Chapter Two: Awakening

The humans continue to remain a dangerous threat to the prosperity of the Night World. Shane was reluctant to admit it but it is true. They have to think of a way to conceal themselves. Even now, launching an attack on the humans would be folly. Their numbers outnumbered them ten to one. Their kind was the minority. The humans would attack again soon.

"My lord, the council proposes that we seek aid from the northern region. Years ago, our kingdom had had alliances with the northern dragoons. If only we can renew that alliance. We can then withstand another massive attack from the humans." Galadriel said with a smile.

Shane had never took any step into the Dragoon Kingdom. He had heard about them from granny, but they had always been elusive, living in another world of their own. Most of them had never ever step foot into the human world. Theirs was a more tame kind.

"What about Alfred? He still needs rescuing!" Frances demanded. If there was anything even slightly honorable about werewolves, it was their immense loyalty and kinship to one another. More so than any of the other night people.

"Alfred can and will wait." Galadriel retorted. "The important task at hand is to make a visit to the northern region of the Dragoon Kingdom."

"They had not yet learn of me." Shane said softly. "Will they take kindly to a stranger?"

"If you should utter the words of his lordship, I am sure they will welcome you gladly." Lilia said.

Shane was thoughtful. So indeed, in the end, he still needed the prowess and authority of his fallen brother. Indeed, he was still helpless, without him.

"His lordship has made strong alliances with the Dragoons. They will definitely want to help." Lilia continued.

Shane nodded. It was settled then. He would travel to the Dragoon Kingdom with his council and hope and pray that they will lend the Night World their power.

Virginie was disturbed at this prospect. For she snuck into his tent that night, whilst most of the night people were feeding.

"You're leaving?" She asked, surprised and worried at the same time.

"Yes. Early tomorrow morning."

"To Dragoon Island?"

He nodded. "You shouldn't be here."

Virginie rolled her eyes. Even in the dark, her eyes glowed fiercely. "What about him!?"

"He will have to wait. Along with her."

"And you can bare that?"

Shane glared at her. He didn't like it when Virginie tried to read his mind, or his heart for that matter.

"The kingdom comes first. The humans are gathering. We have to seek help fast."

"Oh how responsible." Virginie remarked. "If only Raul was that responsible, he would gladly give up the kingdom for that stupid wench."

"I am not Raul."

"Maybe. But you're not the king either. You've given up your throne. Why must you meddle with stuff and nonsense?"

Shane paused. Virginie's question was queer enough. She seem thoroughly confused. As if she doesn't really care if the humans should overthrow them or not. As if the only one matter that she is concerned with is Raul.

"Do you not care about your people? Your home?" Shane asked.

She was thoughtful. "I've never had a home ever since he's gone. People see me differently now. Think I'm some kind of abandoned whore." She sighed. "I only want him. Nothing else."

"Then we're more different that you can ever imagined." Shane said softly. "I want this home. I care about the people here. I want to see them safe."

Virginie smiled slowly."You'll make a great king. Perhaps, to humans. But you'll never be a great king to the people of the Night World. Most are savage and stupid and some of them are even impulsively violent. Only strength will control them, not goodwill."

Shane turned away as Virginie slipped out of the tent. He thought of what she had said. Thought of what he had done so far. Maybe she was right. His people yearns for blood and flesh. He cannot give this to them. He do not see it right. Maybe he was a weakling after all. He suddenly thought of his brother. Still sleeping perhaps, in the depths. Still alive, still breathing. What will be the consequence if he should restore him? Would his brother bring upon his wrath to his people? To humans even? His thoughts strayed to Rindy. He thought of her beautiful black curls that tumbled around her lovely heart-shaped face. He thought of her enchanted green eyes. Lovely green eyes.

No, he was certain what he was doing has to be right. He had to postpone the freeing of Raul and Rindy. If Night World was lost, then freeing them will also be a lost cause. In due time, he was sure Virginie would agree with him.

Dawn greets them at the bay. His council had prepared some boats. He cannot believe they had to sail across the lake to reach the Dragoon Island.

"Are you serious?" He frowned at his council.

"Do not worry. The boats are steady." Frances grinned this toothy grin.

Shane sighed. "How long to the other side?"

