Chapter Seven Dragons
Elsabett reached out into the fabric of magic around her and took hold of the dark blue light-strand she now knew represented knowledge. She wove the �ows into a spherical shape surrounding her head and closed her eyes, letting the forces take her where they would rather than struggling for what she wanted. What is happening now in Nosgoth? she wondered, hoping she would receive a vision of some important event, preferably involving other vampires or Sarafan.
The room became shrouded in opaque white mist, which dissipated more quickly than it had before. Kain and his lieutenants were seated around a table haphazardly set up among the toppled Pillars of Nosgoth, studying faded maps on crumbling parchment. Raziel rose from his chair and paced impatiently.
Kain, how do we even know that Sarafan bastard was right? He may have been telling what he thought was the truth, but it could have been information as old as these cursed maps.Silence, boy! Kain snarled, not looking up. These maps always served me well. They show all of Nosgoth from the Atlantean Ocean to the Land of Silk. The shape of the land has not changed in the centuries since they were drawn.But the boundaries of the human countries have, one of the other vampires, whom Elsabett did not recognise, pointed out. This one calls Frankland Gaul'. And Roma is a city, not a country. He tossed back his brownish half-cape and leaned over the table, examining a different map.
I think Melchiah's right, another vampire, clad in blue, stated arrogantly. For once. Melchiah, the vampire in the brown half-cape, sneered and made a crude gesture. I can't �nd Carpathia on any of these maps. Or Ihrlandja, for that matter.You fools! Kain roared, standing up so fast that his folding chair was sent �ying backward. Ihrlandja is the island to the northwest of us! You can't possibly miss it! And Carpathia is in the mountains to the south Did I raise you all without minds? What is it!You don't have to get so angry, Melchiah said defensively.
Now, Melchiah you probably did raise without a mind, grumbled a short-haired vampire in a teal cape. Stupid throwback, always stealing �esh from his victimsAll of you be SILENT! Kain bellowed, as Melchiah whirled around and dashed off. Elsabett thought that if he had not been a vampire, he might have been crying. I KNOW there are vampires other than Vorador and Janos in Nosgoth. Perhaps �nding them will simply take a bit longer than I would like.
Elsabett focused on a round rune near the map-covered table as her thoughts raced. Can I jink like Vlad and the others?' she wondered. Is it simply a matter of—?' She reached out and embraced a strand of light that was further away from her than most of the others, one that was an incandescent blood-red colour. I can see the Pillars—if I can just—' The room seemed to drop away, her organs shifted uncomfortably, and she was suddenly surrounded by chill, misty wind. Silence �lled the air. She opened her eyes. Kain and his retinue were watching her, gaping.
You are Kain, yes? she asked, striding toward the snowy-haired vampire. I seek your assistance. He took a shaky step back away from the table, blinking in shock.
Ra—Raziel, remove—this, he whispered, gesturing at the mess in front of him. Raziel began to gather up the maps, prodding one of the other vampires toward the table. The other, in a violet half-cape, sniffed imperiously and lifted the table from the ground, carrying it over his head as easily as if it were a wicker chair.
Who—who are you? Kain asked faintly. I must know!My name is Elsabett the Ingénue, Queen of Twilight, she told him, curtsying perfunctorily. You have experience in dealing with the Sarafan. I want you to help me �nd— She cut off abruptly, astonished, as Kain fell to his knees before her.
Beautiful vampress, he whispered, I would do anything to please you. She blinked in confusion.
Uh, that's good, I guess, she muttered. I'm afraid I don't have much to offer you, but—I need no payment! Kain hissed. Making you happy would be more than enough.Well, you're certainly friendly she observed with a shrug. Actually, almost a little too friendly. What is it you want?What I want? He looked down shyly. Now that I have laid eyes on you, my one wishis to make you my queen. Together we could rule Nosgoth! He stared up into her eyes, and she saw such sincerity in the pale gold that the laugh bubbling up inside her was abruptly cut off. From the distance, there was the sound of wood falling and breaking, followed by vampiric swearing. Kain's other lieutenants alternated between staring at their sire and at her, wide-eyed.
