Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Hunter D. This story was meant for
entertaining purposes only. No offense is meant by it.
******** ********
Konnichiwa, everybody! Thanks for the reviews! I hope all of you are as happy as I am. I just got "The Thousand Orcs", R.A Salvatore's newest Drizzt book and I'm DYING to read it! I've been waiting since October to get it and I hadn't been able to have it in my grasp until now! Ahh, I'm so excited! I jumped around in glee when my dad gave it to me. He was like: "Hey, look what I found at the bookstore," and then, I proceeded to faint. Hehe. So I got this new chapter up quickly so I can read in peace. Don't worry, I won't set my story aside! All Drizzt Do' Urden can do is inspire me. ^_~ He is simple the BEST.
Genjoe and Eerie: I'm so glad you like Vitéz! When I started writing, I wasn't sure if he was convincing; that's why I gave my all writing the prologue. He's the reason behind this story, so I'm really happy he's got some admirers out there. Thanks!
Kitala: I promise I'll put up some more on D's past soon! Don't worry, we'll solve D's mystery. Hehe. ^_^
Mystic: Got a new name for ya! Hope you like it. :)
Hope you like the little group my vampires make. I see them as a true friends in my mind...I hope it reflects in my writing.
Well, enough babbling...on with the show!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Here, in the light of the waning moon is the Queen of the Bad Faeries. Her domain is the night. She rules over dusk and darkness, shadows and shades (.) Every shroud has a silver lining. All things must die to be reborn. Just as life grows out of death, good can grow from those things we call 'bad'. In the darkness the seeds of good germinate, unfold, grow upwards towards the light. Faeryland is the land of paradox: In light there is darkness; in darkness light. You will find not absolute evil here within the Dark Queen's realm, for she is a queen of nature, a force of nature, formed from the dreaming earth. True evil exists only in the shadow of man, when he turns his back on the light."
Brian Froud, Good Faeries, Bad Faeries.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 6
Arkenia
******
"I really do hope you did not come all this way just get drunk on my brandy, or did you, Kalman?" A deep voice came from the vicinity of the doorway.
The Count turned rapidly, as rapidly as he could, to see the Baron of Arkenia standing at the door, an amused expression on his face.
"I thought I'd taught you better," he continued to say.
"Meister!" said Kalman, standing abruptly, sobering with the presence of the Baron.
Vitéz turned to regard Beriszl. "I also thought I told you to have him ready to speak to me when I returned."
The Captain smiled from his armchair. "I did my best to try and make him relax but both you and I are aware of the fact that he cannot handle his drinking."
The Baron turned to look at his late tanítvány who by now had a downcast look upon his face. Returning his gaze to Beriszl, who was trying hard to keep a straight face, Vitéz couldn't help it anymore. His laughter resounded throughout the room.
Kalman looked up suddenly, realizing he was the source of their mirth. "Now just a moment," he said, anger rising in his voice. "You're meaning to tell me that I am the cause of your merriment just because I had a few drinks? After all I've been through, you dare accuse me of a little overdrinking? What kind of welcome is this!?"
Beriszl laughed all the harder, noting the display of his friend's temper, yet again.
"Come, come," the Baron said, laughter still in his eyes. "We were pulling your strings, Kalman." He approached the Count, who by now, smiled up at his meister, and embraced him fondly.
"Good to see you have come to us alive and well," Vitéz said more seriously.
"So am I", the Count answered.
The Baron smiled, turning towards the table in the corner to pick up a crystal glass and another brandy bottle, for both his students had efficiently drained the contents of the previous bottle. Pouring himself a drink, he sat down on another armchair.
"Where were you, Meister?" Kalman asked.
"Making sure you were not attacked on your way here," the Baron responded.
"What?"
Vitéz sighed. "Beriszl told me of your suspicions. The Hunter who came after you was framed, in the very same way it happened with your father long ago. If that were the case, then surely someone would come after you, specially since you made your way to Arkenia. I went out to confirm those suspicions."
"I was aware that someone might try to follow me. But I did not feel the presence of any creature behind me," Kalman answered, concern in his voice.
"Of course you didn't," Vitéz replied, his eyes locking onto those of the Count. "It was a mind-wraith who followed you, my friend."
Kalman stared back at him, shock in his gaze.
"Then it is true," Beriszl whispered. "It is he."
"Yes, it is true," Vitéz replied. "The Count Iosif Meszaros has made an attempt on your life Kalman. He succeeded in killing your father 300 years ago with the same plan, but it seems he has failed, for now. We will make his failure certain."
Anger blazing in his eyes, Kalman nodded.
"But how could Iosif think he could kill you utilizing the same lies he used last time? Surely he knew you would see right through the farce," Beriszl said, somewhat puzzled.
"Of course he knew," Vitéz replied. "He knew we would see right through him. Iosif wanted us to know it was him. That is why he hired such a prominent Hunter to come after Kalman. The Vampire Hunter D is the best in his craft. The dunpheal has never failed in exterminating his quarry; Iosif was counting on it. Giving the Hunter such a heart breaking story, the murder of two children, the sly Count knew he'd come after you swiftly."
