger at least which I'm grateful for.

I don't want to assume the worst of Lionel, but the evidence against him is strong, and I'm sure that the truth will come out at his trial, I haven't touched the knife either, it is still on the ground infront of my feet. I don't want to destroy any evidence on it or contaminate it in any way, I need to pick it up with a glove on, and place it into a plastic bag or another sterile container. I've seen enough TV shows to know all about forensics, for example DNA can be used to solve crimes such as burglary, and murder. Fingerprints are also very useful, hairs or fibres which are unique to individuals or articles of clothing also get used to prove innocence or guilt.

I'm not sure who is going to be questioning Lionel, but whoever it is won't go easy on him, especially seeing as he's a murder suspect, and we need to hear the whole story before an accurate judgement as to his fate can be determined, but I suspect that it'll be a one-way walk to the Hall of Death for him. I feel sorry for Vanez, after all he's lost his mate, and now his own assistant is accused of her murder, I wouldn't have believed it myself if somebody had told me that it was him, however there is evidence against him which is hard to dispute, and although we don't have access to modern forensic techniques here I trust the wolves, and their instincts, their reaction to Lionel has told me all I need to know about him, they've never been wrong either, and their reaction was automatic, it wasn't like I even issued them with a command to search Lionel, they just knew that something wasn't right about him. Gavner has trained them very well, and they aren't called elite wolves for nothing.

"C'mon, let's go. Our work here is done. Maia, leave it." she is trying to pick up the knife, but it has to stay where it is until it can be collected properly. "I'll get you some snacks, you've earnt them." I'm sure I can find something for them to munch on, there's plenty of scraps, and bones to go around. "Make sure that nobody touches that knife, it is evidence in a murder enquiry, and it must be handled properly so as not to destroy any evidence. Is that clear?"

"As you wish." the Guards are looking at me suspiciously. "Who put you in charge anyway?"

"Prince Mika did, you can speak to him if you've got any issues. I'm a serving General, I have got the right to give out instructions, and investigate crimes." I hate it when my authority is questioned.

I'm taking the elite wolves back to Gavner now, as I don't need their assistance any longer, besides I've got to check on my own pack, and collect my three newest additions from the Medical Wing now that their work is done.

"Gavner, here's your wolves back, thanks for letting me borrow them. You've heard about what happened?" I'm not sure how far the news has spread.

"I was told about Lionel being arrested, and questioned, but nothing more. We Generals don't always listen to idle gossip." he is the same as me, I don't pay attention to rumours either.

"Your wolf found the murder weapon, or what could very well be the murder weapon, and dropped it at my feet. Maia here is an absolute star, Ares found the knife, and Aztec did a good job too Gavner." I'm impressed by their intuition.

"Well that's good news, it means my training is paying off." he's making a fuss of the wolves, and so am I.

"That's true. I wonder who will be questioning Lionel, although there aren't that many questions to ask, and I doubt that he'll admit to what he's done. I don't understand why he would commit such a horrible crime, nothing makes sense at all, and I think that there's more to this case than meets the eye." I will get to the bottom of it, I'll find out the truth because that's my job as an investigator, and a General.

"The Guards will probably do it, they usually question criminals, and in cases of serious crimes sometimes they use the threat of torture to get to the truth Anna." I don't agree with torture obviously, but that's not my call to make, after all even Generals have limitations on what they can, and cannot do.

"We'll find out the whole story at the trial, but I think we already know what the conclusion will be, you don't have to be a genius to work out what we do with murderers at Vampire Mountain." I hate the idea of execution, but sometimes it is necessary because certain individuals are too dangerous to be kept alive. "I haven't fed your wolves because I wasn't sure if you'd already fed them or not, I need to get my pack together, and let them out for a pee, after that I'll go to the dungeon. I want to speak to Lionel myself, and get as much information from him as I can."

"D'you think he'll talk to you?" he doesn't look too convinced.

"No idea Gavner, but it is worth a shot. I have got nothing to lose, right?" I always try to see the good in people, even if they have done things wrong, take Jade for example; what she, and Larten did is inexcusable, however she is not evil, just misguided, and that is partly due to what she went through in her past, and I'm pretty sure that Lionel will have a story to tell as well...

The dungeon: outside of Lionel's cell

"I need to talk to this prisoner." I've told the Guard who is by his cell, well it is a cage actually with old sacks on the floor, and a bucket in the corner.

"Go ahead, you're a General after all." at least this Guard respects my authority.

"Hi Lionel, can I get your side of the story? I am sure that nobody has listened to it yet." I'm taking a casual approach to make him feel more at ease.

"I am not guilty of this crime, I can explain everything, and I can prove my innocence as well, but nobody believes me." he sounds stressed, and frustrated.

"Well if you tell me everything maybe I can help you to get out of this place. If there is proof of your innocence then it must be taken into account." I believe in fair treatment, and giving everybody a chance to explain their actions.

"Yes, Jenna is dead, and I accept that, but I did not kill her, I was covered in blood because I killed a boar for my wolves to eat, I slashed its jugular vein open, and the blood went all over me. The knife you found me with has boar's blood on it, I didn't have time to clean it because I was late for my duties, and Vanez needed my assistance badly at the time. The remains of the boar are in the cold room, I didn't let my wolves eat it all because they had already eaten, and I don't want to overfeed them. I saw Jenna entering the WC, she had her duelling clothes on, and she was carrying her staff as well. The lock on the door of that WC doesn't work, maybe when she entered it somebody was already in there, and they killed her. They would have been covered in blood as well, it was just a coincedence that I passed by that way because my quarters are nearby, I had to change out of my hunting clothing before I went to help Vanez. Surely you can smell the difference between boar blood, and vampire blood? Your wolves went nuts because they could still smell the boar blood on my knife, and the scent of the kill because I had only changed my clothing, I didn't wash myself, and there's something else as well which you may not know, I saw Jenna in the Hall of Purta Vin Grahl about a week ago, and on her body is the mark of the Vampets, it is very distinctive. If I saw it when she was washing herself then maybe somebody else has seen it too, and they killed her because they thought she was a traitor. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but you can check the knife, and the cold room, I went hunting with somebody else, I wasn't alone. They can verify my story, and prove that I'm not guilty." Lionel has just given me some more information which I didn't know about.

"Hang on, you said you saw Jenna with her staff going to the WC? When the body was discovered Jenna didn't have her staff with her, so I'm obviously missing something." Lionel has raised yet more questions.

"The killer probably took it as a trophy, I mean if they saw the mark of the Vampets on her, and killed her then her staff would be classed as property under the spoils of war law that we have, whoever killed her took it as their rightful prize for killing who they believed to be a traitor Anna." if this is true then this lead must be investigated.

"Who did you hunt with?" if I can verify Lionel's story then it'll prove that he is innocent, and somebody else is a killer.

"I went with Silas, and Gregory, plus Gregory's wolves Breeze, and Nomad." all of these names ring a bell which is good. "One of my wolves is in season, and I don't want her to breed so I have separated her from the other wolves who're in residence."

"Silas, and Gregory say that they were in the Halls of Sport, there are witnesses who saw them there Lionel. How can they hunt with you, and be in the Halls of Sport?" this question needs answering.

"I killed the boar pretty quickly, however pretty soon afterwards Silas, and Gregory made their excuses, and returned to the mountain whilst I stayed outside to hunt a bit longer, I was hoping to make more than one kill, but I didn't." this explains why Lionel wasn't in the Halls of Sport when the others were in attendance.

"Right, well you've blown the case wide open with your information, and I'm more sure than not that you are innocent, however I have no power or authority to release you I'm afraid, you'll have to stay here until the real murderer is caught." I'm glad I've spoken to Lionel now, he has given me a lot more investigative work to do. "What time did you see Jenna with her staff?"

"I don't have a watch, but if she was discovered dead at three fifty according to you then I saw her around three twenty five, she was carrying her staff, she was dressed to duel, and I saw her practising her strikes against the stone walls, she even chipped one of them, I have the piece of rock in my pocket which broke off of the wall. Take a look Anna." Lionel has produced a small, dark grey-black shard of rock which does indeed match an area of chipped wall which I made a note of in my book.

"Thank you for your information Lionel, you've been very helpful. I'll report what you've told me to Prince Mika. I have a plan to trap the real killer, but in order to do so you have to stay here. I need the Clan to think that you're guilty so that the real killer will let his or her guard down, and slip up somehow, either he or she will brag about the killing or they'll say something which only the killer would know about." I'd like to think that I'm intelligent enough to outsmart a killer.

"I understand. Thanks for listening to me, and allowing me to put forward my case." he has relaxed a bit, but he's still being kept in conditions which aren't even suitable for animals.

"Guard, these conditions are awful, when I return I want to see fresh straw or hay on the floor instead of these filthy sacks, and if I hear any more reports about you underfeeding prisoners then you'll have me to answer to. We have standards here, so get it sorted, and that goes for all prisoners, not just him. They will get two meals nightly from now on, also they will all have fresh straw or hay to sleep on, and their buckets will be emptied frequently. I will not tolorate any abuse or beatings being dished out for your own sadistic pleasure either. These are my orders as a General, so you must follow them." I've done what I can for the prisoners' conditions, but I can only do so much.

"Are you serious?" the Guard looks like he's about to start laughing.

"Perfectly so. If you do not follow my orders then you will be judged harshly for disobedience towards a General, is that clear?" I have to put my foot down sometimes in order to get things done.

"Very well Ma'am, we'll fix things up. A General's word is law after all." the Guard looks pissed, but I don't care, even animals in zoos get treated better than these prisoners do...

The following events took place earlier on this evening:

After returning Gavner's wolves to him, and visiting Lionel in the dungeon I went to the Hall of Princes again, I had to report everything I'd found out so that Prince Mika was being kept in the loop. When I got there he looked as though he was expecting to see me.

"Ah, I wondered when you'd be coming to see me Anna. I hope you are working hard to solve the case." the Vampire Prince remarked.

"Well, I thought I had solved it, and found the killer, but it turns out that the Clan member I thought it was is probably innocent, and he can prove it as well. I'm still looking for the killer Sire, but I am making progress, and I have more leads to follow." I hoped that he'd be pleased with my developments.

"You are working hard, and that is obvious to see. I'm proud that we have you as a General Anna, you put the others to shame because none of them get the amount of work done that you do." hearing a compliment like this, and from a Vampire Prince was enough to make me even more determined to solve the murder case once, and for all.

"I should get back to work Sire, I've got leads to follow, a killer to find, and an innocent Clan member to exonerate." I have always been work focused, even when I was at college I got my assignments done on time, and to a decent standard.

"I understand." the Vampire Prince answered between taking sips of what smelt like wine from his goblet...

I have to speak to Gregory, and Silas because they were apparently with Lionel when he went hunting, as such they will be able to either confirm or destroy his alibi. I'm not sure where they are right now, but I'll probably find them in the Hall of Khledon Lurt because that's where Clan members tend to gather together when they're not working, besides that I'm hungry, and thirsty.

I also need to collect my wolves, I want to check on Bandit as well because he's old, and he needs a lot of special care, he still eats a fair bit, and he's always happy to see me which is good. I've been giving him lots of oily fish because it helps his joints, and I give him ground up turmeric root because it is a natural anti-inflammitory. I sprinkle it on his meat, and it is working because he doesn't limp as much now, but it can only do so much, I could do with buying some proper veterinary medicines for exotic animals, but we can't get those here so we use plant extracts, herbs, and spices instead.

I've gone to my quarters, and opened the door, my wolves are fine, but I don't like having to be away from them for hours on end whilst I'm working. I can't take them everywhere with me even though I'd like to, but sometimes it just isn't practical, and they do take up a fair amount of space too.

"Come on then, let's go." they're excited to see me, they've been taking it in turns to jump up, and lick my face. "Okay, Okay, I've missed you too."

"Off hunting Anna?" Seba has just appeared infront of me randomly.

"No, not right now. I'm just taking them out for a pee, and some fresh air." I like going for a run around the track with them, it is good for us to get regular exercise, and it is enjoyable too, plus the weather is okay tonight so I may as well make the most of it.

"Good idea. I do the same thing with my wolves. I own some of the descendants of your original pair Anna, and they are great companions." I'm glad that Seba gets along well with his wolves, I often see them together actually, he's only got two now, but he had more than that at one point. "I do not currently have a mate so my wolves provide me with company, and a purpose other than just doing my duties as the Quartermaster."

"I get that, my wolves have been there for me since the night I first met my original wolf Sasha, she gave her life to defend me, and I'm never going to forget it either Seba." I think of Sasha all the time, and Shadow too. "Even when Sasha was injured she refused to give in, she lunged at as many Vampaneze as she could, she killed more than one, then she stood over my body, and faught like a demon on stimulants to make sure that I survived even if she didn't. I faught hard, I think I was only half blooded back then, I did my best to defend myself, and I tried to save her life, but I was unsuccessful."

"I have no doubts that you did everything you could, I have seen you fight Anna, and I know how tough you are." he often watches me fighting in the Halls of Sport, I take part in sparring matches, and sometimes I get challenged because I'm a General now.

"Right, well I'd better get going. My wolves must be bursting for a pee by now." I haven't let them out for a while, so they need a good run.

"I expect so Anna. Take care out there, the bears are beginning to wake up from hibernation so you may see a couple that aren't quite with it yet." bears are dangerous at the best of times.

"Thanks for the advice Seba." if there's one vampire who knows about animals, and their hibernation patterns it is him...

"Off you go then." I'm now outside heading towards the running track, and the wolves are roaming around freely in the surrounding area. The moon is full, as such the wolves who have pale coats can be seen, only Skye blends into the darkness perfectly, however all of my wolves are wearing their brightly coloured collars with bells on, and they're very useful on dark nights when my wolves are a fair distance away.

I've been jogging around the track that we've got, it is quite a long run, and it is a great way of keeping fit. Sometimes my wolves run beside me, and we race each other, but normally they go off on their own, and I run until I feel like I've done enough exercise. I enjoy watching my wolves playing with one another, and they fight too, but it is only so they can re-establish their dominance, and their place in the pack. It is quite noisy because they growl, and bounce around, however they don't hurt each other, they just mess around, and burn off some steam. I can see their collars because they have LED lights attached to them which flash, and they're all different colours so I know who is who. I picked some up from one of the camping shops I went to, and adapted them slightly so they'd attach to the collars easily. "I almost didn't see your tail then Bandit, I just nearly stepped on it." he's been lying down the whole time almost, but he still likes to search for food that I've hidden. "Bandit, seek." he's standing up now, and starting to sniff around, I've hidden some chunks of rabbit in a small area for him to find, I give him extra food because he's been losing weight, and I don't know why, but it must be age related because he's healthy in every other way apart from his joints.

"Awhhooo." that's the sound of the wild wolves in the distance, but their howls can be heard from a long way away. Even my wolves are howling now, whenever they hear howling they howl too, it is like a territorial, instinctual thing. Wolves won't go into the same territory as another pack, if they meet a rival pack they fight each other to defend their own territories. I love hearing the sound of my wolves howling, and their natural howls sound very different to their alert howls. I can tell the difference between the two as well, for a start they are different lengths, however the pitch is what really separates them. Natural howls are deeper to start with, and they get higher over time, but alert howls are much longer, and higher pitched to start with because they have to be heard as soon as possible, they sound a bit like a hunting hound's cry actually. "C'mon then you big ol' fluffy lump, let's go back indoors. I'm getting cold, and I'm sure you are feeling it too Bandit." I've picked him up to give his legs a rest, he did find the rabbit I hid for him, and he's eaten it all already. "Athena, Aeris, Storm, Blaze, Skye, Aspen, Khan, Flash, Diesel come." my wolves are running towards me, and we're heading back towards the main entrance of Vampire Mountain because it is nearby. We've been outside for a good forty minutes at least, as such the wolves have had plenty of time to burn some energy off, and do their business. "Let's get your collars changed over, and then I think it'll be time for a rest before I have to go back to work." I'm always working now, I've got to meet Silas, and Gregory to check out Lionel's version of events, after that I've got a meeting to attend, and finally I'll get to sleep at about one or two in the afternoon if I'm lucky, in fact the Clan says that a General's work is never done, and I'm starting to believe it...

By the time I returned to my quarters yesterday afternoon I was totally exhausted, I had absolutely no energy whatsoever, and I fell asleep pretty much straight away. I curled up with Storm because Larten was doing the late shift in the Medical Wing, the Medics who were on duty had been called away to attend to Prince Paris in his quarters, as a result he had volunteered to fill in for them, because of his vast knowledge of herbs, and dressing wounds Larten is an ideal candidate, during his shift he had to do the work of two Medics, having said that he did have my three new wolves to help him out, however he isn't used to having things fetched, and carried for him by four legged furry nurses, it took him a while to get the hang of giving seperate wolves different commands to get things done.

When his shift was over I was already asleep, he decided to keep the three wolves he'd borrowed with him because he didn't want to disturb me, but after we caught up again earlier he told me all about it, and how many interesting ailments he'd treated.

"I tell you one thing Anna, I have never had wolves assisting me to treat wounds before, I said the word bandage, one of them pulled the cupboard door open, picked one up, and passed it to me, I was fixing up somebody who had a nasty cut on their head from a fight in the ring, they had been using daggers so you can imagine how deep the wound was. One wolf got a bandage, and the other one picked up the pot of healing paste from my box, and put it on the tray ready for me to use, then it picked up the dressing pad, and held it in its jaws until I was ready to use it. Jenna must have spent months training these service wolves, the weirdest thing was when I went to get a drink the wolf picked up the tankard I'd dropped, put it into the washing up bowl, got another one from the cupboard, passed it to me, and then went back to fetch a flask of water from the same cupboard. I did not even dish out an exact command either, it was like the wolf had anticipated my next action, and reacted to it accordingly." I'm amazed by how smart these wolves are. "The wolves are so calm as well, one of them rested its head on the lap of another injured guy, and acted like a distraction whilst I stitched his wound shut because he is a new Clan member, and not used to how we do things here, he is only a half blooded vampire too, he cannot be more than twenty years old either. I have never seen anybody look so scared in all my life except for Vampets on the battlefield. His mentor was not there to help him either, but the wolf seemed to have a soothing influence on him, and he did not even flinch which meant I was able to do a proper job of stitching him up."

"I can imagine how scary it must be when you're newly blooded, in unfamiliar surroundings with no mentor to guide you, and an injury to deal with. I am not sure what he was more afraid of; being stitched up, or coming face to face with a wolf." I think most new Clan members back away slowly when they meet a wolf for the first time, it is a perfectly natural reaction to be afraid of potentially dangerous animals.

"Both I imagine, but I assured him that he was safe, and he was in good hands. He reminded me of Darren back when I first took him on as my assistant, he was a scrawny, frightened little boy when I met him, but look at where he is now Anna. He has a noble heart, and I respect him, after all he was prepared to sacrifice everything in order to save the life of his friend, just like that woman did for you." his reply has reminded me of how far I've come too.