Uh—ah—uhm—Kain—I, er, don't think that would quite work— she protested. For one thing, I'm already carrying the child of another vampire—No matter! Kain declared, leaping to his feet in one smooth motion. I will adopt it as my own! Please He closed his eyes and turned away. I have never felt this way for anyone, not evennot even when I was alive and my heart still beat. II must He reached out for her, pleadingly, ignoring his lieutenants' confused mutterings about a pregnant vampire. What about me does not please you? Tell me and I shall change!Well, since you asked she said with a shrug, you're not nearly as impressive-looking as my husband. His beauty could eclipse the moon and cause the stars themselves to fall from the sky.Such a lucky vampire, to have a bride such as you, Kain breathed. If this form is not to your liking He lowered his head, concentrated, and suddenly let out a cry of agony as his paper-white skin transformed into hard, chitinous-looking plates covering his body. His torso �eshed out, becoming more muscular, and his �ngers fused together into three long, wicked claws. When the change was complete, he staggered back, panting, and looked down at himself. By these hands, I would slay a thousand times a thousand Sarafan warriors, if only to see you smile!
The green-caped vampire approached Kain and gingerly poked him in the shoulder. you've become he muttered, then suddenly yelped in horror and scrambled back. The other lieutenants wailed in disgust, just as Raziel and the violet-caped one came rushing back.
What hap— Oh my G Raziel began, eyes wide. What the fuck! Kain—? What have you done to yourself, sire! Kain whirled around and glared at his lieutenant.
I have changed! What does it look like? And tell Dumah to stop staring before his jaw becomes stuck in that position!
The violet-caped vampire shook his head, mouth still hanging open. Tah laate! he rasped. Raziel grunted in exasperation and delivered a punch that could have beheaded a human to his brother's jaw, but Dumah only staggered back, working his mandible back into the proper position. Elsabett shook her head and strode over to Kain.
I need your help, Kain. I'm trying to �ght the Sarafan, and you have more experience in that area than I do. Will you assist me? Please?How interesting, one of the lieutenants muttered. I think Kain metamorphosed.Without going into hibernation? one of the others asked incredulously.
Zephon, Rahab, be quiet! Kain hissed. This is important. He folded his arms and attempted to glare at Elsabett, but his gaze softened. Curse it all. How can I be angry at you? If only I had been the one who He heaved a sorrowful sigh, and Elsa nearly felt sorry for him.
she said softly. I'm sorry I can't give you what you want, but I'm sure we can work something else out. In the meantime, please tell me what you can of the Sarafan. What are their weaknesses? Who is their leader?Why do you care about killing the Sarafan? came a voice—Melchiah's—from beyond the pillars. He staggered glumly into view, sending angry glances at his brethren. You're not a vampire.He has a point, Raziel maintained. Suddenly he bent double, moaning in pain, and dashed off. Kain looked after him, confused, but then returned his attention to Elsabett.
I'm a dhampir. Half-vampire, still partially alive, she explained. Kain's eyes widened, and she put a hand on his chest to stop him. No. Don't try drinking my blood. If it didn't work the �rst time, it wouldn't work again. Kain's shoulders drooped and he looked crestfallen. Even so, he seemed thrilled that she had actually touched him. Is it true that you once slew the Lord of the Sarafan?
Kain snarled and spat on the marble dais. Yes, I killed that bastard. Along with all his Hylden friends.Yes. The Sarafan Lord whom I slew was actually a Hylden masquerading as a human. I thought that once I had killed him, the Order of the Sarafan would collapse. Unfortunately, they were more resilient than I had hoped. He sighed. Still, not everything the Sarafan have given me is so terrible. He sent meaningful looks at his lieutenants, who glanced at each other in confusion.
When you killed the Sarafan Lord, was it merely because he was their leader, or did his death serve some other purpose? Elsabett asked, trying to make Kain open up even more.
He growled and looked away. Two centuries before I killed him, I had been defeated by him and had the Soul Reaver taken from me. That was my �rst motivation. When I discovered that his plan was to return his entire vampire-hating race from the netherworld to which they had been banished, it only fueled my rage.The Hylden, you mean?Yes. It seems that eons ago, they were engaged in an endless war with another race of Nosgoth, the ancient winged vampires. The Hylden cursed the vampires into the state with which you and I are so familiar, and the winged vampires banished the Hylden from this world. Elsabett murmured. Kain gave her an inquiring look. The winged vampires. I think they call themselves Sephardi. Kain mused. I'll have to remember to ask Janos if I ever see him again.