"I told D the same thing," Kalman said softly.
The Baron nodded slightly, before continuing. "Meszaros played the dunpheal with all the right cards, taking advantage of D´s high moral code and his hate for our kind. But his very plan backfired. D´s principles ruined the whole scheme, something the ingenious Iosif didn't foresee. D allowed Kalman to speak, giving him the right to defend himself, and being one of high intelligence, became aware of the farce immediately, staying his slaying hand. In the end, all Iosif gained was another enemy, and a powerful one too."
Vitéz drank down his brandy, placing his glass on a nearby table.
"And now the Hunter makes his way steadily towards us," he said momentarily. "Coming to find his answers, no doubt. But we will be ready to receive him and to tell our side of the tale."
"Do you think he will listen?" Beriszl asked.
"Of course he will," Kalman said before Vitéz could answer. "As Meister said, his intelligence will enable him to perceive our good intentions. The dunpheal is naturally drawn to noble causes, and if our cause isn't noble then I don't know what is."
"You overlook one small detail, tanítvány", Vitéz said. "Do not forget the dunpheal has sworn his life to the extermination of our kind, and will not be swayed from his path easily. D´s hatred for us vampires has fed his cause during many centuries and I'm afraid it cannot be placed aside without difficulty."
"Are you saying he will not approve of the actions we're taking?" Beriszl asked.
"I am not saying he will and I'm not saying he won't," Vitéz replied. "It will be a difficult task for him to shift his point of view. With luck, I hope to make him see. But we cannot know any of this until he arrives, and he will do so in a few days. We will know then."
The three vampires grew silent, each one absorbed in his own thoughts. It was only after a moment, realizing their master had not told them everything about his absence, that Beriszl posed his question.
"Meister," he said, somewhat concerned. "What happened to the mind-wraith?"
"Oh, I disposed of it quickly," the Baron answered, disgust in his icy gaze.
Kalman smiled, aware of Vitéz´s apathy towards the creatures. "Did you destroy it?"
"No, I let it keep its ethereal form. I decided to use it as a messenger," the Baron was saying. "I want Iosif to know that I am aware of his foul plans. I want him to know I do not fear him. And, he has very good reason to fear me. I intend to finish this once and for all."
The anger in his countenance made both Beriszl and Kalman back away from Vitéz for an instant. They both knew the Stormblade Baron had a score to settle with Iosof Meszaros; a rivalry which dated back even before the death of Kalman´s father. A duel started in the days when the Vampire King ruled.
Both vampires looked at each other, nodding in agreement. Beriszl spoke for both of them when he said, "You know we will be beside you through it all, Meister. We will follow you to the end."
Vitéz smiled in appreciation. Considering himself lucky, he knew the vampires before him were the most loyal of friends, and could not ask for any better.
"I know," he managed to say, but it was all he needed to speak, eyes shining with the type of gratitude which could not be expressed in words.
With that, he stood up slowly. "It is late. The dawn is nigh. We creatures of the dark must take to our beds."
"True," said Beriszl. "Come Kalman, I will take you to your chambers."
"Thank you, my friend," replied the Count.
The three made their way out of the room, leaving the hot embers of the fireplace alone in the approaching light of the sun.
******* D marveled at the sights which greeted him as he made his way through Arkenia's main road. The highway was lined with flowering trees, petals flowing as the wind played with the branches. There was green everywhere. Spring had come upon this land with all its splendour.
The beauty around him made D's heart lighten, making his travel much more enjoyable. Many would have thought he was not susceptible to the beauty of nature, having accustomed himself to the horrific sights experienced while hunting vampires. Instead, those experiences had attuned him more acutely to pleasant sights, though the dunpheal did not show it.
Few would think it possible for the Vampire Hunter D, his imposing form all dressed in black, to take pleasure in a blooming flower.
"Ahhh, look dunpheal, it's spring," Left Hand said. "It's the perfect season to fall in love, with flowers everywhere. Since I'm the only other being around, why don't you give me a kiss?" As he said so, the symbiont puckered his lips and started making kissing sounds.
D almost rolled his eyes at the parasite's antics. How typical of Left Hand to ruin his enjoyment of the scenery.
The road came to a small forest. Riding passed the trees, D could discern the sound of a small brook coming from his right. His water supplies were running low, thus, he decided to diverge from his path for a short while. It wouldn't do him any harm to stay and enjoy the forest, either.
D rode up to the small river a few moments later. Dismounting quickly, he kneeled beside the water, taking some of it into his hands, drinking. He splashed some water unto his face, glad for the refreshment. Sitting down, he quietly contemplated the sounds around him, relishing the way the water trickled down a small waterfall not far away.
Lost in his reverie, he could not have heard the sounds of someone approaching even if he'd wanted to. As he looked up the river, his muscles tensed immediately, for he stared straight into the green eyes of a very large cat.
A northern tiger to be precise, it's orange fur shining in the sunlight. The cat's gaze bore into him. D did not dare to move a muscle. The feline stood so as well, not making any attempts to attack him. They looked at each other for a few tense moments.
A sweet female voice interrupted their silent duel.
"Sharaf, why did you stop?"