"It never ceases to amaze me when humans join us because they think they'll be asleep all day, and partying all night, when the reality of this life hits them they get a rather rude awakening, most adapt in time, but others never do, and they regret their decision, but by then it is too late, they're stuck, there's no going back after all, and vampirism is forever." I have no regrets at all, but I understand perfectly how young people feel when they first join us, it is a major shock to their system, and some just cannot adjust to our way of life, we try to ease them into it, but sometimes it isn't possible, we do get a few half vampires who wonder off into the wilderness, and as a result they're never seen again, but it doesn't happen very often, although we do find bones occasionally or partial skeletons of those who didn't make it, when we find these remains we cremate them according to our customs, thereby setting their spirits free from this Earth.

"I had to deal with a fair few injuries during my shift including a fractured wrist, and a dislocated ankle that was caused by falling off of the Bars, the injured party landed badly. I had to put a splint on her wrist to hold it in place, and I tweaked the ankle back into its correct position, she will not be duelling again for a while. One of the wolves got a splint out of the bag, he held it in his mouth until I needed it, after that another wolf fetched a bandage, and placed it on the tray of equipment I was using." I like it when he tells me about what he's been up to, his life is far more interesting than mine. "What about you Anna? Have you followed up on all the leads you have?"

"Not all of them, no, that is my job for tonight. I went to a meeting whilst you were filling in for the Medics, and it dragged on for ages. By the time it was over it was too late to follow up on any new leads. In truth I was exhausted, and I just needed to catch up on my sleep." I've been so busy recently that I have not had much time to myself at all, and when I am free I've got ten wolves to take care of, and Kaitlynn to train as well. "I knew that being a General was going to be a lot of work, but I never imagined that I'd be doing this many things."

"That is one reason why I gave it up Anna, I could not deal with the workload or the pressure that it put me under, it ruined my mateship as well because I had no spare time to spend with her, now it seems as though history is repeating itself, only this time the roles are reversed, and you have got no time for me any longer." he sounded a bit downtrodden by the whole thing.

"I'm sorry, I'll ask for some time off after this murder enquiry has been solved." I can do nothing more because I've got responsibilities. "I will try harder, at least we had a meal together, that's something, right? I want to make time for us, but with ten wolves to care for, duties to do, and Kaitlynn to look after my hours of free time disappear so easily."

"I know, and I am not blaming you because I know how dedicated you are to your duties Anna." at least he recognises my sense of duty.

"I have to put the murder investigation first, I've promised Prince Mika that I will solve it, and I cannot break my promise, especially not to a Prince." I don't make promises that I cannot keep.

"I admire your dedication to your role as a General Anna." I am determined to do a good job, being a General is a highly respected position, and not everybody who applies or trains to become one actually gets selected...

I am currently on my way to meet Silas, and Gregory because I have to check out Lionel's alibi, and see if what he told me is the truth. I know that at least some of Lionel's account is true because I saw him myself in the place where he said he was, and at the correct time as well. If anybody knows anything it'll be Silas, and Gregory because they were there at the time, I was not.

We're going to meet in a small room because we conduct all business such as this in private, there will also be a Guard present who can act as a witness, but that's it. I can speak to Silas, and Gregory at the same time, I only need to check the facts of Lionel's story against their timeline of events, and it shouldn't take too long.

"Welcome gentlemen, please take a seat, and I'll get straight down to business." I like to get my work done. "I've spoken with Lionel, and now I need to know if his story matches up with yours, this is a murder investigation, I need to know the truth so that the guilty party is found, and punished. Lionel said that he went hunting with you on the night that Jenna was murdered, he says that he killed a boar, is this correct?"

"We did go hunting together, but we both left before a kill was made, and we didn't see him with a kill either, although I did witness that he was covered in blood, at the time I assumed that he had been successful, and thought nothing nothing more of it." Silas has just explained. "I did observe Jenna too, I came back to the mountain early because I wanted to get a good spectators' seat, the Halls of Sport were filling up fast when I arrived, I went to the Hall of Khledon Lurt quickly to fill up my flask, when I saw Jenna she had her staff, and her duelling outfit on, but I'm not sure what time it was, I don't have a watch."

"I didn't see Jenna, but I did go hunting with Lionel, I also saw him in the cold room. He was storing the remains of the boar he'd killed after his wolves had eaten their fill Anna." Gregory's answer has confirmed what Lionel told me. "I saw him covered in blood too, but that was to be expected because he'd made a kill."

"Right, well it looks as though Lionel didn't kill Jenna, but somebody else did." I am back at square one, but at least I know that Lionel is innocent. "I am stumped, I haven't got a clue who murdered Jenna, but I do know what time she was killed, she must have been killed around three thirty five or three forty, she was found dead at three fifty according to my watch, after all Lionel saw her at three twenty five when she was dressed to duel, and carrying her staff which ties into what you've told me."

"So whoever killed her must have done it in a frenzied attack, nothing else would be as violent or as fast as that. Frenzied attacks are a specialised battle skill which we vampires can perform, we kind of spin around on the spot with a weapon, and wipe out any enemy who comes near us, it usually involves slashing the throat or stomach open of the enemy in question, and it is very messy. Think of spinning blades, and how much damage they cause because that's what a vampire's frenzy attack is, spinning around on the spot very quickly whilst holding a bladed weapon which can slice through anything it touches." Silas has opened up a new line of enquiry which I've never heard of, I haven't learnt how to perform a frenzied attack, and I don't know of anybody who can perform one either.

"Who is trained to use these so-called frenzied attacks? I've never heard of, or seen them before." I have to find out as much as I can, if Jenna was killed by a frenzied attack then it'd explain the amount of blood, and it also reveals why nobody saw or heard it, it was so quick, and violent that she wouldn't have had time to react.

"Only those who wish to learn it are taught it, it takes years to master, and very few vampires ever get to use it for real, but if they do use it then there will be a good reason for it. One time it can be used is when you're on the battlefield, and totally surrounded by enemies. You can wipe out more than one in a single spin if you are fast, and accurate enough, but it takes a long time to practice your balance, speed, and spinning blade motions." Gregory knows much more than me about this offensive strategy.

"I see, well thank you gentlemen for your information, you've been very helpful. You can go now if you like, I've got no more questions, but I do have a few new avenues to explore." now I have to find out who knows about this frenzied attack move, and who can perform it...

"Um, do you know anything about frenzied attacks Larten? According to Silas, and Gregory Jenna was killed by a frenzied attack, it would explain why there was so much blood at the scene, but I haven't heard of this type of battle strike until now." Larten, and Seba have faught in more than one battle, they're probably knowledgable about types of attacks which get performed.

"I know how to perform one, yes, but I have never actually done it on the battlefield, it is only used when you are surrounded or if you cannot vault upwards, and over the top of your enemies." his answer is the same as what I've already been told. "It is a powerful move Anna, you hold two bladed weapons, one in each hand, you spin on the spot as fast as you can whilst holding the weapons out to the side or infront of you, you become a spinning double blade which slices through anything, this includes chests, throats, clothing, and limbs as well. It is a deadly, ferocious attack which the Vampaneze cannot defend themselves against."

"Sounds pretty nasty to me, maybe I'll learn how to do it, but just for emergencies, you know?" I'm always keen to learn more combat skills which I can put to good use.

"Ask Seba to teach you, he is the best at performing a frenzied attack Anna. I have seen him practising it, and it is one skill which we vampires are proud of." he always refers to Seba when it comes to learning new things.

"Okay, I'll do that. By the way which Clan members are able to perform a frenzied attack? One of them is probably the murderer." this is what I've been able to work out from the information I have gathered.

"Seba, myself, the Princes, and certain Generals can all perform a frenzied attack, even a couple of the older Guards who have been involved in battles are able to perform such an attack Anna." I've just realised something, and it due to what Larten has just said.

"Do the Guards patrol every tunnel or only some of them Larten?" I'm curious because I've got a suspicion that I need to confirm or eliminate. "There is nothing down the North tunnel other than the WC, and a storeroom where spare items are kept, right? It is curious that Guards would be patrolling a tunnel which is not normally occupied or indeed in use, surely they wouldn't need to patrol this tunnel, but having said that on the night of the murder the Guards were on patrol there, when normally they aren't. Isn't that a bit strange? Supposing one of the Guards is responsible for the killing, they've used their position to cover up what they've done, and they have attempted to frame Lionel in order for them to get away with murder."

"Now that you come to mention it, it does seem a bit odd that those Guards were on patrol in a tunnel that is not usually guarded. The Guards only patrol the main tunnels which lead to important places, the North tunnel has nothing in it which needs to be guarded, as such you are right to suspect the Guards who were on patrol at the time. They have got no alibis other than each other, also they probably saw Lionel covered in blood after his hunt, and used it to their advantage." he has pointed out what I've already been suspecting.

"I think I need to speak to the Guards who were on duty at that time, nobody else had the opportunity to commit the crime, and they will also probably know how to perform a frenzied attack, plus they could have commited the crime, and if they were the same Guards that Kaitlynn reported finding Jenna's body to then it makes sense why they dismissed her, I had to report it in person to them before they took it seriously, not only that, but they would not be suspected either, it also explains why nobody saw anyone down that tunnel apart from Jenna whilst she was alive, of course no-one would even consider the Guards as being suspects because of who they are, in fact they've almost gotten away with murder, and there was no reason for them to be in that tunnel patrolling, so they've used their position as a cover, and their patrolling as a justification for being there Larten." I have to find the Guards who were on patrol on that night, and question them.

"I think that you have just solved a murder, now you have to report to Prince Mika, and then place those Guards under arrest before freeing Lionel, he is clearly innocent." he's right of course.

"Yes Larten, I will get on it straight away." I'm glad that the pieces of this puzzle are fitting together at last...

"Sire, I've solved the murder. I know exactly what happened, and now all I need to do is find out why. Lionel is innocent, two Guards are guilty of the crime, for a start very few vampires know how to perform a frenzied attack, but they do, Jenna was killed by a frenzied attack, secondly Guards never usually patrol the North tunnel as there's nothing down there which needs to be guarded, but when Jenna's murder happened the Guards were patrolling that same tunnel, also they attempted to frame Lionel, they probably saw him covered in blood, and then spread around that he was guilty even though I can prove that he isn't, finally who would suspect two Guards on patrol of commiting a murder? Kaitlynn reported finding the body to them, however they dismissed her claims, and when I mentioned it to them they weren't too keen on checking out the murder scene either, only now do all the puzzle pieces fit together, in addition to this we have searched for Jenna's missing staff, but it is nowhere to be found, supposing it is being held in the Guards' barracks, of course they wouldn't have been searched, like I said no-one would ever think that our Guards could commit such a horrible act Sire." I'm tired, but relieved that I've gotten to the bottom of this whole thing.

"Well, well, well Anna congratulations, I am impressed, and you have come to the same conclusion that I've reached. I thought those Guards were hiding something, and now I know what it is. They will both be arrested, and charged with murder." Prince Mika sounds happy with my latest report.

"I told you that I was determined to solve this case, and I have done just that Sire." I'm relieved that I've found the truth at last.

"I agree, the Guards' barracks will be searched, and the two Guards in question will be arrested. I will also give you the release papers for Lionel because we know that he didn't commit the murder." Prince Mika has just sat back down on his throne, and called for some more wine. "Do you know which two Guards are responsible?"

"I'm afraid I don't know their names Sire, I am not familiar with any of the Guards really. The Guard who is in charge would know which Guards were on duty, and where they were assigned to patrol. I'll ask him, and see if he knows which Guards are guilty, however if he is aware of the incident then he may choose a way of covering for them, as such arresting the guilty parties may not be as simple as we first thought." it happens with the human police, when police officers do wrong their colleagues have been known to cover up for them.

"I will ask the Sargeant to report to me directly, he would not lie to a Prince's face." I've never met the Sargeant before, but he sounds scary.

"Is he the one who is in charge of the Guards?" I'm not sure how the Guards do things, maybe they have their own ranks like the army does.

"He tells the Guards where they need to be, and what each Guard's shift is. For example the two Guards which stand outside the Hall of Princes alternate every six hours, and the two which guard the main entrance do four hours, then they switch with two new Guards, and have a break." this is a bit like the Queen of England's security staff, they switch around every few hours as well, only they make a big spectacle out of it, our Guards just greet each other with a nod, and swap over.

"Okay, well who is ultimately in charge of all the Guards?" I am still learning how our mountain community operates, I may be a General, but I'm still learning things about the Clan.

"The Captain of the Guard is in charge Anna, he knows every Guard personally, he is also responsible for their dietary requirements, and their training regime as well." I've never met the Captain of the Guard before.

"I don't think I have met him Sire." he clearly isn't somebody that anyone wants to get on the wrong side of.

"Oh, you probably have Anna, you just didn't know that it was him. He usually wears plain clothing so he can blend in, and keep an eye on things whilst being discreet." until now I didn't even know that we had a specific Captain of the Guard, I thought the Princes were in charge of them...

I have spoken with Prince Mika. I've gone back to the Hall of Khledon Lurt now though because I need a drink, and a snack before continuing with my other duties.

It is not up to me to arrest the Guard or Guards who're responsible for Jenna's death, besides I'm not even certain who actually commited the crime, it was done by a Guard, but that's all I know. I don't know what their motive was either if indeed there was any at all, killing somebody is bad enough, but to actually slaughter them with an unjustified frenzied attack is taking things a bit far, also stealing a weapon is not exactly necessary either, the Guards have got access to far more weapons than the general population of Vampire Mountain anyway because they use them, and train with them frequently, we only use ours for hunting or for sparring matches, however as a General I am permitted to carry my official weapon if I am doing my duties, although it is used more as a status symbol than anything else, especially as our official weapons are made out of gold, in other words they can be used, but they aren't meant to be.

I'd better let my wolves out for a pee whilst I'm free, I bet that they're bursting, and talking of which I need to go as well.

"C'mon then, it is time to go outside, and do your business." I've just been enthusiastically greeted by my pack which always happens when I enter my quarters, and my wolves are in there. "Hey Bandit, are you okay? Are you a great big fluffy lump? I think you must be, you're certainly gaining weight which is good news. Aspen, cut that out, you should know better. My blankets are not meant for chewing on. I'll just swap your collars over before we go, I won't be able to see you lot otherwise." I'm putting their brightly coloured ones on which have flashing LED lights attached to them. "Right, your collars are on, so let's go." I'm heading towards the main entrance because it is the closest to us, and the dawn is not far off now so I don't have long. I've put the hood of my cloak up, but it does nothing to stop the UV rays, however it prevents the sunlight from shining upon my face. I'm carrying Bandit, when we get outside I'll place him on the ground so he can do what he needs to do. Carrying a large wolf like him is not easy either, he's got a long body, and legs, as such I have to hold him in a certain way so that I can support his joints properly. "Off you go then, go do your business." almost all of my wolves have ran off down the side of the mountain, and into the woodland like they usually do, however Bandit is sticking with me like always, he can't run or hunt any longer, but he can walk beside me slowly, and his limp isn't too bad either, I won't go too far though because he can't manage it. "C'mon you ol' fluffy lump, let's go, and get some fish. The stream is full of them, and their oil is good for your joints." Bandit is following me towards the stream, it isn't far away, and the water is always clear because it is fresh, as such the fish are easy to see, and they can be caught without any trouble at all due to my speed. I need to catch enough fish so I can dry some out, and store them whilst the others will be eaten over the next week.

I'm standing in the stream, and scooping up every fish out of the water which swims past my legs. When I have caught them I throw the fish to Bandit, it is his job to kill them, afterwards I'll gut them as well as cutting off their heads, and tails. I always boil the heads, and tails to make warm fish broth for the wolves which they love lapping up, after all they don't care what they eat so the heads, and tails are never wasted. I've caught six large fish so far, and when I say large I mean it, one of these fish can easily feed two wolves, and they'll be scraps for the broth left over as well.

I've finished fishing, I don't want to take too many because otherwise there won't be any fish left for anybody else to eat.

"Here you go Bandit, get that down your neck." I've given him one of the medium sized fishes, hopefully there will be enough natural oil in its liver to do his joints some good. When he has finished eating I'll go, and get the others because I'm too far away to call them so they won't hear me, and my howls aren't up to scratch either, even if I were to howl they wouldn't respond to it. The only way to get them out of the woodland is to call their names, but not until they're within earshot of me...

I'm in the woods with Bandit, I'm carrying the fish I caught earlier in a sack which is slung over my shoulder. The wolves can't be far away, they don't like going anywhere without me, however I'm a bit worried because I can't see their flashing collars, and the sun is coming up too, so I haven't got long before I'll have to return to my quarters. "Storm, Blaze, Athena, Aspen, Aeris, Skye, Khan, Diesel, Flash come." I've got to stand here, and wait until I see flashing lights coming towards me. Buying the LED lights was a great idea because it means that I can always see my wolves, and where they are located, even when it is the dead of night in a blizzard, and everything is foggy I can still see the different colours flashing in the distance.

The sunlight is shining through the trees, it is weak, but it has made the woods lighten up a bit so I can see where I'm standing, and what I'm walking on. "Storm, Blaze come on, it is time to go indoors now, Athena, Aspen, Aeris, come, Skye, Flash, Diesel, Khan you too." I don't normally have to call my pack more than once, they usually respond to my first one, but now I can see nine flashing lights in the distance so they've heard me at least, and the lights are getting easier to see because the wolves are getting closer to where I'm located, I am relieved to see them because the sunlight is getting stronger, and I really need to catch up on my sleep.

Now that I've got all ten of my wolves back under my control we're walking back to the nearest entrance, I am shattered, and my wolves could do with some rest as well, although they've got fresh fish fillets to eat now which is a bonus, Bandit wolfed his fish fillet down, and then looked at me as if to say that he expected another one, he's so old that he gets whatever he likes, and he needs extra food to keep his bodyweight up because he has lost quite a bit over the past eighteen months or so. "C'mon then, you big fluffy lump. I'll carry you the rest of the way because I can see that you're struggling to walk on this hard ground." I always call Bandit a fluffy lump because that's what he reminds me of, I remember when he was born, and how feisty he was, but seeing him now makes me sad because he's changed so much, he's got grey on his muzzle, and he's missing some teeth also, he struggles to walk, and his joints are stiff due to arthritis, other than that he's healthy, he is also fine in himself, he eats, drinks, does his business, and he still howls as well which is nice to hear...

The sun had risen fully by the time I was almost back at the entrance earlier, but before I actually got to the entrance itself a couple of my wolves started sniffing the ground intently, and going in the opposite direction, they went back towards the stream that I'd caught the fish at, when we got there they sniffed the very edge of the water, because the sky was light I was able to see a few drops of what appeared to be blood on the ground, it looked like somebody or something was walking along, and blood was dripping from somewhere. Any blood or scent which had dripped into the water had obviously been washed away, however the water hadn't rinsed the rocks or the path that led to the stream, as such there were a few drops of blood which remained, the wolves were sniffing them, and I wanted to know what they were from, they were spaced out small drops, so the blood wasn't flowing in a big quantity or there would have been a lots more of it.

I felt the sun shining on me, its warmth was something I'd missed, but I was also well aware of its dangers, and how important it was for me to get out of it as soon as possible. I followed the blood trail right to the water's edge, two of the wolves were actually in the stream itself going back, and forth along it, it wasn't very wide or deep, and the water flowed slowly, but it was good enough for the several fish that resided within its icy cold depths.