Elsabett double-took. Janos? I know that name. He—he's a Sephardi? Kain nodded. But you don't know where he is? He shook his head.
one of the vampires, wrapped in a cloak of green, suddenly blurted out, I—I think your—transformation—is—
Melchiah crept toward Kain and ran his �nger along the edge of one of the bony ridges that had replaced the old vampire's ears. He's allhorny and stuff, he observed, causing his brothers to shriek in disgust as one. What? He is! It's like the hard scaly stuff on horns and claws! What's— Kain roared, backhanding Melchiah and sending him �ying through the air. One of the unfortunate lieutenant's arms broke off as he hit the marble slab, and he let out a wail. Stupid children! All of you, get out of my sight! Elsabett watched the other vampires withdraw, varying degrees of sulkiness visible on their pale faces. Kain growled and spun around, stalking away angrily.
Elsabett said, but he did not turn around.
Why is it you wish to �ght the Sarafan? he �nally asked.
Elsabett inhaled deeply and balled her hands into �sts. I hate them for what they did to my family, she told him coldly. My father was a Sarafan knight, a skilled warrior who ful�lled his duty well, and his commanding of�cer had him put to death. I don't know why. My family had to �ee our home in Weimar and move to Carpathia— he glanced over his shoulder at her— because it seems the rest of us are marked for death as well. Only yesterday, a band of Sarafan came to our new home—or, I should say, my family's new home—seeking to slay us. It was fortunate that I was there and able to dispatch the bastards.Where is Carpathia? he asked, turning around and slowly approaching her.
She gazed at him coolly. I will not tell you if you intend to slay my husband. He poses no threat to you.Tell me, Lady Elsabett, Kain said softly, stopping a pace in front of her and matching her icy stare, has your Dark Gift manifested itself yet? Rather than responding directly, she jumped into the air, unfurled her wings, and �ew to the top of the broken central Pillar.
Why? Do you intend to take it from me? she demanded. Kain watched her in wide-eyed silence. I wish no quarrel with you, Lord Kain. Will you help me or not?Such willpower, he murmured. Strength of character and beauty are not often found together. He tossed back his red half-cape and strode to the base of the Pillar, gazing up at her with conviction in his eyes. I will aid you.I thank you, she said, bowing her head graciously. In return, I will help you and your clan with whatever you need, as long as it is within my ability to do so. She stepped off the jagged surface and unfurled her wings wide enough to glide to the ground. Kain, who had extended his arms as if to catch her, stepped back with a disappointed sigh.
Then let us make a formal agreement, he said in a tone that was simultaneously cold and grandiose, then raised his voice and called back over his shoulder. Raziel, my son, go and hunt. Bring a well-aged human that the Lady Elsabett and I may share a cup together. A cry, muf�ed by distance, sounded in response, followed by the sound of haphazard crashing through foliage. Kain turned back to Elsabett and attempted a gracious smile, but such an expression is dif�cult when one's face and lips have become chitinous and scaly. Did you mention what your clan is? he asked.
Yes. All vampires belong to a clan, often consisting of the transformed descendants of a single vampire or vampress. I am the leader of my clan, which I have named the High Clan. Who is your sire—or bitch, as may be? she mumbled. Do vampires use the same terminology as dogs? It's of little consequence, at any rate. My parents— Kain's eyebrow (well, the bony ridge above his eye) rose, and she corrected, Sorry. I wastransformed only a month ago, and I'm stillnot quite used to being not human.And why is that? the teal-caped lieutenant asked arrogantly, stalking onto the marble base of the Pillars and eyeing Melchiah's lost arm, which still twitched occasionally. This vampire had short auburn hair and a very piercing tenor voice, which Elsabett thought might quickly become annoying if he decided to speak at length. You may not be a true vampire, but you're still faster and stronger than any mortal. How can it be dif�cult to adjust to that?Zephon, do not insult our ally, Kain hissed. Her condition is none of your concern. She shares a common enemy with us, and I expect you to treat her with all the respect that I do.What, by �irting with her? Zephon sneered. What, exactly, do you expect to achieve from that anyway, my sire? Tripping her into bed? He snorted. You're a vampire. I doubt you even have the necessary machinery anymore.
