Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Hunter D. This story was meant for
entertainment purposes only. No offense is meant by it.
********* *********
Author's note: I got this chapter up quicker because I'm afraid I started a new semester at uni. this week! : ( It's my final year, and that means I'm going to be working my ass off. So I'm trying to get on with my story before all the work starts accumulating, as it usually does.
Thanks again to those of you who read and review, and thanks to those who read but don't review as well, even though I'd appreciate it IMMENSELY if you dropped a comment my way. ^_^
My main (and favorite!) vampire character in the story finally makes an appearance in this chapter. I know he's only a creation of my imagination, but I just ADORE him. *Drools over Vitéz* He came to me in a moment of true inspiration, and I'm actually writing this fanfic because he just decided to pop into my head. Weird, right? Hope you like him. ^_~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
" 'Tis deeds, not blood, that determine the worth of a being."
Dennis McKiernan, Silver Wolf, Black Falcon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 4
News, ill and favourable
******
Vitéz Lengyel sat on his armchair in front of the fireplace, like a king on his throne. The light cast from the fire being the only source of luminescence in the large room. His eyes were set on the dancing flames, their light playing with the lines of his face, casting orange shadows across his pale skin, enhancing his already captivating angular features.
Anyone coming into the room would have thought that they'd stumbled upon a marble statue of an ancient god. So transfixed he was with the flames before his eyes. His long hair was held back in a ponytail by a black ribbon. Thick golden tresses shone brightly in the orange light. He wore a dark blue vest over his long sleeved white shirt, a similarly coloured cravat adorning his neck. His black trousers were tucked into his tall black leather boots, while his great cloak hung from the armchair in which he sat. He made a pure picture of royalty. Yet, he didn't move; his breathing imperceptible. He gave no outward sign of life.
No sign except for the light shining from his pale gray eyes. A light announcing the life this mythical statue did indeed possess; a light which could make one think that this marble creature would wake up at any moment to grace the world with his presence. Such was the aura of beauty always surrounding Vitéz Lengyel.
But those who were familiar with him knew it was a deceptive beauty. For beneath the heart stealing appearance, lay a quiet and incredible strength. This strength could only come with the power of a veteran vampire Baron. If he had been standing, his tall muscular form would have dwarfed even the most prominent vampires; his broad shoulders and thick arms could break any night creature's neck in a matter of seconds. When he walked into a crowded room, his mere presence commanded immediate respect from all those present.
He never needed to turn to violence to get his messages across. And if he ever chose to do so, few would take up the challenge. Few would dare to cross steel with the Stormblade Baron.
He was so called due to his mighty longsword, Gale, which possessed the ability to summon storms at its wielder's command. At the sword's forging long ago, many tried to become its master, and many died in the attempt. It took an immense amount of power and strength of mind to wield the magical blade, and the weapon lay without use for many a century. But then, Vitéz appeared. From the moment he lay his hand on the hilt, vampire and sword had become one.
Gale was never far from his reach, even now, inside the safety of one of his chambers, it rested against his armchair. Both sword and master had seen many battles and duels; together, they had fought for their beliefs. For the sword possessed a secret none knew: it would never serve the hand of one with evil in his heart.
Gale was a sentient sword, its blade was endowed with the power of spirit; the one who wielded it needed to possess a similar nature to the spirit inside the weapon. That was the reason only Vitéz had been able to become its master. After many years of companionship, both master and blade had risen to power. And thus, they became the most dreaded pair in vampire history.
Now, as he sat on his armchair, an air of power was all about the Stormblade Baron and his mighty sword. All about this glorious marble statue and his weapon of justice.
But the outer appearance of a cool and composed figure did not reflect the inner turmoil of thought that was going on inside Vitéz Lengyel´s mind.
The Council had been quarreling about the procedures again, and he didn't know if he had the patience to listen to their squabbling during the next meeting. It was difficult enough to make ten vampire lords agree on matters of import without having them shouting at each other. Tempers between the members flared easily. It was true they were all working for an honourable cause and trying to achieve a greater good. But that sometimes did little to appease their differences.
