Diclaimer: I don´t own Vampire Hunter D. I'm merely borrowing. But Vitéz
Lengyel is entirely MINE...all mine...my own...my precious! (Please ignore
the ramblings of a delusional writer, hehe.) ^_^
******* ******
Author's note: Well, here's the next chapter. Thanks for the reviews!! Thanks to Kitala who couldn't resist the power of the Force *lol* and to Mystic who likes my names! ^_^ Thanks to Virtex too! You have no idea how all your reviews have motivated me! *hugs everyone* MUCHÍSIMAS GRACIAS!!!!!
I have to say that I´ve always wondered about D´s past and all that must´ve happened to him when he was young. I´ve wondered what his relationship with his father and mother was like, and what events led him to live like he does. So, in my sometimes over-imaginative mind, I came up with some answers of my own making, trying to give our beloved dunpheal a history. Hope you like the result. ^_^
Here goes...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"No road is long with good company."
Anonymous
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 5
Travel and friendship
******
D rode up to the Windswept Mountains a week later. Passing the rocky hillsides at their base, he made his way steadily towards the Kartal pass, intent on reaching Arkenia within the next three days.
It had taken him less time to reach the pass than what Petro suggested. D's horse was an enhanced cyborg, endowing it with extraordinary endurance. Petro, oblivious to the dunpheal's habits, had overlooked another small detail as well. D didn't usually stop to rest after sunset. He travelled, and preferred to do so, during night time.
Having lived through some harsh experiences due to heat syndrome, D was aware of his susceptibility to the sun's light, making the dark veil of night his preferred time to travel. This brought about some inconveniences, though. Night creatures would constantly try to ambush or attack him, thinking the dunpheal easy prey, forcing him to fight countless battles.
The events of the previous night where clear evidence of this inconvenience. He decided to travel until midnight, planning on resting during the early morning. But before he could come to a stop, a group of werewolves had ambushed him on the road.
He was outnumbered five to one, and werewolves were vicious creatures. But overall, the situation was not a problem for the Vampire Hunter. He disposed of them easily. The only inconvenience came when one of his attackers decided to flee. Knowing the werewolf would only go calling the rest of his pack, D was forced to follow. The last thing he wanted was to face a whole pack of angry werewolves. It had taken him until dawn to catch up with the creature, since it knew the terrain and was hard to track.
Therefore, he was not allowed to rest during the last half of the night, being forced to sleep for some time after dawn. He did not want to overexert himself, since he did not know what circumstances might have to be faced upon his arrival to Arkenia.
D did know one thing, though. He was not hunting Kalman anymore. Concluding that the whole job was a farce, D did not want to continue pursuing the vampire. The Count had been nothing but honourable towards him, and D owed him no less. As long as Farkas did not commit any crime that he was sure of, D was not going after him.
The dunpheal was heading towards Arkenia for different reasons. Firstly, he wanted to find out who exactly had been the one to set him up. Farkas was the only person aware of this information. D was determined to find out more about the Council of Stormhold, as well. But most importantly, he was set on figuring out who this Stormblade Baron was.
Apparently, he was the vampire leader, the one who united the vampire council. D was well aware of the fact that he must possess incredible powers to take on such an enterprise. From what he was told, the Baron had been Kalman's master, implying two things. Stormblade had taught him the sword and, most importantly, had given Kalman Farkas his principles. Values which did not concur with D's conceptions of what a vampire should be or should think.
Who was this Baron? Who was this lord who possessed such revolutionary ideas? For D had no doubt they were far from the norm. He was also aware that a vampire holding such principles would have more than a handful of enemies, coming directly from his own kin.
Thinking it over, D asked himself why he had not come across any information concerning the Baron before. Having travelled for centuries in pursuit of the creatures of the night, he was bound to come across some small detail or rumour, at least.
The answer came to him suddenly. The dunpheal was not aware of Stormblade's existence because his enemies, the very vampires he hunted and slew, made certain the Baron remained unknown. Among the ranks of the evil beings, any views which took humanity into consideration could only be perceived as the worst perversion of the vampire mind. Any tolerable tendencies towards humans would be immediately eliminated, before they spread like a disease. It was a wonder someone like Stormblade existed.
This point only made D return to contemplate the fact of the Baron's power. Much to his dismay, the thought of the vampire made his mind travel down paths he had previously avoided at all costs. His thoughts turned to his father.
The hate that sprung into the dunpheal's heart was almost overwhelming. A reason why he constantly avoided the topic. And with it, came anger. D was never able to come to terms with some of his childhood experiences. At a young age, he decided to leave his home, to live a life of exile out of his own free will. Some of the things he lived through during the time he resided within the confines of his father's castle were too much for his young heart to bear.
D was only a child, in vampire terms, when he left the castle on that fateful day and was not aware of the way his father had ruled over other vampires. Was he a just and fair ruler, as Kalman was? Hardly. Did he concern himself with the well being of those humans under his reign? Not likely. Did he possess high morals or principles which he taught to others? Definitely not. Was he open to discussing matters of state in a council with fellow rulers? If he could barely acknowledge the existence of his own son, it wasn't probable for him to acknowledge another person's right of opinion.