I was by the stream for around fifteen minutes, I was trying to see where the blood trail ended, but the drops were sapced out, and they didn't lead to a pool of blood or to a body of something either.

"Awhoooo, ahhwhoooo." two short howls was Storm's alert call to say that she'd found something.

"What is it? Show me, go on." Storm came to me, grabbed hold of my claok, and pulled on it gently, she wanted me to follow her so I did. She took me to where she'd been standing when she'd sounded her alert, and I saw something shiney in the water which I'd not seen whilst I'd been fishing. I stepped closer, and the blade of a knife became visible.

"Ahwhoooo." Storm alerted again, and went towards the blade.

"Back up Storm, come here. I don't want your paw pads getting cut." the knife's blade looked long, and sharp, I couldn't believe that I hadn't spotted it whilst I'd been fishing. I picked up the knife by its handle carefully, and held it up to the light, I don't normally do this, but the light helped me to spot anything on the blade that was worth noting such as unique marks, words or damage. "This must be the true murder weapon which killed Jenna, well done Storm, good find." I was surprised that she had alerted me, Storm wasn't trained to search for weapons, however if she'd been able to pick up a tiny trace of scent on it then she'd alerted me to that rather than the knife itself. It also explained the blood drops, if somebody had carried this knife by its handle whilst walking then any blood on the blade would have run downwards, and dripped onto the ground, hence why they were spaced out, there was no pool of blood, and it also explained why the drops ended at the water's edge. "C'mon, let's get back inside before I burn to death, and you lot get left without an owner." after finding the knife I led the wolves back towards the entrance that was closest to us, I got inside, and spent the next forty minutes drying them off because they'd been in the freezing cold water, they had thick fur, but it could only do so much to keep them warm...

Now that my wolves are dry, and I've stored the fish fillets inside the cold room I'm back in my quarters, I have put the fish in a bucket of ice chips that had been icicles once, we collect the icicles, and break them into smaller pieces. We use them to keep our meat, and fish fresh because we have no freezers or fridges here, we place large cuts of meat onto slabs of ice or we fill up sterile buckets with the chipped ice, and use that instead. We haven't always done this, it is only a recent thing that we've introduced, in the past we've salted or smoked our meat products, and we still do, however smoked, and salted meat or fish is not really healthy for wolves, besides they don't tend to eat anything which is too salty or smokey in flavour.

According to my watch it is eight am already, I'm exhausted, and when I get up tonight I've got two meetings to go to, and after that I'll have to hand this knife over to whoever keeps evidence of crimes secured until the trial date. In human led criminal trials it can take months for a trial date to be set, and they can drag on for a long time as well, we don't do that here, we arrest the suspects, gather as much evidence as we can, and host the trial within a week or so of the actual crime happening, we don't exactly have a jury either, instead the Princes preside over the Trial, they listen to both sides of the case, and pass a judgement which they must all agree upon, if however certain Princes do not agree with each other then they retire to their quarters to discuss it, if a unanimous decision still isn't reached after that stage then they go for a majority vote, and act upon what the majority says, so if three Princes say not guilty, and two say guilty or if all the Princes agree that the accused is guilty, but not what punishment to dish out then it goes to a vote. In a murder trial like this one there will probably be only one outcome, a unanimous verdict of guilty with the punishment being execution, however not everything is cut, and dried so anything could happen between now, and the Trial date...

I woke up about an hour ago, according to my watch it is nine in the evening, and my first meeting is at eleven, my second is at three, as such I've got plenty of time to eat, I also need to feed my wolves, and brush them before I report to Prince Mika, I've got to give him the murder weapon which Storm, and I found this morning.

"C'mon you lot, breakfast time." I've got dressed, but I'm not wearing my official Generals' robe yet, it'll get covered in wolf hair when I brush them if I put it on now, and I don't want to be covered in wolf hairs whilst I'm doing my official business, it looks unprofessional, and we Generals have to set a standard for everyone else to follow. "Bandit, you lazy lump, come on, I've got some lovely fish broth waiting for you." he is always the last to get up, it takes him a while because his joints are a bit stiff, but he's standing now so that's a good sign, he's had a stretch, and a yawn as well, and his teeth are still really impressive, they may be a bit yellow, but they can still rip meat away from bones, and tear through flesh. "Alright, alright calm down, and go steady now, Bandit can't keep up otherwise." this is how I get my wolves to walk slowly rather than charging off down the tunnels, and towards the wolf feeding zone, they know what's coming because they can smell the fish broth which I've cooked for them, there were plenty of heads, and tails to put into it so they'll get a good meal at least. I'm not far away from the feeding zone which is good because the scent of the fish broth is rather strong, but the wolves love it, it is also packed with natural oils, and vitamins which give them a nutritional boost. "Okay, okay here you go, dig in." I've filled the trough up in the wolf feeding zone with the fish broth, and they're going nuts over it, it'll be gone within a few minutes I expect. "Um, I don't think so Athena, that's Bandit's portion, not yours, back up." Athena is trying to jump up, and get to the separate bowlful of broth which I've set aside for Bandit, otherwise he won't get any, and he needs it more than the others do. "Here you go Bandit, enjoy." I feed Bandit last, and I give his food to him when he's away from the other wolves, otherwise they'll steal his portion, and he'll go hungry which isn't good for him, especially as he is still a bit underweight, and in need of feeding up...

I've got to drop the three service wolves off at the Medical Wing now that they've been fed, afterwards it'll be time to attend the first of two meetings which I have tonight, when the meetings are over I have to give Kaitlynn a lesson, but before any of this can happen I must hand the murder weapon over to Prince Mika, I'm on my way to the Hall of Princes right now, I've got the service wolves with me because I can drop them off on the way, after all the Medical Wing is quite close to the Hall of Princes, and they are probably needed because there's been an influx of patients recently, they've been suffering from some kind of fever with vomiting so they're all in quarantine, there's a separate quarantine area which is attached to the Medical Wing, it had to be installed when the mountain was affected by Covid-19, and certain vampires got really sick with it, as the wolves can't catch this bug they're safe to do their duties, besides they're great at looking after the patients, they can also monitor them which takes the pressure off of the Medics, as well as reducing their risk of catching the bug. The last thing we need are our Medics getting sick, and becoming unable to treat us.

"Illness or injury?" the Medic on duty always asks this whenever anybody enters the Medical Wing.

"Neither, I'm dropping the service wolves off for their shift. I think you probably need them." any help is welcome if it helps the Clan to run effectively.

"Yes, we do require their services. A lot of vampires have come down with a nasty sickness bug, we're treating it as best as we can, but we don't have any idea about how to stop the patients from throwing up repeatedly. Our medicines aren't working either, nothing is making a difference." the Medic is worried about his patients, and I can't blame him for that.

"Try giving them nothing, but fresh water for forty eight hours, and no food. The water will flush the bacteria out of their bodies, and when they've stopped throwing up the water they can eat again, but only plain foods, that means no dairy, or alcohol either because it will make them sick again. Dry, fresh bread is fine." I know how to treat stomach bugs, it isn't too hard. If I had enough anti-sickness, and anti-diahorrea tablets to go around I'd hand them out instead, but they're hard to come by as there aren't any pharmacies around here.

"I was treating them with dried, preserved lemon zest, and ginger root tea, but from now on they will only have water until they stop being sick." the Medic is taking my advice which is good. "I used honey as well because it is supposed to be anti-bacterial."

"Yes it is, but on cuts, and grazes, not for bad stomachs, the sugar in it feeds the bacteria which causes them to breed, and that will make the patients sicker. You need to get rid of the bacteria, not multiply it." I'm shocked by this Medic's lack of basic knowledge, treating stomach bugs isn't hard at all. Humans take tablets, and drink specially made rehydration drinks, but vampires don't have access to such things.

"I'll try it your way from now on, thanks for the advice Anna." the Medic looks relieved because I've been able to help him.

"If it is food poisoning then you need to find the source of it, and destroy the bad food to prevent anyone else from getting sick." this is essential to stop the Clan from grinding to a halt.

"Well thanks for dropping the wolves off, they're keen to get to work, and I'm sure you've got things to do Anna." the Medic looks happy to have the service wolves ready to assist him.

"Yes, and I am running late. I'll pick the wolves up later after they've done their work for the evening." I don't like splitting up my pack for too long, it isn't natural for them to be away from each other...

Hall of Meetings:

"Order, order! I've called for order gentlemen, we've got a lot to discuss tonight, and not much time in which to get through everything." the General who is taking the meeting looks flustered, I'm sat here waiting for it to actually begin. "Right, now that you're all sat down perhaps we can come to our first order of business." I'm sat near the front, and there aren't that many seats available now either, it seems like we have got a lot more Generals here than usual for some reason, but maybe that's not such a bad thing, after all they all need to keep up to date with what is going on around here. "Our first order of business this evening is discussing the upcoming murder trial, two Guards have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of Jenna was found a few nights ago, they have also been accused of theft because Jenna's staff was taken, and for attempting to frame another Clan member for the same offences. We need to know which of you wishes to put forward a defence for the accused, even if there is no defence being submitted the two former Guards must have a General who represents them at the trial. The General in question can speak on behalf of the accused, we do this to make the trial fair, and it is the law for all those who are accused of crimes to have some form of defence counsel, just as the Princes will have a General acting for them as the prosecution counsel." this is news to me, I didn't think they did this, but perhaps in a murder trial they conduct it differently, or maybe the laws surrounding how legal trials are carried out have changed recently.

This meeting dragged on for another hour because none of the Generals wished to represent two potential murderers, and have their names tarnished by the association of doing so. I am glad that the meeting has finally come to a close, however it hasn't left me much time in which to prepare for the next one, and I can forget about eating, that'll have to wait because my work comes first.

The next meeting is not as important as the first one, but I should still attend because it is expected, every General goes to these meetings if they aren't already engaged with other business, this is the meeting where we vote upon issues which affect the entire Clan, we meet up, discuss the points that have been raised by certain Clan members, and vote upon the best course of action, for example one of tonight's points is whether we should keep the Halls of Sport open for longer or not, at the moment they're open from nine in the evening until five in the morning, but the new extension will keep them open from sunset onwards with no closures, except for when the equipment is being cleaned, and maintained. As things stand when the Halls of Sport are closed there isn't much to do around here, and a lot of Clan members get bored if they don't have any duties to complete, constant boredom can cause issues so we really need to find new ways of keeping ourselves entertained, the newer Clan members tend to suffer the most because they've been brought up in a world of technology, if they get bored then they are used to putting the TV on or playing a Playstation 4 for example, but we don't have that luxury here, the mountain doesn't even have electric so we can't use any electrical devices whatsoever...

The second meeting went on for ages, it was far longer than usual because a lot of additional points had been raised, we hadn't been expecting to hear about so many things at one meeting, but eventually everything was discussed, votes were taken, and decisions on how to solve the issues had been finalised after the votes had been counted. I was relieved to get the two meetings out of the way, I didn't mind attending them, but they did take up a lot of valuable time which I could have used to sort out other things.

I've got a small amount of free time now which is a relief because I need to eat before I go, and give Kaitlynn a lesson, she's doing great as my assistant, in fact I'm proud of her progress so far, however she's got a long way to go before she will be able to fend for herself properly. I'm heading to the Hall of Khledon Lurt, I've heard that there is spit roasted venison on the menu tonight in addition to mountain goat, apparently the goat has been covered in herb infused oil, and basted in some kind of alcoholic beverage so it'll be interesting to taste, I don't think I've eaten goat in this way before either, although it is like a stronger, meatier version of lamb, it actually goes well with mint, alongside Moroccan spices like cumin, and coriander, goats are eaten a lot in North Africa, the Middle East, and in the Caribbean curried goat is one of many national dishes...

"Oh Kaitlynn there you are, you're late for your lesson." I've been looking for her for a while.

"Sorry. I would have been here sooner, but I was given extra duties to do so I got delayed." it isn't uncommon for new Clan members to be kept busy, especially when there's a lot of things going on.

"Oh, well you're here now so we'd better get on with our lesson." tonight I'll be teaching Kaitlynn some combat techniques, she knows a few blocks, and strikes, however we haven't really studied any combination moves yet. "Tonight I'll be showing you some powerful combos like the double dummy strike, if you use combo moves correctly they can become a powerful supply of hand-to-hand fighting techniques."

"That sounds interesting. I have been looking forward to practising my combat moves, and getting involved with sparring matches for a long time." at least my assistant is keen to learn which is a positive thing.

"I'd like to introduce you to your sparring partner, say hello to Rick." he's the only Clan member who is available during this time slot, so he'll have to do.

"Oh my goodness, you're much more muscular than I imagined, how on Earth am I going to defeat you?" Kaitlynn looks terrified all of a sudden.

"You don't have to defeat him exactly, you're just practising the combination moves on him, he's not going to fight back until you are prepared Kaitlynn." sparring matches are more like one-way training sessions in the beginning, when sparring partners get better at combat their confidence levels rise, as such they begin to counter attack, and defend themselves when it becomes necessary to do so...

The murder trial has commenced, and I'm sat on one of the benches that's reserved for Generals, and those who have to speak at the Trial. My thorough investigation, and subsequent discoveries are key pieces of evidence which cannot be overlooked, they provide the glue which holds the prosecution's version of the events together. I am not sure when I'll have to stand up, and give my evidence via answering questions, however I'm sure that all will become clear as the trial progresses.

The two former Guards who've been accused of both murder, and theft are currently being held in separate cages which are locked up tight with thick chains that link to each other with strong padlocks, they are specially designed, reinforced ones too, as such these chains cannot be snapped by vampiric strength, the padlocks cannot be opened by picking their locks either. Ever since we had prisoners escape from our dungeon we've tightened up our security, and improved the strength of the restraints that we use, from now on there won't be any chance of Clan members escaping if they've been imprisoned...

The following events happened a few hours ago:

The trial seemed to drag on forever before it was my turn to speak, and answer the questions which the Princes had for me. I answered them all, and confirmed that I had indeed seen the mark of the Vampaneze on Jenna's shoulder after her body had been discovered, however I also stated that I did not believe that Jenna would have betrayed us, besides the tattoo looked really fresh, and recently done so it could quite easily have been tattooed on her body soon after she'd been killed. The Guardian of the Blood who'd found me, and revealed the tattoo wouldn't have known if it was recent or not, but when I examined the tattoo myself I saw how odd it looked, it didn't look right, for a start it was wonky, and the Vampaneze take their time when it comes to tattooing their members, it was clear that the tattoo on Jenna's body hadn't been done by the Vampaneze at all, but rather it had probably been tattooed by one of the Guards in a desperate attempt to cover up their crime, they had attempted to make the murder look like a justifiable killing, and they'd failed miserably. The tattoo ink was the wrong colour too, it was purple, but it was the wrong shade of purple, and it looked a bit watery instead of being a bold violet tone.

I was glad when the first night of the trial was over, by the time the Princes called for a recess I was exhausted, and struggling to retain all of the information that had been disclosed during their questioning of the other witnesses...

As a General I have a duty to be in attendance at the trial, and if I do not attend then it will be frowned upon big time, especially as I am the one who has been charged with finding out who the murderers are, and now that part of my job has been completed all I have to do is wait for justice to be served. I also have an obligation to witness the executions of the two accused if, and when they're found guilty whether I wish to go or not, that will be my next task, but right now I'm going to eat something, and rest for a while because my head hurts.

I'm back in the Hall of Khledon Lurt, and I've helped myself to some food, there's several wolves hanging around which is good because I like to see them, and it gives my wolves a chance to interact with members of their own kind, although it must be said that not all of them get along, and sometimes squabbles break out over scraps, however on the whole the wolves are well behaved, and they listen to me even if they aren't actually mine.

"Is this seat taken?" Gavner is referring to the seat that's opposite mine.

"No, it isn't Gavner, please sit down. Have you seen Larten anywhere? I want to catch up with him." Larten was at the trial, but I haven't seen him since, we haven't spent any time together at all recently, and our relationship is in tatters. I've had to put my duties first, and he's been spending a lot of time with Jade recently, I even heard a rumour that he's been seen with Alicia as well, but I don't think that there's anything going on between those two, I mean she's the mate of a Prince for a start, and he assures me that he won't be unfaithful again, although I have taken his words with a large pinch of salt because of his past history.

"No, I haven't seen him. On another note we need some more ale, my tankard is empty already." Gavner loves ale as much as I love my wolves, and that's a lot.

"You drink way too much Gavner, your poor liver must be suffering." I do hope that he won't end up with liver problems, after all that's one serious medical problem that we cannot fix with our herbal remedies.

"Vampires can handle it, our bodies process alcohol differently to humans because of our blood, we can get drunk, and we do have hangovers, but that's as bad as it gets." this is probably just as well because he drink ale by the barrel, and he can easily drain two or three in one sitting if he really wants to.

"That's probably why I didn't get drunk at that new year party we went to with the Cirque Du Freak, I lost count of how many glasses of champagne I drank, but I still managed to walk back to my trailer without staggering Gavner." I hadn't consumed that much alcohol in a long time, but it had been an amazing night, and I'd really enjoyed myself.

"We did have a great time, I love it when I can just relax, and enjoy myself without having the pressures of being a Vampire General hovering above me, of course I am speaking figuratively." he's got a point, and I agree completely with this statement.

"It can get quite stressful at times I agree, I don't know how you've managed to stick at it for so long, and if I can become half as good of a General that you are I'll be happy Gavner." I just want to do my best, and help the Clan out in any way that I can.

"You are already better at being a General than I am, and I mean that Anna. You exceed me in so many ways, and unlike most of us you are smart, you put your knowledge to good use when you solve problems, you also managed to solve this murder which set innocent Clan member free. I wouldn't have known where to start if it had been me, and I probably would have fallen into the trap that was set by those former Guards, I cannot believe that they tried to frame him, but thanks to you he has been proven to be not responsible for the killing." it is nice to know that at least Gavner believes in me if nothing else, he's had my back from the beginning of my life as a vampiress, and that means a lot to me.

"That's kind of you to say, I do everything I can to put my duties first, and I assist the Clan in any way that I am able to do so. The only issue is that my relationship with Larten is suffering because of it, we don't get any time alone together now because our schedules clash, when I've got time off he's got duties to do, and when he's free I never am, it is a shame because I really hoped that we'd be together forever, but it seems like we'll end up splitting apart over our lack of time togther. I think we still love each other, but is that enough to make a relationship work out when we barely have time to speak?" I am concerned that if I cannot give Larten what he needs then he'll get it from elsewhere, and it hurts me to think of him in the arms of somebody else because my work as a General is almost never ending. "Gavner, what can I do?"

"Leave it to me, I'll sort it." it sounds like he's got a plan of some kind.

"How?" if I can't fix this issue then I'm not sure what he'll be able to do about it. "No offence, but what can you do Gavner?"

"I can take some of the pressure off of you by requesting a double shift, as in I'll do my duties as well as yours, and that'll give you the time you need, that way you'll be able to spend a few hours with Larten which he'll appreciate. I don't mind doing a double shift once in a while if it'll help you out Anna." I didn't even know that Generals could do the duties of other Generals, and pull a double shift, it isn't something that I've ever asked about.

