Galen Walked Ani down to the training ground. It consisted of targets for throwing knives and bow and arrows, a clearing for combat and various other things. As they neared Galen could see some Razielim training. They moved aside upon seeing him. They bowed to Galen

"Galen" they said as they bowed.

"Ah Corath and Intec. How goes it?" asked Galen as he chose some knives for Ani

"Very well thanks to your training. Lord Raziel is pleased." Corath replied.

Corath was a bald vampire. He had been bald even as a mortal. He had the Razielim symbol tattooed on his bald scalp. He was well muscled, he could fight but was easily distracted. Raziel had asked Galen to train him Focus. His Eyes were a piercing green and his nose nicely formed. He was handsome, if you went for that kind of thing.

Intec was much like his sire, Black raven hair, but he had a baby like face. So not many took him seriously. Much to their peril. They both stayed to watch. Always amazed by Galen's skill, that many gave any excuse to see it.

Galen gave the knives to Ani.

"Aim at the target over there" Galen indicated. Ani saw the target yards away, she could hit that without even trying. She threw the blade, and hit the target dead centre. She looked smug at Galen. But the smugness fell from her face, as Galen remained Impassive.

"Very good" he said "but could do with some improvement?"

"Improvement? I'd like to see you do better" she said in an important tone.

Galen pulled out his assassin's blade. He'd had this blade since he was Mortal. The blade was cruelly curved. It had a gold ring halfway up the blade. The hit and handle was that of the shadow dragon. Galen's symbol. He twirled it in his fingers a moment, idly looking at it. Then without looking he threw the blade. It sailed through the air and impaled Ani's dagger, shattering her blade, and coming to rest dead centre of the target.

Ani was amazed, he hadn't even looked.

" Anyone can hit a target. But in the heat of battle, when death is at your shoulder. You must Focus. To ignore the death around you. To hit what you aim for." Replied Galen his tone serious.

"Yes Galen" Ani bowed her hear. She had a lot to learn.

"Now aim again," Galen instructed, retrieving his blade from the target and returning it to its sheath in his belt. Ani aimed again. She was just about to throw when Galen touched her side. The knife went way off course. It imbedded itself in the wooden fence where Intec was sitting. Right between his legs. Ani gave an embarrassed apology. Intec could only swallow.

Galen trained her for many hours, till she could block out most distractions. By this time Intec and Corath were feeling cocky.

"Come Galen. You would not be able to hit the target with those distractions, be fair" Sniped Corath.

"You seek to test me?"

All three nodded.

"Very well." Again Galen's blade met the air. He stood ready to throw. All his being aimed at the dot in the centre of the target. Intec and Ani started to shout, but he ignored it. Just as he was about to throw he sensed Corath take out his blade and throw it at him. In that split second he threw his blade with his right hand. It hit the bull's-eye and in a blink, he stopped Coraths blade between his fingers of his left hand.

All three stood with mouths open in amazement, as Galen idly tossed the blade back to Corath and went to retrieve his own blade. He was walking back to the trio when the wall exploded behind him.

He turned to see an old relic of the Sarafan days, a projectile weapon.

"Where in the hell had they dug that up?" Galen wondered as a small army poured through the not compromised wall.

This was a vulnerable time for the Sanctuary, Most of Kain's sons where in their state of change. Only Raziel having already emerged and Melchia, who had yet to enter, were awake. Galen ran to the trio.

"Corath stay with me. Intec take Ani to Kain and tell him of this. No doubt he already knows, but we need his direction."

"But I can fight" protested Ani

"No you can't! Remembering and doing is two different things, your old master isn't here to control you. NOW GO!"

Intec grabbed Ani's hand and ran to the sanctuary with her. They headed towards Kain's chambers. The last thing she saw was Corath drawing his sword and Galen calling on his terrible discs, ready to face the oncoming horde.