The Baron sighed, maintaining his pensive pose.
His thoughts were interrupted by a quiet knock at the door.
"Come in," he replied, his deep voice resonating in the silence.
The large double doors opened, and a tall figure stepped in.
"Farkas Castle has been attacked," reported Beriszl to his Baron.
Vitéz turned to regard him thoughtfully.
"Kalman can defend his own castle easily enough. He has formidable defenses, not to mention his skills as a swordsman. I am certain we have nothing to worry about, Beriszl," he replied, turning to regard the dancing flames once more.
"It was the dunpheal," the Captain answered in a serious tone, giving all the needed explanation.
The Stormblade Baron turned towards him suddenly, a troubled look in his eyes on his otherwise impassive face. Many thoughts raced through his mind. This could be the start of a long chain of events. It foretold of mayor changes. Things would start to go quickly from now on, and he was determined for them to go his way. He had awaited this moment for some time.
"Where is Kalman?" he asked his Guard Captain.
"He is on his way."
"Did he manage to talk to the dunpheal?"
"It appears so", Beriszl replied. "The barbarois reported that their master was not happy to fight the Hunter, and it seems he actually tried to talk his way out of the fight." By the tone of his voice, it was clear the Captain did not entirely believe this information.
"Kalman Farkas, the Vampire Count, tried to talk his way out of a fight?" asked the Baron incredulously.
Beriszl merely nodded.
Now Vitéz knew he had heard it all. Kalman had always been an ill-tempered sort, easy to angry and violent when being so. The type of vampire that almost always started the fighting, his motto was: violence now, explanations later.
Both vampires stared at each other for a moment, trying answer this mystery.
It was after a moment that Beriszl spoke. "I was told that the reason why the Hunter chased after Kalman was related to his father's death."
Anger flashed through Vitéz´s eyes. That was were the answers lay. His mind was working fast. He suddenly stood up, realization in his wrathful gaze.
"Are you certain of this?" he asked, his tall imposing form partly illuminated by the light from the fireplace.
"Yes. Kalman sent some barbarois ahead to inform you."
The Baron gritted his teeth. This would indeed be the beginning.
"What of the dunpheal?" he asked, controlling his anger for a moment.
Beriszl smiled. "It would seem that the Count slyly lured him into coming to see you."
"Did he, now?", the Baron replied, smiling himself. He held respect for the Vampire Hunter. Being one of the few who knew of the dunpheal's heritage, Vitéz was aware of the true power that lay within him. D's actions throughout the centuries spoke clearly of his principles as well. Indeed, the Vampire Hunter D was a dangerous enemy. But he could also be a powerful ally.
Vitéz turned to Beriszl again, resolve in his grey-eyed gaze.
"We have work to do," he said to his Captain. "I must get the Council to gather sooner than was foretold. We have important matters to discuss. Those opposing us have made their first move, now we must make ours."
The Stormblade Baron raised his hand towards Gale, the sword flying immediately into his grip, it's blade gleaming as the leather belt magically strapped itself around his waist. Taking his long cloak, he wrapped it around his shoulders.
"Watch out for Kalman," Vitéz said as he walked towards the door. "The Count must arrive very soon. Make sure he is ready to meet me by the time I get back."
"Yes, sir," Beriszl replied with a salute.
With that, the Baron stepped into the hallway, out of the room. Traversing the whole expanse of the castle, he was out the main entrance in no more than a blink of an eye.
********
A couple of days later, D found himself readying his horse outside Petro's inn, preparing to ride out of Lunke once more. He had decided to spend time provisioning for his journey and knew there would be no better place to do so than in the town who lived peacefully under the shadow of Farkas Castle.
