Finally there be an update! Don't lynch me! It's the plot bunnies fault!
No Turning Back
Shandra knew that surrendering to the vampire was not the best of plans, but it didn't seem like there was many options. She glanced at Drizzt. Torn between two equally bad choices, she wasn't sure what to do. Just as she was about to drop her sword their eyes met and Drizzt mouthed something at her. Don't surrender, stall if you can, it seemed he said. She lowered the blade. "Perhaps we can come to an agreement of some sort," she said.
Altos raised an eyebrow. "Why should I try to make an agreement when I have all the advantages and for that matter why would you, a paladin wish to do so?" he asked, trying to hide his interest, but everyone could hear it.
"Better then losing anyone else," Shandra shrugged, ignoring the fact that Tarion was staring at her in stunned shock with his mouth half open. He looked like a beached fish. It would have been funny if their situation wasn't so dire. "I am responsible for those that are with me after all."
"So much like a paladin, always taking the guilt for everything on their shoulders, BAH!" Altos sneered.
"Let me kill the Drow, master!" Glenna begged. She yanked brutally on Drizzt's hair, making him wince in pain.
"Be silent!" Altos hissed. "I am the master here! You seem to forget that!"
Glenna cringed. "I'm sorry, master," she whimpered.
Kylia realized that Altos was distracted by his conversation with Shandra. This was her chance, perhaps the only one she'd get. Her lips moved silently as she began a spell.
Altos glanced at Galen and Thom. "Look at me, mage," he whispered in a soft voice.
Without thinking Galen obeyed and found that he couldn't look away. The vampire's eyes bore into his and then seemed to search hi soul. It was then Altos's voice sounded in his head.
(Kill the cleric!) Altos ordered. (He's going to betray you like the hunter did. You must stop him. Kill him now!)
Against his will Galen drew his knife. His mind screamed warnings and protest, but his body was no longer his to command. Just then Thom turned before he could speak or protest Galen plunged his knife into the cleric's heart.
Horror and pain filled Thom's eyes. His lips moved as he tried to speak, but blood was all that came from his lips. His body fell to the floor. He was dead.
"Very good, mage. Now cut your own throat if you would," Altos said casually.
Shandra winced as the mage obeyed and his body collapsed next to the cleric in a rapidly spreading pool of blood.
"I fear you had to lose a couple more. I have no time to watch all of you and as for our bargain we both know that there is none possible. I don't like being tricked," Altos said. He looked thoughtfully at Drizzt.
Drizzt glared back at him, eyes glowing with purple flame. He didn't even try to hide his hate and disgust.
"You will make a fine vampire. Perhaps you and I can make an agreement. If you and the pretty one submit then the other two may leave," Altos offered.
"Don't you dare accept that, Drizzt. We won't leave either of you behind no matter what you agree too," Shandra said.
Kylia was ready without a hint of warning she shouted out the final word of the spell. Flames erupted around her and her captor.
"Kylia!" Tarion screamed. "No!"
It was too late to stop it. The flames had already enveloped them.
Shandra was shocked as well, but now they had a slight advantage, so she leaped on it. She aimed her sword at Glenna. "You're alone now. This blade will be able to hurt you. Let him go!" she demanded.
Poor Kylia, burned to a cinder with her captor! R/R please!