As he rode on towards the looming mountain range, the dunpheal was a turmoil of emotions. His childhood always placed him off-balance. The ambivalence he felt for some of his earlier experiences was always a source of confusion for him. But amidst the contradictions, one thought was clear.
In D's perception, the Vampire King was nothing more than a monster.
*******
The dark veil of night fell over the land. Not a being stirred under the watchful eye of the crescent moon, only the cool breeze of spring passed noticeably across a large tree standing on the side of the freeway. The road lay covered in shadow, like a black snake slivering over the hills.
Along the contours of this obsidian reptile, the sound of an approaching vehicle could be heard. Its urgency reflecting it's occupants' desire to reach their destination. As the moments passed, four horses came into view, pulling the carriage with all their might.
The curtains covering one of the windows opened slightly, allowing a small amount of light to shine down upon the road. A figure could be seen for a moment, staring across the expanse of the land, but disappeared quickly, hiding inside the confines of the vehicle.
The lone tree saw the carriage pass. It's barbarois driver urging the horses even more as it drove away, going out of sight around the corner, presumably unaware of the presence of a follower.
As the noise from the vehicle died down, in the direction the carriage had come from, a cloud of purple mist could be discerned. Travelling with speed, it kept a safe distance so as to avoid detection.
The purple haze approached the tree with no intention of stopping until the completion of its appointed task. But as it made it's way under the shifting shadow of its branches, a dark shadow came down from the leaves. A flash of silver came from the blur of black, and suddenly, the cloud could not will itself to move.
Stopping abruptly, the haze dropped to the ground. The mists moved circularly within itself, forming a humanoid shape, to materialized on the road as dark as shadow.
The wraith clutched at its chest as it knelt, feeling a stinging beyond anything it had felt before. Breathing heavily, it tried to discern what had just happened. It had not sensed any presence, there couldn't be anyone around. But it had been attacked. It was sure of that. It felt the sting of a sword clearly. By who? Who could jump at it with such stealth? No one was able to sneak up on a wraith.
Suddenly, it became aware of the fact that it was not alone. Tensing, the humanoid shadow looked up slowly. It's red eyes widening in surprise.
The cloaked form of Vitéz Lengyel stood on the road in front of it, Gale in his right hand, gleaming in the moonlight.
"You did not perceive my presence because I did not wish for you to become aware of it," the Baron said calmly, his deep voice devoid of emotion.
The wraith growled, but did not say anything. It knew it's predicament. The Stormblade Baron was its master's worst enemy. Not only that, he was one of the most powerful vampires in existence.
Vitéz paced slowly forwards, addressing the kneeling shadow.
"I made sure my lands were purged from foul creatures such as yourself a very long time ago. I made clear I did not want any of you mind-wraiths to come near my borders."
The vampire stepped closer, Gale's gleaming blade tip leveling with the wraith's throat.
"I thought my warnings were enough to keep you creatures at bay. You risk much by coming here."
The dark creature did not answer, it's mind intent on finding some means to escape. It could never pretend to match the Baron in terms of strength, and honestly it didn't want to press its luck. The wraith's main means of attack consisted in invading the mind of it's enemies, possessing their body and brain entirely, giving them complete control of the other. This required a certain amount of strength, depending on the opponent. But there was nothing which could give more pleasure to a mind-wraith than possessing a powerful being.
The wraith looked up at Vitéz. The Baron smiled.
The shadow knew it was being tempted. Tempted into attacking the vampire. It would be so easy, so delicious to drain this powerful creature of thoughts.
But then the wraith met the Baron's eyes. Seeing the challenge present in their icy depths, it suddenly knew it would never, in this world, stand a chance against the mind of Vitéz Lengyel.
With merely another thought, the wraith turned and fled, faster than the wind.
But not faster than the Stormblade Baron.
In an instant, the vampire was in front of the fleeing shadow, driving his wicked sword through its heart.
"I told your master long ago that if he ever threatened a member of my council again, I would make him suffer beyond anything imaginable. Tell him I intend to keep that promise."
With that, he withdrew his sword, the wraith´s body dropping soundlessly to the ground. Purple mists left the corpse rapidly, flying into the night sky.
Vitéz Lengyel looked up after its receding shape, barely contained anger in his gaze. After a moment, he sheathed his sword and pulled up the hood of his cloak.
His tall form walked slowly down the road, blending perfectly in the darkness, until a few instants later, it disappeared entirely.
********
Left Hand instantly felt the Hunter's change in mood, feeling D's anger run wild within him quite clearly. This could only mean one thing: the dunpheal was thinking about his childhood again. The symbiont knew this was a touchy subject, and did not have the courage to tease the dunpheal about it. Left Hand was not exactly sure of what things D was forced to experience, but was aware of the devastating impact they must have had. Growing up in a vampire society would surely take its toll on a child. Specially if one was the vampire Prince, innocence stolen practically in the moment he was born. The symbiont could not help but feel sorry for his friend.
