Responses:
sharky: A new reviewer! Awesome! Anyway, I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far.
bahamut: Don't get me started on spyware! My computer's been infected four times! Oh, and I'll get back to you on the story idea should you still want to write one.
Soul of Ashes: Zephon's a real pain, isn't he? I never liked him. In the boss fight those eggs would never stay lit. Thanks for reviewing!
Varewolf: So, it's a good thing the story's twice as long. At least I know it's not getting stale. Thanks for your review!
Sorceress Annie: I appreciate that you like the story!
The cloud of defeat hung over our entire company on the arduous trek back to Sanctuary. There was no good news to report, and the Turelim pride was bruised. Naturally, this could only lead to uninhibited behavior and irrational fights.
"Who does Zephon think he is?" a Turelim female snarled. Jade was her name, I think.
"He can't just betray his entire bloodline that easily!"
"Kain will modify his attitude pretty quickly, if you ask me."
"No one did, Eli."
And so forth.
As for me, I was happy to soon be rid of my bickering traveling companions. This hike would be so much more enjoyable, had I better comrades. Soon, the Turelim would walk over the hill and return homeward, leaving their leader to report Zephon's intentions. Perhaps some of the tension stemmed from the impending storm clouds above us. However, I found it rather exciting. I shared one common interest with Rahab—I loved water. Whenever it rained, I watched from my window. The sound it made as it trickled into streams through the cracks of the masonry was soothing. I burned myself quite a few a times when I was newly Made, but haven't touched the element since.
Slowly, the Sanctuary of the Clans came into view, all six colored flags waving proudly, each representing a lieutenant and his respective clan. What startled me was that scarlet banner; the scarlet banner with the dreaded symbol that I would never forget. The insignia reminded me of a question mark, now that I could see it in a new perspective. A question mark representing the ultimate question:Why?Why was it still hanging there? Would it ever be removed?
Turel glanced uneasily at the structure. With a false smile on his face and mock cheerfulness in his voice, he dared to ask. "Who wants to accompany me?"
No one volunteered. No one spoke up. At any moment, it looked as if the Turelim were going to literally run back to their homeland just to get away. Many haven't seen Kain in months and preferred to keep it that way. Sighing heavily, Turel turned to me. "Forgive me, it appears my children have turned coward on me. I guess it's just the two of us." Well, it's not as if I had any choice in the matter. Ididlive there.
Turel and I made our way back into Sanctuary. I knew the palace well by now, but there were some areas that I had no permission to set eyes on. The dungeons, for example. I myself did not know for certain, but a base like this must have some holding area for prisoners that dared defy certain authorities. In truth, I had no desire to observe them. Some of the lower, crueler vampires used the jails as a source of entertainment. I could only hope that Kain and Turel were not among them.
As I walked through the hollow corridors, I noticed there were less guards and servants present. Whether they had abandoned their duties or met their deaths by their employer, I was not of liberty to say. In any case, the golden doors with the carving of the Soul Reaver carved upon them came into view far too soon. I always felt vague apprehension at the thought of meeting Kain. The doors slid open invitingly and then banged shut behind us. I looked to the Throne of the Empire, with all nine monuments of the past arrayed behind it, but lo and behold, Kain was not there.
"Where is he?" I whispered to Turel in a sotto voice. Turel could only shake his head in reply. "Perhaps he is outside in the courtyard."
The two of us stood there for a long moment, The new first lieutenant possibly practicing what he was going to say, and how to break it as gently as possible, so as not to incite Kain's considerable anger. The, suddenly, I felt it. A slight breeze on the back of my neck. Someone was sneaking behind us, and they were drawing closer. I made a motion to block the impending the blow, but our hunter was quicker yet. A claw seized the back of my neck. "Turel!" I choked out, getting his attention.
The leader of the Turelim finally noticed and jumped up in sheer fright, completely taken by surprise. A claw was on his shoulder too.Wait. A white claw with long and black talons?To confirm this suspicion, I heard a familiar chuckle.