Petro came out the door, the last of D's supplies in his hands. The dunpheal had not asked for help, but the old man insisted. The Hunter was not used to having people do things for him, always preferring to do things himself. But as he thought over the habit, it was probably due to the fact that he never had much companionship, being alone for most of his life. He had chosen to live in such a way so that no one would grow close to him and viceversa. Depending on another person was a weakness, something he couldn't afford in this dangerous profession.
It was this reason that drove him to excel. If he did not become the best, he would never survive. Vampire Hunters usually banded into small groups, using their combined strength and intellect to overcome the creatures of the night. But for D, that wasn't an option. No human would ever take a dunpheal as a partner, would never place his or her life in his trust. He was alone in this world, and alone he would face it. He had never needed anyone, and he doubted if he ever would.
D took the supplies out of the Petro's hands, placing them in his cyborg's saddlebags. The old man stood back, watching the dunpheal with interest, aware of D´s slight discomfort with his presence. Petro knew the source of it though; D was used to being alone. Having someone looking over his shoulder was prone to make him edgy. The old man wondered, not for the first time, what torturing experiences he must have suffered to voluntarily lead an eternal lifetime of solitude. He decided to press his luck.
"Well Master D, it seems you're almost ready", he said amiably.
D merely nodded in response.
"The road to Arkenia isn't long. You just follow the western route for a couple of weeks, 'till you come to the Windswept Mountains. From there, you can cross the mountain range through the Kartal Pass; that will lead you straight into the barony you're searching for. The whole journey should take you no more than two and a half weeks. I'm sure that's nothing for you, considering how long you've been travelling. For you, this should be no more than a weekend's getaway," he laughed.
The dunpheal remained silent, checking the balance and weight of his saddlebags.
After a moment, Petro continued. "Most people who travel to Arkenia usually do it in caravans. Not that the roads aren't safe. It's not that at all. People travel in groups to keep each other company. For a human, travelling for two and a half weeks could be considered a long journey. I've done it various times, and I can tell you, it can become tedious without anyone to talk to, not to say that it becomes boring. But I'm sure you don't have that problem, master D, preferring the peace and quiet of the lonely road. Most people would probably love to be like you! Not minding the solitude and all that."
For an instant, a pained look crossed D's eyes. Hiding his face under the brim of his hat, his reply came after a moment, barely a whisper.
"I cannot think of a single reason why any person would want to be like me."
"And why is that?" Petro asked, noting the dunpheal's intent to hide his hurt. "You seem like a very decent fellow."
D closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply. "That is far from the point, innkeeper," he replied calmly. "I am a dunpheal, half-vampire. I am not allowed to have an ordinary life."
He walked to the other side of his horse, checking the ties of his reigns.
Petro walked up to the horse, looking at D intently across the cyborg.
"Let me tell you something," he said, a serious tone in his voice. "Throughout my lifetime I have seen many things, some good, some bad. But from all that I have experienced, I can tell you one thing: it takes more than a where a man's origins to measure his worth. In my life, I have seen humans act more evilly than any feared vampire ever would; and I have seen a vampire give more kindness than any loving man could give."
By now, D was facing the man, a mild look of surprise on his face.
"We all know of your deeds, Vampire Hunter. We all know how you strive to achieve goodness in this world."
Now D's surprise was complete. Petro was confessing he knew his true identity, and even so, he had welcomed him into his town, into his inn. The innkeeper knew all along that D came seeking Farkas' head. Despite the fact, not only Petro, but the whole village, welcomed him amiably.
"Yes D, we knew who you were all along," the old man smiled. "Your actions are famous throughout the world, and that doesn't exclude Lunke, no matter how eccentric we may seem to foreign eyes. But I believe it is precisely this eccentricity, which allows us to see more than what is shown to us. Your dunpheal blood means nothing to us; the way you lead your life tells us all we need to know."
D stared at the man, not knowing how to respond and not certain if he was able to. While listening to Petro, a strange feeling had come over his chest. At the beginning, he couldn't pinpoint it exactly. But now, as he looked down at the smiling face of the innkeeper, he recognized the feeling as something he had not experienced in a very long time. Gratitude.