As much as he detested to admit it, the parasite had come to care deeply for his companion. Not only in the sense of caring about what happened to the dunpheal in direct relation to his own well being. Left Hand had come to look at the Hunter with the eyes of a friend. Aware that he was probably the only companion D had ever come to travel with, Left Hand also knew more about the dunpheal than anyone alive.
Through centuries of quests and battles, through years of travel, the symbiont had managed to piece together many subtle clues about the Hunter. For instance, Left Hand knew D sacrificed so much for the sake of others because his mother had taught him so. She helped ill people at one of the health centers in her village, and had shown D the importance of giving to the less fortunate and of helping the weak. This caring woman was the certainty D clung to during most of his childhood life, until an event of undeniable tragedy separated them, after which she passed away. Left Hand was not sure of what exactly happened, but he knew it was a turning point in D's existence. A moment which determined the way D saw and led his life; a moment that took him down the paths which made him the person he was today.
Today, the dunpheal resembled a fuming volcano. Left Hand chuckled at the thought of fumes coming out of the Hunter's ears. Thanking whatever God was watching them at the moment, the parasite was relieved to see that D wasn't aware of his mirth. However, the symbiont was determined to lighten the mood, and to remind the dunpheal, as he usually did, of the funnier side of things.
"Well, looks like these are the Windswept Mountains. The Kartal Pass should be just over those rocks. Took us less time than what that demented innkeeper said."
At the mention of Petro, D relaxed a little, a small smile almost gracing his features. Almost.
"At least he gave us the right directions. Not bad for an old decrepit fellow."
Left Hand mentioned the old man on purpose, knowing D had grown fond of Petro. And the symbiont was obviously not going to miss the opportunity to tease him about it.
"He isn't that old," D said quietly.
"So that's how it is, huh?", the parasite replied to the dunpheal's defensive answer. "Ahh, how cute. The dunpheal's made a friend!"
D didn't deign the comment with an answer, though Left Hand could tell he wasn't really upset. The Hunter was actually somewhat pleased with the symbiont's use of the word friend.
"I'm afraid you're getting soft, dunpheal. First you act all talkative with the old man, and then you strike up some casual chit-chat with a vampire; the very evil creature you set out to kill, I might add. A conversation which ended up telling you, in no small terms, that you've been labelled a complete jack ass by your opponent! What humiliation!" The symbiont's laughter echoed all around.
D kept silent, letting Left Hand have his moment.
"You'd better watch out from now on, dunpheal, or one day you'll wake up with a knife slicing your throat, and then were would I be? Geez, you'd better not disappoint me, man. I haven't been stuck to your hand all these years just to end up getting murdered. Have some consideration, will ya?"
The parasite kept babbling on about the deterioration of D's skills, and how he'd only survived through all this time due to Left Hand's considerate cooperation.
The dunpheal kept silent, used to such verbal onslaughts. Smiling inwardly, his childhood ordeal forgotten momentarily, D welcomed the murmur of sound that was Left Hand's voice. Grateful for the company, he knew the parasite had made the long years of his life strangely bearable. But D would die rather than to confess such thoughts to the symbiont.
No matter what Left Hand said, his skills were not diminishing. Which was why, with his enhanced senses, D was not surprised at all when the huge dark form dropped in front of them from the top of a boulder and attacked.
*******
Kalman Farkas stepped out of his carriage in front of the great doors leading into the Castle of Arkenia. Sighing in relief, he was thankful his journey had been uneventful. Having expected an attack as soon as his carriage left his home, Kalman was prepared to fight every inch of his way to Arkenia if he had to. But as it turned out, it was an unnecessary precaution.
Kalman turned towards the doors as they slowly opened, a tall figure coming down the front steps to meet him. The Count smiled genuinely at the advancing form.
Long black hair trailing in the night breeze, Beriszl Mátrai made his way down, coming to meet the arrival of one of his dearest friends. Both vampires clasped arms affectionally in greeting, glad to see each other.
"It pleases me greatly that you have come to us unharmed, my friend," Beriszl said.
"I am glad of it as well. More than you would think", replied Kalman, turning to regard his carriage, as a barbarois servant drove the vehicle towards the castle stables.
"You do not need to worry about such things anymore, Kalman. Come, let us go inside so that you may enjoy of our hospitality once more. You are safe here."
The Count nodded, turning to climb up the stairs beside his friend.
They settled in one of the castle´s many sitting rooms. Large couches with stuffed pillows were all around the large chamber and a fireplace provided them with warmth. Kalman fell into one of the couches as soon as he walked through the door.
"You look drained", Beriszl commented, going to the corner of the room. Taking the bottle of brandy from a nearby table, he filled two crystal cups.
"You could not possibly conceive all I've been through," Kalman answered.
"I know more than you´d think," the Captain chuckled in answer, making his way over to were his friend lay. Giving Kalman a cup, he settled into a large armchair across from the Count.
"You may have the knowledge of what has happened to me, but I´m afraid you haven´t experienced it first hand, my friend," Kalman answered, emptying his glass in one long drink.