"Don't be so nervous, Marina. You honestly think I would break your neck?" Kain's claw dropped away. "And you, Turel. Marina saw a probable assault coming, yet you were oblivious. One must be more careful, my son."
"My lord," Turel stammered. "I was taken aback. Forgive me, for I was lost in my thoughts."
"Not a good situation. You must keep alert at all times. No one is invincible, nor safe. Not even in your own chambers."He must be referring to Deborah…
"But, sire, your intent is to scare us?" Turel had regained his footing and was starting to bristle.
"This is my throne room, and I can skulk in the shadows if I wish." Kain's voice grew irritated. "Now, mychilde, what were you pondering so intently? Is it about Zephon?"
Kain didn't miss a beat. Somehow, heknew. "What news did he bring?"
Turel let the information come out in a rush. "Zephon informed me to notify you, Lord Kain, that he no longer considers you his ruler and wishes to remain a sovereign in his own right, over his Clan. If any invaders dare to trod on his territory, he has said, and I quote, that he will "eliminate" them."
"Did he say anything more?"
"No," the Turelim responded. "Actually, I think ourselves lucky we weren't pursued. He's extremely hostile."
"Let him go," Kain commanded stiffly. "We'll leave him to his delusions, though I doubt he'll ever come to his senses. A disobedient lieutenant can be of no use to me"
"Sire, shouldn't he be punished?"
"No. He's old enough, I suppose."
I suspect both men forgot I was in the room. This conversation was stimulating to say the least, but personally, I wanted to wander away somewhere. After an encounter with the Zephonim, anyone would need to regroup. Unfortunately, my request was to be denied.
"Excuse me, Turel, but Marina and I must talk in private. You do not mind, do you?"
"Not in the least. I'll be nearby should you need me."
"That will not be necessary, but thanks for your concern." Kain was not in the mood for arguing, and no one dared to infringe on his convictions. In the end, Turel was left with a hangdog expression and strode out of the deep marble chamber, his purpose completed for the moment. So, again, I was left alone withhim.
Kain grew quiet and his composure became straighter. Nonchalant, he paced a bit, taking his time. At last, he faced me. "You do not approve of Turel's new position?"
Thiswas what it was to be about. Turel. "He has earned his status, but I do not care for his attitude."
"He was always arrogant, it has just happens to be more pronounced. Although, I must admit, I indulge it. It is the only way to govern my sons. Tell them what they want to hear, give them what they want, and they shall be kept ignorant of anything else."
I was shocked to hear him speak thus. Did he use this same method to direct me as well? "You think that your sons do not truly care for you?"
"Zephon is proof of that, but he may have his territory, and so can Dumah. Still, I have lost half of my children, one way or another. What would you do in this situation, Marina?"
I wasn't sure how to answer this. Kain was exceptionally cool, but underneath he was clearly exasperated. In this state, he was more dangerous than he already was. The fact that he could easily dispose of me in the Abyss remained a disturbing reality. It could be such a small thing as giving the wrong answer or taking too much time considering it. "Well," I chose my words carefully, "I'd focus on what I do have left."
Kain stared at me a moment, then chuckled yet again. "Sweet Marina. If only things were that simple." He swept over to a nearby wall. It was then I took notice to it. Clan emblems, painted and engraved on every surface in the hall. Instinctively, I knew which one Kain stood at. The Razielim Clan motif. What was once a joy to behold would never to be seen again. A keepsake of the past; it didn't represent anything anymore. Kain let his claws trail over the scarlet symbol. "But, then, things aren't as simple as we'd like them to be, are they?"
I was struck speechless. I waited quietly, not daring to disturb Kain in this condition. With a deep sigh, Kain glanced over at me. "So, Marina, do you still dream?"
"Yes," I whispered. "Though not as much as I used to."
"Hmm." Kain lingered at the wall. I was quickly becoming uncomfortable. "My lord…am I dismissed?" I tried to keep the hope out of my tone. I never liked when Kain turned introspective. Much of the time, it led to violence, due to the line of guilt smoldering below.