If D had been surprised at seeing the tiger, he was now doubly taken aback by the fact that a small girl walked up beside the cat, placing a comforting hand on it's back.
She turned to regard what her tiger was looking at.
"Oh! Hello there," she smiled.
The girl could not be more than eleven years old. The tiger's large head came up to her shoulders, making her seem much smaller. Her brown hair was short, reaching just beneath her ears. Large dark brown eyes shone with curiosity, as she took in the sight of the dunpheal. He noticed there were a couple of daggers hanging from her belt.
"You're not from around here, are you?" she asked.
D shook his head.
"I'm sorry if Sharaf startled you. He tends to try and intimidate strangers," she explained, eyeing the cat with reprimanding eyes.
Turning to D, she smiled again, making her way over to where the Hunter sat, the tiger swiftly following.
"What's your name?" she asked in a friendly tone.
"D", he replied.
She was not deterred by the Hunter's cold contrasting tone. Instead, the girl seemed not to have noticed.
"Nice to meet you! This is Sharaf," she said, turning towards the tiger who sat a few paces away. " And I'm." But she trailed off from the introduction when she noticed the circular pendant hanging from D's neck.
"Wow! That's beautiful," she said, pointing.
D turned to see what exactly it was she was looking at, only to see his necklace shining in the sun.
"Do you like it?" he asked, taking the necklace off and handing it to her. Something inside him told him he should be nice to the girl.
Her smile nearly took off her ears as she grabbed the pendant. The jewel was so large it was almost the size of her hand.
"Like it? I love it!" she said laughing.
The sound of her laughter made D smile. The dunpheal was forced to admit the satisfying feeling surging in his chest as he realized he'd made the girl happy. He had always been amazed at a child's capability of making so much out of the smallest gestures.
As she stood inspecting the necklace, the dunpheal managed to get a better look at her. The clothing she donned was filthy, dirt and dried mud clung to it. Her face and arms were also dirty. Her skin was tanned from many hours of exposure in the sun, a testament that proved the girl did not spend much time indoors. Knowing what it felt to be a child forced to stay locked up in a room, D felt genuinely happy for her. This also meant she was probably the daughter of one of the many farmholds surrounding the countryside; helping with the family chores, she was forced to spend great amounts of time outside.
The girl finished looking at the pendant and handed it back. "It's amazing. Where did you get it?"
"It was a gift."
"I see," she replied, when the Hunter did not elaborate more.
They stood for a moment in silence.
"I was out picking mushrooms for Virya," the girl said conversationally.
D could only assume that Virya was an older sister.
"I volunteered to do it. I love spending time in the forest. Do you like it as well?"
"Yes. It is very beautiful," he replied, glancing around.
"I know it like the back of my own hand," she said proudly.
"I'm sure you do," D replied with a small smile.
"I know where to find the best mushrooms, where the best blooms are. I also know which trees the owls sleep in and where the vixens keep their dens. The other day I saw one passing by with her litter. She had six babies altogether. I told Sharaf not to go near them because he would scare them easily and they would all run away."
To D´s own amazement, he gave his full attention to her.
"You see, the problem is he tries to be friendly towards the other animals," she was saying. "But sometimes he just doesn't know just how scary he can be. Can you imagine just how big he must seem to a small baby fox? He looks like a giant!"
D nodded his agreement, while Sharaf only made quiet sounds deep in his throat.
"See?", she said, turning towards the cat and sticking her tongue out at him. Regarding D once more, she spoke. "The other day we climbed a tree and he tried to make friends with some hatchlings sitting in a nest. Their mother was so scared I think she almost had a heart attack!"
Her laughter echoed through the forest once more, and D could not help but smile even wider, his eyes beaming. What was coming over him?
Left Hand stirred in amusement; D was certain it was trying to make fun of him, calling him a soft emotional idiot, no doubt. But he closed his fist tightly; D was not about to let the parasite ruin the moment. His mocking comments would just have to wait.
A splash came in the direction of the water. The small girl turned towards the brook, kneeling beside D as she looked into the water.
"Did you hear that? It must be a water faery!"
D looked down at the water as well. "Really?"
"Yes! Everyone says they live in this brook. No fish big enough lives in it to make such a loud splash."
The girl then proceeded to give D a thorough explanation of all the types of faery creatures inhabiting the forest. He sat quietly while she talked, taking in every detail. He proved to be a quick learner, for she would stop to ask him something she had just said every now and then; he answered correctly every time.
Through it all, D sat there, mesmerized with the fact that he was being enchanted by the casual chatter of a small human child. For his life, he could not pinpoint why the sound of her voice soothed him or why he had the sudden urge try his best to keep a smile on her face.
"It is very important for you to learn all of this, D," she said. "You never know when you'll meet a faery, and you must know how to act properly towards one so that you won't be taken away for a hundred years!"
"Thank you for the warning," the dunpheal said, not mentioning the fact that one hundred years was not a very long time for him.
Their talk, or more precisely her talk, would have continued for much longer. But Sharaf growled loudly, letting the girl know it was getting late. The afternoon was well on its way.