"Twenty miles. Maybe less if the wind will cooperate." Galadriel smiled easily.

"I'll make the wind cooperate." Lilia said.

They got onto their boats. Shane with Galadriel, Lilia with Frances. And they brought along three other boats of night people, if only to guard their safety.

The wind did cooperate, thanks to the efforts of Lilia. They sailed swiftly and Shane could admire the beautiful scenery that greeted them. Lake water as clear as moondew.There might have even been a few birds chirping atop the trees.

Galadriel sensed Shane's unease.

"Do not worry my lord. The dragoons are amiable creatures."

"I am not ashamed to admit to you, Galadriel. That I'd never set eyes upon a Dragoon yet."

Galadriel smiled. She is quite pleased with the current king that she is serving. Shane was honest and most likable to the council members and to many of the night people. He was of good heart. A trait that is rare in the Night World. And he was the banished son of the late King. Which is also why Galadriel felt the need to take better care of Shane, for he seemed to have suffer the ill fate of being abandoned into the human world ever since his birth.

"Then I must reassure you, my lord, that the Dragoons are one of the kindest night people yet. Of course they don't call themselves night people. They believe themselves to be quite a different species from us."

"What do they do then?" Shane was curious. "What do they feed?"

"They are tamers of dragons. Long forgotten creatures of the dark. In a sense, they are simply dragon knights. They feed on something quite repulsive in my taste." Galadriel winked. "Flower weeds."

Shane wrinkled his nose. "Plant eaters they are? And you say they tame dragons?"

Galadriel nodded. "I had the honor of visiting them two years ago." She paused, sensing the strain in Shane's eyes. "With your brother then."

"Do they like him then? I am sure my brother would have disagree with their.tame ways."

Galadriel laughed. "Quite the contrary. I believe your brother rather enjoyed his stay there."

Their conversation had to stop because they had reach the other side of the shore. A small thin boy, with pointy ears greeted them.

"Welcome to the Dragoon Island. How may I, Futch, be of service to you?"

"This is Lord Slyther. The renowned king of the Night World. We intend to see your master."Frances greeted.

Futch scrutinized Shane's face wearily. "Last I remember, Lord Raven was still in service."

"Lord Raven had been stepped down." Lilia quickly said. "This is his brother, lord Slyther. You will regard him as you would with Lord Raven."

Futch bowed immediately. "Forgive my impudence, my lordship. Please follow me."

Futch led them through a forest trail. Shane saw many flower weeds planted by the grass along the way. A most fascinating site. He had not known the dragoons were close to nature as well. He would be pleased with this stay, he felt sure of it.

Finally, after much walking, Futch led them to the Iron Hall. Several young lads like Futch greeted them and took their coats.

"The dragoons..are children?" Shane whispered.

"Oh no, my lord." Galadriel chuckled. "These lads are apprentices. The real knights reside in a much spacious compartment."

Shane nodded, relieved. He would be very disappointed were the saviors he was looking for were merely children.

They reached the inner sanctum of the Iron Hall. And much credit to the name given, because the hall was made of golden iron. It was an exquisite sight. The ceiling was so tall, Shane felt sure a dragon would be able to enter. He had been excited about seeing a real dragon for the first time.

In the center of that hall, was a throne and on it, was an old gentleman. He looked to be 60 years of human age. But Shane could not be sure of his real age. He had a long white beard and pointy ears. He wore a red cape.

"Welcome Night people!" He bellowed. He had such a low and deep voice, his words echoed in the hall.

"My best to your majesty, this is Lord Slyther. The new king of Night World." Lilia greeted.

"Ah yes.I was told of Lord Raven's passing by my boys." He was quiet for a moment. "Most unfortunate end."

Shane felt sure the Dragoon king does not know of the real downfall of Raul, and he thought it best to leave it unknown.

"So how may I help the new king?" He smiled kindly.

"My people, and I, would very much like to renew the alliance of old."

The Dragoon king paused thoughtfully. "Yes, it has come to my knowledge the humans have infiltrated the Night World. Most disturbing news indeed."

"So I wish for the aid of the dragoons." Shane finished.

The King eyed Shane curiously. "Do you not have the manpower to drive away the humans?"