"Not quite." Kain flashed me a secretive smile. "Marina, it would mean a great deal to me if we shared supper tomorrow evening. Certainly you are tired of taking your meals up in your chamber?"
How could I refuse and keep my life in tact? "Yes, it is rather lonely. I accept your invitation."
"Good." Kain sounded relieved he wasn't rejected.Did he actually expect he would?Gratefully, I turned to leave.
"Oh, and Marina?"
I turned back. "Yes?"
"Wear something nice. The dinner table is not a battlefield. I trust you can leave your armor behind?"
"Of course."This was getting worse by the minute.
( )
Wear something nice.What game was this? Would this be a romantic dinner? I had no energy to deal with this, and the worst part was I had no one I could confide this to. Many would consider me lucky the master held me in his affections. And yet, nothing was further from the truth. I wandered into the center of the courtyard, moving silently across the scant patches of grass. Bits of vegetation had been allowed to grow here, but I expected they would rot too. I made my way to a stone bench. Well, at least, now I could regain some peace.
Suddenly, two figures darted into view. Turel and his favored son, Darien. Darien at least had an excuse to be here. He was a guard of the palace. Why did Turel want to stay here? Resigned, I waved over to them. "Turel! Darien!" As I expected, they charged at me, never missing an opportunity for a conversation. No Turelim did.
"Hi, Marina," Darien said cheerfully. "Wonderful weather we're having, eh?" To punctuate this remark, the sky rumbled threateningly. It was going to storm. Perfect.
"Dawn is approaching." Uneasily, Turel gazed up at the gray sky.
"So? The sunlight cannot burn us." Darien countered confidently
"No, but it is nearly time to rest, and exhaustion can just be as deadly as the sun for a vampire on the road." Turel was unusually serious, and I wasn't the only one to notice. Darien answered with a shrug and ran his fingers through his long, unbound, smoky hair that was more akin to dark brown than black. He leaned towards me. I was totally unprepared for what he said next. "Marina, you're so unlike any other vampire in Nosgoth."
My heart jumped in my chest. "Really? Whatever do you mean?"
"I can't quite describe it. I've never evenseenyou until last year."
Perhaps you haven't seen her because you were too busy chasing the young vampiresses around Sanctuary." Turel replied dryly.
"Perhaps I've been wasting my time." Darien grinned at me charmingly. Oddly enough, his arrogant demeanor turned me off at once. Imagine that.
"Step away, Darien. I'm pretty sure she's spoken for." Turel teased.
I sighed impatiently. "Could we talk about something else, please?"
"No need to get defensive, Marina. Everyone in Sanctuary knows, and to be honest, I'm glad. Glad that Kain has found someone." I was genuinely floored by this declaration. Turel was not one to speak in earnest.
Darien opened his mouth to speak, but wisely shut it.
"You look like you need to be alone, and I need my sleep. Goodbye for now, Marina." Turel nudged Darien gently.
"Oh, yes. We all have to wake up at precisely at sunset with the bats." Darien gave me a parting grin and stalked off with his sire. Gloomily, I settled into my seat. Did everyone know? Was it so obvious? And if so, why was I so nervous about it? I couldn't answer that last question for myself.
I sat for a long time and watched the faint pink hue of the morning glow on the horizon, just before it was extinguished by a huge thunderhead. It was getting suicidal to stay out here, but I felt like I had to wait. For what, I hadn't the slightest idea. Then I felt it. A drop of wetness trickling down my cheek. Another struck my forehead, and yet another hit my neck. I had stayed out too late and it had started to rain. My own fault. However, before I could bolt from the bench and seek shelter, I noticed something. I wasn't burning. No pain. No irritation.
Hesitantly, I held out my arm. Where was the acidic agony as the water soaked through the netted fabric of my sleeve? There was nothing, save wetness. Curiously, I got up and walked to the center of the courtyard. As I did so, the sky opened up completely and a driving rain came down. It was a torrential downpour. Quickly, I was soaked to the skin, but there was not any stinging accompanying it. I could only stand there in stunned amazement, as the storm slowly subsided. Without a thought in my head, I scurried towards Sanctuary and let myself in the iron-gate. I need to get back to my room to dry. On the other hand, I couldn't let anyone see me. That would raise quite a lot of suspicions, suspicions that could lead me to my doom. I silently threaded my way through the glittering black and white marble corridors and made my way up the ancient stairwell that led to my chambers. At the moment, the torches were my own witnesses.
