Selphiefan 89: Yeah, I can see your point. Kain can be quite irrational when it comes to the relationships, but that makes it more fun for the storyline. :)
bahamut: Thanks for reviewing, faithful reader! And keep up with "The Rightful Master." I'm not kidding, it's one great crossover.
Varewolf: Well, here's the next update. Hope it's as good as before; I'm trying to take the story to another angle.
Smoke: I know what you mean. But then, blood is mostly water, and vampires drink that. I guess it all depends on your perspective.
250 years later…
The world around me was a hazy blue. Down in the depths, I opened my eyes. I could hear garbled wailing around me. The voices were calling my name, but I ignored them. I just let myself be carried away on the lulling current. I noticed a rusty iron gate on my right and a winding tunnel to my left, but I was too exhausted to care. I couldn't stay down here forever, though.
Defeated, I let myself drift up and took a gulp of fresh air. Whilst bobbing in the wonderful wetness, I looked up and spotted Melchiah and Rahab lording over me. "Marina? I've been calling your name for the past two minutes!" Melchiah began in a lecturing tone, for this was his lake, in his territory. "I thought that you'd drowned." I grinned at him. "There is nothing to fear, Melchiah. I won't drown."
"Of course, she won't. She's a great swimmer. Better than me, or so I grudgingly admit," Rahab put in gleefully.
The Rahabim leader had been utterly joyous when he began to realize that water no longer burned him. It had been a slow process for him and his brood, not instantaneous as it had been for me. Rahab was also not keen on the idea that I had braved the sea years before him, when it had been his lifelong experiment and ambition. But soon enough, the Rahabim resistance to water became a trademark. Many vampires were insanely jealous, but they had their own abilities to develop and cultivate. Sadly, the more the Rahabim race took to the waters, the more they could not stand in direct sunlight. It seemed that one trait was exchanging with another. In another century or two, perhaps the Rahabim tolerance to the sun would dwindle completely. Still, Rahab chose not to worry. Instead, he dove into the clear greenish water. Melchiah watched from a discreet distance with a mixture of awe and envy on his features. It was a well-known fact that the Melchahim had no gift to call theirs at the moment. The Rahabim swum, the Turelim had sonar abilities coupled with their superior telekinetic powers, and the Dumahim had grown more stalwart than ever and were the strongest fighters of us all. Indeed, the Dumahim were overrunning the land. And the more territory the Dumahim clan claimed; the richer and more arrogant their leader became. This arrogance would be their downfall, I privately felt. As for the Zephonim, they had settled down into mature but deadly clever individuals. They were extremely quick with impossibly fast reflexes. None surpassed their celerity. Of course, the lieutenants would evolve soon. Once they had received their distinct gifts, evolution wasn't far behind. Some did not relish this thought. I remembered a conversation Rahab and I had once shared.
"I don't want to evolve, Marina, but I know I must," Rahab brooded. "It is the way of us vampires. I suppose it's foolish vanity, but I rather like the way my body is now. Not mortal, not bestial, but something in between. The best of both worlds."
"Kain has evolved, and he doesn't appear that bizarre," I offered, trying to be helpful.
The Rahabim lieutenant pulled a face. "Yes, but Kain is my creator. The lower in rank you are; the more hideous the transformation, and I have three brothers born before me, you understand."
I must have made some small sound, for Rahab quickly changed his answer. "Two! Two brothers, I meant."
And that was where our conversation ended. Raziel's memory lingered, but it had become easier to forget, if we chose to. Not one being breathed a word of it in Sanctuary. It was believed that by saying the name of the "lost clan", the Razielim in other words, was bad fortune.
"Marina, please come back to this plane!" Rahab's voice cut into my mind. "Let's race!"
I sent him a challenging smile. "Always happy to oblige."