"Sadly. No. We suffer a huge loss." Shane was tempted to tell the king about the mysterious mist that is haunting everyone, but he kept his mouth shut.

The king nodded thoughtfully. "With respect to Lord Raven, and to you Lord Slyther, I will enlist you an army of 5 thousands Dragoons. No more. I hope you will be satisfied."

5000 dragoons? That would be 5000 dragons! Shane was more than satisfied. He was elated.

"Thank you for your kindness, your majesty." He bowed.

The King smiled. "Anything that will help, will be thanks to myself." He motioned to Futch. "Take the gentlemen to the Lair. They should get acquainted to my best knights and dragons."

"My lord, what about him? Should he get enlisted as well?" Futch asked suddenly.

The King frowned. "That no good son of mine.let him wither away in the dungeon. Leave him be!"

Futch bowed and turned to Shane. "Follow me, gentlemen. I'll lead the way."

Futch led them to the Lair. Shane marveled at the sight of it all. There were huge holes in the ground and beside every hole, a dragon knight slumber in a soft feather bed. Some were chatting, some were eating weeds. Others eyed Shane's coming with suspicion.

"These are the dragon knights." Futch said proudly. "They slept next to their dragons. They are inseparable!" He chuckled.

Somehow, as Shane surveyed the scene. He could feel Raul's presence ever near. It was as if Raul had been at this very same room. Feeling the very same excitement and marvel as Shane is feeling now. He could feel his brother's thoughts. Two years ago.

"My lord, please come this way." Futch gestured. And they followed him up a flight of iron stairs to the second level where more dragon knights were rested.

"His Majesty decreed, 5000 brave knights to the frontline with the Night People! Put on your armors and your spears! March to the bay!"

Immediately, there was a sort of rustle and excitement in the air. Most dragoons were eager to get enlisted. They quickly wore their armor and spears and hurried to assemble. They all looked strong and healthy. Shane's fears have been curbed. They can win the war against the humans. He felt sure of it.

"What about the young man you spoke of?" Lilia suddenly asked. "The young man that his majesty banished into the dungeon?"

"That is young master Iker. He is a dragon knight no less. And a very good one indeed. The elite. But he'd done something most displeasing to his majesty's liking. He'd fallen in love with a human!"

Lilia frowned. "Young master Iker. so now he awaits death in the dungeon?"

Futch shrugged. "Its no more than he deserved. His majesty will simmer down in due time. Just not yet. Now, if we can move on."

Lilia nudged Shane suddenly. "My lord, I have heard of young Master Iker's strength and will in battle. He is worth a thousand men. And his dragon is no less the best in the kingdom. Might you put in a few good word with his majesty, we may just enlist him."

Galadriel eyed the witch suspiciously. "As I recalled, Lilia, two years ago, when we were here with his lordship, you were rather taken with the young master!"

"Oh stuff and nonsense!" Lilia flushed. But Shane could tell the witch was embarrassed.

And young master Iker sounds a formidable ally. He might just be what Shane is looking for. A strong warrior.

"Futch, please take us back to his majesty. I have things to discuss with him."

Lilia might have clapped her hands and cheered then, but she remained her composure.

The king was most displeased at their request.

"My son is mine to punish! He had committed a heinous crime! And so he shall pay for his time down there!"

Shane was tempted to protest about the heinous crime that the young master had committed. For he knew humans were as capable of compassion and love as any other creatures. And humans should not be regarded as beings that are below them.

"Your majesty, why not let the young master out? Let him pay for his deeds by fighting for the Night World. By being somewhat more useful?" Shane asked gently.

The king paused. "No. that is letting him off too easily. That boy loves a good fight as any other knight. It would be something he would thoroughly enjoy, not punishment enough!"

"But that would certainly stray him and his thoughts away from this human girl he desire? Maybe he may even forget about her in due time." Shane probed.

At this, the king was thoughtful. "You may be right..lord Slyther."

Shane smiled. He had won this conversation. Young master Iker will be freed. A strong fighter worth a thousand men according to Lilia will be added to his army. He hoped Lilia's feelings for the young master had not clouded her judgement to his abilities.

Futch led them to a smelly and dirty dungeon, deep below the ground. In one wooden cell, laid a young man. His pointy ears were evident from his deep chestnut color hair. He had his back to them. Shane knocked on the door.