Kain raised one long-clawed hand, and Zephon rose into the air as if snatched by an invisible noose. What I have is none of your business.Oh, give me a break! Zephon choked. I'm younger than you are, and mine is already atrophied away! Elsabett blushed and covered her face.
I didn't need to hear that she muttered. Kain made a disgusted noise.
Take your place, asinine whelp, he growled, letting Zephon fall to the ground. Kain whirled around and stalked to the throne at the base of the central Pillar, cape �owing dramatically behind him. Elsabett sighed. The self-proclaimed Lord of Nosgoth was certainly charismatic, and she thought brie�y that she likely would have consented to be his queen if she had met him �rst instead of Dracula.
So do your clan have a name? Kain asked, tossing his cape to one side and seating himself next to the coldly-glistening Soul Reaver.
She paused for a moment of thought. don't think it has ever come up before. But I suppose we should have a name, shouldn't we? I haven't yet met all of the brothers and sisters in my vampiric family, but I think there are a great many. And all descended from my husband, Count Dracula Yes, perhaps that would work. His nickname, Dracula', means Little Dragon' in his native tongue. So we shall be known as—the Dragon Clan.
He nodded. An impressive name. He looked around at the toppled Pillars, and saw only Zephon standing stoically between two. Where are the others!You told us to go away! Melchiah's voice wailed. Can I come get my arm?Yes, get your bloody arm! Kain snapped, seeming momentarily so much like an irascible father-�gure that Elsabett nearly burst out in giggles. Come and take your place. We've got of�cial business. Where are your brothers? Melchiah crept nervously onto the marble slab and picked up his lost limb with a sullen nod to Elsabett, then withdrew to a spot next to Zephon. The other lieutenants, minus Raziel, emerged from the faint mist surrounding the Pillars and took up positions between the other Pillars.
Kain beckoned to Elsabett. Come here, please, he requested. Stand there. He indicated a spot close to the throne, and the midday sun, bright yet seeming somehow weak, broke brie�y through the angry-looking clouds, illuminating Raziel as he carried a limp body up the steps and laid it before Kain. The lieutenant—Elsabett thought that he must have been the eldest of Kain's sons', since he seemed to receive more respect than the others—knelt respectfully before his sire, offering to slit the human's throat and pour �rst blood. Elsabett suddenly noticed something that she hadn't before—that two objects, like the hilts of short and poorly-�nished swords, were barely visible behind Raziel's shoulders. Had he armed himself during his absence? If he intended to revolt against Kain—
It was not what she had expected. Raziel was as surprised as those watching when the hilts rotated down out of sight and revealed themselves to be the outermost joints of a pair of leathery wings. Kain slowly rose from the throne and approached Raziel, who kept an eye on his sire with what was probably well-justi�ed caution. Kain ran one clawed hand along the wings, his face shifting between awe and envy, while the other lieutenants whispered among themselves. Elsabett saw the Übervampir's eyes narrow, and, sensing that he was about to act rashly, yanked on a strand of pale green light and sent it whirling around Kain. The old vampire's eyes bulged in shock as he was suddenly bound by invisible coils and held in place, unable to move so much as a �nger. He squirmed and writhed, and managed to work his head free of the bonds.
Whose doing is this! he roared.
Forgive me, Lord Kain, Elsabett said softly, approaching him, but I sensed—Release me! he snarled. Raziel edged away from his sire, furling his wings and apparently trying very hard to pretend they were not there.
Elsabett stared up into Kain's eyes. He was over a head taller than she, but he knew that he was completely at her mercy, and that gave her more force. What would you do to Raziel if I released you? she asked. Kain's eye twitched, he glared at his lieutenant, and after a moment of angry silence, he �nally spat out an answer.
He—he hasgained a gift that I have not. In the past, I have received many new abilities, and my sons would gain similar powers soon after. But he—! He has surpassed me, his creator! I simply cannot allow such a thing! she admonished, laying a hand on his cheek. His breath caught and his face softened. There is no need to act childish about such a thing! Be proud of the gift your son has developed. Every vampire is unique. One cannot expect to possess every single possible talent. Certainly a vampire as old and experienced as you should know that! Kain closed his eyes and sighed sadly, as his features morphed back into their original form.