After Melchiah solemnly counted to three, the two of us tore across the lake as if we were children and not two immortal creatures, one already approaching his fifteen hundredth year. I swam in a perfect line; gliding just under the surface. My movements were deft and could hardly be detected from above. I kicked my feet and propelled myself fiercely whilst arcing my arms into alignment. I loved the calm coolness swishing past my face. It was so therapeutic. I suspected I adored it more than some of the Rahabim; some of which merely took if for granted now.
I redoubled my efforts, using my already aching muscles, until I reached the craggy edge of this natural lake. Perhaps I had graced these same waters when I had been a human girl centuries ago. Maybe that's why I knew my way around it so well. Better than Rahab obviously. He was still swimming the last few feet.
Sputtering, Rahab surfaced and brushed back his dripping black hair away from his face. He looked at me. "Marina, it would seem you have won again. You must have cheated! I refuse to believe that I have lost for the fourth time in three days. Melchiah! Did she cheat?"
Melchiah shrugged helplessly. "I honestly do not know, brother. I couldn't even make out her form under the water. I thought she must have melded with it."
"Well, mermaid, you have won this round, I dare say." Rahab made a dramatic, amusing bow.
"Can you not believe that a woman can beat a man?" I giggled.
"No, I think you're holding out on us. You must be part fish, as Turel so kindly pointed out to us."
Turel had teased for many weeks after watching me swim, calling me a "mermaid of the deep" and the like. However, Kain disagreed on this aspect. He insisted that I was a true "goddess of the night." Speaking of Kain, he rarely joined us on these expeditions. Why should he? He could not swim. Nevertheless, he did caution me not to waste my gift. He told me I could access more places than he, in fact. I suppose his logic was correct.
"But all the games shall end soon," Rahab continued. "You are lucky, Marina, that you do not have to worry about your own evolution for at least another five hundred years."
"It's fated to happen, so what does it matter? For our race, a month is like a day and a year is like a week," I replied with wit. I hated when Rahab did this. He was the only lieutenant that bemoaned this fact of life. Turel and the others were all eager to transform. Why fight it? Then again, it wasn't my time yet, so I wouldn't know.
The Rahabim had no answer to this.
( )
"Yes, you are dismissed, Anne. Return to your regular duties."
Anne, the clumsy Melchahim vampire she was, nearly tripped on her way out of the throne room. Kain sighed to himself. She could easily be replaced, but she was so meek and nervous, she did anything that was commanded of her. Why trouble himself? At least this was one servant that wouldn't be sentenced to the Abyss. She would not make a single enemy here.
Bored, Kain inspected his now cloven hands. Over the past two centuries, and even now as he was sitting, he was slowly becoming less human and more transcendent in appearance This was both a blessing and a curse in itself. It set him apart from the rest and made his underlings quake in terror, yet there was still the issue of companionship. Not many felt close to the cruel, unfeeling emperor of Nosgoth who had sent his first creation into the depths. Presently, all Kain had was the Pillar of Balance behind him for company. Sometimes, like now, the stone became icy cold and low wailings and whispers could be heard in the vast, hollow chamber and then quickly vanish. Ultimately, Kain ignored it completely. But, perhaps Samuel had been right. Maybe Sanctuary was haunted by a specter. A phantom of the past.
On the other side of the coin, Kain wasn't completely lonely. His servants and guards chose not to leave, but their motivations were most likely due to the effort to preserve their own lives. He didn't blame them. They should be happy to work for their overlord, bringing honor to their various Clans in the safest place in Nosgoth. Although h some saw it as the exact opposite. But really, what else was left? The time of any kind of prosperity was drawing to an abrupt end. And so was the peace and quiet in the room, he imagined. The bedraggled form of Anne reentered the room. She bobbed and curtsied as if her very existence depended on it. "Should it?" Kain mused wickedly. "Begging your pardon, my lord," she stammered, "but the esteemed lieutenants, Rahab and Melchiah, along with the lady general Marina have come for an audience."
How she trembled so. Kain shook her off with the wave of his much changed hand. "Yes? Send them in then."