"Oh my, I have to go. Virya will kill me if I don't get these mushrooms in for supper!" With that, she quickly stood up, eyeing the bag hanging at her waist. She opened it, taking out a large mushroom.
"Here," she said, handing it to D. "You can have mushroom supper tonight as well."
"Thank you," the Hunter replied, taking it from her hand.
"Well, it was a pleasure to meet you D."
"The pleasure was all mine," he replied.
"I hope we see each other again," she said.
"I hope so too."
A radiant smile covered her face at the dunpheal's comment. Sharaf stood, making his way over to her side. The girl mounted it with a single jump, turning to regard the Hunter one last time from her perch.
"Farewell, D," she said finally, as the tiger sprung from where it stood and sprinted towards the trees.
The dunpheal stayed there staring in the direction she had gone for a long while. He contemplated their meeting carefully. The girl's vibrancy only helped D reaffirm his vows. He knew he had done the right thing by choosing to rid the world of evil; to try and make it a better place for girls like her to live in. All the sacrifices he had made were suddenly worth it as he remembered the warmth of her childish smile.
She had been like a ray of sunlight coming through the dark clouds which usually covered his life. The girl had come to remind him that there were people still living in this world who were worth fighting for. The innocence and happiness shining from her eyes were worth the lives of a thousand vampires.
D refilled his water container quickly, taking another drink before he set off. It was only when he was mounted upon his horse and well on his way that he suddenly realized.
The girl had never mentioned her name.
*******
"The castle's that way, sir," the farmboy said, answering D's questioning of it's whereabouts.
"You just follow the road for a couple of days. You'll see it sitting on top of a large hill. You can't miss it. It's quite a sight to behold," said the boy, smiling.
D thanked him for his time and continued riding.
"Since when does the great Vampire Hunter D stop to ask for directions?" Left Hand put in. His mocking tone was not lost on the dunpheal.
"Arkenia is a very large barony," D explained calmly. "I do not wish to waste time searching in all the many directions in which the castle may be found."
"Haha, will you look at that?" The symbiont continued, ignoring the dunpheal entirely. "The Vampire Hunter has lost his prey's castle!" Left Hand's mocking laughter rang too loudly in D's ears.
But the Hunter let it continue, efficiently closing his hearing to the torrent of insults coming from the parasite. D had more important matters to worry about; his arrival at the Castle of Arkenia was imminent. He would be there very soon and the answers he was searching for would follow swiftly.
D admitted his anxiety, but was also looking forward to meeting the Stormblade Baron. The dunpheal also wished to speak to Count Farkas again. The vampire had made a very favourable first impression on their previous meeting.
As he pondered all that was forthcoming, the dunpheal continued down the road. Heading in a direction that might change his life forever.
*******
The purple mist made it's way into the dark chamber, coming to rest in front of a large wooden desk.
"Master," the wraith cried pitifully. "I was attacked."
The cold red eyes of Iosif Meszaros looked down in disgust upon the wretched form of his servant.
Barely containing his anger, he asked, "By who?"
The wraith hesitated before speaking. "Vitéz Lengyel."
"What?!"
"He knew of my coming, sire. I did not sense his presence until it was too late. He ambushed me on the road, cutting me with that cursed blade of his. It stung me greatly."
"Quiet!!"
The purple haze cowered under it's master's wrath.
"The sting from his sword will be nothing compared to what you will get from me if you do not achieve the tasks appointed to you."
"I'm sorry Master," it whimpered.
"Bah!" Iosif exclaimed. "Get out of my sight!"
The wraith scurried itself under the door as fast as it could.
The vampire sat back in his chair, frustration evident in his chiseled features. Passing large hands through his long white hair, he tried to gather his thoughts.
"What will you do now, sir?" a hissing voice asked from the shadows.
The Count turned to thoughtfully regard his most trusted barbarois servant.
"I am not certain, Kígyó," he said, as the willowy humanoid made it's way over to the desk.
"I do know one thing, though," he continued after a moment of silent contemplation. "Vitéz Lengyel will pay dearly."
"How do you intend to achieve this, Master?" the snake-like barbarois inquired.
"Attacking his weakness."
"Arkenia castle has no defensive weaknesses, my lord. And its ruling Baron is a formidable swordsman. You personally know how well he wields his magical blade."
"I am aware of that, Kígyó. But I also know his weaknesses do not lie in his sword skills," the Count said smiling, a macabre plan already forming inside his mind.
The barbarois looked at him, a questioning look in his eyes. Iosif answered him with a look of his own, understanding passing between them.
"You are one of the few who know of whom I speak," Meszaros said quietly.
Kígyó nodded.
"Lengyel is a love-sick fool. Bring her to me, my servant."
"But sir, acting in such close proximity to the castle."
"Is the last thing the Stormblade Baron will suspect," Iosif interrupted firmly. "Now go. There is little precious time to waste."
"Yes, Master," answered the snake-man, swiftly turning to go.
******* *******
Tanítvány means pupil or student in Hungarian.
The plot's getting intriguing! (At least I hope so!) What´s gonna happen next? I´ll try and update ASAP. Promise.