He looked down for a moment, closing his eyes, cherishing the feeling. How long had it been since he had allowed himself to feel something such as this? He truly didn't know.
As D looked up again, he met Petro's gaze with a smile of his own.
It was small smile, but coming from the dunpheal, it was worth more than any vampire lord's treasure.
The Hunter mounted quickly, leading his horse down the road.
As the tall figure rode away, Petro called out. " D, remember that you will always have a place to stay in Lunke! You will always be welcomed here!"
The rider turned his horse towards him for a moment.
"Thank you," were all the words he said.
D pulled the reigns of his horse, turning back towards the road. He spurred his cyborg into a gallop, as he made his way out of Lunke.
The innkeeper waved in farewell, even if the dunpheal could not see him. He stood smiling with satisfaction until the receding figure was out of sight. Petro turned round and entered his establishment, silently wishing the Hunter the best of luck.
********
"How could he fail!?", the anger of the voice shook the jeweled frame of the mirror.
"I do not know my lord," the purple mists answered humbly. "I could not see the fight myself. I am only aware of Farkas´ escape from the castle."
"Curse that damned Count! Curse him!"
A lapse of strained silence followed. Only after a moment did the mists speak again.
"Master, I am under the impression that the Hunter intends to follow Farkas."
"Probably so, but we cannot rely on him any more. We must take matters into our own hands, now."
"But that is dangerous, sire. We may be discovered."
"I am aware of the problem, but it is a risk we must take. Follow the wretched Farkas, my servant. I clearly suspect he is heading towards Arkenia, going to hide behind his master, no doubt. Make sure the Count does not reach the walls of Stormhold."
"Yes, sir."
********** **********
As you sit in front of your computer, you look into the Jedi Master's eyes as he slowly waves his hand in front of you.
"You want to leave a review for this story." "You will leave a review for this story."
Hehe.you can't overcome the power of the Force! ^_^
********* *********
Author's note: I got this chapter up quicker because I'm afraid I started a new semester at uni. this week! : ( It's my final year, and that means I'm going to be working my ass off. So I'm trying to get on with my story before all the work starts accumulating, as it usually does.
Thanks again to those of you who read and review, and thanks to those who read but don't review as well, even though I'd appreciate it IMMENSELY if you dropped a comment my way. ^_^
My main (and favorite!) vampire character in the story finally makes an appearance in this chapter. I know he's only a creation of my imagination, but I just ADORE him. *Drools over Vitéz* He came to me in a moment of true inspiration, and I'm actually writing this fanfic because he just decided to pop into my head. Weird, right? Hope you like him. ^_~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
" 'Tis deeds, not blood, that determine the worth of a being."
Dennis McKiernan, Silver Wolf, Black Falcon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 4
News, ill and favourable
******
Vitéz Lengyel sat on his armchair in front of the fireplace, like a king on his throne. The light cast from the fire being the only source of luminescence in the large room. His eyes were set on the dancing flames, their light playing with the lines of his face, casting orange shadows across his pale skin, enhancing his already captivating angular features.
Anyone coming into the room would have thought that they'd stumbled upon a marble statue of an ancient god. So transfixed he was with the flames before his eyes. His long hair was held back in a ponytail by a black ribbon. Thick golden tresses shone brightly in the orange light. He wore a dark blue vest over his long sleeved white shirt, a similarly coloured cravat adorning his neck. His black trousers were tucked into his tall black leather boots, while his great cloak hung from the armchair in which he sat. He made a pure picture of royalty. Yet, he didn't move; his breathing imperceptible. He gave no outward sign of life.
No sign except for the light shining from his pale gray eyes. A light announcing the life this mythical statue did indeed possess; a light which could make one think that this marble creature would wake up at any moment to grace the world with his presence. Such was the aura of beauty always surrounding Vitéz Lengyel.
