Chapter three : into the unknown

It was my last evening within the walls of my home. The day seemed to have passed in an instant, and the inevitable sunset came sailing across the sky. I stood before the gate of my home with a small bag beside me, holding my father's hand, and we both watched at the closing dusk. After the sun was down behind the horizon, a dark wealthy carriage with four black horses emerged from the woods and started heading this way. As I saw Kain's symbol on it, my hart clutched with sorrow, and turning to my father, I said bravely :

" Do not morn for me daddy, for in my sacrifice I found many lives that are safe now. "

" It was not your sacrifice alone… I lost you now. The light of my life. Now I am alone. "

I hugged him warmly as the carriage stopped before us. Its driver placed my bag on the roof, and the doors opened. A dark and well dressed man with a clock hanging from his right shoulder, like the one Kain and his sons had but with different sign, stepped out. He was grumpy, but calm and he gestured me that I enter. I unchained my father's arms and boldly went to face my fate. After me, my grim companion entered and the doors closed. I opened the red sateen shades, and took my father's hand for the last time. And though I tried not to, tears ran out of my eyes. But that moment was rudely ended by the driver, who almost instantly waved his long whip. We watched each other going away, until the woods overshadowed the road behind the carriage. I returned to my seat and wiped of the tears from my face. Opening my mother's book of herbs that I brought, I tried to clear my mind of pain that was now usurping it. But all I could focus on was the fact that my escort had his eyes on me the whole time, and I could feel his disliking to me as if I was soiling his carriage with my presence. Ultimately I asked him :

" You don't like me very much, do you ?"

" I don't. "

" Why ?"

" I have my reasons. "

" You disagree with thy lords decision ?"

" Amongst other things. But it isn't mine to defy his will. "

I closed my book, and started to observe him :

" Who are you? "

" I am Dalbur, son of Zephon, the fifth son of Kain. "

" How many children does Kain have ?"

" Six sons. Though in a way, we are all his children. "

" Can you tell me what awaits me when we get there ?"

" Do you always talk so much ?"; he asked annoyed

" I… only when I'm scared. "

" Read the book. "

Whit these words he turned his eyes away and started staring at the passing shades trough the window. He was almost like a statue from then on. I tried to focus on my reading.

Time passed. It was a late time of night when I realized I couldn't sleep. Like my grief was keeping me awake. I was feeling a strange misty glitter in the air around me, but I paid no heed to it.

It was almost dawn when I finally closed my eyes. The sleep instantly came over me moments before the sunrise. I slept long and deep without dreams, and awoke instantly the next evening. At first I taught I didn't sleep at all, but the fresh young dusk outside proved otherwise. I felt most strange sleeping the entire day. It was like an instant to me.

In that moment my escort was drinking some thick red wine. As he saw me up, he closed the bottle and said :

" We are almost there, my lady. The keep is before us. "

My hart was mantled in some cold cloth of fear. I've never bean this far from home and now I was forced to make one here, in this dark alien land. I looked out the window and saw a black fortress before the mountains. The " keep of shadows " loomed before me, and its name was describing it perfectly. It had many torches, but the stones that made it, were dark like shades. We stopped before the opened gate. Dalbur exited first, holding the door for me. He than took my bag, and asked me to follow. I was feeling unsafe as I crossed the threshold of the castle, like there were hidden eyes everywhere, watching my every step. Swallowing my fear, I walked behind my escort that led me through the black and wealthy decorated corridors to a simple blue door. As I entered, I found myself in my new room. It was big and roomy filled with pretty furniture, a round desk, big closet and a large bluish silken bed. The walls were in dark red color with many candlesticks lit on them. Dalbur left my bag on the floor and left without a word closing the door behind him. I was alone. Tears were streaming to my eyes, and I fell to bed with my face on a soft pillow.

After a while I stood up and begun to look around. In the closet I found many expensive and beautiful dresses. But as I was about to close it, I noticed a carved wooden box inside. I took it out on the floor. It was heavy. As I opened it, a colorful sparkling light shined from within on the candle flames. It was filled with the biggest and most beautiful diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies I've ever seen. For a moment I was blinded. My hands touched the stones. But as I run my hands over them, suddenly a taught was born in my mind of people who have died while the stones were taken. I pooled my hand out looking at the box, and suddenly its contents wasn't so pretty anymore.

" I see you have settled your self. "; Kain said behind me. I was startled. He just appeared behind me, and I didn't even hear him.

" Do you like my gift princess ?"; he asked gesturing to the box

I looked at it :

" It's…nice …my lord. "

" You don't like it ?"

I didn't know what to say. I looked at his severe face and said :

" I was just wandering… how many people died, before it was filled. "

He smiled :

" Quite a few princess. I am after all, a warrior. A butcher, even. But I'm glad that you've bean honest with me. I like that. "; he than walked to the chest, closed it and placed it on a desk, as if it was light as a feather :" If there is anything you need it will be provided. You are free to walk where you want, but I give you a warning; do not go through the large red door in the grounds. These rooms don't concern you. Anything else, you will have. "

" My lord… "; I dared to say. He looked at me :" You said that a human's life has no worth to you, and yet you have taken mine… I need to know what is to be my fate. "

He laughed swiftly and turned away :

" There is one thing I hate the most in this world. It is treachery. It is a sign of incompetence, stupidity and cowardice. On the other hand, I value courage, bravery…"; while he spoke, he approached me. I was scared, but he gently reached for my cheek :"…honesty. Qualities you have. A true courage is rear in the hearts of men these days…"; his palm wasn't touching my skin, but I was suddenly overfilled by a flood of very stimulating feelings :" …you go against your fear, refusing to submit to it, and your lips speak only the truth. " ; I was lost in his words and the uncontrolled feelings that run through me :" You are here because you poses these beauties…you are… my trophy. "

He released me, pulling his hand back. I was strangely excited and stimulated. And as I looked at him, I realized that he wanted me. He turned away and walked to the chest on the desk as if he expected nothing, but I knew that he wanted my body. I closed my eyes in grief as my greatest fear came to life. But I had to please him for the sake of my father's land. Not opening my eyes, I started taking off my clothes.

Lazaruss : Well what did you expect ? The Trojan War was led only because of a woman's beauty. Though bear in mind that vampires and humans can't mate…

I was slowly dropping my dress. When I opened my eyes I saw him amazed and shocked. Perhaps he really didn't expect this, but he must have wanted me now that I've made the offer. So I continued. I looked him with an expression of readiness and anticipation, and closed my eyes awaiting my fate.

The last thing I saw was him placing his fingers on boat sides of his head and suddenly I felt a bright flash in the back of my mind that almost blinded me. I resisted it, forcing it back, but in an instant it came back trying to invade my thoughts. I drove it back again with a great effort and a strong exhaustion overwhelmed me. I almost fell before it flashed again. I heard a deep voice telling me to give in. I tried not to listen, but my defenses cracked and crumbled. I heard an echoing laughter, and everything became white…