"That'd be great Gavner, thanks a lot. I really appreciate it, and I'll make it up to you somehow. I can't remember the last time that I even spent more than a few moments with Larten to be honest. We haven't been alone together in weeks if you know what I mean, and that's hard for both of us as you can imagine." I don't know where Larten is right now, but I can search for him using my mental waves, I'm getting better at locating him which is good, and he always gives off clear signals when I find him so he's easy to track down.

"I know how awkward it can become, but you'll get through it, and it'll make you stronger as a couple, they do say that absence makes the heart grow fonder so maybe this time apart has made Larten's feelings for you stronger, however I don't doubt your feelings for him one bit Anna." this much is true, but I guess I'll have to find out for myself when we see each other again...

"I felt you searching for me, is everything okay Anna?" I'm with Larten in one of the main tunnels.

"Yes, I'm fine Larten, I just want to know if you've got any free time coming up because we haven't seen each other properly in weeks." I hope he hasn't got anything planned, but when it comes to him I never know because he doesn't exactly tell me anything.

"As it turns out I am available now, I have finished my duties for tonight, but I thought you had duties to do Anna." he is good at keeping me on track with following my schedule.

"Under normal circumstances I would have duties yes, but Gavner is doing them so that we can be alone together for the first time in ages, I've really missed you Larten." I don't normally say things like this, but I think that he should know how I'm feeling because otherwise it plays on my mind. "I do hope I haven't said anything that I shouldn't have, I know that vampires aren't supposed to express their emotions towards one another as such."

"It is okay for you to tell me that you miss me, saying it is not over the top because it is a simple statement of fact, and nothing more. Blessed Mates may express their emotions towards each other if they choose to do so, it is perfectly acceptable because they are supposed to share every aspect of their lives together Anna." Larten never has been very good at telling me how he feels. "I think we should discuss this matter further in my quarters."

"I think that's a good idea, besides we've got some time to make up for because we haven't really spoken to each other in a good long while, besides that we really should be living together, we've had separate quarters for far too long, and I miss sleeping in your arms." I've been sharing my coffin with Storm for ages, she always sleeps next to me if Blaze doesn't beat her to the top spot. Sasha used to sleep next to me as well, man I miss her, and Shadow so much...

Larten's quarters:

"Finally we can be alone, I've almost forgotten what it feels like when we kiss, we haven't kissed or done anything else for weeks, it is partly my fault because I've had tonnes of duties to do, but then again it is also your fault for cheating on me with Jade, I couldn't bare to look at you because I was hurting, and we haven't been together since before I found out about your infidelity. It broke my heart Larten, it really did, I doubt you've missed me as much as I've missed you, and you can get your sexual needs fulfilled whenever you like, I mean it isn't as though anybody will say no to you, however I have not even so much as thought of anybody else, I'm too loyal, and I'm completely in love with you so I'll never betray you, and that's the truth." I might not like what Larten's done, but I can't allow our relationship to fail because of it, the thought of losing him hurts even more than him cheating on me, and that's a hard pill to swallow.

"I have done wrong by you, and it is something that I must live with, it is not easy for me to admit when I have messed up, but nor can I deny it. It is true that I can have any women I like under my control, and at my mercy, however I choose not to use these more extreme vampiric abilities, I prefer the thrill of the chase, it is no fun if women throw themselves at me, I like it when they turn me down, and make me prove myself before they allow me to have my way with them in a sexual sense. I always make it worth their while, however it means nothing to me, the only time I really feel anything in an emotional sense is when I am with you Anna, everybody else only satisfies my lust, but not my need to feel truly connected to someone during the actual act of having sex." it is rare for Larten to talk about such things, but I'm pleased that he's opening up to me, and explaining how he feels on a deeper level.

"I had no idea that you felt this way, although I have always known that when we are intimate with one another it feels like we share something more than love which nobody can ever take away from us, it is like an understanding that I'm yours, and you're mine, our two hearts are joined, and the two separate halves of our souls are connected because we belong together, it is like destiny intended for us to meet, and fall in love. I cannot explain it any other way, but I do know that you would not have declared infront of the entire Clan your desire to become Blessed Mates unless you felt something deeper than love for me, and I feel the same way about you Larten. I also know for a fact that you would not have permitted me to take your name unless you were serious about our mateship. feel honoured that I carry your name, it means so much because it makes me feel like you truly are in love with me, after all nobody else carries your name or wears rings which prove how serious we are about each other." I love carrying Larten's name as mine, and I'll carry it with honour until my last breath leaves my body. "We've saved each other's lives on multiple occasions, and neither of us ever hesitates to defend one another if it is necessary to do so. You saved me from the spider bite, I saved you from the Vampaneze when they drugged you, you saved me from that river when I got pushed into it, and from dying when I tumbled off the cliff edge, we've also saved each other from being executed as well."

"Do not remind me about those horrid times, but yes, we do have a knack for getting ourselves in, and out of trouble more times than most other Clan members I know, although we should try not to make a habit of it Anna in case one of us is not so lucky next time." he is right of course. "I accept that we cannot control the actions of the Vampaneze, but we can at least avoid as much trouble as possible, and not get involved with trivial disputes."

"I agree with you, but right now I've got other things on my mind." I'm not wearing my high heels so I'll have to stand on my tiptoes if I want to make my head almost level with Larten's, it is awkward to kiss otherwise because I'm quite a bit shorter than he is in reality. "I haven't shared a kiss with you in a long time, and I've missed it a lot, but try not to slam me into the wall too hard, last time you saw the damage you caused, I know that it wasn't intentional, but it still hurt."

"Oh, yes I do remember, and I felt awful when I saw how big the bruise actually was, I will be careful not to get too rough, after all the last thing I want to do is hurt you Anna." he sounds regretful, and I can't blame him for that...

The following events took place yesterday:

I stood on my tiptoes, and wrapped my arms around Larten's neck , and he held me around my waist, we kissed, it was slow at first, but soon it built up into quite a long, passionate one which lasted for ages, our tongues faught against one another playfully for control, and it felt like we were both putting all of our passion into it which was good. I unbuttoned his shirt, and ran my fingers all over his scarred, muscular chest whilst he pulled my Official Generals' robe over my head, I hadn't had the time to get changed, but it didn't matter because he threw it onto the floor as if it were meaningless, I did the same to his shirt, and his belt soon followed, I pulled his trousers down, and he unclasped my bra whilst he marked my neck on both sides, afterward he pulled my own trousers down, I took my shoes off so I was able to remove my trousers totally, he followed suit, pretty soon we were standing infront of each other naked, our bodies touched as we shared another, deeper kiss that was even more passion filled than the last one had been, Larten pushed me playfully towards one of the walls, and pinned me against it, he didn't hurt me at all, he just grazed my neck with his teeth without breaking the skin until I was covered in lovebites, I gave him some too when I had the chance, a few moments later he picked me up as if I weighed nothing at all, he carried me over to his coffin, placed me inside it, and got in next to me, there was more than enough room for the two of us, I pulled his cloak over our bodies, the scent of his body drove me into an animalistic frenzy, I wanted him to fuck me then, and there, but he didn't, instead we kissed, it was a long, slow kiss. Our tongues wrestled back, and forth until I leant backwards in the coffin, by this point I was very aroused, I felt my own juices building up in preparation, some of them even leaked so that my sensitive spot was properly lubricated, but I needn't have worried about that because Larten performed oral sex on me until my entire body was shaking, only when he'd made me climax via the oral sex did he penetrate me, I wrapped my legs around his waist, and my arms around his neck, I moved in time with him until we both hit our peaks at the same time, and it didn't take long because we were so aroused, and in the zone. I ran my nails down his back as we orgasmed, and I did my best not to be too loud, but a few sounds escaped from my mouth at certain points during our encounter, the whole thing felt incredible from start to finish, and by the time we were done I felt like I just wanted to sleep for a week...

"Yesterday was pretty intense, but I enjoyed it all the same." I've been awake for about ten minutes, and every part of my body feels drained of energy.

"I could tell that you were having a good experience Anna, it does not take a genius to work out when a woman is enjoying sex, and with my level of skill it is to be expected, I have never not satisfied anyone either."

"That I can believe. I've got to get up, I really want to stay here, but I can't because I need to eat, the wolves also have to be fed, and exercised before the trial restarts again, tonight we are hearing the defence motions, their defence is absolute bullshit which will be torn to pieces by the prosecution, however we have to allow the accused an opportunity to defend themselves as that's what our laws state." we perform our trials almost like a human criminal trial, however we do things a bit differently, and of course our punishments for the guilty are far harsher than human sentences.

"You do not want to turn up late for the trial or it will be frowned upon Anna." it is true that I've got limited time, however I can use my vampiric speed so hopefully I will be able to feed the wolves, and still get to the trial's location before it begins.

"I'll see you later Larten, I love you." I've got myself dressed, and now I'm heading to my quarters where my wolves are waiting to be fed, I'll get Kaitlynn to exercise them for me because I don't have the time to do it, however I can feed them because I prepared their food in advance, all I have to do is give it to them, and leave for the trial's location which is in one of the biggest halls we have because a lot of the Clan are attending it, some Clan members must go because they're directly involved with the proceedings, but a lot of them are there because they're curious about how we do things, and that's understandable too.

"Anna, there you are, the trial is about to start again." Gavner is pretty good at timekeeping, it is one of the few things that he can manage successfully.

"Yes Gavner, I'm on my way to it right now, please tell Kaitlynn that she needs to exercise my wolves, and drop the service wolves off at the Medical Wing, then she can come, and find me because I want her to learn about our justice system. You can also let her know that the wolves have been fed so she won't need to feed them, she just needs to take them outside for a run, and a pee." Gavner is more likely to see Kaitlynn than I am because he fills in for me when I'm too busy to give her lessons.

"Very well Anna, I'll meet you outside the hall where the trial is being held, by the way did you manage to make use of the time you had with Larten yesterday? I hope it has made a difference." he has done us a favour which is nice because he didn't have to do my duties as well as his own.

"Yes, it was fine Gavner, but as you can imagine I've had very little in the way of sleep because I've had to get up, and tend to the wolves, I've fed them already, otherwise they would have been left without food for far too long, I think the trial will drag on for a while, and isn't fair on them if they have to wait for hours, and hours before getting their food." Gavner has just vanished in a blur, he's obviously relying upon his vampiric speed as well. Right now though I need to focus upon the trial. I have to discredit the defence which the accused have come up with by using the evidence which I've already presented, the evidence speaks for itself, and proves their guilt beyond all doubt, however they still need to be given an opportunity to defend themselves even if their so-called defence is a cock, and bull story that is nothing, but lies...

During the second night of the murder trial:

The trial has been underway for about an hour or so according to my watch, I am getting frustrated because the two former Guards who've been accused of murdering Jenna are trying to explain away all of the evidence that I've got which proves their guilt, they're lying through their teeth even though they're under oath, but what else can they do? If they tell the truth then they'll be found guilty, but judged less harshly because of their honesty, however if they lie in the hope that they'll be believed, and found innocent or worse for them proven to be liars, and judged even harsher still then that's on them. I just have to sit here until it is my turn to speak, and cross examine those who're on trial. I have than enough conclusive proof to show that not only are they guilty, but they tried to frame an innocent Clan member, and I can also show that they're both thieves because Jenna's staff was found amongst their possessions, although they had attempted to disguise it as a spear their plan failed because my wolves aren't stupid, and they know Jenna's scent because she actually raised three of the wolves which I'm now responsible for.

"Anna, you can now cross examine the two accused, you are still under oath to tell the truth, and any evidence you give can be examined by both us, and the accused, is that understood?" Prince Mika sounds very official tonight, moreso than the other Princes in fact.

"Yes Sire, I understand." I've been waiting to show just how low the two accused former Guards will sink, and now is my opportunity to do just that. "Ladies, and gentlemen of the court I must tell you how disgusted I am right now by the conduct of these two felons, they have stood here, and lied non-stop since they were given the chance to present their defence, and I can prove it too. Their defence is nothing more than a desperate attempt to save their skins, they have tried to explain away the evidence we have against them by making some outragious claims which are totally false. For one thing they did not see Jenna talking with Vampaneze on the night in question, that is impossible because the night they've referred to happened to be the night when that massive Bars tournament final was held, Jenna was busy in the Halls of Sport patching up the duellists who were injured during their matches, I have several witnesses who can testify to this fact including Vanez Blaine, and some of the Clan members who were injured on the night in question are also prepared to swear under oath that Jenna patched them up after they lost their matches, and for a vampire to admit that they lost a tournament match is a big thing because they're risking the loss of standing within the Clan if they are seen to be weak, for them to come forward is very noble, and they've earnt my respect for doing so, furthermore I have an expert who knows all about the tattoos which the Vampaneze use to mark their Clan members, and he will testify that the tattoo which Jenna was given is not only in the wrong place, but the ink is the wrong shade of purple, and it was given to her after her death because of how the tattoo actually looked, when you tattoo somebody they bleed a bit around that area, however Jenna didn't bleed on her tattoo at all because by the time she received the tattoo she was already dead, and you know how much blood she lost because you all know how violent her manner of death actually was in the end. The Princes have seen the photos of where the crime took place, and they are familiar with what a hideous scene it was to witness. I present my evidence to the jury which are the photos, this is exhibit twelve Sire. May I approach the jury, and present my evidence to them?"

"Yes, you may. We are all familiar with the obscene photos that you are referring to, and I must warn the members of the jury that these photos are truly vile, but it is necessary for you to see exactly what the victim Jenna went through when she was murdered." Prince Arrow is right to give a warning to the jury, we vampires have got strong stomachs, but this scene of utter devistation is taking things to the next level, it isn't all the time that a Clan member is murdered by an attack which is usually only used in the heat of battle, the vampire that uses it is usually surrounded by enemies with no other way out, they use this move as a last resort in a desperate attempt to survive.

"I've never seen so much blood in one place, this truly is an awful picture to look at, and the others aren't any better either." one of the jury members has stated, and he's right. Even I was shocked by the level of violence used by the murderers of Jenna, and that's saying something.

"I present my next piece of evidence to the court, I have here Jenna's staff which was recovered, it was found hidden on one of the Guards' spear racks, the spear rack in question happends to be right next to where the accused had his coffin, this staff has been disguised to look like a spear, but myself, and my wolves knew better when they found it, it smells like Jenna, it has her blood on it, and the spear head that was attached to it was not attached properly so it came off, the Guards are not known for making shoddy weaponry after all so thisjust strengthens the case against the accused, it also proves that either one or both of them are thieves as well as murderers. May I present the staff to the jury so that they can examine it for themselves, and see what I'm referring to?"

"You may, and although we originally weren't going to have a jury it was decided that the Clan should have a say in the verdict, and sentencing of the accused, we Princes can make a decision between ourselves, however the crime was so hidious, and so many Clan members have been affected by it that we thought the Clan should have their say instead of just us Princes making the final decision, instead the jury will come to a decision, and then we will either agree or disagree with that decision, if we agree then we will announce it, and if we disagree then we will have the final say on what the sentencing will be, but that is only if the accused are found guilty as charged. If on the other hand they are found innocent of these crimes then they will be released without prejudice." Prince Mika has just clarified...

Several hours later:

"I'm glad that's over, I knew that they weren't going to get away with their crimes, the evidence against them was just too compelling to ignore, and now that they're going to be dishonourably executed I am relieved because they deserve nothing less in my book." the trial has been concluded, and a verdict has been reached, both of the accused have been found guilty as charged, they've been proven to be both murderers, and thieves so they will be executed as soon as the Hall of Death has been prepared. They're going to be covered in snake blood, and placed in the cages, then dropped on the spikes until they die, but because it is a dishonourable execution they won't be permitted to see the spikes or face their death, it is seen as a great dishonour if a vampire cannot look at or see his death approaching because it shows his cowardice, and cowards are not looked upon at all well by the Vampire Gods, but then again neither are thieves, and murderers so they'll probably end up lost in the Lake of Souls for eternity, and they'll never reach Paradise, not that murderers deserve to go to such a place anyway.

"Are you going to be okay to watch the executions Anna? I know that the Hall of Death brings back painful memories of when we faced being executed." Larten is right, but I must be strong, and face my fears without hesitation, for that is the vampire way.

"I shall be glad to see Jenna's soul receive justice so that she may rest in peace, I am going there to represent her, and seeing her murderers executed will close the book on this awful few weeks, I can wake up tomorrow, and look forward to a more positive future after this is over, and done with Larten, in fact we both can." according to our customs a vampire who has been unjustly killed cannot truly rest or enter Paradise properly until their killer is brought to justice, and made to answer for their crimes. Instead we believe the souls of those who've been wronged are held in a kind of semi-Paradise, think of them as being in the reception area of a hotel because their room isn't quite ready yet, that's how it is in semi-Paradise, it isn't terrible, but it isn't very easy to relax in either, as a result the sooner they can move onto actual Paradise the better it is for their tortured souls.

"I could not agree with you more Anna, and although I did not exactly know Jenna that well she patched me up a few times when I could not administer my own treatment, she also saved your life after you fell from the beam during your fourth Trial of Death, and she raised three amazing wolves who help out in the Medical Wing. I shall miss her witty comments, and her way of making her patients feel like they were in safe hands with her, she was a fantastic Medic, and her skills put some of the other Medics to shame, her loss is a huge blow to the Clan, and there will never be another Medic who is as dedicated to their work as she was." he's right, and it is clear to see that Jenna set a standard which all of the other Medics should adhere to, she was the cleanest, most hygienic Medic, and she never lost one patient, in fact every single patient she treated has made a full recovery, this fact alone just goes to show how good she was at her job, and she loved her work as well, she never complained, and she even took many months to train three wolves how to be medical assistant service animals, and that is no mean feat either.

We've arrived at the Hall of Death, and the spectators are all gathering around the place where the pit of stakes is located, everybody wants a good view of the executions when they take place because the entire Clan want to see justice done. As a General, and as the investigator who found the guilty parties I will get a very good view of the proceedings when they happen. The two former Guards are being kept in their prison cages until it is time for them to be placed in the cage which hangs over the pit of stakes, they will be executed one after the other, and the only thing we have to worry about is the jeering crowd who've gathered to watch the whole scene unfold. The Guards, and Princes will keep everybody in order though because the last thing we need is an escape attempt, although if they did manage to escape the crowd would chase them down, and lynch them anyway because that is what vampires do to cowards who manage to escape from their executions, either way they'll end up dead, but a public lynching by a mob can often get out of hand, and fights have been known to break out in the past, a controlled, and planned dishonourable execution is the best way forward for all concerned, and that includes the prisoners themselves odd as that sounds.

"Bring forth the first prisoner." it is Prince Arrow who is in charge of this execution, and he doesn't stand for any nonesense either. "You are guilty of murder, and theft as well as the fraudulent framing of an innocent party, you have been senstenced to a dishonourable death. I mark you with the blood of a snake according to our customs, and for your sake may the Gods of the Vampires be merciful. Do you have any last words?"