You know you want to press the button on the lower left hand corner of your monitor. You know you want to...don't deny it! You truly want to make the author of this story happy by leaving her a review. You want her to relieve the stress she accumulates at uni. with a review. C'mon!
Thanks for reading! ^_^
******** ********
Konnichiwa, everybody! Thanks for the reviews! I hope all of you are as happy as I am. I just got "The Thousand Orcs", R.A Salvatore's newest Drizzt book and I'm DYING to read it! I've been waiting since October to get it and I hadn't been able to have it in my grasp until now! Ahh, I'm so excited! I jumped around in glee when my dad gave it to me. He was like: "Hey, look what I found at the bookstore," and then, I proceeded to faint. Hehe. So I got this new chapter up quickly so I can read in peace. Don't worry, I won't set my story aside! All Drizzt Do' Urden can do is inspire me. ^_~ He is simple the BEST.
Genjoe and Eerie: I'm so glad you like Vitéz! When I started writing, I wasn't sure if he was convincing; that's why I gave my all writing the prologue. He's the reason behind this story, so I'm really happy he's got some admirers out there. Thanks!
Kitala: I promise I'll put up some more on D's past soon! Don't worry, we'll solve D's mystery. Hehe. ^_^
Mystic: Got a new name for ya! Hope you like it. :)
Hope you like the little group my vampires make. I see them as a true friends in my mind...I hope it reflects in my writing.
Well, enough babbling...on with the show!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Here, in the light of the waning moon is the Queen of the Bad Faeries. Her domain is the night. She rules over dusk and darkness, shadows and shades (.) Every shroud has a silver lining. All things must die to be reborn. Just as life grows out of death, good can grow from those things we call 'bad'. In the darkness the seeds of good germinate, unfold, grow upwards towards the light. Faeryland is the land of paradox: In light there is darkness; in darkness light. You will find not absolute evil here within the Dark Queen's realm, for she is a queen of nature, a force of nature, formed from the dreaming earth. True evil exists only in the shadow of man, when he turns his back on the light."
Brian Froud, Good Faeries, Bad Faeries.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 6
Arkenia
******
"I really do hope you did not come all this way just get drunk on my brandy, or did you, Kalman?" A deep voice came from the vicinity of the doorway.
The Count turned rapidly, as rapidly as he could, to see the Baron of Arkenia standing at the door, an amused expression on his face.
"I thought I'd taught you better," he continued to say.
"Meister!" said Kalman, standing abruptly, sobering with the presence of the Baron.
Vitéz turned to regard Beriszl. "I also thought I told you to have him ready to speak to me when I returned."
The Captain smiled from his armchair. "I did my best to try and make him relax but both you and I are aware of the fact that he cannot handle his drinking."
The Baron turned to look at his late tanítvány who by now had a downcast look upon his face. Returning his gaze to Beriszl, who was trying hard to keep a straight face, Vitéz couldn't help it anymore. His laughter resounded throughout the room.
Kalman looked up suddenly, realizing he was the source of their mirth. "Now just a moment," he said, anger rising in his voice. "You're meaning to tell me that I am the cause of your merriment just because I had a few drinks? After all I've been through, you dare accuse me of a little overdrinking? What kind of welcome is this!?"
Beriszl laughed all the harder, noting the display of his friend's temper, yet again.
"Come, come," the Baron said, laughter still in his eyes. "We were pulling your strings, Kalman." He approached the Count, who by now, smiled up at his meister, and embraced him fondly.
"Good to see you have come to us alive and well," Vitéz said more seriously.
"So am I", the Count answered.
The Baron smiled, turning towards the table in the corner to pick up a crystal glass and another brandy bottle, for both his students had efficiently drained the contents of the previous bottle. Pouring himself a drink, he sat down on another armchair.
"Where were you, Meister?" Kalman asked.
"Making sure you were not attacked on your way here," the Baron responded.
"What?"
Vitéz sighed. "Beriszl told me of your suspicions. The Hunter who came after you was framed, in the very same way it happened with your father long ago. If that were the case, then surely someone would come after you, specially since you made your way to Arkenia. I went out to confirm those suspicions."
"I was aware that someone might try to follow me. But I did not feel the presence of any creature behind me," Kalman answered, concern in his voice.
"Of course you didn't," Vitéz replied, his eyes locking onto those of the Count. "It was a mind-wraith who followed you, my friend."
Kalman stared back at him, shock in his gaze.
"Then it is true," Beriszl whispered. "It is he."
"Yes, it is true," Vitéz replied. "The Count Iosif Meszaros has made an attempt on your life Kalman. He succeeded in killing your father 300 years ago with the same plan, but it seems he has failed, for now. We will make his failure certain."
Anger blazing in his eyes, Kalman nodded.
"But how could Iosif think he could kill you utilizing the same lies he used last time? Surely he knew you would see right through the farce," Beriszl said, somewhat puzzled.
"Of course he knew," Vitéz replied. "He knew we would see right through him. Iosif wanted us to know it was him. That is why he hired such a prominent Hunter to come after Kalman. The Vampire Hunter D is the best in his craft. The dunpheal has never failed in exterminating his quarry; Iosif was counting on it. Giving the Hunter such a heart breaking story, the murder of two children, the sly Count knew he'd come after you swiftly."