Beriszl smiled, sipping his brandy at leisure. "Tell me about it, then," he said.
The Count got up abruptly, making his way over to the corner, filling his cup once more and returning with the brandy bottle. Sitting down, he turned to Beriszl.
"I have come across the knowledge that someone is after my life. Realizing the culprit is the very same person who plotted my father's death, I allowed the supposed murderer to enter my castle. I battled the Hunter during the daylight, escaped from my own home and made my way here, achieving all this in no more than a couple of days. And you still think I should not be drained?"
The Captain chuckled at his friend's demeanor.
"I haven't lived through such hectic events in many a century," Kalman continued. "But I'm afraid it doesn't end there. We still have many things to discuss for these tidings may bring many unexpected things."
Beriszl lifted his glass, acknowledging the statement.
Kalman sighed, glancing out the window. Suddenly, a surprised look crossed his eyes, belatedly realizing there was something missing.
"Where's our Meister?"
"I came to inform him of your coming and he suddenly left. You know how he is when he attains some sudden insight, an idea only his mind perceives, leaving us lesser beings wondering just what the hell happened," Beriszl answered, laughing quietly.
Kalman smiled, knowing the antics of his meister very well. "Took off without saying anything again?"
Beriszl nodded, sipping his glass. "He did manage to voice his wish to speak to you on his return. I'm certain he'll be back in no time at all."
The Count sat back, apparently knowing he couldn't do anything about Vitéz, thus he decided to relax for the time being. After a moment he realized his friend was regarding him thoughtfully.
"What is it?" he asked.
"You mentioned the fight with the Hunter," Beriszl replied, a curious glint in his black eyes. "Tell me about it."
Both vampires smiled at each other. Being prominent swordsmen and having been disciplined under the eye of the Stormblade Baron, they were always seeking information about other fighters, other challengers. Since childhood, they had set up an unvoiced competition against each other by trying to determine which one of them had fought against the best opponents.
"I have to say he lives up to his reputation," Kalman answered after a moment. "He is an excellent fighter. Quick and graceful, he portrays no doubt in his movements. A worthy opponent for either of us."
"But you weren't able to finish your fight, were you?"
"No. I made my exit as soon as I could."
Beriszl smiled widely, chuckling softly.
Kalman quirked an eyebrow. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing," Beriszl said. A moment of amused silence passed before he continued, "Or maybe, Count Farkas was afraid and fled." The Captain had wanted to tease his friend ever since becoming aware that the temperamental Count tried talking his way out of the fight.
The predictable outburst came and Beriszl hid his smile behind his glass.
"I did not flee! And I was not afraid!" Kalman shouted, anger in his gaze. "For your information, I did not fight the dunpheal out of respect! He was involved in a plot and was not aware of it! I did the honourable thing. I could have fought and defeated him easily."
"Could you?" asked the Captain, not even trying to hide his amusement.
By now, Kalman was standing. "Of course I could have! Are you doubting my abilities!? I'll fight you now and prove you wrong!"
Beriszl laughed heartily at his friend's temper. A temper that had gotten both of them into trouble more than once.
"Calm down, Kalman, calm down", he said. "You know I'm just playing with you. I assure you, I do not doubt your abilities. I have seen the testament of your skills more than once."
The Count managed to calm down, at least a little, as he sat again.
"I've always told you, that temper of yours will get you killed one day," Beriszl said with a smile.
"It'll get you killed, Mátrai, if you don´t watch what you say," replied Kalman.
Both vampires looked at each other for a moment, then burst out with laughter.
"You need another drink," the Captain said, pouring a glass for both of them.
"You're trying to get me drunk."
"Can't say I ain't."
"Can't say it won't work."
More laughter ensued as the friends enjoyed their time together. Moments like these were to be cherished, for with the events to come, neither of them knew when they might be able to share such peaceful times again.
*******
"You were saying?" D asked calmly, as he withdrew his sword from the giant beast's chest.
The creature's attack had interrupted Left Hand in the middle of a rude comment which related D's old age with the deterioration of his skills. The symbiont was caught completely off guard, his words fading into an uninteligeble shout as D calmly drew his sword and with one precise strike, brought the beast down.
As the horse stepped over the corpse, the parasite was a little short on words.
D's quiet amusement could be felt for miles and Left Hand's silence only fueled it, giving the dunpheal a small victory over his companion.
"Now don't let it get to your head!" the symbiont managed to say after it composed itself. "That was just a lucky shot."
"Was it?" D asked, an amused tone in his voice.
"Of course it was! Did you see the size of that thing? No one could've missed it."
The dunpheal almost chuckled.
"Fine, fine. I admit you aren't about to retire or anything. You've still got some cards to play. But not many I tell you," Left Hand said, trying to recover his dignity.
D didn't answer, a small smile on his face.
Left Hand contemplated the rider carefully, glad the dunpheal had come out of his foul mood, even if it was at his expense.
The duo rode on in amused silence, as they made their way steadily to the pass between the mountains, each one glad of the other's company.