"Yes, I do. I want to apologise for the vile acts I am guilty of, and I wish to tell you that my mate is completely innocent in all of this, she played no role in any of it, and I want somebody to make sure that she's looked after because she's a fragile little thing, barely more than twenty in age, and she's terrified of her future without me in it. I love her, and I'm sorry for everything I've put her through. She may keep this to remember me by." the prisoner has just handed Prince Arrow a necklace that has a tooth on it. "Please give it to my mate on my behalf Sire, call it a last request. I am now ready to face my just punishment." I'm watching the prisoner being led towards the cage, it will enable him to be dropped into the pit of stakes until he is dead. I can remember being inside that very same cage, and struggling to fit inside it because my dress was too big to go through the door, but I was determined to look my best when I faced my death, not that I ended up dying of course, but I came damn close to it on that night.

"Drop the cage." Prince Arrow has just said, this is the cue for the Guards to let go of the ropes which suspend the cage into the air, and send it crashing towards the pit of stakes. It is swift, however if the stakes don't manage to pierce the prisoner's heart or brain as a result of the first drop then he or she may still be alive when the cage is hauled upwards again, and prepared for a second drop. The cage is dropped until it is clear that the prisoner is dead, the most drops it has ever taken is four, the least is one, but either way it is still awful if the prisoner survives the first drop, mind you the shock, and loss of blood will probably kill them pretty quickly if the first drop doesn't kill them for some reason, and a second drop isn't usually needed.

"One of the stakes went through his neck, and severed his artery, he's dead." the Guard who checks to see if the prisoners are alive or not has just remarked.

"Prepare the cage for the second prisoner." Prince Arrow has ordered. I'm watching as the Guards are removing the executed prisoner's body from the stakes, and covering it over with a sack, the Guardians of Blood will collect it after the second execution has taken place.

"The cage is now ready Sire." one of the other Guards has announced.

"Bring forth the second prisoner." Prince Arrow has ordered. "You are guilty of murder, and theft as well as the fraudulent framing of an innocent party, you have been senstenced to a dishonourable death. I mark you with the blood of a snake according to our customs, and for your sake may the Gods of the Vampires be merciful. Do you have any last words?"

"I only want to admit my guilt, and apologise for my crimes. I have no mate to worry about, and no property to leave to anybody, I don't even have an assistant. I'm prepared to die for my crimes, it is nothing less than I deserve, and I know that I can never be forgiven because my crimes are just too violent, and horrible. I will join Kurda in the Lake of Souls for eternity, and I have nobody to blame, but myself Sire." the first, and second prisoners' last words will be recorded, but we do not speak of those who've been dishonourably executed except for when we teach our history to new Clan members.

I'm watching these executions take place because I must, but it is not something that I wish to make a habit of, every time I see the cage I get flashbacks of when I was standing inside it, and moments away from facing my own death, I feel so grateful that I was spared at the last minute, but that hasn't prevented me from suffering the effects of PTSD which are related to the whole incident. The noise of the cage being lifted up high, the squeak of the door opening, the smell of blood, and the image of seeing the stakes inside the pit is enough to trigger flashbacks of that awful night, I can't tell anybody though because the Clan wouldn't understand, and we don't have psychiatrists here either.

"Anna, are you okay? You look distracted." I'm not sure how to answer this question.

"Just being here brings back memories, bad memories of the night when we almost died Larten. It is just hard for me because I keep getting flashbacks of us standing in that cage, and how you were prepared to go down with me because you couldn't bare the thought of us being separated." I have to tell him how I'm feeling, and I hope that he'll understand where I'm coming from.

"I get those too, but mine are far more violent because I see myself killing on the battlefield, and I see all of the losses that I have suffered over the years, I do not say it often, but I miss all of my former mates, and I only hope that when I join them in Paradise eventually they will not be fighting with each other over me, I want to rest, I do not need the drama of my dead mates causing problems." if this is Larten's way of trying to make me feel better then I appreciate it.

"I never thought of that, you'll have to split your time equally between them all, and I bet when you get there they'll go wild, all of their souls will connect to yours like a puzzle, you shall be in the centre whilst they make up the other pieces which surround you." I bet Arra will have something about it though, she always did voice her opinions.

"I imagine it differently, but I think every Clan member has their own opinion of what their version of Paradise is like, for some it is endless barrels of ale, for others it is their own throne, but for me I want nothing more than to rest until the end of time, and beyond." this makes sense because Larten has had a tough life.

"I see myself spending eternity with you, and for our love to transcend the barriers of time Larten." if this doesn't prove my love then I don't know what will.

"I had no idea that you love me that much Anna, however I am happy to know that you do have such strong feelings for me, it means that I made the right decision when I decided to make you my Blessed Mate." I am glad that Larten knows exactly how much he means to me, I only hope that his feelings for me are just strong, and true as what mine are for him, it is hard to tell sometimes because he hardly ever talks about these things.

"I have tried to tell you, and show you by my words, and actions that I am completely, and utterly in love with you, and nobody else. This is why it hurt me so much when you cheated on me, it really did break my heart Larten, and I'm not joking either." I have to be honest with him about my feelings.

"It is clear to see exactly how much you love me, I cannot deny it either because there is too much evidence to support your claims Anna. I may not say in words what you mean to me, but I show it via actions instead, for me actions are easier to perform than words are to speak. I have given you my last name, and declared my intentions publicly infront of the entire Clan as well as giving you lots of tokens of affection, this is how I express my feelings for you. I think my actions speak far louder than saying three words, and you know what they are." it is certainly true that actions can, and often do speak louder than words.

"I agree with you, although it is still nice to be told certain things sometimes because it re-inforces what you've already expressed via your actions." it is rare for Larten to say that he loves me, but it has happened on a few occasions in the past...

I'm relieved that the trial, and executions are over, and done with now, the second execution was not as clean as the first, and it took three drops of the cage before the prisoner was finally dead, he was conscious for most of it too so I cannot even begin to imagine how painful it was for him, but that is what you get when you commit murder in cold blood, and theft. Theft alone isn't enough to get you executed, but murder carries an automatic death sentence unless it can be proven that the murderer was either out of his or her mind at the time, or they were blackmailed into doing it, in these cases they are usually imprisoned, and the blackmailer is executed for the conspiracy to commit the crime in the first place.

I am going to the Medical Wing to pick up the three service wolves, they need to go out for a pee, and so do the other wolves which I own. I love spending time with my pack, and tonight we're going hunting because we need to re-stock our supplies of meat because there's not much left, the wolves eat a lot of meat, and with ten of them to feed they need a carcass every other night to keep them healthy. Hungry wolves often steal food because their survival instincts kick in, their hunger drives them to act up, and misbehave when they wouldn't normally do so. I always make sure that my wolves get more than they need so that they never have to go hungry, I love them, I take very good care of my pack because they look after me, and they've saved my life more than once which is something I can never repay them for.

"Illness or injury?" the Medic on duty has just asked me.

"Neither, I've come to collect the service wolves, they need some exercise, and I want them to help me with hunting down a stag for us to eat." these wolves may be trained to help the sick, but they still know how to hunt, and bring down prey when they need to eat.

"Very well then, we have no need of them right now as we have no patients for them to attend to." the Medic on duty looks bored, how does he kill time when there aren't any sick or injured Clan members to heal?

"Khan, Flash, Diesel come." the wolves have heard my call, and they're coming towards me, I need to change the name on their medals to mine because as things stand they still have Jenna's name on them, however they belong to me now as she's no longer with us. "With no patients to look after I guess they've been looking for things to do."

"I had to make up some more herbal paste so they fetched the things I needed, and picked up anything I dropped before putting the dropped items into the washing up bucket, but apart from that they've been lying down most of the time, and waiting for a job to do." the Medic isn't somebody I recognise, he looks new, but that's no surprise because they were advertising a position, after all as sad as it is somebody has to fill in for Jenna's shifts...

"C'mon then, Storm, Blaze, Athena, Aeris, Bandit, Aspen, Skye, Diesel, Khan, Flash, it is time to go hunting." almost all of my wolves are pacing back, and forth because they're excited, they love hunting, after all it is natural for them to bring down large animals such as deer which they can feast upon. Only Bandit doesn't take part in the hunts because he's too old, and frail, however he still gets a good meal, and he likes the fresh air so when the other wolves find their prey, and give chase he lays down beside me, and if I move he follows behind me, he can walk, but not very well or for very long, however I don't mind carrying him when he can't go any further. Bandit has been by my side for a long time, he used to look after the Princes when he was in his youth, but he was retired as a guarding wolf when he got too old, and now I take care of him because the Princes don't have the time to do so. Bandit is my favourite out of the ten wolves I own, I've got no doubt in my mind that if anybody were to threaten me infront of him he'll turn into a snarling demon with a powerful lunge, and lethal bite, he won't hesitate to go for the throat either despite his mobility issues. I don't even have to tell him to attack either, he's always acted instinctively, and that's great.

I'm watching the wolves running around, and playing with one another, I can see their LED collars flashing in the distance so I know exactly where they are, and each wolf wears a different colour light so I can tell them apart as well. Skye has light blue, Storm has orange, Blaze has purple, Khan has yellow, Aspen has bright pink, Athena has bright green, Aeris has bright red, Bandit has electric blue, Diesel has white, and Flash has ultraviolet. With my vampiric eyesight it is easy for me to tell the different coloured lights apart, and it is the quickest way to spot something in the dark. There is no outside lighting here apart from the moon, and that isn't always visible, especially on cloudy evenings.

We usually hunt just before dawn because that's when the deer come out to feed, however tonight we're in luck because we've spotted a herd of mountain goats who're settling down, goats sleep at nighttime so they should be easy to catch if we sneak up on them, and three goats will provide the same amount of meat as one stag. I can take out two of the goats using my vampiric speed, and the hunting knife that I always carry with me, the wolves can chase down the biggest goat because they've already caught its scent, and it won't be long before they spot it, as soon as they see it they'll chase it down until it is too exhausted to run any longer, when it collapses the pack will move in for the kill, when it is dead they can eat it, and nothing will be wasted either...

A couple of hours ago I returned from a rather successful hunting trip with my wolf pack, I now have enough meat in storage to last us for a week, and the wolves have already feasted upon the biggest mountain goat that I've ever seen, they won't need to be fed for a day or two, but they will get bones to gnaw on because they're good for their teeth, and the marrow is full of nutrients.

I've got a few duties to do now that my wolves have been exercised, and fed, luckily they aren't very taxing, and they shouldn't take me very long to complete, when my duties are done I've got a Generals' meeting to attend, and after that I'll be free to give Kaitlynn a lesson or two, no matter how busy I am I cannot neglect my assistant, and as she's under my formal protection I have got to make sure that she is looked after properly. I think that Kaitlynn will be a great asset to our Clan after she's completed her training, and has found a role within our Clan. Every Clan member works in one capacity or another, and Kaitlynn is no exception. I think she'll be great as a trainee Quartermistress, I'll ask Seba about it when I see him later. I'm sure that he'll be grateful for the help because he isn't getting any younger, and after he's gone somebody will have to fill his role, I would rather it was one of my own assistants because I know that they can be trusted, I am pretty sure that Seba will see my point of view, but the final decision will still be his of course.

I do hope that the Generals' meeting won't drag on for too long, however I must go, and get changed. I'm still wearing my bloodstained hunting outfit, but I need to put fresh clothing on, and my official Generals' robe will go over the top like always, I can't turn up to a Generals' meeting wearing what I've got on right now so getting changed is my next job...

The following events happened a couple of hours ago:

I got to the Generals' meeting, and took my seat whilst the other Generals arrived, and the Princes got everything organised. It is unusual for the Princes to be present at a Generals' meeting, but on this occasion two of them were in attendance. I straightened my robe, fixed my hair, and tried to make myself look more presentable, I had to remove several long, pale grey wolf hairs from the front of my robe, as my robe was black the wolf hairs stuck out like nobody's business, and I wasn't the only one at the meeting who was covered in wolf hairs, Gavner was as well, only he looked as though a wolf had rubbed its head on him because the hairs were in a cluster, I had been jumped on so I had hairs on my chest, and shoulders, but the rest of my robe was clean thankfully. I hoped that the Princes wouldn't notice the hairs that I'd been unable to remove before they'd arrived, although I had done my best to make myself look half decent at least.

The meeting commenced, and the Princes gave out a few notices, then they asked us to vote upon a few motions which were approved unanimously, however one was rejected because it needed more consideration before it could be officially accepted. They were motions that were additions to existing laws, and the alteration of an old law which would make it easier to understand in future, the last thing that any Clan member wants to do is break a law without knowing that they've broken it, due to a technical loophole a lot of Clan members had been charged with breaking this law, but upon further investigation it was discovered that they hadn't broken the law at all, the Princes have now altered the law to make it clear to all, and there is no longer a loophole so the innocent won't get in trouble for something they haven't actually done which is good news for them.

At the end of the meeting the Princes left the Hall of Meetings, and we all filed out behind them, I headed straight to the Hall of Khledon Lurt because I was starving, I also wanted to find Seba so that I could ask him about Kaitlynn, and I wanted his opinion on whether she would make a suitable trainee Quartermistress or not.

"Seba there you are, I knew I'd find you in here sooner or later, can I ask you something?" I joined him at his table, and sat down. I placed my plate down, and filled up my tankard before I tucked into the pie that I'd chosen to eat, it was a venison pie with wild mushrooms, and ale gravy.

"Ask me whatever you like Anna, I will always give you an honest answer." he had a look of curiosity on his face.

"It is about my assistant Kaitlynn, as you know she's under my formal protection because of what happened to her. I've been thinking, and it has occured to me that she would make a fantastic trainee Quartermistress, when you're no longer around somebody will have to replace you, and I hope it'll be one of my assistants because they're hardworking, and trustworthy. I just thought I'd mention it to you, but the decision is yours." even if Seba rejected my idea there was no harm in mentioning it to him.

"That is actually very good thinking on your part Anna, I had not considered such a thing because I have got no intention of dying any time soon, however there are certainly merits to what you have said. I will consider it carefully, and get back to you, but having a trainee Quartermistress would not be such a bad thing, like you said your assistants are loyal, hardworking, and trustworthy which are all noble qualities which I myself possess." he took a swig of ale from his tankard, and got stuck into his own meal.

"You're modest too I see." I smirked. "Now I know where Larten gets it from."

"I will not dignify that comment with an answer." Larten interrupted, he sat down beside me, and filled up his own tankard. "You should be careful Anna, even if your comments are meant in jest they could be misunderstood, and a General must set a good example to the Clan at all times."

"Yes, yes I know. We were just having a laugh Larten, no harm done right Seba?" I wasn't sure how else to explain myself.

"No, none whatsoever Anna." he smiled. "I cannot help, but notice that you both seem like you are back to your old selves again, you were apart for weeks, and there were rumours flying around that you had called it quits for good this time. I said to those who had heard these rumours that it was rubbish, you cannot just call it quits when you are Blessed Mates, after all it does not work like that, but some of the newer Clan members had been misinformed."

"Even if we had split for good it wouldn't be anybody else's damn business, why on Earth are the Clan so interested in our mateship? Why do they find it so fascinating? It is annoying, we like our privacy, but we seem to get very little of that around here, and as a serving General I must not have my good name or reputation brought into question by false rumours. I love Larten too much to split with him for good anyway, and he's learnt his lesson. I do not think that he will ever go behind my back, and cheat on me again Seba, I honestly don't." I trust Larten to keep his vows, and remain faithful to me, it is the only thing I ask of him, and he knows this because we've discussed it at length.

"I can see from here that you are back together, those lovebites are a dead giveaway, I have seen the same pattern on countless women in the past, after all every vampire has a unique calling card which they use to mark their mates, this way other Clan members know which vampiresses are spoken for, and who they have a mateship agreement with." Seba added.

"I see it as an honour Seba, I truly mean that. Sometimes I still do not believe that I was chosen, but then I look down at my rings, and everything comes back to me, all the memories of our time together, and all the things we've shared over the years, in the early days back when we were first getting to know each other, and this is before we were mates I admit that I was afraid of him, I found Larten to be ill tempered, and intimidating, however I learnt pretty quickly from Mr Tall that if I just did as I was told, and kept my mouth shut then I'd be fine. As time went on, and we got to know one another better I found myself learning to trust him more, and more, then one night I accidentally caught a glimpse of his body, I went to have a shower, but I didn't know that he was already in there, and the Cirque Du Freak has limited facilities to the male, and female showers were opposite each other on different walls with only a thin curtain to separate them, with my enhanced vision I could see through the curtain clearly as if were a pane of glass, I saw his body, and from that moment on I thought of him differently, I found him to be rather attractive, and pretty soon afterwards I developed a crush on him. I tried to hide it, but one night I came clean, and admitted everything to him about how I felt, that happened to be the same night on which we shared our very first kiss in his trailer at the Cirque Du Freak, I pledged myself to him, our love for each other grew from there, pretty soon afterwards I found myself wanting to spend time with him, and wishing to be close to him in a physical sense, we tried to keep our relationship quiet, but it was difficult to do because the other Cirque Du Freak performers got curious, and started asking questions, eventually it all came to a head by the campfire, and we were forced to admit that we had indeed been seeing each other for the past few weeks, and he'd given me a ring as a sign that we were together, it was modest, but it did the job, the probing questions stopped as soon as the other performers realised that we were serious about each other, and it wasn't just a fling or a casual hook-up. After we came clean about our relationship the other performers accepted me as one of their own, and I became good friends with all of them. I'm never gonna forget the time that Cormac Limbs asked me a very personal question, and suffice to say he was given a stern talking to, he never asked me anything of that nature again, I didn't even know how to answer what he'd asked me, he put me on the spot infront of everybody, and I just felt pure embarrassment." I divulged.

"I have to know what he asked you Anna. I am curious." Seba added. "I hope it was not too rude."

"No, it was not rude, he was just a bit surprised when he found out that Larten, and I had been sleeping together. It was actually Evra who'd started the conversation anyway because he'd heard us, and asked me about what he'd heard because he was naive, then Cormac joined in with the conversation, and it got out of hand." I didn't know how else I could explain this situation to Seba, but I'd told him the jist of it.

"I can imagine how awkward you must have felt Anna, and I sympathise with you." Seba's conclusion thankfully brought this part of the conversation to a close. "I never have liked being asked questions about my personal life either, certain things should be kept concealed."

"I agree. I like my private life to remain just that, but it is hard when you have a reputation, and rumours are sparked off for no reason whatsoever. I hate hearing rumours about myself, they are always false, and unfounded with no basis in truth at all." Larten had a point, and we both agreed with it.

"I am the same as you Larten, I like to keep our personal business private, it is for us to know, and nobody else needs to be involved." we have always felt this way, and nothing will change that.

"Yes Anna, you are correct." Larten acknowledged. "I hate it when third parties stick their noses into places where they do not belong."

"Right, I have got work to do, I will see you two later on maybe, but right now I must leave here, and catch up on a few things." Seba stated, then he vanished in a blur whilst Larten, and I remained at the table...