"I told D the same thing," Kalman said softly.
The Baron nodded slightly, before continuing. "Meszaros played the dunpheal with all the right cards, taking advantage of D´s high moral code and his hate for our kind. But his very plan backfired. D´s principles ruined the whole scheme, something the ingenious Iosif didn't foresee. D allowed Kalman to speak, giving him the right to defend himself, and being one of high intelligence, became aware of the farce immediately, staying his slaying hand. In the end, all Iosif gained was another enemy, and a powerful one too."
Vitéz drank down his brandy, placing his glass on a nearby table.
"And now the Hunter makes his way steadily towards us," he said momentarily. "Coming to find his answers, no doubt. But we will be ready to receive him and to tell our side of the tale."
"Do you think he will listen?" Beriszl asked.
"Of course he will," Kalman said before Vitéz could answer. "As Meister said, his intelligence will enable him to perceive our good intentions. The dunpheal is naturally drawn to noble causes, and if our cause isn't noble then I don't know what is."
"You overlook one small detail, tanítvány", Vitéz said. "Do not forget the dunpheal has sworn his life to the extermination of our kind, and will not be swayed from his path easily. D´s hatred for us vampires has fed his cause during many centuries and I'm afraid it cannot be placed aside without difficulty."
"Are you saying he will not approve of the actions we're taking?" Beriszl asked.
"I am not saying he will and I'm not saying he won't," Vitéz replied. "It will be a difficult task for him to shift his point of view. With luck, I hope to make him see. But we cannot know any of this until he arrives, and he will do so in a few days. We will know then."
The three vampires grew silent, each one absorbed in his own thoughts. It was only after a moment, realizing their master had not told them everything about his absence, that Beriszl posed his question.
"Meister," he said, somewhat concerned. "What happened to the mind-wraith?"
"Oh, I disposed of it quickly," the Baron answered, disgust in his icy gaze.
Kalman smiled, aware of Vitéz´s apathy towards the creatures. "Did you destroy it?"
"No, I let it keep its ethereal form. I decided to use it as a messenger," the Baron was saying. "I want Iosif to know that I am aware of his foul plans. I want him to know I do not fear him. And, he has very good reason to fear me. I intend to finish this once and for all."
The anger in his countenance made both Beriszl and Kalman back away from Vitéz for an instant. They both knew the Stormblade Baron had a score to settle with Iosof Meszaros; a rivalry which dated back even before the death of Kalman´s father. A duel started in the days when the Vampire King ruled.
Both vampires looked at each other, nodding in agreement. Beriszl spoke for both of them when he said, "You know we will be beside you through it all, Meister. We will follow you to the end."
Vitéz smiled in appreciation. Considering himself lucky, he knew the vampires before him were the most loyal of friends, and could not ask for any better.
"I know," he managed to say, but it was all he needed to speak, eyes shining with the type of gratitude which could not be expressed in words.
With that, he stood up slowly. "It is late. The dawn is nigh. We creatures of the dark must take to our beds."
"True," said Beriszl. "Come Kalman, I will take you to your chambers."
"Thank you, my friend," replied the Count.
The three made their way out of the room, leaving the hot embers of the fireplace alone in the approaching light of the sun.
******* D marveled at the sights which greeted him as he made his way through Arkenia's main road. The highway was lined with flowering trees, petals flowing as the wind played with the branches. There was green everywhere. Spring had come upon this land with all its splendour.
The beauty around him made D's heart lighten, making his travel much more enjoyable. Many would have thought he was not susceptible to the beauty of nature, having accustomed himself to the horrific sights experienced while hunting vampires. Instead, those experiences had attuned him more acutely to pleasant sights, though the dunpheal did not show it.
Few would think it possible for the Vampire Hunter D, his imposing form all dressed in black, to take pleasure in a blooming flower.
"Ahhh, look dunpheal, it's spring," Left Hand said. "It's the perfect season to fall in love, with flowers everywhere. Since I'm the only other being around, why don't you give me a kiss?" As he said so, the symbiont puckered his lips and started making kissing sounds.
D almost rolled his eyes at the parasite's antics. How typical of Left Hand to ruin his enjoyment of the scenery.
The road came to a small forest. Riding passed the trees, D could discern the sound of a small brook coming from his right. His water supplies were running low, thus, he decided to diverge from his path for a short while. It wouldn't do him any harm to stay and enjoy the forest, either.
D rode up to the small river a few moments later. Dismounting quickly, he kneeled beside the water, taking some of it into his hands, drinking. He splashed some water unto his face, glad for the refreshment. Sitting down, he quietly contemplated the sounds around him, relishing the way the water trickled down a small waterfall not far away.
Lost in his reverie, he could not have heard the sounds of someone approaching even if he'd wanted to. As he looked up the river, his muscles tensed immediately, for he stared straight into the green eyes of a very large cat.
A northern tiger to be precise, it's orange fur shining in the sunlight. The cat's gaze bore into him. D did not dare to move a muscle. The feline stood so as well, not making any attempts to attack him. They looked at each other for a few tense moments.