******* *******
There you have it. Hope you liked this chapter; it is a friendly chapter, isn't it? I'll try to up date as soon as possible, and the more reviews I get the sooner it'll be! (HINT! ^_~) Read and review! Thanks!
******* ******
Author's note: Well, here's the next chapter. Thanks for the reviews!! Thanks to Kitala who couldn't resist the power of the Force *lol* and to Mystic who likes my names! ^_^ Thanks to Virtex too! You have no idea how all your reviews have motivated me! *hugs everyone* MUCHÍSIMAS GRACIAS!!!!!
I have to say that I´ve always wondered about D´s past and all that must´ve happened to him when he was young. I´ve wondered what his relationship with his father and mother was like, and what events led him to live like he does. So, in my sometimes over-imaginative mind, I came up with some answers of my own making, trying to give our beloved dunpheal a history. Hope you like the result. ^_^
Here goes...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"No road is long with good company."
Anonymous
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 5
Travel and friendship
******
D rode up to the Windswept Mountains a week later. Passing the rocky hillsides at their base, he made his way steadily towards the Kartal pass, intent on reaching Arkenia within the next three days.
It had taken him less time to reach the pass than what Petro suggested. D's horse was an enhanced cyborg, endowing it with extraordinary endurance. Petro, oblivious to the dunpheal's habits, had overlooked another small detail as well. D didn't usually stop to rest after sunset. He travelled, and preferred to do so, during night time.
Having lived through some harsh experiences due to heat syndrome, D was aware of his susceptibility to the sun's light, making the dark veil of night his preferred time to travel. This brought about some inconveniences, though. Night creatures would constantly try to ambush or attack him, thinking the dunpheal easy prey, forcing him to fight countless battles.
The events of the previous night where clear evidence of this inconvenience. He decided to travel until midnight, planning on resting during the early morning. But before he could come to a stop, a group of werewolves had ambushed him on the road.
He was outnumbered five to one, and werewolves were vicious creatures. But overall, the situation was not a problem for the Vampire Hunter. He disposed of them easily. The only inconvenience came when one of his attackers decided to flee. Knowing the werewolf would only go calling the rest of his pack, D was forced to follow. The last thing he wanted was to face a whole pack of angry werewolves. It had taken him until dawn to catch up with the creature, since it knew the terrain and was hard to track.
Therefore, he was not allowed to rest during the last half of the night, being forced to sleep for some time after dawn. He did not want to overexert himself, since he did not know what circumstances might have to be faced upon his arrival to Arkenia.
D did know one thing, though. He was not hunting Kalman anymore. Concluding that the whole job was a farce, D did not want to continue pursuing the vampire. The Count had been nothing but honourable towards him, and D owed him no less. As long as Farkas did not commit any crime that he was sure of, D was not going after him.
The dunpheal was heading towards Arkenia for different reasons. Firstly, he wanted to find out who exactly had been the one to set him up. Farkas was the only person aware of this information. D was determined to find out more about the Council of Stormhold, as well. But most importantly, he was set on figuring out who this Stormblade Baron was.
Apparently, he was the vampire leader, the one who united the vampire council. D was well aware of the fact that he must possess incredible powers to take on such an enterprise. From what he was told, the Baron had been Kalman's master, implying two things. Stormblade had taught him the sword and, most importantly, had given Kalman Farkas his principles. Values which did not concur with D's conceptions of what a vampire should be or should think.
Who was this Baron? Who was this lord who possessed such revolutionary ideas? For D had no doubt they were far from the norm. He was also aware that a vampire holding such principles would have more than a handful of enemies, coming directly from his own kin.
Thinking it over, D asked himself why he had not come across any information concerning the Baron before. Having travelled for centuries in pursuit of the creatures of the night, he was bound to come across some small detail or rumour, at least.
The answer came to him suddenly. The dunpheal was not aware of Stormblade's existence because his enemies, the very vampires he hunted and slew, made certain the Baron remained unknown. Among the ranks of the evil beings, any views which took humanity into consideration could only be perceived as the worst perversion of the vampire mind. Any tolerable tendencies towards humans would be immediately eliminated, before they spread like a disease. It was a wonder someone like Stormblade existed.
This point only made D return to contemplate the fact of the Baron's power. Much to his dismay, the thought of the vampire made his mind travel down paths he had previously avoided at all costs. His thoughts turned to his father.
The hate that sprung into the dunpheal's heart was almost overwhelming. A reason why he constantly avoided the topic. And with it, came anger. D was never able to come to terms with some of his childhood experiences. At a young age, he decided to leave his home, to live a life of exile out of his own free will. Some of the things he lived through during the time he resided within the confines of his father's castle were too much for his young heart to bear.
D was only a child, in vampire terms, when he left the castle on that fateful day and was not aware of the way his father had ruled over other vampires. Was he a just and fair ruler, as Kalman was? Hardly. Did he concern himself with the well being of those humans under his reign? Not likely. Did he possess high morals or principles which he taught to others? Definitely not. Was he open to discussing matters of state in a council with fellow rulers? If he could barely acknowledge the existence of his own son, it wasn't probable for him to acknowledge another person's right of opinion.