Mizariah was sat watching Kain when the explosion rang through the air. Kain snarled and walked swiftly to the balcony, Mizariah following. She looked down to see feral humans pour though the now broken wall. She saw her father's discs cut through the first line of the oncoming humans. They exploded in blood and visarua. Intec burst through the door behind Kain and Mizariah with Ani in tow.

"My lord. We are under attack," he gasped bending to one knee"

"I noticed. Go rouse my guards. Attack them. Kill every last one of them for daring to attack my Sanctuary," commanded Kain going for the reaver. Intec left to make ready the guards.

"Mizariah. Whisper Raziel. We may need his help."

"Yes my lord" Mizariah bowed her head and whispered Raziel

"My Lord, I can fight, but Galen sent me here. He says I can't"

"And he is right child. You remember the deeds you did under your old master. But can you truly use those skills. I think not. That's why I told Galen to train you. Stay here with Mizariah" Kain turned and left the room.

Mizariah got a reply from Raziel saying he was on his way. But it would take time. Mizariah ran over to the balcony to see the battle, there below was her Father, killing with Sword and dagger. Beside him was Corath. Galen's discs were protecting him, swirling about in a deadly dance. She knew Raziel favoured the fledgling. And that the Vampire lord had asked him to keep and eye on him.

She saw Kain rush out and join the fray, his guards behind him. The reaver sung its dance of death as it smote them. Then the Sarafan projectile fired again. And hit near Kain. She saw Kain get blown back off his feet, Reaver spinning from his grasp. He lay there, hurt and dazed. In an instant her Father was there to protect him. Galen picked up the reaver and then looping Kain's arm round his shoulder went to shadow. They appeared behind Mizariah; Galen laid Kain on the bed. He had a large wound but even as she watched it began to heal. But he would need blood. She sent a Vampire off to get some, and then she rushed to his side.

"Galen you must destroy that weapon" ordered Kain through gritted fangs.

"I have tried to shadow near, but they have some magic barrier, they are well planed."

"We will be slaughtered if it remains. Galen you must by any means necessary"

Galen looked at Kain. And saw what he asked. By any means. Even if it cost Galen his life. Galen nodded and turned to go. He walked to the balcony. Ani had watched the whole thing. Mizariah now got up and went to her Father. Fear plain in her eye.

"Father" she asked afraid.

"Hush child. It must be done. Protect Kain my daughter"

She nodded her assent. Galen whistled and his demonic Horse Seth appeared down below. Galen shadowed down to him. Mizariah saw him mount and Seth began to run full speed towards the enemy.

Ani saw Galen ride off on the strange horse. What could one Vampire hope to do against that thing? She had to help him. She ran to Mizariah.

"Your going to just let him leave? No one can ignore all those distractions"

"My father can." She replied simply. She turned to tend to Kain. Ani made a decision. She would help Galen. She ran from the room claiming a weapon as she went. And ran into the fray.

Galen and Seth rode hard, Galen saw the Explosives at the back of the weapon. He called on flay as Seth ran full speed setting alight all who dared to come near. He let loose the discs and they sped to the target and it exploded into the night. He turned Seth back. That was when he saw her in the middle of the battle.

"DAMN!"

Galen spurred Seth towards her. As he neared she saw a mortal about to cut her down. He threw his dagger and he fell. He picked up the blade and Ani in one swift movement. And began to ride back.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?" yelled Galen at Ani.

"I'm sorry Galen. I thought you needed help.

"When I want your help I'll ask for it. You almost got yourself killed"

Ani was about to reply when the horse collapsed beneath them. They landed heavily on the floor; a mortal had sliced Seth's leg. Galen went over to him killing some on the way.

"He can't carry us both back," stated Galen seeing his leg. "Get on him and return to the sanctuary"

"But what about you?"

"DO AS I TELL YOU!" Galen lifted her physically onto Seth, he told the Horse to take her back, which it did. Galen turned back to the battle, he was surrounded. Many hated him

"Oh by the pillars, I think I'm in trouble"……….

Ani rode up on Seth. To see a VERY angry Mizariah waiting………..