The man stirred slightly and turned around.

"Who are these strangers?" He muttered, half asleep.

Shane had a good look at his face. Amidst the dirtiness and foulness of the place, this young man was radiant. He was a good looking man and Shane could understand Lilia's fancy. Behind him, Lilia was heart broken to see him so shagged.

"They are the night people of the eastern lands. You will be enlisted into their army in their fight against the humans. Pick up your armor and your spear along the way, young master." Futch said.

Iker was displeased. The emotion was written all over his face. His gentleness about him, his boyishness disappeared, replaced by raw anger.

"I will not fight against the humans."

Shane lowered himself so he was face to face with the dragoon. "I understand your feelings towards this matter. It is most ironic, is it not? But we need your help. Or the night people will perished."

Iker glanced around. "I recognized the people behind you, but not you. Who are you? Where is Raul?"

Shane looked at him intently. "Only his intimates call him by that name. Are you a friend of his?"

"I will not answer any more of this impudent questions! I do not know you and will not serve you!"

At this, Frances stepped forward, clearly distraught. "You owe him your allegiance! He is Lord Raven's brother, Lord Slyther. Lord Raven has fallen into shadow. Lord Slyther is our present lord."

Iker paused, swallowing the cold hard fact. Shane could tell the grief in his eyes. He was in hurt, in pain. Raul must have been more than a friend.

"So the rumors were true. He had been strike down by that damned plague." Iker muttered. He eyed Shane wearily. "Forgive me, lord Slyther. I was rude."

"You have nothing that needs forgiving." Shane replied. "Will you aid me and my people?"

Iker stood up. "Yes I will. Your brother had been a brother to me and my people. I will protect your land as it is my very own!"

And so a huge army of dragoons marched towards the eastern shore of the Night World. Shane felt proud of his achievements so far. He was sure his people can be saved. Much to his regret though, Futch told him that though his majesty had been generous about offering 5000 dragoons, he could but offer only one dragon.

"They are sacred, you see. Much ancient. We cannot offer more."

Shane had understood and thanked them all the same. One dragon was enough and it flew in the sky like a majestic bird of prey. Iker riding on it.

But the dragon knights themselves are warriors. Men of steel. They can fight with or without a dragon. For this, Shane was much reassured.

When they reached the eastern border, where their camp had been, Shane was mystified. Much of the camp was lost to the mist.

"What is all this mist?" Iker asked.

"Poison they are." Shane panicked. He scanned the area. No bodies. "They may have escaped somehow."

"Will my men be in danger?" Iker asked again. No one answered his question. And he did no asking further. Instead, he command his army of dragoons to patrol the area and rescue any survivors.

"Where should we go?" Galadriel questioned.

But Shane was deep in thought. Has his brother awakened? Was this mist his doing? This mist that had said to consume almost the whole kingdom one time two years ago?

"My lord?"

Shane turned around and faces his worried council. "The eastern border is lost. Let's hope the western border had survived. We make haste to the west!"

The west survived! Thank the lords! Shane thought. He saw camps and tents set up. Their people greeted them warmly, almost gratefully.

"Oh my lord, you've returned!"

"The east was consumed in mist. It came in the night. We were almost caught off guard. The trolls that were patrolling warned us of it and we escaped here." One vampire reported.

Shane glanced around. He could not see the witches clan, nor Virginie.

"Where are the elders? And the witches?" Shane asked.

"They've retreated into the Garden of Eden. Said something about finding a spell to dispel the mist. I hope they find one quickly enough." The vampire said.

"Do not lost heart. We have with us 5000 troops of dragoons. The humans shouldn't be a worry to us now." Shane said.

"The humans had never been on our mind, my lord." The vampire replied. "It is the fallen dark lord that's ever been heavy in everyone's heart. We feared he had return. Feared he came back to punish us!"

Shane paused. Are these the will of his people? If so, by freeing Rindy and Raul, won't he be forsaking his people? He thought of what Raul will do to them when he's restored. Surely he would be in rage. After all, two years ago, his people had banded against Raul and tried to over throw him.