As he rode on towards the looming mountain range, the dunpheal was a turmoil of emotions. His childhood always placed him off-balance. The ambivalence he felt for some of his earlier experiences was always a source of confusion for him. But amidst the contradictions, one thought was clear.
In D's perception, the Vampire King was nothing more than a monster.
*******
The dark veil of night fell over the land. Not a being stirred under the watchful eye of the crescent moon, only the cool breeze of spring passed noticeably across a large tree standing on the side of the freeway. The road lay covered in shadow, like a black snake slivering over the hills.
Along the contours of this obsidian reptile, the sound of an approaching vehicle could be heard. Its urgency reflecting it's occupants' desire to reach their destination. As the moments passed, four horses came into view, pulling the carriage with all their might.
The curtains covering one of the windows opened slightly, allowing a small amount of light to shine down upon the road. A figure could be seen for a moment, staring across the expanse of the land, but disappeared quickly, hiding inside the confines of the vehicle.
The lone tree saw the carriage pass. It's barbarois driver urging the horses even more as it drove away, going out of sight around the corner, presumably unaware of the presence of a follower.
As the noise from the vehicle died down, in the direction the carriage had come from, a cloud of purple mist could be discerned. Travelling with speed, it kept a safe distance so as to avoid detection.
The purple haze approached the tree with no intention of stopping until the completion of its appointed task. But as it made it's way under the shifting shadow of its branches, a dark shadow came down from the leaves. A flash of silver came from the blur of black, and suddenly, the cloud could not will itself to move.
Stopping abruptly, the haze dropped to the ground. The mists moved circularly within itself, forming a humanoid shape, to materialized on the road as dark as shadow.
The wraith clutched at its chest as it knelt, feeling a stinging beyond anything it had felt before. Breathing heavily, it tried to discern what had just happened. It had not sensed any presence, there couldn't be anyone around. But it had been attacked. It was sure of that. It felt the sting of a sword clearly. By who? Who could jump at it with such stealth? No one was able to sneak up on a wraith.
Suddenly, it became aware of the fact that it was not alone. Tensing, the humanoid shadow looked up slowly. It's red eyes widening in surprise.
The cloaked form of Vitéz Lengyel stood on the road in front of it, Gale in his right hand, gleaming in the moonlight.
"You did not perceive my presence because I did not wish for you to become aware of it," the Baron said calmly, his deep voice devoid of emotion.
The wraith growled, but did not say anything. It knew it's predicament. The Stormblade Baron was its master's worst enemy. Not only that, he was one of the most powerful vampires in existence.
Vitéz paced slowly forwards, addressing the kneeling shadow.
"I made sure my lands were purged from foul creatures such as yourself a very long time ago. I made clear I did not want any of you mind-wraiths to come near my borders."
The vampire stepped closer, Gale's gleaming blade tip leveling with the wraith's throat.
"I thought my warnings were enough to keep you creatures at bay. You risk much by coming here."
The dark creature did not answer, it's mind intent on finding some means to escape. It could never pretend to match the Baron in terms of strength, and honestly it didn't want to press its luck. The wraith's main means of attack consisted in invading the mind of it's enemies, possessing their body and brain entirely, giving them complete control of the other. This required a certain amount of strength, depending on the opponent. But there was nothing which could give more pleasure to a mind-wraith than possessing a powerful being.
The wraith looked up at Vitéz. The Baron smiled.
The shadow knew it was being tempted. Tempted into attacking the vampire. It would be so easy, so delicious to drain this powerful creature of thoughts.
But then the wraith met the Baron's eyes. Seeing the challenge present in their icy depths, it suddenly knew it would never, in this world, stand a chance against the mind of Vitéz Lengyel.
With merely another thought, the wraith turned and fled, faster than the wind.
But not faster than the Stormblade Baron.
In an instant, the vampire was in front of the fleeing shadow, driving his wicked sword through its heart.
"I told your master long ago that if he ever threatened a member of my council again, I would make him suffer beyond anything imaginable. Tell him I intend to keep that promise."
With that, he withdrew his sword, the wraith´s body dropping soundlessly to the ground. Purple mists left the corpse rapidly, flying into the night sky.
Vitéz Lengyel looked up after its receding shape, barely contained anger in his gaze. After a moment, he sheathed his sword and pulled up the hood of his cloak.
His tall form walked slowly down the road, blending perfectly in the darkness, until a few instants later, it disappeared entirely.
********
Left Hand instantly felt the Hunter's change in mood, feeling D's anger run wild within him quite clearly. This could only mean one thing: the dunpheal was thinking about his childhood again. The symbiont knew this was a touchy subject, and did not have the courage to tease the dunpheal about it. Left Hand was not exactly sure of what things D was forced to experience, but was aware of the devastating impact they must have had. Growing up in a vampire society would surely take its toll on a child. Specially if one was the vampire Prince, innocence stolen practically in the moment he was born. The symbiont could not help but feel sorry for his friend.