Larten's P.O.V

After sharing a meal with Anna, and Seba earlier it has made two things really obvious to me, one is that Anna, Seba, and myself share similar opinions on lots of different issues, and number two is that Anna really is in love with me, I cannot doubt her feelings towards me at all now, and I will have to try to show her more affection so that she knows how much I love her. I always have struggled to display my feelings towards my mates in public settings, however Anna is different because she carries my name, and wears my rings. I must do my best to ignore my inner anxieties, and let the Clan see us together because then maybe the rumours will cease, I am not the vampire I once was, nor am I a player or a user of women. I have made many mistakes in my lifetime, however when it comes to Anna I have to put her first, she deserves to be loved just as passionately as she loves me, her love for me is strong, true, undeniable, and constant, my love for her is also strong, but it is not always obvious because I hide a lot of my feelings, I feel them, however I do not express them as often as I should...

Anna's P.O.V

Inside Larten's quarters:

"I'm glad that we've managed to resolve our issues Larten, truly I am." I've got some spare time so I may as well spend it with the one I love.

"I know that I am not easy to get along with, and I also am aware that I do not express my feelings for you vocally as often as I should, but please know that I do love you Anna, I am in love with you, and when we are apart I try to distract myself, after all I do not wish to end up getting emotional because I miss having you by my side." I've never really heard Larten talking so candidly about his feelings for me until now.

"That is probably the most romantically inclined thing you've ever said, and I thank you for being so open with me about how you truly feel." I'm not sure what else I can add.

"I thought that it was about time you heard from me the truth, and I know that you have wanted to hear me tell you exactly how I feel about you for a long time, I made you wait for far longer than I should have Anna, and for that I apologise. I have given you everything that I can possibly give, you have my heart, my body, my love, my name as your own, and my rings on your finger, all of these things are tokens of my deep, unfaltering love, and I hope that you can understand this." we're sitting on the sofa together, Larten is stretched out, and I'm snuggling into him with my head on his chest, and his arm is around my waist. I can hear his heart beating, and I'm certain that he can hear mine as well.

"I could lie here with you forever, I feel so happy, and secure, I haven't felt like this in a long time either Larten." we're looking at one another, our eyes have met, and he's taken my hands in his which is a sweet gesture. Our lips are just millimetres apart, and the gap seems to be shrinking by the second, when we kiss it is like fire meeting lightning because it is so hot, and electrified. I don't know how else to describe it, but it is incredible, and I love doing it. "It is so nice when we get to be alone together, there is nobody to bother us, and we can just be ourselves."

"I do not like it when I have got lots of individuals around me or watching my every move, when I perform it is different, but when I am here I like to be left alone, unless I am asked to do something by a Clan member who outranks me I prefer to do my own thing, and share those things with you Anna." Larten has always preferred his own company, but he enjoys spending time with me as well, and I like being with him too.

There's someone knocking on the door, I wonder who it is, but they'll have to wait because we're making the most of our time alone together.

"Ignore it, they'll soon get the message." I hate it when we're in the middle of something, and we get disturbed by somebody knocking on the door.

"Maybe it is important, we do not usually get disturbed whilst we are in here Anna." Larten has got a point, but I would rather be left in peace.

"I'll have to get dressed, I cannot be seen in this state of nakedness." I've stripped down to my underwear so I need to bung my shirt, trousers, and official Generals' robe back on. My hair is a right mess as well, it looks like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards. "I'll answer it, shall I?"

"Yes, you better had Anna." Larten is fixing his cloak fastening, it was wrapped around me, but he's put it back on. I've opened the door.

"Sorry to bother you, but you'd better come quickly, it is Kaitlynn, she's been challenged to a duel on the Bars, but we both know that she has no experience whatsoever when it comes to duelling." Gavner has a look of concern upon his face.

"Who on Earth would challenge her? They need my permission anyway, but nobody has asked me for consent to duel her, I'm livid that whoever it is has shown me no respect whatsoever Gavner." I've had to spin my hair up into a messy bun, I haven't got the tools on me to fix it properly. "C'mon let's get down there, and sort this mess out."

"I thought you'd say that Anna." Gavner looks relieved. "I'm sorry that I had to bother you with this, but I didn't know what else to do. I don't have the ability to call off a duel if it does not involve my mate or my assistant, but you can."

"That's true, I don't want Kaitlynn duelling anybody until she has been properly trained, and been given sufficient time to practice." I've allowed her to have a couple of sparring matches, but that is all, she has not been involved in a formal match before as she isn't prepared for such a challenge...

The following events took place a couple of hours ago:

When I got to the Halls of Sport with Gavner there was a small crowd gathered around by the Bars, and there were Clan members in the spectators' seats as well, it was as though they were expecting to watch a match that was about to begin.

I saw Kaitlynn standing on the Bars, she was trying her best to find her balance, and I saw her practising a few of the strikes that I'd shown her during our sparring matches.

"Kaitlynn come down from there, you're not duelling anybody because you aren't ready, and I don't want you getting hurt." I had only given her a couple of lessons on duelling, we'd been focusing upon her hand to hand combat skills because they were in need of fine tuning.

"I've already agreed to the match, if I back out now I'll look like weak or cowardly." she replied.

"No you won't, trust me. Who are you facing anyway?" I didn't even know who'd challenged her because they hadn't arrived.

"Just some guy, I don't know his name Anna." she twirled her staff around in the air, and jumped from bar to bar just like I'd shown her.

"I'm putting a stop to it, the last thing I want to deal with is having to rush you to the Medical Wing with your skull cracked open Kaitlynn. You can duel another time, but not tonight. You need more training, and time to perfect your balance first." sometimes I have to be firm with my assistant even though I might not want to be, but it is always done with her welfare in mind.

"Oh very well, I'll come down." Kaitlynn hopped off the Bars, landed perfectly, and put the staff she'd been holding back on the rack, but at that precise moment her challenger arrived, it was a General that I was unfamiliar with, and he looked as though he meant business, he was holding his own personal staff in his hand, and he jumped up onto the Bars without any hesitation.

"Hey you, what d'you think you're playing at? You cannot possibly expect that this duel is going to go ahead, my assistant isn't trained how to duel, and nor do you have my permission to duel her, she's under my formal protection, and that means something around here." I was furious that this General thought that his actions were acceptable. Some Generals have a nasty habit of taking liberties when they shouldn't do such things.

"I had no idea that this was your assistant, she didn't tell me. I challenged her to a duel, and she accepted, I didn't think there would be any issues, but now that I know who she is I can understand why you're mad at me, I'm sorry." the General sounded genuinely apologetic.

"Well now you know. I won't have my assistant being challenged to random duels by Clan members just for the sake of it." I was trying to keep my composure, but I was still rather angry about the whole scenario. "Kaitlynn you should have declined the duel, and spoken to me about the whole situation. You can say no to a duel, in fact you are not obliged to duel anybody, especially as you are inexperienced, and not properly trained yet, there's no shame in postponing a match to give yourself ample time to prepare for it either."

"I'll remember that next time, I thought I had to accept the challenge because he is a General, and I am unranked. I didn't wish to be seen as weak, and I figured out that if I showed any form of hesitation or cowardice then it'd reflect badly upon you Anna because you're my mentor, I did what I thought was right, but by doing so I potentially put myself in a lethal situation." I could clearly see the logic behind Kaitlynn's thinking, even though it had been slightly flawed.

"Don't worry about it, you weren't to know the technical ins, and outs of challenges, and when it is acceptable to decline one that is given to you. I haven't had a chance to teach you about our gaming rules yet, but we'll come onto it in the next few lessons which I am due to teach you." I hadn't had the chance to teach Kaitlynn about some things because I'd had to prioritise the murder trial, and the Generals' meetings...

Now that I've dealt with Kaitlynn, I've gone back to Larten's quarters. I'm sitting on the sofa next to him, and he's got his arm around me. The fire is blazing which is good because it would be freezing in here otherwise, despite our vampiric blood we can, and still do feel the cold when it drops below a certain temperature.

"I don't know about you Larten, but I want to go on another journey, I'm bored of being stuck in the mountain all the time, and the wolves need the chance to roam. I miss travelling to locations where I have to live off the land, I also miss sleeping on bales of hay in barns, and foraging for food, I like building shelters too as well as sleeping by an open fire." I haven't lived this nomadic lifestyle in a while, we've been at Vampire Mountain for the past several months, and I'm getting bored of it now.

"You are a General Anna, we cannot just leave at random whenever we like. You have responsibilities, and so do I." I thought Larten would say this.

"I thought we could go away for a week, I am owned some time off anyway so I'm sure it'll be fine." the Generals rotate their schedules so that they get the chance to do their own thing, and have a break from their countless duties, I'm no exception so I hope that I'll be able to take a week's holiday at some point during the next month.

"If that is the case then I suppose it will be alright, and I like travelling with you Anna." it sounds to me as though he is on board which is good news. "The wolves do indeed need the chance to roam as well so we can take them with us, Gavner will have to look after Bandit though because he is too old to come along, and who will keep an eye on Kaitlynn whilst we are away?"

"Seba will do that, he's been considering whether to take her on as his trainee Quartermistress or not." it will be great for Kaitlynn if Seba does decide to hire her, it will give her some structure in her life, and when I'm busy she'll be kept out of trouble if he's watching her like a hawk.

"That is a great idea Anna." it is good that he approves of my plan. "It is noble job, and it means that she will not have the chance to get herself into any more sticky situations. Seba will keep her busy, and then you will not have to worry about her so much when you are attending to your Generals' business."

"That's what made me think of it, and they get along well so it should work out for them both. Kaitlynn is trustworthy, and she works hard, she also pays attenton, and she remembers what I teach her so it makes my job a lot easier, I don't have to keep going over the same lessons time after time." Kaitlynn is a good assistant, although she still has some issues which have been caused by her past, but we're working through them together.

I'm looking forward to my trip, however I've got no idea where we're going or how we're getting there, but I know that a lot of walking will be involved. The wolves are coming too which will be fun, they can help us to hunt, and keep us safe, I also like lying next to them to share their bodyheat, wolves are rather warm, and snuggly after all, well mine are anyway, I can't speak for anybody else's.

I've been packing up my backpack, and making sure that my weapons are sharp. I never go anywhere without my weapons nowadays, not after what's happened to me in the past. I don't want to carry too much stuff, but at the same time there's nothing wrong with being prepared for the worst, and that means carrying a few pieces of essential survival gear like space blankets, and medical supplies. I'll also have to take the wolves' grooming brush, and spare batteries for their LED collar lights, the last thing I need is for their coats to get matted or for their collars to stop being lit up when it really is pitch black outside, even vampires have limitations when it comes to their enhanced vision at nighttime.

We're going to be leaving tonight so I've got to make sure that I'm properly prepared, we are making the most of the good weather before it turns nasty again, it can change in an instant up here in the mountains. One minute it is clear with no clouds in the sky, and the next it can be raining or snowing, and the last thing we want is to be caught in a heavy downpour of freezing rain or a blizzard, either one of these can cause hypothermia, and frostbite in extreme conditions, and both conditions can cause no end of health problems or even death.

"Are you ready to go Anna?" Larten is prepared, it never takes him long to get ready.

"Yep, almost. I just need to call the wolves, and then we can leave. Gavner is going to look after Bandit whilst we're away, and he's promised to keep an eye on Kaitlynn when she isn't with Seba." Gavner has always helped us out, he really is a great friend to have around. "Where are we going anyway?"

"I have not decided yet, I thought that I would make up my mind whilst we are walking." it is unusual for Larten not to have a route mapped out, but it isn't a big deal.

"Storm, Blaze, Aspen, Ahtena, Aeris, Skye, Khan, Flash, Diesel come." my wolves are pacing back, and forth excitedly, they love it when they get to go outside, and roam around in the wilderness. "Not you Bandit, you're too old, and weak to come along this time, Gavner is going to look after you." Bandit has gotten up off of his blanket, he's rubbing his head against my legs because he no longer has the strength to put his paws upon my shoulders, and lick my face. "I'll be back in a week Bandit, I won't be gone long, I promise. Look out for Kaitlynn, and make sure you keep her safe." I'm stroking his head, and making a fuss of him because he loves it when I do this. "C'mon then, let's go you lot." the wolves are following me down the tunnel, and towards the main entrance where Larten is waiting.

"Bandit is following you Anna." Gavner has just pointed out.

"Oh Bandit I said you can't come this time, I'm sorry. Can you take him to where Kaitlynn is Gavner? I've told him to look after her." he seems a bit stronger than he was before which is good.

"Maybe that's why he's followed you Anna, he's looking for Kaitlynn so he can go, and watch over her." he's probably right.

"Yes, that'll be it. I'll leave him in your capable hands Gavner, but we've got to get going now before the weather changes for the worst." I don't want to be travelling in a storm of any kind, and as it is nighttime the temperature is probably below freezing already...

We've been walking for about an hour or so, I've got no idea where Larten is taking me, but I'm looking forward to finding out. I hope it'll be some kind of remote cave or maybe somewhere that's near to a river where we can go fishing, and set up camp on the riverbank. As long as we're together I'm happy, and the moon is shining which makes the sky a deep blue colour, this is instead of being pure black with stars that look like white dots.

"I've never seen such an amazing sky, it is so crystal clear tonight, and there's not a single cloud to be found either." I love looking at the sky when it seems as though every star, and constellation is visible.

"You should see the sunrise tomorrow morning Anna, it will make the sky look like it is on fire." this sounds like something I want to see.

"Where are we going to sleep tomorrow after the sun comes up?" I haven't seen any caves or way stations around here so I'm a bit concerned.

"I have a place in mind Anna, do not fret." he sounds confident so I'll go with it. "From here we need to head upwards, and towards the edge of the cliff we are walking on."

"We're not going too close to the edge I hope." ever since my fall, and seeing the avalanche I have always been a bit afraid of cliff edges, overhangs, and thick snow.

"Of course not, we only need to be able to see what I wish to show you Anna." he obviously has something in mind, and I'm curious to find out what it is. "We are not far away now, follow me."

"Alright." I'm following him, and the wolves are beside us, we're walking upwards, and towards the edge of the cliff, but I do not want to go too close to its edge because it is a long way down if I were to fall.

"Correct me if I am wrong, but is this not the best view you have seen in a long time?" now that we're high enough up the moon has come into full view, and everything around us looks like it is dark blue, the view is spectacular, it looks like there's a lake below us, and the moon is shining on it so it is glistening, all the stars are visible too, also there aren't any trees obscuring my view of this place which I've never been to before.

"This view is amazing Larten, I've never been able to look out onto a lake like this before from high up, and see it shining in the moonlight, it is like the water has strings of diamonds floating on top of it because the moonbeams are hitting it at certain angles." it truly is a beautiful view, and my enhanced vision makes it so. "Are we here for a reason? I'm curious."

"I thought you would appreciate the view. I also wanted to ask you something, and this night seems like the perfect time to do it." I'm not sure sure how to react. "I wish to know if you would consider renewing our vows, I broke them, and I want to make it up to you."

"That's probably the most romantic thing you've ever asked me Larten." I really appreciate the effort that he is putting in. "We can do that if you like, I have no objections at all. Does it mean that we get to throw another huge party?"

"Not this time, it will be just us, and the Princes, after it is done we will go to our quarters, maybe have a drink or two, and spend the day together, it will not be too exciting, however I will make it meaningful, and memorable." I think he's been planning this for quite a while, and it has come as a surprise, but I don't mind that.

"How do we go about it then?" I guess it will be a small, private ceremony, and not a great big lavish affair, however that's okay with me.

"The Princes will ask us if we wish to renew our vows, we will say that we do, after that they will ask us to repeat the same vows that we said to each other at our Blessed Mateship ceremony, the Princes will then accept our vows as officially renewed, and that is it." he has obviously researched how such a thing is carried out. "We may be asked to kiss or to exchange a token of vow renewal with each other, but that is up to the Princes."

"I see. When will this take place, and what do I wear?" I need details so I can prepare myself.

"Wear a nice outfit, but not white. White signifies purity, and those who are renewing their vows are not pure. You could choose to dress in red like me, and you will be permitted to wear the coronet which I got for you as it is a suitable occasion on which to do so, I shall be dressed in a suit, but no hat, if the Clan were to see us all dressed up, and heading towards the Hall of Princes then they would wonder what was happening, however we want to keep this low key otherwise Gavner, and his friends will wish to get involved, they will insist upon a public celebration which means spending money, and dealing with the aftermath, last time the halls were left in a right mess, and it took ages to clean up, not to mention all the drunken fights which took place, I am trying to avoid these complications Anna." he's right, and I agree with him.

"I understand, but can we at least get some more of that champagne we like? I think one or two bottles to share will be enough." I haven't had any since Christmas, and I miss drinking it.

"I do not think that will be an issue, what was it called again?" he obviously doesn't remember details.

"Taste of Diamonds. We finished off the last of it when I held that gathering in the Medical Wing Larten." it really is one of the best tasting drinks I've ever had, so I'm not going to miss an opportunity to get more of it.

"I should be able to get another magnum of it for us to share, do you have any other requests?" it is unusual of him to ask me things like this, however I'm not complaining.

"I'll think about it, and let you know. I can't think of anything right now though." I'm not used to being put on the spot. "The only thing I don't want is any more of that bondage stuff you do, I've had enough of it, I don't enjoy it, and I only put up with it because you like doing it to me. I know you like to take things to the next level sometimes, but I've never really wanted to do any of that stuff. It makes me feel vulnerable, and somewhat scared at times. You'd better not do it to Jade either, it'd terrify her."

"Anna, I had no idea that you felt this way. All you had to do was tell me to stop, and I would have done so." he has a look of regret on his face.

"I thought I had to obey you in everything, it is not my place to say no to you, is it?" I've never denied Larten any request that he's made. "Even when I feel like shit if you want your conjugal rights I give them to you without question, I'm a good wife, and I know my place."

"There is a difference between knowing your place, and asking me to stop doing something because you are not into it Anna. I am not unreasonable, although I do appreciate your willingness to please me it is not always necessary, especially if I do things to you which you do not like." he is being far more understanding than what I thought he was going to be, I feel relieved that I've been able to get this off of my chest finally. "From now on there will be no more bondage or anything else of that nature which makes you feel uncomfortable."

"Thanks for being so understanding, I was afraid to say something before in case it upset or angered you, so I'm glad that we've talked things through as a couple." it makes me feel better to know that I can talk to Larten about any issues I'm having, especially ones which are related to the physical side of our relationship. "Another thing to note is that sometimes I want to take it slow, I don't necessarily want to be wrestled with or held up against a wall, and pinned to it, I don't mind being playful, but on some occasions I want our kisses to last longer, and I want you to show me a softer, more gentle touch. I don't always want to have my hair pulled, or for you to show off your strength, instead I want to feel actual love, and not just vampiric lust."

"I understand Anna, thank you for letting me know. I will make sure that I take your comments on board for future reference." over the years that we've been together Larten has changed so much, he doesn't tend to lose his temper as often as he used to, and any issues are discussed rather than it being his way or the highway. I still do as I'm told of course, however I feel like we're equals, and I am able to voice my opinions now...