"Right away, my lord." Anne scurried off, hurriedly adjusting the snow-white cap on her head so that none of her untidy auburn hair showed.
Within seconds, both of Kain's loyal sons appeared. His only sons, nowadays, with the exception of Turel, who became more secretive by the day. Possibly, Marina had been right. Maybe it had been wrong to give Turel such rank and sway in the vampiric society. He was proving to be quite unworthy of the honor. Dumah and Zephon had rarely visited Sanctuary. Their opinions had not changed. The less that was said about them, the better. Following the two lieutenants was Marina herself.
Kain took in her appearance and found her as striking as the time he first beheld her. Her black, waving mane was as glossy as ever, and her eyes still held that same fiery glow that had never wavered or dimmed. While it was true that most vampires had gold eyes, each specific shade of it was different. The gold of Marina's eyes reminded Kain of a bright harvest moon rising through the infinity of space. Unlike other vampires, her soul was shown clearly through these radiant orbs. Her other facial features had not changed in the least, but her personality certainly had. She was just as imaginative and courteous as before, but with a new flair of self-confidence. Marina's body showed evidence of this. Her limbs were more muscular now, due to various conflicts over the years and especially her swimming sessions with his aquatic childe. Overall, Kain thought her as an extraordinary creature. A most lovely one too. He had dabbled with the thought of appointing her as a lieutenant, but suspected those positions would most likely no longer be needed in the future. Why shortchange her? She provided a distraction, a companion, and a…lover…
"You wished to see us, sire?" inquired dutiful Rahab.
"Of course I want to see you. Why else would I have brought you here?" As Kain watched Rahab frown, he chuckled a bit inside. It was always good to keep his sons on their toes. They would thank him for it later.
"As you may know, the Human Citadel is quickly becoming a problem. The mortals are using the rivers as passages to get onto vampire territory swiftly and virtually unseen. If they are spotted, they simply use the water as their escape route. They are also using underground passages that empty out on the former territory of the lost Clan. Now, is there anyway we can resolve this problem? Obviously, your other brothers do not seem to care, so I have come to those remaining for pertinent advice."
Melchiah was silent as usual. He was always the last to speak. Years of being outshone by his brothers had obviously halted his ability of speech until they had shared their views first. Meanwhile, Rahab the intellectual cleared his throat. He always had some plan, and it was always a bit more genius than Turel's belief that a battle should blindly be carried out so every human would know "the wrath and fear only the teeth and claws of a vampire could bring." Had it been up to the Turelim, our food supply would have dwindled completely. Another son came up with the ideas once. A true visionary he was; way ahead of his time. How ironic that a truer statement would never be spoken or thought about him.
"I've a theory, sire. We should seek out these underground passageways immediately, and plug them up," Rahab smartly answered.
"Yes, but this will not prevent the mortals from attacking. We know not what their plans are."
"Why not infiltrate?" a feminine voice spoke up. With wonder, everyone gazed towards Marina. This was an infraction, of course, for a lesser vampire to override a lieutenant general's judgment was a punishable offense, but then, given the circumstances, Marina wasn't exactly a minor being.
"You mean, with weapons ready? Wouldn't that cause widespread unrest?" Melchiah questioned.
"No, I meant spying. Seeing what they know, if anything. We could sneak into the Human Citadel." Marina went on in a voice tinged with excitement.
"An interesting perspective. But, most of these tunnels could be flooded with water. In fact, the entire citadel is surrounded by this treacherous element—for some." Kain sat back in his throne and surveyed the scene around him. Well, this was getting amusing.
"My childer could do it, sire," Rahab spoke up, not to be outdone. "We can stand water's acidic touch."
"Of course. By the way, who won this time?" Kain asked nonchalantly.
Rahab shifted feet. "Marina. Again."
"It was only by a hair," Marina chimed in.