A sweet female voice interrupted their silent duel.
"Sharaf, why did you stop?"
If D had been surprised at seeing the tiger, he was now doubly taken aback by the fact that a small girl walked up beside the cat, placing a comforting hand on it's back.
She turned to regard what her tiger was looking at.
"Oh! Hello there," she smiled.
The girl could not be more than eleven years old. The tiger's large head came up to her shoulders, making her seem much smaller. Her brown hair was short, reaching just beneath her ears. Large dark brown eyes shone with curiosity, as she took in the sight of the dunpheal. He noticed there were a couple of daggers hanging from her belt.
"You're not from around here, are you?" she asked.
D shook his head.
"I'm sorry if Sharaf startled you. He tends to try and intimidate strangers," she explained, eyeing the cat with reprimanding eyes.
Turning to D, she smiled again, making her way over to where the Hunter sat, the tiger swiftly following.
"What's your name?" she asked in a friendly tone.
"D", he replied.
She was not deterred by the Hunter's cold contrasting tone. Instead, the girl seemed not to have noticed.
"Nice to meet you! This is Sharaf," she said, turning towards the tiger who sat a few paces away. " And I'm." But she trailed off from the introduction when she noticed the circular pendant hanging from D's neck.
"Wow! That's beautiful," she said, pointing.
D turned to see what exactly it was she was looking at, only to see his necklace shining in the sun.
"Do you like it?" he asked, taking the necklace off and handing it to her. Something inside him told him he should be nice to the girl.
Her smile nearly took off her ears as she grabbed the pendant. The jewel was so large it was almost the size of her hand.
"Like it? I love it!" she said laughing.
The sound of her laughter made D smile. The dunpheal was forced to admit the satisfying feeling surging in his chest as he realized he'd made the girl happy. He had always been amazed at a child's capability of making so much out of the smallest gestures.
As she stood inspecting the necklace, the dunpheal managed to get a better look at her. The clothing she donned was filthy, dirt and dried mud clung to it. Her face and arms were also dirty. Her skin was tanned from many hours of exposure in the sun, a testament that proved the girl did not spend much time indoors. Knowing what it felt to be a child forced to stay locked up in a room, D felt genuinely happy for her. This also meant she was probably the daughter of one of the many farmholds surrounding the countryside; helping with the family chores, she was forced to spend great amounts of time outside.
The girl finished looking at the pendant and handed it back. "It's amazing. Where did you get it?"
"It was a gift."
"I see," she replied, when the Hunter did not elaborate more.
They stood for a moment in silence.
"I was out picking mushrooms for Virya," the girl said conversationally.
D could only assume that Virya was an older sister.
"I volunteered to do it. I love spending time in the forest. Do you like it as well?"
"Yes. It is very beautiful," he replied, glancing around.
"I know it like the back of my own hand," she said proudly.
"I'm sure you do," D replied with a small smile.
"I know where to find the best mushrooms, where the best blooms are. I also know which trees the owls sleep in and where the vixens keep their dens. The other day I saw one passing by with her litter. She had six babies altogether. I told Sharaf not to go near them because he would scare them easily and they would all run away."
To D´s own amazement, he gave his full attention to her.
"You see, the problem is he tries to be friendly towards the other animals," she was saying. "But sometimes he just doesn't know just how scary he can be. Can you imagine just how big he must seem to a small baby fox? He looks like a giant!"
D nodded his agreement, while Sharaf only made quiet sounds deep in his throat.
"See?", she said, turning towards the cat and sticking her tongue out at him. Regarding D once more, she spoke. "The other day we climbed a tree and he tried to make friends with some hatchlings sitting in a nest. Their mother was so scared I think she almost had a heart attack!"
Her laughter echoed through the forest once more, and D could not help but smile even wider, his eyes beaming. What was coming over him?
Left Hand stirred in amusement; D was certain it was trying to make fun of him, calling him a soft emotional idiot, no doubt. But he closed his fist tightly; D was not about to let the parasite ruin the moment. His mocking comments would just have to wait.
A splash came in the direction of the water. The small girl turned towards the brook, kneeling beside D as she looked into the water.
"Did you hear that? It must be a water faery!"
D looked down at the water as well. "Really?"
"Yes! Everyone says they live in this brook. No fish big enough lives in it to make such a loud splash."
The girl then proceeded to give D a thorough explanation of all the types of faery creatures inhabiting the forest. He sat quietly while she talked, taking in every detail. He proved to be a quick learner, for she would stop to ask him something she had just said every now and then; he answered correctly every time.
Through it all, D sat there, mesmerized with the fact that he was being enchanted by the casual chatter of a small human child. For his life, he could not pinpoint why the sound of her voice soothed him or why he had the sudden urge try his best to keep a smile on her face.
"It is very important for you to learn all of this, D," she said. "You never know when you'll meet a faery, and you must know how to act properly towards one so that you won't be taken away for a hundred years!"
"Thank you for the warning," the dunpheal said, not mentioning the fact that one hundred years was not a very long time for him.
Their talk, or more precisely her talk, would have continued for much longer. But Sharaf growled loudly, letting the girl know it was getting late. The afternoon was well on its way.