As much as he detested to admit it, the parasite had come to care deeply for his companion. Not only in the sense of caring about what happened to the dunpheal in direct relation to his own well being. Left Hand had come to look at the Hunter with the eyes of a friend. Aware that he was probably the only companion D had ever come to travel with, Left Hand also knew more about the dunpheal than anyone alive.
Through centuries of quests and battles, through years of travel, the symbiont had managed to piece together many subtle clues about the Hunter. For instance, Left Hand knew D sacrificed so much for the sake of others because his mother had taught him so. She helped ill people at one of the health centers in her village, and had shown D the importance of giving to the less fortunate and of helping the weak. This caring woman was the certainty D clung to during most of his childhood life, until an event of undeniable tragedy separated them, after which she passed away. Left Hand was not sure of what exactly happened, but he knew it was a turning point in D's existence. A moment which determined the way D saw and led his life; a moment that took him down the paths which made him the person he was today.
Today, the dunpheal resembled a fuming volcano. Left Hand chuckled at the thought of fumes coming out of the Hunter's ears. Thanking whatever God was watching them at the moment, the parasite was relieved to see that D wasn't aware of his mirth. However, the symbiont was determined to lighten the mood, and to remind the dunpheal, as he usually did, of the funnier side of things.
"Well, looks like these are the Windswept Mountains. The Kartal Pass should be just over those rocks. Took us less time than what that demented innkeeper said."
At the mention of Petro, D relaxed a little, a small smile almost gracing his features. Almost.
"At least he gave us the right directions. Not bad for an old decrepit fellow."
Left Hand mentioned the old man on purpose, knowing D had grown fond of Petro. And the symbiont was obviously not going to miss the opportunity to tease him about it.
"He isn't that old," D said quietly.
"So that's how it is, huh?", the parasite replied to the dunpheal's defensive answer. "Ahh, how cute. The dunpheal's made a friend!"
D didn't deign the comment with an answer, though Left Hand could tell he wasn't really upset. The Hunter was actually somewhat pleased with the symbiont's use of the word friend.
"I'm afraid you're getting soft, dunpheal. First you act all talkative with the old man, and then you strike up some casual chit-chat with a vampire; the very evil creature you set out to kill, I might add. A conversation which ended up telling you, in no small terms, that you've been labelled a complete jack ass by your opponent! What humiliation!" The symbiont's laughter echoed all around.
D kept silent, letting Left Hand have his moment.
"You'd better watch out from now on, dunpheal, or one day you'll wake up with a knife slicing your throat, and then were would I be? Geez, you'd better not disappoint me, man. I haven't been stuck to your hand all these years just to end up getting murdered. Have some consideration, will ya?"
The parasite kept babbling on about the deterioration of D's skills, and how he'd only survived through all this time due to Left Hand's considerate cooperation.
The dunpheal kept silent, used to such verbal onslaughts. Smiling inwardly, his childhood ordeal forgotten momentarily, D welcomed the murmur of sound that was Left Hand's voice. Grateful for the company, he knew the parasite had made the long years of his life strangely bearable. But D would die rather than to confess such thoughts to the symbiont.
No matter what Left Hand said, his skills were not diminishing. Which was why, with his enhanced senses, D was not surprised at all when the huge dark form dropped in front of them from the top of a boulder and attacked.
*******
Kalman Farkas stepped out of his carriage in front of the great doors leading into the Castle of Arkenia. Sighing in relief, he was thankful his journey had been uneventful. Having expected an attack as soon as his carriage left his home, Kalman was prepared to fight every inch of his way to Arkenia if he had to. But as it turned out, it was an unnecessary precaution.
Kalman turned towards the doors as they slowly opened, a tall figure coming down the front steps to meet him. The Count smiled genuinely at the advancing form.
Long black hair trailing in the night breeze, Beriszl Mátrai made his way down, coming to meet the arrival of one of his dearest friends. Both vampires clasped arms affectionally in greeting, glad to see each other.
"It pleases me greatly that you have come to us unharmed, my friend," Beriszl said.
"I am glad of it as well. More than you would think", replied Kalman, turning to regard his carriage, as a barbarois servant drove the vehicle towards the castle stables.
"You do not need to worry about such things anymore, Kalman. Come, let us go inside so that you may enjoy of our hospitality once more. You are safe here."
The Count nodded, turning to climb up the stairs beside his friend.
They settled in one of the castle´s many sitting rooms. Large couches with stuffed pillows were all around the large chamber and a fireplace provided them with warmth. Kalman fell into one of the couches as soon as he walked through the door.
"You look drained", Beriszl commented, going to the corner of the room. Taking the bottle of brandy from a nearby table, he filled two crystal cups.
"You could not possibly conceive all I've been through," Kalman answered.
"I know more than you´d think," the Captain chuckled in answer, making his way over to were his friend lay. Giving Kalman a cup, he settled into a large armchair across from the Count.
"You may have the knowledge of what has happened to me, but I´m afraid you haven´t experienced it first hand, my friend," Kalman answered, emptying his glass in one long drink.
Beriszl smiled, sipping his brandy at leisure. "Tell me about it, then," he said.
