A/N: This is very much a work in progress and there may be times I'll resubmit entire chapters or rewrite large sections. Any and all feedback will be greatly appreciated on this one.

USCHTENHEIM- Chapter 1

"Uschtenheim." Kain brought down the point of his claw onto the map.

"The humans of that town still defy us, Lord."

"They will be crushed." Kain growled. "I will not have a town of upstart mortals trying to incite a rebellion."

"It will be difficult. The mountain paths are treacherous." Commented Raziel. "And there is little room for manoeuvre for close combat fighting due to the narrow nature of the paths." He paused in thought. "A direct attack could leave us vulnerable to ambush, and there is the danger of a well-armed force blocking the pass that will cause heavy casualties as a result."

Raziel paced the room and continued, feeling uncomfortable under Kain's watchful gaze. "They also have archers positioned above the paths. Unfortunately the humans are proving themselves quite ingenious. They have developed a new crossbow. The bolt has a capsule of water contained in the shaft, near the tip. It explodes upon penetration of the body. I lost a valued soldier myself recently having taken one of these to the heart. It has proven a most formidable weapon."

Kain, not appearing unduly concerned by these latest developments looked at his lieutenant. "It is never good to lose a good soldier. Talk to Zephon, maybe he'll have some tactic in that conniving mind of his to counteract any defence the humans can muster."

"Yes, Sire." He turned to leave.

"Oh and, Raziel."

He turned back. "Yes, Lord?"

"Try to keep the casualties to a minimum." When this was met with an almost confused look, Kain sighed. "I only expend life when I deem it expedient to do so."

"My Lord." Raziel nodded curtly, turned on his heel and left the room.

Arriving in his brother's domain, Raziel had long since ceased to notice the sheer magnitude of his brother's chosen abode, with its towering walls that were dark and imposing, giving one the impression the very building itself deliberately intimidated those who dare to stand in its shadow. But he was aware that Zephon had his sights on somewhere even bigger yet. There was no end to his extravagance, or maybe it was his jealousy of his older brothers' that made Zephon aim for the biggest of everything. Raziel decided not to dwell on the thought, as Zephon's mind was not somewhere he had any inclination to find out too much about.

He walked past and waved off any servants that came to greet him and strode purposefully to his destination uninterrupted. He opened the door to Zephon's private chamber without alerting the occupant to his presence.

"Please let me die." A young male voice, the pleading was almost pitiful. Zephon had found someone to play with. Raziel looked at the tortured look on that gaunt face. It would have, under normal circumstances, been quite handsome when not showing signs of exhaustion and blood loss. Maybe that was why he had drawn, unfortunately for him, Zephon's attention.

"Zephon! Let the child go. Now." Raziel commanded, smiling inwardly at the look of gratitude on the fledgling's face. Let him think that he cared, Zephon would catch up with him later. But it would comfort him in the meantime until then. "We have much to discuss."

Zephon looked in disappointment at the retreating back of the young vampire. "You really do pick the most convenient times to honour me with a social visit." Zephon sneered, the sarcasm in his voice plainly evident. "You should have joined me, he was quite delicious."

"Enough Zephon." Raziel glanced at the small vial of blood on the table, his tone dangerous. "Your soul becomes blacker by the day, Brother. But what you do to your own fledglings is not my concern. I do, however, have use of your scheming if you would care to put it in a more constructive direction."

"Ah, I see. My sordid little games are only acceptable when you have use of them."

"This is no game, Zephon." Raziel snarled, baring his elongated canines to his brother as a warning. "Regardless of how sordid they may be, the twists and turns of that evil little mind of yours can come up with some quite brilliant strategies when needed. Or should I consult with Rahab on the matter in your stead?"

"Ugh, Rahab." Zephon spat the name. "I presume The Master requested my input?" Not waiting for a reply, he continued. "Leave that scholar to rot with his books. His opinion will not be needed." Rahab might be the thinker, but he was a poor comparison to himself when it came to battle tactics. Zephon knew that was why Raziel had mentioned him, to goad him into thinking up a plan, out of spite if necessary. He shouldn't rise to it really, allowing himself to play into Raziel's hands. But, Lord Kain was to be obeyed and if he hadn't risen to the bait, Raziel would be suspicious. A predictable Zephon was a safe Zephon. It would be stupid to throw away a perception that worked so well.

Raziel spent most of the evening explaining the situation in the mountains at length, including possible human deployments, known locations of archers and the threat of the new weapon. Studying the map in front of him, Zephon smiled. "I know how to deal with the vermin."

"Good." Then Raziel added as an afterthought. "Lord Kain wants minimum casualties."

Zephon looked downcast. "Since when has our lord become so benevolent?"

"I suggest we just do as he asks." Raziel ignored the question, he was in no mood to entertain his younger sibling.

"Fine, keep your secrets. I will need some time to work out another approach."

"You have until nightfall three days hence. I will take my leave of you, Brother. I have matters of my own to attend to."

Zephon watched as his eldest brother and superior left the room. He felt irritated at the intrusion; Raziel's very presence irritated him. He debated whether to send a servant to reclaim his lost fledgling. The thought caused a slight smile to play at the corners of his lips and soothe the edge off of his annoyance. He decided against it.

Three days to come up with a suitable plan, he didn't need half that time. Striding across the candle lit room to a large wooden desk; he sat on the heavily carved chair. Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes and ran his fingertips through the flame of the candle on the desk, the pain causing a soft hiss to escape into the silence of the room. Small compensation for his lost fledgling, but it would suffice. For now.

Turning his attention to the map in front of him, he could see many ways of achieving their goal, but all caused heavy casualties. Was this yet another test of his abilities? Lord Kain wanted minimum loses. He was mystified by such a request, and suspicious. He'd proved himself time and time again without fail. Anger momentarily flared then died down again just as rapidly. Well, he would do so again. He took the small vial of blood and started to absentmindedly toy with it.

Running a hand through his short dark hair, Zephon contemplated the task he had been set. Damn Kain. He was worth more than this position he had been given. Though he took pride in his superior tactical ability, he still felt that his lot was menial. Most tasks assigned to him were in his opinion more suited to Melchiah, lowborn as he was and contented with his share.

Zephon sneered at the thought of his younger sibling. Content! The man had no redeeming features. In earlier days Zephon had hoped to find an alley in Melchiah, due to their lower standing. He had long since dispelled any notions of a shared common ground with the lieutenant.

Rising from his chair he walked over to the window and watched over, with amusement, one of his clan as the young one gingerly tested out his new ability. Zephon smiled to himself. He knew precisely how to deal with this dilemma.