"Where's Blaze? I can't see the lights on his collar anywhere in the distance, all the other wolves are nearby, but he isn't." it isn't like him to just vanish randomly, and disappear from view when he is usually right by my side.

"I have not seen him Anna." he doesn't sound too concerned. "He cannot be far away, if you call him he is bound to respond to it because he is very loyal to you."

"BLAZE, COME!" I've had to shout because he might be almost out of earshot, and he needs to hear my call before he can respond to it. All the other wolves are nearby, I can see them all clearly because of their flashing LED collars. "Storm will find him, they're never far away from each other anyway. Packs hate it if they get separated, it stresses them out, and they howl to each other so they can locate any pack member who goes missing. We just have to listen out for Blaze's return howl, and when we hear it we'll head towards where the sound is coming from."

"That sounds like a good idea to me, and with our hearing it will be easy to locate Blaze, as soon as he howls we should be able to tell exactly where he is, the sound will be carried by the wind which is blowing towards us so that goes in our favour Anna." Larten is right, we just have to be patient, it won't take long for Blaze to start howling in response to Storm's own howls which she is already performing loud, and clear. The other wolves are gathering near to where she is, I'm listening for Blaze's reply, but it hasn't come yet. He can't really be that far away, can he? Howls can travel up to a mile on the wind, however there's no way that Blaze would randomly go off on his own for no reason, especially not when his whole pack are in the surrounding area.

"I can't hear anything Larten, I mean I can hear the pack howling, but Blaze has a distinctive howl which is easy to tell apart from the rest, and I haven't heard it at all. Something must be wrong, Blaze would have responded by now, either he hasn't heard the howls which is unlikely or something has happened to him, and he can't respond for some reason."

"I think we should go, and investigate because if he is stuck somewhere or injured he could be bleeding badly, and in need of urgent medical care. Where did you last see him Anna?" this is one question that I can answer.

"Over there by the treeline, I saw his collar flashing, and then the lights disappeared from view. I got distracted by our conversation, I haven't seen him since." I am worried about Blaze, I hope he is okay.

"That is the first place that we should search then, time is of the essence because we do not know what has happened, and he could be in danger. A wolf on its own cannot defend itself as well as it can when its pack is backing it up, wolves are not used to being solitary creatures, and believe me that if he could come back then he would have done so, so something is not right." I agree with this, Blaze is too well trained, and loyal to just run off, and not come back...

The following events happened an hour ago:

We moved towards the treeline, and to the spot where I'd last seen Blaze's collar flashing, all of the other wolves were with us, we soon realised that the trees, and bushes were thick, and rather close together so there was very little room for us. I had to get down upon my hands, and knees to crawl through the same gap that Blaze must have used.

"Ooh it is a tight squeeze." I hoped I wasn't about to get stuck between two trees, and a thorny bush.

"You are smaller than Blaze, if he got through there then so can you." Larten pointed out. "I cannot go any further, I am far too tall, and muscular so I will look for an alternate entrance which I can access."

"Good idea. I'll try to pick up Blaze's trail, this is quite soft ground so he will have left pawprints that we can follow." I looked around, and shon my torch on the floor so that the pawprints became easier to see. "There look, fresh tracks."

"Oh yes, but please be careful Anna because you do not know what is at the end of these tracks. I will join you as soon as I am able to enter this thickly wooded location." after we'd spoken Larten attempted to find a way into the area that I'd accessed, I'd gotten to it by crawling through thorny bushes, and it hadn't been pleasant at all.

"Storm find 'im." she had been sniffing the ground, and the pawprints intently, I didn't think that she'd have any trouble in locating Blaze whatsoever, I followed the tracks for as far as I could, but soon I had to crawl on the ground again to fit through an even smaller gap, I breahted in, and squeezed myself through it, the wolves were able to go through one after the other without any problems, I was able to stand up once I'd gotten through the narrow gap, and I saw yet more wolf pawprints so I continued following them until they suddenly stopped, I looked on the ground, saw drag marks, and more worryingly than that I noticed a pool of blood, it was fresh blood as well, and it felt warm to the touch. I wasn't wolf blood though, it was human. Finding these clues meant that either one of two scenarios had happened, either Blaze had attacked a human, and dragged him or her off somewhere for an unknown reason or a human hunter had attacked Blaze, Blaze had defended himself, and bitten the human badly which caused the pool of blood, afterwards the humans had gotten hold of Blaze somehow, and dragged him off somewhere, either way I needed to find him, and fast.

"BLAZE, COME!" if he heard me calling to him he'd do whatever he could to get to me, he was so well trained that he always came when he was called no matter what. Storm howled a long, slow, loud howl, and she didn't stop howling either, then I heard a reply, it was Blaze howling back so he was alive at least which made me feel better, but we still had to locate him. "Blaze, come on, let's go." "Bla-aaze." "Come Blaze." I kept calling him in the hope that he could hear me, and would attempt to respond to my calls. At least he was howling, and it was getting clearer as we got closer to the edge of the thickly wooded area we were in. "BLA-AAZE!" this was the loudest that I'd shouted his name so far, he must have heard it, I heard his howls which were coming in at regular intervals, I knew we weren't far away from his location, but I still couldn't see him, and that was a worry. "Blaze, come." I got to the end of the path I was on, and found myself in an unfamilar field, I hadn't been to this part of the mountain range before so this was unfamiliar territory, I finally saw Blaze, he was inside a big metal cage that looked like ones that appear in badly managed zoos. It was obvious to me why he hadn't come when I'd called him, he couldn't get out of the cage, and he was stuck inside it, it was more like an animal trap actually, when I got closer to it I saw the bait that was hanging on the hook, and the foot pedal which tripped the door that had trapped Blaze inside. "It is alright, I'll get you out of here in no time." I saw where the door was attached to the sides of the cage, I picked the locks, and removed the door with ease, Blaze leapt out of the cage, and jumped on me, he had his paws on my shoulders, and he licked my face all over. "Okay, okay settle down, you're free now, there's no need to get overexcited. C'mon, let's get outta here before the trappers come back." I searched for Larten using my mental waves, and he appeared by my side minutes later.

"What happened? Is Blaze okay?" Larten looked concerned.

"He's fine, he was caught in this big animal trap which I've disabled so it can't be used again. He couldn't come to us because he was trapped inside, but as soon as he saw me he jumped up so he's obviously alright. I reckon that he bit one of the trappers who got too close to the cage, he's not bleeding, but we did find a pool of human blood, and drag marks so maybe other animals have been trapped as well. We should take a look around, release any animals we find, and disable every animal trap we locate so that no more animals will be sold to the circus, killed for their fur or kept as illegal, exotic pets." I love animals, and I hate seeing them in cages or being mistreated.

"I agree, it will not take us very long, at least not with our speed Anna." Larten vanished in a blur, and I followed him, we had a thorough look around, but there weren't any more cages or traps located, we did find a few snares which we destroyed because they were the horrible ones that trap the animal by its foot, they weren't the humane ones that we use which kill the animal instantly.

"C'mon, let's get out of here, but if we meet those trappers I'll give them a piece of my mind, how dare they attempt to take one of my beloved pack members away? They'll pay for what they've done Larten, I promise you." I was absolutely furious with them, and relieved that I'd gotten to Blaze in time to rescue him, he had his LED collar on luckily, and it was still lit, but any trapper who sees a collar on an animal should realise that they obviously belong to somebody, why else would they wear a collar, and a medal with someone's name engraved upon it?

"Hey you, watch it, that bear is larger than you think." we heard voices, and what sounded like a vehicle nearby so we went to investigate, we saw a group of burly looking men loading cages onto a trailer that was attached to a truck. All of the cages contained bears, wolves, or big cats, there were seven cages in all, and eight men plus the driver of the vehicle.

"What is the plan Larten?" I wanted to know his opinion on the situation.

"Send the wolves in to attack the humans, when the men are dead we'll fill up our flasks with fresh blood, and release all of the animals they've captured." he answered, it was a good idea too.

"Alright. Storm, Blaze, Athena, Aeris, Aspen, Skye, Diesel, Khan, Flash, KILL! Rip 'em to shreds!" I watched as my wolf pack ran towards the men, lunged at them, and tore into their flesh before they knew what was happening, the wolves made short work of the men who were unarmed, and they were torn to pieces infront of us. Their screams were loud, and blood curdling, but none of them lived long enough to really suffer. All of the wolves were covered in blood, and Storm gave me a piece of one of the men's shirts that she'd had clasped in her jaws. "Enough now, settle down." a couple of the wolves still had two of the dead mens' bodies in their jaws, and they were shaking them as if they were ragdolls. It was a bloody scene, but it had been a necessary thing to do. "Let's get these poor creatures out of those cages, and back where they belong Larten."

"Yes, I agree. Keep control of the pack, and I will release the animals one at a time, I do not want the wolves to scare them or anything." my wolves were laying on the ground as if nothing had happened, although I needed to take them to the river, and wash them because they were rather filthy. I saw that their pale fur was bloodstained because I shon my torch on their bodies, I had to make sure that they weren't injured at all, and it was still rather dark outside...

"Bath time, in you go, that includes you Aspen in you go, that's it." I've taken my wolves down to the nearest pool of water, and I'm giving them a good wash, it is cold, but necessary because they're covered in muck, grime, and blood from where they had to crawl through the mud in order to help me find Blaze, they also slaughtered a group of human trappers who were after bears, big cats, and wolves. They were after fur, and specimens for the exotic pet trade, but we put a stop to their operation, and rescued the animals that had been trapped by them. "Let's get you lot clean shall we? It won't take long." I've got some dog shampoo with me that I picked up by mistake, I thought it was my shampoo, but I'm glad I brought it along now. It doesn't take me very long to bathe my wolves, although when they are really dirty I shampoo their coats three times in stead of twice, I want to ensure that I get every inch of them clean, and they don't mind it at all, they usually stand in a row, and wait for their turn which makes my life a lot easier. "Right, who's first to get clean?" the wolves are looking at each other, but Athena has stepped forward so I'l wash her first, and to be fair she is the dirtiest out of them all, her pale fur looks black underneath all the mud that is on her. "Oh my goodness look at the state of you, this is going to test me to my limits." I often talk to the wolves as if they're people, I don't know why I do it, I just do, it is like a habit I've gotten into.

This pool of water is deep enough in some parts for the wolves to swim in, and that will help to wash the shampoo out of their coats which makes my life easier, I usually use a bucket of water, and slosh it over them, but I don't have one with me so I've had to improvise by encouraging them to swim. "I've never seen so much blood in one place before, you are covered from head to tail in it, you really got stuck into those fur trappers, and they didn't stand a chance against you either." Aeris is literally covered in blood, and it'll take a bit of time to get it all off before it stains. "Oh man you've even got blood on your back legs, I thought you were clean, but you aren't. Come on, back in the pool, that's it, let's get all that crap off of you." I won't be satisfied until every one of my wolves is spotlessly clean, and dry once more.

It has taken me nearly twenty minutes to get my wolves clean, and that is because I used my vampiric speed. I didn't get too cold luckily, even though the water in the pool is at a temperature which is below freezing. The pool hasn't frozen over because the flow of the water is too fast, and the waterfalls which go into it won't freeze up either. Now that they've all been bathed, and dried with the towel I brought along we can go, and get something to eat, I'm starving, and they must be getting hungry too. Luckily the pool we've just been in is literally full of fish so we'll catch a few, and the wolves can eat theirs raw which will save time because I'll have less cooking to do. I've taken my wolves fishing before so they know what to do, and they're quite capable of catching their own food if i don't feed them first. I'm after salmon or anything that is big enough to get a decent meal out of, one large fish will provide two ideally sized fillets, plus cheeks, and even roe if it is a female so that's what I'm hoping to catch. Salmon is the most common fish in this pool, but we do also get other types of fish, and the occasional eel, although eels are very slippery, and hard to capture without a net unless your grip is firm enough to hold onto them. We get a few shellfish here as well, but not at this time of year because it is far too cold for them, in the Summer we get prawns, and they come from the local fish farms, all the prawns which don't grow fast enough in the farms get chucked out into the streams which eventually flow into these pools, the prawns seem to do better here because there's nutrients in the water which the fish farms don't provide, they just give them food which contains growth hormones, and other crap, but out here they grow naturally, and they taste much nicer than any farmed prawn does. We get other fish farm rejects too at different points in the year, so we make the most of it, and we've even got our own indoor rock pool at the mountain so we can keep them alive until we need them, it saves on storage space in the cold room, and it means that they don't need to be smoked or salted either, we can eat them whilst they're fresh.

I've managed to catch a couple of fish, they'll do for our next meal after they've been prepared, and cooked. They aren't quite as big as I wanted them to be, however there's more than enough meat on them to fill us up, when I say us I mean Larten, and I. My wolves caught their own fish, and they've eaten them already so they won't need to be fed again for a few hours.

The sunlight is weak here, and as it is January it isn't very strong either, the sky is grey, and it is a bit misty, but it isn't too cold at the moment, and our fire helps us to stay warm too. I should be asleep, but I miss the daylight so it is nice to sit outside in it every so often, even if it is only for an hour or so it makes a difference. I like being able to see the surrounding area clearly, in the daytime I can write things down in my journal, I like to doodle random things, and write poems if I see something which inspires me...

Larten's P.O.V:

I finally worked up the courage, and asked Anna if she wishes to renew her vows, I broke mine, and since that time our mateship has not been the same, we were separated for weeks because of my actions, and I brought it upon myself, I have no excuses, and nobody to blame either. I have been attempting to make it up to her for a while, but I had no idea how to do so until Seba suggested renewing our vows. I knew that Anna would appreciate the gesture even if she said no, but fortunately for me she said yes. Anna has also told me that she does not enjoy some of the more extreme sexual acts, I have certain things that I like to do with my mates, however if she says no then I respect that choice. I am no rapist, and nor would ever force myself or my will upon anyone. It is not in my nature because I see myself as a defender of the weak, and a guardian of the innocent, it is a part of living cleanly, we do not harm those who would not wish to harm us.

I owe Anna my life, she rescued me from certain death when I was drugged, and hung up in chains by the Vampaneze, also when I was targeted for a second time, and I was in a coma she did not leave my side for anything, when I came around the first thing I saw through the steam from the cure, and my blurred vision was her face. If the roles had been reversed I would have done the same thing for her, and whenever she faces a challenge or gets into trouble I am always right there by her side, and ready to fight back against whatever or whoever is threatening her.

When Anna fell to the ground after the rotten beam snapped during her fourth Trial I felt like time had stopped, for a few seconds I was in a daze, then I heard her cry out in pain so I leapt into action, she was lucky that the break was not too severe, and even before I reached her she was already being fiercely guarded by her two wolves, at one point I did not even think that they were going to allow me to get to her, but because they knew me it was alright, nobody else would have been able to get close though, and even after the incident both wolves took a disliking to Vanez Blaine, they used to snarl, and once or twice they tried to lunge at him, they knew that Anna had been injured, and it was his fault so they never let him forget it either. Even now if Anna, and I have a disagreement or a fight her wolves turn on me in an instant, and even I cannot defend myself against ten of them, not that I ever want to fight with Anna, and cause them to go into full on attack mode. I do not need to be told twice, when Storm snarls at me I know that she means it, even now she does not exactly like me, but she will let me stroke her head if Anna is stroking her too. Storm has not trusted me since she saw Anna, and I fighting, and it was a major row as well, it was not just a petty squabble, I caused it by cheating on her, and breaking my vows, Storm stood infront of Anna, she bent low on her front legs, and snarled at me continuously, then Blaze joined in, and the others formed a ring around her. I left before they actually attacked me, I got the impression that they were just waiting for the command to do so, but luckily they did not actually receive the order to kill or I would not be here. I do not think that Anna would ever tell her wolves to attack me, but as she so often tells new Clan members these wolves are not tame, they are wild at heart, but well trained, and they accept her because she has raised them from a young age.

Madam Octa was not a pet either, she was my companion, but she could have killed me if she had wished to, and nobody would have been able to prevent her from doing so. I miss her, I had her with me for so long that being without her is like missing a big piece of my identity. I am no longer Larten Crepsley with a performing spider, I am just Larten now, but perhaps in the future I will locate another spider or similar creature that I can bond, and perform with, but I am not likely to return to the Cirque Du Freak for a while due to Anna needing to be at the mountain. Madam Octa was around thirty years old or more so she had a great life, and she went to many places around the world with me in her little wooden cage. I still have the flutes, and I have not had the heart to empty out the cage, it still has her bedding in it, and the water dish too. I never knew that a small arachnid could have such an impact upon my life, if not for her I would not have met Anna or Sarah, and my path through life would have taken a very different direction...

Anna's P.O.V

The following events took place a few hours ago:

I woke up next to Larten, he'd taken me to a cave which he had found, we were laying on top of some fur blankets, and underneath the quilt I'd made. I also had his cloak draped over my body so I was warm, and quite comfortable. I had been using one of his muscular arms as a pillow, and he had his other arm around my waist, he was still asleep, but I was awake, and trying my best not to disturb him. I hadn't slept underneath Larten's cloak in quite a while, I had missed the feel of the warm, soft material against my bare skin, and how it covered me up completely so none of my body was left exposed to the elements, it smelt good too, his scent was a mix of things which all came together, and blended well. I couldn't really describe the smell of his body, but it was a mixture of wolf hairs, cologne, and fresh human blood from where we'd both fed recently.

We were curled up together for ages, I hadn't felt Larten's body this close to mine in a long time, and it was wonderful to share his warmth once again, curling up next to Storm was nice, but it didn't feel the same because her fur was ticklish, however feeling Larten's soft skin gently pressed against mine seemed so natural...

Jade's P.O.V:

"Um, I think this cave is in use. Why else would there be a fire lit, and wolves sleeping beside it?" I'm looking for a place where I can sleep, I've been hunting, and my hunting party is exhausted, we need rest, food, and shelter before the weather turns nasty.

"I wonder who is inside. The wolves aren't fazed by us at least, although I always have been a bit scared of them." Kristyl has a point, and I am curious to find out who is using it because I thought that I was the only person who knew of its existance, it is so far out of the way that not many Clan members go this far, even when they're hunting they usually hunt in a different region to this one.

"I dare you to go inside Jade. Rather you than us after all." Zara is always pushing me to do things that I really don't want to do.

"Seriously? Why is it always me who gets roped into these things?" I hate how I am always nominated to do stuff even when I don't want to do it. "Honestly ladies, do I have to do this?"

"Yes you do Jade." Kristyl seems determined that I should go in first. "We'll back you up if it is occupied by those purple skinned scum."

"Wolves tear them to pieces if they cross paths, there's no Vampaneze around here I can promise you that." I know this to be true because I've seen what wolves do to Vampaneze with my own eyes.

"That is true Kristyl, my mentor told me the same thing." Zara has a wise mentor, and he knows his stuff.

"Oh fair enough then, but I still want to know who is inside the cave, I do hope they haven't found our secret stash of you know what." Krystal is worried that whoever is in the cave has found our supplies, we store things inside this cave right at the back in case we run into trouble, and need to defend ourselves. We've got weapons, and food stored just for emergencies. Lots of vampires have stockpiles of supplies they can rely upon when food is limited, or if they get caught in a storm, and have to take shelter somewhere.