The Count got up abruptly, making his way over to the corner, filling his cup once more and returning with the brandy bottle. Sitting down, he turned to Beriszl.
"I have come across the knowledge that someone is after my life. Realizing the culprit is the very same person who plotted my father's death, I allowed the supposed murderer to enter my castle. I battled the Hunter during the daylight, escaped from my own home and made my way here, achieving all this in no more than a couple of days. And you still think I should not be drained?"
The Captain chuckled at his friend's demeanor.
"I haven't lived through such hectic events in many a century," Kalman continued. "But I'm afraid it doesn't end there. We still have many things to discuss for these tidings may bring many unexpected things."
Beriszl lifted his glass, acknowledging the statement.
Kalman sighed, glancing out the window. Suddenly, a surprised look crossed his eyes, belatedly realizing there was something missing.
"Where's our Meister?"
"I came to inform him of your coming and he suddenly left. You know how he is when he attains some sudden insight, an idea only his mind perceives, leaving us lesser beings wondering just what the hell happened," Beriszl answered, laughing quietly.
Kalman smiled, knowing the antics of his meister very well. "Took off without saying anything again?"
Beriszl nodded, sipping his glass. "He did manage to voice his wish to speak to you on his return. I'm certain he'll be back in no time at all."
The Count sat back, apparently knowing he couldn't do anything about Vitéz, thus he decided to relax for the time being. After a moment he realized his friend was regarding him thoughtfully.
"What is it?" he asked.
"You mentioned the fight with the Hunter," Beriszl replied, a curious glint in his black eyes. "Tell me about it."
Both vampires smiled at each other. Being prominent swordsmen and having been disciplined under the eye of the Stormblade Baron, they were always seeking information about other fighters, other challengers. Since childhood, they had set up an unvoiced competition against each other by trying to determine which one of them had fought against the best opponents.
"I have to say he lives up to his reputation," Kalman answered after a moment. "He is an excellent fighter. Quick and graceful, he portrays no doubt in his movements. A worthy opponent for either of us."
"But you weren't able to finish your fight, were you?"
"No. I made my exit as soon as I could."
Beriszl smiled widely, chuckling softly.
Kalman quirked an eyebrow. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing," Beriszl said. A moment of amused silence passed before he continued, "Or maybe, Count Farkas was afraid and fled." The Captain had wanted to tease his friend ever since becoming aware that the temperamental Count tried talking his way out of the fight.
The predictable outburst came and Beriszl hid his smile behind his glass.
"I did not flee! And I was not afraid!" Kalman shouted, anger in his gaze. "For your information, I did not fight the dunpheal out of respect! He was involved in a plot and was not aware of it! I did the honourable thing. I could have fought and defeated him easily."
"Could you?" asked the Captain, not even trying to hide his amusement.
By now, Kalman was standing. "Of course I could have! Are you doubting my abilities!? I'll fight you now and prove you wrong!"
Beriszl laughed heartily at his friend's temper. A temper that had gotten both of them into trouble more than once.
"Calm down, Kalman, calm down", he said. "You know I'm just playing with you. I assure you, I do not doubt your abilities. I have seen the testament of your skills more than once."
The Count managed to calm down, at least a little, as he sat again.
"I've always told you, that temper of yours will get you killed one day," Beriszl said with a smile.
"It'll get you killed, Mátrai, if you don´t watch what you say," replied Kalman.
Both vampires looked at each other for a moment, then burst out with laughter.
"You need another drink," the Captain said, pouring a glass for both of them.
"You're trying to get me drunk."
"Can't say I ain't."
"Can't say it won't work."
More laughter ensued as the friends enjoyed their time together. Moments like these were to be cherished, for with the events to come, neither of them knew when they might be able to share such peaceful times again.
*******
"You were saying?" D asked calmly, as he withdrew his sword from the giant beast's chest.
The creature's attack had interrupted Left Hand in the middle of a rude comment which related D's old age with the deterioration of his skills. The symbiont was caught completely off guard, his words fading into an uninteligeble shout as D calmly drew his sword and with one precise strike, brought the beast down.
As the horse stepped over the corpse, the parasite was a little short on words.
D's quiet amusement could be felt for miles and Left Hand's silence only fueled it, giving the dunpheal a small victory over his companion.
"Now don't let it get to your head!" the symbiont managed to say after it composed itself. "That was just a lucky shot."
"Was it?" D asked, an amused tone in his voice.
"Of course it was! Did you see the size of that thing? No one could've missed it."
The dunpheal almost chuckled.
"Fine, fine. I admit you aren't about to retire or anything. You've still got some cards to play. But not many I tell you," Left Hand said, trying to recover his dignity.
D didn't answer, a small smile on his face.
Left Hand contemplated the rider carefully, glad the dunpheal had come out of his foul mood, even if it was at his expense.
The duo rode on in amused silence, as they made their way steadily to the pass between the mountains, each one glad of the other's company.
******* *******
There you have it. Hope you liked this chapter; it is a friendly chapter, isn't it? I'll try to up date as soon as possible, and the more reviews I get the sooner it'll be! (HINT! ^_~) Read and review! Thanks!