"Oh my, I have to go. Virya will kill me if I don't get these mushrooms in for supper!" With that, she quickly stood up, eyeing the bag hanging at her waist. She opened it, taking out a large mushroom.
"Here," she said, handing it to D. "You can have mushroom supper tonight as well."
"Thank you," the Hunter replied, taking it from her hand.
"Well, it was a pleasure to meet you D."
"The pleasure was all mine," he replied.
"I hope we see each other again," she said.
"I hope so too."
A radiant smile covered her face at the dunpheal's comment. Sharaf stood, making his way over to her side. The girl mounted it with a single jump, turning to regard the Hunter one last time from her perch.
"Farewell, D," she said finally, as the tiger sprung from where it stood and sprinted towards the trees.
The dunpheal stayed there staring in the direction she had gone for a long while. He contemplated their meeting carefully. The girl's vibrancy only helped D reaffirm his vows. He knew he had done the right thing by choosing to rid the world of evil; to try and make it a better place for girls like her to live in. All the sacrifices he had made were suddenly worth it as he remembered the warmth of her childish smile.
She had been like a ray of sunlight coming through the dark clouds which usually covered his life. The girl had come to remind him that there were people still living in this world who were worth fighting for. The innocence and happiness shining from her eyes were worth the lives of a thousand vampires.
D refilled his water container quickly, taking another drink before he set off. It was only when he was mounted upon his horse and well on his way that he suddenly realized.
The girl had never mentioned her name.
*******
"The castle's that way, sir," the farmboy said, answering D's questioning of it's whereabouts.
"You just follow the road for a couple of days. You'll see it sitting on top of a large hill. You can't miss it. It's quite a sight to behold," said the boy, smiling.
D thanked him for his time and continued riding.
"Since when does the great Vampire Hunter D stop to ask for directions?" Left Hand put in. His mocking tone was not lost on the dunpheal.
"Arkenia is a very large barony," D explained calmly. "I do not wish to waste time searching in all the many directions in which the castle may be found."
"Haha, will you look at that?" The symbiont continued, ignoring the dunpheal entirely. "The Vampire Hunter has lost his prey's castle!" Left Hand's mocking laughter rang too loudly in D's ears.
But the Hunter let it continue, efficiently closing his hearing to the torrent of insults coming from the parasite. D had more important matters to worry about; his arrival at the Castle of Arkenia was imminent. He would be there very soon and the answers he was searching for would follow swiftly.
D admitted his anxiety, but was also looking forward to meeting the Stormblade Baron. The dunpheal also wished to speak to Count Farkas again. The vampire had made a very favourable first impression on their previous meeting.
As he pondered all that was forthcoming, the dunpheal continued down the road. Heading in a direction that might change his life forever.
*******
The purple mist made it's way into the dark chamber, coming to rest in front of a large wooden desk.
"Master," the wraith cried pitifully. "I was attacked."
The cold red eyes of Iosif Meszaros looked down in disgust upon the wretched form of his servant.
Barely containing his anger, he asked, "By who?"
The wraith hesitated before speaking. "Vitéz Lengyel."
"What?!"
"He knew of my coming, sire. I did not sense his presence until it was too late. He ambushed me on the road, cutting me with that cursed blade of his. It stung me greatly."
"Quiet!!"
The purple haze cowered under it's master's wrath.
"The sting from his sword will be nothing compared to what you will get from me if you do not achieve the tasks appointed to you."
"I'm sorry Master," it whimpered.
"Bah!" Iosif exclaimed. "Get out of my sight!"
The wraith scurried itself under the door as fast as it could.
The vampire sat back in his chair, frustration evident in his chiseled features. Passing large hands through his long white hair, he tried to gather his thoughts.
"What will you do now, sir?" a hissing voice asked from the shadows.
The Count turned to thoughtfully regard his most trusted barbarois servant.
"I am not certain, Kígyó," he said, as the willowy humanoid made it's way over to the desk.
"I do know one thing, though," he continued after a moment of silent contemplation. "Vitéz Lengyel will pay dearly."
"How do you intend to achieve this, Master?" the snake-like barbarois inquired.
"Attacking his weakness."
"Arkenia castle has no defensive weaknesses, my lord. And its ruling Baron is a formidable swordsman. You personally know how well he wields his magical blade."
"I am aware of that, Kígyó. But I also know his weaknesses do not lie in his sword skills," the Count said smiling, a macabre plan already forming inside his mind.
The barbarois looked at him, a questioning look in his eyes. Iosif answered him with a look of his own, understanding passing between them.
"You are one of the few who know of whom I speak," Meszaros said quietly.
Kígyó nodded.
"Lengyel is a love-sick fool. Bring her to me, my servant."
"But sir, acting in such close proximity to the castle."
"Is the last thing the Stormblade Baron will suspect," Iosif interrupted firmly. "Now go. There is little precious time to waste."
"Yes, Master," answered the snake-man, swiftly turning to go.
******* *******
Tanítvány means pupil or student in Hungarian.
The plot's getting intriguing! (At least I hope so!) What´s gonna happen next? I´ll try and update ASAP. Promise.
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