"I agree with you Krystal. I'll go inside the cave now, and check it out. If I need assistance I'll call you both." the last time I explored a cave I found a sleeping bear, it was huge, and black, but I managed to back away quietly before it woke up.

I'm walking towards the mouth of the cave with caution, I have got no idea what to expect when I finally enter it so I'm going to walk quietly, and hope that whatever or whoever is inside won't be a threat. The wolves haven't bothered me at all, but then again they probably recognise my vampiric scent so they aren't likely to attack me, at least I hope they won't. I did notice that they've all got collars on so they are obviously owned by a Clan member or members, and I'm pretty sure that whoever owns the wolves is inside the cave so I should be safe. The inside of the cave is pitch black, and I'm glad that I have good vision thanks to my vampiric blood, I wouldn't be able to see anything otherwise. I can also smell a familiar scent, it is one that I have missed, and I would recognise it anywhere. I can also hear three heartbeats, one is mine, and there are two others nearby so I don't need to go any further into the cave because I already know who is in here, and from the sounds of their breathing they're both asleep.

I can exit the cave now, and I haven't made a sound so I know that nobody has been disturbed, and now I know why there are wolves sleeping by the fire, they are Anna's pack who go with her almost everywhere.

"Panic over ladies." I am relieved that we aren't in danger. "The cave has been borrowed by Anna, and Mr Crepsley, they're alseep inside it, and I don't wish to wake them up."

"So these wolves must be Anna's then? I see her with a large pack of them all the time." Zara has just added.

"Yep, they're hers alright, and I bet that if I call them they'll come to me because a couple of them used to be mine, but I'm no longer allowed to keep them because of what I did." it still hurts me, losing the wolves was far worse than anything else that I've been through, however I can see that they're clean, well fed, and in great condition so I know that they are being looked after properly. "Athena, Aspen, Aeris come. I've missed you so much." all three of my former wolves have come to say hello, and they're greeting me by licking my face, and rubbing up against my legs. "It is alright, they won't hurt you. Stroke their heads, they like that. It is the best way to bond with a wolf, or so I was told anyway. It worked for these three at least. We should probably get out of here, and use that other cave we found, the last thing I want to do is see Mr Crepsley, we haven't really spoken since I left that hospital. I was almost killed, but Anna saved my life, and he covered the hospital expenses. I still owe him that money as well, but I just don't have it. It is a debt I can never repay, and it makes things awkward."

"I wouldn't worry too much about it Jade, if he wanted you to pay him back then he would have asked you for the money by now, and he hasn't, has he?" Zara's right.

"No, he hasn't asked me for anything at all Zara, in fact when we passed each other in the tunnel which leads to the Halls of Sport he totally ignored me, I felt as if I weren't even there." it upset me a little, but it is to be expected, I mean our actions caused a lot of problems, and a huge scandal.

"I wouldn't worry about it Jade, your main priority should be regaining some of your standing, as without it you won't get anywhere. You are even ranked lower than me, and that's saying something." Krystal is right, I've got no rank, status or standing at all, and a lot of Clan members have cut all ties with me, I'm not even allowed to use first names to address Clan members now, unless they give me express permission to do so like Gavner has, he is the only Clan member who hasn't turned his back on me, and for that I'm grateful...

Anna's P.O.V

I'm still awake, and according to my watch it is only five in the evening, it is dark enough to get up, but I'd rather have another couple of hours to sleep because we've still got a long way to travel, or I'm assuming that we do anyway, I don't know for certain. Larten hasn't said anything to me about our final destination or anything, but wherever it is it'd better be wolf friendly, and away from humans. I don't mind humans, but the wolves aren't tame towards them at all, and I don't want somebody getting hurt because they've gotten too close to my pack, to be fair some of them do look like Alaskan Malamutes or Huskies so it'd be an easy mistake for a child to make if they weren't used to seeing wolves, but saw what they thought was a bunch of Huskies, and because my wolves have collars with medals on it would reinforce the belief in their mind that I've got a sled team, and not a pack of wild wolves who're trained to kill. We do get a lot of snow up here, and professional dog mushers do train for races in areas like this, so I'll have to be extra careful if my wolves do come into close contact with a human child. I would trust Skye, and Storm around a child, maybe even Aspen, but not the others because they are far too wild, and although they love me to bits they're too big, and powerful to be introduced to a human, after all the last humans they met were torn to pieces, I must be exceptionally careful because I don't want any incidents, during these Winter months a few tourists, and mountaineers sometimes pop up, they're the ones who live life on the edge, and visit extreme locations just for the thrill of fighting to survive out here.

I can hear voices outside the cave, they're female voices, but strangely the wolves haven't uttered a sound. I need to go, and investigate, besides I need to put some more wood on the fire so that it doesn't go out, and we've got a pile of logs nearby so it won't take long.

"Hey, Athena, Aspen get here now!" I hate it when my wolves start to wonder off or get up when they've been told to stay put. "Aeris come, and you Blaze, you ain't going anywhere without me after what happened to you, this place is probably littered with traps, and snares." my wolves have come back, but I can see figures in the distance, so perhaps the wolves were going to investigate, maybe they are female trappers or the wives of the trappers we've killed already, either way I need to find out, and soon because I've got to keep my pack out of trouble. "Storm, Skye, Khan, Diesel, Flash come." I'm not going anywhere without my full pack, and nor am I going to confront anybody unless I have got backup from the furry, fanged, and clawed kind. I'm making my way down the path, and watching the figures in the distance, they look as though they're searching for something, but I'm not sure what it is, all I know is that they're females, but that doesn't explain why my wolves didn't alert me to their presence, it isn't like them not to make me aware of people being around when I'm asleep. I am getting closer to the three ladies now, and I can hear them talking to each other, although I don't exactly wish to listen to their conversation...

Jade's P.O.V

"Can you imagine what it must be like to live with a pack of wolves? Better yet imagine living with Mr Crepsley, and having to put up with his foul moods, I've heard that when he gets really mad, and storms off he is like a tornado, things get broken, and foul language is in no short supply, he has got a mouth like a sailor when he loses his temper, and he says some disgusting things, like really vile, hurtful things that nobody should ever have to listen to." Krystal isn't wrong, although Mr Crepsley never used any bad language infront of me, I have seen his temper flare up, I've also heard a row or two between himself, and Anna, and when they fight it is not nice at all.

"That is partially true Krystal, but we shouldn't really discuss it, it is none of our business." I don't want Mr Crepsley's good name being tarnished in any way.

"Oh lighten up Jade, we don't give a shit. My mentor tells me everything anyway, he's told me to stay away from the Crepsleys because they think that they're better than us, and they've got ideas which are above their station. I can't believe that Anna thinks she's going to rule us all one day, vampire law dictates that only males of high rank can rule the Clan, and no more than five Princes can rule at any one time, even the Princes' mates have no official powers, they just get treated better than us to avoid the drama that gets caused if they don't get their own way." Zara is clearly more knowledgable than I thought.

"Yeah, you're right Zara, I want nothing to do with either of them, and besides if that guy thinks he's going to break me in then he's got another things coming, I'm saving myself for a Prince, and only a Prince will be my first. I don't care if I get harrassed by male Clan members, I'll tell them to jog on because I'm not attracted to men who're older than my grandfather." Krystal is very opinionated, but that is not a problem as long as she uses it in the right way.

"You're both right, and believe me if I could turn back the clock I would do just that. I never would have consented to having sex for the first couple of times with Mr Crepsley, and nor would I have then slept with him on subsequent occasions. I couldn't help it, he had this hold over me, you know?" I'm still regretting what happened, and I'll always regret causing the scandal that we were both responsible for, and involved in, although secretly I don't have any remorse in relation to the actual act of sleeping with Mr Crepsley because it really did feel amazing, he made my body experience sensations which I never even knew about. "I wish I could have saved myself for somebody who I actually love, but Gavner, and Anna told me about what would happen if I didn't let Mr Crepsley break me in so to speak, and to be honest I was tired of being harrassed by the other Clan members non-stop, in a way he did me a favour, and in others he caused my life to spiral downhill."

"I'm being harrassed a lot too, I always stand close to my mentor though, and that helps because he tells the others to feck off when they won't leave me alone. He won't break me in because he said that it is up to me to find somebody worthy of my love, and he respects my choice not to allow him to be my first, besides he has got a mate, and she'd hate the thought of him sleeping with somebody else, that's fair enough in my book." I've seen Zara being hounded so I know that what she's just said is true.

"Ask somebody you trust to enter into a short term mateship agreement with you, only for like a month or two just to get the deed done, and after that you'll be free, you may even fall in love with each other, who knows?" Krystal is right, perhaps this would be the best choice. "As for me I don't need to worry, I lost my virginity a long time ago, I was like fourteen when it happened, and now I'm twenty three so I can choose my own mate when I feel like it, and nobody harrasses me, even if they did I'd fight them off like my mentor has shown me, he taught me how to defend myself before anything else."

"You're right Krystal, maybe I should ask somebody I trust to help me out, maybe Gavner? He's quite good looking, and he's got a decent rank so it'd boost my standing." Zara has made a good choice, Gavner is nice, and he's kindhearted, I know he'll treat her well, but I cdon't know if he likes her or not, I'll have to ask him."

"I'll speak to him about it, and put your proposal to him, I think he'll agree to it when I explain what's been happening to you Zara." I've known Gavner the longest, as such he'll listen to me, and he'll respect my opinions, nobody else will talk to me now really unless they're ordering me to do something...

Anna's P.O.V

"Jade, Jade is that you? It is Anna." I know she can hear me, the whole area is deathly quiet.

"Yeah, it is me, Krystal ,and Zara, my two friends that I've made recently. We've been out hunting, but we didn't catch anything unfortunately." Jade looks worn out.

"Try the river that is East of here, it is jam packed with salmon, they're as long as your arms, and very good to eat. I've had some, my wolves love them too, and there's plenty left in the deep pool, you'll have no problems catching them Jade, you're fast enough." the least I can do is tell her where to get food, it is up to her to catch it though.

"We were after a stag, but fish will do nicely, we're starving, we haven't eaten anything since the night before last when we left to go hunting, the trees are fruitless, there's no nuts or berries anywhere, and we were on our way to a cave when you found us, we were going to use the one up there, but I saw that you were occupying it already." Jade looks relieved that I've told her about the fish.

"Follow the river, it is about half a mile away in that direction, you'll find a pool, and a waterfall, the pool is icy cold, but full of fish, get a fire going first, then jump into the water, otherwise you'll freeze to death almost by the time it gets going, it is maybe a couple of degrees below freezing in that pool so don't stay in it too long, catch the fish, and hop out before you get a chill." I was in the pool myself earlier so I know how cold it is in that frigid water. "You won't want to be in there for longer than ten minutes or so, it is that cold, and I'm not joking either."

"Thanks for the tip. Would you mind if I said hello to the wolves which used to be mine? I miss them loads." Jade looks like she's a bit afraid, that's unusual for her.

"I thought you already had, I wondered why my wolves didn't alert me to your presence when you were standing outside the cave, I heard you three talking, and I came out to investigate. If it had been anybody else my wolves would have howled an alert, but they obviously know you so they didn't make a sound." my wolves only alert to the presence of strangers or threats like Vampaneze, they also alert me if they pick up a scent trail or if they find somebody that they've been sent to search for, but that's it. "They obviously know that you aren't threat so they didn't sound the alarm."

"They practically jumped on me earlier, they were so excited to see me that they licked my face, they even put their paws on my shoulders, and it felt just like old times. All three of us got greeted, and now we're all covered in wolf hairs, look at me, I need a lint roller." Jade isn't wrong, she is absolutely covered in hair from her chest to her knees.

"I think I've got one somewhere, I bought one from the city when I went shopping for supplies a while ago. I'm always using it, my Generals' robe would never be spotless otherwise, I mean my wolves are always rubbing up against it, and placing their heads on my lap when they want attention." my wolves are like attention seeking missiles sometimes, in fact there have been occasions when they wouldn't rest until I'd stroked their heads, and necks one at a time until every one of them had been made a fuss of. "I might let you borrow it because you are literally covered in hairs, you look like you're wearing a fur coat." the other two are giggling now, and so is Jade. "I heard what you said about Larten, and your opinion of us earlier too, I also listened to what you had to say about your regrets, and how you wish you'd never slept with him or caused a scandal. I appreciate the fact that you regret your mistakes, but you can't change the past. As for you, I really do not recommend sleeping with Gavner, especially if it is your first time because he is a bit hit, and miss, sometimes he does it fine, and it feels good, but on other occasions he messes up, and it isn't as good as it could be. My ex assistant is his former mate, and he was her first so I know all about how it went, he hurt her, it wasn't intentional, but it happened, as where Jade didn't feel any pain at all when she gave herself to Larten, I really would think twice about who you allow to be your first, especially if you want it to be a positive experience, and not a mediocre one. What's your name?"

"Zara." she looks really apprehensive about meeting me.

"I'll let Larten know, and he'll be in touch with you discreetly of course. You can arrange the details between the two of you, but get it over, and done with sooner rather than later, otherwise a Clan member might be driven wild by your scent, and he'll do it by force which you don't want to happen, believe me. You'd be much better off allowing Larten to be your first, he's highly skilled, and he makes it unforgettable." nobody else has Larten's vast knowledge or wealth of experience, and he's the only one who can be gentle enough to break in a woman without it hurting, it is a mix of vampiric speed, skill, and talent which he possesses, that is how he does it.

"I will wait for him to contact me, I've had enough of being hounded, and chased down the tunnels. I can defend myself, but I shouldn't have to, and I'm tired of having to eat on my own in my quarters, but I get harrassed in the food hall or whatever it is called." Zara sounds fed up, and I don't blame her for feeling like this.

"The Hall of Khledon Lurt is where the food is served. All of the halls have names, or most of them do anyway." I've learnt most of halls' names because I've been a Clan member for so long, and I know my way around now like the back of my hand...

The following events took place an hour ago:

When I got back to the cave Larten was awake, and he was stoking the fire. We sat on a couple of upturned logs whilst he prepared something to eat, in these cold conditions it is important to eat well, and often in order to stay warm, and healthy. I wasn't sure what Larten had prepared for the pot, but it smelt tasty, and I was looking forward to eating it.

"Smells good." I took a whiff of the rising steam, and inhaled it so I could work out what was cooking. "Rabbit, and duck?"

"No, mountain hare, and ring-necked pheasant with grouse." he answered simply. "I went hunting whilst you were gone, and I caught enough game for two meals so we will not starve."

"That's good news, I am hungry." I hadn't eaten since the fish had been cooked, and that was several hours ago. "I need to talk to you about something."

"What is that Anna?" a look of concern flashed across his face.

"I've met a new vampiress named Zara, she's being hounded non-stop by male Clan members, and I told her that I'd talk to you about it, maybe you could speak to her, and help her out?" I didn't really know how else to describe what the situation was.

"I see." he sounded thoughtful as if he were mulling something over in his mind. "She is yet to be broken in, yes?"

"That's correct. She was thinking about asking Gavner, but I put her off, and told her that you would be a far better option than him Larten." Gavner was average, he wasn't bad, but he was nothing to write home about either.

"Gavner is used to being with humans who have had sex before, and to them he is probably the best they have ever had. He is not a bad lover as such, however he is just not very experienced when it comes to breaking women in." he, and Gavner have shared many nights of debauchery so he knows a thing or two about Gavner's abilities.

"That's why I told Zara to let you do it, at least with you she'll be safe, and well taken care of before, during, and after the deed is being done." Larten always makes sure that he does a good job, and he never leaves any woman unsatisfied either. "I'm speaking from my own experiences of course, not one of which has ever been negative."

"I have often told you that I am highly skilled at what I do, and I have never not been able to satisfy ladies, in fact I do more than that, I make them feel as though they have entered Paradise, and then some as you well know Anna." all I can say is that I have got no complaints. "I shall meet with Zara, and discuss when she, and I can spend a day or two togther, I always like to perform the act more than once because it is enjoyable for me, and mindblowing for them."

"I certainly find it to be something which I want to experience on a regular basis, not necessarily every day, but at least a few times a week." we've always had an active physical side to our mateship, except for the rare occasions when we have a major row, and neither of us wishes to see or speak to the other for quite a while afterwards.

"It is difficult to find time to be alone when you have lots of meetings to attend, and duties to complete, plus wolves to take care of, however we will make it work out somehow otherwise there is no point in us renewing our vows." he stirred the pot, and added a handful of chopped, dried herbs to it.

"That is very true Larten. How long before the food is ready?" I was getting really hungry, and the wolves were in need of food as well. "I'm going to feed these furry fiends before they see us as their main course, I'm sure that they're getting hungry, I know I am, and they aren't as patient as we are." I got some fold-away bowls out of my backpack, and put them in a line. I opened up the bag of dried high quality, protein rich dried dog food, and filled up the bowls with two scoops each. Carrying the bag of dried dog food was heavy, but it was a necessary supplement to their diet because we had no fish left, and not enough food in the pot to feed them all. I added some warm water, with a spoonful of gravy powder to each bowl, mixed it up, and let it soak into the dried kibble that was in the bowls, wolves aren't designed to eat dried dog food, but it'd do until we were able to bring down a stag for them to feast upon. The wolves wouldn't touch the bowls until I called them, I was just waiting for the gravy to soak into the kibble, and turn it from boring dried food into a semi moist, meaty meal, the wolves didn't touch dried food because I'd given it to them plain before, however they looked at me as if I'd lost it, I soon worked out that adding a bit of gravy was all I needed to do to the kibble, it made my pack literally wolf down the contents of the bowls, and lick them clean as well, and it meant that I had less weight to carry around because a bag of dog food isn't light, it is bulky, and tricky to pack into a backpack, I'd split it into two bags, and brought half of it with me, that was more than enough for a week away, and the other half was left at the mountain. In the end I was probably carrying around five or six kilos of doog food, but dishing out eighteen scoops of it soon made the amount in the bag shrink to a much easier weight to carry.

"The food will be ready in about ten minutes or so, by the time they have eaten we can eat." he stirred the pot again, and I stirred the contents of the wolves' bowls with a wooden spoon. I had to make sure that every bit of kibble was properly soaked in gravy or they wouldn't eat it, after all they were used to being fed on fresh meat carcasses, bones, and whole fish.

"Dinner time, come and get it." all the wolves stood up in a line by their respective bowls, anybody watching the specticle would have thought that they hadn't been fed in weeks, their bowls were empty in minutes, I can tell you now that not one scrap was left, they even sniffed, and licked the other bowls just to make sure that they were all completely devoid of food. When the wolves had finished I washed the bowls up, and packed them away then I got Larten's, and my own bowl out ready so that we could finally eat. "I'm starving, I can't wait to eat this stew that you've prepared for us."

"Well it is ready now so I will fill up our bowls." he got the ladle out, and filled up my bowl first before his own. "Laides first as always."

"Thanks, it smells tasty, let's eat." I got my spork out, and started to eat the stew, it was very hot so I had to blow on each mouthful before eating it, having said that it tasted fantastic, and I ate every last bit of food that was in my bowl...