Update, update, upppppdaaaaate! More to come, I promise! There won't be many more chappie-poos to this fic, because it's just barely half way through::Tear: My little baby's growing up!

Thank you all for the reviews! I love 'em!

Pax

The door slammed behind the pair of Dwergi as they retreated to the laboratory, yowling and snarling. I gazed thoughtfully into the fireplace. Their news had been constructive, but greatly disturbed my mind. They spoke of rumors. Rumors from the West. It seemed the Holy City had heard of my resurrection, and had sent forth a rider.

It was not the first time such word had reached my ears. Word of a warrior from Rome. I had laughed on the last instance; what damage could a human do to me? Count Vladislaus Dragulia, conqueror of the eastern lands? Holy Knight, indeed! But the encounter had not ended favorably. He had found my single weakness, and exploited it. I had died, along with my brides. There had been a point in time when no vampire lived on in the Carpathians.

Then she had come and salvaged my life. Adriana, my redeemer. The one who now thought of me as her master. I smiled, twirling my goblet. My cherished human child. In the years of my life, there had been many who had been my subjects; most of them loyal, some otherwise. But, somehow, I could not think of her so. As my servant. She was precious to my brides; their foster child. And she was as important to myself.

My attention returned to my cup. I rarely hunted anymore, finding the choice to drink blood from a bottle easier. It wasn't as if I felt weak, but simply that I was more tired than I had been in centuries. The taste of fresh blood would be sacrificed for a moment's rest.

But what of this report from the West? My eyes narrowed. Surely, it was not he who came to my door? Gabriel Van Helsing. The wretch who fawned at the feet of God and kissed the hems of his robes. The Lord's Mighty Servant. I scowled, my hate for the man resurfacing. He would not return to the land where his beloved had perished. Yes, I knew of the death of Anna Valerious. The Gypsy Princess had been destroyed by Gabriel himself. I chuckled darkly at the irony. If only I'd been more careful, I could have lived to witness it. My smile fell slowly. No. He would not return. He would not dare.

A small box sat upon the table to my left. I surveyed it silently, my thoughts going to its soon-be-to recipient. Since my discovery of her part in my rebirth, the attention Adriana received had no doubt increased. Against some of my better judgment, I conveyed the story to my brides. Their reaction was little short of hysteria. Down upon the little human they had dove, smothering her with kisses and coos, squawking and shrilling over her ingenuity. I had sat along side, allowing it. For I believed it would do Adriana good to have someone, if not two, fuss over her. No mother had been hers for many years; she deserved to be pampered as if a queen.

I smiled, returning to my glass. When she awoke I would give her the little trinket. I rather liked the turn of her countenance when I offered her gifts. So surprised, yet delighted at the prospect. I had done so on several occasions since her untimely arrival. My eyebrows raised faintly as I realized it had been nearly three months. Sighing and placing my cup upon the little table, I rose and moved to the door. Time had gone by quickly.

Upon my exit from the room, I was immediately flanked by two familiar feminine forms.

"How are you feeling, Master?"

"Do you hunger?"

I stroked their hair, allowing their caresses.

"I am well, never fear." While they followed, I went to the window, gazing out at the clear, black sky, "Alas, news comes from the West."

"News from the West? Of what sort?" This was Verona who asked, for her interest in worldly matters was much more significant than that of my younger bride.

"A rider left the Holy City five days ago." This seemed to peak both their notice, "He rides to Transylvania."

There was a beat of silence, then Aleera spoke.

"Master," he voice was oddly faint, "It is not-… He does not return?"

"I do not think as much, my love." Was my reply, "But I cannot be certain until I have seen the man himself."

This was where my plan became complicated. I needed someone, or something, to guard the local villages. To watch for strangers, for newly arrived visitors, for anyone suspicious. And to report back to me, so that the subject might be eliminated quickly. I told my brides of my dilemma.

"Who shall you send? Shall we go?"

"No, indeed, my dears." I told them, "I need a scout, someone in disguise." I cursed myself that I had not entrusted any man into my circle recently. They would have proved useful.

"I will go, Master."

The little voice startled me. Aleera and Verona squealed happily and sought after the bearer of the statement.

"You ought to have called us when you awoke!"

"Are you hungry?"

"You have no covering, you will catch a chill!"

"Come now and let us retrieve one for you!"

But Adriana seemed unaffected by the chatter. She stared me straight in the eyes, determined.

"I will go to the village, Master, and watch for the rider."

My brides froze.

"No! You must not! It is far too dangerous!"

"Tell her she must not, Master!"

I met the human's gaze pensively. She would be the perfect candidate for such a job: a young village girl, visiting the inn, perhaps?

"Master!"

But this was Adriana. Our little treasure. Not an object to be toyed with.

"It will be dangerous." I said softly, stepping forward, "Should anyone discover you, I cannot guarantee your safety."

At this my brides went wild, clinging to their daughter.

"I do not care." Was the reply, "This shall be my revenge. I will not be injured."

I understood her view, now. This would serve as sweet retribution to the one whom the Christians had near destroyed. To stop their Holy Warrior. I had promised her vengeance.

"The choice is yours."

Both brides began to wail; Adriana snuggled against them.

"I will not let harm come to myself. I will return."

They sniffled, and both sought to clutch her against themselves at once, resulting in the girl letting out a small squeak of pain. Excusing myself, I left the room and moved to the front doors. If I were to let my human child do such a treacherous deed, I would first create another who would watch over her. From a distance, of course. For the breed of creature I went now to collect would not do well around a village of peasants. I smirked. No, it would not do well at all.

It was cold out, although the winter was passing slowly. I would still have to see about Adriana securing a warm cloak. The impact she had made upon my life was gradually washing over myself. First a burden. Then a daughter. Now a spy.

Oh! Stealthy Spy!

R-E-V-I-E-W-S.