Know this, Lady Elsabett, he whispered, able to move more easily within his cage of air but still not free. Though you cannot rule at my side, your coming has changed me nevertheless. I—I cannot �nd words to express the way I feel, for such a sensation has never before �lled my heart, even when it still beat. He worked a hand free and laid it over hers, closing his eyes. I will do whatever you wish of me, he said, barely audible. A drop of some darkly-sparkling liquid rolled down his cheek, and Elsabett gasped quietly.
Stepping back, she released the �owing strands of air-magic around Kain and watched him. He slumped over, breathing heavily for a few moments, then wiped his face, straightened his shoulders, and adjusted his clothing, which had stretched during his shapechange and now was slightly loose. Suddenly sputtering in indignation, he nearly let his trousers fall as he �ailed wildly, pointing one black-nailed hand beyond Elsabett.
he roared. Elsa whirled around just in time to see the youngest lieutenant leap back guiltily from the corpse, several bloody strips of �esh clutched in his intact hand. Melchiah took off in a lurching run toward the rune between Zephon and the purple-caped lieutenant, snatched his arm up from the marble �oor, and used the �esh to tie the detached member back into place. Kain sighed in aggravation and stalked to his throne, kicking a panel on the side. A small drawer popped out and he bent over to reach into it. Shall we drink? he asked in a mildly-frazzled tone, holding up two gold-chased silver goblets.
Yes, let's, she said, pulling a knife from her bodice. The most convenient thing about her transformation, she thought, was that most ordinary weapons could no longer harm her, so she could keep knives in places humans wouldn't dare. She slit the throat of the body (which, she noticed with a disturbing rush of glee, had Sarafan symbols branded on his wrists) and let Kain �ll the goblets. She accepted her beverage and was about to raise it to her lips, when she noticed Kain was still holding his out.
did I do something wrong? she asked nervously. Kain blinked and shook himself, as if he couldn't believe she had just asked that.
Have you never drunk to an alliance before? he questioned. She shook her head slowly.
Well, I haven't been a vampire—ah, dhampir—long, she admitted. Kain chuckled.
Humans do such things too. Were you an aristocrat before your transformation?Er, no. I lived on a farm with my mother and seven siblings.Oh. Well then Kain shifted his grip on the cup— allow me to school you. I was a noble before my transformation, so I retain a few of their customs. When drinking to an alliance, or to the health of an individual, or in myriad other cases, it is customary to tap the goblets together and offer an appropriate salutation. In this case, I think to our new alliance' would be eminently suitable.You certainly speak like a noble, she said with a smile, lifting her cup. I'll give it a try. To our new alliance. Kain echoed her, touched his goblet to hers, and they drank deeply. The blood seemed exceptionally sweet, but perhaps that was only because she knew it had come from an ally of the Sarafan. An image �ashed in her mind for a moment, of her golden-haired son and an unfamiliar frosty-haired woman doing the same thing.
You said that your clan are all descended from your husband Dracula. Is he not the leader of the clan? Has he assigned you to diplomatic duty? Kain inquired, re�lling his cup.
Elsabett laughed. You might say I'm the alpha female' of the clan. Vlad's three other brides defer to me, and Vlad himself fawns over me. Why—mein Gott, it's been nearly an hour—I'm surprised he hasn't sent someone looking for me. The poor creature can't bear to be separated from me for more than a minute.Four brides? Raziel muttered. What the hell does he 'ave four brides for!
Zephon crept toward her, clearly bemused. you sayyou're with child by him? A—a vampire? How old is he?
Elsa chuckled. He's four hundred and twelve. Well, four hundred and �fty-seven, if you count the time he was alive.
Kain threw his head back and laughed. Still young by our terms, yet very fortunate nonetheless.Well, if you think so. She giggled. He spoils me. He treats me like I'm the �rst woman in the world to bear a child.
Come to think of it, perhaps I am. For him, anyway. His other wives are actual vampires, so I suppose they might be barren due to their being undead. I still don't know a great deal about vampires.Well, you have all eternity to learn, Raziel put forth.
Does she? She's only half-vampire. Maybe she's mortal, Zephon protested. Elsabett glared at him.