But his thoughts were quickly interrupted by Galadriel, who announced the coming of the dragoons to the night people. Most of them cheered and roared with excitement. But Shane could see that in their eyes, their deepest worry was not over. Even the dragoons are helpless against his evil brother.

When nightfall, the elderly and the young retreated into the safety of their tents whilst the dragoons and much of the army of the night people patrol the area. Shane was in his tent, ever so weary of what tomorrow will bring when Virginie once again, burst into his space.

"You ought to stop that disgusting habit. Entering without announcing yourself." Shane murmured.

"Oh Shane, you will never believe this." She said gleefully.

Shane eyed her with weariness. What is this dame up to now? From the time ever since the humans invaded, Virginie had been no help to his people. And she was supposed to be formidable. One of the oldest of her clan. Yet, she had chosen to waste her time on meaningless ideals and goals.

"I got the book!" She whispered. As if the wall of the tent may have ears.

Shane perked up immediately. His eyes turned gray. It turned gray whenever he got mildly excited, or frightened.

"The book.the spell?"

She nodded gleefully. Like a child. "Yes, yes! I snuck into one of them midgets' chambers and got myself this baby." She held it out like a prized trophy.

"It was that easy?" Shane frowned."We searched but it weren't there before."

Virginie shrugged. It didn't bother her. "Who knows? Maybe one of the midgets left this baby out when she was cleaning. Anywise, the spell is here. Let us free him!"

"Wait!" Shane was immediately passive. He'd wanted to free Rindy for a long time. But his brother? Would it be a grave error on his part? He still remember the fierce battle he had fought with Raul two years ago. It was enough to have destroy the whole of the Night World. Can he bring himself to free that menace out again?

"What's to wait? If the midgets found out, they'll turn us into toads. Hurry!"

"Virginie!" He had to calm her down. He had to think about what they are about to do. "We are no witches. We may not be able to conjure the spell."

"We can get a witch to do so!" Virginie grinned. "Comon! Stop your whining already. Don't you want to see Rindy?"

At this, Shane quietened down. Virginie was right. He would be able to bring Rindy back soon. Rindy, with her bright smile.

He got up hastily. "Let's get us a witch."

The witch they got was none other than Anna herself. For she appeared to them when they were out at the Inner Circle. The mist was thickening. It was not a place to stay any longer than need be.

"Anna! What are you doing here?" Shane asked.

But Virginie already grabs Anna's hands and pulled her over. "Perform this spell! Now!"

"The aurora spell.so you found it."

Virginie nodded. "Yes. Quit your whining and let's see some action."

Shane would have felt sorry for Anna's disposition, were he not as excited as Virginie. His eyes were glowing. His face felt hot.

"I can't.The aurora spell is too."

But Virginie pushed her into the center of the circle of candles that she and Shane had so carefully lined together.

"Shut up and read the spell!"

Slowly and clearly trembling, Anna raise her eyes to the book of spell. There she slowly recites it, chants it, speaks it.

Shane and Virginie watched with much interest and maybe, with a little fear.

The ground begins to shake. Anna fall to the ground, the book of spell tumble out of her hand. Virginie moved to pick it up but a sudden big earthquake of some sort make her lose her balance and she fall down.

Shane was already picking Anna up. Somehow, the mist around them have thickens. Shane could not see Virginie anymore.

"Anna! You alright?"

She nodded, tears beaming in her eyes. "My lord, I don't know what I have done! Oh forgive me!"

Shane hushed her. "Make for the western borders. I will find the book, and Virginie."

"It is dangerous. He is ever so near now." Her voice broke and she sobbed. But Shane had no time to comfort her further. He quickly pushed her away and tried to make his way, amidst the thick mist and the shaking ground, towards Virginie.

The female vampire was sprawled on the floor, her yellow eyes wide with fear. When she saw Shane working his way unsteadily towards her, she throw her arms around him.

"Oh goodness! This is bad.Get us out of here quickly!" She cried.

Shane nodded. But the book? Where is the book of spell? He glanced around. No, he could not see it. The Inner Circle seemed to be falling apart very soon. Even the floor had started to crack.

Carrying Virginie, Shane wondered what sleeping giant they had awoken. But he knew the answer. His evil brother is back. And he shudders just thinking about it. With one last look at the misty Inner Circle, he raced back to the western borders.