But those who were familiar with him knew it was a deceptive beauty. For beneath the heart stealing appearance, lay a quiet and incredible strength. This strength could only come with the power of a veteran vampire Baron. If he had been standing, his tall muscular form would have dwarfed even the most prominent vampires; his broad shoulders and thick arms could break any night creature's neck in a matter of seconds. When he walked into a crowded room, his mere presence commanded immediate respect from all those present.
He never needed to turn to violence to get his messages across. And if he ever chose to do so, few would take up the challenge. Few would dare to cross steel with the Stormblade Baron.
He was so called due to his mighty longsword, Gale, which possessed the ability to summon storms at its wielder's command. At the sword's forging long ago, many tried to become its master, and many died in the attempt. It took an immense amount of power and strength of mind to wield the magical blade, and the weapon lay without use for many a century. But then, Vitéz appeared. From the moment he lay his hand on the hilt, vampire and sword had become one.
Gale was never far from his reach, even now, inside the safety of one of his chambers, it rested against his armchair. Both sword and master had seen many battles and duels; together, they had fought for their beliefs. For the sword possessed a secret none knew: it would never serve the hand of one with evil in his heart.
Gale was a sentient sword, its blade was endowed with the power of spirit; the one who wielded it needed to possess a similar nature to the spirit inside the weapon. That was the reason only Vitéz had been able to become its master. After many years of companionship, both master and blade had risen to power. And thus, they became the most dreaded pair in vampire history.
Now, as he sat on his armchair, an air of power was all about the Stormblade Baron and his mighty sword. All about this glorious marble statue and his weapon of justice.
But the outer appearance of a cool and composed figure did not reflect the inner turmoil of thought that was going on inside Vitéz Lengyel´s mind.
The Council had been quarreling about the procedures again, and he didn't know if he had the patience to listen to their squabbling during the next meeting. It was difficult enough to make ten vampire lords agree on matters of import without having them shouting at each other. Tempers between the members flared easily. It was true they were all working for an honourable cause and trying to achieve a greater good. But that sometimes did little to appease their differences.
The Baron sighed, maintaining his pensive pose.
His thoughts were interrupted by a quiet knock at the door.
"Come in," he replied, his deep voice resonating in the silence.
The large double doors opened, and a tall figure stepped in.
"Farkas Castle has been attacked," reported Beriszl to his Baron.
Vitéz turned to regard him thoughtfully.
"Kalman can defend his own castle easily enough. He has formidable defenses, not to mention his skills as a swordsman. I am certain we have nothing to worry about, Beriszl," he replied, turning to regard the dancing flames once more.
"It was the dunpheal," the Captain answered in a serious tone, giving all the needed explanation.
The Stormblade Baron turned towards him suddenly, a troubled look in his eyes on his otherwise impassive face. Many thoughts raced through his mind. This could be the start of a long chain of events. It foretold of mayor changes. Things would start to go quickly from now on, and he was determined for them to go his way. He had awaited this moment for some time.
"Where is Kalman?" he asked his Guard Captain.
"He is on his way."
"Did he manage to talk to the dunpheal?"
"It appears so", Beriszl replied. "The barbarois reported that their master was not happy to fight the Hunter, and it seems he actually tried to talk his way out of the fight." By the tone of his voice, it was clear the Captain did not entirely believe this information.
"Kalman Farkas, the Vampire Count, tried to talk his way out of a fight?" asked the Baron incredulously.
Beriszl merely nodded.
Now Vitéz knew he had heard it all. Kalman had always been an ill-tempered sort, easy to angry and violent when being so. The type of vampire that almost always started the fighting, his motto was: violence now, explanations later.
Both vampires stared at each other for a moment, trying answer this mystery.
It was after a moment that Beriszl spoke. "I was told that the reason why the Hunter chased after Kalman was related to his father's death."
Anger flashed through Vitéz´s eyes. That was were the answers lay. His mind was working fast. He suddenly stood up, realization in his wrathful gaze.