Oh, I forgot to mention. Yes, I have a Dark Gift. She held out a hand in Zephon's direction, and used the �owing strands of �re-element around her to conjure a bright yellow �ame. Zephon made an unpleasant sound and backed away. Kain chuckled. Melchiah, still in his position between the Pillars, grinned in satisfaction as he �nished reattaching his right arm, but his expression quickly fell back into glumness as the �ngers of his formerly-still-intact left arm popped off and landed on the ground with unpleasant spap sounds. Elsabett tried not to stare and turned back to Kain, forcing her mouth into a smile. I don't believe I've been introduced to all your lieutenants, Lord Kain, she said.
Ah, how very rude of me, he said. This is Raziel, and next to you is Zephon. Indicating the others still patiently standing around the edge of the marble dais, he went on, And those are Rahab, Turel, Dumah, and Melchiah. Rahab was the blue-caped one, Turel wore green, and Dumah was the vampire in the purple cape. I hope that the opportunity soon comes when I can meet your family, my Lady.
Elsabett drained her cup and looked over her shoulder. There was someone approaching, unseen, but her senses—unusually keen in life and undoubtedly heightened after her transformation—clearly perceived someone, or something, walking at an unhurried pace up the marble stairs to the base of the Pillars. Of a sudden, the symbols etched into the coloured stones of the Pillars—each one a different shape and hue—began to softly pulse, like �re�ies. The approaching creature, apparently hidden from normal sight by some means, paused on the rune Elsabett had chosen to use for her jink from Carpathia, and she handed her goblet to a confused Kain and stalked toward the spot, which had begun to glow faintly as well.
Who's there? she asked, causing Kain and his lieutenants to look around in nervous bewilderment.
It has been many years since I last saw the Pillars, remarked a heavily-accented voice from the air above the rune. The accent was similar to Vlad's, but distinctly different. It was my people who erected them, you know. Kain whispered. The voice laughed, and an azure-skinned �gure faded into view just where Elsabett had known it would be.
Hello, Kain, the newcomer said. Elsabett tried to take in the sight of him without staring too pointedly, but feared her efforts were in vain. It appeared that this newcomer—Janos? this was Janos?—was a normal human man, except for his turquoise �esh, pointed ears, and black-feathered wings. He wore little, a sort of long kilt held in place by a jeweled sash, and his hands had three instead of �ve �ngers.
My oldally. What brings you here? Kain inquired, stepping forward.
Janos folded his arms pensively, and his wings �icked. he said, then glanced at Elsabett. Perhaps something more.Please, Lord Janos— she began, shaking her head, —do not try to court me. I already have a husband, and a child on the way besides. Janos' eyebrows shot up.
Come now, this is only our �rst meeting, he protested. Do I look like the sort of creature who would try such a thing?
She tried not to blush. Well, notnot really Nervously smoothing her skirts, she continued, It's just that my vampire husband fell in love with me at �rst sight, and I think the same thing happened with Kain. I seem to have a gift for charming vampires.It is possible, given your astounding beauty, Janos commented. But you need not worry about me. My heart already belongs to another.Who, the Sarafan? Raziel asked.
What? No! It— Oh, I suppose it does. Those nirrajds still have it, do they? He sighed, and spread his hands. No, I meant in a more �gurative sense. Unfortunately, my love has been dead for ages. I really ought to start dating againexcept for the fact that I can't forget her, and the rest of my race has died out Zephon repeated, scratching his head.
The Sephardi are all dead? Elsabett asked, suddenly saddened. You're sure there are no more?Well, there may still be a few left, Janos admitted. But I would not know where to �nd them.Then I'll help you look! she said. I have the ability to— Janos shook his head.
Why try? Creatures and races come and go. My people have existed for many thousands of years, and watched the world around us change. Why, look at the humans. Eons ago, they were hairy brutes, vicious and short-sighted, and both my people and our enemy were certain they would never survive. Yet they did, swarming into Nosgoth by the hundreds, slaying their less-developed kin, and settling in as if they had always been here.
Others of my kind would only be saddened to know of my existence, to think that there are so few Sephardi left. 'Tis probably best for us to simply fade out in silence. Elsabett shook her head, about to protest, but Janos walked in Kain's direction.
So tell me, Kain, he said. Have you learned anything new of the Sarafan?I have gained a powerful ally this day, he explained con�dently, sending a smile in Elsabett's direction. She rushed over to the two of them and helped explain the earlier events.