After making sure the coast was clear, I dashed down the last hallway that gave me access to my door. Everything was going according to plan. Most of the vampires must be asleep. I blessed my good fortune and…froze. Right in front where I wanted to go were two guards. One was Melchahim and the other was Rahabim. Guarding the entrance to my room! This was ridiculous. Tonight of all nights. Where were they when Deborah came barging in?
"Samuel! Are you falling asleep again?" the Rahabim growled and shook his partner awake.
Samuel yawned. "Sorry. I'm not used to being up this early."
"You won't last long here if you're not alert! Your sire said you would be superb for this job. Or, do I have to give your Clan lord a detailed report?"
"I just want to stay here a moment," the Melchahim mumbled. "We can rest a bit."
"You irresponsibility astounds me! Tell me, what happens if we are found this way?"
"We'll say we were guarding Kain's sleeping quarters. That's a good enough excuse isn't it?"
The Rahabim glowered at his impudent charge. But, in the end, he relaxed and made a dismissive wave. "Ah, I suppose there's no harm in it. Be quiet about it though."
"That's the spirit!" Samuel replied heartily.
Unfortunately, our plans clashed at this space and time. I was not content to languish here, hidden behind a vase, in the perfect position to be spotted at any minute. I had to create a diversion. But how? I didn't want them running overhere, I wanted them further down the hall. In a flash, it occurred to me. I looked down the hallway and saw an ornamental shield hanging on the wall. As quick as lightening, I threw a telekinetic blast at it, making it literally jump from its place; sending it skittering around the curve of the corridor.
The Rahabim started. "Samuel! Hear that? There could be a Zephonim ruffian lurking with a knife in the corridor and you always want to sleep!" Word did travel fast around here. Already, the guards had been alerted of Zephon's motives.
"Let's go get 'em, Victor! Their head will be mounted on a silver platter." With a battle cry, Samuel took off with Victor trailing right behind him.
Ourbestguards," I thought blandly as I got up and dashed to my door. I immediately locked it as soon I stepped inside. It was then I noticed I was dripping. Damp spots of rainwater had soaked into the carpet. I could only pray no one notice outside where exactly the water ledto. Also, I hoped against hope the offending trail of liquid dried over time and that no one would take much notice to it. This was not a good state of affairs to be involved in, especially during such a tumultuous times where "traitors" were being executed.
Alas, I was still soaked to the skin. There were no towels in the room. Really, what use would anormalvampire have for one? I couldn't use the coverlets on my bed because surely they would not dry in time should someone come in here. The chamber was too damp. With a heavy sigh, I placed more wood on the dwindling fire and puffed it into a steady flame, slowly but surely. It was my only option.
I shivered in front of the fire, my arms wrapped around me tight. My skin and hair would be passable by tonight, but my armor wouldn't be. A good thing Kain told me to wear something nice. In other words, a gown of some kind.Kain. Should I tell him about this? If I did, the dinner discussions wouldn't be boring. Then again, afterwards, Kain could deal with this as he saw fit. Like he did with Raziel.
I sat down on the floor, weighing my options. What could this possibly be? Could this be a part of the "evolution" every vampire was expected to go through? The only thing I knew about evolving is that it landed Raziel in the Abyss. I didn't even know if hiding this from Kain was a possibility. For all I knew, he could've been watching me in the courtyard from the window. It wouldn't be kept a secret forever. So many decisions to make in so little time.
I watched the blaze in front of me as it crackled and popped. It reflected my emotional status. There, I pondered my situation. I knew at once I wouldn't get any sleep.
Darien was right. I'm not like any other vampire in Nosgoth, and this uniqueness may very well be my undoing…