Kain nodded ominously. Suspense was part of his charm. "Very well. Rahab, if you do not think the task too difficult, you may send in some Rahabim to gain access to the Human Citadel."
"As for me, my lord?" Marina spoke up.
Kain silently noted that the girl was far less timid than she had been. However…
"I am sorry, Marina, but this mission would be far too dangerous. The Human Citadel is a stronghold in itself. Soldiers with experience far more than yours have been discovered and disposed of in a manner that even I am hesitant to describe. In fact, I would even discourage Rahab himself to go, if the situation wasn't so dire."
Her face fell, but deep in her eyes, Kain could see a light of understanding dawn. She wasn't too old or too young by vampiric standards, but she was barely four hundred. Still inexperienced for some of these shifty mortals whom have been taught from the cradle to hunt vampire flesh.
The meeting eventually dispersed, and Kain watched the three faithful members of the court exit. Though one thing disturbed Kain greatly. The rigidity of Marina's spine and tightness of her shoulders as she turned to leave indicated that somehow or another, she would find a way into the citadel. He only hoped total disaster could be prevented.
( )
"Don't take it personal, Marina. He only looks for your safety."
"He does a good job of that," I commented miserably. "He hardly lets me out of the walls of Sanctuary."
"You're over-reacting. There's nothing in the Human Citadel that is so amazing to be seen," Rahab lectured on. "It's a mess of dirty mortals huddled around dilapidated buildings. A sad sight in all truth."
"But are you going?" I dared to ask.
Rahab sighed. "I don't have much choice. Besides, I have traversed to the Citadel many—a few times before," Rahab finished in a rush.
"You're not an adept liar, you know," I replied bitterly. At his angry stare, I decided to give it one last try. "Since you do know the area so well, not much could go wrong. I could journey in your stead."
The Rahabim shook his head. "Don't be naïve, Marina. These humans look for suspicious groups that travel together. Especially those in disguise."
There would no convincing anyone here. I nodded meekly and wisely dropped the issue. Yet, surprisingly, Rahab did not. "Look, we'll be leaving at sunset in three days time. I might consider taking you, but it is Kain you'll have to convince, not me. It is his word that is law."
Easier said than done. Over the next two days, the stony set of Kain's features effectively discouraged me from negotiating with him, or even making much noise around him. I brooded over my situation as I waded in Melchiah's lake. Why did I want to go into such hostile territory? Was it to prove myself to the company inside Sanctuary? Was it a result of my unruly, insatiable curiosity? I wanted to go. I was strong enough. I had been in wars over the past few centuries, and I couldn't enter one human settlement? Had I been one of Rahab's own children, I'd have been allowed to go I imagined.
Finally, the evening approached. I paced my chamber, wondering what the best course of action would be. I couldn't leave through the front entrance. Too obvious. There were hidden side-entrances, but I had no idea where they led. Probably right to Kain's study. The sound of clanging distracted me in the corridor outside. It sounded like a heavily armored guard.
"Is this it?" a loud voice yelled. I recognized it immediately as Samuel's. He had become no more discreet in behavior since he had been inducted here. Seconds later, there came a harsh murmuring that gradually faded away into an uneasy silence. No doubt the careless Melchahim guard was off somewhere being scolded.
So. Kain had sent orders that I should be watched carefully, under the chance that I might do something ill advised. There would be no coming or going through that portal without an escort. A sudden flash came into my head. A revelation. If Kain wants you to stay here, and is even expecting you to run off, why try it now? Why try it at all? You're not going to get away with it. Do you want to anger him? Besides, there may very well be a valid reason why you shouldn't go.
Instantaneously, I shook off my common sense and instead received an inspiration. To get out of here, I would have to make it appear that I would neither a threat, nor a burden. Samuel, who was painfully gullible, would be quite easy to convince that he could take his business elsewhere. It was now or never. Taking a deep breath, I flung open my door and "stumbled" into the hallway beyond.