"Are you certain of this?" he asked, his tall imposing form partly illuminated by the light from the fireplace.
"Yes. Kalman sent some barbarois ahead to inform you."
The Baron gritted his teeth. This would indeed be the beginning.
"What of the dunpheal?" he asked, controlling his anger for a moment.
Beriszl smiled. "It would seem that the Count slyly lured him into coming to see you."
"Did he, now?", the Baron replied, smiling himself. He held respect for the Vampire Hunter. Being one of the few who knew of the dunpheal's heritage, Vitéz was aware of the true power that lay within him. D's actions throughout the centuries spoke clearly of his principles as well. Indeed, the Vampire Hunter D was a dangerous enemy. But he could also be a powerful ally.
Vitéz turned to Beriszl again, resolve in his grey-eyed gaze.
"We have work to do," he said to his Captain. "I must get the Council to gather sooner than was foretold. We have important matters to discuss. Those opposing us have made their first move, now we must make ours."
The Stormblade Baron raised his hand towards Gale, the sword flying immediately into his grip, it's blade gleaming as the leather belt magically strapped itself around his waist. Taking his long cloak, he wrapped it around his shoulders.
"Watch out for Kalman," Vitéz said as he walked towards the door. "The Count must arrive very soon. Make sure he is ready to meet me by the time I get back."
"Yes, sir," Beriszl replied with a salute.
With that, the Baron stepped into the hallway, out of the room. Traversing the whole expanse of the castle, he was out the main entrance in no more than a blink of an eye.
********
A couple of days later, D found himself readying his horse outside Petro's inn, preparing to ride out of Lunke once more. He had decided to spend time provisioning for his journey and knew there would be no better place to do so than in the town who lived peacefully under the shadow of Farkas Castle.
Petro came out the door, the last of D's supplies in his hands. The dunpheal had not asked for help, but the old man insisted. The Hunter was not used to having people do things for him, always preferring to do things himself. But as he thought over the habit, it was probably due to the fact that he never had much companionship, being alone for most of his life. He had chosen to live in such a way so that no one would grow close to him and viceversa. Depending on another person was a weakness, something he couldn't afford in this dangerous profession.
It was this reason that drove him to excel. If he did not become the best, he would never survive. Vampire Hunters usually banded into small groups, using their combined strength and intellect to overcome the creatures of the night. But for D, that wasn't an option. No human would ever take a dunpheal as a partner, would never place his or her life in his trust. He was alone in this world, and alone he would face it. He had never needed anyone, and he doubted if he ever would.
D took the supplies out of the Petro's hands, placing them in his cyborg's saddlebags. The old man stood back, watching the dunpheal with interest, aware of D´s slight discomfort with his presence. Petro knew the source of it though; D was used to being alone. Having someone looking over his shoulder was prone to make him edgy. The old man wondered, not for the first time, what torturing experiences he must have suffered to voluntarily lead an eternal lifetime of solitude. He decided to press his luck.
"Well Master D, it seems you're almost ready", he said amiably.
D merely nodded in response.
"The road to Arkenia isn't long. You just follow the western route for a couple of weeks, 'till you come to the Windswept Mountains. From there, you can cross the mountain range through the Kartal Pass; that will lead you straight into the barony you're searching for. The whole journey should take you no more than two and a half weeks. I'm sure that's nothing for you, considering how long you've been travelling. For you, this should be no more than a weekend's getaway," he laughed.
The dunpheal remained silent, checking the balance and weight of his saddlebags.
After a moment, Petro continued. "Most people who travel to Arkenia usually do it in caravans. Not that the roads aren't safe. It's not that at all. People travel in groups to keep each other company. For a human, travelling for two and a half weeks could be considered a long journey. I've done it various times, and I can tell you, it can become tedious without anyone to talk to, not to say that it becomes boring. But I'm sure you don't have that problem, master D, preferring the peace and quiet of the lonely road. Most people would probably love to be like you! Not minding the solitude and all that."
