Thanks for your encouragement everyone! I know I've been slow updating, but things have been very busy lately!

------------------------------

Chapter 15--A Mage's Will

Altos pulled back to look into Kylia's eyes. Satisfied she was still under his charm, he bit into her throat and began to feed. He had never tasted blood so sweet. He growled deep in his throat. She would soon be his, his alone, but he had forgotten something about Drow. They were resistant to magic and had some resistance to charm spells like a surface Elf.

Kylia felt so cold, so weak. It felt like she was waking from a long sleep. She felt something cold on her throat then she remembered. She cursed and shoved at the vampire as hard as she could, freeing herself from his grasp.

That was the last thing Altos expected and that was the only reason it worked. He fell off the bed with a heavy thump. When he stood again Kylia was already across the room by the window.

"That was ill-mannered of you, my dear. Come here. Do not force me to come after you," Altos said.

"You go to hell! I won't become like you!" Kylia shouted. "I swear that I'll find some way to destroy you or myself first!"

Eyes glowing red in rage, Altos headed towards Kylia, determined to drag her back into his arms and turn her as he'd planned.

Kylia tensed as she approached. She would not be taken without a fight.

Just as Altos was almost on her there was a knock on the door. "What is it? I said I didn't want to be disturbed!" he yelled, glaring at Kylia.

"I'm sorry, my Lord, but there is important news!" the intruder called.

"Damn!" Altos growled. "I'm coming!" He glared at Kylia. "You have gained a reprieve, but it will be a short one. I promise you that." He left the room and locked the door.

Kylia sank to the floor, legs to weak to support her. She nearly sobbed in relief, perhaps they would reach her in time after all. She prayed that Altos would be kept busy until dawn.

-----------------------------------

It was dawn when they saddled their mounts and prepared to continue on their way, but after only an hour's travel they ran into another obstacle. A group of three riders blocked their way.

"Who are you and why are you out here?" one demanded.

Shandra urged her mount forward. "Well met, I am Shandra, a paladin of Tyr and my companions are Tarion who is also a paladin in Tyr's service. My other companion is Drizzt Do'Urden, a ranger serving the Lady of the Forest," she said.

"Drizzt, that does not sound like any Elven name I have ever heard," the rider said.

Drizzt noted she was a woman, perhaps an Amazon or mercenary. He was glad his hood was up or it could have caused a fight before Shandra could say a word.

"I have named our party, so now who are you?" Shandra asked.

"I am Renee, a vampire hunter and killer of undead. My companions are Galen, a mage and Thom, a cleric," she said. "But you have not told me why you are out here."

"We seek a companion that was stolen from us," Shandra said.

Drizzt felt eyes on him and looked up slightly. The cleric was staring at him intently as if she could see through him.

Suddenly she stiffened and pointed at him. "Drow!" she shouted.

Drizzt groaned as the warrior went for her sword. This was not going to be pretty….

-----------------------

Oops! More trouble for our poor ranger! R/R please!