"My lady? Are you well?" Samuel immediately trotted into sight. Perfect.
"No, I'm not well, am I?" I said in a faked dazed voice. "And I had so wished to walk the grounds tonight, too." I added just the right amount of mock resignation in my tone.
Samuel looked me over. "Is there anything I can do?"
"It's not serious; all I need is rest. You may inform the master I'll be staying in my room all evening, if you would."
"Yes, my lady, you can count on me. It must have been some bad blood, eh? I don't know what these mortals are eating nowadays."
I nodded gamely. "I'm sure I'll be much better tomorrow."
"I don't doubt it, miss. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised to see you here. I thought you'd be with Rahab in this infiltration mission, seeing as to how you share certain abilities with his kin."
"I'm afraid not. It's much too hazardous for a girl like me." I tried to keep my voice level and serious.
He snorted. "If you ask me, they all treat you like a china doll. I'd go myself, but I haven't the skill. The water in those tunnels would burn like a…"
"Samuel!" a voice roared. "Come here right this instant!"
The Melchahim guard paled. "That sounds like my sire," he whispered. "I must really be in for it now."
I watched Samuel hurry away. Angrily, I slammed the door behind him. Melchiah was here. Why? Oh, but I couldn't give into fear now. I was not content to sit back on a wooden shelf akin in the manner of a "china doll", as Samuel kindly indicated. There was only one escape route left. My window.
I flung aside the heavy drapes and opened the window wide. Nothing seemed to be amiss. Everything was silent except for sound of bat wings gliding on the air as they searched for prey. I gazed to my right to witness a spectacular sunset that washed the craggy mountains in bright gingery gold and tinted the sky a rich pink haze. I longed to be outside to explore. Just once. But there was still the matter of getting to that desired result.
My eyes went down, and I spotted another slate window ledge maybe around twenty feet away. It would be risky, but I had to attempt it. This would be the night to prove myself. Without another thought, I plunged down through the chilly dusk atmosphere. Chances were good that I would land right on that ledge. I had more than my share of practice with high elevations and rock climbing. Months of living in the mountains taught me that.
Unfortunately, my aim was not as decent as I had anticipated. I landed on the edge of the outcrop in an extremely awkward position. Instinctively, I pushed forward, heedless of the glass of the window in front of me, and ended up crashing right through it. Slowly, awareness returned to me as I sat on the plush carpeting of the unknown chamber closing in around me, amidst the shards of the broken glass. What had I been thinking? They'll surely call for the guards now, and I will be caught. This plan was going terribly wrong.
Still, there was not a moment to spare. I dashed out the window and blindly tumbled down. Luckily, I touched ground this time. Well, I had made it out of Sanctuary. Now what? I was reluctant to carry out my original agenda, but do it I must, or face the consequences. It was too noisy up there now. Besides I was enough trouble already, what was a little more? Subconsciously, I had the stark realization that my attitudes were changing. Whatever had spawned this craftiness and belligerence? I couldn't decide if either were admirable qualities.
I rushed to the front of the Sanctuary of the Clans, taking special care to keep out of view. I was at once alert of the heavy carts stationed there. Rahabim were tending them. I wondered vaguely if they were bound for the Human Citadel. Cautiously, I wandered to the back of one of the heavy carts and lifted up the cover. Inside was clothing. Cloaks to be exact.
Taking a few furtive glances around me, I picked up the cloak and inspected it. The article was woven of heavy wool and was a rather drab gray. Such a forgettable shade of dye. Anyone would pass it by. In other words, it would be a faultless masquerade. This thick concealment would hide my features, and hopefully would draw no attention towards me. I would look like a grieving widow or a hermit mayhaps.
Slinging the robe over on arm, I sailed across the dusty earth to the cavernous trail towards the Citadel. I couldn't account for my complete abrupt shift of personality, but I hoped that Fate would be with me at least. But, of course, sometimes that was a menace in itself.