For an instant, a pained look crossed D's eyes. Hiding his face under the brim of his hat, his reply came after a moment, barely a whisper.
"I cannot think of a single reason why any person would want to be like me."
"And why is that?" Petro asked, noting the dunpheal's intent to hide his hurt. "You seem like a very decent fellow."
D closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply. "That is far from the point, innkeeper," he replied calmly. "I am a dunpheal, half-vampire. I am not allowed to have an ordinary life."
He walked to the other side of his horse, checking the ties of his reigns.
Petro walked up to the horse, looking at D intently across the cyborg.
"Let me tell you something," he said, a serious tone in his voice. "Throughout my lifetime I have seen many things, some good, some bad. But from all that I have experienced, I can tell you one thing: it takes more than a where a man's origins to measure his worth. In my life, I have seen humans act more evilly than any feared vampire ever would; and I have seen a vampire give more kindness than any loving man could give."
By now, D was facing the man, a mild look of surprise on his face.
"We all know of your deeds, Vampire Hunter. We all know how you strive to achieve goodness in this world."
Now D's surprise was complete. Petro was confessing he knew his true identity, and even so, he had welcomed him into his town, into his inn. The innkeeper knew all along that D came seeking Farkas' head. Despite the fact, not only Petro, but the whole village, welcomed him amiably.
"Yes D, we knew who you were all along," the old man smiled. "Your actions are famous throughout the world, and that doesn't exclude Lunke, no matter how eccentric we may seem to foreign eyes. But I believe it is precisely this eccentricity, which allows us to see more than what is shown to us. Your dunpheal blood means nothing to us; the way you lead your life tells us all we need to know."
D stared at the man, not knowing how to respond and not certain if he was able to. While listening to Petro, a strange feeling had come over his chest. At the beginning, he couldn't pinpoint it exactly. But now, as he looked down at the smiling face of the innkeeper, he recognized the feeling as something he had not experienced in a very long time. Gratitude.
He looked down for a moment, closing his eyes, cherishing the feeling. How long had it been since he had allowed himself to feel something such as this? He truly didn't know.
As D looked up again, he met Petro's gaze with a smile of his own.
It was small smile, but coming from the dunpheal, it was worth more than any vampire lord's treasure.
The Hunter mounted quickly, leading his horse down the road.
As the tall figure rode away, Petro called out. " D, remember that you will always have a place to stay in Lunke! You will always be welcomed here!"
The rider turned his horse towards him for a moment.
"Thank you," were all the words he said.
D pulled the reigns of his horse, turning back towards the road. He spurred his cyborg into a gallop, as he made his way out of Lunke.
The innkeeper waved in farewell, even if the dunpheal could not see him. He stood smiling with satisfaction until the receding figure was out of sight. Petro turned round and entered his establishment, silently wishing the Hunter the best of luck.
********
"How could he fail!?", the anger of the voice shook the jeweled frame of the mirror.
"I do not know my lord," the purple mists answered humbly. "I could not see the fight myself. I am only aware of Farkas´ escape from the castle."
"Curse that damned Count! Curse him!"
A lapse of strained silence followed. Only after a moment did the mists speak again.
"Master, I am under the impression that the Hunter intends to follow Farkas."
"Probably so, but we cannot rely on him any more. We must take matters into our own hands, now."
"But that is dangerous, sire. We may be discovered."
"I am aware of the problem, but it is a risk we must take. Follow the wretched Farkas, my servant. I clearly suspect he is heading towards Arkenia, going to hide behind his master, no doubt. Make sure the Count does not reach the walls of Stormhold."
"Yes, sir."
********** **********
As you sit in front of your computer, you look into the Jedi Master's eyes as he slowly waves his hand in front of you.
"You want to leave a review for this story." "You will leave a review for this story."
Hehe.you can't overcome the power of the Force! ^_^